Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 677 Angel's Inner Ring
The wait lasted for several standard days.

During this period, Chen Xi and his group were only allowed to move around in the accommodation area and a designated, small, neutral rest area.

The lounge is similarly austere, with only a few murals depicting scenes from the Caliban Forest and the Knights Age, but their antiquated style carries a sense of nostalgia and a melancholic loss.

They encountered other members of the warband who occasionally stopped by, but the other party either nodded politely or was completely absorbed in their own thoughts, avoiding any in-depth communication.

The entire environment was permeated with a heavy, secretive atmosphere.

Finally, on the morning of the fifth standard day, Sergeant Camille, who was in charge of reception, appeared at the door of the guest room again.

“Your Excellency the Inquisitor,” he bowed meticulously, his voice as steady as a machine, “the High Master Azrael will receive you in the Hall of Helm in two hours. You may bring one attendant with you.” His gaze briefly swept over the short figure beside Chen Xi, who was always cloaked.

"Only one judge and one entourage?" Guterres asked instinctively, his tone revealing obvious concern.

Sergeant Camille's gaze swept over Guterres without any emotional fluctuation: "This is a requirement of the inner circle. Only His Excellency the Inquisitor and his designated retinue are permitted to attend."

Chen Xi raised his hand, using a slight gesture to stop Guterres from speaking further.

“I understand,” he replied calmly, his voice devoid of any emotion. “Please lead the way.”

He knew that the real test was about to begin. The inner circle of the Dark Angels was the true power core of the Chapter, composed of members who knew the Chapter's deepest secret—the eternal mission of hunting down the "Fallen Angels." Facing them was like stepping into a minefield constructed of ancient oaths and heavy guilt.

Aurejana silently handed over a data tablet, on which the encryption status of all critical information had been checked one last time. Titus gave Chen Xi a cautious look. Chen Xi nodded slightly, straightened the collar of the Inquisitor's black robe, and then the short figure in the cloak silently moved forward, following closely behind. Chen Xi then followed Sergeant Camille out of the room.

They traversed a passageway deeper and more magnificent than before. The guards here were noticeably more stringent; at intervals, knights clad in Terminator armor stood solemnly on either side, their armor etched with ancient runes and battle insignia. Silent as statues, yet the spiritual pressure they exuded was enough to suffocate mortals. The scent of incense in the air was stronger, mingled with the aroma of old parchment, polished metal, and some indescribable aura belonging to the ancient rock itself.

The entrance to Helm's Chamber was a pair of massive bronze doors, carved with lion heads and the emblem of dark angels, soaring to the ceiling. Two exceptionally tall Terminator guards stood before them, their presence as imposing as mountains. Sergeant Camille stopped at the door and showed the guards a psionic mark. The heavy bronze doors slid silently open, revealing a deep, dark hall beyond.

"Please come in, Your Honor. The Grand Masters await you inside." Sergeant Camille stepped aside to make way. Chen Xi took a deep breath and strode into the Helm's Chamber, the short figure under the cloak following closely behind.

The scene inside the hall was breathtaking. The high, domed ceiling was shrouded in shadow, with only a few beams of light streaming down from the stained-glass windows above, forming clear pillars that illuminated the central area. Along the surrounding walls stood statues clad in ancient Mark power armor or Terminator armor, silent witnesses to the millennia-long history of the Dark Angels. At the far end of the hall was a platform several steps high, upon which sat a massive stone table.

Behind the long table sat several figures. They were all dressed in dark green power armor, but the styles and decorations varied, indicating different identities and eras. Although none of them wore helmets, their faces appeared indistinct yet dignified in the dim light. Only the sharp gazes flashing in their eyes, like torches in the darkness, were focused on Chen Xi, who had just entered, and the inconspicuous attendant beside him.

Seated at the very center was a warrior with a resolute face and eyes as weathered as a rock. He didn't wear overly ornate armor, yet he naturally exuded an absolute sense of authority. Chen Xi knew that this was Azrael, the Supreme Grand Master of the Dark Angels. To his left and right sat several equally distinguished warriors; they were Grand Masters, forming the core of the inner ring.

The entire hall was eerily quiet; even the air seemed to have frozen. That invisible pressure, stemming from the weighty history passed down for millennia and the resolute will to guard the deepest secrets, was more unsettling than facing a thousand troops.

Chen Xi walked steadily to the center of the hall and stopped about ten steps away from the long table. The short figure stood quietly to his side and slightly behind him. He performed a standard and solemn salute according to the etiquette of the courtroom.

“High Master Azrael, all the Grand Masters,” his voice echoed clearly in the absolute silence, neither humble nor arrogant, “I am Judge Chen Xi. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to receive me.”

Azrael spoke slowly, his voice deep and powerful, each word carrying immense weight, echoing in the hall: "Judge Chen Xi. We have reviewed Company Commander Daryl's report in detail. The information you provided, and the 'concerns' you expressed, are indeed extraordinary."

He paused, his gaze pressing down on Chen Xi as if it were a tangible force, as if trying to pierce through his flesh and blood and look into the depths of his soul. The gazes of the other inner circle members were equally sharp, forming an invisible net of scrutiny.

“Now, please explain to us yourselves. About the discoveries in the Genestealer's lair, about your so-called deductions derived from ancient records and psionic echoes, especially…” Azrael's voice rose slightly, “Why do you believe that those attackers lurking in the shadows are targeting the ancient shadows of the 'Fallen Angels,' or even His Majesty the Lion King’s slumber?”

“And,” Azrael’s voice grew even deeper, carrying an undeniable chill, “you, an Inquisitor who is not from our chapter, and even has little connection with the First Legion, how exactly did you learn of these… secrets that most of the Empire’s high command has long forgotten, or that they have no right to know?”

All eyes of the inner circle members were fixed on Chen Xi, awaiting his answer. The atmosphere in the hall was so heavy it was almost icy. Chen Xi knew that every word he spoke, every subtle pause, even the rhythm of his breath, would be weighed on the most rigorous scales. An inappropriate explanation would not only fail to gain trust but could even be seen as a threat to the core secrets of the battle group, leading to extremely serious consequences.

He must draw upon all his wisdom, courage, and the authority of a judge to face this crucial examination that will determine the future.

(End of this chapter)