Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 690 Two Lions Stampede the Ground
Meanwhile, the Black Talon fighters—the Dark Angels' aerial units—successfully destroyed the warp rift.

The fighter jet launched a specially designed missile, which struck the core of the rift. The rift began to contract erratically, and the purple energy surging from within receded like a tide.

Suddenly, the fissure exploded, releasing a massive energy shockwave.

An invisible ripple spread outwards from the rift, distorting space and bending light wherever it passed. A brief rainbow of light appeared in the void, as if the entire universe had been torn apart and then stitched back together.

The shockwave swept across the asteroid's surface, kicking up massive amounts of dust and debris. The Deathwing Terminators crouched down, their power armor stabilization systems operating at full capacity to withstand the impact.

Leona and Ezekiel stood near the epicenter of the explosion, protected by a psionic barrier, but the barrier cracked under the impact.

The energy storm lasted for about a minute before gradually subsiding. The rift disappeared completely, leaving only a charred crater.

The asteroid debris had subsided, but many new cracks had appeared on its surface. The Black Talon fighter jet reported mission completion via communicator and then returned to base.

Another Thunderhawk transport plane was summoned and landed nearby.

Leona, Ezekiel, and the Deathwing Terminators boarded the plane. The transport plane roared to life and took off, heading towards the Stone Fortress.

Inside the cabin, everyone remained silent, the tension of the battle still lingering. Leona wiped the Lion King's sword, the bloodstains on its blade already dried. Ezekiel inspected his psionic staff, making sure it was undamaged.

The transport plane arrived at the Great Stone Fortress and docked at the designated shipyard.

The shipyard was brightly lit, with technicians and servo skulls busily maintaining other ships. Leona and Ezekiel stepped off the plane and were greeted by Lion King Leon Aljonsen himself and Judge Chen Xi.

The Lion King wore traditional Dark Angel power armor, with a cloak symbolizing leadership draped over his shoulder armor. His face was resolute, his eyes showing a hint of weariness, yet his posture remained upright. Chen Xi stood beside him, dressed in the black robes of an inquisitor, her expression serious.

Together they proceeded to the fortress's command center, a spacious hall with the battle banners of the Dark Angels and historical scrolls of Caliban hanging on the walls. High Master Azrael and the other Inner Circle members were already waiting there.

The group sat around a large stone table, the atmosphere heavy. Leona gave a brief report on the mission, including Cypher's betrayal and the destruction of Hydra.

After listening to the report, Chen Xi stepped forward, drawing everyone's attention. "When the warp rift was destroyed, I detected energy fluctuations," Chen Xi said, his voice calm but with undeniable authority. "The energy pattern of this storm is exactly the same as the warp storm that destroyed Caliban ten thousand years ago and stopped the Lion King and Luthor from fighting."

He brought up the data panel, displaying a comparison chart of the energy waveforms. The two waveforms almost overlapped, with only minor differences.

The hall was deathly silent. Lion King Leon's pupils contracted, and he clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white.

Azrael, the High Master, froze, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes.

Ezekiel took a deep breath, his psychic perception allowing him to sense the truthfulness in Chen Xi's words.

The other inner circle members exchanged glances, some whispering among themselves, others shaking their heads in disbelief.

“That’s impossible,” Azrael finally spoke, his voice low. “The destruction of Caliban was an event that happened ten thousand years ago. How can it be related to the present?”

Chen Xi pointed to the data panel: "The subspace is not bound by the linear flow of time. This storm could be the same event manifesting at different points in time. In other words, what we just witnessed was the origin or echo of the storm that led to Caliban's destruction." Lion King Leon stood up, his voice filled with suppressed emotion: "I witnessed Caliban's destruction. My battle with Luther was interrupted by the storm, and then everything vanished. Now you're telling me that storm is related to our actions today?"

Chen Xi nodded: "Yes. The Ouroboros fragment is a remnant of Caliban's destruction, and its activation and destruction may have triggered a time loop. We not only stopped the current threat, but may also have affected the past."

Ezekiel added, “From a psionic perspective, this makes sense. Warp entities, like ouroboros, can indeed warp time. Cypher’s involvement could be a key variable—his choice altered the course of events.”

Leona said softly, "If that's true, it means we've been fighting our own history all along."

She looked at the Lion King with pity in her eyes.

The Lion King remained silent for a long time, with only the buzzing of data panels filling the hall.

He finally sat down, rubbed his temples, and murmured, "I never thought I would face that day again in this way."

High Master Azrael took a deep breath: "This changes our perspective on the fallen angels and the legacy of Caliban. If time is so fragile, we must act with far greater caution."

Chen Xi continued, "More importantly, this reveals the complexity of the subspace threat. The Empire must reassess its response protocols to similar events."

He pulled up more data, showing records of other anomalous events. The Inner Circle members began to discuss the current state of the Empire and the whereabouts of other Primarchs.

Lion King Leon turned to Chen Xi and asked, "Tell me, what is the current state of the Empire? Any news from the other Primarchs?"

Chen Xi gathered his thoughts and began his report: "The Empire is currently facing multiple threats. The Tyranid Swarm is active in multiple star systems, and the infiltration of the Genestealer Cult is intensifying. Chaos forces such as the Death Guard and the Black Legion are launching continuous attacks. Lord Feralus has awakened and is reorganizing the Iron Hand Legion. There are no confirmed reports of other Primarchs returning. However, based on prophecies and psionic signs, more Primarchs may appear at critical moments."

Lion King Leon gazed at Chen Xi and asked, "What role do we Dark Angels play in this war?"

"That depends on you and the Dark Angels Legion's choice." Chen Xi used the term Legion instead of Warband, which was clearly intentional.

Both Lion King Leon and the young Lion King Leona turned their gazes toward the high-ranking members of the Dark Angels.

Azrael replied, “Our primary mission is to defend the Stonehold and the legacy of Kaliban. But given today’s discoveries, we may need to adjust our strategy and work more closely with other chapters.”

Ezekiel nodded: "The psychic warning indicates that there will be more anomalous events in the future. We must be prepared."

The meeting lasted for several hours and discussed tactical deployments, resource allocation, and external communications.

Finally, the High Master Azrael concluded, “Today’s victory is a warning. We will strengthen the fortress’s defenses and send scouts to monitor entities resembling the Ouroboros. Leona, you and Ezekiel will lead this mission.” Leona and Ezekiel accepted the order in unison.

After everyone had left, Lion King Leon stood alone by the observation window, gazing at the starry sky. The wreckage of Caliban was faintly visible in the distance, a reminder of all he had lost. Chen Xi walked to his side and whispered, "History cannot be changed, but we can shape the future." Lion King didn't turn around, only saying softly, "I hope so."

(End of this chapter)