2nd Primarch

Rumors spread rapidly among the Ork Legion, becoming more exaggerated with each telling. Meanwhile, Dukel and Gris toiled tirelessly in the laboratory, analyzing the living samples of the greenskins. Their efforts began to bear fruit.

They had discovered something remarkable:

An independent subnetwork resembling a localized "mind network."A central source acting as a server and transit station.Every node in this network could radiate energy, forming a massive Waaagh! force field.

It was eerily similar to the Heartnet, which left Dukel astonished.

Of course, there were notable differences:

The Heartnet's "firewall" was constructed from the faith and soul noise of fanatics.The Waaagh! field's barrier derived from the genetic constructs of the ancient Old Ones—orc DNA—and their inherent psychic resistance.

These similarities and differences led Dukel to hypothesize a shared origin, possibly tied to the "Primordial Truth Fragments Theory" he had previously deduced. It even gave him an audacious idea: to infiltrate the Waaagh! network.

Breaking through the Ork Legion's single-cell amplification technology alone was futile. But by tapping into their psychic network, Dukel believed he could turn their power to his advantage. Yet, he knew that such an invasion would require extraordinary measures.

During the days of experimentation, Dukel noticed that as rumors spread among the Orks, Waaagh! energy converged toward him. But it had little effect—merely an amplification of his already monumental strength. For mortals or Ork Boyz, the Waaagh! field might grant the strength to overthrow a warlord. For a Primarch like Dukel, it was insufficient for true ascension.

If he wished to achieve something greater, he would have to penetrate the Ork psychic network itself—perhaps even supplant their gods. The very notion was madness, but it wasn't impossible.

As the Lord of the Heartnet, Dukel understood the dangers of LAN invasions. Both the Heartnet and Waaagh! networks had near-impenetrable firewalls:

The Heartnet relied on faith and soul noise to control its members, capable of instantly twisting even the greatest daemons into submission.The Waaagh! network's genetic barriers and subspace resistance rendered it almost invulnerable to outside interference.

But no barrier was entirely airtight. Dukel set to work, calculating furiously. He devised a bold plan:

Pull an Ork into the Heartnet.Transform the Ork into a living saint-like being, imbued with Dukel's essence.Return the enhanced Ork to the Waaagh! network as a unifying leader.

The chosen Ork would need to be strong enough to survive this process, likely a warlord or higher. Ordinary Orks would be obliterated by the infusion. With the computational might of the Heartnet, Dukel refined his plan to near perfection.

Gris, observing Dukel's almost manic determination, felt both awe and apprehension. As a veteran of the Adeptus Mechanicus, Gris had seen his share of scientific lunatics, but Dukel's vision was unparalleled. Yet, Gris offered no objections. In fact, he contributed additional processing power to the calculations. The potential rewards were too vast:

The elevation of Dukel to an even higher status.A permanent solution to the Ork menace.Possibilities so grand they defied imagination.

Suddenly, a message flashed in the Heartnet. It was Efilal.

"Your Highness, there's an Astra Militarum officer requesting an audience," came the communication.

Dukel, distracted as he inserted a thick needle into an Ork Boy's spine to extract a sample, replied, "I'm busy, Efilal."

"He claims to have critical information and wishes to join the expedition. I believe his abilities merit consideration."

Dukel sighed, pulling the needle free. "Very well. Prepare for my arrival in an hour."

An hour later, the bridge of the expedition flagship, Soulfire, welcomed a detachment of Astra Militarum. The soldiers were clad in black-gray uniforms and wore bird-beaked respirators. Their somber presence was palpable, as though they carried the weight of a thousand battles.

Dukel stepped onto the bridge and immediately recognized them. "The Death Korps of Krieg?"

The commissar of the Krieg detachment saluted, his voice betraying a rare trace of emotion. "You honor us with your recognition, Your Highness."

Dukel smiled faintly. "Your deeds are inscribed on your very being. The blood, the fire... the essence of war itself emanates from you. It is the highest honor a soldier can bear."

For the Krieg soldiers, words from a Primarch were more valuable than medals. Each man and woman stood straighter, their hearts swelling with pride beneath their respirators.

The commissar stepped forward. "Reporting for duty, sir! We are at your service."

Dukel nodded. For the first time in many days, he felt a surge of optimism. The Death Korps of Krieg were no ordinary soldiers. They were disciplined, unyielding, and perfectly attuned to the brutal necessities of his grand designs.

The game was in motion, and Dukel knew the galaxy itself would soon bear witness to the results of his plan.