Chapter 48 - Gamma, the Author

Why did the "Gamma Heresy" act so brazenly? Did Gamma not step forward to stop and suppress it?

Was it because he had enough of being a Tech-Priest and wanted to experience being a "God of Tech-priest"?

Or had he fallen, preparing to establish a cult, and then indulge in "wine pools and meat forests" and "prey on the common people" daily?

None of the above. Gamma was simply ill, suffering from a common ailment of all cultured individuals—he was addicted to writing books!

As someone with correct values and a mind full of knowledge, if you asked Gamma to compile a harmful evil book, he would be resistant.

But if you asked him to compile a book teaching truth, goodness, and beauty, he would not resist at all.

Coincidentally, "The Great Purification Canon of the Omnissiah" was just such a book. Gamma originally only wanted to compile a book that could counteract "The Great Blessing Canon of the Omnissiah" and mitigate its side effects.

But as he wrote, he had some new ideas, such as adding a bit of correct values and positive thoughts into the book.

Adding this was no small matter. After adding, Gamma looked left and right and always felt something was missing, that he hadn't clearly expressed what he wanted to convey, so he added a little more.

Still not satisfied after adding, he added more, and finally even revised "The Great Blessing Canon" to set it straight.

Patting the two books beside him, which were almost as tall as he was, Gamma felt a strong sense of accomplishment.

"The Blessing Canon" on his left taught people to cherish objects, admire learning, and love others and themselves.

"The Purification Canon" on his right taught people to discern fallacies, establish values, and strengthen their will.

"From now on, I can call myself Master Gamma," Gamma said smugly.

He planned to give these two painstakingly created works as welfare, free of charge, to everyone in the Gear Fleet, to show his concern as a great leader for his subordinates. He would also give a set to his friends, as good things should be shared.

Having prepared a set of hardcover "masterpieces" and left his calligraphy on them, Gamma hummed a tune all the way to find Calgar. The latter had something to discuss with him, and since they were old friends, it would be rude to go empty-handed.

Upon arriving at the Ultramarines' battle barge, Gamma always felt something was strange, but he couldn't put his finger on it. In short, it was just strange.

Upon seeing Calgar, Gamma discovered that Grand Inquisitor Gayss was also there and immediately felt guilty. He had actually forgotten the Grand Inquisitor. He would make it up to him later.

"Gamma, what is this?" Calgar asked, looking at Gamma's "gift."

"Haha, I recently felt inspired and wrote two books. I just finished them, so I brought you a set. You can also give me some feedback."

Then he apologized to Gayss, who was beside him: "I didn't know the Grand Inquisitor was here. I'll have someone send you a set later. Please also take a look and let me know if there are any shortcomings."

The Grand Inquisitor smiled and said, "Good, this is truly my honor."

"Not at all, it's my honor!"

"No, no, no, it's mine."

Looking at the old and young complimenting each other, Calgar's expression was very peculiar. He thought to himself: 'Little—Lord Gamma, you haven't shown up for a while, so you've been writing books. One book has already caused such a stir in the fleet; two will surely turn the fleet upside down!'

He quickly picked up the masterpiece Gamma gave him and, using his modified superhuman brain, "appreciated" it by reading ten lines at a glance.

The author, seeing his book so popular, did not want to disturb the reader. Since Gayss was also there, he must know what they wanted him for, so he asked:

"Your Excellency Gayss, do you have something for me? I heard Magos Lauster say that the fleet's problems are already improving?"

"Yes, it has improved a lot. This time, we owe it to you."

"It's nothing. So, what is it you called me for this time?"

The Grand Inquisitor poured Gamma a cup of tea and said, "It's not us who are looking for you; it's those Xenos. They are looking for us only to pressure you through us to agree to their demands."

"Those blue-skinned beings are all two-faced! They say nice things to your face, but behind your back, they use all sorts of underhanded tricks!" Gamma said, looking displeased.

"Heh heh, you're right, they are exactly that hypocritical."

"They want me to help repair their ships too, right?"

"Yes."

"Daydreaming!" Gamma flatly refused.

Gamma refused so resolutely because he truly couldn't do it. With the Titan Star people's low soul brightness, even if he broke his back, he couldn't produce any blessing effect, let alone the fact that they were all atheists. How could he help them?

His idea was that after the human ships were repaired, they would travel at full speed, arrive at Kosa first, and hold back Gorgon. If he really couldn't defeat it,

at worst, he would release the "Gray Mist." Even if it couldn't kill Gorgon, it should still be able to pull Ventris and the others out of Kosa.

In the secret workshop on the Gear Kid, "Gray Mist" was being produced at full capacity. By the time they reached Kosa, the amount of "Gray Mist" in Gamma's hands would definitely be enough to give Gorgon a hard time.

He had even thought of an excuse: he would firmly insist that it was a technological relic found on Kosa and would never admit that he created it. A Tech-Priest holding a "nanite plague"—anyone with ideas would have to think twice.

"Grand Inquisitor, the Omnissiah will not bless Xenos either."

"Of course, I understand."

Gayss smiled and nodded, looking as if he had already expected Gamma to refuse. Gamma, seeing this, was somewhat puzzled and had to ask again:

"Since you know, why did you still look for me?"

The Grand Inquisitor's eyes darkened, and he said with a voice full of vicissitude, tragedy, and pain: "To annihilate Gorgon, we have already paid a great price: dozens of worlds, tens of billions! Hundreds of billions! of people!"

"To prepare the supplies needed for this expedition, how many worlds were plundered, leaving famine everywhere? How many soldiers handed over their last bullet and charged the enemy with daggers?"

"Too much has already been paid. Even if we know it's impossible, we cannot give up until we get an answer! We cannot give up!"

"This failure means paying an even greater price. The sacrifice will be ten times, or even more, than what it is now!"

"I've killed Xenos my entire life. I hate them immensely, but we need them now—"

Gayss's words silenced Gamma. Yes, so much had already been paid, how could they give up easily? Even if he severely wounded Gorgon with the "Gray Mist," if he couldn't annihilate it and it escaped, how many more people, how many more worlds, would become its food?

If Gorgon escaped this time, the Tyranid's return would only be a matter of time. At that point, would they need to use dozens of planets as bait again?

Would Gorgon, having been fooled once, fall into the trap again?

Gamma closed his eyes in pain.

But what can I do? I'm not the Omnissiah, who can bless whoever he wants?

Hmm—wait, the Omnissiah doesn't exist at all. The problem lies with the Titan Star people. Their psychic power is too low, but how can that be solved?

Titan Star people, Titan Star people, Titan Star people, why are you so useless!

Should I tell the Tech-priest to bow to the Titan Star people's ships? If I dared to say that, they would definitely lock me up as a madman!

The key is that Tech-priest can't possibly develop emotions for Titan Star machinery!

Uh... it's not certain, and the numbers aren't enough either. How many Tech-priest are there in total—

Where can I find a species with high soul brightness that genuinely likes Titan Star warships?

Where can I find them? Where are the other species in the Titan Star fleet... Hmm!

"Cough!" Gamma coughed.

A glimmer of hope ignited in Grand Inquisitor Gayss's eyes, and then he heard Gamma hesitantly say:

"It's not entirely impossible. I can't guarantee the same effect as ours, and more importantly, it depends on the Titan Star people's own situation!"

The fire in the Grand Inquisitor's eyes made Gamma feel a bit unnerved. He quickly continued, "I'm not confident. The key depends on how many traitors there are in the Titan Star fleet!"

"traitors?! Gouweisa."

"Yes, the Omnissiah's great power can only be released through human hands. This is a gift and love for us." Gamma said, looking down at his teacup with a guilty conscience.

The light in Gayss's eyes was so full it could overflow. His lips trembled; he wanted to speak but found himself too excited to utter a word.

He took a deep breath, as if to burst his lungs, and forcibly regained his composure. Then, with a voice that was now also somewhat strange due to excitement, he said:

"But they are traitors? They can too?"

Gayss's strange voice made Gamma lower his head even deeper. He thought the Grand Inquisitor had become so peculiar because of his heretical statements, but since the words were already out, there was no taking them back. So, he steeled himself and continued:

"The Omnissiah blesses the human race, and he loves this race. He doesn't care about the choices of mortals. If humans believe in him and revere him, he will bestow his grace upon them."

After saying this, he felt he had spoken too absolutely, so he continued: "traitors are, of course, not favored by him, and those who fall into Chaos are even more abhorred by him. However, the Omnissiah is merciful and gives all humans a chance to repent and start anew."

....

Gamma, who had been keeping his head down, saw that Gayss had not responded to him. He could only secretly glance up before immediately lowering his head again. The Grand Inquisitor's gaze was too "frightening."

"So that's how it is, such love for humanity! Hahaha, good! Good! Good!"

"Uh, Your Excellency Gayss, if there's nothing else, I'll head back first. You should first understand the situation of the Titan Star fleet."

After Gamma's "flee in disarray," Calgar finally put down the book in his hand and said to the Grand Inquisitor, who remained stiffly seated in the same posture:

"You were testing him again."

Calgar's voice awakened Gayss from his ecstatic delusion. At this moment, he could no longer control himself and said to Calgar, trembling all over:

"Only he can bestow blessings according to his own will!"

"You see, don't you! He is! He is! Only he loves humanity so much, willing to sacrifice his bottom line, his principles, and himself for humanity!"

"What a great love! He bestows grace yet does not wish to bind humanity, does not wish to be served, does not wish to be worshipped!"

"Only our Emperor loves us so much!"

Calgar, who had personally torn apart countless heretics, traitors, and demons, would not be affected by the Grand Inquisitor's fanaticism. He still said calmly:

"You have lost your reason and judgment, Gayss, my friend."

"Our Emperor has never said he is a god! He also despises your self-righteous beliefs!"

Gayss chuckled upon hearing this and said, "Heh heh, your saying that means you now also believe that Gamma might be a part of the Emperor."

Calgar didn't answer Gayss; he wasn't sure of his own thoughts.

But from Gamma's book, he could see that Gamma was still the same Gamma, only the new book lacked the evilness of the old one and was more Aboveboard.

"You should read more!" Calgar said, tapping the tome in his hand.

The Grand Inquisitor immediately stood up and approached Calgar, eagerly picking up a book and flipping through it. As the pages turned, the smile on his face grew wider.

"Humanity cannot do without guidance. Without someone to point us in the right direction, without someone to set boundaries for us, the nature of mortals makes our fall inevitable."

The Chapter Master of the Ultramarines disliked such words. The current Gayss felt less like an Inquisitor and more like a missionary of the Ecclesiarchy. Since the resurrection of the Gene-Father, Calgar, as the Chapter Master of the Ultramarines, had naturally spent a considerable amount of time by his side.

He knew how much the Primarch loathed the current Imperium, how much he detested the Ecclesiarchy. He had heard the Primarch recount the future that the Emperor himself had described during the Great Crusade, the future he hoped humanity could achieve.

Guilliman once asked Calgar: "Why has humanity fallen to such an extent?"

After much thought, Calgar replied: "Because of the lack of leadership from the Emperor and the Primarchs."

Then Guilliman asked again: "Does that mean that without the Emperor and the Primarchs, the human race should be destroyed?"

This time, Calgar didn't provide an answer. In his heart, he wanted to say yes, but if that were the case, why had the Imperium managed to endure for so long?

Guilliman also didn't answer Calgar, but after the Primarch left, Calgar saw a sentence on the table he had sat at:

"Hope remains."

Yet, seeing Gayss now, even with his iron will, he couldn't help but feel a tremor of doubt. If even the Grand Inquisitor of the Imperium was like this, did humanity truly still have hope?

"I feel like you're wavering, Calgar. Is it because of me?"

"Haha, I'll return the words you gave me: you should also read more," Gayss said, holding up the "Grand Purification Tome" in his hand.

Gamma had no idea what happened after he left. Having run away, he was now a bit flustered; pretending to be a divine figure felt too awful.

One lie leads to countless more to cover it up. Gamma now felt as if countless hands were pulling at him from below, making him paranoid and constantly feeling like others were looking at him strangely, as if they wanted to kowtow to him.

"Why do I feel like I've become more honest? My moral bottom line has suddenly risen. I never felt this way when I lied before. Does writing books have this side effect?" the flustered little Tech-Priest muttered.

"Praise be to you, great Om-Magos Gamma!"

Gamma, who was lost in thought, was startled by the sudden greeting and jumped. Before his feet even touched the ground, the "assassin" had already been subdued by his guards. Coming back to his senses, Gamma looked at the unfamiliar Tech-Priest with three blades at his neck and waved his hand, telling the guards to release him.

"I'm sorry, I was distracted just now and overreacted a bit. Are you alright?" Gamma said apologetically.

But the Tech-Priest opposite him didn't want Gamma's apology. He wanted Gamma to grant him death, the kind where his bones were ground to dust and he suffered endless torment. Otherwise, he couldn't forgive his sin. What an immense blasphemy it was to disturb the Omnissiah!

The Tech-Priest, who had already planned various tortures for himself in his mind, wanted to perform his last rite of passage for the Omnissiah before going to torment himself thoroughly, because the divine being before him was so merciful that he would surely forgive him.

But a warm, small hand helped him up. The Tech-Priest didn't refuse, because it was Gamma who was helping him. It turned out Gamma saw the unfamiliar Tech-Priest "slumped" on the ground and not getting up, thinking he was frightened by the guards. After all, who wouldn't be traumatized when a simple greeting almost cost them their head?

"Are you alright? I'm so sorry, so sorry," Gamma said, patting the Tech-Priest to comfort him.

The Omnissiah is patting me! Patting me! Patting me! This was the only thought in the Tech-Priest's mind at that moment.

"If you have any requests, you can make them. Consider it my apology to you," Gamma, unable to think of comforting words, resorted to his ultimate move—being generous.

"I… I… I have no requests!" the Tech-Priest stammered.

Seeing him trembling like that, Gamma felt even more apologetic. He knew his identity was special, inspiring fear and making people afraid to speak their minds, so he changed the subject and said:

"Which Forge World are you from, Tech-Priest? Why haven't I seen you on the ship before?"

"I… I am meeting you for the first time. I am the ship's Priest from the 'Blazing Queen'," he replied.

"Oh, no wonder. Are you here on my ship to socialize or to visit friends?" Gamma continued his "talk therapy."

"No, no, answering Magos Gamma, I am here to learn," the Tech-Priest, now speaking more coherently, replied respectfully.

Gamma was puzzled by this. He knew the disposition of the people on the ship. Were they really that generous?!

"Learn? From where?"

The Tech-Priest replied with a hint of fanaticism in his voice: "From your treasury of knowledge. Magos Lauster has given us ship's Priests permission to peruse the knowledge you have bestowed."

Gamma understood what was going on. He was quite happy inside; Magos Lauster understood him best and knew his thoughts most clearly.

"So that's it. Well, you must work hard. This library is still just starting, still in trial operation. The knowledge I've put in it is quite varied and rather basic. In the future, I will gradually add more profound knowledge and technology."

"But don't be too greedy. You must understand the principle of biting off more than you can chew. It's better to be an expert in one field than a jack of all trades. Finding what you love is most important; interest is the best teacher."

The ship's Tech-Priest: What should I do if I suddenly don't want to die?! Gamma 37, how could you be so depraved? Was your remorse just now a lie?!

"I'm very happy to see you on the ship. I hope that in the future, you can also selflessly share your knowledge and wisdom with others, and pass on this spirit. One person shares with two, two with four, four with eight. Only this way can we change this world."

So that's it! So this is my mission! So the Omnissiah is using me to convey his will! How selfless!

How noble! I will certainly dedicate my life to practicing and spreading your will, your intention, your expectation!

The Tech-Priest, whose life had been constrained by knowledge, now resembled a saint. He was no longer the person he once was. Before joining Gamma's faction, he used to wonder every day why the Omnissiah had never favored him, why those with less talent than him achieved things beyond his reach and possessed technologies he yearned for. Envy and resentment tormented him incessantly.

Initially, it was just to seize every possible opportunity to actively contact the Priests of the Gear Fleet. At first, it was all for selfish reasons, but through repeated interactions and blessings, he began to truly respect Magos Gamma, a great and noble man.

Until one day, someone told him that Magos Gamma was the Omnissiah. His first reaction was absurdity, but his selfish motives prevailed. He didn't refute it; instead, he acted as if he believed it without a doubt. It was his active participation that made him one of the first Tech-priest absorbed into Gamma's faction.

From the moment he was permitted to board the Gear Boy, he began to repent. So great, so selfless, so knowledgeable—who else could it be but the Omnissiah!

But as a believer, whenever he recalled the suffering he had endured, the ridicule and belittlement from others, he would still wonder why the Omnissiah hadn't arrived sooner, why he hadn't come earlier, why he had to wait until he lost his beloved, his future, everything he cherished before coming.

Why were they so lucky to be born on the Forge World where the Omnissiah descended, and so lucky to be chosen and allowed to follow him? Envy and resentment still tormented him.

Now, he no longer felt envy or resentment. He was grateful for the past suffering, ridicule, and misfortune. He had found enlightenment.

Human desires are endless and can never be filled.

If it weren't for the Omnissiah enlightening him with "greed," he would still be that insatiable, take-all-and-give-nothing pocket, a madman with endless demands.

If it weren't for the Omnissiah enlightening him with "selflessness" and "love," he would still be a self-righteous, self-congratulatory pseudo-believer.

It turns out the world was wrong! Human desires were wrong! O Omnissiah! Omnissiah! Praise be to you! Thank you for mercifully forgiving me, this despicable, shameless, and infinitely greedy person. Let me offer a meager effort for you!

((((≥w≤)))): Why are my hairs suddenly standing on end?!

Gamma shivered, feeling that his "talk therapy" had taken effect. The unfamiliar Tech-Priest had "calmed down." The little Tech-Priest felt a "calmness like an unmoving mountain" from the other party. If he didn't wear a Priest's robe and changed his clothes, he would be a great virtuous monk, a very high-ranking one.

He took off the personal shield from his wrist, placed it in the other's hand, and said:

"The galaxy is very dangerous. This shield is for you. I made it myself; it's nothing particularly valuable."

The Priest calmly accepted it, put it on his wrist, and bowed to Gamma in gratitude, saying:

"I will cherish it dearly and never forget your teachings!"

"This Tech-Priest, with such thick skin and pleasant words, will surely achieve great things in the future!" Gamma thought to himself, watching the Tech-Priest's smooth movements.

"Then good luck. I have something else to do, so I'll leave first."

"Yes, Magos Gamma!"

After the Tech-Priest watched Gamma leave, he raised his wrist, looked at the exquisite and mysterious shield, and whispered:

"As you command, Omnissiah. Your will is my mission. Let me, this sinner, eliminate the maggots who defile, twist, and usurp your will!"

After speaking, he looked at his red robe, his eyes gleaming with an unreadable light. After standing there for a long time, he walked towards the reading room.

The opportunity to bask in the Omnissiah's glory was only available during the fleet's voyage. Whether he would have the chance to behold the holy visage again in his lifetime was unknown, but he was already content. His sense of mission made him not want to waste a single moment; he wanted to spread the Omnissiah's spirit, and he needed more comrades.

Gamma, still unaware that he had gained another "disciple," rushed to find Magos Lauster. He needed to discuss the matter of blessing the Titan Star people with the most reliable Magos Lauster.

But what Gamma didn't know was that his most trusted Magos Lauster was currently leading cultists to destroy a crime scene and hide the tools of the crime.

"Hurry up! Magos Gamma is coming soon!"

An Tech-priest Girl, clutching a parchment scroll in a panic, fumbled to shove the artificial parchment scroll into the bookshelf while urging the other Tech-priest, who were also hiding things, to work quickly.

"Didn't he say he was going to the Ultramarines' battle barge? Why is he back so soon?" Louis, holding a book, ran over and shoved it in.

Leia glanced at the book Louis had just stuffed in and immediately shouted, "You put the wrong one in! This is Magos Gamma's new book, quick, take it out!"

"Oh, oh, I was so flustered!"

The cultists, who had gathered to "translate" the Omnissiah's magnum opus into a form "more easily understood" by mortals, hadn't expected a surprise inspection from their "Chaos God," leaving them unprepared.

But knowing full well that the little Chaos God would be furious, why did they still dare to do this?

They had a self-consistent logic for this: God loved humanity too much, trusted humanity too much, but only they, as humans, knew that humanity was not worthy of love or trust, so they had to "protect" their Omnissiah and ensure his will was thoroughly executed.

"You're all here!" Magos Gamma said in surprise, looking at a room full of familiar faces.

Magos Lauster sat in the center, holding the magnum opus, and said, "We gathered to discuss everyone's impressions of your new book."

The little Tech-Priest unconsciously straightened his back, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, and feigned indifference, saying, "Oh, I see. It's my first time writing, so I welcome everyone's criticism and guidance."

After speaking, he walked over and sat next to Leia, then asked the Tech-priest Girl leaning against the cabinet, "There's a seat, why aren't you sitting?"

"Ah?! Oh, my back has been a bit uncomfortable these past two days, standing feels better!" The Tech-priest Girl replied, maintaining her posture.

"Oh..."

At this moment, Magos Lauster said, "Didn't you go to find Chapter Master Calgar? Why are you back so soon? Did something happen?"

Magos Gamma's expression was a little hesitant, but then he thought that he couldn't keep it a secret forever, so he recounted the matter of the Tau Empire. However, the scene he had imagined of the Tech-priest collectively objecting did not occur; the reception room was silent.

What was going on? Was it too heretical for them to speak? Magos Gamma's heart pounded. He secretly observed the expressions of the Tech-priest, which were calm, leaving him utterly bewildered.

"Don't you have anything to say?" Magos Gamma asked, forgetting his worries.

"Hmm, you can decide on such matters yourself. The Omnissiah is willing to give traitors a chance to repent, and we Priests who serve him naturally obey his will," Magos Lauster said with a calm expression.

I really didn't choose the wrong people. The ideological awareness of my Gear Fleet is truly high! If it were other Tech-priest, they would surely say I was stealing the Omnissiah's great power, Magos Gamma thought happily.

"Phew, it's good that you can think that way. This time it was unavoidable, and I was worried that you would collectively oppose my actions."

Magos Lauster said, "Actions speak louder than words. If you truly achieved it, it only proves that you can better understand the Omnissiah's thoughts."

At this point, a Tech-Priest asked, "Magos Gamma, how should we handle those believers who have reconverted to the Omnissiah? If the number of humans in the Tau Empire fleet is very large, our fleet's size makes it difficult to accommodate them."

Magos Gamma hadn't actually considered this problem. He had been feeling unsettled the entire journey, so he hadn't had the mind to think about these things. But these traitors, brainwashed by the "Blessed Codex," were indeed a tricky problem.

If he took them in, the fleet couldn't hold them. If he left them with the Tau Empire, there was no guarantee that the Tau Empire wouldn't decipher the secret of the blessing one day. Or should he ask someone to help send them to Thedan?

"What if some of them don't want to leave?" Paul also raised a possible scenario.

"How dare they! Having been forgiven and blessed by the Omnissiah, do they intend to use this power to serve xenos?"

"If that's the case, then they are not worthy of forgiveness and must be destroyed!"

"Right! We must never let such a thing happen. Either they go, or they die!"

Hey, hey, wait a minute! Everything was fine just now, why did everyone suddenly become so agitated? Didn't you say that if the Omnissiah agreed, you would all have no objections? The Omnissiah's youngling felt a wave of helplessness as he watched the Tech-priest who wanted to eradicate the heretics. It wasn't even certain yet whether there were humans in the Tau Empire fleet, so was all this really necessary?

After thinking for a moment, he decided to try and persuade the agitated Tech-priest. But how to persuade them also troubled him. In the end, he could only try to change the Tech-priest' way of thinking from a different angle, and he began:

"Stop for a moment and listen to me. I believe if the Omnissiah forgives those traitors, they must have other uses. Let's not judge the problem so subjectively. Let's assume, what would happen if a group of Omnissiah believers appeared in the Tau Empire?"

Upon hearing Magos Gamma's words, the others also perked up their ears. Jacob, sitting opposite him, asked, "What's your view, Magos Gamma?"

"The Tau Empire is undoubtedly our enemy. Their political system dictates that they must suppress the technological development of their vassal races and make other xenos dependent on them."

"But this cannot be done openly, otherwise no xenos would join the Tau Empire."

Louis eagerly pressed, "Then how do they do it?"

"By utilizing technology, productivity, and their caste system."

"The caste system prevents anyone other than the Earth Caste from joining the Tau Empire's scientific research system. Even if other races want to develop technology, they have to start from scratch, bit by bit. How many resources would be needed, and how many mistakes would be made in the process? Enough to drag down those smaller races."

"Even if someone grits their teeth and perseveres, achieving results, how much of a technological gap would there be when compared to the Tau Empire's similar products?"

"If you were the leaders of those vassal races, would you choose to tighten your belts as a whole race to fight for a result that is destined to fail?"

The others showed expressions of sudden understanding, but Magos Lauster spoke up and said, "But what if someone actually did that, and by chance, a genius created a product superior to the Tau Empire's?"

"Heh heh, of course that's possible. This world never lacks geniuses. But these people grew up under the Tau Empire's ideological propaganda. The Tau Empire only needs to offer honor, status, and wealth. What choices would these geniuses make then? After all, the Tau Empire has never mistreated them or their races."

"..."

"Even if someone isn't tempted and is willing to sacrifice themselves for their people, the Tau Empire has a second trick: overwhelming productivity and production costs."

"Don't forget, the Tau Empire's favorite thing is to trade with other races. Their fleets were initially merchant ships, and even now, their largest fleets are still merchant fleets."

"Xenos who join the Tau Empire receive all sorts of support and assistance, turning them from barbarians wielding cold weapons today into civilized people using various automated furniture tomorrow. They are also promised that they can retain their own culture, their own country, their own government.

Even those auxiliary forces are paid by the Tau Empire, which is why they are called mercenaries. Doesn't that sound good? Doesn't it feel fair? If we humans were also a small race, would we immediately want to join the Tau Empire?"

"You can consider this problem from the perspective of a weak xeno."

After a period of contemplation, some of the dozens of Priests present showed expressions of eagerness, and some even had smiles curling on their lips.

"Clap! Wake up, everyone!" Magos Gamma shouted, clapping his hands.

"Phew! Kill them! They're too dangerous!" A Priest said, panting.

"Yes, the Tau Empire must be destroyed! We cannot let them continue!" Another Priest responded.

The other Priests also agreed, understanding why the Regent had established the Far East Joint Command. A rapidly expanding xeno alliance posed too great a threat to humanity!

"Magos Gamma, I remember when we were still in the Tau Empire, you directly told the Tau Empire that their alliance was fragile and their philosophy had flaws," the Tech-priest Girl said.

Everyone else also looked at Magos Gamma. If Magos Gamma had discovered the Tau Empire's weakness, he would surely know how to defeat them.

The little Tech-Priest spread his hands, rolled his eyes at the Tech-priest Girl, and said, "You know those words were said for the Tau Empire to hear. Could I have spoken the truth? Their alliance is far more solid than you think."

"I'll tell you the truth, if one day the Tau Empire faces a crisis of collapse, these vassal races will exert themselves without reservation. They have already consumed the drug given to them by the Tau Empire; they cannot exist without the Tau Empire!"

"Huh?" x N

"I just said that xenos who join the Tau Empire seem to gain only benefits, but is there such a thing as a free lunch in the galaxy? Is the Tau Empire truly so selfless and without expectation of return?"

"Of course not. So why does the Tau Empire do this? What do they gain from these xenos?"

"Joining the Tau Empire, while allowed to retain culture, government, and military, also means they cannot refuse the Tau Empire's goods. They are already a part of the Tau Empire.

"Joining the Tau Empire also means submitting to Shangshang Shando and accepting the Tau Empire's philosophy. The convert zeal and practical benefits gained from joining midway will cause internal division among these xenos."

"You know the production capacity of automated production, and this is without us even using artificial intelligence. Imagine the production efficiency and production costs of factories managed by the Tau Empire's artificial intelligence."

"When the lives of these vassal races are saturated with the Tau Empire's cheap and excellent goods, what happens if they suddenly disappear?"

"Will they be angry? Will they rise up and resist for their beautiful lives?

This anger and resistance can be directed at an external threat, or at a tyrant who acts unilaterally, 'refuses help,' and 'disregards the people's livelihood.'"

"At that time, the xenos will take up the weapons given to them by the Tau Empire and fight desperately against the enemy, and the Tau Empire will also comply with public opinion and execute the 'tyrant' on the spot."

"The Tau Empire has firmly controlled its vassal races through the caste system, technology, and productivity. As long as the Tau Empire doesn't make mistakes in these three areas, these vassal races are their pawns, and the resources and talents of their worlds are the Tau Empire's property, though nominally still belonging to them."

"The hidden dangers brought by inter-racial differences and the drawbacks brought by high welfare that I mentioned are nothing more than minor ailments. They can fool the four castes of the Tau Empire, but not the Ethereals; they are well aware of the truth."

The Tech-priest looked at each other, not knowing what to say. They had never viewed the Tau Empire from this perspective.

In the dead silence, Magos Lauster was the first to speak: "So you want to support a human faction within the Tau Empire to disrupt them? If the Tau Empire lets it be, this disease will continue to grow within its body and eventually backfire."

"If the Tau Empire intervenes to suppress it, it can make other xenos see the Tau Empire's hypocrisy and cause them to become alienated."

The little Tech-Priest hadn't expected Magos Lauster to say that. He had only wanted to persuade them not to get too agitated, but after thinking about it according to Magos Lauster's line of thought, it seemed like a very promising idea!

Following Magos Lauster's line of thought, the little Tech-Priest's belly began to churn with mischief again. Since he had already fed 'Mechanical Shangshang Shando' to the Titan Star people, he might as well feed them more.

The shameless Magos Gamma plagiarized Magos Lauster's idea and said with a hypocritical expression, "I also suddenly had this idea, but I was very hesitant about whether to do it. If it gets out and people find out, I'm afraid I won't be able to explain it clearly."

"If we are misunderstood by people within the church because of this, it would be too much of a loss."

Hearing Magos Gamma say this, the others outwardly seemed to be contemplating his words, but in reality, they didn't care at all. The orthodoxy was with them, wasn't it?

"Your concerns are indeed valid, but just be careful to keep it a secret. Many people have private dealings with the Tau Empire; who knows what they've sold?" Magos Lauster comforted him.

After hearing Magos Lauster's words, Magos Gamma nodded, taking the hint, and said, "Hmm, the Magos is right. Then let's discuss this line of thought. Have you noticed that even on the frontiers of the Tau Empire, there are many human worlds that have been out of contact with the Empire for a long time, yet they haven't absorbed these worlds?"

"Even if many planetary governors have secret ties with the Titan Star people, their relationship is only trade. What makes the Titan Star people accept other xenos without question, but selectively absorb humans?"

"In the war between the Empire and the Titan Star people, we haven't been in the upper hand; instead, the Titan Star people have expanded again and again, so they don't fear the Empire. This cannot be explained by simply saying that the Titan Star people don't understand the Empire's strength."

"Don't the Titan Star people know that taking and absorbing these human worlds would greatly enhance their strength?"

"Are they worried about the Empire's retaliation?"

"We have always been retaliating, and the war is ongoing. Arming the humans in these worlds and letting humans consume each other isn't more beneficial to them? Humans fighting humans, and they only pay for weapons produced by unmanned factories. Why don't they do this?"

Ade, who had been silent, said, "Resources and energy?"

Magos Gamma shook his head and continued, "Energy is not a problem; they can build nova reactors, so they won't be troubled by energy."

"Although the Tau Empire's territory cannot compare to the Empire's, it is also an interstellar civilization that masters faster-than-light travel, so resources will not be an issue."

"Moreover, they have no concept of private property; all societal resources are under the control of the Ethereal Council."

Saying this, Magos Gamma paused, giving the others time to think. Those with ideas also took the opportunity to express their thoughts, but none hit the mark. Seeing that the discussion was almost complete, Magos Gamma continued:

"The Titan Star people indeed dare not act on these worlds because of the Empire's existence, but it's not because they fear us militarily. Rather, it's precisely because of the Empire's existence itself. With the Empire around, humans absorbed by them are a potential destabilizing factor. Although the Empire has always wanted to eliminate traitors and xenos together, what if one day the Empire's policy changes?"

"We know that the probability of the Empire changing is minuscule, but the Titan Star people don't. If the Empire starts to accept these traitors, or rather, not accept them, but just secretly supply them with technology and resources, they can betray the Empire for profit, so why can't they betray the Titan Star people for profit?"

"I can say this: once the Titan Star people discover that the Empire has such intentions, the traitors' good days will be over."

The Tech-priest present showed expressions of sudden realization. Their admiration for Magos Gamma deepened. Such a simple scheme could punish traitors and show other human worlds the consequences of defecting to the Tau Empire. Their previously wavering attitudes would immediately turn into unwavering loyalty to the Empire, and other xenos who had defected to the Tau Empire would also be shaken. Brilliant! Truly brilliant!

However, Magos Gamma did not stop and continued, "Another reason why the Tau Empire only dares to selectively absorb human worlds is that the Titan Star people's population is too small."

"This 'too small' means that the Titan Star people have developed too quickly. Their own population simply cannot fill their existing territory, which is a major reason why they constantly absorb other xenos."

"But the number of humans is too large. Once an opening is made, the Titan Star people's population will not be able to maintain a dominant position within the Tau Empire. Would a Tau Empire with few Titan Star people and many humans still be the Tau Empire?"

"Clap! I understand!" Tech-priest Girl suddenly clapped her hands, startling Magos Gamma.

Startled twice in one day, Magos Gamma asked irritably, "What do you understand?"

Leia tilted her head back, looking very clever. She wanted to take two steps forward, then remembered something and leaned her back against the cabinet again, continuing, "You want to brainwash those traitors into believers. As long as they are in the Tau Empire, it will cause the Titan Star people to be wary of other human traitors, making the Titan Star people afraid to accept humans again, cutting off the path for those who want to defect to the Tau Empire but haven't yet."

"And the humans isolated within the Tau Empire will inevitably become dissatisfied over time. If we secretly give them technological assistance and teach them to produce weapons, they will rebel against the Titan Star people!"

Magos Gamma said nothing, but Magos Lauster broke down. He could no longer maintain his calm and composed demeanor and covered his face in frustration. It turned out his daughter hadn't heard a single word he had just said.

The little Tech-Priest looked sympathetically at Magos Lauster, who was covering his face. He also didn't understand why a wise and insightful person like Magos Lauster would have a foolish daughter like Leia.

Tech-priest Girl, realizing what foolish thing she had done, looked at her father's expression. She wanted to go forward and ask if he was feeling unwell, but remembering the "secret" she had blurted out, she could only lean against the cabinet and ask with concern, "Father, what's wrong?"

"You're making me angry, you unfilial daughter— Is there something unspeakable in that cabinet?" Magos Gamma looked suspiciously at the bookshelf behind Leia. Those who noticed his change in expression and gaze immediately tensed up. Louis quickly stepped in, saying, "I support Magos Gamma's plan to eradicate the dangerous existence of the Tau Empire!"

"I support it too!"

"Agreed!"

"Agreed!"

"Agreed!"

Looking at the Tech-priest' drastic change in attitude, Magos Gamma felt his "talk therapy" skills were unfathomably deep. A few words could turn people into "enlightened monks," and a few words could make agitated Tech-priest change their stance. If he was given a few more years, he would be powerful enough to contend with Tzeentch.

Magos Gamma, distracted and forgetting about the bookshelf, then hypocritically urged the agreeing Tech-priest not to mind his status as a high-ranking leader. He encouraged them to voice their opinions and complaints, stating that he was an open-minded fleet leader.

After confirming that everyone genuinely supported him, Magos Gamma left to prepare. He was truly going to write an evil book this time, an upgraded version of the original "Great Blessing Codex." Brainwashing equipment also had to be arranged. Fortunately, with the heartfelt help of the former pirate captain, now the Gear Kid's captain, the little Tech-Priest's brainwashing technology had advanced another level.

However, Magos Gamma habitually wanted someone to endorse this matter. He hated taking the fall alone and felt at ease only if he dragged others down with him. So, he sent the plan to Calgar and Grand Inquisitor Gayss.

The two quickly replied: Go for it boldly. If any outside Tech-priest dared to object, they would let those stinky outsiders know who the Empire's other head was!

Thus, Magos Gamma once again received a high-level reception from the Titan Star people. The scene could be described as red flags waving and firecrackers crackling, with even Ying Yang personally coming to greet him. "Commander Ying Yang, I truly didn't expect so many humans in your fleet," Magos Gamma said to Ying Yang, who was sitting opposite him, looking at the human traitors at the welcoming banquet.

"Considering the special nature of this cooperation, we deliberately increased the number of human auxiliary forces accompanying the ship to show our sincerity."

(~1) Chew: Using traitors to show sincerity, hmm, very Shangshang Shando. I can see you've raised them well, but that doesn't stop us from eliminating them along with you.

Swallowing the food in his mouth, Magos Gamma said, "However, Commander Ying Yang, my method will affect their minds. Have you explained it to them?"

"Hmm, they have been informed," Ying Yang replied.

Heh, just informed, not asked if they were willing? It seems they don't take them seriously. But perhaps the Titan Star people are already accustomed to this logical behavior; sacrifice for the collective has become a matter of course.

"That's good, but it's only a small effect, it won't affect their lives or memories."

At this moment, Ying Yang asked, pretending not to care, "Can Magos Gamma satisfy my curiosity?"

Here it comes!

Magos Gamma outwardly feigned indifference, but inwardly he was ready. He smiled and said, "Of course, we're not strangers, are we, Ambassador Zechuan?"

The Water Caste ambassador, who was accompanying them, immediately said with a smile, "Magos Gamma is our eternal friend."

"Commander Ying Yang, just ask whatever you're curious about. I won't hide anything I can answer."

"Thank you very much. I'm more curious why simple devout prostration can have such a miraculous effect?"

Magos Gamma took a sip of juice and said, "Prostration has no effect. The effect is due to the divine power of the gods, and the fervent faith of mortals allows him, who is benevolent and generous, to bestow grace."

"Oh, I see. But why can only humans do it?"

"Because the Omnissiah only loves humans."

"Haha, it seems the god Magos Gamma believes in is not as generous as you say."

The furious little Tech-Priest suddenly stood up from his seat, but unfortunately, he had no imposing presence at all because, having jumped up from the chair, only his head was visible above the dining table. He slammed the table and shouted sharply, "Bang!"

"What did you say!"

Zechuan quickly stood up and walked to Magos Gamma, playing the good cop: "Magos Gamma, calm down! Calm down! The Commander just doesn't understand your culture and spoke without thinking. Commander Ying Yang, your words just now have seriously crossed Magos Gamma's bottom line. Apologize immediately."

A look of surprise flashed across Ying Yang's face, as if she truly didn't know how offensive her words had been. She quickly stood up, came before Magos Gamma, and bowed, apologizing, "My sincerest apologies, Magos Gamma, I truly did not mean to offend."

Keep acting, you two little fools! Are you going to perform the Immortal of Apology for me?! Today, I'll show you human acting skills!

The next scene could be described as a sister version of 'Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage'—'Three Appeals to the Magos,' and then the Magos was "appealed to."

"Hmph, don't compare your gods to the Omnissiah. All those who cannot walk among mortals are Chaos Gods, and I advise you, 'Stay away!'" Magos Gamma said, taking a hefty gulp of juice.

Ying Yang said with a very humble posture, "Magos Gamma, our two sides are inherently equal partners, but whether it was the Lictor incident or this matter, we always have to seek your help. This forces us to make concessions to you in many matters. It was out of jealousy that my mindset became unbalanced, and I offended you. I am truly sorry."

A proud expression appeared on the little Tech-Priest's face, and triumph sparkled in his eyes. Zechuan, who had been observing Magos Gamma, knew the time was right and interjected, "Magos Gamma, can we not be blessed?"

"I already said, only humans can. You don't have— You're not humans, don't even think about it."

Hearing Magos Gamma's sudden change of words and his subconscious evasive eyes, Zechuan had already gotten the answer he wanted. After the banquet, in a secret meeting of the Titan Star people, Zechuan showed the other Titan Star people the footage of Magos Gamma's evasion and explained:

"After analysis by psychologists, linguists, and micro-expression experts, Magos Gamma originally intended to say 'You don't have humans,' which means that as long as they are human, they can gain this ability."

Then someone asked, "How much of what he said otherwise is credible?"

"No signs of lying were found. The veracity is very high."

If Magos Gamma had been there, he would surely have recognized the Titan Star person asking the question: it was Gui Ling, the Earth Caste Chief Planner whom he had previously bluffed into a tumor.

After asking, Gui Ling did not speak again for the entire meeting. After Zechuan answered, he merely exchanged meaningful glances with a few others, all of whom were from the Earth Caste, and their gazes were also very profound.

On the second day of the banquet, Gamma began to brainwash the Gue'vesa within the Titan Star fleet. Under the dual effects of the "Faith Enhancement Chamber 2.0" and the "True Scripture of Blessing," a physically and mentally sound individual, after a round with the black-hearted Tech-priest, transformed into a "pure Tech-Priest candidate" who believed in the Omnissiah and revered knowledge while viewing flesh as weak.

After some time, the once technologically advanced Titan Star warships were filled with humans kowtowing to various instruments. The Titan Star-style attire of these Gue'vesa now also featured the cogwheel and skull emblem of the Adeptus Mechanicus.

"If you want quicker results, it's best to open up some knowledge and technology to them. My modifications alter their values, but their self-awareness remains intact. You can understand it as me using technology to accelerate their learning process. Even without brainwashing, just by diligently studying and accepting the culture of our Adeptus Mechanicus, they would become like this, though it would take much longer."

Gamma and Zechuan strolled through the Titan Star warship, followed by a group of Earth Caste members with expressions of "I don't understand" and "This is possible."

An Earth Caste member, finally unable to hold back, asked, "Magos Gamma, this isn't scientific at all!?"

The Tech-priest chuckled dismissively. After nodding to the "Titan Star Tech-priest" who saluted him, he said, "Scientific? What is science, tell me? What is the foundation of science? Is it staunch materialism?"

...

"The foundation of science is built on verifiable and objective forms. Existence is rational. If you deny something that objectively occurred, then you are not scientific enough."

The Water Clan Ambassador interjected with a laugh, "Haha, Magos Gamma, please don't be offended. You know we are all atheists. Not to mention the impact on the Earth Caste's worldview, frankly, even someone like me who has been exposed to many cultures finds it difficult to accept at once."

"I can understand. Although we Tech-priest are believers, our worldview is also materialistic."

"Magos Gamma, isn't the blessing you speak of a form of psychic technology?" another Earth Caste member asked.

Gamma shook his head and said with a look of disdain, "Wizards and psychics are the most detestable things. They are unquantifiable, without discernible patterns, and their existence is a blasphemy against science."

"You must have also researched psychic powers. What were your results? As scientists, don't you detest psychic powers?"

As soon as Gamma finished speaking, several Earth Caste members immediately nodded. The projects on psychic powers assigned by the Aether had tormented them greatly, with countless resources invested and no results whatsoever.

Seeing this, Gamma pressed on, saying, "The prerequisite for releasing psychic power is to awaken it. Have they awakened it?"

.....

No one among the Earth Caste answered Gamma's question. After a moment of silence, someone finally asked:

"Magos Gamma, I read your book. It says that the omnissiah is the master and controller of all science and technology. Since we have also developed science and technology, this means the omnissiah has not rejected us, but why can't we be blessed?"

How audacious, daring to read my book. From that sentence, I can conclude that this Earth Caste has already been influenced. Gamma! You are truly wicked!

The Tech-priest did not answer. After a long while, he finally spoke, "I know you are not giving up. I will only answer this question once. Do not bother or test me with such questions again."

"Because the Omnissiah is human. It's that simple."

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"Source Power is the energy that drives everything. The Omnissiah is the master of technology. The Omnissiah is the incarnation of the omnissiah in the human world."

"The three, a Trinity."

At the same time, in a certain room within the Titan Star battleship, a group of Titan Star people were observing Gamma's every word and action in real-time, analyzing and discussing frame by frame.

"Energy, knowledge, and consciousness? He means that because the Omnissiah was born into the human race, he favors humans, and that's why he gave humans this ability!"

"So that's it, that explains it. How greedy!"

"Humans are indeed too greedy. Based on what we know, the current Omnissiah is the Emperor worshipped by humans. He should have died over ten thousand years ago, freeing the Omnissiah from the human body to reappear among other races in the galaxy, but they forcibly kept him for ten thousand years."

"Damn it, if the Omnissiah were to descend again, we would surely be chosen! Humans have declined, and the next overlord of the galaxy should be us!"

"That's right, it must be us. Our technology has developed so rapidly, which is the best evidence. The Omnissiah favors us, and his incarnation will surely descend among our Titan Star race."

"It must be so. If humans hadn't bound the omnissiah, we might have already replaced humanity under his leadership!"

If such blasphemous words were to reach the ears of the Adeptus Mechanicus, a holy war initiated by Mars and actively participated in by all major Forge Worlds would not cease until the Titan Star race was annihilated.

Gamma, the culprit, was unaware of the existence of such a group of Titan Star people. He merely wanted to sow discord among the Titan Star race. He also didn't expect the Titan Star race to value him so much, specifically arranging various experts to study him.

However, studying Gamma inevitably involved his amplified "True Scripture of Blessing." The more diligently they studied, the more severely they were influenced. But they were experts, not ordinary people, and being influenced could not erase their logical reasoning abilities.

This led these Titan Star people to form a set of logically self-consistent deductions based on the Adeptus Mechanicus worldview, ultimately creating a group of fanatical Titan Star people.

Coincidentally, Chief Gui Ling and his companions were also among this group. They had already been misled by Gamma, and now they were completely crippled.

After Gamma left Bork'An, Chief Gui Ling never gave up on his investigation of Tau Va and the Aether. However, his small actions quickly attracted the attention of the Aether. It was only through the sacrifice of several comrades that Chief Gui Ling managed to clear himself of suspicion, but this also prevented him from continuing his investigation.

Left with no choice, Chief Gui Ling decided to seek refuge with Farsight. His purpose in coming to the combined fleet was to use the fleet's war against Gorgon to evade the Aether's surveillance and smuggle himself into Farsight's enclave. However, he didn't expect Gamma to also be there, having become a prominent figure in the fleet, respected by everyone.

Upon learning that Gamma was helping to "bless" the warships, Chief Gui Ling actively applied to join the "Blessing Project." He wanted to see the difference between Gamma's god and Tau Va.

Chief Gui Ling, the madman who was unknowingly harmed by "curiosity," no longer wanted to seek refuge with Farsight. He had discovered another path to "save" the Titan Star race.

Chief Gui Ling, visiting the Titan Star fleet's overall Commander alone, asked Ying Yang:

"Commander Ying Yang, what do you plan to do with those Gue'vesa? Confine them? Suppress them? Or--"

Ying Yang understood what Chief Gui Ling left unsaid. She hadn't yet decided on a solution for these Gue'vesa.

"We have all seen the effects of the Blessing, and there is no doubt that we need it! But only humans have this ability. If we want all the Empire's machinery to be blessed, we must allow human forces to grow within our society and provide them with more resources, which is undoubtedly a dangerous plan."

"Indeed, nothing compares to the stability within the Empire."

At this point, Chief Gui Ling spoke again, "But abandoning it would undoubtedly be a significant loss for us. So, after careful consideration, I found a way to control humans."

Hearing Chief Gui Ling say this, Ying Yang asked, "Oh, what is your idea?"

"I found that in the Adeptus Mechanicus's values, they believe flesh is weak and machinery is a higher form of expression. Therefore, they advocate for body modification, believing that the less flesh one has, the closer one is to the omnissiah. Those Gue'vesa also show this tendency."

"More importantly, the Gue'vesa have not shown signs of racism."

"Combining these two points, I believe the Gue'vesa's identification with their human identity is very low. As the degree of body modification deepens, their identification will further decrease."

"At the same time, they also highly revere knowledge. The more knowledge one possesses, the more respected and higher in status one becomes."

Ying Yang finally realized what Chief Gui Ling intended to do. She exclaimed in surprise, "You want to modify your own body and use your knowledge to make the Gue'vesa recognize you as their leader!"

Chief Gui Ling admitted directly, "Yes, those Gue'vesa have not received systematic education. We can easily achieve this and firmly control the high positions."

"You?"

"Yes, I am not the only one with this idea. We all believe that we cannot easily give up the 'Blessing.' With it, we can better face the increasing number of crises."

Chief Gui Ling's words made Ying Yang fall into deep thought. A conflicted expression appeared on her face. After a long while, she finally said:

"Chief Gui Ling, do you know what doing this means for you?"

"Heh heh, being ostracized by mainstream society, becoming an anomaly and a monster in the eyes of others, but compared to the Empire, what is personal honor or disgrace?"

"..."

"I also understand that this is not something you or I can decide. My purpose in coming today is only to hope that after I report the plan to the Aether, you can give your support."

Chief Gui Ling's steps when he left were noticeably lighter than when he arrived. The outcome was self-evident. He now intended to seek out Gamma. Chief Gui Ling had a business deal to discuss with Gamma.

The Tech-priest was very surprised to see Chief Gui Ling. After understanding Chief Gui Ling's purpose in seeking him out again, Gamma's expression was hard to describe, but he eventually agreed to the other party's request and even planned to personally operate on Chief Gui Ling. Farsight 2.0's awareness and initiative made Gamma unable to ignore him.

Feeling that there was nothing left to exploit from the Titan Star race, Gamma watched Chief Gui Ling's departing back, thinking to himself: The Fire Caste produced Farsight, who likes close combat; the Earth Caste produced Chief Gui Ling, who engages in body modification. Will the Air Caste and Water Caste also produce some bizarre individuals in the future?

With the help of the Blessing, the Joint Fleet finally arrived at the outskirts of the Kosa Star System, albeit later than scheduled. It was confirmed that Kosa had not yet fallen, but it was on the verge of collapse.

The humans and Titan Star people remaining on Kosa had gathered in the last fortress, jointly resisting the endless Tyranid attacks.

The planet's surface was already covered with capillary towers and reclamation pools, and the atmosphere was filled with toxins. From its external appearance, it was clear that the planet was very unhealthy, making one want to stay far away from it at first glance.

An unknown number of Tyranid bio-ships were distributed within the star system, queuing up one after another to dock in Kosa Star's low-earth orbit, consuming biomass from the surface reclamation pools through the capillary towers.

The battle plan had already been deployed. As the fastest and longest-range ship in the fleet, the Gear Boy fired the first shot of the battle.

Gamma immediately used the most powerful weapon at his disposal, a super nova bomb that he had enhanced. Accelerated by a gravity well, the gigantic projectile shot directly at the most densely populated area of Tyranid ships at near light speed.

The enormous recoil generated by the firing forced the Gear Boy to maximize its engine power to counteract it, otherwise, this recoil would cause the Gear Boy to flip in space.

Only ships structurally reinforced by Gamma could withstand this immense recoil; any other "exorcist" class cruiser would have its bow torn apart.

After being launched, the near-light-speed relativistic projectile traveled tens of thousands of kilometers in less than a second, but this shot did not cause a massive explosion covering thousands of kilometers, as when Gamma fought pirates.

Without light and heat, it only created a tiny black dot—a micro black hole—within the Tyranid fleet.

Once the black hole appeared, the fate of the Tyranid living warships within its gravitational reach was sealed. All attempts to escape were futile; they could only watch themselves become part of the black hole.

"Ventris, Finnie, I've really gone all out to save you two!"

Sitting on his mechanical throne, the little Tech-priest clutched his chest in distress. This gravity projectile cost a fortune. The others on the bridge ignored their leader's miserly appearance, exclaiming in wonder at the damage data being detected.

Gravity projectiles, an extremely difficult to manufacture, very rare, and dangerous weapon, are something most Tech-priest never even see in their lifetime, let alone fire one.

After Gamma fired the first shot and achieved a remarkably good result, the morale-boosted Joint Fleet also bared its fangs. Humans, like knights in ancient warfare, used their ships as steeds and light as spears, charging towards the Gorgon Hive Fleet.

The Tau Empire was not to be outdone. Although its ships could not match the size of Imperial warships, their firepower output was in no way inferior. Projectiles and beams from gravity emitters, orbital cannon arrays, and ion cannons crashed down on the Tyranid like a tsunami.

Inside the Gear Boy, which had already protected the other ships in front of it, Gamma stared at the holographic image before him, muttering about how unscientific it all was.

"Can someone explain to me how the spore clouds released by Tyranid living ships digest and decompose the attacks of lances?"

No one present answered his question. If Gamma didn't know, they certainly wouldn't either.

"This is just unscientific—"

Defensive spore clouds are the Tyranid living ships' unique defensive method. Whether solid projectiles or energy weapons, if they can't penetrate the thick spore clouds surrounding the Tyranid ships, no one can hope to damage or destroy them.

This is also why Gamma started with a gravity weapon; a mere explosion cannot kill medium to large Tyranid ships.

Watching the naval battle footage monitored by the auspex arrays, the little Tech-priest found the naval battle quite boring. Both the Imperial Navy and the Titan Star fleet were doing the same thing: dodging and furiously firing at the Tyranid.

Why were they so brave at the start, and now so cowardly, actually avoiding the Tyranid's sharp edge?

When a monster tens of kilometers long, with a maw several kilometers wide and high, charges at you, you'd be cowardly too.

"I've noticed that in naval battles with the Tyranid, our ships perform worse than the Titan Star people's."

Magos Lauster, standing beside Gamma, nodded and said, "Indeed. Void shields cannot defend against the Tyranid ships' bio-plasma, bio-maw, bio-tentacles, living torpedoes, and those Tyranid Psychics. This prevents Imperial warships from getting close to Tyranid ships to utilize their macro cannons and powerful short-range weapons."

"The deflection shields used by Titan Star ships are more suitable for defending against such low-speed attacks."

The little Tech-priest leaned back in his chair, then, remembering Magos Lauster was beside him, immediately sat upright again, saying helplessly, "So being advanced was a mistake. It really does prove the saying: 'There is no best, only most suitable.'"

After watching the space naval battle version of "You run, I chase" for a while longer, Gamma received an urgent communication from Calgar, saying that the fortress on Kosa was about to fall and asking if he could think of a way to provide support.

Gamma looked at the vast number of living warships on the auspex and concluded that the naval battle situation wouldn't change anytime soon. If they waited until they fought their way to Kosa, Ventris and Finnie would truly become biomass. He immediately requested Ventris's communication method and sent him a message:

"Hold on! I'll send support over immediately!"

Then he ordered all torpedoes from Bay 3 to be fired, with the last fortress on Kosa as their destination.

The Ultramarines Gaius, who was cutting down bugs on the city wall, received Gamma's message. A faint smile appeared on his long-unsmiling face, his parched lips curving slightly. Dragging his heavily injured body, he shouted to the other warriors who were fighting fiercely:

"Tell everyone, support is coming immediately! Hold on!"

As Ventris's voice, carried by the still-functioning broadcast system within the fortress, reached the ears of the surviving humans and Titan Star people, who were already exhausted, strength surged through their bodies once more. They roared and launched another counterattack against the Tyranid before them.

But their counterattack had no effect against the Tyranid's tide of bugs. The Hive Tyrant understood that this was merely the food's final struggle; it enjoyed watching the despairing expressions of its food after they struggled.

Let me crush it with my own hands.

The Hive Tyrant thought so. It was one of the few Tyranid species with individuality and preferences. Although constrained by the Hive Mind's gestalt consciousness, Hive Tyrants actually possessed a complete self-awareness and were granted more autonomy to fulfill their specific roles.

This allowed its reaction speed on the battlefield to be far faster than the Hive Mind, and it could conduct corresponding tactical command and adjustments based on the battle situation. It had also chosen its target early: as long as that heavily wounded blue food was killed, the other food would collapse, achieving both victory and the despair of its food.

Ventris, at this moment, did not know that the exceptionally cunning Hive Tyrant, which he had been trying to find but had never discovered any trace of, had now set its sights on his head.

"Lord Ventris! Watch out!"

Hearing the anxious shout from his comms, the Gaius's heart suddenly tightened. But before his heavily injured body could react, he was violently knocked flying. The intense impact caused him, despite wearing power armor, to spit out a mouthful of blood.

Centuries of combat experience allowed Ventris to adjust his posture while still in mid-air, seeing what had happened.

Ventris revealed a bitter smile upon seeing what had knocked him flying, but he immediately suppressed it. Activating the last bit of fuel in his jump pack to prevent secondary damage from the landing, the Gaius drew the two swords from his waist.

"It's alright, Nus, no need to be sorry. I know you were just too tired." The Ultramarines whispered to comfort the sword in his hand, which conveyed feelings of worry and self-reproach, but his eyes never left the Tyranid Tyrant, which was four times the height of a normal person, not far away.

"Hiss!"

As the Tyrant let out a hiss, its attacks came one after another. The Ultramarines instinctively dodged, avoiding the huge bone blade that swung at him. Several bolter shots rang out, as other Ultramarines not far from Ventris, seeing him in danger, tried to distract the Tyrant this way.

The Astartes, whose ammunition had run out, also gripped their weapons tightly and charged towards the Tyrant with all their might. Just a dozen seconds would be enough for them to reach Ventris, but even such a short time was enough for the Tyranid's strongest weapon.

The thick armor covering its entire body allowed it to ignore the incoming bolter shots. Ventris tried to use the wall to obscure the Tyrant's vision and buy himself time, but plasteel and concrete were like glass to it. With a mere flick, it tore the wall Ventris was hiding behind into pieces, and the bone blade swung at him again.

This time, Ventris had nowhere to evade and could only raise his twin swords to defend. The immense disparity in strength caused the Ultramarines to lose consciousness the moment he was struck flying. Fortunately, his genetically modified body allowed him to quickly regain consciousness.

Ventris, flying through the air, looked at the oncoming Tyranid Tyrant, his heart surprisingly calm. He could no longer feel his hands and knew he was powerless to resist.

Gamma, I can't wait for your support.

In his final moments, the Gaius thought of the little Tech-priest. He wondered what expression the little Tech-priest would have upon hearing of his death. The overly emotional Gamma would surely be very sad. With his last ounce of strength, the Ultramarines glared into the Tyrant's eyes. It could defeat his body, but not his will. "Whoosh!"

"Whoosh!"

"Whoosh!"

Several concentrated pulse blasts shot from an unknown location towards the Tyranid Tyrant, forcing it to abandon its prey, which was within a hair's breadth, and dodge the incoming beams. But this was not the end; a long spear descended rapidly from the sky, piercing straight into the Tyrant.

"Roar!"

The Tyranid, impaled by the long spear, let out a cry of pain. Closely followed energy beams then helped it shut its mouth. Ventris, realizing he had spoken his last words and seen his life flash before his eyes too soon, now wondered if someone could catch him. He was falling headfirst, and if he fell like this, he would either die or end up in a Dreadnought.

It's over! Gamma, you little rascal, if only your support had arrived a few seconds earlier! When I get into a Dreadnought, I'm not done with you, unless you put my sarcophagus into a Xing Tian mech!

"Achoo!" A certain little Tech-priest sneezed.

"What? Ventris fell headfirst and became paralyzed?!"

Magos Gamma looked at the message from Inquisitor Finnie with a face full of disbelief. He was very puzzled by the Space Marine' habit of not wearing helmets to show off. Did they really think the Iron Halo was omnipotent?

"If he's paralyzed, he's paralyzed. It's fine as long as he's not dead. At worst, I'll personally arrange a transformation surgery for him, amputating everything below the neck," Magos Gamma said, pouting speechlessly.

The Tech-Guard had already helped the defenders stabilize the situation. gear boy was leading his sons, having a blast in the sea of bugs. Once the Gorgon Hive Fleet's living ships were dealt with, the bugs on Kosa would be like meat on a chopping block.

Shifting his attention back to the information projection of the naval battle, Magos Gamma rubbed his chin, frowning as he watched the human and Titan Star warships being chased all over the place by the Tyranid warships.

Although the captain beside him explained that this was not "fleeing" but rather cross-covering, using maneuverability to leverage strengths and avoid weaknesses, an outsider like Magos Gamma couldn't understand the intricacies involved.

However, he hadn't learned nothing. At least he could now see the "strengths and weaknesses" of the Tyranid living warships.

With a spore cloud on the outside, hundreds of feet of stone-like armor in the middle, and countless Tyranid organisms inside, Tyranid ships' defensive capabilities could be said to be sufficient to cope with various tactics. Dense weaponry such as hot acid cannon clusters, bio-plasma spines, launch bays, and even massive claws could destroy any enemy daring to obstruct them.

Moreover, each large Tyranid warship was surrounded by swarms of smaller Tyranid organisms or warships. They served as both a shield protecting the large Tyranid warship and the sharpest spearhead.

Given the opportunity, these smaller Tyranid ships would selflessly dive into human or Titan Star ships, attacking them with tentacles and claws in an attempt to tear the target to shreds, or using acid cannons and bio-plasma cannons to damage the hull, or deploying bio-torpedoes and various Tyranid war beasts.

Even more so, some small living warships were weapons themselves. They would act like a huge boarding torpedo, piercing the ship's armor hull with their hooked beaks and then spewing countless Tyranid organisms inside.

But these living warships were not without their drawbacks. Their biggest drawback was their "short reach." They were like a martial arts master with high attack and defense, skilled in close-quarters combat. Both bio-plasma and acid cannon attacks had limited speed and range.

The tactic adopted by the joint fleet was continuous maneuvering, like peeling a cabbage, layer by layer stripping away the "outer shell" protecting the Gorgon Hive Fleet's mothership.

This tactic heavily tested the command level of fleet Commanders and captains. It was effective but also very dangerous; a single mistake meant the destruction of the ship and its crew. At the same time, this martial arts master, Gorgon, was not without means of counterattack, throwing out Aether Hatchery pods and living torpedoes like flying daggers.

The Gear Boy unfortunately got hit by a "Tyranid flying dagger." This made the little Tech-priest sitting on the mechanical throne furious. His ship hadn't even scratched its "original paint," and a Tyranid dared to make a hole in his ship!

"I'm going to kill it!" Magos Gamma shouted, standing on his throne, his face red with anger.

The other Tech-priest on the bridge said nothing. Who told the Om-nissiah's cub, who felt he had already mastered the essence of naval combat, to insist on hands-on practice? The result was that he was directly struck by a Tyranid's one-hit kill, breaking the Gear Boy's golden body.

Looking at the Tyranid being disintegrated by the gray mist on the projection, the little Tech-priest' anger did not diminish in the slightest. After looking at the hole in the hull, Magos Gamma's anger made the cowlick on his head stand up.

"Hehehe, hehehe, good! Very good! Today I'll show you how many eyes the Om-nissiah has!"

With that, the little Tech-priest entered a code on the panel on his wrist. The Gear Boy's hidden weapon bay opened, and special torpedoes were automatically loaded into the launchers by the auto-loading system.

With energy input and acceleration from gravity, the torpedoes were launched at sub-light speed, changing trajectory several times in space before diving into the abyssal maw of a medium-to-large Tyranid warship.

Under the effect of the Tyranid ship's defensive spores, the torpedo's outer shell rapidly disintegrated, revealing containers filled with silver-gray liquid. The special containers, which could resist strong acids and alkalis, did not last long before being completely consumed by the spores.

But they were helpless against the even smaller nanomachines, only able to watch as the nanomachines, already transformed into a cloud of gray mist, fell into the Tyranid ship's maw due to inertia.

The moment the gray mist touched the Tyranid ship, it merged into it like a drop of water falling into water. For a period at the beginning, these Tyranid warships attacked by the torpedoes showed no reaction, already launching wave after wave of attacks against the joint fleet under the command of the Hive Mind.

Until one Tyranid Carnifex began to twitch painfully, crashing into other small Tyranid ships surrounding it, followed by one Tyranid cruiser after another, of various forms, showing the same symptoms.

(Tyranid Carnifex)

The joint fleet quickly noticed the abnormality of these Tyranid ships. While Calgar and Gayss were still discussing whether to take a risky shot, Magos Gamma's communication made them stop their discussion.

"Magos Magos Gamma told us not to attack or approach those Tyranid warships."

Upon hearing the messenger's words, the previously noisy command center immediately fell silent. After Calgar and Gayss exchanged glances, they sent a reply stating that they would comply with Magos Magos Gamma's request.

"Since we already know the reason, there's no need to discuss it further. Continue to execute the original battle plan," Calgar said to the others.

...

"Lord Calgar, can we request more support from Magos Magos Gamma?" someone stood up and asked.

Calgar did not answer, but Gayss took over, saying, "This weapon must be very dangerous, otherwise Magos Magos Gamma wouldn't have warned us."

"Kosa requested support from Magos Magos Gamma, and we also need to request support from Magos Magos Gamma. Are we to expect Magos Magos Gamma to win this war alone?"

Hearing the Grand Inquisitor say this, and seeing the silent Calgar, the others understood what these two meant, so they stopped speaking, leaving their positions one after another to return to their respective posts to continue commanding the battle.

After everyone had left, Calgar said to the Grand Inquisitor, "After this weapon is exposed, more and more people will pay attention to Magos Gamma."

"It's only a matter of time. We'll do our best to block the news. He still needs some time to grow."

Looking at the Tyranid ship vomiting blood in tons, Magos Gamma's mood improved a bit. But thinking about his little secret, which he didn't want anyone to know, being exposed by his own anger, his slightly better mood became even worse.

"Exposed is exposed, I don't care. I'll think about it after I kill Gorgon!"

With anger rising in his heart and evil in his guts, the little Tech-priest decided to take his anger out on the culprit Tyranid. He stopped pretending and fired nano-torpedo after nano-torpedo at the Tyranid warships in the Gorgon Hive Fleet.

Seeing Magos Magos Gamma being so righteous, like a timely rain among Tech-priest, understanding their thoughts and addressing their needs, the fleet Commanders began to actively cooperate with the Gear Boy in hunting Tyranids.

However, after realizing that it had no immediate way to deal with Magos Gamma's nano-torpedoes, the Hive Mind adjusted its tactics. It changed its previous aggressive demeanor, no longer chasing the joint fleet, but instead actively pulling its large and medium-sized warships away from the allied ships, and began using various small escort ships to attack.

Tyranid frigates, originally gathered on the flanks of those large biological spacecraft, were much smaller in size. They had no spore cloud defense and were equipped with relatively simple weapons, but their types were very complex, and their numbers could be described as swarming.

Upon discovering Gorgon's change in tactics, the allied forces also changed their tactics. Instead of dodging, they formed up and met the Tyranid swarm tactics with dense barrages.

The frigates in the fleet actively engaged the incoming Tyranid Drones and Tyranid Harpies, grappling with these small biological ships to prevent them from approaching their own capital ships.

Magos Gamma had thought that without the unscientific spore clouds, these Tyranid ships would be one-shot kills under the fleet's massive cannons. But the fact was, although they lacked spore clouds and heavy armor protection, they showed high resistance to energy weapons.

"This is tricky!"

"Indeed. After the battle, we can collect armor samples from these Tyranid ships. They have great research value."

"Hmm, it would be even better if we could capture a Narvhal ship," Magos Gamma said greedily.

Lauster looked at Magos Gamma in surprise and asked, "You want to research Tyranid's faster-than-light travel technology?"

"Hmm, Warp travel is too uncontrollable. Without new faster-than-light technology, no amount of black technology can change the situation humanity faces!"

As Magos Gamma spoke, a glint of ambition appeared in his eyes. Magos Lauster had never seen Magos Gamma like this before. If it were anyone else, he would certainly think the person was daydreaming, but coming from the Om-nissiah's cub, Magos Lauster had not even the slightest doubt in his heart. He knew that Magos Gamma never spoke idly; if he said it, it meant he already had a lead.

With curiosity, Magos Lauster asked, "Do you have any progress now?"

Magos Gamma nodded without hiding anything: "I've studied the Tau Empire's gravity drives and sub-flow modules. Both have flaws, but this also means that Warp engines are not the only path. I now strongly suspect that Warp engines are actually the product of 'bad money driving out good money.'"

"Bad money driving out good money?"

"Actually, that's not quite accurate. Before Warp engines were invented, Golden Age humanity must have tried other routes. It's just that these routes were not as widespread or performed as well as Warp engines at the time."

"But the environment is different. The Warp of the Golden Age is different from the Warp now. If there had been the Great Rift in the Golden Age, people at that time would definitely not have chosen Warp engines, but would have continued to research other routes."

Lauster nodded, agreeing that Magos Gamma made a lot of sense. Perhaps, as Magos Gamma said, there is no best, only most suitable.