Seraphs of the Emperor’s Judgment

Chapter 114: Final Selection (1)

Today was the day to undergo the final trial. Oskar had been in a state of excitement and agitation since the morning.

Many people displayed jealousy regarding the fact that both he and his younger brother Dadd were able to be selected at the same time, but this situation had long since stopped being anything new.

Oskar's hair had been waxed once again at the break of dawn. Of course, this kind of lifestyle habit, which appeared 'decadent' into the eyes of others, was superfluous. However, Oskar had his own insistence; etiquette was just like instinct to him.

Due to the crowded formation and the angle of his standing position, Oskar could not see Soshyan.

But he knew that the Chapter Master of the Chapter was standing right in front of him. No one could ignore that dazzling and eye-catching existence.

The cheers and adoring faces were undoubtedly the best markers for finding Soshyan's location. In the eyes of most mortals, the Chapter Master of the Adeptus Astartes was already the existence closest to the Emperor.

Who wouldn't want to see such a great man with their own eyes?

He could command all the Astartes of the Chapter, obtaining their wholehearted loyalty. Moreover, as a person with the capability to exterminate an entire planet, he would certainly be revered, and possibly even feared, for no one knew the storms and wrath brewing within his heart.

The above thoughts rose within Oskar's heart, making him recall his dream from last night—the dream where he was fighting against Xenos and Heretics across the galaxy.

His expression grew cold and severe. He felt satisfied with his own resolve.He would absolutely not fail, nor could he absolutely fail.

This was his Manifest Destiny.

Seeing that shining armor, the Chapter Serfs opened up a path.

The fanatical anticipation of the crowd was plain to see. Excitement could infect one another, as if an electric charge existed around everyone's bodies.

The gathered crowd all knew that the most critical moment had arrived.

Finally, he saw the Adeptus Astartes surrounding the Chapter Master.

As the distance to the Angels grew closer and closer, Oskar's heartbeat also grew faster and faster.

The battle-brothers guarded Chapter Master Soshyan like retinues. They were majestic, noble, and powerful, yet paled in comparison when set against the Chapter Master.

He had absolute no doubt that Soshyan was the person with the most outstanding talents in the history of the Soms Nobles Academy. Every time he saw the other party, he had the same feeling—they both possessed the same talents.

This feeling was deeply imprinted into Oskar's mind.

Not only this, but he also had another feeling—

Awe. He felt awe.

Soshyan was robust and sturdy in the truest sense of the word. A giant, standing at nearly three meters tall. Even the vast majority of Astartes were a full head shorter than him.

His physique also infinitely approached perfection, reaching the golden ratio, matching his height.

With just a single glance, he felt that surging power was hidden all over this Chapter Master's body. Despite being clad in thick Power Armor, he did not appear cumbersome at all; his movements fully displayed lightness and agility.

Most Soms people had blonde hair, while Soshyan's most striking feature was a head of black hair.

Oskar had inquired about this; it seemed to be related to his ancient family bloodline.

He exuded a noble and pure majesty from the inside out, his entire person wrapped in an invisible halo of authority. So much so that the moment people saw him, they clearly understood what the Chapter Master of an Astartes Chapter should look like.

Unwittingly, a title began to grow popular—'Grey Hawk'.

Oskar also felt there could be no better word to describe him.

Upon seeing Oskar and Dadd, Soshyan suddenly gave a slight nod, as if giving a silent acknowledgment to the two brothers.

This made Oskar very thrilled.

Angels in the past had always been something one could only hope for but never reach, something untouchable.

But now, they had the opportunity to become brothers fighting alongside them.

He firmly believed that relying on excellent moral character and outstanding combat literacy, his life would begin anew. The insignificant nobody of the past was no more. He would start as an Angel, and he would end as an Angel.

"The formations have finished assembling."

A trace of pride leaked out from the Chapter Chaplain's majestic voice.

"Is everything ready?"

Soshyan spoke up. His voice was loud yet highly melodious, piercing through the boys' skin and acting within their skulls, directly stimulating their nerve endings.

"...I have a premonition that today we shall harvest a batch of excellent fresh blood for the Chapter."

"Yes, preparations were completed long ago, in accordance with tradition and convention."

At this time, Oskar's gaze shifted to the tall and sturdy warrior standing by Soshyan's side.

Generally speaking, being at this proximity meant the other party was Soshyan's most intimate companion and closest brother. This meant that he was very likely a member of the Chapter's higher-ups as well.

From his outward appearance, that was similarly a great Astartes. Although his stature was not as towering or robust as Soshyan's, his broad shoulders and handsome face made it impossible for anyone to harbor any feelings of aversion toward him; everyone inwardly wanted to get close to him.

Moreover, Oskar could sense a formidable will emanating from him, just like a drawn, sharp sword.

This feeling was extremely rare; he had never felt it from anyone else before.

"The time has come."

The warrior beside Soshyan suddenly spoke, his voice deep and resonant.

Several seconds later, as if sensing something, Oskar lifted his head to look up at the sky.

Behind the dim and heavy floating clouds, a trace of radiant light gradually kindled. Rippling waves also spread among the crowd, and the people began to stir. However, the surrounding Astartes remained unmoved, their gazes firmly locking onto the people present.

Even though there were only boys in this area, the Astartes did not relax their vigilance, remaining heavily guarded and never slacking off. His admiration for these warriors rose yet another level.

Very quickly, the first transport aircraft arrived above their heads. This was a relatively common transport aircraft in the Hive City, capable of loading a large amount of cargo or people at once.

"All of you, you have ten minutes to divide yourselves into groups of 10 and elect your respective team leaders. Do it immediately!"

The Chaplain's stern voice rang out. The boys were all stunned.

"Did you not understand my words? Immediately! Groups of ten!"

All at once, the crowd dispersed with a boom.

The boys started to seek out people they were familiar with, or individuals they approved of, attempting to join more competitive teams.

Oskar undoubtedly grouped up with his younger brother. They pulled in several people from the same grade and formed a team composed entirely of students from the Soms Academy, and he undoubtedly became the team leader.

But the other groups weren't quite so fast. Some teams even started arguing over who would take leadership rights.

As time elapsed, those who hadn't found a team became increasingly anxious. Eventually, under the Chaplain's urging, they had no choice but to form teams with people they didn't know at all.

And thus fifty teams were formed in this manner within ten minutes.

"First batch, ten teams! Board Aircraft Number One. Quick, quick, quick!"

The first transport aircraft had already landed. There were two more that were about to land right after. Oskar led his team, following the flow of the crowd to walk into the wide-open cabin.

As soon as he entered, a pungent musty smell drilled into his nasal cavity, nearly causing him to sneeze.

This transport aircraft had definitely been transporting some dry goods previously.

Although the odor emanating from the traces of these pickled and cured foods was exceedingly difficult to endure, Oskar still held it in. He sat down beside Dadd, while his younger brother stared blankly at him, his face deathly pale.

Everyone was feeling unwell.