The Emperor’s Angel of Death

"Explosion?"

Soshyan frowned after listening to the Gold Wyrmguard's description.

"Was it a Greenskin attack? But the Crimson Fists are one of the oldest Second Founding Chapters, their monastery-fortress shouldn't be so easily destroyed, not even by orbital ship cannons. And even with an attack from orbit, the void shields should hold for a while, enough for the warriors to evacuate. What could instantly wipe out everyone inside? It couldn't...it couldn't be self-destruction, right? I can't think of any other possibility."

Veronica, who was beside him, also said softly:

"A Chapter's monastery is its most secretive and strictly managed place. Such a serious accident shouldn't happen. Did the Greenskins use some kind of psychic trick?"

"The situation is quite complex. Because of the Greenskins everywhere, our intelligence gathering hasn't been smooth. But a psychic attack can be ruled out. From the investigations, the Crimson Fists' fortress was destroyed around the time the Greenskin fleet arrived in orbit and began bombarding the planet. Many people saw the fortress withstand attacks from the sky, and even retaliate against the Greenskin orbital fleet and drop pods, launching a large number of anti-aircraft missiles... We suspect it was a chain reaction explosion in the ammunition depot."

"This..."

Soshyan's expression was strange. The Crimson Fists were one of the oldest Chapters of the Imperial Fists lineage, and now he's being told that an ammunition depot explosion led to the Chapter's near destruction. What kind of warp joke is this? It's like saying a Space Marine died from tripping while walking...

But dwelling on the process is pointless, because it has already happened. Soshyan turned and asked:

"How bad is the situation now?"

"Your Highness, the human resistance is very tenacious, especially the fighter squadrons. Despite being heavily outnumbered, they are still fighting the Greenskin fighters and maintaining some air superiority. But the ground battle is not optimistic. The planet's capital has been under siege for months. We don't know the specifics, but the Greenskins have begun systematically burning the planet. Their warboss seems to have a penchant for arson. After a series of tracking investigations, we've confirmed this Greenskin warboss is Snagrod, who once rampaged through the Caladon Sector of the human Imperium."

"I understand. You've done well, Lieutenant Olenius."

After the Ranger left, Soshyan sat back in his chair, rubbing his forehead wearily.

"One troublesome thing after another, it never ends..."

Veronica gently placed her hand on the back of his hand.

"It's okay, just solve them one by one."

Soshyan nodded, put down his hand, and regained his composure.

"Leaving that aside, something happened in Orpheus again. An entire sector, almost every world was massacred in less than a hundred standard Terran days. Judging from the attack methods, direction, and pattern, it's most likely the Necrons, and probably a fully awakened Great Dynasty."

Saying that, he looked at Starscourge.

"Starscourge, do you know which Necron Dynasty is in that direction?"

Starscourge thought for a while, then shook his head:

"There doesn't seem to be a Necron Dynasty there... It's a pity the crystal map is broken, otherwise..."

"You don't need to blame yourself, my Lord. What I'm worried about now is that this might be the Silent King signaling a challenge to the Throne World. After all, we destroyed the Reysah Dynasty not long ago, and the Orpheus Sector isn't too far from the Throne World. At the speed of Necron ships, once they break through there, it won't take long for them to bring the Throne World within attack range."

"Your Highness is right."

"I plan to go see it myself. Are there any Webway entrances in Orpheus?"

Ivahn answered him.

"Your Highness, the Webway entrances in that area have been abandoned. There are no usable Webway entrances, but there is one in a neighboring sector."

"That's good. Prepare a fast ship immediately—"

But then Veronica suddenly said:

"Could this be the reason the Necrons launched the attack? To lure you over."

Doral followed up immediately.

"Your Majesty is right, Your Highness. I think it's better to send someone to investigate first."

"Soshyan, the fact that the Necrons were able to stand firm in the brutal War in Heaven proves that their methods are more than we see now. It's better to be cautious."

Soshyan began to think after hearing Veronica's words. There was indeed such a possibility. He wanted to go see it himself before, which to some extent was confidence brought by power, or it could be said to be recklessness. Veronica really understood him. She immediately knew what he was going to do and reminded him in time.

"Then who should we send? This mission is still dangerous, because it requires going deep into an area that has fallen into darkness to investigate which Dynasty it is and how strong it is. Necrons aren't ordinary opponents, they will definitely be prepared."

Starscourge then recommended someone to him.

"Your Highness, Nightspear is capable of this."

Soshyan thought for a moment. It would take time to gather forces to support Orpheus, and he would also have to notify the Alliance of Suffering. In addition, Ekvoria was relatively close to Orpheus, and they could also send people to investigate the situation on the ground. He didn't know how Terra would react. In short, the situation was complicated and he couldn't rush it.

"Nightspear... Alright, he does have the ability. Then this matter will be arranged by Starscourge. Be quick. Provide Nightspear with whatever he needs, including personnel."

Then he turned the topic back to the Crimson Fists.

"Now my forces are stretched thin, with battles everywhere. I really don't have the strength to rescue the Crimson Fists, so I want to transfer some troops from the Throne World to help. The number doesn't need to be too large, just enough to prevent the Greenskins from occupying Rynn's World's capital. They can withdraw after I or the Imperium send forces to support."

Veronica smiled:

"Why do that? Why not just send a fleet to wipe out the Greenskins? This is already an easy task for the Throne World."

Soshyan shook his head.

"That would be too obvious. I'm worried..."

"Actually, the Throne World hasn't had much secrecy for a long time. You know how long the Deathwatch has been watching. Besides, eliminating the Greenskins and preventing their expansion is also in the Throne World's interest. The Inquisitors and Deathwatch can't possibly associate you with the battle in the distant Loki Sector. The most important thing for you now is to deal with the Necron Dynasty in Orpheus."

Hearing Veronica's words, Soshyan realized that there was really nothing to worry about now, so he nodded.

"Alright, send a fleet to wipe out the Greenskin fleet attacking Rynn's World. Provide support on the ground as appropriate, and try to avoid contact with humans to avoid conflicts."

He looked at Ivahn.

"Let the Privy Council deploy this matter."

"Yes, Your Highness."