Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 675 Heading to the Stone Fortress
The bridge of the black ship, the "Gabbro," was shrouded in an almost frozen solemnity.

Only the low hum of the Thinker array and the faint glow of data streams across the screen proved that time was still flowing.

Outside the giant observation window, the "Blue Dawn" galaxy gradually recedes into the distance.

That once azure planet, resembling an emperor's teardrop, is now nothing more than an ugly sphere shrouded in a gray-brown haze of death and the still-burning flames of purification.

Like an indelible charred scar on exquisite porcelain, it floats silently on the dark velvet curtain, telling the story of the brutal purification that just ended at the cost of hundreds of millions of lives.

The low hum of the subspace engine preheating echoed deep within the ship, like the panting of a behemoth before it awakens.

This foreshadows the beginning of a new voyage with an uncertain direction.

With his back to that dead star field, Chen Xi stood tall but could not hide a trace of fatigue.

His gaze fell on the two flashing flight paths displayed on the tactical holographic platform.

Unconsciously, his fingertips tapped the cold metal edge of the console.

One is the safe route back to Rostov Main, where there are mountains of political affairs, urgent postwar reports, and a relatively familiar power struggle.

The other is an encrypted navigation beacon provided by the Penitentiary Chapter, pointing to the Dark Angels' mobile fortress, "The Rock."

This route leads to millennia-old secrets, iron discipline, and unpredictable risks.

Oregana stood still to one side, the bronze skull servo arm remaining stationary behind her shoulder.

Only the red light deep within the prosthetic eye swept across the flight path data.

"Return to Rostov Main Star, conventional travel via the Gaia space jump, estimated time 15 standard days."

"Traveling to 'The Rock' fortress will take at least twenty-two standard days, based on the provided beacons and estimated subspace flow stability."

"The latter has a longer range, and the navigation data for the destination area is strictly controlled by the Dark Angels, introducing uncertainty."

Chen Xi nodded slightly.

The aftershocks of his meeting with Company Commander Daryl were still fresh in his mind; the sharp eyes beneath the dark green power armor and the solemn tone when mentioning the "inner ring" remained vividly etched.

The secrets of the Dark Angels are like a giant gravitational trap, both dangerous and alluring.

"Summon the core members."

Chen Xi finally spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly breaking the silence of the bridge.

"We need to discuss our next steps."

Moments later, the core members gathered in the dedicated tactical briefing room of the "Gabbro".

The air circulation system worked quietly, but it couldn't dispel the heavy atmosphere in the air.

The air was filled with a mixture of engine oil, purifying incense, and a faint smell of gunpowder residue from the gaps in the power armor.

Chen Xi didn't beat around the bush and directly presented the current choice to everyone.

He briefly recounted the key points of his meeting with Captain Daryl, particularly the unusual activity in the star system near "The Rock," the potential threat of "Fallen Angels," and the Dark Angels' heightened sensitivity to the matter.

"In summary."

Chen Xi concluded by saying that his fingertips hovered above the holographic projection.

"Going to 'The Rock' Fortress means we are voluntarily stepping into a realm fraught with unknown risks."

"The Dark Angels' guarding of secrets borders on obsession; our investigation might be seen as a provocation."

"However, if my fears come true, and there really is an ancient threat pointing to the 'Rock,' perhaps even related to the slumber or return of the Lion King Leon Aljonson..."

"Then its significance will far exceed a single regional purification of Tyran."

Titus responded first, his voice coming through the helmet amplifier, carrying the rationality and restraint characteristic of an Ultra Warrior.

"The risk assessment is clear."

"To venture into the heart of the Dark Angels' territory without invitation is indeed an adventure."

"However, the potential threat you have raised—involving Primarch-level existence—is of priority that outweighs conventional considerations." "If the threat is real, it is our duty to provide early warning."

"The Deathwatch squad is ready to deploy at any time."

Oregana, on the other hand, analyzed the situation using her unique logic.

"From an informational perspective, Company Commander Daryl's agreement to report and his implied invitation represent a rare window of opportunity."

"This suggests that 'The Rock' may be facing a situation it cannot handle alone."

"We can use this opportunity to obtain firsthand information about potential threats."

"However, all data exchanges must be conducted through the highest level of encryption and isolation protocols; any oversight could lead to misunderstandings."

The focus of twilight is on the action itself.

"The Gabbro will be fully prepared for navigation and defense."

"However, within the Dark Angels' territory, our communications and operations must be presumed to be under surveillance, necessitating the development of corresponding security plans."

Mai Mai's eyes sparkled with a desire for the unknown, but he also maintained the necessary caution.

"An opportunity to confront a secret of ten thousand years is of immeasurable value."

"I support advancing towards the 'rock,' but we must proceed with extreme caution."

Although the opinions of the people were different, the conclusions were similar: the risks exist, but the responsibilities and potential rewards are greater.

The resolution has been made.

Chen Xi stood up, his gaze sweeping over every face in the room before finally settling on the distorted starry sky outside the observation window.

"The Emperor's mission requires us to confront the darkness, wherever it comes from."

He turned to Oregana.

"Reply to 'Unyielding Faith' to accept the navigation beacon."

"Set flight path, target—Stone Fortress."

"Command confirmed."

The data stream in Aurejana's eyes flashed faster, and the bronze servo arm emitted a faint rotating sound.

"Titus, keep your men on high alert, but do not show hostility unless absolutely necessary."

"We need to demonstrate a cooperative attitude while being prepared for any unforeseen circumstances."

"clear."

Orders were issued one after another, and the somber atmosphere in the briefing room transformed into urgent action.

The brief respite is long gone, replaced by tension and determination to face new challenges.

The "Gabbro" adjusted its attitude and followed the dark green Blade of Repentance frigate ahead, slowly heading towards Mandeville Point at the edge of the star system.

The massive subspace engine began to gather energy, and the void seemed to be torn apart by an invisible force.

At the bow of the ship, the real structure began to distort and fluctuate.

Like ripples spreading across water after a pebble is thrown in, it gradually tears open a strangely colored rift leading to the non-material realm.

Chen Xi stared at the expanding subspace rift outside the observation window.

The longing for a brief moment of tranquility had long been replaced by a heavy sense of responsibility and vigilance against the unknown.

The ship shuddered slightly and slid completely into that bizarre and turbulent sea of ​​subspace.

When they return to the real universe, what awaits them is the legendary mobile home of the Dark Angels—the Stone Fortress.

(End of this chapter)