Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 226 Visiting the Frontline

Chen Xi arrived at the surface of the planet in a shuttle.

The shuttle slowly landed on the makeshift landing platform. The roar of the engine gradually weakened. When the hatch opened, a strange air accompanied by the sounds of the battlefield rushed in.

The gravity of this planet is slightly lower than that of Rostov, so Chen Xi's steps seemed much lighter when he stepped out of the cabin.

At this time, airdrop pods could still be seen falling from the sky from time to time. Those were the Astartes joining the battle.

Landing directly on the ground in an airdrop capsule is still a bit too exciting for ordinary people.

The landing process of the airdrop capsule is extremely rapid, and the huge impact force is enough to make an untrained ordinary person lose consciousness instantly, or even cause serious physical injuries.

Only Astartes who have undergone physical modification and are wearing power armor can withstand this type of landing.

As for parachuting directly from low-Earth orbit to the ground like the orbital airborne troops, Chen Xi would like to experience this method of rapid descent.

The thrill of free fall and the challenge to the limit made Chen Xi yearn for it.

But he was the supreme commander of the expeditionary force, and his safety was related to the success or failure of the entire battle, so no one would agree to let him take the risk.

Therefore, Chen Xi could only take a shuttle to reach the ground after the first landing troops had captured the landing site.

Around the landing site, engineering troops are busy building temporary bases and defensive fortifications are taking shape rapidly.

Chen Xi stood beside the shuttle, looked up at the sky, and could vaguely see the fleet in orbit.

At this time, three days had passed since the expeditionary force launched the general offensive on Donetsk III.

During this time, the Second, Third, and Fourth Strike Groups had successfully completed landing operations and established a stable landing site on the planet's surface.

Subsequent troops are continuously landing on the ground, quickly deploying and engaging in fierce battles with the Necrons.

The entire landing site has begun to take shape. The flags of the Astra Militarum flutter in the wind, the Space Marines have also raised their own battle flags, and the Imperial Knights have planted their flags all over the battlefield.

Although it looks a bit fancy, we have to admit that looking at the forest of battle flags can really boost morale.

When Chen Xi arrived, the Necrons were launching a fierce counterattack on the landing site.

Strange green energy beams flickered in the sky, Necron aircraft flew by like ghosts, and the ground was covered with countless metal skeleton-like Necron warriors. Their steps were neat and cold, like an unstoppable metal torrent.

However, the Astra Militarum's defenses were not easily broken.

Three days was more than enough time for the Astra Militarum to establish a solid defense line on the planet's surface.

Bunkers made of adamantium and ceramite armor plates are scattered throughout the position. The thick armor is enough to withstand the energy weapons of the Undead. Laser cannons and grenade launchers are installed on the firing points. The precise fire network will tear any enemy that tries to approach into pieces. Even the permanent trenches are improved to an astonishing degree, with not only officers' bedrooms and mess halls, but also temporary medical stations and ammunition depots.

The Astra Militarum built a very complete position defense system to resist the attacks of the Necrons.

The massive Imperial Knight airdrop pods became the strategic fulcrum of this defense system. These airdrop pods were like steel behemoths dropped from the sky, each comparable to a small fortress or castle.

Not only do they have powerful turrets and shield systems, they also have thick armor defenses, enough to withstand the onslaught of the Undead.

The Imperial Knights' airdrop pods were cleverly placed at key positions on the defense line, becoming the spiritual pillar and tactical support for the Astra Militarum soldiers.

If there are one or two armored vehicles such as Imperial Knights and Leman Russ Main Battle Tanks nearby, the entire defense line will be even more indestructible.

The Imperial Knights' massive chainswords and melta cannons can easily shred Necron armor, while the Leman Russ's main gun can destroy heavy enemy targets at long range.

With the addition of one or two battalions of Astra Militarum infantry, this line of defense would be enough to hold back the enemy for a long time, and even become the starting point for a counterattack.

Chen Xi stood in front of the observation port of a bunker, his eyes sweeping across the entire battlefield.

"How is the current progress of each strike group?" He did not turn around, but asked the Astra Militarum officer beside him.

The staff officer replied, “Currently, the Second Strike Group has completed the deployment of all Astra Militarum troops and Imperial Knights, and most of the Crusades have also been deployed to the battle. The remaining Crusades will exist as reserves.

As for the Astartes and Sisters of Battle, they recently defeated an enemy surprise attack and have now withdrawn to the rear for repairs."

Chen Xi didn't say anything about this answer. He just nodded and continued to ask, "What are the casualties?"

"Over ten thousand Astra Militarum soldiers have been killed, over twenty Imperial Knights have been lost, the Crusades have suffered seventy thousand casualties, the Astartes and Sisters of Battle have also suffered considerable damage, and the overall attrition of the First Strike Group has exceeded 15%." The staff officer's answer was without any emotion, as if it were just a string of ordinary numbers.

Chen Xi didn't say anything about this. Landing battles are often the stage where the enemy's resistance is the most intense and also the stage with the heaviest casualties. Being able to gain a foothold with only 15% casualties, Chen Xi felt it was still very cost-effective.

Afterwards, he inquired about the situation of the other two strike groups and went to the front line for further inspection.

He knew clearly that he was not a military strategist, and staying in the headquarters had no meaning except being a mascot to put pressure on the commander. It would be better for him to go to the front line to boost morale.

No one objected to Chen Xi's action, and no one said that he was the commander and should not go to the front line.

In the Empire, it is normal for the commander to lead by example. In many cases, the commander is even the most capable fighter in the entire army. This is particularly evident in the Astartes, Imperial Knights and Battle Sisters.

After Guilliman returned to the Empire, the Mother Superior of the Sisters of Battle, High Lord Morvenval, personally went to the battlefield and fought on the front lines. It can be imagined how strong the martial ethics of the Empire was.

It's one thing for a commander to kill himself with an orbital airborne attack, but it's another to personally go to the front lines of the battlefield to boost morale.

The former was pure nonsense, while the latter was an act that would be supported by the entire empire and would win great prestige.

So when Chen Xi arrived at the front line with a small team of combat nuns, stood in the most conspicuous position on the position and raised his own flag, allowing the soldiers on the battlefield to notice him, their morale immediately received a huge boost.

Chen Xi didn't even have to join the battle himself, as these howling soldiers had already annihilated the advancing Necron troops in front of them.

(End of this chapter)