Warhammer: Dawn of Annihilation

To some extent, the ideological stamp could be considered a form of dark technology—one capable of anchoring a person's beliefs firmly through the influence of mechanical methods.

The human brain is an extraordinary organ, where different regions are responsible for various functions. Among them, there are specialized neural areas tasked with making moral judgments, distinguishing between right and wrong.

Take, for example, the proposition: "Water is poisonous." To evaluate this statement requires several layers of analysis—what kind of water, what impurities might it contain—all must be assessed to determine whether the water is truly harmful. The process of thinking and decision-making is intricate and complex.

However, the thought stamp bypasses this entire process. It directly impacts the brain's neural network, triggering a response that results in an automatic judgment, where the brain accepts the information as truth without the need for reasoning. Once the stamp of "poisonous water" is etched in the mind, the person would instantly believe all water to be toxic.

Given the intricate nature of the empire and the singular position of his identity, Guilliman had no choice but to turn to this technology. He knew that despite the Emperor's commitment to humanity, he might not necessarily side with Guilliman. The Emperor might even see him as a threat, especially since time travelers are viewed with suspicion. Guilliman understood that if a conflict broke out, a direct confrontation in Terra would only lead to wasted time.

The Imperial Guards, loyal to the Emperor, would have no qualms about eliminating Guilliman. He would be an easy target should the Emperor decide to act.

In fact, the Empire was facing severe internal strife. There were those among the conservatives who resented Guilliman's attempts to reform the bloated system. They viewed his changes—his attempts to improve the Empire, like his modifications to the Emperor's decrees and the reorganization of the Mechanicum—as threats to the status quo. These discontented factions, unwilling to follow Terra's orders, represented a serious risk. Some were even willing to rebel.

Meanwhile, the Chaos invasion loomed large. The possibility of traitors wielding weapons against humanity was a nightmare Guilliman couldn't afford to ignore.

What he needed was leverage, a way to cement his authority and win loyalty. An ideological stamp was the perfect tool to instill unwavering hatred for Chaos within his recruits, binding them with unshakable loyalty to his cause. More importantly, it would ensure that his command authority superseded even that of the Emperor, allowing him to act independently and make strategic decisions without being trapped in Terra's labyrinth of politics.

Kauer, standing before him, had already reviewed the data files and understood the gravity of the situation. His tone was filled with hesitation as he addressed Guilliman, "Regent, the thought stamp technology... should it truly be applied?"

Guilliman, his voice steady and resolute, replied, "Kauer, you know the state of the Empire. We've held on for ten thousand years, but we are retreating. Chaos grows ever stronger, and the Empire weakens with each passing year. If we don't act decisively, humanity will be destroyed. Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. We need an army that is completely loyal—an army that will obey our commands without question. You've seen the corruption on Terra, the stagnation of the Mechanicum. If we don't make these changes, how can we hope to withstand the threat of Chaos?"

Guilliman's gaze lingered on Kauer, his tone softening. "We have no other choice."

Kauer's electronic eyes flickered as he processed Guilliman's words. After a long pause, he made his decision. "I will fulfill your request, Regent." His mechanical limbs hummed as he bowed in respect.

Guilliman smiled, pleased with the decision. "Excellent. Go ahead and complete the task. I need this army to stabilize the Empire and prepare us for the coming storm."

With the conversation concluded, Guilliman called upon the leaders of the Death Army, Ifran and Visage, to discuss an even more delicate matter.

The Imperium, particularly the people of Ultramar, had always distrusted aliens. The Death Army, an alien faction, was viewed with suspicion, and Guilliman had to address this tension before he could lead his forces against the remaining Chaos forces in Ultramar's five hundred worlds.

The Death Army, however, wasn't an Imperial force. They were part of the Eldar, an ancient alien race with their own complex history. Though they weren't an Empire creation, they had played a pivotal role in Guilliman's resurrection, and thus, he couldn't simply destroy them.

The Eldar, strikingly humanoid with their sharp, pointed ears and lithe bodies, were an imposing sight. Their beauty was undeniable, even to Guilliman, though he could hardly admit it. As they entered, Guilliman gestured for them to stand tall, his eyes focused.

"Please, stand. Let's speak plainly. There are matters I need to understand," he said, his tone firm.

The Eldar, whose history was deeply intertwined with the chaos gods, particularly Slaanesh, had caused the downfall of their once-mighty empire. The catastrophe they had suffered was monumental: the birth of Slaanesh, an evil god whose emergence tore their civilization apart. The Eldar now stood on the edge of oblivion, with their souls constantly threatened by the dark god.

But despite their fall from grace, the Eldar retained formidable technology and psychic power. They were not to be underestimated.

Visage, the leader of the Death Army, spoke gravely. "The stars have been torn apart. The worst disaster for the creatures of the galaxy is nearing. Once Chaos breaks free from the warp, it will be the end of everything. I am glad that our two races can unite to face this crisis together."

Guilliman nodded. "I, too, am honored by this alliance. Your help will be invaluable in securing humanity's future."

However, Visage had a warning. "Kaur's technology may have healed your body, but your true wounds lie in your soul. To walk among the living, you must never remove your armor. It is stronger than you think."

Guilliman's expression darkened. He didn't want to delve into the mysteries of his own resurrection, but he couldn't ignore the Eldar's words. "I'll heed your advice. As for our future relations, remember this: if you cross me, there will be consequences. My loyalty lies with humanity, not with your kind."

Evelyn, the Eldar leader, gave a nod of acknowledgment. "We understand. But know this, Guilliman: the gods and your traitorous brothers are watching you. Live as long as you can."

With that, they parted ways, and Guilliman felt a momentary weight settle on his shoulders. The universe was a place of constant dangers, where even the smallest misstep could lead to disaster.

After the Eldar left, Guilliman tapped the communicator. "Call in the planetary governors and guild leaders. I have things to discuss with them."

As the door opened, Guilliman's thoughts lingered on the path ahead. The world was in chaos, but with the right decisions, he would lead humanity through the storm—whether they were ready or not.

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