Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 292 The Battle of Kharkiv - Part 1
Having freed himself from the constraints of numerous affairs, Chen Xi was finally able to refocus all his energy on the expeditionary force's campaign.

The mountain of political and courtly affairs that had been piling up had almost exhausted his patience, and now he could finally return to the war.

At present, the expeditionary force's defenses are impregnable thanks to the meticulous construction by commanders Sigismund and Locken.

These two experienced commanders made full use of their respective strengths, and through their concerted efforts, the entire defense line has formed a layered configuration with depth, strategic nodes supporting each other, and logistical supply lines running smoothly.

Meanwhile, Ventanus's counterattack forces were ready and had already launched two probing attacks.

Although they failed to achieve a breakthrough, they did not fall behind in the battle against the space necromancers. Both sides had their victories and defeats, and the overall battle situation maintained a fragile balance.

This situation is undoubtedly very advantageous to the Imperial Expeditionary Force.

This situation was undoubtedly very advantageous to the empire, and most people even became optimistic about the war.

However, Chen Xi obtained a disturbing piece of information from the three Supreme Masters.

Through psychic observation and divination, they discovered that the subspace rift above the Necropolis world had begun to decay.

All signs indicate that the Khorne army, which has been wreaking havoc for so long, seems to be in retreat.

Although these bloodthirsty demon legions have not completely withdrawn from the Crown of the Necromancers, it is only a matter of time before the Necromancers completely resolve the warp rift and purge the remnants of the Khorne army without external intervention.

This information made Chen Xi very worried.

He knew better than anyone else what terrifying war potential the Space Necromancers, an ancient race that had been dormant for 60 million years, would unleash once they were free from internal strife.

The undead fleets tied down by the warp rifts, the legions still slumbering in the catacombs, the superweapons yet to be activated—when all these forces are unleashed, the Imperial Expeditionary Forces will face unprecedented pressure.

In response, Chen Xi immediately convened a high-level strategic meeting of the expeditionary force.

Attendees included frontline commanders such as Sigismund, Loken, and Ventanus, as well as representatives of the Imperial Navy, the Archsage of Mechanics, and other high-ranking members of the expeditionary force.

A holographic star map slowly rotated in the center of the conference room round table, marking the real-time changes in the enemy and friendly forces' situation.

During the meeting, Imperial Navy intelligence officers submitted a brand-new intelligence report—the reconnaissance fleet had discovered signs of space necromancy in the Kharkov system, which is adjacent to the Donetsk system.

A Necromancer squadron has established a forward base in the system and has begun deploying surface facilities and orbital defense arrays.

All indications suggest that they are trying to use Kharkiv as a springboard for attacking Donetsk.

The Donetsk system—once the core world of the Necromancers in space—has become the target of the Mechanicus's frenzied excavation and modification after being conquered by the Imperial Expeditionary Force.

The entire planet is covered with ancient necromantic structures, each pyramid and black stone obelisk containing immeasurable technological value.

The Great Sages of the Mechanicus were almost driven to a state of frenzied research. They not only invested massive resources in archaeological excavations, but also spared no expense in reinforcing the planet's defense system.

The Gridia Forge even brought in a small star fortress, deploying it in orbit around Donetsk as a core pivot for space defense. Meanwhile, Sigismund led two Earth Fist Corps on a massive construction project within the system.

Orbital defense platforms, planetary-level void shield generators, and ground fortress clusters—the entire Donetsk system is being transformed into an impregnable steel fortress.

With such a defensive system, Chen Xi has full confidence in holding Donetsk.

But confidence is not the same as underestimating the enemy; he will never sit idly by while the Necromancers of space calmly prepare for battle in the Kharkov system.

"We must launch an offensive against the enemy in Kharkov immediately. We cannot allow them to establish a solid bridgehead there!" Chen Xi made the decision decisively. His gaze swept across each commander present like a sharp sword, finally settling on Ventanus: "Company Commander Ventanus, are your assault troops ready for battle? Can they be deployed immediately to this crucial battle?"

"Ready at your command, Commander!" Ventanus rose abruptly, his posture upright, his voice booming like a war drum: "My warriors have long since sharpened their blades, awaiting only your order!"

Chen Xi nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

He then turned to the other military leaders in the strategy room, his voice steady and forceful: "Generals of the Astronautical Army? Imperial Navy Fleet Command? And representatives of the Cult of Mechanics? Are your respective forces ready for coordinated operations?"

The atmosphere in the conference room immediately became tense, and everyone clearly realized that Chen Xi was about to pull off something big.
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With the issuance of operational orders from the Supreme Command of the Expeditionary Force, the Imperial war machine in the entire Rostov subsector began to operate at full speed.

The Space Marine chapters, acting as the spearhead of the attack, have already taken the lead, advancing towards the Kharkov system aboard fast strike cruisers.

These battle-hardened super soldiers will shoulder the most dangerous mission—to pave the way for the subsequent army and tear a breach in the undead's defenses.

Meanwhile, more reinforcements are arriving from various war zones.

Elite forces, including heavy armored divisions, Titan legions, and artillery clusters, are advancing towards the assembly point, forming an iron torrent capable of shaking the planet.

Ventanus, one of the three frontline commanders personally appointed by Chen Xi, is currently leading his meticulously crafted assault force as the first wave of attack, and has already arrived at the outer edge of the Kharkov system.

Sigismund and Loken drew elite troops from the Donetsk and Zaporosh defense zones respectively to form a second attack echelon.

They will immediately engage in battle after Ventanus opens a breach, consolidate their gains, and pave the way for follow-up troops.

Following these two elite forces was the third wave of attack, composed of the main force of the Astral Army, personally commanded by an experienced Lord General.

Finally, the fanatical holy war army will be deployed to the battlefield. This force, composed of battle nuns and fanatics, led by the Inquisitor of Vain, will bring the Emperor's wrath upon the enemy.

To ensure logistical support for this large-scale offensive, Chen Xi personally oversaw operations at Kherson, a crucial logistical hub.

He kept a close eye on the situation at the front and was ready to adjust the strategic deployment at any time.

This progressively advancing offensive plan, though seemingly simple and straightforward, contains the essence of the Empire's military art—wearing down the enemy through continuous pressure and using a constant stream of fresh troops to break them.

Once the vanguard forces successfully break through the enemy lines, the Imperial army that follows will surge like a tidal wave, completely overwhelming the Necromancers' defenses!

(End of this chapter)