The Emperor’s Angel of Death

The towering spires of the Shadow Nexus resembled sharp daggers piercing the mottled metal sphere. Once an integral part of it, they had become a festering tumor. The towers and observation domes that once represented science had been transformed into residences for nobles favored by the Archon or fortresses for defense forces. The exiles of Commorragh had imitated the Dark City, establishing their own iconic spires and intricate networks of bridges spanning the tops of the towers, making them look like skeletal claws wrapped in spiderwebs, reaching towards the dark sky.

These towers were also the most heavily defended locations in the spire, equipped with numerous weapons capable of striking ships in orbit. The largest central tower was home to the Death Garden, filled with the most dangerous and aggressive plants selected from dozens of worlds, meticulously cultivated into a beautiful yet deadly botanical garden. From the platforms above the garden, guests of the Kabal would watch the terrifying plants devour, poison, or dissolve the terrified slaves released into this elegant hell.

However, almost no one ever saw the Archon himself here. His palace was located in the middle of the spire, and only the luckiest were invited in, and even fewer were fortunate enough to leave again.

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The port district of the Shadow Nexus was also divided into two sections: the main port district near the Shadow Spine Pit, which served as the primary commercial port where most slaves flowed into or out of the city, and the VIP port district near the spire, where only distinguished guests permitted by the Archon could dock.

Typically, this area welcomed representatives from various Kabals, or the Wyches of the Wych Cults, mercenaries from the Nightmare Temples, or even Bloodbrides with ulterior motives.

But due to the Archon's recent order to temporarily seal off the port district, prohibiting all ships from entering or exiting, it appeared somewhat deserted.

Soon, however, this desolation was shattered by a warship that emerged like a dagger from the shimmering of the webway, drifting leisurely towards the port district.

"So, this is the Shadow Nexus."

In the hidden and isolated bridge compartment of the Dark Eldar cruiser, a tall figure shrouded in a black cloak that concealed their entire body and face was gazing at the wondrous creation beyond the bubble canopy. Behind them were hundreds of slightly shorter individuals, similarly cloaked in black and standing motionless.

The Gellan Orbital Station resembled a metal ball discarded in a dark corner. Even from a distance, one could see the scars covering its surface, especially the massive impact craters that made one worry about its structural integrity. The Shadow Nexus was merely a part of its surface.

"Charonte."

Hearing his name, the hunched-over Charonte scurried over carefully from the side, clasping his hands in front of him, as humble as a tavern servant.

"Great Lord, what is your command?"

"Would you like to be the Archon here?"

"Ah?"

Charonte didn't react for a moment, but he quickly lowered his head in a panic.

"This humble servant only wishes to be your most loyal servant, to dedicate my life to the restoration of the great Aeldari Empire!"

"So, do you want to or not?"

"I... this humble servant... do not... do not want to."

Sosyhyan chuckled softly.

"But it seems that Archon Abelhardk very much wants to get his hands on this place. What message did he have you bring me? He hopes the court will grant him the opportunity to prove himself, recognize his abilities, and contribute to the future conquest of Commorragh? Is he threatening me?"

Charonte was already drenched in cold sweat. He hadn't expected his Archon to be so greedy. Upon learning that the court was borrowing a ship, he immediately deduced that the court intended to take action against the Shadow Nexus. Therefore, he had Charonte deliver a message, using the most subtle way possible to tell the court that Cadis Abelhardk hoped to become the controller of the Shadow Nexus—to rule here in place of the court.

Of course, Charonte could guess the Archon's thoughts. It was unwise to completely side with either the court or Vekt. The best approach was to straddle both sides, benefiting from both. However, since the court was previously weak, he leaned more towards Vekt. But seeing the court gradually growing stronger, he was already considering whether to sing Vekt's praises.

This was a power game played by almost all Commorragh nobles, but Charonte felt that the Archon was playing with fire. After all, the one sitting in the Kabal's spire had never been to the court, but Charonte had visited several times and personally witnessed the Eternal Court, especially the power of the Phoenix Lord. No matter what others thought, in Charonte's view, Vekt was bound to lose in the end!

But how could he dare say these words to the Archon? If he did, his life would be over. The Archon would think he had become a spy for the court.

But when the two sides fought, it was always the middlemen like him who suffered. Charonte could only answer with a bitter face:

"Your Highness, the Archon may just be worried that you don't have a suitable candidate for the time being."

"What if I do have a suitable candidate? Will he go tell Vect?"

"Of course not, of course not."

"Charonte, would you like to be the Archon of your Kabal?"

As soon as Sosyhyan said this, Charonte quickly wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, bending his waist almost ninety degrees, and said in a low voice:

"Your Highness, this humble servant... this humble servant dares not have such delusions... nor do I have the ability... All I think about now is... is turning over a new leaf, embarking on the right path, and tracing the glory of His Majesty and you."

Charonte's abilities were not particularly strong, but he had a knack for being quick-witted and having a good eye for things. During his time in the court, he had seen that if the Eternal Court really seized Commorragh, then those old nobles and Archons who were daydreaming would not have a good end. If Vect was around, they would still have some "united front" value, but if Vect was gone...

The safest way in this storm was not to stand too high. So, although Charonte was eager to climb up, he knew very well when to climb. Climbing too high at this time would only lead to a more miserable fall. Once the storm had passed, he would have plenty of opportunities and positions in the new empire based on his merits.

Therefore, his strategy was to express loyalty, constantly express loyalty, even if it made him seem foolish and servile.

At least fools rarely became priority targets and might even be temporarily ignored.

"You didn't answer my question. Will Abelhardk betray the court?"

But Sosyhyan was not someone to be easily fooled. His cold voice made Charonte sweat even more.

"Your Highness, this humble servant is of little importance, and these words... are indeed not convenient to say."