mtlumby2d Chapter 266 Where to go?
Chapter 266 Where to go?
As the dust settled within the tomb, the broken pyramids and collapsed sarcophagi appeared particularly desolate in the dim light. Russell and Astran sat side by side on a fallen pillar, their armor covered in cracks and charred marks, blood and dust mingling together, making them look utterly wretched.
“Thank you.” Astran’s voice broke the silence, his gaze still fixed on the spot where the Thousand-Faced Demon Lord had disappeared. “Without you, we couldn’t have survived until now.”
Russell gave a bitter laugh and shook his head: "Thank me for what? If it weren't for me, your Grey Knight brothers wouldn't have..." His voice trailed off, a hint of pain flashing in his eyes.
Astland paused for a moment, then turned to Russell: "This isn't your fault. Everyone made their own choices in this battle. They chose to fight for the Emperor, and that's their honor."
Russell did not answer. His gaze was lowered, and his fingers unconsciously stroked the handle of the Bloodthirsty entrenching tool. The golden light on the blade had faded, leaving only a few faint psionic runes flickering.
"What are you planning to do next?" Astram asked, his tone tinged with a hint of probing.
Russell looked up, his eyes filled with confusion: "I don't know...maybe I shouldn't be a leader anymore. Every time I see my brothers fall before me, I feel so powerless. This pain...I can't take it anymore."
Astram nodded, seemingly unsurprised by his answer. He pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Interested in joining the Grey Knights?"
Russell paused for a moment, then shook his head with a wry smile: "Forget it. I don't have your kind of determination and faith. I'm just an ordinary person, a... failed leader."
Astland didn't press the issue; a hint of understanding flashed in his eyes: "Everyone has their own path. If you don't want to be a leader anymore, perhaps you can try fighting in a different way."
"Another way?" Russell looked up, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.
Astram stood up and patted Russell on the shoulder: “You can be a lone wolf. You don’t need to lead anyone, just fight for yourself. There are many like that among the Grey Knights, who walk the fringes of the Empire, fighting the threat of Chaos alone. You can be one of them.”
Russell remained silent for a moment, seemingly considering the suggestion. His gaze swept over the ruins of the mausoleum, the images of his fallen brothers flashing through his mind. He knew he could not afford such losses again, but he could not abandon the fight either.
“Perhaps… this is a good choice,” Russell said softly, a resolute glint in his eyes.
Astland nodded, took a silver-gray badge from his equipment chest, and handed it to Russell: "This is the Grey Knight's badge of honor. Although you're unwilling to officially join us, this badge will allow you to receive support anywhere in the Empire. Contact us anytime if you need help."
Russell took the badge, feeling its cold touch. Engraved on it was a burning longsword, symbolizing the Grey Knights' faith and mission.
"Thank you," Russell said, his voice tinged with gratitude.
Astland smiled slightly, turned, and walked towards the tomb's exit: "Take care, Russell. Hope we meet again."
Russell watched Astran's figure gradually disappear into the dim light, gripping the badge in his hand tightly. He knew his journey had only just begun. Though no longer a leader, he remained a warrior—a warrior fighting for the Emperor.
Outside the mausoleum, the first rays of dawn pierced through the clouds, bathing Russell in their light. He took a deep breath, feeling the arrival of a new day. The road ahead was uncertain, but he was prepared.
“For the Emperor…” Russell murmured softly, taking a firm step forward.
…………
Russell stood on the wasteland outside the mausoleum, the morning light bathing him, yet unable to dispel the confusion in his heart. He looked down at the Grey Knight badge in his hand, its silver-grey surface shimmering faintly in the sunlight. Astran's words still echoed in his ears: "You can be a lone wolf."
A lone wolf… Russell gave a bitter laugh. He had once been the commander of Kashezin, leading his brothers into battle, but now, he only wanted to escape the heavy responsibilities and unbearable losses. But where could he go? What could he do?
Just then, a thought suddenly flashed through his mind—a wandering merchant.
Wandering merchants, free traders of the Empire, roam the galaxy, merchants, explorers, and even warriors. Their fleets, unbound by Imperial bureaucracy, sail freely along the edge of the galaxy. Russell had heard their tales, and the legendary adventures and rich rewards filled him with longing.
“Perhaps… I can join the merchant ronin’s fleet,” Russell murmured, a glint in his eyes.
Once the thought took hold, it spread like wildfire through his mind. The life of a wandering merchant was full of unknowns and adventures, which was exactly what he needed now. He no longer needed to be responsible for anyone; he could live only for himself. He could be a warrior, a merchant, or even an explorer. This freedom was exactly what he craved.
Russell gripped the Grey Knight badge tightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. This time, it was the path he had chosen himself.
He turned and walked toward the distant horizon, where a bustling spaceport was faintly visible. Merchant fleets often stopped at such places to replenish supplies and recruit men. Russell knew his new life would begin there.
Inside the spaceport, a bustling atmosphere filled the air, with people of all races moving between the docks and cargo holds. Russell's gaze swept over the docked merchant ships, finally settling on a massive sailing vessel. The words "Wings of the Stars" were engraved on its hull, and the sails bore the emblem of the traveling merchant ronin—a soaring eagle.
Russell walked toward the ship, where a tall man stood on the deck, dressed in a magnificent robe with an ornate power sword at his waist. His gaze was sharp and deep, as if he could see through everything.
"Are you here for a job interview?" The man's voice was deep and powerful, with a hint of scrutiny.
Russell nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Yes. I need a job, and you need a soldier."
The man raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by Russell's bluntness: "What did you do before?"
“Kashejin warrior, commander,” Russell replied briefly.
A flicker of surprise crossed the man's eyes, followed by a laugh. "Interesting. I am Marcus Raine, captain of 'Starwings.' If you can prove your worth, I'd be happy to have you join my fleet."
Russell didn't say much, but simply swung the Bloodthirsty entrenching tool in his hand lightly, golden psionic energy shimmering on the blade. A hint of admiration flashed in Marcus's eyes.
“Very good, welcome to ‘Wings of the Stars’.” Marcus extended his hand and shook hands with Russell.
Russell nodded, a resolute glint in his eyes. He knew this was his own choice, the beginning of a new life.
“For freedom…” Russell murmured as he stepped onto the deck of “Star Wings”.
The sails billowed in the wind as the Star Wings slowly departed the spaceport, heading towards the unknown cosmos. Russell stood at the bow, feeling the wind brush against his face, his heart filled with anticipation.
This time, he's fighting for himself.