Welcome back, faithful followers, to another thrilling episode in our Warhammer 40,000 saga. Today, we journey into the heart of the City of Angels Fall, as brought to life in the riveting novel Dante by Guy Haley. Our protagonist, Luis, stands on the precipice of his destiny, a decision that could change his life forever.
Picture this: a sea of eager candidates, their hearts pounding with anticipation, are gathered in the shadow of the monumental city. Two majestic Space Marines emerge, their armored forms glistening under the muted sun. As they offer the candidates one final chance to retreat and return to their homes, the faint-hearted are weeded out. The brave ones remain, their resolve unwavering, ready to be tested for their physical prowess and sorted into groups.
Among them is Luis, a boy of uncommon courage and determination. When his turn comes, he is ushered up the steps. The towering figure of Arison looms over him, his imposing stature dwarfing even the statue beside them. The Space Marine’s strange scent – a peculiar blend of machine oils, perfume, and a sweet coppery undertone – fills Luis’s nostrils.
Arison wields a device laden with needles that pierce Luis’s skin as they press against it. Despite the pain, Luis remains stoic, his eyes wide with marvel at the Angels’ technology. On Bal Secundus, machines are rugged and battered, scavenged from radiation-blasted cities and endlessly recycled. In contrast, the Angels’ machines are elegant, their design and function far superior to anything Luis has ever seen.
As Arison examines Luis’s physical condition, he uncovers an SS mark on his chest. “Some contamination, nothing too extreme,” he remarks to Ath, a fellow Space Marine who busily scribbles notes onto a parchment. Arison then asks Luis for his name, to which the boy timidly responds, only to repeat it with newfound confidence: “Luis, my Lord.”
Arison probes further into Luis’s state of mind. Despite his fear, Luis is steadfast in his decision. He explains that he is not seeking personal glory or immortality, but rather a chance to serve the Emperor and, through him, mankind itself. This honesty and selflessness earn him an appraising look from Arison.
The conversation takes a twist when Arison asks Luis about his Angel name, a sacred and personal name known only to his family. After a moment’s hesitation, Luis reveals it: Dante. This revelation is met with a nod of approval from Malif, another Space Marine, signaling Luis’s successful initial selection.
The trials that follow are grueling. From mastering the art of combat with various weapons to enduring physical and mental challenges, Luis and his fellow candidates are tested to their limits. The weak are quickly eliminated, their dreams of serving the Emperor crushed under the unforgiving weight of the Angels’ trials.
The final test, however, is the most daunting: a duel. A fight that could cost Luis his life, or seal his destiny forever. Stay tuned for the next episode where we delve into this climactic duel and find out whether Luis – or should we say, Dante – survives the ultimate test.
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