Chapter 15: The Emperor's Angel of Death
In the middle of the journey to the promised safe zone, the atmosphere began to calm down a little. The refugees, including Alice, Claire, Carlos, and the surviving children, walked along with the well-organized line of troops. However, there was still tension, even though the troops leading them gave them a sense of security.
One of the children, a boy around 10 years old with jet black hair and eyes full of wonder, stared at the Space Marine Salamander who was walking a few steps ahead of them. The boy couldn't hold back his curiosity.
"Eh, sir, why is your body so big?" he asked in a small but curious voice. His hands tightly gripped the green doll he was still hugging, as if seeking comfort in this uncertainty.
The Space Marine Salamander paused for a moment, turning his gaze towards the boy. Silently, he stared at the boy with a flat expression, although there was clearly a little respect for the boy's courage to speak without fear.
"This size is a gift from the Emperor. I am his Grim Reaper who walks the battlefield," the Space Marine replied, his voice heavy and deep, full of authority.
The boy stared at the Space Marine for a moment longer, as if trying to comprehend the words he had just spoken. After a few seconds, he raised his doll high, as if showing something to the giant soldier. "I have a friend too, but he's just a doll. You're not alone, are you, sir?"
The Salamander Space Marine studied the doll for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Your friend is precious. Cherish him as you would your own life. Every being we protect is a precious friend to us."
Seeing this scene, several refugees who had been following behind them began to look at him with confused looks. Alice and Claire exchanged glances, while Carlos shrugged, still surprised by the fact that this troop was so serious and determined.
"The Emperor's Grim Reaper?" Carlos asked slowly, as if trying to process it. "That… is what it looks like?"
Claire shook her head, trying to process what they had just heard. "I don't know. But he really does seem like an invincible warrior, even with such a large body."
Varn, who was walking in front of them, turned his head and replied, "Space Marines like that aren't just soldiers. They are living weapons created to destroy the enemy. Their every step, their every movement, is the embodiment of the Emperor's will to protect humanity."
"Like angels?" Claire asked again.
Varn nodded, smiling slightly. "They could be said to be like angels who are revered by the entire Imperium. Their strength is extraordinary, and they know no fear. They are a symbol of the glory that we must uphold."
The little boy, who didn't seem to feel the slightest bit anxious, stared at the Space Marine Salamander with admiration. "You're not a robot, are you?" he asked innocently. "You look like a giant machine."
The Space Marine, now known as Ember, smiled faintly, though his face remained stern. "I'm not a machine, little one. I'm a soldier who carries out my destiny with honor. However, my body is indeed enriched with the power of technology to ensure that I can survive even the harshest battlefields."
Alice and her group began to understand more about the force they were joining, but there was still much they didn't understand. However, they felt a sense of determination and respect for these soldiers. As Ember had said, they were more than just soldiers, they were the embodiment of something greater—a destiny that came at an unimaginable cost.
After a few minutes of walking, they finally reached a point where the troops were setting up a safe zone. The evacuees were being led to a safer space within the complex that was stocked with food and water. It was a world away from the chaos of the outside world, and for Alice, Claire, Carlos, and the others, it was a new hope.
As they entered the shelter, the young boy who had spoken to Ember earlier looked back at the Space Marine. "You promised to protect me, right?"
Ember looked at him with a determined look. "Of course. We won't let anyone get hurt under our protection."
The boy smiled broadly, as if he had felt a little peace in his heart. She hugged her green doll again, hoping that, perhaps, for the first time since the world began to fall apart, they would find a little peace.