Warhammer: Dark Knights

When you enter your bedroom, Selina bow towards you and say: "Young Master, lord Maximilian have requested you to join him for dinner, you should prepare yourself and be ready to answer any questions that may ask."

"Yes, I know." You reply while walking towards the couch. "I have been inform by Albert about the dinner, and I will make sure to be prepared for anything."

"Understood, then I shall return when you need me." Selina say and exiting the room after bowing slightly.

As the door closed, you started to think what your future hold for you. While this is the Warhammer 40k universe, one, if not the most dangerous fictional world, you lucky to be a member of nobles. The best results of this will be you gaining small fiefdom, or serve as retainer for the future duke.

Another path would be joining the Astra Militarum, just like your ancestors. You could potentially rise to a high rank if you're lucky or competent enough, but there's the ever-present danger of dying on some distant battlefield for a planet you've never heard of.

The alternative—serving under a system governor or in a civil administrative role—is far less exciting, but it offers a certain degree of safety and stability. Managing logistics, overseeing trade, or handling bureaucratic matters could keep you well away from the chaos of war, though the thought lacks the thrill of adventure. Still, considering the dangers of the Warhammer 40K universe, the possibility of safety is not something to dismiss lightly.

Then there's the tantalizing idea of securing a Warrant of Trade and becoming a Rogue Trader. "It's not bad if I can get the warrant," you muse, a spark of excitement flickering within. "If I had the Warrant of Trade, I could roam the galaxy freely, avoiding the most dangerous regions and potentially building my fortune. Sure, the Inquisition might 'request' my services from time to time, but as long as the missions aren't too insane, I could handle it."

But there's a significant problem with this plan. "The warrant," you think with a sigh. "How can I even get one? I haven't done anything worthy of it yet. While House Aurelius has money, I doubt Lord Maximilian would be willing to spend Thrones on me for something like this."

While you thinking all of this, you also writing a record about all the events that occur in the 40k universe, Siege of Vraks, Badab war, the wars on Armageddon and more as you is a fan of the universe, so that you know what's happening outside the world, and possibly gaining something out of this, if all of this haven't happened. And also the possible future plans to make sure you can survive.

'Survival first.' you think as you continue writing, knowing that preparation is key in a place like the Imperium. With enough foresight and careful moves, you might not only survive but thrive amidst the chaos of the 41st Millennium.

As you're immersed in writing and mapping out your plans, the sudden sound of knocking on the door breaks your focus. With a quick word of permission, Selina enters the room.

"Young Master, you should start your preparations now, if you don't want to be late," she says, her voice gently reminding you of the dinner with your father.

You glance at the notes you've been scribbling, already feeling the weight of the upcoming dinner. Nodding slightly, you close the book and rise from your seat. "You're right, Selina. I shouldn't keep him waiting."

Selina bows her head slightly. "Shall I assist with your attire, Young Master?" she asks, her tone ever dutiful.

"Yes, please," you reply. There's much to think about, but for now, you need to focus on making a proper appearance for dinner. You'll have to navigate the conversation carefully, just as you are with your future plans.

After done preparing, you walk towards the dining hall with Selina accompany you on the way. When arriving at the front door of the hall, Albert greet you at the front of door, his sharp eyes observing your punctuality and nods approvingly before ordering the door servants to open the massive doors.

When the door open, you saw a beautiful room with a long table on the central of the room. With this, a grand chandelier hanging above the room, beautiful painting on the left side and windows on the right side that let the occupant to get the view of the garden.

While the room is beautiful, but you don't have the leisure to dwell in the sight, as your father, Maximilian already sitting at the table.

"Hello father, sorry to be late." You quickly approach him and apologize, even though you did not arrive late. "No need, I only just arrived, take a seat so we can start." Maximilian reply coldly.

His tone leaves little room for warmth, but you've come to expect that. You nod respectfully and quickly make your way to the seat already pulled out for you by Selina. The chair is placed to the left side of your father, a position that, while close to him, still showing who's the person in charge.

Once you've taken your seat, Maximilian gives a curt nod toward Albert, signaling him to proceed. Albert, ever efficient, leaves the room briefly before returning with several servants, each carrying trays laden with various dishes. The presentation is immaculate—each plate carefully arranged as the servants place them on the table before quietly leaving the room.

The table is now set, a feast of roasted meats, fresh bread, and vibrant vegetables, but no one moves until Maximilian takes the first bite. As expected, your father begins eating first, signaling that the dinner has officially begun. You follow suit, picking up your utensils and starting your meal, though you remain nervous of the intention of this dinner, as it is only you and your father eating, and the other family members are not present.

After 25 minutes of tense and uncomfortable silence, Maximilian finally breaks it. "Richard, I have received a report from Alaric that you have improved greatly in your swordsmanship, even beating your opponent."

You sit up straighter at his words, immediately responding. "Yes, Father. After the punishment you gave me, I have been training in my confinement to improve myself."

Maximilian nods, his expression still unreadable. "Indeed. Alaric believes you have the potential to become greater. Therefore, you are to train under his tutelage for the next seven days to see if you truly have that potential. Don't let me down this time, Richard."

His cold, piercing gaze meets yours, making it clear that this is not just another training session.

"I won't, Father," you reply, determined not to fail what ever test that have been given to you.

As you both finish your dinner, you take a moment to gauge your father's demeanor. After a final, subtle nod toward Maximilian, you stand and begin to leave the room.

'Hopefully you can improve enough to participate on the plan.' Maximilian thinking while looking at you, leaving the room.

With the door close behind you, you walk down the dimly lit corridor toward your bedroom with heavy thought.

When arrive at the bedrooms, you get ready to sleep with the help of Selina in changing your clothes. After finished changing the clothes, you say: "Selina, you can now go rest at your room, I don't need your help for now." With that, Selina bow towards you and leave.

'Well, today is an adventure, I should get as many rest I can for the training for the next 7 days.' you think while lying down on your bed, closing your eyes.

For the next 7 days, you undergo training under Alaric supervision, from 7 am to 3 pm. After that, you went into the library to read more books on various topics, but you just can't get any information about the current year, and which segmentum does this planet locate at. This leave you frustrated as both of this information are very important.

Unbeknown by you, while you training and reading, there is actually a person watching you with your father. "So, you willing to give me your son for my support for your race of High King position." The man say, coldly and almost machine like. "Of course, while I'm not sure what plan you are doing but I'm trust you as we all are His loyal servants, and you will never harm another servants." Your father reply. "Other than Richard, there are also another 1000 people I can send to participate for your plan." Maximilian continue.

"Is that so?" the man replied. "It seems you're quite determined if you're willing to go to such lengths." He paused, appearing to think for a few moments. "Very well. If you're willing to help me, then I shall assist you in gaining your position. But remember, no one must know about this. All evidence of my arrival, as well as anyone you can't trust with this information, must be erased."

"Of course, I'll make sure of that—after I acquire the position," your father replied, nodding.

On the eighth days, you still arrive at the training ground, but you see Maximilian, Alaric and an unknown hooded figure beside your father. "Good morning father, and Coach Alaric." You greet Maximilian and Alaric. Maximilian nodded towards you and reply. "This is mister Nine and from today onwards, you will be participating the plan this mister made."

You felt shock of this situation, as you are being throw into an unknown plan that made by this unknown man with a weird name. But you know you can't reject it. "Understood father." You nodded towards your father.

"I shall be in your care then, mister Nine." You say towards the figure. "Of course, hopefully you prove worthy enough to succeed the plan, that can made you stronger and serve the Emperor better." Nine reply while nodding. "Then, we will be departing today, prepare your luggage and keep it simple, as you can't use themfor all the time."

You nod towards all the people in the room, preparing to leave, but before doing so, you turn to Nine with a serious expression. "Is it possible for me to bring someone with me? She is very important to me."

Nine regards you thoughtfully for a moment. "Who do you wish to bring?" he asks, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

"Selina," you reply, your heart heavy with the weight of your request. "She's not just a servant; she's someone very close to me and a part of my mother's memories."

"Sure." Nine reply. "But, she can only join you if you prove yourself in my plan." He quickly say. "Then, I will personally send my men to pick her up , and make sure when you open your eyes after your sleep."

"Understandable, then I will go to prepare for the departure." After replying, you leave the training ground and go to your room to prepare the luggage.

When you enter your room, you find Selina already inside, her hands deftly completing your luggage. She looks up at you, her expression a blend of sadness and longing.

"Young Master, I have prepared the luggage for your departure," she says softly, her voice tinged with concern.

You take a moment to meet her gaze, feeling the weight of the moment. "Thank you, Selina. And don't look at me like that, you know I can take care of myself." You say, trying to assuring her. "And I already get permission from Nine, the supervisor of the plan to get you join me if I do well."

Selina's expression softens slightly, but concern still lingers in her eyes. "I just worry about you, Young Master. This world can be so unpredictable."

You nod, understanding her apprehension. "I promise I will do my best so that you can join me too."

A faint smile appears on her lips, a flicker of hope shining through her worry. "I believe in you, young master. You have always been strong. Just remember to stay focused and keep your wits about you."

After this, you take your luggage and walk towards the landing pad that located inside the castle with Selina. Arriving at the pad, you not only see your father and Alaric, there's also other member of the house and the retainers.

Turns out, there are more people joining you in the Arvus Lighter, children of your relatives and retainers already sitting inside the craft. Before you board the craft , you wave your goodbye to Selina, and your family members.

Then, you find a empty seat and sit on it, putting your luggage above your seat. As everyone are nervous about the situation, so no talk on the whole journey to the cruiser, which you suspected as the Lunar class according to your memory.

Once on the ship, all of you are guided by the servitors to your rooms, with each rooms housing 10 persons. You got assigned with all the members of your house, and all of them you have talking with, whether before you come or by the original Richard.

For the next 10 days, all of you just participate in various test, such as blood test, gene test, tissue compatibility tests and more. But, other than these tests, all of you just eat balance nutrients foods and training at the training rooms that the cruiser have.

On the 11 day, all of you have been summoned to the main hall. Which Nine already standing on the stage, waiting for you all. After all of you arrive, he say. "For the past 10 days, we have you all to do tests that is important to determine the role that all of you have in the plan."

"Luckily, all of you pass the test." Nine say. You can hear all the person around you relaxed, you the same. "Though, this prove nothing but the ticket for you all to participate the plan, as failures will happen too." While this make all of you nervous about your future, but it also make you all excited as they can serve the Emperor better, and can bring honor and glory to their parents, while you just happy as it might increase your survivability, if you survive the process.

"Now, the servitors will guide you all to your respective operating room, as the processes are long and need many surgery to make you all to be better servants for the Omnissiah, the Emperor." Nine finished it with many servitors entering the room and guiding you all to your rooms.

As you and your roommates being guide by the servitor, you can see there are many priests and servitors that walking around. The hallway itself is lined with machines adorned with various intricate symbols and insignia, blending both art and function. The scent of oil and incense hangs in the air, creating a heady mix that feels both sacred and industrial.

Once you arrive at your room, you can see 10 capsules, with a techpriest typing something on a machine. "Ah, you all finally arrived." The techpriest say while turning towards you all. You can see that the lower half of his face have turned in machine, like Cawl face, and I doubt that his body is still comprised of flesh.

"Now please step into the capsules with your designated number that print on your clothes." You and your roommates go to your pods, yours is XIII.

As you enter the capsule, the door seals shut behind you with a soft hiss, creating a cocoon of dim light and mechanical hum. Inside, the atmosphere feels sterile and clinical.

Suddenly, you feel a sharp prick as a needle injects something into your arm—medicine, you think, likely intended to induce sleep or a state of sedation. As wave of drowsiness washes over you almost immediately, your eyelids growing heavy.

The last thing you see is the techpriest looking at the pods way, but you can feel that his cybernetic eyes is actually watching you.