Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 734 The Battle of Baal - Part 1
The waves of subspace have not yet completely subsided, and the survivors of the Hades system are racing against time during their turbulent journey.

The massive Imperial fleet was covered in battle scars—charred impact craters, armor belts corroded by acidic slime, and makeshift welded repairs.

The Void Shield Generators emitted a persistent, low hum, their energy readings fluctuating wildly. Tech-Priests and Servants darted through narrow passageways and open maintenance decks, sustaining these steel behemoths with spare parts and prayers.

Each slight spatial turbulence caused the ship's skeleton to groan, reminding everyone of the horrific destruction they had just escaped.

On the deep deck of the fleet flagship "Indomitable Truth," in an analysis room temporarily requisitioned and piled high with data boards, Chen Xi was facing a huge tactical display screen.

The screen displayed a massive amount of data from the Hades War: the impact vectors of the swarm bio-ships, their energy release patterns, the frequency of occurrence and mutation records of unit types, as well as loss reports and final battle records for every Imperial combat unit.

His eyes were bloodshot from lack of rest, but his gaze remained sharp as his fingers slid rapidly across the control panel, extracting, comparing, and archiving key information.

"Their learning curve is unusually steep," Chen Xi recorded to the servo skull standing quietly to the side, his voice slightly hoarse from the dryness. "In the early stages of the battle, the swarm tends to disperse and attack, using their numerical advantage to break through at multiple points."

However, after encountering the concentrated firepower of our light spear array, its mid-game tactics were clearly adjusted to concentrate the main force, supplemented by a large number of small units as cannon fodder to consume our ammunition and energy.

The intervals between these tactical shifts are far shorter than the standard reaction time of any known Xenomorph race.

He pulled up several key battlefield footage clips.

In the scene, after suffering what appears to be a fatal blow, the wreckage of the Zerg bio-ship does not simply float, but rather seems to be pulled by some invisible force, rapidly converging towards the mothership or large node units behind it, like iron filings attracted by a magnet: "The biomass recycling efficiency is extremely high, which means that their sustained combat capability and logistical pressure are far lower than traditionally believed."

What we destroyed was likely far less than what they actually lost.

Chen Xi's brows furrowed more and more tightly.

The victory in the Hades War was a Pyrrhic one, built on the use of space necromancy technology, enormous sacrifices, and precise calculations.

However, data analysis shows that the swarms demonstrated not only their sheer numbers and savage power in the battle, but also a ruthless and highly efficient adaptability.

They are like weapons that can constantly evolve, accumulating data and optimizing their attack patterns with each engagement.

“Initial assessment,” he continued, his tone grave, “is that the scale and tactical adaptability of the Leviathan Hive Fleet’s vanguard far surpasses any similar intrusion recorded in the Inquisition’s archives.”

The size of its main fleet, estimated using models of residual energy and biosignal diffusion, is likely significantly underestimated.

Just then, the communication request indicator light on his personal terminal, representing the highest priority, began to flash rapidly, accompanied by a piercing beep.

Chen Xi answered the call immediately.

“Your Honor,” the communications officer’s voice trembled slightly, amidst the static of communications in the background, “the last message from the outer reconnaissance fleet of Baal, 'Sentinel-7' squadron…”

The home screen is switched, and an enhanced message filled with static begins to play.

The footage was extremely unstable, and it was only barely discernible that it was the view from the bridge, with a distorted starry sky outside the window covered in green spots.

“…This is the ‘Resolute’…We have made contact with the target…By the Emperor, their size…is immeasurable…” The voice trailed off, interspersed with alarms from overloaded instruments and creaking sounds of structural stress: “…Not a fleet…it’s a wall…a living wall, covering all sensor bands…They are crossing the Kuiper Belt markers…towards Baal…we…”

The screen jolted violently before being engulfed by a blinding torrent of green energy. After a sharp whistle, the communication signal fell completely silent, leaving only unsettling static noise.

The analysis room was deathly silent.

The servo skull floats in the air, while the recording pen remains stationary.

Chen Xi slowly closed the communication interface and returned to his data analysis screen.

The red arrow, representing the predicted path of the swarm's main force, was now incredibly glaring.

What the battle in the underworld severed might truly have been just a exploratory tentacle.

The true behemoth, that "living wall," has disregarded the insignificant losses and is relentlessly pressing towards Baal, one of the most important strongholds of the human empire in the southeastern star system and the home of the Holy Blood Angels.

He paused for a moment, then spoke again, issuing a new command to the servo skull: "Record: Based on data analysis of the Hades War and the latest reconnaissance intelligence, it has been confirmed that the main force of the Leviathan Hive fleet has arrived at the outer edge of the Baal system, and its threat level has been raised to the highest level."

It is recommended that the highest alert be immediately issued to Baal and all surrounding star systems, and that preparations be made for... a real war.

The command was sent in encrypted form.

Chen Xi stood up and walked to the observation window, where a battered fleet was slowly forming up.

Repair boats swarmed around the massive hull like worker bees, trying to restore as many of these war machines' claws as possible before reaching the next battlefield.

He knew that the time left for Barr might be less than anyone had anticipated.

The triumphant return of Hades was instantly shrouded in a heavy, almost despairing shadow by this final warning.
-
The fleet's subspace engines emitted a low, decaying hum as they re-emerged from the material world.

The unique, ominous dark red light of the Bar system shone on the armor of every Imperial ship.

Baal is a desolate and barren planet, with most of its surface covered by rust-red deserts and jagged, rocky mountains.

The thin atmosphere cannot effectively block the harmful radiation from stars, and only around the massive fortresses and monasteries and a few modified domed cities are relatively habitable environments.

Its two satellites, like two lifeless gray-white eyes, hover in low Earth orbit, their surfaces also covered with the outlines of monitoring stations, weapon platforms, and early warning arrays established by the Empire.

As the fleet drew closer, more details appeared on the sensor screens.

The Bar system itself is a massive fortress. Hundreds of defensive platforms encircle the planets like steel thorns.

These platforms vary in size, from small laser interception towers to massive orbital fortresses equipped with multi-barreled macro cannons and light spear arrays. They are connected by invisible data links and a network of coordinated fire, forming a preliminary but extremely deadly void defense.

On the planet's surface, the most striking feature is undoubtedly the majestic and massive complex of buildings that seems to grow out of a mountain range—the Fortress of the Holy Blood Angels, Angel Castle.

Its towering spires and thick walls, despite enduring thousands of years of war and sandstorms, still exude an aura of indestructibility.

Centered on it, countless bunkers, anti-railway gun emplacements, missile silos, and energy shield generator nodes spread outwards like a spider web, covering all strategic routes leading to Angel Castle.

Numerous traces of newly constructed fortifications can be seen on the surface, with anti-tank trenches crisscrossing the area, minefield markings clearly visible, and pre-planned firing positions cleverly laid out based on the natural terrain.

Guided by navigation signals, the fleet began to move into its designated berths and defensive formations.

The massive "Unyielding Truth" and the even larger "Metallic" fortress, like moving mountains, slowly cut into the inner orbit of the Bar star system. Their arrival immediately enhanced the defensive depth and firepower density of the area.

A fast strike cruiser belonging to the Blood Angels detached from its berth and approached the "Indomitable Truth," followed by a Thunderhawk gunboat adorned with the Blood Angels insignia being guided into the flagship's hangar.

The hatch opened, and Dante, the Chapter Master of the Blood Angels, wearing a golden mask, stepped out, surrounded by a squad of honor guards.

Lion King Leon Aljonsen, Leona, and Judge Chen Xi were already waiting in the hangar.

The Primarch's towering figure and the invisible aura of authority made the entire space feel somewhat oppressive.

“Primarch,” Dante stepped forward, placed his hand on his chest, and performed a solemn Eagle Salute. His voice, piercing through his mask, carried the steadiness of a thousand years of experience, “Lord Chen Xi. Baal welcomes your arrival; your support is of paramount importance.”

His gaze lingered on Leona for a moment, and he nodded slightly in greeting. He didn't ask any further questions, but he clearly sensed the unusual qualities in her.

“Commander Dante,” Lion King Leon nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across the starry sky outside the hangar, as if it could penetrate the armor and see directly into the dense fortifications, “The Blood Angels have made their homeland impregnable. I see that the preparations are far more thorough than expected.”

“We have no choice but to give it our all,” Dante replied, gesturing for them to come with him. “There are some things that need to be explained in person.”

They moved to a strategic briefing room aboard the Indomitable Truth.

The holographic star map lit up, clearly showing the defensive deployment of the Barr system.

“Thanks to our long-standing cooperation with the Rostov sub-sector,” Dante began, his tone carrying a barely perceptible, almost relieved tone, “our readiness has been significantly improved.” He pulled up some data panels, “‘Loyalty’ has effectively alleviated the genetic curse that has plagued the descendants of Saint Gilles for millennia.”

This allowed us to amass a force far exceeding that of any previous period in history, and many warriors who had been forced into isolation due to Blackfury were able to regain their sanity and return to the front lines.

He then pointed to several key fortress areas and fleet formations marked on the star map.

"In terms of equipment, Rostov has resumed the production line for the Saturn-type Terminator armor. Through the procurement of new armor and the restoration of ancient relics, we have now assembled a core assault force of over two hundred warriors equipped with Saturn-type Terminators." The holographic image showed those deep red, ancient-looking, and majestic Terminator figures, their heavy armor and powerful weaponry silently demonstrating their value: "In addition, the supply and stockpiling of conventional forces' explosives, armored vehicles, and energy weapons have also reached a peak."

Chen Xi added, "Rostov's industrial capacity and specific technologies played a role in this crisis. But we must be soberly aware that the enemy we are about to face may be large enough to overwhelm any mere material advantage."

Lion King Leon stared at the star map, his gaze finally settling on the direction representing the likely attack of the main Zerg swarm.

"The defenses are excellent, and the soldiers' morale and equipment are at a high level. That's good." His voice was low and steady. "But the Battle of Hades has taught us that the swarm knows no fear and disregards losses."

They will keep attacking until they find a weakness in the defenses, or flatten it with corpses.

Leona spoke for the first time, her voice clear and calm: "We need a dynamic defense. We can't distribute our forces evenly across every possible route of attack."

Multiple layers of interception and annihilation zones must be pre-established, utilizing natural celestial bodies within the galaxy as barriers and traps to force the swarm to disperse, and then concentrating forces to deliver a devastating blow when it is most vulnerable.

Dante nodded: "We think the same way. Baal is our home, and we know every rock here."

We have planned several pre-arranged retreat and counterattack routes and stockpiled corresponding supplies.

Angel Castle will be the last bastion, but we hope to hold the main battle on the outskirts, wearing down the enemy as much as possible.

“Intelligence is key,” Chen Xi interjected. “We need to conduct continuous reconnaissance to monitor the exact size, composition, and movement route of the Zerg swarm’s main force. Any subtle tactical change could affect the overall situation.”

He looked at Dante, “The Blood Angels’ reconnaissance capabilities need to work closely with my intelligence network and the Dark Angels’ Ravenwing.”

The four decision-makers—the returning Primarch, the mysterious female Primarch, the experienced Inquisitor, and the Chapter Master who has protected their home for millennia—share a common goal at this moment.

There was no excessive debate, only a pragmatic analysis based on real threats.

Lion King Leon concluded, his words carrying an unwavering resolve: "Then, let's build our deployment on this foundation. The Dark Angels fleet will serve as the mobile force and the final pillar of defense. The Blood Angels will be responsible for the core of the ground defense."

Inquisitor Chen Xi coordinated all intelligence and logistics. "We will construct a wall in Baal that the Zerg swarm cannot breach."

A preliminary strategic consensus was reached.

The order was then transmitted via an encrypted channel to all combat units in the fleet and on the surface of Bal.

The entire Bar system, like a war machine wound up tight, began its final, high-speed operation. Soldiers moved into position, ships adjusted their deployments, and engineers reinforced every corner that could become a battlefield.

The air was thick with the tension of an impending great battle, but with the determination of these four leaders, a firm will was quietly taking shape.

They all knew that what was about to happen was the ultimate test that would determine the fate of the Holy Blood Angels and even the southeastern star region of the Empire.

(End of this chapter)