But in any case, Bruce was still someone who listened to reason.
Although he would use Angron to control the World Eaters' upper command, when it came to matters involving strategic positioning and the Legion's future development, he would still selectively delegate authority.
After all, he was only a temporary acting commander. He was not some ambitious schemer who insisted on holding another person's Primarch and the life-or-death authority over another Legion in his hands forever.
So the first thing Bruce did after taking office, regardless of the World Eaters Legion's attitude, was issue a direct order to destroy all the Butcher's Nails.
From now on, new recruits would no longer need to be implanted with the device. As for those who had already been implanted, the Nails would be removed according to their condition.
This was a crucial step in rebuilding the World Eaters Legion.
Besides, the quality of the World Eaters Legion's recruitment pool was not poor. It was even relatively high-tier. Add in their comparatively stable gene-seed traits, and logically speaking, if they had not been targeted by Khorne, they would have been fully qualified to serve as a T1-level Legion.
Unfortunately, Hayek needed a Legion that would serve Khorne's faction completely, and the World Eaters just so happened to be that chosen candidate.
"Removing the Butcher's Nails may cause nearly half of our active soldiers to die. Are you certain, Acting Commander Bruce?"
Khârn raised the current issue.
Under normal circumstances, Khârn would blindly support any command or instruction from Angron, including her order that they must obey Bruce unconditionally.
But removing the Butcher's Nails would have far too great an impact. To the Legion, this was practically a reform that would cut into bone and sinew. That was why Khârn raised a question bordering on objection.
"This is something that must be done, Lord Khârn."
Bruce spoke earnestly to Khârn.
"The Butcher's Nails are themselves a mistake. Although from your perspective, they may have brought you closer to your Primarch, that behavior was far too foolish."
"Of course, I am not criticizing your Legion's culture. I am merely stating the problem as it is."
"Nuceria is a very special planet. Whether its people or its beliefs, they were among the causes of Angron's tragedy. Since he has now been reborn, you should naturally be reborn as well."
After the World Eaters Legion had implanted the Butcher's Nails, they had become nothing but a pack of bloodthirsty butchers. Whether to Bruce or to the Imperium of Man, they had no practical use in that state.
A Legion's strength depended on discipline and will to fight!
Not on only knowing how to kill, kill, and kill.
Furthermore, in Bruce's view, this behavior of imitating their Primarch was like a bunch of ignorant lunatics trying to grow stronger by copying the foolish actions of the Second-Son Emperor.
Did they really think the Second Son became stronger because he was lovingly ravaged by four huge men for several months?
By the same logic, Angron was not powerful because the Butcher's Nails had been implanted into him.
Angron was powerful because Angron himself was powerful enough.
"I understand."
Khârn no longer had any objections.
In truth, from Khârn's perspective, Bruce's long string of carefully hedged explanations was not as effective as simply saying:
Since the Primarch no longer has the Nails, everyone should continue learning from the Primarch.
"Of course, I also know that this period may become a window of weakness for the Twelfth Legion. I have already applied to the Warmaster, and you will be given some time to reorganize."
"During this period, the Legion may pause its progress in the Great Crusade and have time to re-equip and rebuild, so that you can face the next battle in your best condition."
"No need."
Khârn shook his head, then said confidently:
"The World Eaters Legion is no band of cowards. This degree of trauma is nothing to us."
As long as the Primarch was still here, the World Eaters remained an invincible Legion!
Combat units reduced by half?
New recruits unable to keep up with training?
Do not make us laugh.
A cruel and bloody battlefield was the finest whetstone!
"Fine. Since that is your choice, I will not interfere. But I must make one thing clear: the wars to come will only become even more brutal."
"This is your only chance to atone."
Bruce emphasized this point once more.
"We will fight beside the Primarch until the final moment!"
Facing Bruce's gaze, Khârn maintained his pride and confidence.
"Fine."
Bruce nodded and did not intend to say anything more.
Because Khârn was not yet a member of the core circle, the details of the Isstvan plan could not be told to him. Of course, not only him—the entire World Eaters Legion was currently in a very awkward position.
Angron, who had the right to know, was currently still a mentally immature little girl.
As for the others, they were either like Khârn, possessing ability but still requiring a loyalty review, or else they had the qualifications to know, but knowing would not be of much use.
For example, the captain of the Conqueror—
Lotara Sarrin.
This mortal captain was also a rare female captain. She had held this position since the age of thirty, and among the many captains of Gloriana-class battleships, she was one of the few personally appointed by the Emperor.
She was also one of the few mortals capable of standing firmly within the World Eaters Legion. Anyone in the Legion, including the Primarch, she dared to lecture. The Astartes being lectured usually did not dare retaliate.
She was like a proud cat in the middle of a dog pack.
Logically speaking, someone like this should have held absolute loyalty toward the Emperor, not the Primarch. Yet, from the moment she took office, this captain had shown loyalty toward the Primarch.
Especially in the original timeline, this captain had walked the dark road to the end. Even knowing full well that Horus's rebellion was wrong, she still chose to remain loyal to Angron.
So when Bruce went to meet this captain, his feelings were actually very complicated. He did not know how he should handle this difficult-to-judge captain.
"Bruce? Do you hate that woman?"
Flandre tilted her head and waved a hand in front of Bruce's eyes, then asked curiously.
Was that the kind of thing one could just say out loud?
"Lord Angron."
Sarrin, who had been seated in the command throne, immediately stood up upon hearing the movement. She walked down the steps at the fastest speed possible, then lowered her head and saluted the Primarch.
Only after that did she greet Bruce.
"Lord Bruce, may I ask what instructions you have?"
Bruce coming to find her was nothing more than a matter of time. Sarrin understood this very clearly.
However, she was not panicked.
Because she knew that Bruce's authority came from the Primarch's trust and from Warmaster Command. If this acting commander wanted to do something—such as completely seize control of the Conqueror, or replace her as captain—
Sarrin would resist to the very end.
The worst possible outcome was death.
But that would also tear apart his ambitious and hypocritical mask!
She was the captain personally appointed by the Emperor, and a commander recognized by the Primarch. In status and prestige, she was not much lower than Bruce Wayne!
"..."
Bruce looked at this captain, who had already passively entered a defensive posture, and merely remained silent for a while, not knowing what to say.
As a soldier, Sarrin possessed a masculine forcefulness that even men might feel ashamed before. Especially with that scar stretching down from her forehead across her face. But if one looked carefully, she could actually still be considered a fine beauty.
That smooth blond hair, fair complexion, and special aura of a strong career woman meant that she was destined to be the preferred type of many younger men.
Who could refuse a mature older woman who was successful in her career, had a good figure, fine features, and radiated mature charm from every inch?
Moreover, this female captain's military uniform bore one particular item—
The [Bloody Hand Honor Insignia].
Only those acknowledged by the World Eaters were qualified to have that insignia printed on their clothing. Sarrin was also, so far, the one and only mortal with that qualification.
Of course, Bruce also had that qualification, because he had defeated the Primarch. But a true powerhouse did not need such recognition.
"Bruce, can I crush her?"
Seeing that Bruce was ignoring her and instead staring at the woman in front of him, Flandre asked angrily.
"Absolutely not."
Bruce hurriedly stopped the Primarch, then placed her on the back of his neck.
Once Flandre sat in the position that only her elder sister was qualified to ride, she immediately stopped fussing. She leaned forward, sprawled over Bruce's head, and happily swung her legs.
This view and height were amazing!
"Captain Lotara Sarrin, it is a pleasure to meet you."
Bruce greeted her politely.
"Likewise, Lord Bruce."
Sarrin continued answering with her head lowered.
"I came to see you today for one matter."
"Please speak."
"The Warmaster is gathering the fleet. She needs the power of this warship."
Bruce directly stated his purpose.
"My apologies. The Conqueror obeys only Lord Angron."
"But you also know that Lord Angron currently listens to me."
"Then you may have Lord Angron give me the order. I will execute it unconditionally."
Sarrin also made her attitude clear.
Sigh.
So she resists cooperation this much?
Hearing Sarrin say this, Bruce understood that this captain was probably not an ordinary thorn.
What he wanted was a captain who could exercise initiative and willingly pour all her strength into a campaign.
Not a robot who merely obeyed orders!
"Is there somewhere nearby where we can talk?"
Bruce restrained his temper and asked.
"This place will do. This is my command post, and also the safest and most confidential place in the Legion. Whatever needs to be discussed can be discussed here."
Sarrin answered neither servilely nor arrogantly.
"You're certain? Here?"
Bruce looked around and found that there were still many Tech-priests and mortal officers present.
He himself did not mind, but if Angron's soul body were released later and frightened everyone, what then?
Especially when this place also had astropaths present.
When a Primarch's soul body truly appeared, it would be even more terrifying than a corpse suddenly coming back to life.
"Yes."
Sarrin nodded firmly.
"Then stand up first, Captain Sarrin. In theory, we are of equal rank. Between us, there is no question of whose position or status is higher."
Bruce said.
"Yes."
Sarrin slowly rose and lifted her head slightly to look at Bruce.
Bruce lowered his head and looked at this blood-tempered female captain.
A moment later, he raised his hand and snapped his fingers.
"Flandre, call him out."
Bruce gave the instruction.
Come forth!
Stand user!
Join here to read ahead.
Uma Musume, But I Only Have Five Years Left to Live (Chapter 178)
Zenless Zone Zero: I'm a Doctor, Not a Bangboo (Chapter 180)
Ben Tennyson Wants to Join the Justice League ( 126 )
TYPE-MOON: Redemption Beginning with the Holy Grail War (Chapter110)
Yu-Gi-Oh! — Transmigrated into the White Dragon Girl 285
"Is this chat group even serious?" 150
I, Lord Ravager, Utterly Loyal! (This matter is completely finished.)
Crossover Anime Multiverse: The Demon Hunter of an Unnatural World 77
From Kiana, Lord Ravager, Onwa 255
Warhammer: My Primarch Is Remi 210
From Demon Slayer to Grand Ass Volume2/20
Uma Musume, but My Cheat Power 305
Zenless Zone Zero, but Kamen R 76
Multiverse Crossover: The Perf 66
My Cyberpsycho Girlfriend 65
Uma Musume: The Dark Trainer (This matter is completely finished.)
Uma Musume: A Calamity Born fr 154
I, a Reincarnation-Loop Player Volume4/40
The Violent Girl Group Is Beat 130
Uma Musume: The Horse Girl Who 67
Uma Musume: From Beginner 155
Becoming a Horse Girl, I Will 85
Uma Musume: I Want All 120
I Can Copy Unique Skills 120
Summoning an Evil God, but the 75
Supernatural Multiverse 155
My Harem Is Indescribable 105
Jujutsu Kaisen: Heroic Spirit 110
Uma Musume: Today Is Another Romantic Battlefield 110
Still playing traditional Honk 96
The Most Filial Son Under Heav 95
What Should I Do After Switchi 51
Reincarnated as a Demon, Skill 80
Hell-Difficulty Dungeon? 55
Transmigrated as Sukuna 105
Checking In in Demon Slayer 95
The Reincarnating Trainer of Tracen Academy 105
I Refuse to Become a Heroic 95
My Best Friend Into a Slime? 80
A Saiyan Stands Above Marvel (This matter is completely finished.)
What Do You Mean by Using a Lab Mod to Be the Hero? 95
Tanya Starts from Re:Zero 90
Why did they assign me to Uma 80
MYGO Beauties 75
DanMachi: Emiya the Giant Hero 80
The Gacha Merchant Who Started 100
Honkai's Otherworld? Wait—Who Are You People?! 120
Emiya Shirou, Determined to Slay Every Curse and Evil Spirit 65
The Uma Musume Who Became 70
I'm Definitely Not the King of 105
After Maxing Out Every Class 110
Honkai: World Modulation Mode 95
I, the Elden Sword Saint 60
Dio Brando Is Challenging FGO 60
No One Knows Pokémon Better 60
I, Sakazuki, Won't Go Down Tha 69
From Trilobites to Titans 57
Chainsaw Man: Contracted with 75
DanMachi: My Party Members Are 86
An Anime Heroine Darkened 60
Yu-Gi-Oh!: Duel Links 70
Honkai: The Fire Devil 70
Honkai Transformation Cards Volume2/30
Age of Heroes, I'm Just a Back 60
Uma Musume Has No Weird Fan Le 36
My patreon : patreon.com/queen_sin
My patreon : patreon.com/queen_sin