As long as I have the physical qualities to crush these veteran Space Marines, I can call myself half a Primarch.
No one can question it. Besides, didn't you guys conduct a genetic test? My genes are pure.
"You're just a bit taller. That doesn't necessarily mean you're stronger than a Space Marine, let alone a Primarch.
Right now, you just look somewhat muscular, but compared to a Space Marine, you're still far behind." Elena shook her head and said.
Indeed, his physique had grown significantly, but there was still a gap compared to a Space Marine. The average height of a Space Marine is between 2.1 to 2.3 meters, and when wearing power armor, they typically stand around 2.3 to 2.4 meters tall.
Meanwhile, this man wasn't even 2 meters tall, probably around 1.95 meters. Among the Astra Militarum, he could be considered strong, but compared to a Space Marine, there was simply no comparison—their arms were thicker than his waist.
Rhodes laughed upon hearing this, then looked towards the cave's interior. Casually, he picked up an Astra Militarum helmet and, right in front of Elena, crushed it into a flat disc with just one hand.
Compared to veteran Space Marines, the Primaris Marines were even stronger, possessing the strength to crush an adult human skull with one hand.
But this helmet was much harder than a human skull—it was forged using advanced interstellar-era technology.
If that wasn't enough, Rhodes decided to demonstrate further. He drew a finely crafted military knife and slid it against his skin.
The razor-sharp military knife didn't even cut his skin, leaving only a faint white mark—just like how a human might get scratched by a tree branch.
Then, Rhodes performed another feat: lifting a military cargo crate weighing over a thousand kilograms with one hand. A mere ton was nothing to him.
"The Emperor above! The Emperor above!
How is this possible?!"
Elena knew exactly how hard an Astra Militarum helmet was—far tougher than a human skull. Crushing it barehanded was an astonishing feat of strength.
If wearing power armor, Space Marines could do that easily. But without power armor? That was nearly impossible.
Astartes were indeed powerful, but they were still within the bounds of humanity.
Yet, a razor-sharp military knife could only leave a faint white scratch on his skin—this level of defense exceeded that of a Space Marine.
Lifting a ton without power armor? Even Astartes couldn't do that.
"You… you are a Primarch!"
"I… I can't be certain. You are stronger than a Space Marine, but… but I can't judge." Elena's mind was in chaos.
"I know this is hard to believe, but I'm telling the truth. I can easily lift tens of tons, and my single punch probably carries a force of over 60 tons." Rhodes waved his hand and said.
He was being conservative—his theoretical punch strength was likely closer to 100 tons.
But since he had just acquired this monstrous power, he still needed time to fully adapt and unleash his body's full potential.
"Th-this… Who… who created you?"
In the history books, the Primarchs were the divine sons created by the great Emperor from his genes.
Astartes, on the other hand, were merely crude imitations—still demi-gods, but only distant descendants of the mighty Primarchs.
So, a Primarch couldn't be born through natural means. Who had created this man before her?
"Are you sure you want to know? Do you even have the clearance?
This secret is immense. Even knowing just a fragment of it would bring you endless trouble—for the rest of your life."
After all, he hadn't decided yet—should he blame an old Imperial doctor? Fabius Bile? Or come up with another explanation?
Hearing his words, Elena nodded in agreement. What Rhodes had said made sense—after all, she was just a humble hospitaller sister.
On the battlefield, her duty was to tend to wounded Astra Militarum soldiers. This time, she had the rare honor of encountering some Astartes during the Tyranid war.
Now, meeting a Primarch—well, half a Primarch— was beyond her wildest dreams.
"I… I really shouldn't know such highly classified secrets. I don't even qualify.
The Emperor above! You… You should come with me to see the captain of the Space Marine Chapter.
He's Frost Warrior, a successor chapter of the Ultramarines.
A great Astartes warrior—he will surely be able to determine if you are truly a… uh… half a Primarch."
If this man was really half a Primarch, his significance was beyond words.
Though… calling him "half a Primarch" felt a bit awkward.
"No need to be nervous. Stay calm, Daughter of the Emperor." Rod reassured her.
The Frost Warriors? A successor chapter of the Ultramarines? He had never heard of them.
He had no idea how strong their captain was, but anyone leading a company of Space Marines had to be formidable.
"I… I can give up my seat in the escape pod for you.
I… I'll stay behind so you can escape." Elena bit her lip and spoke with unwavering determination.
If he truly was half a Primarch, and he possessed such pure human genes, then his survival was paramount—even at the cost of her own life.
Everything was for the Imperium. Sacrifice was inevitable.
"I want to save all of you, not just myself.
Otherwise, I wouldn't have revealed my identity to you.
The Tyranid horde outside is being held back by that massive Titan creature. This is a good thing.
Now, we have a chance to escape this planet. Besides, Sister, I am half a Primarch.
Maybe I'm not as powerful as a true Primarch, but I am beyond what ordinary people can comprehend.
And I would never abandon someone who covered me with a blanket last night and shared half her water with me in the morning…
A kind and beautiful Daughter of the Emperor."
Rhodes gently brushed his fingers against the young hospitaller's cheek and spoke with noble resolve.
At that moment, Elena's eyes sparkled with admiration, and her face flushed slightly.
This Mr. Rhodes… he was a gentleman.
Being protected and praised by a man—this was a heartwarming moment for a young hospitaller sister.
Seeing the shy look on her face, Rhodes felt that everything was just perfect.