Howard fell into thought for several seconds, especially recalling the moment when the Heretic had died.
"My Lord, I have completely mastered the power you bestowed upon me."
"Good."
Nareth nodded approvingly. Howard was the first of his subordinates, Beyonder, to fully digest a Sequence 9 potion. After deciding to prepare the "Sheriff" potion for him, Nareth asked:
"Are there any talents in your regiment?"
"My Lord, so far, I have only found one, Yasin. He began working in a factory under the Fender family at age eleven after his father became severely ill, and he rose from foreman to factory manager."
"He is not only skilled in organization and coordination, but also calm under pressure and willing to take responsibility. He now serves as a company commander. When I'm occupied with other matters, I leave the Fifth Regiment under his command."
Upon hearing this, Nareth responded:
"During the upcoming siege, his unit will stay by my side."
After a work cycle had passed, within the Świdnica Palace, Nareth spoke to Howard, who had now been promoted to "Sheriff":
"To become a true 'Sheriff,' you must govern your area of 'jurisdiction' well."
"I will entrust you with the governance of Sandchiga Hive. In these lands tainted by heresy, you must root out the vermin hiding beneath the surface."
Howard felt the immense pressure. Not only did he have to promote a new system across all of Vostroya's lower hives, but also lead the Fifth Regiment, and now he had to locate hidden heretics at the very origin of their faith.
"Make use of this time wisely to train your subordinates and devise your strategic plan for Sandchiga."
Seeing Howard's burden, Nareth encouraged him:
"I am entrusting you with these tasks because I have faith in your capability. Do not disappoint me."
"As you command, My Lord."
Understanding Nareth's deep trust in him, Howard felt power surge through him, responding with confidence.
"Order Yasin to stay and form the Ninth Regiment."
Just after Howard left, Nareth received a comms message from Wojciech.
"My King, I wish to report my research progress on the data crystal you entrusted to me."
"I'm in the palace. Come immediately."
Moments later, the "Savant" entered the palace holding the data crystal. After saluting, he said:
"My King, I analyzed the data crystal and discovered that patterns and symbols comprise 96.69% of the data. I used symbolic and contextual analysis to decode it."
"So far, I've deciphered 19% of its content and confirmed that the crystal explores the mysteries of using Aether energy."
"I attempted further analysis, but lacking the innate talent in this field, my progress stalled at 29.19%. I believe continuing will no longer be fruitful."
Nareth knew that "Savants" and their pathway focused more on reality-based knowledge, only possessing basic knowledge of mysticism. Having Wojciech continue would be inefficient.
"Transfer all your findings to me."
After the data was uploaded to Nareth's private databook, he produced another crystal.
"This crystal contains partial knowledge about Aether cannons. I've already decrypted 36.25% of the data."
"Continue your work based on this. When the Mechanicum finishes hauling the Fra'al battlecruiser to Sopot, I'll send you to the shipyard to co-research according to our agreement."
Sopot was a planet within the system of Vostroya. Though not habitable, it was rich in minerals, especially adamantium, ideal for shipbuilding.
The Cult Mechanicum had built a shipyard in Sopot for the construction, maintenance, upgrade, and refitting of voidships.
"Study every detail of the shipyard closely. Upon your return, you will be responsible for building our own."
For the foreseeable future, voidships would be vital for interstellar travel. Nareth had no intention of relying entirely on the Mechanicum.
If there were no mining planet. Then find one. No shipbuilding experience? Then start with assault boats.
"As you command, My King. I will not fail you."
After Wojciech left, Nareth picked up the communicator and sent a message to Marlena.
"Come to the palace."
After about ten seconds, Marlena's magnetic voice came through:
"It's my first time using a communicator. I had to fumble with it a bit," the female shaman explained. "I'll come at once."
Three standard minutes later, Marlena entered the palace, holding her staff. She saw several staves arranged beside Nareth.
"Your staff reacts to psychic energy...."
Nareth paused, unsure of what term the Sicilians used.
"I think you're referring to this kind of energy."
Marlena extended her pale arm and formed a fist-sized lightning orb in her palm.
"Yes. These ten staves on the table all came from the Fra'als; they are highly skilled in this area."
"Thank you for your gift."
Marlena dismissed the orb with a flick of her wrist and approached the table to choose a staff.
Nareth nodded inwardly. Just as he expected, Marlena had not let her hatred of the alien invaders cloud her judgment about strengthening herself.
He quietly observed as she imbued each staff with psychic energy, carefully gauging their resonance to determine which suited her best.
After testing them all, Marlena chose a white-silver staff topped with a ruby.
"I'll take this one. Thank you for your generosity."
She bowed in gratitude.
"If I'm not mistaken," Nareth said, "you are most skilled in foresight and manipulating biological energy."
He knew that not only did psykers have varying talents, but also different areas of expertise.
Even among the Astartes of the Thousand Sons, there were five main disciplines.
Marlena's use of bio-psychic energy clearly indicated her specialization.
Her actions in the Symphony of the Sea and the recent discovery of a Tzeentch cultist likely stemmed from more than just anatomical knowledge.
"As expected of you, My Lord. I do occasionally foresee fragments of the future, but it's difficult to control."
Nareth nodded. Prophetic psykers were more talent-dependent and reactive than other types.
Dreams, flickering visions, whispers from the Warp...
Living on an island, Marlena had no mentor. That "Mother Sea" was just a deified entity, birthed from belief and unable to teach her the secrets of foresight.
"The Fra'als refer to psychic as Aether energy," Nareth said, opening his hand. "Their Aether Masters excel most in foresight."
"This data crystal contains their knowledge and understanding in that field. It should be of help to you."
Marlena accepted the crystal with a bright smile.
"Thank you for your gift."
After a work cycle of rest, Nareth led the Fifth Regiment to conquer the hive cities housing the eighth and ninth altars.
In the palace at Sandchiga, he listened to Howard's report and approved his proposed plans. The "Sheriff" then left to begin governing his are of jurisdiction.
Nareth then turned to the next visitor: Priest Rosicky.