Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 713 The Battle of Kamas 10
However, just as they were trying to lock onto the Cursed Horizon, a large number of enemy drop pods and assault boats suddenly appeared on their flanks. They were not targeting Imperial ships, but were heading straight for the surface of the planet Kamas—it was a transport convoy carrying more Chaos reinforcements and sacrificial materials.

"Prioritize intercepting those airdrop pods!" Lion King immediately corrected his order.

If these reinforcements and "fuel" successfully reach the ground, Leona's pressure will increase exponentially.

The Imperial fleet's light spears and close-in weaponry shifted, weaving a web of destruction in the void. Numerous airdrop pods were blown up in mid-air before even reaching the atmosphere, turning into dazzling but fleeting fireworks.

However, a considerable number of them still managed to slip through the net and successfully broke through the interception, heading towards Hera City.

This lapse in concentration interrupted the "Indomitable Truth's" offensive momentum, and the main fleet of Therafax retreated again to maintain distance, while the harassment formation regrouped.

“He’s taking advantage of our concern for the ground war,” the Lion King said in a low voice, a cold glint in his eyes.

Serafax had precisely identified his weakness. If left unchecked, the ground situation would collapse; if they launched a full-scale interception, the fleet would be unable to provide effective and sustained fire support to the core area of ​​Hera City, especially for precision strikes against fixed points that require prolonged targeting and sustained energy output.

"Inform Leona and Chen Xi," the Lion King said to the communications officer, "We are facing fierce resistance from the enemy on the orbital plane, and we cannot guarantee continuous and precise fire support to the center of Hera City. The ground offensive must rely on their own strength to break through the situation."
-
Ground, outside the city of Hera.

Leona received the message from the orbiter, but she made no comment and simply turned her gaze back to the central square in the distance, which resembled the entrance to hell.

The situation on Lion King's side was as expected; Serafax is no fool.

“Orbital support is limited,” she simply informed all company commanders. “We have to rely on ourselves.”

This news undoubtedly affected morale to some extent, but both the Blood Angels and the Crimson Crescent warriors were already used to fighting in desperate situations.

"Then we'll fight our way through!" Tycho roared. "The Holy Blood Angels are never afraid of close combat!"

"Crimson Crescent, follow me! Let the traitors witness the wrath of the Son of Saint Gilles!" Chapter Master Cassius also raised his power sword.

However, the real difficulties were not reduced by their high morale.

As the sacrifices continued, the number of demon legions not only did not decrease, but increased, and more advanced units that were difficult to deal with appeared.

Several massive Khorne skull turrets appeared at the front of the battle line, surrounded by vampires. The projectiles they spewed, composed of congealed blood and negative energy, were not only incredibly powerful, but also created a small-scale blood mist upon explosion, continuously corroding the power armor and will of Imperial warriors within the area.

To make matters worse, some Khorne Berserkers have also begun to join the fight.

They are more resilient and skilled in combat than vampires. Wielding dual chain axes or power axes, they charge in a manner that disregards their own casualties. It often takes several veteran Blood Angels working together to barely withstand the frenzied attacks of a single berserker.

Leona once again took the lead, the Lion King Sword in her hand transforming into whirlwinds of death. Wherever it passed, vampires, fleshhounds, and berserkers all crumbled under the golden sword light.

She specifically targets high-level demon units or Chaos Champions for decapitation, attempting to disrupt the enemy's command structure.

On one occasion, she charged alone into a group of Khorne berserkers, her Lion King Sword drawing a perfect arc, instantly cleaving three berserkers in half at the waist. However, the fourth berserker's chain axe left a deep dent in her shoulder armor, sparks flying everywhere.

With a backhand thrust, she pierced his chest, the energy overload instantly carbonizing his internal organs. In the next instant, she leaped onto a Khorne skull turret, and before the turret could turn on her, she plunged the Lion King Sword into its barrel base. Divine energy surged in, triggering a secondary explosion that blasted the entire turret into a pile of shattered skulls and twisted metal.

Her bravery greatly inspired the troops, but the strength of an individual is ultimately limited on a battlefield of this scale.

The casualties of the Blood Angels and Crimson Crescent continued to rise, and their advance became increasingly slow. Often, capturing a single block required paying a heavy price, and they would immediately face counterattacks from the enemy's flanks and rear.

The battle lasted from day to night, and then from one "night" to another "day".

The troops were exhausted, ammunition was being used up in large quantities, and the logistical supply lines were becoming increasingly vulnerable due to the harassment from the demons.

Leona was forced to order her troops to establish a temporary defensive perimeter within the ruins of a relatively fortified former large manufacturing plant for a brief rest and resupply. The soldiers used this precious time to replace energy batteries, replenish explosives, and treat wounds, while the technical sergeants urgently repaired their damaged power armor.

Leona leaned against a broken section of wall, removed her helmet, and took a deep breath of the foul air thick with the smell of gunpowder and blood. Her face showed obvious exhaustion, and strands of her golden hair were stuck to her forehead with sweat. She gazed towards the center of Hera City, where the crimson rift twisted against the low-hanging sky, seemingly so close yet so far.

“We still need to break through at least three main lines of defense before we can reach the central plaza.” Company Commander Tycho walked to her side. His power armor was covered in new scratches and dents, and there was a clear crack in his visor. “At the current rate of advance and with the casualties…” He didn’t finish his sentence, but the unspoken message was clear.

Leona remained silent. She knew Tycho Brahe was stating the truth. The enemy seemed endless in number, and every meter their side advanced came at the cost of bloodshed.

Just then, an encrypted communication from the rear command post came through the tactical panel.

Judge Chen Xi's voice came through the link, calm and clear: "Leona, I have mobilized the last available reserve force in the fortress—two squads of the Crimson Crescent Fourth Company, and the 112th Armored Assault Group composed of veterans from Kadian."

They will arrive within three standard hours along the path you have cleared, relieving some of the damaged units of their defenses.

Meanwhile, the logistics corps has replanned its routes and will provide you with an emergency supply before the next assault. Consolidate your existing positions and await reinforcements before advancing.

This news briefly dispelled the oppressive atmosphere. Although the reinforcements were limited in size, they were undoubtedly a timely help.

“We can’t stop,” Leona finally spoke, her voice hoarse with exhaustion but still resolute. “No matter the cost, that door must be closed. Otherwise, all the sacrifices will be in vain.”

She put her helmet back on, and her gaze behind the goggles became sharp as a knife once more.

"Notify all units that the attack will continue as planned one standard hour later. Objective: the first major crossroads ahead. We must establish a solid forward base there to create conditions for subsequent reinforcements and the final assault."

The rest period ended quickly, and a sharp assembly whistle sounded. The soldiers silently picked up their weapons and regrouped.

The demons in the distance seemed to sense their movements as well, and let out a new round of frenzied roars.

The tug-of-war on the outskirts of Hera is about to enter an even more brutal phase. The Lion King's hammer has yet to fall, and Leona's dagger must carve a path to the heart of hell amidst the demonic horde.

(End of this chapter)