After seeing the other person's outfit, Rhodes imdiately guessed their identity—a Harlequin, known in the Aeldari Lexicon.
They were a very special group among the Eldar, serving the only remaining free Laughing God—Cegorach. These guys were formidable warriors, strong enough to rival the Imperial Army, so Rhodes wasn't surprised that he had attracted their attention.
He had been making a lot of noise in Commorragh City recently—so much so that everyone knew about his actions. Especially that one ti, when he released all the monsters in the Kabal Blackheart's territory.
"Oh! Buddy, don't be so tense. Smile! We're all in the sa business of deceiving people with masks. How about we exchange so trickery techniques when we have ti?" the Harlequin on the other side said casually.
"You're from the Harlequin. What are you doing here? And what did you an by what you just said?" Rhodes asked.
If the Harlequin had discovered his true identity, that would be bad news! These guys might even turn his deeds into a theatrical play and perform it throughout the entire galaxy.
Should he take him out right here? Had this jester already inford the other mbers about him?
"I an no harm! We both enjoy scheming. Honestly, you're just my type," the Harlequin said.
"Who exactly are you? And what do you an by that?" Rhodes frowned and asked.
"Oh! I haven't introduced myself yet! I plan to trick a perverted, disgusting Daemonette into committing suicide! And then turn this creep into the laughingstock of the entire galaxy," the Harlequin said, casually introducing himself while also revealing his ultimate plan.
Hearing this, a cold sweat ran down Rhodes' forehead. He even considered imdiately activating the teleportation bracelet on his wrist and escaping.
This was indeed an introduction! But instead of talking about himself, he spoke of his ultimate plan. This was exactly the kind of thing a Harelqiun—the Laughing God Cegorach—would do.
One day, Slaanesh would exhaust all its power and sacrifice itself to protect the Eldar. Because of this ancient prank, the Laughing God was born, and so of the Eldar chose to believe in this god of humor.
And this Laughing God could indeed manifest in the Webway because he dared not step into the Warp.
After being abandoned by Vect, Lady Malys also made a bet with this entity. As a result, she returned to Commorragh City and beca one of the current rulers.
At that mont, Rhodes' body emitted a golden light, and a golden-armored warrior wielding a massive sword appeared, standing between Rhodes and the harlequin.
"Buddy, don't be so stingy. Good things should be shared."
The golden-armored giant radiated a golden glow.
"Co on, those four bastards are all bad news. But I'm only out to screw over one of them, while you want to take down all four. We have a million reasons to work together," the harlequin said.
The golden-armored giant raised its massive sword and pointed it at the jester.
"I convinced Ynnead to save your son—that was our previous agreent. We've worked together several tis before, and wasn't it always pleasant?" The harlequin started rambling to the golden-armored giant.
The golden-armored giant spoke as well, but Rhodes couldn't hear a word. However, the harlequin seed to understand perfectly.
"What?! You're calling a liar? Do you think you're any better? Who tricked those four idiots, stole their stuff, and then got tricked in return?" The harlequin pointed at the golden warrior's nose and cursed.
The golden-armored giant continued speaking.
"Bullshit! What, now that you've got sothing good, you want to hog it all to yourself? Wouldn't it be better to share?
This guy is the key to my plan. We could pull off sothing big. This ti, we have a real chance to take down all four of those fools!" the harlequin said.
Rhodes' head was filled with question marks. From the looks of it, the Emperor was communicating with the Laughing God Cegorach.
But the Emperor didn't want Rhodes to hear what he was saying—or perhaps Rhodes simply wasn't capable of hearing it yet. anwhile, the Laughing God was deliberately letting him listen. Or maybe, he was making sure Rhodes overheard on purpose!
"Damn it! This is way too unfair!
I've helped you so much, even helped you save your most beloved son, and now you're keeping good things from ?
I don't care! Either you get off that golden throne right now, or I'll take this guy to the Warp and sell him to the highest bidder!"
The giant in golden armor raised the massive sword in his hand, flas blazing intensely, then pointed it at the clown in front of him.
"Hey, I was just kidding, buddy!
You know I always love cracking jokes.
Don't take it so seriously! But this ti, it was this guy who was impersonating , so I had to clean up his ss!
Besides, you know this benefits both of us."
The harlequin made a sly grin and smiled at the golden figure.
"What? So you're disrespecting now?
You're under way more pressure than I am! Your humans are already on the brink of extinction, while the Aeldari can still barely survive, and we have the Webway for protection.
There are also new erging species in the galaxy that could replace humanity. To those four bastards, your humans are no longer indispensable!
And you alone can't handle those four bastards—we have to work together, buddy! Cooperation is the only way we both win.
Just like before, don't forget who helped you uncover the secrets of the Webway, and who helped you settle that matter."
The harlequin pointed at the golden giant's face and cursed.
"..."
The Emperor remained silent.
"Fuck! The only reason you're sitting up there is because of your stupidity! You got played, couldn't even educate your son properly, and now you're blaming ?"
"Hey, you two, what the hell are you talking about? Don't act like I'm not here."
Rhodes frowned and spoke up.
"Aha! This guy is right here, so why not let him decide whether to work with ?"
The harlequin imdiately pointed at Rhodes and spoke.
The golden figure also looked at Rhodes, seemingly lost in thought. Then, after a mont, he lifted his head and said sothing to the clown.
"You bastard, don't push your luck! You know that son of yours isn't coming back."
The golden figure spoke, but Rhodes couldn't hear a word.
"Oh! If that's the case, then maybe this could work. Fine! I'll take another risk!
But you, you golden big guy, if there's ever a good deal, you must think of first! After all, I'm the universe's biggest fan of you!"
The golden giant nodded, then glanced at Rhodes once more, seemingly as if to say "I've settled it." Then, he disappeared.
"Phew! That guy... I think he doesn't have much ti left. Honestly, I kind of like him, I'll even miss him a little."
The harlequin stroked his chin and spoke.
"You are the Laughing God, Cegorach? What were you two just talking about?"
Rhodes asked.
"That's right! You just t your idol! Want an autograph?"
Cegorach gave him a knowing look.
"No thanks, I don't need your autograph."
"Here! Take it, don't be shy!"
But the Laughing God ignored Rhodes' refusal, scribbled a signature, and stuffed a small card into Rhodes' hand.
It was a Joker card, with Aeldari script on it—completely unreadable to Rhodes. However, the card seed to radiate so strange energy.
"This is my signature. Keep it on you, and aside from entities on my level, no one will be able to see your true identity. It's way better than that crappy mask of yours."
The Laughing God said.
"So… this is an ID card?"
"Oh, you could say that! But it's a permanent ID card. As long as I'm alive, it will always be valid."
The Laughing God explained.
"Alright… There's no such thing as a free lunch. What do you want to do for you?"
Rhodes asked.
"You can't help now. Maybe when you've grown stronger—you've got terrifying potential!
Consider this an early investnt. I'll give you the identity of an ancient Aeldari empire noble, so from now on, the Aeldari are your in-laws.
Do whatever you want! Go fight the Tyranids, smash the Daemons, crush the Orks, and even beat up the Necrons if you feel like it.
And if you ever need help, just use that Joker card. My circus can lend you a little hand."
The Laughing God said.
"Hmm… Thanks. So when I grow stronger, will I have to do you a big favor?"
Rhodes asked.
Seems like his relationship with the Emperor isn't too bad—otherwise, the Emperor would've lost his temper and kicked him out earlier.
"Heh heh, that would be best! After all, I'm your most beloved clown!"
Cegorach said.
"Alright. Then, can I use your Webway?"
Rhodes asked.
With the Laughing God's protection and a new identity, this was a great advantage for him.
"Go ahead, use it however you like! As long as it screws over those four idiot bastards, I'll raise both hands, feet, and even my ass in support!"
"Don't worry. In a while, I am planning to go ss with the Daemons."
Rhodes said.
Clap, clap, clap!
The clown imdiately started clapping and gave Rhodes a big thumbs-up.
"Alright! This clown has to go do sothing very dangerous now.
Before I leave, I have a warning for you—your caution before, about never entering the Warp? That was right.
One of those four bastards has already set his eyes on you—greedy, laser-focused, and he might make a move on you soon. Be careful.
Oh, and that gluttonous guy you pissed off? You made him mad. I love it!
But don't worry—he's a public enemy. , the guy behind you, and even those four bastards all want to take him down.
No need to care about his feelings."
Rhodes fell into deep thought.
One of the Four Chaos Gods was targeting him! But which one?
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