The Emperor’s Angel of Death

As they approached, Soroshyan could see the intricate patterns and figures carved on the surface of the Eternal Gate, the most prominent being a warrior wearing a laurel wreath, holding a spear and shield, with a human-faced serpent monster under his feet, pierced by the spear. Even before the team stopped, Soroshyan could see many pitted dents and scratches of various sizes on the surface of the gate. The traces of the Great Rebellion ten thousand years ago still remained on this gate, and even the long steps had many unrepaired damages.

Soroshyan had heard Dante tell the story of Sanguinius fighting against ten thousand demons before the Eternal Gate, and only when he stood before this magnificent gate did he truly realize how tragic and fierce it was. Even a Primarch must have felt insignificant before this grand gate.

He subconsciously tightened his grip on the sword hilt, and an idea inexplicably appeared in his mind—

If Xerxes were still alive, could this tragedy have been avoided?

Unfortunately, history has no 'what ifs' and cannot be relived.

The infantry in front had already dispersed, forming small squares in the huge plaza in front of the Eternal Gate. The steps leading to the Eternal Gate were a full kilometer long, lined with flags and statues of heroes who had made great contributions to the Empire, such as Lord Solar Macharius. Countless servants in gray robes stood silently on both sides of the steps, their incense burners filling the air with smoke.

Subsequently, the warriors of the 11th Company stepped forward, throwing the enemy flags in front of the steps, and then Lyin and Sablin ignited flamethrowers to burn them all.

At the same time, Soroshyan also stepped down from the limousine. Then, Robin, guarded by several warriors from the 1st Company, walked up the steps holding the Chapter banner, and guided by a cherub, arrived at the position where the Star Phantoms Chapter banner had originally hung—the Star Phantoms' Chapter banner had been placed here due to their participation in blocking the Fifth Black Crusade, but it had now been removed.

As the Astral Knights' banner was inserted into position, all the soldiers, airships, and trumpets issued a neat cheer, which spread throughout Terra—

Hail the Expeditionary Force!

Soroshyan raised the baton scepter, and dozens of camera servo-skulls surrounded him, transmitting his image to the most distant cities.

When the ceremony ended, Soroshyan, under the guard of the 1st Company, walked towards a fork in the road next to the Eternal Gate, where many attendants in white robes holding incense burners were already waiting. Then they turned around, forming a long line to lead Soroshyan to a small side door in the Imperial Palace walls.

It was at this time that Soroshyan finally had the opportunity to carefully observe this wall that had once resisted thousands of troops, also known as the First Wall due to its importance.

The main body of the entire retaining wall was cast from pure black adamantium, the wall surface was slightly inclined and curved, and every two hundred meters there was a lookout tower extending into the sky, possibly containing void shield emitters. The top of the wall was serrated, and there might be walkways hidden behind the tall, neat retaining wall. Soaring defense towers were set up every hundred meters, with numerous turrets housing laser cannons and heavy bolters extending from all sides.

Even the narrowest part of the wall was equivalent to a solid fortress, and the thickest part was like a huge, continuous castle. Even the smallest fortress, according to Soroshyan's visual estimate, could accommodate tens of thousands of people.

This retaining wall is as old as the history of the Empire itself, and it still looks indestructible. The troops stationed on it also seem capable of crushing all enemy attacks.

It can only be said that it is worthy of being the most solid fortress of the Empire. In Soroshyan's view, unless continuous bombing with absolute orbital advantage is used, it is really difficult to imagine how to conquer it—

Shouldn't he be thinking about these things?

But if the enemy really comes to Terra, will this wall really work?

Soroshyan didn't know.

Wow, this wall is really high.

Lyin's surprised voice echoed in the ears of everyone in the 11th Company through the company's communication channel.

I heard that the [Eighth] Legion was the first to climb the walls of Terra.

Shut up, Lyin.

Sablin's voice immediately interrupted him.

This is not something glorious.

At this time, Kasati, as the company commander standing at the front of the queue, felt even more complicated. He never thought that the Night Lords would arrive on Terra again in this situation. In this scene, he could even hear a low laugh full of wicked fun in the dark. He wasn't sure if the one he served was present, but as long as it wasn't a big deal, he didn't think the other party would miss this kind of scene.

Kasati, senior, was the [Eighth] Legion the first to climb the walls of Terra?

Lyin's voice whispered in his ear. Kasati sighed softly under his helmet.

Didn't Talos tell you?

He used the company communication channel. Sablin subconsciously asked:

Tell us what?

Well, actually, it's nothing to say. There used to be a group called the Bleeding Eyes in Talos' warband. They were a group of Raptors severely twisted by Chaos, and one of them, Lucoryphus, was the first to climb the walls of Terra. Yes, Lyin is right, the [Eighth] Legion was the first to climb the walls of Terra.

Sablin fell silent immediately, while Lyin continued to ask.

Hey, senior, were you there at the time?

I wasn't there at the time. I arrived on Terra after the battle. Talos was always there. It seems he was severely taught a lesson by the Blood Angels. You better not ask him about this, and don't care too much. It's all old news from ten thousand years ago. Speaking of which, the walls of the Imperial Palace have even changed a lot. Things have changed.

Just as Kasati was filled with emotion, Jacob of the 10th Company was also constantly marveling at the grandeur of the Imperial Palace walls and the Eternal Gate, and raised a question.

Company Commander, will we have a chance to go up and take a look? Stand on the wall, like the heroes who guarded the Imperial Palace back then?

Don't even think about it.

Armin immediately poured cold water on him.

This is the holy land of the Empire, be careful with your words and actions.

Understood!

Soon, Soroshyan and his party arrived at the pre-arranged location. Attendants stood on both sides, and the Space Marines walked through the walkway one by one, arriving in front of two ten-meter-high gates.

But what Soroshyan didn't expect was that a team of Custodes was already waiting in front of the gate, and the leader was actually Valerian, the Shield-Captain he had met before. The Custodes in golden armor and black robes stood motionless with their weapons in their hands, until Soroshyan's team also stopped.

Excellent ceremony, Chapter Master Soroshyan.

Valerian, who had taken off his helmet, gave a voice of praise.

Bringing the enemy's flag to the Eternal Gate to burn it is both bold and passionate. I believe the residents of Terra will not forget this victory parade even after a thousand years.

At this time, although Soroshyan didn't know what the other party was going to do, he still smiled and replied:

How else can we show victory?

That's right, the Empire needs victory.

Then Valerian put on his helmet.

Okay, let's go. Only you, your warriors can take this time to go to the Dorn Fortress to admire the glory of the great Primarch and the tragic victory of the Battle of Terra.