Chapter 26: 026, Cain and Jurgen and You (Part I)
*[You wake up from unconsciousness and open your eyes.]*
*[Your sense of smell is once again assaulted by the nauseating stench.]*
*[You immediately feel dizzy and lightheaded, struggling for a while before you manage to recover.]*
*[Your sense of smell and taste are malfunctioning; they seem to be out of order.]*
*[Your unusual condition appears to have attracted the attention of others.]*
*[A distinguished-looking middle-aged officer dressed in Imperial Commissar uniform steps out of the shadows and approaches you.]*
*["I distinctly remember there being only me and Yulgen in the escape pod," the middle-aged officer says, staring at you intently.]*
*[The officer's wide-brimmed hat is slightly askew, possibly due to the high temperature inside the escape pod. He casually loosens the collar of his uniform, revealing a patch of thick, dense chest hair.]*
*[You regain your composure and inform him that everything is according to the Emperor's arrangement. You pledge your loyalty to the Empire and your willingness to serve the Emperor.]*
*[The officer scrutinizes you for a moment before holstering his laser pistol.]*
*[He gives you a brilliant, toothy smile and seems to accept your words.]*
*["Young stranger, I have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?" The officer's smile remains unwavering.]*
*[You hesitate for a moment before deciding to hear the bad news first.]*
*["The bad news is that we are surrounded by an endless swarm of greenskins. Yulgen's old fear of flying flared up, and the escape pod he piloted brought us straight into the orc's rear lines… More importantly, we don't have much weaponry or ammunition, and our food supplies are running low."]*
*[The officer describes the current situation with no attempt to hide anything.]*
*[You agree that this is indeed very bad news.]*
*[Despite the grim news, the officer's indifference somehow gives you hope. You eagerly ask for the good news.]*
*["Ha? The good news? In this dire situation, at least we have three people to face it!" The officer's distinguished face finally reveals a long-hidden smirk.]*
*[You realize the truth and can't help but shake your head and sigh.]*
*[Having one more person to deal with the greenskins is likely the real reason the officer is willing to trust you.]*
*[Even the forces of Chaos would prefer not to face a horde of ravenous greenskins alone.]*
*[You gradually come to understand the current situation.]*
*[You demonstrate some of your combat skills, earning the officer's approval.]*
*[You attempt to ask the officer's name.]*
*["Ciaphas Cain, Commissar of the Valhalla 597th Regiment… Young soldier, no matter where you came from, welcome to the 597th Regiment. For the Emperor!" The Commissar named Cain says to you with sincere eyes.]*
*[You choose to join the 597th Regiment and become a soldier under Commissar Cain.]*
*[Through Cain's introduction, you come to know the true source of the terrible stench: Cain's aide.]*
*[Yulgen, a first-class gunner, is a coarse man plagued by the stench and severe skin conditions.]*
*[You try to communicate with Yulgen, but he is very resistant to you, a mysterious newcomer. Commissar Cain assures him that you are a trustworthy Imperial warrior.]*
*[Yulgen seems to heed Cain's explanation and reluctantly accepts your presence.]*
*[On the first day, you accompany the surly Yulgen to scavenge all the supplies from the escape pod.]*
*[After careful organization, you and Yulgen find that the supplies originally enough for two people for about half a month can now only last for a week due to your unexpected inclusion.]*
*[Yulgen expresses dissatisfaction with this, and you offer to reduce your food rations.]*
*[Commissar Cain immediately rejects this suggestion, stating that three people cannot afford to just wait for Imperial rescue, which is unrealistic.]*
*[Now, the only way for the three of you to survive is to traverse the greenskin lines and enter the Empire's controlled territory.]*
*[On the second day, before departure, Yulgen carries all the food supplies and hefts his heavy meltagun. Even though he's overburdened, he refuses to share the extra weapon with you. Only after Commissar Cain persuades him does Yulgen grudgingly give you a laser pistol, but only one energy cell.]*
*[You have no objections; a laser pistol is much better than facing the roaring greenskins unarmed.]*
*[On the third day, while taking a brief rest in a forest, you unexpectedly encounter a small group of wandering greenskins. Your precise shooting and ruthless efficiency in dealing with them impress Commissar Cain, who praises you.]*
*[Even the stubborn Yulgen is forced to admit your excellence and, surprisingly, gives you two extra energy cells.]*
*[On the fourth day, due to Yulgen's poor sense of direction, you end up in a flatland area. You face another wave of greenskin attacks. Cain recognizes them as belonging to the Evil Sunz clan, known for their obsession with speed and engine noise, who paint their vehicles red to increase their speed threefold.]*
*[You, Cain, and Yulgen flee in a panic, barely managing to shake off the pursuing greenskins. After a brief rest, you discover that your already sparse energy cells are completely lost and Yulgen's food supplies are down by a day's worth.]*
*[On the fifth day, your hunger is overwhelming, and you can only quench your appetite with precious fresh water.]*
*[Cain divides the food he had given to Yulgen once more, and you attempt to refuse. However, Commissar Cain insists that he doesn't believe in having soldiers fight on an empty stomach and that you need to maintain your fighting capability.]*
*[In the evening, Yulgen approaches you hesitantly and hands you a few precious candies while expressing regret over the lost supplies.]*
*[You smile and try to comfort the stubborn Yulgen, reassuring him that the Emperor will protect the three of you.]*
*[On the sixth day, under Cain's leadership, you encounter no further greenskin harassment. Perhaps due to the Emperor's favor, you even find a place to replenish fresh water, and there's no sign of greenskins around.]*
*[By the end of the first week, you have lost considerable weight. Thanks to the ample supply of fresh water, your spirits remain somewhat high, while Cain and Yulgen look noticeably haggard.]*
*[Your food supplies are now completely exhausted.]*
*[You boldly suggest that perhaps the greenskin meat could be edible.]*
*[Cain and Yulgen exchange looks but do not dismiss your question, rather they seem eager to consider it.]*
*[In the second week, the three of you still don't get to taste the local delicacy, greenskin barbecue.]*
*[As you approach the brink of collapse, you encounter a small group of defeated local defenders. Driven by hunger, Cain reveals his identity as an Imperial Commissar and temporarily takes command of the squad.]*
*[You find heaps of ant-skinner cans and combat rations in a Chimera infantry transport vehicle. Overwhelmed with excitement, you share the bounty with Cain and Yulgen.]*
*[However, just as you're about to sleep after a hearty meal, Cain approaches you with a serious expression.]*
*["Be cautious; they might be traitors!" Commissar Cain warns in a low voice.]*
*[You sigh and ready your laser pistol once more.]*
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