In the deep void, the Iron Warriors fleet, like wolves pouncing from the shadows, bared their fangs at the elegant and massive Aeldari Craftworld. The first volley of macro-cannons and lances, like a destructive downpour, slammed heavily into the semi-transparent, softly glowing energy shield surrounding the Craftworld.
Violent energy impacts rippled across the shield's surface, emitting a piercing screech like thousands of crystals shattering simultaneously, and the light instantly became dazzling. The shield stubbornly withstood this fierce attack, deflecting or absorbing most of the destructive energy, with only a slight tremor reaching the Craftworld's interior, causing a gentle ground vibration.
Inside the Craftworld, the previously serene atmosphere was instantly shattered. Aeldari civilians looked up in astonishment, feeling the unusual vibrations from beneath their feet and the unsettling energy shriek in the air. Although the shield blocked most of the explosions' roar and direct damage, the shield's wailing, on the verge of its limit, was enough for every Aeldari to realize—they were under attack!
The Autarch seers in the Craftworld's core command temple reacted extremely swiftly. The leading Autarch, an elder in ornate robes with an aged face but sharp eyes, immediately issued the highest level of alert throughout the Craftworld via the energy network.
"Evacuate immediately to internal shelters according to the designated routes! Evacuate now!"
"Activate all defensive arrays! Maximize energy node output!"
"All warriors, assemble immediately, prepare to engage the enemy!"
Orders rippled rapidly across the Craftworld. Though panicked, the Aeldari civilians did not descend into chaos; led by their guides, they moved quickly and orderly towards safer areas deep within the Craftworld. Simultaneously, countless hidden turrets and laser arrays slowly rose from the seemingly graceful, flowing hull of the Craftworld, and energy weapons began to charge, emitting a low hum.
Swift figures, like arrows from a bowstring, rushed from every corner of the Craftworld's interior towards the periphery. Striking Scorpions in light armor wielding shuriken weapons; Howling Banshees emitting piercing war cries and brandishing Power Claws; and those silent, heavily armored Striking Scorpions, like embodiments of death... The Aeldari war machine, under the threat of invaders, swiftly awoke.
In the dark void, the Iron Warriors' bombardment did not cease. The second and third volleys followed in quick succession, like tireless hammers, continuously pounding the tottering energy shield. The shield's light flickered violently, its surface ripples becoming chaotic and unstable, emitting a piercing shriek of unbearable strain, as if glass was about to shatter.
The Autarch seer's face was grim; he could clearly feel the rapid depletion of the shield's energy and structural damage. "Full speed retreat! Initiate emergency warp jump protocol! The enemy is well-prepared, and their intentions are hostile!" He decisively issued further commands, attempting to extricate the Craftworld from this dangerous star system.
However, just as the Craftworld's engines began to accumulate energy, attempting an emergency maneuver—
"Boom—! ! !"
A focused lance strike, thicker and more dazzling than any before, like a divine sword, precisely hit one of the most turbulent energy nodes of the shield!
It was as if the entire universe fell silent for a moment, followed by a deafening roar, as if the whole world was collapsing! The energy shield that had protected the Craftworld for countless ages, like a crystal dome struck by a heavy hammer, instantly shattered into countless scattered energy fragments, vanishing into nothingness!
Stripped of its shield, the Iron Warriors' subsequent artillery fire rained down like hail directly upon the Craftworld's elegant wraithbone hull! Macro-cannons tore open massive craters, laser beams carved through exquisite architecture, and the fires and smoke of explosions instantly spread across the Craftworld's surface! Countless exquisite spires, archways, and gardens were pulverized by the bombardment, their fragments scattering like mourning snowflakes in the void.
Following the artillery fire, assault torpedoes launched like a swarm of bees from the Iron Warriors' warships! These crude, sturdy metal constructs, trailing fiery wakes, plunged like deadly javelins into the wounds just torn open by the bombardment, or directly forced their way through relatively weaker areas of the Craftworld!
"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"
A series of dull impacts echoed inside the Craftworld. The assault torpedoes' hatches burst open with the hiss of hydraulics, revealing the eager killing machines within!
Iron Warriors, clad in heavy, rusted Power Armour, surged forth like an iron tide! Wielding massive boarding shields and various heavy Bolters and meltaguns, they let out fervent war cries the moment they stepped onto Aeldari soil:
"For the Iron Lord!"
"Iron Within, Iron Without!"
Dense heavy firepower instantly poured out towards everything moving and non-Iron Warriors in the vicinity! Bolter shells exploded against exquisite walls and pillars, tearing apart fragile Aeldari civilians along with the architecture behind them.
An Iron Warriors warrior, wielding a roaring chainsword, charged towards a group of panicked Aeldari civilians attempting to flee to a shelter. These non-combatants were defenseless against the Astartes. The chainsword, with its piercing noise and spraying gore, instantly cut two civilians in half at the waist, their screams abruptly silenced.
However, this Iron Warriors' killing spree did not continue.
A green figure, like a phantom, darted out from the shadows on the side, moving so fast it left only an afterimage! It was a Striking Scorpions, one hand gripping a massive power sabre, the other equipped with a Death Spinner!
"Screech—!"
A cold light flashed! The Iron Warriors, who had just been rampaging, along with his heavy Power Armour, was cleanly sliced in two at the waist by the Striking Scorpions' power sabre! His upper body, with a look of astonishment, slid to the ground, while his lower body stood for a moment before crashing down.
Another nearby Iron Warriors reacted swiftly, immediately turning his gun towards the Striking Scorpions. However, before he could pull the trigger, an inconspicuous device on the Striking Scorpions' helmet flashed slightly—a Mandiblasters!
An invisible energy instantly impacted the Iron Warriors' nervous system, his movements stiffened, and there was an extremely brief delay. It was this fraction of a second of vulnerability that determined life or death. The Striking Scorpions lunged as if teleporting, his power sabre carving a deadly arc, precisely severing the Iron Warriors' head! The head, wearing an ancient Mark IV helmet, tumbled away, and the headless body gushed blood, falling heavily to the ground.
As more and more Aeldari warriors arrived on the battlefield, fierce skirmishes and close-quarters combat erupted in the outer regions of the Craftworld. The hiss of shuriken weapons intertwined with the roar of Bolters, and the energy flashes of colliding power weapons periodically lit up.
On the Iron Warriors' side, heavier forces began to be deployed. Several heavily armored warriors in Tartaros Terminator Armour, like mobile fortresses, stepped onto Aeldari soil, their assault cannons and Power Fists bringing devastating suppressive firepower. And the Aeldari, in turn, summoned their ancient constructs of war—Wraith Constructs. These massive combat automatons, driven by wraithbone and energy cores, wielded psychic blades, clashing violently with the Iron Warriors' Terminators, each engagement erupting in deafening roars and scattered energy sparks.
As the Iron Warriors' landing forces had entered the Craftworld, their fleet ceased large-scale bombardment to avoid friendly fire, but more assault torpedoes and drop pods continued to pour out of the manifested warships, continuously delivering troops to the Craftworld's surface. Meanwhile, the Craftworld's own defensive artillery was already prepared, dense laser beams and plasma projectiles whistled into the void, precisely striking an approaching Iron Warriors frigate. The frigate's void shield rapidly overloaded under the concentrated fire, and its hull was repeatedly hit, breaking into two in a series of violent explosions, becoming a massive fireball and debris in the star sea.
In the command center, the Autarch seer watched grimly as red engagement zones continuously lit up on the holographic tactical map. He asked the Farseer responsible for intelligence analysis in a deep voice, "Can you confirm the invaders' identity and motives?"
The Farseer closed his eyes, sensed for a moment, then opened them, his voice tinged with disbelief and anger: "They are humans... Astartes... but their markings... their motives... are currently unclear, but their objective is clear, and their assault is fierce, aimed directly at the Craftworld's core!"
"Humans?!" The Autarch seer clenched his fists abruptly, his aged fingers trembling slightly from the effort, knuckles white. His eyes burned with raging fury, an intense hatred for betrayal and brutal invasion, "These damned humans! They dare to actively attack our Craftworld! They will pay for this! With blood!"
The seemingly lightly defended, artistic Craftworld, under the invaders' iron heel, revealed its other side hidden beneath peace—a home forged like a sturdy fortress. Agile defensive fortifications, interlocking firing points, and the warriors' exquisite skill all caused considerable trouble for the invaders.
However, they faced the Iron Warriors. A Legion most skilled and most zealous in siege warfare.
In a wide main corridor connecting the external landing points and the internal core area, the battle reached a temporary stalemate. Aeldari warriors used cover and their high speed for guerrilla tactics, inflicting continuous casualties on the advancing Iron Warriors.
At this point, the Iron Warriors demonstrated their excellent siege coordination. Several warriors with massive boarding shields quickly moved forward, arranging thick shields side by side, forming an impenetrable wall of steel in the wide corridor! They half-crouched, slamming their shields heavily to the ground, forming a stable mobile bulwark.
The shuriken fired by the Aeldari warriors struck the thick boarding shields, producing a crisp clanging sound. Most were deflected, having little effect. Meanwhile, the Iron Warriors calmly and precisely fired deadly Bolter rounds from the firing ports of their shields. Each burst of fire could claim the life of an Aeldari warrior attempting to peek out and shoot or move quickly.
"Advance steadily! Crush them!" a Sergant of the Iron Warriors commanded coldly from behind the shield wall.
The iron bulwark began to advance slowly and steadily like a road roller along the corridor, moving deeper into the Aeldari defensive positions. The light fire of the Aeldari warriors was difficult to stop, forcing them to retreat and find new blocking points.
On the periphery of the Craftworld, fires burned and battles raged everywhere. Elegant Wraithbone structures were reduced to ruins, and delicate courtyards were riddled with shell craters. Iron clashed with Wraithbone, Bolter rounds intertwined with shurikens, and warriors from both sides constantly fell in fierce firefights and brutal melee combat. Blood stained this once peaceful land. The cruelty of war descended upon this drifting Craftworld without reservation.
The battle for the Craftworld had reached a fever pitch, with every corridor and every plaza becoming a bloody meat grinder. The clash of iron and Wraithbone, the roar of Bolters and the hiss of shurikens, the wails of the dying and the roars of the warriors, intertwined into a cruel symphony of death.
In a relatively open, domed hall, a heavily armored Iron Warrior, clad in Tartaros Terminator armor, was unleashing a storm of metal from his roaring assault cannon into the air. A Howling Banshee, utilizing the Aeldari's unique agility, swiftly weaved between the broken pillars, letting out an ear-piercing war cry as she tried to approach this iron behemoth. However, the Terminator warrior's precisely calculated barrage sealed off all her evasive space.
"Bang bang bang bang bang—!"
The dense Bolter fire instantly engulfed the Howling Banshee. Her lithe figure was torn to shreds in mid-air, falling like a broken-winged bird, blood and armor fragments scattering across the ground.
The Terminator warrior's lips, hidden beneath his heavy helmet, seemed to curl into a cold, cruel smile. However, before the smile could fully form, an extremely concentrated, bright green beam of light, radiating deadly high temperatures, shot out like a gaze from the god of death from a hidden firing port at the other end of the hall!
"Sizzle—!"
The beam instantly struck the Tartaros Terminator's chest plate! The heavy armor, capable of withstanding heavy artillery bombardment, rapidly melted and vaporized like snow in the sun before this focused energy beam! Along with the internal flesh and bones, half of his chest and one arm instantly vanished, leaving only a massive void with edges glowing with dark red molten traces!
The Terminator warrior's massive body stiffened for a moment, then crashed to the ground with a dull thud as his heavy armor collided with the floor, kicking up a cloud of dust.
In another relatively narrow but crucial connecting corridor, the iron bulwark formed by boarding shields continued to advance steadily, Bolter rounds constantly firing from the ports, suppressing the Aeldari warriors' firepower.
A Striking Scorpions warrior, like a leopard in the shadows, darted through the interwoven net of Bolter fire with speed far exceeding human reaction limits and an unpredictable movement technique. He suddenly pushed off the bullet-riddled Wraithbone wall to his side, his body arcing gracefully through the air, and incredibly, he barely managed to leap over the iron shield wall, landing within the Iron Warriors' formation behind it!
The moment he landed, his Power Sword had already transformed into a deadly cold light, piercing with pinpoint accuracy into the side of the helmet of an Iron Warrior who was focused on shooting! The blade tip penetrated the armor, shredding the brain within. The Iron Warrior collapsed to the ground without a sound.
The Striking Scorpions warrior did not pause, abruptly pulling out his war blade, his body smoothly executing a low, spinning motion. The war blade swept up from below, tracing a fierce arc of light!
"Rip—!"
An Iron Warrior who had just reacted and was swinging his roaring chainaxe at him instantly froze. From his abdomen to his chest, his power armor was neatly sliced open with a huge gash, internal organs and blood gushing out like a broken dam. He looked down in disbelief, then fell to the ground, dead.
In a flash of lightning, two Iron Warriors were killed! The Striking Scorpions warrior displayed the terrifying close-quarters combat skills of an Aeldari elite warrior.
However, just as he had exhausted his old strength and new strength had yet to be generated, an Iron Warrior positioned slightly further back in the formation had already raised the short, dangerous Meltagun in his hand!
"Whirr—!"
A scorching white light flashed! A terrifying heatwave instantly swept through the area! The Striking Scorpions warrior had no time to make any evasive moves. His position, along with a small surrounding area, instantly vaporized under the extreme high temperature, leaving only a charred crater with molten edges and a nauseating burnt smell lingering in the air.
This brave Striking Scorpions warrior sacrificed his life to break the stalemate.
However, his sacrifice was not without value. The brief chaos and slaughter he caused behind the tightly knit iron line attracted the attention of many Iron Warriors behind the shield wall, and also caused an extremely subtle pause and a gap in the shield wall's advance and firepower.
It was at this very instant!
"For Khaine of the Bloody Hand!" Accompanied by an Aeldari war cry, several Striking Scorpions warriors, poised and ready, charged out from behind cover like tigers unleashed, under the cover of a tall Wraith construct, pouncing towards the iron shield wall!
The Wraith construct wielded its massive psychic blade, savagely hacking at the shield wall, erupting with deafening roars and dazzling energy sparks, forcing several boarding shields to tilt backward, exposing the Iron Warriors behind them!
The Striking Scorpions warriors seized the opportunity to break through, their Power Swords and Death Claws wildly swinging, instantly tearing open a gap in the Iron Warriors' line and inflicting significant casualties!
Seeing that the shield wall formation was about to be breached, an Iron Warrior heavy weapons specialist in Terminator armor, positioned further back for support, immediately swung the barrel of his powerful twin-linked assault cannon!
"Boom boom boom boom boom—!!!"
Dull, drum-like firing sounds erupted! Dense Bolter rounds swept towards the rampaging Wraith construct and the Striking Scorpions warriors beside it like a metallic storm!
Most of the Bolter rounds struck the Wraith construct's sturdy Wraithbone hull, exploding into countless fragments, but failed to destroy it immediately. However, this Terminator warrior's aim was extremely precise, and several Bolter rounds cunningly struck the spirit stone in the Wraith construct's chest, which served as its energy core and emitted a soft glow!
"Crack—!"
The spirit stone shattered with a crisp sound! The Wraith construct's massive body instantly stiffened, the light in its eyes extinguished, and its psychic blade, halfway through a swing, also dimmed, turning into a motionless pile of scrap metal.
And without the cover of the Wraith construct, those Striking Scorpions warriors who had just breached the line were immediately exposed to the Terminator's terrifying firepower! Dense Bolter rounds instantly covered them. Their tough armor, under such close-range concentrated fire, was like paper. Several brave Striking Scorpions warriors were torn to shreds in an instant, blood and severed limbs splattering everywhere.
This sudden reversal caused the hearts of the Aeldari warriors defending this area to sink. Their gaze was involuntarily drawn to the rampaging Terminator and the gruesome scene he had caused.
However, just as the Aeldari warriors' attention was drawn to the fierce engagement on the main battlefield, danger had already quietly descended from the flank!
On another side of the Craftworld, a relatively weakly defended area, originally considered difficult to directly land upon, numerous Iron Warriors assault torpedoes, relying on their sturdy hulls and precise navigation, forcibly pushed through the not-so-dense intercepting fire of the Craftworld's defensive cannons, crashing violently onto the ground like bloodthirsty mosquitoes!
"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The hatches exploded open, and what emerged were no longer ordinary Iron Warriors Astartes, but exclusively heavy firepower squads clad in Tartaros Terminator armor! Their massive bodies, heavy armor, and formidable heavy weapons in hand brought an suffocating sense of oppression as soon as they appeared.
Leading this elite Terminator squad was none other than the Iron Warriors' Company Captain, Malthus! His distinctive bionic arms gleamed with a cold, hard metallic luster under the Craftworld's light, and his Power Fist subtly opened and closed, emitting a dangerous hum.
His red-glowing bionic eye scanned the path ahead leading to the Craftworld's core sanctuary, and a cold, mechanically synthesized voice echoed in the communication channel:
"Objective, the sanctuary ahead! Clear all obstacles! For the Iron Lord, advance!"
"Iron within, iron without!" the Terminators responded in a low tone.
This iron torrent did not rush forward like on the main battlefield. Instead, under Malthus's command, they formed a more rigorous assault formation, like a giant, spiked iron wedge, and began to advance steadily and resolutely along the predetermined route, launching a deadly thrust towards the most core sanctuary area of the Aeldari Craftworld! The scattered Aeldari guards along the way could barely offer effective resistance against this powerful Terminator squad, being instantly crushed and destroyed.
The main battlefield was still in a stalemate, but the flank had already been cut open by a deadly blade! The Aeldari Craftworld was plunged into an unprecedented crisis!
In the temporary cabin assigned to her on the Macragge's Honour, Kolesa sat on the edge of the bed, which was too wide for her, feeling restless. A strange, subtle, electric current-like unease lingered in her heart.
She unconsciously raised her hand and gently touched the spirit stone she wore on her chest. Beneath the cool touch, a faint, almost imperceptible tremor seemed to emanate from within the spirit stone, as if resonating inexplicably with a kindred existence in the distant void.
The sensation was fleeting, like a stone dropped into a still lake, stirring only a ripple before vanishing without a trace. Kolesa shook her head vigorously, trying to attribute this strange feeling to her fatigue and mental stress from the past few days.
'It must be an illusion...' she comforted herself, 'Perhaps the environment of this human warship is too oppressive, affecting my psychic perception.
Once their patrol mission is over, my people and I will be able to leave here and return... return to our new Craftworld.'
Thinking of that distant hope for the future, she took a deep breath, trying to calm her mind. Staying in the cramped cabin would only make her overthink, so she decided to go for a walk.
Perhaps she would encounter Sergeant Karl; his steady demeanor always brought her a strange sense of peace.
She carefully opened the cabin door, treading barefoot (she was still unaccustomed to wearing the hard boots) on the cold metal floor, and silently arrived at Gaius's cabin door next door.
Looking at the tightly closed, unadorned metal door, she hesitated for a moment, but her slender finger finally gently pressed the notification bell beside the door.
After waiting a few seconds, there was no response from inside the cabin, and the door did not open.
He's not here... An indescribable sense of loss welled up in Kolesa's heart.
On this unfamiliar giant ship, filled with cold steel and scrutinizing gazes, Gaius was one of the few beings who made her feel less threatened and with whom she could even have simple conversations.
Not finding him now, that sense of alienation from being alone in a foreign land intensified again.
Just as she was looking at the closed cabin door, somewhat at a loss, a boisterous, teasing, rough voice sounded behind her, breaking the silence of the corridor:
"Yo! Isn't this Gaius's wife? Hahahaha! Are you looking for him? He's in the training grounds now, no time to entertain you, hahahahaha..."
These sudden and ambiguous words instantly froze Kolesa, and her cheeks uncontrollably flushed red.
She spun around abruptly and saw Dorian's massive figure, like a small giant, standing not far away.
He was wearing standard Mark X Power Armour, its dark blue coating polished to a shine, and on his head, he wore the majestic Aquila-winged helmet.
Above the helmet, the Golden laurel wreath, personally bestowed by Guilliman and symbolizing supreme honor, was polished to a dazzling gleam, reflecting brilliant light under the corridor's lamps, a stark contrast to his rough and uninhibited tone.
Kolesa was both embarrassed and anxious, quickly waving her hands to explain, her voice tinged with an almost imperceptible tremor: "This... this warrior, no... it's not what you think!
I... Sergeant Karl and I are not... not in that kind of relationship! I just... just wanted to ask him something..."
She tried to clarify the embarrassing misunderstanding, but Dorian clearly had no intention of listening to her explanation.
He waved his large, power-armored hand, interrupting Kolesa with an 'I know everything' tone: "Oh, alright, alright, I get it, I get it!
Don't worry, my lips are sealed, I definitely won't tell anyone! Gaius, he seems quiet, but I didn't expect him to be so quick..."
He continued to ramble, his tone full of brotherly jest.
However, Dorian's 'boastful' words also failed to finish.
Because just as he was speaking incessantly, his enhanced dynamic vision, through the helmet's eye-lenses, caught sight of a figure who had just turned into the corridor entrance, and above his helmet, that extremely conspicuous symbol of a Company Commander's authority—the transverse crest!
Dorian's voice came to an abrupt halt, like a rooster with its neck squeezed.
He slowly and stiffly turned his head, looking towards the corridor entrance.
There stood Company Commander Cassius, like a volcano about to erupt! He was also wearing artificer Power Armour and a helmet, his cold eye-lenses fixed on Dorian.
Although his expression couldn't be seen, the anger, almost solidified into a tangible presence, could be clearly felt from a distance!
And beside Captain Cassius, Lieutenant Golden was not wearing his helmet.
At this moment, the usually composed Lieutenant's face could no longer be described as merely grim; it was utterly ashen, even faintly tinged with green!
He stared intently at Dorian, his eyes filled with incredulous shock and a fury that made him want to rush over and devour him alive!
He roared internally: 'This muscle-brained idiot! How could he utter such outrageous words?! And let the Company Commander hear it!
I truly wish I could stuff him into the exhaust port of a Thunderhawk Gunship's engine right now and make him thoroughly quiet!'
Captain Cassius took a step, each one seemingly stomping heavily on Dorian's heartbeat.
He walked in front of Dorian, who was even bulkier than himself, and stopped. Even through the helmet, his suppressed, almost out-of-control rage could be felt.
The Company Commander's voice, transmitted through the helmet's vox-caster, was as cold as the solid ice of Macragge's winter: "Dorian..."
He paused, seemingly struggling to control the urge to strangle the other party.
"...If you can, within one minute, come up with a way for me to immediately forget those idiotic words you just said..." The Company Commander's voice suddenly rose, carrying an uncontrollable ferocity, "Otherwise, I will... I will... I will twist your head off your foolish shoulders!!"
The last few words, he practically roared them out!
Before he finished speaking, Captain Cassius suddenly stepped forward, his power-armored hands reaching for Dorian's laurel-crowned helmet!
By the looks of it, he truly intended to carry out the 'head-twisting' punishment on the spot!
Dorian was scared out of his wits; no matter how reckless he was, he knew the Company Commander was genuinely furious this time!
He instinctively tried to retreat, but his body was somewhat stiff from immense fear.
Just at this critical moment, three veteran Guardsmen, who happened to be patrolling nearby, witnessed this astonishing scene.
Although they were unclear about what exactly had happened, seeing the Company Commander about to deal such a heavy blow to Dorian, they immediately realized the seriousness of the situation.
Without the slightest hesitation, the three immediately rushed forward; two firmly held Captain Cassius's waist and arms from behind, while the other stood in front of Dorian.
"Company Commander! Calm your anger!"
"Calm down! Captain Cassius!"
"Company Commander! Calm down!"
The three veteran Guardsmen exerted all their strength, barely managing to restrain the enraged Company Commander.
Captain Cassius struggled, his Power Armour emitting groaning friction sounds as he roared: "Let go of me! I'll personally slaughter this foul-mouthed bastard!"
Kolesa was stunned by this sudden turn of events.
She looked at the enraged Company Commander and the terrified Dorian, who was like a quail, and although she felt awkward due to Dorian's earlier joke, she felt more of a sense of reluctance.
She didn't blame Dorian; he was probably just acting on his nature, without any real malice.
She gathered her courage and stepped forward, trying to plead for Dorian in a voice tinged with a slight tremor: "Co... Company Commander, please... please calm your anger.
This warrior, he... he might have just... just been joking, and didn't mean to offend... Please, you..."
However, before she could finish her words, she was interrupted by Captain Cassius's bone-chilling, disgusted reprimand:
"Get out, xenos!" The Company Commander's voice was like a whip edged with ice shards, lashing fiercely at Kolesa's heart, "It's not your place to lecture me here!
Put away your hypocritical act!"
This merciless rebuke, like the last straw, instantly crushed Kolesa's already fragile nerves.
The color drained from her face instantly, turning ashen white. The tears that had accumulated in her unique, amethyst-like large eyes could no longer be held back, silently falling like broken pearls.
One drop, two drops... tracing down her smooth cheeks, dripping onto the cold metal floor.
The next second, all the emotions accumulated over the past few days—the grief of her home's destruction, the fear of displacement, the humiliation of living under another's roof, the deep guilt of trying her best but failing to save her people and world, and the current grievance of being mercilessly rebuked—like a bursting dam, instantly overwhelmed her.
She could no longer stand, her delicate body swayed slightly, unconsciously taking half a step back, then her legs gave way, and she fell weakly onto the cold, hard floor, burying her face in her knees, and began to sob softly and suppressively.
Her crying was full of helplessness and sorrow, sounding exceptionally clear and piercing in the silent corridor.
Seeing Kolesa crying and collapsing, Captain Cassius's struggling movements paused slightly.
He took a deep breath, as if trying to forcibly suppress his towering rage. He no longer tried to break free from the Guardsmen's restraint, but his cold gaze still scraped across Dorian like a knife.
He stared at Dorian, who was scared out of his wits and dared not even breathe, and squeezed out a harsh command through gritted teeth:
"Dorian! Now, immediately, get to the brig! You are not to come out without my direct order! No one is allowed to visit!
And, during your confinement—" He almost bit out the words, "—no, eating, anything! Reflect properly on your idiotic behavior!"
After delivering the punishment, Captain Cassius cast another cold glance at Kolesa, who was sitting on the ground sobbing softly, let out an ambiguous snort, and then, without further delay, turned around furiously, and strode away from the scene, still radiating a barely dissipated anger.
Lieutenant Golden watched the Company Commander's retreating back, then looked at Kolesa crying on the ground, and Dorian, who was being 'escorted' by the Guardsmen, walking dejectedly towards the brig, feeling a deep sense of powerlessness and a headache.
He sighed helplessly, motioned for the Guardsmen to carry out the Company Commander's orders, and then quickly followed the Company Commander.
In the corridor, only Kolesa's suppressed sobs echoed faintly between the cold steel walls.
Captain Cassius, radiating an almost tangible fury, strode back to the First Company's Company Commander's office.
The heavy cabin door slammed shut behind him with a 'bang,' cutting off outside sight and seemingly temporarily sealing his boiling rage within this relatively private space.
He ripped off his helmet, slamming it heavily onto a nearby weapon rack with a resounding clang.
His weathered, hard-lined face was contorted with anger, and a vein throbbed faintly on his temple.
"Dorian... that scoundrel Dorian!" the Company Commander roared in a low voice, pacing restlessly in his office.
"Sometimes on the battlefield he acts like a seasoned, trustworthy veteran, utterly fearless!
But other times... other times his brain is like it's been gnawed on by an Ogrin! Completely offline! Unbridled, without regard for the situation!"
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.
Dorian's remarks about Gaius and the Eldar witch being "wives" were not just a foolish joke; they deeply touched a sensitive nerve.
During this delicate period, the Chapter secretly harboring a large number of Eldar refugees was an absolute classified matter.
Any action that could attract unnecessary attention and gossip was extremely dangerous.
Dorian's recklessness could very well place the Chapter under the Inquisition's magnifying glass!
"This idiot... he's going to worry me to death!" Captain Cassius felt a surge of frustration in his chest, his head throbbing as if it would explode.
He walked to the relatively simple but imposing throne in the center of the room, belonging to the Company Commander, and sat down somewhat powerlessly.
He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, trying to forcefully calm his turbulent emotions with the discipline and composure of an Ultramarine, but to little avail.
A few minutes later, he suddenly opened his eyes, anger still lingering, but with a degree of rationality restored.
He faced the office door and commanded in a deep voice, "Honour Guard!"
An Honour Guard warrior, clad in Indomitus-pattern Terminator armor like a giant of steel, immediately pushed open the hatch and stood at attention in the doorway: "Company Commander!"
"Go, find Sergeant Karl Horn, and... that Eldar witch, Kolesa.
Have them report to my office immediately!" Captain Cassius's voice carried an undeniable tone of command.
"Yes, Company Commander!" the Honour Guard warrior acknowledged, turned, and departed with heavy steps.
Not long after, the office's sliding door opened again.
Gaius and Kolesa, whose eyes were still red and swollen, with tear streaks on her face, walked in one after another.
Gaius had changed out of his training attire and was once again wearing his deep blue artificer power armor, but without his helmet, revealing his handsome and composed face, with the Golden laurel wreath and silver service studs clearly visible on his forehead.
His eyes held a hint of confusion, clearly not understanding why the Company Commander had suddenly summoned him, and outside of a mission briefing.
When he saw Kolesa beside him, still sobbing softly and appearing incredibly fragile, his brow furrowed slightly, and his confusion deepened.
Kolesa, on the other hand, kept her head down, her hands tightly clutching the hem of the white casual dress that had been fitted for her, her shoulders subtly shaking from crying.
She dared not look at the Company Commander; the cold reprimand from earlier still echoed in her mind, making her feel immensely wronged and afraid.
Captain Cassius remained seated on his throne, not rising, but slowly putting on his helmet.
His face, hidden in shadow, showed no clear expression, but the gaze projected through his helmet's eyepieces, like searchlights, first scrutinized Gaius, then coldly swept over Kolesa.
He tried to keep his tone calm, but the suppressed fury still surged beneath his voice like an undercurrent:
"Sergeant Karl," the Company Commander's voice came through the vox-caster, with a metallic quality, "I know that since your enlistment, you have always been loyal, steady, and reliable in your actions, earning countless merits for the Chapter.
Your service record is pure, unblemished, and a model for the company."
He first affirmed Gaius, which made Gaius even more confused, quietly awaiting the Company Commander's next words.
"However," Captain Cassius's tone suddenly shifted, his voice deepening, "you will now explain to me!"
He extended a power-armored finger and abruptly pointed at the softly weeping Kolesa, "Why did that idiot Dorian, in front of me, say that this pointy-eared Eldar woman was—your—wife?!"
He practically roared the last few words, one by one, his voice echoing in the office, making Kolesa tremble.
"What?!" Gaius exclaimed, turning sharply, his blue eyes, like calm lakes, widened for the first time in extreme shock, looking incredulously at Kolesa beside him.
He even wondered if he had misheard!
How could Dorian have said something so preposterous, so irresponsible, again?!
He immediately turned back to face the Company Commander, straightening his back, his voice resolute, without a hint of hesitation: "Company Commander! I know nothing of this matter!
I swear to the Emperor and the Primarch that between Ms. Kolesa and I, there is absolutely no relationship beyond necessary mission handovers and limited interactions!
Brother Dorian's words are pure nonsense!"
His answer was clear, direct, and filled with undeniable honesty.
Captain Cassius, through his eyepieces, stared intently into Gaius's eyes.
He could see absolute sincerity and a hint of undeserved indignation in those clear and firm eyes.
The Company Commander fell silent.
He knew Gaius; as he had just said, Gaius was one of the most trustworthy Sergeants in the company; he never lied, and had no need to lie about such a matter.
"...I believe you, Sergeant Karl." Captain Cassius took a deep breath, as if exhaling some of the anger in his chest with it, his tone softening slightly.
"I believe in your loyalty and character."
But then, his anger turned back to Dorian: "But! That loudmouthed bastard Dorian!
What time is it now? Huh?! We, the Ultramarines Chapter, are secretly sheltering thousands of Eldar refugees!
This matter requires absolute secrecy! Not a single word can be leaked!
But he, not only did he shout loudly in the corridor, he also... also said such idiotic things!
He... he..."
The more the Company Commander spoke, the angrier he became, feeling the frustration he had just suppressed welling up again, his chest tightening as if he couldn't catch his breath.
He slammed the armrest of his throne, producing a muffled thud.
After a few gasps, he once again aimed his spearhead at Kolesa, who was still weeping softly, the suppressed irritation and the anger redirected from Dorian making him speak without thinking:
"And you! Stop crying! What are you crying for?! All you do is cry! What's there to cry about?! Huh?! Answer me?! You pointy-eared xenos!"
This harsh reprimand, like a cold knife, once again pierced Kolesa's fragile heart.
Her already somewhat calmed sense of grievance and sorrow were instantly ignited by this merciless accusation!
She could no longer suppress it, and suddenly lifted her head, her swollen purple eyes filled with endless sorrow and despair, tears gushing out like a broken dam, letting out an even louder, more piteous wail that echoed throughout the office.
"Waaahhhhhh—!"
This mournful cry made the already distraught Captain Cassius even more headache-ridden.
He looked at Kolesa, who was crying almost to the point of fainting, and then at Gaius, who stood beside her with a solemn expression, looking as if he wanted to speak but couldn't, and felt a deep sense of powerlessness.
He waved his hand irritably, as if to dispel the suffocating atmosphere: "Enough! Both of you, get out!
This matter is closed; no one is to mention it again!" He commanded Gaius, "Sergeant Karl, take her back!
I need some quiet now!"
"Yes, Company Commander!" Gaius immediately obeyed.
He glanced at Kolesa, who was crying so hard she could barely stand, hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and gently took her arm, saying softly, "Let's go, Ms. Kolesa."
Kolesa, immersed in immense sorrow, had almost lost the ability to think, and could only let Gaius half-support, half-lead her out of the Company Commander's office, which was filled with suppression and anger.
Just as they walked out of the office and the hatch closed behind them, it seemed to temporarily seal off the storm within.
Gaius supported the still-sobbing Kolesa, walking slowly down the corridor.
He tried to comfort her, his tone still calm, but with a rare hint of gentleness: "Ms. Kolesa, don't be too sad.
Captain Cassius... he just has a quick temper, especially when it involves Chapter discipline and potential risks.
His words... don't take them to heart."
His comfort seemed a bit clumsy, but for Kolesa at that moment, this calmness and the strength supporting her arm were the only pieces of driftwood she could grasp in the darkness.
Just then, they met Luna, who was holding a data-slate and seemed to be on her way to report to the Company Commander.
She had already changed into a new power backpack, and although it only had two basic servo-arms installed, her movement was unimpeded.
She saw Kolesa, supported by Gaius and crying profusely, and Gaius's slightly helpless expression, and her light pink eyebrows raised slightly, showing a curious look.
"Gaius? Kolesa? What's wrong?" Luna asked, her voice carrying the calm and a hint of inquiry characteristic of a Tech-Sergeant.
Gaius briefly explained: "Nothing, a small misunderstanding, the Company Commander has handled it."
Luna looked at Gaius's hand supporting Kolesa's arm, then at Kolesa, who was leaning dependently against Gaius's side.
A faint, slightly teasing smile suddenly appeared on her calm face.
She leaned closer to Gaius and whispered in a voice only they both could hear:
"Gaius, I think you two... standing together, you make quite a pair, you know.
Hahaha..."
Her laugh was very soft, but clear enough for Gaius to hear.
Without waiting for Gaius to react, Luna, still carrying that meaningful smile, turned and walked towards the Company Commander's office with the data-slate, leaving Gaius standing there dumbfounded, holding Kolesa's arm, unsure what to do for a moment.
Kolesa, however, seemed not to have heard Luna's whisper, still immersed in her world of sorrow, softly sobbing.
Inside the dark, sunless confinement cell, only the emergency indicator lights on the wall emitted a faint green glow, barely outlining Dorian's robust physique. He sat dejectedly on the cold metal floor, still in his Power Armor, not even bothering to remove his helmet. The auxiliary support frame in his abdomen dug into him uncomfortably in this awkward posture, but he paid no mind to it at the moment.
His simple, straightforward mind was now filled with immense confusion and a touch of grievance. He couldn't understand why Captain Cassius would be so enraged, even threatening to wring his head off on the spot, just for what he considered a harmless joke.
'Is Captain Cassius in a particularly bad mood today?' Dorian scratched the back of his helmet-covered head. 'Or... did he just happen to pass by, feel bored, and decide to take it out on me?'
He tried to recall the details of the incident. Besides Sergeant Karl not being there, the Aeldari woman standing by Sergeant Karl's door, and his own words, there seemed to be nothing special. He racked his brain but couldn't comprehend how the phrase "Sergeant Karl's wife" could have touched a raw nerve with Captain Cassius.
"Sigh…" Dorian let out a heavy sigh, and his stomach rumbled at an inopportune moment. Captain Cassius had ordered him to fast during his confinement, which was torture for an Astartes with such a hearty appetite. "I wish I hadn't spoken out… Brother Gaius, I'm sorry, I dragged you into this…" He mumbled, beginning his long and hungry period of confinement.
Meanwhile, in the First Company Captain's office, Luna had finished reporting on the adaptation of the new servo-arm and the maintenance of some weapon systems, then quietly exited.
After the hatch closed, silence returned to the office. Captain Cassius still sat on his throne, his helmet placed to the side. The anger on his face had not yet subsided, but it was now overshadowed by the fatigue of irritation and… a hint of imperceptible vexation.
As Luna left and the office grew quiet, his mind, agitated by Dorian's foolishness, gradually cooled. With this newfound calm, he suddenly remembered the true reason he had gone to the cabin area earlier—
It was Chapter Master Calgar's direct order for him, the Company Commander, to check if the crucial Aeldari Warlock, Kolesa, had any other needs in her daily life, to ensure the "goods" of the transaction were in good condition and avoid any complications.
However, as soon as he arrived, he stumbled upon Dorian speaking out of turn, which instantly ignited his fury, making him completely forget Chapter Master Calgar's instructions. He even spoke extremely offensive words to the Aeldari Warlock… "Damn it!" Cassius cursed under his breath, his Power Armor-clad fist slamming heavily onto the metal desk beside him, producing a dull thud. A small dent appeared on the sturdy surface of the desk.
He was not annoyed by Dorian's punishment, because the guy deserved it, but by the fact that he had lost control and directed his anger towards the xenos woman. This did not conform to the Ultramarines' discipline, nor did it fit his identity as a Company Commander. Worse still, he had completely messed up the task entrusted by Chapter Master Calgar.
"It's all because of that damned Dorian…" Cassius rubbed his throbbing temples, muttering. If not for Dorian's idiotic words, he could have calmly completed the inspection, inquired about Kolesa's needs, and then left. Now, not only had he failed to complete the mission, but he might have also escalated tensions.
After a moment of silence, he took a deep breath and put his helmet back on. The cold metal against his face seemed to help him reconstruct a calm exterior. He contacted Lieutenant Golden through the built-in communicator.
"Golden."
"Captain Cassius, your orders, please," Golden's voice immediately came through, somewhat cautious, clearly still shaken by what had just happened.
"Come with me to the cabin area again," Captain Cassius's voice, though still steady, carried an unusual undertone that Golden could discern.
"Understood, Captain Cassius." Golden didn't ask any further questions and immediately acknowledged the order.
Soon after, Captain Cassius, accompanied by Lieutenant Golden, arrived at the residential cabin area once more. Unlike their previous angry demeanor, this time their steps were steady and… slightly solemn.
As they entered the corridor, they saw the scene—
Kolesa was huddled in a corner far from the main passageway, her arms tightly wrapped around her bent legs, her face buried deep in her knees, revealing only her long silver hair, like moonlight. Her body trembled slightly with soft sobs, her suppressed cries sounding particularly helpless and sorrowful in the silent corridor.
Not far from her, Sergeant Karl leaned against the cold metal railing, his gaze seemingly casually directed towards the distant, deep void. However, his keen senses and occasional glances towards the corner indicated that he was silently guarding her, preventing any mishaps, and perhaps offering a silent companionship.
Sergeant Karl noticed Captain Cassius's arrival immediately and straightened up, ready to salute.
Captain Cassius raised his hand, gesturing "no need for formalities." His gaze passed over Sergeant Karl and fell upon the crying figure huddled in the corner.
He strode forward, the heavy footsteps of his Power Armor echoing in the corridor, each step seemingly striking Kolesa's heart. He stopped in front of Kolesa. The shadow cast by his tall figure completely enveloped her small frame.
His voice, transmitted through the helmet's speaker, carried the characteristic metallic coldness and distance, breaking the sobs in the corner:
"Warlock Kolesa, look up."
This cold voice, as if carrying a chill, instantly pierced Kolesa's already battered heart. She trembled all over in fright, her sobs abruptly ceasing, leaving only the uncontrollable slight tremor of her body. She very slowly, with immense fear, raised her head.
Through tear-filled eyes, she once again saw the transverse crown symbolizing authority and power, and the cold, unreadable gaze hidden behind the helmet's ocular lenses. The previous reprimand and disgust surged back like a tide, her face grew even paler, and her purple eyes were filled with fear and despair, as if awaiting an even harsher storm.
Captain Cassius looked at this delicate face, streaked with tears, full of fear and sorrow, and at her trembling like a startled fawn. Behind his helmet, no one could see the extremely complex emotions that flashed across his face. There was the lingering anger caused by Dorian, the vexation at his own loss of control, and a… deeper, stirred, sharp pain from the past.
He was silent for a few seconds, his cold ocular lenses still fixed on Kolesa, but his subsequent words surprised both Sergeant Karl and Lieutenant Golden.
He did not apologize. Company Commanders of the Ultramarines rarely used the word "sorry" directly, especially to xenos. But he tried to make amends in an extremely awkward way, still encased in a cold exterior.
He abruptly turned his back to Kolesa, as if not wanting her to see his expression at that moment, and then, in a stiff and quick tone, said:
"Do not mind my previous words, Warlock." His voice, still transmitted through the speaker, sounded cold. "Those were not my true intentions. It was… the actions of certain fools that influenced my judgment."
He paused, seemingly organizing his thoughts, then continued: "Chapter Master Calgar commanded me to come and ask if you have any other needs in your daily life. Clothing, food, or anything else… any requests, you can report directly to Sergeant Karl, and I will do my best to fulfill them."
He specifically emphasized "any requests" and "do my best to fulfill them," which was the greatest concession and… a veiled form of compensation he could make without violating his own stance and the Chapter's discipline.
"I will do my best to fulfill them," he repeated, his tone still stiff.
However, just as a hint of this slightly softened atmosphere began to emerge, Captain Cassius's tone abruptly shifted. His voice once again became deep and filled with a chilling coldness, as if stating a fact intertwined with his very being:
"Furthermore, please remember."
He still had his back to Kolesa, but his straightened spine and suddenly tensed shoulders revealed his inner turmoil.
"I am Captain Cassius Venatus, Company Commander of the First Company of the Ultramarines Chapter, Regent of Ultramar." He stated his rank, full name, and title, with a heavy weight.
"When I was just a Lieutenant, fighting alongside my Company Commander…"
His voice here showed an extremely subtle, almost imperceptible tremor, but it was immediately covered by an even colder tone.
"…he, my beloved Company Commander, died in the schemes and ambush of your Aeldari—perhaps not your specific kin, but still pointy-eared xenos."
This sentence was like tearing open an old wound, carrying bloody pain and an eternal chill. Behind these brief words lay a brutal battle many years ago, the fall of a beloved Company Commander, and the past of a young Lieutenant forced to take on heavy responsibilities, harboring a deep hatred for xenos.
"I will never," Captain Cassius's voice was resolute, carrying an oath forged from steel and blood, "bow my head to a xenos. Never."
Having uttered these final words, as if all his patience and emotions for staying there had been exhausted, he did not linger. He did not even glance at Kolesa or Sergeant Karl again, abruptly striding away, carrying an aura of coldness and determination, without looking back, along the corridor.
Lieutenant Golden stood still, watching the Captain's rapidly retreating back, then looking at Kolesa, who was still curled in the corner, her face pale with fright from the words about the Captain, having even forgotten to cry. Finally, his gaze fell upon Sergeant Karl, who remained silent beside him. He sighed helplessly, shook his head slightly at Gaius, signaling him to handle things here, and then quickly followed the Captain.
In the corridor, only Gaius remained, along with the Aeldari Warlock, who had been re-wounded by the Captain's "apology" and past scars, plunging into deeper confusion and fear.
Gaius looked in the direction where the Captain had disappeared, then at the trembling, fragile figure in the corner. A flicker of extremely complex emotion passed through his azure eyes. He silently stepped forward, maintaining a certain distance, like a silent sentinel guarding this corner that had just weathered an emotional storm.
Above the Aeldari Craftworld, the flames of war had already transformed this once tranquil and beautiful land into a cruel purgatory. The Iron Warriors' two-pronged assault—a steady advance on the main front and a deadly Terminator squad ambush on the flank—initially caught the Aeldari off guard. Large swathes of the outer regions fell, exquisite buildings turned to ruins, and the blood of civilians stained the wraithbone ground.
However, as an ancient warrior race, the Aeldari's reaction speed and combat resilience were not to be underestimated. After the initial chaos, elite forces from the Craftworld's core rapidly entered the fray, like two green bolts of lightning, confronting the most dangerous enemies.
On the flank, the Tartaros Terminator squad, personally led by Captain Masos, attempting to strike directly at the sanctuary, encountered the most tenacious resistance. Leading this blocking force was none other than the Striking Scorpion Exarch of this Craftworld! He was clad in ancient and ornate dark green heavy armor, adorned with menacing spikes. His power sabre and death claws seemed to be extensions of his body, exuding a chilling aura of slaughter.
The Exarch's fighting style demonstrated the Striking Scorpion philosophy of 'still as a virgin, swift as a rabbit' to its extreme. He often remained still as a statue until the Iron Warriors Terminator entered his hunting range. The next moment, he transformed into a green blur, almost impossible to track with the naked eye!
"Chhh! Chhh! Chhh!"
Blade light flashed! His movements were unimaginably fast and precise, like a machine! Every swing of his blade, every thrust of his claw, aimed directly at the joints or relatively weaker areas of the Terminator armor! Those heavily armored Tartaros Terminators, like mobile fortresses, seemed to become clumsy tin cans before him. Often, just as they raised their assault cannons or meltaguns, their vision would be filled with a deadly green light, and then their consciousness would plunge into eternal darkness. He could even use his uncanny agility to weave through dense Bolter fire, the deadly metal projectiles often fruitlessly striking where he had been a second ago, or being precisely parried by his sabre!
He slaughtered these steel behemoths, almost needing only one strike! Fast, precise, deadly!
On another front, a lithe figure with an even deeper and more terrifying aura, a Howling Banshee Phoenix Lord, personally led her Banshee warriors and several powerful Warlocks in a counter-charge against the main Iron Warriors force on the main battlefield. The Phoenix Lord's iconic, soul-shaking shriek, like a death knell, could instantly disrupt the enemy's minds, even directly shattering their souls! Her power claws, wielded with blurring speed, easily tore through the Iron Warriors' boarding shields and power armor. The Warlocks, meanwhile, controlled powerful psychic energies, with flames, lightning, and reality-bending forces exploding within the Iron Warriors' formations, causing massive chaos and casualties.
On one side were the Iron Warriors, fearless and adept at siege warfare, fighting for plunder and to prove their superiority; on the other were the Aeldari warriors, exploding with astonishing courage and skill to defend their ancestral home. Both sides engaged in an incredibly brutal tug-of-war amidst the ruins and corridors of the Craftworld.
"For Khaine of the Bloody Hand!" Aeldari warriors cried out the name of their War God, their eyes burning with the resolve to defend their home.
"For Isha, Goddess of Life!" Other Aeldari called upon the deity of life and healing, seeking protection and strength.
"For Iron Lord Perturabo!" The Iron Warriors responded with fervent devotion to their Primarch, casting aside all emotion, leaving only cold killing intent.
"Iron Within, Iron Without!" Their war cry was like clashing steel, filled with merciless determination.
The shouts of both sides intertwined, gray and green figures constantly colliding and interweaving amidst the explosions and flying blood. Warriors continuously fell, steel wreckage and Aeldari corpses mingled together, but immediately more warriors roared to fill the gaps, continuing this bloody dance.
The focus of the battlefield was undoubtedly on the climactic duel between Captain Masos and the Striking Scorpion Exarch on the flank.
After clearing most of the escort Terminators around Masos, the Striking Scorpion Exarch's cold gaze finally locked onto the enemy commander, who exuded the strongest threat. He moved like a green bolt of lightning, instantly breaking through the last few Iron Warriors' interception, his power sabre screaming as it tore through the air, striking directly at Masos's face!
"Clang—!!!"
A deafening crash! Captain Masos's massive adamantium chainaxe was brought up just in time, blocking the deadly blow! The chainaxe's teeth and the power sabre's energy field violently scraped against each other, erupting in dazzling sparks and ear-splitting noise.
The two powerful combatants' weapons met, their eyes locked. Through the swirling light of the energy field, the Striking Scorpion Exarch's voice, amplified and metallic but unable to hide his rage, rang out:
"Why?! Human! Why do you invade our home, bringing death and destruction?!" The Exarch's voice was filled with incomprehension and towering fury. "Do you so enjoy trampling and destroying the remaining beauty in the universe?! Answer me!"
Captain Masos's face, hidden beneath his Tartaros Terminator helmet, showed no expression; only his red-glowing optics stared coldly at the Exarch. He let out a cold snort from his nose, full of contempt and mockery.
"Hmph!"
He did not answer what he considered a meaningless question. Did invasion need a reason? For the objective, for proof—that was enough! He suddenly exerted force, his mechanical arm unleashing immense power, forcing the Exarch's sabre back slightly. At the same time, his other mechanical arm swiftly rose, the Bolter barrel mounted on its end instantly aimed at the Exarch's head, now at point-blank range!
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Three Bolter rounds fired almost simultaneously! At such close range, there was almost no avoiding them!
However, the Striking Scorpion Exarch's reaction speed surpassed human limits! The moment Masos raised his arm, he had already initiated an evasion! His body tilted back and sideways in a way that defied physical laws. The three Bolter rounds whistled past his helmet and shoulder plate, leaving deep scorch marks on them!
Not only that, but while completing his dodge, his death claws shot out like a venomous snake, slashing upwards at an extremely cunning angle!
"Crack—!"
A crisp sound! Captain Masos's mechanical arm, the one holding the Bolter, was cleanly severed at the elbow joint! Sparks flew from the break, and hydraulic fluid sprayed out like blood! The severed mechanical arm, along with the Bolter, clattered to the dust.
At the same time, the Exarch's power sabre followed like a festering wound, leaving a deep, sizzling crack on Captain Masos's heavy Terminator chest plate, the energy field even scorching the flesh beneath!
However, Captain Masos was by no means an easy opponent. The very instant the Exarch's death claws severed his mechanical arm and the sabre wounded his chest, his parried chainaxe, carrying immense force, swung back in a clever horizontal arc!
"Screech—!"
The sharp axe blade grazed the Striking Scorpion Exarch's helmet! The sturdy wraithbone helmet was actually split in half by this single axe blow! The front half of the helmet shattered, revealing the lower half of the Exarch's face—a strong-jawed chin and tightly pressed lips, stained with a trace of blood. A deep wound extended from his temple down to his cheek, blood continuously gushing from the wound, staining his pale skin.
In that flash of lightning-fast combat, both sides sustained injuries!
Captain Masos looked down at the deep wound on his chest, then at the constantly flashing electrical sparks and flowing coolant from his severed arm. As if feeling no pain, his intact mechanical arm, still gripping the chainaxe, rose again, the chainaxe roaring even more ferociously.
His single red-glowing eye, peering through his damaged helmet, stared intently at the equally wounded Striking Scorpion Exarch, whose true face was partially revealed. His cold voice, with a metallic, grinding quality, filled with the Iron Warriors' characteristic arrogance and disdain for pain, slowly resounded:
"Your blade... is too dull, xeno."
He took a step forward, his heavy Terminator boot thudding on the shattered wraithbone ground.
"This small wound... cannot harm—a Son of Perturabo!"