The surface of Planet Kadaku had been completely overrun by the Tyranids.
As far as the eye could see, thick, fleshy masses of brownish-red fungal growth clung densely to shattered rocks and scraps of metal. Countless armored creatures writhed across the landscape, as if the entire planet were alive, breathing, and devouring everything in its path. Murky yellow clouds composed of spores and microscopic organisms drifted through the sky. Occasionally, mantis-like creatures shot through the clouds at lightning speed, slicing the air with sharp, whistling shrieks.
The Imperium had initially planned to use orbital bombardment to purge the contaminants from the invaded planet. However, because of the Aurora Project, they were forced to abandon that idea. After discussion, the only remaining option was to dispatch an Inquisition Deathwatch led by Titus to drop a virus bomb. This would delay the Tyranid forces' advance and buy time until reinforcements arrived.
The assault gunship carrying Titus and his crew plunged into the atmosphere, only to be swallowed instantly by a black tide of countless flying insects. Amid the roar of engines and the screech of tearing metal, the gunship turned into a blazing fireball and spun as it plummeted toward the crimson ground.
Titus, clad in thick gray power armor, was knocked from the gunship by the incoming swarm and took a direct hit. Even if they managed a safe landing, they would be completely separated from their teammates.
When he crawled out of the impact crater, his helmet comms emitted shrill static. His teammates' shouts came only in fragments, and he couldn't transmit back. They had intended to regroup with him but instead found themselves surrounded by the massive Tyranid horde pursuing them.
Just as he swung his sword, massacring the Tyranid creatures, a figure emerged from the thick smoke and spore-filled mist, appearing at his side.
The newcomer rode a mechanical warhorse whose hooves and eyes burned with eerie blue flames. In one hand he held a blaster emitting cold air; in the other, a greatsword radiating icy, frost-like light.
The moment Titus saw the man, his first thought was: This guy is a Chaos traitor.
As he considered whether to open fire, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind, urging caution. He held back.
The newcomer was none other than Datch, who had come to accept the mission. He spurred his horse, firing explosive pistols in rapid succession as he charged into the insect swarm.
Chilling, aura-laden bullets flew out, erupting on impact with terrifying cold that froze the insects' limbs and shattered them into pale blue crystalline shards.
When the Moon Greatsword swung down, it traced a faint arc of light. Whether it passed through chitinous carapace or twisted muscle, it sliced silently apart like a hot knife through wax.
He rampaged through the overwhelming swarm of insects. The horse's hooves trampled frozen flesh and corpses, while the sword's flashes and spear-like flames intertwined to form a vortex of death.
Like the unparalleled warriors of ancient myths who charged through thousands of soldiers, they carved a path through the densest part of the insect horde, forcefully clearing severed limbs and frost-created vacuums.
Titus watched, mesmerized, unconsciously holding his breath. Where in the galaxy did this ferocious god of war come from? His combat style was unorthodox and savage, yet terrifyingly efficient.
The grass-mowing-like slaughter paused temporarily.
Datch returned to Titus. His mechanical warhorse snorted frost and blue flames as if it were alive.
"Demetrian Titus of Metria, is there anything I can do for you?"
Titus suppressed his surprise and suspicion. He wanted to know who this person was and why he was there.
"First, tell me—who exactly are you…?"
"Skip. Skip," Datch immediately interrupted, repeating the same thing.
"What can I help you with?"
Titus frowned. "You won't even accept your own name…?"
"Skip."
"If you don't want to reveal anything, then please…"
"Skip."
"…could you move a little farther away from me?"
"Skip."
"..."
Titus was known for his taciturn and composed personality. But at this moment, he clearly felt the vein in his temple throbbing. As his muscles tensed, the servo systems in his power armor let out a faint whine.
He was literally furious, driven by the urge to punch the guy a few times.
Where the hell did this weirdo come from? He jumps all over the place in conversation and only asks the same generic questions?! "Is there anything I can help with?"
Datch swung his sword, bisecting a bladed insect leaping from the side in mid-air. Thick bodily fluids splattered onto Titus's shoulder armor, forcing him to ask again.
Titus was completely at a loss for words and even let out a laugh from sheer anger.
If this man hadn't demonstrated such terrifying combat prowess and shown no hostility at all, he would have used his boltgun for a more in-depth conversation.
He resolved to cut communications, turn back to find his comrades, and complete the mission of deploying the virus bomb.
He had only taken two steps when a strange wind that completely ignored physical laws suddenly appeared from nowhere, lifting him off the ground.
Titus spun rapidly in the air like a puppet caught in an invisible vortex, tumbling wildly. He roared and thrashed his limbs in resistance. His power armor's joints operated at full power, but with no leverage point, escaping this bizarre force's restraint was impossible.
Datch trotted over on his mechanical warhorse. Looking up at the spinning Titus, his voice remained calm. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Put me down, I…"
"Skip…"
Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!
Titus could no longer hold back and exploded. His thunderous roar broke through the comms static and echoed on the dedicated channel.
By the Emperor, if I have committed any sin, please punish me in the Imperial Court. Do not send such a scoundrel to torment me.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" Datch asked again.
Titus could endure no more. He realized that if the other side didn't achieve its goal, he might be trapped here and die.
"I was ordered to deploy the virus bomb, but the gunship crashed due to the Tyranid attack and I was separated from my team. Can you help me find them and complete the virus deployment mission?"
The moment he finished speaking, a mission directive appeared in Datch's view.
[Mission: Assist Demetrian Titus in locating the other teammates and completing the deployment of the virus bomb.]
The Tyranid swarm has begun its invasion of Planet Kadaku, with overwhelming numbers threatening to devour the entire world. Please assist the Deathwatch in completing the virus dispersal.
[Quest Rewards: 1300 EXP, 1300 Points, +300 Reputation, Cursed Legion Skin ×1]
Wow, this mission gives a skin! The usual Cursed Legion style—not bad, not bad at all.
"I'll help you find your teammates to deploy the virus bomb."
Datch accepted the mission immediately upon seeing the rewards and snapped his fingers.
The wind binding Titus vanished instantly. Titus crashed hard onto the ground, kicking up dust.
Datch said nothing more. He pulled the reins; the mechanical warhorse neighed and galloped toward the mission marker.
At the same time, Datch tossed a Poke Ball into the sky, summoning Zarhulash.
Why not summon Warp creatures like the Changeling or Masked Dancer?
He was a bit worried that his lack of familiarity with NPC Titus might lower their favorability.
After all, the Imperium of Man and Warp entities had been hostile and hateful toward each other for a very long time. Summoning a Masked Dancer or Changeling in front of NPCs with insufficient intimacy would definitely cause a lot of trouble, so it was better not to.
Zarhulash already knew the route quite well. Upon arrival, it became a beast shouldering the heavy labor on the battlefield. Every gesture unleashed terrifying energy beams, annihilating the xenos creatures one after another.
Titus's pupils dilated wildly when he saw Datch summon a C'Tan fragment; he was almost dumbfounded.
This man's actions are truly bizarre. Moreover, he can even control a C'Tan fragment. Could he be a disguised ruler of the Necrons?
Titus was filled with doubt and confusion. However, the situation was extremely unstable, and there were no other options. He suppressed his suspicions and decided to trust the other party for now.
Datch and Zarhulash crushed the earthly creatures, carving a bloody path. Titus followed closely behind, gunning down the still-breathing unfortunates one by one.
This Deathwatch squad consisted of five members: Captain Titus, Ceres Tros, Orpha, Darius, and Beren. Their objective was to use a ground-based launcher to fire the virus bomb into the stratosphere, releasing a lethal viral cloud across the world to exterminate the Tyranid swarm.
Datch first headed to the crash site, where he spotted friendly forces on the mini-map. Following the mini-map's guidance, he quickly located Darius and Beren from the Deathwatch.
With their backs to a massive wreck, the two Astartes had formed a fragile defensive line. The roar of boltguns and the whine of chainswords echoed continuously. However, countless insects surged from all directions like a tidal wave, threatening to swallow them completely.
Beren's leg armor was corroded and cracked by acid, with green fluid seeping from the wounds. Yet he fought on, roaring like a beast and tearing apart every Tyranid he encountered.
Unfortunately, against overwhelming numbers, even the bravest actions became meaningless. After smashing another bladed insect, Beren was attacked and nearly torn apart.
At that moment, Datch and Zarhulash sliced through the insect swarm like a ship cutting waves, easing the pressure on the two Deathwatch members and leaving Tyranid corpses scattered across the battlefield.
After killing another Tyranid creature, Datch approached Beren, pulled out a golden hammer, and lightly tapped the limping Space Marine.
A clear sound rang out, and soft golden light enveloped the poison-infested wound. The injury healed instantly and completely.
Beren's pain vanished in an instant, and his tense posture visibly relaxed.
"This!"
Beren exclaimed in astonishment as he felt his body regain health.
Titus and Darius, who had just arrived, were speechless with shock at the miraculous sight.
Before they could ask questions, Datch mounted his mechanical warhorse again and headed off to find the next mission objective using the mini-map.
The three, including Titus, exchanged helpless and bewildered looks before following the blood-soaked path the other had carved.
From beneath a collapsed section of a massive pipe that had fallen like a wall came the echoing cries of fierce battle.
"For Fenris and all the Allfather!!"
The Wolf Child Orpha was covered in blood, with a mountain of insect corpses piled at his feet. His explosive pistol had long overheated and been discarded; now he wielded a chainsaw-equipped war axe in both hands.
Like a merciless executioner, he cut down the oncoming enemies, but the insect swarm seemed endless. His movements gradually grew exhausted, and he was eventually overwhelmed and knocked to the ground.
At that moment, a bladed insect seized the opportunity and thrust its scythe-like foreleg straight at his neck.
Orpha thought he was going to die.
The next instant, a loud explosion rang out.
Orpha witnessed a tall mechanical warhorse knock the bladed insect flying, slamming it hard into the wall. Immediately after, Zarhulash's beams swept them clean, eradicating most of the swarming insects around them.
Datch swung his Moon Sword, slaughtering the remaining enemies. Their limbs scattered in all directions.
Orpha panted heavily, gazing at Datch with eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and intense wariness.
Ignoring the NPCs' stares, Datch mounted his beloved horse and galloped toward the next quest objective.
Orpha was somewhat puzzled. He saved me, yet just left like that?
Only when Titus and the others arrived did he realize the mysterious man was helping them complete their mission.
"Who is he?" Orpha asked.
"I don't know," Titus shook his head. "He appeared out of nowhere, and his actions are very strange."
"When I spoke to him, I nearly broke down crying."
"This guy has the skill to rattle even our captain," Beren said.
"I agree," Orpha nodded.
"Let's go. Enough idle talk—we need to follow him to find Ceres Tros."
Titus advanced along the path Datch had carved, with the others following closely behind.
...
The final destination was the launch site.
When Datch arrived, the last member of the Deathwatch, Ceres Tros, was holding position outside the control panel. With precise bursts of fire, he prevented the swarm from destroying critical equipment and sliced apart enemies attacking with his chainsword.
Even when alone, he fearlessly continued shouting for the Emperor and Saint Gill.
Datch, together with Zarhulash, swept away the threats around the platform with overwhelming force, sending limbs and torsos flying everywhere they went.
This allowed Ceres Tros to reunite with the gradually arriving Titus and the others.
The five members of the Deathwatch stood side by side, watching with complex expressions the nameless man riding a mechanical warhorse accompanied by a C'Tan fragment.
The mission that had initially seemed brutally impossible had become astonishingly easy thanks to the other's intervention.
Datch charged into the orbital launch field and guided Titus and the others to the orbital launch station.
All Imperial personnel inside the launch field were dead, with torn corpses and debris scattered everywhere.
Titus and the others were accustomed to such scenes. They passed through the mangled bodies, loaded the portable virus bomb into the launch silo, repaired the damaged sections, and prepared for launch.
The Tyranid hive mind seemed to sense the lethal threat, and the swarm's attacks intensified.
Massive, tank-like Tyrant Guards smashed through the walls with heavy footsteps. Behind them, countless warrior insects and blade insects poured into the hall.
Acid, bone spikes, and plasma surged like a storm.
However, with Datch's extraordinary skill and Zarhulash's assistance, they managed to hold back the insect horde.
Titus and his team advanced step by step, progressing through the launch procedures.
When the final launch button was pressed, a deafening roar and violent vibration echoed throughout the launch field.
Circular magnetic tracks lit up one by one, forming a special propulsion field.
The massive projectile carrying the virus bomb was accelerated by the force field and finally launched into the sky, vanishing like a meteor into the dark clouds above.
Seconds later, an eerie green light flashed in the sky.
It spread silently like ink dripping into water, quickly dyeing the entire Tyranid spore cloud.
The clouds churned violently and began to shrink. Countless tiny creatures fell like raindrops, dead.
While the virus could not exterminate every unit, it inflicted severe damage on the Tyranid swarm—enough to buy time until follow-up forces arrived.
Realizing defeat, the will of the Swarm descended into madness.
The surviving Tyranid creatures, regardless of size, charged desperately toward the launch site, trying to tear these humans apart before death claimed them.
Just as Datch and the Deathwatch members prepared for the final battle, the roar of engines came from above the clouds.
Several gunships bearing the Ultramarines emblem pierced through the toxic gas clouds.
Aerial bombs unleashed concentrated destructive fire toward the ground, while missiles exploded with thunderous booms, creating swirling vortices of flame.
Immediately after, a massive blue shadow leaped from a gunship hatch and slammed like a meteor into the densest part of the swarm, blasting away hordes of Tyranid creatures.
The newcomer was Marneus Calgar, Chapter Master of the Ultramarines.
He stood tall on the battlefield, unleashing terrifying firepower upon the enemy.
His laurel-crowned Honor Guard also leaped down to protect their lord.
The last one even brought a portable stretcher, just in case.
With the Ultramarines' support, the insect swarm's attack was shattered.
"Nameless Lord." Calgar crossed the devastated battlefield, stood before Datch, and bowed his head.
Titus and the others were shocked by this.
Calgar showed genuine respect to this mysterious man.
Datch ignored the other man, instead slipping away with bouncy steps.
Calgar, accustomed to this, turned to Titus.
"Titus, it's been a while."
"I came as soon as I heard you were here."
"When I learned of your plane crash, I really thought we had lost you."
"Fortunately, you received help from the Nameless One."
"You were looking for—"
"Me?"
Titus's voice was filled with surprise, as if he thought he had misheard. "I thought you considered me a disgrace and didn't come looking."
"No," Calgar shook his head. "I've been searching for you all along, but the judge who took you hid himself too cleverly. We tried everything but found no information."
"Really?" Titus was somewhat excited. He hadn't been abandoned by the Chapter; the Chapter simply couldn't find him.
"..."
Datch paid no attention to Calgar and Titus's reminiscing and went to check the mission rewards.
[Mission Completed! Congratulations on assisting Demetrian Titus in locating the other teammates and successfully deploying the virus bomb.]
Quest Rewards: 1300 EXP, 1300 Points, +300 Reputation, Cursed Legion Skin ×1
Upon seeing the cool Cursed Legion skin, Datch decided to use it immediately.
The original Lich King skin was instantly replaced with the Cursed Legion skin.
"Handsome."
Datch looked at his reflection in the mirror and couldn't help praising himself.
He then opened the mini-map.
The Ultramarines had arrived as support. Story quests here aren't updated that frequently.
With the free time from having no story missions, how about transforming the Mountain God into a ship girl first?
Datch took out his teleport gun, input the coordinates for the mountain position, activated the teleport portal, and jumped inside.
We're preparing to give the Imperial Fists a little ship girl shock.
…
PS: Support me and read advanced chapters at patreon.com/AbsoluteCode