Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 676 The Stone Fortress
Subspace travel has never been pleasant.

Even under the protection of the Geller force field, the crew could still feel the omnipresent whispers and malice that were trying to erode their reason.

The 22-standard-day journey was spent in turbulence and depression.

During this period, there were several minor warp turbulence events and a small-scale demonic entity impact.

However, thanks to the combined efforts of the "Gabbro" defense system and the accompanying frigate "Punishment Blade", they escaped danger.

The ship "Unwavering Faith," where Captain Daryl served, maintained precise navigation, guiding the "Gabbro" through the chaotic waves.

As the hum of the subspace engines gradually subsided and the ship began to leave that unsettling area, an invisible pressure began to permeate the "Gabbro".

Everyone knew that they were about to reach their destination.

The armored light filters of the main observation window rise in layers, bringing outside light into the cabin.

The scene before them was enough to deeply shock even the well-informed judges and Chen Xi's entourage.

A huge, irregular, asteroid-like object floats in the void.

Its scale far exceeds that of an ordinary space fortress or dock.

It is not a naturally formed celestial body, but has clearly undergone unimaginable engineering modifications.

The massive rock structure is densely covered with Gothic spires, magnificent arches, crisscrossing metal skeletons, and countless weapon platforms that stand like a forest.

The macro-gun array, laser turrets, and torpedo silos, like the sharp teeth and spikes of a giant beast, gleamed with a cold, hard luster under the starlight.

The faint energy ripples generated by the Void Shield Generator, like a semi-transparent eggshell, enveloped the entire fortress.

This is the "megalith".

The Dark Angels Chapter's mobile fortress home port is both their eternal memorial and their shackle.

It was originally the largest surviving fragment after the destruction of the Primarch homeworld Caliban.

Over the millennia, the Dark Angels have continuously reinforced and expanded it, transforming it into a colossal structure that integrates a military fortress, a monastery, an archive, and a repository of sacred relics.

Its internal structure is so complex that even many members of the warbands have not been able to see the whole picture.

"We received the 'Boulder' navigation signal, which guided us to the designated berth."

Oregana reported that her data eyes were rapidly scanning the fortress's external structure.

"Multiple weapon lock-on scans and an extremely strong psionic shielding field have been detected. The fortress's defense level is at the highest level."

"Follow the guidelines and remain silent on communications unless the other party initiates contact."

Chen Xi gave the order, his eyes fixed on the approaching behemoth.

A sense of historical weight and an invisible sense of oppression washes over you.

This place is not only a military fortress, but also a tomb that has buried secrets for thousands of years, a symbol that carries endless obsessions.

The "Gabbro" followed the "Unyielding Faith" like two insignificant little fish, slowly swimming toward the open mouth of the silent behemoth.

A dock entrance protected by a massive armored gate.

The reliefs on the gates faintly reveal the battle emblem of the Dark Angels and ancient symbols of the Caliban world, telling a story of a long-lost history.

Entering the dock was solemn and dignified, yet it also exuded a cold sense of alienation.

The dock's interior space is extremely vast, reaching several kilometers in height, enough to accommodate several capital ships.

In the dim light, countless engineering servo skulls and technical soldiers clad in dark green power armor could be seen busily maintaining the other Dark Angel ships docked there.

The air was filled with the scents of engine oil, incense, and cold metal.

The walls are covered with intricate scriptures and bas-reliefs depicting the history of the warbands, with every detail emphasizing discipline, loyalty, and secrecy.

When the "Gabbro" was guided to its designated berth, a squad of Dark Angels warriors were already waiting at the dock.

They were dressed in standard dark green power armor, their helmet visors flashing red, their posture upright as pine trees, and their movements perfectly synchronized.

It exudes a discipline that has been honed through countless trials and tribulations, bordering on inhuman.

The leading sergeant stepped forward; his shoulder armor bore distinctive markings indicating that he belonged to the company responsible for internal security.

"In the name of the Lion King and the Emperor, welcome to the Great Rock, Your Excellency the Judge."

The sergeant's voice came through the helmet amplifier, cold and emotionless.

It was less of a welcome and more of a formality.

"I am Sergeant Camille, and I am here to receive you and your entourage. Please follow me; your accommodations have been arranged." There were no unnecessary pleasantries, no curious glances, only pure efficiency and restraint.

Chen Xi noticed that even when these soldiers were carrying out reception missions, their hands never left their weapons.

The scanner was also subtly scanning the hatches of the "Gabbro" and everyone who walked down the gangway.

Chen Xi nodded slightly and led the main members, including Olegana, Tetus, and Guterres, down the gangway.

Stepping onto the deck inside the "giant rock," one feels a solid and heavy texture, unlike the metal of a ship.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Sergeant Camille."

Chen Xi responded in a tone befitting a judge—slightly distant but polite.

"We look forward to meeting with the chapter's leadership."

"Grand Master Azrael is aware of your arrival."

Sergeant Camille turned to the side to indicate the direction.

"However, he is very busy, and the meeting time needs to be rescheduled. In the meantime, please stay in the designated area."

"Please do not enter areas marked as restricted without permission. If you have any needs, please contact our service staff via the communicator in your room."

His words were polite, but clearly restrictive.

This was to be expected; the "giant rock" would not allow outsiders to move around freely.

They followed Sergeant Camille through the grand yet oppressive passageway.

The passageway is flanked by archways that are tens of meters high, with huge banners hanging on the walls depicting the battles and symbols of the Dark Angels.

However, many images appear to have been deliberately edited, and details of certain historical events are blurred.

Occasionally, when they encountered Dark Angel warriors marching in formation, they would salute Sergeant Camille, but ignore Chen Xi and his group.

That kind of disregard is not arrogance, but rather an absolute focus that completely excludes external distractions from attention.

The accommodations were a series of guest rooms located in the outer area of ​​the fortress.

Although spacious, clean, and well-equipped, the decor is extremely simple, austere, and full of the characteristics of a military monastery.

Looking out the window, one sees either the intricate architectural structure of the fortress or the cold, empty stars of the outside world; there is no pleasant scenery to be seen.

"It was like we were sent to the highest level of prison."

Guterres muttered under his breath after inspecting the room.

"Be patient, Guterres."

Chen Xi said calmly.

"This is their sacred ground; we are outsiders, and potential trouble. This kind of treatment is normal."

Oregana has begun deploying portable scanners to check rooms for surveillance equipment.

Titus arranged for Deathwatch players to take turns on duty.

Although the likelihood of conflict occurring inside the "stone" is extremely low, vigilance is an instinct of the Astartes.

The days of waiting have begun.

Time seemed to pass exceptionally slowly inside the "megalith".

Aside from the service servants who deliver supplies regularly, they have almost no contact with any members of the Dark Angels.

Communication is also restricted; contact with the outside world must be relayed through the communication nodes of the "giant rock," which are obviously subject to surveillance.

During this time, Chen Xi repeatedly reviewed the intelligence he had brought and deduced the possible questioning and negotiation strategies he might face.

Oregana, on the other hand, gathered as much information as possible about the “megalith” structure and non-classified areas from limited external interfaces.

Titus and his team continue their daily training to maintain peak performance.

This atmosphere of isolation and scrutiny is undoubtedly a psychological test.

It clearly conveys a message.

In "The Rock," the Dark Angels hold absolute dominance.

Whether or not any secret is revealed will be up to them.

(End of this chapter)