Deep within the colossal rock-citadel, the circular hall was extremely dark and stifling. The only light sources were a massive holographic projector engraved with the winged sword emblem on the dome and the flickering flames of candelabras embedded in the surrounding walls.
Light and shadow danced across Azrael's armor, giving him an extremely grim and somber expression.
Gathered around the round table for the strategy meeting were the core members of the Dark Angels. After a heated discussion, the Dark Angels decided to change the course of the Stone Fortress.
First, they would head to the location where the false Primarch had appeared and annihilate all the Fallen Angels gathered there. Along the way, they would use the flagship's cannons to blow the shameless traitor who called himself Lion El'Jonson into pieces.
Once the false original was dealt with, they would use every available means to locate the Nameless One. No matter where he fled or hid, the wrath of the First Legion would inevitably catch up to him.
They had to reclaim the stolen secrets at any cost. Otherwise, they must seal them away forever.
...
Terra Gloria – Grand Strategy Room
The atmosphere here was both vibrant and solemn.
Beyond the enormous curved observation windows lay the slowly rotating sea of stars and the bustling operational scenes of the fleet.
In the center of the room was a holographic star map resembling a miniature Milky Way, dotted with countless glowing points and flickering data streams.
Lion El'Jonson and Sanguinius stood side by side in front of the star map.
Both Primarchs were tall and imposing, yet their auras were completely different.
Lion was like an ancient rock weathered by wind and rain, standing silently deep within a dense forest. Every contour bore the marks of time and the cold ruthlessness of decisive action.
Sanguinius was like a snow-capped mountain peak bathed in morning sunlight—perfect and sacred. Wrapped in a golden glow and his wings, he seemed enveloped in an aura that was gentle yet undeniably divine in its majesty.
"The situation on the dark side of the Imperium is truly dire," Lion said, tracing with his finger the gray zones marked "Warp Storms," "Communication Blackouts," and "Lost Contact" on the star map.
Without the guidance of the Starlight, every warp jump felt like tightrope walking blindfolded. Each plunge was a gamble with death at one's side. The slightest mistake could lead to the destruction of the ship and the loss of countless lives.
The Sadrika Beacon could provide the Emperor's directives for certain regions, but it was far from enough. Many areas remained in blackout, desperately needing rescue.
"Even in the darkness, hope remains," Sanguinius's voice was strong. With the help of the Nameless Ones, they would surely prevail.
"The Thousand Eyes warband is nesting in the Black Sable System like a malignant tumor." The Archangel's hand pointed to a red zone. "If we can eradicate it, not only will long-lost peace return to this sector, but you will also gain a stable base of operations."
"You can expand your influence outward from this star system, while I, starting from Baal, can establish two powerful strategic strongholds to stabilize the chaotic regions on the dark side of the Imperium."
Sanguinius looked at Lion and spoke cautiously, "I have brought a fleet and troops sufficient to launch a new expedition. Moreover, judging from the Nameless One's attitude, he will likely remain by your side for the time being and assist in building a stable rear support system."
Lion nodded, showing no feigned refusal.
He keenly understood how unstable the current state of the Imperium was. No matter how many miracles the Nameless Ones had performed, compared to the vast human empire spanning hundreds of thousands of light years—with its countless populations, bloated bureaucracy, and deep-rooted internal and external problems—they were nothing more than pebbles thrown into the ocean.
The Great Rift had not only torn the galaxy apart but also split the human Imperium in two. It had also dealt a fatal blow to the ancient Imperial system, which had long relied on rusty, ossified faith and oppressive rule.
Planetary governors declared themselves kings, military commanders raised private armies, factions within the Ecclesiarchy fought each other, and the Mechanicum hoarded technology…
Even in victory, overturning such deeply entrenched structural collapse in a short time would be extremely difficult.
The visit of the Blood Angels had brought invaluable support and the warmth of a brotherly reunion, but it was painfully brief.
After a night of deep discussion on strategy, the present, memories, and the future, Sanguinius handed over command of the fleet and the supply list to Lion before departing.
During this period, Datch had entered full task-completion work mode.
With no main storyline missions available, he wandered the world looking for work. Using his teleport gun and minimap, he instantly teleported to the side of various NPCs in need of help.
Border outposts under Ork assault. Mechanicus educational facilities that had been hacked. Civilians unable to endure the planetary governor's oppression.
These tasks usually rewarded only experience points and credits, with no valuable items.
Yet Datch greatly enjoyed clearing them. His passive skills, nurtured by massive amounts of experience, were growing at an astonishing rate. He aimed for Grandmaster level—or even beyond.
Setting aside items and summoned creatures, if one judged purely by combat ability, he could easily become a company captain if he returned to the era of the Great Crusade.
Datch was working desperately to level up. This was preparation for the subsequent searches, attacks, and retreats in the Warp.
He knew full well that the Warp NPCs' favorability toward him had long turned negative. If they failed to evacuate and fell into the hands of evil daemons, Chaos Gods, or even stranger entities filled with pent-up rage, the consequences would be unimaginable.
On Lion's side, after integrating the forces left by Sanguinius, they began preparations for a full-scale assault on the Thousand Eyes warband. The goal was to uproot this cancer in one stroke and establish a solid rearguard.
Initially, Lion had discussed the plan with the Nameless One, hoping he would provide some assistance in defeating the Thousand Eyes.
No matter whom Lion sent to search or went himself, the Nameless One ignored him. When the two met face to face, the other completely disregarded him—hopping, bouncing, and sliding away while running.
Even if they managed a few minutes of conversation, the moment the other shouted "Skip!" Lion became extremely irritated.
This was the first time he had ever been so thoroughly ignored. After all, he was once the commander of the First Legion that dominated the galaxy and the Emperor's eldest son.
Couldn't the man at least show him some respect when going out?
Unfortunately, no matter how much Lion complained, Datch continued to ignore him.
An Emperor without a mission was no different from a roadside whore. Needless to say, the same applied to a Primarch.
...
After several failed attempts, Lion gave up and excluded the other party from the plan.
After the preparation period, Lion completed the pre-battle deployment. Having resolved to launch an all-out attack on the Black Sable System—the heart of the Thousand Eyes warband—they swore to purge this chaotic force.
At that moment, Datch noticed that Lion's icon on the minimap had updated to a golden question mark.
Datch immediately grew excited. He had finally reached the main storyline quest. He was getting tired of side quests.
Thanks to the minimap's navigation function, Datch arrived at the bridge of the Terra Gloria.
With fluid, almost eerily smooth movements and short flashes of light, he wove through the officers and crew busy with battle preparations.
He slid smoothly up to Lion's side at the strategy meeting table, came to an abrupt stop, and spoke with an impatient tone:
"Your Excellency, Lord of Caliban, great warrior—may I ask if there is anything I can do for you?"
Lion looked at the nameless man with an expression of utter helplessness.
Nowadays, the moment anyone mentioned attacking the Thousand Eyes warband, these people would come running with fawning expressions.
Honestly, are you using a sub-account created by the Emperor himself? You can only be mobilized when war breaks out!
Despite his complaints, Lion still prioritized the important matter. He quickly suppressed his emotions and pointed at the planet Sable System on the holographic star map, covered in bright red markers.
"Sable System is the headquarters of the Thousand Eyes warband, and their leader Seraphax is hiding here as well."
"According to reliable sources, Seraphax possesses a Chaos artifact of unknown origin but terrifying power."
"If the enemy uses this relic in the final battle, it will undoubtedly inflict devastating losses on our forces that we cannot endure."
Lion withdrew his hand and looked at Datch beside him.
"In the final battle, I hope you will focus on that sacred relic and its power." He stepped forward carefully with his sword in hand.
Inside was a magnificent throne room.
Lion's eyes immediately locked onto the throne. It was made of countless skulls and still-twitching eyeballs. He noticed that no one was sitting on it.
Suddenly, Seraphax burst forth, holding a staff embedded with a strange polyhedral crystal at its tip.
It emitted a pure, pitch-black beam that swallowed all other light.
Part of the beam was blocked and dissipated by the Emperor's Shield, but several rays struck Lion directly. He felt a slight numbness, and the Emperor's Shield slipped from his hand.
Immediately afterward, countless chains mixed with evil power shot out, binding Lion's limbs and rendering him immobile.
Realizing his plan had succeeded, Seraphax removed his helmet, revealing a face twisted with a mad grin.
"Father, you are as powerful as you were ten thousand years ago. Unfortunately, I too have learned new tricks over these ten thousand years."
"I always sensed you would return. All of this was prepared for you. A surprise, isn't it?"
"Don't worry. An even bigger surprise awaits you."
Lion: "..."
Another one of my children? What kind of terrifying karma have they sown? One or two of them are actually plotting to harm their elderly father!
…
…
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