This Is Our Warhammer Journey

Colonel Kovek had his reasons for retraining the troops.

Once the soldiers got used to their modified bodies, he planned to lead them in clearing out the remaining heretics and xenos in other sections of the ship.

With those combat merits, he’d finally have enough face to request from Rameses’ think tank to use astropathic communication to contact the nearest Cadia supply station from the Departmento Munitorum and request reinforcements.

According to Munitorum regulations, the Astra Militarum’s operational decisions weren’t supposed to be interfered with by Astartes. In theory, a regimental commander of the Astra Militarum was on par with a Chapter Master in terms of rank.

But rules were rules, and execution still depended on real-world circumstances.

Take now, for example—Colonel Kovek felt it absolutely necessary to inform the Angels.

He just hadn’t expected Romulus to cut him off with a sudden question before he could speak.

"?"

Though confused, Kovek responded quickly.

Cadians were, of course, trained in armored vehicle operations. So long as the supplies held out, every Cadian infantry regiment could transition seamlessly into an armored regiment.

For the Cadian Shock Troops, soldiers were always ready for gear. Waiting around for equipment was never part of the logic.

"Follow us—and Sister Arabella as well."

With the reply given, Romulus turned and led the group toward the recently cleared-out section of the warship.

Everyone knew that Astartes stats were far beyond those of ordinary mortals.

So what seemed like an easy battlefield for the Angels was a hellscape for regular humans.

Mortals lacked the reaction speed to dodge attacks, the mobility to reposition, and the defenses to withstand most forms of damage.

So what could enable the Astra Militarum to make up for those weaknesses and still cooperate with Astartes on a high-intensity battlefield?

That could only be enough armored support.

Armored support for every single soldier.

"By the Emperor... that’s a Stormblade... that’s a Scimitar? And a Venomblade... what is that...? Emperor above! That’s a Falchion super-heavy tank! I’ve only ever seen it in Departmento Munitorum manuals!"

The Commissar, having seen big battles before—the First Armageddon War, full of twisted abominations—at least managed to keep a straight face.

But the young Colonel Kovek could no longer control his expression. He stared in awe at the many super-heavy vehicles lined up in the warehouse, their elegant angles shining, and exclaimed out loud—completely missing the Lemanus Executioner tucked in the corner.

There was no memory in his mind that compared to seeing so many relic-level vehicles gathered together like this.

"Why are they all plasma variants?"

Romulus, already familiar with Imperial unit types, asked in a low voice.

"Couldn’t help it. These cogboys were all from Ryza. Even after scanning the Warp for blueprints, all they unlocked were versions along these lines. But honestly, the plasma variants are better than the originals—at least that’s how Ryza rolls."

Rameses shrugged.

"Soul materialization only cares about the construction materials, not the tech level. With the same quality, there’s no way it’s gonna pick the worse version. That’d be a total loss."

He then pointed toward the Falchion super-heavy tanks and the transports.

"Besides, it’s not like we don’t have variety. Look at that Falchion—I just fished the blueprint out of the Warp. That flamer mortar is unbeatable—takes out one big beast unit per shot."

"And that Mammoth APC—once its void shield is up and it charges enemy lines, boom! A whole can of troopers comes pouring out and blasts the crap outta the enemy. I mean, you could swap in twenty Land Raiders and still not match this one’s reliability."

Romulus nodded in agreement.

"Feels like we’re still in the Great Crusade."

Arthur scratched his head.

Compared to the current state of the Imperium, where it's either a Land Raider or a Rhino and even a few Leman Russ or Chimera units are considered premium—what they were pulling out now was straight-up luxury.

Of course, that was the price of power. Like Rameses said, with the same budget, why pick the crappier option?

And when they outfitted the Space Marines later, the all-Ironclad-plus-Perdition setup would make any expert drool.

Soul materialization really hit different.

"The Cadians should be able to operate these vehicles, right?"

"Absolutely, my lord."

Colonel Kovek replied.

Aside from the Falchion—currently only held in small numbers by Astartes Chapters—he had full confidence his troops could master the rest of the armored arsenal in no time.

"Good."

Romulus led them into another chamber and pointed at the rows of neatly arranged combat armor.

"This is the Solar-pattern void combat armor. It offers soldiers better protection. You may each choose one for yourselves."

"These armors?"

Kovek reflexively declined.

"I don’t need these. My duty is to command from the rear. Give them to the young men on the frontlines. They need them more than I do."

"Everyone gets one. If it breaks, we’ll replace it."

Romulus then pointed toward the weapons cache.

"Also, head over there to collect matching weapons and equipment. Each vehicle comes with a user manual. Make sure to read it."

"...My lord."

Kovek looked at Romulus, who had the clear attitude of ‘our gear is top-tier and we’re giving it all to you,’ and couldn’t help but offer a word of advice.

"These pieces of equipment are simply too valuable."

His gaze landed on the Solar-pattern void combat armor—gear he’d only ever seen used by the Administratum’s tax squads.

And those guys were elite graduates from the Scholam Progenium, superhumans among mortals, not unlike Commissars.

Even the famed Stormtroopers of the Astra Militarum were considered the underachievers among them.

"No matter how precious, someone still needs to use them."

Romulus couldn’t help but run his hand over the life-size, real-deal equipment he could’ve never gotten in his past life.

Back then, if he’d had this kind of power, he could’ve bankrupted Bandai and GW with ease. F***ers were selling models by weight like precious metals.

To Kovek, though, the gesture looked like someone lost in wistful memories.

"I understand, my lord!"

"Good."

Romulus withdrew his hand, looking a bit surprised at how infected Kovek seemed by a sudden sense of duty.

"Have your troops equip themselves with the weapons and gear in the warehouse, and get familiar with the vehicles. We need an armored unit that can provide us with sufficient firepower."

Then he turned to Arabella.

"Sister Arabella, we’ve also prepared replacement gear for the Sisters of the Sacred Rose. Until reinforcements arrive, we’ll work together to cleanse the ship of any remaining enemies and coordinate our tactics."

"Understood, Lord Romulus!"

"Then, we’ll leave it to you."

With that said, Romulus turned and left with his comrades.

Their little meeting wasn’t over yet.