The Emperor’s Angel of Death

Chapter 2901: Summoned by a Big Shot

“Although I can't pinpoint exactly what kind of danger it is, judging by the power they've displayed in the material universe... it shouldn't be underestimated.”

Amonak truly lived up to his reputation as a former Great Daemon; his understanding of Warp-related matters was indeed profound. Sorshan nodded in agreement and said:

“That's also my view. I even suspect that the Tyranids might be... servants of some unknown Warp god.”

“That's hard to say, but even if that's the case, the lives of the material universe won't be the first to suffer. Let the four, no, the five, take the brunt of it first. Sorshan, you shouldn't waste too much time on these mundane affairs. You have a more magnificent goal: ascend your throne. Perhaps the problems that once plagued you will no longer be problems then. Restricted power can never grasp the truth of the universe.”

Sorshan smiled slightly.

“The last one who thought he should abandon all mundane affairs and concentrate on 'great matters' is still sitting on his throne, Amonak. Nothing is meaningless; it just depends on how you do it. I never said I wanted to become a god. Even if, hypothetically, and I mean hypothetically, that day ever comes, it will be the result of all my actions passively shaping it, and never something I actively pursue.”

Amonak sheathed his sword and clapped his hands lightly, laughing:

“Well said. It seems that the sage from ancient Terra taught you a lot. It's far better than my verbal persuasion.”

At that moment, the Thunderhawk shuddered slightly, and the pilot's voice sounded.

“Chapter Master, returning to command.”

“Understood.”

The hatch opened, and Sorshan stepped out. He hadn't been back in the command center long when Mark brought the latest news.

“Chapter Master, the last stronghold's personnel have also been evacuated. Captain Bakhram is preparing to report the casualties to you.”

“Very well, let him come over.”

Meanwhile, Hayes, emerging from the Stormbird's hold, felt like he had been reborn. Although the sky here was still gray and gloomy, it lacked the lingering stench of Tyranid flesh, the pervasive smell of blood, and the burnt odor. His eyes fell upon many exquisite religious statues and even flowerbeds and ponds, but these beautiful scenes were marred by the green tents that had sprung up like mushrooms. Even the pond had become a public water source, with many people lining up with cups and buckets to draw water.

Since the servitor skulls in the hold had already informed them of their company's designated area, Hayes immediately arranged for the warriors to move weapons, equipment, and the wounded. The seriously wounded were to be sent to a temporary field hospital, while the lightly wounded were to be sent to the regimental medical station for simple treatment. In addition, the company's first-aid kits and corresponding battlefield medical components were almost used up, and someone had to go to the regimental logistics department to apply for them. The company's medic, Pettyton, was responsible for handling and handing over everything. Fortunately, this naive boy had grown in the war and was capable enough to handle this matter independently.

The company's temporary residence was on the lawn to the left of a small church. The environment was not bad; at least sleeping on the ground wouldn't be uncomfortable. There were ten large tents. After putting down their things, Hayes immediately asked the cooks to prepare food. Everyone had not eaten for seven hours. High-intensity combat made people hungry quickly, and many were already dizzy.

Just as he was busy for half a day and could finally catch his breath, the battalion commander personally found him.

“Hayes, a great person is looking for you.”

“A great person?”

He followed the battalion commander to the regimental headquarters. Along the way, he always felt that everyone was looking at him strangely. He didn't know why until he entered the regimental headquarters.

“It's Lord Bakhram.”

Bakhram, with his helmet hanging on his waist, was smiling at him. He walked forward and extended his hand.

“I am very pleased to see you safe and sound, Captain Hayes.”

“Uh, ah, thank, thank you, thank you for your concern, sir.”

“Long story short, I came to you this time because I wanted to take you to see someone. Would you be willing to go with me?”

“See someone?”

Hayes didn't react for a moment, but when he realized that all the heads of the regiment were looking at him, he finally nodded.

“I will obey all your arrangements.”

“Haha, don't be nervous. It's not an arrangement. Let's go then.”

Along the way, Hayes didn't speak, but his heart was churning. He didn't know who Bakhram was taking him to see. After all, he was just a small company commander.

As he entered layer upon layer of security-tight arches, his anxiety increased sharply. The number of mortals around him began to decrease, and more and more were Space Marines, still Space Marines of various armor colors, interspersed with red-robed Tech-Priests and their controlled servitors and robots. In addition, there were chapter serfs wearing robes, always bowing their heads and walking in a hurry; their faces seemed to be hidden in their hoods.

The first thing he felt was mystery, then pressure, immense pressure.

He even ignored the magnificent buildings and beautiful gardens here. He even learned from those chapter serfs, always walking with his head down—this did relieve the uneasiness of walking among the angels.

Finally, he was led to an extremely magnificent church, or rather, in front of the palace gate. When Hayes raised his head, the Terminators guarding on both sides of the gate also glanced at him, scaring him to lower his head again.

When the door opened, Bakhram had to call him before Hayes dared to move.

As soon as he entered, a burst of noisy sound waves rushed in, there were mechanical whirring sounds, the neat rhythm of metal fingers tapping on the cogitators, and various endless reports, footsteps...

With just one glance, Hayes was shocked by the scale here, and even more shocked by the fact that there were more Space Marines here, and they seemed to have higher status. Their armor was more gorgeous. One of the tall warriors in blood-red armor was followed by four servitors, who were trying hard to carry a chainsword taller than Hayes on their shoulders.

Hayes followed Bakhram's footsteps as if in a dream, until the other party suddenly stopped, and he didn't react, almost bumping into him.

“Chapter Master!”

“Bakhram, you're here. How's the situation?”

“Reporting Chapter Master, the company suffered 6 deaths and 9 injuries. According to current statistics for the mortal forces, the number of deaths is around 10,000, and the number of lightly and seriously wounded is about 20,000.”

“Well, good job. The number of casualties in your stronghold, whether combat brothers or auxiliary forces, is the second lowest among all strongholds. I will issue a commendation.”

At this moment, Sorshan noticed that there seemed to be someone following behind Bakhram, so he tilted his head and found a mortal soldier, judging by the shoulder mark, an officer.

“This is?”

Bakhram quickly stepped aside, revealing Hayes behind him, and then greeted:

“Chapter Master Sorshan, do you recognize him?”