This is our Warhammer journey

Chapter 198 I've put up with you guys for a long time (4.4k)

Impek Galaxy, planetary orbits.

The massive hull of the "Dawn" hovered silently beside the shark-eating fleet, its macro-gun array having completed its warm-up, the muzzles all pointing downwards at the planet eroded by chaos.

In this somber fleet, the deployment positions of several warships stood out—

They were pressed extremely low, almost touching the edge of the planet's defensive fire network, as if ready to dive down at any moment and be the first to penetrate the surface.

Those are ships of the Devotee Chapter.

Romulus stood on the observation deck, his gaze piercing through the tempered glass to the warships poised for battle. He fully understood the urgency—from the moment he received the distress signal from the man-eating shark, he had guessed what Ezekiel was truly searching for.

Everyone has read Lion King's novels and knows what the Ten Thousand Eyes Battle Gang is, and is even clear about their purpose.

A pure fallen angel.

After all, Arthur's side didn't have any bombshells, and the number of people lying in the stasis field was already approaching three digits, so it was impossible to guess that it was them.

So why come here despite the threat of conflict?

It is precisely because the Thousand-Eyed Warriors are actually here that the transmigrators should come; otherwise, the Man-Eating Shark and the Mantis Warriors would most likely be wiped out here.

"So, we can't destroy this planet directly right now?"

Romulus inquired.

"Yes, at least not through an orbital strike, and the Man-Eating Shark is not equipped with an extermination weapon that can be detonated on the planet's surface."

Shal nodded on the other end of the communication line.

"."

Romulus silently watched the parameters fluctuating on the tactical table, the power armor's servo systems humming softly. His mind processor raced, instantly constructing two complete combat plans—

The first approach is simple and direct: send landing forces to drop extinction devices at key locations and turn the entire planet to ashes.

The second approach is more complex: send ground troops to destroy the ritual core, eliminate subspace contamination, and then attempt to repair the world.

The former is brutal but efficient, while the latter, though time-consuming, is not difficult given the military strength of the Dawn Fleet, and can preserve a habitable world for humanity.

However, the problem is that their current fleet composition is problematic.

"Ramesses".

After completing the data exchange with the shark-eating fleet, Romulus said in an internal communications:
"Send encrypted psionic communications to the surface, remember—"

His fingertips tapped twice on the tactical report.

"Do not mention the history of the firefight with the Thousand-Eyed Fighting Gang. Just remain silent and withdraw."

Meanwhile, Romulus's voice echoed inside the bridge.

"Receiving the devotees."

The communications officer immediately bent down and operated the control panel.

"Lord Ezekiel."

On the bridge of the battle barge, Najir asked a question.

Ezekiel didn't hesitate much and immediately chose to connect.

However, he also ordered the inner circle members to enter the orbital drop chamber, and the stasis bomb was put back into the pre-launch procedure.

The backlash from destroying the Dawn Fleet would be severe. The Dark Angels might not be able to withstand a fierce counterattack from dozens of warbands, but keeping the secret would be enough.

Dark angels excel at keeping secrets and have remarkably decisive measures against them.

"Let's have an open and honest talk."

Romulus spoke directly, saying that although the preliminary arrangements had already been completed, he did not want to risk eliminating an entire battle group unless absolutely necessary.

"Our purpose in coming here is to respond to the needs of our allies, eliminate the enemy, and remove the influence of chaos."

After he finished speaking, he looked quietly at Ezekiel, waiting for his reply.

Ezekiel was silent for a moment before replying, "We are the same. The devotees received a communication, which is why we came to provide support."

Titus and Delacroix, standing beside Romulus, both frowned, clearly not quite believing Ezekiel's story.

However, the adults have always been cautious in their handling of the Dark Angels, and they probably won't raise too many questions now.

"You will be in charge of developing the operational strategy. The Dawn Fleet will provide you with the necessary support. We need to bring back the uncontaminated civilians and two battle groups."

Romulus pondered for a moment, then spoke.

Compared to the radicals, Ramses, who planned to replace this unit of Dark Angels with the original Space Marines brought from Caulner, needed to maintain stability more.

It would be best if they didn't have to fight. It's also a good thing that the volunteers are willing to be the vanguard and fight. They can just bring the sharks and mantis warriors back to safety.

"."

On the other side, Nagil and Ezekiel exchanged a glance, both sensing surprise in each other's eyes.

They acted so eagerly that the Primarch had already discovered they were hiding a secret.

However, the Primarch showed no intention of investigating, which relieved Ezekiel.

"The Devotees are capable of fulfilling their ground combat needs without the assistance of the Dawn Fleet. Please remain vigilant against the Void threat."

After careful consideration, Ezekiel answered.

Since both sides have a tacit understanding, then a pleasant cooperation would be the best outcome.

"Ah."

Romulus didn't say much, and immediately hung up the communication, while also telling Arthur and Ramses to evacuate as soon as possible.

Regardless, this planet must be dealt with.

"Send a message to the surface, then log in."

Ezekiel turned and headed toward the launch lane.

"We cannot stand idly by and do nothing about what is happening on this planet."
-
Ansel Impek
Dozens of Thunderhawks and large transport ships hovered on the fortress's landing platform. Under the stable operation of the air defense network, these vulnerable and fragile aircraft were able to land safely.

laugh--

With a hiss of hydraulic system depressurization, the bow hatch of the Thunderhawk gunship slowly opened. Ezekiel stepped out first, followed by the inner ring crew. Explosive guns were ready to fire at any moment, and scanners under their helmets continuously analyzed the defensive layout of the fortress.

Ansel is a forging city belonging to the Mechanicus. It is not a large city. The reason why the Mechanicus established a city here is because there is a rare mineral deposit in this area that can serve as a temporary substitute for the crystals needed to fire volcanic cannons.

Compared to the crystals from Mining World's Coal Ash No. 11, these crystals offer more stable output, lower efficiency, and lack the maddening side effects.

Of course, due to its unique status brought about by its mineral resources, this forging city has the license to manufacture the Shadow Sword super-heavy tank.

It was precisely because of this that, having endured the attacks of Tyranny, the invasion of Chaos, and the sealing of rituals, and in such a critical situation, the Mechanicus, unable to move the entire Forge City, had no time to hide anything.

One after another, Shadow Swords were pulled out of their warehouses and deployed to various important positions.

Besides the Shadow Sword, Ezekiel also saw various well-armed vehicles and an astonishing number of Guardians of the Faith.

"."

Ezekiel looked at the valuable vehicles deployed on the position, enough to arm more than ten battle groups.

Only in the most critical moments can you find out just how much these parasites sucking blood from the empire are hiding.

Unfortunately, the empire had no way to deal with this.

From the laser rifles in the hands of the Astronauts to the massive warships that cruise the stars, almost everything has to go through the hands of the Cult of Mechanics.

Having seized control of the empire's lifeline, they gained unparalleled power and wealth, and at the same time, became increasingly unscrupulous.

"The Dedicated Chapter!"

Ezekiel, who was handing over the defensive line to Tiberius, suddenly stopped speaking, and the red light of his mechanical eye locked onto the suddenly approaching servant.

The inner circle members instantly raised their weapons and aimed at the machine.

Ezekiel raised his hand to signal everyone to remain vigilant, and then took a step forward himself.

“Sage, explain your purpose.”

"The Devotee Chapter, your response was twice as slow as I anticipated! Forge cities continue to suffer because of your incompetence! And those troublesome refugees of Ansel—"

The synthesized mechanical voice suddenly rose in pitch.

"Transfer it to me immediately! Using it to make machine servants is an insult to efficiency!"

The wise man's words were quite unpleasant, but considering that most wise men were like that, Ezekiel tolerated them.

“Sage!” He raised his hand, gesturing for the inner circle members to lower their weapons, and spoke:

“We still have a fleet in orbit, so retaking this planet wouldn’t be difficult, but we need data and information about it to take further action.”

"What do you want to know? Fine, you understand human language a little better than those silent barbarians."

The machine servant's visual sensors flashed rapidly a few times, seemingly receiving remote commands. A moment later, its chest panel suddenly popped open, revealing a biological hard drive with a sharp "beep."

"The data has been transmitted. Note that my Guardians are defending this city, my property."

The sage's voice was filled with Mechanic arrogance.

"I will not grant you any of your demands until I have annihilated these damned enemies and reclaimed my mine."

Communication abruptly ceased, leaving only an unsettling static echo reverberating within the cabin.

Ezekiel was furious. Had this wise man taken some kind of gunpowder or was he allergic to engine oil? He was as unreasonable as a shrew.

Noticing this scene, Tiberius shrugged indifferently.

He forced the refugees in, and he compelled the sage to provide the food.

There was no other way; it was about KPIs.

Saving one more civilian means receiving an extra supply of equipment from Dawnwing. Even if he doesn't need it now, hoarding it won't hurt. Anyway, he doesn't have to worry about the Cult of Mechanics anymore, so what if he offends them?

"The man-eating shark and mantis warriors will carry the refugees away."

He left after saying that.

Ezekiel nodded silently and reviewed the battle records of the Forging City with Nagil.

Sudden--

“Wait, Chapter Master Tiberos.”

The sudden sound stopped the giant in his tracks.

Tiberius turned his head, his lightning claws poised to strike beneath his arm armor.

"The devotees still need your assistance."

Ezekiel spoke after restraining Nagil, who was about to erupt in anger.

"The man-eating sharks need to evacuate refugees."

Tiberius glanced at Nagil's subtle movements and replied.

"Lord Romulus has ordered that the recapture of this planet be your responsibility."

A plume of white mist shot out from Tiberius's breathing grille.

"We will not interfere."

The atmosphere between the two sides was somewhat silent.

The surrounding man-eating sharks seemed to have smelled the blood and swarmed around.

After a long while, and after assessing the strength of both sides, Ezekiel compromised.

"Yes, I will communicate with Lord Romulus."

"it is good."

Tiberius coldly uttered a single word and strode away with the sharks, leaving only the hiss of the hydraulic system closing the hatch echoing in the corridor.

Click~
"grown ups?"

Nagil's voice carried a suppressed anxiety; Ezekiel could even sense the impatience in the fluctuations of his soul.

Like a wild beast that has caught the scent of blood, its claws have already dug deep furrows in the ground, eager to drink the blood of the traitor.

"Move the Firestorm to attack position and prepare the purification protocol."

Ezekiel coldly commanded:
"Target Ansel Forged City. Once the finishing touches are complete, authorize the use of the virus bomb."

"Yes, my lord."

Najir responded so quickly, almost as if he had been waiting for this moment, and then left in a flash.

The inner circle members immediately scattered; their mission was clear.

Block the orbit to ensure that no spaceship can escape the planet before Ansel is reduced to ashes.

Ansel's garrison had clashed head-on with the Thousand-Eyed Warband.

What's even more unsettling is the skill the Shark Legion displayed in dealing with these fallen angels—their tactical reactions were so precise they were terrifying, as if they had faced such enemies a thousand times before.

Ezekiel stared down at the data panel, the pulsating flow of information reflected in his mechanical eyes.

He did not have detailed records of this battle group in his memory, but he did know about their performance.
too familiar.

The think tank's chief mentor unconsciously tightened his grip, causing the edges of the data panel to creak under the strain. In the laws of the dark angels, some things do not require conclusive evidence.

Once suspicion arises, the charge is established.

Ezekiel was not keen on hunting down fallen angels, nor did he like killing to cover up secrets, and he often felt guilty about it. However, he had to do it for the honor of the chapter.

As for the surface.

He looked up at the sky shrouded in dark clouds.

It's alright. What the Dark Angels have been best at for thousands of years is making certain things never happen.

Even if they did do that, the Primarch wouldn't know it was them.

Since they don't know, then the rounding wasn't done by them.

If they didn't do it, then what secret is there?
A thick haze descended from the sky, and a frigate sank into the atmosphere under the watchful eyes of the Dawn Fleet.

"Pity."

Arthur said to Ramses beside him.

They are installing a weapon called the Rift Cannon at the request of the Inner Ring. It can fire a beam of light that blasts apart reality itself in the area it hits, tearing open a subspace rift.

Enemies that get too close to the rift will be sucked in directly, while those that are not sucked in will die instantly because they cannot adapt to the distortion of the rules of reality and the warp.

hum~
The ship groaned under the intense time velocity difference, its internal structure was damaged, and the steel behemoth almost crashed to the ground.

Fortunately, the ancient anti-gravity array worked, ultimately stabilizing the ship.

Now, that massive cannon, powerful enough to tear reality apart, has locked onto its target.

"Yeah, I actually really hope they can act like normal people. Kai and the others are probably overjoyed."

Ramses clicked his tongue and began to lock onto the inner circle members he had already marked, providing location information for his Dark Angels.

No need to add a question.

Arthur gently shook his head.

"Just watch the show. Let me know when you're about to take down the entire battle group."

Within the psionic vision, red markers were moving rapidly.

Ramses rubbed his hands together expectantly.

What expressions will these inner circle members, who think they are in control of everything, have when they find themselves trapped like fish in a barrel?

He was a little impatient.
-
Some things are destined to happen.

I tried to avoid it, but I couldn't escape it.

This is the inner ring of the Dark Angel.

It's still a bit far from being a god, but it doesn't resemble a human at all.

"hehe."

On the Dawn, Romulus watched everything unfolding on the holographic projection and suddenly laughed in exasperation.

I'm trying to reason with you. I don't want to cause trouble. I've given you all face, but do you really think I'm weak?

"Arthur!"

"receive."

(End of this chapter)