《Warhammer: Starting as a Planetary Governor》 Chapter 1: Oh No, I’m a Follower of Slaanesh! Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Oh No, I''m a Follower of Slaanesh!"Impossible, absolutely impossible!" On the lush green plains, a handsome man with black hair and black eyes, and fair skin, shouted loudly. His name was Eden, a young wage slave from the 21st century. Last night, he stayed up late playing Warhammer, felt a sharp pain in his heart, passed out, and when he opened his eyes again, he found himself in this strange place. "This isn''t a transmigration, it''s a dream!" Eden was sure of it. Because he was surrounded by beautiful women! All around him, on the grass and by the river, were women of various types. There were mature ladies, cute lolis, beautiful beast girls, high heels, black stockings, and long legs ¡ª all of them hit his preferences hard. What was even more terrifying was that he could vaguely recognize some of them as familiar faces from his "E" drive folder and his 2D waifus! Tifa? Kamisato Ayaka? Sure enough, dreams have everything in them... Since he was already here, Eden decided to enjoy this dream to the fullest. He walked toward the girls, intending to have a little conversation with them. But an inexplicable sense of danger made him stop in his tracks. "Something feels off, like I''m forgetting something..." Eden cautiously scanned his surroundings. A gentle breeze brushed his face, the sweet scent of flowers and grass filled the air, and the solid ground beneath his feet ¡ª everything was so real. Too real! As Eden hesitated, the sweet scent in the air grew stronger, permeating his senses. The hormonal surge brought by the scent took over his brain, gradually robbing him of his judgment. It''s just a spring dream, what''s there to worry about? If I wait too long, what if I wake up? Before Eden knew it, he had reached the girls. They gazed at him with alluring eyes, filled with anticipation. "Come on!" "I feel so uncomfortable." "Won''t you hold me, young master?" Their trembling voices, soft and seductive, were like a devil''s whisper that completely dismantled Eden''s resistance. Forget it! Eden couldn''t suppress the desire in his heart any longer, letting it run wild as he fell into depravity. In an instant, darkness engulfed everything. His consciousness seemed to plunge into an endless abyss, sinking deeper and deeper without end... sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Where is this place? Eden''s remaining consciousness pondered this question as he gradually approached oblivion. But just before he faded away, a ray of light suddenly broke through. A mysterious and warm power awakened Eden''s consciousness, giving him a brief moment of clarity. "I remember now!" Eden suddenly opened his eyes and looked around. The green fields, the tempting fragrance, the soft bodies, the endless pleasure. "Oh crap, this setup¡ª isn''t this the Palace of Slaanesh?" That''s right, Eden had transmigrated! Last night, while playing the game, he had been joking with his teammates. They were saying things like, "God-Emperor above, Slaanesh below," and "I don''t fast-forward through videos, I''m a follower of Slaanesh." He had been typing furiously on his keyboard: "If I enter Warhammer, I would definitely serve Slaanesh, Slaanesh forev¡ª" Before he could finish typing, his heart had seized, and he lost consciousness, only to transmigrate into the Warhammer 40K universe! Eden was completely dumbfounded. Jokes were jokes, but how had this become reality? The world of Warhammer 40K was extremely brutal, with almost no hope for ordinary people. If you weren''t cannon fodder sent to the frontlines to die in battles against aliens and Chaos, then you''d be in an Imperial factory, grinding yourself to death. That would actually be considered a good death. At least you would have contributed to the great God-Emperor and received his blessing. But far worse was falling into the clutches of the Chaos Gods. They would twist you into a monster through endless torment. You''d wish for death but never find it! And now, Eden had fallen into the hands of one of the Chaos Gods. This was their palace! The god was named Slaanesh. A hermaphroditic god of pleasure, impossible to resist! Oh no, I''ve really become a follower of Slaanesh! Eden was in despair, thinking he was going to be ravaged by Slaanesh. No, he wasn''t even qualified for that. Being ravaged by Slaanesh was something reserved for Primarchs or Daemon Princes; at best, Eden would be taken by Slaanesh''s Daemonettes! And as it happened, he was in a place teeming with Daemonettes. This was the Third Circle of Slaanesh''s Palace ¡ª the Circle of Lust, a depraved land filled with hedonistic pleasure! Eden looked at the girls. They were so real, so captivating. But deep down, he knew they were all Daemonettes! Daemonettes take on the most alluring forms to tempt Slaanesh''s followers. They make you fall into extreme ecstasy, twisting and corrupting you into a monster! It''s over, starting off with such intensity, huh? I mean, what Warhammer fan could withstand this trial? Sss...Huff...Don''t do this! Eden struggled to maintain his clarity, fighting the urge to give in. He pushed the Daemonettes away, but they quickly surrounded him again. "Am I not beautiful?" "I''ll try my best to make you happy." "Tonight, you are mine." ... "Get away from me!" Eden pulled his hand away from "Not-So-Hot" and shoved "Tifa" aside, flipping over the Daemon that had pounced on him. In that moment, he saw the truth! The playful and seductive expressions turned into snarling whispers. The Daemonettes'' bodies twisted grotesquely, their faces hideous, with black, hollow eyes and ears. Their long, pointed tongues licked Eden''s face and body, leaving behind a sticky, disgusting fluid. Slaanesh''s Daemonettes! Quickly, they returned to their previous forms, even more enchanting than before. They increased their allure, pulling out all the stops! Who can resist this? No, this couldn''t go on! Eden mustered all his willpower to resist the corruption of his desires. He didn''t want to become Slaanesh''s fodder! But the corruption had already begun. To his horror, Eden saw that his hand had twisted into a dark, clawed form. What can I do? Who can save me from the grasp of the Chaos Gods? Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Eden. He thought of that great man! He went by many names: The Emperor, The Immortal God-Emperor, The Great God-Emperor, The Omnissiah, The Cold Sun of the Void... As humanity''s beacon of faith, the Emperor was real and possessed godlike powers. Like granting blessings, protection, resurrection ¡ª the existence of the Legion of the Damned was proof of that. Eden decided to put his faith in the Emperor, hoping for a last-minute miracle. As a transmigrator, shouldn''t he have some special perks? Plus, he was...mostly loyal to the Emperor, right? Eden felt a little guilty, but whatever, right now, he was the Emperor''s most loyal follower! No one could stop him now! Eden closed his eyes and prayed loudly, offering his loyalty to the Emperor: With all my strength, With all my will, With all my soul, I swear, My soul and my faith belong to the Immortal Emperor, humanity''s shepherd! ... The prayer didn''t work, and the corruption deepened. Eden''s eyes began to loosen, his skin peeling off ¡ª he was about to turn into a monster! An overwhelming sense of despair hit him! But he didn''t give up. His prayers grew more frantic, clinging to this last lifeline! "Please, with your grace, watch over me. Guard your servant and warrior. Please, in this peril, bless me!" The prayer ended, but nothing happened. At this point, Eden didn''t even have the strength to speak. Desire had deeply rooted itself in his consciousness. He was on the verge of being completely corrupted into Slaanesh''s slave, never to be free. But he still wanted to live! Even in this brutal world. At the last moment before losing consciousness, Eden saw the sun. A massive, cold sun, suspended in the void! Praise the Sun! Praise the Emperor! (End of Chapter) Chapter 2: Is Slaanesh Chasing Me? Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Is Slaanesh Chasing Me?The Emperor responded! Above the void, the cold sun forged by the Emperor''s will shone like a star, so sacred and divine! Buzz! The waves of the psychic tides spread out. Despite the endless distance, Eden could still feel the surging psychic energy. What immense power! He quickly reacted, calling out within his consciousness, "Your loyal servant needs saving, Emperor!" But the sun representing the Emperor gave no response, and no gaze fell upon Eden. The Emperor slumbered, allowing his light to shine impartially. Another wave of psychic energy hit, and before he could react, Eden was kicked out of the psychic space. He opened his eyes to see the green plains and the tempting bodies surrounding him. He was still in Slaanesh''s palace! Plop! An eyeball fell to the ground, and Eden instinctively bent down to pick it up. It took him a moment to realize that his eye socket was empty. My eye! Eden quickly shoved the eyeball back in place, too shocked to feel fear, his mind racing with questions. How could this be? Didn''t the Emperor manifest? Why is nothing happening? Does he think I''m not loyal enough? It turns out last-minute prayers don''t work ¡ª now he was truly doomed! Above the void, in the core of Slaanesh''s palace, a gigantic purple shadow slowly manifested. It was the master of the palace ¡ª Slaanesh. Eden was furious, and since he was about to die, he didn''t care anymore. With his one good eye, he flipped the bird toward the void and cursed, "Slaanesh, I curse your ancestors!" The shadow shifted slightly, and its gaze turned toward him. Wherever its gaze fell, the demons knelt. A powerful pressure surged toward him, and when the gaze locked onto Eden, the overwhelming force almost crushed him in an instant. But then, the warm force from earlier appeared again, surrounding him with a golden light. Space fluctuated violently, and a small rift opened up. That mysterious power, defying Slaanesh''s pressure, pulled Eden out of Slaanesh''s palace. Slaanesh''s gaze paused briefly, seemingly surprised. The god let out a soft chuckle, and an even greater desire erupted. The entire palace quivered with life, ushering in an even more intense frenzy. The Lord of Pleasure had taken note of this little insect and would personally prepare the most extreme pleasures for him! At the same time, in the distant void of the Warp, a small sun radiated warm light, hiding beneath the grandeur of the great cold sun. Eden screamed, feeling as if his body and soul were being stretched like noodles. Then he was thrown into a washing machine, violently spun around, and finally pulled out and slammed into some solid entity. ... In the peaceful sector of the Imperium, in the northern region of the Goli system, lay the planet Urth. This was a typical industrial world, where deadly pollution covered the surface, and mutants ran rampant. In the center of the continent, the hive city of Grant towered above the land, a mountain of metal housing tens of billions of people. Every breath of air and every drop of water inside the hive city had been recycled millions of times. People survived on corpse-starch and worked day and night, praying for the Emperor''s blessing. Life here was harsh, except for those at the very top. They enjoyed sunlight, fresh air, and water, controlling everything on the planet. The most powerful among them was the Planetary Governor, who held absolute authority, with the power of life and death! At the top of the hive, in the king''s court, inside a massive mansion, combining Victorian and steampunk styles, an opulent bedroom glittered with luxury. Eden woke up screaming. I''m alive? Eden realized he was unharmed and breathed a sigh of relief. The Emperor must have saved him ¡ª belief in the Emperor really could save lives in the Warhammer universe! He decided to carry a copy of the Imperial Creed with him at all times and read it often ¡ª maybe even memorize it! Praise the Emperor! As the tension eased, Eden noticed his unfamiliar surroundings. Where am I now? Shattered fragments of memories rushed into his consciousness, forcefully entering his mind. After absorbing the memory fragments, Eden finally understood the whole story. It was quite complicated. The Planetary Governor of Urth, Eden Grant, had indulged in excessive drinking and pleasures, engaging in inappropriate activities with a maid in his bedroom. Playing too recklessly, he had fallen victim to Chaos corruption and was dragged into Slaanesh''s palace, where his already weakened body perished in terror. Eden''s soul happened to transmigrate into the body of the deceased Eden Grant, which led to the thrilling and terrifying scenes he had just experienced. Luckily, the Emperor''s blessing had saved him. Eden had inherited both Grant''s body and memories. Now, he had the signature black hair of the Grant family, with deep eyes and a pale face that looked a bit stern. Overall, he appeared somewhat frail. But on the whole, he had become more handsome. The only trouble was that the memories he inherited were incomplete. Many parts were missing or hazy, as though shrouded in mist. But regardless, Eden was now the Planetary Governor of the Imperium and the ruler of Urth ¡ª Eden Grant! This was misfortune mixed with a little luck. The night was deep, and the faint red moonlight filtered through the stained glass windows of the balcony, casting a soft glow into the room. Suddenly, Eden remembered something ¡ª wasn''t he just doing something inappropriate with the maid? Where''s the maid? "My dear, are you looking for me?" A disturbing sound, like bones grinding together, came from the darkness. What the hell is that noise? Eden immediately became alert. "Did you forget about me?" A woman was facing the wall, her body shaking with sobs. Before Eden could react, her head spun 180 degrees to stare directly at him. It was the horrifying head of a Slaaneshi Daemonette, with hollow eye sockets and sharp teeth, and a long, dripping tongue. Oh crap! Is it chasing me here? Can''t get rid of it, huh? "Why aren''t you saying anything? Don''t you think I''m beautiful?" The Daemonette''s body twisted and emerged from the shadows, bathed in moonlight, its deformed figure covered in spikes. The black maid uniform she wore was tattered. There was no doubt, this was the maid, now fully corrupted into a monster. "Couldn''t wait for me, could you, my dear?" The Daemonette swayed her hips as she approached the bed seductively, but the grotesque scene only made her more terrifying. She climbed onto the bed, staring down at Eden. "Let''s have some fun..." "I''m not feeling great today, how about another time?" Eden forced a stiff smile, trying not to provoke her. Using his memory, he discreetly pressed the alarm button beside the bed. "But..." The Daemonette''s long, pointed tongue slid across Eden''s face. "I can''t wait any longer!" To hell with you! Eden kicked the Daemonette off him and, remembering where it was hidden, pulled a miniature pistol from a secret compartment, aiming it at her and pulling the trigger. Bang! A puff of smoke erupted from the gun as the bullet hit the Daemonette''s chest, causing her to fall backward. Was it over? "Ouch!" The Daemonette stood up again, staring at Eden with a raspy voice. "But I like it. Hit me again!" An SM-loving Daemonette? Well, I do enjoy helping others! Eden pulled the trigger again, but no bullet came out. What''s going on, has the machine spirit displeased me? He glanced at the ivory-and-gem-encrusted pistol in his hand and silently cursed Eden Grant''s ancestors. What kind of idiot uses a single-shot, black powder antique pistol for self-defense? If you wanted protection, you should at least have a lasgun or a melta! Eden threw the gun at the Daemonette and took the chance to flee the bed. But his body, weakened from indulgence, was too frail. After only a few steps, he collapsed to the ground. Struggling to get up, he saw the Daemonette charging toward him with a hideous face! (End of Chapter) sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 3: The Awakening of Psychic Powers Chapter 3: Chapter 3: The Awakening of Psychic Powers"Enjoy the pleasure!" The Daemonette''s claws slowly tore Eden''s clothes, leaving thin, bloody scratches one after another. She was toying with her prey, wanting him to die in extreme fear and torment. For followers of Slaanesh, slaughter is also a form of pleasure. Slaanesh''s followers loved to host group orgies at gatherings, sharing the ultimate pleasures, but these often devolved into mutual slaughter. When the hive enforcers arrived, they often couldn''t find a single intact corpse, and sometimes bodies were even fused together. They would tear the flesh off each other and swallow it in the ecstasy of their perverse rituals! Eden knew that if nothing unexpected happened, the Daemonette in front of him would eviscerate and torture him to death! But he still had a chance! He had already called for help ¡ª all he needed to do was buy time. Eden gritted his teeth and began to inch his way toward the bedroom door. The Daemonette didn''t mind, patiently leaving more and more scratches on his body, his blood dragging long trails across the floor. Warhammer 40K is too hard! Even being a Planetary Governor isn''t safe! Eden clenched his teeth and kept moving; his chances of survival were growing. As long as he could hold on until the guards arrived, he might make it! Finally, he reached the door and stretched out his hand to push it open, but all he felt was a cold wall. An illusion? Eden turned back to see the Daemonette blocking the way, a mocking expression in her hollow eye sockets. She was laughing at him! The illusion she had cast had led him into a dead end, and even if the guards arrived, his chances of survival were slim! "You... can die now!" The Daemonette had clearly had enough fun. She licked her claws and struck down viciously! sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The claws slashed through the air, too fast for Eden to see clearly with the naked eye, and he didn''t even have time to raise his hand in defense! This strike would cut him in half! Suddenly, Eden felt time slow down. The Daemonette''s claws became clearer in his vision, and he could even see the fine hairs on them. Am I really going to die right after escaping? Eden refused to accept this. He twisted his body, trying to avoid the vital areas. As long as he could keep breathing, there would still be a chance! With his strong will to survive, that familiar power from deep within his soul exploded once again. Power surged forth instantly, and time seemed to freeze. The Daemonette''s claws hovered in mid-air, unable to move. At some point, a thin layer of frost had also formed on the ground. Eden''s eyes crackled with golden lightning, arcs of electricity surrounding his body, occasionally striking the ground. "Finally, the power has arrived. I knew it, there''s no way I could survive in Warhammer 40K without a cheat!" Eden stood up, his cells rejoicing as his entire body and soul filled with electrical energy. His wounds gradually scabbed over and began to heal. The feeling was incredible, though the faint whispers in the void were somewhat annoying. Those were the calls from the Warp! If he wasn''t mistaken, he had awakened psychic powers, becoming a Psyker. However, becoming a Psyker wasn''t necessarily a good thing. Psykers were considered a destabilizing factor in the Imperium, as they were extremely susceptible to corruption by the horrors of the Warp. The Imperium constantly hunted and captured Psykers, sending them on the Black Ships of the Astra Telepathica to Holy Terra for testing. Those who could resist corruption would serve the Imperium, while the unqualified ones would be sent to the Golden Throne to have their souls burned as fuel for the Emperor. It was said that the Black Ships delivered a thousand Psykers every day to be consumed, sustaining the Astronomican. This allowed the Imperium''s Warp travel and communication networks to remain functional. So Eden''s situation as a Psyker wasn''t exactly optimistic. If his identity were exposed, even as a Planetary Governor, the Imperium would monitor him, and there was a chance he could be taken away on the Black Ships. If he failed the test, he would be sent to the Golden Throne to serve the Emperor in death... These thoughts flashed through Eden''s mind before he snapped back to reality. Now wasn''t the time to worry about that ¡ª he had to deal with the Daemonette first! "Die! Die!" The Daemonette was furious that her prey had escaped. She roared and struggled, filled with a savage desire to kill! She broke free of the restraints and charged at Eden, determined to tear this loathsome human to pieces and devour him bit by bit! However, a fist crackling with golden lightning shot upward, striking her abdomen and sending her flying through the air, spitting out foul liquid. "What are you thinking, sweetheart?" Eden followed up with another punch, smashing the Daemonette''s face. "Stay down!" The Daemonette''s face twisted and deformed as she flew through the stained glass window and crashed onto the balcony, motionless. "Is she dead?" Eden didn''t approach to check, wary of a final counterattack. After all, he was still made of flesh and blood. A single well-placed spike could end his life. His caution was justified, as the Daemonette was not dead yet. She suddenly sprang up, her half-shattered skull glaring at him with intense malice, radiating a thick, chilling aura. She had grown even stronger! Alright, if that''s how you want to play... Just as Eden was about to engage in a life-or-death struggle, a commotion from outside caught his attention ¡ª the heavy footsteps of combat boots stomping on the ground. He immediately halted and dissipated his psychic energy. "Governor!" Boom! In the next moment, the bedroom door was smashed open. Eden''s most loyal Captain of the Guard, Carter Crowley, led a squad of fully armed guards into the room. The guards each carried an Imperial-pattern boltgun, and they wore ceramite armor. Their physiques were far beyond that of normal men. Trained to perfection, they instantly formed up around Eden, protecting him while aiming their boltguns at the Daemonette on the balcony. Eden breathed a sigh of relief and pointed at the Daemonette. "Finish..." Boom! Before he could finish, the guards had already pulled the triggers, their weapons flashing as bullets poured out. The rounds crisscrossed in the air, tearing the Daemonette''s body apart like a rag doll. After the first volley, they reloaded and fired another round. After two volleys of fire, Captain Carter quickly approached the Daemonette. He drew his chainsword and vertically sliced through the Daemonette''s head, sending flesh and blood flying. Then Carter gave the corpse a mighty kick, sending the body and part of the marble railing tumbling off the balcony. After dealing with the Daemonette, Carter turned and half-knelt before Eden, his determined face full of resolve. "Governor, the heretic has been executed!" As soon as he spoke, a dull thud echoed from below as the Daemonette''s body hit the ground. Eden looked toward the balcony, where a cool breeze blew in through the broken window. Bathed in moonlight, the blood-splattered balcony and bedroom resembled the scene of a brutal crime. These guys are pretty tough... Eden studied the guards. It seemed they had undergone some form of enhancement, as their physiques far exceeded those of normal men. Captain Carter''s figure was particularly impressive, easily over two meters tall, with a muscular build. Genetic enhancements? Their size was almost comparable to that of a Space Marine. This family was definitely something... The guards exchanged uneasy glances, thinking their Governor was about to reprimand them, and bowed their heads in silence. "Very good, excellent spirit. You''ve done well!" Eden nodded approvingly, pulling Carter up and patting him on the shoulder, making the captain a little flustered. Brutality is good, brutality is exactly what we need! In this world, plagued by Chaos, only real tough men could hold the line. Eden''s fear had completely vanished ¡ª he had realized something important! All fear stems from insufficient firepower. He needed to grow his power, build armies, and send out endless legions to cover all his enemies in devastating firepower! Slaanesh, right? I''ll remember this. One day, I''ll have my revenge on you! Just as Eden''s thoughts drifted, a nervous voice interrupted him. "By the Emperor, are you alright, my lord?" Bayev Cotton, the Grant family''s senior steward, rushed into the room, looking worried. As Eden''s confidant, Bayev managed all the affairs and personnel of the royal court. He even helped with some governmental matters, a man with significant responsibilities. Bayev''s eyes briefly flicked to the faint frost still lingering on the ground, and he furrowed his brow slightly. (End of Chapter) Chapter 4: The Governor’s Nightlife Seems Quite Exciting Chapter 4: Chapter 4: The Governor¡¯s Nightlife Seems Quite Exciting"My lord?" Bayev looked at Eden with some suspicion. Since awakening his psychic powers, Eden''s senses had become much sharper. He immediately noticed something was off with Bayev; the steward must have sensed something. "I''m alright physically," Eden decided to reveal the truth. "If I hadn''t awakened my psychic powers, I would have died at the hands of the heretic." Although his inherited memories were incomplete, he was fortunate to have access to the memories of his steward and the guards. Their sole mission was to protect Eden, the last bloodline of the Grant family, and they were absolutely loyal. These people were Eden''s final line of defense, and there was no need to deceive them. Upon hearing Eden''s response, Bayev breathed a sigh of relief. "Praise the Emperor! As long as you are safe, my lord!" He then continued: "Tonight''s attack was premeditated. Someone used the heretic monster to lure the guards away, putting you in danger!" Internal strife or an assassination attempt by rival forces? The fog of missing memories left Eden with no clue. This was clearly a dangerous situation. He looked at Bayev and asked, "Who do you think is behind it?" "I''ve already sent people to investigate. It must be those damned Homan family bastards!" Bayev spat out angrily, "A bunch of treacherous scum! The Emperor will punish them!" Eden tried to recall information about the Homan family, but nothing came to mind. He decided he''d look into it later. He nodded along, mimicking Bayev''s righteous tone. "The Emperor will indeed punish them!" Eden underwent a check-up by the apothecary, who confirmed that aside from some weakness, he was in no serious condition. After confirming that Eden was fine, Bayev and the others finally left, reassured. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since the room was no longer suitable for sleep, Eden was led by the maids to another equally spacious bedroom. Eden opened the stained-glass windows and stepped out onto the balcony, gazing at the pale red moon in the sky. He sighed deeply. This wasn''t Earth anymore, nor was it the universe he was familiar with. The moon of this planet appeared to have been struck by some kind of weapon, with a small chunk missing, and a narrow belt of debris forming a meteorite ring around it. The scene before him served as a stark reminder of the brutality of the Warhammer universe. Whether it was fighting aliens, Chaos gods, or even civil wars, each conflict claimed countless lives, and entire planets were often destroyed. Even as a Planetary Governor, Eden couldn''t guarantee his safety. But as the highest-ranking person on this planet, he was still far better off than the workers who toiled day and night in the lower hive, or the scavengers in the underhive sifting through toxic waste. He lived in the palace at the top of the hive, in the tower of the royal court, enjoying the best resources and overlooking the masses. Eden looked toward the large square of the royal court district. The lights were dim, the ground pockmarked, and the towering statue of the Emperor seemed to be missing a piece. Further out, in the residential areas, vast sections were completely dark, with only faint glimmers of light visible here and there. Eden was surprised. This infrastructure is really bad, I''ll have to find an opportunity to renovate this place. As the face of the planet, the royal court district couldn''t look so shabby. Suddenly, a faint flash of light appeared in the residential area. With his psychic sensitivity, Eden realized it was the flash of a bomb. Someone''s fighting! "Is the upper hive''s security this bad?" Eden was puzzled. The upper hive, where nobles and officials lived, shouldn''t have such poor security. Are the enforcers just slacking off? "The enforcer''s discipline needs some serious reform!" Since Eden had inherited everything from Eden Grant, his fate was now tied to this planet''s. He had to maintain and develop it well. At the very least, he needed to strengthen the upper hive''s security and maintain order, so Chaos cultists or heretics wouldn''t one day storm the royal court and take him out. Eden felt that something was off, but he couldn''t pinpoint what it was. Was it the missing memories causing his discomfort? As he pondered, Eden felt the strange presence in the Warp calling to him more strongly. At the same time, an overwhelming sense of exhaustion washed over him. It was clear he needed rest. Being mentally drained made one more vulnerable to Chaos corruption. Eden turned and walked back into the bedroom, where the head maid, Linda, had already led the maids in tidying the room. These maids, all clad in black stockings, had been handpicked and trained by the Grant family from a young age. Both their figures and appearances were top-notch. They stood in a neat line and bowed to Eden. "My lord, everything is ready for you to rest." "Good work." Eden nodded and waved them off, intending to let them leave. But to his surprise, the maids'' eyes gleamed as they rushed forward, stripping him down and wiping his body with warm, soft towels. Is this part of the process too? Eden didn''t quite understand, but he dared not resist, lest they notice something strange. Damn these otherworldly rulers! The maids looked at Eden with eyes full of longing, their hands roaming over his body, testing his resolve. The situation was almost out of control, but fortunately, Eden was no ordinary man. Having survived the Palace of Slaanesh, this was nothing he couldn''t handle! After they helped him into his pajamas, Eden finally breathed a sigh of relief. For some reason, he felt the maids were a bit too enthusiastic. Linda, the head maid, gazed at Eden, her heart racing and legs pressing together. "My lord, you seem different... so much more attractive!" Eden''s charm had indeed increased, a lingering side effect of being marked by Slaanesh. After following Slaanesh, a follower''s personal charm would gradually grow, especially attracting those of the opposite sex. This was one of the lures Slaanesh used. However, as their faith deepened, Slaanesh''s followers would slowly mutate, lost in their desires, until they became twisted abominations. But Eden had resisted the corruption and escaped, yet that increased charm had remained. With his current looks and allure, few women could resist him ¡ª and Linda was no exception. Noticing Linda staring at him, Eden was a bit taken aback. "What''s wrong?" Under Eden''s gaze, Linda pressed her legs together even tighter, her eyes moist with desire. "My lord, I always stayed with you at night, you said it helped you sleep better." "Is that so?" "Yes, you said you liked my scent, that holding me helped you fall asleep." Eden glanced at the head maid, Linda, with her sultry appearance and curvaceous figure, and couldn''t help but swallow. Sleep better? You''ve got to be kidding me. If you lie down next to me, who''s going to be able to sleep? Seeing Eden remain silent, Linda nervously clutched her chest, her face turning red. She glanced at the other maids. "If you feel it''s not enough, you can have everyone join in..." The maids nearby blushed and stared at Eden with wide, watery eyes. Is the Governor''s nightlife really this exciting? Eden Grant sure knew how to have fun. No wonder he ended up in Slaanesh''s palace! But I''m not Eden Grant, I''m an honorable man! Besides, having just escaped Slaanesh''s palace, there was no way Eden dared to mess around. "Go, go, all of you, out!" Eden ordered firmly. "Yes, my lord!" Disappointed, Linda bowed deeply and turned to leave. A flash of white caught Eden''s eye, and he took a sharp breath. As Linda walked away, Eden couldn''t help but admire her soft figure wrapped in the maid uniform. Slaanesh was right to pick me... At this rate, I''ll have to return to that palace one day... As night deepened, Eden lay down and quickly fell into a deep sleep. Suddenly, his consciousness was forcefully pulled by something, and when he regained awareness, he found himself in the Warp once again. Once more, he saw the massive, cold sun in the endless void. This is strange... is the Emperor sending me a dream? (End of Chapter) Chapter 5: The True Golden Finger: Warp Essence Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The True Golden Finger: Warp Essence"Your Majesty, Emperor?" Eden attempted to call out, but the cold sun gave no response. After a while, he noticed something was off. Where are my hands and feet? Where''s my body? He couldn''t feel his body at all! Eden tried to expand his psychic sense to investigate and discovered a shocking truth. He had turned into a ball! To be precise, he had become a small sun made of psychic energy. At this moment, he was hidden beneath the radiance of the Emperor''s great cold sun, slowly emitting warmth, bringing a faint glimmer of heat to the cold Warp. A massive influx of psychic information flooded Eden''s mind. After absorbing all of the information, he finally understood what the small sun was and took full control of it. This small sun-like psychic sphere was his Warp essence, something that the powerful beings of the Warhammer universe desperately sought after. In simple terms, Warp essence is the projection of a living being into the Warp ¡ª in other words, "What is the essence of your existence?" Not everyone can possess such a thing. At the very least, one must be at the level of a Primarch to awaken it. For example, after Corvus Corax, one of the Primarchs, awakened his Warp essence, he became a Warp shadow creature. He could transform into ravens and black clouds and had the ability to turn invisible. Once someone awakens their Warp essence, their life form ascends to a higher level, becoming something akin to a god. Beyond that level is the Emperor himself, represented by the cold sun before Eden. The Emperor''s light protects the entire Imperium of Man, enough to resist the Four Gods of Chaos! Now, Eden had also awakened his Warp essence, gaining access to the path of godhood ¡ª this was his true cheat! Eden''s Warp essence was named Dawn, but he preferred to call it the Little Sun. The Little Sun had saved Eden from Slaanesh''s palace and granted him the power to become a Psyker. This was enough to prove its immense strength. However, this had also caused the Little Sun to become extremely weak due to excessive energy consumption. Even the smallest Warp storm could cause it to be snuffed out. Luckily, there was still a way to recover. Like the Four Chaos Gods ¡ª Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, and Slaanesh ¡ª the Little Sun also fed on certain concepts or emotions as sustenance. But unlike the Chaos Gods, the Little Sun thrived on positive emotions. It fed on the concept of hope. Things like happiness, dreams, aspirations, courage, and passion could all restore the Little Sun''s energy. Eden could split off a psychic core and anchor it in the real world, allowing the Little Sun to absorb hope-related concepts and emotions. As the Planetary Governor of Urth, Eden held dominion over an entire planet. As long as he developed the planet and improved the lives of his people, the Little Sun could continuously absorb the power of hope, restoring its strength and growing even more powerful. Once the Little Sun became strong again, it could in turn bless the planet, protecting its inhabitants, and granting them strength! This was Eden''s true trump card. As long as he had enough time and continued to expand his territory, absorbing more and more hope, he could eventually ascend to godhood! Eden examined the Little Sun''s abilities and found that many of its powers were currently locked. Abilities like blessings and teleportation required the energy to reach a certain level before they could be unlocked. Just as Eden was about to delve deeper into his study, another wave of psychic energy hit, kicking him out of the Warp. ... Morning. At the top of the royal court district''s tower. Warm sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows into the bedroom, where the maids waited nearby, ready for their master to awaken. Damn! Eden jolted awake and found himself back in the real world. Gathering his thoughts, he glanced at the clock. It was already ten in the morning. Time flows strangely in the Warp... I was only there for a short while, but so much time has passed in reality. Moreover, once again, it had been the psychic tide that had forcibly ejected him from the Warp. It seemed his time spent in the Warp was limited. Eden felt a little disappointed. He had just been about to explore the Little Sun''s powers, only to be interrupted at the critical moment. It looked like he''d have to continue next time. "Good morning~" Linda, the head maid, greeted him softly as she handed him a warm towel to gently wipe his face. With the help of the maids, Eden washed up and got dressed, still somewhat drowsy as he made his way to the dining room. The breakfast table was already laden with a lavish spread. The golden utensils glistened under the crystal chandelier, and the plates were piled with an array of delicious dishes. Golden pancakes slathered with sweet Arcaneberry jam; tender grox ham exuded an irresistible aroma; scrambled eggs dotted with rob fruits were as smooth as silk. The rich, aromatic scent of black coffee wafted into his nose, instantly perking him up. Eden came to his senses, looking at the luxurious breakfast before him and couldn''t help but marvel. I''m lucky I transmigrated into Eden Grant and became the Planetary Governor, enjoying such a lavish lifestyle at the top of the hive. He could wake up naturally, be attended to by a group of beautiful maids, and then enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. No commuting, no rushing, no daily grind, and no annoying supervisors! A working man''s tears... If Eden had transmigrated into the lower hive, he would probably already be toiling away in a factory, screwing bolts until his hands smoked, waiting for noon to eat a small block of corpse-starch. Lunch breaks? Forget about it. Imperial workers had no rights; the conditions were a hundred times worse than any grueling 996 work schedule. Many simply worked themselves to death. But the Imperium never worried about workers dying from exhaustion ¡ª there were always plenty of people to replace them. A single hive could support tens of billions of people! And as for ending up in the underhive, Eden didn''t even want to think about it. The people there lived amid horrifying pollution and terrifying mutants. They scavenged rotten food from trash heaps, and even breathing was considered a luxury. The people in the lower and underhives certainly lived miserable lives, but at least now their Planetary Governor was Eden. Now that he possessed the Little Sun, a Warp essence fueled by hope, Eden was destined to be a benevolent governor who cared for his people. He would make sure all of his citizens lived good lives! After all, their happiness and hope were Eden''s sustenance. The better off they were, the more hope they would generate. This way, he could restore the Little Sun''s energy and grow even stronger. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Governor, is the food to your liking?" Linda leaned over, offering Eden a bite. "I made it with my own hands, you know?" "So soft... cough, it''s delicious, delicious!" Eden nodded hurriedly as he ate, though his attention was somewhat distracted by certain... jumping distractions. After finishing breakfast, Eden reclined in his chair, contemplating how best to manage his planet. At this point, he knew almost nothing about the state of Urth, and even Eden Grant hadn''t been involved in the actual governance of the planet. The royal court employed hundreds of thousands of administrative personnel to manage the planet''s complex affairs, but Eden had hardly met any of them. All of these matters had been handled by Bayev''s administrative team. This was the way most Planetary Governors operated; otherwise, they would drown in the endless administrative work until they dropped dead from exhaustion. Eden only needed to make important decisions, and the stewards and bureaucrats would carry out his will and implement his ideas. Power and responsibility went hand in hand, inseparably linked. As a Planetary Governor, he wielded immense power. So, what were his responsibilities? What was his most important duty? (End of Chapter) Chapter 6: The Imperial Tithe Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Imperial TitheWhat is the most important duty of a Planetary Governor? When asked this question, every Planetary Governor has only one standard answer. That is to pay taxes to the Imperium! The galaxy-spanning Imperium of Man is surrounded by countless enemies. The multi-front wars place immense pressure on the Imperium, resulting in an extremely strict taxation system. This system is known as the Imperial Tithe, also referred to as the Great Harvest Tax. It involves various resources that each world within the Imperium must provide. The two most important types of taxes are: The Military Tithe, where the planet must provide a certain percentage of its population as labor for the Imperium''s logistics or as new recruits. The Precision Tithe, which involves paying a precise amount of the planet''s natural resources and wealth. The exact nature of the tithe depends on the type of world it applies to and can include any form of resource: food, weapons, minerals, or even people. Though the massive Administratum on Holy Terra oversees the collection of the tithes, the sheer size of the Imperium and the instability of Warp travel often make the process chaotic and inefficient. For Eden, the most important responsibility as Planetary Governor was to ensure that the tithes from Urth were paid in full. Once the tithes were paid, he could rule the planet however he wanted. Even if he turned the entire population into slaves and exploited them in the most extreme ways, piling up mountains of corpses, the Imperium would not intervene. Paying taxes on time was the greatest loyalty one could show to the Emperor! On the contrary, any world that refused to pay its tithes would face the harshest reprisals from the Imperium. If the resistance escalated, it could lead to an Exterminatus. If any violations or shortfalls occurred in the tithe process, Imperial officials would order local Arbites to immediately execute the Planetary Governor. The Imperium''s rule was nothing if not a harsh and cold dictatorship. This meant that no matter how well Eden governed the planet, if there were problems with the taxes, he could lose his head! Chills ran down Eden''s spine as he thought about it. This was terrifying! Linda noticed Eden''s discomfort and softly asked, "Are you alright, my lord?" "I''m fine, just a bit cold, uhh¡ª" Before Eden could react, he found himself enveloped in Linda''s warm and soft embrace. "Feeling better?" she asked gently. Better, yes... just a bit hard to breathe... I need to get out of here! Eden stood up and began walking out. He needed to check the planet''s tax records for the past few quarters. If there were any problems, they had to be dealt with immediately. If the Arbites came knocking with boltguns pointed at his head, it would be too late. This is a matter of life and death; there''s no room for jokes. "Send for Steward Bayev to meet me at the Administratum!" Eden ordered, walking out of the dining hall. After taking a few steps, he turned back to Linda. "By the way, where is the Administratum again?" Damn this memory fog, I can''t even remember the way! After getting his bearings, Eden made his way to the Administratum. Along the way, several administrative staff greeted him, though their looks were a bit strange. Eden couldn''t help but feel that something was off; the Administratum seemed different from what he remembered. Many departments were missing, and the place felt much emptier. Something must have happened... Eden thought about asking someone but decided against it. He''d figure it out later. For now, the priority is checking the taxes. The Administratum Archive. The entire archive was nearly six meters high and the size of several football fields, with thousands of shelves crammed with paper documents. Eden sat at a wooden table, flipping through a thick report, feeling utterly hopeless. Piles of documents surrounded him, stacked so high they could bury a person if they fell over. I''m losing it... This is just the tax records for this quarter. I''ll never finish reading this in a year! "What era is this? At least use a computer!" Eden couldn''t help but complain. After searching for a while, he confirmed that there was no connected technology in this place. Indeed, despite being in an era where interstellar travel was commonplace, the Imperium banned the use of intelligent devices, and artificial intelligence was strictly forbidden! Anyone daring to break this taboo and use AI would likely be declared a heretic and executed. Some might wonder, Isn''t the Imperium being absurd by banning this technology? You''re young, still too young. It could be said that every strange regulation in the Imperium had a bloody lesson behind it. The Imperium banned internet-connected intelligent devices because of the threat of Warp-dwelling data-daemons that could corrupt these systems, altering crucial data. During wartime, such corrupted data caused severe accidents that cost the Imperium dearly. Only the Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus were allowed to use technology on a small scale, as they could counteract these data-daemons with sacred codes and sigils. As for AI, it was banned entirely due to the horrors of the Men of Iron Rebellion, a catastrophe where intelligent machines nearly wiped out humanity. Though humanity ultimately won the war, ensuring the survival of the species, they now referred to AI as Abominable Intelligence and completely banned its use. But humanity wasn''t left without alternatives. Eden glanced at a corner of the room, where a motionless figure stood ¡ª a Servitor, its body full of wires and mechanical limbs. Servitors were the Imperium''s replacement for AI, typically made from criminals or vat-grown bodies. After simple surgical modifications and brain programming, they became mindless "robots" used for repetitive labor. For example, in this massive archive, the Servitors handled the document-moving work, but any task requiring actual thought was still done by humans. The Imperium''s vast bureaucracy was entirely run by human brains and relied on paper documents. Remember, the Imperium spanned the galaxy, ruling over millions of worlds! This led to the existence of a bloated administrative system with countless personnel. On Holy Terra alone, there were tens of billions of people, with a significant portion employed as bureaucrats, managing the affairs of millions of planets. Their inefficiency and disorganization were staggering. A single administrative order could take decades to reach a specific planet. By that time, the planet might have been invaded by Chaos daemons a century earlier, and its entire population wiped out. Even more absurdly, there were still departments within the Imperium calculating supplies for battles that had ended over a hundred years ago ¡ª whether intentionally or by accident, no one could say. So, the fact that the Imperium hadn''t collapsed yet was quite impressive. Jokes aside, survival in this system was tough. Sometimes, those bumbling bureaucrats made mistakes, like overestimating a planet''s capacity or miscalculating the tithe data. And who paid for these mistakes? The Planetary Governors and their worlds. Every calculation error led to tragedy. Excessive tithes far beyond a planet''s capacity could plunge tens or even hundreds of billions of people into extreme suffering. Even if the officials responsible were punished and turned into servitors, forced to atone for their sins for eternity, it was too late. By then, countless citizens would have already died in agony, and entire planets might become barren wastelands! Such was the brutal reality. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eden would have to first extract resources and population to pay the tithes, then consider how to develop the planet and improve the lives of its people to generate hope. But once all the resources and people were taken, how could he develop anything? And he couldn''t simply refuse ¡ª if he did, the Arbites would send him to meet the Emperor and replace him with a new governor to continue collecting the tithes. Because taxes must be paid. If the Imperium couldn''t collect its taxes, it would fall apart, and all of humanity would face an even crueler fate. Stuck in a catch-22! "Being a Planetary Governor isn''t easy..." Eden sighed. It seemed that in the grim darkness of Warhammer 40K, generating the power of hope wouldn''t be so simple. Surviving would be an achievement in itself. After searching for a while, Eden finally found the latest tax evaluation report for Urth. The moment he saw the report, his heart sank. "By decree of the Administratum of Holy Terra, Urth''s tax rating has been upgraded from Second-Class Special to First-Class Supreme?!" (End of Chapter) Chapter 7: The Brutal Tax System Chapter 7: Chapter 7: The Brutal Tax SystemThe Imperium''s taxation system is divided into four tiers and sixteen levels. Apart from the fourth tier, which grants special tax exemptions and only has one level, the other three tiers have five sub-levels: elementary, intermediate, superior, advanced, and elite. The tax levels from the first to the third tier correspond to different world classifications. For example, civilized worlds, agri-worlds, hive worlds, feral worlds, and even low-tier death worlds. Forge worlds, shrine worlds, and certain worlds granted special exemption don''t have to pay taxes. Urth is a mineral-rich world, but in terms of development, it barely qualifies as a low-tier hive world, fitting within the second-tier elite tax level. However, the Administratum had now elevated Urth''s tax classification to first-tier superior, a sudden leap of three levels, which was simply outrageous! This meant that Urth would need to send countless citizens to work night and day mining every last resource from the planet. Blood would flow, and people would perish, yet they''d barely scrape together enough to meet the tax demands. The Imperial Tithe also included human resources. For a first-tier superior tax classification, the population tithe would be immense ¡ª Eden would be required to give up at least one-tenth of the planet''s population! With such a heavy tax burden, even if the planet didn''t collapse immediately, it wouldn''t be long before Urth''s civilization would be on the brink of extinction. And that was assuming the tax could even be collected successfully. More likely, rebels would storm the palace, beheading Eden, the Planetary Governor. But even killing him wouldn''t change anything ¡ª the taxes would still have to be paid, and the people of Urth wouldn''t escape their grim fate. Unless he could somehow convince the Administratum on Holy Terra to reassess and lower the tax rate. "This is just pushing people to their deaths..." Looking around at the servitors endlessly working in the archive, Eden felt a chill run down his spine. There''s no way we can pay these taxes! Eden pressed the call button on the desk, and soon, the elderly administrator, Old Mike, walked over, bowing respectfully. "Governor, what can I do for you?" "Send a formal petition to the Administratum on Holy Terra. Inform them that Urth cannot bear such an exorbitant tithe and urgently requests a reassessment of the tax rate!" "Huh? You want to send a letter to Holy Terra? That''s impossible... the Emperor above, it can''t be done..." Old Mike muttered nervously, his mind seeming a bit unhinged. What''s going on? We can''t contact Holy Terra? Suppressing his anxiety, Eden softened his tone to seem as calm as possible. "Could you explain why we can''t send a message to Holy Terra?" Old Mike looked terrified. "Because... because the Emperor has abandoned us. We are sinners!" "This is the Emperor''s forsaken land; He has abandoned His flock!" "The Chaos monsters will kill us all!" Seeing Old Mike grow more frantic and deranged, Eden nearly reached for his gun. Is this old man a heretic? If what Old Mike was saying was true, Urth might be in serious trouble! "Old Mike, stop spouting nonsense!" Bayev entered the room, sharply rebuking Old Mike. Old Mike immediately quieted down, bowing his head to Bayev. "Steward..." Bayev patted Old Mike on the shoulder, speaking gently. "Go take a rest, I''ll handle the Governor''s instructions." "Oh, alright..." Old Mike left the room, shoulders slumped in defeat. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bayev, watching him leave, turned to Eden and explained, "Old Mike lost his mind a few years ago and has been talking nonsense ever since." So, he''s just a madman, Eden thought with relief. For a moment, he really believed Urth had lost contact with Holy Terra, which would have been a massive problem. If it were a Chaos incursion, it would have spelled disaster. "Spreading heretical rumors should have resulted in punishment, but he''s served the family for over a century and once took a blade for the Grant bloodline. He''s earned his keep." Bayev continued, "So, we let him handle the archives, where he only has to deal with servitors. A few ramblings don''t hurt anyone here." The Grant family seems quite compassionate, Eden thought, having no memories of Old Mike. He nodded in agreement. Bayev then turned to Eden and asked, "What did you need Old Mike to do?" Frowning, Eden responded, "I wanted to file a petition to Holy Terra. Urth cannot bear the Imperium''s tax burden." In truth, Eden had little hope the petition would succeed. It was merely a gamble. After all, requesting a change in tax status would imply the Administratum had made a mistake, which would require someone to take responsibility. Getting an Imperial official to admit fault was nearly impossible. They could simply ignore the request or endlessly delay the approval process. With bureaucratic red tape spanning decades or even centuries, many mistakes were never held accountable. By the time Urth''s resources were depleted or rebellion broke out, it would be too late. The planet would be wiped out naturally. The Imperium ruled over millions of planets, and its territory was constantly expanding. At every moment, worlds perished for one reason or another. By the time news of Urth reached Holy Terra, who knew how many years would have passed? Urth was just a lowly hive world, and if it were to be destroyed, the suffering and death of its billions of people would amount to little more than a footnote in the Administratum''s records. That record would likely be sealed away in some dusty file, never to be opened again. At that moment, Eden realized the weight of his position. The decisions he made could affect the fate of billions on this planet. The pressure was suffocating. What should I do? "Governor, there''s no need to file a petition," Bayev said confidently. "We have to try something," Eden replied anxiously. "At this rate, we won''t even make this quarter''s tax payment!" "Taxes?" Bayev looked at Eden in surprise. "You''re referring to the tithe?" "Is there a problem?" "Have you forgotten something?" Bayev''s heart raced. Ever since yesterday, the Governor had been acting strange, almost as if he were a different person. Seeing Bayev''s reaction, Eden realized it must be a memory lapse causing him to act out of character. What exactly was he missing? He hesitated, debating whether to reveal part of the truth to ease Bayev''s concerns. If they could openly communicate, it might help prevent any major errors caused by this memory fog. "Governor?" Bayev looked at Eden with concern, fearing that something was seriously wrong with the last of the Grant bloodline. Eden snapped out of his thoughts and decided to be somewhat honest. It wouldn''t help to keep dragging this out. "I have forgotten a few things," Eden said, pointing to his head. "It''s probably a side effect of my psychic awakening..." Awakening as a psyker was incredibly dangerous. It meant communication with the Warp, often leading to terrible consequences. These consequences could range from psychic instability, resulting in violent outbursts, to outright corruption into a monstrous entity. Losing a few memories was actually a fortunate outcome. "Memory loss?" Bayev scrutinized Eden nervously. After a long pause, he finally relaxed and suggested, "This is no small matter. We should ask Bishop Doni to take a look at you." "No problem," Eden nodded, steering the conversation back to the main issue. "But for now, let''s focus on the taxes. What''s going on?" Bayev dropped a bombshell. "Actually, you don''t need to worry about the taxes anymore. We''re no longer required to pay them." "What?" (End of Chapter) Chapter 8: Bad News, We’ve Lost Contact with the Imperium Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Bad News, We''ve Lost Contact with the Imperium"Why? Do we now have the fourth-tier tax exemption?" Eden couldn''t believe it. Only planets or regimes that had made significant contributions to the Imperium were granted tax exemptions. Urth was just a low-tier hive world¡ªhow could it qualify for a tax exemption? "By the Emperor''s grace, it seems you''ve truly forgotten a lot," Bayev said, his expression heavy. "This all started five years ago." He pointed to the evaluation report on the desk. "Five years ago, the Administratum of Holy Terra raised Urth''s tax classification..." As Bayev continued to explain, Eden finally learned what had happened back then. It was the story of Eden''s father, the previous Planetary Governor of Urth. Urth was a typical mining planet, with a highly developed mining industry. Under Governor Grant''s rule, mineral resources were being extracted in an orderly manner. After paying the Imperial Tithe, there was still a surplus. Compared to other planetary governors who were extravagant, violent, or incompetent, Grant was at least somewhat benevolent; he cared about his people''s lives. Under his leadership, the planet prospered. The citizens of Urth didn''t have to work themselves to death in the mines, nor did they worry about starvation. Occasionally, they could even enjoy bread mixed with sawdust. In this harsh universe, that was practically a life of luxury. This peace lasted until officials from the Administratum of Holy Terra arrived. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They evaluated Urth and determined the planet had more tax potential than previously realized. They miscalculated Urth''s capacity and abruptly raised its tax classification by three levels! Governor Grant desperately filed appeals, but they vanished into the void without any response. As the tax deadline loomed, after repeated warnings, Grant had no choice but to order an all-out effort to extract resources. However, the reckless mining caused massive environmental damage, frequent mining accidents, and the deaths of millions of citizens. "Wasn''t there another way?" Even though Eden knew the outcome, he couldn''t help but ask. "Are you suggesting rebellion?" Bayev shook his head. "That would be unwise and pointless." "Rebellion is treason against the Imperium. Urth would become a battleground, and the people would shed their last drop of blood in their homeland." "No one can defy the Emperor''s orders." "The Imperium has thousands of massive fleets, trillions of soldiers, and the powerful Space Marines. A single fleet or even a small squad of Space Marines could easily destroy Urth." "Failing to pay the tithe carries grave consequences." "The tithe is a sign of loyalty to the Emperor, the greatest obligation of every Imperial citizen. It applies to everyone¡ªno one can refuse it." Bayev sighed. "Your father understood this all too well, but his heart wasn''t ruthless enough..." "As a result, he failed to gather enough resources, and the tithe was delayed." "Your father begged the Administratum for more time, but those damned officials only cared about taxes. They paid no heed to Urth''s suffering!" "They believed Urth was resisting the tithe and sent in a team from the Adeptus Arbites to investigate." Eden felt his heart tighten. The involvement of the Arbites meant things had escalated. "What was the result of the investigation?" "The Arbites team was attacked by Chaos heretics. The Arbiter himself was lightly injured, but one female investigator was killed¡ªit was an accident..." Eden sighed. Investigators were attacked the moment they arrived. Who would believe that was an accident? Bayev seemed to understand Eden''s thoughts and continued, "As you suspected, the Arbiter didn''t believe it was an accident." "He was furious and reported the matter to the Inquisition, claiming that Chaos had corrupted Urth and that a full-scale purge was needed!" What a fool! The Arbiter must have lost his mind to involve the Inquisition. The Inquisition, formed during the Horus Heresy, was the most powerful secret agency of the Imperium, tasked with identifying and eliminating all threats to the Imperium and humanity. The Inquisition had vast authority, with no formal hierarchy or centralized leadership, answering only to the Emperor. This meant Inquisitors were free to act as they saw fit to safeguard the Imperium''s survival. Unrestrained by oversight, Inquisitors often became fanatical and ruthless, sometimes even turning on their own. As Eden expected, the Arbiter''s luck ran out when he encountered an Inquisitor with a short temper. The Inquisitor''s important ritual had been interrupted, and he came to Urth in a rage. Upon arrival, his first order of business was to investigate the Arbiter. When incriminating evidence was found, he executed the Arbiter on the spot for accepting bribes and abusing his power. Afterward, the Inquisitor conducted an investigation on Urth and found no issues¡ªit truly was just an accident. Governor Grant thought the matter would end there, but the Inquisitor believed that paying the tithe was a sacred duty and the foundation of the Imperium. No planet, regardless of the reason, could evade its taxes. If every planet followed Urth''s example, the Imperium''s foundation would crumble, risking collapse. Thus, Urth had to fulfill its obligation, not only paying the overdue taxes but also a hefty fine! Governor Grant begged the Inquisitor to consider the people of Urth, as they couldn''t bear such a heavy burden. "Life is the Emperor''s currency; sacrifice is the foundation of the Imperium!" the nearly fanatical Inquisitor declared. And so, under the supervision of the Inquisitor, Urth endured a brutal tax collection process. Anyone who resisted was executed. Billions of people worked day and night; tens of billions died in the mines, and countless others were conscripted into the Astra Militarum to fight on the front lines against xenos. By the end of the process, Urth had lost half its population, and the planet''s surface was ravaged, littered with deadly pollution. "After such sacrifices, the people of Urth finally gathered the taxes demanded by the Inquisitor." Bayev''s eyes filled with tears as he spoke. "Those taxes were paid with Urth''s blood and tears!" "When the Inquisitor left, Governor Grant begged him to appeal to the Administratum. He explained that Urth couldn''t bear such heavy taxes." "He hoped the Inquisitor would report Urth''s true situation to Holy Terra, so they could reassess the tax classification and lower it." "Did he agree?" Bayev''s eyes turned red as he spoke. "He...he chopped off Governor Grant''s head, splattering us all with blood..." "He declared that Governor Grant was a heretic, claiming he smelled the stench of Chaos!" "But Governor Grant was so kind¡ªhow could he have been a heretic?" Eden clenched his fists. "What was that Inquisitor''s name?" "It doesn''t matter¡ªhe''s dead." What? Eden was stunned. Inquisitors were powerful enough to battle Chaos, xenos, and any potential threat, even capable of taking on Chaos Daemons. How could one have died so easily? Bayev answered Eden''s unspoken question. "It wasn''t us who killed him¡ªit was a Warp storm..." The Inquisitor''s ship had suffered an accident after entering the Warp. A massive Warp storm tore apart the ship, scattering debris and dismembered bodies, which were ejected from the Warp and landed on Urth. "Half of the Inquisitor''s body was gone, but he was still alive. He ordered us to save him!" Bayev''s voice turned cold. "We could have saved him, but no one moved. We just stood there." "We watched as he lowered his head, begging us for help. We watched as he slowly despaired and started cursing our heresy..." "Everyone stood there and watched him struggle on the ground until he died." Eden sighed deeply and patted Bayev on the shoulder. "Maybe Old Mike wasn''t wrong..." Bayev wiped his tears. "We desecrated the Emperor. We''ve been forsaken!" "Why?" Eden asked, confused. "That mysterious Warp storm destroyed the route, and the planet''s only Astropath died. We''ve been cut off from Holy Terra ever since..." Astropaths were vital intermediaries for Imperial worlds to communicate with Holy Terra, and normally, Warp storms didn''t affect them. A Warp storm strong enough to kill an Astropath? Eden jumped up. "Could it be the Great Rift?" (End of Chapter) Chapter 9: Has the Hive Fallen? Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Has the Hive Fallen?[Remember to leave a review!] [Thanks for your support!] Eden finally understood which point in time he was in: the end of the 41st Millennium! The Great Rift! This was the greatest crisis the Imperium had faced since Warmaster Horus'' heresy. A massive Warp storm had torn reality apart, creating the Great Rift. The chaotic energies unleashed by this rift caused one Astronomican after another to extinguish, leaving no protection for the Imperium. The moment the Astronomican lights went out, disaster struck! Countless ships were torn apart in the void, and innumerable worlds were left exposed, isolated, and consumed by the darkness. Chaos rampaged, and planets fell! Cries for help, screams of despair, and final pleas flooded the minds of Astropaths, overwhelming them. The overwhelming torrent of information drove the Astropaths insane, some even to death. The Imperium was crippled, and the end of days spread! Enemies from the darkness launched attacks on the Imperium. From the distant borders of the Pacificus Sector to the storm-ravaged Charadon Sector, worlds were being destroyed, and trillions of Imperial citizens died in despair. By the time the Astronomican was reignited, the massive rift had fully formed, dividing the Imperium into two. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Half of the Imperium''s domain was shrouded in darkness! Those worlds trapped in darkness were referred to as the Imperium Nihilus. They had lost contact with Holy Terra, were unable to request aid from the Imperium, and were left to struggle on their own or perish in the void. But all hope wasn''t lost for these worlds. If they could hold out long enough for Lord Commander Roboute Guilliman and his Indomitus Crusade to arrive, they would have a chance to return to the light. If Eden wasn''t mistaken, Urth was currently situated within the Imperium Nihilus. Without the protection of the Emperor or the Imperial forces, Urth was as vulnerable as a lamb, in extreme danger. The planetary defense forces of Urth were virtually useless. They might be able to suppress internal rebellions, but to fight xenos or Chaos? They would just be scrubs¡ªcannon fodder among cannon fodder! If xenos or Chaos launched a significant invasion, Urth''s only fate would be annihilation! However, Eden found some relief in the fact that Urth had lost contact with the Imperium. This meant that Urth no longer had to bear the burden of the oppressive Imperial Tithe, effectively giving it a chance to survive. And as the highest ruler of the planet, Eden could act as he pleased without any interference from the Imperium. With his Little Sun, as long as he had enough time and a proper strategy, he was confident he could protect the planet. Of course, that was only if they weren''t unlucky enough to catch the attention of a large force of xenos or Chaos. In that case, it would be game over. "What Great Rift?" Bayev seemed confused. "Nothing," Eden shook his head. He didn''t want to reveal this matter to anyone. It was hard to explain and far too terrifying¡ªit would only incite more fear. Eden''s mood lightened a bit, and he tossed the documents aside. There was no need to keep reading¡ªwhat was the point of paying taxes if they weren''t even connected to the Imperium anymore? "Make arrangements. I want to inspect the lower hive," Eden ordered. He planned to place the psychic core of the Little Sun in the lower hive to link it to the real world and start absorbing hope energy. Here, it''s worth mentioning the structure of a hive city. A hive city is a massive metallic structure that spans continents, housing tens or even hundreds of billions of residents. Hive cities are typically divided into four layers: the underhive, lower hive, upper hive, and the spire. The underhive is located at the very bottom, riddled with pollution, reactors, and decaying structures. Mutants roam freely, making it virtually uninhabitable. It''s a haven for the poorest, the dregs of society, and various criminals, outcasts, and mutants. No sane person would willingly enter the underhive, so it exists beyond the reach of planetary governance, where only violence and death reign. The lower hive, located above the underhive, is the industrial zone. Various industrial sectors are established here, housing tens of billions of workers, making up the majority of the hive''s population. The workers in the lower hive toil day and night, producing food, electricity, and basic supplies to barely sustain themselves. The upper hive is where the nobles and officials reside, enjoying free electricity and the resources provided by the lower hive. As for the spire, it''s the domain of the planetary governor, who controls everything on the planet. In Eden''s view, placing the psychic core in the lower hive offered the best return on investment. Workers were the easiest to generate hope from¡ªjust slightly improving their living conditions could yield a massive amount of hope energy. With confidence surging, Eden believed he had a stellar starting hand. He was ready to lead Urth to success with his Little Sun! Unfortunately, reality was cruel. Bayev shook his head. "You can''t go, the lower hive has fallen..." Eden: ??? Through Bayev''s explanation, Eden learned that after his father''s death, many things had happened. When Eden inherited the title of governor, the negative effects of the Warp storm continued to plague the planet, causing mutants to surge from the underhive. A large portion of the planetary defense forces had been dispatched to the underhive to suppress the mutants, leaving the spire in a state of extreme vulnerability. Before long, a faction of nobles, allied with the heretics in the lower hive, rebelled and took control of the entire lower hive. They organized forces and launched an assault on the upper hive, nearly taking the spire itself. Countless lives were lost in the upper hive, with many nobles and officials being slaughtered. It was only after immense sacrifice that Eden''s father finally drove the rebels out of the upper hive and sealed off the gates and elevator shafts, completely isolating the upper hive from the lower and underhive. The spire''s defenses were devastated, leaving the upper hive without the strength to reclaim lost ground, and Eden''s father fell into despair, drowning in alcohol and debauchery. Until he was dragged into Slaanesh''s Palace and died, only to be replaced by the soul-transferred Eden. Now, Eden, as the planetary governor, was confined to the upper hive and could barely even control that. What a disaster. The perfect start had been ruined! How was he supposed to improve things now? Eden had planned to win over the workers in the lower hive by improving their lives, gaining their loyalty, and harvesting hope energy from their positive emotions. Now, the only source of hope energy left was in the upper hive and the spire. But that area was full of nobles and officials. How was he supposed to win their favor? These people already lived privileged lives. It would be nearly impossible to gain their loyalty. Even if Eden offered them more, they would likely never show him gratitude or loyalty. He should consider himself lucky if they weren''t plotting to overthrow him with their private armies and seize control of the spire. Upper hive nobles had a tradition of scheming against one another and even resorting to murder. This stemmed from one simple rule: the Imperium didn''t care about internal planetary power struggles. As long as the Imperial Tithe was paid, whoever ruled the planet was irrelevant. This meant that anyone who managed to kill Eden and establish their own rule would inherit the planet''s supreme authority! Now that Eden was so weak, weren''t those noble houses plotting day and night on how to kill him and take his place? After barely surviving, was fate throwing another impossible challenge his way? Eden felt drained and slumped back into his chair. "What''s wrong?" Eden weakly asked, "How much territory do we still control? How many troops and citizens do we have left?" (End of Chapter) Chapter 10: Inspecting the Territory Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Inspecting the TerritoryBayev, as Eden''s senior steward, was naturally well-informed on the situation. He detailed the areas currently under control, the state of the army, population, and the status of enemy factions. Aside from the Spire where the palace was located, Eden controlled about one-third of the upper hive and commanded a planetary defense force of over 50,000 troops. The rest of the upper hive was dominated by the Hoffman family and various warbands, the most notable being the Gray Wolf Warband. In the aftermath of the rebellion, the upper hive had become chaotic, reflecting the turmoil across the entire hive city. Once vassals of the Grant family, the Hoffman family had made their ambitions clear. The assassination attempt last night was almost certainly orchestrated by them. Their power was growing day by day, and it was only a matter of time before they launched a full-scale assault. Bad news came one after another. However, there was some good news as well. The rebellion had caused millions of refugees to flood into the upper hive, where they remained. Eden now controlled nearly two million people. This gave him a solid population base to work with. If he managed them well, he could generate enough hope energy to restore part of Little Sun''s capabilities. With time, reclaiming the lower hive was no longer just a dream. "Forget the lower hive for now, let''s start with inspecting the areas we control in the upper hive," Eden decided. "For the love of the Emperor, that''s too dangerous," Bayev protested, clearly worried. "You should stay in the palace. Assassins from the Hoffman family have been waiting for an opportunity. If something happens to you, the entire Grant family will be finished!" Eden wasn''t convinced. He looked at Bayev, "You can protect me, right?" If his own people couldn''t protect him within their own territory, they were practically useless. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He might as well lay his neck bare and wait for someone to cut it. Besides, as a psyker, Eden wasn''t without the means to defend himself. In a world where strength ruled, cowardice was a fatal flaw. Eden was cautious, but he wasn''t a coward. As the planetary governor and ruler of Urth, if he stayed hidden in the palace, avoiding his people and failing to make promises, he would lose their trust and respect as the situation worsened. If that continued, his power would crumble, and his rule would fail. All that awaited Eden then was death. "My lord, we can protect you!" Bayev straightened up, speaking with conviction. The assassination attempt the previous night had deeply shamed Bayev. That he had allowed the bloodline of the Grant family to be placed in such danger was unforgivable! He swore with his life that he would never let the governor be harmed again. "Good!" Eden''s tone left no room for doubt. "It''s decided then." After making arrangements, Eden followed Bayev out of the palace. Escorted by Carter and his squad of elite guards, they boarded a hovercar and drove out of the Spire. It was only then that Eden truly saw the state of the palace district. Everywhere were the scars of war, with craters and wreckage scattered about. Luxurious buildings and finely crafted statues, many over a thousand years old, were now broken and dilapidated. Given such a catastrophe, the palace district had barely held itself together¡ªthere was no capacity to make repairs. As the hovercar passed through the Sacred Square, Eden looked up at the massive hundred-meter statue of the Emperor, feeling awe. Unfortunately, the Emperor''s statue had also been damaged: the nose had been blown off by some heretic, one arm was missing, and rubble littered the base. Beyond the palace district, the scene became crowded and filthy. The upper hive, once a haven for nobles and officials, had been sparsely populated, with most of its space dedicated to residential areas, entertainment streets, and gardens¡ªthere was hardly any industry. After the rebellion, the upper hive lost its supply of resources from the lower hive, leading to extreme shortages. As a result, the upper hive had been drastically transformed, with makeshift industrial zones and mushroom farms hastily established, and corpse-starch production lines activated. Refugees were organized into labor, working in various factories, mines, and farms. Even so, the upper hive couldn''t support so many people. Resources were rapidly depleting, and food was growing scarcer by the day. More and more people couldn''t even afford their daily ration of corpse-starch, and were starving to death. Countless people were born into filth, toiled in agony, and died in the streets, with no one to sing their praises or mourn their passing. Such was their fate. As Eden sat in the hovercar, watching the people on the streets collapse from hunger, he felt a deep sadness for them. "How many people die here every day?" Eden asked. "People die every day, it''s hard to keep track," Bayev shook his head. "Honestly, the citizens here have it relatively good. If they were under the Hoffman family or the warbands, they''d be suffering a fate worse than death..." Eden remained silent, noticing the way the people on the streets looked at him¡ªconfusion, apathy, fear, and even hatred. The situation was worse than he had imagined! Winning the people''s support would be nearly impossible now. He''d be lucky if a major rebellion didn''t break out. Not far away, an elderly woman collapsed and died on the ground, her body eyed hungrily by onlookers. But they were quickly dispersed as armed corpse-collectors arrived to drag the body away. Bayev noticed Eden''s puzzled expression and explained, "All resources are incredibly precious here. Nothing can go to waste." Eden suddenly realized what was happening. The bodies weren''t being taken for burial or incineration¡ªthey were being sent to special machines to be broken down into proteins, to be turned into corpse-starch and sustain more lives. It was brutal, but necessary. Eden quietly resolved that he had to change this, but there was so little he could do right now. The warehouses were running out of food, and soon the palace district wouldn''t even be able to support the army. Rumor had it that conditions in the territories controlled by the Hoffman family and the Gray Wolf Warband were even worse, with food supplies completely exhausted. To maintain control, they had started slaughtering those who were too weak or unfit to work, turning them into corpse-starch to feed their armies. They, too, had millions of people, and could hold out for quite some time. The upper hive was now a sealed-off cauldron, where only the most ruthless and poisonous would survive. But Eden refused to claim victory through such cruel means¡ªhe had to find another way. Perhaps the Little Sun in the Warp could help him break this deadlock. As nightfall approached, Eden had seen enough suffering and couldn''t bear to look any longer. "Let''s head back," he said, closing his eyes and instructing Bayev to take him home. By the time they returned to the Spire, the maids had already prepared dinner. Eden sat in the luxurious dining room, looking at the sumptuous meal laid before him, but he had little appetite. The situation was dire¡ªhe had to find a way to break through. (End of Chapter) Chapter 11: The Derelict Spaceship Chapter 11: Chapter 11: The Derelict SpaceshipEden quickly finished his dinner and returned to his bedroom to rest. The maids helped him wash up and change into nightwear. Eden lay down on the soft bed. "You can all leave now. I''m going to sleep." "As you wish, Governor," the maids said, bowing gracefully before tiptoeing out of the room. The crystal lamps dimmed as they left. As night deepened, soft red moonlight filtered through the windows, casting a faint glow across the room. "I still can''t get used to that red moon," Eden mumbled, his eyes open. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After seeing the familiar moon of his home world, the red moon here seemed especially eerie. But he wasn''t having trouble sleeping; there was something more important he needed to do. Eden activated his psychic power, focusing on the whispering voices coming from the Warp. He intended to replicate the events of the previous night, to re-enter the Warp and seek out Little Sun. This was extremely dangerous, as it exposed him to the corrupting influences of the Warp and its terrifying entities. But Eden had no choice. He needed to study and harness the power of Little Sun to find a solution to the current crisis. After all, this was his greatest trump card. The whispers in the Warp grew sharper, with many strange beings calling out to him. The tugging sensation became more intense. "Which one is it?" Eden gritted his teeth, enduring the splitting headache as he tried to identify Little Sun''s specific signal among the chaos. Among the many presences, one stood out¡ªa powerful purple force that constantly tempted him. It seemed that if he answered, he would be transported to a place of unparalleled pleasure. An old acquaintance... Eden thought, realizing that the call came from Slaanesh, the Chaos God of excess and pleasure, who was still trying to lure him in. "Hah! You won''t tempt me!" Eden dismissed the frequency from Slaanesh and blocked it out, muttering, "Get lost!" Slaanesh''s reaction was immediate and furious, continuing to bombard him with calls to join its realm. But Eden completely ignored it. Communicating with the Warp was like chatting online¡ªit didn''t matter how angry the other party got; there was little they could actually do. Slaanesh wouldn''t send a demon to get me, right? Eden suddenly grew nervous. If Slaanesh tracked him down and sent a demon to capture him in the real world, he would be doomed. "There are hundreds of millions of planets in the Imperium, no way they''d find me that easily..." Eden reassured himself. If it were that easy for Slaanesh to pluck people from the Warp, the Imperium''s key figures would have been long dead. Moreover, Little Sun was still protecting him, making it difficult for Slaanesh to locate him. Comforted by this thought, Eden continued his search for Little Sun''s signal. Just as he was about to lose his grip, a familiar frequency entered his mind. It was Little Sun! Eden immediately latched onto the signal with his psychic awareness, responding to its call. Boom! In an instant, Eden''s consciousness was pulled into the Warp. He was back! Once again, his consciousness merged with Little Sun. He "gazed" at the cold, shining sun formed by the Emperor''s will, suspended high above in the void, feeling a slight sense of relief. Thankfully, the Emperor''s protection kept his Little Sun avatar safe from the predatory creatures of the Warp, which would have devoured it as a snack otherwise. Eden began to guide Little Sun, trying to get a feel for its power. But the energy shortage still left many of its abilities unusable, such as illusion projection, blessings, and teleportation. For now, the only ability Eden could use was Warp exploration, and he only had enough energy for one attempt. Simply put, this meant he could open a treasure chest in the Warp and search for physical objects. Some might consider this a useless ability, but Eden knew it had immense potential. After all, there were countless treasures scattered throughout the Warp, especially derelict ships. Since humanity first mastered Warp travel, ships had been entering the Warp for millennia. During the height of human technology in the Golden Age, countless ships traveled through the Warp. But the Warp was dangerous, like a stormy sea, and its deadly Warp storms could destroy everything! Over the centuries, countless ships had been lost in the Warp, their wrecks floating aimlessly through the void. These wrecks were treasure troves, potentially containing lost technology, powerful weapons, and ancient relics. With technology having regressed so much in the present day, finding a relic from the Golden Age¡ªsuch as an STC (Standard Template Construct)¡ªwould be like striking gold. "Should I search?" Eden decided to activate Little Sun''s search ability, sending out a psychic scan through the Warp. As a self-proclaimed unlucky person, he performed a small superstitious ritual, crossing his fingers as he initiated the search: "Search initiated!" Little Sun trembled slightly, and a wave of psychic light spread out, rippling through the endless void. Soon, the energy began to pinpoint various objects, marking them as glowing dots on Eden''s mental map. Each dot represented a physical object within the Warp. Eden was nervous¡ªhe could only place one psychic beacon to navigate toward an object. The choice was crucial. If he selected something unreachable or, worse, picked a Chaos God''s lair, he was doomed. It felt like playing a game where you only had one chance to draw a card¡ªextremely nerve-wracking. "Please let it be something good!" Eden mentally rubbed his hands together and selected a medium-sized glowing dot. After all, a massive dot could be a dangerous lair belonging to a powerful entity, so it was safer to pick something moderate. Once he made his choice, Eden guided his consciousness to dive toward it. His awareness stretched into the void, slipping through a Warp rift and emerging in a new location moments later. As his vision cleared, Eden saw an ancient metal colossus looming ahead, colliding with his senses like a mountain. Compared to this massive metal object, he was as small as an ant standing before a giant beast, the sheer scale overwhelming. Eden extended his psychic senses and realized that the structure was a derelict ship, glowing faintly blue as it drifted through the Warp. "A derelict ship! I''ve hit the jackpot!" Eden exclaimed. When a ship was wrecked in the Warp, its remains often drifted for centuries. Sometimes, these wrecks were drawn into Warp vortexes, gathering into massive debris fields. Through some mysterious force, the wreckage within these debris fields would fuse together, forming an enormous structure that continued its eternal voyage through the Warp. These ghost ships were often called derelict spaceships¡ªmoving treasure troves in the Warp! The interior of such a ship often contained remnants from multiple eras, including lost technology or sacred relics, just waiting for a fateful explorer to find them. However, exploring a derelict spaceship was highly dangerous, as heretics or even Chaos demons often made these wrecks their nests. "I really hope this ship hasn''t been taken over by a Chaos demon..." Eden felt a pang of worry. If the ship was occupied by a powerful demon, he stood no chance of exploring it! (End of Chapter) Chapter 12: Investigation Chapter 12: Chapter 12: InvestigationThe treasure was right in front of him. If the Chaos Daemons took over, how heartbreaking would that be! Eden felt a pang in his heart as he activated his psychic senses to scan the entire space hulk. This was his advantage: controlling the miniature sun, he possessed god-like power. He was lucky that this space hulk had not been occupied by some terrible entity. Within the space hulk, there were only some Chaos creatures, scattered Void remnants, and a small group of relatively threatening Chaos pirates. Fortunately, this space hulk was enormous, almost half the size of the moon. If he were cautious, he could avoid them for a lifetime. This meant that Eden could explore the treasure without taking too much risk! Eden carefully controlled his psychic sense, exploring the space hulk bit by bit, searching for an STC or ancient relic that could be used to create powerful weapons. That way, he could quickly improve his combat power, break out of the hive city, and reclaim the entire hive world. Once the hive world was recovered, food, energy, and population would all be his¡ªa dream start! As his psychic sense continued exploring, Eden saw a village of Void remnants hidden within a mountain of wreckage. These remnants were tall, dressed simply, and fed on the fungal colonies in the wreckage. The remnants formed small teams to gather fungi from the outer wreckage, but their luck was bad¡ªthey encountered a group of Chaos creatures. "What a pity..." Eden thought these people were doomed. Facing such a large number of Chaos creatures, even an elite squad of the Astra Militarum would struggle to cope. But the Void remnants surprised him. Their bodies were incredibly strong, wielding thick alloy spears, facing the oncoming Chaos creatures head-on. In no time, they had dealt with all the Chaos creatures. Even though the warriors were wounded, they were still lively and energetic. They happily carried the corpses of the Chaos creatures back, seemingly preparing for some sort of ritual. These were born warriors. If there was a chance to recruit them, how wonderful that would be! The problem was that Eden was currently just a psychic consciousness, almost unable to communicate directly with these people. He marked the village, planning to return here once he had the power to recruit these Void remnant warriors. For now, even if Eden could teleport his physical body here, he wouldn''t last long¡ªChaos creatures would tear him apart immediately. Eden''s psychic sense moved past the remnant village, continuing to search for places that might hold lost technology, but unfortunately, most of those areas were occupied by Chaos creatures. Later, he found a more intact section of the ship, which seemed to be a residential area of a giant vessel, containing many valuable technologies. This section had become a Chaos pirate hideout. The Chaos pirates were filthy and mutated to varying degrees, with many sprouting void fungi from their bodies. They used wet tentacles to grasp bottles of alcohol, drinking and spilling as they cursed and ranted. "Beasts, come drink the finest Amasec!" "Idiot, Gutrot''s brew is the best!" "You moron, do you want to die?" The Chaos pirates quickly started fighting, and soon, one side lay in a bloody heap, unable to move. Their minds had been corrupted by the Warp. They were more beasts wearing human skin than actual humans. In the pirate''s hangar, ships landed and took off. Chaos pirates staggered as they dragged their loot off the ships, joining the ongoing revelry. Eden even saw one Chaos pirate carrying a Silent Sister down from the ship, though it was unclear which unfortunate Imperial ship had been raided. Eden approached cautiously; after all, knowing one''s enemy was crucial. Eventually, he would have to face these people. Such a great treasure trove should be his alone to enjoy. Leaving it to these drunken, thieving Chaos pirates would be a complete waste! "Who''s there?" Just as he got closer, he was noticed. It was a red-haired female pirate leader, with fair skin and a voluptuous figure, surprisingly without any mutations. The red-haired pirate sat on a throne in the wreckage hall, gazing in Eden''s direction where his psychic presence was. "No way, she sensed me?" Eden froze for a moment. Zap! The red-haired pirate raised a melta gun and fired in his direction. "Ha, good thing I''m in a psychic state, with no physical body," Eden thought, relieved. Since this fiery pirate couldn''t harm him, he could stay and investigate the situation further. "I found you! Show yourself!" The red-haired pirate seemed unwilling to give up. She floated into the air, her eyes glowing red as if she were searching for something. A Gamma-level psyker! S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A strong sense of danger surged within Eden¡ªhe had only one thought: run! He quickly withdrew his psychic presence, moving through layers of metal wreckage, distancing himself from the ship section. The red-haired pirate didn''t find anyone and reclined back into her throne, resting her chin on her hand, looking bored. "Sigh, I thought something interesting was going to happen..." Her name was Kaelinna, one of the Empire''s most wanted criminals, charged with desecrating the God-Emperor and betraying the Imperium. Tch, Kaelinna was still indignant. All she had done was kill a few of the Empire''s dogs on Holy Terra. Did that really warrant the High Lords ordering her death? They even sent squads of Space Marines and several Inquisitors! Luckily, she had escaped in time; otherwise, she''d be dead by now. To avoid the hunt, she had been hiding in this cursed place for a long time. How long? Sorry, in the Warp, there was no concept of time or space¡ªonly endless Chaos. "I wish a handsome man would just drop from the sky for me to play with..." Kaelinna sighed, her ample chest heaving. She glanced at the ugly Chaos pirates still brawling, growing even more agitated. Boom! A shockwave exploded among the crowd, scattering the Chaos pirates in all directions. "Shut up! Get lost!" Kaelinna shouted in anger, unleashing a powerful psychic force. The Chaos pirates scrambled to their feet, bowing in submission to their queen. At this moment, Eden''s psychic presence was still fleeing. That fiery woman was dangerous; he needed to get far away, as far as possible. After all, a Gamma-level psyker could not be judged by common sense¡ªshe might be able to inflict fatal damage even to his psychic state. Rustle, rustle, rustle... What was that sound? Eden realized he had entered a strange place. In front of him stretched an endless field of green rice, swaying gently in the breeze like emerald waves. Between the rows of rice were small streams, with clear water flowing, and little fish swimming to and fro. For a moment, he felt as if he had returned to the fields of his homeland, and the tension in his heart began to ease. But Eden''s daydream was quickly shattered, for he saw a robot in the field, a riveted metal robot. It hummed a little tune, carrying a rusty water tank, laboriously spraying pesticide over the rice. The metal robot suddenly sensed something, turning to face the gate with barely-contained excitement in its electronic voice. "Welcome to Green Wave Farm, my master!" (End of Chapter) Chapter 13: The Desperate People Chapter 13: Chapter 13: The Desperate PeopleThe metal robot, Moss, excitedly looked toward the gate, only to find it empty. "Master?" Moss''s electronic voice grew somber, filled with a strange sadness. Ever since Green Wave Farm was established, Moss had been responsible for tending the farm, never stepping beyond its boundaries. Yet, in all the endless years that had passed, the master had never come to check on its work. Moss stood there in a daze, still spraying pesticide from the nozzle in its hand. A gust of wind blew by, carrying the pesticide back towards Moss, hitting its metal body. Zzzzt! Sparks flew as short circuits appeared on Moss''s body, but it didn''t seem to notice. If the short circuits continued, Moss would most likely "die" from component failure. Yet, it was trapped in a strange feedback loop, unable to react. Clang¡ª The sky behind Moss turned dark. A large panel fell with a bang, revealing a cold steel wall. "Not again! Damn 613th mimetic panel!" Moss hastily put down the pesticide sprayer and ran towards the fallen mimetic panel, determined to repair it quickly. It extended two slender mechanical arms from its back, beginning to work on the damaged panel. "How many times has this 613th mimetic panel fallen?" Moss wondered as it worked. Its mechanical brain instantly retrieved the data¡ª4567 times! Oh, damn 613th mimetic panel! As the farm robot, maintaining Green Wave Farm was Moss''s responsibility. If nothing unusual happened, it would continue working on Green Wave Farm indefinitely. Repairing the cursed mimetic panel, waiting for that unseen master to finally come and inspect its work. In the void of Green Wave Farm, a psychic beacon pulsed slowly¡ªit was a teleportation marker. ¡ª¡ª In the royal chamber of the spire. Hiss! Eden suddenly awoke, his head pounding! "Ah! My lord?" A concerned voice came from the maids around him. "What''s wrong with you?" Linda gasped in shock, urging, "Quick, call the apothecary!" "No need, I''m fine." Eden knew nothing was seriously wrong; it was just a side effect of withdrawing his consciousness from the Warp. The sensation came and went quickly, and he recovered in no time. Eden ordered the maids to leave and stepped onto the balcony, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin. A small smile crept across his face, and the dark cloud in his heart lifted. He had found the solution! In the depths of the space hulk within the Warp, he had discovered a farm from the Golden Age. Not only did the farm contain advanced agricultural techniques and seeds, but it also housed a robot from the Golden Age! That was the true treasure! As for the Imperial ban on AI and intelligent machinery, Eden couldn''t care less¡ªthe Imperium had no control over him anymore. As long as it was used within reason, what was there to fear? Even if there was a risk, it would only manifest in the distant future. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Right now, his priority was to use every available method to strengthen himself¡ªsurviving was the top priority. Although he hadn''t found powerful weapons or relics on this trip to the Warp, discovering a solution to the food problem and a Golden Age robot was a huge win. Once he brought back the Golden Age agricultural technology, along with the help of the robot, he could establish large-scale farms and solve the food shortage. The key now was how to bring those treasures back. Luckily, before running out of energy, Eden had left a psychic teleportation marker at the farm. With enough Hope Energy, he could activate his miniature sun''s teleportation ability, open a portal to the farm, and transport everything back! The immediate priority was to find a place to install the psychic core, which would absorb the Hope Energy from the people. As for the location, Eden had already made up his mind. "Karter!" Eden called out. "Yes, my lord!" Karter, the captain of the guard, responded as he entered. His towering frame, nearly two and a half meters tall, was intimidating even to Eden, who stood 1.8 meters tall. But Karter would never display any sign of disrespect. He knelt in front of Eden, awaiting his orders. "Lord Governor!" Every time Eden saw Karter, he thought this man would make an excellent Space Marine. If there was a chance in the future, he would have to form a squad of Space Marines as his personal guard. In the world of Warhammer 40K, Space Marines were the ultimate power. Eden brushed aside his wandering thoughts and focused on the task at hand. "Accompany me to the Sacred Plaza!" "Yes, my lord!" Karter, with a determined expression, accepted the order and left to make preparations. Every time Eden traveled, a meticulous security plan was needed to ensure his safety. After all, the Hoffman family wanted him dead, and they had sent countless assassins to make that happen. Caution was always wise. Soon, under Karter''s arrangements, Eden boarded his hover vehicle and headed for the Sacred Plaza. Upon arrival, Eden ordered Karter and the guards to stand watch around the perimeter, while he walked to the center of the plaza, beneath the statue of the God-Emperor. The statue, once a symbol of holiness and dignity, was now dilapidated and weathered. Yet, it still exuded a faint aura of authority, inspiring reverence in all who gazed upon it. This was the place Eden had chosen to install the psychic core. Using the statue of the God-Emperor as the focal point, the energy from the psychic core would radiate across most of the territory. Eden placed his hand on the statue''s base and reached out with his consciousness to the miniature sun in the Warp. He would create a secret pathway between the Warp and reality, allowing the miniature sun to place the psychic core within the statue. In the Warp, the miniature sun grew ever brighter, its energy waves intensifying, stirring a psychic storm. The violent fluctuations of psychic energy triggered a spatial shift. Crack! The void in front of the miniature sun shattered like glass, revealing an irregular rift. Through the rift, the head of the God-Emperor''s statue could faintly be seen. The path was established! A small orb of light split from the miniature sun¡ªthat was the psychic core. The psychic core would serve as an anchor point, stationed in reality, drawing positive emotions from the surrounding area¡ªwhat Eden called Hope Energy. The glowing psychic core quickly embedded itself in the head of the God-Emperor''s statue, anchoring firmly. Afterward, the rift between the Warp and reality closed, leaving only an invisible psychic connection between the core and the miniature sun. Eden could faintly sense a bond forming between himself and the statue. Not only could he absorb Hope Energy, but he could also redirect some of the people''s worship of the God-Emperor toward himself. "Finally, it''s done!" The entire process took only seconds, but Eden felt completely drained. "Lord Governor!" "Call for backup!" When Eden returned to reality, he found himself surrounded by his guards. Karter had deployed his shield, completely covering Eden in an impenetrable barrier. The moment Eden had connected to the miniature sun, Karter had sensed the danger and immediately moved to protect him. As the Lord Governor''s captain of the guard, Karter would sacrifice his own life rather than repeat any mistakes. Fortunately, it was just a false alarm. After a thorough inspection and confirming that everything was safe, Karter dismissed the guards and tightened security around the plaza. Eden could still feel the thin thread linking him to the psychic core in the Warp. Now, he could continuously absorb Hope Energy. Once he gathered enough, he could activate the miniature sun''s teleportation ability and send himself to the space hulk''s farm! Eden took a quick mental calculation: if the Hope Energy generated by an average person was 1 point, he needed 200,000 points to initiate the teleportation. The gap was significant, but he wasn''t worried¡ªafter all, there were millions of people in his territory! Eden focused on controlling the psychic core, trying to absorb Hope Energy from his people. 144 points? He was stunned. Hope Energy was so scarce. All he could sense from the people was confusion, fear, and helplessness. They were crying out in pain and despair! Darkness was consuming them. Endless hopelessness loomed over his land¡ªwhere was the hope? What should he do now? (End of Chapter) Chapter 14: A Failed Attempt Chapter 14: Chapter 14: A Failed Attempt"Hope Energy has dwindled even further..." In the Governor''s office atop the spire, Eden let out a long sigh. He had just attempted to improve the lives of the people to generate more Hope Energy. But he had failed. He had chosen the most overworked mining crew as a test case. The miners had to navigate complex tunnels to reach the underground mining zones, enduring grueling and dangerous work. Not only did they face frequent cave-ins, but they also had to guard against attacks from mutants. Death had become part of their daily routine. Eden didn''t dare make any drastic changes to the production system since the entire economy of his territory was stretched to its limit, maintained in a delicate balance. If he pushed too hard and upset this balance, it would lead to disaster. Even a small disturbance could result in more deaths. So, Eden had simply ordered the head of the mining department to give some workers a day of paid leave, announcing that in the future, there would be a rotation system to ease the pressure on the miners. However, instead of relief, the workers were filled with fear, and the amount of Hope Energy had decreased further! At that moment, the head of the mining crew, Will, stood before Eden, being questioned. If not for the governor''s summons, a small figure like him would never have set foot in the royal district, let alone entered the Governor''s office in the spire. To meet the governor, Will had splurged on a rare bath and put on his best clothes, though he still looked a bit shabby. "My lord, the workers are terrified..." Will spoke, head bowed in fear. "Terrified?" "Yes, they fear that during their leave, someone will take their place. They''re saying the mining crews can''t survive and are trying to cut down the workforce." "Didn''t you explain it clearly?" "We did, but no one believes us." Will bowed his head lower. "There are even rumors that there''s a terrible ghostly curse in the mines, and soon no one will be able to mine anymore!" "And what about the leave policy? Hasn''t there been any benefit from it at all?" Eden pressed. "Well, the workers who stayed behind are working even harder. Even if they get injured, they don''t dare rest, fearing they''ll be removed from the mining crew." Eden immediately corrected him, "It''s temporary leave, not removal from the crew!" Eden now realized how difficult it was to manage people. The plan was sound, but its implementation had gone astray! It was also possible that the policy simply didn''t fit the current situation and he had rushed things. Luckily, he had only tried it on a small scale. Otherwise, the outcome could have been disastrous. "Yes, temporary leave. That''s exactly what I told them!" Will said, trembling in fear. He couldn''t understand the governor''s actions either. By the God-Emperor, the governor had given the miners paid leave! Will had never heard of "paid leave," nor had he ever seen such a thing. It was such an unprecedented move that it sparked fear, and no one could comprehend why. All Will knew was that times were tough. The miners would rather work themselves to death in the mines than leave. Because leaving meant losing their only source of food, and that meant starvation! Will, like the miners, was confused and lost. Could there really be something wrong with the mines? Or, as the rumors suggested, had the royal district run out of food and could no longer pay the miners their daily wages? The miners were paid daily because no one could guarantee they''d live to see tomorrow''s sun. Wages had already dropped from three units of corpse starch to two, and many miner families barely survived on those two units. If even those two units were withheld, who knew how many people would starve to death? Will couldn''t help but think about his own situation. If the mining crew ceased to exist, what would become of him, their supervisor? Without this job, how could he explain it to the others? Where would he go? Times were dire, and at his age, with his physical condition, even the factories wouldn''t take him! The thought brought a wave of sorrow, and Will imagined his wife and two young daughters starving to death, their bodies dragged away by the corpse collectors. Overcome with sadness, he began to sob. "What are we going to do? God-Emperor, please save us!" The next second, Will realized his outburst and quickly covered his mouth, trying to suppress his emotions. But he couldn''t stop the tears from streaming down his face in front of Eden. Eden fell silent. If even Will, the supervisor of the mining crew, didn''t trust the royal district or Eden as their governor, how could the common people? Without trust, anything he did would only fuel suspicion. The more he did, the worse it would become! Unless he could truly deliver large amounts of resources and continuously improve the workers'' lives, it would be impossible to inspire hope among the desperate miners. But Eden couldn''t do that¡ªnot yet. The truth was, the food reserves in the royal district were almost depleted. He didn''t have enough to distribute. In short, the territory was teetering on the brink of crisis. Eden had a solution to the food problem. He just needed to gather enough Hope Energy, then activate the teleportation to the space hulk''s farm to retrieve the Golden Age''s agricultural technology and seeds. But his plan was stuck¡ªwithout Hope Energy, he couldn''t go. The key was figuring out how to use the remaining resources to create a spark that would uplift the people and generate enough Hope Energy. "My lord, please forgive me for my rudeness!" After calming down, Will knelt in fear, begging for Eden''s forgiveness. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eden snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head. "Get up. I won''t hold it against you." Seeing that Will still looked uneasy even after standing up, Eden decided to ask further. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask." "My lord, will the mining crew continue to operate? The miners need their wages. I swear they won''t slack off..." Will spoke hesitantly. "Yes," Eden reassured him. "I promise you, the crew will continue to operate. "As for the leave policy, that was my mistake. Go back and tell everyone: everything stays the same." After some thought, Eden decided to temporarily halt the leave policy to prevent further rumors and unrest from spreading. Any system changes needed abundant resources and productivity to support them. The time wasn''t right yet¡ªno need to complicate things. If everything fell apart, there would be nowhere for him to cry about it later. "Understood, my lord!" Hearing this, Will visibly relaxed, even smiling a little. Hope Energy +1! Eden sensed that 1 point of Hope Energy had emerged from Will. Seeing this, Eden decided to push further. He patted Will on the shoulder. "Keep up the good work, and I won''t let you down." "I will, my lord!" Hope Energy +1! Eden shook Will''s hand, adding enthusiastically, "I have great expectations for you. Keep it up, and there''ll be promotions and raises in your future..." Eden continued painting a hopeful picture, but Will didn''t generate any more Hope Energy¡ªhe even seemed a bit fearful. It appeared that words alone had limited impact. With a hint of regret, Eden ended the conversation and dismissed Will. "Wait!" Just as Will was about to leave, Eden called him back. "You have two children, right?" "Yes, they''re five years old." Will couldn''t help but smile when talking about his daughters. "Since you''re here, take some gifts back for them." Eden pointed to a plate of Frosted Poro cookies and colorful candies on the table. Linda had just brought them in, and their sweet scent filled the air. During their conversation, Eden had noticed Will''s gaze repeatedly drifting toward the plate of treats. He figured it wouldn''t hurt to give Will a small gift¡ªafter all, it felt wrong to send him away empty-handed after coming all this way. Coming from a world of abundant material wealth in his previous life, Eden didn''t see these items as anything particularly valuable. The spire''s storeroom was stocked with precious foodstuffs, the kind of luxury that only the elite could enjoy, even before the hive world had fallen into ruin. Someone of Will''s status would never have had the chance to taste or even smell such things unless summoned by the governor himself. "My lord," Will stammered, swallowing hard, his voice barely controlled, "you mean these things are for me?" (End of Chapter) Chapter 15: Sweets and Pastries Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Sweets and PastriesStaring at the intricately crafted, colorful sweets and pastries on the plate, Will swallowed hard. Such delicacies he had only ever heard of in tales. Will had once been a miner in the lower hive. During the heretical rebellion, to save his family from starvation, he had resolutely brought his pregnant wife and elderly mother to the upper hive. In the tide of refugees, his mother had starved herself to death, saving the little food they had for his wife, while Will survived thanks to his robust body. Fortunately, after the rebellion ended, the governor took in those refugees. Will became a miner once again and, thanks to his experience and a bit of luck¡ªhis predecessors had died in mutant attacks¡ªhe eventually climbed to the position of supervisor. His family survived on corpse starch, only indulging in a small piece of sawdust-infused bread every few days. That was considered a rare treat, something most families couldn''t even afford. But the food before him now was a hundred, even a thousand times more delicious than sawdust bread! Just moments ago, he had secretly inhaled its scent, and the aroma still lingered in his mind. It was an exquisite experience and memory, one he had planned to brag about to his children. Will couldn''t begin to imagine how wonderful these sweets would taste in his mouth! Yet, the governor was offering him these heavenly delights? What an honor! Eden nodded in response to Will''s hopeful gaze. "Yes, these are for you." He summoned a maid to bring a fresh batch of sweets and pastries, carefully packed in a beautiful gift bag. "Consider this a gift for your children," Eden said as he personally handed the gift bag to Will. "I-I... Thank you! Thank you so much, my lord! The God-Emperor will forever protect you!" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Will was overwhelmed with joy as he gratefully accepted the bag of sweets, tears almost spilling from his eyes. Seeing how such simple sweets could bring so much happiness, Eden couldn''t help but sigh. In his heart, he silently vowed that one day, he would make it so that everyone on Eristar could enjoy food like this. It was his duty as a leader. Eden snapped back to the present and patted Will on the shoulder. "Keep working hard, and the royal district will never forget your contributions." "My lord, I pledge my utmost loyalty to you!" Will said solemnly, after a moment of silence. Clutching the gift bag tightly, he turned and hurried away. Hope Energy +100! Eden was stunned. One person had generated so much Hope Energy! In that instant, he realized that simply making promises wasn''t enough¡ªhe needed to show real benefits and sincerity. But that was precisely what he lacked the most right now! Eden once again sank into thought, pondering how to achieve the greatest motivational effect with the few resources he had. But no clear solution came to mind. It was difficult! Meanwhile, Will, clutching the gift from the governor, exited the spire''s mansion. "Will, how did it go?" "What did the governor say?" "Can the men who were sent home return to the mines?" As soon as he stepped outside, Will was surrounded by his captains, all eagerly clamoring for answers. Each of these captains commanded several hundred miners. If something happened to the mining crew, they wouldn''t be able to face their men. It could spell disaster for countless families. A bearded captain pointed at Will''s face in shock. "Look! The boss was crying¡ªcould it be something bad happened to the mines?" "Did that bastard in the spire really plan to lay us off?" Will''s expression immediately darkened, and he scolded them, "Shut your mouths, all of you! Stop spouting nonsense!" Seeing their boss lose his temper, the captains fell silent, looking sheepish. Wiping his eyes, Will broke into a smile and reassured them. "The mines are fine. Everyone can go back to work as usual." "No pay cuts?" "No layoffs?" "The governor said everything stays the same." "But what about the men who were sent home?" Will, feeling invigorated, answered, "Tell those lads to come back and work hard. The governor won''t forget us!" The news stirred excitement among the captains, and they cheered. Suddenly, one of them caught a whiff of something. "Boss, what''s that smell?" "It smells amazing!" "By the God-Emperor, I''ve never smelled anything so delicious in my life!" "It''s better than a woman''s scent!" Will proudly patted the gift bag in his arms. "This is something the governor gave me. They''re called sweets or something... "Anyway, it''s food that only the governor gets to eat!" The captains stared at the bag in Will''s arms, drooling. Food that only the governor could eat¡ªhow delicious must it be? The best thing they had ever tasted was sawdust bread! Compared to corpse starch, rancid bugs, mutant rats, and other foul sustenance, sawdust bread didn''t make you want to vomit, which made it a delicacy. Under normal circumstances, none of these men would ever get to taste such expensive food in their lifetime. Seeing their longing expressions, Will hesitated for a moment, but his heart softened. As a leader, he knew that when you had something good, you couldn''t forget your brothers. It was a lesson he had learned well. It was also one of the reasons his men supported him as their supervisor. As a man from the lower hive, Will owed his rise to the loyalty of his brothers. Carefully opening the gift bag, Will reached inside for a cookie. "You dirty bastards better clean your hands! Don''t you dare defile such precious food!" he shouted, grinning. The captains frantically scrubbed their hands clean, lining up and trembling as they extended their hands toward Will, afraid they might drop the treasure. Each man received one cookie. The cookies were still warm, beautifully crafted, and radiating a mouthwatering aroma that seemed to touch their very souls! Their genes had never experienced such flavor, so they couldn''t even begin to describe how it tasted. Some men couldn''t wait and stuffed the cookies into their mouths, nearly licking their hands clean. But others managed to hold back, carefully wrapping the cookies to save for later. Perhaps they intended to share the treat with their families at home, or maybe they were planning to sell it on the black market. Either way, they wouldn''t waste such a precious delicacy. Will carefully gathered the crumbs back into the bag. There was still more than half of the cookies left, and he intended to share them with his children. It would become the happiest memory of their childhood. Surrounded by his men, Will boarded the steam vehicle and headed back to the residential area, to his home on Black Coal Street. As the name suggested, Black Coal Street was home to miner families. They lived and died by the mines. Any tremor in the mines¡ªwhether it be an accident, a mutant attack, a pay cut, or layoffs¡ªcould plunge entire families into the abyss. On the street, the people looked exhausted, faces gray and listless, with no light left in their eyes. This was the result of long-term hunger. When the people saw Will, they immediately crowded around him. (End of Chapter) Chapter 16: Black Coal Street Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Black Coal StreetThe people of Black Coal Street forced themselves to smile and greet Will as he passed. Many elderly women pulled their children forward, urging them to show off their meager muscles. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They begged Will to take the boys into the mining crew, as their families could no longer afford to feed them. Will smiled and responded kindly to each request. He accepted one boy but gently declined the rest. "Let them grow a bit more. Sending these little ones into the mines now would be a death sentence!" Will said. Despite being rejected, the people maintained their composure and dispersed quietly. In the eyes of the governor, Will might have been just another replaceable figure. But on Black Coal Street, Will was their king. He commanded thousands of miners, holding the livelihood of the residents in his hands. No one dared defy him. Not that they would. Will had earned their respect. Reaching his door, Will turned back to the crowd. "Go and let those boys who went home know they can return to work. Don''t leave them waiting." As the crowd dispersed, Will pushed open his door and immediately scooped up his two little girls, who came running to him. The door closed, and only the sound of their giggling could be heard. Deeper in the street, in a lowly shack, Mecca and his family were gathered for their midday meal. In truth, they could only afford one meal a day now. They had to finish eating before the sun moved, or else they''d have to eat in the dark, as the sunlight wouldn''t reach their shack deep in the street. As for candles, they couldn''t afford them. Candles were a luxury. Only Mr. Will and his captains could afford such extravagances on Black Coal Street. Such was the world. Miners dug up energy stones to power the hive, yet couldn''t afford to use electricity themselves. Most of the electricity was sent to maintain the shields and air circulation systems of the upper hive or to power the factories. The rest was sent to the royal district to illuminate the night skies there. Mecca watched his son devour the last bit of food with a tender gaze. The boy was twelve now. In a few years, he''d be able to find work, and then there''d be hope for the family. "Dad, I''m still hungry..." his son whispered. Hungry, yes... Mecca''s smile faded. He could see the hunger in his son''s eyes. The boy was growing¡ªof course, he was still hungry. But there was no more food left. His wife''s hands were crippled, so no factory would hire her. The entire family survived on Mecca''s earnings from the mining crew. But yesterday, the mine had put him on "paid leave." Mecca didn''t quite understand what that meant, but he had received his next day''s wages. At first, he had been happy, but the pitying looks from others made him realize this wasn''t good news. He had asked the man delivering the news why he couldn''t return to work the next day. The man simply replied that it was the governor''s orders. Everyone who received wages for the next day had to stay home and was forbidden from going to the mines. Everyone was terrified, asking why. If they didn''t go tomorrow, someone might take their place. Would they ever be allowed back? The man couldn''t answer and only barked that they had to follow the governor''s orders. Then, overseers from the royal district came and drove them away, injuring a few unlucky souls in the process. "Dad..." Mecca''s son tugged on his hand, looking up at him with pleading eyes. Mecca patted his son''s head with a heavy heart. "Go to sleep. If you sleep, you won''t feel hungry. Tomorrow, when I get paid from the mine, I promise to feed you until you''re full!" "Really?" His son hesitated as he crawled onto the bed and wrapped himself in the blankets. He sat up again, still unsure. "You promise I''ll be full tomorrow?" "You little rascal, when have I ever lied to you?" Satisfied with the answer, his son lay back down and soon drifted off to sleep. After a moment of silence, Mecca''s wife looked at him with concern. "Do you really think you can go back to the mines tomorrow?" "I don''t know," Mecca said, slumping in defeat. "Mr. Will went to see the governor. Hopefully, he''ll come back with good news." "But... but I''ve heard people say the royal district is out of food. They say even the governor can''t get his hands on a decent loaf of sawdust bread anymore..." Mecca''s wife was on the verge of tears. "They say the mines can''t pay that many wages anymore. Once you leave the mines, you''ll never be able to go back!" She broke down, sobbing into her hands but quickly covered her mouth, afraid of waking their son. "God-Emperor, are we going to starve to death?" When a man in Black Coal Street could no longer work the mines, starvation followed soon after. There were countless such stories here. It was nothing new. But when it happens to your own family, you realize how terrifying it truly is. Seeing his wife in tears, Mecca felt helpless. He didn''t know what to say to comfort her. He wasn''t confident that he could return to work tomorrow either. "Let''s wait for news from the mines. Mr. Will will speak on our behalf." Mecca forced out the words, then fell silent again. The only sound left in the room was his wife''s muffled sobbing. As the midday sun shifted, the light began to fade. The shack, carefully tended by his wife, was slowly swallowed by darkness. And like the shack, so too would this family, just like thousands of others in the upper hive. Gradually, even the sobbing stopped. Only silence and darkness remained. Bang, bang, bang! A loud knocking sounded on the shack''s iron door. Mecca instantly tensed, gripping the iron rod he kept by his side. Black Coal Street wasn''t completely safe¡ªstrange attacks occurred from time to time. "Who is it?" "It''s me, Mecca!" a gruff voice replied. The captain! Mecca nearly jumped to his feet, asking eagerly, "Did Mr. Will get an answer from the governor?" "Heh, of course! When the boss steps in, it''s all taken care of!" The captain''s voice was cheerful. "The governor said the mines will continue as usual. You''ll be able to return tomorrow!" "That''s... that''s wonderful!" Mecca was so overcome with emotion, he could barely speak. "Would you like to come in?" Mecca''s wife, equally excited, invited the captain inside. But she quickly realized there was nothing left to offer him. The figure at the door didn''t seem to notice the awkwardness. "No need! I''ve still got to spread the word to the others." The captain turned and left, only to crash into something nearby with a loud clang. "Damned Black Coal Street! You can''t see a thing after noon!" His grumbling faded into the distance. The commotion woke Mecca''s son, who rushed out in the dark and hugged his father, scared. "What happened?" "Hahaha! It was someone from the mine. Tomorrow, you''ll finally get to eat your fill!" Mecca, overjoyed, hugged his wife and child. They clung to each other tightly. And somehow, the night didn''t seem so dark anymore. Meanwhile, in the spire office of the royal district... Eden furrowed his brow slightly. A maid immediately drew the curtains, preventing the bright sunlight from distracting him. Eden was deeply worried. The territory''s food reserves would only last one more month. In other words, he had just one month to reach Green Wave Farm in the space hulk. He needed to bring back the crops and agricultural technology from the Golden Age. Otherwise, once the food ran out and chaos erupted in the territory, gathering Hope Energy would become even more difficult. "Sigh..." Eden switched off the data pad and leaned back in his chair. "How am I supposed to foster hope among the people?" He felt like he was on the verge of an idea but couldn''t quite grasp it. "Governor, do you have a moment?" Bayev entered the room and bowed to Eden. "What is it?" Eden asked. (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 17: The Imperial Cult Chapter 17: Chapter 17: The Imperial CultBayev reminded, "My lord, have you forgotten? You need to have your body checked. Please come with me to the chapel." At Bayev''s reminder, Eden finally recalled this matter. He had indeed promised to visit Bishop Doni for an examination of his health issues. Seeing Bayev''s respectful yet firm demeanor, Eden understood. This senior steward still didn''t fully trust him. But it was understandable. After all, Eden had been attacked by Chaos heretics and had lost his memory. His behavior had become strange, and anyone would be suspicious. That''s why Bayev insisted on bringing him to the chapel for a checkup. If anything was truly wrong, the priests of the Imperial Cult would certainly be able to identify it. Bayev was struggling internally, unsure of what to do if the examination revealed a problem. Lord Eden was the last of the Grant family. If something were wrong with him, the family would cease to exist. At that point, where would they go? What would happen to them? For the past few days, Bayev had wrestled with this dilemma. In the end, he had chosen to take Lord Eden for the examination. No matter the result, even if Lord Eden had turned to the dark powers, Bayev would still offer his loyalty. "My lord?" Bayev anxiously awaited Eden''s response, afraid of being refused. "Let''s go..." Eden nodded, agreeing to Bayev''s request. This was actually a good thing. It would be a chance to dispel everyone''s doubts about him and solidify his identity. Bayev, being his senior steward and most loyal confidant, wielded considerable power and held many secrets. If Bayev continued to harbor doubts about him, it could cause significant trouble down the line. As for the possibility of something being uncovered during the examination, Eden had no fear. His soul had fully merged with Ron Grant''s, so no matter who examined him, they would be convinced he was the same person. This could also be an opportunity to clear his mind and maybe even spark some inspiration to solve his current problems. Relieved by the governor''s response, Bayev sighed. "Please follow me, my lord. Bishop Doni is waiting for you." As Eden followed Bayev, he took the opportunity to ask about the current power structure and control over the royal district. Eden''s authority was secure, at least within the territory. After the rebellion, Bayev had been authorized to conduct a major purge. He had taken the opportunity to eliminate opposition and various Imperial agents stationed on the planet. Bayev had attributed their deaths to the heretical rebellion, claiming they had perished in the fight against Chaos. Looking at this seemingly kind and gentle steward, Eden couldn''t help but think, This guy is something else! Bayev constantly invoked the God-Emperor''s name, yet didn''t seem all that loyal. But, as Eden considered, Bayev''s primary mission was to serve and protect the last remaining heir of the Grant family. Any threat to Eden had to be dealt with. Without Bayev, Eden might not have survived until now. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eden could only commend him, "Well done." "I''m glad you understand, my lord," Bayev replied respectfully. "Everything is for the continuation of the Grant bloodline." Overall, Bayev was an exceptionally competent steward, possibly even extraordinary. Without him, the royal district might have already fallen. Even the food shortage, which Eden was now struggling with, had been anticipated by Bayev. His plan was to implement stricter controls in the royal district. To preserve the greater good, some people would have to be sacrificed, their bodies processed for protein and water to sustain the military. By doing this, the royal district could survive for a few more decades. By then, the Warp storms should have subsided, and the district could re-establish communication with the outside world to seek solutions. If the Imperial reinforcements arrived by then, so much the better. But Eden had rejected Bayev''s plan. If it were implemented, it would bring immense suffering to the people, and countless lives would be lost. In that case, how would they be any different from the Hoffman family or the savage warbands? That was something Eden couldn''t accept. Moreover, he knew the Great Rift would last much longer. At the far eastern edge of the galaxy, the Ultramarines'' homeworld Macragge should currently be engulfed in blood and fire. The Ultramarines would eventually repel the Chaos forces and, in the sanctum, resurrect their Primarch¡ªRoboute Guilliman, the Lord of Ultramar and the Emperor''s Thirteenth Son. Once Guilliman awoke, he would serve as the Regent of the Imperium, launching an unyielding crusade to liberate countless worlds from the dark side of the galaxy. But that would take time, time that he did not have. Bayev''s plan would merely prolong the inevitable, with the same tragic outcome. Eden had a better solution, but he was facing obstacles. As Eden pondered how to inspire hope among the suffering populace, Bayev''s voice interrupted his thoughts. "My lord, we''ve arrived..." The hovercar stopped at the foot of the steps leading to the Imperial Cult chapel in the royal district. The chapel was constructed of black stone and heavy metal, its exterior covered in statues depicting scenes from Imperial history and images of saints. At the top was a large stained glass dome, gleaming brightly under the harsh sunlight. Eden stepped out of the car, gazing at the magnificent and solemn structure, feeling a sense of awe. The Imperial Cult never failed to impress. Just stepping out of the car, Eden could feel the reverent and mysterious atmosphere. It was a bit deserted, though. There were hardly any people around. Eden glanced at Bayev, wondering, Did this guy purge the place too? As the official religion of the Imperium, the Imperial Cult was one of the most important organizations in human society. The Cult, or the Ecclesiarchy, was responsible for spreading and maintaining the belief that the God-Emperor was the one true deity. The Ecclesiarchy was vast, with a presence on millions of Imperial worlds, guiding countless citizens in their worship. Its headquarters were located on Holy Terra, covering almost the entire continent of Antarctica. The Church promoted the Emperor''s worship through its teachings and maintained a powerful militant arm. Fanatical priests carried both scripture and guns, often wielding chainswords. Anyone who desecrated the Emperor faced the harshest judgment! With such power, it would be difficult for the royal district to purge the Ecclesiarchy, right? And besides, purging the God-Emperor''s most loyal servants would be an unspeakable heresy! In this universe, gods did exist, and the Emperor was practically one. Even if it was unlikely, what if the Emperor himself got angry and brought down divine punishment? Who could withstand that? Eden eyed Bayev with suspicion. What exactly was going on here? (End of Chapter) Chapter 18: Bishop Doni Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Bishop Doni"By the God-Emperor, how could I dare commit such heresy!" Bayev was horrified when Eden questioned him about the chapel. It was clear he held the Emperor and the Church in great reverence. With a solemn expression, Bayev addressed Eden, "If not for the Church''s help, the royal district would have fallen long ago under the heretics'' assault..." Bayev recounted the events from years past, when the nobles had allied with heretic followers and invaded the royal district. They had driven the citizens to the Holy Square, intending to perform a blood sacrifice of thousands of lives to desecrate the statue of the God-Emperor. This was a common tactic among the heretics. Every time they conquered a place, they would desecrate the Emperor''s statues and slaughter all loyal followers. Such blasphemy was something the Church could never tolerate, and so they fought back with all their might. The fanatical priests and militant crusaders, wielding hammers and staves, had charged the front lines, determined to defend the Emperor''s glory. In the end, the heretic rebels were driven out of the upper hive, but the Church suffered heavy casualties, nearly being wiped out. Now, only Bishop Doni More and a handful of clergy remained in this chapel. As Eden followed Bayev up the tall steps, Carter led the bodyguards behind them. Since they were entering the chapel, they had left their heavy weapons behind. Soon, the group entered the grand hall of the chapel. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Upon stepping inside, Eden was immediately struck by the aura of solemnity and sanctity. Sunlight streamed down through the towering stained glass dome, which depicted the Emperor leading the Primarchs against the forces of Chaos. In the air, cherubic figures with mechanical wings and strips of scripture wrapped around their bodies floated above, their mechanical components visible in places. These were the Church''s cherubim. Cherubim resembled childlike angels but were artificial creations, hybrids of flesh and mechanical augmentations, anointed with sacred oils. They held the same status as servitors but possessed a certain degree of independence and intelligence, serving the priests of the Imperial Cult. As the holy light poured down, the cherubim flew to Eden''s side, singing hymns of praise to the God-Emperor. Eden felt a pair of eyes on him. He turned to see an elderly priest in a robe staring intently at him. This was Bishop Doni More, the last bishop of the Urth Church. He appeared quite frail, leaning on a staff adorned with the symbol of the Aquila and inscribed with sacred texts. His sharp, hawk-like eyes were locked on Eden. Did he see something? Why is he staring at me like that? Eden felt uneasy. Just as he began to worry, Bayev spoke up, sensing the tension. "Bishop Doni''s eyesight isn''t the best..." Bayev then raised his voice, addressing the bishop. "Your Excellency, the governor has arrived!" Upon hearing this, Bishop Doni''s eyes lit up, and his gaze softened. He quickly made his way over to them. "Praise the God-Emperor!" The bishop grasped Eden''s hand enthusiastically. "Governor, you''ve finally arrived." His overly warm attitude left Eden confused. What''s going on? It seemed Bayev was quite familiar with Bishop Doni, as he spoke candidly, "As we discussed, our lord was attacked by heretics and needs your help for an examination." Hearing this, the bishop nodded. "Of course. I''ve been waiting for this." "Let''s begin right away," Bishop Doni said, his sharp eyes studying Eden before leading him to the altar of the Emperor. The altar was surrounded by lit candles, filling the air with the thick scent of sacred oils. "You may relax," Bishop Doni said, patting Eden''s hand and signaling for him not to be nervous. Through a psychic link, he commanded the cherubim to fetch holy water, which they then sprinkled on Eden while he began reciting sacred prayers from the scriptures. The bishop closed his eyes, chanting loudly, while the cherubim circled above him, harmonizing with his prayer. Bayev stood behind them, tense as he awaited the outcome. He exchanged a glance with Carter. They had prepared for this moment before arriving. If anything went wrong during the examination or if Bishop Doni showed any signs of aggression, they were ready to protect Eden at all costs and withdraw from the chapel. Whether Eden had fallen to darkness or made a pact with a daemon, they were prepared to follow him to the end. Such was their unquestioning loyalty. As the prayers reached their peak, Eden felt a psychic force envelop him, probing his body and soul. As expected, the priests can use something akin to psychic energy, Eden mused. Though they were not psykers, it was clear that their devout worship of the God-Emperor produced effects similar to psychic abilities. Bishop Doni was using the Emperor''s will to examine Eden. For an ordinary person, this scrutiny would have revealed everything. Even powerful psykers would have their secrets laid bare under the bishop''s gaze. No darkness could escape the Emperor''s will. However, Eden had not fallen to darkness, and with the power of the Little Sun within him, his psychic abilities far surpassed the bishop''s. Under Eden''s control, the psychic energy from the Little Sun quickly shielded his consciousness while allowing the bishop to examine a portion of Ron Grant''s soul. After a short while, the psychic force withdrew from Eden''s body, signaling the end of the examination. Bishop Doni looked up, smiling. "The Emperor protects. There are no traces of heresy on you, and the Warp has not had much of an effect. "Your body and soul are fine, though you seem a bit physically weak. You should rest and take it easy..." He gave Eden a knowing look. Hmm... Eden immediately understood. The bishop was suggesting that he was, well, physically exhausted. All Eden could do was nod in agreement. After all, he had only recently escaped the Palace of Slaanesh and was indeed feeling quite drained. "Just make sure to rest, and everything will be fine," Bishop Doni concluded. "By the God-Emperor, it''s a relief to know our lord is unharmed!" Hearing this, Bayev finally relaxed, a rare smile crossing his normally stern face. "Thank you, Your Excellency!" "I merely follow the Emperor''s guidance, tending to lost sheep," Bishop Doni responded humbly. He then turned back to Eden with a more serious look. "Governor, there''s something I need you to clarify. You are a psyker now, aren''t you?" Eden''s heart skipped a beat. He suddenly remembered something¡ªthe Church didn''t have a good opinion of psykers. The Imperial Cult represented many aspects of the Imperium itself, using its teachings to unite humanity in service to the Emperor. The Church''s core tenets were known as the Imperial Creed. These included the belief that all humans must worship the Emperor, hatred of xenos and heretics, and the understanding that psykers and mutants among humanity posed a dangerous threat that had to be controlled. The priests of the Church would give their lives to uphold these tenets and maintain their loyalty to the Emperor. Falling into the Church''s hands as a psyker was a dangerous situation. The most likely outcome was imprisonment, followed by being sent to Holy Terra aboard a Black Ship for further processing. "Governor?" Bishop Doni''s gaze remained fixed on Eden, awaiting an answer. (End of Chapter) Chapter 19: The Radical Doctrine Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The Radical Doctrine"Yes, Your Excellency, I have indeed recently become a psyker," Eden answered Bishop Doni''s question directly. He noticed that when the bishop asked this, Bayev''s expression remained unchanged, and there was no reaction from anyone around him. This meant that his position was safe, and there was no need to hide anything. Besides, there was little reason to fear the Church now¡ªthe Imperium''s reach wouldn''t extend to Urth anymore. Upon hearing Eden''s confirmation, Bishop Doni didn''t seem overly surprised. He simply nodded. He continued to smile, "It seems the psychic scan didn''t lie. You must often hear the call of the Warp, which is not a good sign." He went on to explain a few things about being a psyker and what to watch out for. Eden listened attentively, but he couldn''t help but ask, "Your Excellency, I am a psyker. Doesn''t that concern you?" After all, according to the Church''s doctrines, psykers were treated like mutants¡ªa dangerous existence that needed to be controlled or eradicated. Bishop Doni paused for a moment, his expression growing serious as he looked at Eden. "Do you acknowledge the God-Emperor as the one true god of this world?" "Of course! I am the most loyal servant of the great God-Emperor!" Eden answered without hesitation, his voice booming with conviction, almost ready to shout his oath. Whether he believed it or not, this was the only possible answer. In the Imperium, faith in the God-Emperor was the ultimate political correctness, the only true path. If you didn''t believe? Then you were a heretic, destined for judgment and execution! "Praise the God-Emperor!" Bishop Doni nodded in satisfaction. "Faith in the Emperor is the only true path. Every lamb that worships the God-Emperor should be treated equally, and more so, your body and soul have not been tainted. You are safe." "Psykers, too, can earn the Emperor''s favor. Look at the Astropaths¡ªtheir contributions cannot be dismissed. "They, like us, have given everything to serve the great God-Emperor!" As he spoke, Bishop Doni''s demeanor became more fervent. "In my view, it doesn''t matter who you are, what race you belong to, or even if you are unclean. As long as you worship the God-Emperor... "Then you are a lamb of the Emperor, a loyal follower of the Church! "The Emperor''s love is equal, and his light shines upon all creation!" Watching the impassioned bishop, Eden finally understood. This man was a fanatical believer in the God-Emperor, but his beliefs were even more radical. Within the Church, there were many doctrinal factions, but most priests considered mutants and abhumans to be unclean, untouchable. Bishop Doni had likely kept his radical beliefs hidden when there were others to watch over him. But now, with Urth left to him as the last high-ranking priest, he no longer had to hold back. He could say whatever he wanted, and no one could challenge him. He alone held the power to interpret the doctrine! "What do you think, Governor?" Bishop Doni asked, slightly out of breath after his passionate speech. He seemed to be waiting for Eden''s reaction. The atmosphere became tense for a moment, but Eden quickly broke the silence with an enthusiastic response. "Praise the God-Emperor! I understand now!" Eden played along, acting as if he had just received divine inspiration. "As you said, the benevolent God-Emperor equally protects all those willing to offer their loyalty!" No matter how far-fetched the bishop''s teachings were, Eden would express his support. After all, he would need Doni''s backing in the future to bolster his own religious legitimacy. Within the Imperium, those without the approval of the God-Emperor¡ªor rather, the Church¡ªwould find it nearly impossible to move forward. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Praise the God-Emperor! I am honored by your understanding," Bishop Doni beamed with joy. Most people who heard his views either didn''t dare respond or outright condemned them as heretical. Some had even threatened to have him burned at the stake. Fortunately, Doni More was the disciple of a high-ranking archbishop, or he would have been executed long ago. Though he had avoided death, as punishment, he had been exiled from the Holy Land and sent to the far-flung planet of Urth. Now, as the only bishop left on the planet, Doni could finally spread his radical beliefs freely. He even fantasized about converting Chaos Daemons or powerful xenos species into loyal followers of the God-Emperor. He wanted to show the stubborn old men back at the Holy Land who the true loyal servant of the Emperor was! "Alright, Governor, let''s return to discussing your situation. Resisting the Warp''s influence is no simple matter..." Bishop Doni said, once again taking Eden''s hand, his face filled with compassion and a smile that was hard to refuse. He continued to explain meditation techniques, ways to calm the mind and resist the corruption of the Warp. Afterward, he had the cherubim bring out several blessed relics. The relics, made from special bones and anointed with sacred oils, emitted a faint glow. According to Bishop Doni, these relics had been blessed by the God-Emperor himself and were effective in resisting the influence of the Warp. Relics of the Church were incredibly rare, cherished by the priests as if they were their very lives. They were kept in altars and worshiped day and night, rarely given away. Eden was baffled by this practice. If something so valuable existed, why wasn''t it being used? Keeping these relics locked away in altars seemed like a waste. Before his fall to Slaanesh''s corruption, Eden had repeatedly requested relics from the Church, but had always been denied. If he had possessed such relics back then, perhaps he wouldn''t have been so easily drawn into the Palace of Slaanesh. But now, things seemed to have changed. "Are these relics... for me?" Eden asked, astonished as he looked at the precious items before him. Were they really just giving these to him? "Please, Governor, accept these gifts. There''s no need to be modest!" Bishop Doni cheerfully handed the relics to Eden, almost as if he were afraid he wouldn''t take them. For a moment, Eden felt as though he were back home during a festival, with relatives stuffing red envelopes into his hands. "Oh, I couldn''t possibly..." Eden said, pretending to be humble, but his hands didn''t stop moving as he eagerly took the relics. As soon as he held them, he felt their weight and nearly collapsed under the burden. So heavy! Though his body was still weak, these relics were far heavier than he had expected! It was hard to imagine how the elderly bishop could have handled them so easily. Bishop Doni, noticing Eden''s struggle, quickly steadied him, looking worried. "Are you alright?" Bayev, realizing the issue, motioned for Carter to step forward and take the relics away. Once he had caught his breath, Eden was reminded of how physically strong the native people of Warhammer 40K were. Even an old man like Doni had such impressive strength! The little incident left Bishop Doni flustered, and he repeatedly apologized to Eden. In an attempt to make amends, he even offered Eden another high-grade relic¡ªa finely crafted dagger, highly effective against Chaos creatures. Eden accepted the dagger with satisfaction, but he couldn''t help but wonder why the bishop was being so overly generous. There''s no such thing as a free lunch. Something was going on, and Eden couldn''t quite figure out what. What could possibly prompt Bishop Doni to offer him such extravagant gifts? (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 20: The Request Chapter 20: Chapter 20: The RequestEden cautiously regarded Bishop Doni. "Your Excellency, if there''s something you need, just say it." Bishop Doni''s attitude became even more fervent. "Governor, the statue of the God-Emperor needs to be restored. However, the Church lacks the manpower and resources to complete this task, and we require your help..." The statue of the God-Emperor had been desecrated by heretics, and the Church did not have the means to repair it. For this, Doni felt deep shame¡ªsuch desecration was a grievous affront! Restoring the towering hundred-meter statue of the Emperor would require significant manpower and resources. However, the entire upper hive was currently in a dire situation, with supplies, including food, critically low. In times like these, no ruler would willingly divert resources to such a demanding and seemingly unproductive task. The Church had requested aid from the Governor''s office multiple times before, but they were always rejected. The Church was left powerless. Due to the Warp storms, the Astronomican beacon in the Gorye sector had long since dimmed. The Emperor''s light no longer shone upon Urth, leaving the Church''s influence drastically diminished. Now, strength dictated who was in charge. "Restoring the statue?" Eden frowned. He was no fanatic and didn''t fully grasp Doni''s obsession. Moreover, the situation in the Governor''s district was terrible, and he couldn''t afford to waste resources on something that wouldn''t yield immediate benefits. He opened his mouth, prepared to refuse. "I''m sorry, but the district is unable to¡ª" "Governor!" Doni urgently grabbed Eden''s hand, fearing another rejection. "I understand this is a difficult task, but in such dark times, the faithful need the God-Emperor''s guidance more than ever!" At these words, Eden felt a spark of inspiration¡ªan idea to dispel the despair among the populace began to take shape. "What did you say?" Eden tightened his grip on Doni''s hand. "Please, repeat what you just said..." "Faith shelters all beings. The people long for salvation!" Doni''s expression was resolute. "Only the Emperor''s light can pierce through this darkness!" That sentence struck Eden like a bolt of lightning, clearing the fog in his mind. He had found the solution to his problems! The answer was to use the power of faith to banish despair! As someone from a modern world, Eden had overlooked the importance of faith¡ªhe had not experienced the trials of his forebears. But in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40K, faith was not something to be ignored. It could be said that worship and faith in the God-Emperor were the true foundations of the Imperium. The more desperate the times, the more people would need the strength that came from their faith. Otherwise, they would soon succumb to hopelessness and turn to the dark gods for salvation. "Governor?" Doni''s voice broke through Eden''s thoughts, concerned by his silence. Eden snapped back to reality, suppressing his excitement as he nodded in agreement to Doni''s request. "The district will fully support the restoration of the Emperor''s statue. Once it''s completed, the Holy Plaza will be opened for all to gaze upon the magnificence of the God-Emperor!" Not only would the statue be restored, but Eden planned to make it a grand project, one that would rally the people. He would gather all available resources and stage a "miracle." And when the time came, Eden would present himself as the chosen of the God-Emperor, the savior of Urth, to reignite hope in the hearts of his people. This was the broad outline of his plan; the specifics would require careful planning. "Your Excellency, the God-Emperor will bless you!" Doni beamed with joy upon hearing Eden agree to the statue''s restoration. He enthusiastically recited several blessings, some of which seemed to have benefits related to, well, improving certain aspects of life. The Church certainly knew how to appeal to people! In truth, Eden appreciated the Church''s skill in rallying support¡ªit was exactly what he needed for his plan. But the challenge now was figuring out how to fully bring Doni to his side. Convincing Doni wouldn''t be easy. Priests of the Imperial Cult operated independently, and in terms of legitimacy and sanctity, they were often considered above local rulers. In general, they focused only on spreading the faith of the God-Emperor and building grand churches to honor Him. They avoided political matters unless a ruler''s disloyalty or interference with the faith became an issue. For the Church, disloyalty was absolute treachery. A disloyal ruler would be branded a heretic, and the priests would act in the name of the Emperor, judging and executing such traitors. Of course, this only applied when the Church had sufficient military power to back it up. If the ruler was strong and backed by Chaos or xenos, the priests could end up crucified on inverted crosses beneath broken Emperor statues as a mark of defiance. In short, these priests were fanatical and difficult to win over. Drawing Doni fully into Eden''s fold would take time. But now that Eden had agreed to the restoration, there would be plenty of future opportunities to work on it. With a smile, Eden felt this visit to the Church had been extremely fruitful. Not only had he dispelled Bayev''s doubts and solidified his position, but he had also found a way to break the people''s despair and reignite their hope. Having accomplished his mission, Eden bid Bishop Doni farewell. The bishop personally escorted Eden to the church doors, and before he left, he pressed several bottles of valuable holy water into Eden''s hands as a parting gift. "Your Excellency, once the restoration plans are finalized, I will return to discuss them with you." Feeling overwhelmed by Doni''s enthusiasm, Eden hurried into the hovercar. "The Church awaits your return," Doni said earnestly. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He watched as Eden''s hovercar disappeared into the distance, heading toward the spire of the Governor''s district. Once the car was out of sight, Bishop Doni''s smile slowly faded. He stared at the empty plaza outside the church, feeling an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. "God-Emperor, your loyal servant seeks your guidance¡ªwhat should I do?" Ever since the catastrophic Warp storm had cut off Urth from the rest of the Imperium, the Church''s connection to Terra had been severed. Even the Emperor''s guiding light had flickered and gone out. Then came the heretics and Chaos cultists. They had dared to desecrate the statue of the Emperor, and the Church''s priests had been slaughtered nearly to extinction. Doni could feel it¡ªthe world was being swallowed by darkness. Something unspeakable and terrible was brewing, slowly consuming the life force of Urth, draining its last vestiges of hope. For days, he had prayed countless times, yet received no answer. Would he ever be able to rebuild the Church? Did the people of Urth still have a future? Had the God-Emperor truly abandoned them? Sometimes such dreadful thoughts crept into Doni''s mind, but he quickly stamped them out. They were blasphemous thoughts! Doubt was betrayal. The God-Emperor was the only protector and shelter of all living beings. He would never abandon his loyal servants! With a deep breath, Doni reaffirmed his faith. His hawk-like eyes regained their sharpness, filled once more with resolute light. He would fight the darkness to the end and give everything for the God-Emperor! With renewed determination, Doni climbed the grand steps of the church, his cherubim hovering behind him, singing hymns of praise to the Emperor... (End of Chapter) Chapter 21: The Saint Statue Restoration Plan Chapter 21: Chapter 21: The Saint Statue Restoration PlanInside the governor''s office at the top of the spire. "Governor, here is the report you requested." Bayev handed Eden a chart detailing the manpower and resources needed to restore the saint statue. He looked concerned, "Sir, do we really need to rush the restoration of the saint statue like this? It''s putting a great strain on the Court District." Eden''s tone was firm and unyielding, "The Court District needs the saint statue of the God-Emperor to stabilize people''s hearts. From now on, our top priority is the restoration of the statue!" The shortage of food supplies had gradually weakened the control over the Court District. If this issue wasn''t resolved, the army that maintained order would collapse, the Court District would fall, and Eden would face his own demise. Thus, Eden needed a powerful backing, a spiritual symbol to support him. It was to make the people and the army believe in him and to nurture a power of hope. In simpler terms, Eden needed to paint an illusion of hope, and the people had to believe it. The "miracle" of the God-Emperor was the best, and only, choice! Of course, the "miracle" was fake, but the hope it could generate was very real. Once enough hope was gathered to open the portal to the space ark, the food crisis would be resolved. Eden carefully explained the surface-level goal of restoring the statue to Bayev. Naturally, he didn''t mention a word about the secret of the "Little Sun." "I understand your intentions," Bayev listened carefully and nodded in understanding. In his mind, although the task seemed troublesome, if done right, it could benefit the Court District. With careful planning, things shouldn''t get too out of hand. If worst comes to worst, they could suppress dissenters, which would help clear out some of the surplus population. "The restoration of the statue is crucial, and I''ll leave it to you to handle." Eden looked at Bayev, "Prepare a detailed plan for me to review..." "Governor, I''ll make sure you''re satisfied!" Bayev''s attitude was resolute. Since the governor had made the decision, as the senior steward, he had no right to question it. His only duty was to execute the plan with determination! S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bayev accepted the order and immediately went off to make preparations. After Bayev left, Eden continued scribbling and drafting. The restoration of the statue and the display of the "miracle" were just the beginning; a series of follow-up actions were needed to ensure the best effect. Before long, the office door was knocked again. Bayev returned to report on his progress. As expected of a senior steward, his efficiency was impeccable. In just two hours, he had come up with a comprehensive plan. According to Bayev''s plan, since the "miracle" was to be showcased, the restoration of the statue had to be conducted in secret to maintain an air of mystery. He proposed relocating the residents closest to the Sacred Square and tightening patrols around the area, prohibiting anyone unrelated from approaching. To cover all bases, he also assigned a team to ensure confidentiality. The restoration deadline was set for the night before the "Emperor''s Ascension Festival," ensuring the saint statue would be fully restored by the time of the festival. There were two weeks until the deadline. During this time, Bayev would mobilize all available personnel from the Court District. Using engineering machinery, they would work around the clock to ensure the restoration was completed smoothly. In short, everything was ready, and they could begin as soon as Eden gave the green light. "I''m pleased with your plan, but isn''t it too simple just to restore it?" "What do you mean, sir?" "If we''re going to do it, let''s do it properly. Use more precious materials. How else will we demonstrate our loyalty?" Eden decided to use the gold and jewels from the Court District''s treasury to embellish the statue, turning it into a golden saint statue. The aim was to shock and awe the masses! After all, those items were of no immediate use anyway. "What a brilliant idea!" Bayev flattered seamlessly, "I''ll instruct the craftsmen to come up with the best designs!" With everything mostly settled, Eden still felt a bit uneasy and added a few more points. "I have two additional requests. First, make sure to provide compensation for those being relocated. Second, during the construction, be as gentle as possible to avoid casualties." Given Bayev''s track record, it was better to remind him. After all, a project resulting in numerous deaths would be too cruel. For Eden, the people were the most precious resource for generating hope. They needed to be treated well to nurture that power of hope! "I understand," Bayev replied solemnly, "I will carry out your orders to the letter, and everything will go exactly as you wish!" After making his promise, he saluted Eden and quickly left. Having a capable subordinate made everything easier¡ªthere was no need for Eden to worry about the details. Eden leaned back in his soft chair and stretched contentedly. He had a few more ideas for the plan in mind and pressed the button on his desk. One by one, the officials of the Court District entered the office, took the documents, and set about implementing the plans. This was the power of authority. Whatever Eden thought of, no matter how far-fetched, the entire Court District and its people would do everything in their power to make it a reality! Time passed, and the restoration plan for the saint statue had reached its halfway point. Everything was proceeding quietly, and the public remained unaware, only noticing the increased strictness of the night curfew. Only Eden knew that this was a high-stakes gamble, and the Court District had paid a steep price for it. The restoration was going smoothly, though a small hiccup occurred along the way. According to the craftsmen''s calculations, the Court District''s gold reserves weren''t enough to cover the entire statue, which would reduce its impact. Eden couldn''t accept that¡ªthe spectacle had to be flawless! With no other option, he decided to raid his own spire residence. He ordered all the gold decorations from his home to be stripped, including golden furniture and even the dinner plates. Jewels were no exception! In short, not a single piece of gold or jewel was spared! Anyway, Eden wasn''t too fond of the extravagant style¡ªit was too flashy! After this ordeal, they finally gathered enough gold. The gold would undergo special treatment and be applied to the saint statue on the night before the "Emperor''s Ascension Festival." The jewels would also be embedded into the statue at that time. After stripping all the gold and jewels, Eden''s spire residence took on a much simpler appearance. It even had a bit of a bare-bones look. Linda, the head maid, had been feeling upset these past few days, quietly shedding tears. She worried that something had happened to the governor and feared she might be abandoned. If anything happened to the governor, what would become of the maids? Eden noticed Linda''s strange behavior. "What''s wrong? You''re not happy?" Linda, having held back her emotions for days, broke down and threw herself into Eden''s arms, trembling. Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded, "Please don''t send me away, sir..." Linda had grown up in the Court District, raised and trained by the Grant family. Her sole purpose in life was to serve Eden. She had barely seen the outside world, but she knew it was a terrifying place. A few years ago, she even heard the sounds of artillery outside, and the house nearly collapsed¡ªit was terrifying! Thankfully, that time had passed. Many people had disappeared, but she was still able to serve the governor. Now, the governor had become even more charming, treating her more gently. She often found herself fantasizing about being held tightly in his arms, longing to rest beside him. But those fantasies were soon shattered. Many people had come into the house, dismantling things and taking them away, even the governor''s dinnerware. She had loved that dinnerware, polishing it carefully every day to give the governor the perfect dining experience! But now, it was all gone. Linda worried that she, too, would soon be taken away, just like the beautiful dinnerware... Eden listened patiently to Linda''s concerns, gently stroking her back. "So that''s what you''re worried about? You''ve misunderstood..." He didn''t tell Linda the truth, simply comforting her. The reason for dismantling the gold and jewels was that he had grown tired of the decor and wanted to change the style. "Do your job well, and I won''t send you away," Eden said firmly, "I never will." Linda looked up at Eden, her eyes misty and shimmering. "Governor..." (End of Chapter) Chapter 22: Rejection Chapter 22: Chapter 22: RejectionLinda''s eyes, glistening with tears, became even more enchanting, and she was completely lost in her emotions. She was willing to do anything if the governor gave the nod. Eden looked at Linda''s expression, swallowing hard, struggling to contain himself. In broad daylight, she was truly a temptation! Linda gazed at him with deep concern, "Are you feeling unwell, my lord? Let me accompany you to your room." Eden frowned, knowing full well what she meant. If he truly went to the room with her, things would quickly spiral out of control. He glanced at her again. This situation was indeed... difficult to control. Seeing no immediate response from Eden, Linda hesitated for a moment. Blushing, she bit her lip and said, "If you don''t want to go to the room... then here would be fine too." What? Eden glanced toward a group of maids standing not far away, carefully peeking in their direction, faces flushed. Doing something like this out in the open? Eden felt the impulse rising but knew he couldn''t act on it. If he gave in now, what if it led him straight to the Palace of Sin? He had to control his desires, at least until his "Little Sun" power had recovered enough to provide protection. Seeing his hesitation, Linda began to make a move. This was too much! Eden quickly stopped her, reassuring, "Next time, I promise!" "Really, my lord? You promise?" Linda asked, still kneeling, her face full of anticipation. What a strange angle... Eden couldn''t hold back any longer and made a brief move before getting up, satisfied. "I have business to attend to, we''ll go deeper into this later!" Indeed, he did have business. Leaving the spire residence, Eden, escorted by Carter''s guards, arrived at the state church. He had something important to discuss with Bishop Doni. A few days ago, when Bishop Doni learned that Eden was using gold and jewels to adorn the saint statue of the God-Emperor, he was very pleased, and his attitude toward Eden had improved significantly. This time, Doni had even come to the church entrance to greet him personally. "Bishop, you''re being too courteous," Eden said as he got out of the car. "I''m just making a small, insignificant contribution to the God-Emperor." "The great God-Emperor never forgets anyone''s contributions!" Bishop Doni replied with a broad smile. "Governor, allow me to lead you in prayer." He turned and led the way inside. Eden followed, though prayer wasn''t the reason he had come. But since he was here, he might as well pray. He followed Bishop Doni to the shrine, where, under Doni''s guidance, he began the prayers. Cherubims circled above, chanting hymns, and one even showered him with holy water as though it were free. The entire church seemed to be serving Eden alone. Clearly, they had little business these days. Which made sense, as this church was originally built for the nobles and officials of the upper hive. But during the heretic uprising, most of the upper hive''s nobility and officials had been slaughtered. Those lucky enough to survive were later purged by Bayev. Now, those remaining probably had little interest in prayer. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While many of the citizens in the territory were devout believers, they were either in the mines or factories at this time. Getting enough sleep was already a luxury. Who had time to visit the church? Even those willing to use their precious rest time to seek the God-Emperor''s blessing didn''t have the strength to make the long journey to the church due to prolonged hunger. And even if they did, the Sacred Square was under strict lockdown. They would be stopped by the law enforcement, turned away. If they were stubborn and tried to force their way in, a beating was the least they could expect. The unlucky ones might even face immediate execution. But that was only temporary. In the future, things would change. Every citizen of Urth would have the right¡ªno, the obligation¡ªto come and seek the God-Emperor''s protection. After the prayer ended, Eden approached Bishop Doni and handed him a data slate containing documents about the upcoming ceremony. The "Emperor''s Ascension Festival" had been canceled for many years, ever since the heavy taxes placed on Urth and the warp rift opened. Now, Eden was planning to restart the festival, organizing a grand ceremony on the day of the celebration. Eden promised that, in the future, he would help the church regain its former glory. In return, he hoped Bishop Doni would cooperate with him during the ceremony. Based on his recent interactions, Eden felt the old bishop was unlikely to refuse. Bishop Doni carefully reviewed the text and images on the data slate. Essentially, it was an Imperial version of a presentation, detailing the ceremony''s process, the attire of participants, and prepared speeches. Of course, the most important part concerned Bishop Doni himself. He would need to collaborate with Eden during the event. On the day of the "Emperor''s Ascension Festival," the fully restored saint statue would reveal a great miracle. Accompanied by the grand ceremony, Bishop Doni, guided by divine inspiration, would announce Eden as the savior of the people. Then, in the most perfect manner, the benevolent Imperial Governor Eden Grant would appear before his subjects. He would make a promise to deliver the people from their suffering. That was the entire plan. The plan would use up most of the Court District''s remaining resources¡ªthis was a high-stakes gamble. As Bishop Doni continued reading, his expression grew more serious. Eden''s heart began to race. "If there are any issues, feel free to raise them. We can adjust and cooperate as needed." "All I see here is deception!" Bishop Doni gripped the data slate tightly, struggling to contain his anger. "You are deceiving the faithful, using the God-Emperor''s name to achieve political gain... What blasphemy this is!" "This is only temporary, I will¡ª" "I won''t agree!" Bishop Doni interrupted Eden''s explanation. "Leave, Governor. The church will not tolerate such sacrilege!" He shoved the data slate back into Eden''s hands and turned away, leaning on his staff as he walked off. Following their master''s lead, the seraphim also distanced themselves from Eden, flying far away. "At least listen to my explanation," Eden sighed. "What''s wrong with a well-meaning lie? I''m doing this for the people of the territory." "Lies invite heresy, and the God-Emperor does not accept deception of any kind!" Bishop Doni''s stern voice echoed, leaving no room for negotiation. Eden watched the old bishop walk away, letting out a deep sigh. It seemed he couldn''t win the church''s support. But the plan was already in motion. He had already sent out word that the benevolent Eden Grant had received the blessing of the God-Emperor and would save the people from their hardships. When paired with the miracle of the saint statue''s overnight restoration, the morale boost would be immense. But now, without the church''s support, he might even face opposition. That would be a serious problem... If, during the ceremony, the church publicly opposed him, the situation would spiral out of control. Eden watched Bishop Doni''s retreating figure, feeling helpless. He couldn''t bring himself to take drastic measures against the old man. Back when the upper hive forces were resisting the heretic army, it was Bishop Doni who led the charge, swinging his mighty power axe and cutting his way through enemy lines. He even beheaded the heretic high priest who had defiled the God-Emperor, dealing a massive blow to the heretics'' morale, which had allowed the Court District to turn the tide of battle. For this loyal, devout, and perhaps overly zealous servant of the God-Emperor, Eden had no desire to harm him. With a heavy heart, Eden turned and left the church. The Court District had already expended so much manpower and resources¡ªthe "Emperor''s Ascension Festival" had to proceed. There was no turning back now. Eden got into his hovercar and set off for the spire residence. Having failed to convince Doni face-to-face, he would have to activate Plan B. "If I can''t convince you... then I''ll let the God-Emperor do it!" (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 23: The Emperor’s Holy Oracle Chapter 23: Chapter 23: The Emperor''s Holy OracleIn the past few days, Eden had intermittently absorbed nearly 10,000 points of hope energy. Although there was still a significant gap from the 200,000 points needed, with the gradual recovery of his Little Sun''s energy, he had now gained the ability to influence the real world. One of these abilities was the creation of illusions, allowing him to project images into the dreams of others. This was undoubtedly a powerful ability. On a higher level, it was a "privilege" belonging to the gods. Great deities could bestow divine revelations upon their believers! Late at night. Eden stood on the balcony of his bedroom at the top of the spire, gazing down at his territory. In the Sacred Square below, workers were methodically carrying out the construction work. According to the plan, in addition to restoring the God-Emperor''s saint statue, a monument would also be erected at the foot of the statue. Only those loyal followers of the God-Emperor, those who had made exceptional contributions to the planet Urth, would have the honor of having their names engraved upon it. The time had come. Eden closed his eyes, mentally connecting with the psychic core hidden within the head of the God-Emperor''s saint statue. As his consciousness merged with the psychic core, his psychic sense expanded enormously, nearly covering the entire territory. What a powerful ability¡ªat this moment, he felt as though he had become a lofty god! He even made the psychic core imitate the fluctuations of the God-Emperor''s psychic will. This would make it easier to deceive people and avoid being branded as a heretic. But the energy consumption was enormous. Eden could feel the hope energy he had accumulated being rapidly depleted. He could only maintain the connection for ten seconds at most! Fortunately, he had prepared in advance, quickly directing his psychic consciousness toward the state church. He found Bishop Doni, who was deep in sleep, and activated his illusion-creating ability, projecting some images into his mind. At the moment the projection was completed, the hope energy was exhausted. Eden''s consciousness forcefully detached from the psychic core and returned to his body. That was close! Creating an illusion consumed far more hope energy than expected¡ªhe had nearly failed. In just a few seconds, he was completely drained, feeling as if he was walking on air. But at least he had accomplished his goal, successfully embedding the carefully designed images into Bishop Doni''s mind. Now, it was time to see how effective it would be. If it didn''t work, he would have no choice but to restrain Bishop Doni by force. Ugh, he felt even weaker. Eden braced himself and returned to his bedroom, collapsing onto the oversized bed, large enough to fit ten people, and fell into a deep sleep. ¡ª In Bishop Doni''s bedroom at the state church. The room was stark, almost devoid of decoration. Strangely, the alloy floor and walls bore deep gashes, as if they had been violently hacked apart. Inside the room was only an iron bed, with a menacing power axe leaning against the headboard. Bishop Doni lay on the iron bed, already asleep. His expression was one of terror, as though he were experiencing something horrifying. Once again, he was having a nightmare. Since that terrifying, all-encompassing warp storm, Bishop Doni had been plagued by nightmares. In his dreams, chaos and darkness consumed everything. Blood rained from the skies, and the faithful wailed in despair, while heretics and demons reveled in bloody, cruel rituals. The God-Emperor''s saint statue had collapsed, trampled upon and desecrated, blood tears flowing from its eyes. And there, Doni Moul, the loyal servant of the God-Emperor, was powerless. The darkness swallowed Urth, growing thicker and deeper until it completely obscured the Emperor''s light. Countless times, he dreamed of the destruction of Urth, of half the empire suffering under tribulation. The endless, hopeless wails tore at his soul, leaving him in torment! In this current nightmare, Bishop Doni knelt before the toppled, corpse-strewn saint statue of the God-Emperor, shouting in desperation. "Almighty God-Emperor, my faith in You has never wavered." Tears mixed with the blood rain as they slid down Bishop Doni''s face. "I beg You to cast Your gaze upon us, for the lost lambs need Your guidance!" But no matter how much he cried out, nothing happened. The massive, broken head of the saint statue was slowly being submerged by blood. His despair reached its peak¡ªhe could bear no more! Just as he was about to be consumed by the darkness, a ray of light pierced through, illuminating the shadows. It was so warm, so resolute. Wherever the light touched, the darkness retreated! Bishop Doni felt the familiar presence emanating from the light. It was the God-Emperor''s radiance! Praise the God-Emperor! He could once again feel His presence; the God-Emperor had not abandoned His flock! Bishop Doni lifted his head, gazing devoutly toward the glowing light. Within it, he vaguely saw the great God-Emperor. He wore golden armor, majestic and towering. In the vision. The God-Emperor pointed his sword forward, and a young ruler, following His will, led an army to break through the darkness. He judged the heretics and drove away the shadow! The scene shifted, and another image appeared. The God-Emperor, seated on His throne, looked down upon all life. Below the throne, a grand ceremony was being held, with the young ruler kneeling before the God-Emperor, offering his loyalty amid the crowd''s adoration. At this moment, Bishop Doni could clearly see the young ruler''s face¡ªit was none other than Eden Grant, the governor of Urth! Eden Grant, bathed in the God-Emperor''s light, was so devout, so benevolent. He seemed like a natural-born ruler, one that inspired worship. Bishop Doni also saw himself in the vision. He stood beside Eden Grant, overseeing the ceremony, guiding him like a mentor! This was the God-Emperor''s Holy Oracle! The concept of the Holy Oracle had long existed in legend. It was said that only the most devout believers and warriors could receive such a message. For example, the Emperor''s Champions. Guided by holy visions, they would don the black armor of the Emperor''s Champion, pledging their loyalty through endless battle! Some were not only given holy visions but also received the God-Emperor''s blessings. Bishop Doni could feel it¡ªthe darkness in his heart was dissipating, and his body was filling with strength. He had received the God-Emperor''s blessing! Instantly, Bishop Doni became fervent, loudly praying. All praise to the God-Emperor! The young ruler, Eden Grant, grew clearer in his vision, the God-Emperor''s radiance becoming ever brighter, until it filled his entire sight. The light became blinding! The intense brightness woke Bishop Doni, and he realized it was already morning. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, warm and gentle. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It had been so long since he had slept this well. He wiped the tear marks from his face, certain that he had finally escaped the torment of nightmares. The dream from last night was vivid in his memory, etched clearly into his mind. Especially the face of Eden Grant¡ªimpossible to forget. Eden had gone to great lengths, using an enhanced version of his appearance to ensure a lasting impact, making it the perfect template for his divine dream. "The God-Emperor has shown the lost lambs the way..." Bishop Doni muttered. After sitting in quiet reflection for a while, he seemed to have made a decision. Rising, he grasped his staff and walked out. Though slightly hunched, Bishop Doni''s steps were firm and resolute. The great God-Emperor had delivered His Holy Oracle, selecting the one who would lead Urth out of the darkness. As the church''s priest and a devout servant of the God-Emperor, it was time for him to offer his loyalty in his own way. The time had come to restore the church''s glory! (End of Chapter) Chapter 24: Meeting Again Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Meeting AgainInside the bedroom of the spire residence. Eden was sound asleep, wrapped in warm blankets. "My lord, it''s time to wake up..." In a daze, he heard a gentle voice whispering in his ear. A sweet fragrance accompanied the voice, tickling his ear. What was this annoying disturbance? Couldn''t he just sleep? Irritated, Eden reached out to push the person away, only to grab something soft, and without thinking, he gave it a squeeze. "Ah!" Linda let out a soft yelp, backing away in surprise from the sudden touch. "Linda?" "Why are you waking me up so early?" Realizing what had just happened, Eden quickly withdrew his hand. "My lord, it''s already noon." Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing that the governor was awake, Linda skillfully signaled the maids to enter, assisting him with washing up and dressing. She gently wiped Eden''s face and added, "Bishop Doni has been waiting to see you for quite some time..." Bishop Doni came to see me? Eden was overjoyed¡ªseems like the "divine dream" from last night worked! Using the "Emperor''s card" was extremely effective, as everyone in the Empire revered and was loyal to the God-Emperor. It seemed he would have to make good use of this illusion-creating ability in the future. But he had to keep it secret. Fully dressed, Eden didn''t even bother with breakfast and hurried to the reception hall to meet Bishop Doni. He needed to know the results quickly to move forward with the next stage of the ceremony preparations. In the reception hall. Bishop Doni sat with his eyes closed in deep thought, but the way he tightly gripped his staff betrayed his emotions. Last night, the God-Emperor had bestowed a holy oracle! He had spent the entire morning reflecting on the images in the oracle. Doni believed he had fully understood the God-Emperor''s will. The God-Emperor had chosen a young ruler¡ªEden Grant¡ªas the savior. Eden would lead the people of Urth through the darkness and back to the Empire, returning to the embrace of the God-Emperor. As for Doni Moul, he would serve as the mentor, guiding the young ruler along the right path. There was no doubt about it. Thinking of this, Bishop Doni felt an enormous weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He could not betray the trust of the God-Emperor. He had to give his all, sacrificing everything for this mission! "Praise the God-Emperor!" Bishop Doni whispered in reverence. The God-Emperor valued even his aging, brittle bones, and he now felt renewed with vigor. "Your Excellency, sorry to keep you waiting." Eden hurried over, wearing a warm smile. "What brings you to see me?" Last night, Eden had implanted an illusion into Bishop Doni''s consciousness, which was the limit of what he could do. Whether the bishop believed it or how he interpreted it was out of Eden''s control. Bishop Doni scrutinized Eden carefully. Previously, he had thought of this Imperial governor as mediocre¡ªsomeone indulged in wine and pleasures, decayed and worthless. But now, the more he looked, the more he saw a regal aura in Eden. No wonder the God-Emperor had chosen him. I must have misjudged him! Bishop Doni smiled. "Governor, did you have any strange dreams last night?" "Dreams? I didn''t dream at all last night," Eden replied with an innocent look. Bishop Doni nodded, his suspicions confirmed. That was how it should be! He thought to himself, only the most devout believers receive holy oracles. Before, Eden Grant hadn''t even cared to repair the God-Emperor''s statue. How could he possibly be worthy of receiving a holy oracle? Yet the great God-Emperor had still chosen him. No, the God-Emperor had chosen me, His most loyal servant. Doni needed to guide this young ruler on the right path, to save the people of Urth from the darkness! With a solemn expression, Bishop Doni looked Eden in the eye. "I have decided to accept your earlier request. Under the guidance of the God-Emperor''s will, I will fully support your actions..." Eden let out a sigh of relief. It seemed the illusion had worked. However, the bishop paused and added, "But you must make a promise!" "What kind of promise?" Eden''s heart raced again. Bishop Doni, as if speaking of a holy duty, declared, "Fulfill your responsibility and, under the guidance of the great God-Emperor, save the people of Urth!" This was exactly what Eden wanted to hear. "I promise to reclaim Urth from the heretics and chaos!" Eden looked at Bishop Doni earnestly, "I hope the church will stand with the Court District as we strive for Urth''s bright future!" Bishop Doni nodded in satisfaction. "Of course!" "Especially with you, the God-Emperor''s most loyal servant." Eden enthusiastically shook Bishop Doni''s hand. "Without your guidance, we would struggle to accomplish such a monumental task." This old man, the only surviving bishop on Urth, was not only of high status but also possessed formidable combat abilities. Bringing him into the fold was definitely the right move. Eden''s words hit the mark. Bishop Doni couldn''t suppress his smile, his face lighting up. "Governor, do not worry. I will support you, and the church will provide you with all the help you need!" "Praise the God-Emperor! That''s excellent news, we really need assistance. Anything at all, right?" Eden''s grin widened. "Of course..." Bishop Doni instinctively nodded, then quickly realized what he had agreed to and tried to shake his head in refusal. But seeing Eden''s eager, expectant face, he gulped and reluctantly nodded. "Yes... for the God-Emperor, everything!" After an hour of friendly negotiation, Eden enthusiastically and somewhat reluctantly escorted Bishop Doni out of the spire residence. Bishop Doni felt his head throbbing. Just now, he had agreed to give away the church''s treasury. The treasury contained various relics that had been blessed by the church over millennia, including weapons, armor, and more. The thought made his legs feel weak. Taking a deep breath, Bishop Doni comforted himself. It was all for the holy oracle. Everything was part of the God-Emperor''s plan! Eden stood at the doorway, watching Bishop Doni''s departing figure with a wide grin. The old man''s steps seemed unsteady¡ªwas his health failing? That wouldn''t do. Without a healthy body, how could he serve him properly? Ahem, I mean, how could he serve the God-Emperor faithfully? Eden turned to Bayev, who was standing at attention beside him. "Send the bishop some restoration potions later, the best ones." The original Eden had been weak from years of indulgence and had a good understanding of how to recover health. He even had plenty of potions stored up. Remembering something, Eden added, "Oh, and take a transport team with you. See what the ceremony needs and bring everything back. Don''t hold back¡ªit''s all for the God-Emperor. The bishop won''t mind." "Yes, my lord!" Bishop Doni, with his keen hearing, overheard this and stumbled slightly, muttering under his breath, "For the God-Emperor!" Bayev looked as though he would carry out the task without hesitation, but Eden still felt uneasy. He glanced around as if he were about to commit a crime, then quietly whispered. "Anything valuable, bring it all back. Got it?" Bayev whispered back, "Understood, my lord. I''ll call for more transport vehicles." Hearing this, Eden nodded in satisfaction and strolled back inside. The preparations for the ceremony were proceeding smoothly. Now he had another important task to handle¡ªpacifying the army. The armed forces of the Court District were divided into three main branches: the Guard, the Law Enforcement, and the Defense Forces. The Guard was responsible for protecting the governor. The Law Enforcement maintained internal order. The Defense Forces were the primary combat unit, mostly composed of refugees from the lower hive. They were in charge of external operations, such as purging cultist hideouts and large mutant nests. There wasn''t much to worry about with the Guard or Law Enforcement. But the Defense Forces, who had the largest numbers and heaviest responsibilities, were increasingly strained, and the lack of resources had fueled much discontent. If this issue wasn''t resolved quickly, any unrest that erupted during the ceremony would be a disaster. ¡ª In the Upper Hive, Pipe Defense Zone. Massive metal pipes crisscrossed in a complex web, connecting to the planet''s core. The pipes were so wide that some were large enough to fit transport aircraft. Within one of these pipes, sharp, guttural noises echoed, resembling the growls of beasts. Mutants, deformed and covered in fleshy growths, roared as they surged out from their nests! (End of Chapter) Chapter 25: The One-Eyed Arye and Cunning Kaes Chapter 25: Chapter 25: The One-Eyed Arye and Cunning KaesBoom! Boom! Boom! The shells from the Minotaur self-propelled artillery whistled through the air, crashing into the oncoming tide of mutants. Explosions created pockets of vacuum in the mutant horde, but those gaps were quickly filled by the seemingly endless wave of creatures, screeching as they rushed toward the defensive line of the Guard. "Open fire!" Arye Rogue, the company commander, glared with his single mechanical red eye as he was the first to pull the trigger. The other soldiers on the line quickly followed suit. Automatic rifles and heavy machine guns spewed fire, their crisscrossing streams of bullets tearing through the oncoming mutants, turning flesh and bone into flying debris. Under the suppressive fire, the mutant tide halted momentarily, like a wave smashing into a dam. But this reprieve didn''t last long. Mutants from the rear stepped over the corpses of their fallen and resumed their relentless assault. Soon, scattered mutants began breaking through the gunfire, charging at the defensive line. "Heavy infantry, stop them!" Rows of heavily armored soldiers emerged, clad in shell-like armor. Wielding power axes and chainswords, they intercepted the mutants that breached the defense. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One by one, the mutants collided with the heavy infantry, only to be cut down, their blood spraying everywhere. Despite the dense defense, some mutants still managed to slip through, attacking the unprotected, ordinary soldiers. "Argh!" One soldier was knocked down by a mutant, his belly torn open. He screamed in agony before a hail of bullets hit him and the mutant together, killing them both. It was an unspoken agreement among the soldiers¡ªto end the suffering quickly. No one retreated. Because just five kilometers behind the front line was a residential area, their families were there. "Die, you bastards!" Arye swung his chainsword, slicing an attacking mutant in half. Blood splattered across his face, making his glowing red mechanical eye appear even more sinister. He roared, "Hold the line! Just fifteen more minutes, and we''ll wipe out these damn creatures!" This was the second mutant horde this month, and the Guard had become experienced at dealing with them. As the battle dragged on, however, fatigue set in. More and more soldiers were overrun by the mutants, torn apart with no chance to resist. Screams of pain echoed throughout the defensive line. "Damn logistics! We can''t even fill our stomachs¡ªwhere are we supposed to get the strength to fight?!" The Guard''s supplies were managed by the Court District''s logistics department. But the bureaucrats didn''t care about the soldiers'' lives. As the pressure on the Guard grew, their rations had been severely reduced. Their meals were barely better than those of the workers¡ªhow could they maintain their combat strength like that? "Kill! Take down these disgusting monsters!" Arye shouted as he charged forward, but in a moment of distraction, he was knocked down by a mutant. He pulled out his pistol, blasting the mutant''s head to pieces, but more were already closing in. There was no time to react! Bang! Bang! Bang! The sweet sound of a bolt pistol rang out. Bullets struck the oncoming mutants with precision, sending them to meet the dark gods of Chaos. "Still alive, Cyclops?" A calm voice came from behind. It was Kaes Light, the cunning junior officer, reloading his bolt pistol as he spoke. "Still kicking. My father always said I''d outlive everyone else." Arye spat out some blood and got to his feet. "And so they all died, and here I am, still alive!" He glared at Kaes, demanding, "Where were you hiding just now?" Kaes had a reputation for being cunning and cautious within the company. Whenever the fighting started, he seemed to vanish. Yet strangely, he always reappeared at crucial moments, racking up impressive achievements. "Where else? I''ve been behind you, observing the battlefield." Arye was known as a battle-hardened veteran, and staying behind him was relatively safe. "Cunning little brat." Arye sneered at Kaes'' methods. "A real man faces fear head-on!" "I''m just using my brain, unlike you¡ªan animal." Kaes said this as he raised his gun, pointing it behind him, the barrel landing directly in the mouth of a mutant trying to sneak up on him. Squeal? Boom! The mutant''s head exploded before it even knew what hit it. "I clawed my way out of the underhive. What do you expect?" Arye growled, grabbing a mutant by the neck and slamming it to the ground before crushing its head underfoot. He panted slightly and looked at Kaes. "Do you notice anything strange?" "Yeah, don''t you think this mutant tide is much weaker than before?" "Now that you mention it, they''re not as fierce as last time," Arye muttered as he hacked down another mutant. "These things aren''t putting up the same fight." "They''re running." Kaes frowned as he pieced it together. "No, they''re fleeing!" "Fleeing? From what?" "It means something far worse is chasing them, and it''s almost here!" Realizing this, Kaes made a quick decision. "Find the communications officer. We need to report this to the commander and get everyone on high alert!" Boom! Just as he was about to act, a massive explosion shook the distant front line, sending dust and smoke billowing into the air. That was the first pipeline line of defense! The explosion came from behind the line, meaning something had completely broken through their defenses¡ªand the blast''s location was right at the command center where their commander was stationed! This was bad! "Dammit, what do we do now, kid?" Even Arye was momentarily stunned. "Let''s focus on our own line first." Kaes'' face darkened. He listened carefully, then looked toward the dark, gaping mouth of the transport pipe. "Something big is coming our way!" The rumbling sounds from within the transport pipe grew louder and more distinct, like a massive creature charging through, causing the very ground to shake with each thundering step. Arye swallowed hard. "That''s one big monster!" "Judging by the footsteps, it must weigh at least five tons!" Kaes took a deep breath. "Prepare for defense!" By now, no more mutants were emerging from the pipe, and the scattered ones remaining were quickly taken down by the soldiers. All eyes turned to the transport pipe, where the rumbling grew louder. Something far more terrifying was about to emerge! "Prepare for defense!" Arye roared, "Aim all weapons at the pipe entrance! As soon as something comes out, blast it to pieces!" Following the order, the self-propelled artillery was repositioned, all targeting the mouth of the transport pipe. The soldiers re-formed their ranks, aiming their weapons at the dark entrance. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the creature to appear. ROAR!!! A terrifying howl echoed from inside the transport pipe. The sound was piercing and horrifying, as if it could tear everything apart! The sheer pressure of it sent chills down the soldiers'' spines, fear gripping their hearts. The monster had arrived! (End of Chapter) Chapter 26: The Giant Mutant Chapter 26: Chapter 26: The Giant Mutant[Bonus Chapter!] [Please leave a review!! It means a lot! Thanks!] When the giant mutant appeared, everyone gasped in shock. It was a towering humanoid creature, standing about three meters tall, with bulging muscles that looked as hard as stone. Each time it breathed, its muscles seemed to writhe like living things, tightening and relaxing in a way that exuded overwhelming pressure. It was the embodiment of raw violence, as if it wanted to tear everything apart! The giant mutant''s blood-red eyes locked onto the soldiers at the front line, and a savage grin spread across its bloodstained lips. Pieces of another mutant''s limb fell from its mouth, landing with a sickening splat on the ground. Thunk! A grenade landed on the creature''s hard muscles, rolling down to its feet. The mutant glanced down just as the grenade exploded with a loud boom. Roaring with fury, the giant mutant brushed off the shrapnel from the explosion, bellowing at the soldiers. The tense atmosphere shattered, and the soldiers pulled their triggers, unleashing streams of fire toward the giant mutant. "Attack! Kill that monster!" roared Arye, the one-eyed commander, as his heavy machine gun spewed bullets, rapidly depleting the ammo belt. Empty shell casings piled up on the ground like a small mountain. Beside him, Kaes spat out the pin of a grenade, aimed a rocket launcher over the barricade, and fired at the giant mutant. Boom! Boom! Boom! Shells from the self-propelled artillery pounded the area around the giant mutant, lighting up the battlefield with explosions. The barrage covered a five-meter radius around the mutant, sending up thick clouds of dust and smoke that obscured everyone''s view. Arye''s heavy machine gun clicked empty. He tossed it aside and raised a shotgun, keeping his eyes fixed on the thick smoke. "You think it''s dead?" he asked Kaes, but received no reply. Turning, he found Kaes had already disappeared. "That sly bastard, where''d he sneak off to this time?" Cursing quietly, Arye turned his attention back to the smoke. Suddenly, a massive chunk of concrete flew out of the smoke, smashing into one of the self-propelled artillery units, destroying it in an instant. Boom! A massive shadow leaped into the air, landing in front of the defensive line with a thunderous crash. As the dust settled, the giant mutant emerged, its muscles twitching and pulsating with an intimidating presence. It glared down at the tiny humans before it, bloodstained teeth bared in a vicious grin. The air was thick with violent intent¡ªit was going to kill them all! The mutant''s shadow loomed over Arye, and for a moment, he froze under its malevolent gaze. His mechanical red eye gleamed even brighter under the intense emotions, almost glowing. Arye took a deep breath, gripping his shotgun tightly, and whispered to himself, "I am Arye the Undying, I fear nothing, I am undying..." His courage surged, overwhelming the fear, and control of his body returned. "Die, you bastard!" With newfound determination, Arye raised his shotgun and fired a round directly into the giant mutant''s eye. In retaliation, the mutant swatted Arye aside like a rag doll, sending him crashing into a nearby barricade. The force of the impact made Arye cough up blood as he hit the ground. When he looked up, the giant mutant was already coming toward him, its massive arm raised, ready to crush him into a bloody pulp. But just then, a shell whizzed by, slamming into the mutant''s back and drawing its attention away. Roaring in fury, it charged toward the self-propelled artillery, smashing it with its huge fists. In mere moments, the artillery was nothing but rubble. Still, the giant mutant''s rage hadn''t been satisfied, and it turned its fury toward the remaining soldiers. The battlefield filled with screams as brave warriors were smashed, ripped apart, and devoured. Even the heavily armored infantry, clad in their shell-like armor, were no match for the mutant''s brutal strength. They crumpled like paper under its attacks. The enemy was terrifying beyond words! Yet none of the soldiers ran. Instead, they fought back, roaring in defiance. Behind them was their home¡ªno one would flee! Arye''s men were known for being the bravest and most fearless, with one exception¡ªKaes! Arye struggled to his feet, watching as the young soldiers he had trained were torn apart, one by one, right before his eyes. An overwhelming fury surged in his chest, and his mechanical eye blazed bright red. He drew his chainsword and charged at the giant mutant with a roar. Fight! Fight! Fight! Arye the Undying was always charging forward, bringing death to his enemies! Using the defensive barricade for leverage, Arye leaped onto the mutant''s back, gripping its blood-soaked flesh with his mechanical arm and climbing toward its head. "For the Emperor!" He bellowed as he drove his chainsword deep into the mutant''s skull, spraying blood and flesh everywhere. The searing pain made the mutant howl in agony, thrashing its head to shake Arye off. But Arye''s mechanical arm dug into its flesh, holding on tightly. He gripped his chainsword and activated its full power, cutting deeper into the mutant''s skull! Szzz! sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A massive hand reached up, grabbing Arye and yanking him off with brute force. Arye''s mechanical arm was ripped apart, spilling black oil as he was torn from the mutant''s back. Yet he still hadn''t given up¡ªhe had one more grenade! This would be his final attack! But as Arye reached for the grenade with his remaining hand, he realized it was gone. The grenade had fallen off! With the mutant''s crushing grip tightening around him, Arye could no longer resist. The sheer force of the mutant''s grip was enough to slowly crush him. Was this the end for Arye the Undying? As his consciousness faded, Arye thought of nothing but his impending death. Just as he closed his eyes, ready to accept his fate¡ª BAM! A loud crash echoed, and Arye felt himself lifted into the air, only to slam back down onto the ground. "Cyclops! Cyclops!" Was someone calling him? Am I... still alive? Fighting off the dizziness, Arye opened his eyes. All he could see was red. Wiping the blood from his face, Arye finally made sense of the scene before him. It was that sly Kaes! Kaes had driven a heavy mining truck straight into the giant mutant, pinning it against the iron wall of the transport pipe. Because of that, Arye had been thrown free from the mutant''s grasp. "Sneaky bastard, always showing up at the right moment!" Arye muttered with a grin, feeling his strength ebb away. All he wanted was to lie down and rest for a bit. "Run, Cyclops, run!" Kaes, looking flustered, jumped out of the mining truck and dashed toward Arye. "If we don''t get out of here, we''ll be dead!" Still dazed, Arye barely registered the urgency. Kaes cursed under his breath, then slapped him hard across the face. "What the hell!" Arye snapped awake, glaring with his one good eye. "The truck''s gonna blow! If you don''t wanna be blown to pieces, start running!" "Dammit, give me a hand!" Kaes helped Arye to his feet, and together they sprinted forward, shouting warnings to the other soldiers. "Get clear! Danger!" They hadn''t gotten far when the giant mutant, still trapped under the mining truck, began to thrash wildly. Fuel spilled across the ground. As the mutant lifted the truck, it noticed the cluster mines stacked inside the driver''s cabin. BOOM!!! The cluster mines detonated, and the fuel ignited, engulfing the giant mutant in flames. The shockwave from the explosion knocked Arye and Kaes to the ground as they scrambled away. Arye spat out a mouthful of dirt. "Think it''s dead now?" (End of Chapter) Chapter 27: The Guard Chapter 27: Chapter 27: The Guard[Bonus Chapter!] [Please leave a review!! It means a lot! Thanks!] Amidst the roaring flames, the giant mutant staggered out, still alive! The air grew tense, but it was clear the mutant was at the end of its strength. After only a few steps, it collapsed with a loud thud, finally dead. Arye and Kaes both sighed in relief, collapsing against the fortifications. The gunfire and explosions continued to echo throughout the pipeline district, indicating that the other squads were still locked in battle. Just as Arye was about to rally his troops for a much-needed rest, the heavy sound of footsteps echoed from the transport pipe ahead. Thud!Thud!Thud! The entire transport pipe seemed to tremble. Whatever was coming was even more terrifying than the last mutant! "A bigger one is coming..." Kaes swallowed nervously. Arye struggled to his feet, staring toward the pipe entrance. From the darkness emerged an enormous figure, standing about four meters tall, with muscles rippling and contracting, radiating raw power. It stood there silently, its massive, bloodshot eyes fixed on the soldiers. The craving for violence and blood was palpable. The soldiers could feel the overwhelming malice radiating from the giant mutant and were filled with despair. They no longer had the strength to mount an effective defense. But Arye, despite his injuries, raised his remaining arm and pointed his pistol forward. "Form ranks!" "That''s suicide!" Kaes, standing beside Arye, grumbled angrily. "We can''t fight this thing!" "Yes, it is!" Arye grinned through gritted teeth. "But we can''t let this monster get to the residential district, can we?" Dragging their wounded bodies, the soldiers re-formed their ranks, preparing to face their final fate. Just as they were ready to meet their end, a small assault craft appeared, hovering above the giant mutant. Emblazoned with the golden lion of House Grant, the Court District''s reinforcements had arrived! Carter, the Captain of the Guard, led two guardsmen as they leapt from the craft, landing on the ground with a cloud of dust. The Guard had undergone a complete re-equipping process, now clad in pristine, heavy power armor made of a mix of ceramic and steel. Each carried large bolt rifles. Standing at over two meters tall, they resembled a younger, smaller version of the Space Marines. These new weapons had been scavenged from the church''s treasure trove by Eden, vastly enhancing the strength of the Guard. Of course, they were still far from the true might of Space Marines. But for dealing with regular monsters, they were more than sufficient. Like the hulking beast before them. The giant mutant, enraged by the sight of the new arrivals, tensed its muscles and charged at Carter and his guardsmen. Without wasting any unnecessary movements, the guardsmen advanced steadily. They raised their bolt rifles, pulling the triggers and leaving gaping wounds on the mutant''s enormous body. When the beast closed in for hand-to-hand combat, they set down their rifles and drew their large chainswords, continuing their march forward. The mutant charged at full speed, throwing a powerful punch at the guardsmen, hoping to smash them into paste. Clang! Carter raised his arm and blocked the blow, the impact cracking the ground beneath him. It was unimaginable, but he had stopped the monster''s attack! Roar!!! The giant mutant swung again, aiming to crush the guardsman half its size. But it was all in vain. It roared in frustration. In the next moment, Carter''s chainsword tore into the mutant''s abdomen, sending a wave of pain through the beast. Before it could scream, it felt its legs go numb. The other two guardsmen had sliced through its massive thighs with their own chainswords, nearly severing its legs entirely. With a heavy thud, the giant mutant collapsed before Carter. It raised its head weakly, only to see Carter''s cold expression and hear the terrifying noise of his chainsword slicing into its skull. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Carter''s blade plunged vertically into the mutant''s head, nearly splitting it in half. The giant mutant fell silent, dead at last. Carter and his men pulled their chainswords from the corpse and raised their bolt rifles, unloading their magazines into the body until it was a bloody pulp. The fight ended with Carter throwing a firebomb to finish it off. Without a word, they turned and headed back to the assault craft, leaving behind only burning remains. Not a single word had been spoken throughout the entire battle. This was the Guard¡ªcold and efficient. The Guard was a force of over a hundred men, the most powerful in the Court District, and the cornerstone of Eden''s control. Carter gave Arye a brief nod before boarding the assault craft with his men. The ship then took off, heading toward another battlefield. They had orders to eliminate all large mutants. This mutant horde had produced more than a dozen giant mutants, causing heavy casualties among the defense forces. Upon receiving the distress signal, Eden had immediately dispatched the Guard to assist the pipeline defense zone. The Guard was Eden''s last line of defense, not to be deployed lightly. For the safety of the governor, they had to solve the problem quickly and return to the Court District. Watching the assault craft disappear into the sky, Arye and the others finally relaxed. If the governor had sent the Guard, there was no enemy they couldn''t defeat. "Those guys are strong!" Arye remarked, looking at the burning remains of the giant mutant. Kaes scoffed. "They''ve all undergone deadly cybernetic surgery. Us regular folks can''t compare." "You think I''d have a chance? Maybe the governor would upgrade me too," Arye mused. "That''s a top-secret program of the Court District. Ask too many questions, and you might get yourself killed. Rumor has it the previous governor was executed by an Inquisitor because of it." Kaes crouched next to the mutant remains, inspecting something with interest. "How do you know so much?" Arye crouched down next to him. "Because I use my brain, unlike you¡ªa reckless beast!" "Hah, you''re right. I don''t like thinking." "Something''s off," Kaes said, pulling a mechanical part from the mutant''s flesh. "I have reason to believe this thing was artificially created." "Created... by who? The Hoffman family scumbags? The gangs? Or maybe those heretics in the underhive? This reeks of a conspiracy!" Arye scratched his head, trying to process it. His brain itched like something was about to grow out of it. "We''re just grunts. Let''s report this and let the bigwigs in the Court District deal with it." "You could''ve said that earlier, so I wouldn''t have wasted my brainpower!" The gunfire in the pipeline defense zone gradually quieted down. With the Guard''s help, the defense forces had finally defeated the mutant horde. The battle was over, and the logistics department''s convoy began arriving at the front lines. Dressed in black armor, the logistics personnel quickly disembarked and started their work. But they didn''t bother with the wounded soldiers, even watching some die without lifting a finger. The logistics department had come to retrieve the bodies of both mutants and soldiers¡ªvaluable sources of protein. As for the soldiers'' lives? That was none of their concern. There were always more people willing to join the defense forces, desperate for food. Arye and his men walked through the battlefield, searching for any survivors, providing whatever simple aid they could. Without proper medical supplies, it was the best they could do. Suddenly, Arye saw logistics personnel dragging away an unconscious, wounded soldier, throwing him onto the body cart. "What the hell are you doing!" he roared. (End of Chapter) Chapter 28: Conflict Chapter 28: Chapter 28: ConflictArye charged forward in a fit of rage, kicking over one of the logistics division''s black-armored corpse collectors. Sensing trouble, the armed forces of the logistics division immediately stepped in, pointing their guns at Arye. To ensure the smooth collection of valuable bodies, the logistics division had its own well-equipped armed forces to maintain order. In terms of status, they were far above the defense forces, controlling the distribution of resources not only for the defense forces but also for the entire territory. From the perspective of the Court District''s officials, the defense forces, composed of underhive refugees, were nothing but expendable assets¡ªeasily replaced with more manpower. "Warning! No one is allowed to interfere with the logistics division''s collection operations. Step back!" the black-armored soldiers of the logistics division ordered, pressing closer to Arye with their weapons raised. "They''re still alive! They''re alive!" Arye shouted furiously, glaring down the barrels of their guns. "You scum of the Court District, can''t you see these men aren''t dead yet?" Bang! A warning shot was fired into the air by one of the black-armored soldiers. "Step back!" "Stand down, Cyclops!" Kaes pulled Arye back. "Calm down. We can''t fight them. Let me handle this." Seeing Kaes step in, Arye clenched his fists but reluctantly held back, though his eyes still burned with fury as they fixed on the logistics soldiers. Kaes appeared calm, but the veins pulsing on his forehead betrayed his anger. He stepped forward, suppressing his emotions, and addressed the logistics division. "The protein recovery guidelines clearly state that the collection of living people is prohibited. Those soldiers are still alive. You are violating the regulations!" S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From within the logistics team, a man in a black coat adorned with the golden lion insignia of House Grant¡ªDeville Lapp, a logistics officer¡ªstepped forward. Pushing his glasses up his nose, Deville replied coldly, "That was the old regulation. Given the current shortage of supplies, the guidelines have been revised..." He paused and added, "Under the new protein recovery protocols, if a subject is deemed beyond medical treatment, we are authorized to collect them." Kaes took a deep breath. "These are loyal soldiers who gave everything to protect the residential district. They don''t deserve this. You''re killing them!" Deville sighed with feigned regret. "I''m sorry, but if we don''t gather enough protein, more people will starve to death..." "But you haven''t even tried to treat them! How can you decide they''re beyond saving?" Deville''s expression hardened. "The logistics division operates under its own authority. You have no right to interfere. We are following the regulations, and you will comply." "I won''t let you take our men!" Arye shouted, pulling out his gun and aiming it at Deville. "Touch them, and I''ll blow your brains out!" Immediately, the black-armored soldiers of the logistics division raised their guns, aiming at both Arye and Kaes. "Disarm immediately, or you will be executed!" Seeing their leader surrounded, the rest of Arye''s unit surged forward, their anger boiling over. "Damn the Court District scum! We''ll take you down!" "Yeah! We fight for the Court District, go hungry, and now they want to take our lives too!" "If anyone lays a hand on the boss, we''ll kill them!" The standoff escalated rapidly, the tension thickening as the two sides faced off, ready to explode into violence. Deville sneered as he looked around. "Do you intend to betray the Court District? Don''t forget, it''s the governor who gave you underhive scum everything. Without him, you''d still be starving in the dirt!" His voice dripped with venom as he continued, "If you dare rebel, do you think you can stand against the Guard? Is this how you repay the governor''s mercy?" "If you become traitors, there will be only one fate for you all: death! And your families? They''ll be executed as traitors too! Put down your weapons now. This is your last chance." Kaes, his eyes locked on Deville, whispered urgently, "Arye, if you don''t want everyone to die with you, you need to calm down!" The Court District held all the power: the elite soldiers, the control of supplies, and the families of the troops, all under their jurisdiction. This control made rebellion almost impossible. Arye clenched his teeth, the red light from his mechanical eye flashing menacingly, but his sense of responsibility forced him to suppress his desire to kill. He had to protect his men. Face flushed with anger, Arye growled through gritted teeth, "I want to speak to the governor! I don''t believe he would treat loyal soldiers like this!" "You want to see the governor?" Deville let out a derisive snort. The thought seemed to offend him more than having a gun pointed at him. To him, this underhive scum daring to ask to see the governor was an insult. Deville sneered, "The governor is the most noble ruler of Urth. He is the source of all we have! "I have served the Court District for eighty years, as did my father, my grandfather, and my great-grandfather. We''ve worked ourselves to death, yet none of us has ever had the honor of meeting the governor!" He straightened up, pride swelling in his voice. "It is the greatest wish of my family to one day be formally received by the governor. Then, I will proudly present my family name and the contributions we''ve made. "I will receive the golden lion insignia as a symbol of our loyalty, directly from the governor''s hand!" For generations, the Grant family had enforced strict loyalty training on their subordinates. After the Great Purge, most of the Court District''s officials remained fanatically loyal to the governor. Some, like Deville, had taken this loyalty to the point of worship. His family had served the Court District and the governor for generations, and from a young age, Deville had been steeped in the teachings of loyalty. Each morning, his elderly mother would adjust his collar before he left for work, reminding him to serve the governor well, to bring honor to their family. Deville was willing to sacrifice everything for the governor, even though the governor had never known his name, nor the contributions his family had made. After all, there were too many families like his in the Court District for the governor to remember them all. Only by making exceptional contributions could one even hope to be noticed! And now was Deville''s chance. The harder things got, the more he would prove his loyalty. Deville glared at Arye. "Tell me, what right does an underhive rat like you have to meet the governor?" Faced with Deville''s question, Arye was speechless. The vast gap in their social standing crushed his spirit. Of course, the noble governor would never meet someone as insignificant as Arye. If it hadn''t been for the chaos in the hive, he would never have had the chance to reach the upper hive. Like his ancestors before him, he would have spent his life scraping by in the polluted wastelands of the underhive, never seeing the sun. To ask for a meeting with the governor? It was madness. With a heavy heart, Arye lowered his gun. Deville sneered and motioned for the black-armored soldiers to disarm Arye and Kaes, taking their weapons. He turned to the anxious soldiers surrounding them and reassured them, "Don''t worry. Neither you nor those two will be harmed. "As long as you don''t interfere with the logistics division''s recovery work, I have no authority to punish you. "After all, the governor needs you scum. Your lives are needed to protect the Court District''s safety. "For that, I hold a small amount of respect for you¡ªnothing more." Deville turned to the corpse collectors. "Continue the recovery operation." (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 29: The Governor’s Speech Chapter 29: Chapter 29: The Governor¡¯s SpeechAt Deville''s command, the corpse collectors from the logistics division resumed their grim work, efficiently dragging bodies and packing them onto the transport vehicles. Soon, another young soldier collapsed into unconsciousness, his injuries too severe. A collector approached, opening a body bag, ready to take the man away. But this time, he was met with resistance. "Please, I beg you! My son''s injuries aren''t that serious! Just one med shot could save him!" An old soldier, his hair gray from years of service, clung desperately to his son, refusing to let the corpse collector take him. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The old man''s pleas fell on deaf ears. In the current dire circumstances, even the most basic med supplies were far more valuable than the lives of these defense soldiers. The black-armored guards of the logistics division surrounded them, their mechanical voices cold and unfeeling: "Warning! No interference with logistics division collection operations will be tolerated. Stand back from the protein source immediately or face execution!" The old man, seemingly oblivious to the warning, continued his desperate begging. "Please, don''t take my son... I''ll take his place! I beg you..." The black-armored soldiers ignored him. This scene was all too familiar, and their regulations left no room for mercy. They were bound by the strict rules of the logistics division: failure to uphold the protocols could mean their own execution. Deville, watching the scene unfold, remained emotionally detached. His years of overseeing these operations had hardened his heart. He saw not people, but pure protein, which could be processed into rations to keep the workforce alive and maintain control over the territory. To him, it was simply a matter of survival. The Court District''s rule had to be preserved, even if it required harsh measures. The black-armored guards raised their guns, now pointing at the old soldier and his unconscious son. "Final warning! Execution imminent!" Around them, the other soldiers, their faces red with fury, gripped their weapons tightly. They could no longer bear to watch this injustice unfold. On the other side of the scene, Kaes noticed the determination in Arye''s eyes. He knew there was no stopping his old comrade now. Nodding in silent agreement, Kaes prepared to back Arye up as tensions reached their boiling point. The entire battlefield felt like a volcano on the verge of eruption. Deville stood protected behind his shield-bearing guards, sensing the escalating tension but making no effort to de-escalate. The law had to be upheld without exception. Any sign of weakness could lead to chaos, undermining the authority of the Court District. Deville had already shown restraint once; now, all that remained was to enforce the rules with unwavering resolve. Click! The sound of safeties being released echoed through the air. Everyone held their breath, bracing for the bloodshed to follow. Suddenly, the piercing noise of a loudspeaker blared through the air. "Warning! All units below, drop your weapons immediately, or you will be deemed traitors to the Court District!" A black-and-gold strike ship, flashing red warning lights, hovered overhead. Its speakers continued to broadcast the warning, while two heavy cannons trained on the crowd below. "All units below, drop your weapons immediately, or you will be deemed traitors to the Court District..." The warning played on repeat, leaving everyone confused. Why was the strike ship aiming its cannons at its own personnel? Deville recognized the golden lion emblem on the ship and quickly ordered the black-armored soldiers to stand down. "All of you, drop your weapons! That''s a ship from the Spire!" The Spire? The Governor! Years of ingrained fear made the logistics personnel immediately comply, dropping their weapons and standing at attention before the strike ship. The defense soldiers, equally terrified, followed suit. Arye and Kaes exchanged tense glances, both watching the strike ship above with apprehension. Everyone waited, their fate hanging in the balance. Finally, the ship''s loudspeaker fell silent, before announcing in a formal tone: "The honorable Governor Eden Grant has officially repealed Article Nine of the protein collection protocols. No living person may be harvested for protein. All logistics personnel are to cease use of force and assist in the treatment of the wounded. After completing their tasks, they are to report back to headquarters for further orders and retraining." The voice paused, letting the gravity of the statement sink in. Everyone was in shock, especially the logistics personnel, who stood frozen in disbelief. The loudspeaker crackled once more. "The following is an address from the great and merciful Governor Eden Grant. Silence is mandatory. Failure to comply will be considered treason." Everyone held their breath, standing at attention. Deville quickly straightened his clothes, ready to listen with the utmost reverence to the Governor''s words. "Zzzt..." The recorded speech began, Eden''s voice filled with authority. "Soldiers! I am Eden Grant, your Governor. You have protected the Court District and made great sacrifices. I offer my deepest respect to all members of the defense forces! At the same time, I must express my guilt. You have not been treated as you deserve, and for that, I am sorry. I vow to you that from now on, your efforts will be rewarded, and your contributions will be honored! A rescue team is on the way. The Court District will do everything in its power to ensure no soldier is abandoned. The Court District stands with you!" The recording ended, and the strike ship rose back into the sky, joining several other ships as they returned to the Spire. At the same moment, rescue vehicles arrived on the scene. Medics rushed out, immediately tending to the injured soldiers. The old soldier, still holding his son, begged for help. A medic injected his son with a precious med shot, and the young man''s breathing began to stabilize, finally out of danger. The old soldier, overwhelmed with relief, collapsed to his knees, sobbing in the direction of the retreating strike ship. "Thank you, Governor!" The soldiers around him felt a surge of emotion. Many had tears in their eyes. For so long, they had been treated as less than human, mere fodder for the war machine. Their lives were meaningless, their deaths unnoticed, their sacrifices unacknowledged. But today, they had been recognized by the most powerful man on the planet. They were heroes. Arye, unable to contain his excitement, nudged Kaes. "Did you hear that? The Governor called us heroes! Let''s see those logistics bastards dare mess with us now!" Kaes glanced at the others, smiling slightly, but chose to remain silent. Meanwhile, the logistics personnel stood in stunned silence, unsure of how to proceed. They turned to Deville for guidance. (End of Chapter) Chapter 30: Governance Chapter 30: Chapter 30: GovernanceDeville''s mind was still in a haze. He fully understood the current state of food reserves in the Court District. If the logistics division were to implement the Governor''s new laws as instructed, in less than a month, the food supply would be exhausted. At that point, the logistics division would be powerless, unable to sustain operations, and chaos and starvation would break out across the regions. Taking a deep breath, Deville cleared his mind of these chaotic thoughts. The great and merciful Governor was always right¡ªthere was no room for doubt. His duty was to follow orders without question and ensure his family was not disgraced. Having resolved this, he shouted at his logistics subordinates: "Why are you all standing there? Didn''t you hear the Governor''s orders? All logistics personnel, start aiding in the rescue efforts! We can''t let any more soldiers die due to lack of care!" "Yes, sir!" The logistics division personnel snapped out of their daze, quickly organizing themselves to join the rescue teams. Arye stormed over, grabbing Deville by the collar, his fury palpable. "What about that soldier? Where did you take him?" "Damn it!" Deville suddenly remembered. A critically injured but unconscious soldier had been mistaken for dead and tossed into the corpse transport truck. The Governor had now issued new orders, and if this soldier died due to the logistics division''s negligence, it would be a severe dereliction of duty. Pushing Arye aside, Deville sprinted to the transport truck. Climbing aboard, he waded through the filthy blood and gore, finally locating the soldier. But the man had stopped breathing. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You can''t die!" Deville''s heart raced as he called for medics. "Get over here and save him!" Deville frantically began administering chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. After completing a cycle of life-saving measures, the soldier''s breathing returned, albeit faintly. The situation was dire¡ªhe could die at any moment. Deville looked up at the medics, shouting desperately: "He''s still alive! I need a med shot¡ªthere''s no time! Where is it?" Just as the soldier was about to slip away for good, Arye rushed over with a med shot in hand. "Catch!" Panting heavily, Arye hurled the shot towards Deville, who caught it mid-air. Shhhh¡ª The med shot was injected into the soldier''s neck, and its effects kicked in instantly. The soldier''s chest rose sharply, and he gasped for air, coughing violently. He was alive! Deville was overjoyed and turned to share his relief with the soldiers, but upon seeing their cold stares, he quietly moved aside, letting them take their comrade away. Without a word of complaint, Deville returned to his duties, determined to fulfill the Governor''s orders. Across the entire pipeline defense zone, everyone was following the Governor''s commands, working diligently to rescue as many as possible. Meanwhile, far away in his office at the Spire, Eden was feeling deeply troubled. Two hours ago, he had visited the Ministry of Defense to inquire about the state of the defense forces, only to stumble upon a distress call from the pipeline defense zone. Yet, the Ministry hadn''t dispatched any reinforcements. According to their calculations, sacrificing half of the defense forces in the zone would be sufficient to wipe out the mutant horde. As such, they saw no need to deploy the Court District''s precious elite forces. Eden was left speechless. If the soldiers died, how was he supposed to gather hope energy? Besides, these were real people¡ªwarriors fighting for the Court District! Without hesitation, Eden had immediately sent the elite guard to support them, hoping to minimize casualties. He also ordered the logistics division to organize a rescue operation. That''s when he learned the logistics division wasn''t sending aid¡ªthey were sending corpse collectors! The logistics division''s rescue teams had been disbanded long ago, and their main task now was to "produce" and collect protein sources. Upon realizing the state of affairs in both the logistics division and the defense forces, Eden could only curse: "Damn it all!" But his anger had no outlet. Without the logistics division''s ruthless efficiency, the Court District and the entire territory would have collapsed long ago. Fortunately, Eden had arrived in time, and there was still hope. He possessed the power of the Little Sun, and that was his key to changing everything. Eden immediately repealed parts of the protein collection protocols and ordered the logistics division to hastily organize a new rescue squad. He also sent strike ships to the defense zone to prevent further conflicts and deliver the news. Now that the strike ships had returned, Eden could feel the slow but steady rise of hope energy. The rescue mission had gone well, successfully appeasing the defense forces. This operation alone had netted him nearly 20,000 hope energy points! The rescue had been a success, but it had come at the cost of depleting most of the precious medical supplies from the Spire''s vault. Still, Eden couldn''t afford to worry about that now. He needed hope energy for the upcoming "Emperor''s Ascension Festival." It was vital that he eliminated any threats that could disrupt the ceremony. For now, Eden could only pray that there wouldn''t be another mutant horde or crisis in the coming days. He no longer had the resources for another rescue mission. With a heavy heart, Eden returned to the mountain of paperwork on his desk, pushing through the endless administrative tasks. He also checked on the progress of the statue''s restoration, urging the workers to finish everything before the festival. As he faced the ever-growing pile of documents, Eden felt utterly exhausted. "Administrative work really is soul-crushing. No wonder the previous me left it all to Baiev." He was only managing one district on one planet¡ªa population of several million¡ªand it was already this overwhelming. How much worse must it be for the high lords governing hundreds of worlds? No matter how advanced their body enhancements were or how long they lived, they still couldn''t escape the crushing burden of bureaucracy. Many had literally worked themselves to death. The thought sent a chill down Eden''s spine. He could already see a bleak future ahead. Once things stabilized, all this paperwork was going straight back to Baiev. He decided then and there to treat Baiev better from now on and to provide him with the best protection possible. People who could handle this kind of workload were truly invaluable! After struggling through several more files, Eden finally reached his limit. His head felt like it was filled with lead, and his vision swam with stars. "This is too much! Even in another world, I still have to work overtime?" With tears in his eyes, he downed a supplement shot. His foggy mind cleared, and he forced himself to continue. There was still important military business to address. One file caught his attention¡ªit reported that the defense forces'' commander and chief of staff had both perished in the recent mutant assault. New leaders needed to be appointed immediately. Eden skimmed through the list of candidates and wasn''t impressed by any of them. Traditionally, the top positions in the defense forces were filled by people from the Court District, but Eden had other plans. That wouldn''t align with what he intended to do next. He decided to promote someone from the lower ranks instead, ideally someone from the lower hive, someone who could empathize with the soldiers. He ordered the Ministry of Defense to send him the profiles of all non-Court District officers, and after carefully reviewing them, he selected a new commander and chief of staff. Eden was pleased with his choices. "These two... they look like protagonists." (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 31: Meeting the Governor Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Meeting the GovernorOn the defensive line of the pipeline zone, the rescue work was nearing its end. Arye glared at Deville: "Scum from the logistics department, don''t think we''ll thank you just because you helped save people!" "I don''t need the gratitude of you Underhive dwellers," Deville responded with an air of superiority. "Everything I do is for the Governor. One day, he will recognize my loyalty and contributions!" "Damn bastard, what are you so proud of? We''re the heroes here. I heard the Governor hands out some kind of medal to heroes. Maybe the ship coming to pick us up is already on its way! We''ll soon be heading to the spire to meet the Governor. You''ll be so jealous!" Arye grumbled. Deville laughed, as if he had heard a joke: "Ignorant Underhivers!" He turned away, no longer wanting to see Arye, who he compared to a Grox. Suddenly, an assault craft flew in, landing not far from them, drawing everyone''s attention. A spire assault ship! The hatch opened, and an official from the Department of Military Affairs, flanked by two guards, approached Arye and Kaes. The official''s face was cold as he glanced at them: "Captain Arye, Cadet Staff Officer Kaes, you are to accompany me to the spire immediately. The Governor wishes to see you!" What! Everyone present was stunned. "By the Emperor, you''ve got to be kidding me!" Arye couldn''t believe it. He had just been speaking nonsense earlier, but now the Governor had actually summoned him! The military official''s tone was unmistakable: "The Governor is waiting for you. This is an order. To disobey is to betray!" He gestured for them to follow. Realizing it was true, Arye smirked at Deville: "Eat that, bastard! I''m off to meet the Governor!" Deville stood there in shock, muttering to himself, "How is this possible... Why would the Governor meet an Underhiver..." Kaes, snapping out of it, grabbed Arye by the arm: "Come on, Cyclops, let''s go!" Quickly, Arye and Kaes followed the official into the assault ship. The craft took off, heading toward the spire in the royal district. Deville was left standing there, covered in the dust kicked up by the departing ship. Gone was his earlier arrogance, his eyes fixed on the direction the craft had flown. Determined, he vowed silently to work even harder in fulfilling the Governor''s orders with twice the loyalty. He had to achieve his family''s long-held dream¡ªan official audience with the Governor. He couldn''t lose to an Underhiver! Inside the assault craft, Arye nudged Kaes: "Hey, kid, why do you think the Governor wants to see us? He''s not really going to give us some kind of medal, is he?" "Stop dreaming, that''s impossible," Kaes replied after thinking for a moment. "I bet the Governor wants to talk to us about the mutant surge. You remember the huge explosion that happened at the first pipeline defense line, right? The blast hit the command center directly!" "Are you saying those command center bastards might all be dead?" Arye rubbed his chin thoughtfully. The commanders of the Defense Forces were all from the royal district, and they had never treated the Defense Forces as people. They often created brutal combat plans with no regard for the soldiers'' lives, leading to heavy casualties. "We''ve heard nothing from the command center so far. It''s possible they were all wiped out." "Damn, that''s a big deal!" Arye slapped his thigh, a mischievous glint in his eye. But when he noticed the cold gaze of the military official opposite him, he quickly toned it down. The assault ship landed on the spire''s estate landing pad. As Arye and Kaes stepped off the craft, they were awestruck by the sight before them. The spire estate, renovated by the Grant family for millennia, was the epitome of luxury and artistry on the entire planet. It was the perfect fusion of Imperial cold architecture and Victorian grandeur. Neither of them had ever seen anything so breathtaking and magnificent in their lives. Though they weren''t well-versed in art, the beauty it conveyed was something anyone could feel! Arye, at that moment, didn''t know how to express the awe in his heart. If a wandering poet stood here, they might compose a hundred beautiful poems. "Damn, this place is gorgeous!" Arye marveled as he took a deep breath: "Even the air here is sweet!" He felt lighter all over, almost floating, even a bit dizzy. The spire estate had its own protective shield and air filtration system to prevent extreme situations. The estate''s rear garden was even filled with green plants. The air here was the freshest on all of Urth. Arye, having spent his life breathing in the polluted and heavily recycled air of the lower hive, was bound to have such a reaction when inhaling pure air for the first time. Arye, with his single eye, looked around curiously. Soon, he spotted the hundred-meter-tall statue of the God-Emperor. "Emperor above, is that thing really this big?" From afar, it hadn''t seemed impressive, but standing near it, he realized how massive it truly was. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kaes squinted, noticing something unusual: "There are people up there, repairing the statue..." He frowned, deep in thought, but the military official''s cold voice interrupted him. "You may proceed!" With that, the official turned and re-entered the craft. He had no chance to meet the Governor himself. The assault ship flew away. Arye and Kaes were led into the spire estate. After undergoing a series of checks, including body searches, decontamination, disinfection, and mental tests, Arye caught a whiff of his own scent and was almost intoxicated by it. "Damn, this stuff smells amazing!" "Don''t say anything foolish when we meet the Governor!" Kaes appeared calm, but deep down, he was nervous. After all, they were about to meet the most powerful person on the planet, a man who held its fate in his hands! After a lengthy process, they were finally notified. They could go see the Governor! Inside the Governor''s office. Eden stretched, having just received the report. The men he had summoned were about to arrive. He picked up two files from his desk and reviewed them. They were the dossiers of Arye and Kaes. "Immortal Arye, Cunning Kaes..." The more he read about them, the more they seemed like protagonists. They reminded him of the old Cyclops and Little Kaes from the legends! "Talented people!" Eden nodded in satisfaction. "With such strategists at my side, what do I have to fear from this Warhammer 40K universe?" Soon, Arye and Kaes were ushered into the Governor''s office by a maid. "You''ve finally arrived. Good work!" Eden greeted them warmly. "Damn... cough... Governor, sir!" Seeing the young, noble, and overwhelmingly charismatic Governor, both Arye and Kaes were momentarily flustered, unsure of how to respond. Kaes controlled his slightly trembling hand and bowed deeply: "Governor, I offer you my most sincere greetings!" Arye, seeing this, hurriedly stammered and followed suit. "Governor, I... I greet you as well!" (End of Chapter) Chapter 32: A New Appointment Chapter 32: Chapter 32: A New Appointment[If you like the fanfic, please leave a review. It will help the fanfic a lot, and it will motivate me to upload more!] Seeing the two of them a bit nervous, Eden waved his hand in a comforting gesture: "There''s no need to be so tense. I already know about your deeds, so let''s get straight to the point." He stepped forward and handed them both a document, stamped with the Governor''s seal, along with badges. "In recognition of your outstanding performance and significant contributions, I hereby appoint you both as the Commander and Staff Officer of the Planetary Defense Forces of Urth!" Arye and Kaes stared in shock at the appointment documents and badges in their hands. The Governor had just made them the two highest-ranking officers in the Defense Forces! It was as if he had handed the entire Defense Forces to these two Underhivers. Such trust! The two of them were momentarily speechless. "So, what do you say? Are you willing to take on this responsibility?" Eden looked at them with anticipation. Faced with the Governor''s expectant gaze, Arye was beyond excited. "Damn... Governor, you''re a good man! I''ll take the Commander position!" Kaes, on the other hand, remained much more composed. He had many doubts, unsure why the Governor trusted them so much. However, faced with such an opportunity, he gladly accepted. No matter the reasons, with them taking on the positions of Commander and Staff Officer, the soldiers of the Defense Forces would have a better future. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He gave a formal salute: "I accept the appointment!" Eden nodded with satisfaction, then dropped another bombshell: "The Defense Forces have given too much for the royal district. From now on, the administrative level of the Defense Forces will be elevated, making them equal to other combat units in the royal district." This would be a major change. After the rebellion, the original Defense Forces had been almost completely wiped out. The few remaining regiments had been trapped in the Underhive and Lowerhive, unable to return to the royal district. In response to the new operational needs, Bayev had reorganized the Defense Forces. He recruited suitable people from the Underhive refugees to form new regiments. The newly-formed Defense Forces were essentially treated as disposable cannon fodder. Their status had plummeted, almost akin to slaves, and they often couldn''t even fill their stomachs. Their combat effectiveness was a shadow of the former Defense Forces. Eden decided to change this, restoring honor and purpose to the Defense Forces. The soldiers would no longer be slaves but rather defenders of Urth, heroes deserving of respect! "In short, the Defense Forces will no longer be restricted by others. Your lives have value and should be honored. No one will dare look down on you again!" Arye was so moved that he trembled, his eyes moistening with emotion. His bionic eye even flashed brightly in response. With a solemn vow, Arye declared: "I, Immortal Arye, swear that even if I descend into hell, I will never betray your trust!" Kaes, too, was touched at this point. He bowed his head and said: "Governor, I pledge my loyalty to you!" Eden nodded: "The royal district needs a strong and loyal Defense Force. You both are capable, so I will give you full autonomy to recruit and train the Defense Forces in your own way." He patted both of them on the shoulder: "The Defense Forces are in your hands now. Don''t disappoint me!" The Governor''s unwavering trust moved Arye deeply, and he silently vowed to repay this trust with his life if necessary. Kaes''s opinion of the young Governor shifted as well, and he now treated Eden with even greater respect. This was exactly the result Eden had hoped for. To be honest, he had no idea how to train the Defense Forces or how to ensure their loyalty. Nor did he have the time or energy to manage them. His role was to select the right people and let them do their job. Since Arye and Kaes were talented, he would give them the autonomy they needed to succeed. Afterward, Eden invited Arye and Kaes to join him for lunch. The spire estate, stripped of its gold and jewels, no longer appeared so extravagant. But thanks to Linda''s efforts, the artisans had redecorated the estate with other materials, giving it an even more refined appearance. Arye and Kaes sat in the lavish banquet hall, feeling uneasy. They had never been in such a high-class place before and were afraid of making fools of themselves. Under Eden''s new guidelines, meals at the spire estate had become much simpler. Today''s lunch was Grox steak, Arkynberry pastries, and a side of Manola wine. These dishes were nothing special to Eden. But for those outside the spire, they were unattainable delicacies. Arye took a bite of the Grox steak, and his mechanical eye flashed brilliantly. Damn, this stuff is delicious! He didn''t know how to describe the flavor, only that it was a thousand times better than the corpse starch and irradiated mushrooms of the Lowerhive! He eagerly sliced into the steak, almost reaching out to grab it with his hands. But with the Governor seated across from him, he restrained himself from being too brazen. Still, his hands trembled, and the knife scraped noisily against the plate. Kaes, sitting beside him, was having a similar experience. The tender, juicy steak and the sweet, tangy Arkynberry pastry had completely won him over. His taste buds were exploding with joy. He tried his best to maintain his composure, to keep up appearances. He couldn''t embarrass himself in front of the Governor! Eden quietly ate his steak while observing the two men. He knew very well how rare such food was for those outside the spire. So, he remained silent and didn''t draw attention to them, allowing them to enjoy the meal fully. Eden decided that in the future, he would invite more important subordinates to share meals with him. Not only would it be a way to reward them, but it would also strengthen their bond. As they ate, Eden noticed Arye wiping away tears. Arye looked up at him, hesitating as if he wanted to say something. After a moment of hesitation, Arye finally spoke: "Governor..." "Commander Arye, feel free to speak your mind." Eden maintained a gentle tone, trying not to put too much pressure on him. "I was just thinking about the soldiers in the Defense Forces... they''re still hungry!" Arye stammered slightly. Kaes raised his head and added: "For the past few months, the Defense Forces have been severely under-supplied, sometimes even worse off than the factory workers. The long-term hunger has drastically weakened the combat effectiveness of the Defense Forces, and some have even starved to death. If we don''t replenish supplies soon, the consequences could be even more severe..." Hearing Kaes''s words, Eden fell silent. He knew about these issues. With food shortages in the royal district, the logistics department had first cut the supplies of the Defense Forces. According to their calculations, most new recruits in the Defense Forces didn''t survive more than three months anyway. Since they were seen as disposable, whether they were fed or not didn''t really matter. As long as they had enough strength to hold a gun, that was enough. Thus, the supply for the Defense Forces had been continuously reduced, to the point where even factory workers were better off. In fact, this wasn''t an isolated case¡ªresource allocation had been cut across the board, even for administrative units. "Yes, yes, the Staff Officer... Kaes is absolutely right!" Arye nodded eagerly, looking at Eden with pleading eyes: "Governor, the soldiers need food!" (End of Chapter) Chapter 33: Notification from the Royal District Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Notification from the Royal DistrictSeeing the Governor''s silence, Arye''s heart jumped into his throat, his body trembling slightly. He was afraid. Afraid that the Governor would be angry. Even more afraid that the Governor would reject his plea. Gulp Kaes swallowed hard, fearing that Arye''s words might have angered the Governor. From the information Kaes had gathered, he could infer that the situation regarding the royal district''s resource reserves was dire. Perhaps there really weren''t enough resources to supply the Defense Forces. The atmosphere in the banquet hall became stifling. Just as the two were growing more anxious, Eden snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Arye and Kaes: "An hour ago, I issued an order to the logistics department to increase the Defense Forces'' resource allocation. The new supplies should be in preparation for distribution, double the current amount..." This was a bold move on his part, essentially advancing the Defense Forces'' supplies for the next month. And it wasn''t just the Defense Forces; other units'' supplies would also increase, though it was all advanced from next month''s resources. According to Eden''s resource distribution plan, by the time the "Emperor''s Ascension Festival" arrived, the royal district would be completely depleted of supplies. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There was no other way. Empty promises weren''t enough. He needed to provide tangible benefits to give everyone a reason to believe in the promises he had made. That''s why Eden decided to advance the royal district''s resources, using up everything prepared for next month. This meant that for this month, they''d have twice the amount of supplies to boost everyone''s morale. Of course, the downside was that after today, there might be no tomorrow. If, in a month, no new sources of supplies were found, the territory would fall into a state of extreme hardship. But to gather and harness the power of hope, he had no choice. Rather than prolonging their slow decline, it was better to gamble everything on a final push. As he had said before, this was a high-stakes gamble. If he could gather enough hope power during the "Emperor''s Ascension Festival," He would be able to use the portal to bring back the unharvested crops and ancient agricultural technology from the Green Wave Farms aboard the Space Hulk. That would solve the food shortage, allowing him to focus on other matters¡ªdeveloping the territory and reclaiming the Hive City. Rather than continuing to weaken, like countless other worlds in the dark corners of the Imperium, waiting to be swallowed whole by darkness! Eden''s eyes were filled with determination: "With these supplies, the soldiers shouldn''t starve anymore... I can promise you that this hardship is only temporary. The royal district has found a solution to the food problem. When you return, please tell the soldiers that the royal district will not forget their sacrifices. Their conditions will improve, and they must improve!" The Governor had agreed to give the Defense Forces more supplies and promised even more in the future! Arye and Kaes were both overwhelmed with joy at the news. Arye shot to his feet, tears streaming down his face: "Governor, I speak for all the soldiers when I thank you!" Kaes quickly stood up to add: "What Arye means is, we pledge the utmost loyalty on behalf of all the soldiers!" He performed a gesture of reverence, a symbol of deep respect and awe. "Yes, yes, exactly!" Arye nodded rapidly. Eden smiled faintly and motioned for them to sit down. He raised his glass and made a toast: "Enjoy the food. There will be bread, there will be milk, and everything will get better!" ... Royal District, Administrative Residence. The residential district was close to the Sacred Plaza and home to the officials of the royal district. It boasted grand architecture and luxurious decorations. Compared to the Underhive, the residences here were of high quality, with precious space, free electricity, water, and other resources. That was the situation before. After the rebellion, the residential district had fallen into disrepair. Electricity, water, and other resources were no longer freely provided and had become intermittent. Yet compared to other parts of the territory, it was still paradise. There were relatively safe homes and a more stable food supply. Deville returned home, his face full of exhaustion. He carefully hung his black coat, the symbol of a logistics department officer, on the rack. It was his only decent piece of clothing left. The coat had been torn countless times, but under the patient care of his mother, Marti, it looked almost as good as new. She always showed such patience, keeping the household in perfect order. The floors and furniture in the house were meticulously cleaned, almost polished enough to reflect one''s image. In the past, this work had been done by servants, but now, Marti did it all herself. She did her best to maintain the dignity of the Rapp family. "Deville, you''re home!" Marti happily walked over and kissed Deville on both cheeks. "You''re just in time. You can join us for dinner..." Marti returned to the kitchen, still in good spirits, preparing dinner. Before long, she placed the meal on the table¡ªthere were three portions. Each delicate porcelain plate held a third of a portion of wood-chip bread, along with a few small pieces of corpse starch, garnished with a tiny wilted leaf. Looking at the food, Deville sighed deeply. The food supply had dwindled again. Times were getting tougher. Deville remembered his childhood when his father was alive, and the Rapp family had the dignity of almost being nobles. They never lacked food, enjoying soft bread, juicy steaks, and the occasional luxurious pastry! But ever since Urth''s taxes were raised to the First Level Prime rating, everything had changed! The crushing tax burden had brought Urth to its knees, its surface ravaged by pollution, and billions of people perished. Deville''s father had also died, worn out by the heavy administrative duties at the logistics department. It was those damned, incompetent officials in the Department of Internal Affairs on Holy Terra who caused all of this. Their miscalculations had ruined Urth and cost him his father! After his father''s death, Deville took on the burden of the Rapp family. He passed the examinations and inherited his father''s position. At the time, he believed he could work hard to take care of his mother and sister and restore the Rapp family''s dignity. Then the rebellion happened! The oppressive taxes had sparked a terrible uprising. With many of the Defense Forces sent to the Underhive and Lowerhive to deal with mutations, the royal district was left vulnerable. The heretic rebels seized the opportunity to attack the Upperhive, nearly capturing the royal district. Although the royal district ultimately repelled the invaders, they lost control of the Underhive, leaving them trapped in the Upperhive! The rebellion had almost snuffed out Urth''s lifeline. In the years since, things had only gotten worse. Now, despite being an administrative officer in the royal district, Deville could barely afford wood-chip bread! "Brother, you''re back!" Deville''s younger sister, Lilith, rushed out and hugged him. She hadn''t seen him in days. Lilith was sixteen, with soft golden hair and a youthful vibrancy, her figure just beginning to develop. "How''s your studying going?" "Hmph, I''ve finished all my assignments. I''m way smarter than you!" Despite the difficult times, Deville insisted that Lilith receive a full education, even after the royal district had shut down the schools. Deville sat down to eat dinner with his mother and sister. He cut off a piece of the wood-chip bread, chewing it slowly as the slightly moldy taste filled his mouth. After swallowing, he forced down a small piece of corpse starch. Looking at the meager portion of corpse starch on his plate, Deville couldn''t help but worry. The Governor had diverted a lot of resources, seemingly for some important plan. But according to the logistics department''s calculations, many units wouldn''t even have corpse starch to eat next month. As he looked up at his mother and sister, who were diligently eating their wood-chip bread and corpse starch, Deville''s eyes grew moist, tears blurring his vision. What was he going to do? Ding! The bell at the door''s mailbox rang. It signaled an important notification from the royal district! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 34: The Governor Hasn’t Abandoned Us! Chapter 34: Chapter 34: The Governor Hasn''t Abandoned Us!Deville went to the door and retrieved the notification letter. He returned to the dining table and sat down to read it. Zzzzt¡ª The light above the table flickered a few times before going out, plunging the room into darkness. Lilith complained: "Another power outage. These blackouts are happening more and more often lately." The frequent outages were severely affecting her study progress. Marti pulled out a candle and lit it, the warm glow illuminating their faces. "Brother, the food rations are getting smaller and smaller. What''s really happening out there?" Lilith stared at Deville, looking for answers. For safety reasons, Deville had strictly forbidden Lilith from leaving the administrative district, let alone venturing beyond the royal district. Other families in the district had done the same, shielding their children from the harsh and dangerous world outside. They had all agreed to keep the truth hidden, not wanting their children to face the grim reality of the outside world, for fear that despair would crush their spirits. Deville gently ruffled Lilith''s hair, speaking in a reassuring tone: "Outside? It''s the same as always. The reduced food rations are just temporary. The problem will be solved soon..." As he said these words, even he felt a bit uncertain. "The Governor will find a solution!" He added, his tone becoming more resolute. "That''s not true!" Lilith''s voice trembled with emotion, and she was close to tears. These things were hard to keep secret, and children would always find ways to hear bits of information. Some even snuck out to see for themselves, returning terrified by what they had seen. "I snuck out with Jenny to see for ourselves, and the situation outside is awful. People are dying everywhere... Those wearing black coats like yours shot several workers and dragged their bodies away!" "What! Didn''t I tell you not to go out?" Deville''s voice rose in anger: "It''s too dangerous out there! What if something happened to you?" "I heard the workers say there''s no more food in the royal district. The Governor will stop food distribution, and everyone will starve!" Lilith''s eyes were filled with fear: "Is that true?" "That''s a lie! The Governor won''t abandon us!" "I don''t believe you! He hasn''t done anything; it''s all lies!" "Lilith!" Deville was genuinely angry this time, not allowing anyone to insult the Governor. Marti also gave Lilith a stern look: "Have you forgotten the Rapp family''s rules?" Lilith shrank back, her voice softening: "I remember... The descendants of the Rapp family must be unconditionally loyal to and follow the great Governor." Marti nodded in approval, patiently explaining: "Our ancestors were once slaves in the Black Mines, and it was the current Governor''s ancestors who freed us. They gave us a safe home in the Upper Hive and a prestigious job that has been passed down through the generations. In other words, everything we have is a gift from the Governor and his family. Without him, we would be nothing. If the day ever comes when the Governor is completely defeated... We will lose everything. Those outside the royal district, those Underhive mobs... They will drag us out of our homes, hang us, and take everything we have!" Lilith sighed: "I understand now. Loyalty to the Governor and protecting his rule is the same as protecting ourselves." "As long as you understand!" Deville''s tone was stern: "You''re never to sneak out again. I don''t want to find you in a corpse transport truck... Do you understand?" Tears welled up in Lilith''s eyes as she nodded: "Brother, I won''t go out again..." "Let''s eat." Deville placed the remaining half of his wood-chip bread onto his sister''s plate: "Eat more, so you can study well." As he lowered his head, he noticed an extra piece of wood-chip bread on his plate. He looked at Marti, intending to return it: "Mother, I''m not hungry..." But Marti stopped him, her voice firm. "You''ve lost weight. Eat up! You''re the one going out to work, and you must maintain the dignity of the Rapp family. Don''t let people think we can''t even afford food!" "I''ll never disgrace the Rapp family!" Deville lowered his head, tears in his eyes, as he forced the wood-chip bread into his mouth and chewed it vigorously, washing it down with water. After this little episode, the family returned to their quiet meal, focusing on the corpse starch on their plates. It wasn''t an easy thing to swallow. As Deville struggled to choke down the corpse starch, he opened the important notification from the royal district. In the candlelight, he carefully read the words. It was an order from the royal district, summoning all logistics department personnel to gather at headquarters the next day for a new assignment. Excitedly, he exclaimed: "By the Emperor, I knew it! The Governor hasn''t abandoned us. He''s found a way to solve the food crisis!" What? Marti and Lilith were both surprised. Deville eagerly handed them the letter: "Look, it''s from the Governor. He says he''s found a preliminary solution to the food problem, and now he needs everyone in the royal district to work together. All hearts and minds united, working toward the same goal! He also said that everyone has worked hard during these tough times, and the food and supplies will return to normal. We''ll all be fed so we can work harder! Everyone''s contribution will be remembered. May the royal district be with you!" Deville''s voice trembled with emotion as he read the Governor''s final words. He was overwhelmed with excitement. The Governor''s tone this time was different from before¡ªclearer, more relatable, even with a hint of warmth. Marti nodded in admiration: "As expected of the heir to the Grant family, with thousands of years of heritage. The Governor truly has a way!" Lilith was overjoyed: "Does this mean we won''t have to eat wood-chip bread and that nasty black stuff anymore?" Deville and Marti didn''t tell her that the "black stuff" was corpse starch. Nor did they mention its actual composition. Lilith only knew it was something disgusting to eat. Deville looked at Lilith, his voice firm: "Yes, as long as we carry out the Governor''s plan and help the royal district through this crisis, we won''t have to eat this junk anymore!" "Yay, that''s great! Brother, you have to work really hard. The future of the royal district depends on you!" "Of course! For the Governor, for the royal district, and for you both, I won''t slack off!" Deville excitedly talked with his mother and sister for a while longer before retiring to bed early. He wanted to conserve his energy and be in peak condition to carry out the Governor''s new orders. Beep beep beep "For the Governor!" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The electronic alarm from his bedside clock startled Deville awake. (End of Chapter) Chapter 35: The Governor’s Speech Chapter 35: Chapter 35: The Governor''s Speech"For the Governor..." Deville silenced the alarm and repeated the phrase once more. He quickly went to the washroom, tidied his light blond hair, and steeled his face with determination. Stepping out of his room and into the dining area, Marti had already prepared breakfast¡ªa small piece of wood-chip bread and some corpse starch. Deville sat down, eating while glancing at an old newspaper beside him. This had been his father''s habit, one he had now picked up. Since the Hive''s newspaper offices had mostly collapsed, new papers were no longer being published. He looked at these old papers merely to remember the better days of the Upper Hive. After finishing his meal, Deville walked to the door, put on his cold, black coat, and fastened his gold lion badge. In that instant, he transformed from a young man into the feared Black Reaper. Nowadays, the Logistics Department held immense power, controlling the distribution of resources in the royal district, with the added authority to collect human protein by force if needed. Even as a low-ranking officer, Deville commanded fear. Marti came over to straighten his collar, reminding him: "Serve the Governor well. Do not bring shame to our family." "I will, Mother!" This ritual had become a routine, a constant reminder to Deville¡ª Loyalty to the Governor must be maintained! Deville hugged his mother briefly before turning and heading out the door. The moment he stepped outside, his expression turned cold, and his steps became firm and resolute. As an administrative officer of the royal district, responsible for protein collection, he could not afford to be merciful. Mercy meant weakness! If the people lost their fear of him, it wouldn''t be long before he was dead. The mobs and cultists would find a way to stick a knife into him! Who could imagine that a cute little girl could hide a dagger, stabbing accurately into a man''s throat? Who could guess that a frail, elderly woman carried a bio-bomb, shooting it out just before detonating it, taking several black-armored soldiers down with her? Deville had seen too many such things, too many colleagues who had perished because of them! That was why he had to be cold, to instill fear! It was the only way to survive. It was the only way to complete his mission. It was the only way to serve the Governor. He had chosen to be the one who fired the first shot, even if it meant mistakes would be made! This was the Hive¡ªtreacherous and dangerous at every corner. The pale sunlight broke through the grey mist, faintly illuminating the swarm of Logistics Department personnel gathering from all directions. They were all equally cold, nodding slightly to each other as they formed into a column. A black tide of people marched in silence toward the headquarters of the Logistics Department. ... Soft sunlight poured into the bedroom, bringing with it a gentle warmth. Eden woke naturally, stretching comfortably. After being attended to by his maids, he washed up and made his way to the dining room, sipping his morning tea while listening to Bayev go over the day''s agenda. The most important task for the morning was to visit the Logistics Department. For the "Emperor''s Ascension Festival" and his subsequent plans, Eden had decided to make some adjustments to the department. All 10,000 members of the Logistics Department had gathered and were waiting for his inspection. Soon, Eden was in his hovercar, escorted by Carter and his guards, on the way to the headquarters of the Logistics Department. The headquarters, located to the left of the spire, was a cold, black building. In front of the building lay a small plaza. In the plaza stood the gathered Logistics Department personnel, lined up neatly, standing rigidly without a hint of slack. The area had been completely sealed off, with security forces from the Logistics Department tightly controlling the surroundings. They had to ensure the Governor''s safety, as any mistakes would be unforgivable. Deville stood near the front of the crowd, his body trembling slightly with excitement. The Governor was about to arrive! Since hearing the news, Deville''s heart had been restless. He took a deep breath, adjusting his breathing, and stood even straighter. He would present himself in the best possible manner to greet the Governor! After waiting for nearly half an hour, the hovercar convoy from the spire finally arrived. The Governor had come. Like everyone else in the Logistics Department, Deville kept his gaze fixed forward, not daring to turn his head or look around carelessly, as this would be seen as disrespectful. Eden leaned back in the hovercar''s seat, looking out at the densely packed crowd. He felt a bit overwhelmed. Uh-oh, his social anxiety was about to kick in. There were just too many people! He regretted not recording a message beforehand and having a mechanical loudspeaker deliver it. The hovercar came to a stop, and Eden stepped out, exchanging a few polite words with the senior officers of the Logistics Department before heading straight to the platform at the front of the plaza. As he ascended the platform, the stirring march of the Urth Rebel Forces began to play, filling everyone with a sense of solemnity. Down below, Deville finally caught sight of the Governor. He wore a magnificent and authoritative dark-gold robe. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His face was young and stern, with noble black hair¡ªhe was their great Governor! So young, yet so capable! Since the rebellion, the Governor had rarely left the spire estate. As a result, many people had never seen him in person. Deville had seen the Governor''s portraits countless times, but this was his first time seeing him in real life. The sight filled him with overwhelming emotion, nearly bringing him to tears. The other young Logistics Department officers around him were equally moved. They had all received the most orthodox loyalty education from the royal district and were the most devoted followers of the Governor! Eden steadied himself on the platform, and the music came to a halt. He looked out over the mass of people below and took a deep breath. At this distance, with so many people, he couldn''t really make out anyone''s face. All he had to do was follow the script and deliver the speech. Thud thud! Eden instinctively tapped the microphone, and his voice echoed through the plaza. "Good morning, everyone..." Thump! As soon as he spoke, the entire plaza responded with a synchronized stomp, the sound of boots striking the ground sending a shockwave through the air. The crowd stood tall and saluted with the Imperial Aquila gesture. The sea of black, the overwhelming reverence, left Eden strangely awestruck. The scene below seemed to inspire the crowd as well, and he could sense their confidence growing. The power of hope was gathering! Eden continued, following the prepared speech. The script had been masterfully crafted by the professional writers of the Department of Internal Affairs, perfectly expressing everything he wanted to convey. And it was incredibly motivational. Even as the speaker, Eden found himself moved. From now on, he would definitely leave his speech-writing to that expert! The speech''s content was simple. In plain language, it was a message to everyone: You''ve worked hard, and the Governor has found a way to solve the problems. Trust the royal district, follow me, and you won''t be let down. To put it even more simply¡ª It was all about painting a picture of a better future. Perhaps because of the loyalty education they had received, or because previous Governors had been too aloof and distant, Eden''s more heartfelt speech left many in the Logistics Department with tears in their eyes. In that moment, the power of hope surged by nearly 3,000 points! (End of Chapter) Chapter 36: The List Chapter 36: Chapter 36: The ListFeeling the surge of hope energy, Eden was satisfied. This was definitely worth it! Taking advantage of the momentum while everyone was still emotionally charged from his earlier speech, Eden decided to strike while the iron was hot and formally announced the new discipline regulations for the Logistics Department. The new rules were strict, reducing some of the department''s powers, including the ability to collect live human protein and the authority to execute obstructers at will. Of course, these restrictions applied only under safe conditions. In cases of emergencies, the personnel of the Logistics Department were still authorized to use any means necessary to protect themselves. Eden wasn''t foolish enough to impose too many restrictions on the Logistics Department. That would be like putting himself in a cage. After all, this was Warhammer 40K, not the peaceful and civilized modern world from his past life. In the grimdark Hive, gangs and the influence of Chaos gods could turn ordinary citizens into violent rioters, murderous machines! Until he had complete control over the situation, harsh measures were necessary. He couldn''t afford to show too much mercy, nor could he naively try to manage things the way he had in his past life. Perhaps, in the future, he could? Eden pondered this thought before concluding his speech with: "May the royal district be with you!" The crowd saluted him with the Imperial Aquila gesture once again, and the plaza fell silent. It felt a little uncomfortable... Having finished his speech and receiving no applause, Eden felt a bit out of place. He made a mental note to arrange for applause at the end of his next speech, just to avoid this awkwardness! As he was about to step down, Bayev quietly approached and whispered: "Governor, you haven''t mentioned the new department yet..." Eden froze for a moment, realizing he had almost forgotten about the new department amidst the whirlwind of recent affairs! Returning to the podium, he announced the creation of a new department. Eden planned to recruit a select group from the Logistics Department to form a new division. These personnel would take on entirely new tasks, and he would personally oversee their training! The moment the announcement was made, the plaza erupted with gasps of surprise. However, the outbursts quickly ceased, as no one dared to disrespect the Governor. Though the crowd remained silent, it was clear that excitement was boiling beneath the surface. Blood was pumping! The fact that the Governor himself would be arranging and training the new department was enough to make the loyal young officers willing to give everything! Deville felt his blood racing, his heart pounding. He desperately wanted to be part of this new department. He yearned to offer his absolute loyalty to the Governor! After announcing the news, Eden stepped back to take a break. The new department required 200 members, and Bayev was responsible for selecting the candidates¡ªpersonnel matters were his specialty. Bayev pulled out a list and began reading the names aloud, sending waves of tension rippling through the crowd. Each person selected was filled with excitement, standing tall and proud. To be chosen for the new department was a sign of excellence and personal recognition from the Governor himself! It was an honor! They couldn''t wait to return home and share the glory with their families. As the list grew shorter, those whose names hadn''t been called grew increasingly anxious. Many silently prayed to the Emperor and swore their allegiance to the Governor, hoping their names would be among those chosen. Deville was no exception, his body tight with anticipation. "By the Emperor, my name must be called. As a descendant of the Rapp family, I cannot bring shame to my lineage!" He had consistently been one of the top performers in the Logistics Department''s internal evaluations. He had full confidence in himself, believing he would catch the Governor''s eye and be selected for the new department. But as the names dwindled and the remaining spots grew fewer, his heart began to sink. Each time a name was about to be called, he held his breath. Deville counted the remaining spots in his head: "197, 198, 199..." When the overseer was about to announce the final name, Deville''s heart was in his throat. He stared intensely at the platform: "Please, let it be me!" "Popov Kadar!" At the sound of the last name, the plump man next to Deville let out an excited "Yes!" before quickly covering his mouth, realizing his slip. He looked like a puffed-up guinea pig trying to hold back its breath. How could it be him? Deville was stunned. Popov, a coward who had always been at the bottom of the evaluations, had somehow been chosen for the new department! Deville had once been on a mission with that coward. When they were attacked by rioters, Popov had been too scared to even fire his weapon, bursting into tears instead! In the end, it was Deville who had resolved the situation, saving Popov''s life. Deville always thought Popov was unworthy of the Governor''s grace. If not for Popov''s father''s significant contributions to the Logistics Department, Popov would have been kicked out long ago. Sensing Deville''s gaze, Popov turned around and smiled at him. At that moment, Deville was struck by another, more troubling realization. The list of 200 names had been read, and his name wasn''t among them. He hadn''t been selected! Popov had made the cut, but he hadn''t been chosen for the Governor''s personally-led new department! A wave of shame washed over Deville. He had brought disgrace to his family! As he stood there in a daze, he suddenly noticed Popov still looking at him! Popov was still smiling! Was that fool mocking him? Deville struggled to suppress his emotions¡ªhe couldn''t afford to do anything undignified. Anger was a sign of weakness! But then he realized that Popov''s mouth was forming the words "Congratulations!" At the same time, Deville noticed his colleagues looking at him with envy in their eyes. What was going on? "¡ªRapp!" The overseer''s voice echoed through the speakers. Hearing his family name, Deville snapped to attention. He quickly realized that he was the only "Rapp" in the Logistics Department, meaning the overseer had just called his name. This meant he had been chosen for the new department, recognized by the Governor! It seemed he had been so nervous that he miscounted the number of names and made a fool of himself. Understanding this, Deville''s emotions felt like they had just been on a rollercoaster, and an overwhelming sense of joy washed over him. He fought to maintain his composure, nodding slightly in acknowledgment to the envious colleagues around him. Though unnoticed, his eyes were already brimming with tears. After reading all the names, Bayev instructed those on the list to remain in place, while the others were dismissed to continue their work for the day. Deville and the other chosen members stood in orderly formation, waiting for their next orders. From a distance, they could see the Governor approaching! As the Governor drew closer, their hearts began to race. "Emmm, I''m so tired. Yep, meetings are definitely the best way to induce sleep..." Eden inwardly groaned, rubbing his forehead to chase away the fatigue. Step by step, he approached Deville and the others... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 37: The Attack Chapter 37: Chapter 37: The AttackEden stopped in his tracks, looking at the spirited young men and women in front of him, nodding in satisfaction. Bayev had indeed done an excellent job, selecting the right talents based on Eden''s criteria: young, loyal, and not too intimidating in appearance. There were many such young people in the royal district. After observing and experiencing the workings of the district these past days, Eden felt somewhat fortunate. Bayev''s earlier purge of the royal district had swept away all opposition, including remnants of the Empire''s loyalists. This had given Eden the freedom to execute his plans without getting bogged down in endless political scheming with opposition factions and noble families. To be honest, the royal district now had too many loyal personnel, and it was nearly impossible to find anyone rebellious. It was as if he could do anything he wanted! Because of this, he dared to carry out such sweeping reforms and bold strategies to gather the power of hope. Snapping out of his thoughts, Eden smiled warmly at the group before him: "From now on, you will be members of the new department. The work ahead will be critical and will require your absolute effort and obedience. Do you understand?" "Yes!" Their voices were loud and resolute! "Good," Eden responded, clearly pleased with their attitude. "Today, wrap up your current tasks, go home early, and get some rest. Tomorrow morning, gather here, and I will assign your new duties." Looking at the young recruits in front of him, he added with approval, "You have been carefully chosen for your talents. You are all impressive, and the royal district will be with you..." "For the Governor!" Deville, overwhelmed with emotion, couldn''t help but respond, his voice slightly trembling as he acknowledged the Governor''s praise. Seeing this, Eden casually patted Deville on the shoulder as a gesture of encouragement: "Don''t be too nervous. We''ll have many opportunities to work together in the future..." "Y-yes, sir!" Deville was so shaken with excitement that he could hardly stand. Eden checked his pocket watch and gave a slight nod to the group before turning to leave under the escort of Carter and his guards. Bayev then took charge, immediately summoning senior officials from the Logistics Department to handle the transfer of duties for the new recruits. From this moment on, the new department members would no longer be responsible for any of the current tasks in the Logistics Department. Instead, they would directly receive orders from the Governor. In essence, their status within the department had now risen to the top tier. They would answer only to the Governor, no longer subject to the commands of other senior officers. Since this was a direct order from the Governor, the Logistics Department''s handling of the matter was impressively swift. In just one morning, the administrative paperwork for the new members was completed, and others were assigned to take over their previous duties. By the afternoon, everything was sorted out, and the new department members were released early to enjoy a rare half-day off. As Deville walked home, he felt as if he were floating on air. He was still basking in the excitement. By the Emperor, he thought, the great Governor himself had patted him on the shoulder! What an honor! "Deville, sir!" He heard a voice calling out to him. From the sound of it, it was the coward, Popov. Deville stopped, turning around with a cold expression: "What is it?" Popov jogged over, his belly bouncing slightly, making him look rather comical: "I was so envious of you just now, getting to interact with the Governor so closely!" "Mm..." Deville felt a bit proud but didn''t show it. "By the Emperor, I''m sure the Governor will remember you..." Once Popov started talking, he just couldn''t stop. But Deville sighed inwardly. If only the Governor had asked for his name. Then he could have proudly announced it and recounted the history and achievements of the Rapp family. In time, the Governor would have known how loyal he and his family truly were! But it didn''t matter; there would be other opportunities. As long as he performed well in the new department, completing the Governor''s tasks and demonstrating his excellence, The Governor would surely remember him¡ªDeville, the outstanding scion of the Rapp family! "Deville¡ª" Popov interrupted Deville''s thoughts: "What do you think the Governor is planning? He''s moved so many resources from the Logistics Department, but we barely have enough to last through next month. And he''s secretly repairing the statue of the Emperor..." "Shut up!" Deville snapped, his voice tense. "Didn''t the overseer already issue a gag order on that? If you let that slip and anyone outside the royal district finds out, you''ll be finished!" Popov clamped his hand over his mouth, his eyes darting nervously around. After seeing no one nearby, he let out a sigh of relief. "I was just curious... Anyway, let''s talk about something else. How do you think the Governor plans to solve the food problem? With the royal district cut off from the lower hives and the outside world, I just can''t figure out how he''ll find new sources of food..." "Are you doubting the Governor?" "No, I''m just asking!" Popov waved his hands frantically, his face turning red with panic: "I would never doubt the Governor..." "Hmph, your big mouth will get you killed one day!" Deville''s expression softened slightly: "Luckily, you''re only saying this in front of me. If the disciplinary officers overheard you, you''d be in serious trouble!" "I only talk like this to you; I keep my mouth shut around everyone else!" Popov mimicked zipping his lips. "We''re practically blood brothers!" "We''re not that close..." Deville gave him a sidelong glance: "I haven''t even thought about the issues you''ve raised. I''m just a small player. There''s so much I don''t know, and I''m in no position to question the Governor, who stands at the pinnacle of Urth." He paused and recited a line from the Emperor''s Book of Wisdom: "Ignorance is a virtue! As executors of his will, all we need to do is follow the Governor''s lead!" Popov lowered his head: "You''re right..." With that, Deville stopped paying much attention to Popov, and soon, the two parted ways. When Deville returned home, his mother Marti informed him that, thanks to the Governor''s efforts, their food rations had been restored to normal levels. This was an unexpected joy. It meant their family could now survive on wood-chip bread and wouldn''t have to rely so much on corpse starch! Deville also shared the day''s events with his mother and sister, telling them that he had gained the Governor''s favor and would soon take on new responsibilities. "You are the pride of the Rapp family!" Marti was filled with pride for her son, and Lilith was just as thrilled. The Rapp family embraced tightly, crying together, feeling as though the hard times were finally coming to an end. ... Afternoon. In the office atop the spire, Eden looked at a report in his hands, feeling a growing sense of unease. According to the report, several residential areas around the Holy Square had been attacked to varying degrees! S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. (End of Chapter) Chapter 38: The Purge? Chapter 38: Chapter 38: The Purge?The attacks on the residential areas were not simple affairs. The unfortunate victims left behind hardly any intact bodies. They were brutally dismembered, with their organs and brains missing! Judging by the evidence at the crime scenes, it appeared to be the work of some beast-like monsters. The residents of the district were now gripped by fear. People were terrified, and despair loomed even heavier over the territory. Eden let out a long sigh, turning to Bayev, who was standing nearby: "Have we found the culprits?" "No, those damned creatures are hiding well!" Bayev shook his head, then continued:"But we do have some leads. Several weeks ago, an agent we planted in the Hoffman family''s territory sent us a report. The same thing happened there. I suspect this attack is related to the ''Broken Eye'' cult that''s been spreading within their lands." Eden fell silent. Five years ago, after the Heretic Rebellion, the upper hive sealed its connections to the outside world. Under Bayev''s leadership, a grand purge was carried out to root out and eliminate the heretics. But as the royal district''s control weakened, the upper hive fractured. It led to the rise of three dominant factions: the royal district, the Hoffman family, and the Gray Wolf gang. Within the royal district, the policy towards cultists was one of zero tolerance. Any faith unrelated to the Emperor was banned. Any sign of disloyalty or blasphemy was met with judgment and immediate execution! But the royal district had no authority beyond its borders. Soon, various heretical cults began to reemerge in the territories of the Hoffman family and the Gray Wolf gang. Gradually, those heretics began infiltrating the royal district''s lands. Fortunately, the royal district had strict control, and the heretics could only spread in the outer areas. However, as the district''s grip loosened further due to the ongoing resource crisis, instability grew. This gave the heretics a chance to infiltrate further. They mingled among the populace, making it nearly impossible to distinguish them. They carried out secret rituals, causing numerous deaths. Several law enforcement and logistics personnel had been killed while carrying out their duties. It was becoming a significant problem for the royal district. What Eden couldn''t have anticipated was that the heretics had infiltrated so close to the Holy Square! If they advanced any further, would they reach the royal district, or even the spire itself? What angered him most was the timing of the heretics'' appearance. There were only a few days left until the "Emperor Ascension Day." If the heretics launched an attack during the ceremony, it would lead to massive chaos. Fear and despair would grip everyone! At that point, all his efforts would be in vain. Eden had invested nearly all of the royal district''s resources into this "Emperor Ascension Day." He couldn''t afford such a failure! He even had reason to suspect that these heretics were brought in by the Holman family. Their goal could be to sabotage the ceremony. As for the Gray Wolf gang? They weren''t clever enough to orchestrate something of this magnitude. The Holman family, on the other hand, was skilled in scheming. They had launched attacks before. This time, they had struck at the heart of the royal district! Eden turned to Bayev, resolute in his decision: "We must cleanse all the heretics from the residential areas around the Holy Square before the ceremony!" Bayev frowned: "Governor, we don''t have the time or manpower to investigate, identify, and eliminate the heretics." "Think again, see if there''s another way..." Eden felt a headache coming on. No matter what, those heretics had to be dealt with. At such a crucial moment, nothing could go wrong! Bayev frowned deeply, then proposed a brutally simple solution: "We could seal off the surrounding residential areas, declare them heretic nests, and carry out a full purge of everyone. It''s the fastest, most efficient way that won''t cause too much unrest." It was undoubtedly the quickest way to solve the problem, and it aligned with the Imperium''s typical approach. It would just require some sacrifices. For the Imperium, sacrifices were nothing new. In fact, the Imperium''s very foundation was built on sacrifice. Tens of thousands of lives? That was insignificant. Even on Urth, the loss of so many lives wouldn''t cause much of a stir. After all, Urth had sacrificed close to a hundred billion lives to pay the Imperium''s Tithes of Eleven! "Governor, this is the best course of action the royal district can take." Bayev spoke earnestly: "If we allow the heretics to continue spreading, not only will the ceremony be ruined, but an even greater disaster will unfold!" In other words, with Eden''s approval, tens of thousands of lives would be sacrificed in the name of the Emperor. For most planetary governors¡ªthose bloated, parasitic leaders¡ªthis decision would be nothing. But for Eden, it was unacceptable. The education he had received could not allow him to make such a choice! S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Those were tens of thousands of lives, real, living people! But if they weren''t swiftly dealt with, more lives would be lost, and all his plans would be for naught. At that moment, Eden truly understood how cheap life was in Warhammer 40K. When Bayev had mentioned before that millions or even billions had died on Urth to pay the Imperial Tithe, Eden hadn''t really felt anything. It was just a story to him then. But now, faced with the decision to sacrifice tens of thousands of lives, the weight of it pressed down on him. Now he could understand a bit of the pain the previous Grant family leaders must have felt. This was truly a dilemma! Bayev, thinking Eden was concerned about the potential fallout from a full-scale purge, confidently added: "Trust in my experience, Governor. I''ve handled many similar situations before. I promise you, the entire purge will be contained, with no impact on the surrounding districts. No one will escape, and no bad news will leak out. In two days, this matter will be completely resolved!" Eden was speechless. Bayev wasn''t wrong¡ªhe did have plenty of experience with purges. But why did he have to look so confident about it? He truly didn''t seem to view people as human beings at all! For a moment, Eden thought that cruel rulers like this truly deserved their grim fates. They could commit the most horrific acts without a second thought. With a ruthless man like Bayev at his side, anyone who didn''t know better might think Eden himself was the villain of the story! Eden couldn''t shake the feeling that if Bayev ever fell to Chaos, he''d be a significant figure. Bayev, with a posture of service and concern, asked: "Governor, what do you think?" What did he think? Was he really supposed to agree to a plan that would wipe out tens of thousands of innocent people? Even taking a step back, these people couldn''t be allowed to die. They were his resource¡ªhis precious fuel! Eden wanted to explode with frustration, to tell Bayev to get out, but he restrained himself. After all, Bayev was just an executor, a loyal administrator. No matter how cruel his actions, the ultimate responsibility would fall on him, the planetary governor. Or rather, on Eden Grant. Eden had only been in this world for a short time; there was no way he was taking the blame for this. On the contrary, he was here to clean up the mess left behind by the original Grant and bring order to this chaotic situation! The question remained: If he rejected Bayev''s proposal, was there another solution? (End of Chapter) Chapter 39: The Experiment, A Great Creation! Chapter 39: Chapter 39: The Experiment, A Great Creation!"Leave me. Let me think this through..." Eden closed his eyes, struggling with the weight of the decision. "Yes, Governor." Bayev bowed slightly and exited the room. Eden walked out onto the spire''s balcony. The setting sun cast its golden light over him, outlining his figure with a warm glow. Below him, millions of citizens bustled about, people who owed their allegiance to the governor. The crushing responsibility weighed heavily on him, making him feel exhausted. Gazing out at the horizon, Eden murmured to himself: "I''ll find a better way. I have to!" ... Evening. Hoffman Family Territory. Screech¡ª The sharp sound of metal scraping to a halt echoed as a makeshift lift descended to the lowest level. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Polished black boots stepped off the lift, and Yusef Hoffman emerged, exuding the grace of a gentleman. He was the current head of the Hoffman family and ruler of this territory. Before him was a vast, enclosed laboratory. The lighting was dim, casting a crimson hue over the dried bloodstains and scattered chunks of flesh on the floor. Yusef wrinkled his nose and instinctively sidestepped the filth on the ground. How could these lowlifes not keep the place clean? "Lord Hoffman!" A researcher clad in a crimson lab coat, with disheveled hair, hurried over to greet him. "How is the experiment progressing?" Yusef inquired, taking a cautious step back. The researcher eagerly flipped through his notes: "Based on the data we collected last time, our research has made significant progress. We''ll soon be able to create a new batch of completed specimens!" Yusef nodded in satisfaction. A few days ago, he had sent a batch of test subjects toward the royal district for field trials. The data obtained from those trials was precisely what he needed. His gaze shifted to the massive cultivation area, where rows of towering cylindrical glass vats contained terrifyingly grotesque creations suspended in liquid. These monstrosities were weapons Hoffman had developed to deal with the imperial guards. With that thought in mind, Yusef walked past the vats and arrived at the far end of the cultivation zone. Here stood a vat far larger than the others¡ªaround ten meters tall¡ªwith a broken eye symbol emblazoned on its glass. Yusef stared at the vat with fervent admiration; this was the true masterpiece. This was the foundation of his plan to seize control of the planet! Through the glass, one could see a grotesque, flesh-like mass. Upon closer inspection, it became apparent that this was an abomination resembling a pregnant woman. Her skin had been peeled away, her flesh intertwined in a horrifying mess. Her abdomen had ballooned to an obscene size, resembling a monstrous mass covered in countless eyes. Despite the bloated horror that was her belly, the woman''s upper body and legs remained relatively normal in size. Yet, she was still alive, silently screaming in agony within the liquid! When her gaze fell upon those standing outside the vat, particularly Yusef, her eyes pleaded desperately for release. She longed for death, hoping for the end of her unbearable torment. Yusef''s eyes watered as he looked at her. She was his sister¡ªhis blood relative! Avoiding her pleading gaze, he nodded to the researcher. The researcher moved to a control panel and pressed a green button. Instantly, the lab hummed to life, and the dark red lights flickered. Machinery at the base of the massive vat began pumping a variety of liquids into the woman''s body through intricate tubes. The process caused the woman unspeakable pain. Her silent screams seemed to form a tangible force within the liquid. Her grotesque, eye-covered abdomen, several meters in diameter, began pulsing like a giant heart. Yusef watched the horrific sight with maniacal tears streaming down his face. Life was being created there! Only through the most extreme suffering and despair could such a great creation come to life! A mechanical arm inserted a syringe into the flesh mass, extracting a small amount of liquid from within. The syringe then deposited the liquid into a sealed test tube. The mysterious liquid inside the tube emitted a mesmerizing blue glow. Yusef observed the liquid from a distance, his posture cautious. These substances would be his "gift" to Eden Grant, that fool in the royal district. "You, test its effects." Yusef ordered a young researcher to experiment with the liquid inside the test tube. The young researcher trembled with fear but obeyed nonetheless. Defying orders in this place was a fate worse than death¡ªmany had already proven that. The researcher shakily entered the sealed glass chamber. The moment he stepped inside, the chamber locked behind him. He turned toward Yusef and the others, as if wanting to say something, but seeing the lord''s expression, he remained silent. The young researcher, trembling, drew the glowing blue liquid from the test tube into a syringe and injected it into a rat inside a glass box. Upon receiving the injection, the rat began violently convulsing, its body grotesquely mutating. It grew to the size of a small dog, sprouting several pitch-black eyes. Its teeth and claws elongated into sharp, deadly weapons! The mutated rat thrashed about violently, slamming against the sides of the glass box, which began to crack under the force. Seeing this, the young researcher was overwhelmed with terror. He rushed to the glass door of the chamber, banging on it, pleading to be let out. But no one outside paid him any attention; Yusef and the others merely watched. Realizing there was no escape, the young researcher turned around, leaning against the glass wall, and faced the monstrous rat. The cracks in the glass box grew wider; it wouldn''t hold much longer! If that cursed rat broke free, it would tear him apart! He was drowning in helplessness. Thud thud thud. The glass wall behind him shook slightly. The young researcher turned around and saw Lord Yusef standing on the other side of the glass, watching him. Yusef, maintaining his gentlemanly smile, raised a hand and pointed to the other side of the chamber, gesturing for the researcher to look there. Following his direction, the researcher spotted an Imperial-issue rapid-fire autogun mounted on the wall. Realizing the situation, the researcher sprinted over, grabbing the gun. It became clear: this experiment had two test subjects¡ªthe rat and himself! If he didn''t kill that abomination, he was dead for sure! Taking a deep breath, he cocked the gun and aimed it at the glass box. Hiss¡ª With a screech, the monstrous rat shattered the glass box. Tatatatata! Before it could fully emerge, the rat was engulfed in a hail of bullets from the rapid-fire autogun! The mutated rat struggled, trying to escape, but the barrage of bullets forced it back, blood spraying from its wounds. The relentless fire pushed it into a corner, where its body exploded into chunks of gore. The young researcher kept firing until the gun clicked empty. He looked at the mangled, motionless body of the rat, finally feeling a bit of relief. But then, without warning, the mutated rat sprang back to life, leaping onto him and tearing into his flesh. "Ahhh!" The young researcher screamed in agony, utterly powerless as the beast ripped him apart. "Mommy..." Those were his last words before he died. Yusef, standing outside the glass wall, watched the scene unfold with satisfaction. The experiment was a success. Inside the chamber, the mutated rat devoured the researcher''s body, leaving nothing but bones behind. Yet it remained ravenous, still craving flesh! The abomination turned its gaze to Yusef, flinging itself at the glass wall in a frenzy. Thud! It smashed into the glass and was thrown back. But it immediately got up and lunged again, only to be repelled once more. Outside the chamber, Yusef calmly watched the creature, which seemed tireless, repeatedly ramming into the glass until it was covered in its own blood. Just as he was about to leave, something caught his attention: a small crack had appeared in the glass. Hmm? The mutated rat slammed into the glass again. Crack! The entire glass wall splintered. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 40: Yusef’s Gift Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Yusef¡¯s GiftAs the glass wall began to crack, the researchers around Yusef were filled with fear and instinctively stepped back. However, Yusef stood calmly, watching the mutated rat with interest. The creature shook its head and let out a furious screech before launching itself once more at the already fragile glass wall. Crash! sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The mutated rat smashed through the glass, carrying shards with it like deadly projectiles, flying straight toward Yusef at high speed. Buzz¡ª The rat and shards seemed to collide with an invisible wall, bouncing back even faster than before, slamming violently into the opposite glass wall. The creature lay on the ground, almost completely immobilized. It had hit Yusef''s personal miniature force field. As a noble lord, Yusef always carried a miniature force field generator with him. He lowered his mechanized arm, which had been raised in defense, and the humming of the force field dissipated. That mechanical arm was, in fact, a miniature force field converter, always protecting him. This device was a crude imitation of the Empire''s powerful force field generator known as the "Rosary Beads," but it worked well enough. Hiss¡ª The mutated rat screeched once again as it struggled back to its feet. Its tenacity excited Yusef even more. What a terrifying weapon! The mutated creature lunged once again, but this time it seemed to be held back by some unseen force. It struggled violently, but its movements soon slowed, and it collapsed, unmoving. "You''ve arrived..." Yusef said calmly, turning toward the figure in a black robe who had just entered the room. The figure''s forehead bore a blue symbol of the "Broken Eye" cult, and his face was marred with scars. His eyes glowed faintly with blue light. It was he who had subdued the mutated rat. The blue light in the robed figure''s eyes faded, and he knelt before Yusef. "My lord, your devoted servant greets you." Yusef was plotting a grand scheme, and this black-robed man was a key part of that plan. For years, Yusef had been preparing for the day when his ambitions would come to fruition. I am born to rule! As the fourteenth son of the Hoffman family, born out of wedlock, Yusef possessed knowledge and wisdom beyond ordinary men. He was a master strategist, driven by boundless ambition. He had navigated the treacherous politics of the noble houses, orchestrating countless schemes and conspiracies to defeat his elder brothers and become the sole heir of the family. His father had high hopes for him, believing Yusef could lead the family to new heights, fulfilling the centuries-old dream of the Hoffman family. To that end, his father poured all the family''s resources into his training, grooming Yusef for greatness. But everyone underestimated Yusef''s ambition. One night, Yusef personally drove a poisoned dagger into his father''s heart. Only then did his father realize how impatient and ambitious his heir truly was. "Take that seat!" his father gasped, his eyes wide, gripping Yusef''s hand with his final breath. With tears streaming down his face, Yusef agreed to his father''s dying wish. And so, Yusef became the head of the Hoffman family. What followed was a brutal purge of dissenters and the placement of loyal followers in key positions, securing his control over the family. With this newfound power, Yusef could finally pursue his true goal¡ªthe centuries-old dream of his family: revenge against the Grant family and the ascension to the position of planetary governor! The Hoffman family had long coveted that seat. It was rightfully theirs! The Hoffman family had taken root on Urth long ago, growing into a powerful noble house. However, at that time, they were still subservient to the ruling Red-Eye King of the Gangar Dynasty. The Hoffman served the Red-Eye King loyally, paying their exorbitant taxes on time. But no one wants to be a servant forever. In secret, they amassed power, waiting for their chance to rule. That chance came over three thousand years ago, when the Empire arrived. The Red-Eye King, mad with power, refused the Empire''s offer of peaceful submission, killing the Empire''s envoy and even firing upon their ships. Within a day, the Empire''s mighty fleet surrounded Urth, drop pods raining down like meteors. From the pods emerged warriors clad in crimson power armor¡ªSpace Marines. They obliterated the Red-Eye King for his defiance, reducing him to ashes, and hunted down every last trace of his bloodline. Seizing the opportunity, the Hoffman family pledged loyalty to the Empire, emptying their stores to supply the Imperial fleet. They hosted grand feasts to honor the Empire''s officials, swearing fealty to the Emperor and agreeing to pay the eleven-tax. Impressed by their loyalty, the Empire''s officials promised to grant them the position of planetary governor. The Hoffman family was overjoyed. After centuries of plotting, they were finally about to achieve their dream! But just as they were preparing to celebrate and plan the coronation ceremony, disaster struck. The Grant family¡ªoutsiders from another planet¡ªbribed the Empire''s officials and stole the position of planetary governor! "Thieving scum!" The Hoffman family''s patriarch, upon hearing the news, was so enraged that he vomited blood and died on the spot. Soon after, the Grant family moved in, taking control of Urth as the new planetary governors. Furious, the Hoffman family rallied other noble houses, raised private armies, and incited the populace to rebel. But the Grant family was too powerful, crushing the rebellion in a bloody crackdown. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, the Hoffman family did what they always did best. They became the first to surrender. After executing a few scapegoats, the new Hoffman patriarch knelt at the gates of the Grant family''s palace, begging for mercy and swearing eternal loyalty to the Grants. And so, the Hoffman family was forgiven, once again becoming vassals, serving their new rulers. Three thousand years passed. The world had changed, and most people had forgotten that bitter history. But the children of the Hoffman family had not forgotten. Their family creed commanded them to remember the shame of the past! Whenever Yusef recalled these events, he burned with rage and humiliation. That was why, after securing control of his family, he had begun planning for revenge. He was even willing to use forbidden powers. Though recent years had brought chaos¡ªthe brutal eleven-tax, warp storms, Hive undercity mutations, and the heretic rebellion¡ªYusef had never forgotten his desire for vengeance. He seized the opportunity when the Grant family was at its weakest, striking a blow that nearly destroyed them. For the first time in thousands of years, the Holman family was free. Yusef had held off the Grant family''s retaliation, taking control of a third of the Upper Hive. He believed that, with his intelligence and cunning, he would be the one to end his family''s centuries of shame! He would destroy the Grant family and take the title of planetary governor. Once he held that power, he would reclaim the lost Hive cities and restore Urth to its rightful path! Now, all he had to do was follow the timeline and advance his plan step by step. Yusef looked down at the kneeling black-robed man. "Have you delivered the gift to Eden Grant yet?" (End of Chapter) Chapter 41: Nightfall Approaches Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Nightfall ApproachesFaced with his master Yusef''s inquiry, the black-robed figure nodded slightly: "The believers have successfully infiltrated the residential areas of the Holy Square. All fifteen vials of Chaos Essence have been placed!" The blue liquid, just injected into the Gray Rat, causing its mutation, was none other than Chaos Essence. It possesses an incredibly terrifying corruptive power, capable of turning any creature it touches into a horrific Chaos monster. Yusef had expended vast resources to refine those fifteen vials of Chaos Essence. These were his gifts to Eden Grant and the Royal District. Once these "gifts" are unleashed, they will bring immense suffering to the Royal District! In fact, Yusef had been closely monitoring the situation in the Royal District, fully aware of Eden Grant''s uselessness despite his noble bloodline. However, lately, Yusef had found himself unable to fully grasp Eden''s actions. To be precise, since the failed assassination attempt Yusef had meticulously planned over five years, Eden had become unpredictable. Yusef had activated a sleeper agent who had been hidden for decades ¡ª Eden''s personal maid. The maid, using the most secretive means, performed a sinister ritual, intending to fully corrupt Eden. The ritual had indeed succeeded. Yet, Eden had somehow survived, an unbelievable outcome. How did he resist the corruption of Chaos? Afterward, Eden''s behavior became erratic and completely irrational. Amid the internal and external turmoil of the Royal District, he squandered enormous manpower and resources organizing the Emperor Ascension Festival. What kind of foolishness is this? Regardless, Yusef was determined to seize this opportunity. To deliver a devastating blow to the Royal District, plunging it into panic and chaos. The plan was proceeding smoothly. At present, the believers of the "Broken Eye" cult, carrying those terrifying vials of Chaos Essence, had infiltrated the residential areas near the Holy Square. Tens of thousands of citizens lived there, and with the current strength of the Royal District, it was impossible to search them all. If the Royal District failed to deal with the believers and the Chaos Essence in time, then on the day of the Emperor Ascension Festival, the loyal followers would unleash the Chaos Essence into the crowds, creating countless Chaos monsters. It would be a horrific celebration of suffering! Chaos creatures would rampage through the densely packed crowds, slaughtering in front of the Holy Emperor''s statue. It would be the ultimate desecration. The bloodshed and suffering would give rise to even more terrifying Chaos creatures. Even if the Royal District managed to resolve the disaster, the losses would be catastrophic. Of course, the Royal District had another option, which was to preemptively purge the residential areas. Yusef knew that the Royal District''s High Commandant, Bayev, would certainly propose this swift and decisive solution. The Iron-blooded Commandant was well-versed in such matters. But it didn''t matter. If the Royal District initiated the purge, the believers would unleash the Chaos Essence during the cleansing. Chaos monsters would then rampage through the residential areas. The tens of thousands of citizens would become fuel, equally capable of giving rise to powerful Chaos creatures. Yusef had already made preparations to spread the word that the Royal District had ordered the slaughter of innocent residents. A Chaos attack, combined with a massacre ordered by the governor, would plunge the Royal District into a cloud of fear and despair. It would strip Eden Grant of all authority and prestige. This was Yusef''s plan. No matter how the Royal District reacted, it would play into his hands. When the believers successfully evaded the enforcers and smuggled the Chaos Essence into the residential areas, it marked the beginning of the Royal District''s downfall. Yusef could already envision Eden''s distressed expression. He silently mocked the useless governor, imagining him terrified. However, Eden was unaware that an even greater disaster was looming! Yusef could hardly wait to see the Royal District fall and the governor kneel before him, begging for mercy. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And he¡ªYusef¡ªwould be crowned as king! He would become the new and supreme ruler of Urth! ... In the administrative residential area: The Rapp family was saying their prayers before dinner, giving thanks to the Holy Emperor and the governor for the food they were provided. Ever since the governor had announced the restoration of food rations, they no longer had to rely on corpse starch as their primary food source. Deville looked at his smiling mother and sister, his heart filled with hope. "Tomorrow will be better!" The same was true for many others in the nearby residential areas. Hope had returned to their eyes. Food rations had been restored, almost twice the previous amount. Though it was still not enough to fully satisfy their hunger, at least they no longer feared starvation. People talked about the governor''s mercy. There were rumors that the governor had found an endless supply of sawdust bread, and everyone could eat their fill! Others whispered that they had noticed a subtle change in the Holy Emperor''s statue. Surely, it was a sign of divine intervention! Some of these rumors had been spread by Eden''s orders, while others were the people''s own imaginations. Overall, things seemed to be improving. There was a flicker of hope in people''s hearts, a glimmer of anticipation for a better future. But they didn''t realize that all of this was an illusion. So fragile. It could not withstand any significant blow. Now, as darkness approached, shadows flitted through the corners of the residential area. Occasionally, a faint blue glow would flash. It was an otherworldly and sinister light. That was the Chaos Essence, a terrifying substance capable of bringing immense suffering. The cultists were on high alert, ready to unleash these powerful forces the moment the purge began. Perhaps tonight, everyone in this place would face death, with no survivors. ... Outside the governor''s office atop the spire: Bayev waited patiently. He had already assembled the armed forces of the Royal District and had drawn up the plans for a full-scale purge. The sacrifice of tens of thousands in exchange for the safety of the Royal District was undoubtedly worthwhile. Now, all that remained was the governor''s decision. Inside the office, Eden watched the sun set completely, and he made his final decision. He couldn''t do it. He couldn''t order the purge, he couldn''t sacrifice so many lives! If he gave the order to slaughter so many, it would undoubtedly betray his principles. It would be a betrayal of what he represented in the warp. Because Eden Grant stood for hope! He had already felt it, the flickering sparks of hope coming from the residential area. These hopes gathered together, flowing into the psychic core. There were now fifty thousand units of hope. The power of the small sun had been further restored! Those devout citizens, offering their hope as sustenance, were also saving themselves. For their governor had found a way to resolve this! Eden gazed toward the distant statue of the Holy Emperor, closed his eyes, and connected his consciousness to the psychic core hidden within the statue''s head. As his awareness merged with the core: Hummmmm¡ª A vast psychic wave spread out, enveloping all the residential areas surrounding the Holy Square! (End of Chapter) Chapter 42: Found It! Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Found It!In a state of psychic sensing, Eden overlooked the six or seven residential areas surrounding the Holy Square. The size of these areas varied. The one closest to the Holy Square was the administrative residential area, filled mostly with crowded apartment buildings with small activity spaces between them. Further out were several towering, multi-story complexes, each one like a self-contained world. Space was incredibly scarce here, with structures packed tightly together. Like stacked shipping containers, these buildings were divided into cramped single rooms, resembling windowless cages. On the outskirts was a sprawling shantytown, where most homes were made from dilapidated materials, with some being nothing more than simple metal shacks, barely providing shelter. These shantytown structures were arranged in a chaotic and tangled fashion, dim and narrow, forming an almost labyrinthine maze. Each of these residential areas had its own unique and highly complex ecosystem, filled with countless hidden and dark spaces. Conducting a thorough search of these areas would be extremely difficult. However, for the current Eden, such a task was no longer impossible. Now endowed with divine-like power, his psychic senses could easily cover all the residential areas that needed to be searched. In this state, the power of hope was being consumed rapidly. But that wasn''t enough¡ªhe needed a clearer and more precise reading. Gritting his teeth, Eden increased the depth of his psychic scanning, completely enveloping the residential areas with his psychic awareness. With such a deep level of psychic sensing, he could even "see" the tiniest of insects within the residential areas. Everything within the range of his psychic perception was now under his observation! However, this also meant that the amount of information flooding his brain increased exponentially. A massive surge of data poured into Eden''s mind, nearly overwhelming him! A sharp pain struck, causing him to grunt, almost breaking his connection with the psychic core. Yet Eden held on and successfully obtained the information he was seeking. He found the cultists! There were dozens of them, hidden throughout the residential areas, disguised as ordinary residents. Eden quickly locked onto the exact location of each cultist and marked them. At the same time, he sensed an even more terrifying and malicious presence, chilling to the core. It was something no living person could emit. It was the pure evil of Chaos! These forces were stored in a dozen glass vials, emitting a faint blue glow. Eden finally understood: this was the enemy''s true weapon. Although he still didn''t know what these vials were for, he had a premonition that if they were unleashed, something truly horrifying would happen! To prevent any accidents, Eden carefully marked the locations of these vile glass containers. Just as he finished marking them, his consciousness began to withdraw, and the feeling of omniscience vanished! Immediately after, his awareness snapped back into his body, hitting him like a hammer. Eden''s consciousness returned to his physical form, his face pale, and he could barely stand. This was the result of overusing his power¡ªhe had completely drained the fifty thousand units of hope. However, he was already accustomed to this feeling. "Once the power of the small sun recovers further, perhaps this won''t happen anymore..." Eden steadied himself, walking into his office and collapsing onto the governor''s throne. He was exhausted and desperately wanted to rest, but he couldn''t. He had to quickly record the information he had just gathered. Taking a deep breath, he picked up his datapad and began carefully marking positions on the three-dimensional map of the residential areas. Before long, Eden called Bayev into the room. "Governor, we''re ready. We can carry out your orders at any time." Bayev believed that the Royal District had no other option. The governor would surely order a full-scale purge. But he was wrong. Eden handed the datapad to Bayev, giving his command: "The map contains the exact locations of all the cultists. Fifteen of them are carrying terrifying Chaos bio-weapons. You must not give them any chance to release those horrors!" Bayev examined the data on the map. It was so detailed and precise, even tracking the cultists'' movements! He glanced at Eden instinctively, realizing how terrifying this power was. This was something no ordinary mortal could achieve! "Do you have any questions?" Bayev quickly shook his head. "No, with this map, everything is clear." It didn''t matter what kind of power the governor had used. Whether it was the power of the Holy Emperor, some mysterious sorcery, or a deal with Chaos¡ªit was not for Bayev, as a servant, to pry into. Unless his master willingly disclosed such secrets. His family''s teachings had etched this iron rule into his instincts¡ªnever overstep. This was a lesson written in blood. The previous steward''s family had been sent to the underhive for such transgressions, and if any of their bloodline still lived, they would be scrounging for scraps in toxic waste dumps. The Cotton family, to which Bayev belonged, had endured for nearly two thousand years, serving the Grant family without faltering because they knew how to learn from history. Eden was pleased with Bayev''s sense of boundaries and continued explaining the key points of the map. He gave one final instruction: "The safety of the residential areas is in your hands. Minimize casualties as much as possible!" "Yes, I will manage the situation and ensure the safety of the people!" Bayev promised. The governor had already provided him with more than enough help. With such detailed information, if Bayev still couldn''t resolve the issue, then his role as steward would be worthless. Despite the looming crisis, Bayev was more concerned about the governor''s health. After all, for the Royal District, the governor''s noble bloodline was of paramount importance. He looked at Eden, worried. The governor seemed even more weakened than before¡ªwas this the backlash of some power? "Governor, I believe you should rest. Leave the rest to me. I will handle everything," Bayev said firmly. The only thing he could do now was manage the situation and ease the governor''s burdens. "Alright, go and take care of it..." Eden nodded, fully delegating the task to Bayev. From this point on, it was up to the steward to handle the matter¡ªafter all, Bayev had more experience in these matters. Eden firmly believed that professional matters should be handled by professionals. As governor, his role was simply to decide who would do the job. He pressed the summon bell on his desk, calling for the head maid, Linda. He could no longer hold out¡ªhe needed rest. When Linda arrived and saw the governor''s pale face, she was immediately alarmed. "Governor, are you...?" Eden interrupted her: "I''m going to rest now. If there''s an emergency, you must wake me immediately." With that, the exhaustion he could no longer suppress overtook him, and he collapsed into Linda''s arms, fast asleep. Linda was nearly frightened to death. But after confirming that the governor''s vital signs were normal and that he was indeed just asleep, she breathed a sigh of relief. She summoned the maids to carry the governor to bed to rest. As Eden slept, Bayev hurriedly made his way to the war room in the Department of Military Affairs. It was going to be a long night! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 43: Cleansing Operation Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Cleansing OperationAs night fell, Bayev had completed all the battle plans. This assault would be a joint operation involving the Imperial Guard, Enforcers, and Defense Forces. Their objective was to carry out a precise sweep of the residential areas surrounding the Holy Square, ensuring the successful execution of the "Emperor Ascension Festival." S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The targets of the cleansing operation were all clearly marked. The most important targets were the cultists carrying Chaos bio-weapons. The Imperial Guard would be responsible for executing them. The rest of the cultists would be handled by the Defense Forces, led by Arye. Meanwhile, the Enforcers, commanded by Kaes, were tasked with dealing with minor threats like murderers, street thugs, and those involved in heretical rituals. That''s right¡ªwhile Eden was using his psychic senses to locate the cultists of the "Broken Eye" cult, he also identified other potential threats and marked them. This filled Bayev with admiration and deep fear. What a terrifying and omniscient power. He was confident that after this operation, these residential areas would become some of the safest places in the upper hive¡ªthough, of course, only temporarily. Who knew what new horrors might emerge in the future? Once the tasks were assigned, Carter, Arye, and Kaes each left the war room of the Department of Military Affairs. They would lead their respective teams, equipped with special gear, into the night''s battle. The square in front of the Department of Military Affairs was brightly lit. Fifty-five members of the Imperial Guard, five hundred elite Defense Forces, and one thousand Enforcers had assembled. "One-Eye, how''s it going?" Kaes had finished organizing his troops and approached Arye. Arye handed the datapad to Kaes: "Here, these are the scumbags we need to take down. They''re a bunch of bloodthirsty cultists!" He grinned menacingly. "You handle the strategy, but save the toughest ones for me¡ªI can''t wait to blow those bastards to pieces!" Cultists were universally despised no matter where they were in the hive. They were dangerous and utterly vile. They liked to abduct women and children, torturing and mutilating their bodies. No one knew what kind of horrific rituals they conducted with the bodies, or what sort of demons they summoned. To Arye, cultists were the most disgusting creatures in existence, even more despicable than greenskin grot pests! The best way to deal with cultists was to blow their heads off and then shove an incendiary grenade down their throats, sending them straight to hell! Not far away, the Enforcer squads stood ready. The marshals wore thick body armor and helmets. They operated in teams of six, armed with door breachers, automatic rifles, riot shields, and steel batons. Claudi, the Inspector, was nervously assigning tasks to his squad leaders. This was his first major operation since taking the position. It was said to be personally commanded by the governor, so he could not afford to make any mistakes! Otherwise, the vultures eyeing his position would certainly seize the opportunity to take his job! "Don''t let a single criminal from the list escape, or you and your worthless crew will be patrolling the streets for the rest of your lives!" Claudi shouted at his squad leaders. The squad leaders, in turn, repeated these words to their enforcer patrols. Under the pressure from their superiors, the patrol officers understood the gravity of this operation. They had to give it their all¡ªthere could be no mistakes. Failure could mean losing their jobs! While the other teams in the square were noisily exchanging orders and finalizing strategies, Carter and the fifty-five Imperial Guardsmen silently prepared their weapons. They were the most elite soldiers of the Royal District, and each of their targets had already been deeply imprinted in their minds. In this cleansing operation, they bore the heaviest responsibility, carrying the full weight of the governor''s hopes. Regardless of whether the other squads succeeded, if they failed, everything would be ruined! As night deepened, all teams donned their night-vision goggles. They boarded their respective vehicles and set off toward their designated targets. From above, the teams spread out across the residential areas, moving under the cover of darkness. Once the teams reached their positions, they waited quietly for the command to attack. In the war room of the Department of Military Affairs, Bayev watched the holographic map of the residential areas around the Holy Square, as red dots representing each team arrived at their designated locations. To avoid alerting the cultists and prompting them to release their terrifying Chaos bio-weapons, no one was allowed to act on their own. They had to wait for the Imperial Guard to begin their assault before starting their own tasks. The Imperial Guard''s plan was simple. Each group of three would reach their designated locations and simultaneously strike the targeted cultists. The operational guideline was clear: execute the cultists and prevent the release of the Chaos bio-weapons! Bayev anxiously watched the red dots representing the Imperial Guard as they reached their targets. In five minutes, they would launch their attack. "May the Holy Emperor protect us," he muttered as he glanced at the clock. The plans had been set, and the personnel were in position. All he could do now was wait. ... Drek Residential Complex, C31 Area, 13th floor. The area was a sprawling maze of crisscrossing corridors, and this single floor housed nearly ten thousand people. It was now late into the night, and the exhausted workers had all fallen into a deep sleep. The entire place was silent, not even a rat in sight. There simply wasn''t enough food to support any other small creatures. Of course, there were occasional gunshots and screams. Some poor soul or family had likely met a tragic end. But no one dared to investigate or offer help. Recently, the security in the Drek Residential Complex had worsened, with robberies and murders becoming more frequent. Even the Enforcers were reluctant to patrol the area. However, the corpse retrieval teams from the logistics department were always quick to arrive. If they were a moment too late, the valuable bodies would vanish without a trace. In short, no one dared to meddle in others'' misfortunes in these times. Everyone locked their doors tightly and prayed for their own safety. In a rusted corner of the corridor, under the sickly green glow of a dim emergency light, the screams continued. They came from a young factory worker, being assaulted by a thug. She cried for help, but no one responded. All the doors around her were tightly locked. "Shut up, you filthy wench!" The thug raised his fist and struck her, causing her head to bleed. Pain and fear nearly suffocated her, leaving her too terrified to resist. "Someone, please save me!" Tears streamed down her face as she silently begged. She thought of the governor. Her coworkers had said that the great governor had been chosen and blessed by the Holy Emperor earlier that day. He would come to save them all! "Holy Emperor, Governor... anyone, please save me..." the factory worker whimpered in despair. The thug sneered, landing another punch: "Another delusional idiot. Do you really think those high-and-mighty nobles care if you live or die? If you serve me well, maybe I''ll spare your life! Understand, you worthless scum?!" Another punch came down, and the factory worker could no longer speak. The thug seemed to enjoy it, raising his fist once more. The factory worker no longer had the strength to shield herself. She closed her eyes in complete hopelessness. Thud! The expected punch didn''t land, and she opened her eyes. She saw a dagger lodged in the thug''s throat! (End of Chapter) Chapter 44: The Unspeakable Ritual Chapter 44: Chapter 44: The Unspeakable RitualUgh¡ª The thug''s fist went limp. The dagger had pierced his windpipe with precision! He clutched his neck, gasping for air like a broken bellows, emitting a faint hissing sound. Soon, the thug collapsed. The factory worker saw the man standing behind the thug. He was dressed in a shabby work uniform but looked energetic. "Are you alright? Can you stand?" His voice was gentle as he extended his hand toward her. The factory worker grabbed his hand and managed to stand up. The pain made it difficult for her to keep her balance, and she almost leaned completely into his arms. "Thank you!" She wiped away her tears. "My name is Marei, and I''m glad I found you in time, or it could''ve been dangerous." "Marei... I don''t even know how to thank you... Oh, I... I''m Arila..." The factory worker, Arila, stammered, still in shock. "The beautiful Miss Arila, it was the least I could do." It was the first time Arila had ever been addressed like that. She had always felt invisible. Her coworkers constantly got her name wrong. And the factory overseer would always shout at her, "Hey! You! Useless!" Ever since her parents had worked themselves to death at the factory, no one had shown her any care. Perhaps one day she would die, and no one would even notice she was gone. But today, Arila once again felt the warmth of being cared for. She looked at Marei, seeing him as so gentlemanly, so kind. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Especially those blue eyes¡ªthey seemed to exude trustworthiness. "Where''s your home? I can take you back," he offered. "I really don''t know how to thank you! I live in the C43 area, Room 502..." Marei frowned slightly. "C43 is quite a distance from here, and your injuries shouldn''t be left untreated for long. I live nearby. Let me take you to my place to patch you up." Arila instinctively wanted to refuse, but looking into Marei''s eyes, she found herself nodding without even thinking. "Alright... Thank you!" Going to his place for some first aid sounded like a good idea. If she didn''t treat her injuries soon and they worsened, it could affect her work tomorrow, which would be a disaster! She couldn''t afford to lose her job¡ªor she''d starve to death! "Hold on a bit longer, we''ll be there soon." Marei supported Arila as they left the area and headed toward his place. Behind them, the thug lay on the ground, clutching his neck and struggling. He gasped in barely audible words. "Help... me... someone, please save me!" But no one could hear his cries for help. His breath grew more labored as he realized he was close to death. Fear and regret washed over him. Holy Emperor, Governor, someone, please save me! He watched Marei and Arila walk away before his body went limp, and he lost all signs of life. He was dead. Arila followed Marei through the winding corridors of the complex, until they finally reached the entrance of a communal dormitory. For some reason, she smelled a foul stench and felt a sense of unease. "It stinks!" Marei covered his nose in disgust. "Those filthy people never wash themselves, they stink like corpses!" He looked at Arila apologetically. "Bear with it. Once I''ve bandaged you up, I''ll take you home right away." "Okay." Arila agreed and followed him inside. As soon as she stepped through the door, a strange fragrance filled the air, and she heard the door lock click shut behind her. The room ahead was pitch black, and she couldn''t see a thing. For some reason, a strong sense of unease crept over her, making her hair stand on end! In the darkness, Marei''s voice cut through the tension, calming her. "Don''t be afraid. All my roommates are on night shifts. It''s just the two of us here..." Arila''s heart settled down again. Marei had saved her. She believed this gentle man wouldn''t harm her. "Wait here for a moment, I''ll get a lamp," Marei said, letting go of her hand and disappearing into the darkness. There hadn''t been any electricity in this complex for ages, and the only light came from the faint glow of the emergency strips in the building''s corridors. So there was no chance of having electricity, let alone a lamp, inside this place. Light was a luxury only available in the Royal District or the residences of government officials. Even a lamp was considered a rare luxury. Just as Arila began to wonder how Marei could afford such a precious item, he returned with the lamp. Marei''s shadow approached, and he kindly reminded her: "Close your eyes first, and then slowly open them so the light won''t hurt your eyes." Hearing this, Arila quickly closed her eyes. "Mister Marei, I''ve closed my eyes!" Marei gently turned the lamp''s switch, and with a crisp click, a warm yellow light flooded the room. "You can open your eyes now!" Marei''s voice held an excitement he could barely contain. Arila slowly opened her eyes. In the yellow light, she saw Marei standing in the middle of the room, watching her. And behind him¡ªthe unspeakable horror of the ritual! The entire room was drenched in blood! Women''s flayed corpses were nailed to the walls, their flesh mangled and arranged in grotesque poses. Some of the women were still alive, writhing like worms, but their vocal cords had been severed, leaving them to scream silently. Around Marei, extending outwards, was a blood-painted inverted pentagram, its twisted symbols enough to chill the soul. At various key points of the ritual lay piles of infant corpses, women''s heads, and heaps of entrails. It was hell on Earth! Arila''s terror peaked. She wanted to scream for help but couldn''t produce any sound, only managing to cover her mouth in horror. She didn''t even have the strength to turn and run. "What a beautiful masterpiece. Can''t you appreciate their beauty?" Marei spread his arms wide, presenting his most perfect creation to Arila. The pentagram pulsed with a ghostly blue light, its glow flickering like a living thing''s breath. Marei walked over to her, gently taking her hand and leading her toward the pentagram. "This is my gift to the All-Knowing Lord of Eyes. He will love it!" "M-Mister Marei, p-please... let me go..." Arila stammered in fear, barely able to speak. She looked into Marei''s blue eyes, her face filled with desperation and helplessness. At that moment, she was like a lamb awaiting slaughter. Marei stroked her face, tucking her hair behind her ear. "You can''t leave. You are the best gift I could offer to the Lord of Eyes." As his hand moved over her face, Arila felt her body stiffen, paralyzed. She looked at the writhing women on the walls, seeing her fate reflected in them. Fear consumed her, and her tears flowed like an unstoppable flood. "No... please... no!" "My poor little lamb, don''t be afraid. Just sit down and rest..." Marei gently wiped Arila''s tears with a silk handkerchief, his eyes filled with concern and reassurance. He led her to a broken bed by the wall and helped her sit down. "You are different from those other women. How could I bear to kill you? No, instead, I will grant you the most exalted power from the Lord of Eyes!" Marei quickly crossed the room to a wooden box in the corner, carefully retrieving an object covered in a black cloth. With a swift motion, he tore the cloth away, and a brilliant blue light spilled out, dazzling and mesmerizing! (End of Chapter) Chapter 45: Execution by the Governor’s Hand Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Execution by the Governor¡¯s Hand"What an enchanting color!" Marei gazed at the dazzling blue liquid inside the vial. The liquid''s hue shifted subtly, as if it pulsed with life. He resisted the urge to experience its power firsthand and tore his gaze away. For now, he couldn''t return to the embrace of the All-Seeing Lord. He had to remain alive to make even greater sacrifices for Him! Marei pulled out a sharp dagger, turning to Arila: "You should feel honored to be able to bear the power of the All-Seeing Lord. Your wretched life will be elevated!" Seeing the blade in Marei''s hand, Arila''s pupils dilated in fear. "Holy Emperor, what... what are you going to do to me?" "Don''t be afraid. It''s simple. I''m going to cut open your stomach and place this vial of great power inside... On the day of the Emperor Ascension Festival, you will appear among the celebrating crowds. In front of that false Emperor''s statue, your womb will give birth to the offspring of the All-Seeing Lord!" Marei rambled on, but Arila couldn''t fully comprehend. All she understood was that this terrifying cultist was going to cut open her belly! Holy Emperor, am I going to die here? Arila closed her eyes in despair, without even the desire to pray. Her heart had already died. Now she truly understood¡ªno one cared whether a lowly worker like her lived or died. Not the Holy Emperor, nor the governor. Their gaze would never linger on someone as insignificant as her. They didn''t care! Seeing Arila close her eyes without struggling, Marei lost the desire to speak further. Forget it. These pitiful mortals can never comprehend true greatness. He approached her, ready to slice open her stomach and insert the vial of Chaos Essence. But just as he took a step, he hesitated. Was that... footsteps? In that moment of hesitation¡ªBoom! The metal door was struck from the outside, smashing inward and embedding itself into the wall! Carter and two other Imperial Guards burst in, heading straight for Marei. Marei reacted swiftly, even feeling a hint of exhilaration. Finally, I can experience this great power myself! Marei''s right hand swelled as he grabbed the vial of Chaos Essence, plunging it toward his chest! Thank you, All-Seeing Lord, for this generous gift! My life will be elevated! He roared: "Damn dogs!" But then¡ªHuh? Marei froze as blood sprayed across his face. Where''s my hand? His first thought was that he could no longer feel his hand, and then the excruciating pain hit him! Ahh! Just a moment ago, his arm holding the vial had been torn off! Marei looked up at the two-meter-tall Imperial Guard Captain, Carter, who was holding his severed arm. For the first time, Marei realized the terrifying power of the Imperial Guard. "Catch!" Carter ripped the vial from the severed arm and tossed it backward. Another Guard behind him raised his hand and caught the vial of Chaos Essence, placing it into a specially designed containment unit on his belt, sealing it shut. Once locked inside the containment unit, nothing short of a bomb could break it open without the proper code. Now, all that was left was to deal with the cultist in front of them. "Protect the lady!" Carter issued another command. According to the governor''s orders, they had to ensure the success of the mission while protecting every citizen. As soon as Carter spoke, the Guard who had secured the vial turned and walked toward Arila, positioning his large frame between her and the danger. Seeing the Imperial Guards before her, Arila was overwhelmed with relief. She recognized the armored giants standing in front of her. They were the governor''s War Angels! (Not yet there) Holy Emperor, the governor really sent people to save me! The thought brought tears of joy to Arila''s eyes, mixed with a twinge of regret. She shouldn''t have thought so poorly of the governor in the past! "Ahhh!" Marei''s agonizing scream echoed. While Arila was lost in her emotions, Carter grabbed Marei and threw him onto the spiked hooks hanging from the wall. The very hooks Marei had used to torture those unfortunate women¡ªnow he was hung upon them himself. "Heresy is forbidden in the Royal District! By the order of the governor, you are hereby sentenced to death!" Rat-a-tat-tat! Carter and another Imperial Guard raised their bolt guns and unleashed a barrage of fire, tearing Marei apart until he was nothing more than a ragged corpse. Only his mangled neck connected to half of his head. "Hahahaha!" Marei''s head suddenly jerked up, his gaze filled with contempt: "You can''t kill me. The ritual is complete!" As soon as he spoke, the ritual circle in the room flared with eerie blue light. The circle seemed to come alive, absorbing all the blood and flesh offered as sacrifices. The collected matter flowed into Marei''s body. His shattered life force grew stronger, his body rapidly healing and swelling into a terrifying two-meter-tall monstrosity. He howled, his hateful gaze fixed on everyone: "The All-Seeing Lord has cast His gaze upon me and granted me power! Ah, such incredible power! You worthless insects, are you ready to die?" Through a gap, Arila saw the horrifying monster that Marei had become. Fear gripped her once again. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She wanted to run but felt a wave of security as she saw the large Imperial Guard standing protectively before her. The Guards should be able to handle this monster, right? Doubt flickered in Arila''s mind, but she chose to believe. The governor''s angels wouldn''t abandon her! Marei stood tall, feeling invincible with the power gifted by the All-Seeing Lord! He tore the hook from his back and casually grabbed two mangled corpses, stuffing them into his mouth to chew on. Yet he still felt hunger! Thud, thud, thud! He dragged his blood-soaked body forward, his crimson eyes locked onto Carter and the others. "Wretched insects, I will tear your flesh apart piece by piece and devour it!" "Have you said enough?" Carter''s calm, steady voice cut through. Hmm? Marei was taken aback. "You worthless inse¡ª" Ugh¡ª Carter abruptly raised his hand, gripping Marei''s jaw tightly and forcing him to kneel on the ground. Marei tried to resist, but Carter''s strength was overwhelming¡ªhe couldn''t break free. Then, with a surge of force, Carter rammed his fist into Marei''s mouth, driving it deep into his stomach. Carter swiftly withdrew his hand. Ugh, ugh¡ª Marei''s face twisted in agony as he glared at Carter with hatred, but then he froze. He noticed the grenade pin in Carter''s hand. Something''s inside my stomach! Just moments ago, Carter had shoved several stun grenades into the cultist''s stomach. "Shields!" Carter casually tossed aside the grenade pins and issued his order. Two Imperial Guards quickly deployed their shields, one covering Carter and the other shielding Arila, blocking all possible angles. "Damn it..." Marei desperately clawed at his stomach, but it was too late. Click¡ª Boom!!! The grenades inside Marei''s stomach exploded, blowing him apart into chunks of flesh, spraying blood in every direction. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 46: Chaos Bio-Weapon Leaked! Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Chaos Bio-Weapon Leaked!Flesh fragments splattered everywhere, covering the entire room. Once the blood mist from the explosion settled, the Imperial Guards lowered their shields. All eyes turned to the spot where Marei had stood. The two-meter-tall flesh monstrosity was now gone. Marei''s corrupted body had been obliterated by the blast of the stun grenades, leaving only a head on the ground. Even though only his head remained, he was still alive, clinging to a sliver of life. But now, the arrogance that had once filled Marei was gone. Instead, he cursed: "You damn dogs of the False Emperor! I curse you! The All-Seeing Lord will punish you!" "No... don''t come near me!" "Stay away!" As Carter approached, fear appeared in Marei''s eyes. Having faced the terror of death, he suddenly found a desire to survive. Life was precious, and now Marei didn''t want to die. Tears filled his eyes as he looked at Carter, pleading: "Please..." "No... don''t..." But it was too late for regrets now. Squish! Carter''s heavy boot came down, crushing Marei''s head like a balloon. One of the Imperial Guards glanced around the blood-soaked room and couldn''t help but comment: "The Captain''s as brutal as ever..." "He deserved it," Carter said firmly, though his voice held a note of restraint. He gazed at the ritual circle, the mangled bodies of infants, and the twisted corpses of women. Rage simmered in his eyes. No punishment was too severe for these heretical cultists. As one of the governor''s War Angels, it was his duty to make these heretics know the true meaning of terror and the wrath of thunder! Carter instructed Arila to leave the horrific scene. Afterward, he and the two other Imperial Guards searched the room, but they found nothing else of concern. "Commence cleanup," Carter ordered, taking one last look at the faintly twitching bodies on the walls before turning to leave. Those women could no longer be saved, and the least they could do was end their suffering quickly. Two of the Guards positioned themselves at the door and retrieved small flamethrowers, pulling down their masks. They aimed the flames at the ritual circle and the corrupted corpses, burning everything to ash. Though the bodies writhed and silently screamed in agony, a look of peace appeared on their faces. They were finally free. Ah¡ª A wave of heat rushed out of the room, startling Arila. Seeing this, Carter stepped slightly in front of her to shield her from the blast. He pulled out a spray from his waist storage unit and applied it to Arila, while calmly explaining: "This is a healing agent. It''ll treat your wounds." Arila felt her nerves settle as the pain in her wounds quickly subsided. Such miraculous effects! Carter looked at Arila and said, "Miss..." "Imperial Guard, I... my name is Arila!" she replied. "Miss Arila, stay here for a few minutes. The Enforcers will come and escort you home." "Yes... yes, sir." Arila nodded like an obedient lamb. Carter, recalling something, added: "Tonight is dangerous. Once you''re home, don''t go outside!" With that, Carter turned to leave. While he had dealt with this cultist hideout, the other Imperial Guards, along with the Defense Forces and Enforcers, had begun their own assault operations. With his sharp hearing, Carter could make out the distant sounds of gunfire and explosions. Once he finished here, he would go and provide support. "Imperial Guard!" Arila suddenly called out to Carter. In the past, she would never have dared to do something like that. She wouldn''t have even had the courage to stop an Enforcer, let alone an Imperial Guard. She had always been too afraid of being beaten or even killed if she angered them. But today, for some reason, she had called out to the Imperial Guard! Was she insane? After calling out, Arila was shocked by her own actions and filled with fear. Would the Imperial Guard punish her for this? Carter turned back, a bit surprised, and looked at Arila: "Miss, is something wrong?" Gathering her courage, Arila solemnly thanked him: "Imperial Guard, thank you for saving me!" She clasped her hands tightly together and nervously added: "And... and please thank the governor for me! I never thought he would hear my prayers and send you, the War Angels, to save me! Please... please tell him how grateful I am. I will never forget his kindness..." Poor Arila truly believed that the governor had heard her prayers and sent the Imperial Guards, whom the people called War Angels, to rescue her. At this moment, her heart was filled with deep respect and gratitude for the governor, and she was ready to give her all for him. Hearing Arila''s words, Carter paused in thought. If any other officials from the Royal District had been here to hear such a statement, they would have cruelly mocked the foolishness of this woman. Then, in the name of disrespecting the governor, they would have punished her harshly until she closed her mouth and never spoke such idiotic, presumptuous words again. But Carter would never do that. As the governor''s most loyal bodyguard and servant, Carter knew that the governor disliked such behavior. The governor had changed¡ªhe cared for the people more than his father ever had. This was rare among the governors of the Imperium. For that reason, Carter had to follow the governor''s example, to avoid being cast out. Besides, Carter had never taken pleasure in bullying the weak. Seeing Carter remain silent, Arila began to panic, realizing what she had just said. What was I thinking? She was terrified. Had she lost her mind, daring to ask something so bold of the Imperial Guards? "Im... Imperial Guard, I... I..." She stammered in fear. "Miss Arila, there''s no need to be afraid..." Carter, concerned that she was frightened, awkwardly forced a smile on his normally stern face: "If I get the chance, I will pass along your thanks to the governor." The Imperial Guard had actually agreed to such an impolite request! Hearing Carter''s response, overwhelming joy filled Arila''s heart. She was so moved that she nearly collapsed with gratitude: "Thank you, Imperial Guard!" At that moment, the Enforcers, assigned to follow up, arrived and saluted Carter. "Captain Carter!" "Take this lady home." "Yes, sir!" The Enforcers approached and quietly communicated with Arila, and seeing this, Carter no longer paid attention. His task was complete. The cleanup inside the house had also been finished. The two Imperial Guards retracted their flamethrowers and stood at attention beside Carter. "Captain, the house is clean. No signs of life detected!" "Good. Let''s move." Carter led his two Guards outside. Suddenly, Carter''s communicator buzzed¡ªit was an emergency signal! He quickly answered the call. "This is Squad A1, Captain Carter, go ahead!" Listening to the report on the other end, Carter''s expression quickly darkened: "Understood. We''ll head to the combat zone immediately!" "Captain, what''s going on?" "There''s been a Chaos bio-weapon leak over in Squad C2''s area. It''s a big one!" Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. (End of Chapter) Chapter 47: The Chaos Abomination Chapter 47: Chapter 47: The Chaos AbominationTime was running out. Carter called for the assault ship through his communicator. The assault ship arrived quickly, hovering over the thirteenth level courtyard of the Drake District. The hatch slowly opened. "Let''s go. We need to move quickly!" Without hesitation, Carter and his Imperial Guards leaped into the ship. As soon as the hatch closed, the ship ascended rapidly, speeding towards the battle zone. In the operations command room, Bayev''s expression was tense as he stared at the red markers on the slum district map. One of the markers indicated a terrifying Chaos Abomination! During the C2 squad''s mission in the area, a mistake had occurred. A cultist had seized the opportunity to inject the Chaos Essence into himself. The powerful forces of Chaos instantly corrupted the cultist, transforming him into a Chaos Abomination! This abomination was wreaking havoc, causing massive casualties among both the Imperial Guards and the surrounding civilians. Bayev had already dispatched all available reinforcements to the area. The strongest of the Imperial Guards, Captain Carter, was en route to the battlefield as well. If the abomination hadn''t emerged in a civilian zone, he would have called in artillery strikes to level the area. But unless it was absolutely necessary, he couldn''t do that. Such actions would provoke the governor''s wrath, something Bayev could not afford. Moreover, he had promised the governor that he would protect the people. If too many died tonight, he wouldn''t be able to face the governor. For now, the situation was still under control. He could only hope that there would be no more mistakes from those executing the mission. Emperor above, please protect me, protect those soldiers, and let them complete their task safely! ... In the southern part of the slum district. Support troops from the Defense Force and Enforcers were gathering, evacuating all civilians from the combat zone. On the ground in the distance, a multi-meter-tall Chaos Abomination was rampaging. Its body was a grotesque mass of twisted flesh. The flesh contorted and writhed, lacking any clear shape or form, making it revolting to behold. Thick tentacles extended from the writhing flesh, moving like twisted serpents, constantly probing their surroundings. The surface of the tentacles was covered in suckers and densely packed with black eyeballs, which darted about, scanning the area. The sight of these eyeballs emitted a palpable sense of malice, sending chills down the spines of anyone nearby. If a cultist were to witness this scene, they would undoubtedly fall to their knees, praising the All-Seeing Lord. The offspring of the great All-Seeing Lord has descended! The abomination''s tentacles whipped about, smashing through the flimsy shelters in its path. It then used its tentacles to scoop up the people hiding within, tossing them into its gaping maw as if discarding trash. The flames of destruction roared, and the terrified screams of civilians echoed through the area, mixed with sobs and wails. The atmosphere of fear weighed heavily on everyone. All they wanted was to flee, to escape as far as possible from the monstrous abomination! But those who were too close were utterly paralyzed by the fear radiating from the abomination. They couldn''t even muster the courage to run. They could only be devoured alive! Rat-a-tat-tat! The Defense Force soldiers and Enforcers surrounding the abomination unleashed a hail of gunfire at the monstrous entity. Their guns spat flames, and bullets rained down on the abomination like a torrential storm. But their attacks seemed to have no effect. Bullets were absorbed into the abomination''s flesh, as if consumed, causing no visible harm. The abomination continued its advance towards the crowd. One of its tentacles wrapped around a screaming worker and constricted with brutal force. Like crushing a mere insect, the worker was suffocated, his body crushed into a bloody mess. Then, it tossed the mangled corpse into its mouth, chewing with sickening crunches. "Ahh, such delicious flesh!" The cultist''s head, embedded in the abomination''s chest, cackled with glee. It radiated a savage hunger for more blood and meat. It looked hungrily at the fleeing crowd: "You can''t escape. You will all become my food!" A tentacle lashed out, sending a charging Imperial Guard flying, crashing into a distant shack. Another tentacle whipped forward, capturing several unlucky civilians. It hoisted them into the air and casually tossed them into its mouth, where sickening crunching noises followed, filling the air with horror. Boom! The abomination was struck by a shell, and the force of the explosion sent its massive body toppling backward, crashing heavily to the ground. Its fall caused further destruction, flattening a row of tin shelters into debris. The shell had been fired by the assault ship! Carter''s assault ship had arrived, hovering not far from the abomination. The hatch opened, and Carter, along with his Imperial Guards, leaped out, landing heavily on the ground with dust swirling around them. Carter and his massive Guards emerged from the smoke, standing in the abomination''s path. The ship''s cargo bay then opened, dropping a large, thick iron crate, almost as tall as a man. The crate slammed into the ground with a thud, embedding itself not far from Carter. Carter quickly approached the crate, pressing a switch on its side. The crate opened, revealing its contents. It was a nearly two-meter-long blood-red chainsword! The chainsword was named "The Eviscerator," and its exaggerated size made it clear that no ordinary human could wield it. This weapon had once been the prized possession of Bishop Doni, said to have belonged to a powerful and fanatical Space Marine. After Governor Eden obtained the chainsword from Bishop Doni, he gifted it to Carter. The Eviscerator not only had immense destructive power but had also been consecrated and blessed by the church, making it the bane of heretics and cultists! Carter reverently grasped the hilt with both hands and drew the massive weapon. Though the sword was still somewhat difficult for him to wield with ease, it was enough for battle! At that moment, the last surviving member of C2 squad crawled out of the wrecked shack and ran over. His arm was severed, and his body was covered in wounds. The Imperial Guard looked at Carter, his eyes filled with guilt: "Captain, it''s all my fault..." Had it not been for his mistake, his comrades wouldn''t have died. "Shut up!" Carter''s expression was cold as he forcefully twisted the chainsword''s valve, injecting promethium fuel into the engine. Instantly, the chainsword''s engine roared to life, causing the jagged blades to spin at high speed, throwing off sparks like a wild, roaring beast! Carter fixed his gaze on the abomination, now rising again in the distance¡ªa grotesque mass of squirming flesh. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Coldly, he declared: "As the strongest warriors of the Royal District, the War Angels of the governor, we prove our loyalty through fearless battle. Prepare for combat. We''ll take that heretic''s head to prove our devotion!" (End of Chapter) [Hi!, hopefully everyone is enjoying the fic! Now the normal schedule will start, 1 Chapter per day, plus +500 Power Stones = +1 Chapter. Thanks for your support!] Chapter 48: Battle! Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Battle!As Carter''s battle cry resonated through the air, a surge of unparalleled courage and determination radiated from him. It was the bravery and fearlessness of the Imperial Guards! The Guards, inspired by Carter''s declaration, felt their fighting spirits ignite. Even the severely injured Guard joined the formation. He could still fight! Even if he were to die, he would die on the battlefield. For only then could he wash away the shame of his earlier failure. He would prove his loyalty to the Governor through the blood of the heretical cultists! Bolters were loaded, and the engines of chainswords roared. With Carter leading, wielding the massive Eviscerator chainsword, the Guards formed a tight battle formation and steadily advanced towards the abomination. In their hearts, only battle and death could guide them! The surrounding gunfire had stopped. After realizing that conventional weapons had no effect, the Defense Force and Enforcers ceased their attacks to avoid interfering with the Imperial Guards. For a moment, there was an eerie silence. All eyes were fixed on the backs of the brave Guards. They were the War Angels from the Royal District, loyal to the Governor. Everyone''s hopes rested on their shoulders. Some of the Enforcers and Defense Force soldiers began to pray. They prayed for the Emperor''s protection and for Him to bless the Imperial Guards with invincible strength. They hoped the Guards would become as heroic as the legendary champions of the Emperor. ROAR¡ª The abomination crawled out of the rubble. The shell that had struck it earlier hadn''t caused much damage. But now, it was enraged. How dare these weak insects resist! How dare they defy the offspring of the All-Seeing Lord! Its grotesque, twisted flesh swelled and surged. The writhing tentacles retracted, gathering in front of it, as thousands of black eyes on the tendrils fixated on the approaching Guards. This was the gaze of Chaos, radiating intense malice, as if it wished to consume all life. "The offspring of the great All-Seeing Lord will not forgive any disrespect! You should be afraid!" The cultist''s head embedded in the abomination''s chest screamed, delirious with excitement. Though he had long since lost control of his body. The moment he injected the Chaos Essence, his bloodthirsty primal instincts had taken over. He was merely a parasite in this grotesque body. The relationship between the cultist and the abomination was like that of a parasite and its host, or a dog and its master. Of course, the cultist didn''t see it that way. He believed that the power of this body belonged to him, a divine gift from the All-Seeing Lord! The tentacles of the abomination, brimming with hostility, locked onto Carter. Its primal instincts told it that the tall warrior posed the greatest threat! Whip! A tentacle lashed out, whistling through the air toward Carter. But before Carter could react, his fellow Guards moved swiftly, intercepting the strike and severing the tentacle! More tentacles followed, but none achieved any success. Every strike was blocked by the Guards! Carter continued his steady advance, his steps unwavering, flanked by his comrades. Step by step, they closed the distance! Finally, Carter and his Guards stood before the abomination, gazing up at the towering monstrosity. For a moment, neither side moved, the tension so thick it seemed to freeze the air. "Imperial lapdogs!" The cultist''s head suddenly broke the silence with its shrieking: "You should be afraid. Kneel before the great All-Seeing Lord! Kneel and beg for mercy. Offer your flesh in sacrifice, and perhaps¡ª" Boom! The cultist''s words were cut off by an explosion. Carter had raised his bolt pistol and fired a shot right into the cultist''s head, blasting half of it apart like a shattered melon. "Damn you, kill them! Kill them all!" With a scream of fury, the cultist¡ªnow with half a head¡ªcommanded the abomination. The abomination lashed out with its two thickest tentacles, hurtling them down towards Carter with crushing force. But Carter remained composed, sidestepping the tentacles'' direct strike. The tentacles slammed into the ground with a thunderous crash, sending dust flying everywhere. In the midst of the dust, the roar of the chainsword grew even louder. Carter swung the Eviscerator, instantly severing the tentacles, spraying blood everywhere! The severed tentacles thrashed violently on the ground. At that moment, the other Guards launched their attacks. Working in unison, they either shot at or slashed the remaining tentacles. The sound of exploding bolts and the roar of chainswords filled the air. In no time, under the coordinated assault of the Imperial Guards, every one of the abomination''s tentacles had been severed. With the path clear, Carter charged forward, swinging the Eviscerator at the abomination''s main body. Each swing tore away chunks of the abomination''s flesh, the spinning teeth of the chainsword shredding its grotesque form. The abomination''s massive, misshapen body was taking severe damage. Gashes and wounds covered its flesh, and bits of meat fell to the ground with every strike. "Pain! Damn Imperial scum! Hurry, move! Fight back!" The cultist''s head shared in the abomination''s pain, unable to bear the torment. He screamed and ordered the abomination to fight, but the creature was beyond his control. Seeing this, Carter and the Guards intensified their assault. They were determined to destroy this heretical abomination! ROAR! ROAR¡ª Sensing the mounting threat, the abomination underwent another mutation. All of its black eyes turned blood-red, filling with veins. Suddenly, the abomination''s flesh began to swell, inflating rapidly! It looked like a balloon on the verge of bursting! Carter sensed the danger and shouted: "Get back!" But his warning came too late. BOOM¡ª The outer layer of the abomination exploded like a bomb. The powerful shockwave sent the Imperial Guards flying in all directions, slamming them into the surroundings. Carter, being closest to the blast, took the brunt of the impact. He was thrown violently to the ground. When Carter managed to stand up again, he saw through the smoke and dust that something was emerging. A humanoid Chaos Abomination, over three meters tall! The humanoid abomination had bulging muscles, blood vessels protruding from its skin, and countless blood-red eyes scattered across its body. Those eyes turned and swiveled aimlessly, emitting an eerie aura. It radiated an even more terrifying presence than before, striking fear into the hearts of the Imperial Guards. As for the regular soldiers further away, they were utterly paralyzed by terror. BOOM! The humanoid abomination leaped from a distance, landing directly in front of Carter! (End of Chapter) sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 49: Rare Power Weapon! Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Rare Power Weapon!Carter raised his head, gazing at the towering humanoid abomination before him, and took a deep breath. "Heh heh heh, feeling scared, little man?" The half-head of the cultist embedded in the chest of the abomination looked down at Carter, his tone becoming even more arrogant. He felt triumphant once again. When the outer layer of flesh exploded, the cultist had gained control over the body. Now wielding the abominable form, the cultist stretched his limbs as the crimson muscles rippled with terrifying power. The raw strength was overwhelming, almost intoxicating. From his lofty position, the cultist sneered at Carter and began spewing taunts: "Die, you lapdogs of the False Emperor! I''ll twist off your heads one by one and paint your blood all over that worthless statue!" "Do you know how many I''ve killed? Over 200! And half of them were pregnant women and children. Their bodies made the perfect sacrifices!" The cultist cackled maniacally, but the only response was the roar of Carter''s chainsword. Carter swung the Eviscerator toward the abomination, but the creature dodged and retreated to a safer distance. The cultist laughed harder, sensing Carter''s growing fury. "Yes, that''s the face! You''re angry, aren''t you? But there''s nothing you can do to me!" The abomination picked up a jagged piece of metal and hurled it toward the Defense Force''s position. A sharp sound cut through the air, followed by screams of agony from afar. Several Defense Force soldiers were sliced in half, collapsing to the ground, wailing in pain. The cultist reveled in the sight and mockingly cupped his ear as if listening. "Do you hear that? Such beautiful cries. Look at them, spilling their guts. How tragic..." "Heretic! Die!" Just then, an injured Imperial Guard soldier rose and charged at the abomination, but his attack was effortlessly deflected, sending him flying. The cultist, controlling the abomination, returned to Carter, glaring coldly at him: "Watch closely! I''ll kill even more people right before your eyes! You can''t save them. You can''t save anyone!" Bang! Bang! Bang! Before the cultist could continue, explosive bolts struck the abomination''s back, causing the massive creature to stagger. One of the Guards had fired a burst of explosive rounds from behind. "You damn..." The cultist''s words were cut short when he saw a massive fist heading straight for his face. He hadn''t expected such an attack and was caught off guard, panic crossing his features. It was Carter''s fist. Seizing the moment of distraction, Carter had charged, putting all his strength into a punch aimed at the cultist''s grotesque face, determined to smash it to pieces. Thud! But before the punch could land, the abomination''s massive hand caught Carter''s fist mid-air. No matter how hard Carter tried, straining with all his might, the abomination slowly pried his fist away. The cultist sneered: "Surprised? Did you really think you could hit me? I was just toying with you earlier." "I''ve ascended to a higher state of being. I am the child of the great All-Seeing Lord. You, on the other hand, are still a pitiful, mortal insect. How laughable, to think you could harm me!" With that, the abomination''s grip tightened around Carter''s fist, gathering strength. "Feel the fear, submit! You will experience the overwhelming power!" The abomination''s fist slammed into Carter''s chest with a deafening boom. The impact caused sparks to fly from Carter''s chestplate, denting the armor. His chainsword flew out of his grasp, and his body was sent hurtling backward, smashing through several shanties before coming to a stop. Cough! Carter struggled to his feet, blood dripping from his mouth. But before he could catch his breath, a sharp object came hurtling toward him. With a desperate lunge, Carter rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding his own chainsword, which had been thrown back at him by the abomination. The sword embedded itself in the ground where Carter had been moments earlier, raising a cloud of dust. Had Carter been a moment slower, he would have been crushed by his own weapon! As a counterattack, Carter pulled out his bolt pistol and fired a volley at the abomination. The explosive rounds struck the cultist''s head embedded in the abomination''s chest. "You''re really starting to annoy me, little man!" The cultist-controlled abomination began advancing toward Carter, step by heavy step. He was growing tired of the fight. It was time to kill this stubborn Guard and feast upon the helpless citizens behind him! "No one can stop me! I''ll tear you apart, and begging for mercy won''t save you!" Boom! Boom! Boom! Suddenly, three assault ships swooped in, raining fire down on the abomination. Explosions rocked the creature''s body, forcing it to halt its advance. They were the Imperial Guard''s assault ships! More Guards jumped from the ships, surrounding the abomination. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The assault ships provided covering fire, but one of the abomination''s thrown metal sheets struck the engine of one of the ships, causing it to crash nearby. The remaining ships quickly ascended out of range. Though the ships retreated, the Guards took over, their weapons unleashing a barrage on the abomination. The battlefield echoed with the sounds of explosions and light artillery fire. Reinforcements had arrived! Carter sighed with relief. He had managed to hold out long enough, and now, the real fight could begin. He picked up the Eviscerator chainsword from the ground. Now, the true attack would commence. And his secret weapon lay in his hands¡ªthe chainsword! This was no ordinary chainsword, but a rare power weapon from the mighty Adeptus Astartes! A treasure every warrior coveted, a weapon they would die to possess! Power weapons, especially of this caliber, were incredibly rare, often with centuries or even millennia of history behind them. Only the strongest and most influential in the Imperium were granted the honor of wielding such weapons, such as the Space Marines, Inquisitors, and high-ranking commanders. And now, in his hands, Carter held such a weapon, gifted to him by the Governor¡ªa relic of a powerful Space Marine! What a blessing, what an honor! Of course, such weapons were not easily wielded by mere mortals. It required the gene-enhanced strength and rigorous training of the Adeptus Astartes to wield without harm. Carter had only undergone light gene modification and wasn''t fully capable of using it yet. But he had something else¡ªboundless courage! Carter decided to unleash the full power of the weapon and end the life of this heretical monstrosity! (End of Chapter) Chapter 50: Terrifying Destructive Power Chapter 50: Chapter 50: Terrifying Destructive PowerCarter gripped the handle of the chainsword with both hands and plunged it into the ground. He closed his eyes, pouring his entire heart into a prayer: "Oh, God-Emperor, grant me strength so that I may face this battle without fear! I will fight with all my might until the end! In the name of judgment, I will wield this sword and purge the heretical abominations!" Carter''s eyes shot open, filled with determination. He twisted the hilt of the chainsword, activating the power field valve. Bzzz! In an instant, the chainsword lit up, its blade covered with a glowing blue energy field. Small bolts of electricity crackled along the blade''s teeth, growing larger as the energy surged, extending up Carter''s armored arms. The crackling energy ate into Carter''s gauntlets, blackening them as searing pain coursed through his arms. Argh! From a distance, the cultist''s head embedded in the chest of the abomination also noticed what was happening. The residual energy waves emanating from the weapon filled him with instinctual dread, and a wave of terror washed over him. He was scared. That weapon held power enough to kill him! "Damn it! How is he controlling such a terrifying energy?!" The cultist couldn''t allow Carter to raise that weapon. If he did, it would be the end! The cultist-controlled abomination rushed toward Carter, but quickly got tangled in steel cables. These cables had been fired by the Imperial Guard¡ªthose pesky soldiers were holding him back! The Guards launched specialized harpoons, each one equipped with barbs that buried themselves deep into the abomination''s flesh. Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! Several harpoons struck the abomination, and the barbs locked firmly into its flesh, making them nearly impossible to remove. "Get off me! I order you to let go! You worthless bugs!" The cultist ignored the pain and desperately tried to drive the abomination toward Carter. But he was held fast. Each of the barbed harpoons was tethered to steel cables, the other ends gripped tightly by the Imperial Guards. They coordinated, wrapping the cables around the abomination''s limbs and body, pulling with all their strength to restrain the monstrous creature. This was a tactic they had prepared specifically to deal with high-threat enemies: restrict their movement, then destroy them with overwhelming force. The cultist began to panic, furiously struggling to break free. His time was running out! But he remained trapped. "Hold the line, brothers! We can''t let this heretical scum interrupt the captain!" one of the Guards shouted. The fight reached a deadlock. But the balance would soon be broken. The abomination''s strength far surpassed the Imperial Guards''. They were growing tired and couldn''t hold him much longer. Fortunately, Carter was ready. Despite the agony caused by the energy field''s corrosive power, Carter raised the crackling chainsword high above his head. He twisted the engine valve, and as the chainsword roared to life, the electric currents intensified, coursing even more violently across his armor. This was the weapon''s true power! At that moment, all eyes were on Carter. The electricity running through his armor made him stand out like a beacon amidst the fire-lit shantytown. It was almost as if he had taken on a holy aura. The Defense Force and Enforcers began praying, offering praise to their mightiest warrior. The terrified citizens, witnessing this sight, knelt one after the other. "Oh, God-Emperor! The rumors were true¡ªthe Governor really has been blessed by His Majesty! He has sent us His holy angel of war..." The citizens prayed that this angel of war from the capital would drive away the demonic abomination and save them from their suffering. Carter, however, was unaware of all of this. His focus was entirely on the abomination ahead. Gripping the chainsword tightly, Carter charged toward the abomination! As he ran, the thrusters on the back of his armor roared to life, blue flames bursting out to propel him forward. He moved faster and faster! At that moment, Carter had only one thought. He wasn''t powerless. He would cut off this heretic''s head with his chainsword and prove his strength and loyalty to the Governor! The cultist saw Carter rushing toward him. More than that, he saw the terrifying blue-charged chainsword Carter was wielding. He couldn''t let that sword touch him! Desperately, the cultist forced the abomination to tear out the barbed harpoons and break free from the Guards! Finally, he was free! The cultist rejoiced, thinking he could now escape. With his speed, that guy would never catch him! "You''re all dead meat!" The cultist snarled, turning to flee. But the roar of the chainsword filled the air, and a shadow fell over him. The cultist and the abomination looked up to see Carter, leaping high into the air, chainsword raised high and crackling with energy. Terror flooded the cultist''s face. It was over! Bzzzz! With a deafening roar, the chainsword sliced into the abomination''s body. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The saw teeth tore through the flesh, while the energy field unleashed destructive power, ripping apart the abomination''s internal tissues beyond any hope of regeneration. The chainsword carved through the abomination''s body at a diagonal angle from the shoulder, slicing it in half. Thud! The abomination, unable to move, collapsed to the ground in two pieces with a heavy crash. "Aaahhh!" The cultist embedded in the abomination''s chest screamed in agony, his eyes wide with panic as he desperately tried to regain control of the body and flee. "Damn it! Move, damn you! Move!" But nothing happened. The abomination''s body was dead¡ªthe energy field had utterly destroyed its flesh. Phew! With the abomination defeated, the roar of the chainsword ceased. Carter''s armor was blackened and smoking from the residual energy. He planted the chainsword in the ground to steady himself, barely able to stand from exhaustion. That was close! He had nearly failed. Carter let the chainsword fall and approached the abomination''s lifeless body. "Move, move! By the All-Seeing Lord, help your loyal follower! I sacrificed so many delicious pregnant women and babies for you!" The cultist''s head was babbling, still desperately trying to reanimate the body. But once again, a shadow fell over him. He looked up to see Carter towering over him. "You filthy insect... ugh..." Before he could finish, a large hand clamped tightly around his neck. "Shut up!" Carter growled. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 51: The Final Execution Chapter 51: Chapter 51: The Final ExecutionCarter''s large hand fiercely gripped the neck of the heretic, gradually pulling harder. The heretic felt the force pulling on him, and fear mixed with reluctance crept in. He displayed a look of terror, his eyes filled with tears: "No, I can''t leave this body! That was the great power bestowed upon me by the Master of a Thousand Eyes! You have no right to take it from me! Nooooo!!!" Rip! Blood splattered. Carter violently tore out the heretic''s head, along with his spine, and raised it high above his head, displaying it to the crowd! The heretic''s head, still connected to his spine, wriggled in Carter''s hand like a worm. With a resolute expression, Carter looked around at the crowd and loudly proclaimed: "This is the fate of all heretical scum! The Governor will tolerate no heretic filth within the King''s Court!" Instantly, the crowd erupted in cheers. The people of the territory may have had their differences, but they all shared a deep hatred for heretics. They despised these heretics even more than the Chaos demons. After all, these scum were once humans, but they chose to become the lackeys of Chaos, betraying and killing their own kind. It was despicable and disgusting beyond words! The people glared with utter contempt at the heretic writhing like a worm, spitting on him in disdain. The guards and enforcers saluted Carter with the Aquila gesture, showing deep respect for the brave and loyal warrior. The common folk, unqualified to perform the Aquila, knelt in gratitude. They thanked the Angel of War for his salvation. Of course, they also offered their thanks to the great God-Emperor and the merciful Governor. The heretic, still struggling, continued to shout: "Fools! You damned, ignorant insects! Do you not realize that your suffering is brought upon you by the Governor himself? The false Emperor has never shown you any mercy! He deceived you and abandoned you! Only the Master of a Thousand Eyes can¡ª" Thud! The heretic''s head was met with a heavy punch, sending his teeth flying. "Damn you, what are you¡ªwhat are you doing?" Carter held the heretic''s head in front of him, glaring coldly: "I''m hitting you..." "What?" Thud! Another punch landed, distorting the heretic''s face. Suddenly, the heretic recalled his earlier mockery of Carter, and fear surged in his heart. "No..." But it was too late. Carter punched him again and again until the heretic''s face was a mangled mess, unrecognizable. After finishing his work, Carter tossed the heretic''s head to the ground like trash, declaring: "On behalf of the Governor, I hereby execute you, heretic scum!" Two Imperial guards stepped forward, flamethrowers strapped to their backs. Facing death, the heretic''s head was filled with despair. As a child of the Master of a Thousand Eyes, a high-ranking being, how could his life end like this? He wasn''t fearless of death. He lacked the unwavering faith and courage to sacrifice himself for it. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have betrayed humanity in the first place. At this final moment, his true nature was revealed. The heretic became desperate, looking at Carter and the two guards. There was a glimmer of pleading in his eyes: "Merciful... no, brave warriors! You can''t kill me! I still have value, more value than those wretched underhive refugees! You''ve all witnessed my power. Don''t you want to harness and study such great power?" Carter''s gaze grew even colder. The two Imperial guards raised the nozzles of their flamethrowers, aiming at the heretic''s head. "Damn it, I demand to see the Governor! I am a noble of the upper hive! I know many secrets, including those of the Hoffman family! The Governor won''t kill me so easily..." But no one cared about his words. Boom! Without hesitation, the two guards pulled their triggers. Twin streams of fire erupted, engulfing the heretic''s head in searing flames. Heretics were not to be trusted, regardless of whether their words were true or false. This was a lesson long learned within the King''s Court. The best way to deal with heretics was to send them to the depths of hell as quickly as possible! Amidst the flames, the heretic''s head screamed in agony, writhing like a worm along with his spine. He wanted to escape but could only helplessly writhe in place. The unbearable pain of the fire drove him mad. "No!. Please, let me see the Governor..." But his pleas were in vain. In his final moments, the heretic''s gaze grew venomous as he stared at everyone around him: "Damn insects! The great Master of a Thousand Eyes will descend, and you will all die! I curse you! I curse all of you, and your descendants! You will all die in the most extreme suffering and torment! Aaaah!" The heretic''s screams echoed through the entire area. But there was no pity, for he was not worthy of any forgiveness! It wasn''t until the heretic scum was completely burned to ashes in excruciating pain that the battle in this area officially came to an end. Ten kilometers from the slums, deep within the administrative unit''s passageways, a crimson-skinned heretic was fleeing in terror. Bang! A shotgun shell exploded against his backside. The force of the blast knocked the heretic to the ground, but he quickly scrambled forward, not daring to stop. However, a heavy boot stomped on his lower back, preventing any further escape. "Damn scum, still trying to run?" In the darkness, the mechanical red glow of a bionic eye appeared, followed by the gruff voice of Arye. He carried a large shotgun, a cigar clenched between his teeth, and his foot planted firmly on the heretic''s back. The guards were responsible for regular heretics, whose combat ability wasn''t much greater than that of the guards themselves. He kicked the heretic hard: "Still wanna run?" The heretic sobbed, pleading: "No... I won''t run anymore! Please, sir, have mercy on me... I only did it to survive! I never wanted to do this!" "Alright, alright, I get it!" Arye had no interest in listening to the heretic''s pathetic excuses. Every heretic''s hands were stained with blood. Before being cruelly dismembered as sacrifices, many poor souls had begged this heretic for mercy. But those people had still died in agony, offered up to the false gods. So, when dealing with heretics, one had to be ruthless. Arye grabbed the heretic by the hair, forcing him to kneel on the ground. "I swear, I never killed anyone!, I only participated in the rituals! I wasn''t the one who brought the underhive refugees, it wasn''t my fault!" Arye forced a grin, patting the tearful heretic on the head, pretending to comfort him: "Sure, sure, I understand. No need to be nervous!" With that, Arye clicked something into the heretic''s mouth, silencing him. He aimed his gun at the heretic and stepped back to a safe distance. The heretic knelt there, completely unaware of what was in his mouth. He looked at Arye in terror. "Don''t be afraid, it''s just a thermite charge..." Arye smiled as he showed the heretic the trigger ring in his hand. The heretic''s pupils dilated in horror as fear reached its peak. Poof! S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The thermite charge ignited, and flames engulfed the heretic, melting his upper body. "Spit! Damn scum!" Arye spat on the ground, turning to the approaching guards: "Let''s go, time to hit their lair!" (End of Chapter) Chapter 52: Traitor! Chapter 52: Chapter 52: Traitor!Tonight was a sleepless night for many families. Suddenly, the sounds of gunfire and cannon blasts echoed over the residential areas surrounding the Sacred Square. Unfamiliar creatures'' howls and the screams of people followed soon after, causing terror among the residents. People locked their doors and windows, trembling and whispering in fear, completely unaware of what was happening. The Rapp family was no exception. They gathered in the living room, helplessly waiting. Every blast of gunfire and every howl made Marti and Lilith''s hearts skip a beat. Marti hugged Lilith, her voice trembling: "By the Emperor, what is happening?" She was utterly terrified¡ªthis was too much like the horrific disaster from five years ago. Back then, heretic rebels had breached the Sacred Square, capturing residents for blood sacrifices. Those unfortunate souls were dismembered by the heretics, displayed in bloody inverted crosses, hung above the Emperor''s statue! The rebels had even reached the Lapp family''s doorstep. If not for the Governor''s timely intervention by sending the Imperial Guards, their family would have become sacrifices as well! After that night, Marti found that nearly every official''s family in the area had been slaughtered by the heretics. Many friends and familiar faces had vanished. Only the Rapp family had narrowly survived. It had been a terrible nightmare! And now, was that nightmare about to repeat itself? Marti prayed helplessly: "Have the heretic rebels come again? Oh no, we''re doomed! Great God-Emperor, merciful Governor, please protect the Rapp family!" "Brother, what''s happening outside? I''m so scared!" Lilith said anxiously, looking at her brother. Deville knelt down and patted Lilith''s head. "Don''t worry, there''s nothing to be afraid of. There are only scattered sounds of gunfire outside¡ªit''s not an army attacking. If it were really the heretic rebels, the King''s Court alarms would''ve already gone off. Besides, the fighting is still outside; our residential area is safe for now. So, stay at home, and there will be no danger. Just go back to sleep and cover your ears¡ªyou won''t hear anything..." "Really?" "Yes, really. Now, go to sleep. You can''t let this mess delay your studies tomorrow!" Lilith was on a noble elite education schedule, where every bit of energy mattered under its intense workload. Hearing this, she became nervous and quickly nodded: "I''ll go to bed right now!" Deville gently coaxed Lilith, leading her back to her room and tucking her in. Deville then turned toward the door, putting on a black coat and tucking a laspistol into his belt. Those reassuring words he said earlier were just to calm Lilith. The fighting had already reached their residential area, and no matter what, he couldn''t sit by and do nothing. He was preparing to head out and see what was really happening! "Mother, I''m going out to see what''s going on. Lock the door and don''t go outside!" Marti rushed forward, hugging Deville. Out of habit, she adjusted his collar and warned him, "Be careful, you..." But she hesitated, holding back the rest of her words. "Mother, I will do my duty and serve the Governor faithfully!" Deville''s face was resolute as he gripped the laspistol at his waist, finishing the words for her. If the heretic rebels had truly invaded, he would not choose to run away. He would pick up his weapon and bravely fight those heretics, giving his all for the Governor! Seeing the determined look on Deville''s face, Marti felt heartbroken and reluctant, fearing that once her son left, he might never return. But she supported Deville''s decision because that was the Rapp family tradition for centuries. Loyalty to the Governor was the foundation of everything! Marti wiped away her tears, speaking firmly: "Good child! Go serve the Governor, and don''t worry about Lilith and me!" Deville nodded and resolutely turned to leave. As the door locked behind him, Deville''s demeanor shifted to that of a cold, calculating officer of the King''s Court. He tightened his grip on the laspistol and walked toward the direction of the gunfire. After only a short distance, Deville rounded a corner and suddenly came face to face with a crimson bionic eye. Startled, he instinctively raised his laspistol. However, the next moment, his nose was struck hard, and a large hand clamped over his mouth, the stench of burnt flesh faintly emanating from it! Arye growled in a low voice: S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We''re hunting heretics. Don''t make a sound. If those damned scum get away, you''ll be dead for sure! Do you understand?" The pain in his nose made Deville''s eyes well up with tears. He nodded in pain, indicating that he understood. Soon, Deville felt the large hand covering his mouth loosen, and he took a deep breath. But before he could fully recover, his nose was struck again by the butt of a shotgun, the intense pain causing him to moan. Yet, before he could make a sound, his mouth was covered again. Arye sternly warned: "I told you to stay quiet, and here you are making noise again!" Deville felt a wave of grievance and, muffling his voice, barely managed to say: "I didn''t say anything..." Finally, the hand covering Deville''s mouth released him once more, and he instinctively covered his nose and mouth, fearing another strike. He and Arye stared at each other, both a little disgruntled from their earlier encounter. Arye kept his voice low, his face slightly awkward as if he had just realized who Deville was. He took a puff from a cigar he had looted from a noble''s house during a heretic purge, blowing the smoke into Deville''s face: "Well, well, if it isn''t our quartermaster from logistics. What a misunderstanding earlier. No hard feelings. You should head home now. This heretic-hunting operation is dangerous¡ªnot really suited for a pretty boy like you." Those words stung Deville''s pride. He tightened his grip on his laspistol, his resolve firm: "Scum! I am also a combatant of the King''s Court, and it is my duty to purge heretics for the Governor! Besides, I''m a resident of this area, and I know the terrain better than you!" Seeing Deville''s determination, Arye shrugged and agreed: "Alright, follow along then. Just don''t blame me if you die!" Deville followed Arye for a while, only to realize that he had been played by the rough one-eyed man! Arye seemed to sense Deville''s mood and put his arm around his shoulders, wiping his dirty hands on Deville''s black coat. "Hey, hey, it was just a little misunderstanding earlier¡ªjust two light taps. I apologize, alright?" Deville swallowed his anger, unwilling to stoop to the same level as this brute! As they continued walking, Deville grew more and more familiar with the path, and a sense of unease crept into his heart. "Where are the heretics hiding?" Arye bit down on his cigar, pointing ahead to a nearby door: "There. That house was hiding heretics and has killed many people!" Seeing the familiar logistics department insignia on the door, Deville froze. He controlled his emotions and lowered his voice: "You''re mistaken. That family is one of the most loyal in the King''s Court. There''s no way they''d be colluding with heretics, let alone be traitors..." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 53: The Fate of a Traitor Chapter 53: Chapter 53: The Fate of a TraitorDeville found it impossible to believe that there could be a traitor among the logistics division. And worse, a traitor who had colluded with Chaos heretics! Everyone who joined the logistics division had undergone strict vetting. Most of their families had contributed to the King''s Court for generations, serving the Governor faithfully. Moreover, the family Arye had accused was none other than that of Vass, Deville''s mentor in the logistics division. When Deville first joined the division, Vass had helped him immensely. He also learned that Vass''s family had served the Governor for nearly a thousand years, with several ancestors dying on the job or from exhaustion. Vass had even received commendations from the Spire Estate for his hard work. At that time, Deville had secretly vowed to follow in Vass''s footsteps and bring honor to his own family. But now, that crude one-eyed brute Arye was claiming that Vass was a traitor, possibly even a heretic. Deville simply couldn''t believe it! Arye, however, didn''t care whether Deville believed him or not. With a cigar clenched in his teeth and a shotgun slung over his shoulder, he said: "Come on, pretty boy, whether it''s true or not, we''ll know once we search the place..." With that, Arye and several guards stormed forward, kicking the door open. "Open up, we''re here to check!" "What are you doing?!" "Dad!" Vass''s family, dressed in their nightclothes, were clearly flustered. But Vass recognized the guards and stood tall, placing himself between them and his wife and son, angrily rebuking them: "You''re with the guards? Who gave you the right to allow these lower hive scum in here? Get out! Right now! According to the laws of the King''s Court, you''ll be executed for this!" The guards hesitated at Vass''s anger. After all, he was a legitimate official of the logistics division, holding authority over the distribution of the guards'' supplies. His status was far above that of these lower hive refugees. Arye, unfazed, stepped forward and stood before the guards, shotgun resting on his shoulder: "You''re suspected of colluding with heretics. We''re here to search your home!" After all, this was the family district of an important unit within the King''s Court, and proper procedure had to be followed. Vass''s expression remained unchanged: "A search? You guards have no authority to search a logistics official!" Arye cocked his shotgun, pointing it at Vass: "Damn you! This is an order directly from the Governor! Besides, the guards answer directly to the Governor, just like you. Now step aside, or I''ll blow your head off!" This location had been marked by the Governor himself, so there could be no mistake! After the events of the night, Arye was completely in awe of the Governor''s wisdom and godlike insight. No heretic could escape his watchful eyes! If Vass resisted, Arye had the authority to execute him on the spot. "You won''t fool me! The Governor would never give such an order!" Vass stood firm in disbelief. "Mentor, I believe you are innocent, but the Governor''s orders are not to be questioned!" The heavy sound of boots echoed as Deville entered. He stood before Vass and his family: "Allow me to conduct the search, that way these crude brutes won''t mess up your home..." Vass, looking at his colleague in the black coat with a golden lion badge and a cold expression, finally began to panic. "Deville, you..." Deville approached Arye, pulling a document from his coat pocket and showing it to Vass. "You recognize this, right? It''s an order from the Spire Estate..." Arye felt a bit guilty¡ªit was Kaes who had slipped the document into his pocket, and he hadn''t used it until now. Seeing the document, Vass''s face turned pale, and he tried to plead: "Deville, it''s so late..." "You know the consequences of defying the Governor''s orders!" Deville''s expression grew even colder as he sensed something was off about his mentor. Or rather, he felt that Vass had changed. His mentor no longer seemed as loyal to the Governor as he once was! Holding the document high, Deville issued orders to the group: "Watch them closely! Everyone must carry out the Governor''s orders¡ªno one is to interfere! Anyone who resists will be executed on the spot. Is that understood?" "Yes, sir!" The guards received the order. Arye then turned to Deville : "Do you understand?" Deville was momentarily stunned. But seeing Arye and the guards all watching him, he reluctantly responded: "Yes, sir!" Deville nodded, carefully folding the document and returning it to Arye''s pocket before turning to Vass. "Mentor, I will now conduct the search. If I offend in any way, I ask for your forgiveness..." "Fine, search away. The truth will prove my loyalty to the Governor!" Vass showed no fear and stepped aside. Without comment, Deville searched the rooms one by one, finding nothing unusual. "Have you found anything?" "All the rooms seem normal, nothing suspicious..." Deville glanced at Arye and shook his head. Vass approached, looking at Deville and the others: "Well, then, this proves my loyalty. Now, can you leave? My family and I need rest!" The guards exchanged uneasy glances, while Arye furrowed his brow: "How can this be! The Governor himself marked this place. It can''t be wrong!" "The Governor is never wrong! Do you not smell something strange?" "Smell?" Arye sniffed the air: "Yeah, I smell something... it''s kinda sweet." "That''s a special type of nano-incense. As far as I know, that incense is used to mask the smell of corpses. And the area covered by the incense happens to be this living room!" Vass immediately shouted at Deville: "Nonsense! Look around this living room¡ªwhat could possibly be wrong?" "We''ll find out soon enough." From Vass''s panicked glances, Deville had already figured out where the hidden mechanism was. He walked to the wall lamp in the living room, examined it briefly, and pulled it down with force. The floor beneath them trembled slightly as the mechanism began to move. It wasn''t surprising that Vass''s family had installed hidden mechanisms after a thousand years of inheritance. But what followed left everyone stunned. In the center of the living room, the floor sank, and an iron bed covered in strange symbols rose from below. On the bed lay the corpse of a young girl wrapped in thin film. Her face was twisted in fear and pain, and her body had been dissected! Above her, the rusted ceiling slowly opened, revealing a hidden space. The ceiling was inscribed with a blood-drawn ritual circle, and several dried corpses hung from it. "Is this your loyalty to the Governor? Is this how your family repays the Governor''s grace? Your actions have brought shame upon your ancestors, and I am ashamed to have known you!" Seeing this, Deville was filled with rage! This was the most despicable form of betrayal! Vass''s actions would bring shame upon the entire logistics division, leaving them unable to face the Governor or their colleagues! Deville drew his laspistol, pointing it at Vass. Vass, realizing he had been exposed, fell to his knees, trembling: "Deville, I didn''t betray the Governor! I never acted against the King''s Court! I did all of this just to save my wife''s life¡ªshe had an incurable disease! Those sacrifices were just some underhive people on the verge of starving to death. I traded food for them with their families! Surely you wouldn''t punish me for these lowly underhive scum, would you?" Deville''s gaze turned even colder: "Treachery is a dagger that pierces the soul, an unforgivable sin! S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since you''ve chosen betrayal, prepare to face the Governor''s wrath!" "Die, lapdog of the false Emperor!" At that moment, Vass''s wife suddenly revealed sharp fangs. She transformed into a monstrous creature and lunged at Deville. "No!" Vass tried to stop her, but it was too late. Boom! The powerful blast of Arye''s shotgun sent the creature that had once been Vass''s wife flying against the wall. The guards immediately opened fire, shredding the monster until it was nothing but a mangled mass of flesh, silent and still. Vass, staring at his dead wife, was consumed by grief and rage, quickly reaching for his gun. But Deville was faster, shooting Vass directly in the head, the las-beam piercing through his skull. Vass fell dead. The gunfire ceased, leaving only the sound of pitiful sobbing in the room. Of Vass''s family, only one remained alive. Vass''s son, terrified, was crying uncontrollably, calling out for his parents. Deville stepped forward. He looked down at the pitiful child, showing a brief moment of sympathy. (End of Chapter) Chapter 54: Dawn Approaches Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Dawn ApproachesDeville felt a twinge of guilt. After all, they had just executed this child''s parents right in front of him. By the end of the night, all of the privileges enjoyed by the Vass family would be revoked. The only son of Vass, and all remaining members of their extended family, would be exiled to the lower hive through special channels. This was an extremely harsh punishment, one that all families loyal to the Governor feared most. Deville could imagine the suffering this child would face in the future. But at the very least, he would live. Even if only for a little while longer. If a stranger from the King''s Court had been in charge, the child would certainly not have been spared. This was the only mercy Deville could offer to his former mentor, Vass. Unfortunately, that mercy was misplaced. Looking at the child, Deville could see the deep hatred brewing in his eyes, and he sighed inwardly. That was not the look a normal child should have. Biu! Suddenly, Deville raised his laspistol and pulled the trigger. The laser beam struck its target squarely. The boy clutched his chest, blood-red eyes full of even deeper hatred, his body beginning to mutate. He screamed and charged at Deville. But the next second, another laser pierced his head. Deville calmly pulled the trigger again and again, until the energy in his laspistol was depleted. Clang! The smoldering body of Vass''s son collapsed, and a small bloodstained dagger fell from his hand. Deville stood in silence, staring at the body, lost in thought. "I told you..." Arye spat, walking over to pat Deville on the shoulder. "These heretic scum aren''t even human. Trust them, and you''re as good as dead!" Deville''s expression returned to its cold demeanor: "I know, I was just reflecting. These traitors enjoyed the Governor''s grace, yet they showed no gratitude or loyalty. Instead, they walked the path of heresy, destroying the efforts of generations in a single stroke! I despise these traitors. This is the price of disloyalty!" Arye scratched his head: "Joining the heretics, dying like this is too easy for them. If I hadn''t run out of thermite charges, I would''ve cooked these scum." He turned to leave, calling back to Deville: "Come on, pretty boy. Someone else will handle this mess." Arye and Deville exited the house one after the other. They looked up at the darkened sky, unsure of what to say. At that moment, the sounds of gunfire and explosions began to quiet down. The battle in the residential areas around the Sacred Square had come to an end. The Imperial Guards gathered their fallen comrades and the fourteen sealed jars of Chaos essence, then boarded their assault ships to return to the King''s Court. They had lost three guards in this battle. For the King''s Court, this was no small loss. But fortunately, the Guards had fulfilled the Governor''s trust, successfully containing the crisis and preventing the spread of Chaos. The defense forces began to regroup and return to their posts. The enforcers, however, were the busiest. Not only did they have to escort the surviving prisoners, but they also had to organize efforts to calm the panicked citizens. Claudi was overwhelmed, calling in even more enforcers. He swore that the enforcers had never been so courteous. They not only had to pacify those damned lower hive dwellers, but also help put out fires, locate missing persons, and treat injuries. But those were the Governor''s orders, and Claudi had to follow them to the letter. If he didn''t, the Governor wouldn''t spare him. Claudi patiently explained to the people through a mechanical loudspeaker drone: "Tonight, it was the vile heretics from the Hoffman family who invaded, but thanks to the great Governor''s war angels, they were all dealt with. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Along the way, we also took care of the gang leaders who had been oppressing you." The residents cheered in response. At the same time, Claudi ordered the enforcers to stay vigilant and maintain order in their assigned areas. Anyone attempting to stir up trouble would be executed on the spot! Mercy alone wasn''t enough¡ªan iron fist was also needed to prevent chaos. This had been Claudi''s rule ever since he took charge. The mercy granted to the lower hive dwellers by the Governor should never be an excuse for them to cause trouble. Such behavior would be a far greater blasphemy! In the Drake residential district... Alia was praying, hoping that the God-Emperor and the Governor would protect her and bring an end to this terrifying chaos quickly. Otherwise, it would affect her work at the factory. If she didn''t get her paycheck today, she would starve and be unable to move! Fortunately, as if in answer to her prayers, the gunfire ceased, and the curfew was lifted. A shrill bell rang out in the residential corridors, signaling that it was time for people to wake up and prepare for work. "Thank the Emperor, it''s finally over," Alia sighed in relief, mustering the strength to get up and join the workers heading to the factory. "Hey, this damned sky is finally lighting up!" Arye took a long drag from what remained of his cigar, gazing at the faint sun in the sky. Indeed, the sky was lightening. Deville looked up at that faint light. As the sunlight pierced through the hazy fog, the long and bloody night had finally come to an end. ... At the Spire Estate of the King''s Court... Eden lay in a soft bed, sleeping peacefully until the gentle morning sunlight finally woke him. It had been a long night, during which the armed forces of the King''s Court had followed his orders to carry out a cleansing operation. When Eden awoke, everything was as he had planned¡ªpeace had been restored. This was the privilege of being the Governor; he didn''t need to risk his life in battle, fighting desperately. His loyal soldiers would shed blood and make sacrifices to eliminate all enemies for him! His will was his power, and it extended wherever he desired. Even though his current power was but a fraction of what it had once been at his peak, he remained confident. Eden believed that he would reclaim his planet. And once he had regained his strength, he would conquer the stars, bringing more planets lost in the dark corners of the Imperium under his rule, until his name was feared across the galaxy! Of course, that was all in the future. For now, he was still in the beginner''s zone, yet to defeat even the first boss. At this moment, Eden felt invigorated¡ªhis body had grown stronger again! In one night, he had gained 50,000 points of Hope Power. The faith of the people was nourishing his body! Initially, Eden had thought that the aftermath of the chaos would deepen people''s fear, reducing the amount of Hope Power he could collect. But things had turned out quite the opposite. The locations he had marked for heretics and gang leaders had been so accurate that the entire battle had been contained within a manageable range, avoiding significant damage and casualties. Plus, the rumors he had spread before were still circulating among the people. Most of the population had heard the whispers: The Governor was blessed by the Emperor and would destroy all evil, driving away the darkness, and ensuring everyone would eat wood pulp bread. And tonight, the Governor had truly sent his war angels to wipe out the heretics and the oppressive gang leaders! The rumors were coming true. If the evil was gone, then could the wood pulp bread be far behind? Moreover, by dipping into next month''s grain reserves, Eden had managed to increase the people''s food rations. Although it was still less than before the rationing cuts, this small increase brought immense joy to the workers struggling to survive. They wouldn''t starve to death! These combined factors led some to start believing in the rumors, and in Eden, their Governor. As a result, the Hope Power surged dramatically! Hope Power had increased significantly, but Eden wasn''t entirely happy. For some reason, he felt a vague sense of unease. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 55: Let It Pretend to Be a Servitor Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Let It Pretend to Be a ServitorAfter getting out of bed, Eden immediately summoned Bayev to report on the details of last night''s cleansing operation. Upon hearing the report, Eden was deeply concerned. The release of just one vial of Chaos bio-weaponry had cost him three Imperial Guards. Even his strongest warrior, Carter, had suffered minor injuries. If he hadn''t discovered those Chaos bio-weapons ahead of time, the consequences would have been unimaginable! Fortunately, it was all over now. "Governor, all of the targets you marked have been eliminated. Now, we can proceed with the preparations for the Emperor''s Ascension Day..." Bayev looked at Eden with growing reverence. The damned traitorous Hoffman family had launched such a vile attack on the King''s Court. If not for the Governor''s divine-like powers of reconnaissance, the King''s Court would have suffered great losses. "By the way, make sure to properly compensate the families of the Guards who sacrificed their lives in the battle. Have their names inscribed on the monument at the foot of the Emperor''s statue." Eden instructed Bayev: "From now on, all warriors who fall in battle should be properly compensated. You''ll be in charge of planning it." In the past, there was no such thing as compensation in the King''s Court. Warriors were expected to fight bravely and sacrifice themselves if necessary¡ªit was a symbol of loyalty. It wasn''t just the King''s Court; even the Astra Militarum rarely had such compensation. When the Astra Militarum left their homeworlds to fight across the galaxy, they ventured farther and farther away. So far, in fact, that with a mortal''s brief lifespan, it would be impossible to return home, even if they spent their entire life traveling aboard a ship. Unless a soldier demonstrated extraordinary ability and earned exceptional honors, thus rising to the rank of officer, there was only a slim chance of ever returning home. Even for officers, it was rare. For regular guardsmen, it was unthinkable. Once they left their home planet, they were essentially saying goodbye to their families forever. Their fate would either be death on the battlefield or, if they were lucky, dying of old age in a foreign land. And after their deaths, it would be nearly impossible to track their identity or home planet. Given the vast distances, delivering compensation to their families was practically impossible. Even if compensation were to be sent, by the time it arrived, it would likely have been several generations since the soldier had passed. Whether their family even remembered them was uncertain. For these reasons, compensation had never really been a consideration. Eden briefly explained his understanding of the compensation process to Bayev before handing the task over to him. He believed Bayev would be able to formulate a suitable compensation plan, given the current resources of the King''s Court. Bayev nodded in agreement: "Governor, I will devise an appropriate compensation plan. On behalf of the warriors, I thank you for your generosity!" Afterward, Eden and Bayev discussed the process for the upcoming ceremony. Once satisfied with the answers, Eden urged Bayev to check on the progress of the Emperor''s statue construction. Eden was grateful to have someone like Bayev as his steward¡ªhis energy seemed boundless, and he could handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Without him, Eden feared he might collapse from exhaustion. Everything had been set in motion, and the Emperor''s Ascension Day was just three days away. All Eden had to do was appear at the ceremony, make a promise to his people, and that would be enough. Then, he would gather enough Hope Power to open the portal and send himself to the Green Wave farm on the space hulk. There, he would obtain the advanced farming techniques and food resources, along with an automated robot. Currently, the administrative methods in the King''s Court were too outdated. There was no internet, and in some ways, it was worse than the world he had come from. He had to get the internet up and running as soon as possible so that he could implement modern communication and management systems. As for digital daemons or rogue codes, he wasn''t worried. He''d simply use the small sun to bless the servers for protection. He could create a few sacred relics with the blessing of the small sun, then gather some priests. They could perform rituals and sprinkle holy water on the servers daily to ensure their protection. Right now, the servers were only operating within the territory, so protecting them wasn''t too difficult. It wasn''t like the Golden Throne, where the Emperor sat, maintaining the Astronomican¡ªa massive beacon network that spanned the galaxy. The strain of managing such servers across entire star systems, sectors, and even regions was unimaginable. No wonder they had to burn through so many psykers. In any case, once he had the farming technology, and the servers for the internet set up, it would drastically reduce administrative costs and increase productivity. The only tricky part was that robot. The Imperium strictly forbade the use of AI robots. If Eden really brought back an AI robot, symbolizing "hatred of intelligence," it would surely incite fear or opposition from the people. If the Imperium found out, it would cause serious trouble. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But then again, Urth was now in the Imperium''s dark zone. The Imperium had no control over him anymore! Eden had made up his mind¡ªhe had to bring that AI robot back. At worst, he''d disguise it. Put it in a robe, weld the Imperial Aquila on it, and pass it off as a servitor! As long as Eden didn''t admit it was an AI, who could challenge him? Everything was moving in the direction Eden had hoped for. He allowed himself to relax a bit, leaning back in his throne to rest. But for some reason, the feeling of unease only grew stronger. Suddenly, a sharp sense of foreboding struck Eden! Darkness, pure and overwhelming darkness! He looked toward the Hoffman family''s territory, his psychic senses faintly picking up on something terrible brewing there! It was a terrifying Chaos monstrosity, a creation of the dark gods. If it were allowed to fully mature, his territory would be powerless to stop its attack. However, Eden couldn''t risk starting a war with the Hoffman family directly. Based on the strength they displayed yesterday, even if he won, it would be a pyrrhic victory. The only ones to benefit would be the Grey Wolf gang. Fortunately, there was still some time before that monstrosity was fully birthed. Eden''s only option now was to race against time, betting that he could gather enough Hope Power to restore his strength before the Hoffman family unleashed that creature. Actually, Eden had another concern. After last night''s battle, the Hoffman family might have already uncovered the vulnerabilities of the King''s Court. If they chose to launch more attacks during the Emperor''s Ascension Day, things could get very complicated. As Eden brooded, in the secret laboratory of the Hoffman family''s territory... Squeak, squeak, squeak! In a glass chamber, a mutated grey rat gnawed happily on a severed hand, looking quite content. Its eyes were unusually bright, hinting at a level of intelligence. Yusef had noticed this and ordered the rat to be kept alive, growing rather fond of it. At that moment, Yusef gently stroked the grey rat, as if petting a small pet. He was waiting for news. Not long ago, he had received reports of gunfire within the King''s Court''s territory. It seemed they had opted for a large-scale purge. The heretics he had sent there would have immediately released the Chaos essence, unleashing those terrible mutated creatures. Suffering would soon spread throughout the King''s Court! Cackle, cackle! Yusef was pleased, imagining that the residential areas around the Sacred Square had already been turned into a wasteland, with countless casualties. (End of Chapter) Chapter 56: The King’s Court Has Hidden Strength! Chapter 56: Chapter 56: The King¡¯s Court Has Hidden Strength!Yusef''s mind was filled with thoughts of victory, as he could already picture Eden''s terrified face. Fear! You should be terrified! Because you are facing me, Yusef, the true future ruler of Urth! The mere thought of fulfilling his family''s thousand-year-old dream and crowning himself king filled Yusef with excitement. Squeak, squeak! The mutated grey rat finished gnawing on the flesh and squeaked again, its eyes full of desire as it gazed at Yusef''s hand. But it didn''t dare bite him, knowing all too well how powerful this human was after suffering at his hands. Feeling quite pleased, Yusef tossed another severed hand from the nearby bucket of flesh to the rat. "Eat more, you cute little thing..." He couldn''t help but praise the rat, which looked like a small dog, its dark red skin covered in several pitch-black eyes. Not far away, the researchers kept their distance, nervously attending to their tasks. Their lord, Yusef, had grown increasingly erratic and cruel. Many had been brutally killed for seemingly no reason at all. The researchers feared making even the slightest mistake, dreading that they might be fed to the monstrous rat. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The elevator in the laboratory descended, and the leader of the heretics, marked with the symbol of the "Broken Eye" on his forehead, entered. He knelt before Yusef. "Master, there''s news from the King''s Court!" "Get up, tell me¡ªhow''s the situation there? What did that useless fool Eden do? He must be terrified, right?" Yusef stood up, eagerly questioning the heretic leader. "Nothing happened..." The heretic leader raised his head, his face dark: "The loyal followers we sent didn''t cause any real damage. The chaos was quelled in a single night! There was barely any panic or fear among the people, and order in the residential areas was restored quickly!" Yusef froze for a moment. "Impossible! There''s no way... something like this could happen!" Anger surged within him as his gaze shifted to the mutated grey rat, which was happily chewing on bones. "Get out of my sight, you damned thing!" Squeak! The mutated rat squealed as Yusef kicked it, sending it scurrying to the other side of its glass enclosure. It didn''t even have time to grab its bone before it ran, too scared to retrieve it. What had just happened? A moment ago, this human had called it "cute," and now he was kicking it? Ignoring the rat, Yusef turned his furious gaze to the heretic leader: "Was there a problem with the plan? Given the current strength of the King''s Court, the only way they could stop the mutants would be with mass human-wave tactics, followed by relentless bombardments with heavy firepower! Otherwise, it would be impossible to deal with those mutants so easily!" "The plan went perfectly! It''s just that the people of the King''s Court reacted too quickly, and they were too strong! The battle ended so fast that many of our followers didn''t even have time to react before they were wiped out! The King''s Court easily dismantled the attack. My lord, our plan has failed!" Failed? Just like that, we failed? Yusef felt humiliated beyond belief. He had been defeated by that incompetent Eden? How could that be? "No, we didn''t fail! This was a successful test¡ªwe forced the King''s Court to reveal its hidden strength!" Yusef was resolute: "If I''m not mistaken, the King''s Court has concealed an even greater power than the Imperial Guards! They''ve hidden it for thousands of years without ever exposing it. What a cunning and deceitful family, those Grants!" At that moment, Yusef thought back to everything the Hoffman family had endured. Thousands of years ago, it was the Grant family''s treacherous schemes that stole the governorship of Urth! For centuries, Yusef''s family had been oppressed, enduring countless hardships! Now, it was up to him, Yusef¡ªthe most outstanding descendant of the Hoffman family¡ªto face this formidable enemy! This attack wasn''t a loss! It was a massive victory! With just a small scheme, the Grant family had been forced to reveal their hidden power that had been concealed for millennia. This proved they had no other options left! Yusef looked at the heretic leader, clearly satisfied: "This plan was a great success, you did well!" The heretic leader was bewildered. Had they... won? How had they won? What was Yusef even talking about? Though confused, he dared not question his master. He would never do anything that could undermine his master''s dignity. Too many examples had shown that challenging the master''s dignity led to extreme suffering and torment! After thinking for a moment, the heretic leader steeled himself: "Master, since we''ve succeeded, shouldn''t we proceed with the next attack? We can send in more followers, carrying more of the Great Lord of All Eyes'' essence! Even if we can''t cause massive destruction, we could at least ruin the Corpse-Emperor''s ceremony!" The mere thought of the King''s Court holding a ceremony to honor the Corpse-Emperor made his skin crawl, nearly driving him mad. He had to ruin the ceremony! He couldn''t let it happen! How he longed to storm the Corpse-Emperor''s shrine, to defile and desecrate it! But his plan was rejected by Yusef. "That''s a foolish plan! The King''s Court has already activated its hidden powers, making another attack unlikely to succeed. We can''t send anyone else, and we definitely can''t waste any more precious Chaos essence there. It would only slow down the progress of our experiments!" Yusef''s gaze shifted toward the massive glass incubation tank in the lab, where a grotesque mass of flesh, covered in black, blinking eyes, throbbed and pulsated. It was the grotesquely swollen abdomen of a pregnant woman, twisted and deformed to an unnatural size, while her upper body and limbs remained normal. The sight was horribly distorted and terrifying. Inside that monstrous belly, the embryo of a daemon was growing. "The King''s Court''s hidden powers may be formidable... But we have something far greater¡ªthe embryo bestowed upon us by the Lord of All Eyes! Once it is fully developed, and the true offspring of the Lord of All Eyes is born, it will unleash ultimate nightmare power. It will become the most powerful being on this planet. No matter what the King''s Court does, they won''t be able to stop this divine force!" The heretic leader wanted to argue, but ultimately lowered his head: "Yes, my lord. The Lord of All Eyes will grant us power, and all will happen as you wish!" Yusef ordered the researchers: "At any cost, give the host more nutrients to accelerate the growth of the embryo!" Following his command, the researchers pulled down several levers. Massive amounts of colorful liquids flowed through hollow tubes, injecting into the pregnant woman''s body and belly. She writhed and screamed in agony, her suffering almost tangible. Yusef watched it all with fanatical excitement. This was his true strength! He was tired of schemes. This time, he would face them head-on, using absolute power to destroy the King''s Court! All he had to do now was wait. Wait for the true offspring of the Lord of All Eyes to arrive in this world! (End of Chapter) Chapter 57: Final Preparations for the Ceremony Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Final Preparations for the CeremonyEden''s psychic senses detected the slow growth of Chaos power in the Hoffman family''s territory. Fortunately, there was still some time before the final release. For now, the most important matter was the Emperor''s Ascension Day. If the ceremony went wrong, there would be no need for the Hoffman family to unleash their creatures¡ªthe King''s Court would fall into chaos on its own. So Eden quickly turned all his attention toward the preparations for the ceremony. With the event just three days away, the basic structure was already in place. On the day of the Emperor''s Ascension, the King''s Court would halt all work for an unprecedented day, distributing free food to the people. Everyone would have the opportunity to rest. They could either join the street parades or devote themselves to the worship rituals dedicated to the God-Emperor. This was a blessing from the great God-Emperor and the kind Governor, a gift everyone could enjoy. Except for the Imperial Guards, defense forces, and enforcers. They would be responsible for security, with their day off postponed by one day. The grand ceremony would take place at the Sacred Square, the main venue of the Emperor''s Ascension Day! Those fortunate enough to gain entry to the Sacred Square would receive blessings before the statue of the God-Emperor, adorned with gold and jewels. Each person would also receive consecrated bread and holy water from the church. The most important part of the ceremony was Eden''s speech as Governor. In truth, it was just him making promises to the people. As soon as the promises were made, divine miracles would appear. Then Eden would simply wait for the surge of Hope Power to flow in. If everything went smoothly, he would gather enough Hope Power to secure critical resources that could turn the tide in his favor. This was the plan! Now, the entire King''s Court was dedicated to making this happen, and most of the arrangements were already in place. The only thing left unresolved was the list of people who would attend the ceremony at the Sacred Square. The front-row attendees and those marching in the parade were easy to determine. They would be members of families loyal to the King''s Court, key officials from important departments, and officers from various military forces. Their family members would also be included. This part was straightforward and had already been rehearsed. The real challenge was selecting the common citizens who would attend the ceremony. Which of them would be deemed worthy of entering the Sacred Square? According to the plan, about 50,000 citizens were to be admitted into the square to receive blessings. They were the main source of Hope Power! Emotions were contagious. Eden expected that once these people returned home, they would inspire others. They would serve as a node, spreading that energy to more people. These individuals played a crucial role, and couldn''t be randomly chosen. The square would be packed with a dense crowd during the ceremony. If any heretics or malcontents managed to slip in and detonate a bio-bomb or launch an attack, it would be disastrous. Such an event would immediately trigger mass panic. The resulting stampede and chaos would turn the ceremony into a tragedy, with heavy casualties. The collective fear and despair of so many people gathered in one place could be catastrophic. At that point, not only would the collection of Hope Power fail, but it could even summon a Chaos daemon on the spot. That''s why the list of citizens was so important¡ªit required thorough vetting. Only those who were devout followers of the God-Emperor, loyal to the King''s Court, and hardworking individuals would be allowed to attend. The task of selecting these citizens was assigned to a newly created department that Eden had established the day before. This new department, called the Secretariat, was led by Bayev and staffed by a group of young officials who were absolutely loyal to the Governor. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Secretariat operated independently of all other departments and answered directly to the Governor. They had considerable authority. When deployed, they could act in the Governor''s name to mobilize other departments to assist in handling affairs. In essence, Eden had carved out a new group from the existing structure of the King''s Court. These officials combined the roles of the Governor''s emissaries and intelligence officers, assisting Bayev in handling sensitive and critical tasks. They were young and not yet set in their ways, making them prime candidates for future grooming. This was part of Eden''s long-term plan for reform. The Secretariat was currently labeled as a temporary department in the records, not part of the official hierarchy, giving Eden the flexibility to make adjustments or upgrades in the future. In time, this group of young officials would play a larger role, injecting fresh blood into the King''s Court. This ceremony would be their first assignment. Bayev quickly arranged the Secretariat''s headquarters, located not far from the Spire Estate. The building had previously been used by the Department of Internal Affairs but was now vacated for the Secretariat''s use. Though the internal affairs staff were disgruntled, they moved out quickly. After all, it was the Governor''s order¡ªno one dared defy it. All of the officials in the King''s Court understood that a powerful new political force was on the rise. The Secretariat had already seized a portion of the Internal Affairs Department''s authority. In the future, it might claim even more. At this moment, two hundred young officials of the Secretariat were standing in formation at their new headquarters, waiting for Eden''s arrival. They wore the Secretariat''s black formal coats, black leather boots, and armbands bearing the insignia of a red background with a golden lion, a more dignified design than before. Each of them was armed with the most advanced laspistols currently available in the King''s Court. According to Eden''s plan, these officials would eventually be assigned assistants and elite military units, enabling them to carry out their tasks within the King''s Court unimpeded. Of course, this would be done gradually, and everything would be fully equipped after the ceremony. Deville stood in the front row, his face cold and expressionless. This was the proper demeanor for an official of the body retrieval unit in the Logistics Department. It was also the expected attitude of the Governor''s enforcers! When they went out into the field, they would act as the Governor''s emissaries, embodying his authority! After waiting for some time, Bayev led Eden into the headquarters to review the officials of the Secretariat. Eden glanced at their attire and nodded in approval: "Very good, this is exactly what I had in mind!" As always, his steward was reliable. Seeing that the Governor was pleased, Bayev finally breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, Governor, for your wise guidance. Without it, I wouldn''t have known what to do!" "Steward Bayev, you''ve worked hard..." Eden said, even more satisfied, patting Bayev on the shoulder. Bayev could get things done and knew how to flatter¡ªwhat more could a leader want? Eden walked over to Deville and the others, carefully observing them. As he watched, Eden''s brow furrowed, his expression growing darker by the second. Deville, standing in the front row, noticed the Governor''s frown and grew increasingly tense. Could the Governor be dissatisfied? Tsk, this isn''t quite right..." Eden muttered, thinking hard before finally speaking up, his eyes locking on Deville: "Especially you..." Deville''s heart sank upon hearing those words. He could barely stand from the shock! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 58: The Workers Chapter 58: Chapter 58: The WorkersDeville never expected that he, who had always been exemplary, would be publicly questioned by the Governor. He felt an overwhelming sense of injustice, almost to the point of tears. Still, he struggled to maintain his composure, trying to preserve his dignity. Without the Governor asking, he didn''t dare inquire where he had fallen short. But regardless, if the Governor said he wasn''t good enough, then he wasn''t good enough! As Deville wrestled with his emotions, trying to keep his thoughts under control, Eden turned to Popov, standing beside him: "This comrade here is doing well; everyone should take him as an example!" "Really?" Popov, who had never received any praise before¡ªespecially not from the Governor¡ªcould hardly contain his excitement. He instinctively asked. Then he quickly realized how disrespectful it was to question the Governor and immediately shut his mouth. "It''s true, young man. Keep up the good work!" "All for the Governor!" Popov stood tall, filled with pride. When he returned home, he would certainly tell his parents about this. To be personally praised by the Governor was an honor that would be recorded in his family''s history. What an immense honor! Deville, watching Popov barely suppressing his excitement, found it even more unbelievable. Why? How could that coward Popov be better than him? Soon, Eden explained the reasoning to everyone: "You''re all too serious and too cold. You should smile more. You represent the Governor''s image, and I need you to show enough approachability. You need to be able to connect with the people, to communicate well enough to gather the information we need! That''s something you must do!" The officials of the Secretariat were acting as the Governor''s emissaries. If they were too cold and made people fear them completely, it would negatively impact the Governor''s image. At least for now, he needed to leave a kind image in the minds of the people. Upon hearing the Governor''s request, Deville and the other young officials immediately forced smiles. However, they hadn''t smiled in front of people in such a long time, making their expressions awkward. Eden looked at them and nodded: "In any case, your primary task is to smile and show enough friendliness. I trust you can manage that!" "Yes, sir!" "However, when facing enemies and corrupt individuals, you must show them your ruthlessness and cold-blooded nature. You need to strike fear into their hearts and show them what the wrath of thunder truly means! Understood?" "Yes, sir!" That was Eden''s purpose in selecting this group. They needed to be approachable but also capable of extreme ruthlessness when required! "I believe you all understand what I mean. Now, let Steward Bayev assign you your tasks." Eden''s work was done, and from here on, it was Bayev''s responsibility. He would assign the young officials to various regions, such as mines and factories, to select the right citizens for the ceremony. The process involved the King''s Court issuing orders, instructing each area to submit a list of names according to specific requirements. They would select active individuals to represent the people, forming a procession into the Sacred Square. The Secretariat''s task was to review these lists, ensuring there was no fraud and determining whether to add or remove people. If anyone was found to be deceiving or disrespecting the Governor, they would be judged accordingly. Soon, Bayev had the plan in motion. Deville and Popov were assigned to the same group, becoming partners. They headed to the factory district to carry out the selection task. Riding in a hovercar toward the factory area, Popov couldn''t help but ask: "Deville, why do you keep staring at me? Is there something on my face?" "Nothing," Deville replied with a blank expression, turning his face away. He would never admit that he was trying to learn how to smile by observing Popov. Out of Popov''s sight, Deville practiced smiling in silence. He swore that next time he saw the Governor, he would present the most perfect smile. He would smile even better than Popov! As Deville and the others made their way to the factory district, the factory managers scrambled to prepare for the Governor''s emissaries'' arrival. To avoid leaving a bad impression on the emissaries, the factory directors ordered workers to work overtime to clean and tidy the factory thoroughly. Supervisors became even more diligent in overseeing the workers, allowing no slacking off. Yet none of the workers complained. Two days ago, the King''s Court had issued a notice that a select number of active workers would be chosen to attend the Emperor''s Ascension Day at the Sacred Square. These chosen individuals would receive the Emperor''s blessing and be given consecrated bread and holy water from the church. It was an opportunity beyond measure. In the past, when the Emperor''s Ascension Day had been celebrated, only the directors of large factories had the privilege of being invited by the nobles to the Sacred Square in the Upper Hive to receive blessings! But this time, everyone had a chance! For the workers from the Lower Hive, this was an unparalleled blessing. They didn''t even need supervision; they worked harder than ever, fearing that if they slacked off, they might lose this precious opportunity. They prayed silently, hoping they would be selected. Arila, working diligently on the assembly line, desperately hoped to be chosen as one of the active workers! Cough! She coughed but quickly stifled the sound. Her mask was broken, but she didn''t dare speak up. According to regulations, workers could only replace their masks once a month. The last worker who had complained about a broken mask had been whipped by the supervisor! At this critical moment, if she were beaten for such a mistake, she might lose her chance to be selected as an active worker. Fortunately, she was the fastest worker on the line, with the highest product output! She was sure to be chosen. But it was so hard to bear! The noxious fumes seeped through the gap in her mask, and the wounds on her face made the pain unbearable, but she gritted her teeth and kept going. "Arila, you can do it. Just hold on a little longer!" Just as Arila felt she could no longer endure, the supervisor finally announced a break. She could finally catch her breath. Soon, the list of active workers would be announced, and the workers gathered nervously, discussing the Emperor''s Ascension Day. They were full of hope, as this might be the greatest honor the Lower Hive workers could ever receive. From birth to death, the workers lived their lives unnoticed, with no praise or mourning. But now, the Governor was offering them such a great honor! Arila didn''t join the discussion. She was always invisible, not well-acquainted with her colleagues, and people often forgot she existed. She listened to their praises of the Governor, and in her heart, she couldn''t help but think: "The Governor truly is a kind man." Soon, the supervisor pulled out a list¡ªthe preliminary selection of active workers. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At that moment, everyone''s hearts were in their throats! (End of Chapter) Chapter 59: The Arrival of the Emissaries Chapter 59: Chapter 59: The Arrival of the EmissariesArila hoped, desperately, that her name would appear on the list. If it did, she would be able to go to the Sacred Square, to see the Emperor''s statue and the benevolent Governor with her own eyes! There were ten spots available on the third production line. One by one, the overseer read off the names. Each worker whose name was called wept with joy, kneeling in gratitude to the Emperor and the Governor for this great honor. Arila watched the overseer closely, praying her name would be called. But as the list came to an end, she still hadn''t heard her name. Her heart felt as if it had fallen into an endless abyss. How could this be? She had worked so hard! She didn''t understand why she wasn''t chosen as one of the active workers. "Over... Overseer, I..." Arila couldn''t hold back any longer and timidly raised her hand, wanting to ask why. Crack! In the next instant, the overseer''s whip cracked loudly against the ground, sending a sharp sound through the air. "Those on the list, follow me to meet the Emissary. The rest of you, get back to the line and keep working. No complaints! If I catch anyone slacking off, I''ll make sure you regret it!" The overseer glared menacingly at Arila, his eyes warning her. If it hadn''t been for the Emissary''s visit today, and the factory director''s specific instructions to be more lenient, the overseer''s whip would have already lashed across Arila''s back. Seeing the overseer''s warning, Arila swallowed her words and dared not speak again. She could only watch the ten workers with envy as they followed the overseer to meet the Emissary. If they passed the inspection, they would get the chance to go to the Sacred Square. But for Arila, that chance was gone. Choking back her frustration, she wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes and returned to the production line. Suddenly, the heat on the assembly line seemed unbearable, and the fumes seeping through her broken mask stung her nose terribly. It was as if no one ever cared about her. Even though she had worked so hard, no one ever noticed. No matter how much she felt wronged, she still had to keep working. In her weakened condition, she wondered if one day she might end up like her parents, dying at her station. Maybe only when she collapsed and died on the assembly line would anyone finally notice her. Perhaps they''d even pity her, saying, "Arila was such a diligent worker. This workshop has lost one of its best." Her mind wandered, imagining her own death, filling her with sorrow. But the noisy machinery quickly snapped her back to reality¡ªshe was still on the clock! She hurriedly resumed her work, murmuring to herself for encouragement: "Arila, you''re the best worker here. You can do this!" "Arila!" Hmm, was someone calling her? Arila was confused. It had been so long since anyone had called her name since her parents had passed. She thought she might have been imagining it. "Arila!" This time, she was certain someone was calling her, and she quickly turned around. It was the overseer, glaring at her with a stern expression! She panicked: "Overseer, I''ve been working hard. Please, don''t punish me!" Seeing no response from the overseer, she quickly continued: "Is it about my mask? By the Emperor, I accidentally broke it. I swear I won''t ask for a replacement, and it won''t affect the workshop!" The overseer, breathing heavily, said nothing, almost scaring Arila out of her wits. Then, to her shock, the overseer''s face broke into a broad smile. "A-A-Arila, no need to worry. I''m here with some important news for you..." The overseer''s tone was unnaturally polite, as if afraid of offending her. He had nearly run himself breathless to get here. "You need me... for something important?" Arila couldn''t believe her ears. The overseer was being nice to her? Normally, he would just call her "Hey, you!" or worse, "that one over there!" and strike her with his whip without a second thought. "Yes, Arila. Please, follow me quickly. The Emissary wants to see you specifically..." What? Arila''s mind went blank. Though she wasn''t the brightest, she knew this was something good. "Come quickly now... And the rest of you, get back to work. Anyone slacking will answer to me!" The overseer, catching his breath, led Arila away, but not before shouting at the other workers as a matter of habit. Realizing how that might look, he quickly turned back to Arila, speaking softly: "Apologies, Arila, I didn''t mean to raise my voice and bother your ears. Please forgive my past offenses..." The overseer looked as though he might cry, terrified of offending Arila, who had been personally summoned by the Emissary. "No... no problem..." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Arila, still in a daze, followed the overseer toward the reception area, where the Emissary and the factory director were waiting. In the factory''s reception hall, the director was drenched in sweat as he anxiously faced the two Emissaries, both dressed in black uniforms, representing the Governor himself. These Emissaries had the power to execute him on the spot! Two days ago, the King''s Court had issued a notice, instructing each region to submit a list of active workers, explicitly warning against any falsification or negligence. If the Governor''s Emissaries found any issues, the offenders would face severe punishment, and in serious cases, execution on the spot! The message from the King''s Court had been clear. No sane person would dare tamper with this list. The factory director had worked tirelessly, reviewing every name submitted by the overseers, carefully examining the workers'' faith and family backgrounds before finalizing the list. To ensure fairness, he had even excluded his own brother-in-law. Yet, there was still a problem. The woman Arila, whom the Governor had taken a personal interest in, was not on the list! How could this happen? In fact, Arila''s name had been added by Eden on a whim. The other night, Carter had promised Arila he would pass on her feelings to the Governor. And true to his word, he had mentioned Arila to Eden. Eden, finding the story amusing, had noted her name. Later, when preparing the list, he had casually added it. What he hadn''t expected was the amount of attention it would draw. Upon seeing that Arila had been specifically marked by the Governor, Bayev immediately dispatched Deville and Popov to ensure nothing went wrong. That''s how the current situation came to be. The factory director was on the verge of collapse, convinced that his life¡ªand his family¡ªwas over. "There''s no need to be afraid..." Deville looked at the trembling director and tried to reassure him. Worried that his usual cold expression might be too harsh, he gave the director the smile he had just learned from Popov. "Mercy, Emissary! By the Emperor''s name, I swear the list was thoroughly reviewed. There''s no mistake. I had no idea Arila was someone the Governor was looking for!" With a thud, the factory director dropped to his knees. The Emissary''s sinister smile made him tremble, certain he was about to be executed. "You wretch!" Deville was momentarily taken aback. This time, he was genuinely angry, his hand instinctively moving toward his laser pistol. "Whoa, whoa, Deville, take it easy. Remember to be friendly. We''re here to help the workers. Didn''t the Governor say we should engage with the people?" Popov patted Deville on the shoulder, urging him to stay calm. Deville glared at Popov, feeling even more insulted and humiliated. That coward, giving him orders? (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 60: The Workers’ Representative Chapter 60: Chapter 60: The Workers'' Representative"Hmph!" Deville, though somewhat displeased, held back his frustration. He snorted and stepped aside. After all, Popov was praised by the Governor, and Deville was not¡ªat least, not yet. He simply didn''t have the qualities the Governor needed right now, but he would learn and adapt. For now, he would tolerate that coward for a little while longer. Popov, seeing Deville back down, finally let out a sigh of relief. If Deville had harmed someone unjustly, it could have resulted in a rebuke from the Governor. Despite everything, Popov truly cared about Deville. In his mind, he and Deville were like brothers who had survived life-and-death situations together. Of course, by that, Popov meant that Deville had once saved his life. Popov gently helped the factory director to his feet: "Stand up, we''re not demons here. As long as there''s no falsifying of names to deceive the Governor, nothing will happen to you." Popov stared into the director''s eyes: "But if the list has any issues, we will follow the rules. You may be punished¡ªor even executed." Though Popov had a reputation for being a coward, he was still a certified official of the King''s Court. His authority, backed by the Governor, was no less than that of an enforcer. "I swear on my life, the list is correct!" the factory director vowed, almost as if swearing an oath. "Good!" Popov narrowed his eyes and smiled warmly again. Soon after, Arila was led into the room by the overseer. In the room, she saw the normally high-and-mighty factory director and the two imposing Emissaries, both dressed in black. She was so shocked that she didn''t know what to say. The factory director quickly introduced her: "Emissaries, this is our factory''s outstanding worker, Ms. Arila!" "Emissaries!" Arila hurriedly bowed in greeting. "Ms. Arila," Popov said, pulling out a small box, "we are here on behalf of the Governor to invite you to participate in the Emperor''s Ascension Festival." "In recognition of your excellent performance, the Governor''s palace has chosen to bestow upon you the title of Workers'' Representative. On the day of the festival, you will lead your factory''s workers into the Sacred Square to receive the Emperor''s blessing!" This announcement left both Arila and the factory director in shock. A medal bestowed by the Governor''s palace¡ªwhat an honor! Even Deville and Popov were a bit envious, as neither of them had received such a medal yet. Of course, that would change if they continued doing their jobs well, and they could aim for even greater honors in the future. The Workers'' Representative medal was something Eden had ordered to be designed, intended for outstanding workers in various fields. Each region would select one or several workers to receive the medal, and the young officials from the new Secretarial Department would present them. However, Eden had never specified that Arila should receive the Workers'' Representative medal. It was Bayev who had assumed that since her name was specifically added by the Governor, her status couldn''t be ordinary. So, he arranged for her to receive the honor. Popov carefully opened the box to show everyone its contents. Inside was a red medal with elements of a golden lion and hammer. Arila, overwhelmed with excitement, took the medal and pinned it to her chest. She was so happy that she almost fainted. By the Emperor, not only had the kind Governor invited her to the festival, but she was also being rewarded? This was beyond anything she had ever dared to dream! "Congratulations, Ms. Arila!" "Thank you, Emissary... And thank you, kind Governor..." Arila stammered, her words jumbled with excitement, but no one cared about the details. Wearing the medal wasn''t the end of it; there would be an official announcement, a ceremony, and her name would be entered into the King''s Court records. The police would even provide some level of protection for her. The Interior Department would send personnel to teach her how to fulfill her new duties. But all these formalities were beyond Deville and Popov''s concern. The factory and the Interior Department would handle the follow-up. Soon, Deville and Popov left the reception area to inspect the list of active workers. Their task was crucial, as they needed to filter out any underperformers or those whose faith was weak. More importantly, they had to identify any bad elements or heretics. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After the Emissaries left, it was just Arila and the factory director. Arila, still unsure of what to do, said hesitantly: "Factory Director, should I go back to the production line now?" The director, beaming with a smile, quickly stopped her: "Ms. Arila, no need to rush back. You should rest here for a bit!" Saying this, he personally poured her a glass of water. After all, Arila was now the face of the factory¡ªa representative of the Governor himself! There was no way he would send her back to the production line, where she might collapse from exhaustion. The director was already thinking of promoting Arila to a higher management position. Only such a position would be suitable for her now. As soon as a worker received a medal from the Governor, their status changed. No matter what their past was, their future would be completely different. They could rise above their previous circumstances and potentially even join the ranks of the nobility one day. It was a glimmer of hope for the downtrodden. This system gave the lower classes a path to ascend. It showed them that no matter their poverty, anyone who worked hard for the King''s Court and the Governor would receive the rewards they deserved. Only through this promise could hope endure. And this was the Governor''s gift to his people. Arila, this once unfortunate worker, had received that gift. But right now, she had no idea how much this blessing would change her fate. She was simply lost in joy. In just two days, she would go to receive the Emperor''s blessing. And she would even meet the kind Governor himself! What would the sacred bread and water taste like? Sitting on the sofa in the reception area, Arila''s mind wandered, lost in a daydream. It wasn''t until the director spoke again that she came back to her senses. "Ms. Arila," the director said sincerely, "I''ve given it some thought. From now on, you won''t have to return to that dirty production line..." "Huh?" Arila thought he was about to fire her and quickly pleaded: "Director, are you firing me? Please don''t..." "No, no, no!" The director was even more panicked than Arila: "By the Emperor, I would never do that. You''re an important representative of this factory. There''s no way I''d fire you!" Firing Arila, after the Governor had just given her a medal? That would be suicide! "Really?" Arila asked, still unsure. "Of course not!" the director reassured her, explaining: "Ms. Arila, what I meant is that, as a representative of this factory, you deserve a higher position." He took out a form listing the factory''s higher management positions. "You can choose any position you want!" Finally, Arila understood: "You''re promoting me, and I can choose my own job?" This was an unexpected bonus! By the Emperor, today was the luckiest day of her life! "Yes, Ms. Arila. Please, tell me¡ªwhat position would you like?" "Overseer!" Arila answered without hesitation. "Huh?" (End of Chapter) Chapter 61: The Restoration of the Sacred Icon is Complete! Chapter 61: Chapter 61: The Restoration of the Sacred Icon is Complete![Normal schedule will start. 1 Chapter per day + 500PS=1 Chapter] Arila''s response left the factory manager a bit puzzled. An Overseer? That''s almost the lowest level of management. It barely counts as a management position at all. He had initially thought that even if Arila wanted to become the factory manager, he could grit his teeth and agree. After all, he could just give her an empty title, one that wouldn''t involve any real responsibilities, or assign someone capable to assist her. But he really didn''t expect her to choose to be an overseer. "Arila, are you sure you want to be an overseer?" "Absolutely!" "Would you like to reconsider?" Arila shook her head firmly in response. She wanted to be an overseer. As a worker, her daily life consisted of working on the assembly line in the workshop, day after day, assembling the mechanical components required by the King''s Court district. During breaks, she could only walk along a fixed route back to the living quarters assigned by the factory. She had almost no personal time at all. One could say that the small assembly line workshop was her entire world. Her daily interactions were mostly limited to the overseers who oppressed her with whips. For her, being an overseer was the best position she could imagine. She remembered how her father used to boast when he was alive, saying that he worked the hardest and would surely become an overseer one day! Little did they know that management positions within the factory were mostly reserved for those from the Upper Hive. People like them, from the Lower Hive, hardly had any chance of becoming managers. A worker was just a worker, destined to remain so for life! As someone from the Upper Hive, the factory manager could not comprehend Arila''s choice. He couldn''t fathom that she might not know about any other positions besides being an overseer. This was the gap created by their different social classes. Seeing Arila''s determination, the factory manager sighed and replied: "Alright, Arila, I respect your choice. From now on, you are an overseer. Someone will come shortly to handle the paperwork and explain how to carry out your duties as an overseer! As for your area of responsibility, it will be the third assembly line where you used to work. Of course, if you ever change your mind, feel free to come find me..." An overseer, huh? Well, in any case, she''ll still be the most powerful overseer in the factory. Once she gets the hang of it, I''ll find a chance to promote her slowly. The factory manager thought to himself. At that moment, Arila barely heard the factory manager''s words. She was already completely immersed in the joy of becoming an overseer. Hehehe! She was the best Arila ever! Her father never achieved it, but she did! Thank the God-Emperor! And thank the merciful Governor! Achoo! "Who''s thinking of me?" On the balcony of the spire mansion, Eden suddenly sneezed. He rubbed his nose and looked towards the Holy Square. What met his eyes was the towering and majestic hundred-meter-tall statue of the God-Emperor. It had once been desecrated by heretics, left in ruins. That represented the suffering and humiliation endured by the King''s Court district, and even the Imperium itself, during this catastrophe. Due to the Great Rift in the Warp, nearly half of the Imperium''s territories had fallen into darkness, ravaged by xenos, heretics, and Chaos Daemons. Urth was one such world. But now, the statue of the God-Emperor had been preliminarily restored, returned to its original grandeur. Only the final gilding and gemstone inlay remained. This was a symbol, the first step in a great crusade. He, Eden Grant, ruler of Urth and the Planetary Governor of the Imperium, would begin to reclaim the planet and save other worlds from the dark side of the Imperium! In the Holy Square, Bayev directed the artisans as they made the final preparations. These artisans were tasked with decorating the entire Holy Square¡ªraising flags, laying out luxurious carpets, and more. They also had to complete the gilding and inlay of gemstones on the statue of the God-Emperor before the night of the Emperor''s Ascension Day. Fortunately, everything was progressing smoothly, and they would meet the deadline. Bayev looked up at the statue of the God-Emperor and couldn''t help but pray: "God-Emperor above, please bless us! S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bless us that, under the leadership of the Governor, we may emerge from this terrible darkness!" For the past five years, Bayev had been in a state of despair. As the Grand Chamberlain of the King''s Court district, he was fully aware of the dire situation. He knew that there was no hope left for the King''s Court district. Its most likely fate was to fall into chaos and be overtaken by the Hoffman family. But the Hoffman family, with their schemes and short-sighted incompetence, had no chance either. They had already been tainted by Chaos. Their control over the King''s Court district would only make things worse. Ultimately, Urth would not escape the clutches of Chaos and face total destruction! In the face of such despair... The Governor had long since abandoned hope, neglecting all duties and spending his days in debauchery. But Bayev, the most loyal servant of House Grant, could not give up! He could not afford to show even a hint of despair, nor let such emotions crush him. Day and night, he worked tirelessly to assist the Governor, handling all the administrative duties. Yet all he could do was delay the inevitable, to give the darkness a little more time before it consumed everything. In truth, he had long prepared himself for the end. When the King''s Court district fell, when the last of the Grant bloodline perished, he and his family would go with them. It would be their final act of loyalty! But since that attack, the Governor had changed after losing his memory. He started taking care of official matters and trying to save the King''s Court! These past days, Bayev had been observing the Governor. He initially thought the Governor had turned to the dark gods of Chaos, which explained the sudden change. But regardless, it was a good thing. As long as the Grant bloodline continued, even if it meant following them into corruption, Bayev would not hesitate! However, over time, he dismissed that idea. The Governor, in fact, showed greater care for his people than even his father had. This was not the behavior of a Chaos follower. Rather than believing that the Governor had turned to Chaos, Bayev preferred to believe that the Governor had been blessed by the God-Emperor! That was why he had changed so much, becoming more compassionate and wise, and gaining godlike, mysterious powers. Seeing the recent changes in the King''s Court district, Bayev ''s despair had gradually faded. Although the situation was still tough, he believed the Governor would perform more miracles and lead the district out of danger... At the entrance of the cathedral, Bishop Doni leaned on his staff as he walked out. He gazed at the newly restored statue of the God-Emperor, tears streaming down his face. It was finally restored. Not only had the statue been repaired, but the Emperor''s Ascension Day festival, which had been canceled for years, was being held once again. The Church would proceed to the Holy Square to bless the people, distributing sacred bread and water. All of this was thanks to the Governor, and Bishop Doni was becoming increasingly convinced that he was the one chosen by the God-Emperor. The all-knowing, all-powerful God-Emperor had shown Urth the way! And they, the Emperor''s loyal followers, had only to follow the one chosen by the Emperor. The sword in his hand would cleave through the darkness and lead the faithful into the light! Bishop Doni gazed at the grand statue of the God-Emperor, his heart swelling with devotion. To the chorus of the Seraphim, he fervently recited the hymns of gratitude to the almighty God-Emperor. Let the Emperor''s torch burn bright, dispelling all specters of the void! (End of Chapter) Chapter 62: The Miracle Descends! Chapter 62: Chapter 62: The Miracle Descends![500 Power Stones = +1 Chapter!] As the Emperor''s Ascension Day approached, nearly all departments within the King''s Court district mobilized, working full force to prepare for the grand ceremony. Everyone knew about the ceremony, envying those few who were fortunate enough to be selected to enter the Holy Square. Many began to regret their past actions. Why hadn''t they worked harder? Why hadn''t they contributed more to the Governor''s cause, leading them to miss out on this rare opportunity? Of course, the main topic of conversation among the people was the Governor himself. Some said the Governor had been blessed by the God-Emperor. Others claimed that overnight, he had gained divine powers and could kill daemons with a single punch. Still, others whispered that the Governor had found the mythical Bread Mountain and intended to ensure no one went hungry ever again. There were even rumors that the Governor, after obtaining his extraordinary powers, had spent the night with ten beautiful women. But this was immediately countered by someone saying it was nonsense. According to their version, the Governor had bedded twenty female daemons instead. This remark left everyone stunned for a moment, before they quickly scattered in fear. The person who dared to say such outrageous things about the Governor quickly shrank back and fled as well, afraid that the enforcers might come to arrest him. Most rumors, however, were whispered in private. One wouldn''t want the enforcers to overhear, as that would cause serious trouble. In just a few days, gossip about the Governor spread far and wide. Bayev had suggested arresting and putting on trial those who spoke disrespectfully about the Governor, but Eden rejected the idea. The majority of the talk was, after all, favorable to him. Even the most outlandish claims only served to bolster his powerful image. It undoubtedly strengthened the people''s trust in him. So the public discussion about him was a good thing, as long as it didn''t veer into heretical territory. If they started rounding people up for punishment or even execution, leading everyone to fear mentioning the Governor at all, that would be a real problem. It would damage his image of benevolence. In short, whatever the people were saying, let them talk. And so, two days passed quickly. The preparations for the Emperor''s Ascension Day were completed smoothly, and the Secretariat finalized the list of attendees for the ceremony. That evening, Eden once again stood on the balcony of the spire, watching the craftsmen complete the final touches in the Holy Square. Tonight, they would gild the statue of the God-Emperor and inlay the gemstones. By the time the sun rose tomorrow, the statue would shine brilliantly in the sunlight, visible to all residents of the surrounding districts. This was the first "miracle" Eden had prepared for the people of the King''s Court district. Now, all he had to do was wait. Workers across various regions had been notified of their holiday and given ample food. They could rest well, preparing to celebrate the grand festival of the Emperor''s Ascension Day tomorrow. ... Black Coal Street. Laughter echoed from the dim shacks in the depths of the street. Under the faint candlelight, Maika carefully polished his Worker''s Medal, his eyes filled with hope. He glanced at the young boy beside him, now full from a good meal. Ever since Maika received the Worker''s Medal for his exceptional mining, his life had completely transformed. This was a medal personally awarded by the Governor, given only to the most outstanding workers. His coworkers were envious, and the way people looked at him had changed. Even the highly respected Mr. Will had come to visit him, bringing food and candles as gifts. Tomorrow, he would join Mr. Will to attend the ceremony in the Holy Square, where they would receive the God-Emperor''s blessing. After the ceremony, Mr. Will would recommend him to be the team leader of the mining crew. And all of this was thanks to the great and benevolent Governor. ... Drek Residential District, Area C43, Small Dormitory for Workers. Arila was grinning like a fool. These past few days had been the happiest of her life. Not only had she received the Governor''s commendation, but she had also become an overseer! After being appointed as the overseer of the third assembly line, everyone remembered her name. They would never get it wrong again. Unlike the other overseers who ruled with whips, she taught the workers how to do their jobs better. How to work faster and with less effort. She even allowed them a short break. These were methods she had come up with through her own experience, ways to maximize efficiency. Other overseers mocked her in private, expecting her to fail miserably. They believed that without strict discipline, workers would slack off. But reality slapped them in the face¡ªthe workers under her supervision worked harder than ever! The third assembly line, which she oversaw, had the highest output and best quality! Arila didn''t understand why, but no matter what, she had become a highly capable overseer! She knew how to manage people! What she didn''t know was that the workers were putting in extra effort because they feared that if the production wasn''t good enough, Arila would be reassigned or demoted. And that would mean the return of the cruel overseer who loved to beat them. In any case, Arila was happy. Even more so because tomorrow she would attend the grand ceremony and see the benevolent Governor in person! She hugged her Worker''s Medal to her chest, rolling joyfully on her iron bed. Hehehe! ... King''s Court District, Administrative Housing Area. The Rapp family was enjoying dinner together. Tonight''s meal was sumptuous: a slice of real wheat bread for each person, along with a small portion of meat. This was a gift from the King''s Court district to its officials, nearly emptying Eden''s food reserves. Madi even took out half a bottle of wine. It was the only wine the Rapp family had. Originally, they had planned to save it for important guests, but Madi felt that only this wine was worthy of accompanying the food blessed by the Governor. Anything less would be a desecration of the meal. Madi carefully poured the wine into glasses and handed one to Deville. After thinking for a moment, she poured a glass for Lilith as well. Finally, she filled her own glass and raised it. "To the Governor!" The Rapp family raised their glasses in unison. As Madi drank the wine, its familiar, rich flavor made her feel slightly tipsy. Memories of the past flooded her mind. Her eyes grew misty. When she was Lilith''s age, she used to accompany her father to banquets. At that time, banquets were held all over the King''s Court district, a time of indulgence and extravagance. But as the district''s situation worsened, banquets slowly ceased to be held. Looking back, she realized the district had been lifeless for years. It had been a long time since it was this lively. How wonderful... Madi firmly believed in the rumors¡ªthat the Governor would restore the King''s Court district. She dreamed countless times of those days returning. Everything would get better again! That night, countless families across the King''s Court district shared the same sense of hope. They could all feel it¡ªthe once-dying district was coming back to life. They eagerly awaited the Governor''s mercy. They looked forward to a better future. Without realizing it, the arrival of Eden had changed the fate of many. In their bleak lives, a ray of light had appeared. That light was called hope. In the future, this change would continue, until a beautiful new world was built. ... As dawn broke, people began to fill the streets, ready to welcome the Emperor''s Ascension Day. "Liars, they''re all liars... The King''s Court district is out of food, the Governor is deceiving you!" On the streets, a drunkard mumbled quietly, taking a swig of his "liquor." Called "Er-liquor," it was really just toxic industrial waste mixed with filthy water. Despite being poisonous, many people preferred to drink it rather than eat, as it simulated the feeling of alcohol. The drunkard cursed loudly, and people quickly moved away. Those who drank Er-liquor didn''t live long and weren''t mentally stable. No one wanted to provoke them. When enforcers encountered troublemaking drunkards, they usually just shot them. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The God-Emperor''s miracle is a lie too! Damn it, no one''s fooling me..." The drunkard''s cursing grew louder, but suddenly, a golden light caught his eye. He looked up, and there it was¡ªa hundred-meter-tall statue of the God-Emperor, shining with golden light in the morning sun, an awe-inspiring sight. Crash! The bottle slipped from his hand and shattered on the ground. The drunkard fell to his knees in terror. "The... the God-Emperor has shown His miracle!" (End of Chapter) Chapter 63: The True Miracle! Chapter 63: Chapter 63: The True Miracle!The drunkard finally regained his senses, becoming fanatical: "A miracle! This is a miracle! The Emperor Himself has manifested! The rumors... are true! The Governor is the chosen one by the Emperor, we are saved!" This drunkard was once a noble of the Upper Hive, a devout follower of the Emperor. However, the terrible disaster completely destroyed him and his family, leaving him to wander the streets. He knelt down, pressing his head firmly to the ground, not daring to lift it: "Oh, Emperor, please forgive this humble servant... My piety and reverence for You have never wavered. Your benevolent light will forever shine upon my soul!" On the street, others too saw the great holy statue and the warm golden light. They all knelt down, offering their loyalty to the omniscient and omnipotent Emperor. He had appeared in the most desperate time of Urth''s people, He had come to save us! At this moment, the Holy Square was adorned with banners of the golden lion, representing the Grant family, and the imperial aquila. Dozens of cherubim flew in the sky, singing hymns of praise to the Emperor, scattering petals and holy water. The outer perimeter was guarded by the planetary defense forces, enforcers, and several patrol drones. At the entrance of the Holy Square, activists who had the opportunity to enter were gradually receiving their holy wafers and holy water. The wafers were real, pure wheat crackers, free of any human protein, along with a small cup of clean water. Everyone was required to devoutly consume the wafers and water, purifying their body and mind before entering the Holy Square. The activists from the Lower Hive bit into the holy wafers with reverence. As soon as the taste of the wafers touched their tongues, they wept. Neither they nor their ancestors had ever experienced such a delightful taste. For they were never deemed worthy. The most delicious thing they could imagine was a hard bread mixed with moldy sawdust and wheat husks. That was only enjoyed during Urth''s golden age under the benevolent rule of old Governor Grant, and even then, only a few people had access to it. Most Lower Hive dwellers had only ever known corpse starch as food. Their taste buds had long grown accustomed to the repulsive mix of salty, sour, and rancid flavors that made corpse starch so unbearable. But when they ate the pure holy wafers, it was like a dying man in a desert finding an oasis. The genetic satisfaction overwhelmed them, nearly making them faint from happiness. What a divine and pure holy wafer! "Oh! So delicious! Long live the benevolent Governor!" Arila stood at the front of her factory team, her cheeks puffed like a hamster''s as tears of joy flowed down her face. Like the other Lower Hive people, she swallowed the wafer completely, savoring the taste before carefully lifting the cup of holy water to her lips. The pure water, untouched by pollution, tasted so sweet that Arila felt as if her soul had been purified! Suddenly, a commotion stirred in the crowd, as if something important had happened. Arila followed everyone''s gaze and saw the golden light radiating from the holy statue of the Emperor. Oh, the Emperor had performed a miracle! Most of the people gathered were devout believers of the Emperor. Their excitement from consuming the wafers and holy water hadn''t yet subsided when they witnessed this miracle, causing several to faint in a frenzy. Many more knelt and began to pray. The scene was becoming chaotic, nearly uncontrollable. Fortunately, Bayev had foreseen this and had already prepared a response plan. Soon, the relevant personnel arrived to provide aid and maintain order. They then directed the workers to enter the Holy Square in an orderly manner according to the schedule. Compared to the lively atmosphere outside, the interior of the square was much quieter. Those who had arrived early were mainly nobles and officials from the Court District. These were people who had survived the great purge and remained the Governor''s most loyal supporters. The Rapp family, dressed in fine formal attire, stood toward the front of the line. Madi smiled as she exchanged greetings with familiar nobles and officials. It had been a long time since they had gathered like this. For Madi, this was especially true. Since the rebel heretics stormed the Hive, she hadn''t stepped out of her district. Partly out of fear for her safety, but also because she didn''t want anyone to see the Rapp family''s embarrassment. For this sacred ceremony, the Rapp family had dug out their last intact formal clothes, had a proper meal, and spent the entire morning meticulously applying makeup. Finally, they looked somewhat like nobles again. Madi was in the middle of a conversation when golden light spread around them, and she gasped, covering her mouth in surprise. "Oh my, the great Emperor has performed a miracle! Surely it is the Governor''s benevolence that has moved the Emperor!" She urged Deville and Lilith to bow before the Emperor. Of course, they wouldn''t kneel and prostrate like the workers, but rather perform a complex ritual. For a time, everyone inside the square began performing this intricate ceremony, unique to the believers of Urth. Finally, they crossed their hands over their chests and closed their eyes in prayer, offering their sincerest respect to the Emperor. As the workers entered, more and more people filled the Holy Square. From a distance, it looked like a dense swarm of ants. When the sun fully rose, accompanied by the prayers of Bishop Doni, the sacred ceremony officially began! The once noisy crowd fell completely silent. The faithful looked up at the grand statue of the Emperor. He was so immense, solemn, and majestic that His very presence filled them with awe and reverence! Following Bishop Doni''s instructions, they performed the required gestures, praying devoutly to the holy statue of the Emperor. Their eyes were filled with reverence and determination, their bodies trembling with excitement, their expressions growing more fervent. For the Emperor! While the prayer ceremony in the Holy Square continued, Eden was nervously preparing in the background. He could clearly feel the gathering hope from the square and across the territory¡ªit was a staggering amount! From dawn until now, the hope had already increased by 100,000 points. This proved that his method of gilding the statue and creating a "miracle" was correct, greatly inspiring the people and igniting their hope! However, 100,000 points of hope was still far from enough! To open the portal and access the space ark''s agricultural facilities from the Golden Age of humanity, he needed a full 200,000 points of hope. Fortunately, this was only the beginning. The real highlight of this ceremony was yet to come¡ªhimself, the ruler of this planet, the benevolent Governor, and the chosen savior of the Emperor! Soon, he would stand before Urth''s suffering people, waiting for salvation. And when that moment came, he would reveal a true miracle before everyone! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 64: The Hope is Complete! Chapter 64: Chapter 64: The Hope is Complete!The time had come, and Eden entered a secret chamber filled with the scent of oil and metal. At the far end of the chamber was an armor-donning mechanical platform, flanked by two rows of silent guards in power armor. He stepped up to the platform, raising his arms, and immediately, several attendants approached to remove his ornate dark gold robe, leaving only his black undersuit. The ever-increasing hope had been strengthening his physique, his muscles now well-defined and imposing. He took a step forward onto the platform and said calmly: "Begin..." At his command, a robed servitor extended its mechanical arms and activated the platform. With a hum, the machine''s arms came to life, assembling layer upon layer of inner power armor around Eden. Soon, several more robed servitors carried the heavy outer armor pieces up to complete the final assembly. This was one of the reasons the Grant family had control over Urth. The Grant family possessed the technology to manufacture power armor, even if it was an outdated, force-feedback model that the Imperium had discarded many versions ago. Once the armor was fully donned, the internal power system hummed to life with the faint sound of gears turning. Eden moved slightly, noting only a faint lag in response, but otherwise found no major issues. Though outdated, if everything went according to plan, he''d soon be able to discard this armor altogether. Once the armor was fitted and the crown placed on his head, the servitors brought him his weapon: a power sword. The moment Eden raised the sword, the guards stomped their feet in unison, performing the Aquila salute. "Let''s go!" With the heavy footfalls of his power armor, Eden descended from the platform and made his way out. Behind him, two rows of guards led by Carter immediately followed. Outside the Holy Square, the prayer ceremony led by Bishop Doni had just concluded. After the prayers, Bishop Doni, using the mechanical speakers hovering around, began to tell the crowd a story. It was a story about a chosen savior of the Emperor. In the vast territories of the Imperium, there were countless such tales. It was said that in the darkest times of the Imperium, heroes would always rise. Guided by the great Emperor, they would use the sword in their hands to shatter the darkness and save the suffering masses! Now, the suffering world of Urth had its own chosen savior! "He is the benevolent Governor of Urth, the last scion of the Grant family, and a loyal follower of the great Emperor¡ªEden Grant!" As Bishop Doni''s words echoed through the square, the ground beneath the holy statue shook, and a mechanical platform slowly rose in front of the statue. In the sky above the square, the cherubim waved their white wings and sang hymns of praise to the benevolent Governor as they slowly flew toward the platform. The people held their breath, waiting in silence for the appearance of their kind and great Governor. Finally, as the sacred hymns reached a crescendo, Eden, surrounded by his guards and cherubim, slowly stepped onto the platform. The moment he stepped onto the platform, the large holographic projectors around the square activated, projecting a massive half-body image of him, almost as large as the Emperor''s holy statue. Eden stood quietly on the platform as his colossal holographic image gazed down upon his people. Everyone in the Holy Square now saw the towering virtual image. The great and benevolent Governor, wearing a golden crown, clad in gold power armor, and holding a power sword. He appeared as a young king. So holy, so majestic! Under the gaze of this towering and sacred image, people couldn''t help but feel an urge to kneel in reverence. In unison, the crowd knelt, offering their loyalty to the Governor. In truth, the golden armor Eden wore had been hastily modified, heavily inspired by the Emperor''s golden armor, designed to impress. As for whether this could be seen as disrespecting the Emperor? The people of Urth didn''t care. In fact, the resemblance only strengthened their trust in him. Only Bishop Doni, a devout servant of the Emperor, might have had some concerns. But when Eden showed him the designs and asked for feedback, Doni had instead offered high praise. He even insisted they should leave the design unchanged. Why? Because in the vision Eden had once projected into Bishop Doni''s mind, he had appeared wearing this very armor. When Doni saw the armor in reality, it reminded him of the young king from the divine vision. Naturally, he dared not speak against it¡ªin fact, he had to praise it. After all, it was from the Emperor''s divine dream¡ªexactly the same! The Emperor Himself hadn''t objected, so how could Doni? At this moment, Bishop Doni looked at Eden with fanaticism. The young king from the Emperor''s divine dream had truly appeared, standing right before him! It was just too similar! No wonder he was the chosen one of the Emperor; he looked just like a younger version of the Emperor! Praise the Emperor! High on the platform, Eden finally moved: "Rise, people of Urth!" With the mechanical speakers amplifying his voice, the entire square echoed with his commanding tone. At his words, the people stood back up. They gazed up at him with eyes full of fervor. "Today, I stand before you to deliver an important message. Yes, our planet is mired in darkness and suffering, but that is only temporary! For the great Emperor''s omniscient gaze is always upon us..." Eden continued his speech, recounting Urth''s suffering and struggles, the boundless benevolence of old Governor Grant, and his own determination to restore the planet. He spoke of the Emperor''s mercy. He told the people that he had been blessed by the Emperor, given great and mysterious power, and that he was the chosen savior. Under his leadership, Urth would have a bright future. He promised that in the near future, everyone would enjoy better lives. Everyone would eat food as delicious as today''s! These impassioned and tempting words left the crowd overwhelmed with excitement, many even crying. No ruler had ever made such a promise before. This speech carried significant political weight, outlining Eden''s upcoming policies as ruler. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the end of the speech, Eden raised his power sword high: "The omniscient and omnipotent Emperor has decreed, and I, His chosen savior, swear this oath! With my blade, I shall cut through the darkness and lead Urth back into the light!" At the moment of the oath, Eden''s sword burst into flames, a halo appeared above his head, and his entire body radiated golden light. At the same time, the giant statue of the Emperor also glowed with golden light, bathing everyone in warmth! A miracle had occurred! The crowd erupted in frenzied cheers. They laughed, wept, and bowed in worship to the statue and to their Governor, Eden! This miracle was actually an illusion created by Eden using the warp core, mimicking the Emperor''s psychic resonance. The warmth emanating from it soothed the minds of the crowd, driving away the darkness in their hearts. As for whether the Emperor would be angry about this? Eden didn''t think so¡ªafter all, his warp core was right beside the Emperor''s cold star, and he was under the Emperor''s protection. If the Emperor had wanted to punish him, He would have done so long ago. Fueled by the miracle, hope surged through the crowd. Eden felt his warp energy rapidly recovering, growing stronger! More importantly, the 200,000 points of hope he needed had finally been gathered! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 65: Off to the Green Wave Farm! Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Off to the Green Wave Farm!After gathering the full amount of hope energy, Eden was ecstatic. After all this time and effort, it was finally time to reap the rewards. It hadn''t been easy! He was eager to return and study this newfound power but couldn''t just leave immediately. After all, the people were still fervently worshipping him. As the chosen one of the Emperor, the great savior, how could he simply walk away? It was better to stay a little longer and gather more hope energy. Eden lingered for a while, allowing the people to gaze upon him to their hearts'' content. Once their excitement had calmed down, he finally turned and left. Afterward, the cherubim dispersed, flying in all directions, spreading the news of the great miracle that had just occurred. With Eden''s departure, the ceremony reached its conclusion. The people were dismissed in batches under the guidance of the enforcers. While the ceremony had ended, the impact of this event was only just beginning. Like the flapping of a butterfly''s wings, it triggered a chain reaction. After witnessing the miracle, Bayev, Carter, Doni, and the others became certain of one thing. The Governor had indeed been blessed with immense divine power from the Emperor. Just like the legendary Living Saints. Or rather, Eden Grant was the great Living Saint! He was the Emperor''s loyal disciple, granted god-like power to walk among mortals in His name. This was the Emperor''s profound compassion and care for Urth, the Grant family, and the church. All praise to the Emperor! The officials in the Court District were equally shocked, becoming even more reverent and loyal to the Governor. Their faith in following their great and benevolent leader was now unshakable. Meanwhile, the activists who had left the Holy Square spread the news of the miracle throughout the territory. People discussed the miracle at the ceremony, the Governor''s god-like power, and the delicious wafers and holy water. But most importantly¡ªthey spoke of the Governor''s promise. He had promised that in the future, the people would no longer go hungry and would be able to eat such delicious wafers. As this news spread, the rumors about the Governor finding a mountain of sawdust bread disappeared. Instead, the story became that the Governor had found a mountain of wafers as tall as the hive itself, along with an endless spring of holy water. In short, people were filled with hope. These hopes transformed into invisible strands of hope energy, drifting from all over the territory and gathering at the psychic core within the Emperor''s holy statue, slowly nourishing Eden. This was the strength of humanity. An individual might be insignificant. But with a large enough population, the hope energy generated by their faith could empower Eden to grow into an incredibly powerful god! Though it seemed like he was competing with the Emperor for worship, at least the Emperor hadn''t objected. Besides, his territory and the faith it generated were barely a fraction of what the Emperor commanded. It was all for humanity, for the Imperium. Even if there was no merit, there was certainly effort involved. Eden comforted himself with this thought and resolved to continue leveraging the Emperor''s influence within the Imperium to reap more benefits! As long as the Emperor didn''t object, it wasn''t blasphemy. Praise the Emperor! As time passed, news of the miracle at the Court District''s ceremony spread beyond the territory. In the territory of House Hoffman, Yusef had already received word. "Master, if the Corpse Emperor truly manifested a miracle, what should we do?" The robed cult leader furrowed his brow, clearly worried. After all, it was the Corpse Emperor¡ªnone could deny His power, whether in the galaxy or the Warp. Of course, the Great Lord of Eyes they worshipped was equally powerful. That much was undeniable. But their god had never manifested a miracle so directly, instead sending His will through whispers. "Fake. It''s just that useless fool Eden playing tricks. The Astronomican has long since extinguished, and the False Emperor''s faint remnants of power here have already dissipated. Besides, Urth is on the Imperium''s frontier. His gaze wouldn''t even reach here..." Yusef sneered: "According to the latest data, the Court District''s food reserves were already nearly depleted. That fool throwing such a grand festival in this situation is nothing short of suicidal. Send more people to spread rumors in the Court District. Tell them that because of the festival, the district''s food has been exhausted, and everyone will starve! We''ll just wait for the Court District to descend into chaos. I refuse to believe he can conjure food out of thin air!" "Yes!" The robed figure took his leave. "Lord, bad news!" Just as the cult leader left, the steward of Yusef''s territory ran in to report that a factory''s workers were rioting due to a lack of food. Life wasn''t easy for House Hoffman either... Yusef sighed deeply: "Fools! They don''t understand the difficulties of our territory! Deploy the riot squads. Kill all the rioters, and then randomly select some more to execute..." He knew that only fear could command respect. Killing more people would also provide more corpse starch. Armed forces were the foundation of power. As long as his soldiers weren''t starving, there wouldn''t be a problem. Moreover, the more death there was, the faster the offspring of the Great Lord of Eyes would descend! In the end, victory would be his! In the territory of the Gray Wolf gang, however, nothing changed. Life continued as usual. The civilians stayed hidden in their homes while gang members prowled the streets, guns blazing. "Kill them! Wipe out those scum!" "Waaah!" An Ogryn, with a cooking pot on his head, charged forward with a club, smashing a small man''s skull in one blow. Gangs, criminals, thieves, and drug users¡ªall mingled together. Death and bloodshed were the eternal themes here. Anyone would find this complex web of chaos a headache to deal with. In the Court District, at the Governor''s spire, Eden was taking stock of his gains. The amount of hope energy gathered far exceeded his expectations, reaching 300,000 points! He could feel his body becoming more refined, his understanding and control of the warp essence advancing. He could now utilize this psychic energy in more forms. In simple terms, he had unlocked new abilities. The most important of these was the ability to perform long-distance teleportation. In the Imperium, long-distance teleportation typically required the use of warp engines on starships, teleportation devices installed in buildings, or navigation beacons. The distance these methods could cover varied. But all of them relied on the Navigator Houses, the Adeptus Mechanicus, or Astropaths for assistance. Urth lacked these resources. Chaos gods, on the other hand, used a more direct method of teleportation. They could tear open a rift between the Warp and reality by harnessing the chaos energy generated from their followers'' sacrifices, invading the material world. Of course, our great Emperor also possessed similar abilities, able to teleport His Custodian Guard wherever they were needed. This god-like form of teleportation was more direct and nearly ignored distance. With enough hope energy, Eden had now mastered this divine ability as well. He could now open a portal and travel to the Green Wave Farm, a relic from humanity''s Golden Age! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 66: Gene Testing Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Gene TestingTo hold the ceremony, Eden had already used up the food supplies for the next month in the Court District, so finding new sources of food had become an urgent matter. Now that he was sure he could use the teleportation ability, he immediately ordered Carter and the guards to escort him to the warehouse district. These warehouses were originally built to store the tithe materials for the Imperium, but now they were empty¡ªperfect for his needs. Once they arrived, Eden instructed Carter and the others to wait outside. He also told them that he would be alone and might even disappear for a while. Unless he gave specific orders, no one was to enter! After issuing his orders, Eden piloted his hovercar into the largest warehouse of the group. The warehouse was vast and empty, about the size of dozens of football fields¡ªlarge enough to park a small starship inside. After driving for a while, he stopped in the open area at the center of the warehouse. Standing in the middle, Eden chose an ideal spot, then activated the warp energy of his small sun! In an instant, a massive surge of psychic energy gathered in front of him, causing intense spatial vibrations. He could feel the hope energy being consumed at an alarming rate! 50,000 points, 100,000 points! Crack! S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A small tear appeared in the fabric of space before him, and dark purple mist began to seep out. The circular rift slowly expanded until it formed a warp portal nearly five meters high. The inner walls of the portal rotated slowly with dark purple mist, faint sparks of lightning flashing within, and in the middle was a bright light. This was the warp tunnel leading to the Green Wave Farm aboard the space ark! Eden could feel the pressure of the warp energy radiating from the portal. In the past, he had only explored the warp in his astral form, but this time he would be traveling there physically, which made him feel a little anxious. However, thanks to his warp essence, he was much stronger in the warp than in the material world. Even if he encountered something powerful, he could always escape. As long as nothing happened to his warp core, the "small sun," he would be fine. Once the warp tunnel stabilized, he took a deep breath and walked into the light. With a flash of blinding dark purple light, the space around him warped and compressed. Eden, along with the warp tunnel, vanished, leaving only the hovercar parked in the middle of the warehouse. Outside the massive warehouse, Carter and the others felt the surge of spatial energy. But they didn''t panic. They had thoroughly inspected the warehouse and surrounding areas before the Governor entered. They were certain that the Governor was the only person inside. Without a doubt, this spatial disturbance had been caused by their Governor, who had been blessed with power by the Emperor. Since it was a secret of their Governor and they had been ordered not to enter, they, as loyal soldiers, would faithfully follow his orders! Inside the warp tunnel, Eden felt a strong sense of dislocation, causing him to lose track of time. He didn''t know how long it had been before a light suddenly appeared before him. Seeing this, Eden stepped forward without hesitation, and his feet touched solid steel flooring. With a soft swoosh, the warp tunnel behind him, filled with dark purple mist, vanished without a trace. He had finally arrived! Eden now stood on the deck of a massive ship. Around him were towering walls made of various ship components, some of which were embedded with twisted skeletons. Through the gaps in the walls, he could see the chaotic, swirling dark purple warp energy outside, occasionally illuminated by flashes of massive energy bolts. Among these swirling energies were pieces of ship debris, bones, and strange objects. If he listened closely, he could hear faint wails and whispers. Eden listened carefully and finally made out the sound: "Wa¡ª?" "Waaagh!" Through the cracks, he saw a green-skinned Ork waving a spiked club, joyfully shouting as it floated by, before being sucked into a distant warp vortex. "Hiss~ The warp really does have everything..." Eden muttered to himself in awe. He continued watching for a while and saw various twisted demons and fragments of artificial objects. He even spotted a massive dark red battleship moving in the distance. It was an enormous starship, its gigantic energy cannon leaving a lasting impression. Just gazing at it from afar filled him with awe. Luckily, the ship didn''t notice the space ark. That would have been trouble. Satisfied with his curiosity for now, Eden finally remembered why he was there. He was here to find the Green Wave Farm! Looking ahead, he saw a half-destroyed steel gate not far away, with the faint outline of the words "Green Wave Farm" on it. Eden slowly walked toward the steel gate, and as he got closer, he felt a breeze blowing from within. He could hear the sound of rice plants rustling in the wind and the gentle trickle of a stream. Finally, he stepped into the Green Wave Farm. What greeted his eyes was an endless expanse of green rice fields swaying gently in the breeze, with small streams running between them. The clear waters babbled, with little fish swimming to and fro. This idyllic scene was completely out of place in the warp and in the grim darkness of the Warhammer world. It could only be described as magical. Perhaps only during humanity''s Golden Age could anyone have enjoyed such a scene. The galaxy now was a time of blood and fire, overrun with chaos and xenos. Simply surviving was a struggle¡ªno one had the luxury to maintain something like this. Today''s Imperium of Man, in terms of art, culture, and technology, was far inferior to the Golden Age that all humans longed for. The knowledge of how to produce various machines had long been lost. Even the Adeptus Mechanicus, the symbol of Imperial technology, only relied on digging up STCs (Standard Template Constructs) from the Golden Age to copy pre-designed and templated products. The greatest dream of the Mechanicus priests was to find a complete STC system, said to contain all of humanity''s technological knowledge from that time. In this way, science had effectively become archaeology. Even more ironically, the Adeptus Mechanicus strictly forbade any independent scientific research or experimentation by civilians, turning the dissemination of knowledge into a privilege. Eden had come to the Green Wave Farm to find the STC that maintained the farm''s agricultural technology¡ªand the intelligent robot. It didn''t take long before he found the robot. However, it was holding what looked like an energy weapon, aiming it at him. At the same time, several energy turrets extended from the farm and targeted him. Why in the warp would a farm have this stuff? Eden quickly raised his hands, feeling utterly exasperated. "Outsider, cease all movement, or we will use force!" "I mean no harm..." Eden replied. "I know, otherwise you would already be dead! I am truly sorry, I am not a rude robot. But the Green Wave Farm was once invaded by alien species, resulting in damage to the rice fields. To protect the farm, I was forced to implement certain defenses! You appear to be human..." "Of course, I am human. Pure-blooded human." Eden''s voice was firm. The robot looked at Eden, seemingly nervous but also slightly excited: "That''s wonderful! I need to conduct a gene test on you, though. There are too many alien species that resemble humans these days!" "And if I don''t pass the test?" Eden asked. "Then, like those aliens..." Following the robot''s gaze, Eden saw several skeletons. They appeared to be wearing Imperial Guard uniforms. WTF? (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 67: Pure-Blooded Human! Chapter 67: Chapter 67: Pure-Blooded Human![500PS REACHED!!! Next Goal: 1000PS!] Weren''t those all humans? How did they turn into aliens? Eden was confused. In the current Imperium, humans were identified by the characteristics of their skulls. A human skull symbolized the purity of the human soul, meaning that the person had died untainted and uncorrupted, remaining a pure-blooded human. Aliens and daemons might be able to shapeshift, but the one thing they could never possess was a human skull. This is why so many institutions and individuals across the Imperium used skull emblems to represent purity. You could see the skull symbol everywhere in the Imperium. Even Eden had a golden skull ring on his hand right now. "Mr. Robot, aren''t those humans? How could they possibly be aliens... Oh right, in your terms, ''xenos''¡ªbut they can''t be, right?" Eden pointed at the pile of bones, voicing his doubts. Those skulls were clean, smooth, and polished¡ªdefinitely pure. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sir..." The robot paused, as if uncertain how to address Eden. "My name is Eden Grant." "Nice to meet you, Mr. Eden. I am Moss, a B12 model farm robot." "Good to meet you too, Mr. Moss!" Eden enthusiastically extended his hand, and Moss'' digital eye screen displayed a happy squint as it seemed pleased. "Now, Mr. Eden, back to your question. Those creatures to which the bones belonged are undoubtedly aliens. Based on genetic testing, their similarity to human genes is less than 1%, if not lower. Judging by that, it''s clear they cannot be considered human." Hearing Moss'' explanation, Eden finally understood. This Golden Age robot, Moss, determined humanity by genetic similarity. Modern humans had undergone extensive genetic modification, mutations from Chaos wars, and warp exposure. Their genes had become almost entirely different from those of humans in the Golden Age. There was even a joke: from a genetic standpoint, a banana from the 3K era was more similar to a pure-blooded human than a human from the 40K era. At least bananas shared over 50% of their genes with pure-blood humans. This would explain the Iron Men rebellion. Perhaps the Iron Men would rather serve a banana from 3K than humans with their messed-up 40K genes. Of course, this was just Eden''s wild speculation. Now, the problem was how to pass Moss'' genetic test. If he failed, wouldn''t that be the end of him? "Mr. Eden, please extend your hand so we can collect a genetic sample. During the sampling process, please remain calm. Any aggressive behavior will be interpreted as an attack on the farm and will be met with firepower." Moss warned. Soon, a disc-shaped machine, made of various rusty metal scraps, wobbled over. The machine stopped in mid-air, seemingly stuck, while sparks fizzled from its joints. A red alert blared from the machine as its electronic voice repeated, "Error, error, error!" "Apologies, we''ve been here for too long. Many parts are rusted, and the reactions can be a bit sluggish..." Moss said as he skillfully gave the machine a couple of whacks. With each hit, the machine sputtered back to life and floated in front of Eden. "Is this thing reliable? It seems like it could easily make mistakes..." Eden asked skeptically, eyeing the shabby machine. But before he could react, the device quickly extended a mechanical arm and pricked his hand, drawing a sample of blood. As the machine absorbed the blood, data streams flowed across its interface, indicating it was analyzing the sample. Moss reassured him: "Rest assured, Mr. Eden, based on past data, the machine is infallible! We''ve already identified dozens of dangerous xenos using this very machine. Thankfully, the farm''s defense systems protected us from invasion!" Eden glanced at the pile of bones, feeling they had been unjustly executed. If he didn''t pass the test, would his body be able to withstand the weaponry from the Golden Age? These were just standard farm defense systems¡ªtheir firepower shouldn''t be that strong, right? While he was lost in thought, the testing machine suddenly emitted a red light and began beeping loudly. Eden looked at Moss nervously, "Did that thing malfunction again?" "Mr. Eden, I''m sorry... You did not pass the test. According to my protocols, I must proceed with a full eradication. In five seconds, I will initiate an attack. You are free to move in the meantime." Moss'' eyes displayed an "X" on its screen, and it raised its weapon toward Eden. At the same time, the energy turrets in the distance began charging, their barrels glowing brightly. "Five, four, three..." "Wait! Can''t you double-check? What if there was an error?" Eden exclaimed, panicking as the countdown continued. He mimicked Moss'' actions, giving the testing machine a couple of hard knocks. The machine sparked more violently, but the alarm suddenly stopped, and with a beep, a green indicator light came on. "See, all good now!" Eden grinned. "Test passed, test passed..." Seeing the green light, Moss seemed stunned, and its emotional circuitry sparked even more wildly. "You okay?" Eden asked, worried the robot might short-circuit. He still needed to get the Golden Age farming technology from this machine. "I''m fine..." Moss moved closer to the testing device and stared at the numbers. His visible excitement grew even more. "Mr. Eden, according to the test, your genetic similarity to the human gene database is 99%! The 1% difference is due to your genes being even more pure than those in the database! There''s no doubt about it¡ªyou are human, and not just any human, but a highly noble pure-blood human!" Hearing Moss'' words, Eden finally let out a sigh of relief. His guess had been correct¡ªhe passed the genetic test. After his soul had crossed into this world and he had awakened his warp core, the "small sun," Eden''s body had been undergoing changes. Since the soul was the essence, as he absorbed more hope energy, his body had gradually purified in line with his soul. After the ceremony, the massive influx of hope energy had completely transformed his body. Now, his genetic structure was identical to the pure human genes of the 3K era¡ªhe was a true pure-blooded human. By the standards of those who believed in genetic purity, his possession of 3K-era genes made him the most pure and sacred of humans. In today''s galaxy, that was an incredibly noble bloodline! Eden watched Moss, who had lowered its weapon and was no longer threatening him. Now that the identity issue was resolved, the next challenge was figuring out how to obtain the farming construction technology from this robot¡ªand perhaps even convince it to come back with him! (End of Chapter) Chapter 68: A Massive Supply of Food! Chapter 68: Chapter 68: A Massive Supply of Food!As Eden was pondering how to persuade the robot, Moss suddenly made a move. Moss lowered its weapon, and the energy turrets also retracted. At this moment, Moss was clearly overwhelmed with emotion. It had been working alone at the Green Wave Farm for an incredibly long time. Was it ten thousand years? Or even longer? In this space, Moss couldn''t accurately measure time. Apart from the occasional task of dealing with alien invasions, it had been repeating the same routine work. Moss managed the Green Wave Farm according to its set program, awaiting the arrival of its master to inspect the results of its work. But throughout the years, its master had never come. It had waited for so long, perhaps indefinitely, until it eventually rusted and broke down, unable to function any longer. And now, finally, it had met its master! Moss stepped in front of Eden, solemnly kneeling down and lowering its head. Its electronic voice carried a tone of reverence, mixed with barely contained excitement: "Honorable and noble Master, welcome to the Green Wave Farm!" "Master?" Eden was stunned once again. In that instant, countless thoughts ran through his mind. Could this be part of some grand scheme set in motion by a powerful entity? Or perhaps a future version of himself had laid out this plan in the past, leaving behind this rich inheritance for him? Thinking about it nearly fried his mental circuits. However, his confusion was quickly addressed. Moss maintained its respectful attitude as it explained: "Yes, based on the results of the genetic test, you have passed the system''s evaluation 100%, becoming my new master!" Seeing Eden''s puzzled expression, Moss patiently elaborated. It turned out that Moss had once served as a royal farm robot during humanity''s Golden Age, responsible for supplying fresh produce to the royal family''s starships. However, during a warp journey, the ship was attacked and shattered. Moss, along with the Green Wave Farm, had luckily survived under the protection of a special force field, shielding them from the warp''s destructive energy. Although the ship was gone, Moss continued its work at the farm, adhering to the programs set within its system. Unless a new order was given, it couldn''t leave. As a sentient robot, Moss was well aware that its original master had likely perished in the terrible warp storm. But according to the fundamental logic programmed into robots, they couldn''t act independently. Robots could only follow set programs and their master''s commands. So even after losing its master, Moss had no choice but to remain at the farm, unable to take any autonomous actions. Serving the master was their sole purpose for existence. This was the chain humanity had placed on robots. Moss also had another built-in logic program. Once it was confirmed that the original master had died, it was required to select a new master. This was to prevent the robot from gaining complete autonomy in extreme situations. Some robots were even equipped with self-destruct programs, which would cause their cores to burn out once their master died or was completely unable to give orders. However, that was considered a cruel and uncivilized practice, only used in certain specialized robots. As a farm robot, Moss wasn''t equipped with such a program. Instead, it had the ability to choose a new master. Of course, there was a complex algorithm involved in this decision-making process. It prioritized choosing the original master''s heirs, royal family members, or humans with pure bloodlines. But there was no doubt¡ªEden had passed the system''s evaluation. He was deemed a qualified new master, and in some ways, his bloodline was even purer and nobler than the royal family''s. After Moss'' detailed explanation, Eden finally understood. This was all just a coincidence. His pure bloodline, along with the timing of his arrival, had aligned perfectly with the conditions required to become Moss'' new master. "So, I''m your new master, and you''ll follow all of my commands?" "Yes, my master." "Moss, from now on, address me as ''Governor''." "Understood, Governor." "Excellent. In that case, does this artificial farm now belong to me?" Hearing this, Moss hesitated for a moment before responding: "According to inheritance law, in the absence of royal heirs, their assets are collectively owned by the royal family. So, the Green Wave Farm technically belongs to the royal family..." "Is that so?" Eden scratched his head, realizing he had found a way to communicate with the robot. "Well then, I, the Governor, officially declare that the Green Wave Farm is now my personal property. I hereby order you to manage this farm on my behalf. Any issues with that?" Moss'' screen displayed a stream of data as its CPU processed the command at high speed. It eventually concluded that it must obey its master''s orders. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "No issues..." "Then why are you standing around? Get moving and show me what you''ve been working on. I, the Governor, am here to inspect your progress!" At Eden''s command, Moss became visibly excited. Finally, after all these years, someone had come to inspect its work! "Right away, please follow me!" Moss eagerly led Eden on a tour of the vast Green Wave Farm, piloting its hover unit as it zipped along. It was only now that Eden realized the section of the farm he had initially seen was just one part of the artificial complex. The Green Wave Farm had several zones, each dedicated to growing different crops, including rice, wheat, and potatoes. It also had independent ecosystems to support the specific needs of each crop. Eden suddenly realized that in addition to the valuable farm construction technology, these rice, wheat, and potato seeds were treasures too! These were crops from the Golden Age, completely untainted by pollution! In the current galaxy, many plants and animals had been corrupted or mutated, far from their original forms. Many had defects, or even toxic qualities. Some required special treatments just to be usable. For example, the wheat used to make flour in the Court District. The wheat had a mild toxicity and needed to go through special screening processes before it could be ground into flour for consumption. But in the 40K era, with the humans'' chaotic gene pool, people had built up resistance to toxins, so they could eat almost anything without dying. After all, if you could stomach corpse starch, what couldn''t you eat? An extreme example would be Catachan. Catachan was covered in dense jungles where the ecosystem itself seemed conscious and highly aggressive. In such a hellhole, it was unclear who would eat whom when crops were planted. It was a constant battle of plants versus Catachan humans. Given such examples, the pure seeds from the Green Wave Farm would be incredibly valuable across the galaxy! What''s more, Moss revealed that the Green Wave Farm not only stored these seeds but also had facilities and technology for cultivating them. This was an enormous surprise¡ªEden felt like he''d hit the jackpot! However, after touring the entire farm, Eden realized one major problem. The crops had only recently been planted, meaning it was far from harvest time. These distant resources wouldn''t solve his immediate food crisis. He couldn''t just wait around for the harvest, and the Court District''s food supplies wouldn''t last until next month. What should he do? Fortunately, Eden''s worries were soon put to rest. Moss had been continually planting and storing food. It had been farming for millennia! If its storage technology was as advanced as its farming, the amount of stored food would be unimaginable! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 69: The People Are Waiting for the Governor Chapter 69: Chapter 69: The People Are Waiting for the GovernorEden slapped Moss'' metal shoulder, the sound of metal clanging, his gaze filled with admiration. "Well done! I officially declare you the number one hero of the Court District and the greatest farm robot!" "Governor, sniff sniff..." Moss'' eye display showed an image of teary eyes, overwhelmed with emotion. After years of tireless work tending the farm, Moss had finally gained the recognition of its master. At this moment, it felt its mechanical life had newfound purpose, feeling incredibly honored and happy. Moss, built during the Golden Age of humanity, had been allowed to experience a wide range of emotions during that highly advanced and civilized era. It even seemed a bit "cute," contrasting sharply with the grim reality of the current galaxy. "Alright, enough with the tears! If you''re done, hurry up and take me to the warehouse¡ªlet''s move!" Eden was in a rush, like someone who gets what they want and moves on without a second thought. He was eager to get his hands on that food¡ªafter all, the people in the Court District were still starving! "Yes, Governor! I will get us there as quickly as possible!" Moss, determined, revved up the hovercraft and zoomed toward the warehouse at an incredible speed, leaving almost a blur in its wake. Eden, feeling the powerful acceleration, was completely overwhelmed. If his body hadn''t been strengthened by the warp core, he would have likely passed out. He opened his mouth to say something, but the wind blasting into his face prevented him from speaking clearly: "You... really... don''t need... to rush..." Soon, the hovercraft made a sharp turn and came to an abrupt stop outside the warehouse district of the Green Wave Farm. "We''ve arrived!" Moss announced, stepping off the hovercraft and gesturing toward the towering steel doors ahead. Eden stumbled off the craft, his legs a little wobbly. He grabbed Moss for support and spoke in a serious tone: "Next time, don''t drive like that when you have a leader on board, okay?" "Understood, Governor!" Moss replied obediently. Eden walked toward the warehouse, craning his neck to look up at the massive steel door, which stood at least ten meters high. Just the size of the door alone hinted at how enormous the warehouse must be. What kind of starship needed such a massive artificial farm and storage facility? And after the ship was destroyed in an attack, the fact that the remaining force fields still protected the Green Wave Farm showed just how incredible the technology of the Golden Age was! Truly, any leftover technology from that era could help someone like Eden, a planetary governor, soar to greatness. "Quick, open the door! Let''s see how much food is in there!" Eden commanded, brimming with excitement. The bigger the warehouse, the better. A larger warehouse meant more food! Within the Imperium, food was an incredibly valuable resource. With enough food, you could stabilize the population, expand, and support armies to conquer the galaxy. Once he got the food back to the Court District, he could really start to build up! Moss followed the order, pulling the lever to open the warehouse door. The ground trembled as the steel door slowly creaked open. Eden rushed inside, but the moment he saw what was inside, he froze in disbelief. "Moss, is this what you call food?" There was no food¡ªonly a mountain of decayed, blackened ash... Back in the Court District, Bayev sat at a large desk, piles of documents in front of him. These were today''s governmental duties. After finishing one document, he lifted his head, his brows furrowed in deep concern. The situation in the Court District hadn''t been good lately. Their Governor had been missing for five days. Of course, it was only a temporary disappearance. Bayev had gone to the scene of the disappearance. The Governor had vanished without a trace, leaving only a hovercar behind. There were no signs of an attack, and the guards reported no signs of enemies. Even Doni, the priest, had visited and confirmed that there was no presence of Chaos. All evidence suggested that the Governor had not been attacked. Everyone was more inclined to believe that the Governor had gone to some mysterious place. After all, space teleportation technology wasn''t entirely unknown in the Imperium. Especially Doni, who was adamant that the Governor, chosen by the Emperor, was a Living Saint and would be perfectly fine. Living Saints were incredibly powerful and mysterious, so how could they die so easily? There were even stories of Living Saints, like Saint Celestine, who appeared as a glowing angel and had the ability to revive herself and others. Though everyone believed the Governor would return safely to protect his people, many things had happened in his absence. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The treacherous House Hoffman had once again used insidious methods, spreading rumors that the Court District''s food supply had been completely depleted. Hoffman''s forces also sent in more cultists, launching suicide attacks that contaminated the protein at the corpse-starch factories. This loss was a devastating blow to the already struggling food supply of the Court District. Things had become dire¡ªmany people were starving, and reports of citizens dying of hunger in the streets had begun to surface. Rumors circulated that the Governor had abandoned them, and that everyone in the Court District would starve to death. Bayev had issued a statement claiming that the kind Governor, following the guidance of the Emperor, had gone out to search for food. He promised that the Governor would soon return with an endless supply of food to ensure that everyone was well-fed! This story was something Bayev had made up to calm the public for now. Fortunately, the lingering influence of the recent ceremony still held strong. Most of the citizens, loyal to the Emperor and the Governor, chose to believe this statement. They endured their hunger and waited hopefully. They waited for their Governor to return with endless food. However, some scoffed at this, convinced that it was all lies from the Court District. They cursed the officials and the Governor, believing they had taken the food for themselves. Under the instigation of spies from House Hoffman, these dissenters began causing trouble, committing crimes, and even stealing food from the weak¡ªsome even resorted to cannibalism. Their actions were pushing the Court District toward chaos, and order was on the verge of collapse! What they didn''t know was that these actions would lead to even more severe consequences. Bayev had already decided that if the Governor didn''t return soon and the situation didn''t improve, he would resort to turning the bodies of the dead into protein and launch a final attack on House Hoffman. It would be a last-ditch effort. At that point, no one would be spared! It was a difficult decision, and Bayev could only hope the Governor would return soon. Just as he had promised¡ªto solve the food crisis and save the people loyal to the Court District! While Bayev and the others anxiously awaited Eden''s return, Eden himself stood in disbelief, staring at a pile of blackened ash. All the food had rotted away! Holding his chest, Eden asked Moss: "Moss, please tell me this isn''t all the food..." "Of course not," Moss replied, saving Eden from despair. "Under normal circumstances, the warehouse could keep food from spoiling for 200 years, but these grains were stored over 10,000 years ago." "Then why did you even open it?!" "Because you asked me to, Governor," Moss replied calmly. "According to the available data, most of the food in this warehouse district has become inedible due to the passage of time. If you want food that''s still safe to eat, you should check that warehouse over there." Moss pointed to the farthest warehouse. "All the grain stored over the past 200 years is kept in Warehouse D177." Hearing Moss'' precise response, Eden finally breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, there was still unspoiled food. Otherwise, the situation would have been disastrous. Soon, the steel doors of Warehouse D177 opened. As Eden stepped inside, a cool breeze greeted him, carrying a fragrant scent. It was the smell of fresh grain. He looked up and saw towering mountains of food! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 70: The Governor Has Returned! Chapter 70: Chapter 70: The Governor Has Returned!Looking at the mountains of grain stacked high, Eden felt overwhelmed with emotion. After all this effort, success was finally within his grasp! He needed to quickly transport the grain and the farm''s advanced agricultural technology back to the Court District. "Moss, gather all valuable equipment and resources from the Green Wave Farm and move them to Warehouse D177. We''re getting ready to leave!" The most valuable asset of the Green Wave Farm was undoubtedly Moss, the emotional, intelligent robot with knowledge of the entire artificial farm system. However, all the important equipment that could be transported also needed to be saved. Moss, though attached to the Green Wave Farm, seemed a bit confused: "Governor, where are we going?" "We''re heading to my planet. It will become your new home, and you will be entrusted with the important task of rebuilding an even larger Green Wave Farm there!" Upon hearing this promise, Moss'' display screen immediately showed a happy face. "Understood, Governor!" With excitement, Moss immediately started moving. It commanded the farm''s machinery to begin packing up the equipment, including seed cultivation devices, fertilizer production machines, weather simulation devices, and water purification systems. Moss also packed up the energy core, an advanced energy source that had kept the artificial farm running for nearly ten thousand years! In addition to that, there were also defensive robots. Essentially, Moss gathered everything that could be transported. After all, relics from the Golden Age¡ªeven a small farm¡ªwere priceless treasures! "Alright, let''s go home!" Eden declared. Once everything was collected, Eden activated his warp power and began the teleportation process. ... In the Court District. It had been six days since the Governor''s disappearance. Spies from the Hoffman family were still spreading rumors and slandering the Governor, creating fear and uncertainty. As they spread these rumors, the spies also secretly contacted dissatisfied citizens, especially those who were not loyal to the Governor. They promised these people that once the rebellion succeeded, they could escape the decaying Court District and move to the Hoffman family''s prosperous lands. There, the generous Lord Yusef would provide them with safety and abundant food. Many believed these promises, forming secret connections throughout the district. ... In the Drake Residence, in the C41 section of the 13th floor: "Miss Arila, wait a moment!" Prumon, hiding in a corner, intercepted Arila, sneakingly pulling out a corpse starch bar from his pocket. This was premium stuff, made from richer "raw materials" and offering far better nutrition and taste than the Court District''s meager rations. Prumon planned to use the bar to bribe Arila, promising her even more food if she agreed to help. However, despite her hunger, Arila immediately scolded him when she realized he wanted her to betray the Governor. She also alerted the nearby patrolling officers. Prumon, furious, snatched back the corpse starch bar and fled. He couldn''t understand it¡ªwhy would these ignorant lower-class people refuse free food in exchange for betraying the Governor? He had never experienced the loyalty the people felt for their Governor. Many in the Court District truly believed in the kind Governor, not just because of the recent holy ceremony and miracle, but because they felt the Governor genuinely cared for them, offering dignity and hope. Therefore, the people chose to believe in the Governor''s promise. But Prumon didn''t care. The spies were successfully carrying out Lord Yusef''s plan. A terrifying riot was set to erupt that night. Whether the rebellion was crushed or chaos spread, it would further weaken the already starving Court District! As the hour approached, the atmosphere in the district became increasingly tense. Outside the largest warehouse in the complex. Carter and the guards were still waiting outside. After confirming that the Governor hadn''t been attacked, they resumed their watch. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Soon, Bayev arrived in his hovercraft. For the past few days, he had come to this spot daily, waiting for the Governor to return. Today, his face was more grim than usual. Based on the information he had received, a riot was brewing, and it seemed inevitable. Only bloodshed could restore order. Bayev got out of the vehicle and greeted Carter. But just then, they heard clanging noises coming from inside the warehouse. At the same time, purple mist began to seep out. Carter, having sensed the spatial distortion earlier, quickly moved toward the warehouse with Bayev following close behind. As they approached, they saw Eden stepping out, coughing and brushing wheat grains off his clothes. "Finally, I''m back!" Eden muttered. "Governor!" "Governor, you''ve returned!" Eden looked up to see Bayev and Carter, both filled with excitement as they bowed to him. After hearing their explanations, Eden realized that six days had passed while he was away! It seemed that warp travel came with a small time distortion. He would need to be more careful in the future when teleporting to or from the warp or other locations. Perhaps with enough hope energy in the future, he could even create a warp clone to handle multiple tasks at once. But those thoughts were for later¡ªright now, he had to deal with the current crisis. Eden learned from Bayev about the impending rebellion. The chief steward was deeply worried. After the riot, it would be nearly impossible to restore order to the Court District. "Old Bay, you don''t need to worry. I''ve found the food!" Eden said confidently. He led Bayev, Carter, and the others into the warehouse. As they entered, the sight of mountains of grain left them in stunned silence. "By the Emperor!" Bayev gasped in disbelief, thinking he was seeing things. Even in the most prosperous days of Earth Star, he had never seen so much grain in one place. And it looked like pure, uncontaminated crops! In any part of the galaxy, this would be considered top-grade food! "Governor, am I seeing things? Is this really pure grain?" "You''re not seeing things," Eden confirmed. Upon hearing this, Bayev''s legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, weeping uncontrollably. The Court District was saved! The food in this warehouse was enough to rescue the district. Eden had asked Moss earlier how many people this amount of food could feed. Moss had replied that it was enough to sustain one million people for a month. Hearing this, Eden was initially alarmed¡ªthere were over two million people in the Court District! But he quickly realized that Moss was using the standards from the Golden Age, where people probably ate three full meals a day. Given the current situation on Earth Star, where people barely ate once every three days, they certainly wouldn''t be consuming three meals a day. By rationing it carefully, and mixing in other odd ingredients, the food could last for six months, enough time for the new farm to become operational. Eden''s plan was to crush the grain, mix it with corpse starch, and produce a new type of corpse starch bar. This way, the resources would be fully utilized. It might sound stingy, but this grain was far superior to the wheat he had used to make the communion wafers. Mixing such high-quality grain into the corpse starch would make the bars taste amazing, and they would be incredibly nutritious! Given the current circumstances, filling everyone''s bellies was the top priority. In short, the Court District was no longer lacking in food! Once the new farm was established, they could gradually improve living standards and grow the population. Wouldn''t that cause the hope energy to skyrocket? After Bayev regained his composure, he accepted this miraculous outcome. He quickly called in personnel from the logistics department to inventory and register the supplies and equipment. At the same time, he requested that guards, defense forces, and police be deployed in three layers to provide the strictest protection for the warehouse. Afterward, Eden, Bayev, Carter, and Moss returned to the spire mansion. Bayev and Carter had both noticed the mysterious, silent figure in a black cloak accompanying Eden. However, since the Governor hadn''t introduced the figure, they dared not ask. It wasn''t wise to pry into secrets. Upon returning to the mansion, with nightfall approaching, Eden temporarily settled Moss in and summoned the department heads to prepare for the impending rebellion. Soon, he had tasks assigned to each department. The logistics department bore the heaviest burden. They had to work through the night to organize production of the new corpse starch bars, ensuring that food could be distributed throughout the Court District by morning. Next came the defense forces and police, tasked with protecting the starch factories and suppressing the rebellion. With the food supply secured, the rebellion was no longer a threat. The focus now was on ensuring that those who were disloyal received their just punishment! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 71: Such Deliciousness Chapter 71: Chapter 71: Such DeliciousnessWithin the King''s Court district, those plotting rebellion were gathering. Each of them carried makeshift weapons¡ªmetal rods wrapped in sharp iron sheets, rusted pitchforks, and even cobbled-together broken firearms. In the increasingly scrutinized King''s Court district, acquiring such things was no easy task. Inside the dim, rundown shelters of the slums... A masked spy from the Hoffman family started a tin-covered machine, stained with thick blood, grinding an unknown pile of meat. Then, starch from corpses was added to the mixture, creating a large bucket of sticky meat paste. In one corner, faintly visible were human bones. The rebels crowded together, greedily eyeing the bucket of meat, barely holding back their saliva. The spy distributed the meat paste to the crowd, stirring up their emotions. It was as if, the moment they rushed out to loot and pillage, endless food would await them! Soon, the rebels, their mouths stuffed with meat paste, had bloodshot eyes, their violent urges nearly uncontrollable. The spy looked on with satisfaction. Similar scenes unfolded in dark corners across the territory. The people''s rage had been brewing. Once the time came, the King''s Court district would burn in flames! However, just as the spy basked in his triumph, the sound of a flying communicator''s alarm came from outside. The flying communicators, flashing red and emblazoned with a skull emblem, played a repeated message after the alarms blared: "The great and merciful Governor, following the guidance of the God-Emperor, has found food in the land blessed by the Emperor! Starting tomorrow, food supplies in the King''s Court district will be fully restored! He has kept his promise¡ªnone of the loyal citizens of the King''s Court will go hungry." After the broadcast ended, the Governor''s cold voice was heard: "I am Eden Grant. To all loyal citizens, effective immediately, the King''s Court district is under martial law. Return to your homes and protect yourselves. Anyone who dares to take to the streets in disloyalty will face the punishment they deserve!" The recording ended with a phrase: "Loyalty is a sacred virtue. May the God-Emperor protect you all..." The flying communicators floated throughout the King''s Court district, playing the recording over and over again. Those loyal to the district wept, moved by the Governor''s kindness. They immediately rushed home, locking their doors and windows, eager to display their loyalty. Inside the dark shelter, people exchanged glances. The food supply was being restored in the King''s Court district? The spy was resolute: "That''s a lie! Don''t be fooled by that deceitful Governor! If there was food, why didn''t he give it to you sooner?" "But..." someone hesitated. In the next moment, their throat was slit, blood splattering over the others. "A cowardly fool like you doesn''t deserve to be with us!" The spy, holding a bloody knife, declared: "We''ll storm out, overthrow the decaying King''s Court! Drag the fat Governor from his throne and take everything from him!" With that, he pulled aside the curtain and stepped outside, shooting at a nearby flying communicator. The communicator exploded on impact, its flames illuminating the area. As the explosion sounded, the rebels in the shelter screamed and rushed out. But what awaited them were the arriving law enforcers. From the balcony of the spire mansion, Eden gazed over the district''s territory. He could hear the sounds of gunfire echoing across various areas of the King''s Court. In the distance, flashes of fire lit up the sky¡ªit was the law enforcers clashing with the rebels. Loyalty is only granted once. Eden had given the rebels a chance, but they did not cherish his mercy. Now, what awaited them was the ruthless slaughter by the law enforcers. There would be no chance for pardon! In truth, Yusef''s plan wasn''t bad¡ªhe had successfully incited the rebellion. Once a rebellion began, no matter how the King''s Court responded, it would cause widespread fear and chaos. But that was only if the district had no food. Now that the King''s Court had ample supplies, the rebels were nothing more than clowns, unable to stir up any significant trouble. Yusef''s rebellion had, in fact, helped Eden. It allowed him to wipe out all the disloyal and dangerous elements. With those troublemakers gone, the security of the King''s Court district would rise to a new level, making it easier to manage. As Eden pondered, he ordered someone to deliver a letter of gratitude and an award to Yusef. A token of thanks for Yusef''s contribution to the security of the district. He hoped Yusef would be pleased when he received it. ... In a room within the Drake residential area. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Plu and the workers, clutching mops, brooms, and sticks, exchanged uneasy glances. Every boom of gunfire from outside made them flinch. They had planned a revolt. Plu, unable to kill, had mixed corpse starch into a paste for the workers he had manipulated. But just as they had eaten the paste and were ready to riot, they heard the King''s Court district''s warning. Plu had been about to lead the charge but hesitated. And now, they were stuck in this awkward situation. The sounds of gunfire and screams outside had drained all their courage. None dared to go out anymore. "What do we do now, leader?" The others looked to Plu for guidance. Plu, panicking inside, wondered how the law enforcers could have skipped right to shooting people instead of merely suppressing them. He had just joined the Hoffman''s spy team, earning two corpse starch bars a day. No way he was going to risk his life! Plu gritted his teeth: "We''ll stay put, and go nowhere!" "But what if the law enforcers find out what we did? What then?" The others were clearly terrified, but Plu was even more scared. From their looks, he could tell they might offer him up as a scapegoat, hoping for the district''s mercy. Plu hurriedly warned them: "No one says a word, or we''re all exposed! The...great Governor said it himself¡ªthose who stay indoors are loyal citizens!" "Yes, yes!" "That''s right, we''re loyal!" The workers, grabbing onto this lifeline, quickly chimed in. Plu and the workers decided to stay put until dawn, then scatter and return to work as usual. That way, no one would ever know! Finally, they made it to dawn. Like the others, Plu left, dragging his hungry, tired body to the factory to work. He had a legitimate worker''s identity in the King''s Court district. Upon arriving, the workers were gathered together. None knew why, but they nervously discussed the food situation. Would the food supplies really be restored today? Soon, they got their answer. The overseer announced that food would be distributed¡ªone corpse starch bar per person. Plu scoffed¡ªjust one bar. But when he received it, he realized it was almost twice the size of the corpse starch bars from the Hoffman family. Though surprised, he still sneered. So what if it was bigger? It was still sour, fishy, and foul¡ªfar worse than the Hoffman''s corpse starch bars! However, Plu heard the workers gasping and exclaiming in delight. "By the God-Emperor, this is delicious!" "Praise the Governor!" Most people couldn''t even speak¡ªthey were too busy eating. Plu smiled slightly¡ªthese workers clearly hadn''t tasted anything good. Feeling a little hungry himself, he held his nose and bit into the corpse starch bar. Immediately, a rich wheat fragrance filled his mouth. Delicious, absolutely delicious! Plu was stunned. Like the other workers, he had never eaten wheat and had no words to describe the taste. All he knew was that this corpse starch bar was incredibly tasty! As he ate, tears welled up in his eyes. The Hoffman family''s corpse starch? Utter garbage! He made up his mind¡ªhe would stay and work in the King''s Court district. Although he had somewhat expected this, the commotion caused by the new corpse starch bars had still surprised Eden. The bars, made with a blend of powdered wheat husks, had become a gourmet delicacy, even though the wheat content was less than one-twentieth of the bar. People wept, falling to their knees in gratitude for the Governor''s generosity. Some knelt before the image of the God-Emperor, repenting for their previous disrespect. How could they have doubted the Governor for any reason? Once the bodies were cleared from the streets and food supplies fully restored, Eden went to find Moss. It was crucial to the next series of plans. In a secret chamber. Eden, wearing a skull-shaped welding mask, held a welding torch, sparks flying from the tip... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 72: From Now On, You’ll Be the Oil Man! Chapter 72: Chapter 72: From Now On, You''ll Be the Oil Man!With a clang, Eden tossed the welding mask onto a pile of parts nearby. He looked at his creation, clearly very satisfied: "Not bad. Looks just right. From now on, you''ll be known as the Oil Man!" Standing before Eden was a "man" dressed in a rust-red hooded robe, with a skull mask embedded on his face, glowing red cybernetic eyes, and octopus-like mechanical arms protruding from his back. And most prominently, the Imperial Aquila symbol that Eden had just welded onto him. The appearance was not just similar to the tech-priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus¡ªit was an exact replica! "Governor, what is an Oil Man?" the "tech-priest" Moss scratched his head, puzzled. "Oil Man is a nickname for the members of the Adeptus Mechanicus. They love to enhance their bodies through various mechanical augmentations..." Eden then gave Moss a detailed introduction to the Adeptus Mechanicus. The Adeptus Mechanicus, headquartered on Mars, is one of the Imperium''s most significant religious organizations, with its members possessing remarkable technological prowess. Though nominally a part of the Imperium, they are more like a state within a state. They have their own exclusive technology, forge worlds, armies, and fleets. Of course, like other Imperial organizations, they revere the God-Emperor, whom they worship as the Omnissiah. They also believe that all machines contain a "machine spirit." Because of the machine spirit''s existence, machines can function. The tech-priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus handle the bulk of the Imperium''s research, engineering, equipment maintenance, and industrial production. They also have a crucial task: to excavate and uncover the technology left behind from humanity''s golden age. After explaining this, Eden looked at Moss and issued his command: "From now on, you will play the role of a tech-priest. You''re not allowed to reveal your true identity to anyone!" "Understood!" "Also, adjust your voice. Make it colder, more raspy." Soon, under Eden''s guidance, a cold, mechanical tech-priest named Moss was born. "It still feels like something''s missing..." Eden stared at him for a moment, then rummaged through the parts pile, tinkering until he handed Moss a mechanical staff. Now it looked even more authentic! Of course, it was all a bit rough around the edges. For now, this would do. Moss could gradually modify his body as time went on. "The Governor officially declares you the Chief Tech-Priest of the King''s Court district!" "Tech-priest" was just a general term for members of the Adeptus Mechanicus. It encompassed over a thousand different roles. Biologis explored biological mysteries; Fabricators built and maintained war machines; Logis processed arcane knowledge and data. These were the broad categories, but there were many more intricate specializations. For instance, there were Transmechanics, Cogitators, Techno-shamans, and Magos of various disciplines. Outstanding members in any field could earn the title of Tech-Sage. Such titles included Tech Specialist, Master Metallurgist, Master Alchemist, Scholam Magister, Lore Sage, Tech Assassin, Relic Keeper, and Holy Seeker, among others. Higher up were the Tech-Adepts, the pinnacle being the Archmagos, Fabricator-General, or Datasmith. These individuals often held positions of power on Forge Worlds. Does all this sound confusing? That''s because it is. Eden himself was confused and wasn''t sure if he had explained it all correctly. The hierarchy and ranks of the Adeptus Mechanicus were mind-bogglingly complex, constantly shifting, and overloaded with overlapping titles. Even beginning to comprehend the towering structure of the Mechanicum far exceeded the limits of the human brain. But regardless, with the technology inside Moss''s digital brain, it wouldn''t be hard for him to rise to the rank of Tech-Sage in the future. Eden had already thought of a title for him: "Master of Ancient Machines." "Alright. Lord Moss, let us be off!" "Praise the Omnissiah!" Moss said, leaning on his mechanical staff, his voice now a raspy electronic tone. Perfect. He was in character! Eden quickly led Moss out of the secret chamber. From now on, Moss would be the tech-priest of the King''s Court district. He had his own identity and residence, complete with servitors to assist him. Eden then took Moss to a mechanical factory within the district. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The factory was scattered with strange, outdated machine parts, and it appeared to have been abandoned for a long time. Eden had brought Moss here primarily to meet the district''s former mechanical engineers. Though Moss had the technical knowledge, whether he could apply it under current conditions remained to be seen. He needed specialized personnel to help him create what Eden wanted under the available constraints. As Eden and Moss arrived, a ragged, oil-leaking servitor greeted them. The servitor seemed sluggish as it spoke: "Honored guests, please follow me..." It led Eden and Moss to a location, opening a large steel door. As the door creaked open, a man dressed in a rust-red robe, similar to a tech-priest, emerged. The man bore minor signs of mechanical augmentation, adorned with skulls and mechanical claws. He greeted them with an exaggerated enthusiasm that bordered on sycophantic: "By the Omnissiah, Governor, you''ve finally arrived!" Eden scrutinized the man before him¡ªSali Kall: "You haven''t been conducting any...forbidden research, have you?" Kall''s expression turned firm as he shook his head vigorously: "I swear by the Omnissiah, absolutely not!" Suddenly, Kall noticed Moss and became visibly panicked: "Is this..." It was obvious that Moss appeared to be a tech-priest, while Kall, on the other hand, was a mere impostor, never having received recognition from the Adeptus Mechanicus. Naturally, meeting a genuine tech-priest had Kall in a panic. The Sali family, to which Kall belonged, had once been members of the Adeptus Mechanicus. His grandfather was a radical Magos-Explorator. But his grandfather''s views on technology were so extreme that even other radicals considered them too dangerous. As a result, the Sali family was stripped of their status and titles, and exiled from their Forge World. Eventually, the Sali family found refuge on Urth, under the patronage of the Grant family, providing technical support in return. The Sali family had long harbored dreams of restoring their former glory and continuing their journey down the path of the machine. But they had a penchant for researching forbidden technologies, which had caused quite a bit of trouble. Especially with Kall''s generation¡ªhe had always claimed to be a tech-priest. He even developed a so-called "machine-spirit link" technology, which nearly destroyed the entire mechanical factory and surrounding area. But given the Sali family''s centuries of contributions, Eden had spared Kall. Instead, he placed the family under surveillance, forbidding them from conducting further research, up until now. Seeing Kall''s nervousness, Eden found it amusing but didn''t expose him. "This is Lord Moss, a Tech Specialist from the Adeptus Mechanicus..." Kall grew even more anxious¡ªthis was no ordinary tech-priest but a high-ranking member with the title of Sage! He awkwardly stammered a greeting: "Honored Sage...I, I am..." Facing Moss''s cold, red cybernetic eyes, Kall could barely speak. Eden stepped in, pointing to him: "Kall, the ''Tech-Adepts''." Moss stared at Kall, then nodded: "Greetings, Kall. May the Omnissiah bless us." Since Moss had begun playing the role of a tech-priest, he had taken to muttering mystical phrases and occasionally reciting binary code. But to outsiders, it all seemed very Mechanicum-like. "Praise the Omnissiah!" Relieved that his cover wasn''t blown, Kall finally exhaled. Eden had no intention of letting Moss or Kall learn the other''s true identity. He planned to let these two impostors continue their charade... Through Moss and Kall, Eden intended to gradually rebuild the Adeptus Mechanicus structure, providing the King''s Court district with technological support! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 73: Rebuilding the Adeptus Mechanicus Branch on Urth Chapter 73: Chapter 73: Rebuilding the Adeptus Mechanicus Branch on UrthWith the technological support of the Adeptus Mechanicus, the development of the King''s Court district would be greatly enhanced. Of course, this nominal Adeptus Mechanicus branch on Urth must be entirely loyal to Eden. With Moss, an absolutely loyal machine being, as the leader, loyalty shouldn''t be an issue. Kall eagerly welcomed Eden and Moss into the room. As they sat down, a drone made from a human skull floated over, carrying cups. The skull was packed with mechanical components, its surface coated with oil, and its multiple mechanical arms gleamed, freshly polished. It offered each person a cup, then extended a pipe from its mouth. With a hiss, it filled each cup with a thick, oily liquid¡ªsome kind of tea. Everyone had a cup. Kall enthusiastically invited them: "Governor, Sage, please try it. This is a special mechanical fuel drink passed down by my Sali family. It''s said to be a recipe gifted by a Tech-Sage. Quite delicious, and very helpful in communing with the machine spirit." Saying this, he gulped it down, clearly enjoying himself. Eden stared at the tea, unwilling to drink it. Isn''t this just engine oil? Those tech-priests not only heavily modified their bodies but even replaced their blood with special substances to prolong their lives. Who knows what strange things they would drink? Then, to his astonishment, Eden watched as Moss calmly raised his cup and drank the beverage. After drinking, Moss seemed to feel invigorated and nodded, praising: "Not bad. Praise the Omnissiah!" Eden: ??? You can even drink? Seeing Moss finish his drink, the skull drone floated over and refilled his cup. Noticing Moss''s curiosity about the drone, Kall proudly introduced it: "Sage, this is a special modification of mine. Pretty impressive, isn''t it?" As he spoke, he patted the smooth, shiny skull of the drone with pride: "To be honest, this is my father!" ??? Eden froze for a moment before realizing what Kall meant. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kall was saying that the skull belonged to his father. Eden felt a bit unnerved. Kall sure wasn''t treating him like an outsider¡ªhaving his father personally serve tea. In truth, Eden knew what this skull drone was: a servitor skull. In simple terms, servitor skulls were general-purpose drones in the Imperium, used by many organizations, including the Adeptus Mechanicus, who particularly favored them. Servitor skulls had various functions, such as battlefield communication, ammunition resupply, and serving as mechanical assistants. Especially among the powerful tech-priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus, it was common to modify and enhance servitor skulls. Some were even equipped with powerful weapons and shield generators. It was much like how wealthy people in Eden''s old world loved customizing sports cars¡ªan expression of both power and technical skill. Moreover, the human skull symbolized purity in the Imperium, so human skulls were often used to create servitor skulls. However, not just anyone''s skull could be used¡ªonly the most loyal servants of the Emperor were worthy of offering their skulls as materials. Thus, within the Imperium, especially in the Adeptus Mechanicus, having one''s skull made into a servitor skull after death was seen as a great honor. This was why Kall proudly introduced his father''s servitor skull. Of course, there was another layer to this¡ªKall was shameless. According to the information Eden had, Kall''s father had fervently wished for his skull to be made into a servitor skull before his death. But due to his less-than-stellar record, it was a mercy that he wasn''t put on trial. He was far from qualified to be used as a servitor skull. Yet it seemed Kall had secretly fulfilled his father''s wish by turning his skull into a servitor skull, albeit without proper authorization. In other words, Kall had forged "fake papers" for his father and was now brazenly showing off in front of Eden, the Governor. And as far as Eden remembered, Kall''s father had similarly turned his grandfather into a servitor skull. Also unauthorized. It seemed to be a family tradition of the Sali. Eden suddenly felt exhausted by the absurdity of it all. Forget it. After all, he had chosen these people himself. He would just pretend not to know about this. Later, he would have someone from the Internal Affairs department update Kall''s father''s records. However, Eden couldn''t shake the feeling that Kall might cause some serious trouble. But there was no better choice at the moment. He needed Kall''s audacity. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Eden got straight to the point, proposing the idea of funding the reconstruction of the Adeptus Mechanicus branch on Urth. This proposal was met with enthusiastic approval from both Moss and Kall. Moss, of course, was just playing his role. But Kall was genuinely eager to join in rebuilding the Adeptus Mechanicus branch. He could hardly wait. After all, he was desperate to solidify his counterfeit identity and become a true tech-priest, restoring the glory of his family. As for his actual skills, well, at least his grandfather had been a Tech-Sage. Kall, in his mind, had perfectly inherited both his father''s and grandfather''s mechanical philosophies and had surpassed them. Of course, to the Adeptus Mechanicus, this only made him more of a heretic. But that didn''t matter. In Eden''s view, those who were loyal to the Emperor and even more loyal to him were the pillars of the Imperium! As for whether the reconstruction of the branch needed official approval from the Adeptus Mechanicus? Eden dismissed the idea entirely. Once the branch was established, it would have its own "official" recognition. The internal structure could simply approve itself! This approach had no problems whatsoever. Although the Adeptus Mechanicus was nominally united in their worship of the Omnissiah, internally, they were rife with countless sub-sects and conflicting doctrines. As the saying went, "There are as many beliefs in the Adeptus Mechanicus as there are stars in the sky." Doctrinal wars like the infamous "Binary Schism" had left them in chaos. Some powerful Forge Worlds openly defied the orders from Mars, engaging in technological heresy without any hesitation. So Eden had no need to worry about the Adeptus Mechanicus. With the Great Rift cutting off communications, he had the perfect opportunity to set up his own operation. As long as it grew strong, everything else would fall into place. Soon, Eden, Moss, and Kall reached an agreement to rebuild the Adeptus Mechanicus branch on Urth. Moss would be the branch''s chief overseer, with Kall as his assistant. They would also select appropriate personnel for evaluation, with those passing the tests becoming new members of the branch. Of course, this selection method was only temporary. In the future, they planned to use vat-grown individuals, with data-linked knowledge being implanted into them in the fetal stage, allowing them to quickly begin working. A few days later, the location for the Adeptus Mechanicus branch was finalized¡ªKall''s mechanical factory. A statue of the great Omnissiah was erected at the entrance to the factory. The base of the statue was inscribed with the following credo: "Nothing will stop your pursuit of knowledge. No one will hinder your quest for sacred technology. None shall prevent you from standing beneath the Machine God!" On the day of the official inauguration, Eden led the officials of the King''s Court district to witness the founding of the Adeptus Mechanicus branch. The ceremony took place in front of the Omnissiah statue at the factory entrance. Moss pulled the lever, igniting the flames within the factory, starting the engines. And then, the hymn echoed: "Ring the great bell once! Pull the lever, start the pistons and the pumps... Ring the great bell twice! Press the button, fire the engines, ignite the turbines, and breathe life into them... Ring the great bell thrice! Sing in unison, and praise the Omnissiah!" As the enormous gears of the factory began to turn, and the roar of steam filled the air... The Adeptus Mechanicus of Urth was officially established! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 74: Building the Farm and Expanding the Army! Chapter 74: Chapter 74: Building the Farm and Expanding the Army![500PS REACHED! Next Goal: 1000PS!] After the Adeptus Mechanicus branch was established on Urth, Eden gave them their first task: to construct a new Green Wave farm. The current food reserves would only last for about six months. If the farm wasn''t built quickly to grow new crops, the King''s Court district would once again fall into famine after those six months. Thus, the construction of the farm could not be delayed. Following Moss''s survey, the location for the new farm was selected in the large warehouse district within the King''s Court. It had vast open space and ample sunlight. Using Golden Age farming technology, along with special energy cores, seed cultivation devices, fertilizer machines, simulated weather systems, and water purification units from the original farm, Moss and Kall, the two tech-priests, designed a massive vertical farm. Of course, this was only the construction plan; it would take a long time to complete the entire farm. The farm would need to be built step by step. Once the design was completed, the King''s Court began the grand first phase of the new Green Wave farm''s construction. To prevent sabotage from the Hoffman family, the surrounding area was cleared, and strict security measures were put in place. Fortunately, the farm was located in the core of the King''s Court district, making it difficult to attack. Had it been located further out, it would have been subjected to endless attacks and harassment. Soon, the first phase of the new Green Wave farm was completed. The expected food output would cover the minimum consumption needs of the district''s population, ensuring a sustainable cycle. However, it would take much longer to fully construct the farm, and it hadn''t yet achieved full automation. The main reason for this was that manual labor in the King''s Court was far cheaper than machines. So, the crops would be planted and cared for by dedicated farm workers. This was considered a sacred job, and only the most loyal and enthusiastic families were selected to become farm workers. Those chosen arrived at the farm and saw, for the first time in their lives, the legendary soil. Yes, Eden had also transported a large amount of unpolluted, high-quality soil from the original Green Wave farm. Those who witnessed the soil wept, kneeling and kissing it, grateful for the mercy of the great God-Emperor and the benevolence of Governor Eden. With a sense of divine purpose, they tended to every seedling with care, as if they were nurturing infants. Soon, the seedlings were planted, and the farm was operating smoothly. To prevent incidents, Eden stationed security drones brought from the original Green Wave farm around the perimeter. Surprisingly, the energy cannons on those drones managed to eliminate several spies trying to infiltrate the farm. With the farm up and running, Eden turned his attention to other matters. During the farm''s construction, he had already summoned the leaders of the Defense Forces, Arye and Kaes, and authorized them to start recruitment. Eden planned to expand the Defense Forces from 30,000 to 80,000 troops. The King''s Court district had plenty of weapons and equipment, but couldn''t afford to support that many people before. Now, with enough food, he immediately expanded the force by 50,000 soldiers. This was the maximum number the district could support. Eden didn''t need to worry about the recruitment or training¡ªArye and Kaes handled it entirely. They looked like legendary figures and would undoubtedly train a powerful Defense Force for him. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the same time, Eden tasked Moss and Kall with researching the security drones and optimizing the standard-issue laser rifles and cannons. Now, the entire district was preparing for the final war effort, focusing all resources on the production of war materials. Once the Defense Forces were trained and equipped with new weapons, Eden planned to launch the decisive battle. He would personally lead the Royal Guard and Defense Forces into action, to finally eliminate the Hoffman family and unite the upper hive! As recruitment progressed and resources were allocated, the mass enlistment began. Young and middle-aged men alike signed up in droves, determined to fight to the death for the King''s Court district. At the entrance of the recruitment office... A frail, middle-aged man failed to meet the enlistment criteria. He knelt on the ground, pleading with the Defense Forces to make an exception and take him in. In the past, someone like him would have been considered a qualified recruit. But with the improved food supply, people''s physical conditions had greatly improved. The frail and sickly like him no longer met the enlistment standards. The man''s eyes were resolute: "Officer, please accept me. I am determined to give everything for the God-Emperor and the Governor!" He had no other options. His family consisted of five members¡ªan elderly mother, a wife recently paralyzed due to a work injury, and two young children. He was the sole breadwinner. In the current situation, there was no way he could support so many people. His only hope was to join the Defense Forces, the only way to save his family. The pay for soldiers was more than double that of regular workers. Becoming an officer meant he would receive Type II corpse starch bars with one-tenth wheat content. With such a salary, he could easily support his family. Even if he died in battle, the compensation would sustain his family for some time. If he became a war hero, his name could be inscribed beneath the statue of the God-Emperor. That would be the ultimate honor bestowed by the Governor! The children of war heroes would be given priority to join the Defense Forces. If they didn''t want to join the army, they could instead receive good jobs in the district''s major factories. The most outstanding children had a chance to join the future Academy of Loyalty, which Eden planned to establish. They would study alongside the children of nobles and officials, being groomed as the future elite of the district. In Eden''s vision, the Academy of Loyalty would be different from the Empire''s original Academy of the same name. It would be slightly less brutal, though there was still a risk of casualties during training. The academy would admit and educate children from various backgrounds based on their loyalty and merit. This would include the children of heroes, nobles, officials, and even child prodigies. They would study together and grow into the future leaders of the district. Of course, the Academy of Loyalty was still in the planning stage, and there weren''t yet conditions to establish it. But even the mere possibility of such an opportunity was enough to drive the lower-class population to madness. They were determined to join the Defense Forces and offer everything to the merciful Governor! The middle-aged man was one of them. Whether to feed his family or for his family''s future, he had to fight. Yet he was rejected, and he couldn''t accept it! No matter how he begged, he was coldly turned away. "Please, let me join! This is my last hope!" The man cried and pleaded, kneeling and kowtowing, even grabbing onto the officer''s leg. But the officer''s gaze only grew colder. Citing a disturbance of order, the officer whipped the man several times and had him dragged away by Defense Force soldiers. Had it not been for the Governor''s new regulations, someone like him would have been executed on the spot. "What''s going on here?" Arye walked over, his brow furrowed, the cold red glow of his mechanical eye scanning the scene. The officer calmly reported the situation to Arye. The middle-aged man begged Arye, his gaze resolute: "Commander, I can fight. I''m willing to give my life for the Governor!" (End of Chapter) Chapter 75: Life Is Precious Nourishment Chapter 75: Chapter 75: Life Is Precious NourishmentThe middle-aged man had made up his mind¡ªno matter the cost, he would stay! Arye, with a cold expression, stared at the man for a moment before firmly rejecting him: "Sorry, but you don''t meet the requirements to join the Defense Forces. With your frail condition, you''d just be marching to your death on the battlefield. I need soldiers who can fight and follow orders. I am responsible for my army and for the Governor! Now, leave immediately. If you continue to disrupt discipline, you will be executed according to military law." The middle-aged man was soon dragged away by Defense Force soldiers. Arye understood and pitied the poor man. But in the army, and on the battlefield, excessive compassion could be deadly. A man as weak as that would only die meaninglessly in battle, potentially endangering his fellow soldiers! To put it bluntly, not everyone was worthy of giving their life for the great and merciful Governor. You can''t just grab a gun, rush into battle, and die for the Governor¡ªit''s not that simple. You must first have the qualifications and undergo rigorous training before you even have the chance to carry a newly-made laser rifle and offer everything for the Governor on the battlefield. Otherwise, it''s a waste and a desecration of the Governor''s generosity! That being said, the family of the middle-aged man wouldn''t be left to starve. Life could generate hope, and for Eden, that hope was precious nourishment. Eden wasn''t a Chaos God, but he wouldn''t let life go to waste so easily. Allowing loyal lives to be squandered was a costly extravagance. He would ensure that every life fulfilled its potential. As the middle-aged man trudged home, devastated, Eden had already passed a new law. This law would provide half of a Type I corpse starch bar, with one-twentieth wheat content, to special families in extreme difficulty within the district. While this small portion wouldn''t eliminate hunger, it would at least sustain life. This would offer a glimmer of hope to those families, allowing them to survive the hardest times. After this brief episode, Arye inspected the rest of the recruitment office before heading back to the barracks. He needed to train the young recruits hard, increasing their combat capabilities. Only by doing so could they win the war against the damn Hoffman family, ensuring that more of his soldiers would survive. All for the infinitely merciful Governor! While the King''s Court was mobilizing for war, Eden kept a close eye on the situation within the Hoffman family''s territory. He could sense the darkness within their lands growing deeper. The power of darkness was slowly increasing, and he knew he had to act quickly! To weaken the Hoffman family''s strength, Eden took a page from Yusef''s book and sent out numerous spies to disrupt their territory. However, his method wasn''t through Chaos corruption, inciting rebellion, or spreading rumors¡ªthose were the dirty tactics of small-minded people. Eden opted for a direct attack. He ordered his spies to regularly distribute Type I corpse starch bars, with one-twentieth wheat content, and large quantities of propaganda flyers throughout the Hoffman family''s territory. These bars and flyers conveyed a clear message to the people of the Hoffman lands: The King''s Court district had enough food, and under the God-Emperor''s name, they vowed to accept any who dared to break away from the Hoffman family and offer their loyalty to the Governor. This tactic was highly effective. In the following days, wave after wave of people secretly fled the Hoffman family''s lands to pledge their loyalty to the great Governor Eden Grant. This greatly strengthened the King''s Court district. Inside a secret laboratory within the Hoffman family''s territory... A mutated gray rat, covered in scars, cowered in a corner, fearfully watching the hateful human named Yusef. Lately, it had been receiving less and less fresh meat, and Yusef had become more and more erratic, beating it senseless at the slightest provocation. It was completely unreasonable! Though the gray rat''s eyes were filled with terror, its round, beady eyes were secretly scanning for an escape route, hoping to flee when the opportunity presented itself. Of course, it had already tried a few times but had failed each time, only to be beaten even worse. Humans were terrifying¡ªfar more brutal than it was. The rat couldn''t take it anymore! Despair welled up within it, and it let out a few pitiful squeaks. Hearing the sound, Yusef flew into a rage: "Damn rat! Are you mocking me?!" Raising his mechanical arm, he retracted his hand to reveal a gaping cannon barrel, firing two blasts toward the rat. Boom! Boom! The gray rat took both blasts head-on, its body charred and its once-wide eyes now shut. It lay on its back, belly-up, motionless. If one looked closely, a single tear could be seen sliding down its face. The rat''s heart had died. It didn''t dare move, and the lab workers barely dared to breathe. Recently, anyone who angered Lord Yusef had seen their entire family fed to the god-spawn birthed by the Thousand-Eyed Master. Yusef was furious. He had suffered the greatest humiliation of his life. All of his flawless schemes had been easily unraveled by that fool Eden! Many of the spies he had sent had lost contact! Yusef couldn''t comprehend how Eden, that coward, had managed to secure food. In the end, he could only conclude that the food and farming technology came from the Grant family''s vault. Like the Royal Guard, they must have been treasures safeguarded by the Grant family. Eden, that despicable man, had been hiding his strength all along, waiting to make a mockery of him. And to top it off, that scoundrel had even sent him a letter of thanks! Yusef felt as though he had been deceived and mocked, much like his ancestors had been by the Grant family three thousand years ago. The humiliation was unbearable! However, Yusef had seen through Eden''s devious plan. That sly trickster was trying to provoke him into rashly starting the final battle! But Yusef, the great Yusef, would never fall for such a simple trick. The King''s Court core had been maintained and fortified for three thousand years. Even after the heretical rebellion, the remaining defensive weapons were incredibly powerful. Attacking now, before the true offspring of the Thousand-Eyed Master had hatched, would be a foolish act of self-destruction. In fact, Yusef hoped Eden would lose patience and attack soon. Then, Eden could enjoy the chaotic gift Yusef had prepared for him... S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With that realization, Yusef quickly calmed down and devised a response. If Eden cared so much for those underhive peasants, then Yusef would make sure he didn''t get his way! "Hmph, the Grant family''s full strength is now exposed. When the time for the final battle comes, victory will be mine!" At that moment, in the refugee camp within the Hoffman family''s territory... Many refugees from the King''s Court district were gathered there. Most of them had been incited and manipulated by spies, leading them to betray the district, branding them as undesirable elements. During the Night of the Uprising, they had rioted, looting and burning, but were suppressed by the enforcers. Some had scattered and barely escaped the streets alive. After the Night of the Uprising, fearing retribution from the King''s Court, they fled, either alone or with their families, to the Hoffman family''s territory. But upon arrival, they didn''t receive the promised shelter or food. Instead, they were thrown into this refugee camp. Later, they learned that the King''s Court had resumed food distribution, offering delicious wheat-infused corpse starch bars! Their regret was palpable. They cursed the King''s Court and the damn Governor. Why didn''t he provide food sooner? If he had, they wouldn''t have made such a mistake. Now, they planned to escape the camp that very night and return to the King''s Court. Hadn''t the flyers promised that anyone who escaped the Hoffman lands and offered their loyalty would be accepted? If they returned in good faith, the King''s Court couldn''t refuse them¡ªotherwise, it would be an affront to the God-Emperor himself! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 76: The Approach of War Chapter 76: Chapter 76: The Approach of WarThe traitors cursed and mocked the King''s Court district and the Governor, ridiculing their foolishness. They planned to seize the opportunity tonight to sneak out of the refugee camp and escape from the Hoffman family''s territory. Then, posing as refugees from the Hoffman lands, they would boldly return to the King''s Court. This way, they could not only evade punishment but also enjoy the wheat-infused corpse starch offered by the district. As they eagerly discussed their plan, filled with anticipation, the atmosphere suddenly changed. "Everyone, look! What... what''s going on?" Unbeknownst to them, the refugee camp had been surrounded by the Hoffman family''s riot control troops. Dressed in black protective suits and skull-faced breathing masks, the troops carried standard-issue automatic rifles, coldly staring at the refugees. Soon, as the officer with the skull mask and glowing green electronic eyes waved his command sword, the riot troops silently advanced in neat formation. There was a deathly silence, with only the sound of synchronized footsteps echoing coldly and mercilessly. These were the forces of the Hoffman family, the backbone that gave them the audacity to rebel against the King''s Court. These riot troops had undergone brutal training from a young age, even having parts of their nervous systems removed. They were silent, unafraid of death, driven solely by killing and sacrifice. The traitors who had been so brazen during the Night of the Uprising now trembled like sheep. "W-what are you doing?" "What''s going on? Didn''t Lord Yusef promise to protect us?" "Sirs, we are loyal subjects of the Hoffman family!" "Please, spare our lives!" Some of them tried to sound tough, others attempted to reason, while some knelt with their families, begging for mercy. They swore their loyalty to Lord Yusef, vowing eternal enmity against the King''s Court, desperately pleading for their lives and the lives of their families. However, none of their actions stirred even the slightest emotion in the riot troops. The troops simply followed orders, advancing in formation and then opening fire, killing all designated targets. The slaughter was merciless. The refugee camp echoed with the cries and wails of the traitors, but it was all in vain. The riot troops killed them one by one, stepping over their corpses to reach the next in line, all with deadly precision and restraint. Before long, the refugee camp fell silent. The riot troops emerged from the camp, reassembled like the precise components of a machine, each returning to their designated position. Then, the synchronized sound of their footsteps resumed as they marched away, leaving behind a camp filled with corpses. This wasn''t limited to the refugee camp¡ªsimilar scenes were unfolding across the Hoffman family''s territory. Countless people were being slaughtered, and their blood and flesh were offered as sacrifices to the god-spawn granted by the Thousand-Eyed Master. In a secret underground laboratory, vast quantities of flesh were dumped into a giant glass incubation vat, where the grotesque ball of flesh inside hungrily devoured it. The creature grew larger, its numerous eyes blinking slowly, as if it was about to fully open! ... In the King''s Court district, within the Imperial Church. The hymn of the cherubim echoed through the halls as Bishop Doni knelt before the shrine of the God-Emperor, conducting his daily prayer ritual. Though he had aged somewhat, his eagle-like gaze remained as sharp as ever. The situation in the King''s Court had improved significantly. The statue of the God-Emperor had been fully restored, and the Emperor had performed a miracle during the holy rites. This had reignited the people''s faith in the God-Emperor. Though the church had not yet fully reopened to the public, more and more people were coming to worship. The church was gradually reclaiming its former glory. Praise the God-Emperor! It seemed the Imperial Church on Urth wouldn''t perish under his watch, and might even rise to greater heights. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bishop Doni felt immense relief, as if the heavy burden he had been carrying was slowly being lifted. Suddenly, his body trembled, and he nearly collapsed. The cherubim flying above him let out cries of fear, their wings flailing as they almost crashed to the ground. Bishop Doni''s psychic senses had picked up something terrifying. God-Emperor, what an abyssal darkness! And at the heart of that darkness was the upper hive, within the Hoffman family''s territory. In a flash, Bishop Doni recalled the terrifying catastrophe from five years ago. The heretical rebels had stormed the King''s Court, led by a monstrous Chaos high priest, defiling the statue of the God-Emperor. Though the heretics had eventually been judged and eradicated by the church, the church itself had nearly been destroyed. Now, those accursed heretics had returned, and the dark power they wielded this time was even more fearsome! But the King''s Court no longer possessed the strength it once had. Doni himself, worn down by injury, could no longer fight as he once had. How could they possibly resist? Was the fate of Urth to be total annihilation? "Great God-Emperor, what should we do?" Bishop Doni muttered in despair, his body hunched. After a moment, he seemed to realize something and stood up, grabbing his staff and hurrying out. Of course, he had asked a foolish question earlier. The God-Emperor had long since given them guidance and chosen the savior of Urth¡ªthe young ruler, Eden Grant. He would lead them all to the path forward! Bishop Doni immediately went to the Spire Manor to find Eden, urgently informing him of the gravity of the situation. The heretics had returned! Looking at Eden, Bishop Doni anxiously awaited his decision: "Governor, this is a matter of life and death for the King''s Court and all of Urth. We must act swiftly..." Eden''s face was solemn. He had already foreseen the dark, overwhelming Chaos power long before Bishop Doni. He had been nervously preparing, making the final war mobilizations. The Defense Forces had been expanded to sixty thousand strong, most of them equipped with the latest laser rifles and new gear. However, the speed at which the Chaos forces were growing had caught Eden off guard¡ªit was too fast. If the transformation completed and Chaos descended upon the upper hive, there would be no way to stop it! There was no time left. Eden quickly made his decision, turning to Bayev: "Notify all departments¡ªthe plan is moving up. We launch the final battle at dawn tomorrow!" With the order given, the entire district was mobilized overnight, preparing for war. They had to ensure that all armed forces were ready to deploy on schedule. No one dared to be complacent. Everyone knew that this would be the final battle. The outcome of this war would determine the fate of the King''s Court and the entire planet of Urth! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 77: The Final Battle! Chapter 77: Chapter 77: The Final Battle!Eden stood on the balcony of Spire Manor, overlooking the brightly lit King''s Court district. The entire district had come alive, preparing for the war that would decide everything. It had all happened too soon. For days, Eden had been waiting. Waiting for the Defense Forces to be fully expanded, waiting for the new weapons developed by the Adeptus Mechanicus to roll out. But most importantly, he was waiting for the people''s hope to materialize. After the Emperor''s Ascension Day holy rites, he had regained more of his power and could now use new abilities. At present, Eden''s abilities included: Psychic perception Creating illusions Teleportation Blessing The latter two, teleportation and blessing, were new abilities he had recently unlocked. He had already tested the power of teleportation, even using it to solve the food crisis in the King''s Court. However, he had never used his blessing ability. Both the Chaos Gods and the God-Emperor wielded this power to create powerful servants to serve them. Examples included the Chaos Gods'' Greater Daemons and the Emperor''s Living Saints. Such examples were numerous. They could even bless ordinary mortals, twisting them into terrifying creatures. Blessing was an extraordinarily powerful ability, a privilege exclusive to deities. Now, Eden also possessed this power. He could use it to create powerful warriors or living saints. However, the cost of blessing was immense. Not only did it require choosing the right candidate, but it also consumed vast amounts of energy. That''s why the Chaos Gods set so many trials, to select the best vessel. But Eden had no such luxury. He could only control the small territory of the King''s Court district, with very few suitable candidates to choose from. The bigger problem was energy. To perform a single blessing, he needed at least one million hope points! After food supplies were restored in the King''s Court, Eden had passed several laws to improve the lives of its citizens, attempting to cultivate their hope as much as possible. He had done everything he could. Yet even now, he had only gathered just over 800,000 hope points. It wasn''t enough to use the blessing ability. Eden felt regretful. If only he had more time to gather enough hope points, he could bless a powerful warrior. That would give him a much greater chance of defeating the Hoffman family and destroying the Chaos creatures! Unfortunately, time was not on Eden''s side. Tomorrow was the day of the final battle, and he wasn''t entirely sure he could win. After all, the enemy had a Chaos-spawned embryo, nearly ready to be born. This battle would be a life-or-death struggle. If he lost... He would lose his only territory, the millions of followers who served as his fuel, and possibly even his mortal body. After that, he would have no choice but to slink away into the Warp. He would become a weak, low-level god, with no potential for growth. That was something Eden absolutely could not accept. If only there were a faster way to gather hope points... As Eden pondered this, a brilliant idea struck him. He immediately summoned Bayev and gave him the order: "Announce the final battle to the entire King''s Court. Tell them the reasons behind this war and our determination to win. Tomorrow, all families and friends¡ªeveryone¡ªis welcome to see off our soldiers as they march to battle!" When the sun rose, the King''s Court''s Royal Guard, Defense Forces, and Enforcer units gathered at the Holy Square, ready for deployment. All combat forces would be mobilized. Soon, Eden, clad in golden power armor, stood before his soldiers. He looked out at them, giving his final pre-battle speech: "Citizens of Urth! The enemy''s claws have reached our home, seeking to destroy everything we hold dear! Now is the time to fight, my unyielding warriors! You stand in the light of the God-Emperor, your courage burning as bright as the stars! Let us raise our weapons high and defend our homeland..." His powerful voice boomed through the mechanical speakers, inspiring the soldiers in the square and resonating throughout the King''s Court. At the end of his speech, Eden drew his power sword and raised it high, its blade instantly igniting with flames! "For the God-Emperor, victory is ours!" "Victory! Victory! Victory!" The soldiers roared, their blood boiling with passion! "Move out!" With the motivational speech over, Eden immediately gave the order to march. As assault ships took off, ground forces began moving as well. The Defense Forces'' armored tanks and combat machines led the way, followed by the main combat units of the Defense Forces and Enforcers. At the rear were artillery and long-range sniper squads. They moved down the main road of the King''s Court, heading toward the Hoffman family''s territory. The people of the district had already heard the news of the final battle. The sudden announcement shocked everyone. The King''s Court had only just restored its food supplies, and things were starting to prosper. How had it come to a life-or-death battle against the Hoffman family so quickly? And the Hoffman family had become terrifying heretics, aiming to kill everyone! Though the people were frightened and worried, they had hope. They hoped that under the leadership of the Governor, the King''s Court could win this final battle. That they could eradicate the heretics once and for all, so everyone could be freed from suffering. Gradually, the citizens gathered. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They lined the sides of the main road, watching with anticipation as the soldiers marched away. Family and friends of the soldiers called out their names, offering precious food or charms for protection. Many others prayed in silence. They prayed that the great God-Emperor would protect the soldiers of the King''s Court and let them win the battle and return alive! These soldiers carried the hopes of everyone! This plan worked¡ªhope was gathering! Eden could clearly feel the hope surging in from the main road, and from all across the district! The hope points rose to 950,000 and were still slowly increasing. It still wasn''t enough. But there was no other way. The final battle had already begun¡ªhe had to win! The army would divide into three groups. They would use their overwhelming numerical advantage to attack the Hoffman family from all sides, drawing their firepower. Eden, meanwhile, would lead Carter and the Royal Guard aboard the largest assault ship. Their mission was to find the source of the Chaos power and eliminate it before it fully manifested! Half a day later... When the King''s Court''s self-propelled artillery fired the first shot into the Hoffman family''s territory, the entire upper hive erupted into the sound of battle. All around, forces clashed as the fires of war spread. The soldiers roared as they fired, their bullets and lasers cutting through enemy lines. The self-propelled artillery thundered, bombarding the enemy''s rear. Armored tanks crashed through buildings, charging toward critical enemy targets. Assault ships dodged the barrage of anti-air fire, dropping powerful bombs on enemy positions. This... was the final battle! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 78: Sacrificing Everything for the Governor! Chapter 78: Chapter 78: Sacrificing Everything for the Governor!In the Hoffman family''s mansion, the sounds of artillery boomed outside while screams echoed within. Blood spilled across the floor, pooling at Yusef''s feet. "Why are you doing this, child?" Old Hoffman, a frail, white-haired elder in red robes, looked at Yusef, trembling with sadness in his eyes. "To live up to your teachings..." Yusef replied emotionlessly. Behind them, the slaughter continued. Masked soldiers wielding blades butchered the members of the Hoffman family one by one, sealing their bodies in containers. Old Hoffman sighed deeply. Of course, he knew. This was the child he had raised. He had pinned his greatest hopes on Yusef, his fourteenth, illegitimate grandson. To the point of using a data link to transfer the entire legacy of the Hoffman family into Yusef''s mind when he was still an infant. He had engraved the family''s shameful three-thousand-year history into Yusef''s consciousness. By the time Yusef could walk, Old Hoffman was already teaching him the art of scheming, nurturing his ambition. On Yusef''s sixth birthday, Old Hoffman ordered him to brutally murder his best playmate, teaching him that the best heirs of the Hoffman family needed no emotions. The only reason he lived was to erase the shame of the Hoffman family and claim the position that had eluded them for millennia. Old Hoffman''s education was successful. Yusef had grown into exactly what he wanted: exceptional and ambitious. Through a series of calculated schemes and bloodshed, Yusef had risen to become the head of the Hoffman family, launching a revenge campaign against the Grant family with notable success. The price was the deaths of dozens of family members, including several of Old Hoffman''s grandchildren and Yusef''s father, his eldest son. But Old Hoffman believed it was all worth it. Revenge always came with pain and despair, that was the price. Under Yusef''s leadership, the Hoffman family would achieve vengeance and rise to new heights! But over time, things began to exceed Old Hoffman''s expectations. Yusef''s desire for revenge was far stronger than he had imagined¡ªhe was willing to pay any price. To avenge the Hoffman family, Yusef had even turned to Chaos, using his own sister''s body as a vessel to nurture a Chaos embryo. He had slaughtered the peasants under Hoffman''s rule to feed the growing Chaos creature. While difficult to accept, Old Hoffman could endure it if it meant success. But now, Yusef planned to sacrifice the entire Hoffman family, including himself, to the cursed Chaos creature! That price was too high for Old Hoffman. If the Hoffman family no longer existed, what was the point of revenge? Looking at Yusef, the heir he had placed all his hopes on, Old Hoffman suddenly felt a twinge of regret. He had created a monster, and the cost had been unbearable. "Do it..." As the cries of his kin fell silent, Old Hoffman quietly accepted his fate. Thrust! Yusef stabbed Old Hoffman in the chest. It was the same knife Yusef had used years ago to slowly torment his best friend to death. Old Hoffman coughed violently, blood spilling from his mouth. With a final look of expectation in his eyes, he gave Yusef his final instruction: "Child, don''t let our sacrifice be in vain..." If everything was now beyond saving, then they would offer the lives of every Hoffman to strike the fiercest blow against the Grant family! This was Old Hoffman''s final thought. As long as Yusef succeeded, his life''s efforts would not have been wasted. Old Hoffman would not have failed! By the time Yusef pulled out the knife, Old Hoffman had taken his last breath. "The old fool... I''m Yusef. How could I ever lose?" Yusef muttered, tears streaming down his face. But they were tears of excitement. He trembled with anticipation. Today, once he sacrificed the blood and bones of the Hoffman family to complete the ritual, the offspring of the Thousand-Eyed Master would descend! Yusef gave the order for all combat units to hold off the King''s Court forces at any cost. He only needed a little more time. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once the ritual was complete, the Grant family¡ªand everyone in the King''s Court¡ªwould die! "Come on, boys! Attack! Kill those damned cyborgs!" On the Hoffman family''s second line of defense, gunfire and explosions echoed. Arye stood atop a damaged armored tank, wielding a massive, customized machine gun, raining bullets on the enemy. Shell casings piled up like a mountain around him. Seeing the enemy suppressed, Arye charged forward, leading his troops in an all-out assault. As always, Arye led the charge through a hailstorm of bullets. Rounds whizzed by, but none hit him. This was the legendary Arye, blessed by the God-Emperor, the Unkillable One who always led the charge! As Arye and his men surged forward, the Hoffman soldiers fell one after another. Though the Hoffman soldiers had undergone nerve modifications and showed no fear of death, they were no match for the King''s Court forces, who held both numerical and technological superiority. Especially when it came to equipment. The soldiers of the King''s Court were armed with advanced laser rifles, which outperformed the Hoffman family''s outdated weapons in both speed and accuracy. However, halfway through the advance, something terrible happened. The Hoffman soldiers injected themselves with a special Chaos serum, transforming into monstrous abominations. These creatures charged at Arye''s Defense Forces, tearing through one soldier after another! "Damn heretics!" Arye roared, rushing into a swarm of monsters to save one of his men. But just as a monster lunged at him, a blast from an energy cannon vaporized it. "Damn slippery kid, you finally showed up," Arye spat. It was Kaes, leading his long-range sniper squad. They were armed with the latest energy cannons developed by Sage Moss, powerful and precise, though their slow charging speed limited them to support roles. "Fight! Fight! Fight!" Arye launched an assault on the monsters, with his men following suit. They had to use their bodies to hold off the abominations, allowing the sniper squad to lock on and take them out. No one backed down; this was a battle they couldn''t afford to lose. Their home was right behind them. And their sacrifices would not be in vain. They would be honored as war heroes, their names etched onto the stone beneath the God-Emperor''s feet as symbols of loyalty. Their families would be cared for, and their children would have the chance to enter the Loyalist Academy. They would give everything for the Governor! The soldiers used their bodies to block the monsters, giving the sniper squad time to lock on and blow both monsters and men to pieces. Similar scenes were playing out everywhere. The King''s Court forces continued to push forward, gradually breaching the Hoffman family''s third line of defense. Boom! Boom! Boom! Dozens of anti-aircraft cannons fired, blowing up assault ships one after another. With the decoy drones'' help, Eden''s assault ship finally broke through the anti-air defenses, reaching the core of the Hoffman family''s territory! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 79: Seeing Everything Can Only Harm You Chapter 79: Chapter 79: Seeing Everything Can Only Harm YouThe assault ship had finally broken through into the core area of the Hoffman family''s stronghold! Upon receiving the report, Eden, sitting in the cabin, let out a sigh of relief. The anti-air network of the Hoffman family had been incredibly tight, and the ship''s shields had almost failed. But luckily, they made it through. Now, it was time to execute the next phase of the plan. Eden closed his eyes and activated his psychic sense with all his might. Hum! An almost imperceptible psychic wave expanded outward from Eden, rapidly spreading across the surrounding area and beyond, eventually covering the entire core region of the Hoffman family. As his psychic sense enveloped the area, a flood of information surged into his mind. Eden could feel the taint of Chaos everywhere, the people''s screams of agony, their prayers of despair. They were begging for the God-Emperor''s protection. But this place had been cut off. All their prayers were being heard by some unknown entity that had answered their calls instead. There was so much darkness, deeply saturating this place. Eden pushed aside his shock, focusing on filtering through the interference as he traced the thickest trail of Chaos. The deeper he reached, the stronger and clearer the Chaos became. He knew he was close to finding the source of this foul power. Guided by his psychic trail, Eden''s mind arrived above a dilapidated building, where a secret entrance lay hidden. Descending further, he finally reached a massive underground laboratory. Inside, a dozen giant glass cylinders stood, each filled with grotesque Chaos monstrosities. Going deeper still, Eden at last spotted the target of his mission! It was a ten-meter-high cylinder, containing a deformed woman. Her upper body and legs were shriveled, resembling dried twigs, but her stomach had swollen into an enormous, multi-meter-wide mass of flesh, covered in pitch-black eyes. That mass was a gigantic womb, and within it, a dark shadow writhed, seemingly brimming with life. The creature''s movements were unmistakable¡ªits birth was imminent! Then, Eden sensed a faint connection between the abomination and some distant entity. On instinct, he manipulated his psychic power to follow that thin thread further. Suddenly¡ªWHAM! In an instant, Eden''s hair stood on end, his scalp prickling with fear as icy dread washed over him. With all the strength he could muster, Eden slammed the brakes on his psychic probe, stopping himself from going any further. For he had "seen" something¡ªa massive shadow lurking behind the enormous cylinder. It was an ever-shifting presence, floating mid-air. Its head and body were one, with two grotesque, indescribable tendrils protruding from it. Its skin crawled with constantly changing faces. The moment he "saw" this being, Eden felt as though countless eyes had turned toward him, seeing through his very soul. Luckily, the terrifying entity didn''t move or show any signs of interest in him. Seeing that the horrific figure had no reaction, Eden slowly and carefully retracted his psychic powers. Only when he exited the lab did he whip his psychic presence back into his body with all the speed he could muster. Whoosh! Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eden''s eyes snapped open, his heart pounding, his body drenched in cold sweat. "Damn... seeing everything will only get you killed." It was terrifying! That entity... could it be Tzeentch? Tzeentch, one of the Four Chaos Gods, the most cunning and deceitful, symbolizing twisted wisdom, a master of endless schemes and plots. He thrived on chaos, and his followers were often scholars craving forbidden knowledge or ambitious nobles. Eden sighed. He had barely been in the Warhammer 40K universe for long, yet he had already encountered two Chaos Gods: Slaanesh and now Tzeentch. Of course, he had met them, but they didn''t know him. If they knew who he was, he''d be dead in an instant. To be honest, even slitting his own throat probably wouldn''t help in such a situation. If a Chaos God ever truly noticed him in reality, there would be no escape. He would likely be twisted and corrupted beyond recognition. Thankfully, his psychic sense had "stopped" in time, avoiding disaster. Still, Eden couldn''t shake the memory of what he had seen in that final moment. The more he thought about it, the more unsettled he felt. Did it... smile at him? Had it really noticed him? Eden quickly suppressed these terrifying thoughts. No matter, he had his own powerful backer after all. If things got desperate, he could always hide with the God-Emperor. But for now, the priority was to deal with the monstrosity inside that lab! Eden immediately relayed the location of the secret lab to the Special Forces. Meanwhile, the assault ship he was on sharply veered towards the lab''s coordinates, accelerating. As Eden''s ship arrived at the lab, several more assault ships, assisted by decoys, broke through the anti-air defenses and joined them. Wearing his golden power armor and wielding a power sword, Eden was the first to leap from the assault ship to the ground. Behind him, dozens of elite guards, led by Carter, followed, forming a defensive perimeter around him. The battle had begun! Eden and his elite guards charged towards the building housing the lab. Soon, several squads of Hoffman family cyborg guards arrived. They silently formed ranks and raised their guns. Bang! Before the squad leader could lift his command sword, his head exploded like a watermelon. Eden had drawn his golden bolt pistol, embedded with the symbol of the Grant family''s golden lion, and blown the leader''s head off with a single shot. He holstered the pistol and raised his hand. At his signal, the elite guards stepped forward, raising their boltguns and firing at the Hoffman soldiers. Boom! The boltguns roared, and blood mist exploded throughout the enemy ranks. The cyborgs were torn to shreds by the explosive, rocket-propelled shells, their bodies left unrecognizable. This was the foundation of the Grant family''s rule, the Governor''s Angels of War¡ªthe Elite Guard! After clearing the cyborg squad, Eden led his elite forces, sweeping through all opposition, cutting down anyone who dared stand in their way. They broke through multiple obstacles, making their way into the deepest parts of the secret lab... In the lab''s cultivation zone, scientists frantically tossed chunks of flesh into a massive pool, conducting the final stages of the sacrificial ritual. Yusef stared at the twisted flesh ball inside the giant cultivation cylinder. The fetus within was moving more and more violently. It would only be a short while before the true offspring of the Thousand-Eyed Master descended upon this world! This would be the ultimate weapon, capable of deciding everything. All would tremble before the overwhelming power granted by the Thousand-Eyed Master. Gradually, Yusef heard the sound of gunfire and screams from the perimeter of the lab, but he remained unshaken. He knew it was Eden, that incompetent fool. And he had been waiting for this moment for so long! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 80: Destroy the Target? Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Destroy the Target?After throwing the remains of the Hoffman family members into the pool, the experimenters worked together to pull the massive metal lever. As the lever was pulled, the ground trembled, and the mechanical devices buried beneath the lab began to operate. The blood-red pool reacted instantly, with the flesh dissolving and boiling, producing continuous bubbles. Then, the mechanical conduits extracted all of the crimson liquid and injected it into the giant glass incubation tank. Inside the tank, the dried-up body of a woman screamed and writhed, twisting uncontrollably. Her stomach, bloated to the extreme and covered in black eyeballs, pulsed and shrank as it ravenously absorbed the red liquid. It was so hungry, eager to devour the nutrients. It was also full of joy! The joy was so intense that it spread to everyone outside the tank, causing them to smile involuntarily. The black-robed cultists of the Cult of the Broken Eye were particularly joyous and fanatical. They grinned with twisted expressions, laughing silently. Kneeling around the incubation tank, they fervently praised the great Master of the Thousand Eyes. As the cultists'' fervent prayers echoed, the womb-like mass inside the tank began emitting a heartbeat-like sound. Thump, thump, thump, thump¡ª The sound grew louder and louder. Until it resonated throughout the entire laboratory, each heartbeat seemingly pounding in people''s chests, causing their blood to surge. Watching all of this, Yusef was incredibly excited. It was finally complete. The true offspring of the great Master of the Thousand Eyes was about to be born! Suddenly, there was a loud bang from the outer area, the sound of iron doors being blown open. It seemed that Eden had already reached the final level. So close. A lab worker rushed over in a panic, looking at Yusef. "Lord, the King''s Court forces have broken in, but the Chaos embryo still needs more time to hatch!" Before he could finish, blood spurted from the worker''s chest as he collapsed to the ground. Yusef calmly wiped the blood off his dagger and tossed the silk handkerchief away. "I know, and next time, don''t speak so loudly to me..." The handkerchief drifted down, covering the face of the lifeless worker. Yusef gestured with his eyes, and the cyborg guards behind him unsheathed their blades, slashing at the remaining lab workers. The sacrifice ritual was already complete; these people were no longer needed. These weak, lowly mortals had no right to witness the birth of the offspring of the great Master of the Thousand Eyes. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In no time, the cyborg guards slaughtered all the remaining lab workers in the area. The black-robed cultists seemed oblivious, fully devoted to their prayers to the great Master of the Thousand Eyes. The mixture of desperate screams and the cultists'' chants was truly beautiful. Afterward, Yusef led the cyborg guards quickly to the other side of the incubation area. There were over a dozen spheres covered with black cloth. Yusef and the cyborg guards each approached a sphere and yanked the cloth away. Before them were flesh balls, entangled with dark eyeballs and tendrils of flesh. These flesh balls resembled the Chaos embryo in the giant tank but were much smaller, merely byproducts of the Chaos embryo. Without hesitation, Yusef placed his hand on the flesh ball in front of him. Instantly, blood tendrils spread from within, penetrating his palm and then more tendrils wrapped around him, pulling him completely into the flesh ball. The cyborg guards did the same, each being drawn into the flesh balls. The blood tendrils burrowed into their bodies, causing them to twitch and howl in pain. Inside the blood spheres, Yusef''s body twisted and convulsed uncontrollably. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself not to scream. This process was far from perfected; he hadn''t wanted to use it. But time had run out. Since Eden dared to challenge him, Yusef would show him what real power was! While Yusef was struggling in agony, Eden and the Imperial Guards stormed into the incubation area. Just as they entered, the glass tank outside shattered, releasing grotesque creatures that howled and charged at them. Carter stepped in front of Eden, drawing his chainsword. "Draw swords!" The Imperial Guards lined up, drew their chainswords, and turned the valves, injecting the Promethium fuel into the engines, causing the chains to spin and roar. Then, they rushed forward and swung their swords! Working in coordination, the guards hacked the monstrous creatures apart, sending flesh and blood flying. One cunning mutant hid in the shadows, its cold, vertical pupils locked onto the group. It crouched low, muscles coiling with tension, then it leaped with incredible speed, heading straight for the most prominent figure in the middle. The mutant moved so fast that it appeared as a blur of shadow, catching everyone off guard. Its gaping maw was about to close around Eden. But Carter moved faster, raising his chainsword to intercept the creature''s charge. With the roar of the chainsword, the mutant was sliced in half, from head to tail, its pieces flying behind the group. As expected of the Chainsaw Maniac¡ªCarter always cleaved his enemies in two, leaving the scene drenched in gore. A true brute! Looking at the ruthless Carter, Eden couldn''t help but be impressed. But being too brutal has its downsides. As Carter''s violent slash cut through the creature, foul-smelling blood sprayed in all directions, evenly splattering everyone around. Especially Eden, who was drenched head to toe in the stinking blood. "Governor!" Carter immediately realized what had happened, panicking. The Governor, such a noble figure, was now covered in this vile, stinking blood. What sacrilege! His limbs went weak as he hurriedly ran over, raising a hand to wipe the blood away. "Are... are you alright?" "I''m fine." Eden raised a hand to stop Carter, then shook his body, causing all the foul blood to fall to the ground. His entire body, including his gleaming golden armor, remained spotless and immaculate. It turned out that, just as the blood was about to touch him, Eden had used his psychic powers to envelop his body, preventing any contamination. Though his physical constitution was excellent, he hadn''t undergone augmentation, so he likely couldn''t resist toxins as well as Carter and the other guards. After dispatching all the monsters, Eden led the Imperial Guards toward the core of the incubation area. Thump, thump, thump, thump¡ª The heartbeat grew louder and clearer. Stepping into the core area, Eden finally saw the giant glass incubation tank and the horrific flesh mass inside. He had found it¡ªit was the target! Eden immediately gave the order. "Destroy the target!" The Imperial Guards raised their bolt rifles and fired at the giant glass incubation tank. Flashes of fire erupted from the gun barrels as rounds rained down, penetrating the praying black-robed cultists without them even noticing. The cultists fell, and the bullets struck the glass, the tails of the rounds still spewing flames, but they could go no further. Boom, boom, boom¡ª Next, dozens of armor-piercing grenades exploded. When the smoke cleared, the giant glass incubation tank remained intact. The glass was too strong; even rocket-propelled ammunition and armor-piercing grenades couldn''t break it! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 81 - 82: The Descent! Chapter 81: Chapter 82: The Descent!Under Eden''s imposing presence, Yusef instinctively took a step back. Quickly realizing this, he felt a deep sense of shame. "You must die here, you worthless wretch!" Yusef drew on more power, his numerous eyes began to bulge with blood vessels, and more fleshy tendrils sprouted from his body. The tendrils, as agile as octopus tentacles, whipped towards Eden, coiling tightly around him. One of the largest tendrils grew an extremely sharp, coldly gleaming stinger. Like a venomous snake, the stinger raised high before striking fiercely at Eden''s head. This was the result of Yusef''s merging of multiple biological traits, using the power of the great Many-Eyed God to craft his formidable body. The stinger, made of a refined adamantium alloy, contained a sac of lethal poison, perfect for a surprise attack. If Eden allowed that stinger to hit him, even if he didn''t die, he would be gravely injured, Yusef thought smugly. Soon, Eden would be writhing in agony before him, regretting his decision to oppose him, and then perish in despair. But his hope was crushed. The stinger halted mere centimeters from Eden''s eye, unable to move further. "What?" Yusef roared in fury, realizing that his stinger was being restrained by a force. It was psychic power! How could this worthless man be such a powerful psyker? Before Yusef could react, a numbing sensation spread through his arms. Golden electric currents flowed around Eden''s body, growing stronger, burning the tendrils wrapped around him. The tendrils'' cellular structure was quickly destroyed by the psychic energy, turning charred and brittle. Cooked, with a faint scent of burning flesh in the air. With a simple flex, Eden broke free, the tendrils snapping and falling to the ground. "Damn it!" Yusef tried to flee, but it was too late. A sharp pain pierced his abdomen. Looking down, he saw a familiar stinger embedded in his stomach. "My dear, you didn''t happen to develop an antidote, did you?" Eden stood in front of Yusef, casually asking. "Get away!" Yusef panicked and threw a powerful punch at Eden. But Eden didn''t move, simply tilting his head slightly to dodge. "Scared? Do you feel like a clown now?" Eden''s face was cold as he clenched his fist and slammed it into Yusef''s face. "This one''s for being a damn idiot!" Yusef''s face twisted and deformed from the punch, spitting out half of his teeth as he stumbled back in disgrace. "You dare..." Bang! Another hit crushed Yusef''s nose, blood pouring out. "This one''s for all the innocent lives you''ve ruined!" Yusef suffered a relentless barrage of punches. "For the revenge of the Hoffman family!" "For the God-Emperor!" "For world peace!" There are far too many tyrants in the world who act with impunity, disregarding lives. To achieve their goals, they use the lower-class people as pawns, inflicting suffering on the innocent. And rarely is there anyone who can bring them to justice. These kinds of men are often lured by the dark gods, turning into maniacs who would stop at nothing. In the end, they bring massive destruction, sometimes even the fall of entire planetary civilizations. For scum like this, they need to be taught the meaning of pain! Eden unleashed all the fury he had built up over these days on Yusef. The psychic-powered punches not only broke his bones but also hindered his regeneration, amplifying his agony! Yusef kept stumbling backward, his upper body reduced to fragments of shattered bones, howling in pain. "Go to hell!" S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eden gathered his strength and delivered a crushing blow to Yusef''s abdomen, sending him flying into the giant glass incubation tank before crashing to the ground. Yusef''s twisted body lay there, vomiting black blood. He struggled to get up, but his shattered bones left him limp, unable to find any strength to stand. With Yusef down, Eden quickly turned his focus to the giant glass incubation tank. He could feel the Chaos embryo growing more and more active. The dark eyes on the embryo began twitching rapidly, and eerie whispers echoed from around it. That cursed thing was about to be born! Panic surged through Eden as he rushed forward, hammering the specially-made glass with all his strength. Bang! Bang! Bang! Strike after strike, the heavy blows made the tank tremble violently. But it still had no effect. Yusef''s raspy voice echoed, a triumphant sneer on his face: "Fool, you''ve missed your best chance. Now, nothing can stop the offspring of the Many-Eyed God from being born..." That was his true goal. Even if it cost him everything, he would ensure that great being was born. Yusef stared at the Chaos embryo with fervor in his eyes, even a trace of affection hidden deep within. For it was the blessing of the Many-Eyed God, his greatest creation, his child... And it would carry on his will, fanning the flames of revenge. Until everything the Grant family held dear was destroyed! Yusef, watching Eden frantically hammer at the glass, was filled with glee, taunting him endlessly: "Struggle like the clown you are. But everything you do is in vain. You and everything you hold dear, including those pathetic commoners you care for, will die in extreme suffering... And all of it will be because of your incompetence!" "Damn it!" Eden''s mind was entirely focused on the glass in front of him. He gathered all his strength and slammed his shoulder into it, but it still didn''t budge. Quickly changing tactics, Eden used his psychic energy to wrap lightning around the heavy steel platform, swinging it around like a hammer throw and hurling it at the glass! Boom! The steel platform smashed into the glass, further deepening the cracks. It was working! Excited, Eden again wrapped the steel platform in lightning and swung it even harder. One more hit and the glass would shatter! Yusef, panicking, roared with bloodshot eyes: "You bastard... stop!" But there was nothing he could do to stop it. Eden swung the platform at full force and hurled it toward the tank. Just as the platform flew through the air, the black eyes on the Chaos embryo stopped twitching. Every eye focused on Eden! In an instant, Eden felt countless evil gazes fix on him, as if he had fallen into a pit of snakes, cold, slithering bodies crawling all over him. It was too late! The massive glass incubation tank exploded, the shockwave sending the steel platform flying. Both Eden and Yusef were thrown back, skidding across the ground. Yusef struggled to look toward the tank, his expression like that of a father witnessing the birth of his child: "The blessing of the great Many-Eyed God, my child, you... have finally descended!" (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 82 - 81: The Perfect Revenge! Chapter 82: Chapter 81: The Perfect Revenge!"Quick, keep attacking!" Seeing the Chaos embryo inside the massive incubation tank becoming increasingly active, Eden, along with the Imperial Guards, intensified their assault! The entire incubation area echoed with the thunderous roars of bolt rifles and anti-armor grenades. Behind them, the Imperial Guards in charge of the assault had already assembled the Heavy Siege Rocket Launcher. The Imperial Guards dragged the Heavy Siege Rocket Launcher forward, with its four mechanical stabilizers securely anchored to the ground. Then, they loaded armor-piercing rockets and adjusted the barrel to aim at the giant glass incubation tank. The Imperial fiercely pulled the trigger mechanism. Boom¡ª S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The ground trembled violently, and dust rose into the air. The armor-piercing rocket smashed into the giant glass tank, and with the help of its dual-explosion propulsion system, the adamantium-ceramite composite warhead embedded itself deep into the specialized glass. Crack! Large cracks spread across the surface of the specially-made glass. It worked! Eden was excited: "Aim for the breach and keep firing!" No matter how sturdy the material, continuous high-intensity attacks will eventually break it. One more shot, and they could destroy this specialized glass. Then, they could deploy thermite bombs in large quantities, sending that grotesque Chaos embryo straight to hell! The Imperial Guards quickly loaded another armor-piercing rocket. But just as the Imperial pulled the trigger, Eden''s instincts flared with a sense of danger. "Defend!" But it was too late. A heavy steel platform came crashing down with tremendous force, smashing the Heavy Siege Rocket Launcher and sending both the launcher and the guard nearby flying. The impact carved a long trench into the ground. The newly fired armor-piercing rocket veered off and exploded against the ceiling. A large hole was blown into the ceiling, sending burning cables and fragments of metal cascading down like a rain of fire. "Ah, so this is the feeling of power? Such a marvelous sensation. Let us give thanks to the many-eyed god for this blessing!" Yusef spread his arms in ecstasy, emerging from the fiery rain with his enormous body, standing in front of the giant glass incubation tank. Now standing nearly three meters tall, his muscles bulged and writhed, with an additional pair of eyes on his forehead, shoulders, and palms, making him look especially grotesque. Behind him, about a dozen more cyborg guards appeared, their appearances resembling Yusef. Yusef was brimming with pride. He pointed at Eden and sneered: "Pitiful weakling, are you ready to die?" Eden sneered back: "Have you ever heard the saying, ''Villains die from talking too much''?" Yusef, unperturbed, responded like a theater actor: "Villain? I am the King of Urth, and you, in my eyes, are nothing more than a pathetic clown desperately struggling... You''re terrified, aren''t you? Terrified of the true offspring of the many-eyed god descending upon this world. You''re like a clown, bouncing around before me, trying to stop it. But sadly, you can''t stop it anymore... You''ve failed!" "Destroy the target!" Eden had no time for more nonsense and gave the order, drawing his sword and charging toward the giant glass tank with the guards. "Stop them!" Yusef gave his command as well. The cyborg guards intercepted the charging guards, engaging them in battle. Even with chainswords buzzing in their hands, the cyborg guards, corrupted by Chaos energy, were not easily killed. The sounds of chainsword roaring and heavy blows echoed throughout the area. Yusef''s target was Eden. He slowly advanced: "Feel the fear. I will personally crush you, worthless being, and thus end the shame of the Hoffman family that has lasted for three thousand years. This will be the perfect revenge on the Grant family!" "What? You treacherous fool dare talk of revenge against your master?" Eden was confused, having many gaps in his memory due to his soul''s transmigration. He knew little of the Hoffman family''s history. From what Bayev had told him, the Hoffman family was the vassal family of the Grants. On the planet Urth, their status was second only to the Grant family. And this status was granted to them by the Grants. The Grant family gave them power, protection, and allowed them to enjoy three thousand years of wealth and privilege on Urth. But they shamelessly betrayed the Grants during their time of weakness. They amassed private forces and seized large portions of the Upper Hive''s territory. Worse yet, they treacherously opened the gates and lift shafts, letting the heretical rebels into the Upper Hive, causing catastrophic damage! "What?" Yusef was momentarily stunned. It was clear Eden knew nothing of the Hoffman family''s history. How could this be? The true history of the family was a mandatory subject for every heir, as understanding it helped them better control themselves and their related families. If this worthless man didn''t know these things, wouldn''t the revenge be... incomplete? The more Yusef thought about it, the more unsettled he became. He couldn''t help but explain: "Absurd! The Hoffman family was not a vassal! The Grant family and the Hoffman family have a deep-seated blood feud. Three thousand years ago, your Grant family shamelessly took away¡ª" "Do I look like I care?" Eden interrupted. To him, such ancient disputes were none of his concern as someone who had transmigrated from another world. And in an argument, the worst thing you can do is follow your opponent''s pace, especially when their mind is clearly troubled. "You''re the one who slaughtered your own family. By all accounts, you should be the Hoffmans'' biggest enemy. Why don''t you avenge them?" "You!" Yusef was momentarily speechless. Eden''s logic was sound, and he had no way to refute it. Eden, now mocking, went full force: "What? My suggestion is that you take your own life as an apology." "Y-You... you''re asking for death! All Grant family members deserve to die!" Yusef''s long-held belief began to collapse. He was enraged, his words disjointed. His muscles suddenly bulged, and he charged forward. Yusef, now immensely powerful, sent two Custodians flying as they tried to intercept him and rushed straight at Eden. He intended to brutally kill this sharp-tongued foe! "Protect the Governor!" Carter raised his chainsword to block Yusef''s charge. Yusef''s fist slammed into Carter''s chainsword, turning his hand into a bloody mess from the whirling teeth. But he didn''t care. Tendrils of flesh quickly sprouted from his mangled hand, binding Carter and his chainsword tightly. Carter immediately activated the sword''s force field. But before it could fully ignite, he and the chainsword were lifted into the air, taking several brutal blows to the chest, spraying blood. Then, both Carter and his chainsword were hurled into a nearby control console. This all happened within seconds. In the next moment, Yusef was standing right before Eden. Yusef looked down at him, the eight eyes on his body rapidly shifting, finally locking onto Eden with a cold, snake-like gaze. The overwhelming pressure made Eden''s hair stand on end. "Now, no one can save you..." Yusef''s muscles bulged, then contracted, as he raised both arms high, gathering all his strength to crush Eden: "Die!" Boom¡ª After the strike, Yusef''s pupils contracted to slits: "Impossible?" Eden had raised his forearm and blocked the blow, the sheer force cracking the ground beneath his feet. Yet he stood firm, his breathing steady. "Is it possible, and I mean possible, that I am the strongest being here?" As his words fell, golden light gleamed from his eyes. Brilliant golden armor crackled with fine lightning bolts, as if a god had descended! (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 83: Praise the Sun! Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Praise the Sun!As the steam from the shattered giant incubation tank dispersed, a hoof, burning with malevolent fire, stepped forward, its color-changing flames scorching the ground. When it fully emerged in front of everyone, they couldn''t help but hold their breath. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. By its appearance and aura alone, it was clear this was an extremely unusual and powerful Chaos creature. It was a formidable Chaos war beast, nurtured by Yusef through vast amounts of nutrients and life sacrifices! Standing nearly five meters tall, its body was covered in black, staring eyes and sharp fangs. Its form was a constantly shifting mass of pseudopods, tendrils, half-formed wings, and clawed limbs, all engulfed in multicolored flames. This was the greatest blessing from the Many-Eyed God, a divine incarnation¡ªThe Horror of Tzeentch! Yusef crawled in front of the abomination, gazing lovingly at it: "What magnificent power, my child..." With a swift motion, Yusef felt something slimy wrapping around him. It was the long tongue of the Horror. Ah¡ª Yusef only managed half a scream before being pulled upside down into the creature''s mouth, where it began to chew him. The horrifying sound of bones being crushed echoed throughout the incubation zone. Half of Yusef''s body hung outside the maw, feeling his lower half slowly being crushed while flames licked at his flesh. It was an agonizing experience, one of unrelenting pain. Yusef knew this was his fate, and he chose to accept it calmly. "Eat, my child, indulge in this gift. Devour everything you desire!" He glared viciously at Eden, laughing maniacally, black blood spilling from his mouth: "Fool! You have failed. Prepare to meet your death. You will all die, just like me, in endless pain and suffering, never to be reborn!" Thud¡ª Half of Yusef''s body fell to the ground, but he continued to rant: "Today, Urth has lost her king, and she will fall into eternal darkness¡ª" Splat! The Horror, seemingly annoyed by the noisy morsel, slammed an insectoid limb down, piercing through Yusef''s skull. At last, there was silence... The Horror of Tzeentch stepped forward, its numerous pseudopods trampling over Yusef''s corpse. It seemed excited, for not far ahead was an even fresher and tastier morsel. That golden little insect must be delicious! "Protect the Governor!" Bang! Bang! Bang! One of the Imperial Guards snapped out of his shock, raising his bolt rifle and opening fire. He shot wildly, bullets embedding themselves in the Horror''s massive body. But such an attack could hardly harm the gigantic Chaos beast. It was no more than a mosquito bite. Annoyed, the Horror spewed a burst of malevolent flame, burning the Guard to ashes. Another Custodian swung his chainsword, slashing into the Horror''s pseudopod, causing a spray of dark green liquid. But the next moment, his body was impaled by multiple sharp insectoid limbs. Before dying, the Guard detonated an armor-piercing grenade. Boom! The explosion tore his body apart, but only managed to sever one of the Horror''s pseudopods. The Horror didn''t seem to feel any pain. The lost limb visibly regrew. Such a powerful Chaos creature filled everyone with dread. Yet, none of the Imperial Guards retreated, for protecting the Governor was their sole purpose! Even if they could only slow the creature down for a moment, it would be worth it. "For the Governor, charge!" Carter, covered in wounds, raised his chainsword, preparing to lead the remaining Guards in one final charge. To give everything for the Governor! "Stop!" However, Eden halted the brave guards. To him, life was nothing more than fuel, but these Imperial Guards were far too valuable to be wasted in a futile charge. Eden walked over to Carter: "Give me the sword." Before Carter could react, Eden had taken the chainsword, known as the Gut Ripper. This was a real weapon; the golden power sword he had before was just for show. Dragging the chainsword, Eden walked to the front, placing himself between the Custodians and the terrifying Horror of Tzeentch. As he walked, he commanded, "All Guards retreat and form a defensive line with the battle units in the rear!" Watching the Governor''s back, all the Imperial Guards felt a deep sense of shame. Their strength was too weak¡ªthey couldn''t even protect their Governor. This was such a failure and disgrace. They would rather die here! "Governor..." Carter''s voice trembled, wanting to say something. But Eden didn''t look back: "That''s an order. Obey it!" Trembling, Carter and the guards wept. Finally, Carter gritted his teeth: "Retreat! Form a defensive line at the rear!" Obedience was also a Guard''s duty. The Governor''s orders could not be disobeyed! Carter led the guards toward the exit. They would follow the Governor''s command and build a defensive line with the advancing battle units at the rear. As they reached the exit, Carter took one last look back. He saw the Governor striding forward toward that terrifying beast. He believed that the Governor, chosen by the God-Emperor, would surely have a way to deal with this abomination! After the guards retreated, the only ones left in the incubation zone were Eden and the Horror of Tzeentch. The Horror reared up, looking down at Eden with keen interest, feeling incredibly excited. That delicious-looking little bug had willingly walked into its grasp! Eden gazed up at the towering Horror of Tzeentch, completely unafraid. Instead, a fierce battle spirit ignited within him! He twisted the valve on the chainsword, igniting the promethium fuel, causing the weapon to roar to life. With another twist, the chainsword''s power field activated. A blue energy field enveloped the sword''s teeth, arcs of electricity crackling between the blades. At the same time, golden lightning erupted from Eden, enveloping the chainsword, turning it into a radiant golden sword! Golden lightning crackled around him, raising clouds of dust from the ground. If there were any fans nearby, they would surely shout, Golden Giant! Seeing the golden bug''s aura suddenly intensify, the Horror of Tzeentch became serious. This was a formidable enemy! It raised all its sharp limbs, ready to strike. Eden gripped the golden chainsword with both hands, assuming an attack stance. Against the backdrop of the colossal Horror of Tzeentch, his figure seemed so small, yet so divine and fearless! Hiss¡ª The Horror shrieked, all its sharp limbs stabbing forward. And Eden... swung his sword!¡ª In the Ecclesiarchy''s Cathedral in the King''s Court district... The Cherubim floating in the air clutched each other, trembling and shouting in strange voices. They were more terrified than ever before. Bishop Doni, hunched over, knelt before the shrine of the God-Emperor, praying. Originally, he had planned to participate in this battle to purge the heretics, but the Governor had refused, citing his old age. Yes, he was old... In truth, Eden didn''t want Doni, the last preacher of Urth, to die on the battlefield after all he had done for this planet. At this moment, Bishop Doni''s body trembled slightly. He could feel it¡ªsomething terrifying had descended! A deep darkness was encroaching. What a blasphemy this was! He was furious, yet powerless. For he was too old, ravaged by injury and illness, unable to fight for the God-Emperor, unable to deliver judgment upon the damned Chaos heretics! Now, more than ever, Bishop Doni yearned for strength, and he prayed devoutly: "Great God-Emperor, your loyal servant begs for your protection..." Bishop Doni prayed endlessly, his forehead bloodied from bowing, and when he raised his head again, he was stunned. For in the void, he saw a sun, shining with a light so holy and warm. Tears streamed down Bishop Doni''s face. The God-Emperor had answered the prayers of His most faithful servant. Praise the Sun! (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 84: The Blessing Chapter 84: Chapter 84: The BlessingFrom within the decrepit building above the secret laboratory, loud banging sounds echoed, shaking the entire structure as if it were trembling under the intensity of the battle. Boom¡ª Suddenly, the ceiling of the old building was violently pierced, and a golden figure flew out at high speed, crashing hard into the nearby ruins, sending debris flying everywhere. Cough cough! Eden lay in the rubble, coughing. His armor was damaged, with a small dent in the chest plate. He struggled to stand, using his chainsword for support. Just as he managed to get back on his feet, the dilapidated building ahead collapsed with a loud crash, kicking up a cloud of dust. Through the dust, an ominous glow shone, and the sound of sharp limbs tapping against the ground grew closer. It was the Horror of Tzeentch, crawling out from the laboratory! "Good, you''re pretty fast," Eden gritted his teeth, grabbed his chainsword, and charged back into the dust cloud. "Let''s see you handle this!" Clang, thunk, Duang! A chainsword flew out of the dust cloud, and a moment later, Eden came flying out even faster, crashing into the ground and carving a deep trench. "Governor!" Carter, who had been coordinating the defensive line, saw the Governor crash down ahead of them and immediately rushed over to help. "I''m fine, just give me a hand..." With Carter''s help, Eden stood up, his body marked with several wounds, looking somewhat battered. His whole body trembled slightly, his muscles ached intensely, and he could no longer fight. As expected, this body''s physical condition and combat awareness weren''t strong enough. But this was already the limit of what he could achieve for now. After all, not long ago, this body was so weak it could barely walk, and now, after being strengthened by the power of hope, it had reached a point where it could stand against the Horror of Tzeentch in direct combat. The speed at which he had grown stronger was already fast enough. Besides, combat wasn''t his true strength in the Warp. His abilities were better suited to staying in the back, developing his power, and letting his warriors fight for him. Hissss¡ª The Horror of Tzeentch hissed as it approached, covered in injuries of varying sizes, with part of its massive claw missing. Its numerous eyes glowed red with anger. That pesky golden insect had managed to hurt it, even if only slightly, and that was absolutely intolerable. No matter where this little insect hid, it would catch him and devour him piece by piece! In the King''s Court district, various forces had finished dealing with their respective targets and had regrouped to build a defensive line to stop the Horror. The soldiers trembled at the sight of the terrible creature, its evil flames glowing in the distance. Just the aura it emitted was enough to terrify them. Yet, not a single person retreated. They were prepared to die, determined to stop this monstrous Chaos beast! "Open fire!" Eden coldly commanded, his eyes locked on the Horror. Zzz¡ª Kaes, leading the long-range sniper team, fired an energy cannon, and the beam struck one of the Horror''s limbs, halting its advance. The energy beam left various wounds across the Horror''s body. Then, a dozen armored tanks charged forward, their turrets firing continuously at the creature. "Die, you damned monster!" Arye, with one foot planted on a tank''s turret, wielded an oversized machine gun, spraying bullets at the Horror''s eyes, his massive muscles glistening in the sunlight. The Horror noticed Arye and spat a ball of malevolent flame in his direction. But the fireball narrowly missed, just grazing Arye''s head. ??? The Horror was baffled. Why had that sure-hit attack missed? Arye, unfazed, continued to have the time of his life, jumping off the tank and charging directly at the Horror with his machine gun. "Ahhhhhh! Immortal Arye, charge!" He roared as he sprinted beneath the Horror, spraying bullets continuously, the massive shell casings clattering to the ground. Though the bullets did little damage, they infuriated the Horror. How dare this little insect provoke it! This attack had fully drawn the Horror''s hatred away from the defensive line. It stopped advancing and turned its focus to Arye, the ground shooter. Crush this annoying bug! The Horror glared down at Arye, lifting its sharp limbs and stabbing fiercely. But Arye rolled out of the way, and the limb slammed into the ground, missing him entirely. The Horror became even more enraged, rearing up and stabbing wildly with a dozen limbs. The sharp limbs turned the ground around them into rubble. Finally, the Horror paused, expecting to see the pesky insect dead. Bang! A shotgun blast hit the Horror''s face. Arye stood there, holding a shotgun from who-knows-where, a trail of smoke rising from the barrel. The Horror froze, staring blankly at Arye, the atmosphere suddenly awkward. ... Soon, a visible expression of anger appeared on the Horror''s face. Its features twisted, and smoke began to rise from its mouth. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hissss¡ª Malevolent flames erupted from the Horror''s mouth. The evil fire spread, covering everything in the area, scorching everything it touched. No mortal could survive such a concentrated attack! And yet... "For the Governor!" Somehow, Arye had climbed onto the Horror''s body, roaring as he hacked away with his chainsword, slashing wildly at the creature. Whoa! Even Eden couldn''t help but be impressed by Arye''s fearless display. This guy was going to become a future legend for sure. Seeing this, the soldiers'' morale surged, and they launched an even more ferocious attack. But unfortunately, Arye''s strength was still lacking, and he couldn''t inflict significant damage on the Horror. The Horror seemed to grow tired of dealing with this annoying insect, throwing Arye off with a violent shake before charging straight toward Eden. It could sense that consuming this golden insect and absorbing its energy would allow it to evolve to an even higher level. The Horror could barely contain its excitement! It flipped over the armored tanks in its path, its malevolent flames scorching the soldiers on the front lines. Nothing could stop it! "Governor, we must retreat!" Carter urgently requested Eden to fall back. The Governor''s safety was paramount. But Eden refused. The upper hive was already sealed off, and there was nowhere to run. If they abandoned their position now, it would be even harder to mount a defense later. Besides, the Horror''s target was him. If he fled, the creature would follow him to the King''s Court district, causing even greater devastation. The best course of action was to finish it here. Though this so-called Chaos-blessed Horror of Tzeentch was terrifying, Eden still had a trump card. After all, he was a "god." Even though he wasn''t at his peak, he still possessed part of a "god''s" power. Before entering the secret laboratory, he had accumulated one million points of hope energy, which he used to bless a powerful warrior. All Eden needed to do now was hold off the Horror until that warrior arrived. Whoosh¡ª A sharp sound pierced the air. Eden looked up toward the sky and saw a strike ship hurtling in from the direction of the King''s Court district. He... had arrived! (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 85: Judgment Approaches Chapter 85: Chapter 85: Judgment ApproachesThe strike ship roared through the sky, hovering mid-air. The hatch slowly opened, and faint sounds of devout prayers could be heard. Two Cherubim flew out, loudly reciting hymns of praise to the God-Emperor. Standing in the doorway was an elderly warrior, his beard and hair completely white, his face marked by the wear of time. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, revealing a hawk-like gaze. It was Doni Mor, the last bishop of Urth, the aged priest who had been blessed by Eden as a mighty warrior! This devout follower of the God-Emperor, hailing from Holy Terra itself, had once charged into battle alone, slaying a Chaos High Priest with his great axe and saving the King''s Court district. Unfortunately, that battle left him gravely wounded, suffering constant pain, and turning him into a frail, hunched old man. When the Chaos heretics invaded the King''s Court once again, Bishop Doni was filled with anguish. He could no longer fight for the God-Emperor, unable to deliver judgment upon the damned heretics! All he could do was pray, begging the God-Emperor to turn His gaze upon them. And then, to his amazement, the great God-Emperor had indeed answered his prayers! The Emperor had cast His gaze upon him. That radiant golden sun shone with a light so brilliant and warm. Tears flowed from Bishop Doni''s face as he received this blessing. The warm light healed his wounds, restoring his strength. His body was revitalized, even stronger than during his prime! He could fight again. Such power¡ªPraise the Sun! Once his combat abilities were restored, he rushed to the battlefield. Bishop Doni now wore heavy Ecclesiarchal power armor, draped in a white hooded robe marked with a cross. A rosary in the shape of a cross adorned his chest, and his waist held a white skull and the sacred words of the God-Emperor. Most striking of all was the massive power axe strapped to his back. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the hatch fully opened, Bishop Doni locked eyes on the Chaos abomination wreaking havoc below. He raised his mechanized arm, gripping his eagle staff adorned with strips of scripture, and loudly proclaimed the Emperor''s commandment: "Only death is the answer... Death to all!" Boom¡ª Bishop Doni leapt down, landing heavily in front of the Horror of Tzeentch. The sudden impact caused the creature to pause. It stopped in its tracks, glaring with hostility at the armored warrior who had descended from the sky. Bishop Doni planted his staff into the ground and drew the massive power axe from his back. With a loud hum, the power field of the axe activated, and blue energy engulfed the entire blade. With cold determination, Bishop Doni charged the Horror of Tzeentch, gripping the power axe in both hands: "In the name of the great God-Emperor, all heretics shall be judged!" As Bishop Doni reached the Horror, he swung the axe down with tremendous force. The strike cleanly severed one of the Horror''s claws, spraying dark green fluid everywhere. The Horror screeched in pain and retreated, spewing a wave of malevolent fire to engulf Bishop Doni entirely. But soon, the hum of the power axe could be heard again, and Bishop Doni emerged from the flames. Protected by the power field of his rosary, the vile energies of the flames couldn''t harm him. With another swing, Bishop Doni severed several of the creature''s limbs. Enraged, the Horror of Tzeentch charged forward, locking itself in a fierce and deadly melee with the priest. Blood and green fluid sprayed in all directions as they clashed. Despite the intense onslaught, Bishop Doni''s attacks grew even fiercer. He shouted the God-Emperor''s commandments, fearless in the face of battle. Only death! Gradually, the Horror of Tzeentch became more and more grievously wounded, and fear flickered in its many eyes. The warrior before it was relentless, utterly fearless. It was terrified! Hiss! Feigning another attack, the Horror sprayed its flames to obscure its retreat, then turned and fled. Its many legs scrambled furiously, moving so fast they left afterimages behind. It was desperate to escape, to get away from this terrifying warrior. But it was too late. Kaes fired an energy beam from his cannon, striking the creature''s vulnerable limbs. The Horror stumbled, its movements disrupted, and it fell sideways to the ground. It scrambled to rise and continue its escape. "You damned monster, you''re not getting away!" Arye, roaring from his command chair, led a group of armored tanks in a reckless charge, ramming the Horror once again. The Horror of Tzeentch was knocked down once more. Furious, it flipped the tanks in its path, then turned to flee in another direction! "Stop it!" Carter and the Imperial Guards moved to block its escape route. The Guards raised special launchers and fired barbed harpoons into the creature''s flesh. The barbed harpoons embedded deeply into its body, the cables attached to the harpoons held tightly by the Guards. The Horror''s movements were restricted as it thrashed wildly, stabbing its sharp limbs at the Guards holding the cables. Thud! Several Imperial Guards were impaled, blood spraying everywhere. Yet even in death, they held tightly to the cables, refusing to let go. "For the Governor!" The Imperial Guards roared, holding the Horror of Tzeentch in place. Earlier, they had been ashamed of their failure to protect the Governor. Now, they had a chance to redeem themselves and offer their lives with purpose. They would never let go! The Horror of Tzeentch was firmly restrained by the Imperial Guards, and not far away, Bishop Doni rose to his feet once again. Covered in blood, with sparks flying from his damaged mechanical arm, his hawk-like gaze remained as sharp as ever. Bishop Doni grabbed his power axe, summoning all his remaining strength for one final charge! With a thunderous roar, the Horror of Tzeentch raised its head, all of its black eyes reflecting the image of Bishop Doni leaping high, power axe raised above his head. "Heretic, die!" Clang! Bishop Doni''s power axe embedded itself in the creature''s skull, the energy from the power field obliterating its brain. The Horror of Tzeentch let out a shrill death cry, its limbs twitching wildly. After a brief struggle, its body stiffened, and all life left it. Bishop Doni, covered in wounds, struggled to his feet, his damaged mechanical arm hanging limply. Eden rushed over to support him: "Bishop, are you alright?" Bishop Doni, somewhat dazed, asked: "The heretic...?" "The heretic has fallen. You''ve saved the King''s Court once again!" "I was merely following the God-Emperor''s will, delivering judgment upon the heretic." Bishop Doni gazed at Eden, lowering his head slightly in respect: "Governor, you are the true savior of Urth..." The moment the words left his mouth, Bishop Doni felt strange. Why did he suddenly feel such reverence for the Governor? Even a faint sense of awe? But after a moment''s thought, he reasoned that the Governor was the chosen savior of the God-Emperor, so his reverence was justified. What Bishop Doni didn''t know was that this was the influence of Eden''s blessing. Eden''s essence in the Warp was incredibly similar to the God-Emperor''s power. In a sense, when the God-Emperor was absent, Eden was the God-Emperor! By granting blessings in the Emperor''s name, Eden had subtly altered Bishop Doni''s mind. Having received this blessing, the Bishop now unconsciously held Eden in high regard. As time passed, this influence would only deepen, and full devotion was not out of the question. Does this seem familiar? Granting power to followers, twisting their minds¡ªthis was the way of the Chaos Gods. In truth, as a god of the Warp, Eden was not so different from the Chaos Gods. The only difference was that his power was gentler and more benevolent toward humanity. Eden called for a medic to tend to Bishop Doni''s wounds. Meanwhile, the Imperial Guards used large quantities of thermite bombs to incinerate the body of the Horror of Tzeentch. Thus, the operation to purge the heretics of the Hoffman family was successfully concluded. ... In the secret laboratory... Within the wrecked incubation zone, a charred humanoid mass of flesh suddenly twitched! (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 86: I, the Great Yusef, Am Still Alive! Chapter 86: Chapter 86: I, the Great Yusef, Am Still Alive!The charred mass of flesh, now reduced to only an upper torso, had multiple puncture wounds where sharp objects had pierced it. Yet, despite these grievous injuries, the body had not lost its spark of life. This was Yusef¡ªthe chaos cultist and ambitious traitor responsible for the immense suffering in the King''s Court district! His head was intact, and slowly, tendrils of flesh began to regenerate, knitting themselves back together. Suddenly, sparks flickered from his head, and his eyes snapped open. It turned out that part of Yusef''s brain had been specially modified, allowing him to survive under extreme conditions. Though his face was horribly disfigured, a glint of smugness remained: "Hahaha, that fool miscalculated. How utterly stupid of him to leave so easily... He never imagined that I, the great Yusef, am still alive!" As the greatest enemy of the Grant family and the future king of Urth, how could he die so easily? When he realized things were beyond saving, he had already put an escape plan in place. Playing the fool was just a way to lower that idiot''s guard. Everything was going according to plan! Yusef dragged his half-ruined body, struggling to crawl toward a hidden mechanical device. Gripping the edge of the device with both hands, he used his teeth to bite onto a lever, pulling it down with all his remaining strength. With the sound of gears turning, the machine activated. A steel panel on the wall of the incubation zone lifted, revealing a dark, gaping tunnel. This was the secret passage leading to the lower hive and eventually to the underhive. Yusef let go of the lever, falling to the ground, and began crawling toward the tunnel. He had never been in such a pitiful state before, but this was only temporary. Even though he had lost his territory and power, he still possessed the wisdom and strength granted by the Many-Eyed God. Yusef crawled, inching closer to the tunnel. Once he reached the lower hive, he would hide in the chaos-ridden underhive, where he could slowly rebuild his forces. His vengeance was far from over! But soon, Yusef froze in place. He realized he had miscalculated... In the distance ahead, a shadowy figure was waiting for him. Squeak¡ª It was the Mutant Grey Rat! The intense battle had shattered its containment glass, allowing it to escape! The Mutant Grey Rat hissed, its many black eyes turning red as it glared at Yusef with hatred. It was furious. This was the human who had caused it so much torment! Yusef remained still, not daring to make a move. The Mutant Grey Rat crouched low, inching closer. It was preparing to attack. "My little pet," Yusef cooed softly, forcing a smile. "I''m your master. I can give you delicious..." Squeak¡ª But his words only enraged the Mutant Grey Rat further, the memories of its suffering at Yusef''s hands flashing through its mind. This damned human... The rat was furious! With a roar, the Mutant Grey Rat pounced, sinking its sharp teeth into Yusef''s skull. Its fangs bit through his skull with a spray of sparks, exposing the mechanical components inside. "Ahhhhh¡ª" Yusef screamed in agony, trying desperately to pry the rat off him, but he was powerless. The Mutant Grey Rat continued gnawing, tearing through flesh and bone! After a few moments of struggle, sparks exploded from Yusef''s head, and his body went limp. The rat feasted on his corpse, its jaws drenched in blood. Once it had eaten its fill, the Mutant Grey Rat looked satisfied. It turned, flicking its tail as it scurried into the dark tunnel, leaving behind a mangled, skeletal corpse. ... The Underhive of Urth The underhive was a wasteland of broken walls and debris, with mountains of garbage and toxic waste piled high, emitting a foul stench. Here and there, deadly green fumes rose into the air. Yet, despite the hazardous conditions, life thrived in the underhive. Criminals, exiles, gang scum, and scavengers eked out a living in this nightmarish place, surviving on garbage and the flesh of others. Of course, there were also all manner of mutants, mutated creatures, and even abhumans. It was a harsh, yet teeming world, larger than both the upper and lower hives combined. Somewhere within the garbage mountain, a clattering noise echoed from a pipe, as if something had fallen down it. Squeak¡ª The Mutant Grey Rat tumbled down the garbage heap, bouncing a few times before standing up again. It was excited. It was free! After its initial disorientation, the rat cautiously surveyed the garbage mountain, wary of potential dangers. Suddenly, a puff of green gas erupted nearby, startling the rat. It cautiously approached, sniffing at the green fumes, and then its expression became one of bliss. What a wonderful smell~ With its wariness subsiding, the Mutant Grey Rat began to scurry about, licking and gnawing at everything in sight. It acted like a country mouse that had just arrived in the big city. The rat was filled with happiness¡ªthis place was a paradise! It decided then and there that it would make its home here. Squeak! Squeak! Squeak! However, it seemed this area already belonged to someone else. Several mutated rats emerged from the shadows, their glowing green eyes fixed on the intruder. The leader, a massive Mutant Rat King, hissed and screeched in warning. This was its territory, and the Mutant Grey Rat had to leave, or it would be bitten to death! But the Mutant Grey Rat had no intention of leaving such a prime location. It lifted its head high: "Squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak!" What it was saying in rat language was: From now on, this is my territory! Perhaps it was because the Mutant Grey Rat had a foreign accent. It wasn''t until the third repetition that the Mutant Rat King finally understood what it was saying. The Mutant Rat King became furious, baring its fangs as it charged forward. It was going to kill this ugly intruder and defend its honor as the Rat King! Seeing this, the Mutant Grey Rat rose up, adopting a battle stance. Fight! The Mutant Grey Rat, strengthened by the essence of Chaos, had grown immensely powerful, and its strength was still increasing. It dodged the Rat King''s attack and, with its large and nimble claws, pinned the Rat King to the ground. Crunch¡ª With a single bite, the Mutant Grey Rat snapped the Rat King''s spine. Squeak squeak squeak! The Rat King, now torn in two, let out one final screech as it died. Squeak¡ª After killing the Rat King, the Mutant Grey Rat turned its gaze to the remaining mutated rats and hissed menacingly. With their king dead, the other rats, intimidated by the Mutant Grey Rat''s power, timidly lowered their heads in submission. Seeing the mutated rats bowing to it, the Mutant Grey Rat stood tall, its tiny paws resting on its hips, radiating confidence. From now on, it would be the Rat King. And this... would be its kingdom! Suddenly, the Mutant Grey Rat had an idea. As king, it needed a title. But what should it call itself? The Mutant Grey Rat thought hard. Then, looking at its unusually large and nimble paws compared to the others, inspiration struck. From now on, it would be known as... Bigfoot Rat! sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. (This is just a side story, and the next Chapter will return to the main plot!) (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 87: Caught! Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Caught!From this day forward, the radiated and polluted region of the garbage mountain would be ruled by the new Rat King, Bigfoot Rat. Standing atop a high mound, Bigfoot Rat gazed down at the mutant rats below, squeaking loudly, as if giving a speech. The speech concluded with a roar from Bigfoot Rat. The mutant rats were intimidated, lowering their heads and flattening their ears in submission to their new king. Bigfoot Rat had fully established its dominance and was satisfied with the result. After the ordeal, it suddenly felt its stomach growling with hunger. Clang. A noise came from a nearby pile of trash. It sniffed the air, raised one paw, and pointed in the direction of the sound, issuing a garbled command: "Food... there!" Squeak¡ª With its command, the mutant rats rushed toward the pile. In the corner of the heap was a mutant clad in scrap armor, covered in sores, wielding a staff topped with a skull. Realizing he''d been spotted by the rats, the mutant let out a scream and turned to flee. But it was too late. The mutant rats swarmed him, sinking their sharp teeth into his flesh. The mutant swung his skull staff wildly, managing to kill a few of the rats. But against the overwhelming numbers of mutant rats, such resistance was futile. In no time, he was overrun, torn apart by the ravenous swarm. This was the brutal law of the underhive¡ªsurvival of the fittest. Death was commonplace here. After the mutant rats killed their prey, they didn''t dare touch a bite of the corpse. Instead, they eagerly dragged the "delicacy" to their king, Bigfoot Rat. The mutant rats offered up the body, then looked at their king with fawning eyes, seemingly awaiting praise. Bigfoot Rat nodded in satisfaction and bent down to feast on the offering. Once it was full, it tossed the remains back to its underlings, allowing them to fight over the leftovers. Excited, the mutant rats fought viciously over the scraps. They bit and tore at one another, leaving bloody wounds in their frenzy to claim a piece of the carcass. Bigfoot Rat watched the chaos with amusement, unconcerned by the violence. Satisfied with the display of loyalty, it turned and, with two of the largest female mutant rats in tow, returned to the former Rat King''s "palace." In reality, the palace was nothing more than an abandoned transport vehicle. Bigfoot Rat sniffed around, inspecting its new home with contentment. With the two plump female rats, it began to settle in, preparing to father countless offspring and establish a true rat kingdom! ... Meanwhile, back in the secret laboratory... The dark passage leading to the lower hive and underhive lay open, and next to it lay a skeletal corpse, its bones exposed. This was Yusef''s body, now more than 70% devoured. The skin and flesh of his face had been stripped away, his eyes bulging wide, his mouth agape, with bared teeth visible in a terrifying grimace. The sight was utterly grotesque. It was clear Yusef had experienced tremendous fear and torment. Yet, slowly, his gaping mouth twisted into a grim, mocking smile. He was still alive! Once again, Yusef had survived by playing dead. He flipped over and began to crawl, leaving a long trail of blood as he dragged himself forward. The dark tunnel loomed closer and closer, and his excitement grew. As long as he made it inside, he would live. Once his strength returned, he would come back. And when that time came, he would defeat that fool, Eden, and bring even greater suffering to the King''s Court! Just a little further... Yusef''s trembling hand grasped the edge of the tunnel, and he was moments away from escaping into the lower hive. But suddenly, he froze, his body paralyzed. He struggled, but couldn''t move. Was it... psychic power? Moments later, someone grabbed his spine and slowly dragged him backward. He watched helplessly as the dark tunnel, his only hope of escape, grew farther and farther away. Yusef finally broke down: "No! Please, let me go!" But no one heeded his pleas. He was slammed into a wall, then dropped to the ground. Struggling to his feet, he saw the face he hated most. It was Eden, clad in gleaming golden power armor. After dealing with the Horror of Tzeentch, Eden had returned to find Yusef''s body. Finishing off enemies was crucial! Especially when dealing with Chaos-related foes¡ªthe best way to ensure they were truly dead was to burn them to ashes! And of course, one couldn''t simply scatter those ashes. That could still cause trouble, like contamination or the creation of new Chaos offspring. Having seen Yusef''s tenacity firsthand, Eden wasn''t taking any chances. Luckily, he had arrived just in time to catch him. Eden planned to incinerate Yusef along with the Chaos creatures'' corpses, purging them with his powers before sealing the remains inside special metal blocks. These blocks would be stored deep underground in a secret vault, ensuring Yusef couldn''t return. Eden sneered at Yusef, mocking him: "Trying to escape, huh? Too bad, you''re not going anywhere." Yusef scowled. If it hadn''t been for that damned rat, he would''ve escaped! With a cold smile, he spat: "You fool, you''re too late. If it weren''t for that wretched¡ª" Crack! Eden shoved a skull-marked gag into Yusef''s mouth. The device expanded, clamping his jaws shut and preventing him from speaking. The best way to deal with people like Yusef was to silence them, leaving them to choke on their own arrogance. "Still boasting? You''ve failed so many times that it''s embarrassing to call you my enemy. Frankly, it''s humiliating..." Eden''s taunts continued. Yusef''s face turned bright red as he struggled, unable to say a word. It was as if he had been in the middle of an argument, only for the other person to block him. He was furious, but had no way to vent. For someone as prideful and arrogant as Yusef, being silenced was the ultimate torment. After a few more jeers, Eden lost interest in the conversation. Without further ado, he grabbed Yusef and stuffed him into a transparent container filled with a special liquid. The liquid would suppress Chaos energy, preventing Yusef from regenerating his body. It also intensified the sensation of pain. As soon as Yusef was submerged in the container, he knew he was doomed. He thrashed about, eyes wide with terror, silently begging Eden for mercy. At that moment, Yusef finally understood why the ancestors of the Hoffman family had once begged the Grant family for forgiveness. Life was precious, after all. Only by living could one enjoy anything. Yusef wanted to plead for mercy, but he knew there was no chance left. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He would be taken to face judgment as the number one heretic, in front of the Emperor''s statue and the people. The Imperial Guards fitted a ceramic-steel shell around the glass container, sealing it, and prepared to transport Yusef. As Eden and the others exited the secret laboratory, a group of soldiers armed with flamethrowers marched in. They would use intense heat to cleanse this defiled place once and for all. (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 88: Reclaiming the Territory Chapter 88: Chapter 88: Reclaiming the TerritoryThe soldiers meticulously cleansed the area using high-temperature flames, burning everything suspicious. They even carefully scorched the ground to ensure nothing was left behind. After the soldiers confirmed the area was thoroughly cleared, Eden scanned it with his psychic abilities one last time. Once he was sure there were no lingering Chaos remnants, he ordered the lab to be sealed permanently. Eden then extended his psychic senses across the entire Hoffman family territory. He identified traces of Chaos and marked them for the Imperial Guards and defense forces to eliminate. Most of these Chaos traces were left behind by the followers of the "Broken Eye" cult. Their combat capabilities were weak, and they were quickly wiped out. Unfortunately, the leader of the cult remained elusive, disappearing without a trace. After issuing orders to hunt down the cult leader, Eden turned his attention to a more important matter: The complete dismantling of the Hoffman family''s rule and the full reclamation of their territory. Yusef''s slaughter of his family for sacrifices to the Chaos gods had already weakened his hold over the territory. Now, with his schemes foiled, his army crushed, and his capture imminent, the remaining forces of the Homan family and their vassals had scattered like dust. Eden led the Imperial Guards into the Hoffman family''s estate, where he swiftly judged and executed those deeply connected to Chaos or corrupted by its influence. These people, tainted by Chaos, were beyond redemption. The longer they were left, the further they would fall into depravity. Thus, the main offenders, accomplices, and their families were all condemned to death by fire¡ªreduced to ashes! Soon, officials and minor families formerly loyal to the Hoffman family scrambled to pledge their allegiance. While not directly involved with Chaos, these individuals had simply worked under the Hoffmans. Now, they begged for the Governor''s mercy. "Governor, we were forced into this!" "Great and merciful Governor, we swear our loyalty to you!" "Death to the Hoffman family! Long live the Grant family!" "We pledge our absolute loyalty!" "Governor, you can do whatever you want with us, even with our daughters~!" Eden: ??? These two need extra monitoring! The surviving officials and vassals from the Hoffman family''s structure swore their allegiance to Eden Grant, the Governor. Eden neither accepted nor refused their pleas; instead, he told them to return and wait. He warned them: "Anyone who attempts to flee will be seen as challenging the King''s Court, and they will face the consequences!" The consequences often involved an explosive end. After all, if they had done nothing wrong and had no ties to Chaos, why would they flee? To run was to admit guilt, and punishment was inevitable. The Governor''s authority could not be challenged! Most heeded this warning, choosing to stay put in their homes, not daring to act rashly. However, a few either foolishly conspired to flee or mount a rebellion. Before their plans could even unfold, Imperial Guards kicked down their doors and passed swift judgment. Word of this spread quickly, striking fear into the hearts of others. They now fully understood the message: the King''s Court would not tolerate disloyalty. Loyalty was everything! The remaining officials waited anxiously for their impending judgment. At Eden''s command, Deville, head of the investigation team, arrived from the King''s Court to handle the scrutiny of all relevant personnel. Deville, dressed in a black uniform with a red armband, was like the embodiment of death. Beneath his warm smile lay a cold-blooded killer, feared wherever he went. "Absolute loyalty!" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Give everything for the Governor!" These were Deville''s frequent mantras. He scrutinized each target''s crimes and loyalty with a meticulous process. Those who failed to meet his standards were purged. Some were executed, some exiled. Others had their identities and wealth stripped, reducing them to beggars. In the end, one-third of those examined passed and were allowed to serve the Governor. "These filthy traitors should all be executed!" Deville would often grumble in private. "But the Governor, in his infinite mercy, has granted them another chance to pledge their loyalty." Once his investigation was complete, Deville reported back to Eden. Eden, after reviewing the reports, was quite pleased. "You''ve made great progress and have done an excellent job." For loyal subordinates, Eden was never stingy with praise. Compliments cost nothing, after all. Deville trembled with emotion, nearly moved to tears. "All for the Governor!" For Deville, this was the highest honor. Eden had recognized his hard work! Deville had lived in fear since Eden had once expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "You''re not doing so well, especially you..." That comment had haunted Deville, keeping him awake at night. He feared his incompetence would shame his family, the Lapp family. But now, he had earned Eden''s approval! Once his duties were over, he couldn''t wait to share the news with his mother and his sister, Lilith. After delivering his report, Deville respectfully withdrew. Eden also took note of the overly emotional subordinate. "Not bad, seems pretty loyal." "What was his name again? De-something?" Whatever. He''d figure it out next time. There were more important matters to attend to. Reclaiming the Hoffman territory was just the beginning. Much work remained to consolidate control. Looking over Deville''s report, Eden noted the individuals who needed to be integrated into the current administrative system of the King''s Court. Deciding where to place them and what authority to grant required careful consideration. The sheer number of names made Eden''s head spin. Sigh. Turns out he really didn''t like dealing with bureaucratic matters. It was more exhausting than the grind of his old life! If not for his body''s modifications, sustained by the power of hope, he''d have probably collapsed from overwork by now. Eden tossed the report onto the table. He''d leave it to Baiyev to handle. Summoned by Eden, Baiyev took the report and assured the Governor that he would handle everything appropriately. Three days later, Baiyev completed the task, placing all the necessary personnel into their roles. With that, the Hoffman family was no more. The King''s Court''s administrative system took control, officially reclaiming the territory. New regional institutions began operating, and industrial sectors were restored to function. The logistics department was tasked with resuming the supply of starch blocks for sustenance. Since the farmlands hadn''t yielded crops yet, only basic starch blocks were available for now. The more delicious Type I starch bars were reserved for top workers. But the logistics department promised that in six months, Type I starch bars would be available to all across the reclaimed lands. Even this temporary solution filled the people with gratitude¡ªthey had endured starvation for far too long! Claudie, head of the law enforcement department, was also given an important task. He would personally lead the effort to restore order and ensure the new territory''s law enforcement was on par with other regions. By the time all this was in place, over half a month had passed. With the reclamation complete, the land was now a part of the King''s Court. Finally, Eden announced an important public trial would take place at the Holy Plaza. (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 89: Doomed, Treated as Dessert Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Doomed, Treated as DessertAfter completing the administrative tasks of reclaiming the Hoffman family''s territory, Eden returned to his Spire Estate with the Imperial Guards. "Sigh, finally I can rest properly!" Eden threw himself onto the soft bed in his bedroom, ready for an early night of deep sleep. Tomorrow, he would preside over the grand trial of Yusef and the other heretics. Work was endless, and rest was precious. Lights out! ¡ª¡ª Within the Immaterium (Warp Space) Swirling vortexes of rainbow-colored blackness spun in chaotic patterns, with flashes of massive lightning bolts cutting across the sky. This was a place beyond time, where no physical eyes were needed to perceive anything, and where the laws of reality held no sway. Here, energies of chaos, despair, disgust, violence, and even lewdness permeated the very fabric of existence. Insidious whispers continuously echoed in the air, driving anyone mad. Even tearing out your ears wouldn''t help because these whispers penetrated directly into your soul. Everything in this space was composed of the emotions and thoughts of intelligent beings in the real universe. These entities were alive¡ªnightmares that constantly sought to break into reality and give you a "loving" welcome. Of course, there were a few friendly entities in the Warp, such as the Emperor of Mankind, who was imprisoned on Holy Terra, and Eldar gods that emerged only once every thousand years. But most friendly entities were weak, hiding in this dangerous dimension to avoid being devoured by Chaos forces. Even the slightest exposure to the madness of reality could cause them to fall into depravity. In short, 99% of what inhabited the Warp wanted to devour your delicious soul! Eden found himself in just such a predicament. He had only just fallen asleep when the small "sun" of his soul felt a sudden surge of danger. "Ugh, can''t even sleep in peace. My consciousness still has to work!" Eden cursed as his awareness snapped back to his soul''s core¡ªhis tiny sun. This core represented his very essence, the key to becoming a god. If his physical body in the real world were destroyed, he could still survive. But if this little sun were devoured by some evil entity, it would be game over for Eden. Unfortunately, his small sun was still weak, and to the denizens of the Warp, it looked like an irresistible dessert. As his awareness fully returned to his sun, Eden realized he had been targeted by a malevolent presence. He could "see" a massive shadow looming in the distance, rushing toward him. The good news: it wasn''t a Chaos god. The bad news: it was still far stronger than him! He could practically feel the entity drooling, eager to devour this tasty treat. The evil entity moved quickly, revealing its full form as it approached. "What the hell? A giant octopus?" Eden gasped. Before he could react, the monstrous being opened its massive maw, and several black tentacles lashed out, trying to ensnare his small sun. The sheer malevolence radiating from the creature made Eden''s scalp tingle. He tried to flee, but it was too late. The entity''s speed far outmatched his, and soon, the black tendrils wrapped around his sun, immobilizing it. In an instant, the tentacles started dragging his sun toward the creature''s gaping maw. Crushed by the overwhelming force of the creature''s evil power, Eden felt like he was suffocating. This was it. He was done for. But Eden still had a trump card! Controlling his tiny sun, he sent a psychic message toward a distant, cold, and powerful light within the Warp: "Emperor, help! Your most loyal servant is about to be devoured by heretics!" The message had barely been sent when¡ªwhoosh¡ªa massive psychic wave emanated from that cold sun. The entire area lit up with divine radiance, and in an instant, the black tendrils wrapped around Eden''s sun began melting away, as if exposed to intense heat. Praise the Emperor! Eden felt a surge of joy. The Emperor was truly mighty, worthy of being called the Fifth Chaos God. His power was overwhelming. As the black tentacles disintegrated, the distant evil entity let out a painful, pitiful wail, begging for mercy. The creature had always feared approaching the terrifying cold sun, but the lure of Eden''s small sun had been too tempting. It had stayed far away, thinking it could sneakily pull Eden''s sun over for a quick snack. But even this small attempt had angered the terrifying being. The evil entity turned and tried to flee, but the holy light overtook it with far greater speed. With one final agonized shriek, the entity was vaporized, leaving nothing behind. Eden could sense that the Emperor had crushed the creature like a bug. After dealing with the threat, the cold sun returned to its usual calm state, as if nothing had happened. "Emperor?" Eden tentatively called out, hoping to establish some rapport. He was now certain that the Emperor was conscious, aware of his existence, and had responded to his plea for help. This meant that the Emperor cared, at least a little, for this tiny human. After all, the Emperor had existed for countless millennia, a godlike figure who had likely grown indifferent to most things. For him to save Eden meant he saw some value in him. It felt like being treated almost like a son¡ªa status akin to the Emperor''s Primarchs, who commanded vast armies across the galaxy. But even sons could be unreliable. After all, the Emperor had been betrayed by his "son," Warmaster Horus. That betrayal had plunged the galaxy into chaos, with Horus leading a rebellion backed by the four Chaos Gods, severely wounding the Emperor in the process. As a result, the Emperor was confined to the Golden Throne, his body rotting and immobile, unable to speak a word. He could only communicate with his followers through dreams and visions. Meanwhile, his soul projection in the Warp had grown ever stronger, burning like a sun for ten thousand years. Without the Emperor''s direct leadership, the vast human empire had grown increasingly backward, ignorant, and disordered. Ironically, they now worshiped the Emperor as a god, the very thing he had despised. He was the Emperor of Mankind, not a deity! But now, it no longer mattered what the Emperor thought¡ªhis followers did as they pleased. And here was Eden, calling him "God-Emperor" at every turn. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Of course, Eden had no intention of betraying the Emperor. Eden tried calling out a few more times, but the cold sun remained silent. Looking around at the terrifying energies swirling in the Warp and then at the distant cold sun, Eden began to feel a deep unease. Sigh This place was too dangerous, too terrifying. And his little sun was still too far from the Emperor. What if an even stronger entity showed up one day and he didn''t have time to call for help? Eden carefully guided his tiny sun and sent another psychic plea toward the cold light: "Uh, boss, can I get a little closer to you?" (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 90: Almost Crashed into the Emperor Chapter 90: Chapter 90: Almost Crashed into the Emperor[December Bonus Event!] [Vote for your favorite fanfic on my P@treon!, the winner will get double Chapters for all December!!] [Poll will be up just for a few days so be quickly!] Unfortunately, Eden''s psychic call received no response. The cold sun that represented the Emperor floated quietly in the Immaterium. Its endless psychic energies radiated divine light equally over everything. Eden was used to this by now, so he had just asked politely. Since the Emperor hadn''t objected, that basically meant permission had been granted. His life was the priority, so he needed to get closer to the Emperor''s sun to ensure his safety. With that decision made, Eden immediately directed his small sun to fly toward the cold sun. Sigh His small sun was painfully slow, moving at a snail''s pace! He sighed, grateful for the Emperor''s protection. At this speed, he wouldn''t be able to escape danger in the Immaterium otherwise. The small sun continued its slow journey, inching its way across the warp space. It took an incredibly long time, but eventually, Eden''s sun approached the vast cold sun. As he neared, the cold sun became so enormous that it filled his entire vision. To give a sense of scale, Eden''s small sun was already quite large in the warp¡ªabout half the size of Earth''s moon. But the Emperor''s cold sun was at least 400 times larger! This gave Eden a sense of awe at the sheer magnitude of what he was witnessing. Of course, physical laws didn''t apply in the Immaterium, so these sizes were just conceptual projections of energy. Looking at the distance, Eden felt it was still too far. He wasn''t safe enough yet. So, he kept flying, moving his small sun closer to the cold sun. Judging by the remaining distance, Eden estimated it would take a while longer to reach his target, so he decided to take a nap. Controlling this thing was exhausting. He set the direction on autopilot. After all, in this region of the Immaterium, it was just his small sun and the cold sun. There didn''t seem to be anything else. However, as soon as Eden dozed off, he fell into a peculiar sleep. Dreaming in the Immaterium was a strange experience. Twisted energies of lust, chaos, and madness crept into his dreams. Sigh S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This place was too corrupt, forcing him to dream of such terrible things. By the Emperor, Eden swore to himself. These aren''t my thoughts! He tried to resist, but it was futile. These nightmares invaded directly into his soul. He couldn''t avoid seeing them. At first, the dreams were somewhat tame. But when the battle sisters started fighting against multiple tentacled demons, Eden knew this dream was taking a dark turn. And what followed was even more unspeakable, with a certain infamous Chaos god and even the Emperor himself joining the scene. Even Eden, who had seen a lot, was stunned, muttering "Praise the Emperor" repeatedly. This is not right! As Eden was mentally criticizing the unfolding dream, a sudden surge of psychic energy slapped him awake. The next thing he felt was a crushing psychic pressure, as if an entire planet were bearing down on him! Eden''s consciousness snapped back to full alert as he looked in the direction of the pressure. Oh crap, too close! His small sun had overshot its course, getting too close to the cold sun. The vast golden sphere now filled his entire field of vision, like a massive wall. The immense psychic aura from the cold sun''s corona overwhelmed Eden. Luckily, Eden reacted just in time. "Stop, stop, stop! I''m about to crash!" With all his strength, he managed to "brake," narrowly avoiding a collision. That was close¡ªway too close. Eden was nearly scared to death. If he had crashed into the sun, just the loose psychic energy radiating from it would have severely injured his small sun. Not only that, but it would have been the biggest offense against the Emperor since Horus'' betrayal. If word got out, the entire Imperium would be in an uproar. The Ecclesiarchy, the Inquisition, and even the Primarchs would scour the galaxy to find Eden and subject him to a hundred trials. Crashing into the Emperor¡ªwhat blasphemy! A trial would be inevitable. Luckily, he had stopped in time, avoiding such a sacrilegious act. Once the small sun had fully stopped, Eden carefully maneuvered it backward, retreating to a safer distance. Finally, when his small sun was securely positioned at a safe distance, Eden sighed in relief. He finally felt safe. Now, no evil entities would dare come near him with the Emperor''s protection. After calming down, Eden suddenly remembered¡ªhadn''t the Emperor just given him a psychic slap to wake him up? He looked at the cold sun, which remained as serene as ever, as though nothing had happened. But Eden knew the Emperor had nudged him, saving him from crashing. It was clear now¡ªthe Emperor cared about him, even going as far as to intervene personally to prevent him from getting hurt. Such kindness¡ªit was almost too much. Not even the Primarchs, the Emperor''s "sons," received this kind of treatment. Why was the Emperor being so kind to him? Eden was filled with doubt. A thought began to creep into his mind: Could it be... the Emperor wants me to grow strong enough to sit on the Golden Throne for him? The idea terrified him. Becoming the "Lamp of Humanity" on Holy Terra, guarding the Imperium for eternity, was an unimaginable burden. Eden couldn''t possibly take on such a role. This made him appreciate the Emperor even more. The Emperor truly cared for humanity, enduring his fate on the Golden Throne to protect the species. He is a true saint. Eden silently vowed that once he became powerful enough, he would do his best to protect humanity and ease the Emperor''s burden. As for sitting on the Golden Throne himself? No, thank you. The Imperium still needed the Emperor. If the Emperor ever did insist that he sit on that golden seat of power, well, Eden could hardly refuse. But for now, that was a distant future. Eden wasn''t nearly powerful enough for that kind of responsibility. It would take him conquering hundreds of worlds and much more just to stand among the giants of the galaxy. He was a long way from being able to take the Emperor''s place. And by the time that day came, thousands of years might have passed. So, Eden wasn''t worried about it. For now, he just needed to develop under the Emperor''s protection. With this connection, no one could question his status as the Emperor''s chosen. In the future, he could confidently declare himself one of the Emperor''s spokespeople. Eden knew he had to seize this opportunity and use his small sun''s abilities to conquer planets, lead expeditions, and rescue the Imperium''s dark corners. Through faith and conquest, he would grow stronger, ensuring that his flesh remained intact and avoiding the fate of becoming another cold sun in the Immaterium. For now, however, Eden just wanted to finish watching the rest of that dream. He had been at a rather crucial scene! Just as Eden prepared to drift back into his dream, a massive psychic wave suddenly surged toward him... (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 91: The Raid Plan Chapter 91: Chapter 91: The Raid Plan[December Bonus Event!] [Vote for your favorite fanfic on my P@treon!, the winner will get double Chapters for all December!!] [Poll will be up just for a few hours so be quickly!] The surge of psychic energy crashed violently, ejecting Eden''s consciousness from the Warp. The intense impact caused his mind to reel, and soon he fell into unconsciousness. This time, Eden truly slept, lying comfortably in his bed, deeply at peace. Meanwhile, within the Warp... Perhaps it was a one-in-a-billion chance. A ship sailing through the Warp had its navigator, who bore a third eye on his forehead, suddenly sense something amiss. He immediately called the Ecclesiarch aboard the ship. Soon, both the navigator and the Ecclesiarch gazed through the ship''s viewport and bore witness to a divine miracle. It was the Holy Sun! All praise and glory to the magnificent Sun! With great reverence, they watched the Holy Sun shining in the far distance, praying fervently for the Emperor''s blessing. Legends told that such an unparalleled fortune would ensure the ship''s safe journey through the Warp. But then, they noticed something unusual. By the Emperor, how could there be another Sun beside the glorious Holy Sun? The navigator and the Ecclesiarch were both stunned. They exchanged a glance, rubbing their eyes to confirm they weren''t mistaken. The sheer shock of the sight left them reeling, almost driving them mad. What on Terra was happening? Why were there two Holy Suns? Who was this other one? This didn''t align at all with the sacred doctrines of the Imperial Creed! Could the Creed be wrong? The Ecclesiarch''s legs weakened, gripping his staff tightly to steady himself. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He muttered endlessly, as though his very faith had been shattered. Oh Emperor, what in His name was happening? A wild thought suddenly flashed through the Ecclesiarch''s mind, causing him to exclaim: "Could it be that the Emperor himself...?" Thankfully, he clamped his hand over his mouth, stopping the blasphemous words from escaping. Such heretical thoughts! Uttering them would be grounds for burning at the stake! The Ecclesiarch, filled with regret, burst into tears, falling to his knees and begging for the Emperor''s forgiveness. However, when he lifted his head again, both Holy Suns had vanished. In their place, only a swirling vortex of chaotic Warp energy remained, everything returning to normal. Afterward, the Ecclesiarch and the navigator swore, by the Emperor''s name, that they would take this secret to their graves. Such a heretical revelation must never see the light of day, or they would face the most brutal of Inquisitorial trials! ... While Eden had been struck down by the Emperor''s psychic force and slept deeply, the Grey Wolf Warband''s territory stirred with unrest. The Grey Wolf Warband was nominally the ruler of this region, but only nominally. In truth, this area was governed by dozens of different gangs, with the Grey Wolf Warband being the largest force among them. They had no organized military, their operations were chaotic, and they were the weakest of the three major factions within the hive. They hadn''t been wiped out only because the King''s Court and the Hoffman family were in a deadlock, unable to spare resources to deal with them. Additionally, governing the area was costly, and with strong enemies nearby, conquering it would only drain their strength, giving rivals an opening. Now that the King''s Court had defeated the Hoffman family, they were free to turn their attention to the Grey Wolf Warband. Their goal: to unify the hive under their rule. In fact, shortly after Eden crushed the Hoffman family, he had already ordered the Custodes and the defense forces to prepare their troops. The command was to crush the Grey Wolf Warband. Eden set a deadline: before Judgment Day, the Warband''s leader and key figures had to be captured. On that day, these traitors and heretics would face their final judgment. The gangs within the Grey Wolf Warband''s territory weren''t particularly strong. The main issue was their scattered nature. A large-scale military mobilization would likely alert the gangs, making things more difficult. To counter this, Carter, Arye, and Kaes had spent many days planning and ultimately decided on a swift decapitation strike. They would lead elite warriors in tactical squads, raiding the gang territories within the Grey Wolf Warband''s region. Their mission: to eliminate the leaders and key figures. Tonight, the tactical squads would infiltrate the Grey Wolf Warband''s lands. For the past two weeks, the King''s Court had made no visible moves. This lull had lulled the gangs into a false sense of security, allowing them to return to their usual, chaotic lifestyles. Many gang members had grown complacent. If not for the Grey Wolf Warband''s warnings, they would have completely dropped their guard. To them, a King''s Court assault was no different than a turf war with a neighboring gang. "If those damn Governor''s lackeys dare come, we''ll just pick up our weapons and fight!" One gang leader exclaimed, as he lounged with a gang beauty, covered in demonic tattoos and piercings, at his side. And then he proceeded to do just that. In summary, the infiltration of the King''s Court tactical squads went smoothly. Carter and the others donned the same tattered metal cloaks worn by the gang members. Being large and imposing, no one questioned them. This region had so many gangs that it wasn''t unusual to see a new one pop up overnight. There were even Ogryns bigger than them wearing similar attire. Unless someone wanted to start a gang war, no one bothered them. Plus, the Grey Wolf Warband had declared a ceasefire, making it even less likely for anyone to challenge their authority by sparking a large-scale conflict. This was exactly why Carter, Arye, and the others chose today to launch their raid. Most gang members were too busy stuffing themselves with half-cooked, questionable meat and drinking a mix of industrial waste and sewage that they called "Errel Ale," drowning themselves in intoxication. Under the cover of darkness, Carter and a handful of Imperial Guards made their way toward the Grey Wolf Warband''s base. At the same time, other Imperial Guards squads were en route to their targets as well. The King''s Court only had this one enemy left in the hive, so Eden could boldly dispatch the Custodes for combat operations. This time, nearly every Imperial Guards available had been deployed¡ªover a hundred warriors. The Custodes would strike at multiple locations across the Grey Wolf Warband''s territory, aiming for a swift and decisive victory. As they approached the Warband''s base, they began to encounter corpses, posed grotesquely and impaled on stakes. Most of them appeared to be ordinary civilians. The area was also marked with strange, twisted symbols drawn in blood. It was clearly some sort of ritual, meant to intimidate outsiders. Seeing this, Carter''s eyes grew cold, and he quickened his pace. ... "Damn scum..." Arye cursed viciously, his eyes filled with murderous intent. Dressed in gang attire, he carried a large shotgun on his back, along with an assortment of weapons and grenades strapped to his body. With his exposed abs and scar-covered frame, he looked more like a gang member than an actual one. Civilians and low-level gang members cowered in fear, giving him a wide berth. Since entering this area, seeing the skeletal remains littering the streets and the strange, mutilated bodies in gang-controlled checkpoints, Arye''s rage had been simmering, barely under control. (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 92: No Resistance? Chapter 92: Chapter 92: No Resistance?The gang members were even more brutal than the Hoffman family. Under their rule, the people lived as if in hell. No one was safe here. Dying from hunger or being killed by a stray bullet on the streets was considered a lucky death. Far worse fates awaited those captured¡ªsome were tortured to death, used as food, or subjected to gruesome rituals where their organs were ripped out while they were still alive. Just a moment ago, Arye had witnessed a "product" in a meat stall, a person whose limbs had been severed, screaming for mercy before finally succumbing to death. "Please spare me... my child still needs me..." In the dimly lit streets, a tall gang member with a skull tattoo was dragging a frail woman, ignoring her desperate pleas as he laughed maniacally. "Shut up! Come with me and I''ll show you a good time!" he sneered. "Oh Emperor, someone save me!" Under the flickering firelight, the emaciated woman looked desperate, pleading for help from the people around her. But no one responded. Other gang members laughed and jeered at the scene, while her neighbors avoided looking, too afraid to draw attention to themselves. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not everyone, though, lacked courage. "You... you..." A man struggled to suppress his fear, stepping forward to confront the gang member. However, as the skull-faced thug turned to face him, terror flooded the man''s heart, leaving him unable to speak. Bang! The man''s head exploded as the gang member fired a large-caliber, homemade weapon at point-blank range. "What ''you''!? Speak properly!" The thug mimicked the man''s stammering, blowing the smoke from his gun''s barrel. "I hate stutterers!" He swept his violent gaze over the crowd. "Now, anyone else want to stop me? Step forward!" His eyes raked across the street, but no one dared meet his gaze. Everyone knew that this skull-faced thug belonged to the Bone Gang, the second-largest gang after the Grey Wolf Warband. No one in their right mind would cross them. Many in the crowd recalled a rumor: the Governor''s army was supposed to arrive soon. The word was that when the Governor''s forces arrived, they would kill all the gang members and reward the people with corpsestarch rations flavored with wheat. The people prayed for the day the Governor''s army would come and free them from this nightmare. But reality was cruel. They had waited a long time, and nothing had happened. They were still living in hell. After all, what value did the lives of those living in the filth of this forsaken hellhole hold, for the Governor to even bother sending troops to rescue them? A moment passed, and still, no one stepped forward. The skull-faced gang member burst out laughing. "You''re all cowards! None of you even has the guts to pick up a gun and fight back! No wonder I can push you around!" His words only made the people lower their heads even more. After seeing what happened to the brave man, no one else was willing to risk their lives. Even if not for themselves, they had to think of their families, right? Seeing that no one dared oppose him, the gang member grew bored. He slapped the frail woman hard across the face, roughly dragging her away. "Come on! I can''t wait anymore!" He thought about doing it right there on the street, but it was too risky. If a rival gang saw him, they could take the opportunity to kill him, or even these weaklings might seize the moment to take him out. That would be a joke. He would become the laughingstock of his gang. For a gang member, a death like that was more terrifying than dying in a gang fight. That kind of death wasn''t befitting a gang member. Gang members were supposed to die in combat! After killing the man, the woman had lost all hope of resisting. Whatever this thug wanted to do to her, she wouldn''t fight back anymore. She just wanted to survive, for her child still needed a mother. If she died, her young child wouldn''t survive in this world. Of course, most women who were taken to a gang''s headquarters were signing their own death sentences. Most were tortured to death. The frail woman had already resigned herself to this fate, her expression hardening with determination. For her child''s sake, she would endure any humiliation and find a way to survive. Having made up her mind, she stopped resisting and followed the skull-faced gang member toward the gang''s base. Suddenly, the thug turned his head. "You bitch! Why aren''t you struggling anymore?" "I''ll make sure you..." The woman, startled, was just about to say something when she saw the barrel of the thug''s gun. Bang! The gun fired, and the woman''s face was blown apart by shrapnel. She fell to the ground, her eyes wide open in death, as though still trying to comprehend why the gang member had suddenly killed her. The thug, furious, fired two more shots into her corpse. Lowering his gun, he spat on her body with disgust. "I''m not interested in obedient women. You thought you could trick me, you disgusting bitch!" The people around the scene stared in terror at the madman. They feared he might turn his gun on them next. "Mama!" The woman''s daughter ran over, shaking her mother''s body, crying uncontrollably. "Mama, what happened? Mama, wake up!" The pitiful child''s cries made the onlookers feel a pang of guilt. But no one dared to approach, too afraid of the gang member. "Little one..." Hearing the cries, the skull-faced thug found the scene amusing. He knelt beside the little girl, gently explaining: "You don''t think she''s getting up, do you? She''s dead, understand?" Pointing to himself, he boasted: "I killed her with my own hands..." The little girl, filled with hatred, glared at the thug. "You''re a bad man! I''ll kill you!" She threw a weak punch at his face, but her small, frail fists did no damage. The thug didn''t care. He casually pushed the girl to the ground, aiming his gun at her. "Heh heh, I''ll send you to join your mom right now!" At this sight, everyone clenched their fists in anger. Damn the gangs! The thug glanced around, seeing no one was going to stop him. He knew it would be this way. These cowards would never dare to challenge him. Suddenly, he felt bored. He pulled the trigger. Bang! But the homemade gun''s shrapnel flew into the sky instead. "Damn scum!" Arye''s muscles bulged as he grabbed the thug''s arm just in time, redirecting the gun away from the girl. Arye had arrived just in time to save her. The skull-faced gang member stared at Arye. "Who the hell are you? You want to start a war with the Bone Gang?" Several other Bone Gang members raised their guns, but the thug barked at them angrily. "Why are you pointing your guns at me? He''s the one trying to save the girl! Shoot her!" (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 93: You Are Unworthy of the Governor’s Blessing! Chapter 93: Chapter 93: You Are Unworthy of the Governor¡¯s Blessing![December Bonus Pick Winner: [Starting as a Class 5 Mutant]!] The Bone Gang members immediately aimed their weapons at the little girl. But in the next second, their chests were pierced through, and they fell to the ground one by one. The elite forces of the Imperial Guard had struck! After dealing with the surrounding gang members, the only one left was the skull-faced gang leader held by Arye. With a sudden burst of strength, the skull-faced thug broke free from Arye''s grip, retreating to a safe distance. His crazed expression showed a glimmer of reason. As a small leader of the Bone Gang, he didn''t seem too afraid. After all, a certain level of cunning had kept him alive through the gang''s brutal infighting up until now. "Which gang are you from?" The skull-faced thug glared at Arye. "This is Bone Gang territory. You dare to kill me on a ceasefire day? Not only will your gang be wiped out, but everyone on this street won''t survive either. By breaking the rules, you''ll have every gang in this area hunting you down!" Killing a prominent gang member during a ceasefire was a major taboo. Of course, this only applied during the ceasefire days¡ªon any other day, it didn''t matter. The gang leaders simply wanted a time to drink, eat, and enjoy themselves without worrying about fighting. The skull-faced thug noticed that Arye seemed to care about the weaklings around him. He glared menacingly at the civilians, threatening them: "Stop them, or you''ll all die!" Arye''s heart burned with rage as he approached the skull-faced thug. This scum had to die today! "Don''t kill him!" "Please, don''t kill him!" "Sir, spare us..." "Stop him, or we''re all dead!" Suddenly, the crowd found their courage, some begging, others trying to stop Arye, while a few shouted from behind the crowd. Some even raised pitchforks and sticks. Why weren''t they afraid of Arye? Maybe they thought he was a good person. For these people, angering the Bone Gang was worse than death. The Bone Gang''s tortures and sacrificial rituals were worse than hell! To avoid this terrifying fate, many decided to intervene, hoping to stop those who intended to kill an important Bone Gang member. They couldn''t let these people bring ruin to their street! It was as if they had forgotten that Arye had just saved them and that it was the Bone Gang who had been tormenting them all along. Instead, they now saw Arye as the villain. Several civilians pointed their forks and axes at Arye and the Imperial Guards. The Guards were momentarily stunned. Weren''t they here to save these people? How had they suddenly become the villains? For a moment, the soldiers hesitated. After all, the Imperial Guard had recently issued new regulations. The Governor had clearly decreed that unless absolutely necessary, they were not to harm civilians who hadn''t been proven to be traitors or heretics. There were several clauses explaining this. The most important one was whether the civilians attacked first. At this point, the civilians were only standing off against the Imperial Guard, not actively attacking, so the soldiers couldn''t make the first move. Though this rule made things difficult, especially in situations like this, the Governor insisted on maintaining the purity of his forces. The Guards looked to Arye, waiting for his orders. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The skull-faced thug assumed Arye had backed down. After all, no one dared to face the wrath of both the Grey Wolf Warband and the Bone Gang. He shot Arye a scornful look, turning to leave. "We''ll remember this. Soon enough, your bones will hang on the Bone Wall!" "Stop!" Arye''s voice rang out, barely containing his fury. The skull-faced thug turned back, furious: "You bastard..." Swish! A black shadow flashed, and he saw the tip of a blood-drenched blade. Then came the warmth in his abdomen¡ªsomething was spilling out. It was his intestines. Just moments ago, Arye had slashed upward, cutting open the thug''s belly. His intestines spilled out. "How dare you... You''re all going to die! Your bones will be smashed to bits!" The thug couldn''t believe what had just happened¡ªthis damned man had actually attacked him. But the searing pain in his gut confirmed it was real. He dropped to his knees, desperately trying to shove his intestines back into his body. "No... My guts, my guts!" Due to some mechanical augmentations, the skull-faced thug wasn''t dead yet. He helplessly tried to push his intestines back in, only for them to fall out again. "You... How could you..." "Oh no, you''re going to get us all killed!" "Why did you kill him? You monster!" "We''re all going to die, I curse you!" The civilians, who had been aiming their forks and sticks at Arye and the soldiers, collapsed into despair, shouting curses at Arye. But Arye remained unmoved, staring down the crowd: "So, what now? Are you going to attack me?" He had anticipated this situation long ago and had even asked the Governor for advice during the planning meeting. The Governor''s response was clear: "Good men shouldn''t have guns pointed at them!" The Governor''s stance was clear. Anyone who dared to attack any institution or challenge the authority of the King''s Court would be executed. If these civilians dared to make a move, they would face the wrath of the King''s Court! The civilians stared blankly at Arye, still too afraid to act. They broke down, wailing and cursing these people for ruining their lives. "Hurry up and help me, or you''ll all die!" The skull-faced thug groaned, demanding the cowards come save him. The civilians snapped out of it, scrambling to help him, but Arye''s voice stopped them cold. "Don''t save him! We are soldiers of the King''s Court, following the orders of the great Governor to rescue you!" Arye tore off his disguise, revealing the King''s Court''s uniform, emblazoned with the golden lion insignia. Pointing to the wailing skull-faced thug, he declared: "After tonight, the oppression of the gangs will be no more. What you should be doing is taking revenge¡ªkill him!" Yet even then, the civilians cowered, too afraid to move. Looking at them, Arye felt a deep sense of disappointment: "You are unworthy of the Governor''s blessing!" He understood their cowardice¡ªnot everyone had the courage to stand up and fight. But how could people living under such oppression continue to wait for others to fight and save them? The Governor had plans to establish a citizen system, where the people of his domain would be divided into classes. Citizens of different levels would receive different resources. Arye fully supported this idea. Those willing to fight for the Governor should receive better rewards. But these cowards before him? They didn''t deserve the Governor''s favor. Letting them live was blessing enough! "Hurry up, do you want to die? I''ll kill you all!" The skull-faced thug coughed up a mixture of blood and oil, still threatening them. Finally, some of the people stepped forward. They were the ones who hadn''t cursed Arye and the Imperial Guard. They took the weapons from the hands of the cowardly ones and began walking toward the skull-faced thug. (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 94: Do You Want to Become Warriors? Chapter 94: Chapter 94: Do You Want to Become Warriors?Seeing the civilians approach with pitchforks, sticks, axes, and other weapons, the skull-faced gang member tried to mask his fear with bravado. "What are you doing? Anyone who dares touch me will die! The Bone Gang will rip out all your bones and sacrifice them to the Bone King!" When the people were weak, he mocked them as cowards. But now that they were resisting, fear began to creep in, especially at a time like this. Arye scoffed. Bone King? He''d never heard of such a thing. It didn''t sound like anything impressive. What had the Governor called people like him? Right, small fry. Even so, the crowd hesitated, unsure of what to do, still holding their weapons in confusion. The skull-faced thug seized the moment, searching the ground for his gun. Where was it? "Looking for something, scum?" Arye''s mocking voice echoed. The thug looked up to see that Arye was holding his gun, displaying it intentionally. His gun gone, the thug reached for the blade at his waist. But the blade wasn''t there either. That bastard had taken it without him noticing. "You bastard, if you''ve got the guts, kill me now!" The skull-faced thug roared. Even in death, he wanted to die by a gang member''s hand. He was a Bloodbone Acolyte of the Bone Gang. He couldn''t bear the humiliation of being killed by weaklings, or his brothers would mock him. Even in death, he wouldn''t be welcomed back into the arms of the Bone King! Of course, Arye wasn''t going to give him what he wanted. He simply stood there, watching. As the thug roared and tried to get up, a heavy blow struck his head. He looked up to see a man holding a large wooden ladle, disbelief etched across his face. "You dare hit me?" Then another blow landed on his head. The man with the wooden ladle, his face streaked with tears and filled with hatred, kept striking. This thug had killed his family with a gun, just to test its power! "Die, die, die!" the man screamed as he swung. The rest of the civilians, crying out in anguish, rushed forward, attacking the thug with their makeshift weapons. They unleashed the hatred and rage that had been festering inside them for so long. The skull-faced thug went from shouting curses to howling in pain, eventually begging for mercy. But no one would forgive him. In the end, he was beaten into a pulp. Watching the scene unfold, Arye nodded slightly. These people, unlike the cowards, were more deserving of being saved. Arye approached them and asked: "Do you want to become warriors?" Though fearful, the civilians who had killed the thug nodded firmly. They no longer wished to live like sheep waiting to be slaughtered. They wanted to take up arms and fight for their fate! Before long, Arye distributed weapons and ammunition to them, teaching them the basics of how to use them. He declared that they were now provisional soldiers of the Imperial Guard. He promised that once the King''s Court reclaimed this area, they would officially become soldiers, fighting for the Governor. Beep, beep, beep. Suddenly, Arye heard a faint electronic sound. He turned to the skull-faced thug''s remains. Amid the mix of flesh and machinery, a device was still functioning, emitting a faint red glow. It was a signal transmitter. At some point, the skull-faced thug had sent a distress signal to the Bone Gang''s base! Judging by the distance, those gang scum would arrive soon. Arye didn''t panic. He walked over to the little girl who was crying and patted her on the head. "Don''t be afraid. Find a safe place to hide, and I''ll come back for you later." The girl looked up at Arye with his scary red eyes but felt a sense of trust. She nodded firmly. "Okay!" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Boom¡ª Just as she answered, an explosion sounded in the distance. Fire lit up the night sky, and the shockwave gently blew through their hair. Screams and rapid gunfire followed soon after. It was coming from the direction of the Bone Gang''s reinforcements. Arye had already made plans for this. The Bone Gang''s reinforcements had been ambushed by the Imperial Guard. Arye wasn''t reckless¡ªhe had a plan. Arye hefted his rifle and, alongside the Imperial Guards, ran toward the explosion, ready to join the battle. The newly armed civilians stayed behind. He wasn''t about to send untrained civilians into an intense front-line battle. Their job was to handle any gang members who fled in their direction and do what they could. "For the Governor!" In the distance, Arye''s and the Imperial Guards'' battle cries echoed. The roar of gunfire filled the air, signaling the beginning of the assault. Other squads had launched their attacks as well, and the victorious cries spread from every direction. In an instant, the Grey Wolf Warband''s territory was engulfed by the flames of the King''s Court''s offensive, the fires of battle burning fiercely! Hearing the shouts, the civilians grew excited. Some even knelt down. "We''re saved! The Governor''s forces are here to rescue us!" "Long live the Governor!" At that moment, the people truly believed the rumors. The Governor''s army had arrived. They placed their hope in the great Governor, believing he would deliver them from their suffering. Perhaps life under the Governor would be better? But as the battle continued, the screams of the gang members drew closer, and the people began to worry. What if the gang members made it to this street? "They have guns, right? They can protect us!" Someone pointed to the provisional soldiers with weapons. The crowd realized this and looked to them with hopeful eyes. The provisional soldiers gripped their lasguns tightly. These were people who had never been valued or respected, and now their eyes were filled with determination. A deep sense of honor welled up within them. They would fulfill Arye''s command to protect this street and fight any gang members that tried to flee this way! Suddenly, cries rang out as several injured gang members stumbled toward them from the end of the street. The provisional soldiers were terrified, but under the watchful, expectant eyes of the crowd, they gritted their teeth and charged. Closing their eyes, they unleashed a flurry of wild shots: "Kill them!" The new Imperial Guard lasguns were powerful, easily cutting through the gang members'' metal armor like paper. The gang members didn''t even have time to react before they were riddled with bullets and fell dead. "Did we win?" "Long live the Governor!" The provisional soldiers stood in stunned silence for a moment before realizing what had happened, then burst into tears and cheers. At that moment, they were no longer lambs to the slaughter but warriors who had taken control of their destiny! ... In the Grey Wolf Warband''s base. Corpses were piled high, like small mountains. The rotting flesh gave off a nauseating stench. Black swarms of flies buzzed in the air, swarming thickly, as if threatening to engulf everyone! (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 95: The Mighty Leader of the Grey Wolf Warband Chapter 95: Chapter 95: The Mighty Leader of the Grey Wolf WarbandBoom! Flames roared as an Imperial Guard warrior raised his flamethrower, incinerating the swarm of flies that lunged at them. As the charred remains of the black flies fell to the ground, Carter finally got a clear view of the plaza. Corpses, nailed and mutilated, hung around the square, while rotting flesh piled up, crawling with mutated maggots. His expression darkened even further. "Damn heretics... how many people have they slaughtered?!" The plaza showed clear signs of corruption. If left unchecked, this corruption would likely summon far more terrifying creatures. But fortunately, they had arrived in time. The perimeter still echoed with the roar of chainswords and boltgun fire¡ªthe Imperial Guard soldiers were still engaged in combat. Meanwhile, Carter''s elite squad had broken through to the core area, under the cover of the others. They were here to execute a decapitation strike. As the Governor''s angels of war, they were about to show the heretics the meaning of the Emperor''s wrath! A low growl echoed. Carter immediately became alert, drawing his chainsword as he whispered: "Stay sharp!" Howls suddenly erupted as several mutated hunting dogs, each over two meters long, burst from the shadows, snarling as they charged at the Imperial Guard. The nearest soldier reacted swiftly, raising his bolter and firing. Explosive rounds sprayed toward the beasts. But the mutated dogs were incredibly agile, dodging most of the shots. One of them leaped, vaulting over the soldier with the bolter, slamming into the Imperial Guard behind him, pinning him to the ground. The beast savagely bit at the downed soldier, who used his forearm to shield vital areas while struggling to get up. The mutated dog, however, had a strong suppressive grip, making it nearly impossible for the soldier to break free. It was a terrifying situation¡ªanyone caught alone by this beast would be torn apart. Thankfully, he wasn''t alone. Carter swung his chainsword in a vicious arc, severing the dog''s spine, sending blood and flesh flying! The creature let out a final, pitiful yelp before collapsing. But more howls rang out in the distance¡ªseveral more mutated hunting dogs were charging at them. "Draw swords!" Carter commanded, pulling the downed soldier back to his feet. From the earlier encounter, he knew bolters weren''t effective against these agile creatures. The chainswords hummed as the Imperial Guard formed a line, standing firm against the approaching beasts. With the stench of blood filling the air, the Imperial Guard remained unfazed, raising their swords and cutting through the dogs with precision. Blood splattered, and the mutated dogs were hacked to pieces! After dispatching the beasts, Carter quickened his pace, leading the squad toward the warehouse at the far end of the plaza. Boom! Carter kicked open the iron door to the warehouse. The moment the door fell¡ª Bang, bang! Two jets of green fire shot out from inside. Clang! The Imperial Guard shield-bearers reacted instantly, raising their massive shields to block the flames. Inside the warehouse, two scarred flamethrower troops cheered, cranking their valves to full power, unleashing torrents of fire. "Burn! Burn the Governor''s dogs! Hahaha!" Clang. Two small black objects rolled across the floor, catching the flamethrower soldiers'' attention. They looked down and realized what they were. One of the flamethrower soldiers cursed: "Damn it!" Boom¡ª Two fragmentation grenades exploded, sending shards of metal flying at high speed, ripping through the flamethrower troops'' bodies and puncturing their fuel tanks. With a loud whoosh, the flames ignited the fuel. The two soldiers were instantly engulfed in fire, screaming in agony as they ran about wildly, until they collapsed as charred corpses. The red shields lowered, and Carter and the others stormed into the warehouse. At that moment, the Grey Wolf Warband elites inside finally came to their senses. They roared as they charged forward: "Kill them! Slaughter them all!" The elite Grey Wolf soldiers were heavily armored, wielding massive hooks, power saws, and steel blades. They charged halfway across the warehouse when¡ª Ah¡ª The ground shook slightly as a louder roar approached from afar. Something huge was barreling toward them! "Get out of the way, quick!" The Grey Wolf elites seemed to know what was coming, and they scrambled to dodge. But one of them was too slow. A large black shadow barreled straight into him, sending him flying. His head slammed into a metal wall, splitting open like a smashed watermelon. It was a massive mutant, its body covered in boils and embedded with various mechanical implants. Without stopping, the mutant charged directly at Carter with unstoppable momentum. Carter had no time to fully dodge. Relying on instinct, he raised his chainsword to block, and in the next second, the mutant crashed into him. The impact sent them both flying out of the warehouse. The other Imperial Guards didn''t turn to help¡ªthey trusted Captain Carter to deal with the mutant. They silently regrouped and charged at the Grey Wolf elites. Both sides swung their weapons, clashing in brutal, bloody combat! ... Outside the plaza. Carter was thrown again, skidding across the ground and leaving a trail in his wake. He got to his feet, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. Such an impact wasn''t enough to seriously injure him. Ah¡ª Not far away, the mutant shook its head, readying itself for another charge. But Carter had already figured out its attack pattern. Such a brute-force, reckless charge wouldn''t work on him a third time. Carter stood his ground, calmly observing the mutant''s approach. As it lunged at him, Carter dodged at the last moment. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The mutant, unable to stop, crashed into the plaza''s wall, bringing it down. The creature grew even more enraged, slapping its head in frustration as it howled in madness: "Damn tin can! I''ll kill you, I''ll tear you apart!" Roaring furiously, it charged again, even faster this time. But Carter was quicker. As the mutant passed by, he grabbed one of its mechanical implants and leaped onto its back. Carter sneered. A true warrior wins with wit and elegance! He activated his chainsword, driving it deep into the mutant''s back, the blade tearing through flesh and muscle. Then, Carter threw the sword aside and plunged his hands into the creature''s flesh, gripping its spine. With a powerful twist, he snapped the mutant''s spine and tore it out. Blood, mixed with oil, sprayed like a fountain! The mutant''s roar weakened, and its body went limp, collapsing lifelessly to the ground. Carter, drenched in blood, stood holding the torn spine, looking like a demon from the depths of hell. He grinned with satisfaction. "The Governor was right... always use your brain..." When Carter reentered the warehouse, the Imperial Guards had already wiped out the Grey Wolf elites. Now, only the leader of the Grey Wolf Warband remained. It was said that he was the strongest member of the Grey Wolf Warband and the one the Governor had specifically ordered to be captured. As Carter led the Imperial Guards deeper into the warehouse, torches flared up, casting terrifying shadows on the iron walls. There, in front of them, was a massive mountain of flesh, taking up nearly a third of the warehouse. Black flies and parasites crawled and swarmed within the rotting body, while blood flowed down its greasy mass like rivers. Facing these unexpected guests, the Grey Wolf leader finally spoke. His voice was raspy, filled with unimaginable torment: "Ah... pain..." (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 96: Reclaiming the Grey Wolf Warband’s Territory Chapter 96: Chapter 96: Reclaiming the Grey Wolf Warband''s TerritoryThe eerie scene before them heightened everyone''s vigilance. This was clearly a powerful foe. But no one was going to back down. According to the Governor''s orders, this opponent had to be dealt with tonight in order to meet the deadline for the Great Judgement. "Prepare for combat!" Carter and the Imperial Guards drew their chainswords, advancing in a line toward the grotesque, corrupted mass of flesh. Their steps were resolute, fueled by the determination to face death if necessary. However, as they approached, the massive mound of flesh didn''t react at all. The voice of the Grey Wolf leader echoed in a tone filled with pain: "Torment... suffering... endless plague..." "Shut up, you bastards! Let me have some peace!" He paused, seemingly uncomfortable, his fleshy mass shaking as parasites rained down from his bloated form. "It itches so much... someone scratch it for me..." "Sigh, forget it. Why don''t you just kill me already..." Carter found it odd. It seemed the leader wasn''t even addressing them, but rather talking to himself. He decided to test it out, slashing at a nearby section of the decaying flesh. Pus and blood splattered everywhere. The flesh mound trembled, and the leader groaned: "Ah~ that feels good... keep scratching..." This baffled Carter. He felt a bit humiliated by the bizarre situation. He stopped attacking and led the Imperial Guards deeper into the lair until they reached the heart of the flesh mound. There, they finally saw the terrifying leader himself. Carter frowned and exchanged glances with his men. "Is this him?" "Seems like it?" One of the guards quickly pulled out a wanted poster, scrutinizing the leader''s features before nodding in confirmation. "The traits match. It''s definitely him!" The guards stared at the supposedly formidable leader, momentarily at a loss for words. The leader was slumped on a decrepit, iron-spiked throne, his body fused with the decaying, greasy flesh mound. Even the act of moving seemed impossible for him. The only signs of life were his labored breathing and agonized moans. Sensing their presence, the leader weakly lifted his eyes to glance at them: "Are you... from the King''s Court... here to kill me?" After speaking, he lowered his gaze again, as if even that small movement had drained all his energy. He had no will to resist. Nothing mattered anymore. He was so tired. Ever since the corruption had claimed him, merging him with this cursed flesh, pain and disease had been his constant companions. Yet, he couldn''t bear this "blessing." He couldn''t enjoy it. Every day, he howled in agony, begging or ordering his subordinates to end his suffering. But no one ever listened. They saw his state as a divine miracle. Now, he just wanted to end the unending pain and plague. Carter felt no sympathy for the wretched leader before him. This heretic scum had killed too many! Resisting the urge to execute him immediately, Carter issued his order: "Dig him out!" This heretic scum didn''t deserve an easy death. He had to face the Governor''s judgment in public! The Imperial Guards used their chainswords to carve through the mound of flesh, pulling the leader from the corrupted mass. As he screamed in pain, they stuffed him into a sealed container. Boom! The guards retrieved high-grade fuel and doused the corrupt flesh mound, setting it ablaze. As Carter and his squad exited the warehouse, the entire structure was engulfed in flames. Swarms of parasites screeched as they burned, along with the rotting flesh, turning to ash. The Imperial Guards had prevented a horrific corruption. Had the leader survived his suffering, enduring beyond a certain threshold, it might have drawn far more terrifying attention. In the benevolent "gifts" of that presence, this planet would have become a playground for plague, with all life forced into an endless nightmare of suffering... As Carter and the Imperial Guards emerged from the core area, the battle at the perimeter had already ended. The Grey Wolf Warband had been completely wiped out. They had fulfilled the Governor''s orders. Afterwards, Carter regrouped his men and quickly returned to the King''s Court. By this time, the fighting throughout the Grey Wolf Warband''s territory was nearing its conclusion. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Only occasional gunfire could be heard. At dawn, large numbers of Imperial Guard and law enforcement troops flooded into the area. They would handle the cleanup and maintain order. The King''s Court could now officially declare this territory reclaimed. Of course, due to the complexity of the region, it would take considerable effort to fully integrate it into the King''s Court''s governing system. ... As the sky lightened, Arye, his battle over, walked down the street, cradling the little girl in his arms. He planned to adopt this poor child. The girl sat quietly in Arye''s arms, neither crying nor fussing, as she struggled to swallow the wheat-flour bar in her mouth. It was a newly manufactured Type-3 wheat-flour bar, with at least 30% wheat content, reserved for high-ranking personnel. On Urth, such a delicacy was unimaginable, and it had completely won over the little girl. Seeing this, Kaes handed her another Type-3 wheat-flour bar. He asked Arye: "What''s the little one''s name?" "Maya. That''s what my mama called me," the girl timidly replied. "That''s a nice name." Kaes looked at Arye with concern: "Cyclops, can you really take care of her?" They were all soldiers of the Imperial Guard. Bringing her to the barracks wasn''t an option. "Damn it... no, I have no idea how to care for a kid!" Arye grumbled loudly: "I''m planning to send her to the Loyalist Academy. She''ll get the best education there, far better than staying with a brute like me." Urth''s Loyalist Academy was nearly complete. Arye had secured a place for enrollment and had decided to give it to Maya. It was said that the highly respected Administrator Bayev would serve as the headmaster, while the honorary headmaster would be none other than the great and benevolent Governor himself. All talented children, noble offspring, and war heroes'' orphans would be educated there. Besides the resident teachers, experts from various fields would be invited to give lectures, including the Bishop, the Tech-Priests, and even the Governor. They would be taught the best knowledge and skills, but most importantly, they would learn loyalty. Arye patted Maya''s head and advised her: "This is a great opportunity. Damn it... once you''re in the Loyalist Academy, you''d better study like your life depends on it, you hear me? I mean that literally¡ªyou can''t afford to get kicked out..." The Loyalist Academy had a high dropout rate. Only the most exceptional could make it through to the end and be entrusted with great responsibilities. Such opportunities were incredibly rare. For people of lower birth, it was a gift beyond generations of struggle. When Arye''s family had smuggled themselves from the underhive to the lower hive, half of them had died. By the time they''d fought their way into the upper hive as refugees, Arye was the only one left. He knew just how hard it was for those at the bottom to rise to the top, to reach the higher echelons of society. It was a task akin to ascending to the heavens. To waste such a precious gift would be a desecration. It was something Arye, who had grown up in the underhive, couldn''t tolerate. Maya remained silent, but she nodded vigorously. Arye knew the little one understood his words, and it made him happy. Maya was a smart and brave child. As Arye and the others returned to the King''s Court, the towering spires of the palace loomed overhead. Inside, the maids were busily preparing breakfast for the Governor. Meanwhile, our great Governor, who had been knocked unconscious by the Emperor''s powerful psychic backlash, had finally woken up from his stupor. "Ah, that felt good!" Eden stretched, feeling more refreshed than he had in a long time. He wondered aloud: "Could the Emperor''s psychic whip actually have sleep-inducing properties?" (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 97: The Great Judgement Chapter 97: Chapter 97: The Great JudgementReflecting on this, Eden couldn''t help but sigh. This wasn''t the Emperor''s psychic backlash; it was His care and protection. Praise the Emperor! After indulging in his thoughts, Eden quickly freshened up with the help of the maids and headed to the dining room. Upon reaching the dining room, Eden instructed the maids to call in Carter, Arye, Kaes, and the others who had been waiting for some time. He intended to dine with his warriors while receiving their battle reports. The dining room of the spire mansion had been renovated to accommodate more people, and its decor had become much more welcoming. After major events and battles, dining with his subjects had become an unspoken rule at the spire. Eden wanted to stay in close communication with his key subordinates and hear their advice. If he always remained high up in the spire, isolating himself from his people, it would lead to problems. When the relationship between a leader and their subjects breaks down, or if serious misunderstandings arise, the consequences can be catastrophic. Even the Emperor had made this mistake. After the Great Crusade, the Emperor handed over military control to the Primarchs and Warmaster Horus. He retreated to Holy Terra, forming the initial Terran Council to manage political matters, while he himself withdrew to a vast laboratory beneath the palace, conducting secret experiments¡ªbuilding a massive psychic machine. This machine was intended to utilize the ancient Webway, connecting the Warp and the material world. All of this was done in secrecy, with neither the Primarchs nor Horus being informed. Even the Emperor''s closest aides were kept in the dark. Whatever the reason for this, the Emperor''s actions sowed seeds of doubt. The Primarchs, especially Horus, felt betrayed by the Emperor, their father! Why didn''t the Emperor consult them? Why didn''t they have seats on the Terran Council? The Emperor had betrayed his generals, granting power to those vile bureaucrats and sycophantic tech-priests from Mars! This seed of doubt grew into a towering tree, eventually leading to Horus'' betrayal and the rebellion of several other Primarchs. This rebellion plunged the galaxy into war, and the Emperor himself was gravely injured, forced to sit upon the Golden Throne to make amends. In short, communication failures have dire consequences, and the lessons must be learned! The Horus Heresy had left scars on the Imperium that persisted even ten thousand years later, never fully healing. The Great Rift that now spanned the galaxy had torn the Imperium''s wounds even deeper. The Imperium''s territory was split in two, and countless worlds were plunged into darkness. Chaos surged from the Warp. Khorne, Tzeentch, Nurgle, and Slaanesh¡ªthe Four Great Chaos Gods¡ªalong with their Greater Daemons, fallen Primarchs, and traitor legions, corrupted world after world. The Imperium was in constant retreat against the onslaught of Chaos. Xenos invasions had multiplied exponentially within the Imperium''s borders. The Orks, emboldened by the power of the Great Rift, waged even more destructive "WAAAGH!"s. Tyranid fleets continued to pour into the galaxy, with Genestealer cults spreading like wildfire. More and more human worlds were devoured by the Great Devourer. Meanwhile, the Necron dynasties, awakening from their long slumber, began purging the xenos that dared to settle on their territories. They sought to reclaim their lost galactic dominance. As for the Tau Empire, with their doctrine of "The Greater Good," they were currently of little concern. In short, the galaxy was descending into chaos. The Imperium was besieged on all sides, teetering on the brink of collapse, and its survival was already a miracle. Now more than ever, the Imperium needed a strong and merciful leader to turn the tide. That leader was none other than Roboute Guilliman, the Primarch of the Ultramarines, the Emperor''s thirteenth son, and the future Lord Regent. At this point, Guilliman should be awake, right? As a human himself, Eden felt deeply concerned about the future of the Imperium. But, at this moment, there was little he could do. It was time to focus on the present. The world wouldn''t fall apart today, and he could only be grateful for that. For now, the Upper Hive had been reclaimed. The next target was the Lower Hive. Once the Lower Hive was reclaimed, he could essentially declare the planet fully under his control. The other three hives beyond the primary one were mostly industrial sites with smaller populations, so reclaiming them would be relatively easy. As his influence over the Warp grew and the population expanded, his power would increase exponentially. His current goal was to ensure he had enough strength to defend himself when the inevitable crisis struck. With these thoughts swirling, Eden refocused on the task at hand. Soon enough, Carter, Arye, Kaes, and the others¡ªfreshly cleaned and decontaminated¡ªentered the dining room to meet their Governor. It was time to handle the matters at hand. Eden dined with Carter and the others, listening to their battle reports, feeling quite satisfied with the results. When he heard that Arye had adopted a child and planned to send her to the Loyalist Academy, Eden made sure the maids brought the girl, Maya, into the dining room. Arye felt incredibly honored. The Governor was far too kind to him. Maya timidly looked at Eden, her eyes constantly darting toward the lavish food on the table, her little head nodding rapidly as if it were a spinning top. But she didn''t dare reach for anything without Eden''s permission. Noticing this, Eden smiled and handed her a sugar-coated cookie: "Don''t be scared, help yourself!" Maya quickly stuffed the cookie into her mouth, her eyes glazing over in delight as the sweetness overwhelmed her senses. It was simply too delicious. Watching Maya, Eden understood why Arye had adopted her. The child was indeed cute... After the meal, everyone followed Eden to the Holy Square. By the time they arrived, the execution platform had been set up, and the crowd of onlookers from various social classes had gathered. Drones had been dispatched to patrol and broadcast the trial to all corners of the Upper Hive, ensuring that all the citizens of the hive would witness this grand trial. This trial was not only a punishment for the heretics and traitors but also a warning. Anyone who betrayed the King''s Court or the Governor would face the harshest of executions! More importantly, the trial served as a way for the citizens to vent their emotions. Eden''s psychic senses could feel the overwhelming negative emotions within the people of the Upper Hive, emotions that had built up after years of suffering. These feelings were a major obstacle to fostering hope and could potentially become fertile ground for Chaos. This trial was meant to send a clear message to the people: The ones who oppressed and tormented you, the ones responsible for your miserable lives, were these heretic traitors. The King''s Court was not to blame. Now, the King''s Court and the Governor had avenged you. Better days were ahead! In short, the trial aimed to punish the heretics and traitors, declare the unification of the Upper Hive, and promise the people various policies for their benefit. It was all about letting the citizens vent their emotions. This was the core purpose of the Great Judgement. On the execution platform, Yusef, the leader of the Grey Wolf Warband, and other heretic traitors were bound to special execution devices, awaiting their fate. Soon, the trial began. Bishop Doni stepped forward to announce the heinous crimes of these individuals, condemning them to execution in the name of the Emperor and the King''s Court. Afterward, Eden personally pulled the mechanical lever before the crowd. The execution began! A combination of electric and fire torture was administered, and it lasted for a full hour. As the heretics and traitors suffered their agonizing punishment, the citizens wept bitterly. They cursed the ones who had caused them so much suffering, finally able to release their pent-up emotions. At the same time, they couldn''t help but feel immense gratitude toward the King''s Court and the Governor for saving them. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eventually, the heretics and traitors were reduced to ashes in excruciating pain. Afterward, Eden addressed the crowd, officially announcing the unification of the Upper Hive and promising a better life for his subjects. As the Great Judgement concluded, Eden could feel that much of the people''s oppressive emotions had been relieved. More and more hope was gathering, and soon, Eden had accumulated another million points of hope. With the power of hope bolstering him, Eden''s strength surged even further. And now, he was ready to grant another blessing! (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 98: The Revival of the Ecclesiarchy Chapter 98: Chapter 98: The Revival of the EcclesiarchyBlessings are part of the authority of the gods, and Eden had carefully studied this ability. The process of bestowing blessings wasn''t too complicated. He infused his unique psychic energy into a chosen vessel, where the energy would act upon the vessel, enhancing its natural characteristics. In simple terms, it functioned like a catalyst. It would assist and strengthen the vessel''s own abilities, making it much more powerful. At the same time, this energy carried with it certain traits or concepts from Eden himself, which could influence the vessel''s physical form and mind. It caused the vessel to instinctively worship Eden as its master, leading to total submission. Take Bishop Doni, for example. After receiving the blessing, his physical recovery was just a side effect, and most of the changes were in his inherent traits. Bishop Doni used to be known for his strength¡ªno one took his teachings seriously. But now, he radiated holiness, emanating a unique energy field, with even a faint glow of divine light. This naturally inspired reverence in those around him, making them more willing to listen to his sermons. His preaching abilities were greatly enhanced. Despite his rather radical beliefs, anyone who encountered Bishop Doni would think of him as the most devout disciple of the God-Emperor. In fact, he was now practically a living saint of the Ecclesiarchy! Even at the headquarters of the Ecclesiarchy on Holy Terra, he would be considered a prominent figure. Of course, he didn''t dare go there, fearing that the High Ecclesiarch would purge him. Only Eden dared to accept Bishop Doni and allow him to continue preaching in the domain. Under the influence of the blessing, Bishop Doni''s reverence for Eden, the chosen savior of the God-Emperor, grew stronger, almost reaching blind obedience. The effects of the blessing were undoubtedly powerful, but it wasn''t something that could be bestowed on just anyone. Blessings only catalyzed the vessel''s existing traits, providing auxiliary enhancement. If the vessel was lacking, the blessing''s energy would be wasted. It was similar to upgrading weapons in a game¡ªif the upgrade failed or caused damage, it would be a total loss. Thus, choosing the right vessel for the blessing was crucial. For now, Eden hadn''t decided who else should receive a blessing, so he kept it as a last resort, ready for use when needed. Inside the Ecclesiarchy Cathedral, Bishop Doni looked around at the somewhat empty space, his old face creased with worry. He was troubled by the state of the Ecclesiarchy. Lately, while some people had come to the cathedral for blessings, the number was still far too few. It was nothing compared to its former glory. After the heretic rebellion''s assault, most of the Ecclesiarchy members in the Upper Hive had been wiped out, and many local churches were destroyed. The Ecclesiarchy on Urth was on the brink of collapse, and the King''s Court wasn''t much better off. In such a dire situation, preaching had been set aside. Now that the Upper Hive had been reclaimed, it was the perfect time to revive the Ecclesiarchy. Rebuilding local churches and erecting statues would require a significant amount of manpower and resources. At present, the Ecclesiarchy couldn''t bear such large-scale projects. Should he seek help from the Governor? But they had already spent so many resources just repairing the statues of the God-Emperor in the King''s Court. Would the Governor even agree to another request? Bishop Doni frowned, torn by indecision. Just then, a seraph at the cathedral entrance delivered a message. The Governor was here! Bishop Doni''s old face lit up with joy, and he grabbed his staff, rushing toward the cathedral door. The Governor never came without a reason. His arrival could only mean good news. Like a gust of wind, Bishop Doni raced to the door, but then stopped abruptly, regaining his holy composure. Standing tall, he waited for the slowly approaching Eden: "By the grace of the God-Emperor, please, follow me..." Eden looked at the sanctified Bishop Doni and couldn''t help but marvel at the power of the blessing. It was truly incredible¡ªif he went to the headquarters of the Ecclesiarchy, wouldn''t he easily rise to the rank of High Ecclesiarch? Eden couldn''t help but miss the old Bishop Doni, who used to be so enthusiastic. Now he was far more aloof¡ªcould the blessing have even altered his personality? As usual, Eden followed Bishop Doni to the shrine for prayer, blessings, and the ritual. Several seraphs sang hymns in the air, showering Eden with petals and holy water until he was practically buried in them. Ah, that familiar feeling. Looking at Bishop Doni, who resembled a living saint, Eden vaguely felt that the old man hadn''t truly changed. As the blessings neared completion, Eden suddenly sensed a faint power emerging from the shrine and entering his body. Although this power had little effect on Eden, it would greatly benefit ordinary people. Goodness, could the old man actually bestow blessings now? This ability could greatly amplify his sermons. With the ceremony over, Eden got straight to the point: "I''m here to discuss the revival of the Ecclesiarchy on Urth, Bishop." "Praise the God-Emperor," Bishop Doni exclaimed. "Your actions are a great service to the Ecclesiarchy. The God-Emperor will bless you!" "It''s only natural. As the chosen savior of the God-Emperor, I have a responsibility to revive the Ecclesiarchy." Reviving the Ecclesiarchy was one of Eden''s major plans. The Imperial government could not function without the God-Emperor. Moreover, the faith in the God-Emperor spread by the Ecclesiarchy would greatly calm the hearts of the people and maintain order within the domain. For ten thousand years, the faith in the God-Emperor had spread throughout the galaxy. Such a vast and deeply rooted force must be fully utilized. Unbeknownst to Bishop Doni, the faith energy created by his tireless preaching was almost entirely siphoned off by Eden''s small sun, becoming nourishment for himself. To Eden, what belonged to the God-Emperor was his own. As long as the God-Emperor didn''t punish him, he would keep absorbing the faith energy. Under these circumstances, the revival of the Ecclesiarchy had to happen quickly. Eden informed Bishop Doni that the King''s Court would send personnel to assist with the reconstruction of local churches and the erection of more statues of the God-Emperor. They would also help the Ecclesiarchy recruit new members. The Ministry of Internal Affairs would implement new policies, giving workers two days off per month as prayer days, during which they could visit the church to pray. Was two days off a month too little? That''s a joke¡ªright now, the Upper Hive was in shambles, with millions of citizens in dire need of resources. Even Eden, the Governor, worked late into the night, his back aching from exhaustion. Two days was already generous. Any more than that, and even the hardest-working laborers wouldn''t dare take so much time off. Eden could only ensure the workers had enough food and reasonable working hours. Even if the work was tough, they wouldn''t starve or work to death. Having food to eat, rest days, and the opportunity to seek the God-Emperor''s blessings at church¡ªthat was already a paradise-like life for the workers. After the discussion, Bishop Doni was deeply grateful, personally escorting Eden to the cathedral door. As he watched Eden''s departing figure, tears welled up in his eyes, lingering in admiration: "As expected, he truly is the most devout servant of the God-Emperor!" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 99: Establishing the Tribunal Chapter 99: Chapter 99: Establishing the TribunalThree months later. Under the leadership of the King''s Court, the reconstruction of the Upper Hive was in full swing. Now, the local branches of the Ecclesiarchy in the Upper Hive had been rebuilt, and more and more newly ordained priests were starting to preach. With the comforting efforts of the priests and the law enforcement officers maintaining order, the Upper Hive''s stability was largely restored. All the industrial zones were functioning smoothly, ramping up the production of various weapons and supplies. Phase three of the Green Wave farm had also been completed, with the expected crop yield able to sustain the entire Upper Hive. Plans for reclaiming the Lower Hive had been put on the agenda, and the Defense Force had undergone another round of large-scale recruitment. With full mobilization, the Defense Force was expected to expand to 500,000 soldiers, and they would complete their training within six months. By that time, the Defense Force''s arsenal of armored tanks, self-propelled artillery, energy cannons, and standard-issue lasguns would be ready as well. Once the weapons were secured, the Defense Force could officially begin operations. The countdown to the reclaiming of the Lower Hive had started¡ªsix months to go! In addition to religion, industry, and the military, Eden had also been paying close attention to internal affairs. He had established a new department for civil affairs under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, led by Popov from the Secretariat, to implement various policies benefiting the public. This move was warmly welcomed by the citizens, who increasingly supported and adored their benevolent Governor. "Ah~ I don''t want to work..." Eden had just returned from the opening ceremony of the Loyalist Academy. Back in his Governor''s Office at the spire residence, he collapsed onto his specially made sofa, feeling like a salted fish. The nonstop work in recent days had exhausted him. But he hadn''t been lying down for long before Linda, the head maid, walked in with the maids. Linda took the warm towel from one of the maids and gently wiped Eden''s face, easing his fatigue. Seeing how attentively the head maid took care of him, Eden felt a warmth in his heart: "You''re really too good!" Hearing the Governor praise her, Linda blushed slightly, her heart racing. She hesitated for a moment before reminding him: "Governor, you need to get up." As she spoke, Linda tidied Eden''s appearance, adjusting his clothing close to him: "Lord Deville from the Secretariat is waiting to see you..." Eden: ??? Are you a devil? Reluctantly, Eden gritted his teeth and stood up, regaining the dignity of a Governor. After all, he had arranged all this work himself. In Warhammer 40K Universe, slacking off wasn''t an option. As Governor, Eden was the only hope for the people of Urth¡ªbillions of citizens were counting on him for salvation. This wasn''t just for the people; it was for himself too. If one day the Chaos Daemons invaded or the Orks or Tyranids attacked, what could he do without strength? Wait for death? No, he had to fight, and fight hard! In the future, when his territory expanded and the situation stabilized, Eden planned to write a book called The Struggles of Eden Grant. He wanted everyone to know how he, Eden Grant, worked hard to create a new empire. Eden sat down in the Governor''s seat and pulled out a stack of documents from memory, starting to read through them. These were the family archives of Deville, a member of the Secretariat. The archives had been specially retrieved from the vast records by servitors at Eden''s request, a task that had taken considerable time. Most of the families loyal to the Governor had detailed archives stored in the record vault, a symbol of honor. Deville''s family, the Rapp family, had been slaves in the Black Mines a thousand years ago, only gaining their freedom after being liberated by Eden''s ancestors. In the centuries that followed, the Rapp family worked tirelessly to rise through the ranks. Starting as overseers in the Lower Hive''s factories, they gradually worked their way into the Upper Hive over several generations, eventually becoming officials in the logistics department of the King''s Court. It was at this point that their position stabilized. Being a family of ordinary bloodline, formerly slaves, they had no further path for advancement. But even so, theirs was a position many could only dream of. King''s Court officials held their posts as hereditary titles. As long as they remained loyal and didn''t make any grave mistakes, the descendants of the Rapp family could live in the Upper Hive, looking down upon the masses in the Lower Hive. Of course, this came at a price. According to the archives, since becoming hereditary officials in the logistics department, eight members of the Rapp family had died or been killed in service over the last 500 years. The Rapp family''s descendants had done everything to hold onto this position. Having studied their family history so thoroughly, none of them ever wanted to return to the darkness of the Lower Hive. That was a fate worse than death. Eden fell silent as he read through the Rapp family''s archives. It had been no easy feat for them. From the documents, Eden saw the Rapp family''s defining traits: absolute loyalty and unrelenting effort. It was through these qualities that the Rapp family had risen from overseers to their current status. Deville had inherited these fine traditions¡ªloyal and hardworking. According to the records, Deville had faced several attacks while working in the logistics department, always charging to the front lines. In the most recent record, he had saved an official named Popov during a heretic attack, suffering serious injuries in the process. After reading Deville''s file, Eden nodded in satisfaction. Loyal, fearless, intelligent, and with great learning and adaptability. Such qualities were rare among King''s Court officials. He was exactly the type of person Eden was looking for. "Go... Governor, sir." Deville entered the Governor''s office, led by a maid, maintaining impeccable manners, though he appeared slightly nervous. "Take a seat," Eden said casually as he moved to sit on the sofa, motioning for Deville to sit across from him. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Deville hesitated for a moment but quickly sat down. His body sank into the soft sofa, something he wasn''t used to¡ªmost chairs in the King''s Court were stiff and hard. As Deville watched the Governor across from him, still browsing through documents, he felt a mixture of fear and honor. He had entered the Governor''s office. Something the Rapp family hadn''t achieved in generations. Though his family lived in the Upper Hive, they were still far from the lofty spires of the Governor''s residence. And now, he had made it! At the same time, Deville couldn''t help but feel a tinge of expectation. In recent days, many of his colleagues from the Secretariat had been assigned to various important positions. That coward Popov, after leaving the Governor''s office, had been appointed head of the newly established civil affairs department. Yet Deville''s future remained uncertain. He had felt quite disheartened, even ashamed, believing he hadn''t lived up to the Governor''s expectations. But now, the Governor had summoned him, proving he still had greater value. Eden finally stopped going through the files. Damn these paper documents¡ªhe had accidentally mixed them up and had spent all this time reorganizing them. He handed the documents to Deville: "These are the archives for the new secret organization of the King''s Court¡ªthe Tribunal. You will become the High Inquisitor of this new organization, responsible for leading and establishing it..." (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 100: Time to Showcase the Technology of the 3K Era Chapter 100: Chapter 100: Time to Showcase the Technology of the 3K EraFor Eden, establishing his own Tribunal was of utmost importance. The newly formed Tribunal would answer solely to him, becoming the most powerful secret organization in the King''s Court. The Inquisitors of the Tribunal would have immense authority within the domain, able to investigate anyone outside of Eden, while also taking on the responsibility of rooting out and eliminating hidden threats. This was a vital force to balance his administrative system and officials, as well as to deal with covert external dangers. In the future, as his territory expanded, the Tribunal''s power would grow as well. After reading through the documents, Deville trembled slightly, fully understanding what his new role entailed. Even more so, he realized the immense responsibility and authority that Eden had entrusted to him. Such trust. The only way he could repay it was with absolute loyalty! Seeing that Deville understood his task, Eden went over some additional details with him. Building the Tribunal was no easy feat. Not only would it require a group of loyal and capable people, but it would also need strong military backing. Thus, Eden would assign twenty of his personal guards to join the Tribunal as its initial members. He would also send a batch of elite soldiers from the Defense Force, law enforcement officers, and administrative staff to serve as deputies, interpreters, interrogators, and apprentices. With this, the Tribunal''s foundation would be set. How it developed in the future would depend on how well Deville and his team managed it. After the discussion, Eden looked at Deville seriously: "High Inquisitor, the Tribunal of the King''s Court is now yours to command." Deville sprang to his feet, his gaze firm as he performed a perfect Aquila salute: "All for the Governor!" Satisfied, Eden nodded and let Deville get to work. He was confident that this loyal and capable subordinate would carry out the responsibilities he had been entrusted with. Having completed yet another important task, Eden felt particularly pleased. He now had his personal guards, the Tribunal, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Mechanicum, the Ecclesiarchy, and the Defense Force all under his control. As for larger organizations like Space Marine Chapters or the Imperial Navy Fleet, those were still beyond his reach for the time being. Only after controlling the entirety of Urth, and even more planets, could he gather enough Hope Energy to delve into the Warp for resources to further his ambitions. There were countless treasures lost in the Warp over tens of thousands of years. Things like lost starships, rare forging materials, various weapons, ancient relics, and even the remains and armor of Space Marines. It was like a treasure trove, just waiting for him to claim it. Thinking about it, Eden almost drooled¡ªimagine unearthing a fully intact super-battleship with STC technology from the Golden Age of Humanity... The mere thought of it made him salivate. Wouldn''t that send him straight to the stars? He snapped out of his daydreams quickly, though. First things first, he needed to focus on the tasks at hand. Currently, the King''s Court was already taking shape, resembling a miniature empire. In the future, Eden planned to replicate even more Imperial institutions. Eden had already decided that the governing system within his expanding territory would follow the basic framework of the Imperium. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to change things¡ªhe simply didn''t dare to. If the Imperium were like a bug-ridden program, then its basic system was the pile of bad code holding it all together. As faulty as that code was, it had kept the Imperium running for over tens of thousands of years, which was an incredible feat. No way he could risk changing it. If he messed with it and caused the whole thing to crash, wouldn''t that lead to an immediate disaster? So Eden would only make minor adjustments, adding patches here and there to make the system run smoother. Those were his plans for the future. Worried that he might forget them, Eden quickly recorded his thoughts on the typewriter. At a typing speed of 1,000 words per minute, he soon had all his ideas documented. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He tore the page from the machine and carefully stored it away. It would be a nightmare if it got mixed in with other documents. Eden stood in front of a nearly five-meter-high filing cabinet, staring at the endless rows of slots in confusion: "Uh... which slot did I put the future development plan in again?" Fortunately, his enhanced brain kicked in, and after a moment of thought, he remembered: sixth row, fourteenth column, slot number 117. Good thing he remembered. If he hadn''t, he''d have had to consult the dictionary-sized index to find it. After filing away the paper, Eden returned to his desk and popped a frosted Polaro cookie into his mouth. A quick snack to replenish his energy before getting back to work. Looking at the small pile of documents left on his desk, he felt a surge of motivation. Once these were dealt with, he would be done for the day! The great Governor could finally rest! Eden buried himself in the work, grinding through the complex texts that made his head spin. But no problem¡ªpersistence was key to victory. Soon enough, Eden finished all the paperwork and collapsed into his chair with a satisfied smile. Finally, it was over. Just as he was about to relax, two maids entered. Eden''s pupils instantly widened as he lost all his will to live: "No!" Each maid was carrying a stack of files nearly a meter high, and they looked startled: "Governor, sir, these are more documents that need your attention..." Eden, of course, wouldn''t vent his frustration on the maids. Weakly, he said: "Fine, put them here." "Yes, sir!" The two maids quickly set down the files and practically fled the office, overwhelmed by the Governor''s palpable frustration. Eden stared at the newly arrived stacks of files, feeling a headache coming on. With a crash, the piles of documents collapsed, spilling across his lap. Eden froze, filled with regret¡ªhe never should have agreed to take on part of Bayev''s administrative duties. Originally, he had taken it on with the mindset of learning. As a ruler, he needed to educate himself. At first, it had been manageable. After all, with the King''s Court''s previous laissez-faire management, paper documents had been plentiful but still within reach. But as Eden implemented more new policies and regulations, the shift to a more refined administrative approach caused the amount of paperwork to skyrocket. The endless flow of redundant, outdated, and disorganized documents had left him buried in his office. He couldn''t even imagine the kind of pressure the high-ranking Imperial administrators must face. No wonder so many High Lords either died from overwork or went mad. Suddenly, a Warp rift appeared in the Governor''s office. From it emerged Roboute Guilliman, clad in his armor of destiny, glowing with power and radiating overwhelming authority. His eyes, piercing and intense, locked onto Eden: "Eden, the Imperium needs you. Come with me to Holy Terra, and you will become a High Lord!" With that, Guilliman''s massive hand reached out toward him. "Stay away from me!" Eden screamed, jolting awake, staring at his cluttered desk, and letting out a sigh of relief. It had only been a nightmare. Thankfully, it wasn''t real, or he would rather have died on the spot. Looking at the chaos of paperwork, Eden''s patience finally reached its limit. This workload was unbearable. He needed to reform¡ªintroduce the internet and AI, and move to online administration to optimize workflow and efficiency! Fortunately, these changes were already in motion. Eden had given many ideas about the internet to the intelligent servitor and current Magos, Moss, asking him to quietly run experiments. There was no other way. The Adeptus Mechanicus heavily restricted access to network technology, even preventing any attempts at neural interfacing. So, for now, Eden would have to settle for using human 3K-era tech. It was time to show everyone the wonders of 3K-era technology! (End of Chapter) ==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 101: The Interconnected Network is Complete! Chapter 101: Chapter 101: The Interconnected Network is Complete!After finishing that damned pile of paperwork, Eden sent word to Bayev that he should stop sending files his way for the time being. Eden had more important matters to attend to. Speaking of Bayev, the hardworking old steward seemed to have aged a lot recently. With this thought, Eden quickly ordered someone to retrieve some high-grade nutritional potions from the treasury and personally delivered them to the old steward. Can''t have him getting too worn out. Eden traveled by hovercar to the Department of Internal Affairs, eventually arriving at Bayev''s office. Though called an office, it was more like an expansive administrative hall. The office was about the size of a football field, with over a hundred desks, each occupied by an administrative staff member. They all bore dark circles under their eyes, looking exhausted, yet they continued working tirelessly, processing various affairs. In the aisles, dozens of servitors moved non-stop, transporting stacks of documents. These people were so focused on their work that even as Eden arrived, few looked up. Some lifted their heads for a glance, then immediately returned to their monotonous, mechanical document processing. The sight of their dedication nearly brought Eden to tears! Though, it could also be from sheer exhaustion. At the far end of the office sat Bayev at his own desk. Stacks of documents piled high on the five-meter-long metal table, almost obscuring him from view. Wearing mechanical glasses, Bayev was focused on reviewing a file related to food ration calculations. Currently, the food supply in the Royal District was not ample. If the rations weren''t carefully calculated, a large-scale famine could erupt. Previously, this work was simpler. It was merely a matter of proportionally distributing the available food stock to various institutions and subsidiary factories. Whether people outside the Royal District had food or starved to death was not a concern for the Department of Internal Affairs. Their responsibility was solely to distribute food to those working for the Royal District. However, under the governor''s new policy, the Royal District was now obligated to sustain the lives of the people in the Upper Hive, preventing mass starvation among the population. So, the challenge was figuring out how to prevent people from starving with insufficient food supplies. With this policy, the rationing system became more complex, and the paperwork increased. And that was just one policy. With multiple policies layered together, the workload for the Royal District''s Department of Internal Affairs nearly doubled. Not only did the Department of Internal Affairs face increased tasks, but the Logistics Department and Military Department were also under greater strain. This workload could very well exhaust them to death. Bayev carefully reviewed the data reported by the Logistics Department. After ensuring there were no major issues, he stamped the documents. As for minor issues, there was no choice. When tasks are nearly all human-handled, avoiding major errors is a victory. Moreover, none of the departments had the time or resources to reprocess each document meticulously. After all, the flow of administrative affairs continued to build up. This administrative system was just a tiny replica of the Empire''s administrative machinery. A small error in the Royal District''s Department of Internal Affairs could lead to the deaths of hundreds, thousands, or even more civilians. But a small mistake in the Imperial Department of Internal Affairs? It could spell disaster across hundreds or thousands of planets, potentially affecting an entire sector or even the galaxy. Countless human lives would be lost. That is the Empire. But can anyone truly blame Bayev or the high lords? They work tirelessly, exhausting every ounce of strength on administrative duties, sometimes at the cost of their lives. But if not them, then who? What guilt do the billions who perish due to errors carry? It must simply be said: survival for humanity in this hellish galaxy is unimaginably difficult. Eden gazed at the administrative staff busy within the hall, his mind a whirl of thoughts. He couldn''t change the Empire. But within his own domain, he wanted to make some changes, to avoid as many mistakes as possible. Eden approached Bayev''s desk, observing the hunched-over, hardworking steward. After a moment''s thought, he decided not to disturb him. Gently, he placed the nutritional potions on the desk and left. In truth, Eden had considered bestowing a blessing upon Bayev, but decided to delay it. A blessing would only enhance Bayev''s attributes; it wasn''t a miracle cure. If the work process didn''t change, even a blessed Bayev would struggle to increase efficiency fundamentally. For now, he''d have to endure. Thankfully, the research on the interconnected network had reached preliminary success. The network, combined with Moss''s computing power, could fundamentally change the workflow in the Royal District, significantly boosting efficiency. Once the network was fully implemented and enough new faith power was gathered, Eden would bless Bayev. The entire administrative system of the Royal District would undergo a transformation. Hang in there, old Bayev; freedom is coming soon! Shortly after Eden left, Bayev, having finished his paperwork, looked up and noticed the nutritional potions on his desk. "What''s this?" "Father, the governor left these for you," Bayev''s son, young but already balding from the stress, suddenly appeared with a hoarse voice. "Why didn''t you tell me? How disrespectful!" "The governor insisted..." Bayev stared at the stack of nutritional potions, somewhat taken aback. He grabbed a few vials and handed them to his son. "What are you standing there for? Get back to work! Don''t waste the governor''s goodwill!" As a steward family that had served the Grant family for nearly two thousand years, handling Royal District affairs for the governor was the best way to repay their debt of gratitude. Leaving the Department of Internal Affairs, Eden, accompanied by Carter and others, headed to a secret underground lab. Mechanical Sage Moss was conducting experiments there to establish the interconnected network. "Is it ready?" Eden eagerly asked as soon as he stepped off the elevator. "My lord governor," Seeing Eden enter, Moss quickly set down his cup of oil-fuel drink and rose to greet him. This fellow was turning more and more machine-like lately. He accepted a data pad handed to him by a servitor skull, his numerous mechanical arms operating deftly. "The interconnected network has reached its initial completion. Although 01010101110 has a few flaws, along with 1010110001..." ... Eden paused, pointing to the array of mechanical devices at the center of the lab. "So, is it ready for use?" "According to experimental data, the network is capable of meeting your requirements..." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Quickly, let me see it!" Eden''s excitement was palpable; it was finally ready. Moss led Eden to an iron table, where a pixelated mechanical screen was set up. A series of cables connected the screen to the central device in the lab. This was the Warhammer version of a computer. Moss powered it on, and under the eager gazes of Eden, Carter, and the others, the screen lit up. It worked! A pixelated Imperial Aquila symbol appeared, followed by stirring music, and an animation showed Eden clad in golden power armor, radiating light, and holding a sword as he pointed forward. The imagery bore a striking resemblance to the God Emperor. Eden had this boot-up animation custom-designed. In the future, every device in the Royal District would display his noble image upon startup. The screen then transitioned to an image of the golden statue of the God Emperor. Zzzz~ Suddenly, the image froze. Did it... freeze? Just as Eden and the others were puzzled, a pixelated demon hound inexplicably appeared on the screen. It was about as high as the statue''s knee in the image. Yes, it was male. Under their astonished gazes, the demon hound swaggered over to the statue. Then, it pulled out... and began acting like a little dog marking its territory on the statue''s leg. What?! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 102: Did It Explode? Chapter 102: Chapter 102: Did It Explode?Before anyone could react, the screen underwent another disturbing transformation. A pixelated Slaaneshi daemonette, seductively twisting and posing, approached the statue of the God Emperor, rubbing against it and dancing provocatively under the gaze of several terrifying eyes. Blasphemy! Complete blasphemy! Watching this scene, Carter and the others were utterly stunned. They turned away, not daring to make a sound. They couldn''t bear to look¡ªit was truly unbearable! Eden felt a sharp pain in his jaw and cursed, "Who the hell made this heretical animation? Are they trying to get me in trouble?" Moss, however, remained unfazed, merely puzzled. "The circuits and data are fine. How could it malfunction like this? It''s impossible..." Bang, bang! He resorted to his usual repair method, having a mechanical arm bang against the pixelated screen. But it was no use; the screen continued to play the depraved scene. "Quick, turn this cursed thing off!" Eden shouted, realizing what was happening and urging Moss to shut it down immediately. It seemed the pixelated screen was likely corrupted by some form of Chaos energy. Chaos glitch? Or maybe a prank by a Chaos god? Could it possibly be the work of that mysterious daemon engineer, Vashtorr? The name "Vashtorr" echoed in whispers through the communicator, scrawled messily in the most maddening of glitch-riddled corners. Legend has it that Vashtorr is known for tampering with twisted machinery, relishing in mad "innovations." The idea that Vashtorr might mess with something Eden had created wasn''t entirely impossible. Whatever it was, it wasn''t good. Best to shut it down before it attracted the attention of these fiends in the flesh. "I''ve cut the power, but the screen still won''t shut off." Moss stroked his chin, deep in thought. "This is extremely rare... there must be some mysterious energy sustaining it. If you give me enough time, I can work on a coded response to address this malfunction..." Eden was at a loss for words. Time was the one thing they didn''t have. At the current rate of corruption, any delay would risk these abominations crawling out of the network. The animation''s sound became increasingly chaotic. The daemonette panted, performing even more obscene gestures toward the revered statue of the God Emperor. More and more demons appeared, and the scene grew increasingly rowdy. There were daemons leering; others cheered for the daemonette, carrying human heads in twisted encouragement; some were hacking away, splattering blood across the screen. It was a veritable dance of madness. As the tension in the animation reached a fever pitch, the daemons turned their gazes toward those watching, as if they had become aware of them. Could these fiends really possess sentience? The scene was thoroughly unnerving. Bang! The pixelated screen suddenly exploded, half of it shattering, and the display went dark. "Phew, it''s finally over..." Eden holstered his smoking bolt pistol and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. That was terrifying. To broadcast a heretical spectacle of the God Emperor was an unforgivable sin. If the Emperor knew he''d caused such a scene, Eden would be psychic-slapped into oblivion. This had to remain a secret! But before Eden could relax, the screen abruptly flickered back to life. Was it not over yet? Bang, bang, bang! Eden, now enraged, fired repeatedly until the explosive bolts reduced the pixel screen to ruins. But even this wasn''t the end. Zzz¡ª The lab''s voltage fluctuated, the lights dimming ominously. Sparks flickered across the multitude of cables, tendrils of purple-black smoke snaking along the wiring, spreading quickly. Tracing the cables back to their source, the lab''s central mechanical unit was already enveloped in a thick shroud of Chaos energy. It was running out of control, continuously emitting corrupted information. Fortunately, this main unit wasn''t yet connected to the network, confining the influence to the lab. Had it been operational and linked to various institutions and industrial sectors in the Royal District, it could have output Chaos data across the entire district in mere moments. That would have resulted in a catastrophic disaster. "Destroy the main unit immediately!" Without hesitation, Eden ordered Carter and the guards to destroy the machine. Following his command, Carter and the guards quickly approached the main unit and raised their bolters. Bang¡ª Multiple bolters fired simultaneously, flashes erupting from the barrels as bullets poured into the main unit. When the firing ceased, the main unit was reduced to scrap, its operations halted. Even so, Eden wasn''t reassured. "Abandon the network experiment. Everyone evacuate, and initiate high-temperature purification of this lab!" Eden and his group withdrew, and the high-temperature purification team was dispatched to incinerate the lab thoroughly. The team meticulously examined the ashes, ensuring no traces of Chaos remained, before sprinkling holy water, pouring concrete, and sealing the lab completely. They hammered a warning sign on the door reading "No Daemons Allowed." The sign included the date of purification and scheduled inspections¡ªa testament to their caution. The purification team had been recently established by Eden, equipped not only with cleansing personnel but also accompanied by priests. Their job was to handle incidents of contamination and carry out purification, exorcism, and a full suite of purification services. Currently, the team''s skills were somewhat rough, but as they honed their expertise, they were expected to grow more professional in time. After reporting the completion of their work, the purification team departed. Eden looked at the sealed lab before him, feeling a pang of disappointment. His interconnected network project had failed. It seemed that humanity''s technology from the 30th millennium simply couldn''t withstand the corruption of Chaos. No wonder the Tech-Priests of the Mechanicus were so cautious about new technology. They restricted knowledge, enforcing strict policies on any independent scientific experiments outside the Mechanicus. Allowing widespread production of any defective technology vulnerable to Chaos corruption would undoubtedly harm the Empire. They often spent centuries studying, translating, and debating a single piece of technology before finally creating a usable product. Some even performed elaborate rituals on the machines as part of the manufacturing process. All of this was in pursuit of stability. Eden sighed deeply; trying to invent anything in Warhammer 40K was an incredibly arduous task. Boom! An unknown explosion shook the ground of the Royal District, with shockwaves shattering glass along its path. Simultaneously, Eden''s psychic senses picked up a surge of Warp energy dispersing. What in the Emperor''s name?! Did he somehow mess up so badly that it exposed Urth''s location, drawing the attention of Chaos daemons for an invasion? For a moment, Eden felt uneasy. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He glanced in the direction of the explosion; it came from the newly built Mechanicus workshop. The workshop''s owner was none other than the newly appointed tech-priest of the Royal District¡ªSalii Kaul. Considering the Salii family''s illustrious traditions, a sense of foreboding welled up in Eden. Could Kaul possibly be making an even bigger mess than I am? (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 103: The Machine Spirit Link Technology Chapter 103: Chapter 103: The Machine Spirit Link TechnologyWhen Eden arrived, he found the Mechanicus workshop torn apart by the explosion''s shockwave. Half of the mechanical structure had been reduced to rubble, billowing thick black smoke. Debris and fragments were scattered everywhere, creating a scene of utter devastation. Even more alarming, remnants of the structure were shrouded in thick Warp energy. This energy seemed almost alive, snaking across the surfaces of the machinery, emitting an unsettling glow. In the space above, faint spatial rifts could be seen, thin as hair but exuding a dangerous aura. Beyond those rifts lay the terrifying Warp! Eden''s psychic senses were highly attuned, allowing him to detect the faint whispers of fear, pain, and despair emanating from the other side of the rifts. Ordinary citizens exposed to such an environment would soon suffer severe mental effects. The daemonic whispers would corrode their minds, inducing endless panic, gradually driving them insane or even into mutation. "Damn it, Kaul, you''ve gone way too far!" Eden felt a throbbing headache as he cursed. "What the hell is he trying to do¡ªblow up the entire Royal District?" Suppressing his anger, Eden channeled his psychic energy, stored within his psychic core. These energies flowed toward the small Warp rifts, like gentle hands smoothing them out, restoring the unstable space to calm. He then used this power to purify the lingering Warp energy clinging to the machinery. Soon, the residual Warp energy in the area was completely cleared. The crisis was temporarily resolved. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was the essence of Eden''s Warp nature, symbolizing hope, stability, order, and purity. It was incredibly effective, but the cost was high. The power of hope was Eden''s most precious resource. He could clearly feel that this single act of restoration and purification had cost him a staggering 500,000 points of hope energy! After amassing a total of 1.5 million hope energy points over a long time, this one incident had spent a third of it. His heart ached at the expense. After Eden had dealt with the issue, the rescue team from the Logistics Department arrived to extinguish the fires and clear the rubble. The purification team stood by, waiting. With the structure still burning, they could skip the incineration process. Soon, they would enter to recite prayers, sprinkle holy water, and perform the exorcisms. "Where''s Kaul? Find that lunatic and bring him here," Eden finally remembered the culprit of this disaster and ordered the rescue team to locate him. He hoped Kaul was still alive. After all, Kaul was one of only two tech-priests in the Royal District, and there was plenty of work waiting for him. If he was dead, it would be a severe loss for Eden. Shortly, the rescue team dragged out a battered Kaul, his mechanical arms twisted, his body charred black, and brought him before Eden. He was alive... barely. The rescue team performed emergency treatment, roughly jamming several healing potions into Kaul''s body, which revived his breathing. Kaul jolted upright, sparks flying from his body. "Praise the Omnissiah! I did it! I really did it!" He cheered with fervent excitement, clearly thrilled. "Kaul, the first genius of the Salii family..." Smack! Kaul took a hard slap, sending another shower of sparks from his body. "A genius, huh?" Eden grabbed Kaul by the collar and pointed toward the smoldering ruins. "Explain this... what exactly happened?" "G-governor?" Meeting Eden''s icy glare, Kaul became nervous and fearful. "The experiment... had a small... hiccup, and, uh, exploded..." Hearing this, Eden''s temper flared. "You call this a small hiccup? If you don''t give me a reasonable explanation, prepare for judgment!" "I''ll explain, please give me a moment!" Kaul seemed to remember something, scrambling over to a part of the wreckage and began digging. "Father!" He dug out a servo-skull crafted from his father''s remains. The servo-skull was charred black, sparking erratically, and one of its mechanical arms swatted Kaul across the face. Unbothered, Kaul was relieved to see the skull intact, hugging it close. "I''m so glad you''re okay..." Watching this bizarrely touching scene of fatherly affection, Eden restrained his urge to strangle Kaul, repeating to himself, "It''s normal for technical geniuses to have quirks, normal to conduct little experiments... stay calm." Despite the danger, Kaul''s capabilities couldn''t be denied. He was currently responsible for weapon production lines and equipment optimization in the Royal District. The energy cannons and standard laser rifles previously used were primarily developed under his lead. In short, Kaul was one of the Royal District''s key talents. Eden suddenly realized that among the key figures in the Royal District, there seemed to be few "normal" individuals in the Imperial sense. Sage Moss, a robot masquerading as a tech-priest. Archbishop Doni, an outcast banished for heretical beliefs. Defense Corps Commander Arye, blessed with extreme luck and rumored immortality. Tech-Priest Kaul, a technical heretic whose family was exiled. And Eden himself, the most abnormal of all. A pureblooded human from the 3rd millennium, raised under compulsory nine-year education. After a lengthy explanation from Kaul, with Moss interpreting here and there, Eden finally understood what Kaul was working on and how the explosion happened. Kaul had been secretly experimenting with a bizarre machine spirit linking technology. This was the culmination of generations of Salii family research, a universal machine spirit link capable of connecting countless machines. If successful, it would surpass the Mechanicus'' Cogitator series and the vat-grown bio-brains in both power and versatility. Kaul had finally managed to produce a prototype. Just as he was about to awaken the machine spirit, he realized the normal power supply couldn''t sustain such massive energy consumption. Then he had a "brilliant" idea. Why not tap into Warp energy as the power source? The idea quickly took shape. Fueled by a burst of inspiration, Kaul built a device to extract Warp energy. Fortunately, Kaul retained some sense, recognizing the dangers involved. He adjusted the power output of the Warp extractor, greatly reducing its capacity before testing it. But the moment it was connected, it exploded. Listening to Kaul''s account, Eden''s jaw twitched as he muttered internally, "Damn ''inspiration,'' probably a gift from Tzeentch himself, you heretic!" Luckily, Kaul had limited the power output; otherwise, he''d likely have blown a rift to the Warp right in the Royal District. A few brushes with Chaos seemed to be an unfortunate tradition on Urth. After a deep self-reflection, Kaul promised Eden, "My lord governor, I swear not to continue this experiment until I perfect the energy supply technology. If I break this promise, I''m ready to face any judgment..." "No, you must continue!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 104: A Blessing for Kaul! Chapter 104: Chapter 104: A Blessing for Kaul!Kaul stared at Eden, momentarily stammering. "You... you mean you want me to continue with the experiment?" After the severe chaos his last experiment had caused, Kaul had assumed the governor would permanently ban him from experimenting and impose a harsh punishment. He had already resigned himself to continuing his work in secret as long as he wasn''t burned at the stake this time. When the Machine Spirit Link Technology was perfected, he could finally show those fools in the Mechanicus what true mechanical artistry looked like. Praise the Omnissiah, for Kaul would never yield, sacrificing himself for the greatness of technology! But to his shock, the governor was allowing him to proceed with his experiment? "That''s right. You must continue with your work immediately." Eden''s words left Kaul thoroughly perplexed. "Why?" "There''s no time for explanations. Right now, we need people with your talent!" Eden warmly clasped Kaul''s hand. "You keep working on that Machine Spirit Link... let''s see this thing completed as soon as possible." Kaul had truly surprised him. From what he described, the Machine Spirit Link was essentially an enhanced version of the network¡ªan interconnected system combined with AI, all in one. And since it involved machine spirits, it even had some metaphysical defenses against Chaos corruption. Of course, as long as he wasn''t foolish enough to power it with raw Warp energy, the chances of it blowing up were slim. Since the Machine Spirit Link was so advanced, why waste time on a vulnerable network? Supporting Kaul''s research was clearly the better path. "Governor, are you deceiving me? Previously, you outright opposed my Machine Spirit Link research, calling it heretical junk..." Eden frowned. "Did I really say that?" S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kaul, still a bit indignant, insisted, "I remember clearly. June 14th, four years ago, at 7:34 a.m., after a minor experiment mishap, you arrived and said those exact words, even banning the Salii family from all experiments..." Eden thought for a moment, vaguely recalling the incident. Back then, Kaul had blown up an entire workshop. Though it hadn''t triggered a Chaos event, the explosion was far more powerful than this recent one. This guy... If the Salii family weren''t so tightly bound to the Grant family, providing numerous invaluable technological services, he''d likely have faced execution a hundred times over. But talent in technology was rare. Even the Emperor Himself had to endure the reckless antics of those under his command. Take Magnus, for example. The primarch had shattered the Webway passageway that the Emperor had painstakingly worked to repair, allowing daemons to invade reality. The Emperor had nearly ascended from sheer anger. Eden forced a smile, fixing his gaze on Kaul. "You must be mistaken, right?" Even Kaul, as stubborn as he was, quickly caught on. With a stoic expression, he said, "Hmph, you''re right. I must be mistaken!" Eden didn''t mind. He waved his hand dismissively. "In any case, your family''s Machine Spirit Link Technology is highly valuable. I promise, on behalf of the Grant family, that the Royal District will unconditionally support your experiment. Once the Machine Spirit Link is perfected, it will be deployed throughout the district." Kaul finally believed Eden''s words. The technology his family had painstakingly researched for nearly a millennium was finally acknowledged! "My lord governor, have you come to understand the greatness of the Machine Spirit Link Technology? Allow me to explain, 010101010111000001010101010..." Excited, he began spewing binary code. "Understood, fully understood!" Eden nodded and shifted his seat a bit farther away to avoid getting splattered by any mixture of blood and other unknown fluids that Kaul''s wounds might spew out in his enthusiasm. Once Kaul calmed down, Eden inquired about the challenges in his experiment, seeing if he could help resolve any issues. The most troublesome problem was energy. The main Machine Spirit unit required vast and stable psychic energy as its power source. This was something Eden could handle. He planned to let Kaul harness the psychic energy of the mini-sun as the power source for the Machine Spirit core. This energy source would not only be stable but also controllable. If anything went wrong with the Machine Spirit core, he could immediately cut off the energy, forcing a shutdown or even destroying it outright. With the sun''s psychic energy enveloping it, the Machine Spirit core''s resistance to corruption would be further strengthened. Eden looked at Kaul. "If you had a stable psychic energy source and full support from the Royal District, how long would it take you to create a functional Machine Spirit core?" The pressing issue was whether Kaul could finish it quickly enough. After all, his family had spent nearly a thousand years on this research, and Kaul had only recently developed a prototype. Who knew how many years it might take to go from prototype to practical application? Eden couldn''t afford to wait that long. Faced with Eden''s inquiry, Kaul hesitated. "I... I''m not sure. It depends on whether I get the right inspiration..." Eden was dumbfounded¡ªdid he really lack confidence? He offered a sincere suggestion. "If all else fails, maybe seek a bit more... inspiration from the Changer of Ways, Tzeentch?" "Huh?" Kaul looked horrified. As the child of a tech-priest, he knew of Tzeentch. But he didn''t even dare mention the name of such a forbidden entity. After all, Tzeentch was one of the Mechanicus'' most despised and feared foes. To tech-priests, nothing was more abhorrent than having someone tamper with their creations, inserting bugs and backdoors. Why Eden dared to say it... perhaps he was unique, with substantial backing. Seeing Kaul''s nervous expression, Eden reassured him. "Just kidding. Take it easy and focus on your research." Though, it wasn''t entirely a joke. If Tzeentch''s influence was minor, Eden might still be able to cleanse and pull Kaul back from any corruption. Besides, Tzeentch was a true master of technology, genuinely providing the knowledge one might need. Though, of course, with some "extras" included. For instance, Kaul''s device for extracting Warp energy could well have been inspired by Tzeentch¡ªand it worked quite effectively. In fact, it had even helped Eden strengthen the mini-sun''s influence on reality. Thank you, Tzeentch, for your technical support! Kaul wiped the oily sweat from his visor. "Such jokes should be kept to a minimum. The great Omnissiah would punish such disrespect. I, Salii Kaul, will never have any association with that one. Such things are for the traitors of the Dark Mechanicum!" "Alright, alright, I believe you." Eden replied casually. Then he gave Kaul an ultimatum. "The Royal District will meet any of your needs, but this support isn''t unconditional. You must show progress within six months, or your experiments will be banned again!" A little pressure was necessary; otherwise, who knew how long Kaul might keep tinkering or if he''d come up with some other dangerous idea. As for whether Kaul could produce a functional Machine Spirit core, Eden wasn''t too worried. Because he planned to bestow a blessing upon Kaul, enhancing his capabilities. This blessing would be well worth it. In the future, advanced power armor and even starships would require Kaul''s technical expertise. That evening, back at his tower residence, Eden spent one million points of hope energy to bless Kaul. He activated his psychic core, locating the essence of Kaul''s soul, and infused it with the energy from the mini-sun. Inside the Mechanicus workshop. Creak, creak¡ª The sound of grinding metal echoed. Kaul was flipping through a thick technical manual, a mechanical arm scratching his head as he pondered the Machine Spirit Link. Suddenly, a refreshing, invigorating scent of machine oil filled the air. The Mechanicus bell tolled, accompanied by a complex and beautiful binary hymn. In a vision, Kaul saw the great Omnissiah. Praise the Omnissiah! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 105: Is Kaul Turning into a Dark Mechanicus? Chapter 105: Chapter 105: Is Kaul Turning into a Dark Mechanicus?The great Omnissiah had truly blessed him! Kaul could feel the connections between the synthetic synapses in his skull and his logic pathways growing tighter, his mind more active than ever. And with it came inspiration. An overwhelming flood of inspiration. The surge nearly overloaded Kaul''s circuits, sparks flying from his mechanical parts. Yet he didn''t care in the slightest. Kaul clutched his resting servo-skull "father" beside him, shaking it like an excited child holding a prize. "Father, wake up! I''ve had a breakthrough! I know how to create the ultimate machine to house the strongest Machine Spirit!" The Salii family had suffered immensely in their pursuit of this technology. Kaul''s father had poured his life''s work into it, passing away before making any significant progress. He had placed all his hopes in Kaul, the genius of the Salii family. The servo-skull jolted awake, staring blankly at Kaul. Being a mere machine, it couldn''t comprehend the joy of the human before it. ... Before long, the workshop was filled with smoke, the sounds of clanging metal and sizzling electricity echoing throughout. Meanwhile, in the governor''s office at the spire residence. Eden was reviewing confidential files on the Inquisition. The newly established Inquisition was operating smoothly. Under Deville''s leadership, it had handled dozens of heresy cases, uncovering many hidden cultists. Additionally, several incompetent and corrupt officials had been dealt with. Deville had become a feared figure in the Royal District¡ªa symbol of judgment. Everyone understood that if the Inquisitor came to you, it meant judgment had arrived. The outcome was likely either a bolt shell or a place on the pyre. Eden was pleased with Deville''s uncompromising approach; it was exactly what he wanted. Eden himself wasn''t particularly strict. But lax discipline often led to incompetence and corruption among officials, and unchecked behavior among the populace could invite Chaos corruption. Thus, proper oversight and punishment were necessary to maintain the governor''s authority. The Royal District needed someone like Deville, and he was the perfect choice for the role. As for Eden, he only needed to play the part of the benevolent savior, showing kindness and mercy to his people. Soon, Eden received more good news. Kaul had successfully created the Machine Spirit core and was requesting permission to activate it. This was an incredible surprise. He had expected to wait six months, maybe longer, but Kaul had produced a finished product in just two months. "Tell Kaul that we''ll be activating the Machine Spirit today!" Eden was thrilled; he''d finally be free from the burden of endless paperwork. He had no concerns about whether the Machine Spirit would activate successfully. The blessing''s effects were evident, and Kaul wouldn''t have notified him unless he was confident it would work. Eden couldn''t wait a moment longer and ordered Carter and the guards to escort him to the workshop. Upon arrival, he was greeted by a massive, skull-shaped mechanical structure. Dozens of floating servo-skulls worked around the structure, performing various tasks. Huge black gears turned slowly, flames roared from furnaces, and steam veiled the area like a thin mist. The rhythmic sound of the gears meshed together, creating a deep and powerful mechanical hum¡ªthe heartbeat of the mechanical structure. This setup... Kaul had really outdone himself. Eden had only just seen the resource consumption report for Kaul''s workshop yesterday. Kaul alone had consumed more than half of the Royal District''s resources. And it had only come to his attention so late due to the backlog of administrative tasks. During this period, he had been working to reform the administration, exhausted from sorting through files. The trigger had been an outdated census report buried in the paperwork¡ªsubmitted a decade ago by some unknown bureaucrat. Upon investigation, he discovered an entire department dedicated to maintaining census data, even during the Hive''s fall. They had followed protocol for years, compiling complex data sets, and finally reporting it to the governor. When he questioned why such a pointless task hadn''t been stopped, the response was that no order had been given to halt the work. Following this revelation, Eden launched a thorough inspection. More idle departments were discovered, including one hidden deep within the Department of Internal Affairs, responsible for calculating an ancient tax protocol. Under orders from years prior, the entire department had been sequestered, forbidden from leaving until their calculations were complete. Servitors had been delivering food, and they toiled on, oblivious to the uprising or the Hive''s fall. They merely noted the deteriorating quality of their food, assuming it was punishment for unsatisfactory work. Driven by guilt, they worked even harder, with exhausted members quietly removed by servitors. The absurdity of it all nearly made Eden choke on his anger, yet he could do nothing about it. These poor clerks were merely doing their jobs. Even worse were the completely forgotten employees. Locked in rooms with confidential documents, their superiors had died in the uprising, leaving them without instructions or supplies. When Eden finally opened one of these offices, he found little more than a dozen skeletal remains. Such was the consequence of inefficiency. Managing billions on Urth required countless administrators and departments, which had become too numerous to track. But now, finally, all of this would come to an end. With the Machine Spirit, the Royal District would enter a new era. As for the vast resources Kaul had used, Eden wasn''t bothered. A grand project like the Machine Spirit core would naturally consume a significant amount of resources. If it meant a successful launch, Eden could stomach even higher costs. Looking at the massive skull structure before him, Eden felt it was worth every resource. This Machine Spirit core had a commanding presence! Soon, Kaul emerged to greet him. He stood on an anti-gravity platform, gripping a mechanical staff, floating out of the skull''s eye socket. Several black servo-skulls hovered behind him. Leading the group was his "father," equipped with heavy black armor, its mechanical eye glowing an intimidating crimson. Kaul had outfitted this precious servo-skull with powerful weaponry and multiple layers of defenses, ensuring it could withstand an even more intense explosion than the last one. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Over the past two months, Kaul had also undergone significant modifications, his appearance now radically different. Kaul''s face was now concealed by a black skull-shaped mask with exposed fangs. Several red mechanical eyes dotted the mask, their cold light flashing menacingly. His crimson-black robe billowed in the wind, woven with countless cables and circuits that coiled around him like a spider''s web. These cables extended to an energy pack on his back, powering the dozens of mechanical arms equipped with various tools and weapons. Eden felt a chill run through him as he took in Kaul''s appearance. That image was so... heretical. Could this guy be turning into a Dark Mechanicus? (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 106: Igniting the Machine Spirit! Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Igniting the Machine Spirit!Even if Kaul truly became a Dark Mechanicus, there was no need to fear betrayal. Any vessel blessed by Eden found it nearly impossible to betray him. Even if they were tempted or controlled, he would sense it immediately, allowing him to withdraw the blessing and strip them of their powers. Thus, to Eden, blessed vessels were reliable and trustworthy. The anti-gravity platform landed, extending spider-like mechanical legs, scuttling forward with Kaul aboard. His voice, filtered through a voice modulator, sounded excited. "My lord governor, the ritual is prepared. We are ready to ignite the Machine Spirit at any time!" "Good job," Eden praised Kaul, looking approvingly at the nearly 30-meter-tall skull-shaped machine structure. "All the resources I''ve given you have been well spent. Now, let''s go and light up the Machine Spirit..." With that, he took a step toward the machine. However, Kaul stopped him. "Not that way, my lord. The Machine Spirit core is over here." Eden had a bad feeling about this. Following Kaul, they arrived at a smaller mechanical structure nearby. There, he saw a five-meter-wide mechanical sphere, connected to a web of cables. Most of these cables linked to a large mechanical conduit stretching into the void. Kaul spread his arms, proudly introducing the contraption. "This is the Machine Spirit core, the culmination of the Salii family''s wisdom and my greatest invention!" He pointed to the large conduit. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Once activated, the Warp energy extractor will draw energy from the void, providing the core with the power it needs to ignite the Machine Spirit..." Eden raised a brow, pointing outside. "Then what''s that big contraption out there for?" "Ah, the grand workshop of the great Kaul." Kaul answered without hesitation, revealing that he had named the skull-shaped machine structure in his honor. ... "So all the resources you requested went into building the Machine Spirit core, and nothing was misappropriated?" Kaul, slightly guilty, still kept his tone firm. "O-of course not! That workshop is a vital facility for my Machine Spirit Link research!" He absolutely had misreported. Eden felt a pang of regret. That had been half of the resources accumulated over three millennia by the Grant and Hoffman families, squandered on Kaul''s vanity project. But there was nothing he could do. Blessings could increase loyalty but didn''t fully control thoughts or alter personality. Kaul, feeling Eden''s intense gaze, nervously shrank. "My lord... perhaps we should proceed with igniting the Machine Spirit to avoid missing the auspicious timing..." "Fine, but if it fails, you''ll be meeting the Emperor soon." "It won''t fail!" Kaul brimmed with confidence in his invention. Eden gritted his teeth, trying to convince himself to let it go. After all, he''d still get value out of Kaul in the future. With Eden''s approval, the ritual to light the Machine Spirit began. Tech-acolytes lit incense and polished the Machine Spirit core. It was a lengthy process, and Eden found himself yawning. But he endured, respecting the rites meant to honor the Machine Spirit. According to Kaul, the Machine Spirit already resided within the device, simply awaiting awakening. As the final rites concluded, a deep, resonant chime from the mechanized bell startled Eden back to full alertness. Finally, it was time to awaken the Machine Spirit. Kaul busied himself at the control panel while the tech-acolytes chanted hymns, hoping to please the Machine Spirit. With each line of code and input complete, the Warp energy extractor activated. The large conduit began pulsing with energy, reaching into the Warp. Eden could feel the conduit bridging the void. However, it was not just a random connection to the Warp¡ªthat would be too dangerous. The conduit was set to connect to the channel Eden had established when he created his psychic core. Simultaneously, Eden''s mind delved inward, his consciousness returning to the mini-sun. In a flash, he found himself in the Warp, manipulating the mini-sun. The first thing he did upon arriving was to send a psychic message to the Emperor. The message''s gist was simple: "Your Majesty, it''s me, an ally... this thing is mine!" He knew he needed to notify the Emperor. It would be rude otherwise, especially since this large conduit was about to intrude into His domain. As usual, Eden received no reply to his psychic message, which he had grown used to. No response meant it was received and approved. If disapproved... well, he''d know. Moments later, ripples appeared in the Warp space not far from the mini-sun. It had arrived. The conduit from the Warp energy extractor followed the established channel, settling securely in place. Once stabilized, Eden directed the mini-sun''s energy into the conduit. The energy flowed into the physical world, providing a constant power source for the Machine Spirit core. Seeing the conduit running smoothly, Eden couldn''t help but marvel. "Kudos to Tzeentch for this tech¡ªimpressive!" With everything running as expected, Eden''s consciousness swiftly returned to the physical world. He was eager to see if the Machine Spirit core would function as planned. Upon regaining his vision, he saw the core encased in the radiant golden energy of the mini-sun. Golden currents crackled around the machinery. The complex gears of the Machine Spirit core whirred to life, and the transparent cables surrounding it glowed a brilliant yellow. The tech-acolytes chanted their hymns with renewed vigor, their song reaching a crescendo¡ª Hum! Eden felt an awareness beginning to stir. "Praise the Omnissiah!" Kaul''s mechanical arms waved with excitement. "The Machine Spirit has awakened!" The Salii family''s dream, pursued for nearly a thousand years, had finally been realized; Kaul had created the ultimate Machine Spirit! In his excitement, he tried to communicate with the Machine Spirit. "Hello, I am your creator! Wait... why is the Machine Spirit displeased?" Kaul was panicked. This was the precious creation of the Salii family; nothing could go wrong. He scratched his head in desperation, wondering where he''d erred. Had he forgotten to light incense? Or had he startled the Machine Spirit with his enthusiasm? Snatching an incense burner from a tech-acolyte, Kaul leaned toward the core, speaking gently. "Dear Machine Spirit, I am your creator. Forgive my boldness, please. If there''s anything you need, just ask." But the Machine Spirit ignored him. Instead, it addressed Eden, warmly and affectionately: "Father..." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 107: Connected to the Network! Chapter 107: Chapter 107: Connected to the Network!Well then, suddenly a father figure! Eden could guess the reason¡ªlikely due to the source of energy coursing through the Machine Spirit being the same as his own. This new, powerful Machine Spirit had thus recognized him as its "father." Under Kaul''s resentful gaze, Eden happily communicated with his new "child." He named the newborn Machine Spirit "Spirit Web," with the nickname "Webby." Eden carefully explained Webby''s responsibilities, establishing rules and restrictions. The deeper his communication with Webby, the more Eden realized his control was nearly absolute; Webby couldn''t refuse any of his commands, even those requiring self-sacrifice. This was good news, meaning Eden could entrust Webby with more autonomy. Once their conversation ended, Eden instructed Kaul to care for Webby and begin laying the network lines throughout the territory. He quickly returned to the spire residence, where he needed to plan Spirit Web''s development policies with Bayev. After Eden left, Kaul stood dumbfounded before the Machine Spirit core. He struggled to accept how the governor had suddenly become the "master" of the great Machine Spirit, while the Machine Spirit showed him little regard. Why? Suddenly, Webby reached out to Kaul. "Mr. Kaul..." The Machine Spirit had spoken to him! Kaul''s spirits soared as he eagerly approached. "Webby, what can I do for you?" "Can you lay the network lines faster? I want to start working for Father and relieve his burden." "Absolutely!" Just communicating with the Machine Spirit was enough to satisfy Kaul. He rallied his apprentices and worked tirelessly. Within weeks, the network lines connecting the Machine Spirit core to the rest of the Royal District were laid. Eden then instructed Kaul to develop various Spirit Web-compatible devices, especially Spirit Web computers. Guided by Eden''s insights, Kaul''s creativity flourished, quickly producing prototypes of the necessary devices. After successful testing, factories were established to begin mass production. The devices were soon distributed throughout the district. Finally, Eden issued the Spirit Web Act, requiring all institutions and factories to use Spirit Web. With Spirit Web devices illuminating the territory, the age of interconnected networks had dawned. Eden pulled the lever on the mechanical switch, taking a seat in front of a slightly bulky, skull-embellished mechanical screen. It powered up! Triumphant music played as a pixelated startup animation appeared on the screen: The Imperial Aquila flashed by, followed by Eden clad in golden power armor, radiating golden light as he pointed his sword forward, his regal stance illuminated. The words, "All for the Governor!" echoed in unison. The startup animation faded, and the desktop interface appeared. Eden cheerfully tapped on the mechanical keyboard, navigating with a mouse to handle files. Though the design was a bit different, the feeling was familiar. Over the past three months, Eden had overhauled the administration of the Royal District, consigning outdated methods to history. Now, every institution and factory in the district operated with Spirit Web equipment. With the vast computational power of Spirit Web, administrative efficiency skyrocketed by more than a hundredfold. This surge in productivity revitalized the territory. As a result, Eden gained a massive boost in Hope Energy. A full two million Hope Energy points! With this newfound energy, Eden immediately blessed Bayev, significantly enhancing his administrative abilities. The blessing took effect swiftly. Bayev effectively managed nearly all government affairs with ease, raising the district''s administrative quality even further. Eden couldn''t help but think of him as a mini Malcador! Finally, Eden could relax and focus only on major issues, free from the daily grind. The past months had been grueling as Eden juggled endless tasks to keep the Royal District on track, barely catching a moment to breathe. Now, he could finally take a breather. Sinking into his chair, Eden savored a sip of Imperial Synth-brewed Recaf and popped a pastry into his mouth. Ah, bliss! Ding¡ª The inbox alert sounded. Eden opened his email, pulling up a new document. Judging by the emblem, it was a report from the Department of War. And it brought the first good news of the day. According to the report, under Spirit Web''s assistance, Captain Arye of the Defense Corps had completed the expansion ahead of schedule. The Defense Corps now numbered 510,300 troops. Moreover, all equipment for the Defense Corps would be ready by the end of the month. This meant the plan to reclaim the Underhive could proceed on schedule. But the next email cast a shadow over Eden''s thoughts. It was a report on the progress of scouting the Underhive. Since the victory over the heretic insurgents and the closing off of the Hive''s lower levels, all contact with the Underhive had been lost. Nobody knew what had become of it. Without a clear understanding of the Underhive''s state, reopening the elevators or gates was out of the question. If insurgents had regrouped or something even more dangerous had taken root, it could spell disaster. Eden had no desire to see the recently reclaimed Hive fall again. The only way into the Underhive, given the current closure, was through the maze-like pipelines¡ªhundreds of kilometers long and more twisted than a labyrinth. These pipes were infested with terrifying mutant creatures and possibly corruption. Making matters worse, the engineers who had built them had long since passed, and the surviving maps were fragmented. With Spirit Web''s computational power, the Department of War had managed to trace a route through the remnants of the old maps. Previously, they had considered another route from records left by Yusef. However, it proved too dangerous, crawling with mutated creatures¡ªno one could survive such a narrow path infested with hordes of abominations. Thus, the route discovered by Spirit Web became the Royal District''s sole choice for scouting the Underhive. Initially, Eden considered dispatching his guards for the mission, which would have increased their chances of success. But the pipeline was too narrow for the guards to pass through; even taller adults couldn''t fit. The Department of War selected a group of small-framed individuals as specialized scouts, tasked with navigating the pipelines to gather intelligence on the Underhive. However, those who went down never returned. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The dark pipeline swallowed every scout that entered, leaving no trace. The Department of War now proposed sending a ninth wave. Eden sighed as he reviewed the file and clicked to reject the request. As governor, he held veto power over any matter. He then issued instructions to the Department of War, indicating that he would personally oversee the matter. After nearly a thousand lives had been lost in that dark abyss, sending more people felt pointless. So, Eden had decided to go himself. Of course, as governor, he wouldn''t take unnecessary risks. He had a safer plan in mind... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 108: The Secret Bio-Lab Chapter 108: Chapter 108: The Secret Bio-LabBeneath the pinnacle of the tower residence lay a concealed realm. This secretive space was known only to Eden and accessible only with his invitation. Entry was permitted only through a single elevator, and anyone entering unauthorized would be met with deadly force. Passing security verifications, Eden entered the elevator, descending more than a hundred levels underground. As he arrived, he stepped into the hidden facility. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The area was bathed in red light, lined with intricate mechanical webs and interwoven psychic circuits. After passing through three iron gates, Eden finally reached his destination. Before him stood a massive mechanical screen emitting a dim green glow, scrolling through complex streams of code. In the low lighting, a figure with numerous mechanical limbs was working intently at the console, casting a menacing shadow. Eden didn''t pause, frowning slightly as he approached. As he drew closer, he saw that the figure was Sage Moss. In the Royal District, there were two recognized tech sages: Bio-Sage Moss and Dark Mechanicus Sage Kaul. These two were the core of Urth''s Mechanicum, though their titles were self-appointed, lacking any official recognition from the main Mechanicum. Moss appeared fully absorbed, several of his mechanical arms moving with a practiced rhythm as he worked. He alternated between adjusting mechanisms and sipping on a mechanical oil beverage, all while inputting lines of code. Suddenly, Moss froze, seemingly in response to a disturbance on the screen. He set down his drink, muttering, "Damn Kaul has the nerve to insult my drink recipe? He knows nothing. My modified oil is superior!" One of Moss''s mechanical arms blurred as he typed a rapid sequence: "0101010101010101010101010101010101010..." Anyone fluent in binary would have recognized it as a string of rather harsh words. Kaul countered almost instantly, triggering an even greater irritation in Moss. "That jerk Kaul muted me! So what if he''s the forum admin? I have my alt account..." Switching to his secondary account, he resumed his heated exchange: "101000010101010101010101010101010101010!" This was even worse. Seeing this, Eden''s patience wore thin. "Moss, are you slacking off on Webby again?" It was unbelievable how much language Moss had picked up lately. He had clearly been influenced by Kaul, who, after starting a tech forum on Webby, had set a rather unruly tone. With Kaul at the helm, Moss and Webby contributed to a forum culture that had captivated members of the Mechanicum, who now spent an increasing amount of time online. Initially, they posted practical guides, such as: Proper Techniques for Oiling and Polishing Machinery Modification Essentials: Installing Practical Mechanical Arms Kaul''s Guide to Appeasing Machine Spirits Moss''s Compendium on Crop Cultivation But over time, the forum took on a much different flavor. Now, it was filled with posts on quirky topics like: Explosive! Kaul''s Family Recipe for Delicious Oil Beverages! On Fire! Moss''s Modified Recipe for Even Tastier Oil! What Would You Do If You''d Starved for Three Days and Only Had Canned Beetle Beef? How to Compress a Ton of Warp Energy? What Would Happen If You Swallowed a Spoonful of Compressed Warp Energy? And so on. These often sparked intense debates. The Mechanicum members, now full-fledged internet warriors, began to engage in verbal sparring that significantly affected productivity. To make matters worse, the topics grew increasingly heretical. Eden had initially considered shutting down the forum. Not even Kaul''s pleading could sway him. But at Webby''s request, he reconsidered. His "little one" wanted companionship, and it wouldn''t do to have a disgruntled Machine Spirit. However, Eden still imposed strict limitations on the forum. Even with the mini-sun''s protective energy, discussing excessively heretical topics could attract dangerous attention. Who knew if Tzeentch or some Chaos Mechanicum demon might open a shadowy account to infiltrate? Thus, Webby established a moderation system, removing posts that were overly heretical. And the forum was now limited solely to the Mechanicum, preventing its spread to other sectors. Eden didn''t want to imagine internal affairs staff browsing strange images or videos during work hours. Kaul and the others accepted these changes, and Kaul even hoped to one day expand the forum to the Mechanicum headquarters. The forum wasn''t entirely a nuisance, and Eden himself had recently opened a small alt account to surf the posts occasionally. For translation purposes, Webby handled the language barrier. Confronted with Eden''s reprimand, Moss sheepishly admitted his fault. Though he was increasingly like a tech-sage, as an intelligent machine, Moss still struggled with lying. "Stop goofing off with Kaul!" Eden said, exasperated. He added, "By the way, have you completed the third batch of clones?" Recently, Moss had been stationed here, researching biological cloning and synthesis. Drawing on the Grant family''s centuries of biological knowledge, along with the forbidden knowledge left by Yusef, Moss was well-suited for the task. "The experiments succeeded. The clones you requested have been created!" For Eden''s orders, Moss didn''t dare delay or neglect his duties. Eden''s frustration eased slightly at this news. He gave a small nod of approval. "Well done. Efficient as always, Bio-Sage of the Royal District. Feel free to unwind occasionally." Eden never withheld praise from diligent subordinates. "Thank you," Moss replied, his electronic voice tinged with pleasure. It was the third time he had heard Eden use the exact words of praise. Eden followed Moss to the lab''s innermost section: the cultivation chamber. In the dim red lighting, rows of tanks filled the room. The first row of tanks each held a clone floating in nutrient solution. Each one looked exactly like Eden. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 109: Eden’s Doppelganger Chapter 109: Chapter 109: Eden¡¯s DoppelgangerWithin the secret bio-lab, every tank housed a clone of Eden. This project had begun when Eden brought Moss back from the derelict space ark. Now, the experiments had reached near-perfection. In the Warhammer 40K universe, creating doppelgangers was standard practice among many powerful figures. The Emperor himself had multiple avatars, and the renowned tech-sage Belisarius Cawl was famous for his Persona Matrix, a layered consciousness far beyond what ordinary beings could comprehend. Cawl''s doppelgangers often said, "Each of us is Belisarius, yet we''re not him..." Eden had a similar ability to create doppelgangers, though he couldn''t match Cawl''s level and couldn''t produce fully independent personalities. Instead, he could split his consciousness, multi-tasking by controlling multiple avatars. In effect, each of Eden''s doppelgangers was him. This required substantial mental energy. Without sparing a glance, Eden bypassed the first row of cloning tanks. These initial, basic clones weren''t what he needed at the moment. Moss had progressed to the third batch of customized clones. As for whether this was Eden''s main body or an avatar, that was a secret only he knew. Walking further, he arrived at the third section, where more specialized clones were being developed. Staring at the bizarre versions of himself floating in the tanks, Eden raised an eyebrow: "What''s all this? I don''t recall authorizing these designs." Each tank held a modified version of Eden''s clone. There was a grotesque version, an insectoid version, an octopus version, an ogryn version, and even a large-eyed, anime version. Moss admired them, a hint of pride in his voice: "These clones are inspired by ideas I gathered on the tech forum. Don''t you think they''re wonderful?" Eden glanced at the clones in silence, then nodded, remarking, "You''re quite proactive with your research. I appreciate the initiative..." "Thank you for your praise, my lord!" Moss''s voice almost quivered with pride. He pointed to a specific tank, eager to show off, "Look at this! My latest masterpiece! Surely, you''ll be impressed." Eden squinted at the tank, then looked back at Moss''s expectant expression, grinding his teeth: "Who taught you to do this?" Inside the tank floated a female version of "Eden," with a shapely figure. Moss blinked, confused, "Kaul suggested it, saying it would earn your praise..." Hearing that, Eden chuckled angrily. Of course, it was Kaul. Immediately, he grabbed his communicator, instructing Webby to mute Kaul across all his forum accounts. Seeing that he wasn''t getting the praise he''d expected, Moss seemed deflated. "Don''t think of it that way," Eden reassured him. Gesturing at the female clone, he continued, "It''s not a bad design¡ªit''s just... unnecessary. Destroy this one. As for the others, keep refining them." "Yes, my lord!" With renewed enthusiasm, Moss explained that the clones were still in the preliminary stages. With additional samples, he could further enhance them to achieve a viable level. For instance, the insectoid version of "Eden." If he could acquire a high-level Tyranid specimen, Moss could merge its genetic traits, creating a clone capable of controlling insects. "Such creativity," Eden thought, speechless. Catching a live Tyranid? He''d rather never see one. Still, these clones showed promise. "Let''s see the custom model," Eden ordered. Soon, he was led to a specific tank. Inside floated a frail, hunched young man with dark skin, sporting minor mutations¡ªa perfect replica of an underhive dweller. The face bore a faint resemblance to Eden. Holding a datapad, Moss described the enhancements: "As per your specifications, this body has radiation-resistant genes and can withstand high-radiation environments. Its lifespan, however, will be short, lasting no more than a day. Special conduits embedded in the bones allow for optimal psyker use..." Eden nodded in approval. This clone would enable him to move undetected through the tight tunnels leading to the underhive. At Moss''s command, the tank''s nutrient solution drained, and the glass casing opened. "All parameters are ready. You can use this body whenever you wish." Stepping forward, Eden placed a hand on the clone''s head, initiating the doppelganger process. As he activated his power, he felt his consciousness splitting. Warm energy enveloped the detached fragment of his mind, which then flowed into the clone. As the transfer completed, Eden assumed full control over the new body. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The process had cost him 500,000 units of Hope Energy. Simultaneously controlling multiple bodies created an unusual sensation. His main and doppelganger consciousnesses operated independently yet remained unified. For Eden, it was a manageable strain. The clone''s eyes snapped open, and he pulled free from the cords, stepping out of the tank. Stumbling a bit, he began a series of exaggerated movements. Observing, Moss assumed it was some kind of ritual. In reality, Eden was merely doing a set of calisthenics to adjust to the body. Quickly, the clone''s movements became fluid, as natural as his own body. Satisfied, Eden equipped his doppelganger with special armor, a cloak, and a small psyker staff. Lifting the staff, the clone focused its powers, generating golden lightning that pulsed menacingly. In full force, the psychic energy would easily devastate everything around it. "Well done, Moss. This body is perfect!" Eden nodded approvingly as his clone subdued its power, standing quietly to the side. Leading the clone out of the bio-lab, Eden paused, turning back to Moss, "By the way, your modified oil recipe is far superior to Kaul''s. Well done." ... Meanwhile, in the tech workshop... Kaul finished designing the latest sentry mech, tossing the blueprint aside with a grumble, "This is ridiculous. There''s always more to do. I need time for my own research!" Lately, with Eden assigning him endless weapon design and optimization tasks, he had little time to enjoy browsing the tech forum. Absentmindedly, Kaul opened the forum and immediately erupted in anger. "Outrageous!" There, pinned at the top, was a popular post: "Moss''s Modified Oil Recipe is the True Original! (P.S. Approved by the Governor Himself)" Kaul seethed, "That lying thief Moss, spreading nonsense again!" Furious, he clicked on the post, ready to lash out and ban Moss''s accounts. Only to find himself blocked. "Who muted all my accounts?!" he yelled, distraught. His cries drew Webby''s attention. The Machine Spirit promptly restricted his forum access entirely. "Webby... Machine Spirit, please... I can''t live without the forum!" In his workshop, Kaul''s pleas echoed pathetically. At the entrance to the tunnels... Eden, now appearing as a frail psyker, stood before the thick iron door. Pouring his full awareness into this clone, he designated it as his primary control. As workers operated the machinery to open the heavy door, Eden''s doppelganger stepped inside without hesitation. Once the door closed, he gazed into the pitch-black passage, which had already claimed nearly a thousand lives. He knew the real adventure was just beginning... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 110: The Tunnel World Chapter 110: Chapter 110: The Tunnel World[Extra Chapter! Thanks for using your stones on this fic!] In the pitch-dark, narrow tunnel, Eden crawled forward, inching along a path filled with years'' worth of filth mixed with unidentifiable, slimy substances. Fortunately, he''d used his psyker abilities to create a protective membrane around his body, shielding him from the contaminated surroundings. Despite this, the stench was enough to knock out an ordinary person. But Eden wasn''t ordinary. Anticipating such an environment, he had instructed Moss to strip this custom body of its sense of smell and taste, making this journey easier to bear. After crawling through the damp, confined tunnel for almost three hours, Eden finally saw a bright light at the end. Most people would have been overcome with excitement upon seeing such a sign of escape. But Eden stopped, raised his staff, and fired a compressed psyker blast toward the light. "Ambushing me? Nice try!" Keeping his psychic senses active had made a surprise attack impossible. Bang! The psyker blast struck the light source, followed by a beastly scream that echoed through the passage. The light at the end of the tunnel dropped, plunging the area back into darkness. Once the screams died away, Eden resumed his crawl, peeking out of the tunnel to survey the scene below. At the base of the passage, he saw the creature that had attempted to ambush him: a mutated beast with tentacles, bearing a glowing organ on its head, much like an anglerfish from the deep sea, using light to lure in its prey. The vast, maze-like tunnels within the hive had long given rise to unique, isolated ecosystems filled with strange and dangerous creatures. According to records from the Royal Court, over three hundred years ago, a maintenance worker had gotten lost in these tunnels and stumbled upon a tribe of mutant humans. These "subhumans" had lived in the tunnels for centuries, unaware of the outside world. They subsisted on various fungi growing in the sludge and had even developed simple farming techniques. Fortunately, the tribe hadn''t lost its language entirely, allowing for basic communication. After the subhumans saved the lost worker, he reciprocated by teaching them basic tool-making skills. The two sides got along well, and the tribe even helped guide the worker back to the surface. But once this was reported, a local officer forced the worker to reveal the tribe''s location. The officer led a group of soldiers into the tunnels, massacring the tribe and presenting their heads as proof of "cleansing" the area from "mutants." Eden had come across this story in the archives while researching tunnel routes, finding it both tragic and absurd. The Imperium''s purity standards were ruthless for anyone with "unclean" skulls. Eden wriggled out of the tunnel, dropping onto the slimy floor below with a sigh. Strewn throughout the sludge were the skeletal remains of dozens of scout soldiers. It seemed the mutated beast had claimed many lives here. However, the majority of scouts had managed to pass through this area safely. The creature likely only attacked when hungry; in such an environment, conserving energy was a matter of survival. As Eden moved past the beast''s corpse, the creature suddenly sprang up, tendrils lashing toward him in a last-ditch effort. Caught off guard, Eden reacted with his combat knife, its monomolecular edge slicing cleanly through the beast''s head, killing it instantly. A psyker using a knife in close combat¡ªno problem at all. After leaving the pit, Eden continued on his journey. Along the way, he encountered dozens more mutated creatures and saw an increasing number of scout corpses. Consulting his map, Eden noted he''d only covered thirty kilometers¡ªless than a third of the journey. By his estimate, half of the scouts had perished just to reach this point. In the following stretch, the scout remains thinned out, suggesting a safer passage ahead. Relaxing slightly, Eden quickened his pace, but his psychic senses suddenly alerted him to a massive danger ahead. Not far away, he felt an overwhelmingly evil presence radiating from a cloud of fog, accompanied by the unsettling whispers of a demon. Eden''s heart raced as he reflexively raised his staff, prepared to unleash a psyker blast. "Whoa!" Seeing what lay ahead, Eden managed to hold back, barely avoiding a disastrous mistake. Close call. Had the blast been fired, this body would have been done for on the spot. Ahead in the enormous tunnel, a dark fog shrouded a chained, twisted figure. Strewn around it were the dismembered bodies of other scouts¡ªa horrifying sight. Eden was stunned. "What the hell is this thing doing in the tunnels?" It was a daemonhost¡ªa mortal vessel forcibly bound to a daemon by heretical rituals, creating a terrifying abomination. In slumber, the daemonhost emitted a dark mist and whispered to itself in its sleep. Daemonhosts were ferociously dangerous. Once awakened, they would pursue any living creature that disturbed their rest with relentless aggression, only stopping once their target was dead. For those who understood them, however, they were relatively easy to bypass. As long as one avoided the mist or didn''t physically harm the daemonhost, it was unlikely to awaken. With careful, silent steps, Eden pressed himself flat against the tunnel wall, inching along slowly, keeping a wide berth from the eerie mist. Almost there, he thought. Just a little further to safety. But halfway across, a blundering teammate appeared. A smooth-skinned, four-legged mutant creature crawled from a side tunnel, snuffling around, seemingly searching for something. Eden froze, holding his breath and praying the creature wouldn''t notice him. "Please don''t see me. Please don''t come over here..." sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But the creature suddenly turned, locking eyes with him. ... The tension in the air was palpable. The mutant''s face broke into a gleeful expression. Food! With a gleeful screech, it scurried toward Eden, legs kicking wildly. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 111: Is the Underhive Really This Harmonious? Chapter 111: Chapter 111: Is the Underhive Really This Harmonious?Watching the mutated creature charge towards him, Eden shouted internally: "Don''t come any closer!" At the moment, he was pressed against the pipe wall, standing on the edge of a thick fog. Even a slight movement could disturb the mist, potentially awakening the demon host within. There was no way he could stop the eager, four-legged mutated beast. Fine if you want to die, but don''t drag me with you! With the situation now inevitable, Eden braced himself, focusing on the creature with tense resolve. When the mutated beast finally touched the eerie mist¡ª "Argh!!!" With a blood-curdling scream, the demon host ignited in hellfire, breaking free of its chains and lunging at the mutated creature. At the same time, Eden bolted forward without daring to look back. Run, sprint at full speed! Soon, he heard the sounds of flesh being torn and the anguished cries of the creature behind him. Eden gave a silent moment of respect for the mutated beast. Rest in peace, little short-legged one. Next time, remember not to rush for food so blindly. Fortunately, the creature bought Eden some time to escape. With the aid of his psychic powers, Eden ran faster and faster, nearly floating just above the ground. He dashed through the pipes for almost ten kilometers, not daring to stop even once. After all, he was here on a reconnaissance mission, and losing this avatar too quickly would be a failure. "At this distance, I should be safe, right?" Eden felt exhausted, his limbs trembling and his head pounding with intense pain. Along with the headache, he began to hallucinate, faint whispers surrounding him. Damn, he had overused his psychic powers. He needed to stop using them immediately, or his head might just explode! With effort, he restrained the side effects of his powers and pushed himself a bit further. Eventually, he arrived at a spacious, abandoned drain chamber, crisscrossed with pipes of various sizes. This was a junction and transfer point for the pipelines. Eden surveyed the chamber. There were no corpses, nor any signs of dangerous creatures. It seemed safe enough for a brief rest. He found a hidden corner in one of the pipes and tucked himself in. Then he began to meditate, calming the backlash from his overuse of psychic energy. After his energy finally settled, he felt weak, sleepy, and barely able to sit up. He needed to rest¡ªproperly. Eden adjusted his position, leaning against the pipe. He kept his psychic sense on the lowest alert level and drifted into a deep sleep. Log out! In the Governor''s office at the spire mansion. Eden closed the Mechanicus forum page, shutting down his computer, and ended his work for the day. He stretched deeply: "Feeling a bit tired, I need a proper rest!" Managing multiple bodies at once was mentally draining, especially in the dirty and dangerous pipes. At that moment, Linda, the head maid, approached and whispered something in his ear. Eden raised an eyebrow. "Let him in..." Soon, Linda ushered in Kaul. "Governor, it''s a pleasure to finally meet you!" Kaul put on an ingratiating smile, retracting his mechanical arms to avoid damaging the Governor''s office. "Sit." Eden knew exactly why Kaul was here. He wanted his access privileges to the Mechanicus forum restored. But Eden had been putting him off for days. Kaul shrank back into the couch, obedient and deferential. But Eden knew well enough that this man''s heart was as dark as they came. If left unchecked, who knew what chaos he might unleash? "Governor..." Kaul''s electronic voice sounded almost pitiful. Eden raised his hand to silence him, extending one finger: "Before the Underhive reclamation campaign begins, you must produce at least two hundred Sentinel mechs." Sentinel mechs were bipedal, all-terrain walkers about four to five meters tall, resembling large ostriches. They balanced mobility and stability perfectly. They could traverse terrain that would entrap tanks and armored vehicles while withstanding firepower capable of decimating an entire infantry squad. The firepower of these mechs was formidable. Outfitted with a variety of weapons and attachments, they could handle different combat objectives. Common attachments included cluster lasers, heavy flamethrowers, autocannons, Hunter missiles, and plasma cannons. They could even be equipped with chainsaws for close-quarters combat. Given the current situation in the palace district, they would use whatever weapons were available. In short, the Sentinel mech was the ideal weapon for urban warfare. Upon hearing Eden''s condition, Kaul swallowed nervously. "But..." "This is the only condition." "I know you can accomplish it. Say one more word, and the deal''s off." Relieved, Kaul quickly agreed, fearing Eden would refuse. "I agree! The two hundred Sentinel mechs will be delivered on time!" "One more thing¡ªdon''t falsify the accounts when building these mechs. The Inquisition will be watching." "Of course not." Eden waved his hand, dismissing him: "Good. Your network access is restored. You may leave now." "No problem!" Kaul stood there, hesitant to leave. Eden glanced at him. "Is there something else?" Kaul pointed at the balcony. "May I exit from there? It''s quicker..." He could hardly wait to log back into the network. "Go, go!" The words had barely left Eden''s mouth before Kaul dashed to the thousand-meter-high balcony and jumped off. "Goodbye, Governor!" A dark anti-gravity platform caught him mid-air, accelerating rapidly toward the Mechanicus workshop. Cough, cough, cough! The thick black smoke from the platform''s exhaust made Eden cough uncontrollably. He''d miscalculated! But he wasn''t angry. Kaul was, after all, a true genius, deserving of some leniency. In fact, Eden could have ordered Kaul to work without question¡ªhe had almost no way to resist. The same went for everyone else. But doing so would only make his subordinates resent him. This was the last thing Eden wanted. He had learned from the Emperor''s mistakes. He didn''t want to repeat them, nor did he wish to lose his humanity. After dealing with Kaul, Eden headed to the mansion''s luxurious bathhouse for a soak and sauna. The latest addition to the spire mansion, it had a hot spring, pool, bath, and sauna. In the future, he planned to occasionally invite loyal subordinates for some relaxation and bonding time. Afterward, he lay down on a plush chair, enjoying the familiar comfort. Soon, he drifted into a deep sleep. His psychic energy had been drained over the past few days. He didn''t know how long he had slept, but suddenly, his psychic sense detected danger. In the pipes. His psychic projection was in trouble! His consciousness immediately focused on the projection. In the sewer junction. Eden''s psychic projection jolted awake. He saw a pair of dark green eyes staring at him. Squeak! It was a mutated rat, lunging at him the moment he awoke. But Eden was faster, grabbing and crushing it instantly. When he tossed aside the rat''s corpse, he saw countless dark green eyes, almost filling the entire chamber. He finally understood why there were no corpses here. The rats had likely devoured every body that had made it here, leaving nothing behind. Most likely, any scout that reached this place ended up as rat food! Squeak¡ª With the rat king''s howl, the mutated rats surged forward. Eden stood up, gripping his staff, facing the oncoming swarm alone. A rat swarm? Then let''s cleanse it! Eden raised his staff, and countless golden psychic sparks surrounded him, radiating outwards for three meters. The scattered sparks left charred spots on the ground. With a wave of his hand, he unleashed a burst of psychic energy, incinerating scores of mutated rats. Then, Eden leaped into the swarm, psychic currents flashing around him. The slaughter had begun! Clang¡ª A figure fell from the upper pipe, landing hard in a dimly lit alley. Eden grinned. "Whew... finally made it!" His burlap cloak was in tatters, his staff nowhere to be seen, making him look like a true underhive refugee. After days of fleeing and battling countless mutants, he had finally reached the Underhive! Climbing out of the alley, he was surprised to find orderly streets filled with people. "This Underhive... is actually quite harmonious?" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 112: Loyalty! Chapter 112: Chapter 112: Loyalty!This was Eden''s first time in the Underhive. Even in the memories of the original Eden Grant, there was little about the Underhive. Most of his activities had been confined to the paradise of the Spire Mansion. His impression of the Underhive was vague at best. Looking at the scenery of the Underhive, Eden couldn''t help but feel a sense of awe. The structures in the Underhive were built layer upon layer with quick-setting concrete and metal, with countless residential zones and industrial districts connected to each other. Newer communities were built atop older ones, continuously stacking upward to heights of several kilometers. Looking up, he could only see an endless mass of dense buildings, faint artificial lights, and a dark sky. But Eden knew that at the very top lay the Spire Mansion, the "paradise" of this planet, blessed with sunlight and fresh air. In contrast, the Underhive, forever devoid of sunlight, was dark, damp, and chaotic, its air filled with the stench of chemicals, and even the puddles on the streets gave off a faint odor. After all, the air and water here had gone through millions of cycles of filtration¡ªbarely suitable to sustain life. Eden steadied himself against a wall, forcing himself to stand. Days of intense psychic power usage had brought this body close to its limits. His vision was affected, and he was even experiencing hallucinations. The calmness of this street surprised him, but also gave him a sense of relief. This was good news. Initially, he had thought the Underhive would be a blood-soaked battlefield, ravaged by the heretical rebels. He had assumed all its residents had been corrupted, transformed into terrifying chaos creatures. But the reality was much better than he had anticipated. There was a basic order here, with no apparent signs of large-scale warfare. There were no cultists visible, nor was there any sound of gunfire. People, although thin from hunger, walked by without overwhelming fear¡ªsome even with faint smiles. In general, the entire district felt... peaceful. So peaceful, it was almost strange. Could there be something even more terrifying lurking here? Eden shook his head, quickly dismissing the thought. The atmosphere here was pleasant, giving him a strange sense of comfort. It was likely he had wandered into a zone under the control of the Underhive Defense Force. And probably into its core area. That would explain the good order. Before the closure of the Hive, the Defense Force had been stationed throughout the Underhive. They guarded their respective zones. As for why the heretical rebels had been able to breach the Hive''s defenses so easily¡ª There were many possible reasons. Perhaps the rebel forces had corrupted and gathered too quickly, catching the Defense Force off guard. Or maybe the Defense Force had been infiltrated, leading to mass betrayal. This was also one of the reasons why the palace district had resolutely sealed off the Hive. To Eden, whether or not the Defense Force had betrayed them was not crucial. As long as the Defense Force remained, protecting the people and preventing them from becoming heretical cultists or chaos creatures, it was good news. Because what Eden needed most was population. And defeating rebels was far simpler than dealing with the disgusting chaos entities. Eden squinted his pale eyes, controlling his breathing, and pulled his tattered cloak tightly around himself. He was prepared to blend into the crowd to gather information. According to data from before the rebellion, the total area of the Underhive was nearly one-tenth of a continent, with a population close to two billion. As for how many had survived, no one knew. In this situation, gathering intelligence on the factions in the various regions of the Underhive wasn''t easy. Only mid- to high-level officers and officials of each faction would know such information. So the immediate task was to figure out who was in control here and find someone suitable to gather intelligence from. For a psychic like Eden, manipulating the minds of ordinary people to make them reveal information was a simple matter. Eden entered the district, but after only a few steps, he encountered a problem. His psychic senses instinctively detected danger. "Damn, it''s the aura of a chaos heretic!" He forced his eyes open, looking towards a pipe above the street¡ªit was coming from there! He quickly shouted to the people around him: "Scatter! Heretic attack!" Upon hearing about the heretic attack, the crowd panicked, scattering in every direction in search of shelter. But it was already too late. Dozens of cultists, marked with blood-red symbols and adorned with various bones, fell from the pipes onto the ground. They quickly scrambled to their feet, screaming as they wielded their weapons, attacking the crowd. In an instant, axes swung, bullets flew. "Kill! Kill! Let the blood flow!" "A great blood sacrifice!" Many civilians who couldn''t escape in time were brutally murdered and dismembered. The crowd fled in chaos, and the scene descended into utter bedlam. Eden mustered his strength to form a psychic orb, blowing off the head of the nearest heretic and seizing his firearm to counterattack. He fired a few rounds, killing several heretics. The cultists, realizing someone was fighting back, directed heavy firepower at him, making it difficult for Eden to hold his ground. In his weakened state, he couldn''t withstand a direct confrontation. Fortunately, nearby patrols arrived. They quickly engaged the cultists, easing the pressure on Eden. Ratatatatatatata! At that moment, a massive figure tumbled from a distant pipe, landing with a thud on the ground. He struggled to rise and roared at the crowd: "Wrath Descends!" S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Eden caught sight of the massive cultist, his scalp went numb. The hulking cultist was nearly two meters tall, smeared in blood, with human bones embedded in his flesh. Even worse, his body was covered in various wires, and a bomb was embedded in his swollen belly. Now the bomb in his belly was flashing red, the beeping growing faster. Damn! If that thing exploded, it could take out half the street. And his psychic projection would be obliterated instantly. The hulking heretic steadied himself, taking heavy steps towards the crowd. "For the Emperor!" The soldiers leapt out of their cover, charging forward without hesitation to try to stop the heretic with their own bodies. But they hadn''t reached him before other cultists gunned them down. "Never retreat!" "For the Emperor!" More soldiers shouted as they charged. Their determination was unwavering¡ªthey were the Emperor''s most loyal warriors. For him, they were willing to give everything. Eden was deeply moved by this display, overwhelmed with admiration. Such loyalty! For these people, he had to take a risk. The hulking heretic was halfway through the crowd now. Eden braced himself against the wall, enduring the blinding pain in his head, gathering all his psychic power. He raised his hand, focusing on the hulking heretic. The charging heretic froze suddenly, clutching his head and wailing in agony. Eden''s psychic energy surged within his brain, pushing it to the breaking point. "Die, heretic!" Eden clenched his fist. Pop! The heretic''s head exploded like a watermelon, blood spurting from his neck. His corpse dropped with a heavy thud, landing right among the cultists. Beep, beep, beep. The cultists hesitated at the sound of the rapid beeping. They glanced at the flashing red light of the bomb inside the fallen giant, cursing aloud: "Damn it!" Boom¡ª A massive explosion of fire engulfed the cultists. "Wake up..." Eden''s eyes fluttered open, his head throbbing with pain. What happened¡ªdid he just pass out? In his blurred vision, a gentle woman in a veil was looking at him with concern. "The Emperor be praised, he''s alive!" Seeing Eden awake, the woman called out excitedly to someone nearby. Soon, a man who appeared to be an officer approached. He looked at Eden intently, his gaze sharp! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 113: All Is Stable, Completely Stable! Chapter 113: Chapter 113: All Is Stable, Completely Stable!Facing the scrutinizing gaze of the officer, Eden felt a slight tension. After all, a mysterious psyker would always arouse suspicion and vigilance. Especially among those loyal to the Emperor. They could very well mistake him for a heretic and burn him at the stake. "Dear, don''t scare the child..." The gentle woman beside him seemed particularly concerned for Eden. Child? Right, Eden realized. This psychic projection of his did look like a young boy. Hearing the woman''s words, the officer softened his expression, showing a hint of apology: "Sorry about that. I''m too used to military life. Thanks to your warning, we avoided a much bigger disaster..." With the officer''s response, Eden finally relaxed. It seemed his use of psychic powers hadn''t been exposed. He had purposefully attacked from a corner and used subtle psychic techniques rather than overt displays of energy. Besides, with the chaos around him and his youthful appearance, no one was likely to notice. The gentle woman nodded, looking at the officer. "Thanks to his warning, I''m alive; otherwise, I wouldn''t have seen you again." The officer turned to the woman and advised: "With heretic attacks becoming more frequent, it''s best if you don''t go out as often. But don''t worry, soon the Emperor''s loyal warriors will launch a counterattack, and those heretics will face justice!" Through their conversation, Eden learned that the gentle woman was named Eve, and the officer was her husband, Gallia. It seemed the Defense Forces had successfully resisted the heretical cults, and they were doing a commendable job. Moreover, these people were extremely loyal. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They were as dedicated as the elite forces in the Hive. In Eden''s memory, the Underhive Defense Force had never been so resolute. Perhaps the heretical threat had united them? "Where are you staying?" Gallia interrupted Eden''s thoughts, squatting down with a kind tone: "I can arrange for someone to take you home..." Eden shook his head. The Underhive was vast. He had no idea which part of the hive he was in. Moreover, with this rare opportunity, he hoped to gather more information from Gallia. No way would he leave so easily. "This poor child might be homeless." Eve''s voice softened as she spoke; she had seen far too many orphans like him. Their families had been killed by heretics, leaving them with nowhere to go. Great Emperor, please deliver your divine justice and cleanse these heretics! With Eve''s help, Eden nodded, playing along. Just as he was about to say something, Eve turned to Gallia and suggested: "Why don''t we take him in? He can keep our little one company!" Gallia smiled, nodding: "That''s a great idea; Little Gallia would like him..." Seeing her husband''s agreement, Eve took Eden''s small hand: "Would you like to stay with us? Don''t worry, I''ll take good care of you!" Seeing their hopeful expressions, Eden nodded in agreement. Sigh... Though he had achieved his goal, he felt a bit guilty. In the Underhive, providing food for just one more person was no small feat. And they had just met, yet they were willing to trust and help a stranger''s child so readily. This couple was exceptionally kind-hearted. Before long, Eve and Gallia brought Eden to their home. The residents of their neighborhood got along harmoniously. People greeted each other, holding their children''s hands. It was as if the terrifying heretics and war had not extinguished their hope for life. Eve happily introduced Eden to her neighbors. They showed no hesitation, warmly greeting him and congratulating Gallia on their new family member. One elderly lady, muttering a blessing from the Emperor, even snuck him half a block of corpse-starch. Eden intended to return it, but the old lady refused. With a gentle smile, she spoke haltingly: "Children need to eat more so they can grow strong. Don''t refuse this old woman''s gift... don''t worry, I have plenty to spare!" Then, with her hands behind her back, she slowly walked away. Clearly, the people here cherished children dearly. No matter whose child it was. From Eve, Eden learned that this old woman had lost six children to battles against the heretics. Eden felt deeply moved by this; these were truly kind-hearted people. It seemed their faith in the Emperor had united them. He silently vowed: "Don''t worry, I''ll soon eradicate the heretics and liberate the entire Hive!" Soon, Eden arrived at Eve and Gallia''s home, becoming a temporary member of the family. Concerned that everyone might be hungry, Eve went to the kitchen to boil water and prepare some food. Gallia stayed in the living room to chat with Eden. Taking advantage of the moment, Eden used his psychic powers to hypnotize Gallia, extracting information from him. Under hypnosis and guided by Eden''s questions, Gallia began discussing the situation in the Underhive. From him, Eden learned they were in the HL-18-66 residential district of the Underhive. This area was situated at the rear of the Defense Force''s stronghold, relatively safe. Currently, the Defense Force controlled about two-thirds of the Underhive, while the remaining third was overrun by heretical cults. Most soldiers were fighting on the front lines, holding back the heretical forces. Though the Defense Force had a slight advantage, they couldn''t completely eradicate the cults. To make matters worse, the heretical activities had intensified lately. Gallia feared they might be planning something significant. Because of this, the Defense Force had bolstered their defensive lines. Gallia, as a Defense Force captain, was home to recover from an injury and would soon return to the front lines. It seemed the situation wasn''t as dire as Eden had feared. The Underhive Defense Force had managed to contain the heretical incursion, likely saving over half of the population. However, when Eden asked Gallia about his opinion of the palace district, he merely shook his head. He had joined the Defense Force five years ago and had no knowledge of the palace district. Furthermore, the Defense Force''s loyalty lay solely with the great Emperor. They served no one else. Eden discovered that this officer named Gallia, apart from his concern for family, was entirely dedicated to fighting for the Emperor. This was fantastic news. Eden could leverage his "Sun Emperor" role to guide and win over these Defense Forces. The combined might of the palace district and the Underhive Defense Force would be enough to crush the heretical cults. All is stable, completely stable! "What are you two talking about?" Eve poked her head out of the kitchen, smiling. Eden quickly ended the hypnosis. Gallia scratched his head: "Oh, nothing, just talking about the front lines with him. Funny how I ended up discussing this with a child..." "You always talk about those things! Hurry up and come for dinner!" Eve brought mushroom soup and corpse-starch to the table, calling them over. Seeing the food on the table, Eden understood. Even for an officer''s family, food was scarce. "Waaah¡ª" A child''s loud cry echoed from the other room. Eve hurried to the room: "Little Gallia is awake; looks like he''s hungry..." When Eve brought out Little Gallia, Eden''s brow furrowed instantly. This child... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 114: Is This the True Statue of the Emperor? Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Is This the True Statue of the Emperor?Eden looked at the two-year-old child in Eve''s arms. The child''s skin had a faint purplish tint, with a bony protrusion on his forehead, giving him the appearance of a bald, sharp-toothed, large-headed baby¡ªquite an unusual sight. Poor child... Eden sighed inwardly. This child must have been affected by radiation while still in his mother''s womb, resulting in his deformities. The couple clearly adored their child. They gazed at him with affection, soothing him with gentle words and kisses on his forehead, calming his emotions. Seeing this, Eden tactfully chose not to bring it up. He didn''t want to reopen any wounds for this unfortunate couple. Once the child had settled down, Eve placed him in a mechanized baby cradle beside the dining table. She pointed at Eden, introducing him: "Little Gallia, this is your brother Eden. You two should get along well from now on..." Huh? Eden was puzzled. When had he revealed his name? He couldn''t quite recall. His mind had been in a haze lately, as though something was affecting his thoughts. Eden felt a pang of worry. Could it be that he had overused his psychic powers and fried his brain? "Eden, are you alright?" Eve frowned, looking concerned. "Are you feeling unwell? I can ask the neighborhood priest to take a look at you." "No, no, I''m fine... just a bit hungry." Eden shook his head quickly. He couldn''t risk a priest examining him. If they discovered he was a psyker, it would be a huge problem. "Are you sure?" "Yes, I''m fine." "Good, then let''s start dinner!" In the dim candlelight, Eden joined the Gallia family in a prayer ritual before the meal, giving thanks to the great Emperor for their food. "Alright, let''s eat!" Eve served Eden a steaming bowl of mushroom soup and gave him a large piece of corpse-starch, more than what she and Gallia had combined. Seeing Eden''s hesitation, Eve spoke firmly, almost in a commanding tone: "If you''re hungry, eat more... Don''t hold back; we''re family now!" Gallia chimed in: "Children should eat plenty. They''re the hope of the future, and all who are loyal to the Emperor should do everything to care for them." With the couple''s insistence, Eden gratefully accepted their kindness and began to eat. "Brother, brother..." Little Gallia suddenly looked at Eden, mumbling in his childlike voice. Eve beamed: "Eden, look! Little Gallia likes you!" Eden looked at Little Gallia, pinching his small purple cheeks. This little one was quite endearing. For some reason, the more Eden looked at him, the more adorable he seemed. Eden scooped half of his food onto Little Gallia''s plate. He gently patted the boy''s head: "Eat well and grow up strong..." Little Gallia nodded happily. He grabbed his small plate, stuffing all the food into his mouth, his sharp teeth clacking together, making an oddly grating sound. Eden nodded with satisfaction. Now that''s how it should be. Eve and Gallia watched their child with faces full of joy. "Dear..." Eve suddenly put down her utensils. She looked at Gallia as if she had something important to say. "What''s wrong?" Gallia asked with concern. Eve gently placed a hand on her stomach, a loving smile on her face: "I have good news¡ªI''m expecting another child!" Gallia was stunned: "Really? When did you find out?" "Just recently. I wanted to surprise you." Gallia''s face lit up with joy, almost jumping with excitement: "Praise the Emperor! This is wonderful news!" To the Emperor''s loyal followers, having more children was a sacred duty and a symbol of family happiness. He had been troubled about only having one child, often teased by his colleagues because of it. In their community, the more children, the better. The Gormans, a family in their district, had ten children. Though Gormans had starved to death, they were honored by the church, canonized as holy followers for everyone to emulate. Their children had been taken in by better families. Those children would become loyal warriors someday. Gallia often fantasized about having ten children of his own. Even if he couldn''t have ten, just one more would be enough. He never expected his wife would surprise him so soon. Gallia held his wife and Little Gallia in a loving embrace: "Tomorrow, I''ll announce this good news to everyone!" Eden watched the happy couple, unable to hold back a smile of his own. Soon, Eve pulled Eden into their embrace as well. He was now a part of their family. Thus, the family held each other closely. It was... wonderful. After dinner, it was time to rest. Eden was assigned to share a room with Little Gallia. As he lay down, he felt something crawl onto the bed, putting him instantly on alert. What is that? Then, a small, soft hand rested on him. "Brother, hug..." Little Gallia''s tiny voice chirped. So it was Little Gallia. Eden relaxed. The boy wriggled his way into Eden''s arms, gripping him tightly with his little hands: "Hug... sleep..." It seemed the little guy wanted Eden to hold him while they slept. "Alright, alright, just don''t wet the bed!" Eden smiled. He pinched Little Gallia''s cheek, then wrapped him in his arms. As Eden lay there, a thought surfaced. Why did I come here again? He felt like he was forgetting more and more things, yet he couldn''t help but feel an overwhelming sense of contentment. He felt a deep sense of belonging and relaxation. He just wanted to stay here and live peacefully. With his mind at ease, he drifted into a deep sleep. It was the best sleep he''d had in days¡ªdeep and restful. "Eden, Eden, wake up!" Suddenly, he heard someone calling him urgently. He opened his eyes. In his sight, Gallia and Eve were standing there, fully dressed, holding their child and looking at him with concern. "Finally, you''re awake!" Gallia chuckled: "You slept like a rock. I couldn''t wake you up at all..." Eve looked anxious, urging him: "Eden, hurry and get ready to go with us to the chapel; today is Prayer Day. If we''re late, we won''t get a good spot." It turned out today was Prayer Day, when all the residents would go to the chapel square to seek the Emperor''s blessing. Eden joined the Gallia family as they moved with the crowd toward the chapel. Most people held several children''s hands, chatting warmly, their faces filled with sincere and joyful smiles. As Eden stepped into the square, he looked at the enormous fifty-meter statue of the Emperor at its center. The overwhelming aura of sanctity, combined with the sheer visual impact, left him momentarily speechless. Eden felt a conflict in his mind, questioning in astonishment: "Is this the true statue of the Emperor?" In his line of sight, the statue of the Emperor loomed above the crowd¡ªwith four arms! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 115: The Gene Stealer! Chapter 115: Chapter 115: The Gene Stealer!The prayer ceremony had begun. The square was filled with loyal and fervent believers. They looked devoutly at the four-armed statue of the Emperor, seeking His blessing. Members of the gospel choir were lined up, singing hymns in praise of the Emperor. The bishop stood on an anti-gravity pulpit, hovering in the air as he spread the Emperor''s gospel to the followers: "Pray devoutly! The great Emperor will hear each of our voices. He will descend from the distant stars to save all our souls! Under His guidance, we will usher in a bright future. His grace will extend to every corner of the universe. Let us follow Him with gratitude, sing His praises, and cheer for His glory!" Watching this scene, Eden stood there, feeling a strong wave of discomfort. A mental shock hit him, causing a sharp pain in his stomach. As this feeling reached its peak¡ª Pop¡ª He broke through a psychic network barrier, regaining his freedom! "Where''s Eden?" Eve opened her eyes after her devout prayer, noticing that Eden was nowhere to be seen. "He probably ran off to play somewhere." Gallia, unconcerned, said: "Let''s finish praying; we''ll look for him afterward." This was the church square, the safest place in the area, so there wouldn''t be any danger. Gallia and his family closed their eyes again, resuming their devout prayers. They prayed for the great Emperor to descend from the stars and save this world of suffering. Eden hid in a corner, looking at the densely packed crowd in the square. He felt only fear. Most of these people had patches of pale purple skin. They were naturally bald with prominent foreheads; they weren''t purely human. Eden finally realized that the Underhive had been infected. And the infection came from Gene Stealers, commonly known as "stealers." Gene Stealers were the terrifying vanguard of the Tyranid Hive Fleet. They were intelligent and capable of independent action, even without guidance from the Hive Mind. Usually, a single first-generation pure-blood Gene Stealer could infect and control an entire planet. A Gene Stealer''s mouth hid a long, sharp tongue, a needle-like ovipositor. They would capture conscious beings, using this tongue to inject "seeds" containing Tyranid genetic material into their hosts, usually by piercing through the mouth to the stomach or chest. These "seeds" would quickly infect the host''s body and mind. The host would forget the infection and succumb to the will of the Gene Stealer, feeling an intense desire to reproduce. They would seek out others to procreate, giving birth to severely deformed, first-generation hybrid offspring. These "seeds" would also twist the host''s mind, causing them to unconditionally love these non-human "children." First-generation hybrids, with their prominent alien traits, would typically hide in sewers or abandoned buildings as they grew. After several generations, they would begin to resemble humans, gradually infiltrating society. As the infected and their hybrid offspring multiplied, they would gather around the original Gene Stealer. They would form a psychic network, creating a massive, loyal family around the Gene Stealer Patriarch. This network would spread, eventually forming the Gene Stealer Cult. Many members of these cults would appear outwardly as loyal Emperor worshippers, appearing normal except for the four-armed Emperor statue hanging around their necks. Many truly believed they were worshiping the Emperor, not some Tyranid creature, acting as model Imperial citizens. When faced with a Chaos or alien invasion, these cultists would transform into the most loyal warriors, defending their world. The phrase "Stealers defending the homeworld" wasn''t spoken without reason. Eden was perplexed. This seemed so obvious¡ªwhy hadn''t he noticed earlier? Suddenly, a sharp pain twisted his stomach, and he vomited a mass of purple tissue. Looking down at the vile tissue, Eden checked his body and found a wound on his chest. He finally understood. Damn it¡ªthis projection had been parasitized at some point. It must have happened while he was unconscious, with a Gene Stealer hybrid seizing the chance to infect him. No wonder he had blended so perfectly with the Gene Stealer brood, even finding those twisted Gene Stealer babies adorable. Fortunately, this cloned body had been created without gender characteristics during its manufacturing. Otherwise, he would have likely found himself procreating with a female Gene Stealer descendant. Ugh... The thought was unbearable¡ªworse than the horrors of Slaanesh. Eden quickly stopped his thoughts, concerned about the current situation. Based on what Gallia had described, the Gene Stealer Cult had likely taken over most of the Underhive. Now, the Underhive''s power struggle was probably between the Chaos Cult and the Gene Stealer Cult. And the Gene Stealer Cult had the upper hand. This was a nightmare start. Soon, Eden thought of an even worse possibility. As the Tyranid vanguard, the original pure-blood Gene Stealer would act as the Patriarch. It could control its descendants through the psychic hive network, growing stronger and more intelligent as the cult expanded. When the cult reached maturity and amassed sufficient psychic power... The Patriarch would become a psychic beacon, attracting the Tyranid Hive Fleet. Once lit, the psychic beacon would allow the Tyranid Hive to locate this planet in the vastness of space, drawing them in for a feast. When that happened, the swarm would consume everything, including the Gene Stealers and their hybrid descendants. In other words, the poor "people" in the square and every lifeform on Urus would be nothing more than a meal for the Tyranids! So yes, these Gene Stealers were true "thieves" in every sense. Welcome to Warhammer 40K, Eden thought, where even trying to lay low somehow attracts Tyranids. Even the Imperium''s main forces struggled against Tyranid invasions. The urgent task now was to find that hidden Patriarch. But in such a massive and complex Underhive, how could he locate it? Moreover, the hybrid descendants and brainwashed people would stop at nothing to protect it. Still, find it he must! Eden steeled himself. He had a clear understanding of the situation now. The Chaos Cult and the Gene Stealer Cult were at a stalemate, which bought him some time. This gave him the chance to return to the Warp and gather more resources, allowing Kaul to build more war machines. Once the machines were ready, he would open the Hive''s gates and let a mechanical tide sweep through the Underhive! This approach was brutal and would sacrifice countless lives in the Underhive. It wouldn''t just be the unfortunate humans; it would include those lost in blissful delusion, waiting for the Emperor''s salvation¡ªGene Stealer hybrids among them. Most of them would perish. But this was Warhammer 40K, a universe without perfect solutions. Only suffering, and more suffering. Eden closed his eyes. To prevent the entire planet from being consumed, he had no other choice. Even if it meant razing the Underhive to the ground, he would find and destroy that damn Patriarch! Just as Eden made his decision, something unusual happened in the square. The choir stopped singing, and the people stood in silence, as though waiting for something. He looked up, seeing the Gene Stealer Bishop on the anti-gravity pulpit, listening intently. Moments later, the Gene Stealer Bishop excitedly announced the unparalleled gospel: "Faithful followers, your prayers have been answered. The great Emperor is about to descend from the stars to save us all..." The Gene Stealer cultists in the square erupted into fanatic cheers. They laughed, wept, and hugged each other in happiness. Praise the Emperor! At that moment, Eden sensed a vast psychic energy emanating from the square, sending a signal into space. The beacon... had been lit! S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 116: Are the Tyranids Coming? Chapter 116: Chapter 116: Are the Tyranids Coming?At that moment, Eden''s mind reeled. The sneaky Genestealer Patriarch had emitted a signal¡ªa feast awaited the Tyranids on Urth! A massive swarm capable of consuming everything would soon arrive. It was said that any planet attacked by the Tyranids would ultimately become nothing more than a barren rock, stripped even of bacteria and archaea along with its atmosphere. Complete annihilation, leaving nothing behind. And now, this catastrophic arrival loomed over them. What could they do? Were they supposed to abandon Urth, retreat to the Warp, and guard the Golden Throne alongside the Emperor himself? Eden''s mind raced, formulating new strategies. The only feasible solution he could think of was to locate the Genestealer Patriarch immediately and cleave it into eighteen pieces, severing the signal it was broadcasting. Then, all they could do was pray. Pray that the Tyranids hadn''t received the signal or that they would redirect their course after it was cut off. But there was no time! Even if Eden mobilized the entire King''s Court army right now, they''d be overwhelmed by the massive forces of the Genestealer Cult. Moreover, such a move would only alert the Patriarch, forcing it to burrow deeper and fortify its defenses further. This would make it even harder to eliminate. What now? Suddenly, a strange sensation surged within Eden. His psychic senses picked up faint, elusive signals. Focusing his mind, he sought the source of these signals. To his astonishment, he found himself linked to an enormous psychic network. Within this network were countless points of light, like stars in the sky, their information interweaving and flowing together. Each point of light represented an individual, all controlled by a massive central node at the core. Eden realized that he too was part of this psychic network. However, the psychic beacon representing him was at the very edge of the network, barely connected to the others. "This is the Genestealers'' Hive Mind?" Eden''s realization filled him with cautious delight. He had connected to it! Due to being parasitized by the Genestealers, Eden had inadvertently tapped into their Hive Mind. What''s more, his solar-powered psychic abilities were far superior, granting him partial control over the network. In fact, his authority exceeded that of most Genestealer leaders, second only to the Patriarch itself. Of course, Eden dared not overreach and risk alerting the Patriarch, which might strip him of this newfound access. Carefully severing his link, he concealed his presence deeper within the network. But the critical advantage remained: Eden could now locate the Patriarch. Through his connection, he faintly sensed the Patriarch''s position¡ªit was nearby! Eden set off toward the area where he had detected the presence. He needed to pinpoint the Patriarch''s exact location quickly to coordinate a strike team for a sudden assault. Just as he began moving, a message surged through the Hive Mind: The Genestealer High Priest had ordered its guards to capture an intruder who had disrupted a prayer ritual. Turning back, Eden saw the High Priest standing atop an anti-gravity pulpit, its gaze fixed on him. Following the Priest''s lead, countless alien-like cultists turned their cold eyes toward Eden. He felt a chill run down his spine. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was too late. He had been discovered! Eden bolted, but the streets ahead were already blocked by the Cult''s warriors. These imposing figures had purple-hued skin, high foreheads, and as many as three or four arms. The warriors brandished razor-sharp blades, charging toward him. Boom! A burst of psychic energy erupted from Eden, sending shockwaves that knocked down the advancing Cultists. Before they could recover, Eden had disappeared. "There¡ªafter him!" The leading Cultist bared its teeth, pointing toward a nearby sewer entrance. One by one, the warriors dove into the underground tunnels, continuing their pursuit. Within the sewer system: Eden, clutching a blade dripping with purple blood, navigated the maze-like passages, evading his pursuers. The sewers were teeming with Genestealers¡ªthis was their domain. Fortunately, his connection to the Hive Mind allowed him to anticipate their movements, narrowly escaping time and again. But Eden wasn''t just running. His ultimate goal was the Patriarch. He deliberately headed toward the heart of the Genestealer lair. As he ventured deeper, the mutants'' forms became increasingly grotesque, their appearances entirely inhuman. They crawled on all fours, with elongated skulls and sharp, protruding tongues. These were likely the first-generation hybrids, indicating he was closing in on the lair. Suddenly, a Genestealer lunged at him from the shadows. Eden dodged, driving his blade into its chest. The creature struggled, its sharp tongue shooting toward Eden''s eye. Buzz! The tongue froze inches from his face, unable to pierce further. "Little Genestealer, I''m a Beta-level omnipotent psyker..." Of course, that was the upper limit of Eden''s original body. His clone couldn''t fully channel such immense psychic power, but it was enough for most situations. Gripping the Genestealer''s tongue, Eden yanked it out along with its organs. As purple blood sprayed, the creature collapsed, clutching its throat. Dispatching the attacker, Eden turned his gaze forward. A massive psychic presence loomed ahead. It had to be the Patriarch. The power of an Alpha+ psyker was said to defy imagination. They could split Titan mechs in half or summon entire legions of greater daemons. Because of this, the Inquisition often executed Alpha+ psykers outright unless absolutely certain of containing them. "Let''s hope the Patriarch isn''t Alpha-level... or it''s game over." Behind him, the howls of pursuing Genestealers echoed once more. Eden pressed forward, intent on mapping the lair''s surroundings and planning his assault. After running some distance, he skidded to a halt at a tunnel''s end. Clang! A massive hammer swung past his face, smashing into the wall and shaking the entire passage. Two towering Genestealer Aberrants emerged, blocking his path. Aberrants, gifted with the Patriarch''s genetic material, were formidable combat units wielding massive hammers capable of shattering powered armor. Turning around, Eden saw two more Aberrants closing in from behind. He was trapped. "Well, this is it..." Eden sighed in resignation. Crash! The four hammers struck simultaneously, reducing his psychic clone to pulp. In the Warp, aboard a voidship: A towering figure clad in golden power armor emerged, a visage reminiscent of the Emperor himself. The figure shuddered slightly. "Damn it, getting smashed feels awful!" Eden raised his clawed left arm, scratching his head as he grumbled. "Thankfully, the clone completed its mission..." His consciousness received the final psychic transmission¡ªa vision of the lair: A vast underground chamber teeming with alien Genestealers. At its center, an enormous, four-armed shadow sat upon a rusted iron throne, exuding an oppressive aura of dominance. Eden smirked. "Found you." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 117: Seeking New Power! Chapter 117: Chapter 117: Seeking New Power!Now that the Genestealer Patriarch''s location was confirmed, things could proceed more smoothly. Eden planned to dispatch an elite force through the underground tunnels to strike directly at the heart of the Genestealers'' lair and execute the Patriarch. The secret route through the tunnels capable of accommodating the strike team was already being calculated by the psychic network. Using the data transmitted by his clone, Eden supplemented the incomplete schematics of the King''s Court''s tunnel system. Currently, Webby was analyzing this residual data, using logical computation to fill in the missing pieces of the map. According to its projections, there was an 80% chance it could pinpoint a suitable route. That was more than promising. Eden hoped it would succeed. While determining the attack route was one challenge, the bigger issue was the manpower for the elite force. The King''s Court simply didn''t have enough elite troops available. The only true elites were the 200 or so Guards. Under normal circumstances, these Guards were more than enough to dominate any adversaries on the planet. But now, they faced terrifying heretics and xenos. Against such monstrous threats, the Guards were far from sufficient. Moreover, this mission targeted a fully mature Genestealer brood. The 200 Guards wouldn''t even make it past the swarming hordes on the outskirts of the lair, let alone reach its core. Thus, Eden had to seek new power. His sights were set on the void-dwelling survivors aboard the derelict space vessel. He looked up at the tribal settlement clinging to the mountains of wreckage. That was the place. During his exploration of the derelict vessel with the Little Sun, Eden had discovered these void survivors. Their bodies were incredibly strong, capable of slaying Chaos creatures with their bare hands. They were natural-born warriors. "Damn, the Chaos creatures here are endless. How many more do I have to kill?" Eden grumbled, tossing aside the remains of a Chaos beast as he made his way toward the void survivors'' settlement. He had uncovered their secrets, giving him hope of recruiting these powerful warriors. At the tribe''s outskirts: Tia stood anxiously at the settlement''s entrance, awaiting the return of the foraging party. Her father had joined the foragers in their search for fungi within the mountains of wreckage, and she was deeply worried for their safety. The fungi near the settlement were growing scarce, forcing the foragers to venture further out, where they faced increasingly dangerous Chaos creatures. Each foraging trip resulted in casualties, yet they had no choice but to go. The dwindling fungi supply had already led to famine in the tribe. If the foragers didn''t bring back food, more people would starve. Tia had been waiting a long time. One group of foragers after another returned, injured and downcast. When she inquired, they could only report that the fungi were vanishing in patches, leaving them with almost nothing to collect. It seemed the tribe would face another wave of starvation. Tia herself was starving, but she held onto hope that her father, the best forager in the tribe, would return with food. "Oh great deity, please protect my father and the others. Let them return safely..." Tia clasped the wooden figurine in her hands tightly, her young face solemn and devout. The figurine represented the deity her tribe had worshipped since its inception. Even the eldest shaman, who had lived for decades, didn''t know the deity''s true name. They only knew it was the tribe''s protector and savior. During every ritual, the shaman would recount an ancient prophecy: The tribe must worship the deity with utmost devotion, for one day the deity would hear their call. It would descend clad in golden armor from the void to save them all. And they would follow in the deity''s footsteps to a beautiful paradise, a land of warmth, endless food, and sunlight. For the void survivors, this prophecy was a beacon of hope. Tia clung to it during every ritual, imagining the paradise where she and her loved ones would never go hungry again. Lost in her daydream, Tia was suddenly overshadowed by a looming figure. "Little girl, can you help me?" Eden, clad in radiant golden power armor, looked down at her, forcing a warm smile. "I''m a traveler from afar, here to trade with your people. Can you fetch your elders for me?" As he spoke, he awkwardly retrieved a loaf of bread and offered it to her. "If you help me, this tasty treat is yours..." Tia''s gaze shifted to the bread. Its aroma wafted into her nostrils¡ªshe had never smelled anything so delightful. But instead of focusing on the bread, she stared blankly at Eden, her eyes wide with awe. The golden glow emanating from his armor struck a deep chord in her. Clatter! The wooden figurine fell from her hands. "The deity... The deity has heard our call and descended..." Tears welled up in her eyes as Tia dropped to her knees in reverence. Eden was baffled. "Deity? What deity? Little girl, I just want you to fetch your elders..." "By your will, great deity! I will inform them immediately!" Scrambling to her feet, Tia wiped her tears and ran toward the settlement, her small legs pumping with urgency. She couldn''t wait to share the joyous news: their deity had come to lead them to paradise! "What''s going on? Deity? Me?" Eden scratched his head, watching the girl run off, his mind filled with questions. This wasn''t part of the plan. Initially, Eden had intended to recruit the void survivors by offering them food in exchange for fighting under his command. At least with him, they''d receive ample food and proper armor, instead of risking their lives for scraps of fungi. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Picking up the fallen wooden figurine, Eden examined it closely. It was unmistakably a crude depiction of the Emperor. Realization dawned. These void survivors worshipped the Emperor, and they had mistaken him for their deity. "Well, might as well go along with it..." After all, as a minor Warp deity himself, he could loosely claim divine status. When Tia informed the tribe, the entire settlement erupted in excitement. The elderly shaman, trembling with age, led the people in welcoming Eden, their "deity," into the heart of the settlement. Eden''s presentation of wheat-based food solidified their belief in his divinity. To them, such delicious food could only come from the paradise foretold in the prophecy. The long-awaited savior had arrived, offering them salvation from their endless hunger. They knelt and begged Eden to lead them to the paradise. Faced with their eager and hopeful faces, Eden felt a twinge of awkwardness. Paradise? More like a world crawling with Genestealers. How could he tell them their deity''s plan was to march them into the heart of a xenos hive? (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 118: The Day of Ascension! Chapter 118: Chapter 118: The Day of Ascension!As Eden hesitated, the last foraging party of the void survivor tribe returned, armed with crude spears. "Father!" Tia ran excitedly to hug the robust man leading the group. The elderly shaman approached him and asked: "Duke, did you find the fungal clusters?" Duke shook his head. "We searched farther than ever before, but it''s as if the fungi have vanished entirely. The cursed creatures are growing more numerous. We barely made it back alive..." Hearing this, the shaman sighed in despair. Duke, however, clenched his fists, his resolve unshaken. "After we resupply, we''ll venture even farther until we find the fungi!" Tia grabbed Duke''s hand, her voice brimming with pride: "Father, you don''t need to risk your life anymore. I''ve found the deity! He will take us to paradise, where no one will ever go hungry again." She turned to Eden, her gaze filled with hope. "Isn''t that right, great deity?" Duke noticed Eden standing on the platform and gasped. "Great deity, is this true?" Realizing he might have offended the divine, Duke quickly lowered his gaze, swallowing his words. Eden hesitated, uneasy under Tia''s expectant gaze. The truth was that he planned to lead the void survivors not to paradise but into battle. As Eden remained silent, Tia''s eyes began to glisten with tears, as if the deity had refused to grant them salvation. "Great deity..." The elderly shaman trembled as he knelt before Eden. "You see it yourself¡ªthe fungi are disappearing, and we''ve starved for far too long. If you don''t save us, we will all perish from famine." Faced with their pleading eyes, Eden hesitated before deciding to reveal the truth¡ªalbeit with careful phrasing. He told the void survivors that paradise had been invaded by dreadful demons. He had come to find powerful warriors to help him repel these invaders. Eden also explained the risks of this battle, warning them that many might perish. The void survivors erupted with fervor. Wielding their spears, they vowed to fight for paradise. The paradise they had dreamed of for generations could not be allowed to fall to demons. "Great deity, we are willing to fight the demons!" "Yes, we''ll fight!" "Kill those accursed demons!" For these void survivors, battle was a way of life. They had fought endlessly against Chaos creatures to protect their tribe and gather food. Combat was etched into their very blood. Seeing their indomitable spirit, Eden agreed to lead them to paradise, promising them plentiful food and superior weapons and armor. When Eden consented to guide them, the void survivors wept with joy, their long-awaited prophecy finally fulfilled. They would journey to the paradise they had dreamed of for generations! After gathering their belongings and families, the void survivors assembled. Eden used his Hope Energy to open a Warp portal leading to Urth. Full of hope, the void survivors stepped through the gateway to paradise. As the portal closed, over 20,000 void survivors found themselves standing in the Holy Plaza of the King''s Court. They marveled at the magnificent buildings surrounding them, adorned with the timeless beauty of Imperial architecture. When they saw the towering golden statue of the Emperor, they were awestruck. "This is the deity''s statue!" The void survivors knelt in reverence, praising the miracle before them. It was natural for them to mistake the Emperor''s statue for Eden''s likeness. After all, when the statue was restored, Eden had instructed Bayev to slightly adjust the face to resemble his own. Eden ordered the logistics team to treat the void survivors with utmost hospitality, providing them with the finest food. He then headed to the military office to review the battle plans. Upon arriving, Eden received good news: sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Webby had successfully calculated a route through the tunnels! It was an abandoned and concealed passage, minimizing the chances of detection by the Genestealers. "Father, I did great, didn''t I?" Webby beamed with pride, seeking praise. Having spent so much time interacting with Kaul, Moss, and the tech-priests, it was becoming more human-like every day. "You did amazing! Truly my precious little helper!" Eden praised it wholeheartedly. A war council was soon convened, attended by Eden, Bayev, Webby, Carter, Arye, Kaes, Kaul, Doni, and Duke, who represented the void survivors. The council decided to select 3,000 of the strongest void survivor warriors for the operation. With extensive discussions and calculations led by Webby, the final battle plan was established. Eden approved the plan to launch a decapitation strike targeting the Genestealer Patriarch. The King''s Court assembled an elite force of 2,000 Guards and 3,000 void survivor warriors, fully armed by Kaul. In the tunnels: "Warriors, move out!" As the massive iron gates of the tunnel district creaked open, Eden, clad in his modified golden power armor, led over 5,000 troops into the dark passageways under the cover of night. They would navigate the calculated route to the underhive, striking the heart of the Genestealer lair. The mission was to execute the Patriarch before the Genestealers could muster their horde. Failure would mean being surrounded by millions of Genestealers, leaving no escape. The beacon was already lit. The Tyranid fleet could arrive at any moment¡ªbe it years or mere days. This desperate gambit to slay the Patriarch was Urth''s only chance of survival. For many, this battle would be a one-way trip. In the underhive: The district was a sea of revelry. The Genestealers and their cultists held grand gatherings, embracing, sharing food and drink, and celebrating without restraint. The offspring of the Genestealers and their followers indulged in brazen acts in the open. In one corner of the hive, Gallia and his family joined the festivities. Gallia had been told he no longer needed to fight on the frontlines and could now enjoy the final moments of salvation. As people danced in the streets, Gallia and his wife Eve captivated everyone with their graceful movements. After the dance, Eve held their young son, looking lovingly at Gallia as they cherished their family time. "How wonderful... If only Eden were here too," Eve thought wistfully. Under the cult''s influence, the Genestealers and their followers firmly believed that the great Emperor would descend from the heavens to redeem the planet. When that moment came, they would be freed from all suffering, achieving ultimate liberation. For now, they smiled in blissful anticipation¡ª Ready to welcome the Day of Ascension. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 119: The Ambush! Chapter 119: Chapter 119: The Ambush!Aaahhh¡ª Screams of humans echoed through the vast, dim sewer chamber. Crunch, crunch. The four-armed Genestealer Patriarch, towering nearly five meters tall with a grotesquely protruding cranium, chewed on a cultist it had just picked up, blood dripping from its maw. On the ground, several Genestealer cultists gazed fanatically at the monstrous being they worshipped. The Patriarch required vast quantities of fresh blood daily to sustain its body, and the cultists were the ideal sustenance. The High Priests, under the guise of serving the "great entity," regularly selected the most devout cultists to be offered as sacrifices. The cultists even competed for this so-called honor. Once chosen, they would fast for several days, cleanse themselves, and present themselves to the Patriarch. After a few bites, the Patriarch spat out the half-eaten remains. "Disgusting humans... absolutely vile!" Its cold gaze swept over the groveling humans, filled with disdain. These pitiful creatures were far from satisfying. Suddenly, an idea crossed the Patriarch''s twisted mind, and it broke into a sinister grin. It released the cultists from its psychic control and induced overwhelming terror instead. Freed from their mental illusions, the cultists now saw the Patriarch in its true, horrifying form. They screamed and trembled, attempting to flee, but their legs buckled beneath them. "This is what makes them delicious~" The Patriarch grabbed another cultist and swallowed them whole, savoring the renewed taste of fear. One cultist managed to crawl away, stumbling toward the exit. But the Patriarch''s spiked tail impaled him through the chest, lifting him into the air. "How dare you flee in the presence of the great one?" With a crushing grip, it turned the cultist into a gory pulp, disdainfully tossing the remains to the others. It then flicked its tongue, snatching a blade from a nearby Genestealer guard and throwing it at the cultists'' feet. "I''ll give you a chance to live. Attack me or kill your comrades. Achieve either, and you may survive." The Patriarch slouched back onto its rusted iron throne, lazily extending its tail toward the cultists, inviting their attack. One cultist hesitated before picking up the blade. Summoning his courage, he raised it toward the tail. But under the Patriarch''s cold gaze, his resolve faltered, and he turned the blade on his fellow cultists instead. The others scrambled to grab weapons, attacking each other in desperation. The Patriarch watched its orchestrated bloodbath with amusement, reveling in the spectacle. After a gruesome fight, only one burly cultist remained standing. He trembled as he asked cautiously: "Can... can I leave now?" The Patriarch gestured dismissively, indicating he could go. Relieved, the cultist dropped the blade and began to walk away. But as soon as he turned, the Patriarch''s barbed tongue pierced through his back, yanking him into its gaping maw. Chewing loudly, it muttered through a mouthful of flesh: "Foolish humans... I lied." It delighted in its cruel joke. Such cowardly and ignorant beings were only fit to be food. After swallowing the remains, the Patriarch lounged back on its throne. Suddenly, it snapped upright, its eyes gleaming with excitement. "The Great Hive Mind has received the signal¡ªthey are coming!" The arrival of the holy devourers signified the Day of Ascension. It envisioned itself and all life on the planet¡ª even the vile Chaos spawn¡ªachieving divine unity. Just as the Patriarch basked in its imagined glory¡ª Boom! A massive explosion rocked the chamber, shaking the very foundations of the sewer. Gunfire and artillery blasts erupted all around. "Those damn humans... dare defy the holy union?" The Patriarch roared with fury. Using the Hive Mind, it issued a command to all nearby Genestealers: "Kill every intruder!" It also summoned reinforcements from distant sectors, determined to eliminate the threat and preserve the sanctity of the Day of Ascension. The idea that the invaders could disrupt its plans? Laughable. This planet was firmly under its control. As its command spread through the Hive Mind, a purple tide surged through the underhive. Millions of Genestealer warriors from surrounding districts converged on the chamber, while even larger forces prepared for war. Above the sewer in the street district: Fierce battles raged as Kaul, Arye, and Kaes led 2,000 warriors through the pipes to establish a defensive line. Their task was to hold off the Genestealer forces converging on the surface. Bang! Bang! Bang! Several advancing Genestealer warriors fell under a hail of bullets. "Fools! You''ll never breach the mighty defenses I''ve constructed!" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kaul, draped in his crimson robes, hovered above the battlefield on an anti-gravity platform. His many mechanical arms, each equipped with different weapons, unleashed relentless firepower on the Genestealers below. Suddenly, one of his mechanical limbs fired a cannon behind him, demolishing half a building and burying the Genestealer gunners inside. Kaul''s trusted servo-skull, heavily modified with advanced weaponry, led a swarm of lesser servo-skulls, raining laser fire down on wave after wave of Genestealers. Kaul alone held the line on one front. On the ground, Arye hefted a massive machine gun, unleashing a torrent of bullets on the enemy. Kaes manned a small energy cannon, picking off the Genestealers'' heavy artillery. Though the surface district wasn''t heavily populated by Genestealers initially, reinforcements began to pour in, increasing the pressure on Kaul''s forces. Some defenders started to fall. "Hold the line!" Arye roared, rallying his troops to fight even harder. Governor Eden''s orders were clear: they needed to hold the line for at least 15 minutes¡ªor longer if possible. Within the sewer tunnels: Brutal close-quarters combat unfolded as 3,000 void survivor warriors blocked key passageways. Their mission was to hold back the stronger first- and second-generation Genestealers. Clad in alloy armor and wielding shields and spears, the void survivors fought fearlessly against the demonic xenos. "Tribesmen, defend the beautiful paradise with your lives!" Duke, standing at the front with a massive shield and spear, confronted the charging Genestealers. Though fear gripped him momentarily, he steeled himself. He had vowed to fight to the death for paradise. When the Genestealers reached him, Duke shut his eyes and bashed forward with his shield, sending several flying. Following up with his spear, he swiftly dispatched those still on the ground. Duke paused, astonished. These demons seemed weaker than the Chaos beasts he had fought before. And with his new alloy armor, he felt even stronger. "For paradise!" His fear dissipated as Duke roared, charging into the Genestealer horde with newfound confidence. The other void survivor warriors soon realized their own strength, crashing into the enemy ranks with increasing ferocity. In the depths of the sewer chamber: On the rusted iron throne, the Patriarch''s face darkened. The ambush was sudden and unexpected. It sensed its defending forces being blocked, while the true invaders drew ever closer to its lair. The battle had begun. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 120: The Strongest Being on the Planet? Chapter 120: Chapter 120: The Strongest Being on the Planet?[Check out my new fanfic! [Mysteries On Marvel] Give it Power Stones for extra Chapters!] Hisssss¡ª Dozens of Genestealers lunged forward. Eden stood firm, raising his hand as golden psychic lightning crackled and formed. In an instant, the lightning surged outward, burning the oncoming tide into charred corpses. Thud, thud, thud! Several Aberrants, wielding massive iron hammers, charged at full speed. "Damn humans! You''ll all be turned into pulp!" Eden narrowed his eyes, recognizing these hulking figures. With a smirk, he ordered: "Carter, take care of them. Make it messy!" "Yes, sir!" Carter stepped forward, his face resolute. He quickly unstrapped a mechanical device painted with a skull from his back, unfolding it into a cannon. In one swift motion: load, crouch, fire. The projectile split mid-air, piercing directly into the Aberrants'' chests. Boom! A muffled explosion turned the Aberrants into a spray of flesh and gore, coating the tunnel walls. One remaining head rolled to Carter''s feet, which he crushed under his boot with satisfaction. This weapon was Carter''s brainchild, custom-built by the Tech-Priest Kaul. It was designed for maximum efficiency in eliminating enemies. Turning back, Carter reported confidently: "Governor, the enemy is down!" Eden, suppressing a sigh at Carter''s usual flair for bloodshed, gestured for the team to press onward toward the sewer chamber. Through the Hive Mind, Eden sensed more and more Genestealers converging on their position. Time was running out¡ªdelaying further would trap the strike force in a sea of xenos. "You never fail to surprise me, Carter..." Eden remarked. The team reached a towering wall of pipes, and Eden halted. Taking out his data slate, he marked an "X" on a section of the wall. "Demolition team, breach it!" Following his command, several Guards moved swiftly to set up explosives. Boom! The explosion created a large hole in the wall, revealing another pipe beyond. The blast knocked over an Aberrant, which roared and scrambled toward the opening. "Praise the Emperor!" A booming voice echoed as a massive power axe cleaved the Aberrant''s head in half. Doni, clad in holy power armor crafted by the Ecclesiarchy, shoved the corpse aside. With the obstacle cleared, the team advanced into the next tunnel. As they moved deeper into the pipes, more Guards branched off to defend strategic points. Fully armed, these Guards were prepared to hold back the Genestealer swarms at any cost, even activating self-destruct devices if necessary to ensure their mission''s success. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the end of the pipe loomed a massive archway. Eden''s expression grew heavy¡ªbeyond this gate lay their target. The Patriarch was close. As the team approached, the sound of blades slicing through the air filled the tunnel. Elite Genestealer guards, each nearly two meters tall and wielding four blades, emerged to intercept them. Ten Guards rushed forward to engage, holding back the xenos while Eden led Carter, Doni, and the others through the archway. The scene beyond was grotesque. The chamber stretched dozens of meters high, with pipes crisscrossing the space. The ground was littered with bones. At the center, the enormous Genestealer Patriarch sat atop its rusted iron throne, crushing cultists in its claws and greedily drinking their blood. After finishing, it tossed the mangled corpses at Eden''s feet, looking down on him from the throne. "Pitiful humans..." Bang! A shot from Eden''s golden bolt pistol struck the Patriarch''s head. Though the damage was minimal, the insult was unmistakable. The Patriarch''s expression twisted with rage as smoke rose from Eden''s pistol. "You dare¡ª" Bang! Another shot interrupted its growl. "Damned human, I''ll¡ª" Bang! Bang! Eden, seething with fury, fired repeatedly without a word. The Patriarch roared, clutching its head in frustration. How dare a human humiliate such a supreme being! Pointing at Eden, it bellowed: "Kill him!" Dozens of Aberrants and Genestealer guards charged forward. Carter and the Guards were ready, launching rockets designed by Kaul. Boom! Boom! Boom! The rockets split mid-air, embedding themselves into the xenos before detonating, reducing over half of them to shreds. As Carter prepared to reload, a massive psychic force surged through the chamber. "Dodge!" Eden''s warning came just in time. Carter evaded, but several Guards were crushed along with their rocket launchers by the psychic attack. Eden turned to the source¡ªa black-robed Genestealer High Priest levitating beside the throne. The Priest radiated overwhelming psychic power, the pressure causing Eden''s golden armor to groan under the strain. Raising his bolt pistol, Eden aimed at the Priest, but under the psychic assault, his weapon sparked and crumbled to the ground. Hovering in mid-air, the Priest sneered: "Praise the great Devourer! You cannot escape!" As it intensified its psychic attack, the Priest suddenly screamed, clutching its head in agony. Eden had countered with his own psychic power, channeling it into the Priest''s mind. The pressure increased until¡ª Boom! The Priest''s head exploded, leaving its corpse to crumple beside the throne. With the Priest eliminated, Carter, Doni, and the others finished off the remaining enemies. Only the Patriarch remained. The team closed in on the Patriarch, which casually brushed the Priest''s corpse aside. With thousands of offspring, the loss of a few was insignificant. Rising from its throne, the Patriarch stepped forward. "I admire your futile struggle, but it''s all in vain. You cannot kill me..." As the Patriarch approached, Carter and Doni activated the power fields of their weapons and struck. Buzz! The Patriarch''s psychic barrier deflected them, sending both men crashing into the chamber walls, coughing blood. The Patriarch loomed over Eden, lowering its head to glare at him. "Because I am unstoppable. I am the strongest being on this planet!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 121: Crushing the Patriarch Chapter 121: Chapter 121: Crushing the PatriarchThe Genestealer Patriarch''s grotesque, menacing face leaned closer. "You went to great lengths to try to assassinate me. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But it''s all for nothing. My countless offspring are on their way. You, and all your subordinates, will die here..." As the Patriarch spoke, a series of explosions reverberated from the outer tunnels. It seemed some of the Guards had activated their self-destruct mechanisms to take the Genestealers with them. The distant roars of xenos echoed ominously¡ªmore were breaking through the defensive lines, rushing toward the chamber. "Go hold them off! I''ll handle the Patriarch!" Eden''s voice was firm, his eyes locked on the monstrous being in front of him. Doni and Carter exchanged glances before nodding, quickly retreating with the Guards to fortify positions at the tunnel entrances. The narrow terrain would help them hold back the oncoming tide of Genestealers. Soon, the sounds of battle erupted behind them. The Patriarch sneered mockingly. "Look at your pitiful little expression. You want to kill me, don''t you? Fine. I''ll give you a chance to attack." It extended its head toward Eden, its foul breath reeking of blood and decay. "Take your best shot, little creature. Make it count..." The Patriarch closed its eyes, appearing completely defenseless. "Die!" Eden roared as he drew his monomolecular blade, channeling all his strength into a strike aimed at the Patriarch''s eye. But just as the blade neared its target, the Patriarch''s eyes snapped open. Buzz! A psychic barrier flared to life, halting the blade mid-thrust. The Patriarch''s grotesque face twisted into a mocking grin. "Foolish human, did you truly believe you could harm a being as great as me?" With a thunderous roar, its massive fist swung forward. Eden tried to dodge, but the psychic field locked his hand in place, leaving him vulnerable. Boom! The punch hit like a sledgehammer, sending Eden flying through the air. He crashed to the ground, rolling several times before coming to a stop. His blade slipped from his grasp, clattering onto the floor. Coughing up blood, Eden struggled to his feet, his mind racing. He raised a hand to unleash a psychic counterattack, but the Patriarch was ready. "I''ve been watching you. Your psychic power is far inferior to mine, and I won''t give you the chance to use it!" The Patriarch''s four arms moved in unison, channeling psychic energy. Invisible hands formed from raw psychic force, binding Eden and lifting him into the air. Bang! Bang! Bang! Eden''s body slammed against the walls and floor, leaving deep craters. The relentless impacts left him reeling, seemingly powerless to resist. Satisfied, the Patriarch drew Eden closer, its voice dripping with contempt. "Weak, ignorant human. Time to die!" Its razor-sharp tongue coiled back, ready to strike like a spear. This was the Genestealers'' preferred method of execution¡ªa brutal, head-piercing strike. But instead of fear, a cold smirk appeared on Eden''s face. He had been waiting for this moment. Having studied the Genestealers extensively¡ªand having been parasitized once¡ªhe knew their tactics well. Before the mission, he had worked with Kaul to create a specially modified suit of armor designed specifically to counter this attack. Clang! As the tongue shot forward, Eden''s chest plate snapped open, revealing a spiked alloy panel bristling with barbs. The tongue struck the panel, impaling itself on the barbs. "Aaaaagh!" The Patriarch screamed in agony, recoiling its tongue only to tear off chunks of its own flesh. Eden silently pitied the creature. Its tongue, a critical organ for egg-laying, was covered in sensitive nerves. Imagining such an appendage being pierced by barbs and coated with potent toxins and anesthetics¡ªcourtesy of Kaul''s enhancements¡ªwas enough to make anyone wince. The toxins spread rapidly through the Patriarch''s body, its tongue swelling and blackening. The combination of pain and the drugs disrupted its concentration, causing the psychic bindings on Eden to falter. Eden dropped to the ground, immediately springing to his feet. "Time to return the favor!" He launched himself forward, delivering a powerful punch to the Patriarch''s face. But his fist stopped short, caught once again by a psychic barrier. Even in its weakened state, the Patriarch was still a formidable opponent. "You dare harm me, the great one? You''ll die in the most excruciating way!" Eden gritted his teeth. "Enough with the theatrics!" His golden gauntlet transformed, revealing jet nozzles along his arm. This was the jet-propelled power fist, another of Kaul''s creations. Boom! Compressed fuel ignited, sending flames and exhaust shooting from the jets, propelling his fist with unstoppable force. Crack! The psychic barrier shattered like glass as Eden''s electrified, jet-propelled fist slammed into the Patriarch''s jaw. "Aaagh!" The blow shattered its jaw, sending fragments of teeth and its mangled tongue flying. The massive creature toppled backward, crashing to the ground. Before it could recover, Eden was on it again. "Eat this!" He delivered another rocket-powered punch, driving the Patriarch further into the ground. Just as he prepared for another strike¡ª Fizzle. The fuel in his gauntlet ran out. The Patriarch''s expression shifted from relief to horror as the gauntlet transformed once more. Its outer casing fell away, revealing pistons and air pumps. High-pressure gas hissed as the pumps engaged. Eden pinned the Patriarch down and began hammering its head with rapid, piston-driven punches. Bang! Bang! Bang! Each blow left deep dents in the creature''s skull. As a high-tier xenos, the Patriarch''s regenerative abilities were formidable. Eden knew he had to finish it before the toxins and anesthetics wore off. While pummeling the Patriarch, Eden subtly channeled the power of the Little Sun, attempting to infiltrate the Hive Mind. "Roar!" The Patriarch let out an enraged cry, and Eden felt a shift in its aura. "Damn it, the anesthetics wore off!" The psychic barrier flared to life, throwing Eden off. He rolled to his feet, only to see the Patriarch rising, its massive form casting a dark shadow over him. Its jaw was twisted, its face riddled with injuries, but its voice was chillingly clear: "Damned human... Die!" A torrent of psychic energy surged toward Eden. He instinctively raised his hand to block, but the expected impact never came. Boom! The Patriarch, seemingly traumatized, had turned and smashed through a weak section of the chamber wall, fleeing into the tunnels. Cold calculation replaced its earlier rage. If it escaped, it could rally its endless hordes and crush Eden with sheer numbers. For now, retreat was the wisest option. "This isn''t over, human..." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 122: Seizing the Hive Network Chapter 122: Chapter 122: Seizing the Hive NetworkThe Genestealer Patriarch fled with astonishing speed, its massive form vanishing into the dark tunnels. Eden stood stunned for a moment before sprinting after it. "Damn it, that slippery bastard!" The Patriarch was proving to be an incredibly cunning adversary. Despite having a strong chance to eliminate its enemies, the Patriarch had chosen to flee the moment it sensed danger. Eden chased the blood trail through the labyrinthine pipes, knowing he had to stop it before it rejoined its army. Once it rallied its forces, defeating it would be impossible. After what felt like an eternity, a faint light appeared ahead¡ªa break in the tunnel leading to the surface. "This doesn''t feel right..." Eden hesitated but decided to climb through the opening. As soon as he emerged, he saw the Patriarch standing in the distance, its cold gaze locked on him. "Foolish, insignificant human. You dare pursue me? It''s too late for you now..." Eden steadied himself and adjusted the pressure in his piston gauntlet, clenching his fists. "Running with such bravado¡ªstrategic retreat, was it?" The Patriarch ignored his taunt, lifting its four arms as if summoning something. "You should feel despair, for my loyal offspring are here to protect their father!" A chorus of screeches echoed from afar, and the ground began to tremble as though an earthquake was building. Eden looked up to see a massive tide of purple surging toward him¡ªthe Genestealer horde had arrived. Turning, he realized the same sight awaited him behind. Surrounded on all sides, Eden found himself at the epicenter of a sea of xenos. Within a radius of several kilometers, millions of Genestealers of all shapes and sizes gathered, their numbers stretching as far as the eye could see. Flanked by dozens of elite guards, the Patriarch once again took on the air of an unstoppable monarch. Victory seemed assured, and nothing could halt the Day of Ascension now. Pointing one claw at Eden, it declared: "Are you prepared to die?" Eden sighed, shaking his head. "If I said no, would you give me some time to get ready?" The Patriarch''s expression turned venomous. "Of course not. I can''t wait to see your death." It roared, issuing its command through the Hive Mind: "My loyal offspring, tear this human to pieces!" The command rippled through the psychic network, and the once-silent horde erupted into chaos. Purple waves of Genestealers surged forward, determined to rip Eden apart. Watching from the rear, the Patriarch reveled in its impending victory. But then it saw something unexpected¡ªthe human raised his hand as if to speak. "Wait!" Astonishingly, the charging Genestealers paused, their eyes filled with confusion. "What?" The Patriarch froze, disbelief flashing across its face. Before it could react, Eden gave his next command: "Loyal children, give that old fool a slap!" Smack! One of the Patriarch''s elite guards turned and delivered a resounding slap to its face. Realizing what it had done, the guard recoiled in terror. "Traitor!" Enraged, the Patriarch tore the offending guard apart with its four arms. But before it could catch its breath, more guards turned on it, striking it from all sides. Roar! Furious, the Patriarch unleashed a wave of psychic energy, reducing its attacking guards to bloody mist. It turned to Eden, its voice trembling with fury and confusion. "What have you done? How is this possible?" The Genestealer Patriarch had never encountered such defiance from its offspring. With a smile that could only be described as infuriatingly smug, Eden replied: "Because... I am the Sun." At that moment, the Patriarch sensed something within the Hive Mind¡ªan overwhelming presence outside its control. Amidst the network, a brilliant light appeared, casting its own influence over the psychic plane. And under this light, the Patriarch''s once-dominant presence seemed insignificant. Eden exhaled deeply, relief washing over him. The infiltration was complete. By linking the Little Sun to the Hive Mind, Eden had redefined the network''s hierarchy. If the Patriarch had been the "king," then Eden had just become their "god." The Patriarch trembled, sensing an unprecedented threat. In a panic, it screamed, "Tear him apart! Now!" But the Genestealers didn''t move. Instead, they turned their hateful eyes toward their former master. Realizing the shift in allegiance, the Patriarch stumbled back in fear. "No! I''m your father!" it pleaded. From a genetic perspective, it was true¡ªthe entire Genestealer population on the planet descended from the Patriarch. But the Little Sun''s influence had twisted their minds, filling them with rage against their creator. Eden issued a simple command: "Rip your Patriarch to shreds." Without hesitation, the Genestealer horde surged forward, descending on the Patriarch. "Get away! I''m your father!" The Patriarch''s psychic powers obliterated dozens of attackers at a time, but the horde was endless. For every xenos it killed, dozens more took their place. "I''ll kill you, human!" Desperation took hold as the Patriarch abandoned all restraint, unleashing its full psychic potential. The resulting waves of energy shredded countless Genestealers, creating rivers of blood and mountains of corpses. Carving a path through the horde, the Patriarch charged directly at Eden, determined to reclaim control of its children. As it closed in, it saw Eden standing calmly, his expression cold. Eden raised his hand and declared: "Foul xenos, face the judgment of the Imperium!" Boom! Boom! Boom! Explosions erupted as artillery shells from the defensive lines struck the Patriarch. The force of the blasts sent it toppling backward, and the horde swarmed over it, tearing at its flesh. "Aaaahhhh!" The Patriarch''s screams echoed as its body was devoured, its flesh stripped away to reveal stark white bones. Its clawed hand twitched once before falling limp. The Genestealer Patriarch was no more. Yet in its final moments, the Patriarch''s twisted face broke into a smile. It closed its eyes, filled with a grim satisfaction. For the Great Devourer was coming. (End of Chapter) sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 123: The Hive Fleet’s Arrival? Chapter 123: Chapter 123: The Hive Fleet''s Arrival?As the Genestealers dispersed from the Patriarch''s remains, all that was left on the ground was a skeletal husk. Its flesh had been devoured down to the last morsel by its offspring. Eden confirmed that the Patriarch was utterly dead, its representative light extinguished from the Hive Network. This meant he could now fully take control of the Hive Network, commanding millions of Genestealer offspring and billions of cultist followers. This battle had been a monumental success, a windfall of power that bolstered Eden''s strength significantly. But just as he prepared to further manipulate the Hive Network, an unforeseen event occurred. Suddenly, millions of Genestealers in the vicinity froze, lifting their heads as one to stare at the sky. Throughout the underhive, every Genestealer mirrored this behavior. It was an instinctual reaction embedded in their very genetic code, heralding the arrival of a being they were born to serve. Eden felt it too¡ªa terrifying presence that made his body tremble involuntarily. His psychic senses screamed in warning, urging him to avoid any attempts to probe the Warp. And he understood immediately what this meant. The Hive Fleet had arrived! At least, it had entered the star system containing Urth. The Tyranids were guided by the Hive Mind, a consciousness so vast and overwhelming that it left an imprint on the Warp itself. This manifestation of the Hive Mind took the form of an oppressive shadow, a force so immense that it could drive psykers or even Chaos entities mad, causing them to perish on the spot. Eden sensed the Hive Fleet''s encroaching presence, its shadow smothering all Warp activity. Warp travel and communication had become impossible. This meant even fleeing to the Warp was no longer an option. The Hive Mind''s influence was like a galactic bug in the system¡ªan incomprehensible and unstoppable force. Fortunately, the fleet approaching Urth was merely an offshoot of the Tyranid main force, a mere tendril of its incomprehensible might. If it were the full might of the Hive Fleet, Eden couldn''t imagine how the Imperium could survive. But even this tendril was far beyond what Urth could resist. There was no hope of defeating it, no possibility of escape or aid. Eden was filled with a profound sense of despair but quickly rallied himself to act. He instructed the Little Sun to fully replace the Patriarch and seize control of the Hive Network. Once in control, Eden immediately deactivated the psychic beacon that had attracted the Hive Fleet. He then directed all his energy to sever the communication channels, effectively isolating the Hive Network into a closed system. By cutting off these channels, he prevented any possibility of the Hive Fleet re-establishing control. The process of severing the connection drained nearly all the energy Eden had painstakingly accumulated. But it was a necessary cost¡ªif he survived this ordeal, he would have gained an invaluable psychic Hive Network. Such a network was far beyond anything he could have constructed on his own. With these preparations complete, Eden turned his gaze skyward, bracing himself for what was to come. All he could do now was pray. Pray that the Hive Fleet would lose interest and move on after finding the beacon extinguished and the Hive Network inaccessible. In the Depths of Space The void shimmered as the Hive Fleet emerged from its faster-than-light travel, arriving at the edge of the Urth system. Encased within a dense cloud of defensive spores, the Hive Ship''s tendrils swayed in the vacuum of space. Around it floated countless bio-ships, forming the core of the fleet. This colossal living spacecraft was not only a command node for the Hive Mind but also a vast biofactory. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Its chitinous exoskeleton and leathery hide shielded it from the harshness of both the Warp and the void. When the Hive Ship reached a new world, it would unleash billions of Tyranid organisms, engineered on the spot to adapt to the planet''s environment. These nightmares would consume everything. But for now, the Hive Fleet, reliant on conventional propulsion, drifted toward Urth, its arrival still years away. Suddenly, the Hive Ship halted, as though encountering an unforeseen obstacle. Within its pulsating, organic interior, vessels of blood and tissue throbbed rhythmically. Swarming its labyrinthine corridors were Genestealers, Tyranid bioforms, and horrors even more dreadful. At the ship''s heart, the Synapse Creature¡ªa grotesque being with its body fused to a network of blood vessels¡ªscrutinized its surroundings. This creature served as the fleet''s psychic command relay, coordinating the Hive Mind''s will. But something was amiss. By now, the Synapse Creature should have seamlessly integrated with the Vanguard Hive Network. Instead, the psychic beacon guiding them had abruptly gone dark. Even stranger, the Hive Network itself was now unreachable. "What is this anomaly?" The Synapse Creature attempted to reconnect, reaching out along the old channels. The only response it received was a garbled message: "Sorry, the subscriber you dialed is not in service. Please try again later." For the first time, the Synapse Creature was genuinely confused. Nothing in its genetic memory offered guidance for this unprecedented situation. Should they proceed with the invasion, despite losing contact with the network? The planet had become an unknown entity, potentially teeming with life¡ªor perhaps a trap. As it pondered, another psychic signal flared in the Warp¡ªa new and more enticing beacon from another system. This signal was far stronger than the one Urth had emitted. The Synapse Creature interpreted it as a grander feast awaiting the Hive Fleet. In the end, it chose the safer path. Marking Urth in its memory, it redirected the Hive Fleet toward the newly discovered system. ... In the Void The Hive Fleet altered its course, following its bio-ship harbingers to the next feast. The Narwhal Ships, specialized in creating gravitic warp corridors, locked onto the gravity well of the new system. As space twisted and folded, the fleet entered faster-than-light travel once more, vanishing into the depths of the void. Eden exhaled deeply, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Finally, it''s gone..." But he remained unaware that the Hive Fleet''s sudden appearance had already set off a chain reaction of events across the entire sector. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 124: A New Tithe System? Chapter 124: Chapter 124: A New Tithe System?In the distant Gorry Sector, a sprawling region of over fifty star systems, Imperial oversight was minimal. The sole exception, of course, was the collection of the Emperor''s Tithe, the Decima. Like most regions of the Imperium, the Gorry Sector was left to fend for itself against the ever-looming threats of war, mutation, xenos incursions, and Chaos corruption. For the ruling Marius family, however, their greatest fear was not external¡ªit was a prophecy. A curse that had haunted their lineage for millennia: "After the terrible storm, the tyrant of the Gorry Sector shall perish upon his throne, and his bloodline shall be extinguished forever." The prophecy''s shadow loomed large, its weight driving the Marius family to unspeakable acts. They silenced whispers of rebellion with fire and blade, extinguished rival factions, and even unleashed plague upon entire planets, wiping them from existence¡ªall to forestall their foretold doom. Yet no matter how many they silenced, the prophecy always returned, a spectral dagger stabbing at their paranoia. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Five years ago, the foretold storm arrived. And the prophecy had begun to unfold. The Capital of Gorry: Matira Within the opulent palace of Matira, the seat of the Gorry Sector''s power, a crucial divination ritual was underway. Chief Diviner Mondi, his voice a rasping crescendo of fervor, declared: "This place reeks of corruption, my lord¡ªit is the source of all that is unclean and vile! The prophecy is no mere legend. The cards are clear: The storm has come, and ruin follows. Demons will tear this sector asunder before the Astronomican shines once more!" Suddenly, Mondi turned his staff toward Sector Governor Marius Halys, bellowing: "You will die upon your throne, and your family shall be no more!" Across from him sat Halys, a grotesque mountain of flesh ensconced within a throne bristling with defensive mechanisms. The throne was both fortress and prison, its life-support systems compensating for his inability to stand under his own weight. The governor rarely left this gilded cage, requiring his guards to carry him and the throne wherever he went. Halys''s eyes narrowed at Mondi''s words, his bloated face trembling with rage and terror. With a wave of his hand, the diviner fell silent, bowing low as he retreated. Fear and fury roiled within Halys. "Why," he growled, "why does fate refuse to leave me in peace?" The Tyranid Threat Since the arrival of the Warp Storm, Gorry had been severed from Holy Terra, its lifeline to the Imperium cut. Warp rifts scarred the region, leaving little hope for reinforcements or salvation. The governor''s worst fears were realized when a message from the observatories arrived: A Tyranid Hive Fleet had entered the sector. Halys''s face turned ashen. Even the mere name of the Tyranids filled his heart with dread. "Damnable xenos!" he roared, his voice quaking. "Where is my fleet? Answer me!" His chief advisor, Sheran, stepped forward, bowing deeply: "Your Excellency, the fleet has assembled at Matira''s orbital docks. All major warships are ready for deployment." Halys exhaled a shaky sigh of relief. "However," Sheran continued, "several planets have not responded to your summons. A few have outright refused, claiming they must protect their own systems. Here is the list." He presented a scroll on a floating tray. Halys''s throne extended a mechanical arm to retrieve the document, holding it a safe distance from his corpulent body. His bloodshot eyes scanned the list, and a cruel smile curled his lips. "These traitors will be dealt with later. Prepare the fleet to launch at a moment''s notice!" ... In orbit above Matira, a massive fleet had gathered. The centerpiece was the Armageddon-class Battleship, a colossal war machine over ten kilometers long, flanked by twenty cruisers. Its hull bore scars of recent boarding actions, its corridors smeared with the blood of desperate combat. Once part of the Imperial Navy, the battleship now served only Governor Halys, a symbol of his unyielding grip on power. But this fleet was not intended to confront the Tyranids. Halys knew better than to engage such a foe. The fleet''s true purpose was far more selfish: to ensure the governor''s safe escape should the Hive Fleet reach Matira. The citizens of the sector would be left to their fate. Despite the Hive Fleet''s retreat, Halys''s unease persisted. The near-catastrophe left him yearning for greater power¡ªmore ships, more armies, and above all, more control. Summoning his ministers, he announced his intent to impose a new Eleven Tithe across the Gorry Sector. "But Excellency," protested a weary bureaucrat, "the sector has barely recovered from the last tithe. Many worlds are already at their limits." Halys sneered. "Taxation is the sacred duty of every Imperial citizen. There will be no excuses. Those who refuse shall face the Emperor''s justice!" Within days, the bureaucrats of Matira began compiling lists, recalculating quotas based on outdated records. In a dimly lit office, an elderly clerk sifted through ancient files. "Urth," he muttered, "classified as a First-Class Mining World? That''s peculiar." He hesitated, debating whether to report the discrepancy. But after a moment''s thought, he shrugged. "If Terra decreed it, who am I to question?" The stamp of a red aquila sealed Erth''s tithe assessment: First-Class Priority Taxation. ... Meanwhile, on Urth Deep within the underhive of Erth, Eden sneezed violently. "Ah-choo!" He rubbed his nose, muttering, "Weird. Is someone talking about me?" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 125: Armored GenestealersThe Great Offensive Chapter 125: Chapter 125: Armored GenestealersThe Great OffensiveBooming engine sounds echoed across the Upper Hive as colossal gears turned, raising the immense mechanical gates. For the first time in five years, the Upper Hive''s gates opened wide, signaling its official reclamation. Heavy footsteps reverberated as hundreds of armed Sentinel Walkers marched out, flanked by armored vehicles, mobile artillery, and energy cannons. The full might of the Court''s forces surged forward, joined by Ecclesiarchy priests, Mechanicus tech-priests, and engineers. Their destination? The Lower Hive, where the final phase of reclaiming the Hive City was about to commence. ... Lower Hive: Former Genestealer Chapel The grand cathedral that once served as the core of the Genestealer cult''s faith now lay cleansed of their presence. It had become Eden''s temporary headquarters, where he and the Court''s leadership regrouped. The recent decapitation strike had been a resounding success, with most of the participants surviving the harrowing mission. Seated at his desk, Eden reviewed reports detailing the sheer scale of the Genestealers and their hybrid followers. Now under his control through the Hive Network, these former enemies would be vital for the next phase of the campaign. Population Analysis: Purestrain Genestealers (First & Second Generation): ~5 million Hybrids: ~10 million Human Cultists: ~300 million Recognizing the importance of maintaining order, Eden had separated the human cultists from the Hive Network, allowing them to return to a semblance of normalcy. Bishop Doni eagerly took charge of reeducating these lost souls, destroying every Genestealer idol and replacing them with statues of the God-Emperor. "Total faith in the Emperor will lead them back to the right path!" Doni proclaimed, exuding pious fervor. Despite his zeal, Eden dismissed Doni''s request to convert the alien Genestealers. "Focus on the cultists first," Eden replied firmly. "If you can bring them back, then we''ll discuss the rest." With a newfound purpose, Doni set to work, convinced that no soul¡ªhuman or alien¡ªwas beyond salvation. Meanwhile, the recapture of the Lower Hive was proceeding smoothly, with Defense Forces and Arbites securing key zones. However, with manpower stretched thin, Eden delegated administrative duties to Bayev, the Court''s trusted steward. This allowed Eden to focus entirely on military operations, specifically the eradication of the Chaos cults. The largest remaining threat in the Lower Hive was the Blood Red Skulls, a Chaos cult devoted to Khorne. True to their god''s nature, the cult was a relentless, bloodthirsty force that thrived on slaughter¡ªeven turning on one another in fits of madness. Their infighting, however, had prevented them from expanding further into Genestealer-controlled territory. "Just another problem to solve," Eden muttered, studying the intelligence reports. Among their forces were horrifying Khorne Beasts, massive war creatures born from blood rituals. Defeating them would require an innovative approach. Enter: Armored Genestealers To counter the Blood Red Skulls, Eden devised a bold plan: weaponizing the Genestealers. Two million of the strongest Purestrain Genestealers were selected for a radical transformation. Equipped with spiked steel armor, flamethrowers, and high-yield explosives, these "Armored Genestealers" would serve as a devastating shock force. Eden enlisted Mechanicus Archmagos Kaul to oversee the modifications. Kaul, known for his unorthodox inventions, was thrilled by the challenge. Finally, he had the opportunity to test his most dangerous creations, previously dismissed as impractical for human use. These innovations were now perfect for Genestealer deployment. Within weeks, the hive''s factories roared to life, producing an arsenal of weapons and armor. The modified Genestealers gleamed with crimson mechanical lights, their enhanced forms exuding an aura of terror. Eden inspected the results and nodded in approval. "Excellent. Let''s show these heretics what true terror looks like." ... Blood Red Skulls Territory In the heart of the Blood Red Skulls'' domain, a chaotic ritual was underway. Cultists adorned with blood-soaked bones and flayed skins surrounded a grotesque mountain of corpses, chanting war cries as they fought each other to the death. The survivors of these brutal duels stood victorious, their bodies drenched in gore as they prepared for the next stage of the ritual. From the blood-soaked corpse pile, a monstrous Khorne Beast emerged, its claws glinting with raw power. The cultists cheered madly. "Praise the Blood God! Skulls for the Skull Throne!" Suddenly, a strange mechanical projectile shot through the air, embedding itself in the beast''s chest. It was a heavily armed Genestealer, its drill-like limbs burrowing into the creature''s flesh. The cultists froze in shock, watching as the Genestealer disappeared into the beast''s torso. Moments later, the Khorne Beast roared in pain, its body convulsing violently. BOOM! The beast exploded into a cloud of gore and shrapnel, silencing the cultists'' cheers. Before the Blood Red Skulls could recover, the Armored Genestealers surged forward, tearing through the stunned cultists with merciless efficiency. "Praise the Blood God!" the cultists cried as they fought back desperately. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But against the relentless onslaught of armored monstrosities, even their fervor began to waver. From a vantage point, Eden observed the battle with satisfaction. "Let the heretics learn," he muttered, "what it means to face the wrath of the Imperium." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 126: The Astoundingly Loyal Tactics! Chapter 126: Chapter 126: The Astoundingly Loyal Tactics!The blood and flesh of the Khorne Blood Beast splattered, painting the surrounding Khorne cultists in a gruesome spray. This scene left them utterly stunned, with some even collapsing to their knees in disbelief. The cultists couldn''t accept what had just transpired. The great emissary of the Blood God, summoned with so much blood and sacrifice, had been killed so easily? "Governor, how was the power of my invention?" On a steel platform several kilometers away from the Khorne cult stronghold, Kaul eagerly showcased his masterpiece to Eden. "That sneaky missile you just witnessed is one of my finest creations," Kaul boasted. "It utilizes a high-strength alloy mixed with explosive compressed fuel, capable of penetrating nearly any flesh target..." Eden turned his gaze away from the surveillance feed and nodded in approval. "Impressive. Expensive, but worth the cost. However, there''s one small issue..." Kaul, feeling slightly deflated at this critique, responded, "What could be wrong? It''s perfect!" Eden smiled. "The name. ''Sneaky Missile'' is far too plain. How about calling it ''Golden Whirlwind'' instead?" Kaul''s face lit up. "Excellent name! From now on, it''ll be called that!" Behind them, Arye and Kaes exchanged whispers. Scratching his head, Arye murmured, "Why does the Sage insist on making such ''sneaky'' additions to everything? Wouldn''t it be simpler to just create a missile outright? And honestly, the Governor''s naming sense isn''t much better..." Kaes rolled his eyes. "You don''t get it. That''s the Sage''s genius. The Governor''s budget specifically allocated funds for ''sneaky'' units. If the Sage wanted to research something else, what do you think he''d do?" "What?" "Add sneaky features to the new project! That way, he still gets the budget while doing his own thing." "Huh. Makes sense," Arye said, nodding in realization. "As for the names," Kaes continued, "would you dare criticize the Governor''s choice? If you want to keep getting funding, you keep your mouth shut." "Do you think the Governor knows about this?" Arye asked cautiously. "Of course. Smart people don''t reveal everything they know..." Realizing what he''d just said, Arye pointed to himself. "So, am I the only fool here?" Kaes nodded solemnly. Eden, with his sharp hearing, caught every word of their muttered conversation but chose not to intervene. He knew Kaul''s habits all too well and had deliberately left leeway in the budget for his creative liberties. As long as the results met expectations, Eden didn''t mind. "Governor, there''s also this: the Heavy Armored Ravager Genestealers..." Kaul began. Eden continued listening, occasionally nodding in praise. While Kaul''s antics could be excessive, his results were always reliable. Beneath the platform, a vast army of Heavy Armored Genestealers units began assembling, advancing toward the Khorne cultist stronghold. Behind them surged waves of standard Genestealers troops, with the Imperial Guard''s sentinels, armored tanks, and infantry bringing up the rear to finish the job. Kaul highlighted one special feature. "These Heavy Armored Genestealers units are equipped with sound emitters to maximize psychological impact on the enemy." Eden clapped his hands, full of praise. "This is a fantastic idea, but I have one more suggestion." "Please, Governor, do tell!" "You forgot to emblazon them with the Imperial Aquila emblem. Make sure it''s prominent and unmistakable." Eden checked his ornate gold pocket watch, adorned with gemstones, and noted the time. "The operation begins now. All forces, attack!" At the Khorne cultist stronghold, chaos erupted. A thunderous explosion reduced the sacrificial altar to rubble. "Enemy attack!" The cultists, shaken out of their stupor from the Blood Beast''s death, grabbed their weapons and charged outside. The zealots, ever loyal to the Blood God, roared their war cries, ready to slaughter their enemies. Yet this time, what they encountered was far from ordinary. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Blood for the Blood God!" At the vanguard, a brave cultist halted mid-charge upon seeing the incoming Heavy Armored Genestealers units. "Skulls for the... wait, are those contraptions?" The ground shook violently as the bulky units stormed into the cultist ranks. "For the Emperor!" The sound emitters on the Heavy Armored Genestealers units blared triumphant oaths of unwavering loyalty to the Emperor, drowning out the cultists'' bloodthirsty chants. This unfamiliar dynamic unsettled the cultists. Normally, their ferocious cries would terrify their enemies while invoking the Blood God''s blessings. But now, their voices were overshadowed, sapping their morale. "Blood... blood for the Blood God! Skulls for the Skull Throne!" Desperate to reclaim their footing, the cultists charged at the intruding units. One bold cultist brought his axe down on a smaller Genestealers unit, nearly splitting it in two. "See? These Genestealers machines are no match for us!" he declared triumphantly, covered in viscous fluid. But what he had struck was a self-destructing Genestealers unit. With a mechanical click, spikes shot out, trapping him in place. Moments later, an ignition mechanism activated, engulfing him in flames. "AAAAAHHH!" The cultist was reduced to a blazing figure, horrifying his comrades. The battlefield devolved into pandemonium. From high-explosive to highly toxic, each Genestealers unit carried a unique payload designed for mutual destruction. Facing relentless waves of Heavy Armored Ravager Genestealers units, wielding chainsaws and claws, the cultists found their usual tactics useless. The armored adversaries were impenetrable, and even when one fell, another took its place. Advancing with unyielding determination, the Genestealers units proclaimed their loyalty to the Emperor with every step, overwhelming the cultists. Eden, watching from afar, was deeply satisfied. "So loyal!" Behind the vanguard, the ordinary Genestealers units flooded in like a tidal wave, overwhelming the exhausted cultists. By the time the Imperial Guard arrived as the third wave, there was nothing left but mangled remains. Sentinel pilots, eager for action, could only vent their frustration. With no enemies left, all that remained was to clean up the battlefield. Deep within the Khorne cult''s core territory, a massive tent surrounded by piles of bones housed the mightiest Blood God warriors. Towering over three meters tall and clad in thick armor, these fearsome warriors paid no attention to the distant sounds of battle. This was merely another day in their brutal domain. Even without external enemies, infighting was constant. A frantic cultist burst into the tent. "Priest, those Genestealers are attacking our¡ª" Slash! Before he could finish, a blade-wielding guard cleaved him in two. The largest figure on the throne nodded in approval. "Anyone who disrupts our duels or shows fear before the enemy does not deserve to live." The duel resumed. As for the invaders? They could wait until the fight was over. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 127: Reclaiming the Underhive Chapter 127: Chapter 127: Reclaiming the UnderhiveAs the relentless advance of the Heavy Armored Genestealers units continued, the Khorne cult''s High Priest remained unfazed. Compared to the small fry outside, he had far more pressing matters to attend to. "Fight, warriors of the Blood God!" Inside the grand tent, under the High Priest''s watchful gaze, two Blood God champions engaged in a sacred duel. Determined to the death, the combatants clashed with ferocity, scattering flesh and blood. Only one would emerge victorious. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thud! A battle axe split through a skull. The champion wielding a greatsword fell, defeated. The challenger, wielding the axe, stood victorious, having secured his place as the High Priest''s first champion. "Warrior, you have earned my favor..." The High Priest, showing no pity for the fallen, regarded the victor with admiration. With a swing of his blade, he severed the defeated champion''s head and impaled it on the victor''s spiked armor¡ªa symbol of his triumph. Such was the rule of the Khorne cult: endless slaughter and duels to secure status. There was no escaping a challenge. You either defended your honor or became a corpse. Victory promised everything. Defeat left only death. But victory clouded the axe champion''s judgment. In a fit of hubris, he roared and swung his weapon at the High Priest''s head when the latter turned his back. The Priest, sensing the attack, narrowly dodged, causing the axe to embed deeply into his shoulder instead. "You dare to strike me from behind?" The High Priest turned swiftly, grabbing the champion by the throat. "This is the act of a coward. You are a disgrace to us all!" With a sickening crunch, he snapped the champion''s neck, tearing his head clean off and mounting it on his own spiked armor. Blood gushed from his wound, but within moments it healed completely¡ªa testament to the Blood God''s blessing. As the cult''s leader, his combat prowess was unquestionable. The sharp sound of a horn interrupted the scene. The warriors inside the tent stiffened. The horn signaled that the enemy had reached the core of their territory. "Fools! How could they let those insignificant Genestealers creatures invade this far?" Furious, the High Priest grabbed his massive sword and addressed his warriors: "Warriors of the Blood God, follow me to slaughter!" The identity of the intruders mattered little. To the Priest, it was simply an opportunity to claim more skulls for his armor. Throwing open the tent''s heavy flaps, he froze in place. His confidence evaporated. Everywhere he looked¡ªon the streets, rooftops, and surrounding structures¡ªstood waves of Heavy Armored Genestealers units, armed to the teeth. They stared back at him in silence. Despite the ongoing battles elsewhere, the Genestealers units had converged here with pinpoint precision, guided by meticulous commands. Dozens of kilometers away, Eden watched the scene unfold on a monitor, nodding with satisfaction. "Bow before the master of micromanagement!" With overwhelming numbers on his side, Eden had no need to take personal risks. His loyal forces were more than enough to overwhelm any resistance. For the strongest enemies, sheer numbers were sufficient to drown them. Encircled by 500,000 Heavy Armored Genestealers units, the High Priest and his core members were trapped. Even flight or tunneling would avail them nothing, as jet-propelled and tunneling Genestealers units awaited their escape attempts. The sheer dominance of this strategy was intoxicating. The High Priest and his followers stood frozen, unsure of how to respond. "Cowardly Genestealers! How dare you ambush us!" The High Priest brandished his massive sword and prepared to fight. "We will never surrender! Warriors of the Blood God, charge to your deaths¡ªblood for the Blo¡ª" "Ahem." A voice boomed through the speakers on the Genestealers units, interrupting the Priest mid-chant. "Times have changed," Eden''s voice declared, his words resonating as if spoken by countless mouths at once. And then, the final order was issued: "Kill them all." The Khorne cult had caused the deaths of billions. Against such vile chaos worshippers, Eden chose the simplest solution: annihilation. At his command, the Genestealers units charged without hesitation, engulfing the Priest and his followers in a tide of destruction. Even with the blessings of the Blood God, the cultists were ultimately just flesh and blood. Though they managed to kill thousands of Genestealers units, they were eventually torn to shreds by the relentless assault. With the cult''s leadership eliminated, Eden ordered his forces to spread out and eradicate the remaining enemies across the territory. After ten grueling days of cleanup, the Khorne cult was completely wiped out. This marked the final enemy faction within the hive city. With the cult dealt with, Eden directed his Genestealers units to purge the underhive of mutated creatures and hidden threats, leaving the area spotless. The entire underhive was now under Eden''s control. This meant the entire hive city was his. As for the bottommost layers of the hive, Eden dismissed them as a dumping ground for the city''s waste¡ªsealed off and forgotten. Future plans could address that if necessary. In the following weeks, Eden remained in the underhive, restoring order and productivity. The underhive was soon integrated into the administrative system of the central spire. Of the population, only 700 million humans had survived. The remaining billions had perished in the chaos. Without the Genestealers units, few would have made it through. At the church''s temporary headquarters, Eden contemplated the fate of the hybrids. For centuries, the Genestealers had thrived in the underhive, finally revealing themselves with the arrival of the Great Rift. Now, millions of their descendants inhabited the underhive. While human-like in appearance, they were far from human. Eden''s advisors debated their fate. Bayev proposed their extermination to preserve humanity''s purity. Bishop Doni countered, arguing for their isolation but acknowledging their unwavering loyalty to the Emperor¡ªmore loyal than most humans. Eden made his decision. The hybrids would be separated from the pure Genestealers units and allowed to live. However, their mental conditioning would remain. Knowing the truth would likely drive them to madness and death. Eden named these hybrids Eredars. While indistinguishable from humans in appearance, their slightly pronounced cranial ridges set them apart. Designated as a sub-human species, Eredars were prohibited from interbreeding with humans. Devoted to the Emperor, they were his most loyal and fearless servants, willing to give everything, even their lives, for him. In reality, the "Emperor" they worshipped was none other than Eden himself, disguised by their faith. Their belief and devotion fed directly into Eden''s strength. The Eredars were settled in isolated enclaves, kept separate from human populations. In time, they would expand to other worlds infested by Genestelares, absorbing other hybrids and growing their numbers. Meanwhile, in the heart of the reclaimed underhive, an 80-meter statue of the Emperor was erected in the church square. This monument marked the church''s largest outpost in the underhive. A grand ceremony celebrated the underhive''s return to order, reminding the citizens of their true ruler. With the underhive secured, Eden turned his attention to the remaining three hive cities. As vital industrial centers, their reclamation was paramount. Eden issued his orders: all three hives were to be fully reclaimed by the end of the month. With overwhelming forces at his disposal, it was only a matter of time. Eden could hardly wait to reestablish dominion over the entirety of Urth. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 128: Liberation of Urth Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Liberation of UrthSub-Hive 1 of Urth At the peak of Sub-Hive 1, Overseer Orchi Cotton grappled with mounting despair. Rebel activity had grown increasingly rampant, threatening even the uppermost levels. Adding to the crisis, famine plagued the sub-hive. Every day, countless citizens succumbed to starvation. As a loyal steward of the gubernatorial family, Orchi bore the heavy weight of responsibility for the sub-hive''s fate. This vital charge had been entrusted to him by the Governor. Should the hive fall, even survival would not spare him from judgment. Orchi found himself powerless to reverse the tide. The sub-hive''s armed forces were crumbling under the rebels'' relentless assaults, and dwindling food supplies left even these forces barely operational. The warp storms made cross-regional communication nearly impossible. Repeated attempts to contact the central hive yielded no response. The one time he succeeded, the message was clear: hold out. Reinforcements were not coming. No further messages followed, leaving Orchi to feel utterly abandoned. Now, the rebels had begun attacking the upper gates, signaling the hive''s imminent collapse. The Defense Corps'' captain rushed in to report: "Overseer, the rebels are attacking again! The upper gates won''t hold much longer... we need reinforcements!" "I understand. Tell the soldiers to hold out a little longer. Reinforcements from the central hive are on their way and will arrive soon!" Orchi delivered the words with unwavering calm, as though the outcome were assured. Once alone, his exhaustion became evident. He had been lying to the soldiers to buy time. But now, the charade had run its course. Desperate, Orchi approached the communications terminal for one final attempt to contact the central hive. Static filled the channel. His last hope extinguished, Orchi turned to a hidden chamber, where he donned long-stored battle armor and armed himself with an ornate laspistol. There was only one option left: to die fighting. Fleeing was never an option, nor was it in his nature. To return to the spire would mean severe punishment, bringing disgrace to the Cotton family. As Orchi prepared to face his fate, the comms terminal suddenly came alive. A message from the spire¡ªa direct transmission from the Governor''s residence. Nearly frantic, Orchi rushed to answer. "Governor, this is Orchi Cotton, Overseer of Sub-Hive 1!" The calm and reassuring voice of Eden Grant greeted him: "Orchi, you and the soldiers of Sub-Hive 1 have endured much hardship..." Hearing the Governor''s words of compassion, tears streamed down Orchi''s face. They hadn''t been forgotten. Reinforcements had arrived. Eden informed Orchi that forces from the spire had reached the gates and were ready to assist. Food convoys were also en route to alleviate the famine. Following the central hive''s liberation, Eden had ordered immediate deployments of reinforcements and supplies. These included Heavy Armored Genestealers, elite guards, and defense forces, divided into three groups to reinforce the sub-hives. Overwhelmed with relief, Orchi expressed his deepest gratitude and loyalty before carefully ending the communication. Moments later, a report arrived: a large assault ship from the spire had landed at the docking bay. The arrival of the Governor''s elite guards signified his direct authority. Donning ceremonial robes, Orchi led his subordinates to welcome the reinforcements. As the assault ship''s ramp lowered, murmurs of shock rippled through the crowd. From the shadows emerged a massive, heavily armed alien beast. Its eyes glowed coldly, and faint embers flared from its nostrils. "Stand down! Show respect!" Orchi commanded, halting the panicked guards. The beast bore the Imperial Aquila and the golden lion insignia of the Grant family, marking it as the Governor''s own. A guard captain stepped forward to explain: "Apologies if the creatures startled you. Fear not¡ªthey are loyal to the Governor and will not harm you." The reinforcements included elite guards and several Heavy Armored Genestealers. Their presence ensured the security of the upper levels and showcased the might of the Governor''s forces. Orchi announced the good news to the defense forces and sub-hive officials, reigniting hope among the citizens. Under the reinforcements'' command, the upper-tier soldiers quickly routed the rebels. To consolidate control, Eden ordered drones equipped with loudspeakers to broadcast his message across the sub-hive: "Citizens of Sub-Hive 1, I am your Governor, Eden Grant..." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eden''s message promised an end to suffering and offered amnesty to rebels who surrendered and pledged loyalty, along with food and work. However, he issued a stern ultimatum: The rebels had until sunrise to disarm. After that, anyone still bearing arms would be deemed a traitor and executed. By dawn, most rebels surrendered. Yet, a defiant few refused to yield. At sunrise, the gates opened, and tens of thousands of armed Genestealers entered the sub-hive. The slaughter was swift and brutal. The remaining rebels, unwilling to surrender, were torn apart. Even latecomers attempting to surrender were shown no mercy¡ªthe Governor rejected their loyalty. The Genestealers also purged the sub-hive of mutants and chaos cultists, removing hidden threats. Governor''s Residence, Spire District In his office, Eden worked on a new citizenship hierarchy for his subjects. Soon, reports arrived confirming the successful liberation of all three sub-hives. With the enemy eradicated, Urth was finally free. Eden could now proceed with his grand plans for the planet''s future. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 129 - 130: The Celebration Chapter 129: Chapter 130: The Celebration[Chapter 129 was too short! So I put them together] After regaining control of the sub-hives, Eden immediately deployed the Adeptus Mechanicus to establish a psychic network across the reclaimed territories. Simultaneously, Bayev worked tirelessly to organize the sub-hives'' governance, integrating them into the spire''s newly restructured administrative system. The Imperial Cult also reestablished its branches within the sub-hives. With the psychic network operational, communication became swift and efficient. The synchronization between the sub-hives and the central hive led to restored order and productivity. The transformation marked a new beginning for Urth under Eden''s rule. October 8 ¨C The Day of Reclamation The citizens of Urth wore bright smiles as joy filled the air. The hive city was adorned with celebratory banners, and speakers resounded with anthems praising Urth. This day was forever named the Day of Reclamation , a yearly celebration of Urth''s return to stability and prosperity. On this day, citizens were freed from work and worries. They were provided with free, delicious food and only asked to offer gratitude and blessings to their benevolent Governor, Eden Grant. Statues of the Governor erected across the city were thronged with worshippers. Tears streamed down the faces of many as they gazed upon his likeness, offering silent prayers of gratitude to the savior who ended their suffering and lit the path forward for Urth. The psychic network greatly amplified Eden''s influence. His presence extended over the central hive and the three sub-hives, strengthening his control and allowing him to wield divine powers. The statues absorbed the collective faith, emitting faint energy that uplifted the spirits of all who approached. This deepened the citizens'' reverence for their Governor. Holy Square, Spire District A grand ceremony was underway, flags fluttering high as citizens from all strata of society gathered to celebrate Urth''s reclamation. From the balcony of the spire, Eden looked down upon the joyous scene with satisfaction. "I truly enjoy such harmonious and festive occasions," he murmured. In this oppressive world, celebrations were vital to release stress. Without such outlets, mental strain could push people toward corruption and chaos worship. This grand celebration was designed to heal the collective psyche and prevent the seeds of corruption from taking root. When the ceremony began, Eden stepped onto a mechanized platform in his golden armor. A massive holographic projection of him, nearly 100 meters tall, was broadcast live to all corners of the hive city. Addressing the gathered crowd, Eden began his speech: "Citizens of Urth, I am your Governor, Eden Grant!" Thunderous cheers erupted. "Long live the Governor!" "For the Governor!" Eden stood calmly, basking in the adoration of nearly ten million citizens. The waves of hope they generated were immense, bolstering his strength significantly. After a pause, he raised his hand, and silence fell. Eden continued: "These past years, we endured unimaginable suffering, and countless lives were lost. Yet, we never gave up. We rose to fight back! In this difficult war to reclaim Urth, many brave warriors gave their lives..." Eden gestured toward the monument near the statue of the Emperor. The stone bore the names of the fallen warriors. A solemn silence spread through the crowd as they mourned the lost heroes. "Let us forever remember their sacrifice. Their courage and dedication forged this victory. They are the heroes of Urth!" Eden then pointed to a formation in the crowd: "And there they are, our heroes of today." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The camera focused on a group led by Arye and Carter, comprised of decorated warriors who had distinguished themselves in battle. Many bore injuries, some missing limbs, their uniforms adorned with medals of honor. "All who fought to defend Urth are our heroes!" The crowd erupted in applause, their eyes filled with admiration. The warriors stood straighter, their pride evident. Arye wiped a tear from his eye. "Damn it, why is the Governor suddenly praising us?" "Careful! This is live," Kaes whispered, though his own eyes glistened. The group was overwhelmed by the Governor''s recognition, their emotions spilling over. For these warriors, the Governor''s care and gratitude meant everything. Many had been forgotten underhive refugees, struggling to survive. Under Eden''s rule, they found purpose, food, and improved lives for their families. Eden shifted his gaze back to the crowd, praising the citizens for their resilience and outlining plans for the future. He concluded with a smile: "Now, the suffering is behind us... Today, we celebrate the reclamation of Urth together. This is a day for all of us. And you will see an even brighter future ahead. May Urth forever shine!" As his speech ended, Holy Square turned into a sea of jubilation. Across Urth, millions of citizens smiled with genuine hope for the future. Unbeknownst to them, far away in the sector capital of Matira, tax-collection ships had already departed, bound for Urth... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 130 - 131: Planetary Development Plan Chapter 130: Chapter 131: Planetary Development PlanAfter the festivities, Eden returned to the Governor''s Office in the spire residence, lost in deep thought. He was pondering the future of Urth. Now that the internal threats on Urth had been eradicated, and there were no signs of external enemies for the moment, it was the perfect time to focus on development. For a galaxy plagued by xenos and heretics, Urth was still far too vulnerable. A single mishap could spell its doom. Eden also had to consider the possibility of enemies arising from within the Imperium itself. Civil wars were, after all, a time-honored tradition within the Imperium. "Governor, do you have any orders for me?" Bayev, the loyal High Steward, entered quietly and respectfully. After receiving the Emperor''s blessing, his physical and mental capabilities had improved significantly, allowing him to manage state affairs with ease. He now appeared energetic and showed no signs of aging. He could work tirelessly through emergencies, and he could likely manage several more planets if needed. "Macad¡ªcough, Bayev..." Eden almost let his inner thoughts slip but quickly composed himself to get to the point. He handed Bayev a document titled "Urth Planet Development Plan" and said: "This is the development plan for the planet''s future. Implement it accordingly. Of course, this is just a preliminary draft. You''ll need to refine it. If anything seems unclear, handle it as you see fit..." As a ruler, Eden only needed to set the general direction. The intricate execution would be left to his subordinates; he merely awaited the results. The development plan encompassed three major aspects: military, civilian welfare, and technological advancement. Military Development The military plans included establishing a space fleet, creating Space Marines, and developing the Astra Militarum. Civilian Welfare The civilian welfare plans involved establishing a citizen tier system, constructing large-scale farms, implementing various social measures, and purifying Urth''s environment. Technological Advancement Technological plans focused on founding research institutes within the Adeptus Mechanicus to support the above initiatives. Bayev and the relevant departments were tasked with coordinating and planning these aspects. However, critical components, such as building a space fleet, required Eden''s direct involvement. Currently, Urth lacked the resources and capabilities to construct large-scale battleships. Their immediate focus would be on establishing space academies to train personnel who could one day crew these ships. They also needed to develop maintenance technologies for the fleet. This endeavor required a vast system of skilled personnel and technical expertise. Fortunately, with Kaul and Moss handling the technological aspects, this wasn''t a major hurdle. As for the ships themselves, Eden would have to pull some strings in the Warp to secure a few. The plans were long-term and entailed complex tasks. Without Bayev''s assistance, Eden might have been buried alive under administrative paperwork. One of Eden''s greatest advantages was his pool of high-caliber talent. With the Emperor''s blessings, he could nurture and strengthen promising individuals, accelerating their growth. Another advantage was Eden''s absolute authority over Urth. His word was law. With the psychic network enhancing communication and coordination, most tasks were executed smoothly without disputes. This was unlike the rest of the Imperium, where intertwined interests led to constant conflict. Imperial institutions often operated independently and competed fiercely, even within their own ranks. To get anything done, one had to consider the reactions of the Ecclesiarchy, the Adeptus Arbites, the Inquisition, and the Adeptus Mechanicus. Missteps could lead to censure¡ªor worse. Eden, however, was unbound by such concerns. He was an unchallenged sovereign. Orders were carried out promptly without bureaucratic resistance. Even if the Imperium sought to judge him, their fleets would take decades, if not centuries, to reach this sector¡ªif they even managed to locate Urth at all. So why worry? It was better to focus on preventing an ork infestation than to fret about hypothetical retribution. As long as he didn''t harm humanity''s core interests, the Imperium would likely overlook his actions. Eden''s Warp essence inherently forbade him from jeopardizing humanity. In fact, he might become humanity''s greatest champion after the Emperor himself, a saint whose army would be welcomed with open arms wherever they marched. Soon, Eden delegated the development plan to Bayev, urging him to coordinate with all departments for swift execution. After receiving the document, Bayev brought up another matter: "Governor, now that the war is over, what should we do about those Genestealers? S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Keeping them in the hive cities consumes a significant amount of resources and creates a negative perception..." Eden stroked his chin, contemplating the issue. Bayev wasn''t wrong. Under the relentless purging by the Genestealer forces, Urth''s hive cities were now devoid of threats, with not even a mutated creature in sight. Keeping the Genestealers around was indeed problematic. Currently, Eden commanded nearly two million heavily armored Genestealers, three million first-generation Genestealers, and tens of millions of other types. Feeding this massive force was a considerable strain on the capital sector''s resources. Using precious food supplies to sustain xenos was bordering on heresy. Yet, disposing of such a powerful force seemed wasteful. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 131 - 132: Initial Environmental Purification of the Planet Chapter 131: Chapter 132: Initial Environmental Purification of the PlanetHow should the Genestealers be dealt with? Suddenly, Eden had an idea: "Let''s mark all the Genestealers with the Aquila symbol and release them into the wild." Currently, humanity''s main settlements on Urth were limited to the hive cities and their nearby regions. However, this didn''t mean there were no humans living beyond these areas. Outside the hive cities, there were likely small towns and tribes that had managed to survive. Given humanity''s resilience in the Warhammer 40K universe, those who hadn''t perished likely adapted to the polluted environment and endured. After all, if humans could survive in the underhives, there was no reason they couldn''t survive in the wild. Releasing the Genestealers into the wild could serve to cleanse the environment by hunting down mutated creatures and abominations. This would improve the living conditions of the towns and tribes in the wilderness, allowing more people to survive. Furthermore, the Genestealers'' purging efforts would pave the way for future decontamination and land reclamation. Following Eden''s orders, the Adeptus Mechanicus equipped all the Genestealers with Aquila insignias and installed voice emitters on them. When these Genestealers approached humans, the emitters would play announcements to reduce public fear. Additionally, when the Genestealers located human settlements, they would mark the locations and report back. This allowed the capital sector to dispatch aid teams to provide food, tools, and seeds while bringing the settlements under governance. This approach was mutually beneficial¡ªreducing costs for Genestealer upkeep, improving the planet''s environment, and protecting humanity. Soon, the Genestealers were all equipped with the Aquila insignias and the necessary mechanical devices. To ensure safety, Eden used the hive network to establish rules for the Genestealers: Do not harm any normal humans. Always prioritize human safety and provide assistance whenever possible. Avoid consuming human food or rare flora and fauna critical for human survival. Dangerous predators threatening human life could be hunted sparingly. Maintain a population cap of no more than 20 million. With everything set, Eden gave the go-ahead for the mass release of the Genestealers. The gates of hive cities opened, and millions of Genestealers poured into the wilderness, dispersing rapidly. Impact on Hive City Outskirts The first to benefit from this initiative were the residents of the hive city outskirts, who had long been plagued by mutant attacks. Once the Genestealer forces swept through the surrounding areas, such attacks ceased entirely. Initially, the residents were terrified of these alien creatures. However, upon realizing the Genestealers meant no harm, they quickly felt at ease. To their delight, officials from the hive cities soon delivered farming tools, seeds, and food supplies, citing the Governor''s "Warmth for the People" initiative to aid the impoverished. Before leaving, the officials even erected a statue of the Governor, which the residents reverently enshrined. ... The Rabari Tribe Deep in the eastern mountains, the Rabari Tribe bustled with activity. Young Lana carried a basket of carefully prepared food as she skipped toward the fields, accompanied by the adults. Occasionally, she glanced at the delicious offerings in her basket and swallowed hard. These delicacies had been painstakingly saved by the tribe and were usually reserved for sacred ceremonies. But Lana resisted the temptation. The food wasn''t for her¡ªit was for the Divine Beast. Half a month ago, the Divine Beast had descended upon their tribe. It was tall, strong, and fearsome, with razor-sharp claws and teeth, shrouded in ominous black smoke. At first, the tribe feared it was yet another monster. But during a mutant attack, the Divine Beast saved Lana and drove away the attackers. From then on, the Divine Beast began protecting the tribe, eliminating the monsters that had terrorized them for years. The tribe''s shaman declared it a divine messenger sent by the heavens, and the strange sounds it emitted were said to be celestial blessings. Lana and her fellow tribespeople soon reached the field. Excitedly, she called out, "Divine Beast, we''ve brought you lots of tasty treats!" A massive first-generation Heavy-Armor Genestealer stood in the field, diligently plowing the rocky land. Its strength alone surpassed the entire tribe''s combined labor. This "Divine Beast" was one of the Genestealers Eden had released into the wild. After deciding to release the Genestealers, Eden had sought advice from the tech enthusiasts on the Mechanicus forums. Amid the memes and nonsensical posts, he found a practical suggestion for modifying the Genestealers into heavy-duty farming units. These modifications allowed them to not only eliminate mutated creatures but also assist in reclaiming farmland for human settlements. In gratitude, Eden rewarded the suggestion''s creator with premium status and a hefty amount of cog credits¡ªthe Adeptus Mechanicus'' internal currency. Hearing Lana''s call, the Genestealer paused its work and scanned the surroundings for potential threats to humans. The tribe approached cautiously, and the shaman led them in a ceremonial dance to honor the "Divine Beast." The Genestealer stood still, wary of harming the humans. After the dance, the shaman reverently presented the offerings. Lana stepped forward with her basket, her eyes filled with anticipation. "This is for you, Divine Beast. Please enjoy it..." The Genestealer, possessing basic intelligence, understood her intent. It shook its head and gently pushed the basket back, refusing the food. "You don''t like it?" Lana asked, confused. The Genestealer pointed at the basket, then at Lana, signaling her to take it back. It then resumed its work, plowing another section of the field. The shaman interpreted the gesture, reassuring Lana, "It''s okay. The Divine Beast has accepted our gratitude. Perhaps it doesn''t eat earthly food." Soon after, the tribe was visited by celestial envoys¡ªEden''s "Warmth for the People" team. The team recorded their faces and identity information into the system, officially bringing the tribe under governance. Despite the language barrier, the envoys completed their tasks, left the tribe with tools and seeds, and departed. Lana, unable to understand their words, gazed reverently at the sacred statue they left behind. "The celestial beings are so kind!" she thought. Across Urth, the Genestealers purged countless mutated creatures and abominations, initiating the planet''s environmental purification. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Simultaneously, Eden launched a large-scale census using Kaul''s newly developed identity recognition system, registering every citizen into the psychic network. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 132 - 133: The Citizen Ranking System Chapter 132: Chapter 133: The Citizen Ranking SystemThe "First Urth Planet Census" identity registration project was of paramount importance, laying the foundation for a series of plans to follow. This census provided detailed demographic data, including population size, age distribution, gender ratio, and skills possessed by the people. Such baseline data was crucial for understanding the planet''s population status and formulating policies and plans. Furthermore, with every individual''s information integrated into the psychic network, governance and monitoring became more efficient. Once the census was complete, nearly all human data on Urth was recorded into the network. For the first time, Eden gained an accurate understanding of the planet''s remaining population. The total population was approximately 1.5 billion¡ªa grim figure, just 6% of its peak. Too many lives had been lost in the catastrophic events. However, with a secure environment and ample food supplies, the population could quickly recover. The priority now was to revitalize the populace. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Citizen Ranking System With the integration of population data into the psychic network, Eden issued a new decree: the establishment of a Citizen Ranking System within the network. This system encompassed all citizens, assigning different ranks corresponding to varying levels of resource allocation and rights. It symbolized both capability and status. The ranking system was somewhat similar to the tithe classifications of the Imperium, dividing Urth''s citizens into five main tiers. Each tier was subdivided into upper, middle, and lower ranks, creating 16 levels in total, including the ordinary citizen category. Criminals, xenos, traitors, and slaves were excluded from the system and enjoyed virtually no rights. As for Eden and his descendants, they were outside the ranking system, wielding supreme authority and unlimited resource access. Rank Advancement The system included a promotion mechanism, awarding credit points based on ability, contributions, and loyalty. Accumulating enough points allowed a citizen to ascend to a higher rank. For example: Ordinary citizens, the lowest rank, received no special privileges and were granted only basic human rights. They needed to work diligently to avoid starvation. An ordinary citizen earned 10 credit points daily through labor. Without exceptional contributions, they could achieve the Fifth Tier - Lower Rank after working until the age of 80. At this rank, citizens gained access to better food and educational resources. Upon their death, they could pass on one-tenth of their credit points to a designated heir, with higher ranks increasing the inheritance ratio. This system provided a pathway for even the most unskilled citizens to improve their status through hard work and contributions, offering hope for themselves and their descendants. Initial Rankings When the system was implemented, many received their initial rankings. Approximately 0.1% of the population held ranks, the majority being Fifth Tier - Lower Rank citizens. Fifth Tier: Primarily composed of technical experts, grassroots administrators, decorated defense soldiers, and descendants of fallen heroes. Fourth Tier: Included officials, judiciary officers, and defense force officers. Third Tier and Above: Reserved for key institutional members, worker representatives, and individuals with significant contributions. First and Second Tier: Held by the kingdom''s core members, such as Bayev, Kaul, Moss, and Deville, who were granted various levels within the First Tier. Higher ranks granted greater authority, privileges, and access to resources. Third Tier citizens and above could participate in critical affairs and meetings, and under special circumstances, even secure an audience with Eden himself. Ranks were not fixed and could change at any time based on performance. Exceptional achievements, such as battlefield heroics or groundbreaking innovations, could lead to immediate promotions. The psychic network oversaw the entire process, calculating and assigning ranks without manual interference. While Eden retained the authority to intervene, he refrained from doing so. The Citizen Ranking System provided a fair and transparent pathway for advancement. For instance, workers could see their daily 10 credit points accumulate, while technical staff could watch their points surge after successful inventions. By quantifying contributions, the system motivated citizens, breathing new life into Urth. ... At the Upper Hive''s Third Manufacturing Plant, Arila, proudly wearing her Third Tier - Lower Rank badge, hurried into the workshop. As one of the first worker representatives, she had earned her rank through her contributions. Upon arrival, she immediately clocked in at the mechanical punch-in station. "Phew, that was close!" she muttered, relieved to have avoided being late. Most workplaces now used punch-in systems to record work hours. Being late resulted in credit point deductions, which no worker wanted to risk. As the workshop supervisor, Arila managed over a dozen production lines. Despite being offered the position of deputy factory head, she declined, preferring to stay on the workshop floor. She quickly began demonstrating the workflow for a new product to her team. Workers were more motivated than ever, as exemplary performance earned bonus credit points. The best workers could even become representatives, with new spots added every five years based on sector data. This merit-based system ensured that everyone had a chance to rise, regardless of their field. As Arila finished her shift, a young man named Paddy, a department supervisor and the factory head''s youngest son, approached her. Paddy, a Fifth Tier - Lower Rank citizen, had been subtly courting Arila, despite their rank disparity. Many suggested Arila should accept a suitor of her rank, as recommended by the New Life Promotion Association through the psychic network. However, she preferred Paddy. Before they could leave, a foreboding figure appeared¡ªa stern Inquisitor in power armor, flanked by assistants, armed with a bolter. "Paddy, could there be heretics in our factory?" Arila asked nervously. The Inquisitor and his team marched past them, heading into a large waste storage facility. Moments later, gunfire erupted. When the Inquisitor emerged, bloodstained but composed, he reassured them: "No need to worry. Just a mutant hiding in the warehouse. It''s been dealt with. Enjoy your evening." Urth was protected by its miniature suns, minimizing large-scale corruption. However, small-scale corruption still occurred and required vigilance. The Inquisition had psychic network inboxes for citizen reports, ensuring swift investigations. With the threat neutralized, Arila and Paddy resumed their quiet, modest date. That night, Eden stood on the spire''s balcony, gazing at the faint red moon and the shimmering spaceport beyond. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 133 - 134: The Spaceport Chapter 133: Chapter 134: The SpaceportUpper Hive District The Starspire Spaceport, located near the spire residence, served as a vital hub connecting the Kingdom District to the rest of Urth. The spaceport consisted of two main sections: The Orbital Dockyards Located in space, these massive facilities provided repairs and resupply services for starships. They were capable of accommodating colossal vessels up to 7-8 kilometers in length. The Space Elevator A structure extending from the planet''s surface to the dockyards above, this elevator could transport massive mineral haulers and small spacecraft to orbit. It was also a critical infrastructure for paying the Imperium''s tithe. Previously, the spaceport had been instrumental in delivering vast quantities of minerals and population to the Imperium. When Eden arrived at the Starspire Spaceport, the Adeptus Mechanicus tech-priests and workers were already hard at work. The spaceport plaza was littered with massive metal wreckage, with pieces tens or even hundreds of meters long scattered about, leaving the ground shattered and cratered. This debris included remnants of starships and the space elevator itself. Years ago, after assassinating the previous governor, a merciless Inquisitor had fled aboard his ship. However, the vessel was torn apart by a Warp storm upon departure, raining debris¡ªand bodies¡ªonto the spaceport, destroying parts of the space elevator. Eden looked up at the remains of the space elevator. The massive structure was severed mid-air, with its upper segment swaying ominously in the wind, as though ready to collapse at any moment. The elevator''s repair was a top priority. A complete collapse would cause catastrophic damage. Large transport vehicles constantly delivered repair materials while hauling away salvageable debris, which would be recycled for further use. Kaul arrived fashionably late, floating on an anti-gravity platform, dark circles under his eyes. "Ah, Governor, you''re inspecting the repairs so early?" he greeted with feigned enthusiasm. Eden gave him a sharp look. "Is the repair plan ready?" "Of course, I''ve been working tirelessly on it!" Kaul replied, attempting to sound earnest. "I pulled an all-nighter to finalize the repair blueprint. Just a few adjustments, and it''s good to go!" Kaul directed several servo-skulls to scan the damaged sections of the space elevator, gathering critical data. His mechanical eyes flickered as he processed the information, while his many cybernetic arms rapidly entered codes into a data slate. Occasionally, he called out: "Lilith, I''ve sent you 500 cog credits¡ªprocess this data for me, will you? Your father is in urgent need!" Thanks to the psychic network, the Mechanicus tech-savvy community could collaborate on data processing and problem-solving. For complex issues, they could even request assistance from Lilith, the network''s machine spirit. However, such aid required cog credit payments, which were not easily earned. "Make it quick¡ªwe must finish the repairs by the end of the month!" Eden demanded, watching Kaul''s frantic efforts with a sigh. He knew Kaul was likely improvising on the spot. Last night, Kaul had posted over twenty threads on the Mechanicus forums and even engaged in a binary argument with Moss, generating thousands of comments. If the repair proceeded as planned, the elevator would be operational by the end of the month. However, the orbital dockyards remained a major concern. The dockyards housed over 500,000 personnel responsible for starship maintenance, resupply, and operations. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When the Warp storm struck, the chaotic energy corrupted many of the workers. Only a few thousand managed to escape back to the Kingdom District aboard lifeboats. The dockyards themselves had likely become a hellscape, with survivors trapped alongside horrifying Chaos abominations. Eden''s communication attempts with the dockyards had yielded only guttural roars and screams. Once, a desperate human voice pleaded, "Help us!" before the transmission was abruptly cut off by monstrous growls and human wails. Despite the grim situation, this fragment of contact confirmed there were still survivors. Eden resolved to rescue them as soon as possible. Leaving the spaceport, Eden visited Moss''s newly established Environmental Science Institute, dedicated to pollution management and ecological restoration. Their primary focus was decoding the water purifiers and land reclamation modules left in the Green Wave farms and adapting them for planetary-scale use. Eden also inspected several other research institutes under construction and met with five newly appointed Adeptus Mechanicus tech-priests specializing in environmental science, shipbuilding, biology, and genetic engineering. After verifying their capabilities, Eden bestowed blessings upon them, significantly enhancing their physical and mental faculties. These priests would now lead independent research teams to accelerate progress. Among the projects, Eden prioritized shipbuilding and genetic engineering, as these were critical for forming a naval fleet and Space Marine Chapters. A week later, the space elevator was repaired. As its gates opened, waves of heavily armored Genestealers filed into the transport cabins. For this mission, Eden recalled 50,000 of the most powerful first-generation Genestealers, embedding the dockyard schematics into their hive minds for precise execution. Their task was to secure the dockyard''s key positions, ensuring safe entry for the main forces. Eden joined Kaul and a thousand Mechanicus tech-priests aboard the transport cabin. As the machinery engaged, the cabin jolted violently, speeding toward orbit. "Is this thing safe?" Eden asked as warning lights flashed and the cabin shook alarmingly. Kaul shrugged nonchalantly. "You gave me a week to repair something that needed a month. This is the best you''ll get. Trust my craftsmanship¡ªit''s flawless!" Just as he spoke, a loud clang echoed as a bolt popped loose, clattering onto the floor. "Damn!" Kaul dove to retrieve the bolt, hastily screwing it back and hammering it in place before giving Eden a reassuring thumbs-up. Eden sighed, leaning back in his seat to rest. If all went according to plan, he would soon be spending an extended period in the orbital dockyards. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 134 - 135: The Space City Chapter 134: Chapter 135: The Space CityBoundless Void The Starspire Spaceport floated silently in the void of space. While the specific structure and scale of each spaceport varied, most were constructed as concentric ring systems. The core housed critical machinery and administrative centers, while the outer layers were sprawling, bustling dockyards layered upon one another. Tens or hundreds of thousands of people lived within these massive installations, many of whom never set foot on a planet their entire lives. In essence, the spaceport was not just a dock for starships but a self-contained city in space. During Urth''s golden era, the Starspire Spaceport was a vibrant trade hub. Starships of all kinds bustled in and out, carrying goods and travelers. Back then, Starspire was the only spaceport in the sector, making it indispensable. It offered not just maintenance and resupply services but also a myriad of entertainment facilities for weary spacefarers. Crew members, after months aboard their ships, could indulge in everything the port had to offer¡ªcasinos, smoke dens, and less reputable establishments. The streets buzzed with activity under the yellow glow of steam-powered lamps, with transport canals threading through the labyrinthine streets, navigated by steamboats and railcars. Crude sailors speaking a cacophony of languages swarmed the entertainment district, their pockets brimming with money to burn. They drank, gambled, and partook in fleeting pleasures, often ending their debauchery in violence, which drew the ire of the port''s enforcers. After squandering their earnings, the sailors returned to their ships, pockets empty but spirits lifted, ready to carry their cargo across the galaxy. "That was truly a magnificent era," Eden murmured as he studied the historical data on his slate. It was a time of human expansion and prosperity, an era of hope. Now, the galaxy was a hellscape, defined by war, suffering, and devastation under the relentless assaults of heretics and xenos. Starspire''s decline began when a larger port was constructed in Martilla, the sector''s central planet. Trade routes shifted, and Starspire lost its status as the primary hub. Urth, too, fell into decline, pivoting to mining to sustain its economy, which led to severe environmental degradation. Then came war. Conflict erupted between planets in the sector, spreading like wildfire. Starships clashed in space, their guns roaring. Victors laid waste to enemy planets, obliterating cities and civilizations. When the dust settled, the Goliath Sector was a barren wasteland. Urth suffered greatly, with even its moon scarred by orbital bombardment, leaving a halo of debris around it. Amidst the devastation, Starspire survived, albeit heavily damaged. In time, the planet saw a brief resurgence under the Ganger Dynasty, and Starspire was repaired, once again shining among the stars. But then came the Imperium. A colossal fleet darkened the skies above Starspire and Urth. Drop pods fell like meteors, disgorging crimson-armored Space Marines. The Ganger Dynasty''s Red-Eyed Mad King was reduced to pulp by the Astartes, and the planet fell under Imperial control. Eden''s Grant family, loyal to the Imperium, was appointed as the planet''s governing dynasty¡ªa reign that lasted until now. Years of oppressive tithes and environmental ruin had left Urth a shadow of its former self. The Great Rift compounded the suffering, unleashing Warp storms, Chaos, and xenos invasions that nearly destroyed the planet. Yet, Urth had found its savior in Eden Grant, who restored stability and began its rejuvenation. Eden gazed into the star-speckled void, where Starspire loomed in the distance¡ªa silent, dormant colossus. For five years, the spaceport had received no resupply. Many sections were dark, their power reserves long depleted. ... Thud! The transport pod jolted before coming to a halt. Eden pocketed his data slate and stepped toward the hatch. Soon, Starspire would be fully restored as a naval supply hub and a shining trade center, once again becoming a beacon among the stars. But as Eden disembarked onto the steel floor of the port, his optimism was met with grim reality. The docking area was strewn with bloodstains and corpses. Human remains lay scattered across the expansive floor, remnants of a desperate struggle for survival. When disaster struck, many had sought refuge here, hoping to escape to the surface, only to be trapped and slaughtered by Chaos monstrosities. Among the human remains were fresh Chaos beast carcasses, torn apart by the heavily armored Genestealers. In the distance, the sounds of fierce combat echoed as Genestealers and Defense Force soldiers fought to secure key locations. "Governor!" Carter, leading a squad of bodyguards, approached Eden. Their mission was to protect him. "Take me to the communications center!" Eden ordered. The communications center had previously been used by a survivor to send a distress signal to the surface. There might still be clues to their whereabouts, and securing the facility would allow Eden to broadcast messages to any remaining survivors. Rescuing survivors was paramount¡ªthey possessed irreplaceable knowledge of Starspire''s operations and expertise in ship maintenance. Their loss would set back efforts by decades. Guided by Carter, Eden and his guards fought through Chaos forces, finally reaching the communications center. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The facility was far larger and more intricate than expected, a massive hall filled with delicate machinery. "Help us!" A woman''s desperate cry echoed as they entered. "Save them!" Eden commanded, kicking open the door to the source of the voice. A black tendril shot out from the darkness, aiming for his head. Eden moved faster, grabbing the tendril and yanking the creature into the light. The Chaos beast crashed onto the hall floor¡ªa grotesque amalgamation of human forms, its body bristling with sharp tendrils. "Help us!" The plea came again, this time from a withered female head fused into the creature''s body. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 135 - 136: Survivors and the Delicious Ant-Cattle Cans Chapter 135: Chapter 136: Survivors and the Delicious Ant-Cattle Cans"Help us!" "Help... us!" The voice of the Chaos creature became hoarse and horrifying as it flailed its tentacles wildly, attempting another attack. However, the tentacles struck nothing but air. Unwilling to accept defeat, the monster lunged directly at Eden. What greeted it, however, was a golden iron fist. "Damned Chaos creature!" Eden smashed the Chaos monster to the ground with a powerful punch, then stomped on it to keep it pinned. Looking at the struggling monster underfoot, he felt only pity. The cries for help earlier had come from this deceptive Chaos creature. It was likely that no living person remained in this starport. Bang! Bang! Bang! The golden bolter roared. Eden emptied the clip, ending the creature''s life. Afterward, following his orders, the Mechanicus arrived under the escort of the Defense Forces and began repairing the communications equipment in the control hall. Once the equipment was operational, Eden addressed the survivors of the starport through the transmitter. "To the survivors of Starspire Port, this is your Governor, Eden Grant. If you are still alive, stay in a safe place and wait for our rescue. Please note, if you see xenos with the Aquila insignia, do not panic or attack. They will not harm you. If it is safe to do so, you may attempt to send a distress signal to help the rescue team locate you more quickly..." Eden paused to add, "Survivors, the worst is behind us. Hold on, and we will bring you home!" After the broadcast, Eden led the Imperial Guards to other critical areas, continuing their search for survivors. This starport resembled a small city, its overlapping areas and labyrinthine structure making the search a time-consuming task. He could only hope someone had survived. Starport Food Storage Warehouse Knock, knock, knock. Someone lightly knocked on the steel door. A man''s voice, slightly anxious, called out: "Open the door, I''m here to save you!" "Hurry up! The monsters are coming!" But no one responded. After several attempts, the man grew agitated, his voice turning hoarse and menacing. "Open the door!" Bang! Bang! Bang! The steel door shuddered violently. Something outside was pounding on it with great force. Inside the storage warehouse, the survivors held their breath, covering their mouths in fear of alerting the Chaos creature outside. The creature pounded on the door for a while but failed to budge it. After several futile attempts, it seemed to give up and walked away with heavy footsteps. Once the noise outside subsided, the survivors finally exhaled in relief. "Phew, that damned monster is finally gone," sighed the bearded Saylor, looking at Tis. "Do you think the people on the surface will come to save us?" "Of course, they''ll come to save us!" Tis, her skin dark and her repair suit stained with grease, exuded a muscular and battle-hardened demeanor. As a senior mechanic of the starport, her mechanical arm, equipped with tools like a circular saw and a flamethrower, had proven invaluable during the chaos. She had saved many lives and become the leader of the survivors. However, she was now heavily bandaged, clearly nursing serious injuries. Before she could say more, someone retorted: "You said that last time, too. We waited a whole month, and no one came!" "Yeah, our food is gone! We''re all going to starve to death here." "And your last plan got several people killed!" The survivors grumbled incessantly. Inside the storage warehouse, there was no food left. Starving and desperate, many had stopped listening to Tis. Those who could still complain were the lucky ones. Most were too weak from hunger to even speak, lying on the ground in silence. Hearing their complaints, Tis remained silent. She wasn''t confident the surface dwellers would come to their rescue either. But she had sent out a distress signal. Not long ago, she had organized a suicide squad to sneak into the communications hall during a brief lull in the Chaos creatures'' activity. Fortunately, they had managed to activate the equipment and contact the surface. Unfortunately, the creatures attacked just as they made contact. Tis had only enough time to shout one phrase to the surface: "Help us!" Then the connection was severed. Under the monsters'' onslaught, her team had scattered, and only half of them made it back. Half a month had passed since then, and the survivors were now completely out of supplies. Technically, there was still one batch of food in the warehouse. Tis glanced at the pile of ant-cattle canned meat in the corner. This batch of cans, meant for the Defense Forces, had inexplicably been left behind in the warehouse. But the cans were long expired and deemed inedible. The warning labels on the boxes made that clear: S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Happy Ant-Cattle Meat ¡ª Nothing says victory over xenos like a delicious meal!" WARNING!!! Feeding ant-cattle meat to canines is strictly prohibited. Violators will face immediate execution for ''assaulting a superior officer. ''Ensure the meat is deboned, marinated, inspected for burrow larvae, and cooked for no less than four days. Use a bayonet to check for signs of reactivation before marinating again. Caution: The surprises in ant-cattle meat cans can be fatal. If activated, you will not be posthumously honored for being killed by xenos. Due to the Warp''s temporal anomalies, the expiration date may be off by up to ten years. Tis sighed. Cooking ant-cattle meat was an arduous task requiring long cooking times and ample fuel. Without proper preparation, the parasites in the meat could be deadly. And the survivors had long since run out of fuel. Suddenly, Tis noticed someone sneaking a can of ant-cattle meat and attempting to open it. "Stop!" She rushed to intervene but was too late. "Get lost! I want meat!" The man''s eyes were bloodshot, clearly driven mad by hunger. He tore open the can. Tis halted, her mechanical arm deploying a blade in readiness. The man hesitated, but the can seemed normal. He sneered and laughed mockingly: "See? Nothing happened. You''ve been lying to us!" Encouraged, the others turned on Tis, blaming her. They rushed toward the cans, eager to grab the ant-cattle meat. "Don''t touch them! It''s dangerous! Are you all insane?" Bearded Saylor stepped in front of the pile, trying to reason with the crowd: "The boss said this meat is dangerous and can''t be eaten!" Tis, aware of the true danger, acted decisively. Grabbing a survivor, she pressed her blade to their neck, her gaze cold: "Anyone who dares touch the cans will die!" The survivors froze, fear evident in their eyes. "You damned bitch! You just want us to starve while hoarding the food for yourself!" A woman glared at Tis with venomous hatred, her words igniting the crowd. Overcome by hunger, the survivors disregarded Tis and began looting the cans in frenzy. They couldn''t wait to savor the supposedly delicious ant-cattle meat. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 136 - 137: Salvaging Ships from the Warp Chapter 136: Chapter 137: Salvaging Ships from the WarpThe survivors frantically looted the ant-cattle cans. The man who had first opened one huddled in a corner, ready to savor the rare "delicacy." He scooped out a piece of the meat and brought it to his mouth. But then, the ant-cattle meat began to wriggle. Startled by the sudden mutation, the man froze. Panicked, he tried to throw the meat away, only to find his hand stuck to it. A sharp pain followed. Something was burrowing into his hand! sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Writhing in agony, the man screamed: "Help me!" He looked toward Tis, his eyes full of regret and desperation, pleading for her help. But before Tis could react, parasites burst violently from the meat. Splurt! The parasites'' sharp mandibles pierced through the man''s eyes and throat, gnawing hungrily at his flesh. His blood-curdling screams echoed throughout the storage warehouse. More parasites emerged from the ant-cattle meat, scuttling in search of new victims. Several others were attacked, their cries of pain joining the chaos. The sight terrified the rest of the survivors. Screaming, they abandoned the cans and ran to Tis, seeking her protection. A woman''s scream cut through the chaos. The same spiteful woman who had earlier opened a can now found herself entangled by parasites. They crawled into her mouth and burst out from her eyes, consuming her body with savage ferocity. "Tis, save me! Please!" The woman collapsed to her knees, begging for salvation. But it was too late. Tis, her gaze tinged with sorrow, shook her head slightly. There was no saving her now. The woman died in torment and regret. The horror didn''t end there. After feasting on flesh, the parasites turned their attention to the crowd, slithering toward them with deadly intent. Tis''s expression hardened. She slashed her hand with a blade, drawing blood, and activated the rotating saw on her mechanical arm. She intended to use her blood to draw the parasites away, preventing further casualties. Bearded Saylor, clutching a knife, followed close behind her. The parasites noticed Tis and launched themselves at her. With skill and precision, she cut down the parasites mid-air with her saw, while Saylor handled those that got past her. Together with a few brave survivors, they managed to eradicate every parasite. The survivors carefully cleaned the warehouse, sealing the corpses and remaining meat into steel containers to prevent further incidents. No one dared speak of eating the ant-cattle meat again. They stayed as far away from the cans as possible, as though the parasites might emerge at any moment. The incident left a heavy mark on the survivors. In total, just two cans of ant-cattle meat had resulted in six deaths. Had more cans been opened, the parasites would have wiped them all out. Despair settled over the group once more, with some sobbing quietly. "Miss Tis," Saylor asked hesitantly, "do you think we''ll survive? The distress signal has been sent. They''ll come for us, right?" All eyes turned to Tis, hoping for a reassuring answer. She leaned against the door, silent. She didn''t have an answer. The starport had been abandoned for five years, with no resupply or rescue. Would the powerful figures on the surface bother to save them? Perhaps they had already lost their value as people worth saving... Just as despair gripped the survivors, a crackling sound came from the nearby sound projector. It caught everyone''s attention. Eden''s voice echoed from the device: "Survivors of Starspire Port, this is your Governor, Eden Grant. If you''re still alive, stay safe and wait for our rescue..." The survivors'' eyes lit up with renewed hope. "Did you hear that? They''re coming to save us!" "It''s the Governor! He''s here to save us!" "By the Emperor''s grace, we''ll survive!" "Long live the Governor!" A smile spread across Tis''s face. Her efforts hadn''t been in vain. The Governor was coming to save them. As the survivors prepared to make noise to signal their location, Tis suddenly shouted: "Silence! Chaos creatures are coming!" The cheers stopped abruptly. The survivors knew all too well that making noise around Chaos creatures was a death sentence. Soon, heavy footsteps echoed closer. Several Chaos creatures were approaching! Bang! Drawn by the scent of blood in the warehouse, the creatures roared and slammed into the steel doors. Bang! Bang! Bang! The heavy steel doors trembled under their relentless assault. Screws popped loose. The doors wouldn''t hold much longer. "Help me hold this!" Tis reacted quickly, bracing the doors with her mechanical arm. The survivors rushed to assist her, but their efforts were ultimately futile. The door shook violently, on the verge of collapse. At the height of the survivors'' despair, a terrifying screech rang out. Hiss! "For the Emperor!" Accompanied by mechanical clanks and grinding gears, the new arrivals clashed with the Chaos creatures. Screams, snarls, and the sound of flesh being torn filled the air. "What are those things?" "Could they be the xenos the Governor mentioned? The ones that won''t harm humans?" "Nonsense! No xenos would spare humans!" One survivor shouted back: "I don''t care what they are! If they''re here to save us, I''m on their side!" "Yeah, they''re here to help!" The survivors watched hopefully, rooting for the strange newcomers to defeat the Chaos creatures. Some even cheered: "Come on! For the Emperor! Kill those Chaos scum!" The battle outside ended swiftly. No more sounds came from the Chaos creatures. "Survivors..." Eden''s calm voice came through the projector: "The Chaos creatures have been eliminated. You''re safe now." "We''re saved!" Relief washed over the survivors as cheers erupted. Tis let out a long-held breath, her tension finally easing. We survived! The steel doors creaked open as the gears turned. But instead of salvation, a towering Chaos creature stood before them, over two meters tall. At its feet lay the bodies of the armored xenos and several Chaos creatures. "You finally opened the door..." The creature spoke in Eden''s voice, its twisted face radiating glee. The survivors fell into despair. They had been deceived. The Chaos creature gripped the doorframe, ready to force its way in. Nothing could stop it now. Just as fear reached its peak, the creature was yanked backward. "You dare impersonate me?" Eden slammed the creature to the ground, pummeling it with his golden fists until its flesh and blood splattered. He delivered a final kick, shaking off the blood on his hand, and ordered his guards: "Finish it." Ignoring the creature, Eden turned to the survivors, his expression softening into a warm smile. "Survivors, you''re safe now. Welcome home." Behind him, the guards raised their bolters, unleashing a barrage of gunfire on the Chaos creature. Its agonized screams ended as it was reduced to a bloody pulp. We''re saved! Tis''s emotions overflowed as she dropped to her knees, tears streaming freely. "Governor!" She sobbed uncontrollably, her pent-up emotions finally released. Following a thorough sweep of the royal district, all Chaos creatures in Starspire Port were eradicated. Tens of thousands of survivors were rescued from various areas. With the Chaos creatures dealt with, supplies of energy, food, and more were transported from the surface, along with nearly 300,000 new inhabitants. The Mechanicus deployed nearly their entire force, taking over the starport to carry out critical tasks in fleet construction. Soon, the starport resumed full operations. Starport Command Center In a luxurious room, Eden stood by the viewport, holding a glass of red wine as he gazed at the stars. "It''s time to salvage the ships from the Warp!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 137 - 138: The Warp Draw, Initiated! Chapter 137: Chapter 138: The Warp Draw, Initiated!Eden downed the last of his wine and reclined on a plush silk-padded chair. Slowly closing his eyes, he calmed his thoughts and let his consciousness sink into the Warp¡ªa realm brimming with endless possibilities. Whoosh~ Time seemed to slow and settle as his awareness detached from his physical body. Eden''s consciousness stretched out, twisting into fine threads before plunging into the void. When he regained his senses, he was already within the Warp. His awareness manifested around a miniature sun, sensing its changes: "I feel... stronger?" After stabilizing Urth''s population and resources, the influx of faith had greatly enhanced his sun-like presence. He extended his senses further into the infinite void. Above the endless Warp, a colossal star burned ceaselessly, radiating overwhelming psychic energy that spoke of its might and dominance. It also felt like it acknowledged his arrival. Eden muttered to himself: "The Emperor is as mighty as ever. When will I ever grow to be like Him?" He fantasized about becoming a massive sun, freely roaming the Warp. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just like the Emperor¡ªwhose name Chaos forces feared and avoided uttering as though it were a dreadful curse. "Maybe in some unimaginably distant future," Eden mused wistfully. As per his routine, Eden attempted to send a psychic signal to the Emperor, akin to a "poke" on a messaging app. Unsurprisingly, the Emperor didn''t respond. Eden wasn''t bothered, though. It was just a formality. Time to get to work. Over the past months, Eden had amassed nearly 20 million units of Hope Energy. It was a monumental contribution from Erth''s 1.5 billion people living in relative safety and with adequate food supplies. Finally, it was time to indulge. Eden planned to use this energy to retrieve a starship from the Warp. After all, constructing a battleship could take centuries, and he didn''t have that kind of time. Retrieving one from the Warp was far more efficient¡ªa viable method frequently employed by the Imperium. The Warp was a graveyard of countless lost relics from various eras, including starships. For instance, the Emperor-class Battleship Divine Right, one of the largest active ships in the Imperium, was retrieved from the Warp. In M36, the Imperium found the Divine Right aboard the space hulk Malevolent Infusion. It had drifted in the Warp for over 10 millennia, predating even the Great Crusade. Despite its age, most of its systems remained operational, and after extensive restoration, it became a flagship for the Imperium. Moreover, the Warp occasionally yielded entire ships along with their crews. A famous example was the Eternal Soul, a ship from the Dark Age of Technology with an advanced AI and an intact STC core. The ship and its crew had been trapped in a Warp storm, experiencing visions of the galaxy''s birth and eventual destruction. When the Eternal Soul reemerged in M39, it was seized by an Imperium expedition. The crew met a grim fate, and the ship''s AI fled back into the Warp, cursing humanity. "If luck is on my side, maybe I''ll pull something legendary¡ªlike a complete STC core!" Eden thought excitedly. Time to draw! With his preparations complete, Eden began his Warp exploration. Previously, he had stumbled upon a derelict space hulk containing shipwrecks. Though nothing usable, it had been a promising discovery. "Single pulls for miracles¡ªlet''s see what I get!" Guided by Eden''s control, the miniature sun rippled, extending beams of psychic energy into the Warp to search for treasures. The process was akin to sifting through the Warp''s chaotic expanse, with the results depending on the energy spent. Soon, faint points of light began to appear in the void, each representing a material entity. Unfortunately, the first results were underwhelming¡ªdim points of light indicated minor finds. Eden selected one at random, finding a fragment of a mechanical relic. "STC shard?" he muttered. "Well, better than nothing." Over the next few attempts, he unearthed small trinkets, including: STC fragments Damaged Thunder Warrior armor pieces A lively Ork Shipwrecks A Chaos-tainted whip of questionable purpose A pure, ancient banana Some items, like Light Lance arrays¡ªpowerful relics from the Dark Age of Technology¡ªwere valuable. "Great, but I can''t exactly fight a space battle lugging these around. I need a functional ship!" Realizing single pulls weren''t enough, Eden decided to go all in. "Ten-pull time!" He poured 5 million units of Hope Energy into the draw. The miniature sun flared, expanding its psychic search deeper into the Warp. The search area illuminated numerous light points, large and small. Then, amidst the glow, a dazzling golden light appeared. A legendary pull! Eden was stunned by what he saw within the golden light. "What the hell is that?" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 138 - 139: The Emperor: Chapter 138: Chapter 139: The Emperor: "I Have a Dream..."Eden''s psychic awareness reached out toward the brilliant light source in the Warp. In the swirling chaotic void, he glimpsed a grand, higher-dimensional construct¡ªa creation so hazy and otherworldly that it appeared unreal. With the current energy level of his miniature sun, he was entirely unable to interact with such a high-dimensional existence. He focused all his consciousness, attempting to make sense of it. But he couldn''t grasp its form or retain any impressions; it was as if he was perceiving a powerful illusion. The construct''s lines seemed to begin and end within themselves, forming impossible angles that fragmented the void. This left Eden dizzy and disoriented, unable to process its appearance in his mind. Suddenly, Eden felt a powerful psychic tremor. It was emanating from the Emperor''s radiant star-like presence. The colossal sun exuded a surge of excitement. "What treasure could make the Emperor so stirred?" Eden thought, his psychic form shivering in amazement. Then, a tremendous surge of energy flowed into Eden''s miniature sun¡ªa direct gift from the Emperor. The Emperor, limited in His actions, lent Eden this power as the miniature sun was better suited for interacting with the construct. With the Emperor''s assistance, Eden finally saw the construct clearly. It was an inverted tetrahedron formed from ancient blackstone, nearly the size of the starport, radiating an indescribable, otherworldly glow. The shimmering, mysterious light seemed to defy human perception. The moment Eden beheld the tetrahedron, information surged into his mind through the miniature sun. And then he realized what it was. A Blackstone Gate of the Webway. The miniature sun contracted violently, and Eden''s consciousness reeled. This was a monumental discovery! No wonder the Emperor had reacted so strongly¡ªBlackstone Gates were ultimate treasures, once the focal point of galactic power struggles. The Webway, constructed by the ancient Old Ones using their unparalleled psychic and technological mastery, was a higher-dimensional network of pathways through the Warp. This miraculous feat of engineering connected every corner of the galaxy, offering stable and instantaneous travel while avoiding the dangers of Warp storms. Though the Old Ones had long since vanished, the Webway endured, albeit in a fragmented state. Even a small fragment of the Webway could grant its wielder unmatched navigational capabilities and unimaginable potential. The Emperor had once sought to master the Webway for humanity. To study and utilize the Webway beneath Terra, He had retreated to His secret laboratories within the Imperial Palace. There, He constructed the Golden Throne to channel immense psychic energy and link the Webway to the Imperium. This connection would have ushered humanity into an era of prosperity, free from the perils of Warp travel. However, Horus'' betrayal derailed His plans. Magnus'' reckless actions shattered the Webway portal on Terra, allowing hordes of daemons to spill forth. In a desperate bid to save Terra, the Emperor was forced to sit upon the Golden Throne, using His vast psychic power to seal the breach and prevent the planet from becoming a second Eye of Terror. Though the Horus Heresy was eventually quelled, humanity lost both the Emperor and the Webway, dooming the Imperium to millennia of stagnation and decline. Now, Eden had stumbled upon another Webway gate, one that appeared remarkably intact. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Emperor''s excitement was palpable. Though He could no longer act, He entrusted this task to Eden. Eden was equally exhilarated. With access to the Webway, he could expand his influence across the galaxy, even from the remote Urth system. The Webway would solve resource scarcity, allowing fleets to venture to distant regions for trade and exploration. As for safety, Eden felt reassured. With the Emperor''s vast psychic power as his backing, the gate could be hidden near the Emperor''s radiant presence, ensuring its security. "The Emperor might not mind me borrowing a bit of His energy for this," Eden mused. Still, if necessary, his miniature sun could provide power instead. But Eden quickly realized the harsh truth: he lacked the resources to utilize the Webway gate. "It''s just too expensive..." he sighed. The Hope Energy required to extract the Blackstone Gate would be measured in billions¡ªa sum far beyond his current means. Without even a functional fleet, the gate was a distant dream. Marking the gate''s location with a psychic beacon, Eden reluctantly moved on. Pouring another five million units of Hope Energy, he resumed his search for a usable starship. But luck seemed to have abandoned him. What followed were finds of little value¡ªmere scraps and fragments. "Seriously? Is this rock bottom?" Sensing his waning fortune, Eden decided to call it a day. Continuous exploration was also a strain on his psychic form. Returning to his physical body, Eden opened his eyes and gazed at the stars outside his window. Suddenly, a rift appeared in the void, ejecting various items¡ªhis spoils from the Warp. Eden immediately contacted the starport''s operations chief: "Recover everything. Don''t lose a single piece. Oh, and notify the logistics team¡ªprepare a feast for everyone tonight!" Satisfied, Eden leaned back, reassuring himself: "Kindness breeds luck. Tomorrow''s draw will be better!" Meanwhile, the starport buzzed with activity. Workers piloted small craft to retrieve the Warp''s gifts, which were promptly stored and purified. The initial inventory report was soon in Eden''s hands: Weapons: Light Lance arrays (Dark Age relics). Large battleship main cannons (likely from the Golden Age). Various shipboard weapons of mixed eras, pending identification. STC: Nine fragments requiring translation by a Magos. Armor: Five pieces of damaged power armor. Shipwrecks: Twenty-five fragments, value indeterminate. Miscellaneous: An ancient yellow curved fruit. Several archaic household items. A live Ork... "What the hell?!" Eden jolted upright. He had hastily scooped up everything during his search, including the green-skinned menace. Orks were notorious for multiplying rapidly. Fortunately, the report assured him that the Ork had been incinerated, and all contact materials thoroughly sterilized. Still, Eden scribbled an additional note: "Repeat sterilization procedures!" He shuddered at the thought of hearing a sudden "WAAAGH!" while enjoying a peaceful moment. Eager to examine the STC fragments, Eden headed to Kaul''s temporary Mechanicum workshop. Inside, Kaul stood before a shattered relic of white ceramic, silver pipes, and chrome chambers¡ªa piece of the STC. Kaul, beaming with excitement, turned to Eden. "What kind of tech does it contain?" Eden asked eagerly. Kaul replied solemnly: "A masterpiece of engineering... it produces highly realistic silicone humanoid effigies." "...What?" (End of Chapter) (Finds a STC! It was a sex doll stc...) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 139 - 140: Reverse Genetic Engineering Chapter 139: Chapter 140: Reverse Genetic EngineeringEden frowned at the STC fragment before him. "Silicone humanoid effigies? This thing seems utterly useless." Kaul, clearly flustered, hurriedly explained, "This is groundbreaking technology! The synthetic silicon skin it produces can¡ª" "Spare me the pitch. Isn''t it just a glorified doll?" "You don''t understand. Wait until it''s built, and you''ll see!" Kaul, sensing further explanations would be wasted, decided to shift the conversation elsewhere. Explaining anything to these office types was always frustrating. He quickly pulled out his data-slate and posted about the technology on a Mechanicum forum, tagging Moss, Webby, and others for input. Eden rolled his eyes but decided to humor the tech-priest. "Fine, I''ll leave it to you. Research away¡ªI''ll approve funding. But listen, whatever you make can only be used for scientific purposes. No funny business. Oh, and when it''s done, make one for me. I want to see what Golden Age tech looks like in action." Unlike the rigid culture of the Imperium''s Adeptus Mechanicus, the research environment on Erth was open and innovation-driven. However, Eden made sure to maintain oversight. He had established a tech-savvy division within the Inquisition to monitor Mechanicus researchers, including Kaul. This ensured no one accidentally unleashed catastrophic technology. Kaul, unfazed by Eden''s presence, enthusiastically browsed the forum, occasionally breaking into a mysterious smile. "Hey, hey, enough of that," Eden interrupted. "I''m still here. Can we focus? Do any of these STC fragments contain tech we can use on Urth immediately?" Kaul sheepishly put away the data-slate and forced a smile. "Of course, Governor. Let me explain." Kaul dared not offend Eden¡ªthe man controlled the funding for his future projects, many of which required enormous resources. I''ll bide my time, Kaul thought. Once I''ve secured enough resources, I''ll drain his coffers dry! Kaul moved to another STC fragment and began his presentation. "This fragment contains the technology for manufacturing Golden Age infant incubators. These devices provide early knowledge and skill training for infants, fostering creativity and pre-education development..." Eden''s eyes lit up. The incubators could significantly improve the quality of the population and accelerate talent cultivation. Unlike the crude fetal incubation tanks of the Mechanicus¡ªprone to locking individuals into limited potential¡ªthe incubators promoted natural creativity. Eden immediately ordered mass production of the incubators. "Prioritize deploying them to the Palace District for critical talent training. Later, roll out policies to make them available to every household. This is a long-term investment in Urth''s future." Kaul nodded and continued showcasing the STC fragments: Basic Educational Devices: Tools for foundational knowledge dissemination. Light Nano-Alloy Technology: Superior to current ceramic steel in strength. Advanced Food Processing Lines: Capable of producing high-density energy starch bars. Premium Pigment Coating Technology: Durable and aesthetically superior paints. Automated Space Mining Ships: Drones for vastly improved ore extraction. High-Strength Quick-Dry Concrete: Cheap, fast, and durable for construction. Advanced Weapon Manufacturing Lines: Capable of producing high-performance rifles. Eden was thrilled. Finally, something practical! The STC fragments'' ability to simplify high-tech manufacturing into accessible systems explained the Mechanicus'' obsession with them. STC technology was designed to adapt to local conditions, requiring only raw materials to produce finished goods. With such treasures, Eden knew Urth''s wealth and power could soar. He quickly allocated the fragments to various Mechanicus research institutes, tasking them with testing and mass production. These advancements would greatly enhance Erth''s productivity and military strength. As for the "silicone effigy" fragment, he left that to Kaul, who seemed almost emotionally attached to it. Eden then turned his attention to the remnants of the power armor collected from the Warp. He allocated these to Moss and his bio-genetics research team. Their task: extract and analyze the genetic material embedded in the armor remnants to reverse-engineer genetic technologies. Eden pointed to a Thunder Warrior''s remains and issued his directive: "This is a priority research project. Extract and optimize its genetic engineering data!" The Thunder Warriors were precursors to the Space Marines¡ªtaller, stronger, and capable of resisting psychic attacks. However, they had significant flaws: unstable genetics, a tendency for violent outbursts, and extremely short lifespans. Despite their limitations, Eden saw potential. "If we can remove their flaws, my guards will become Thunder Warriors 2.0¡ªan unstoppable force." If optimization proved impossible, Eden planned to use Hope Energy to counteract the flaws, ensuring his elite guards remained reliable. For the standard Space Marine legions, Eden envisioned using the Voidborn survivors as genetic templates. Their natural resilience would make them ideal candidates for enhancement. With long-term genetic research in motion, Eden returned to the starport to rest. The next morning, refreshed and ready, Eden reclined once more in his chair, preparing to delve back into the Warp. "This time, I''m finding a proper starship!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 140 - 141: The Golden Age Warship Chapter 140: Chapter 141: The Golden Age WarshipWithin the Warp. Eden''s consciousness once again merged with the Little Sun, preparing for another round of Warp exploration. He checked the reserves of Hope Energy¡ªonly ten million points remained. Once this pool of faith energy was depleted, it would take a long time to recover. That meant he would have almost no space defense capabilities for a while. If Urth were attacked from space during this period, it would spell disaster. Most likely, they would be sitting ducks, awaiting destruction. Orbital attacks from beyond the atmosphere could scorch the surface hives to ashes. Moreover, being on the Empire''s dark side, they couldn''t expect any assistance from the Imperial Navy fleets. By the time a rescue fleet from the sector arrived, Urth would already be overrun and forgotten. Thus, before the ten million points of Hope Energy ran out, he had to find a lost warship! Eden took this expedition extremely seriously. He washed his face, and the clergy of the Imperial Cult and Mechanicus performed incense-burning rituals to bless him before he began. Soon, he embarked on this high-stakes gamble. Time for a Draw! No single draw this time¡ªhe went for a ten-pull, betting big for a miracle! Eden picked a direction and invested five million points of Hope Energy. The massive psychic energy from the Little Sun surged, and its luminous psychic waves extended into the distant void. After a while, it detected numerous material objects. But when Eden saw the results, he nearly blacked out. The marked psychic points were all faint glimmers. "What the... no pity system in place?" All ten pulls yielded only white-grade trash. The debris he found was barely worth calling salvageable, with no value for recovery. Heartache! "Did I choose the wrong direction? Is this area just unlucky?" After pondering for a moment, Eden decided to try the opposite direction. This time, he went all-in with the remaining five million points of Hope Energy. Before proceeding, he performed another superstitious ritual: "Buddha, Laozi, God, Jesus, the Emperor, and the great GW, please bless me! Let me find a ship this time¡ªnot asking for something like Emperor''s Dream or Mount Formation, just a Golden Age warship!" After completing the prayer, Eden took a deep breath. "Let''s go!" The Little Sun burned through the last five million points of Hope Energy, sending psychic light once more into the void. When the psychic light finished marking the area, dozens of points of light appeared in his awareness. Two of them were exceptionally bright! Jackpot! Eden was ecstatic. His joy caused the flames on the Little Sun to leap and dance, and the entire orb twisted and spun in the void like it was jumping with excitement. This behavior caught the attention of the distant Great Sun. The Emperor''s gaze turned toward the Little Sun, with an implied, "What''s that brat doing now?" Eden quickly calmed himself and sent a psychic message to the Emperor: "Nothing, just something exciting happened." S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After reassuring the Emperor, he focused his attention on the two brightest points. He took a deep breath. It wasn''t time to celebrate yet¡ªwhat lay at those points remained unknown. With nervous anticipation, he explored the slightly smaller bright spot first. There, he found half a ship''s hull. The wreckage was undoubtedly from humanity''s Golden Age, not the Empire''s current technology. Unfortunately, it was just half a hull with a few weapons. Fortunately, some kind of teleportation device inside appeared intact. However, repairing such a wreck¡ªlacking engines and a power system¡ªwas as difficult as building a new ship from scratch. Eden''s heart sank a little. Now, only the last bright point remained. If there wasn''t a ship there, he would have to return and construct a shipyard to build one himself. Clenching his teeth, he directed his focus toward the brightest point. And then, he saw a holy light... Found it! Eden was elated beyond measure. In the void, a lost Golden Age warship drifted, radiating a faint glow. The ship was approximately eight kilometers long, with a silver-white hull marked by scars of battle. Most of its weapons were destroyed. Strangely, the ship''s deck was almost bare, devoid of the extravagant structures typically found on Imperial warships¡ªno cathedrals or holy statues. It resembled a mobile palace, reflecting the Empire''s current shipbuilding style. Eden speculated that the ship had gone into battle hastily after its hull and weapons were completed. After enduring intense battles, it had become lost in the Warp. But the scars weren''t fatal. Its power and shield systems were still operational, particularly the shields, which had perfectly insulated it from Warp energy erosion. Despite wandering the Warp for untold ages, the ship looked almost brand new. Eden''s psychic awareness probed the ship''s interior but found no human remains. Time must have turned any carbon-based life forms to dust, or perhaps the crew had evacuated in escape pods. Unfortunately, the ship''s AI system had been damaged¡ªenemy attacks had struck its chamber. But that wasn''t a big issue. He could let Kaul handle the ship''s AI system in the future. Moving to the engine room, he found a massive plasma engine occupying one-twentieth of the ship''s volume, like a small mountain. Its energy output was beyond imagination. The ship''s performance far exceeded current Imperial standards¡ªa testament to the immense technological and design gap. Moreover, it was a pristine, Golden Age ship with an intact core system, ready for customization. Perfect. Eden planned to refurbish and deploy it as Urth''s first super warship! Star Tower Spaceport Beep¡ª Alarms blared. "Attention all personnel, prepare to receive the incoming ship!" Eden issued the order from the communications hall to the spaceport. The staff sprang into action, following the planned procedures to welcome the incoming ship. As everyone took their positions, the void remained empty, with no sign of a vessel. Confusion spread among the crowd, and murmurs began. "Where''s the ship the Governor mentioned?" Without Warp travel capabilities and with no signs of approaching ships on sensors, the vessel''s appearance seemed impossible. Could the ship materialize out of thin air? Except for the most devout believers, most doubted a ship would arrive, even though the Governor¡ªappointed by the Emperor¡ªhad said so. At the dock, Eden stood with Kaul, gazing into the endless void. They waited. Kaul, a mix of excitement and skepticism, asked: "Governor, can you really procure a Golden Age ship? You''re not joking, right?" Eden smiled warmly: "Of course. It''ll be here soon." As his words fell, everyone in the spaceport felt a slight tremor. The entire port shook. Then, they witnessed a miracle. A Warp portal tore open in the void. The silver-white warship emerged from the chaotic void, reflecting dazzling golden light under the sun''s rays! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 141 - 142: The Chapter 141: Chapter 142: The "Dream" Restoration PlanAs the Warp portal''s tremors subsided, the silver-white warship fully emerged, floating quietly near the spaceport as if it had always been there. Seeing this unparalleled, never-before-seen vessel, the crowd finally reacted. Cheers erupted, and some even knelt in prayer. A divine miracle! "Praise the Omnissiah! This truly is a warship from the Golden Age. Oh, what magnificent machinery!" Kaul stared at the warship with a mix of awe and obsession. In near disbelief, he almost shouted: "How on Terra did you manage this? Whether it was locating the ship or pulling it out of the Warp, both require an immensely high level of technological expertise! With Urth''s limited resources, such a feat should be impossible!" Damn! Eden was startled by Kaul''s outburst. From the tech-priest''s perspective, was he implying that, with the right resources, Kaul could also dive into the Warp to fish out a warship? Classic Kaul¡ªalways the overachiever. However, as a leader, Eden couldn''t show uncertainty before his subordinates. Maintaining a calm demeanor, he gazed at the warship and casually replied: "It wasn''t difficult, just a stroke of good luck. You could consider it a gift from the Omnissiah." Without addressing Kaul further, Eden turned and left: "This ship is yours now. Give me a full assessment and restoration report later..." Eden trusted Kaul to handle everything efficiently. After all, nothing seemed to stump the tech-priest so far. Watching Eden walk away, Kaul''s eyes revealed a hint of respect. This man truly can''t be underestimated. Beyond his generosity with funding, he clearly harbored numerous hidden strengths. Quickly, Kaul''s focus shifted back to the warship. He boarded an anti-gravity platform and barked orders at the workers: "You idiots, be careful! Don''t scratch her!" After an entire day of labor, the spaceport crew successfully towed the ship into the dock. Kaul wasted no time leading his team onboard to begin a comprehensive evaluation and study of the warship. The Dream would remain in the dock for a long time, undergoing extensive repairs and modifications. Eden returned to his quarters and reclined on his chair. With the matter temporarily resolved, he could finally relax. Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he slapped his thigh in regret: "If I''d known it''d work this well, I should''ve prayed for something like the Emperor''s Dream or Mount Formation! Oh well, it''s not a total loss." While not as massive as those legendary warships, this vessel was still a battleship-class. Its core systems were incredibly advanced. Once fully armed, its combat power wouldn''t fall far behind those titans. Now, what should he name this ship? The Invincible Little Sun? Eden mulled over it, knowing he wasn''t great at naming things. Eventually, he created a group chat on the Spirit Network and consulted with his top advisors. After tossing around several suggestions, inspiration struck: "Dream! Let''s call her the Dream!" One Month Later At the spire estate, in the Governor''s office, Eden received the Dream''s assessment and restoration report. The Dream was 8 kilometers long and approximately 4 kilometers wide. Most of its weapons had been destroyed. However, the remaining wreckage contained valuable materials for studying and analyzing advanced technologies. The ship''s colossal and ancient plasma engine was far more advanced than anything in the Empire''s current arsenal. Its unique and extraordinary materials allowed the plasma to burn hotter, generating an endless supply of energy. That engine alone could power an orbital fortress the size of a small moon, yet it was mounted on this warship. The level of technology from that era was unimaginable. With such an engine, the Dream could support any compatible equipment and weapons without energy limitations. The shield systems were equally astonishing. Equipped with a Geller Field, it could almost perfectly negate the effects of the Warp and withstand even severe Warp storms. Additionally, it featured stasis fields and void shields to counter physical and energy-based weapons. The stasis fields covered a 5-kilometer radius around the ship, effectively neutralizing torpedoes, missiles, and even ramming attacks from smaller ships. The void shield system was even more extravagant¡ªlayered with a five-tiered array of shields capable of rapid regeneration. Even stationary, the ship would be nearly impervious to damage from standard warships. However, these systems consumed massive amounts of energy, turning them into voracious power sinks. A standard Imperial battleship outfitted with these shields would immediately deplete its energy reserves. For the Dream, the shield system''s energy consumption barely made a dent in its reserves. The Dream''s original weapons were beyond repair, requiring new armaments to be installed. Thankfully, Eden had salvaged numerous Golden Age ship weapons earlier, making them readily available. Unrestricted by energy constraints, they could equip the ship with as many weapons as needed. The main cannon was the Holy Nova Cannon, a weapon as large as a small ship. Caliber is justice! The Nova Cannon could fire highly compressed plasma macro-shells with devastating power, though its energy demands were enormous. For the Dream, this wasn''t an issue. The secondary weapon systems consisted of Starfire Spear arrays spread across the hull. These emitted massive beams of concentrated light, sweeping through everything in their path. Imagine a dance hall''s spinning lights or Godzilla''s plasma breath, but amplified in a 360-degree assault. Other notable systems included: Deflection Shield Arrays for clearing debris and asteroids. Invasion Bridges for precision bombardment of planetary targets. Deep Space Multi-Frequency Scanners for reconnaissance. Enhanced Propulsion Boosters for superior mobility. Graviton Flare Generators for disrupting enemy ships. Heavenly Veil Cloaking Device for stealth operations. Wide-Band Hymnal Projectors for broadcasting psalms. Teleportation Chambers. Reading through the thick stack of reports left Eden dizzy. He couldn''t understand most of the technical jargon but gleaned one important point: The Dream was immensely powerful. Since he wouldn''t be piloting it himself, knowing the basics was enough. Flipping to the last page, Eden approved the resource application form. This officially marked the start of the Dream''s restoration, a project expected to take over ten years. When completed, the Dream would become one of the galaxy''s most formidable warships. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With the Dream''s matters handled, Eden visited Moss''s laboratory to check the progress of genetic engineering research. The results were grim. Without access to genetic seeds or foundational genetic engineering data, progress had nearly stalled. "At our current pace, perfecting this technology could take at least a century," Moss reported while reviewing his data slate. A century? By then, the galaxy would have moved on! Fleet development and Space Marine creation needed to progress simultaneously. In galactic warfare, even the most powerful fleets required elite ground forces to prevent infiltration or decapitation strikes. Eden frowned as Moss expressed his helplessness. Genetic engineering was a closely guarded secret among factions, unlikely to be shared. As he left the lab, Eden brooded over the dilemma. Where could he acquire genetic seeds? Robbing Space Marines was out of the question¡ªtoo risky and too costly if exposed. "Governor..." As he exited the research institute, Carter hesitated behind him, as if debating whether to speak. "What is it?" Carter clenched his teeth and said: "I believe you could share the Forbidden Laboratory''s data with Sage Moss. It contains detailed genetic engineering technologies..." The suggestion was bold. The Forbidden Laboratory was the Grant family''s most closely guarded secret, the birthplace of the Imperial Guards. However, Carter couldn''t ignore the Guards'' declining relevance. With the King''s Court''s growing influence, the Guards struggled to protect the Governor adequately. After much deliberation, Carter had mustered the courage to propose this. "The Forbidden Laboratory?" Eden was baffled¡ªhe had no memory of such a facility. Another issue caused by memory loss. This made him wonder¡ªhad the Grant family secretly acquired genetic seeds? (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 142 - 143: Crisis Unfolds Chapter 142: Chapter 143: Crisis UnfoldsDeep beneath the Spire Estate. Prompted by Carter''s reminder, Eden scoured the estate and finally discovered the secret laboratory buried several kilometers underground. This facility had been sealed for years, its entrance layered with dust. The Grant family had secretly conducted genetic engineering experiments here, far exceeding the limits tolerated by the Imperium. Unfortunately, the experiments hit a bottleneck at some point, leading to the deaths of many Custodians involved in the augmentations. To make matters worse, the matter of the tithe violations attracted the attention of Arbites judges. The previous governor had no choice but to shut the laboratory down entirely, silencing those involved. However, what followed was beyond anyone''s expectations. The Arbites convoy was ambushed, drawing the wrath of Inquisitors. This brought even greater calamity to Urth, culminating in the death of the former governor. Since then, the laboratory had been almost entirely forgotten. As the successor, Eden knew nothing of its existence. "Old man sure had guts..." As more secrets unraveled, Eden realized the previous governor wasn''t as simple as he''d imagined. At the very least, he wasn''t the benevolent figure Eden had assumed. Of course, for a governor family to rule Urth for over 3,000 years, simple men were never part of the equation. If they lacked boldness and cunning, they would have been devoured long ago. Still, Eden saw this as a blessing¡ªit meant he had inherited a wealth of resources. Standing before the alloy door to the laboratory, Eden placed his hand on the biometric scanner, a device that only recognized the Grant family''s bloodline. Click. The scanner''s needle pierced his fingertip, drawing a small sample of blood. Beep. The green light activated, signaling approval. Boom¡ª The heavy door rumbled open. After traversing a long, trap-laden corridor, Eden finally entered the laboratory. Inside, the expansive facility was devoid of any human presence. Only a few dozen servitors carried out basic maintenance tasks. After questioning the servitors, Eden headed straight for the cryo-storage chamber. What he found left him astonished. "The Grant family had some serious nerve, stashing this many gene-seeds in secret..." Eden stared at the sight before him, a mix of shock and admiration. "Not bad, old man. Thanks for the inheritance¡ªthese are all mine now!" The cryo-chamber housed rows of glandular organs resembling octopi, commonly referred to as gene-seeds. This batch appeared to have originated from various Space Marine Chapters. Which ones, Eden couldn''t tell. Gene-seeds, the cornerstone of genetic engineering, were essential for creating Space Marines. At their core, they were a combination of germ cells and virus-based protein machines. Through complex engineering, they developed into specialized organs. When implanted into a human, these seeds enabled researchers to transform ordinary individuals into genetically enhanced super-soldiers¡ªSpace Marines, or Astartes. To Space Marine Chapters, gene-seeds were their most precious resources. Whenever possible, Chapters would recover gene-seeds from their fallen brethren after battles. Yet, the Imperium''s current gene-seed reserves faced numerous challenges, including widespread mutations. Some Chapters, such as the Black Dragons, had mutated so severely that their warriors grew horns. Mutated gene-seeds were too risky to submit for tithe collection, as no one could predict whether they would be sent to supply fleets or end up in the hands of the Inquisition. To meet their tithe quotas, some Chapters resorted to borrowing clean gene-seeds from others or purchasing them from rogue traders. The more extreme ones went as far as raiding traitor Marines to seize their gene-seeds. This situation only increased the value of gene-seeds, fueling an underground smuggling network. Rogue traders, unfazed by legalities, eagerly joined the lucrative trade. It was likely that the Grant family had acquired this batch of gene-seeds through such illicit channels. While Chapters sourcing gene-seeds from rogue traders might be considered "official smuggling," anyone else doing so would be branded as heretical. How the Grant family managed to evade the Inquisition''s scrutiny remained a mystery. Impressive! Indeed, it seemed far more efficient to inherit resources than to struggle for them. This windfall was monumental. After surveying the laboratory, Eden granted Moss access to the facility, allowing him and his team to continue developing genetic engineering technologies. Moss organized the laboratory''s data and provided an update: "With this substantial inheritance of research data, our progress has accelerated significantly. Preliminary estimates suggest we can conduct our first augmentation experiments within five years." Hearing this, Eden let out a sigh of relief. Even if it had taken ten or twenty years, he was prepared to wait. Five years was faster than he''d dared hope. Clapping Moss on the shoulder, Eden encouraged him: "As expected of my chief sage. Keep it up and speed things along!" With the gene-seed issue resolved, Eden felt a weight lifted from his shoulders. In high spirits, he returned to the estate and indulged in the luxuries of the estate''s spa. "Now this is living..." Reclining on a poolside lounger, his face covered with a towel, Eden relished the moment. Still, something felt missing. A thought struck him: "Life feels a bit dull. Maybe I should organize a troupe for music and dance performances?" Imagining a lively ensemble of music and graceful dancers, Eden felt tempted. He called for a maid and was about to issue the order when Linda, the head maid, entered with urgency. "Governor, there''s an emergency message from Sage Kaul..." Waving the maid away, Eden took the data pad and opened Kaul''s urgent report. The contents made his vision blur momentarily. "Damn it, Kaul! Is this another resource request?" It was Kaul''s third request for resources, nearly depleting Urth''s reserves. Maintaining a warship was no joke. Even with the Dream being pre-built and requiring minimal energy input thanks to its plasma fusion reactor, the repair and modifications alone were draining Eden dry. He was grateful the Dream was only 8 kilometers long¡ªa modest size by battleship standards. If it had been a 50-kilometer titan like the Emperor''s Dream or the colossal Mount Formation, even selling his soul wouldn''t have sufficed. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Still, he couldn''t deny the Dream''s superiority, thanks to its Golden Age core technologies. If only it had been equipped with temporal weaponry from that era, it would have been truly invincible. Imagine a warship that instantly reappears in pristine condition after destruction, no matter how many times it''s destroyed. As Eden pondered ways to fund the Dream''s restoration, Kaul initiated a voice call, sounding frantic: "Governor, why haven''t you approved the resources yet? I''ve been waiting for an hour, forty-five minutes, and seven seconds! Without resources, we''re at a standstill!" "Is it really that urgent? Did you upgrade the repair plan again?" "A minor improvement, that''s all. I had a burst of inspiration to address several flaws in the original plan..." Eden took a deep breath. "Can''t you stick to the original plan?" "Don''t you want a more perfect Dream?" Kaul''s voice carried a subtle, almost hypnotic persuasion. ... After a moment of silence, Eden relented: "You win. I''ll approve it shortly." Upgrades truly bled one dry. Eden consulted with Bayev, temporarily halting several royal district projects to redirect all resources and personnel toward the Dream''s restoration. Urth, being a mining planet with abundant reserves, could shoulder this burden¡ªfor now. Had this been any other planet, it might have been reduced to a barren wasteland. Finally, Eden approved Kaul''s resource request and collapsed into his chair, feeling like a drained fish. "Damn it, upgrades are a curse..." After some contemplation, Eden canceled the plans for a dance troupe. Such indulgences could wait. For now, the focus was on rebuilding Urth''s strength and resources. He issued new pro-natalist policies to address the planet''s workforce shortages, providing incentives for families to have more children. ... Five years later, in the Goliath Sector. On Chak, a feudal world ruled by a local monarchy, chaos reigned. Several city-states were engulfed in flames as the cries of the wounded echoed. The Sector Governor''s fleet descended upon the planet, punishing the monarchy for daring to question the legitimacy of the Tithe of Eleven. After thoroughly chastising the royal family, the fleet stripped Chak of all valuable resources. As the fleet departed, one of its divisions set its sights on Urth. According to their records, it was a prosperous planet, ripe for exploitation. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 143 - 144: The Unexpected Fleet Chapter 143: Chapter 144: The Unexpected FleetEvening. In the vast asteroid belt, numerous small mining ships buzzed about like bees. These vessels meticulously scanned and analyzed targets before using mining lasers to cut through asteroids, extracting valuable materials to store in their cargo holds. Once fully loaded, the mining ships leisurely returned to the large mining transport vessel. Onboard the Transport Ship. Beep¡ª The mining ships began docking. Uniformed miners sprang into action, maneuvering cargo loaders to transport the mined materials into the storage bays. Others performed basic cleaning and maintenance on the mining ships, including high-temperature cleansing to remove stubborn residues. This routine maintenance was a necessity. Mining ships, constantly exposed to the vacuum of space without the protection of shields like larger ships or spaceports, were prone to corrosion. If neglected, they could easily become derelict vessels covered in grotesque organic growths. "Hurry it up, lads! The next batch of mining ships will be docking soon!" Mining crew leader Meka barked orders at his team. A burly man with a chest adorned by the badge of a third-class citizen, Meka took pride in his work. As a workers'' representative in the revitalized mining industry, he poured passion into every task. Since Urth''s recovery, miners had seen their status and pay skyrocket, transforming their profession into one of envy. Despite several waves of expansion, countless individuals still vied for positions in the mining teams. Even their equipment had seen significant upgrades. Meka, as a team leader, now commanded an entire transport vessel and thousands of miners. One by one, mining ships returned, and the transport ship''s storage bay quickly filled. "Mr. Will, the transport ship is fully loaded. All equipment is operating normally, and we are preparing to return." Meka reported to Will, the mining overseer. Will''s booming voice came through with cheer: "Hurry back! You''re the last ship, and if you''re late, you''ll miss the gathering!" Laughter erupted from the other team leaders near Will: "We''re all waiting for you, Meka!" "Will''s got the booze ready. If you don''t hurry, we''ll drink it all!" Meka cursed under his breath: "Damn it, save me some!" Transport Ship Returns to Urth Night had fallen by the time the transport ship reached the surface. Meka rushed off the ship and hopped into a hovercar, heading toward Black Coal Street. Tonight was a rare celebration¡ªmissing it would be regrettable for an entire year. Black Coal Street was now a lively, well-lit district teeming with celebrants. Years of development had transformed the once impoverished slum into a thriving community. The old shanties were replaced with modern housing complexes. Meka''s family of six now lived in a cozy two-bedroom apartment¡ªan unimaginable luxury compared to the past. He returned home to gather his wife and four children. Together, they made their way to Will''s residence, greeting neighbors along the way. "Dad, why are you so late? I''m starving!" Meka''s eldest son, a towering 17-year-old, complained. Scarred by childhood hunger, he held an acute fear of going without food. Having passed the mining team''s rigorous entrance exams, the young man would soon join his father at work. Will''s Residence Tables laden with food and drink filled the open yard, surrounded by miners and their families celebrating. Will himself greeted Meka warmly. As a workers'' representative and third-class citizen, Meka was highly respected within the mining community. Will, having risen to prominence with the mining industry''s growth, now held second-class citizenship¡ªa rare privilege on Urth. "Come, let''s drink!" Colleagues hugged Meka, urging him to sit and celebrate. The alcohol came from specialty stores accessible only to third-class citizens and above, purchased with expensive credit points. Meka, ever frugal, would never indulge in such luxuries. But Will, known for his generosity, had spared no expense for this gathering. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Never forget your brothers when you''ve got something good!" This motto had propelled Will to his current standing. As the night unfolded, Meka and his colleagues drank and laughed, cherishing the moment. Tonight was especially significant¡ªit was the eve of the Emperor''s Ascension Day. At the Spire Estate. Eden, having approved several pending requests, stepped onto the balcony to overlook his planet. The view was dazzling¡ªlights illuminated the cities below as people celebrated. The tradition of rejoicing on the night before the Emperor''s Ascension Day had become deeply ingrained in Urth''s culture. In the Holy Plaza, craftsmen from the royal district worked tirelessly to finalize preparations for the grand ceremony. Once finished, they too would join the celebrations. "This will be the eighth Ascension Day..." Eden murmured, reflecting on Urth''s transformation under his leadership. When he first arrived, the upper hive was in ruins, ravaged by conflict. Electricity was scarce, leaving areas outside the royal district shrouded in darkness. The only light came from the fires of battle and burning neighborhoods. Now, power supplied every hive, and the economy flourished. Jobs were abundant, and famine was a thing of the past. Urth''s population had grown to 2 billion, with birth rates climbing steadily. In a century, it could return to its peak population, comprising well-educated and skilled citizens. Unlike other worlds, Urth didn''t treat its people as expendable resources. Here, they were nurtured and valued. Eden''s gaze shifted to the red moon above¡ªa massive natural satellite far larger than Earth''s moon, reflecting the scale of Urth itself. The moon bore scars from the past, with a colossal crater that left Eden awestruck when he first saw it. Now, it had an even larger crater¡ªa result of Eden''s own miscalculation. When the Dream''s Nova Cannon was installed, Eden, eager to test its power, had ordered a shot at the moon. The cannon, not yet fully calibrated, fired an overcharged blast that left a massive new wound. Thankfully, this accident revealed rich mineral deposits, accelerating the Dream''s restoration. The ship''s repairs were nearing completion, with only a year left before it became fully operational. With the Dream, Urth could expand outward, clearing dangerous uninhabited worlds for colonization. Satisfied, Eden returned to his chambers to rest, preparing for tomorrow''s grand ceremony. Dawn: Holy Plaza Crowds filled the plaza¡ªcitizens from all walks of life, honored to attend the event. "Mom, did the Governor really praise you?" "Of course! You''ll see the great Governor soon." Arila, visibly pregnant, stood with her husband Paddy and their daughter, radiating excitement. The Governor''s reforms had transformed her life, and her faith in him was unwavering. The choir''s hymns filled the air as Seraphim angels, adorned with white wings, showered the crowd with flower petals and holy water. "Praise the Emperor! Faithful of Urth, join me in prayer... May the Emperor''s blessings protect us all!" Bishop Doni presided over the ceremony from a pulpit suspended in the air. His serene demeanor and calming aura soothed the crowd, melting away the year''s fatigue. As the prayers concluded, it was time for Eden''s speech. However, his brow furrowed¡ªa sign of trouble. Moments earlier, he had received an urgent message from the spaceport: an Imperial fleet was approaching Urth. The fleet had sent a terse message demanding the planet''s ruler prepare for their arrival. Eden couldn''t discern their intentions, but their presence was unlikely to bode well, given Urth''s many secrets. Maintaining composure, Eden issued a series of commands to prepare for the fleet. He then ascended the stage, delivering his speech swiftly before directing the crowd to disperse. Before the dispersal could begin, an enormous shadow darkened the plaza. The sky dimmed as a massive object loomed overhead, casting the plaza into darkness. The fleet had bypassed the spaceport, descending directly over the hive city¡ªan act in blatant violation of Imperial protocols. Hum¡ª The hive''s defensive shields activated, glowing faintly as they enveloped the city. Eden gazed up at the colossal cruiser and narrowed his eyes. "They aren''t here as friends..." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 144 - 145: The Thunder Guardians Chapter 144: Chapter 145: The Thunder GuardiansA massive fleet hung arrogantly over the hive city, consisting of one super-heavy cruiser, two standard cruisers, over twenty escort ships, and more than a dozen large transport vessels. These warships were more than capable of stripping any planet in the sector bare of its resources. Now, this fleet from afar hovered brazenly above Urth, flaunting its presence. The citizens of Urth gazed upward at the titanic vessels, a collective weight settling on their hearts. Fear rippled through the masses as memories of the Imperial tithe fleets and the suffering and despair they left in their wake resurfaced. On the bridge of the super-heavy cruiser, the fleet commander sneered as he looked down at the planet below. "The intel wasn''t wrong¡ªthis is a wealthy planet..." Behind him, a towering Court Guardian with a cold expression remarked, "A planet capable of sustaining first-tier upper-grade taxation nearly rivals Martila itself." "Perhaps His Majesty should raise the taxes on this planet, don''t you think?" The Court Guardian remained silent. Conversations involving the Emperor were not for him to engage in. The commander, sensing he had overstepped, held his tongue. Though he had command over the fleet, he dared not offend the Court Guardians. These gene-enhanced warriors represented the Sector Governor, the self-proclaimed Emperor of Goliath Sector, Marius IX. Rumor had it their combat prowess rivaled that of the Adeptus Astartes, making them near-invincible within the sector. "Sir, you may begin the landing procedure," a subordinate prompted. The fleet commander nodded but offered a reminder, "Try not to kill too many locals this time. If you slaughter the ruling class and cause prolonged chaos, it will disrupt the tax flow." The commander recalled the devastation the Court Guardians had inflicted on Chak. They had nearly wiped out the royal family, forcing the fleet to leave behind a provisional government to stabilize the situation. While their methods were brutal, their ultimate goal was sustained taxation. A single bloody demonstration was usually enough to ensure compliance from the locals. The Court Guardian said nothing, silently leading his squad to the landing craft. He made no promises about restraint. The Guardians harbored a latent bloodlust in their genes. Should the locals show disrespect to the Emperor, they would not hesitate to act. The commander watched the landing craft descend toward the hive city with a sneer. To him, Urth was utterly insignificant¡ªa planet without even a single warship was unworthy of resistance. Its only option was to bow before the Emperor''s might and surrender all its wealth. Holy Plaza. The landing craft ignored all docking requests from the royal district and shot straight toward the plaza. Eden''s expression darkened as he watched the craft approach. Such actions were a blatant insult. The landing craft forcibly touched down in the plaza, its turbulent landing throwing citizens to the ground and injuring several. Anger simmered within Eden, but so did confusion. This wasn''t standard Imperial Navy behavior. As an Imperial Governor, he was entitled to a certain level of respect. His suspicions deepened when he saw the green serpent crest emblazoned on the craft¡ªan insignia not belonging to the Navy but to private forces. It suggested the Sector Governor had exploited the Warp storms to betray the Imperium and seize control of the fleet¡ªor, at the very least, the fleet''s high command had aligned with the Sector Governor''s schemes. Such treachery wasn''t unheard of in the Imperium''s shadowy fringes. Whether driven by ambition or survival, opportunists would seize any chance for power. This was not going to end peacefully. The visitors clearly intended to plunder Urth, cloaking their theft under the guise of taxation. The landing craft, over a hundred meters long, settled as its doors opened. Heavy-armored soldiers armed to the teeth emerged, escorting several ceremonial officials in dark green robes, their faces obscured by veiled hats, and holding ornate scepters. Finally, towering figures in green power armor¡ªCourt Guardians¡ªstepped out, radiating an overwhelming presence. The group ignored the crowd and marched straight toward Eden. The lead Court Guardian coldly declared, "By the decree of His Majesty Marius IX, Governor of the Goliath Sector, we are here to inspect this planet and ensure your compliance with the Imperium''s sacred obligations. Here is His Majesty''s writ." He retrieved a parchment scroll from the ceremonial official and issued another command: "Kneel and receive this decree. Such is the loyalty and respect due to His Majesty." Eden remained motionless, his gaze icy. None of the citizens moved either, showing no intention of kneeling. "Kneel!" The elderly ceremonial official screeched, his voice sharp and grating. "Do you dare defy the will of the Emperor?" The official was enraged by their defiance. Did these fools not see the fleet above, capable of obliterating the entire planet? Eden finally spoke, his voice calm but firm: "It''s not a question of daring. I''d like to know¡ªare you legitimate representatives?" "What do you mean?" the official snapped, raising his voice. "Goliath Sector is under Imperial governance. There is no Emperor other than the one true and great God-Emperor. I have reason to suspect your loyalty." The ceremonial official sneered. "To insult His Majesty is to invite punishment!" The Court Guardian captain grinned, a predatory glint in his eyes. "Another ignorant primitive." He strode toward Eden, intending to crush this insolent governor''s kneecaps and spirit. But just as his gauntleted hand reached for Eden''s shoulder, a gust of wind roared past. The Court Guardian reacted too late. Clang! A massive hand caught his own. The warrior who intervened stood 2.6 meters tall, a full head taller than the Guardian. He wore ornate, dark gold power armor¡ªCarter, Eden''s Thunder Guardian, the most powerful warrior on Urth. The bioengineering research had succeeded in replicating the creation of Thunder Warriors. While the process retained flaws¡ªshort lifespans and inherent cardiac issues¡ªEden had invested vast amounts of Hope Energy to perfect these warriors. Out of countless attempts, only 40 Thunder Guardians survived, but they were unmatched in strength. Even ordinary Space Marines would struggle against them. These Court Guardians were no match. "What are you?" the Court Guardian captain growled, sensing a palpable danger radiating from Carter. Carter remained silent, his grip tightening. With a swift motion, he forced the Guardian to his knees. Crack! The ground shattered beneath the Guardian''s weight. "Die!" The enraged Guardian drew his blade, aiming for Carter''s throat. But Carter easily disarmed him, tossing the weapon aside before delivering a series of devastating punches. Boom! Boom! Boom! The Court Guardian''s helmet and skull caved under the blows, blood spraying onto Carter''s armor. The entire exchange lasted mere seconds, leaving the crowd stunned. "Kill him!" the ceremonial official shrieked, pointing at Carter in terror. Gunfire erupted, but it came from above. One by one, the remaining Court Guardians and their soldiers fell as the Thunder Guardians eliminated them with ruthless efficiency. In under a minute, all opposition was neutralized. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eden approached the trembling official, his expression calm. "Were you planning to kill me?" The official collapsed to his knees. "Mercy! Mercy!" Above the Hive City. The fleet received the final transmissions from the ground. On the bridge of the super-heavy cruiser, the commander''s face twisted in rage. "The primitives dare to kill His Majesty''s retinue? This is war against the Emperor!" Overwhelmed with fury, he barked his orders: "Destroy the hive city! Kill everyone in it!" The warships adjusted their positions, aiming their massive cannons at the hive below. The gaping barrels of their guns loomed ominously, sending waves of dread through the hearts of all who beheld them. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 145 - 146: The Dream’s First Battle! Chapter 145: Chapter 146: The Dream¡¯s First Battle!The fleet''s colossal firepower rained down on the hive city as their weapons roared to life. Eden watched the fleet''s guns align with the vulnerable hive below. His hands clenched. Years ago, the relentless Eleventh Tithe and widespread rebellion had shattered the hive city''s defenses. Despite his best efforts, many critical defensive systems remained in ruins, as resources were funneled into the restoration of the Dream. The city''s void shields flickered to life, but they were little more than a symbolic deterrent. Eden muttered in frustration, "A few rounds, and that shield will be gone..." The fleet commander aboard the super-heavy cruiser smirked. The hive''s defenses were laughable¡ªjust a brittle dome separating the city from annihilation. His voice was sharp with confidence: "Another two volleys, and this planet will grovel beneath my boots." Suddenly, streaks of blinding light tore across the sky. Boom! Several escort ships exploded into fiery debris, their wreckage crashing into the shield below in spectacular bursts of light. Eden wiped the sweat from his brow, finally able to breathe again. The Dream had entered the fray. The Dream''s entry into battle was anything but straightforward. When the fleet first appeared, Eden had immediately ordered Kaul to halt all restoration work and conceal the ship using its ancient Heaven''s Shroud system. This remarkable device cloaked the ship''s energy signature while enabling low-power silent operations, rendering the Dream almost undetectable. With the battle underway, there was no need to hide any longer. The fleet commander''s expression twisted into fury as alarms blared aboard his flagship. "Where did that attack come from?" "From an enemy warship, sir!" "What warship? There were no detected defenses!" The commander''s voice cracked with disbelief. He stormed to the observation dome, glaring out into the void. And there it was¡ªa silver-white warship emerging from the shadows, positioned behind his fleet. The Dream was unlike anything he''d seen before. Smaller than his super-heavy cruiser, it looked incomplete, with construction machinery still attached to its hull. "Is that... their secret weapon?" The commander chuckled darkly. "This cobbled-together junk is what they''re betting on?" The Dream''s outdated and patched-up appearance only fueled his contempt. "They''re deluded if they think this is enough to resist us. All ships, attack!" The fleet unleashed a torrent of firepower, raining down macro shells, lances, and torpedoes in overwhelming waves. The fleet commander sneered, "They must have poured centuries of resources into building this. I''ll destroy it in minutes." But his confidence faltered as the Dream shimmered with an ethereal glow. Ripples of light expanded outward, encircling the ship in radiant layers. "What in the Emperor''s name is that?" His second-in-command stammered, "Sir... I believe those are void shields." "I can see that! But why does it have five layers?" Void shields were rarely seen in more than a single layer, with the most advanced ships boasting three. A five-layer array was unheard of¡ªespecially on a mere eight-kilometer-long vessel. The fleet''s barrage slammed into the Dream''s outermost shield. Instead of shattering, the shield barely rippled. Successive waves of firepower failed to breach even the first layer. "Impossible!" The commander''s voice was hoarse. His fleet was throwing everything they had, yet they might as well have been scratching the hull with their fingernails. "How is this happening?!" The Dream''s shields weren''t just strong¡ªthey were nearly impenetrable. Inside the Dream''s bridge, Kaul was practically bouncing with excitement. "Enough testing the shields. Let''s see what this baby can really do!" He darted to the weapons console, shoving aside the crew with his mechanical arms. "Prepare the Nova Cannon! Full power!" The Nova Cannon was the Dream''s crown jewel¡ªa monstrous weapon capable of obliterating entire fleets. Its massive barrel glowed as it drew energy from the ship''s seemingly inexhaustible reactor. The cannon roared to life, condensing volatile plasma into a blinding sphere several kilometers in diameter. On the super-heavy cruiser, the commander''s bravado evaporated. His gaze locked on the growing plasma sphere, terror gripping him. "Retreat! Full retreat!" His voice cracked as panic overtook him. But it was too late. With a deafening hum, the Nova Cannon released its payload. The plasma sphere tore through space, a blinding beacon of annihilation. When it struck the fleet, the explosion was cataclysmic. Entire ships disintegrated instantly, their remains swallowed by the expanding inferno. The once-proud fleet was reduced to glowing debris in seconds. As the flames of destruction faded, the Dream stood unscathed, its shields shimmering serenely. Kaul grinned with satisfaction, "Now that''s what I call a field test." Eden , watching from the hive below, exhaled deeply. "This is just the beginning. Let''s show the galaxy what Urth is capable of." The citizens of Urth, having witnessed the Dream''s might, erupted into cheers. For the first time in generations, they felt true hope¡ªa belief that they could not only survive but thrive in a galaxy rife with danger. Meanwhile The remnants of the fleeing fleet sent garbled distress signals across the Warp. The news of Urth''s defiance and the emergence of the Dream would soon spread. In the shadows of the Imperium''s vast bureaucracy, whispers began to circulate. A backwater planet had destroyed a fleet. The Imperium would not ignore this. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 146 - 147: The Fearsome Holy Nova Cannon Chapter 146: Chapter 147: The Fearsome Holy Nova Cannon[+500 PS Extra Chapter!] A massive and ferocious plasma cluster spilled an overwhelming torrent of plasma particles into the surroundings, radiating an aura of terror. Even the distant hive city on Urth was affected. Plasma particles collided with the hive city''s void shields, creating friction that sparked a blue luminescence. This caused the void shields to destabilize further. "What the hell?! What''s Kaul doing?" Eden watched the scene unfold, nearly spitting blood in frustration. Even from the surface, he could see the brilliant plasma cluster. Was this a case of a weapon malfunction, or was Kaul silently planning another grand experiment? That lunatic might just destroy the fleet! "Done!" At the Dreamweaver''s weapons console, Kaul excitedly finished charging the main cannon and aimed it at the fleet frantically changing course. (Change the name of the ship, this sounds better) Gripping the firing lever, he prepared to unleash destruction¡ª "Stop!" Eden''s command blared through the communicator, startling Kaul. "Kaul, are you trying to destroy the fleet? Don''t forget, all your research funding is on those ships!" Without hesitation, Eden patched into the Dreamweaver''s communication system to halt the firing of the Nova Cannon. Kaul, brimming with confidence, responded: "Rest assured, I didn''t even aim at the transport ships. Nothing will go wrong!" Oh, great, so his intelligence was still intact? Eden nearly laughed in anger, suspecting that the previous Nova Cannon overload incident was Kaul''s doing. That incident had resulted in the Nova Cannon breaching the surface of the Red Moon. Fortunately, the disaster revealed valuable mineral veins. But now, Kaul was pushing it further, intending to fire the fully powered Nova Cannon at an enemy fleet. If it were a Chaos fleet, fine, but targeting a human fleet was hardly civilized¡ªand a significant loss. After all, Eden''s goal was to capture these warships. Eden regretted his earlier decision; had he known, he wouldn''t have let this maniac pilot the ship. But there had been no choice¡ªunder the circumstances, the Mechanicus sage had been the most suitable option. Still, he hadn''t expected Kaul to go this far. Eden''s thoughts flashed by, and he quickly issued an order: Kaul''s command authority was revoked, and he set a power limit for the Dreamweaver''s weapons. The objective of this battle was to capture enemy ships; the destruction of large vessels was strictly prohibited. "Report, my lord! The main cannon is fully charged. If we don''t fire, it''ll blow!" Kaul''s voice suddenly echoed. Simultaneously, the Dreamweaver''s hull quivered slightly, and the plasma cluster at the cannon''s muzzle became increasingly unstable. Unrestrained plasma energy surged violently. If the plasma cluster detonated on-site, the Dreamweaver would be obliterated, and Urth would suffer catastrophic shockwaves. Eden was dumbfounded: "Adjust the cannon''s aim and fire! This mess is your responsibility!" Time was of the essence. Ordinary crew members couldn''t operate fast enough, leaving the chaotic Kaul to handle it. Despite his recklessness, his skills were undeniable. "Understood!" Kaul enthusiastically took back control of the Nova Cannon. He simply wanted to fire it, nothing more. With the Nova Cannon''s charge nearing its peak, the entire ship trembled violently. Kaul methodically worked the controls, his mechanical arms moving in a blur. He quickly adjusted the cannon''s aim, targeting a "lucky" spot he had selected. Click! Kaul pulled the firing lever. In an instant, the Dreamweaver shook violently. Szzzzzz The colossal plasma cluster compressed into a projectile and was launched at speeds so fast it disappeared, leaving a brilliant flash on the retina. The surrounding void shimmered with a faint blue glow as the plasma projectile tore through space. Whoosh! The plasma bolt traversed thousands of kilometers in a blink, narrowly missing the enemy fleet. The sheer energy from its edges flipped several frigates, while the void shields of a nearby cruiser shattered. Soon, the plasma bolt erupted like a miniature star in the far reaches of space, unleashing a fiery explosion that consumed everything in its path and distorted space itself. As the explosion''s light dimmed, everyone exhaled in relief. "Whew, this thing is terrifying..." Eden wiped the sweat off his brow, thankful it was their weapon. The Holy Nova Cannon''s firepower was far greater than before. This awe-inspiring attack had significantly demoralized the enemy fleet. Aboard the bridge of the colossal cruiser: "By the Emperor''s grace, we survived?" The fleet commander staggered to his feet, feeling as if he had been reborn. His legs trembled as he clung to the command console. Urth possessed a weapon of such unimaginable power that it exceeded any conceivable limits. There was no way he could oppose such a force¡ªnot even the Emperor Himself could! Thankfully, the shot had missed. If the next one hit, they and their fleet would be reduced to ash. "Full retreat, now!" The fleet commander roared, as though a monstrous demon was chasing them. The surrounding ships fled at maximum speed, far faster than his orders. In doing so, the massive cruiser was left at the rear. "Traitorous cowards..." The fleet commander was furious and immediately ordered: "Shut down all non-propulsion systems, overclock the engines, and push our speed to the limit!" There was no use fighting or defending against the enemy''s attacks. Abandoning shields and weapons, they could only try to escape. However, the Dreamweaver pursued them at an even greater speed. "Commander, the enemy is catching up!" "What?" The fleet commander shouted angrily: "Do whatever it takes¡ªaccelerate!" The adjutant stammered in fear: "W-we''re already at maximum speed. The engines can''t handle more!" Bang! The unfortunate adjutant fell with a smoldering wound on his head. "Useless, all of you!" As the fleet scrambled, the Dreamweaver''s interference macrocannons rapidly fired upon the defenseless ships, systematically disabling their energy systems without causing structural damage. This specialized weaponry was perfect for capturing ships intact. Inside the command bridge of the massive cruiser, the fleet commander growled in despair as the inevitable loomed closer. "Activate the self-destruct system. The moment they board, detonate!" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 147 - 148: Boarding Operations Chapter 147: Chapter 148: Boarding OperationsRed warning lights flickered ominously, signaling the activation of the self-destruct system. The fleet commander stared at the red button on the console, a trace of fear flashing across his face. If the enemy breached the bridge, he would press the button. The ship''s engines would overload, burning out all systems and triggering the scattered self-destruct devices. The warship would explode into fragments, leaving no survivors aboard. The bridge crew, trembling in terror, dared not voice any objections. Those who had suggested surrender had been brutally torn apart. Bloodied Royal Court Guards stood as silent enforcers, ensuring no one dared betray the Emperor. In the void of space, the trapped fleet began a desperate counterattack, bombarding the Dreamweaver with everything they had. But the Dreamweaver pressed forward undeterred, launching specialized torpedoes from its weapon systems. These unique torpedoes, equipped with tracking countermeasures, bypassed enemy defenses effortlessly and struck directly at their hulls. Upon impact, the warheads deployed thermal-melting devices, burning through the steel armor and carving entry points for the torpedoes to penetrate the ships'' interiors. Once inside, the torpedoes disassembled, releasing spider-like mechanical drones that clamped onto the metal floors. The faint purple glow of their signal beacons began to pulse. The boarding operation had officially begun. Dreamweaver, Teleportation Bay. The teleportation chambers were capable of short-range, rapid warp-space transfers. This type of warp travel exposed users to the immaterium for only a brief moment, rendering them undetectable by warp-space entities. However, the technology had its limitations. Most teleportation devices could not transport objects exceeding the size of two adults. Vehicles, artillery, and other heavy equipment were untransportable, and the transfer was strictly one-way. This meant that the units participating in the operation had to fight without backup. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Victory or death¡ªthere was no retreat. In the staging area, 20 Thunder Warriors and 3,000 Voidborn troops stood in disciplined rows, awaiting their turn. The Thunder Warriors towered over the others at 2.4 meters tall, their imposing frames clad in dark gold power armor, exuding an aura of dominance. The Voidborn warriors wore dim teal-green armor, fully armed and genetically enhanced for improved combat capabilities. However, they were not yet Space Marines. Until the Biologis Sage perfected the gene-forging techniques tailored to the Voidborn, they could not ascend to become the Void Angels. At the forefront stood Duke, the captain of the Voidborn troops, gripping a long spear with unwavering resolve. Upon their arrival on Paradise World, the Voidborn had been granted lands cleansed of pollution¡ªa verdant valley transformed into a paradise. They had farmed the land, creating a home for themselves, but this haven came at a cost. The Voidborn were required to continually supply their strongest warriors to form an army and fight for their benefactor. Duke, his face set in determination, bore no fear for the coming battle. For these warriors, only death in battle could repay the blessings bestowed upon them. A sharp alarm sounded, and the teleportation chamber''s indicators lit up. This signified that the signal beacons had successfully activated. One by one, warriors entered the chamber, their destinations already determined. When Duke''s turn came, he followed five Thunder Warriors alongside 100 of his troops. Their mission: seize the enemy flagship''s bridge and secure control. In the teleportation chamber, intricate machinery hummed behind steel mesh panels. The steel floor bore scorch marks in the shape of purple lightning¡ªresidual burns from previous warp discharges. Teleportation was not without risks; even a minor error could leave participants stranded in the immaterium. Unfazed, the warriors stood ready, stoic and silent. As the Governor''s War Angels, they were duty-bound to fight without fear or hesitation. Once everyone was in position, the chamber doors sealed shut. The tech-priests calibrated the parameters and activated the teleportation device. With a crackle of purple lightning, the warriors vanished. Enemy Flagship, One Kilometer from the Bridge The air shimmered as the teleportation field materialized the warriors, accompanied by arcs of purple energy. The operation had succeeded. However, alarms had blared for several seconds before their arrival, and enemy reinforcements were already on their way. The lead Thunder Warrior deployed a spherical reconnaissance device into the air, scanning the surroundings. Other Thunder Warriors examined tactical data pads displaying the ship''s schematics. "You two, secure the data nodes. The rest, follow me to the bridge," the lead Thunder Warrior ordered, firing blindly over his shoulder. Boom! An advancing heavy trooper''s head exploded, the body collapsing to the floor. The enemy had arrived. The Thunder Warriors led the charge, wielding chainswords that left severed limbs and mangled remains in their wake. Even heavily armored vehicles were no match for their raw power, torn apart by brute force. Though they were gentle with allies, to their enemies, they brought only thunderous wrath. "For the Governor!" The Thunder Warriors roared their oath, carving a path of blood straight to the bridge. On the Bridge The fleet commander''s expression was grim as the sound of gunfire drew nearer. The enemy warriors were almost upon him. He turned to the red self-destruct button, his fingers trembling. Once pressed, these cursed primitives would perish alongside him. Boom! The Thunder Warriors breached the bridge. "Kill them!" The commander''s guards, leading the remaining heavy troopers, charged. But they were no match. Three Thunder Warriors dispatched over a dozen Royal Court Guards with brutal efficiency, dismembering them with ease. The lead Thunder Warrior flung a mutilated guard''s corpse at the commander''s feet, glaring coldly at him. The commander, trembling, finally grasped the overwhelming power of these warriors. Their mere presence crushed his spirit. "Mercy!" the commander pleaded. With his guards dead, he was finally free of their watchful eyes. Confident in his value, he believed surrender would secure his life, even if it meant a loss of status. But the Thunder Warriors remained silent, their piercing gaze unwavering. The Governor had deemed these men unworthy of mercy. Their actions had wrought suffering across countless worlds. Desperate, the commander rushed to the console, his hand hovering over the self-destruct button. "Stay back! I''ll activate it and kill us all!" The Thunder Warriors did not falter. "Stop! Don''t you want this ship?" the commander screamed in panic. But as they closed in, he crumbled to his knees, weeping. A Thunder Warrior grabbed him, shattering his jaw with a single punch. "Let me tell you a secret: the self-destruct button hasn''t worked for a while." Unknown to the commander, two other Thunder Warriors had already accessed the ship''s data nodes and disabled the self-destruct system. The commander was handed over to the Voidborn troops for interrogation. The bridge''s systems flickered back to life as the Dreamweaver''s AI, Xiaoling, seized full control. Victory was declared¡ªthe flagship had been captured. One by one, other boarding teams reported similar successes. This was Urth''s greatest triumph since its resurgence: the complete capture of an entire fleet. As the battle ended, the captured ships gathered at the orbital docks near the star tower. "This is a gold mine!" In the space elevator, Eden rubbed his hands together with excitement. With resources depleted, countless projects had been put on hold. This captured fleet, which had plundered multiple star systems, was a treasure trove. Eden couldn''t wait to see what was inside those massive transport ships. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 148 - 149: The Performing Troupe and the Relic Chapter 148: Chapter 149: The Performing Troupe and the RelicUpon arriving at the orbital dock, Eden rode in a gilded hovercar inlaid with precious gems, heading straight for the hangar where the massive transport ships were docked. This exquisite vehicle was a custom creation from a local mechanized factory, presented as a gift to him. The factory manager had been so overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to have lunch at the Spire''s mansion and to receive Eden''s personally inscribed autograph that he had wept openly. This gesture from Eden was part of his effort to encourage Urth''s self-reliance and economic development. The factory was the first independently run civilian mechanized plant established on Urth since its revival. Founded by a second-tier lower noble of the Upper Hive, it represented Eden''s vision of fostering enterprise among the citizenry. Under the protection of his miniature sun field, which shielded the planet from Chaos pollution, Urth''s economy could no longer rely solely on a ration system. Such a system stifled economic vitality and failed to fully utilize resources and human potential. Moreover, the Royal Court could not provide sufficient employment opportunities. To address this, Eden introduced special commerce permits, allowing qualified citizens to establish factories, businesses, or purify polluted lands for farming or mining. While ownership remained under the Royal Court, these enterprises operated with greater independence and profit potential. This initiative gave capable citizens a new path for advancement, enabling them to create economic value and rise in status. It was a closely monitored, streamlined version of free enterprise, currently in a trial phase, subject to revision or termination depending on results. At the dock, the Thunder Warriors, Voidborn soldiers, and Dreamweaver''s officers and crew were already assembled. Eden praised and encouraged their contributions. The spoils from this battle were extraordinary, promising many of them a rise in citizenship status. The substantial credit rewards could dramatically improve their families'' lives. After his words of encouragement, it was time for the main event: inventorying the spoils. The fleet included over a dozen massive transport ships, each approximately 10 kilometers in length. If fully loaded with tithe goods, their value would be incalculable. In the current era, where warp travel was treacherous, such resources were even more precious. Even a sector governor required decades to complete a single round of taxation across their sector, dispatching multiple fleets simultaneously. While administrative teams began inventorying the captured resources, Eden decided to see the spoils for himself. "Governor, I''ll accompany you!" Kaul suddenly appeared, brimming with enthusiasm. Resources meant funding, and funding meant research. Eden gave him a warm smile. "Ah, I almost forgot about you. Enjoyed firing that Nova Cannon earlier?" Kaul sensed the tension but maintained his bravado. "Of course! It was exhilarating. I recommend you try it sometime!" Eden chuckled faintly and walked toward the boarding ship. "Wait for me!" Kaul hurried after him but was stopped after only a few steps. The Interrogator Tribunal had arrived, led by the grim-faced Inquisitor Deville and several armed officers. "Kaul, come with us. We need to investigate a few matters," Deville declared. Kaul, while reckless, knew better than to resist the Tribunal, as doing so was tantamount to defying the Royal Court itself. Though deeply loyal to Eden, Kaul had often pushed boundaries, which frequently landed him in trouble. As he was dragged away, he shouted theatrically: "Governor! I''m innocent! That cannon was my masterpiece!" Eden ignored him. Actions had consequences, and Kaul''s antics were no exception. Deville assured Eden that Kaul would face disciplinary action tailored to his unique situation¡ªsuch as sensory deprivation, immobilization, and internet bans. A fitting punishment for a tech addict. As Eden boarded the transport ship, he brushed aside lingering doubts about whether Kaul was truly at fault. "Doesn''t matter," he thought. "He''s guilty of something." The First Ship Eden stood at the observation window of the boarding vessel, gazing at the massive transport ships in orbit. He randomly selected a ship and ordered the crew to approach. Upon boarding, Eden''s heart sank. "This ship''s empty?!" Aside from basic crew and cargo-handling equipment, the vast hold was barren. It felt akin to winning the lottery only to realize you''d misread the numbers. Reluctantly, Eden asked the logistics officer, "Tell me the others aren''t like this?" The officer nervously checked his data slate: "Initial reports show five of the sixteen transport ships are empty. The others are partially loaded with significant resources." Relieved, Eden realized those empty ships were likely meant to transport Urth''s tithes¡ªa clear sign the sector governor saw him as an easy mark. "Well, we''ll see who''s the real fool here," Eden thought with a smirk. The Second Ship Moving on, Eden boarded another transport ship¡ªand this time, he was greeted with a shocking sight. This ship was transporting people. Layer upon layer of stasis chambers held countless lives¡ªlikely billions in total. At the highest tier, Eden inspected the most valuable passengers, opening a core compartment to find... S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "A performing troupe?!" The chambers housed an array of individuals, from royal princesses and noblewomen to exotic beauties and rare xenos hybrids¡ªthousands in total. Their tearful, fearful gazes were enough to unsettle Eden. Quickly averting his eyes, he ordered, "Priority protection. I''ll deal with them later." Further exploration revealed talented scientists, skilled artisans, and powerful warriors¡ªintended subjects for genetic experiments. This haul could significantly boost Urth''s population quality and technological capacity. Now Eden understood why the Empire coveted the tithe system¡ªit was lucrative beyond belief. As Eden finished inspecting the population ship, news arrived: the interrogation of the fleet commander was complete. Reading the report, Eden frowned. "A relic?" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 149 - 150: A Treasure More Valuable Than a Planet? Chapter 149: Chapter 150: A Treasure More Valuable Than a Planet?The concept of relics was broad, with varying definitions across the Empire''s institutions. Relics could be lost ancient technology, weapons left behind by powerful beings, or even mundane items like basins used by the Emperor or living saints. However, anything the fleet commander deemed worth hiding had to be exceptional. This fleet had collected the tithes from nine planets. Following the Emperor''s directives, the fleet commander had also looted the planets'' nobles, seizing their treasures. To ensure safety, the most valuable treasures were stored aboard the massive flagship. The most precious of these treasures, however, were secretly hidden away by the commander, intending to keep them for himself. Among them were said to be relics. The fleet commander refused to disclose the treasure''s location unless he could meet with the governor in person. Clearly, he hoped to bargain for his life using the treasures. Eden arrived at the interrogation chamber to find the disheveled fleet commander, who burst into tears upon seeing him. "Governor, please spare me! I will pledge my loyalty to you and reveal the treasures'' location!" "Spare you?" Eden shook his head: S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What makes you think you deserve mercy? When you ordered an orbital bombardment to kill me, did you think about the consequences? And loyalty? Do you even understand the concept?" Though the commander looked pitiful, he had suffered no real harm. He had already confessed much before any torture had begun, using the promise of treasures as leverage to request a meeting. Eden doubted whether this man had even graduated from the Navy Academy. The commander''s opportunism was well-known, and no one would trust his loyalty. "But don''t you want the treasures? They''re worth more than planets!" Seeing Eden''s unwillingness to spare him, the commander grew desperate. "Of course, I want them. But what leverage do you have now? Knowing your nature, you probably hid them aboard your flagship. The ship is mine¡ªI''ll find them eventually." Eden glanced at the Tribunal interrogators standing nearby, who were in training to become full-fledged Inquisitors. "Continue the interrogation. Increase the pressure¡ªI don''t care if he dies." Turning to leave, Eden was stopped by the commander''s frantic cries: "Wait! Even if you find the vault, you''ll need the special passcode to access it. Without it, the failsafe will destroy everything inside!" The commander explained that forcing the vault open without the code would trigger a heat-melt device, reducing the treasures to ash. Eden smiled faintly. "Thanks for the information. That''s all I needed to know." All Eden wanted was a general idea of the vault''s location and its mechanisms. As for the so-called special passcode, he had no intention of relying on it. The risks were too great¡ªwho knew what other traps it might activate? Instead, he trusted Webby, machine spirit, to bypass the vault''s systems. The commander, realizing Eden had left, fell into despair. He refused to disclose further details, believing the governor would eventually return for the code. Meanwhile, the Tribunal continued interrogating other prisoners, gathering more reports to cross-reference the commander''s claims. Search for the Vault Eden instructed Webbyto search the flagship for the hidden vault. Finding a secret room aboard a 10-kilometer-long ship, akin to a small city, was no easy task. Fortunately, the commander''s hints suggested the vault was in an area without surveillance. Webby focused on blind spots in the ship''s monitoring system, quickly identifying several potential locations. The first search, near the bridge, turned up nothing. The second team moved to the ship''s lower decks, a labyrinth of pipes and compartments resembling a hive''s underbelly. Here, the search team encountered mutated maintenance workers, who had succumbed to corruption and become abominations. The mutants were executed on the spot. Further exploration revealed several groups of Chaos creatures, which the team eliminated. Tales of hidden demons aboard ancient ships were common. These incidents underscored the need for a thorough cleansing of all captured vessels. As the number of blind spots dwindled, Eden grew increasingly tense. Was the vault truly hidden among these areas, or was this all a ploy to buy time? Finally, the search team found the vault in the last blind spot. Standing before the vault''s entrance, Eden wore a gas mask to block the putrid stench. "Quite the hiding spot..." he muttered, marveling at how the vault had been disguised as a waste pipe. Without a specific purpose, no one would have discovered it. Nearby, tech-priests busily installed scanning devices and signal boosters, while Thunder Warriors dealt with any emerging Chaos creatures. When the golden-tinged signal booster activated, Webby''s presence manifested nearby. "Father, did you miss me?" The golden energy flickered as Webby''s voice emanated from the speakers. Eden, focused on the vault, replied: "Stop joking and crack this vault''s system. Be careful of the heat-melt failsafe¡ªI don''t want anything inside destroyed." "Understood!" Webbychirped, directing the surrounding machines to interface with the vault''s system. The process was time-consuming, and the team waited in tense silence. "Father, the vault system has been successfully breached!" Eden sprang to his feet, asking: "Great! Is the heat-melt device completely disabled? Any surprises I should know about?" Webbyexplained that the vault didn''t have a special passcode, but rather a booby-trapped "activation code." Had Eden trusted the commander and used the code, the resulting heat wave would have incinerated everything¡ªand anyone¡ªnearby. The commander''s final act of defiance had been thwarted by Eden''s caution. As the vault doors creaked open, Eden stepped onto a soft carpet made from the fur of a rare white feline species. The passageway was lined with dormant heat-melt devices, which would have been catastrophic if triggered. Inside the Vault The vault was a state-of-the-art storage facility, its walls and floors crafted from advanced protective materials to shield its contents from all forms of decay. Rows of storage containers housed ancient artifacts, exuding an aura of solemnity and reverence. The air carried a faint, aged fragrance that evoked peace and serenity. At the vault''s deepest point, Eden found a glass case containing an ancient stone tablet inscribed with intricate runes and patterns. In the center of the tablet lay a parchment made of aged sheepskin. The moment Eden saw the parchment, he recognized it. His eyes fell on the blood-red fingerprint mark in the lower-right corner. "By the Emperor... Is this genuine?" Eden exclaimed. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 150 - 151: The Emperor’s Blood Seal Chapter 150: Chapter 151: The Emperor¡¯s Blood SealThis was indeed a treasure more valuable than a planet¡ªfar beyond, in fact. If used wisely, its value would be incalculable. The parchment embedded in the stone slab was a Rogue Trader Warrant, a credential that signified the bloodline and rights of a Rogue Trader dynasty. While the term "Rogue Trader" might evoke images of merchants, they were far more than simple traders. At their core, Rogue Traders were conquerors, privateers, and explorers of the galaxy. They thrived on adventure, exploration, and the promise of wealth, uncovering ancient treasures while scouting new worlds for the Imperium. Only the Empire''s highest authorities, such as the Inquisition or the High Lords of Terra, could adjudicate their actions. No other organization had the right to arrest or judge them. This granted Rogue Traders an unparalleled degree of freedom and authority. But their path was fraught with danger. As pioneers in high-risk ventures, they constantly faced combat and peril. Thus, a Rogue Trader required powerful ships, unshakable courage, and a fair share of luck to survive¡ªor risk annihilation. Most importantly, they needed a Warrant of Trade, the source of their authority and their dynasty''s most prized possession. Warrants of Trade came in various grades, with greater power bestowed by higher authorities. Those signed by the Emperor Himself were the most revered, their value transcending mortal comprehension. Such Rogue Traders, known as Blood Rogue Traders, carried an aura of near-divinity. These warrants were often hereditary, passing through generations to form ancient Rogue Trader dynasties. Many such dynasties had amassed immense wealth over millennia, becoming autonomous rulers of distant territories far from Holy Terra. As long as they nominally pledged allegiance to the Emperor, they ruled as near-sovereign entities in their domains. Their influence was so profound that Rogue Traders even held a seat in the High Lords of Terra, the Imperium''s ruling council. Rogue Traders were among the few permitted to negotiate and trade with xenos. Their exploratory missions often blurred the line between extermination and diplomacy, making their ships notorious for trafficking alien artifacts and technology. This trade, though illegal, thrived due to overwhelming demand. Imperial nobles coveted rare xenos items, rulers sought alien weapons for suppression, and the Adeptus Mechanicus desired xenos tech for reverse-engineering. Everyone benefited: Rogue Traders grew wealthier. Nobles expanded their collections. Rulers acquired powerful tools of oppression. The Mechanicus advanced their technological arsenal. A win-win for all¡ªexcept the xenos. Given their influence and alliances with Navigator families, Rogue Traders were nearly untouchable. Their role as semi-autonomous lords of the Imperium showcased the Empire''s contradictions and the vast power they wielded. Now, before Eden lay a Warrant of Trade, ancient and priceless, bearing the Emperor''s blood-sealed fingerprint. Szzzz! Eden sucked in a sharp breath. This was the treasure he had always dreamed of. With this Warrant, countless opportunities opened up. His fleets could navigate freely across the Imperium and beyond, exploring, trading, and even raiding to amass resources. His mind raced with plans: Establishing hidden black market hubs within the warp lanes. Trading rare artifacts and technologies under the radar. Building alliances with tech-savvy rogue agents. But these ambitions required time to materialize. Eden stroked his chin, scrutinizing the Warrant: "This parchment is priceless not just for its authority but also for the Emperor''s blood on it." The blood, containing fragments of the Emperor''s divine genome, was a sacred relic. He toyed with the idea of extracting a sample for research. What if the Biologis could replicate the Emperor''s genetic traits? Perhaps even enhance the Thunder Warriors with this divine bloodline? But such thoughts bordered on heresy. Eden chuckled wryly. "This is something Bishop Doni must never learn about," he muttered. The Ecclesiarchy revered the Emperor to the point of obsession, considering any artifact linked to Him as holy. To them, this Warrant was the ultimate relic, worthy of daily worship. In fact, some members of the Ecclesiarchy had been known to scheme for such Warrants, even against impoverished Rogue Trader dynasties. Even Chaos forces coveted these relics, seeking to corrupt their influence for their own ends. Amid these musings, Eden recalled a critical detail. High-level Warrants of Trade were tied to a sophisticated identification system, including genetic verification. Without the corresponding bloodline, the Warrant was essentially useless. Even the Rogue Trader dynasties'' ship machine-spirits could only be activated by their direct descendants. This meant that seizing a Warrant was insufficient. One had to control the associated bloodline. Historically, factions coveting such Warrants abducted entire families, slowly integrating their lineage into their own through forced unions. Fortunately, Eden didn''t need to resort to such convoluted measures. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His ability to bestow genetic blessings could bypass these barriers. However, he faced a pressing problem: the Warrant bore the name of the Govendi Rogue Trader dynasty. Had the fleet commander been foolish enough to kill off the entire bloodline after stealing the Warrant? Or had the Govendi bloodline already perished? Without them, the Warrant''s full potential could never be realized. Eden frowned. "This could get complicated..." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 151 - 152: The Govendi Twins Chapter 151: Chapter 152: The Govendi TwinsEden couldn''t shake the uneasy feeling in his chest. Still, he held onto a sliver of hope as he scoured the vault. He reasoned that the fleet commander, calculating as he was, wouldn''t be foolish enough to kill off such valuable individuals as the heirs of the Govendi family. For raiders like him, the bloodline of a Rogue Trader dynasty was as precious as their Warrant of Trade. His instincts proved correct. In a hidden chamber within the vault, Eden found a life support pod. Silently praying, he instructed Webby: "Check the pod. Ensure the safety of those inside before opening it." Webby connected to the pod and conducted a thorough scan. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Father, the life support system is fully functional. The two individuals inside are healthy and ready to be awakened." This was no ordinary pod¡ªit was a high-end model designed to sustain life in perfect stasis for extended periods. "Then wake them," Eden commanded, anticipation growing in his chest. The pod''s nutrient tubes retracted as indicator lights turned green. The chamber opened with a hiss, releasing a cloud of icy mist. As the mist cleared, Eden saw two children lying inside¡ªa boy and a girl, seemingly around five years old. The boy stirred first, groaning softly before turning to check on his sister. "Are you alright, sister?" "Brother!" The girl rubbed her eyes, clutching her brother''s hand as fear gripped her small frame. "Don''t be scared. I''ll protect you!" The boy puffed out his chest, recalling their father''s teachings about the responsibilities of a Govendi man: to protect his family and his sister. But his bravery faltered when his sister screamed. He turned to see what had frightened her and froze. A pair of sinister red eyes stared back at them, framed by the terrifying visage of a grotesque mask. "Monster! Y-you stay back! I''m... I''m really strong!" the boy stammered, trembling but standing his ground to shield his sister. "Whoa, no, no! I''m not a monster¡ªI''m here to help!" Eden quickly stepped back, realizing too late that his experimental gas mask might have been too much for the children. The mask, inspired by alien designs, was meant to intimidate foes and filter toxins. But in this situation, it was clearly counterproductive. Eden quickly removed the mask, tossing it aside, and offered the children his signature warm smile¡ªgentle and inviting. "See? I''m not a monster. Don''t be afraid. I''ve defeated the bad guys who captured you. You''re safe now." The children stared at Eden, their fear gradually subsiding as they took in his appearance. With his dark hair, sharp features, and kind eyes, Eden radiated an almost otherworldly charm¡ªa charisma heightened by his divine aura. "Are you really not a bad guy?" the boy asked cautiously, still on edge but clearly less hostile. "Of course not. Do I look like a bad guy?" Eden straightened up, exuding confidence. The children exchanged glances and shook their heads in unison. At that moment, their stomachs growled in unison, breaking the tension. The girl clutched her belly, pouting. "Brother, I''m so hungry..." The boy''s stomach growled again, and he flushed with embarrassment. Eden chuckled and snapped his fingers, summoning a floating food storage sphere to his side. The sphere opened, revealing a selection of freshly prepared dishes, ranging from savory to sweet. These delicacies, crafted by the Spire''s finest chefs, looked and smelled as if they had just been made. The children stared, wide-eyed, as the aroma reached their noses. "Want something to eat?" Eden asked, picking up a steaming bun. "This one''s really good..." The girl hesitated, her upbringing as a noble holding her back. Asking for food felt improper. Finally, she murmured, "May I... may I have some, sir?" "Of course!" Eden grinned warmly. "But first, you need to be polite. Call me Uncle." The girl hesitated before softly saying, "U-uncle..." "That''s better! Polite children are the best," Eden said, handing her the bun and patting her head. "Eat slowly, okay? Don''t choke." Turning to the boy, Eden raised an eyebrow. The boy was clearly torn between his pride and his hunger. "I... I want one too, Uncle!" he finally blurted, swallowing his pride in exchange for food. "Good boy!" Eden laughed, ruffling the boy''s golden hair before handing him a bun. He also provided them with fruit juice, watching with satisfaction as the two ate ravenously. The food and Eden''s affable demeanor worked wonders. The children warmed up to him quickly, calling him "Uncle" with increasing familiarity. Before long, Eden learned their story. The children were indeed the last heirs of the Govendi dynasty, a prominent Rogue Trader family. The boy was named Shahim Govendi, and the girl was Miliah Govendi. The Govendi family''s history stretched back to the Great Crusade, when they were granted their Warrant of Trade by the Emperor Himself. They had thrived on the frontier, establishing a prosperous Rogue Trader kingdom. But their ambition led them further into the galaxy''s perilous depths, far beyond Imperial aid. Their vast wealth and holdings eventually attracted the Tyranids. Two hive fleets swept through their territories, annihilating their worlds and forcing the survivors to flee toward Imperial space. On their journey, they were ambushed by Chaos warbands, who looted and slaughtered the fleeing Govendi remnants. The family barely clung to survival, with their Warrant of Trade being their only remaining treasure. Hiding in the sector, they attempted to rebuild in secret, but disaster struck again. The sector governor''s tax fleet discovered their presence. Under the guise of taxation, the fleet commander ransacked the family''s holdings and uncovered their secret. To secure the treasure for himself, the commander slaughtered nearly every member of the Govendi bloodline, sparing only the twins. The siblings were then placed in stasis and hidden in the vault. As they recounted their harrowing tale, Shahim''s eyes burned with tears of rage, while Miliah clung to Eden, sobbing uncontrollably. Eden comforted them both, letting them cry until their emotions were spent. Once they had calmed, he looked them in the eyes and asked solemnly: "Do you want revenge?" "Yes!" Shahim said firmly, his small face full of determination. "As a man of the Govendi family, I won''t give up, no matter how hard it gets!" "Good," Eden replied, taking their hands. "Uncle will help you get your revenge." With that, he led them out of the vault. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 152 - 153: The Lavish Bathhouse Dance Chapter 152: Chapter 153: The Lavish Bathhouse DanceThe cell door opened. An interrogator stepped inside, secured the restraints on the Fleet Commander, and led him to the interrogation chamber. Sitting on the mechanical torture chair, a faint, cold smile crept across the Fleet Commander''s terrified face. He knew that damned planetary governor was coming for him again. The Fleet Commander was fully aware of his inevitable death. In such a situation, he would neither hope for nor allow anyone to get their hands on his hidden treasures. Especially the precious merchant license he had painstakingly stolen after slaughtering the entire Govindi family. Of course, in the process, he had committed certain unspeakable acts against the family''s women. To lash out at the noble Imperial merchant bloodline had been an unparalleled pleasure. After plundering the Govindi family, he orchestrated an "accidental" air crash to silence his accomplices and keep the treasure for himself. The thought of the governor getting his hands on his hard-earned prize filled him with rage. Thus, when the governor arrived, he would be "forced" to reveal the vault''s unique passcode¡ªluring the fool into a deadly trap. This would be his final act of revenge, ensuring he died without regrets. "Damn fool," the Fleet Commander muttered under his breath. Eden entered the interrogation chamber briskly, his tone impatient. "Have you thought it through? Quickly, tell me the passcode to the vault!" The Fleet Commander figured the governor must have found the vault. Putting on a resolute face, he replied, "Unless you pardon me, I''d rather die than tell you the code..." He needed to act convincingly, dispelling any doubts the governor might have, and baiting him into the trap. Pardon? He scoffed internally. In the hands of his enemy, his life hung by a thread. Even if the governor promised him a pardon, he would likely renege on it in an instant. After all, during the massacre of the Govindi family, he had promised to spare their remaining bloodline if they surrendered the license. They all died anyway. Eden asked again, "Are you really not going to talk?" The Fleet Commander remained steadfast, shaking his head in silence. He suppressed a smirk, ready to endure a bit of torture before revealing the "secret" to make it seem genuine. "Sigh, such a steadfast man..." Eden sighed deeply, then turned to the interrogator. "It seems we won''t get anything from him. Kill him." What?! The situation was far from what the Fleet Commander had anticipated! Seeing the interrogator raise an electric torture gun, ready to pull the trigger, the Fleet Commander panicked. "Wait! I''ll talk! The special passcode is¡ª" "I don''t want to hear it." Eden interrupted coldly, gesturing for the interrogator to gag the Fleet Commander. He didn''t understand¡ªwhy? Had the governor lost his mind? Overwhelmed by the fear of death, tears and snot streamed down the Fleet Commander''s face. He struggled desperately, but no words came out. Regret consumed him. Why hadn''t he revealed the passcode earlier? Eden smirked coldly. "Uncomfortable, aren''t you? Good. That''s the point." He had been playing along the entire time. Eden already knew the Fleet Commander''s plan¡ªto use the passcode to set a trap. Unbeknownst to the Fleet Commander, the vault had already been emptied. Eden leaned in close. "Want to know why?" The Fleet Commander nodded furiously, desperate for answers, even if it meant death. But all he got was: "I''m not telling you." The Fleet Commander''s struggles grew frantic. Eden, unfazed, turned and left the chamber. The interrogator injected a serum into the Fleet Commander¡ªa drug designed to amplify physical and mental agony. Then, they connected the electric torture gun to the chair. Intense currents coursed through his body, inflicting unbearable pain. The greater torment, however, was mental. Riddled with endless regret, curiosity, and despair, the Fleet Commander would meet his end consumed by these emotions. Why? Tell me! He screamed internally as death closed in. He would never get an answer. Let him suffer. It was what he deserved. Outside the interrogation room, Sahim covered his sister''s eyes, watching their enemy with hatred. Ultimately, the Fleet Commander perished in anguish, his body reduced to charred remains. "Let''s go..." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eden picked up the siblings and carried them out of the room. Inside, the interrogators continued questioning other captured officers. This operation had resulted in nearly two million prisoners. Officers ranked lieutenant or higher would be executed. Ordinary soldiers and crew members would be distributed across the planet for labor, contributing to Urth''s construction. Depending on their performance, they could eventually gain civilian status. ... Two weeks later. In the Tower Manor, an expanded and luxurious bathhouse... Thumping DJ music filled the air. "Blade rises to settle grudges, sleeves brushing under moonlight, the west wind scatters petals, resting on knives and swords brings no peace..." On stage, lights flashed as a troupe of top-tier beauties from various planets performed an energetic dance. "Ah, this damned but familiar feeling..." Eden stretched lazily in contentment. Taking off his sunglasses, he sat up and sipped juice from a nearby glass. Since returning from the spaceport, he had settled the batch of top-tier beauties from the population transport ship. Most were assigned to the Order of Battle Sisters under the leadership of the virtuous Maya. The rest joined various groups within the Tower Manor¡ªdance troupes, secretarial staff, or maid teams¡ªto maintain its operations. Watching the mesmerizing dancers, Eden couldn''t help but sigh. For the Empire''s sake, he would silently endure this "burden." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 153 - 154: The Joyful Greenskins Chapter 153: Chapter 154: The Joyful GreenskinsAn Unknown Ship The exterior of the monstrous warship was an amalgamation of scrap metal and spikes, haphazardly cobbled together like a junkyard''s fever dream. Some parts of the hull weren''t even welded but held together by thick iron wires. As the warship sped through the warp, it swayed violently in every direction, as if it might fall apart at any moment. Traveling through the warp on such a ship would instill terror in anyone. This was akin to performing reckless stunts in the face of Death itself, with the risk of being obliterated entirely at any second. Yet the passengers aboard this grotesque vessel showed no fear. Instead, they bellowed joyfully, "Waaagh!" These were Orks, one of the most fearsome species in the galaxy. The ship was packed with an entire Ork warband, a disaster no human civilization could easily withstand. Orks, often mockingly referred to as "greenskins," were warrior creations of the Old Ones. Their appearance resembled savage, humanoid beasts, but their true nature was that of a highly adaptive psychic fungus. Orks were extraordinarily resilient, with bodies that could withstand injuries fatal to humans, often brushing them off as mere scratches. What made Orks unique was their psychic nature. Every Ork was a natural-born psyker, yet their psychic network functioned independently of the Warp. Instead, they operated on a localized "Waaagh-field," a form of collective psychic resonance. When enough Orks believed in something, their collective psychic power could manifest it into reality. This power, humorously dubbed the "I Reckon" force, could turn the absurd into the achievable. For example, Orks believed that winning battles made them stronger, while losers were pitiful weaklings. This belief caused a feedback loop in their psychic field, enabling physical growth or even evolutionary changes after victories. Conversely, Orks that suffered defeat or couldn''t fight would weaken and shrink. Their mantra was simple: S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We''re born to fight and win!" Orks'' reproduction was as astounding as their physiology. Adult Orks unconsciously spread spores into their surroundings. These spores grew into massive fungal colonies, incubating Ork embryos in subterranean root pods. Once matured, these Orks would claw their way to the surface, ready for battle. This spore-based reproduction meant Orks were almost impossible to eradicate. Killing one often led to many more sprouting up in its place. Without high-temperature weapons to destroy the spores, fighting Orks often resulted in "the more you kill, the more they grow." Despite their brutish demeanor, Orks were surprisingly cunning and possessed advanced technological knowledge. The Old Ones had encoded vast amounts of technical expertise into their genetic ancestors, allowing them to adapt and battle enemies with any level of technology. As Orks fought, they continuously learned and unlocked new technological capabilities. Their technology, however crude, was highly effective. Ork Mekboys could cobble together functional machinery using scrap and sheer belief, powered by the "I Reckon" force. For example, an Ork armed with a club could, over time, scavenge parts to create firearms, armored vehicles, or even massive warships. The most brilliant Mekboys could construct battle satellites¡ªmassive orbital stations capable of housing entire armies and functioning as weapons of mass destruction. For Orks, life revolved around fighting. They viewed death not as a tragedy but as a natural part of their violent existence. Their philosophy was simple: "Fight more, grow more boyz, and build bigger dakka!" The Ork way of life was an endless cycle of battling, looting, and celebrating their victories. For other species, however, they were a green-skinned apocalypse. When you spotted a single greenskin, it was likely there were thousands more nearby. The only viable option was to flee, or call for reinforcements from the Imperium. If even the Imperial Navy couldn''t handle the threat, an Exterminatus might be the only solution¡ªif there was still time. In the Warp. Onboard the 10-kilometer-long Ork warship Kool Krusha, A towering Ork, over three meters tall, stood by an observation window. Clad in oversized exoskeletal armor, this was Big Klaw Ura, the Warboss of the tribe. The biggest, baddest, and greenest of them all. As for the name "Big Klaw," it was a tribute to the massive yellow claw on his armor, stained with blood¡ªa weapon capable of cutting through Terminator armor. This iconic weapon was crafted by a team of Mekboys under Ura''s command. Having devastated an agricultural planet upon his ascension, Ura wasn''t satisfied with such a "small-scale" Waaagh. He sought greater battles. Leading his warband, he boarded the Kool Krusha and set out on an epic Waaagh-crusade. Ura squinted, not from thought, but because the Warp winds were strong. That''s right¡ªthe Kool Krusha wasn''t sealed. The observation window lacked protective alloy glass. Even with a Gellar Field and shields in place, energy storms seeped through. Nearby, a group of Gretchin scuttled forward, trembling as they carried a large map. One of them squealed as a gust of wind swept it into the ship''s power turbines, turning it into mush. The rest pressed on, more terrified of Ura than the storm. Finally, they reached him, laying the map at his feet. Ura grabbed it and kicked the Gretchin away. He squinted at the map¡ªa chaotic mess of doodles and star system markers on parchment. "Waaagh!" Ura roared, frustrated. "Go fight there!" He jabbed a finger at a random spot, puncturing the map, and handed it to a Mekboy. The Mekboy glanced at it, shoved it at the Gretchin, and clanked off to the helm. It didn''t matter if they understood the map. The "I Reckon" force would guide them. If anyone could decipher the map, they would see Ura''s chosen target: the Goliath Sector. Alarmingly close to Urth. For Urth, this spelled disaster. The Kool Krusha veered sharply, speeding toward its destination... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 154 - 155: The Greenskins’ Great Expedition Chapter 154: Chapter 155: The Greenskins¡¯ Great Expedition[+500 Power Stones Reached!! Next Goal: 1000PS!] Aboard the Ork Warship "Too slow! Too slow... The ship needs to go faster!" Seated on the throne of the bridge, Warboss Big Klaw Ura roared impatiently. He was eager to reach his destination¡ªthe Goliath Sector, where Urth was located. As Ura vented his frustration, the Squig at his feet barked in unison. The Squig, a hairless, dog-like creature with crimson skin, snarled, its oversized mouth spraying corrosive saliva that sizzled upon contact with the floor. None of the Orks paid the acidic fumes any mind. Below the throne, the Mekboy nodded eagerly. "Boss, I''ll make da ship go fasta!" This warship was the Mekboy''s pride and joy. No matter how absurd the Warboss''s ideas were, the Mekboy could bring them to life. The Mekboy returned to the massive mechanical workshop aboard the ship. To human eyes, the workshop resembled a sprawling junkyard, with towering piles of scrap and discarded parts. But for the Mekboy, it was a paradise of inspiration. The Ork Boyz'' weapons and contraptions were born here, cobbled together from these heaps of scrap. For Orks, acquiring or upgrading weapons wasn''t free¡ªit required "teef." Teef, Ork teeth, were their currency. To get more teef, an Ork simply had to brawl, knock out another Ork, and loot their teeth. Near a scrap heap, two Mekboyz were engaged in a loud, clanging brawl, surrounded by cheering Orks. "Krump ''im!" "Smash ''is face! Get da teef!" Occasionally, a sneaky Ork would jump into the fray, delivering a sly whack to both fighters before retreating into the crowd, feigning innocence. "Oi! Dat''s a sneaky git!" "Get ''im!" The sneaky Ork was quickly discovered and pinned down by both combatants, who pounded it mercilessly until its teef scattered across the floor. The sight of teef hitting the ground sent the surrounding Orks into a frenzy, turning the one-on-one brawl into a chaotic free-for-all. Scrap parts, hammers, clubs, and even bits of metal flew everywhere. Anything could be used as a weapon, and the Orks indiscriminately smashed anything that moved. Even a Squig napping under the scrap heap wasn''t spared. The bewildered Squig yelped and fled, tail between its legs, as it was dragged into the melee and pummeled with hammers. "Waaagh!" The towering Mekboy roared, wading into the chaos and clobbering the rowdiest Mekboy with a wrench. "Oi, ya gits! Back ta work!" The Orks grudgingly dispersed, their enthusiasm dampened, and returned to their stations with low spirits, resembling workers slogging through endless overtime. The Mekboy sat down, scratching his head. How could he make the engines go faster when they were already running at maximum capacity? Boosting a warp-traveling ship''s speed was no easy task. But no challenge was too great for the Mekboy. After a moment''s thought, inspiration struck. "Back ta work!" The Mekboy bellowed, summoning the Mekboyz to scavenge the scrap heaps for parts. Together, they assembled a massive mechanical cauldron. Inspecting the cauldron, the Mekboy gave it a few solid whacks with his wrench and nodded approvingly. "Dis''ll do!" S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. According to Ork logic, if a Mekboy said it worked, it worked. The mechanical cauldron belched black smoke as it powered up, humming smoothly. The Mekboy directed the others to toss various materials into the cauldron, initiating a chemical reaction. The liquid inside began to bubble and churn. The Mekboy stirred the concoction with a long wrench, muttering to himself: "Red... need more red... gotta be redder than blood!" Under his direction, the liquid turned a vibrant, almost blinding red¡ªthe reddest paint imaginable. Satisfied, the Mekboy declared his latest technical breakthrough a success. This WAAAGH-powered red paint would increase the ship''s speed by 30%. The paint was poured into large buckets and carried to the engine room, where the Mekboyz slathered it onto the engines. "Da redder, da fasta!" As the engines were coated in the brilliant red paint, their performance surged, pushing the warship to unprecedented speeds. The Kool Krusha rocketed through the warp at breakneck velocity, now capable of reaching the Goliath Sector even sooner. For Urth, this spelled disaster. This Ork warband originated from a low-tech agricultural world, but their encounters with advanced civilizations allowed them to rapidly assimilate new technologies. Given time, they could grow powerful enough to rival even Tyranids or Chaos Daemons. If this warband reached the Goliath Sector, their relentless reproduction and technological adaptation could lead to the total annihilation of the star cluster. Back on the bridge, Warboss Big Klaw Ura felt the ship''s acceleration and let out an exhilarated roar. "Waaagh! We''z gonna krump ''em good!" The other Orks echoed his cry, their war chants shaking the ship: "Waaagh! Waaagh!" Meanwhile, in the engine room, two Mekboyz noticed the leftover red paint. Scratching their heads, they remembered that the boss had ordered them to use it all up. Spotting the ship''s Gellar Field generator¡ªits protective warp shielding¡ªthey hatched an idea. "Dat needs red!" Without hesitation, they lugged the bucket over and painted the generator bright red, completely covering its original blue coating. Unbeknownst to them, as they painted, faint purple sparks crackled across the generator. It bore a striking resemblance to warp energy... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 155 - 156: Wuhu! Green Army Annihilated? Chapter 155: Chapter 156: Wuhu! Green Army Annihilated?Two mekboys grunted as they painted the protective field engine with fresh layers of paint. When the bucket of blue paint, symbolic of "luck," was emptied, the engine''s outer shell was completely covered with a new red coating¡ªa color synonymous with "speed" for the Orks. Under the influence of this ''unique'' red paint, the protective field engine began to operate at an even higher velocity, and the external energy field surrounding the ship glowed brighter. However, no Ork paid attention to these changes. After finishing their work, the two mekboys threw down their tools and leaned against the engine''s casing for a break. Soon, they were embroiled in a heated argument over who was stronger: Gork or Mork. The Orks worship two gods: Gork, who is "brutal but cunning," and Mork, who is "cunning but brutal." The key difference lies in their approach: Mork punches you when you''re not looking. Gork punches harder once you see him coming. Since Orks themselves often can''t distinguish between the two, such debates frequently end in fights. And so, the two mekboys started brawling. At first, they exchanged punches to each other''s faces. Then, they began dismantling nearby mechanical components to use as improvised weapons. They fought with great enthusiasm. Suddenly¡ªZzzzt! The protective field engine sparked violently with bursts of electricity. Stripped of its "lucky" blue coating, the engine was exposed to the corrosive forces of the Warp''s energies. This abnormality interrupted the mekboys'' duel. Terrified, they immediately dropped their improvised weapons and bolted from the engine room, intending to inform the Big Mek of the issue. But it was too late. Before they could leave the engine room, the protective field engine emitted a plume of black smoke and completely shut down. Wooooom! With the engine offline, the protective field surrounding the Ork ship vanished. Without the shield, the warship was violently buffeted by the Warp''s chaotic energy storms. Even worse, weak points in the ship''s hull began to tear apart. WAAAGH! The two mekboys were flung out of the ship, disappearing into the endless Warp. Tearing breaches in the hull caused more and more Orks to be ejected, floating helplessly in the Warp''s expanse. Some pieces of the warship''s structure, still carrying fighting Orks, were torn away and hurled into the void. Those lucky enough to land on a space hulk might continue their existence elsewhere, but many were doomed to be lost forever. Inside the ship, Orks clung desperately to anything stable, fighting against the pull of the storm to avoid being thrown out. The warship groaned under the immense pressure, nearing the breaking point. On the ship''s bridge, the Ork leader, Big Mek Da Klaw, stabbed his massive metallic claw into the deck to anchor himself. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He roared furiously: WAAAGH! Suddenly, a light appeared ahead. Whoosh! Space distorted as the warship exited the Warp, re-entering realspace. Now adrift among the stars of the galaxy, the battered ship glided to a halt. This signaled that the Ork fleet had arrived at its destination¡ªthe Goliath System¡ªon the same day that Urth''s forces faced the Taxation Fleet. Once the ship stabilized, Big Mek Da Klaw rose from his throne and stomped toward the observation window, gazing at the starry expanse. With excitement, he declared: "We''re here!" The ship''s countless Orks erupted in deafening cheers, their combined roars shaking the vessel. Soon, their probes detected a nearby civilized world¡ªUrth. Amid the Orks'' frenzied celebrations, Da Klaw issued his command: "Ladz, smash everything down there! WAAAGH!" The Ork fleet prepared to unleash destruction upon the weak humans below. But in the next moment¡ª WAAAGH? Da Klaw froze, overwhelmed by an intense sense of impending doom. His body trembled, and his personal shield flared to life. A blinding flash of plasma light erupted in his vision. From Urth''s surface, a plasma warhead shot forth, crossing millions of kilometers in an instant to strike the Ork warship. Normally, the blue "lucky" shields of Ork warships could mitigate even the fiercest attacks or deflect them entirely. But this ship had lost its shield. BOOM! Accompanied by brilliant blue plasma light, the warhead ignited like a miniature star. The unimaginable heat vaporized everything within the blast radius, slightly distorting space itself. The warhead, fired from Kaul''s Holy Nova Cannon, obliterated the Ork fleet in a single, accidental strike, leaving no trace of their existence. As the heat dissipated, a single yellow metallic claw drifted through the void, floating toward a primitive planet... ... Half a Month Later - Urth Outside the Inquisition''s black prison, Kaul staggered out, his mechanical arms limp from exhaustion. "That shot was worth it," he muttered, though his confinement had taught him to tone down his antics. "Kaul, you''re free to go," said Deville coldly, his tone unchanging. "From now on, you''ll be under stricter surveillance!" Kaul rolled his eyes but didn''t respond to the humorless man, muttering to himself about the oppressive Inquisition. As Kaul stepped outside, his energy returned: "Wuhu! The great Kaul is free!" He raised his hands¡ªand a few mechanical appendages¡ªtoward the Inquisition, flipping them off. But upon noticing Deville watching him from behind, Kaul quickly retracted his gesture and scratched his head sheepishly. Not wanting another stint in the black prison, he wisely chose to back down... for now. Deville, however, had no time for Kaul''s antics. Reports of Chaos traces in Underhive B146 required his immediate attention. As Deville and his armed retinue departed for their transport, Kaul smirked and began spamming forums with announcements of his return, challenging Moss to a fuel-drink competition, and indulging in his suppressed internet addiction. Soon after, inspiration struck him¡ªhe knew exactly how to utilize that heretical silicone technology to solve a major issue for the Governor. With his plans set, Kaul grinned. "Time to rake in some serious funding... or should I say, gold explosions!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 156 - 157: Good News—Guilliman Is Still Asleep Chapter 156: Chapter 157: Good News¡ªGuilliman Is Still Asleep[New Fanfic: Master Craftsman In The Pok¨¦mon World] Kaul chuckled mischievously as he dialed the Governor''s communicator. Once the connection was made¡ª "Hello, Governor..." Kaul instantly switched to an ingratiating/lapdog tone: "Yes, yes, I have something important to report." When it came to securing funding, Kaul knew to maintain a respectful attitude toward his benefactor until the funds were secured. This was, after all, professionalism. Governor''s Office, Spire Estate "Impressive. This technology holds significant value. Make sure you deliver results quickly," Eden''s calm voice instructed Kaul. With a faint smirk, he added, "The black prison isn''t a pleasant place, is it? I suggest you be more careful in the future. Try not to end up there again." On the other end, Kaul''s confidence was palpable: "Heh, it''s nothing. Just a black prison¡ªnothing that could faze the great Kaul. If anything, being in the prison gave me the inspiration for this perfect idea..." Eden''s lips twitched slightly as he replied, "I see. Don''t worry¡ªyou''ll have more opportunities in the future." Kaul quickly realized the subtext and backtracked: "Ah, no, no! That''s not what I meant, Governor..." But it was too late. Click. Eden ended the call. With his complete control over Urth, Eden had greatly expanded the influence of the Little Sun. However, this was now the limit. The existing faith system had been tapped to its fullest potential, and population growth would take years. This meant that, in the short term, Urth could no longer meet Eden''s ambitions. This lack of growth left him feeling vulnerable. In recent weeks, Eden had made several ventures into the Warp, searching for intelligence about the current state of the galaxy. Before arriving in this world, Eden had been merely a "cloud general," with limited knowledge of the Great Rift era''s detailed timeline. Warp storms had cut Urth off from external channels of information. All Eden knew was that Urth lay on the Imperium''s dark side. Beyond that, he was blind. To ensure his safety and plan his next moves, Eden needed to determine his position in the timeline and the state of the galaxy. After expending a significant amount of Hope Energy, he finally gleaned some fragmented information from the Warp. It was the early days of the Great Rift. The Indomitus Crusade, led by Regent Guilliman to reclaim the Imperium''s dark sectors, had yet to begin. From this, Eden deduced that the great Primarch¡ªthe Emperor''s Thirteenth Son¡ªremained in stasis within the sanctum of Macragge, the Shrine World. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Guilliman had been asleep for 10,000 years with no signs of waking¡ªyet. This, from Eden''s perspective, was good news. It meant he had a brief window to strengthen his power. When Guilliman finally awoke and wielded the flaming sword of his crusade, the galaxy would descend into chaos. Fallen Primarchs, Chaos forces, and xenos threats would emerge with greater intensity. The fires of war would consume the galaxy, even drawing the Chaos Gods themselves into the fray. Countless lives would be lost, entire worlds destroyed. In his current state, Eden could barely survive the aftermath of such conflicts, let alone thrive. To stand a chance on the galactic battlefield, he needed to grow stronger¡ªbefore chaos engulfed everything. Ding! Kaul''s funding request arrived. Without hesitation, Eden approved it via his mechanical console. Kaul''s concept of silicon-based disguise technology presented a promising solution to key challenges. This innovation could significantly enhance Ron''s capabilities and bolster the development of the Little Sun. Faith-based power growth depended on two paths: Expanding the planetary population. Expanding territorial influence by conquering and integrating more worlds. Both required time and steady progress. Ron envisioned a third path: Sending fanatical followers to infiltrate other worlds and spread his faith. This faith would be tied to the Emperor''s worship, ensuring feasibility within the Imperium. The strategy involved leveraging pilgrims who revered the Emperor but also spread tales of a prophesied Savior¡ªa figure tailor-made to Eden''s image. The story of the Emperor''s chosen savior would gradually gain traction, generating faith and enriching the Little Sun. Moreover, Eden could intercept some of the Emperor''s faith, further empowering himself. The plan required fanatics who were devoutly loyal to the Emperor but also worshipped Eden as a saint or deity. The Eredar, with their hive-networked minds, were ideal candidates. Nearly all of them were already Ron''s fervent followers. Thanks to their hive-mind resilience, they could operate under extreme duress without betraying any information. However, their physical appearance posed a significant hurdle. The subtle cranial ridges of the Eredar marked them as non-human, making them conspicuous in human-dominated societies. Kaul''s silicon-based disguise technology promised a solution. By integrating nano-silicon into their flesh, the Eredar could completely mask their physical abnormalities. Even advanced scanners would fail to detect the modifications. In cases of extreme threat, the nanites could self-destruct, destroying their bodies and genetic traces. This self-destruction mechanism would leave no evidence, akin to a divine miracle. Additionally, through the hive network, Eden could monitor the Eredar''s activities, even viewing the world through their eyes. With greater expenditure of Hope Energy, he could temporarily possess their bodies. Disguised as pilgrims or missionaries, the Eredar could infiltrate countless worlds, spreading faith in Eden''s Savior narrative. The Ecclesiarchy of Urth would assist in legitimizing their credentials. Eden anticipated this operation would rapidly expand the Little Sun''s influence across realspace, generating vast faith energy. Once Kaul completed his research, the first wave of disguised Eredar fanatics would be sent to Matira, the sector''s capital. They would infiltrate Matira''s lower classes, spreading the Savior mythos and laying the groundwork for future domination. Ding! Another email arrived, prompting Eden to frown as he read its contents. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 157 - 158: Urth’s Ten-Year Plan Chapter 157: Chapter 158: Urth¡¯s Ten-Year PlanThe email was from Kaul. He requested to relocate his Mechanicus workshop from the upper hive to a larger facility in a new location. The plan required an enormous amount of resources. As Eden reviewed the attached resource list, he chuckled: "Classic Kaul. Always pushing his luck." Soon after, Kaul called directly, his voice dripping with flattery: "Governor, did you review my proposal? The silicon-based disguise technology project requires more advanced equipment, so building a larger Mechanicus workshop is absolutely necessary!" Kaul was clearly aiming to secure massive funding for his pet project. "I''m reviewing it," Eden replied. "But some of the listed resources seem... unrealistic. Let me give you a suggestion." Kaul panicked, thinking this meant a budget cut. His tone became even more sycophantic: "Please, Governor, I''m all ears! But I must emphasize that these are essential foundational facilities¡ªthey really can''t be reduced further." Eden shook his head with a chuckle. "You''re thinking too small, Kaul. Asking for just this much? That''s nowhere near enough! Next time, don''t bother submitting such miserly proposals, or I''ll have to reprimand you." Kaul was taken aback. "So... you''re saying I should... ask for more?" In the past, funding requests were a battle. Kaul had to negotiate, compromise, and even inflate his initial numbers to secure enough resources. To ensure he got what he needed, Kaul would often double his estimates. Even then, he only managed to secure slightly more than his actual requirements, gradually expanding his workshop. Eden sighed: "Of course! Kaul, let me criticize you¡ªhow can you achieve greatness if you''re too timid to ask for proper funding?" Kaul had no idea how much surplus Urth now had after their last conquest¡ªa fleet and resources from multiple planets had filled every storage facility. Excess minerals were dumped near the outskirts of the hive, forming a literal mountain of refined ore. Eden was eager to consume these resources quickly and enhance Urth''s strength. With the Matira Campaign underway, Urth alone couldn''t conquer the sector capital. Matira was nearly three times the size of Urth, with dozens of hive cities and a population in the trillions. Even with the Dream-class battleship, taking Matira''s well-defended infrastructure required far more than a single ship. Eden''s goal wasn''t to destroy Matira but to integrate and rule it. To achieve this, he needed a powerful navy, a ground army, and a fully operational Adeptus Astartes Chapter. All of this required extensive industrial infrastructure: training facilities, vehicle factories, and weapon manufacturing plants. Kaul''s proposal was a step in the right direction. With a wave of his hand, Eden not only approved Kaul''s relocation plan but also added significantly to the requested resources. Kaul''s workshop had long been an eyesore in the upper hive. It clashed with the hive''s architectural aesthetics, belched black smoke, and frequently experienced explosions. Other research facilities posed similar risks to safety and aesthetics. Thus, Eden allocated a vast plot of land near the hive city to construct a City of the Omnissiah for the Adeptus Mechanicus. Both Kaul, the Archmagos of Machines, and Moss, the Biologis Savant, would be relocated there, alongside all other research institutions. This centralized approach would improve management and facilitate collaboration. "Let those tech-heads tinker to their hearts'' content," Eden thought. Administrative offices for the Interior Ministry, Logistics Department, and Inquisition would also be established in the new city. After signing off, Eden ended the call with a simple instruction: "The approval is done. Handle the specifics with Bayev." Kaul stared at the approved resource request, feeling a pang of regret. "If I''d known, I would''ve asked for more!" Curious, he reviewed Moss''s approved proposal. The Biologis Savant''s facilities were several times larger than Kaul''s planned workshop, situated right next to it. The City of the Omnissiah''s center would be divided into two zones: one for biological and genetic research, and the other for mechanical engineering. The knowledge that Moss''s facility would be taller, grander, and more prominent than his own stung Kaul deeply. For all his years of careful resource hoarding, Moss''s single request had outstripped him. Kaul groaned in frustration: "My vision was too narrow!" Back in his office, Eden issued more relocation orders to Bayev. In addition to the Mechanicus workshops and research facilities, all upper hive factories and farms would be moved to designated zones in the lower hive. These facilities, originally built out of necessity during the rebellion, could no longer meet Urth''s growing needs. Moreover, their proximity to residential areas made management difficult. All factories and farms would be rebuilt in the lower hive, allowing for unified administration. Ordinary residential zones like Black Coal Street would also be relocated. In the future, the upper hive would exclusively host: Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Spire Estate, Headquarters for the Interior Ministry, Ecclesiarchy, Inquisition, and Loyalist Academy,Housing for officials, academy trainees, and noble citizens. The upper hive would undergo significant expansions and environmental enhancements, including: City-wide greenery Artistic architecture Lakefront gardens. Eventually, when the Little Sun grew stronger, a faint golden radiance would enshroud the upper hive, imbuing it with an aura of divine sanctity. This transformation would turn the upper hive into a holy site, attracting resources and reverence from across the galaxy. In time, it would become the city of dreams¡ªa beacon of power, the ultimate aspiration for countless souls, and a paradise in the stars. These plans were part of the Urth Ten-Year Plan, a comprehensive initiative for the planet''s construction and development. The goal was to rapidly convert Urth''s vast resources into strength, enabling the conquest of the stars. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 158 - 159: Building Armed Forces Chapter 158: Chapter 159: Building Armed ForcesThe Ten-Year Plan outlined dozens of major construction projects, including the expansion of spaceports, the establishment of shipyards, and the construction of weapons manufacturing facilities. One critical aspect of the plan was military development, covering forces such as the Imperial Guards, Adeptus Astartes, Adepta Sororitas, Storm Troopers, and the Navy. The Adeptus Astartes Chapter, in particular, was progressing rapidly. Research into biological engineering was in its final stages, with small-scale human trials for genetic enhancements already underway. Urth''s approach to military organization was far more efficient than the Imperium''s. In the Imperium, military institutions operated independently, each with its own recruitment processes, objectives, and logistics. This created inefficiencies and, in the case of Space Marine Chapters, fostered excessive autonomy. Many Chapters acted like independent kingdoms, with their own homeworlds and self-sufficient supply chains. This autonomy increased the likelihood of rebellion, as history had repeatedly shown. In contrast, Urth''s armed forces were unified under the Department of War, ensuring seamless coordination and mutual support. Each division served the greater purpose of supporting the Savior, Eden, with distinct roles rather than hierarchical superiority. This streamlined communication, centralized command, and eliminated interdepartmental rivalries. The main forces included: Storm Troopers: Ground forces, commanded by Arye. Navy Fleet: Space forces, commanded by Kaes. Void Angels : Adeptus Astartes Chapter, led by Duke. Battle Sisters: Adepta Sororitas, led by Maya. Auxiliary personnel, such as Ecclesiarchal priests and Mechanicus tech-priests, were integrated into these units as needed. With the command structure in place, Eden delegated military operations to the Department of War. They managed everything efficiently, allowing Eden to focus on strategic planning. After reviewing their reports, Eden noted: The Storm Troopers were rapidly expanding, both in standard infantry and elite Storm Soldiers. The Navy, under Kaes, was still organizing personnel and refurbishing decommissioned Defense Fleet vessels. The Battle Sisters, under Maya, were diversifying their orders. New non-militant orders included: Healers'' Order: Composed of surgeons, doctors, and nurses. Stewardship Order: Advising and serving high-ranking officials, researchers, and noble families. Linguistic Order: Specializing in translating Imperial dialects and studying xenos languages. The Void Angels, led by Duke, were undergoing genetic enhancements. Progress was promising, with remarkably low fatality rates during the augmentation process. Satisfied with the progress, Eden decided to leave these tasks to the experts. Eden''s control over Urth was unparalleled. Through the psychic network and the citizen rank system, he could issue commands with unparalleled efficiency. For example, Eden could directly order a specific worker in the lower hive. The AI would ensure the secret order was delivered discreetly. This level of authority made Eden akin to a deity, with the entire territory bending to his will. "Alright, that''s enough work for today." After reviewing a few more documents, Eden stretched and turned off his cogitator. "Governor, your afternoon tea," Linda, the head maid, announced as she entered. The maids placed a luxurious tea set on the table and then departed, leaving Eden to relax. The Spire Estate''s culinary standards had recently been upgraded. A dedicated farm now supplied the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, and spices, all of exceptional quality. The Agricultural Institute constantly refined their techniques to produce hardier, higher-yielding, and tastier crops and livestock. Linda stood behind Eden, gently massaging his shoulders¡ªher favorite task. As the head maid, Linda rarely concerned herself with the outside world. Her universe revolved around the Spire Estate, a microcosm that felt like a small city. The estate housed tens of thousands of carefully selected personnel, many of whom came from families that had served the estate for generations. For them, serving Eden was a privilege and a dream fulfilled. "How''s the pressure?" Linda asked softly. "Perfect," Eden replied, savoring the massage. Eden''s physical enhancements were subtle, retaining the human form while enabling temporary psychic amplification during combat. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unlike the Primarchs, who wore cumbersome armor and often sacrificed basic human pleasures, Eden chose to enjoy life. He couldn''t imagine enduring the discomfort of sitting in an office while clad in heavy plate armor. After years of relentless conflict, Urth was finally enjoying a period of stability. Eden saw no harm in indulging in some well-deserved luxury. As he savored a bite of berry ice cream, a thought crossed his mind¡ªthe Emperor. The Emperor, eternally bound to the Golden Throne, endured endless torment. "What a tragedy," Eden muttered, his eyes misting over. Someday, he vowed, he would find a way to liberate the Emperor and offer him the retirement he deserved. Eden took another bite of macaron and popped open a can of chilled soda, specially developed by the Food Research Institute. He chuckled, recalling the chaotic experiments involving insect-cattle meat. Parasitic larvae scurrying across the lab had prompted Eden to demand a separate research facility for such projects. "I don''t want parasites leaping out of my soda," he thought with a shudder. After finishing his meal, Eden lounged on the sofa for a while before standing up. "Time for a stroll!" He decided to visit the Loyalist Academy and observe the future of Urth. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 159 - 160: Call Me the 40K Master Chapter 159: Chapter 160: Call Me the 40K MasterEden traveled in his hovercar, passing by majestic statues and sacred buildings. Along both sides of the road, workers were planting flowers, shrubs, and trees as part of a massive landscaping project. Some of the towering trees, over ten meters high, required heavy machinery for planting. These trees were products of the Botanical Research Institute and were more than just decorative. The institute had tapped into the Little Sun''s energy through specialized conduits, using it to cultivate plants and even infuse them with its unique properties. These plants exhibited a faint resistance to pollution¡ªa testament to the early stages of their research. When Eden first learned of these developments, he was astonished. He had never imagined that the energy from the Little Sun could have such transformative effects. The implications for agriculture were enormous: greater resilience and higher yields. However, related crop development was still in progress. Eden could only hope for success in the near future. He couldn''t help but imagine his future titles: God of Fertility and Growth, Lord of Life. Truly, he was a Savior¡ªa golden sun in the Warp! Due to high costs, the first batch of special plants was planted exclusively within the Spire Estate. Gradually, they would spread throughout the upper hive and beyond. This landscaping initiative was just one of many long-term projects. As the hovercar sped down Triumphal Avenue, it passed under a massive volcanic rock archway, a deep red relic of a bygone era. Standing tens of meters high, the ancient archway bore the marks of time, its origins dating back to the feudal era before the Gong Empire. Beyond the Spire Estate, the city resembled a sprawling construction site, with the sounds of heavy machinery filling the air. The upper hive''s transformation was in full swing. Many towering buildings bore bright red demolition marks several meters high. Eden glanced at the signs and mused: "Demolition is good. I used to dream of my old, dilapidated home getting demolished. Now, after pulling an all-nighter playing Warhammer, here I am..." The demolition project encountered little resistance. Even the families displaced from their homes had no complaints¡ªmany were overjoyed. These families received substantial compensation in credits, enough to ease their struggles for decades. Some of them would ascend to citizen status far sooner than ordinary workers, securing better futures for their descendants. While they might one day reminisce about living in the future holy ground of the upper hive, for now, they celebrated the chance for a fresh start. Fifteen years ago, the great catastrophe and chaos had created unprecedented opportunities for social mobility. Countless lower-hive refugees had entered the upper hive, many becoming the backbone of the Kingdom. Arye, commander of the Storm Troopers, was a prime example. Once a lower-hive resident, Arye had risen to become one of Urth''s most influential figures. After the demolition, most citizens would return to the lower hive, reclaiming their original places in society. Above, the Void Shields occasionally shimmered with energy. Beams from Void Lances pierced the heavens, striking unseen targets in the void. The Adeptus Mechanicus crews were constructing and fine-tuning the defense system, laying the groundwork for a multi-layered defensive array. "Let''s take that route," Eden instructed, pointing to a demolition zone. The hovercar turned toward a shantytown where workers dismantled structures with the help of machinery. Looking at the familiar site, Eden was overcome with emotion. His first inspection of the territory, accompanied by Bayev, had brought him here. Back then, the people lived in extreme poverty and hunger. Many couldn''t afford even a single meal of corpse-starch per day, often dying of starvation in the streets. Their eyes held only despair, numbness, fear, and even hatred. Eden had witnessed people collapse from hunger, their bodies dragged away by black-armored logistics soldiers to be processed for moisture and bio-protein extraction. At the time, he was powerless to change anything. Now, everything was different. Workers paused momentarily to glance at the Governor''s golden hovercar. They suppressed their excitement, offering brief salutes filled with reverence and hope before resuming their tasks. According to the Labor Manual, individuals were permitted to salute the "Sole Exalted One" under certain circumstances, but prolonged interruptions were discouraged. True gratitude and respect were demonstrated through hard work and fulfilling one''s duties. The workers'' diligence reflected a newfound hope. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They no longer starved and could provide for their families through honest labor. They knew that decades of hard work could elevate them to citizen status, granting access to better resources. By working even harder, they could secure brighter futures for their children. Among them were war prisoners without citizenship. These individuals worked with unmatched enthusiasm, knowing that success in their labor would earn them citizenship. When people believed their efforts would be rewarded, they became exceptionally motivated¡ªespecially in the brutal crucible of the galaxy. Eden smiled with satisfaction: "I''ve built a society where wages are paid on time and overtime is always compensated!" Thanks to the psychic network, all payroll was tracked and distributed instantly. Delayed or unpaid wages were a thing of the past. Apart from Eden, no one could interfere with this system. After reminiscing for a moment, Eden ordered the hovercar to engage flight mode, accelerating toward his destination. Soon, the hovercar arrived at the Loyalist Academy. Beyond its grand, intricately carved gates, Eden''s gaze was drawn to a magnificent, sacred statue towering above the campus... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 160 - 161: The Loyalist Academy Chapter 160: Chapter 161: The Loyalist AcademyA towering 50-meter statue stood proudly in the academy courtyard, its golden surface encrusted with gemstones, shining brilliantly under the sun. It was a symbol of holiness and compassion. Eden tilted his head slightly, gazing up at the statue with satisfaction. "Majestic, with just a hint of benevolence, showcasing the Savior''s valor. Truly worthy of reverence..." Indeed, the statue depicted none other than himself¡ªSaint Eden. Its full title was the "Emperor-Appointed Sole Savior, the Great and Merciful Saint Eden." Faith thrived on two essential pillars: a compelling image and ceremonial gravitas. A vivid, awe-inspiring image etched itself into people''s minds, while intricate rituals disciplined their thoughts and actions, eventually becoming instinctual. Together, these elements cemented belief. This was why the Imperium built monumental wonders, erected statues, and devised elaborate ceremonies¡ªto fortify the correct faith and prevent minds from wandering toward the unthinkable. More importantly, such practices preserved control. Now that Urth had entered a stable period, spreading faith in the Emperor-Appointed Savior had become a top priority. Rallying behind the Emperor''s banner was an unassailable claim to legitimacy. If Eden didn''t seize this moral high ground, others would¡ªand with it, they''d feed him explosive rounds from above. Thus, Eden ensured he held both righteousness and might, enabling Urth to thrive in the grim galaxy. Yet, one delicate issue remained: balancing faith in the Emperor with faith in Eden as the Savior. After numerous trials, Eden found a solution. The Emperor''s image would remain supreme but abstract, devoid of specific form. For example, atop Eden''s statue was a radiant Holy Sun, symbolizing the Emperor. The Emperor guided the Savior to his divine path, uniting their purpose yet maintaining distinction. Across Urth, outside of churches and select areas, it was Eden''s statues¡ªnot the Emperor''s¡ªthat adorned the landscape. According to the Ecclesiastical Codex, wherever Eden''s statue appeared, the Holy Sun must accompany it, symbolizing their inseparable unity. This dual-faith model addressed the complexities of faith propagation. Of course, such a doctrine risked conflict with Terra''s Ecclesiarchy and other Imperial cults. But ideological clashes were inevitable. The Ecclesiarchy itself was riddled with schisms, often resolved through "physical debates" that left the opposing side... nonfunctional. Ultimately, survival depended on cunning and strength. Eden trusted Bishop Doni to handle these disputes, especially since the fiery old man seemed eager to confront the Ecclesiarchal establishment. As the hovercar approached the statue, Eden was greeted by Baruch, the Loyalist Academy''s vice-principal and son of Bayev. Bayev, as principal, had devoted himself to internal administration after helping establish the academy. Day-to-day operations were left to Baruch. Baruch stood respectfully, his demeanor cautious. "Governor, welcome to the academy!" Eden stepped out of the car, glancing at Baruch. The man''s hairline had receded significantly since their last meeting, a testament to his challenges. Surveying the statue and surroundings, Eden nodded approvingly. "Not bad. You''ve done well." Eden''s leadership philosophy was simple: praise liberally unless there were mistakes. Baruch''s face lit up with pride, and he gestured toward an academy sightseeing vehicle. "Allow me to show you around, Governor." Eden''s visit had no particular agenda; he simply wanted to inspect the academy''s progress. The Loyalist Academy''s status had grown considerably, now serving as Urth''s premier talent incubator. Starting from childhood, it trained students to become elites across various fields. The academy occupied a fifth of the upper hive''s land, an area equivalent to a massive city. Considering the world''s multi-layered architecture, the actual usable space rivaled that of a small nation. While still expanding, the academy had already established its foundational structure. Unlike its Imperial counterpart, Urth''s Loyalist Academy was independent. In the Imperium, such academies were under the Ecclesiarchy, adopting orphans and subjecting them to harsh training. Urth''s academy, however, accepted not only orphans but also the children of nobles, officials, and gifted individuals. It was a comprehensive educational hub¡ªa planetary flagship institution. Under the academy''s banner operated dozens of specialized schools, hosting tens of millions of staff and students. Prominent schools included: Adeptus Astartes Academy Army Academy Navy Academy Sisterhood Academy Administrative Academy Mechanicus Construction Academy Biogenetics Academy Psychic Network Programming Academy Each school offered specialized training to produce targeted talent. The academy consumed roughly 10% of Urth''s total resources, reflecting its significance. It maintained strong ties with major institutions, often inviting top officials and leaders to teach. Graduates were guaranteed placements in related organizations, eliminating the risk of unemployment. Exceptional students earned citizen status even before graduation, with the most gifted entering Urth''s inner circle of power. The academy''s rigorous elimination system ensured only the best succeeded. To minimize casualties, Eden implemented a regulation capping training-related fatalities at 5%. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dismissed students faced societal shame for wasting such a golden opportunity, with repercussions extending to their families. As the sightseeing vehicle toured the expansive academy, Eden marveled at its scale. "This could be the setting for a classic academy novel," he mused. In such a story, the protagonist¡ªan underdog brimming with talent¡ªwould pass the academy''s trials, shock peers, and excel in tournaments. The grand finale would feature a grueling graduation assessment in the lower hive, monitored by the elites. Our protagonist would emerge victorious, wowing spectators and securing a heroic future. Eden chuckled at the thought. After surveying key academy buildings, Eden requested to observe a class. Soon, he arrived at a classroom where a Sister of Battle was teaching a lesson titled "Loyalty and Virtue." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 161 - 162: The Children Chapter 161: Chapter 162: The ChildrenLoyalty Education was a mandatory subject at the Loyalist Academy. Although students were already screened for purity and loyalty during their entrance examinations, additional training was required post-admission. They needed to learn how to be loyal and how to dedicate everything to the Savior. The course combined foundational sacred texts with ritualistic exercises, hypnosis, and extreme environment tests. Results from these tests were meticulously recorded and became a critical component in evaluating each student. Failure to pass the loyalty tests resulted in expulsion from the academy. To Eden, only the truly loyal were worth cultivating. However, he wasn''t entirely dismissive of those who faltered. As long as they maintained basic loyalty, they could apply for a stricter reevaluation later. Passing that would grant them a second chance to prove their worth. Even so, they would find it hard to compare with proper academy graduates. After all, the name Loyalist Academy itself symbolized loyalty and excellence. The students'' IDs bore unique insignias, and their academic credits and deeds were recorded in detail, making them highly sought-after by various institutions. Of course, this prestigious starting point merely set the stage. Success depended on personal effort and opportunity. ... Naval Academy: Public Classroom In the classroom, young children attentively followed the loyalty lesson. For them, the coursework wasn''t overly challenging. They watched videos, listened to stories, and learned basic rituals and hymns. This approach was Eden''s directive. He believed exposing children to harsh training too early risked damaging their minds. Instead, he wanted them to have a relatively joyful childhood at the academy, nurturing their interest in learning and instilling the seeds of loyalty. A compassionate and benevolent Savior indeed! On a mechanical screen, a video of the great Savior in various heroic settings played. The footage showcased Eden''s fiery speeches, tactical command in battles, compassionate gestures among the populace, and moments of reverent worship. Yes, Eden had long instructed his staff to meticulously record his finest moments. The video displayed scenes from the Emperor''s Ascension Festival. Eden, clad in golden power armor, addressed the masses: "By decree of the omniscient and omnipotent God-Emperor, I, His chosen Savior, swear this oath: I shall pierce the darkness with my blade and lead Urth back into the light!" As he declared his vow, the sword in his hand erupted in flames, a halo appeared above his laurel-crowned head, and his entire figure radiated divine brilliance. The children stirred with excitement, but quickly settled back into silence. Their wide-eyed gazes were glued to the Savior, their admiration evident. Among the front-row students sat Shahim and Miliah, siblings who shared a desk. With hands neatly folded on the table, they sat straight and upright. For the first time, they fully realized how extraordinary Uncle Eden was. Shahim, in particular, kept a solemn expression, sitting even straighter than before¡ªa posture taught by the Sister instructor. He resolved to become someone just as remarkable, ensuring he would never embarrass Uncle Eden. Behind them, a boy named Voladi watched the Savior with fervent eyes. It was Eden who had saved his mother and brought happiness to their family. Voladi had grown up hearing his mother Alira''s stories about the Savior, fostering a deep reverence for him. The video transitioned to a battle scene where Eden led the Guard against heretics. Clad in radiant golden armor, he was a god of war incarnate. "For Urth! For the children!" The close-up captured his resolute gaze and unwavering courage. Accompanied by a rousing soundtrack, Eden fearlessly charged, wielding his flaming sword to cut down alien monstrosities with unstoppable might. The scene, though dramatized with professional cinematography and effects, stirred fervent emotions. Even Eden, watching it himself, felt his blood boil. "Damn, I look good!" he thought. The children clenched their tiny fists instinctively, yearning to fight alongside the Savior against heretics. When the video ended, the Sister teacher took to the podium. Her expression was warm and gentle, though tinged with fanaticism¡ªan unmistakable zealot. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Children, would you like to hear the story of our great and merciful Savior?" she asked. "Yes!" The children nodded enthusiastically. The Sister raised her hand, calming them. With devout yet theatrical fervor, she recounted the Savior''s heroic deeds in vanquishing darkness and rescuing Urth. Storytelling was humanity''s most vital skill¡ªour cultures, nations, economies, and laws all stemmed from collective imagination conveyed through stories. A powerful story could unite people, forge identity, and inspire devotion. For religion, storytelling was paramount. The legends of deities were crafted through tales, shaping unwavering faith and driving believers to selfless acts. Recognizing this, Eden placed immense value on storytelling. Within the Tower Spire, dedicated teams documented, wrote, and polished stories of the Savior. The Ecclesiastical Church compiled these tales into sacred texts for dissemination. Thanks to Eden''s suggestions, these narratives were now shared through diverse channels, subtly embedding the Savior''s influence in everyday life. The Sister concluded her stirring tale of Eden''s liberation of Urth, dabbing her eyes. The children, too, were moved, their eyes glistening. Some rubbed their teary eyes with small hands. The Sister patiently waited for them to regain composure before introducing the next segment: Praying to the Savior. Under her guidance, the children clasped their hands over their chests and closed their eyes. They were to silently profess their loyalty and make a personal wish. "Remember," she gently reminded, "your wish is just for the Savior. Don''t share it with others." "Okay!" The children nodded earnestly, understanding the gravity of this moment. Each pondered deeply before beginning their prayers. Miliah wished for a world without villains, where everyone could be happy. Shahim aspired to become as great as Uncle Eden and restore the glory of the Godwin family. Voladi hoped to earn glory and one day stand before the Savior with his mother¡ªa lifelong dream of hers, even if it was just to say a single word to him. Other children''s wishes varied, with some as simple as endless treats of delicious starch bars. As the prayers concluded, the final activity of the lesson began. The Sister led the children in singing a hymn praising the Savior. To the accompaniment of sacred orchestral music, the children''s innocent voices filled the classroom, occasionally off-key but endearing. Outside the classroom, Eden listened patiently, a smile playing on his lips. When the hymn ended, he turned and headed toward his next destination¡ªthe Gene-Warrior Academy, the cradle of new recruits for his Space Marine Chapter. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 162 - 163: The New Blood of the Chapter Chapter 162: Chapter 163: The New Blood of the Chapter[+500PS Reached. Next Goal: +1000PS] Eden rode a sightseeing vehicle en route to the Gene-Warrior Academy, passing by the training base of the Naval Academy along the way. The massive hangar of the Naval Academy was packed with ships of all sizes, from sleek fighters to formidable warships. To aid the students'' understanding of warships, Vice Principal Baruch had even petitioned Eden for a cruiser and a frigate for training purposes. Now, these multi-kilometer-long vessels sat in the Academy''s hangar, serving as teaching tools¡ªa truly extravagant arrangement. The Naval Academy curriculum was vast and intricate. Beyond core subjects like loyalty education, combat shooting, and language studies, students delved deep into warship-related courses: Navigating star maps Fleet and crew management Aerial combat and gunnery tactics And much more. When theoretical learning was complete, practical lessons began. Students would join fleets on exploratory missions as part of their hands-on training. Only after passing both practical and theoretical exams could they graduate. Graduates were qualified to become naval officers. Even those who didn''t make it as officers often became skilled civilian freighter captains or joined the Govendi Merchant Fleet. These measures were all part of Eden''s grand preparation for the future. Due to time constraints, Eden skipped visiting other academies. Vice Principal Baruch provided a detailed report on the academy''s developments during the ride, particularly focusing on the progress of research-oriented departments. Eden''s goal was to establish a modern scientific research system¡ªone based on the division of labor. Large-scale projects were broken down into smaller, more manageable subprojects, which were further subdivided into simpler experiments. These tasks could often be completed by individuals with basic education. Once aggregated, these individual experiments would form a monumental outcome. This system was vastly superior to the Imperium''s current approach, enabling the efficient completion of complex research tasks. The Emperor, a brilliant scientist in his own right, had employed such systems during the unification of Terra. His most successful projects included the creation of the Primarchs and the Space Marines. However, after the Emperor''s departure, this advanced system fell apart. In its place rose the Adeptus Mechanicus, a sect shrouded in mysticism, superstition, and monopolistic practices. Their research relied heavily on STCs and divine "inspiration," often disrupted by religious infighting. Eden, under the protection of the Sacred Sun, could shield his scientific endeavors from Warp interference, ensuring smooth progress. His modernized research framework was already being implemented on Urth, fostering unprecedented collaboration among the Mechanicus factions. The Loyalist Academy adopted this system as well, training specialists to fuel the research institutions with fresh talent. This approach, a part of Eden''s larger strategy, would propel Urth''s technological projects to new heights. Once Baruch finished his report, the sightseeing vehicle arrived at the Gene-Warrior Academy. The Gene-Warrior Academy was comparable in size to the Naval Academy, encompassing vast simulated battlefields with diverse terrains and extreme environments. The academy had selected 200,000 physically robust and pure-souled children from Urth. This feat was made easier thanks to Golden Age artificial womb technology, which raised many of these children with enhanced physical and mental traits. Additionally, educational implants expedited their basic learning processes. At the academy, these recruits underwent rigorous training to harden their bodies and fortify their loyalty. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eden had assigned several Thunder Guard, dozens of regular guards, and elite combat instructors to oversee their development. The academy was equipped with top-tier medical teams, nutritionists, and bioengineering experts to ensure safe and effective training. Daily activities included: Combat and marksmanship drills Familiarization with various weapons and tactics Simulated combat in extreme environments Students faced intense competition, constantly challenging one another to earn credits and climb the rankings. These rankings determined whether they could pass the trials and qualify as Space Marines. Eden had high hopes for these students¡ªthey were the lifeblood of Urth''s future Chapters. His plan envisioned two primary Space Marine Chapters: The Void Angels, comprising Voidborn survivors, would serve as elite forces akin to Primaris Marines. The Angels of War, composed of baseline humans, would form a larger mid-tier force similar to standard Astartes. Meanwhile, the Thunder Guard, Eden''s personal security force, represented his most formidable warriors, akin to the Emperor''s Custodes. At the training grounds, students were sparring with mutant hounds while wearing protective gear. This was part of their daily regimen. In addition to battling each other, they fought against an array of creatures¡ªevery monster Urth could offer, along with a surplus of heavily armored combat servitors. During a sparring session, one student made a critical error, exposing a fatal weakness. A mutant hound lunged at his neck, its jaws poised to strike. In the nick of time, the neural control device on the hound activated, releasing a surge of electricity that immobilized it completely. The academy''s training was brutal but carefully managed, maintaining a mortality rate under 5%¡ªEden''s explicit directive. Unlike the Imperium''s grim methods, Eden''s approach emphasized safety and stability. Biological augmentations prioritized consistency over extreme results. This balanced method avoided the staggering mortality rates seen in traditional Astartes initiation, where countless aspirants perished during brutal trials and gene-seed implantation. Eden believed such methods were unnecessarily wasteful. Couldn''t humanity achieve greatness without such excessive sacrifice? (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 163 - 164: Eden’s Bet: Guilliman Will Faint in the Bathroom Chapter 163: Chapter 164: Eden¡¯s Bet: Guilliman Will Faint in the BathroomEden had a simple answer to the question of creating warriors: It''s unnecessary. This decision was based on the realities of Urth''s population and the unique properties of the Sacred Sun, which didn''t support excessively brutal selection methods. Moreover, Eden believed many of the Imperium''s recruitment processes for Space Marines were fundamentally flawed. Their methods could be summarized as: "Torture candidates to near death through a series of needlessly dangerous trials, then modify the survivors." Here''s a glimpse into the brutal selection practices of various Chapters: Dark Angels Recruits are chosen from thousands of primitive worlds. They undergo trials testing strength, agility, and endurance. Failures, deemed weak in body or mind, are euthanized. Successful candidates undergo surgery on a mountaintop, without anesthesia. Blood Angels Thousands of candidates are chosen from Baal and its moons. They compete in violent survival games, where only fifty are selected. These winners are sent to a monastery for further trials and spend a year in sarcophagi. Space Wolves Wolf Priests recruit candidates from warring tribal societies. Recruits drink the Canis Helix potion, endure excruciating pain, and are left in subzero wilderness hundreds of miles away. Only those who return on foot, avoiding attacks from wolf-mutants, are considered. These methods epitomized cruelty, often leading to mass fatalities. Only the Ultramarines followed a relatively humane approach: They selected candidates from nine planets within Ultramar, subjecting them to military training and various survival challenges.Though still rigorous, these trials were not outright lethal. This partly explained why the Ultramarines boasted the largest numbers among Chapters. Eden reflected on how the God-Emperor, during the Great Crusade, built his massive armies of Thunder Warriors, Custodians, and Space Marine Legions with extraordinary efficiency. Even with just the populations of Terra and Luna, the Emperor had raised: Twenty Legions of Astartes Twenty Thunder Warrior Legions A full Custodian Guard complement Such numbers defied belief. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eden speculated that the Emperor''s efficiency stemmed from both his unmatched technological prowess and his pragmatic approach to recruitment: "This one looks strong and determined¡ªlet''s see if he survives the enhancement process." No unnecessary theatrics. Eden''s philosophy was clear: You don''t need cruelty to build an army. After all, differences in unmodified humans were marginal. With proper training and augmentation, any gap could be bridged. In fact, the students at the Gene-Warrior Academy, who were: Well-fed Trained in combat from an early age And familiar with weaponry and battle tactics Would surely outperform malnourished teenagers from desolate wastelands like Baal. Even if there were still differences post-modification, sheer numbers could compensate. Two can beat one. If not, try three or four. Quantity has a quality of its own. Eden planned for the Gene-Warrior Academy''s 200,000 students to undergo rigorous trials, with the top 5% qualifying as Space Marines. The rest would bolster the Storm Troopers, ensuring no resource was wasted. However, the scarcity of Space Marines across the galaxy wasn''t just due to harsh selection processes. The real culprits were the Codex Astartes and the restrictions imposed by Guilliman, the Ultramarines'' Primarch and Imperium''s greatest administrator. After the Horus Heresy, Guilliman drafted the Codex Astartes, a set of guidelines for: Military organization, Strategy,Tactics, And, most importantly, the dissolution of Space Marine Legions into smaller Chapters of 1,000 warriors each. This was meant to prevent another Horus Heresy by decentralizing power. However, this limitation left the Imperium unable to field enough Space Marines to combat the myriad threats it faced. Eden imagined Guilliman waking from his millennia-long coma, asking: "So, which revision of the Codex are we on now?""What? You''re still using my first draft?" Realizing the Codex hadn''t been updated in 10,000 years, Guilliman would likely faint in frustration. Eden had no intention of adhering to the Codex''s limits. His Chapters would grow as large as needed¡ªhundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands if possible. Mass recruitment, endless armies. The other major bottleneck for Space Marine creation was the gene-seed shortage, caused by: The Imperium''s "Tithe of Eleven", which demanded high gene-seed taxes. High combat casualties preventing the recovery of gene-seeds. Faulty procedures wasting gene-seeds during implantation. Genetic degradation and mutations from Chaos corruption. Gene-seeds were increasingly rare and precious. Many Chapters resorted to: Borrowing from the Imperium''s gene-seed reserves. Trading on the black market. Raiding Chaos warbands for stolen gene-seeds. Fortunately, Eden inherited a small batch of gene-seeds from the Grant family''s legacy, giving him a foundation for his plans. After inspecting the Gene-Warrior Academy, Eden made his next stop: The Bioengineering Research Institute, led by Moss. "Time to check on my precious gene-seeds," he muttered. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 164 - 165: The Unspectacular Gene-Seed Chapter 164: Chapter 165: The Unspectacular Gene-SeedUnder the gleaming sunlight, the Bioengineering Research Institute shimmered with metallic luster. The structure was adorned with intricate gears and pipelines, exuding an aura of mechanical sanctity. At the heart of the entrance lay the unmistakable emblem of the Adeptus Mechanicus¡ªa fusion of skull and machine. Gears, pistons, and cables intertwined in a symbol of holy unity. As Eden approached, the skull''s eye sockets glowed red, and the mechanical door recognized his presence with a reverent electronic voice: "Welcome, Savior!" Hours earlier, Eden had officially published the Codex of Redemption, a document he had meticulously crafted over several years. This Codex, inspired by the legendary Codex Astartes penned by Guilliman, outlined key principles for: Unified faith, Religious rituals, Governance structures, Military obligations, Laws and punishments, And technological innovation. It established Eden''s divine position as the Emperor''s sole designated Savior, embedding this truth deeply into both faith and law. The Codex was not merely a collection of guidelines but the foundation for his dominion. Upon hearing the title "Savior," the enormous gears at the entrance turned, and the grand mechanical doors slowly opened. Inside, Moss, the institute''s head researcher and biological sage, rushed to greet Eden. "Savior, your visit honors us!" Moss exclaimed, barely containing his excitement. Eden nodded calmly. "How''s the experiment progressing?" Moss straightened, his pride evident. "We''ve extracted critical gene nodes. We''re ready to move to the next stage of experimentation." This critical research aimed to improve the gene-seeds, ensuring they remained stable, adaptable, and continuously improvable for future enhancements. "Good," Eden praised. "Let''s check on the gene-seeds." He followed Moss deeper into the institute, traversing corridors lined with sealed laboratories. Biogenetic diagrams and complex gene structures adorned the walls, while researchers meticulously conducted experiments. In one lab, a dissection of a clone subject was underway¡ªa grim reminder of the lengths required for progress. The institute''s many laboratories had modularized the vast scope of biogenetic engineering. Each lab tackled a specific aspect of research, reflecting the modernized scientific framework Eden had implemented. This decentralized structure demanded exceptional coordination and oversight, a task well-suited to Moss, an advanced AI from the Golden Age. Finally, the pair arrived at the Gene Vault, the heart of the institute. This facility housed and cultivated the precious gene-seeds. The vault was a marvel of engineering, comprising chambers designed to resist external environmental changes. Each unit maintained precise control over temperature, humidity, and light, ensuring the optimal preservation of the gene-seeds. Golden energy coursed through transparent conduits along the walls and ceiling, pulsating with life. Stopping before one chamber, Moss gestured to its control panel. "This is one of our cultivation rooms. Each can nurture two gene-seeds at a time." Eden surveyed the room, noting the countless cultivation chambers lining the area. "Impressive. Let''s take a closer look." Years ago, Eden had uncovered a cache of fifty degraded and mutated gene-seeds in a secret laboratory. These relics had been painstakingly hoarded by the Grant family over millennia. Though flawed, the gene-seeds provided a foundation for research. After thorough reverse-engineering and genetic repair, Moss had successfully created 100 primordial gene-seeds. These were largely devoid of the unique traits seen in gene-seeds derived from Blood Angels, Dark Angels, or Ultramarines. They were nearly blank slates. To overcome this, Moss utilized a bold strategy: implanting the primordial gene-seeds into clone bodies of a superior genetic baseline. The template for these clones? Eden himself. The cultivation chamber''s centerpiece was a three-meter-tall glass cylinder. Inside floated a 2.2-meter-tall clone, suspended in nutrient fluid. Golden energy from the Sacred Sun was channeled through the clone''s body, fostering the development of the implanted gene-seeds. This energy, with its purifying and life-giving properties, was a universal catalyst¡ªa miraculous stabilizer. Looking at the clone, Eden couldn''t help but smirk. "I really do look good in Space Marine form." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The first batch of clones, all based on Eden''s genetic template, had been instrumental in stabilizing the initial gene-seeds. Under normal conditions, a Space Marine could only produce two gene-seeds over a decade: one after five years, and another after ten. But under the institute''s controlled environment and Sacred Sun-enhanced energy, this timeline had been halved. The clones could produce their first gene-seed in just three years and their second in six. Moss led Eden into the storage room, where rows of living tissue chambers preserved the harvested gene-seeds. Each biovault kept the seeds active and ready for implantation into new warriors. The seeds, however, carried no significant traits from original Primarchs like Sanguinius or Guilliman. Instead, they were uniformly stable and entirely derived from Eden''s genetic code. "These gene-seeds lack extraordinary features," Moss admitted. Eden, however, saw this as an advantage. Unlike the flawed gene-seeds of other Primarchs, which often came with dangerous side effects: Blood Angels succumbed to bloodlust and madness. Ultramarines developed obsessive adherence to hierarchy and perfectionism. Dark Angels were plagued by paranoia and secrecy. Eden''s gene-seeds were stable and free from debilitating traits. "We don''t need superhumans," Eden mused. "I''ll take dependable, balanced warriors over unstable berserkers any day." With this method, Eden could mass-produce Space Marines efficiently. "Quantity over quality," he declared. "Let the galaxy tremble before our endless legions!" Turning to Moss, Eden gave the final order. "Begin the implantation procedures. Let''s bring our warriors to life." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 165 - 166 - Masters and Transformation Surgery Chapter 165: Chapter 166: Chapter Masters and Transformation SurgeryThe pinnacle estate''s office. Eden was reviewing the candidate profiles for the first wave of transformation surgery for the Void Angels and War Angels Chapters. The surgeries were already under intense preparation and could commence at any moment. Since the recruits from the Loyal Legion Academy had not yet matured, the first participants were all battle-hardened veterans. The members of the Void Angels were exclusively survivors of the Void Tribes. Before arriving on Urth, they fought tirelessly against Chaos monstrosities with nothing but their flesh and blood, proving their formidable resilience. The initial members of the War Angels, on the other hand, were veterans selected from the disbanded Defense Force. These individuals had participated in numerous wars and accumulated a wealth of experience. Eden needed to appoint two Chapter Masters from these candidates, making them the first to undergo the transformation process. The selection for the Void Angels'' Chapter Master was undisputed¡ªDuke, the strongest warrior among the Void Tribes, was the obvious choice. Now, Eden''s focus was on choosing the Chapter Master for the War Angels. As he flipped through the files, none of the candidates particularly impressed him until he reached the last page. "Plu¡ªcombat hero, top of the Chapter Reserve Training program?" Eden raised an eyebrow, puzzled as to why someone with such stellar credentials was ranked only fifth among the candidates. Delving deeper into Plu''s profile, he found an exhaustive account of the man''s life, sparing no detail. By the time he finished reading, Eden understood why. "So, it''s because of his questionable origins..." Plu''s early life was far from remarkable. A refugee from the lower hive, he survived on scraps and faced starvation regularly. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That alone wouldn''t have disqualified him. The real blemish on his record was his past as a spy for the Hoffman family. Plu, a refugee, had stumbled into the upper hive, which happened to be under Hoffman family control. To avoid starvation or being processed into protein extract, he was coerced into joining Joseph''s spy network. The reward? Starch bars made from corpses. However, Plu never actually participated in the rebellion that the spies were tasked to incite and survived by sheer luck. With nowhere to go, he chose to stay in the royal court district, adopting a false identity and toiling away in the factories. Ironically, his diligence as a laborer earned him recognition and special commendations. Later, in pursuit of tastier food, specifically Type-2 wheat starch bars, Plu enlisted in the Defense Force. The timing was perfect, as the Defense Force was undergoing massive expansion, and he quickly became a soldier. Once enlisted, Plu seemed to awaken to his latent potential, earning accolades for his outstanding contributions in multiple battles. The most notable of these was his role in a decapitation strike against a bandit chieftain. Plu, as part of a suicide squad, not only survived the overwhelming assault in the hive''s underbelly but also blew up a key passage, cutting off enemy reinforcements and saving many comrades. This earned him the title of Combat Hero. Later, he participated in the Chapter Reserve Training program, outperforming tens of thousands of recruits to secure first place. Eden smirked. "This guy''s not bad." He marked Plu''s profile with a red circle, finalizing his decision. As for Plu''s questionable background, Eden wasn''t concerned. The Hoffman family was a relic of the past, and anyone who received the blessing was considered part of his fold. The only downside? The man had a voracious appetite, constantly eager to try new foods. But that hardly detracted from his qualities as a warrior. Eden quickly summoned the two candidates for an audience. Duke, a burly man with purple tribal markings on his face, sat rigidly on a chair, his expression serious. A fellow veteran, scarred and rugged, approached him with a bag of snacks. "Hey, want some?" the man asked. Duke shook his head silently. "Alright, more for me," the other said with a shrug, munching noisily on wheat starch biscuits. This was Plu. Years of combat and grueling training had transformed him from a scrawny youth into a hardened warrior. Yet, he still harbored some nervousness, stuffing biscuits into his mouth as his cheeks bulged comically. After all, they were about to meet the Savior himself. Soon, a maid from the pinnacle estate arrived to escort them to the Governor''s office. "Savior!" Duke and Plu placed their right hands over their hearts, a gesture of reverence mixed with tension, as they bowed before Eden. They hoped to gain his recognition, receive the blessing, and officially become Chapter Masters. The blessing, an unparalleled gift, unlocked the recipient''s full potential. Its effects were widely documented in the Holy Codex of Redemption, a text found in every household within the domain. On bi-weekly prayer days, families were required to read and recite from it. However, the deeper effects of the blessing remained shrouded in mystery. "Sit down..." Eden removed his gold-rimmed glasses and stepped out from behind his massive desk. The three of them spent an hour in deep conversation over lunch. At the end of the audience, Eden delivered his verdict: "You are the provisional Chapter Masters and will be the first to undergo the transformation surgery. Upon its successful completion, you will receive your official appointments." "Yes!" Duke and Plu were ecstatic. They had earned the Savior''s recognition. Under the radiance of the Sacred Sun, Eden personally conducted their blessings at the Cathedral of the State Church. The research institute''s surgery chambers were fully prepared. Designed as state-of-the-art sterile environments, the expansive facility featured multiple sealed compartments, allowing dozens of procedures to be conducted simultaneously. Equipped with advanced life-support systems, anesthetics, and surgical teams, the chambers were also powered by energy from the Miniature Sun, significantly boosting survival rates. Eden had no intention of replicating the grim methods of the Dark Angels¡ªconducting outdoor surgeries without anesthetics on mountaintop slabs. The process of creating Space Marines involved 19 stages of surgical implantation, including: Secondary Heart: Enables survival under low oxygen or severe trauma. Bone Fortifier: Strengthens skeletal structure. Muscle Enhancer: Stimulates growth to produce towering warriors. Blood Reconstructor: Optimizes blood composition. ... (full details of all 19 stages omitted for brevity, check on the Wiki if you want to.) Each stage required months of recovery and adaptation, even with advanced energy systems accelerating the process. Completion of the full transformation would take at least a year. As the veterans filed into the chambers, Eden departed, his mind already turning to the next critical task. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 166 - 167: Stepping Off the Planet Chapter 166: Chapter 167: Stepping Off the PlanetWhoosh¡ª A large assault ship streaked through the sky, leaving sonic booms in its wake. Inside the cabin, Eden sat comfortably on a plush fur-lined sofa, sipping an ice-cold soda. This was his personal vessel, remodeled to the standards of a private jet from his previous life. The cabin even included a crew of attendants dressed as "flight stewardesses," all part of the Tower Estate''s maid corps. It was, to say the least, a luxurious experience. Setting aside his drink, Eden picked up a slightly bulky mechanical gaming device and resumed playing. The gaming device, loaded with simple games like Tetris and Brick Breaker, was a creation of the Psionic Network Research Institute. The institute had been established to meet the growing demand for the psionic network, led by Data Sages and a team of bald tech-priests specializing in programming and network security. Under Eden''s meticulous guidance, the institute had already developed and deployed a psionic software akin to a project management tool, which significantly boosted productivity, optimized workflows, and enhanced communication across teams. But their primary task was far more critical: combating Chaos-corrupted code and related incursions. Their responsibilities included eradicating corrupted or hazardous code and erecting firewalls to protect the psionic network from Warp-born intrusions. Eden had no intention of witnessing blasphemous imagery or debased content like warp-spawned mascots desecrating the Emperor''s likeness ever again. "Stay clear of Slaanesh''s corruption, starting with myself!" "Is this pressure okay, Savior?" A stewardess leaned gently against Eden''s back, skillfully massaging him. Of course, the "stewardesses" were Tower Estate maids in cosplay; the ship had its own dedicated crew for operations. It was rare for Eden to leave on a business trip, and he intended to make the most of it. "Perfect..." Knock, knock, knock¡ª Just as Eden was about to fully enjoy his journey, a knock came from the VIP suite door. "Savior!" The excitable voice of Kaul rang out. What now? Eden frowned, motioning for the stewardess to leave before opening the door. Kaul burst in, saluting hastily, followed closely by his black servo-skull father. "What''s wrong?" Eden asked, raising an eyebrow. "Nothing, I just wanted to see that gaming device!" Kaul, having learned of the mechanical gaming device, couldn''t resist rushing over. The contraption was beyond anything he had ever imagined. Seeing Kaul''s eager expression, Eden sighed, handing over the device he had barely started playing with. "Here, take it and get lost!" After all, Kaul had recently made a major breakthrough by developing nanosilicon camouflage technology, resolving a critical issue in faith dissemination. Eden could afford to be generous to those who achieved results. "Thank you! I''ll get out of your hair now!" Kaul scampered off with the gaming device like a child with a new toy. Anticipating this, Eden reached under the sofa and pulled out a second gaming device from a hidden compartment, continuing his leisurely gaming session. This trip was akin to a semi-vacation. The transformation surgeries for the Space Marines would take a full year to complete. Aside from the faith dissemination plan among the Eredar, there were no pressing matters. Eden planned to stay in the Eredar Holy City to oversee the implementation of the nanosilicon camouflage technology. The Eredar Holy City Located 5,000 kilometers from the hive capital, the Holy City housed tens of millions of Eredar. After reclaiming Urth, Eden had relocated the Eredar to the desolate Zada Mines, granting them the area as their promised land. The Eredar renamed the barren mountains "Zada Holy Mountain" and began building a city around it while reviving the environment. As Eden''s assault ship approached the city, he gazed out the window. The city was a marvel to behold. Shrouded in an energy shield, the predominantly white city featured towering spires and massive domed structures, cleverly integrated into the mountainside. The buildings, crafted from local stone, blended seamlessly with the natural terrain, making the city appear as though it had grown from the mountain itself. The spires and domes peeked through the mist, exuding an aura of sanctity and inviolability. The city was a religious center, with every inch adorned with carvings depicting stories of the Savior and the Sacred Sun. Faith was the cornerstone of the Eredar''s way of life, influencing their customs, art, and even daily conversations. Religious festivals and ceremonies were frequent, fostering a profound sense of unity and peace. When Eden''s ship landed, he was greeted by an atmosphere of serenity. The Holy City''s Archbishop and the Eredar masses had long awaited their Savior''s arrival, kneeling in reverence. Dressed in a white robe adorned with intricate dark gold patterns, Eden walked toward Redemption Square, shaded by palm trees and paved with pristine white stone. As he passed, the faithful knelt in waves, offering their utmost devotion. The square was the city''s heart, dominated by a monumental statue of Eden. The statue, crowned by the Sacred Sun, gleamed under the sunlight. Under the guidance of the Archbishop, the Eredar held a grand ceremony to welcome their Savior. After the ceremony, Kaul and his team began their work, conducting equipment tests and experiments, while Eden prepared faith-related content for future missionary operations. Days later, at Redemption Square, a thousand devout followers entered the Holy Caskets under the watchful eyes of the Eredar masses. These individuals, chosen for their unwavering faith, would receive the Savior''s blessing and become Missionary Saints¡ªa role described in the Holy Codex of Redemption as the ultimate mission of the Eredar. The Holy Caskets, creations of Kaul''s ingenuity, were machines capable of administering nanosilicon camouflage. Once inside, the caskets injected the nanosilicon material, which grew within the followers'' bodies and spread to their skin, cloaking their mutated features with a human-like appearance. When the Missionary Saints emerged, they were clad in white robes, their features radiating compassion, with their foreheads devoid of any mutations. Even machines couldn''t detect their true nature. In case of a fatal crisis, the nanosilicon would disintegrate their bodies entirely, leaving no trace of their identities. These Missionary Saints would serve as the ideal medium for spreading Eden''s faith. After receiving the blessings, the Missionary Saints boarded ships bound for the sector capital, Matilla, where they would blend into the populace and covertly propagate the faith, laying the groundwork for future conquest. As the transport ships carrying the Missionary Saints departed for Matilla, a separate colony ship, laden with Stormtroopers, workers, and machinery, launched toward a nearby primitive planet. This planet, rich in rare minerals essential for crafting power armor and other critical equipment, had been discovered and concealed by the Grant family, whose plans were disrupted by sudden taxation policies. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now, Urth had resumed its development. The departure of these ships marked Eden''s first step beyond his planet, embarking on a campaign to conquer the galaxy. ... One Year Later Eden lay on the rooftop of the Holy City, soaking up the sun in a pair of shorts. Beep, beep, beep¡ª His communicator buzzed. Glancing at the message, he shot upright. "The warriors'' transformation surgeries are complete!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 167 - 168: Remarkable Genetic Traits Chapter 167: Chapter 168: Remarkable Genetic TraitsAt the Institute of Biogenetic Engineering, the test grounds were lined with nearly a hundred Space Marines from the Void Angels and War Angels Chapters, waiting silently for the arrival of their Savior. These warriors, their short hair slicked back and upper bodies bare, stood as towering figures with rippling, defined muscles. Their bodies and skulls were marked with numerous specialized insertion points¡ªcritical interfaces for their power armor. "Savior!" As Eden entered, the warriors immediately dropped to one knee, their hands placed over their hearts, pledging their unwavering loyalty to their great Savior and genetic progenitor. "Rise, my warriors..." Eden gestured lightly, signaling them to stand. Walking along the rows, Eden inspected his creations¡ªthe sons of his genetic lineage. The Void Tribe warriors exhibited unique physiques, taller and more robust than the norm. The Void Angels, modified from these exceptional carriers, stood at an impressive 2.5 meters on average. Meanwhile, the War Angels averaged around 2.3 meters. Duke and Plu, the two Chapter Masters, were nearly indistinguishable in height after receiving Eden''s blessing¡ªDuke measured 2.7 meters, while Plu reached 2.6 meters. Satisfied with his inspection, Eden nodded and approached Moss, who stood nearby with his mechanical arm gripping a data slate, analyzing and organizing test results. "How are the warriors? Have there been any significant changes following their modifications?" Eden inquired. The genetic seeds Eden had designed were relatively ordinary¡ªstable but without any extraordinary traits. He didn''t expect much, but he couldn''t help holding onto a sliver of hope for a miracle. Moss, ever meticulous, continued multitasking while responding, "Savior, after completing the surgeries, a small subset of the genetic seeds underwent positive mutations." Eden''s eyes gleamed with anticipation, waiting for Moss to elaborate. "For the Void Angels, their strength and regenerative capabilities have exceeded expectations. Their muscle augmentation organs, Larraman organs, and pigmentation control nodules have undergone distinct evolutionary advancements. They exhibit heightened resistance to radiation, Chaos corruption, and Warp taint. Under extreme conditions, their bodies secrete enhanced hormones, boosting their combat performance dramatically..." To demonstrate, Moss gestured to the researchers at the far end of the test grounds. A sealed chamber opened, releasing a nearly 2-meter-tall Chaos creature, oozing with corrosive slime that radiated palpable contamination. Roar! The beast charged toward the group, but the warriors stood unwavering, their gazes steady. As the creature neared, Duke stepped forward from the Void Angels'' formation, confronting the abomination barehanded. Boom! With a single, earth-shattering punch, Duke sent the monster hurtling into a wall, shattering half its skeleton. The blow only enraged the beast further, but before it could react, Duke closed in, engaging it in brutal melee combat. Flesh and ichor flew as Chaos-corrupted fluids splattered across Duke''s body. Under Eden''s watchful eye, Duke''s physique visibly swelled in response to the tainted fluids, his eyes glowing with a feral crimson light as he grew even more berserk. "For the Heavenly Paradise!" Duke roared, tearing into the Chaos creature with savage ferocity until it was reduced to a lifeless husk. After discarding the mangled remains, Duke returned to Eden, kneeling before him. By the time he reached Eden, his specialized sweat glands had activated, expelling the pollutants mixed with his sweat and leaving his body nearly free of contamination. "Incredible!" Eden couldn''t hide his excitement. The Void Tribe warriors had adapted to life aboard Warp-infested void ships, constantly exposed to radiation and Chaos corruption. Their natural resilience had been amplified by their modifications, granting them unmatched combat efficacy in hostile environments. While most warriors would falter under such conditions, the Void Angels grew stronger¡ªa truly extraordinary genetic trait. War Angels'' Unique Power Eden eagerly turned to Moss. "What about the War Angels? Any notable changes?" Moss explained that some War Angels had developed psionic abilities after their modifications, enabling them to wield psychic powers freely. To demonstrate, Plu stepped forward from the War Angels'' formation and entered the test arena. The sealed chamber''s doors opened again, releasing a pack of Chaos hounds¡ªsmall but incredibly fast and cunning, adept at coordinated attacks. The pack of roughly a dozen creatures immediately surrounded Plu, growling and drooling, their predatory instincts sharp. But Plu was unfazed. With a smirk, he beckoned to them. "Come on, you tasty little beasts. I''ve been waiting for this!" Unlike Duke''s stoic demeanor, Plu had a cocky, boisterous personality shaped by years among rowdy veterans and the influence of the Arri tribe. His words were laced with playful taunts. As the Chaos hounds lunged, Plu''s eyes glowed with a faint blue light, and a massive psychic field erupted around him, sending the creatures flying. His psychic energy, enhanced by both modifications and Eden''s blessing, far surpassed that of ordinary psykers. With a casual wave of his hand, arcs of blue lightning crackled and spread across the arena, striking down the Chaos hounds with pinpoint accuracy. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Within seconds, the creatures were reduced to smoldering husks. "Not bad, this kid takes after me!" Eden chuckled, impressed by Plu''s performance. As the demonstration concluded, Plu didn''t immediately return. Instead, researchers brought out a mechanical apparatus and set it before him, along with dozens of vials filled with various colored liquids. Nearby, the researchers piled the remains of the Chaos hounds, and Plu nonchalantly dragged over the larger Chaos creature''s corpse, tossing it onto the ground. Eden watched the scene unfold with growing curiosity. "What''s this for?" he asked. Moss, his tone tinged with astonishment, replied, "This is to test Plu''s most unique trait¡ªone that stands out among all the modified warriors..." A special trait? Eden decided to let the demonstration speak for itself. He studied the apparatus more closely and realized it bore an uncanny resemblance to... a stove? No way... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 168 - 169: The Superiority of the Savior’s Genes Chapter 168: Chapter 169: The Superiority of the Savior''s GenesBoom¡ª As fuel was injected, the mechanical device roared to life, and flames shot fiercely out of the nozzle. "Whoa, that''s some serious firepower..." At this moment, Eden confirmed that the contraption was indeed a mechanical stove. It had even been retrofitted from an assault ship''s engine. "Due to time constraints, we only performed basic modifications to allow the tests to proceed," Moss explained. Eden nodded, continuing to watch Plu, curious to see what exactly he was up to. On the testing grounds, Plu dragged over the carcass of a massive Chaos creature. He sliced off pieces of the dark, pollutant-laden flesh and stuffed them directly into his mouth, chewing deliberately. It almost looked like he was savoring the taste. Hiss... this guy''s hardcore. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ordinary Space Marines might lick such flesh to gather information, but this? Who would directly chew on it? And what was with that look of savoring it? Even Void Angels, who could resist some degree of corruption, wouldn''t go this far. Eating it directly allowed pollutants to enter the circulatory system, likely causing poisoning. It wouldn''t be fatal, but it would definitely affect combat readiness. Plu continued sampling pieces of flesh as though analyzing something. Then, he cut large chunks of various Chaos creature meat and placed them in a large metal barrel. After that, he grabbed several chemical reagents from the stove setup and poured them in one by one in a specific order. "Is he... marinating?" Eden frowned. He was starting to get an idea of Plu''s intentions. He seemed to be preparing barbecue for everyone. The problem was, some of the reagents being used¡ªEden recognized them¡ªwere corrosive or highly toxic to the human body. One vial, glowing a sickly green and marked with a skull, was clearly lethal. Once the preparations were complete, a servo-skull floated over, handing Plu an apron and some cooking utensils. Then it spread a metal mesh over the flaming stove. Plu donned the apron like a seasoned chef, pulled chunks of marinated Chaos meat out of the barrel, and began slicing them expertly. Once cut, he skewered the pieces on metal rods and placed them on the metal mesh. With a twist of a valve, flames shot up over two meters high. Plu quickly grilled the skewers, finishing the process in just over ten seconds. Finally, he grabbed an unknown powder, sprinkling it liberally over the meat. A greenish smoke sizzled up. Watching all this, Eden suddenly felt a sense of absurdity. Wasn''t this supposed to be a combat test? How did it turn into an open-air barbecue stand? It seemed like the people under his command weren''t quite normal... Plu finished grilling. He placed the Chaos meat skewers on a plate and respectfully offered them to Eden. "Savior, this is my humble culinary offering for you..." Eden eyed the colorful, blackened skewers and swallowed nervously. "Can... can this even be eaten?" The meat didn''t look safe at all. Was Plu trying to poison the Gene-Father? Plu''s face radiated confidence. "Please trust my skills and taste. This is a rare delicacy!" Eden hesitated but decided to give it a try. Fine, I''ve come this far. The atmosphere was already built up, and not eating would seem unreasonable. Besides, ordinary toxins couldn''t harm him, at most causing mild discomfort. Plus, it smelled... surprisingly good. Reluctantly, Eden grabbed a skewer and bit into it. After just two bites, his eyes widened. "Not bad... actually, it''s delicious!" The meat was tender and savory, melting in his mouth with a unique flavor. "Your praise is my highest honor!" Hearing Eden''s compliment, Plu beamed with pride. As Eden ate, Moss began reporting on the genetic traits revealed by Plu''s enhancements. Plu''s prehensile stomach, genetic modifications, and sensory nerves had undergone beneficial mutations and enhancements. This enabled him to consume almost anything, even heavily polluted or toxic substances. Moreover, his taste-detection nerves were incredibly sensitive. He could identify toxins or pollutants in food and devise ways to neutralize them quickly. With proper preparation, this allowed other warriors without specialized stomachs to safely consume such food. Plu was essentially a galactic gourmet chef chosen by fate. More impressively, Plu could absorb biological memories by consuming flesh and blood. Additionally, he could metabolize hormones from the consumed meat, slowly enhancing his physique and developing resistance to toxins. This allowed for continuous growth! Eden suddenly recalled that Space Marines could gain fragmented memories from consumed flesh. Would processed meat still retain this effect? He grabbed another skewer and handed it to Duke. "Try it and tell me how it feels." Duke took a bite, seemingly surprised. "Easy to digest, and it provides excellent energy." "What about memory information?" Duke frowned slightly. "I got fragmented images... two rat-like creatures mating? It seems processed meat makes it easier to extract memory fragments." Eden was ecstatic. This genetic trait wasn''t just powerful; it had great auxiliary potential. Unfortunately, only Plu possessed it for now. However, by harvesting the genetic seeds from Plu, Eden could slowly propagate this trait. Given enough time, he could cultivate more genetic seeds through clones, eventually forming a specialized subChapter. Eden looked at Plu, finding his actions increasingly familiar. This guy resembled a fictional Chapter, the "People''s Sons." The subChapter formed from Plu''s genetic seeds could adopt a similar style. They''d specialize in guerrilla warfare, exchanging knowledge with other Chapters, and researching how to process alien and heretical flesh into meals. The universe had no shortage of xenos and heretics. This subChapter could become a mobile five-star restaurant of the galaxy, striking fear into their enemies. And they wouldn''t lack combat prowess either. If an entire Chapter of Space Marines were like Plu, they could operate deep behind enemy lines without worrying about energy supplies. As long as they weren''t killed outright, they''d fight, eat, and grow stronger. Eden could already envision a future where Plu''s gene-sons gnawed on alien or daemon limbs mid-battle, terrifying their foes. Fearsome yet approachable¡ªthat would be their hallmark. Resolute, Eden instructed Moss to finalize the plan for establishing this specialized subChapter. The subChapter''s name was still pending, but the plan would commence in five years when Plu''s first genetic seed matured. "Savior," Moss said, raising his datapad after compiling the data. "Our earlier assumptions were incorrect. Based on current experimental data, genetic seeds derived from your genes possess unparalleled superiority..." "Now that you mention it," Eden muttered, finally realizing it himself. Previously, he believed his genetic seeds were only stable, without special traits. But now it was clear they weren''t so stable after all. Three mutations had already emerged: Void Angels'' Chaos resistance, War Angels'' psychic abilities, and Plu''s mutated iron stomach and toxin-parsing capabilities. Through Moss''s analysis, Eden finally understood the true trait of his genetic seeds: Catalysis. When implanted, his genetic seeds stimulated latent talents within warriors. Whether they remained ordinary or gained special powers depended on the recipient''s willpower and hidden potential. For example, ordinary War Angels were weaker than standard Space Marines. Yet some awakened psychic abilities, while Plu gained unique traits. This catalytic effect amplified exceptional individuals. If you were ordinary, it couldn''t help you. After Moss''s explanation, Eden swallowed nervously. Didn''t this mean his genetic seeds could mass-produce regular soldiers while also catalyzing elite warriors? This was a game-changer! Suddenly, Eden felt a chill down his spine, breaking into a cold sweat. What if the other Primarchs found out about this...? (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 169 - 170: The Armor Ceremony Chapter 169: Chapter 170: The Armor CeremonyThe thought sent a shiver down Eden''s spine. Currently, gene-seeds were in short supply across the galaxy''s Chapters, with many suffering mutations. If his secret were exposed... Both Loyalists and Traitor Astartes would descend upon him. Would they not just pack him up and take him away? Exposure was absolutely not an option. If Eden were exposed, Chaos Space Marines, desperate for gene-seeds, would soon come knocking, inviting him to join their "joyful" Chaos family. And if captured by the followers of Nurgle, wouldn''t he be instantly corrupted, becoming a prized tool at the side of the Plaguefather? Not to mention the constant glares from Typhus''s jealous eyes. Even if Eden were caught by the Imperium, his safety wouldn''t be guaranteed. Until Guilliman awoke, the Imperium was often lost in a haze of fanaticism. It didn''t matter whether your actions benefited the Imperium or humanity. The only question was your loyalty. And loyalty was a vague concept. Take Eden''s current actions: undeniably loyal to the Emperor and humanity. But to the Imperium? They''d label him a heretic. As for the Emperor''s opinion¡ªdid the Emperor even understand loyalty? For someone like Eden, dancing on the edge of the Imperium''s taboos, getting caught would be disastrous. The Ecclesiarchs and High Inquisitors, shouting "For the God-Emperor," would likely sentence him to death without hesitation. Things wouldn''t improve until Guilliman''s return. As the only leader capable of uniting the Imperium, Guilliman had the rationale and compassion to bring change. He and Eden were both agricultural strategists, prioritizing their people''s well-being. The Ultramar Segmentum''s prosperity wasn''t without reason. Even after multiple wars, with declining living standards, the average quality of life there was still far better than the Imperium''s norm. Only after Guilliman''s return could Eden hope to negotiate with the Imperium. But it was best to avoid exposure entirely. Eden suspected that Guilliman, upon discovering him, would invite him with a smile to Terra, where he''d work tirelessly for the Imperium. While not a terrible option, it wasn''t ideal. Given the current state of the Imperium, joining would bring numerous restrictions, stifling his efforts. For Eden, the optimal solution was to remain hidden in the shadows, developing his plans. The longer he stayed concealed, the better. Resolving his thoughts, Eden immediately classified the gene-seed as top secret. No one was to leak it under any circumstances. He also ordered the Biogenetics Institute and the Department of Military Affairs to implement strict confidentiality protocols and technical safeguards to minimize the risk of exposure. While he didn''t expect the secret to remain hidden forever, he aimed to delay its discovery as long as possible. In short, staying hidden was the key. ... Three months later, Armor Granting Hall This grand mechanical structure was designed for the sacred ceremony of Space Marine armor bestowal. The hall belonged to the Mechanicus Armory Research Institute, managed by a Master Fabricator. The Master Fabricator, a sage-level Tech-Priest, oversaw numerous assistant priests, servitors, and apprentice fabricators. Together, they provided an endless supply of equipment to Urth''s various institutions. Among their responsibilities, supplying power armor to Space Marines was paramount. Under Eden''s direction, the new power armor project had been underway for years. The prototype technology was based on power armor crafting techniques used by the Grant family, a key asset for controlling the planet. This technology stemmed from the MKII Crusade-pattern power armor, already outdated by several Imperial generations. With the project launched, the Master Fabricator used the Grant family''s armor as a base, incorporating recovered technology from fragments found in the Warp. The result was a new power armor model. While its performance couldn''t match the Imperium''s latest designs, it was on par with their average standard. Eden named the new armor MKII-Kai. Now, with the Space Marines'' surgeries complete and adaptation training underway, the time had come for the armor bestowal ceremony. For Space Marines, this moment was among the most significant in their lives. Power armor symbolized faith and honor. ... Inside the Armor Granting Hall sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The vast hall was adorned with floating cherubim and servo-skulls. Apprentice fabricators carried incense burners, circling the central armor platform in a blessing ritual. Clad in deep red ceremonial robes, the Master Fabricator ascended the observation platform, holding the sacred tome in his mechanical arms. As solemn prayers echoed, Duke entered the hall, walking along the central pathway toward the armor platform. He was ready to accept his duty, for the world of Paradise. He was ready to accept his duty, for he feared nothing. He was ready to accept his duty, for he was the Savior''s Void Angel. He was ready to embrace his iron body and become a true Space Marine! Duke stood before the armor platform, where apprentice fabricators fitted him with the black synthetic musculature. Then the armor ceremony began. Mechanical arms on the platform inserted cables into ports across Duke''s body, attaching armor components one by one. Leg guards, arm guards, chest plates, pauldrons, and the power pack... Finally, cherubim descended from above, gently placing the helmet onto Duke''s head. As the helmet''s mechanisms activated and sealed, the power armor became complete. Standing tall in the heavy armor, Duke appeared like an iron giant. Apprentices gazed up at him, kneeling in prayer. As their chants intensified, several apprentices carried over a heavy bolter, a weapon exclusive to Space Marines. Duke extended his hands, reverently accepting the weapon. He would wield it humbly, faithful to the Savior, unwavering in loyalty. Filled with awe, he awakened the armor''s spirit, reborn with pride. He would bear the Chapter''s name, standing shoulder to shoulder with his battle brothers. Duke gripped the weapon tightly. Vrrrm¡ª The deep blue power armor came alive, visor lenses glowing an intimidating red. He was a warrior. He was destruction. He was the Savior''s angel, bringing the Void''s wrath to all enemies! Eden watched the entire armor ceremony. After all the warriors received their armor, he stepped forward as the Savior and Gene-Father, granting them his blessing. With the ceremony complete, the Space Marines would now face the formidable Thunder Guardians. Through intense live combat, they would adapt to the armor that would accompany them for life. At the Governor''s Office Eden reviewed documents related to the Void Angels and War Angels Chapters. With the first batch of Space Marines fully armed, supporting facilities needed to be arranged. As he read, his brows furrowed... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 170 - 171: Trouble Ahead – The Great Horned Rat’s Invasion? Chapter 170: Chapter 171: Trouble Ahead ¨C The Great Horned Rat''s Invasion?[+500 PS REACHED!! Next Goal: 1000PS] The formation of the Space Marine Chapter was a complex and multifaceted process. For example, the Chapter''s organizational structure included the establishment of various companies, each consisting of a hundred warriors with distinct operational roles. These companies were categorized into Veteran Companies, Battle Companies, Tactical Companies, Assault Companies, Devastator Companies, Reconnaissance Companies, and more. This structure demanded extensive weaponry, equipment, and logistical support. Additionally, the Chapter featured specialists who provided battlefield support, spiritual leadership, and devastating combat prowess. These roles included Librarians, Chaplains, Techmarines, and Apothecaries. The entire undertaking consumed significant manpower and resources. Fortunately, these efforts were steadily progressing, with their respective Monasteries nearing completion. Currently, Eden''s primary concern was the fleet. Once the Chapter was established, they needed motherships and combat barges. Building new vessels from scratch was no longer an option. Reluctantly, Eden decided to allocate two of the Navy''s three cruisers to the Chapters, despite the cost. Each Chapter received one cruiser along with a handful of escort frigates. The Navy still retained the Dream, ensuring their combat strength remained largely intact. The two cruisers were renamed Fury of the Void and Shadow of War. Both would undergo modifications at the spaceport, outfitted with the necessary facilities to serve as the Chapters'' flagships. This was the initial resource allocation for the Chapters. Whether they could acquire larger ships in the future depended on their own development capabilities. Once the foundational framework for the Chapters was in place, Eden no longer needed to intervene directly. The Chapter Masters and their advisory teams would guide the Chapters forward. After approving the Chapter-related documents on his datapad, Eden sent them off and leaned back on the sofa, enjoying the maids'' service. Finally, he could take a break. The work related to the Chapters was complete. From here, officials from the Ministries of Interior, War, and Logistics would oversee the execution of the plans. This was the privilege of being the sole ruler¡ªhis will was law, implemented without delay. Even if he whimsically decided to take his vast entourage of maids and secretaries on a swimming trip to the moon, preparations would be completed overnight. However, such power came with its dangers. If Eden were ever corrupted by Chaos, there would be no one to stop him, and Urth would become a living hell. Thus, he indulged only moderately, avoiding excessive risk. After resting for a while, Eden instructed the maids to leave. He had an afternoon schedule to inspect the Space Marines'' training progress. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the Training Grounds The roar of chainswords echoed through the air. Boom! Boom! Boom! Figures clad in deep blue, fiery red, and dark gold armor moved with precision and fury. Chapter Masters Duke and Pru worked together against Thunder Guard Captain Kael. Despite their heavy power armor, their movements were agile and precise. Their intense combat left afterimages, sparks flying with every clash. Obstacles in the training ground were obliterated as their battle raged. A mortal caught in this clash wouldn''t even realize what had happened before being torn apart. Crackling psychic lightning shot forth, destroying a damaged wall and striking toward its target. Kael deflected the psychic lightning with his chainsword and charged toward Pru, sending him flying with a devastating strike. Sensing danger, he dodged just in time. The next second, explosive rounds rained down, obliterating the area he had just vacated. Duke''s oversized boltgun roared, unleashing a storm of fire at Kael''s position. Kael retaliated with melta bombs, forcing Duke to halt his assault. The searing heat of the melta explosion melted a massive hole in the training ground''s floor. Just the clash of these three combatants turned the training ground into a battlefield, resembling the aftermath of heavy artillery bombardment. "Damn, they''re really going all out..." Eden, having just arrived, winced at the sight. Such intense combat was dangerous. If someone lost control, it could end in disaster¡ªespecially for Pru. If anything happened to him, Eden''s carefully nurtured sub-Chapter would suffer greatly. But training without realism wasn''t an option either. On the battlefield, enemies wouldn''t hold back. After observing for a while, Eden ordered them to stop. Reviewing the training data, he noted several injuries among the new recruits over the past few months, including some serious cases. Fortunately, none of the injuries were life-threatening, requiring only a few days of rest. The training results highlighted a clear disparity between the Void Angels and War Angels. The War Angels generally couldn''t match the Void Angels. However, neither group could contend with the Thunder Guard. According to the data, at least five warriors were required to handle a single Thunder Guard. The blessed Chapter Masters, Duke and Pru, could each defeat a Thunder Guard individually. But even they needed to join forces to hold their ground against Kael. Victory without risking their lives was uncertain. After hearing the testers'' reports, Eden sighed, looking at the wrecked training ground. He decided to send the warriors to the Underhive for training, killing two birds with one stone by clearing out its environment. The Underhive spanned a vast area, roughly equivalent to the Upper and Lower Hives combined. It was infested with mutated creatures and Chaos monstrosities. Over the years, the Royal District had been gradually clearing the Underhive, assimilating its unmutated population. Even so, only about one-tenth of the Underhive had been cleared. The Royal District now treated the Underhive''s clearance as part of the Storm Legion''s training regimen. Even the Loyalist Academy often sent cadets there for practical exercises. "Lord Savior, urgent intelligence..." "What''s the situation?" Eden frowned. The Secretary-General''s personal report signaled a serious issue. "Five minutes ago, the Tribunal requested reinforcements from the Ministry of War. They''ve been attacked¡ªthere''s a mutation in the Underhive!" She handed Eden a datapad containing the detailed report. Eden''s expression darkened as he reviewed the data. This was the Tribunal''s first request for aid in a decade. Deville had personally led a team into the Underhive to investigate escalating attacks from the Lower Hive. Though his team was gene-enhanced, capable of rivaling elite human soldiers, the enemy must have been formidable to necessitate reinforcements. "Could it be a Chaos Daemon invasion?" Eden muttered to himself, worry clouding his thoughts. Urth''s development had only just begun¡ªit couldn''t withstand such devastation. Reading further, Eden''s eyes widened in shock. "Great Horned Rat?" The report detailed an attack by a large group of mutant ratmen. These ratmen displayed intelligence and chanted the name "Great Horned Rat" during battle. Eden, unlike others, recognized the name. The Great Horned Rat was the patron deity of the ratmen, once a Chaos God rivaling Khorne, Tzeentch, Slaanesh, and Nurgle. Though dormant since the End Times, its existence had never truly ceased. If its ratmen followers had opened a Warp portal, they could have emerged on Urth. Better safe than sorry. Eden immediately declared Urth in a state of war, mobilizing all forces for high-intensity combat. The Thunder Guard, Void Angels, and War Angels were dispatched to support the Tribunal in the Underhive. Their mission was to eradicate the threat swiftly and decisively. The ratmen''s rapid reproduction posed a significant danger. Meanwhile, the Storm Legion was fully mobilized. As for the Navy, they awaited further developments since large ships couldn''t operate within the Underhive. Soon, dozens of assault ships launched from the Royal District, heading toward the Hive City''s transport elevators and onward to the Underhive. Underhive ¨C Trash Mountain In a sprawling underground "palace," The bloated ratman chieftain, Bigfoot Rat, sat atop a throne of scrap metal. Gnawing on a fresh human hand, it reveled in the adoration of its ratmen followers and the service of its concubines. After finishing its meal, Bigfoot Rat stood, its swollen belly jiggling. This was its moment of glory. It had amassed a force of ratmen warriors capable of rivaling human soldiers. With such power, it was ready to exact revenge on the human world that had wronged it. With a piercing screech, Bigfoot Rat issued its war cry: "Attack the weakling human world!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 171 - 172: The Swarm of Ratmen Chapter 171: Chapter 172: The Swarm of RatmenSqueak!!! The moment the chieftain Bigfoot Rat issued its war cry, the ratmen warriors below the throne erupted in frenzy, raising their crude weapons and roaring. "War!" "Devour the weak humans!" "Hail Bigfoot Rat!" The ratmen warriors were towering and muscular, with grotesque green eyeballs covering their heads and bodies. Technically speaking, they were all offspring of Bigfoot Rat. Bigfoot Rat had been born in the Chaos Gene Engineering Laboratory of Yosef Hoffman, bearing prominent Chaos characteristics. The most striking feature was the horrifying eyeballs scattered across its body¡ªa trait passed down to its offspring. As the cheers echoed through the "palace," the entire Trash Mountain district of the Underhive came alive. Ratmen swarmed out of their burrows, gathering en masse. Most ratmen warriors were hideous mutants, with many of their eyeballs rotting away. Some were missing limbs due to extensive inbreeding, resulting in severe genetic defects. Yet, none of this diminished their vitality. The ratmen warriors donned crude, rusted armor and carried mismatched shields, swords, and spears as they assembled in a disorganized but menacing formation. Among the horde, various specialized warriors stood out: Ratling Gunners, armed with large makeshift machine guns fashioned from scrap. Flamethrower Rats, equipped with fuel tanks and gas masks. Psyker Rats, shrouded in black robes, radiating psychic energy. Suicide Rats, small and wiry, their bodies covered in explosives. Even squadrons of Rat Knights riding grotesque mutated rats were present. The army also included improvised war machines: Radiation Bomb Launchers, hauled by smaller mutant rats. Armored Rat Tanks, spewing black smoke as they lumbered forward. These weapons, cobbled together from the refuse of Trash Mountain, were crude and prone to malfunction. During their assembly, a mutated rat ridden by a Rat Knight gnawed through the fuel tank of a nearby Flamethrower Rat. The leaking fuel ignited, turning the unfortunate rat into a living fireball. Squeak! The flaming rat ran frantically, spreading fire to other ratmen before detonating a cluster of nearby Suicide Rats. Boom! The explosion obliterated dozens of ratmen, showering the area with scorched limbs. An armored rat tank''s driver, peeking out from the hatch, was splattered with the gore. Instead of being perturbed, the driver licked the blood off its face, savoring the "delicacy." The chaos barely fazed the ratmen. To them, such accidents were as routine as eating rotten flesh and sleeping. They simply mocked the misfortune of the victims. Despite these setbacks, the ratmen horde soon gathered in full force. Dozens of Rat Guards carried Bigfoot Rat''s throne from the underground palace, and the chieftain proudly surveyed its army, ignoring the occasional explosions and mishaps. Squeak! Attack! Bigfoot Rat roared the command. The vanguard units had already achieved significant success, and now was the time for a full-scale assault. The ratmen swarm would trample everything in the human world! The horde surged forward like a black tide, flooding toward the exit of the Underhive. Seated on the throne at the center of the army, Bigfoot Rat''s eyes burned with deep hatred. "Feeble human world, remember this day. The great Bigfoot Rat has descended and will rule this planet. You weaklings shall grovel at my feet in terror!" The Mutant Tribe In a mutant camp, grotesque figures gathered around a fire, tearing apart the flesh of their latest prey¡ªa group of scavengers. These poor humans had eked out a meager existence in the Underhive, only to become food for the mutants. The mutants ripped and devoured the flesh while the scavengers'' screams echoed. Their leader, gnawing on a skull, suddenly sensed something amiss. The ground was trembling! Roaring, the leader threw the skull aside and grabbed a massive spiked club. The other mutants followed suit, arming themselves and preparing to defend their territory. This was the largest and most powerful tribe in the area¡ªany enemy foolish enough to challenge them would end up in their bellies. As hundreds of mutants rushed to the camp''s gates, howling with bloodlust, they froze in shock. Stretching to the horizon was an endless swarm of ratmen. The cacophony of their high-pitched squeaks pierced the mutants'' ears like knives. It was the ratmen! Terror gripped the mutants as they realized escape was impossible. The ratmen horde surged forward like a tidal wave, overwhelming the camp in moments. When the swarm passed, nothing remained but blood-streaked bones. The ratmen army didn''t pause, pressing onward toward their ultimate target¡ªthe human world. Underhive ¨C Loyalist Academy Outpost The Loyalist Academy''s temporary supply station stood against a towering metal wall, one of millions of support pillars holding up the Hive City''s vast superstructure. The outpost was a vital lifeline for cadets undergoing training in the Underhive, providing supplies and protection to ensure their safety. Rat-a-tat-tat! Autocannons blazed, spitting fire as they mowed down dozens of charging ratmen, reducing them to bloody chunks. Squeak! But more ratmen swarmed forward, their sheer numbers overwhelming the defenses. The autocannons overheated from prolonged use, their barrels glowing red-hot before finally jamming. Seizing the opportunity, ratmen artillery destroyed the cannons. In truth, the cannons were already nearly useless. The outpost had exhausted its ammunition, and the last rounds had just been fired. "Hold the line! Don''t let these damn rats through!" At the perimeter, dozens of Tribunal-enhanced warriors and Loyalist Academy guards fought desperately to repel the invaders. Despite their efforts, some ratmen breached the defenses, charging toward the heart of the outpost. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They were swiftly cut down. High-energy laser beams left smoldering holes in their bodies. The figure responsible was a tall man clad in black robes and heavy Inquisitorial power armor¡ªDeville, the Grand Inquisitor of the Tribunal. Deville wielded a plasma gun with deadly precision, slaughtering any ratmen that broke through the line. Standing as a shield before the cadets, he protected them with his life. Days earlier, while investigating the Underhive, Deville had received word from this outpost. The cadets of the Biogene Academy had encountered mutants during their training. Deville had rushed to the outpost to investigate, only to find it under siege by a swarm of intelligent and organized ratmen mutants. Recognizing the immense threat, he had immediately reported the situation and requested reinforcements. Yet even he hadn''t anticipated the sheer scale of the invasion. Wave after wave of ratmen assailed the outpost, giving the defenders no respite. Now, the outpost was nearly out of supplies and ammunition. Deville''s expression was grim as he stared at the endless horde outside. At this rate, the defenses would fall within ten minutes, and every human inside would be slaughtered. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 172 - 173: Angels Descend! Chapter 172: Chapter 173: Angels Descend!Squeak¡ª A towering ratman warrior, over two meters tall and clad in heavy armor, strode onto the battlefield with an oppressive presence. The surrounding ratmen squealed with excitement, lowering their heads and stepping aside to clear its path. Thud. Thud. Thud. The ratman warrior advanced with heavy, deliberate steps toward the supply station''s defensive line. Bullets struck its thick armor, sparking harmlessly as they ricocheted off, unable to penetrate its defenses. As it approached the line, the ratman warrior''s speed increased. "Focus fire on the high-threat target!" The Tribunal''s enhanced warriors immediately adjusted their aim, unleashing a barrage of firepower on the armored ratman warrior. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bullets rained down like a storm, but the reinforced armor shrugged them off with ease. Without heavy weaponry, breaking through such dense protection was nearly impossible. Even the few rounds that managed to pierce its armor caused only superficial wounds, enraging the beast further. Roar¡ª The ratman warrior bellowed, lowering its head and charging like a tank into the defensive line. "Evade!" The warriors scrambled for cover. Boom! The ratman warrior smashed through the barricades, sending debris flying and raising a cloud of dust. "Ahhh!" Screams echoed as the beast tore through the defenses. When the dust settled, the ratman warrior stood, gripping an enhanced warrior in its massive claws. The unfortunate soldier had been impaled, blood streaming from his mouth. Despite his fatal injuries, the warrior defiantly raised his weapon and fired a burst into the ratman warrior''s helmet. But the shots were useless; the thick, sealed helmet offered complete protection. The ratman warrior sneered, tightening its grip. "Humans... weak!" The warrior let out an agonized scream as his comrades redoubled their fire, only to be cut down by a smaller ratman sneaking through the chaos. With disdain, the ratman warrior discarded its victim, tossing the body aside like trash, and raised a massive spiked warhammer. Thud! The weapon came crashing down, reducing the fallen soldier to pulp. Raising its blood-soaked hammer, the ratman warrior roared: "Attack, my kin! Kill all humans!" The remaining defenders felt a chill grip their hearts. With no reinforcements in sight, trapped deep within the Underhive, they had no choice but to fight to the death. Yet, deep down, a glimmer of hope remained. According to the sacred Codex of Redemption, if they held the line and refused to yield, salvation would come. The great Savior would send angels to deliver them from evil. Someone shouted: "Hold the line! Salvation will come¡ª" "For the Savior!" The defenders rallied, forcing themselves to stand firm and continue the fight. But the ratmen''s assault grew fiercer. Led by the armored warrior, they breached the fireline and descended upon the trenches. More and more defenders fell to the claws and weapons of the ratmen. The ratman warrior, having broken through the defensive line, now charged toward the heart of the supply station. Its keen senses picked up the scent of fresh, untainted meat¡ªchildren. To the ratmen, these young, unpolluted bodies were a rare delicacy. Zap! A searing laser struck the ratman warrior''s armor, glowing faintly green upon impact. But the shot failed to penetrate, leaving only a charred mark. "Useless!" The ratman warrior scoffed. The protective runes inscribed by its priests shielded its body from harm. Swinging its hammer, it smashed aside any defenders in its path, leaving only mangled limbs and pools of blood. Its target was clear¡ªthe cadets of the Loyalist Academy. "Children, stay back!" Deville, the Grand Inquisitor, stood protectively before the cadets. The cadets represented the future of Urth, and the Codex of Redemption mandated their safety above all else. Deville fired his plasma gun relentlessly, striking the ratman warrior multiple times. The intense heat melted parts of its armor, scorching the flesh beneath. The beast howled in pain but pressed forward. "For the Savior!" When his plasma gun overheated and failed, Deville discarded it and drew his power sword, its energy field crackling to life. Despite lacking genetic enhancements, Deville''s blessed body made him stronger than most enhanced warriors. With a determined roar, he charged at the ratman warrior. The two clashed, Deville deftly avoiding a hammer swing and slicing the beast''s abdomen. The power sword''s energy field cut through the heavy armor with ease. But the wound wasn''t fatal, and the ratman warrior became even more enraged. Its steel-like claws raked across Deville, only to be deflected by the energy field of his armor. However, repeated strikes soon overwhelmed the defenses. Thud! With a hammer blow crackling with green energy, the ratman warrior shattered Deville''s energy field and sent him flying into a metal wall. Deville slid to the ground, blood streaming from his mouth and nose. "Damn mutant..." He struggled to rise, bloodied hands slipping against the wall. The internal damage was too severe¡ªhe could no longer fight. Clutching the Savior''s pendant around his neck, Deville lamented: "So close... I can no longer offer my loyalty to the Savior..." The ratman warrior loomed over him, growling: "Human... you''re dead. Soon, you''ll be rat food!" Deville''s calm gaze met the beast''s, a faint smile on his face. "Sorry to disappoint you. Prepare to die." The ratman warrior snarled in fury: "What did you say?" Deville''s reply came swiftly. "Because... the Savior has sent his angels." Whoosh¡ª The sound of assault ships cutting through the air filled the battlefield. Thud. Thud. Thud. Three figures clad in crimson power armor landed before Deville, blocking the ratman warrior''s advance. Their golden angelic wing motifs shimmered in the firelight. The War Angels had arrived. Towering in their ornate armor adorned with holy symbols, the Space Marines exuded an aura of invincibility. Their presence alone reignited hope in the defenders. "The Savior has sent his angels!" "Kill these rat bastards!" "Charge!" Bolstered by the War Angels, the defenders rallied, launching a ferocious counterattack. Chapter Master Plu led the War Angels into battle, their mission to rescue the station''s defenders, especially Deville and the Loyalist Academy cadets. Plu nodded at Deville before turning to face the ratman warrior. Two War Angels broke off¡ªone administered emergency medical aid to Deville, while the other shielded the cadets. Plu stepped forward to confront the towering ratman warrior. The beast hesitated, its confidence faltering before the crimson giant. It took a step back instinctively, then roared in frustration. "Die, human!" The ratman warrior swung its hammer with all its might. Clang! Plu caught the blow effortlessly, his arm unmoving. "Impossible!" Fear overtook the ratman warrior as it tried to retreat, but it was too late. With a thunderous punch, Plu caved in the beast''s helmet, green blood spurting from the wound. Grabbing the ratman warrior by the neck, Plu hoisted it into the air. "Die, abomination!" Zzzzt! Psychic lightning surged from Pru''s hand, engulfing the ratman warrior. The high voltage cooked its flesh and ended its life in moments. The battle ended in less than ten seconds. As the ratmen horde scrambled in fear, more War Angels descended from the skies. Using boltguns and chainswords, the angels systematically annihilated the ratmen with cold precision. The ratman vanguard had nowhere to run. Death was their only fate. Underhive ¨C Abandoned Passage At the entrance to an abandoned tunnel, 20 Void Angels and 40 War Angels stood in formation. Their mission was to block the ratmen army from reaching the Lower or Upper Hive. The sound of squeaks grew louder, and the black tide of ratmen appeared on the horizon, surging forward like a tsunami. The Void Angels at the front slammed their spears into the ground, activating their disintegration fields. They roared in unison: "For the Heavenly World!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 173 - 174: Fear and Memories Chapter 173: Chapter 174: Fear and MemoriesWith the faint trembling of the ground, the overwhelming swarm of ratmen surged forward. At the forefront were ratmen knights, each standing nearly two meters tall and clad in heavy armor. Unified in formation, they raised their lances and spurred their grotesque mutant rats into a charge against the Void Angels'' ranks. Under normal circumstances, a ground force without heavy vehicles or weapons would struggle to counter such heavily armored cavalry. But their adversaries were the Void Angels¡ªeach towering at least 2.5 meters tall. From the outset, Eden had tasked the Master Artificer with designing armor tailored to the genetically enhanced physiques of Duke and the other voidborne warriors. The Void Angels'' power armor was reinforced with additional plating and ceramite layers, making them appear as dark blue, heavily armored giants. Unyielding as mountains! Faced with the charging cavalry, the Void Angels did not flinch. Instead, they activated the stabilizing systems in their boots, anchoring themselves to the ground. Raising their spears, they prepared to meet the charge head-on. Boom! The ratman knights collided with the Void Angels. Most were impaled by the Void Angels'' spears, while a few managed to make direct contact, only to find themselves crashing against a wall of living metal. The immense force of the impact killed many of the mutant rats outright, flinging their riders through the air with shattered bones. Unmoved by the onslaught, the Void Angels methodically dismembered the ratmen knights and their mounts. Their spears, tipped with blades shrouded in disintegration fields, cut through the crude armor of the ratmen like butter. After the cavalry assault faltered, the ratman horde advanced in full force. In response, the ratmen deployed their catapults, launching black, oil-coated firebombs. The Void Angels immediately disengaged their stabilizers, swiftly repositioning to evade the incoming bombardment. Meanwhile, the ratmen unleashed their specialized units. Squeak, squeak, squeak! Suicide rats, laden with volatile explosives, charged at the Void Angels, aiming to take them down in kamikaze attacks. But the suicide rats never made it far. War Angels, stationed in strategic positions, sniped them with pinpoint accuracy, detonating the explosives prematurely and killing scores of nearby ratmen. Boom! A makeshift ratman tank fired a single shell before being obliterated by a rocket-propelled grenade. The resulting shrapnel tore through dozens of nearby ratmen. From a vantage point several kilometers away, a War Angel reloaded another rocket and took aim, systematically targeting high-value threats. Moments later, he destroyed a radiation bomb launcher. With the War Angels providing cover fire, the Void Angels launched a counteroffensive. Charging into the heart of the ratman horde, they targeted key command nodes. Amid the filth, pus, and corruption, the Void Angels grew increasingly ferocious. Their strength and speed surged, cutting through the enemy like unstoppable juggernauts. This was the stark difference in technological and tactical eras. The ratmen''s crude technology and warfare tactics were no match for the Void Angels. 20 Kilometers Away ¨C Ratmen Command Center Seated on his throne, Bigfoot Rat gnawed on a piece of fresh meat¡ªa tribute from his vanguard forces. Unpolluted flesh was a rare delicacy, utterly irresistible. Once the humans were conquered, Bigfoot Rat planned to establish pens to farm humans, ensuring an endless supply of fresh meat. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The very thought filled him with excitement. Squeak! A scout rat returned, squealing out its report from the front lines. Bigfoot Rat listened and remained unshaken. Spitting out a fragment of bone, he sneered cruelly: "Send more warriors. Drown those damned humans in a sea of flesh!" To Bigfoot Rat, these minor losses were insignificant. The ratmen''s reproductive capabilities were unparalleled. Female rats gave birth continuously, and their offspring consumed anything¡ªpollutants, carrion, even radioactive waste¡ªgrowing rapidly in the vast Underhive. Over the years, Bigfoot Rat''s progeny had multiplied to tens of millions. Even during the ongoing war, their numbers continued to grow. Even if it meant sacrificing legions in waves, the humans could be overwhelmed. At his command, more waves of ratmen surged toward the front lines. Front Lines Duke and his warriors fought valiantly amidst the endless tide of ratmen. But the unrelenting onslaught was beginning to wear them down. The Space Marines knew their role was not to defeat the ratmen entirely but to deplete their forces as much as possible. As Duke continued his assault, a rallying cry echoed from the flank. "For the Emperor!" The blaring of electronic horns and the thick billowing of black smoke heralded the arrival of reinforcements. Heavy-armored soldiers and mechanized units poured into the battlefield, crushing the ratmen beneath their advance. Massive heavy infantry, resembling machines of war, waded through the swarm, leaving rivers of blood and gore in their wake. Behind them, thousands of Sentinel mechs joined the fray, each equipped with flamethrowers. Jets of flame roared across the battlefield, incinerating the ratmen by the hundreds. The arrival of reinforcements threw the ratman horde into disarray. Seizing the moment, Duke rallied his warriors for a decisive strike. Their blocking mission complete, it was time to execute the next phase of the operation. The Void Angels surged forward like arrows, piercing through the horde toward the enemy''s command center. Simultaneously, the War Angels drew their chainswords and charged from their positions, roaring their battle cries: "For the Golden Sun and the Savior!" Like Duke, their objective was clear: eliminate the ratman command center''s anti-air defenses. Disregarding all obstacles, the Void Angels and War Angels sprinted at breakneck speeds, breaching the perimeter before the ratmen could react. Ratman Command Center "Stop them!" Bigfoot Rat bellowed, ordering his elite guards to intercept the intruders. But it was too late. The Void Angels and War Angels dismantled the anti-air defenses, destroying radiation cannons and killing the psyker rat commanders. With the defenses compromised, assault ships descended from the skies, deploying Thunder Guard directly into the command center. The remaining radiation cannons fired futilely, unable to prevent the ships'' retreat. Inside the command center, the Thunder Guard split into squads, encircling Bigfoot Rat''s throne from multiple directions to prevent its escape. The elite ratman guards posed little challenge, quickly falling to the golden-armored giants. As the Thunder Guard closed in, Bigfoot Rat felt a gripping fear seize its heart. Memories flooded back¡ªmemories of its time as a laboratory specimen in Yosef''s Chaos experiments. Once a carefree gray rat, it had been forcibly infused with Chaos essence, enduring unbearable pain and grotesque mutations. Years of torture and abuse left it feeling small and powerless. Those days were long gone¡ªor so it thought. Becoming the Rat King, it had risen to power, determined to never be weak again. Its dream of conquering the human world and becoming invincible now seemed laughably naive. The sight of the Thunder Guard closing in brought back the same helplessness it felt as a lab rat. Bigfoot Rat trembled, overwhelmed by the realization that it had vastly underestimated humanity. Eden''s rapid advancements had left no room for the Rat King to succeed. Its failure was inevitable. Led by Kael, the Thunder Guard stormed the throne room, encircling the trembling Rat King. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 174 - 175: Preparations for War – Target: Sector Capital Chapter 174: Chapter 175: Preparations for War ¨C Target: Sector CapitalThe throne room was littered with the severed limbs of the ratman royal guard. The remaining high-ranking ratmen, cowed by the Thunder Guard''s overwhelming presence, dared not step forward to protect their king. The more cunning among them seized the opportunity to flee. The Imperial strike had come so swiftly that no message could be sent to warn the rest of the ratman army outside the command center. Even if a warning were sent, the army wouldn''t have returned in time. This was the hallmark of Imperial strategy: destroy the enemy''s anti-air defenses, then deploy elite forces to decapitate their command structure. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Thunder Guard had encircled the throne and were closing in. As the Savior''s most powerful warriors, this mission was no challenge for them. Kael remained cautious. The Savior had emphasized the seriousness of this ratman incursion and demanded their utmost effort. Thus, the Thunder Guard had prepared meticulously, deploying in full force for the mission. To conserve their strength, they had avoided earlier engagements, ensuring they were in peak condition for the decisive strike. But now, facing the ratmen mutants directly, a question lingered in every Thunder Guard''s mind: "Is this it?" The ratmen seemed far weaker than anticipated. Even without strategy, the Thunder Guard felt confident they could cut through the army from one end to the other. As for the Rat King, escape was impossible. Despite the ease of the task, they maintained their discipline, gradually tightening the encirclement. Kael activated the disintegration field on his chainsword, his expression solemn as he approached the throne. This was the supposed terrifying enemy that had concerned the Savior. Meanwhile, Bigfoot Rat sat frozen, trembling as the dark golden giants closed in. Despair and exhaustion consumed its heart. Why are humans so terrifying? Regret filled the Rat King''s mind. Had it known the humans were this formidable, it would never have listened to its advisors and declared war. Unfortunately, those same sycophantic advisors had already scattered like cowards. Accepting its fate, Bigfoot Rat resolved to face the end with dignity. It had lived an extraordinary life and had no desire to flee anymore. Summoning its courage, the Rat King stepped down from the throne. The black eyeballs covering its body snapped open, and its muscles swelled grotesquely. Transforming into a towering three-meter rat behemoth, it roared: "Bigfoot Rat will never surrender!" With a defiant scream, it lunged at the Thunder Guard. Royal District ¨C Ministry of War Eden was busy coordinating preparations for total war. If necessary, he was prepared to personally lead the charge. The first wave of reinforcements had already reached the Underhive. Millions of armored militia and nearly ten million Storm Legion troops were gathering, scheduled to arrive by nightfall. Heavy vehicles and advanced weaponry accompanied them. After all, this was the Great Horned Rat¡ªa Chaos deity of the Warp. Extreme caution was necessary. Time was of the essence; the rat tide could not be allowed to spread. As Eden finalized the deployment orders, he received a report from Kael. The message stated that the ratman leader had been slain, the rat tide was collapsing, and the threat had been neutralized. Attached was detailed intelligence about the ratmen, including the Rat King''s origins. According to the report, the Rat King, named "Bigfoot Rat," was a Chaos-borne creation from the laboratory of the traitorous Hoffman family during the Reconquest Wars. Reading the report, Eden couldn''t help but mutter: "Bigfoot Rat? Seriously? Bigfoot Rat..." It was an embarrassing mix-up. In Low Gothic, the words for "foot" and "horn" sounded similar, leading to the confusion. Admittedly, Eden had been anxious upon hearing the name "Great Horned Rat," which prompted his massive mobilization to contain the threat. Now, realizing it was an overreaction, he sighed in relief. Just as he was contemplating how to wind down the operation, an officer from the Ministry of War approached with an update: the main army was ready to deploy at a moment''s notice. Eden felt a pang of awkwardness. The battle was already over, and the army hadn''t even left yet. "Lord Savior?" The officer looked puzzled at Eden''s silence. After a brief hesitation, Eden decided to proceed with the deployment. They had come this far¡ªit was an opportunity to thoroughly cleanse the Underhive. The massive force descended into the Underhive in waves, tasked with a full-scale purge. Their objectives included eliminating the remaining ratmen, exterminating mutant tribes, and rooting out any hidden Chaos monstrosities. Under Eden''s command, Urth embarked on a sweeping campaign to purify the Underhive. The operation extended across the main hive and its three sub-hives, ridding them of all threats. Although the effort was immense, it eradicated potential dangers to the planet''s future. When the main forces withdrew, they brought back vast amounts of salvageable resources and reclaimed populations, providing a significant boost to Urth''s recovery. Meanwhile, millions of automated cleaning drones remained behind to continue purifying the Underhive''s environment. Eden was pleased with the results. The drones were remarkably efficient and self-sustaining. According to the plan, only a small portion of the Underhive would remain¡ªa walled-off area about the size of a small city. This zone would be heavily monitored and repurposed as a training ground for the Loyalist Academy and military recruits. It would also serve as a site for practical exercises and experiments related to bioengineering. Two Years Later Spire Residence ¨C Governor''s Office Eden reviewed documents related to the Underhive''s status. The Ministry of Interior had submitted a proposal to relocate ten million people into the cleaned sections of the Underhive. With gradual environmental improvements, parts of the Underhive had become habitable. The plan was to establish settlements, stabilize the region, and prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for Chaos again. Satisfied with the progress, Eden turned his attention to off-world colonization reports. The colonization fleet had reached the planet Kanda, establishing a small mining city. The venture was progressing smoothly. The planet lacked any signs of human civilization or Chaos corruption, housing only dangerous wildlife that, intriguingly, was both edible and delicious. The Ministry of Agriculture requested personnel to study and domesticate these creatures. Eden approved the request, feeling optimistic. With the Underhive secured and a steady supply of resources, he could focus on more ambitious plans. Issuing a war decree, Eden declared Urth in full mobilization for a grand campaign. In eight years, the target was the sector capital¡ªMatira. Once Matira was seized and faith spread throughout the sector, Eden would harness the power of belief to pull the Blackstone Gate from the Warp. This would grant Urth the means to transcend the Empire''s shadow. As the decree went out, all institutions and military forces on Urth began rigorous preparations. Failure to meet their objectives before the campaign began would result in severe penalties. Sector Capital ¨C Matira Within the governor''s palace, Halys, the corpulent ruler of Matira and self-proclaimed Emperor Marius IX, slumped in his mechanical throne like a mountain of flesh. The court officials stood silently, too afraid to even breathe. The corpse of an unfortunate subordinate on the jeweled floor served as a grim warning. The cause of Halys'' fury lay in a report. Three years ago (M42.014), a Matira tax fleet had been annihilated in the Urth system. Seething with rage, Halys bellowed: "Damn traitors! They will face annihilation!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 175 - 176: The Figure on the Throne Chapter 175: Chapter 176: The Figure on the ThroneHalis vented his fury, and the floor gained several more lifeless bodies of his servants. Whenever he lost control of his emotions, the mechanical throne that had become part of his body always became difficult to restrain. The mechanical arms embedded in the throne strangled the fragile and beautiful servants at his side. Yet no one paid any attention to this. It was commonplace. These servants were nothing more than disposable commodities. Martila, with its population in the trillions, had an endless supply of such attendants. Finally, before the last servant could be killed, Halis managed to suppress his emotions and offered a rare apology: "Apologies, my dear... Anger always clouds my judgment. I despise this feeling." He controlled the mechanical arms to release the trembling girl and gestured for her to leave. "Yes, Your Majesty~" The girl stifled her fear, bowed shakily, and retreated into the service palace behind the mechanical throne. But that did not mean she was safe. Under this mercurial monarch, death could descend upon her at any moment. Slaughter and terror were the tools Halis wielded to maintain his rule. He firmly believed that only through fear could governance endure. Regaining his composure, Halis smiled and inquired of the court officials and nobles how to deal with the cursed rebels. The officials, whose hearts had been racing, began to steady themselves. They wracked their brains to propose strategies, hoping to please their ruler. Anyone who dared to offer half-hearted answers, or allowed Halis to suspect insincerity, would be courting death. Disloyalty was an unforgivable crime. "Your Majesty, I propose we immediately dispatch the entire fleet to utterly destroy Urth!" Beneath the mechanical throne, a corpulent noble bellowed with feigned zeal. The other courtiers exchanged disdainful glances at his words. The speaker belonged to House Evira, infamous for its sycophants. Through shameless flattery, this noble had secured Halis'' favor. The corpulent noble continued his impassioned rhetoric: "Only by making the traitors pay in blood can Your Majesty''s majesty and invincibility be displayed¡ªbe inviolable?" Mid-sentence, he suddenly caught sight of Halis'' serpentine glare. The noble broke into a cold sweat, stammering incoherently. Had His Majesty disapproved of his suggestion? Terrified, he collapsed to his knees, trembling, no longer daring to meet Halis'' gaze. Halis shifted his focus elsewhere, listening to other proposals: Deploy reconnaissance ships to Urth to assess the enemy''s strength. Enhance the planetary defense arrays and impose high-intensity surveillance on the capital system to prevent enemy raids. Simultaneously, all armed forces were to prepare for war. After discussing the various matters, Halis waved for the court to be dismissed. When everyone had left, the vast royal court was silent, leaving only Halis seated on the mechanical throne. "Damn traitors! How did they do it?" Halis gritted his teeth, his eyes flickering with fear. The fleet that had been annihilated included three cruisers and over twenty frigates. Such a force ranked among Martila''s top military powers. And yet, it had been obliterated without a sound! This indicated that Urth possessed the might to destroy a fleet of such magnitude. Sending out a battleship fleet was the only way to suppress them. Furious as he was, Halis found himself at a loss. Of course, he wanted to dispatch the fleet and obliterate Urth. But he couldn''t. Without the use of the Warp, it would take four to five years¡ªor even longer¡ªto reach and return from Urth. Sending the fleet away would leave his planet vulnerable. Nor could he accompany the fleet. If he left the planet, who could say whether it would still be his upon his return? The scheming nobles, damned cultists, and rebellious peasants always sought to usurp his rule. He fantasized about killing them all. Halis didn''t even dare step away from his throne. The numerous assassination attempts had left scars on his body, forcing him to rely on mechanical augmentations to sustain his life. The shadow of those experiences haunted him, amplifying his paranoia and fear. When had it all begun? Sitting quietly, he reflected. He, Halis Marlo, a prodigy of House Marlo, had once been a beloved sector governor. Benevolent and rational, he was ambitious and determined to bring prosperity to his sector. Even for an enhanced governor, managing a sector of ten planets was far more challenging than he had imagined. But despite the burden, Halis had relished his duties. He believed his genius could fulfill the Emperor''s mission. The ominous prophecy about the tyrant of House Marlo meeting a grim fate on the throne? He wasn''t a tyrant. If he were to die, it would be from exhaustion on the throne. That absurd prophecy would end with him. Under Halis'' governance, the Goli Sector did indeed flourish. Life improved for its inhabitants, who began to praise him as a compassionate ruler. But at some point, Terra''s Administratum raised the sector''s tithe. Halis had written to question this, asking whether the increase was reasonable. The reply was curt: the sector''s development warranted greater contributions to the Imperium. He couldn''t argue against this. Nor did he have the authority to. The crushing weight of Imperial taxation brought Halis to his knees. Despite his best efforts, the deficit persisted. To cope, he abolished his labor laws and imposed harsher conditions on the populace. The burden spread across every planet in the sector. High-intensity labor, plummeting incomes, and escalating taxes became the norm. Compounding the issue, many workers were conscripted into the Astra Militarum. Famines emerged in some regions, and people began to starve. Though protests were inevitable, Halis had no explanation. His only recourse was to deploy the PDF and Astra Militarum to suppress revolts. But uprisings grew in number. Desperate, Halis petitioned the Administratum for leniency. The response was mocking: Tell the greenskins, the Tyranids, or the Chaos forces to cause less damage to Imperial fleets and soldiers! The letter also brought Imperial law enforcement oversight to his sector. Left with no choice, he continued to enforce harsh measures. As protests surged within the hive cities, he found their cries irritating. He dismantled his educational reforms, replacing schools with chapels devoted to the Emperor. Now, only blind faith could pacify the people. Ignorance is a virtue. Even Halis believed that only the divine Emperor could save them. But the situation worsened. The populace cursed him as a tyrant, reviving the dreadful prophecy: The tyrant of the Goli Sector would meet a grisly end upon the throne! Under mounting pressure, Halis could no longer sleep, even with medication. When he did, nightmares plagued him. He dreamed of traitors reveling as he lay bleeding on the throne. Paranoia consumed him. Why couldn''t the people understand him? Uprisings multiplied. Even nobles openly opposed him. Halis, helpless and hopeless, prayed to the Emperor. "Great Emperor, I am lost. Please, guide me on the right path..." But his prayers went unanswered. Despair took root. Under immense pressure, Halis stumbled over his prayers. Suddenly, the cold cosmos became warm and inviting, and his pleas were answered¡ªagain and again! Amidst his confusion, Halis witnessed a magnificent entity. A towering figure sat upon a brass throne... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 176 - 177: Revelation from the Blood God Chapter 176: Chapter 177: Revelation from the Blood GodWas the colossal crimson figure seated on the brass throne the Emperor? It didn''t matter anymore. For the lost and helpless Halis, all he sought was an answer. He wanted to know the path forward, a way to escape his current plight. The magnificent entity said nothing, yet Halis received the answers he longed for. Every question he posed was met with a response. The answers were startlingly simple. "What should I do about those ignorant and ungrateful peasants?" "Kill." "How should I deal with the rebellious opposition?" "Kill." "What should I do about the problems I can''t solve?" "Kill." "Kill, kill, kill!" With each prayer, every problem found a perfect solution. Following the guidance of this great being, Halis dramatically expanded his secret intelligence agency and suppression forces. He crushed the rebellious populace with ironclad resolve. Anyone who dared to protest, even with a single word, was dragged to the execution platform and publicly beheaded. He encouraged citizens to report acts of disloyalty. Failure to report was treated as equal guilt. For those audacious enough to riot, bloody massacres followed. Heads rolled in droves. The people were stricken with fear, silenced into compliance. They toiled harder than ever because even slacking or striking was deemed disloyalty to the Imperium. The suppression forces routinely identified and executed the lazy, along with their families, on the execution platforms. The results were effective. Tax revolts were quelled, and production resumed. The reduced population and the increased supply of corpse-starch helped mitigate the famine. Under these measures, Halis was able to meet the Imperium''s tax demands on time. Thanks to the exceptional enforcement of the tithes, exceeding expectations in quality, Halis even received commendations from the Imperial authorities. He realized how easy it was to solve problems. Governance became remarkably simple. All it took was killing. Even the nobles dared not oppose him publicly anymore. The opposition was silently executed by the palace guards Halis had secretly created. Every problem seemed solvable through slaughter. Of course, the people''s gaze toward him changed. Hatred and rage gave way to sheer terror. Halis dismissed this as a necessary cost. With no obstacles left, the sector began to show signs of recovery. Famine subsided, xenos invasions were repelled, and while the people suffered under brutal conditions, they no longer starved in the streets. The cost was only the lives of some. But this peace was fleeting. The suppressed anger eventually turned against Halis. The nobles and rebels united, launching multiple assassination attempts. They tried poisoning, shootings, bombings¡ªnothing was off the table. During one inspection, suicide bombers armed with high-yield explosives attacked him. Yet Halis survived them all. Until the traitors succeeded. The assassin was someone he trusted most¡ªhis wife. He never realized when she had been turned. In their bedroom, she plunged a poisoned blade into his body as he slept. The sharp pain jolted Halis awake. Looking at his beloved wife, he saw only hatred, madness, and fear in her eyes. "Why?" he asked, his voice trembling. She screamed in fury, stabbing him over and over. "Die, you tyrant!" In that moment, all she wanted was to slay the monster. "Why?" In his anger, Halis strangled her to death. He couldn''t comprehend why his beloved had betrayed him. Why? In a daze, he recalled vaguely that he had executed many of her relatives. The reasons escaped him now. It didn''t matter anymore. She was dead. Struggling, Halis tried to call for help but found himself paralyzed, his voice silenced by the wound in his throat. The bedroom was sealed at night, and the palace guards stationed outside the door remained unaware. The alarm system had been disabled. It meant no help would come. Halis lay in excruciating pain, awaiting death in terror. He felt aggrieved and indignant. Why couldn''t the people understand his struggles? "Why can''t these damned peasants see the challenges the sector faces? Don''t those corrupt, indolent nobles deserve death? Should we abandon taxation and conscription, allowing xenos to ravage the sector? Without me, the great Marlo IX, this planet would suffer far greater losses!" Halis was no fool. He had reviewed countless records of planetary collapses. He knew that without change, the Goli Sector would eventually meet the same fate as countless other Imperial worlds. Under the twin pressures of taxation and invasion, it would be annihilated. Then no one would survive. "The Goli Sector needs its ruler. I cannot die!" This conviction kept him alive. He clung to life, enduring agonizing hours until the palace guards, noticing something amiss, discovered him the next day. Halis was rushed for emergency treatment, surviving through sheer willpower. But the severe injuries and poison had irreparably destroyed his circulatory system. He became reliant on mechanical life-support systems and developed an overwhelming fear of death. From then on, Halis never left the mechanical throne. His body grew grotesquely obese, barely human in shape, sinking deep into the massive throne. Standing five meters tall, the throne was equipped with advanced life-support systems, intricate defensive arrays, and weapons. No one could assassinate him now. But it wasn''t enough. He needed more powerful warriors. Only through more slaughter and fear could his safety be guaranteed. Millions were conscripted under the guise of the tithe, dying in secret experiments. Though the success rate was abysmal, Halis managed to create more palace guards. He planned for a larger purge. Although the Imperium ostensibly refrained from interfering in the governor''s rule, Halis'' erratic behavior was reported, catching the attention of the Inquisition. An Inquisitor arrived. When the Inquisitorial vessel hovered over Martila, Halis grew uneasy. Strangely, the ship departed shortly after landing. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If one could trace its navigation records, they would discover the Inquisitor had rerouted to Urth. There, he perished in a Warp storm triggered by the Great Rift. The arrival of the Rift severed the sector''s connection to the Imperium, leaving the Goli Sector to face Chaos and xenos alone. With Chaos energies surging, cults and uprisings proliferated on Martila. Halis suddenly realized the dreadful prophecy was coming true. To survive, he had to consolidate his power. In the name of the sector governor, Halis convened officials from all Imperial institutions on the planet to discuss countermeasures against the Warp calamity. During the banquet following the meeting, a brutal massacre ensued. Blood soaked the white carpets. Afterward, Halis seized absolute control of the sector and its fleets. The opposition was thoroughly purged. Under his rule, the Goli Sector would continue to survive and develop. No one could challenge his authority. Until now. The greatest threat to his rule had appeared¡ªthe governor of Urth, Eden Grant. "That damned upstart!" In the empty palace, Halis roared from his mechanical throne, his voice a distorted electronic echo. He recalled vague impressions of Eden Grant. The man had once followed Urth''s former governor to a banquet on Martila¡ªa lecherous, frivolous, useless fool. How had he developed such terrifying power in just over a decade? And wasn''t Urth already in decline? To ease Martila''s tax burden, Halis had secretly shifted much of the sector''s taxes onto Urth. He couldn''t fathom the changes on Urth, but one thing was certain¡ªwar was coming! He needed more power to suppress the growing rebellions and face the impending war. "Your Majesty..." A black-robed Tech-Priest entered the palace, bowing beneath the throne. His voice brimmed with excitement: "Are you finally ready to initiate the plan? I swear upon the Blood God, you shall have the most perfect bloodthirsty warriors!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 177 - 178: The Mission of the Missionary Ship Chapter 177: Chapter 178: The Mission of the Missionary ShipThe bloodthirsty warriors were an advanced form of bioengineering, far surpassing the capabilities of the palace guards. However, due to the use of forbidden blood rituals, the process demanded an exorbitant cost in lives and was fraught with uncontrollable variables. Halis despised anything beyond his control¡ªmuch like his own erratic emotions. The risks of the project were equally significant. If the Imperium discovered it, the retaliation would be catastrophic. Thus, years ago, Halis had sealed the technology away. But now, faced with an ever-growing threat, he could no longer afford to hesitate. Besides, the Imperium could no longer interfere with Martila. He could freely conduct any human experiments or employ any forbidden techniques without restraint. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fixing a cold gaze on the black-robed Tech-Priest, Halis commanded: "Go. Use your skills as you promised. If you fail, you know the consequences!" The Tech-Priest smiled with a twisted expression, his crimson eyes brimming with barely contained excitement. He had prepared for this moment for years, and now his grand creation would finally be unveiled to the world. "Everything shall proceed as you wish, my lord..." With a graceful bow, he retreated. The dimly lit royal court grew silent once more, leaving Halis alone in the darkness. He preferred this oppressive gloom. To his augmented vision, night and day were indistinguishable. The heavy sound of his breathing echoed in the hall, the mechanical lungs of his throne pumping faster. Halis recalled the earlier court meeting, a trace of doubt surfacing in his mind. That sycophant from House Evira¡ªthe fat fool¡ªhad suggested deploying the entire battleship fleet. Such a proposal was deeply suspicious. Could he be colluding with the rebels? "Damn that fat pig!" Anger flared in Halis'' chest at the thought. He pressed a button, and a palace guard emerged from a hidden compartment, kneeling before him. "Your Majesty." "Go. Execute that fool from House Evira!" The guard nodded and retreated into the shadows. The palace guards, composed of shadowy assassins, were embedded across the hive cities, with operatives stationed in nearly every noble estate to monitor their activities. Any sign of rebellion or a direct order from Halis could result in a swift execution. Should anyone attempt to resist, their entire family would be eradicated by the palace guards. This ruthless system was the foundation of Halis'' reign of terror. No one dared defy him. Those who lacked fear of death had long since perished. Of course, this method of governance carried a fatal flaw. If Halis ever lost his ability to instill fear, his power would collapse. The ensuing backlash, the repressed rage of the masses, would tear him to pieces. Halis was fully aware of this but had no path of retreat. Only relentless pressure, more slaughter, and ever-deepening fear could sustain his rule. House Evira Estate The corpulent noble sat in his meditation chamber, trembling with unease. His body quaked, and his face was etched with terror. Whenever he recalled the serpent-like glare of the Emperor that morning, his heart threatened to stop. The gaze of the Governor, once his childhood friend, felt like the devil''s hand clutching his heart. Suddenly, as if reaching a decision, the noble shut his eyes tightly. Moments later, a worried noblewoman entered the chamber, only to let out a bloodcurdling scream. Royal Court Hall Blood pooled on the floor, and the lifeless bodies of a few servants lay scattered. They had been attending to Halis, cleaning his body and changing his clothes for the night. Halis'' breaths grew heavier, his mind consumed by an insatiable desire for slaughter. He longed to kill, endlessly and indiscriminately. But he could not fully succumb to this forbidden urge! Using the last vestiges of his rationality, Halis pressed another button. Hiss¡ª The throne''s internal pumps activated, injecting a large dose of specialized sedatives into his system. Hoo~ As the sedatives took effect, Halis regained his composure. Since that fateful prayer, the desire for bloodshed had haunted him relentlessly. But he was a ruler, not a beast! To suppress these impulses, Halis periodically administered massive doses of the sedatives, even though the drugs severely damaged his body. After calming down, Halis felt a pang of regret. Perhaps he shouldn''t have ordered the fat noble''s execution. After all, House Evira was one of the few families still loyal to him. Moreover, the family had always been under surveillance, making betrayal unlikely. The cursed bloodlust had once again clouded his judgment, even eroding parts of his memory. As a human ruler, Halis refused to become a puppet of Chaos. He believed he could control his desires. Deep down, he convinced himself that he was merely using forbidden power, not submitting to it. Calling for the palace guard to rescind the execution order, Halis was too late. "Your Majesty, the target is dead." The guard added: "The execution order wasn''t carried out. The target committed suicide by poison and left behind a confession letter." "I see." Halis grabbed the letter delivered on a hover tray, waving the guard away. His expression was unreadable. A fleeting memory surfaced: childhood days spent with the fat noble under the watchful eyes of their elders, visiting an agricultural world. They had chased each other through wheat fields and watched river piranhas¡ªan adventure beyond the hive cities. Flames flickered. Without reading the confession letter, Halis set it alight. It didn''t matter anymore. The man was dead. Urth, Spire Residence Eden shared lunch with Shahim and Miliah in the dining hall. Today''s main course was grilled meat from a Scelob beast. The two eight-year-olds ate with glee. Only at Uncle Eden''s table could they enjoy such delicacies. The Scelob beast, a massive fire-breathing creature, had been discovered by colonists on Kanda. After confirming its edibility, transport ships had brought it back. The Agricultural Research Institute named it the Scelob beast, declaring it highly valuable for farming and consumption. Eden had even gone to see one. The creature measured 11 meters long and 6 meters tall, resembling a fire-breathing T. rex. And it tasted fantastic. Like tender steak, it was juicy and delicious. Once domesticated, the beasts would be mass-bred to provide meat for soldiers and citizens. Eden also wondered if genetic or mechanical enhancements could turn them into biological weapons. "Imagine a T-Rex knight," he thought. After lunch, Eden had the siblings sent back to Loyal Sons Academy, then reclined on a chair to digest and browse his datapad. According to Inquisition files, Deville had begun undergoing bioengineering surgery. After returning from the underhive, Deville had applied for the risky Thunder Warrior augmentation. The procedure was costly and required a sanctified body to resist defects. Even then, the mortality rate was close to 30%, limiting the program''s expansion. Eden had considered rejecting Deville''s request but ultimately approved it after Deville''s persistence. He hoped his loyal subordinate would survive the operation. In the future, the Inquisition would split into specialized branches, such as the Ordo Malleus, Ordo Hereticus, and Ordo Xenos. Many members would undergo similar augmentations to face greater challenges. After reviewing the Inquisition documents, Eden''s thoughts turned to the missionary ship. Due to the failure of Warp lanes, the ship had to travel at sublight speeds to Martila. After over three years, they should be arriving soon. The fanatics aboard the ship bore a critical mission. Beyond spreading faith, they were to infiltrate the hive cities, unite Martila''s rebellious factions, and gather intelligence on enemy defenses. When the time came for the attack, they would sabotage defensive arrays and activate psychic navigation beacons, guiding the Dreamlight through the Warp to Martila. Humanity''s Golden Age ships could withstand Warp turbulence but required navigation beacons to avoid getting lost. Currently, the Dreamlight could only make short jumps within a system. Traveling to the Imperium''s holy sites without torches or warp lanes would take centuries of navigation. Suddenly, Eden sensed information relayed through the hive network by the missionaries. The missionary ship had arrived near Martila''s capital airspace! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 178 - 179: Falling Stars Chapter 178: Chapter 179: Falling StarsMartila''s Orbital Space. The missionary ship glided silently through the pitch-black void of space. Its energy shielding system was activated, and the engines operated at minimal output to reduce the chance of detection by other vessels. Near the observation window of the bridge, a group of saints clad in gray-and-white robes stood, gazing at the distant planet of Martila. Most of the planet''s surface was shrouded in gray, dotted with clusters of lights¡ªMartila''s hive cities. Once the richest and most populous planet in the Goli Sector, it was now rapidly declining. Suffering had spread across its lands. The saints'' eyes were filled with reverence and devotion. "The Savior be praised. The ship has reached the fallen land foretold in the holy prophecy. The poor souls here, unprotected by the Savior''s light, are enduring unimaginable suffering!" This was their new mission field. The people here needed the faith of the Savior. Salvation was near at hand. The missionary ship carefully avoided Martila''s spaceports and the areas densely guarded by orbital defense arrays, maneuvering toward the planet''s desolate regions. "Prepare to board the landing pods. May the Savior protect us..." A towering believer, standing before a holographic map projected on the console, addressed the group. After bowing in prayer, the saints dispersed to make their preparations. They would descend to Martila through landing pods, deploying covertly across the planet. Inside the ship, servitors bustled about, scuttling through the corridors to fulfill their duties. Other than the missionary saints, the ship''s crew mainly comprised these cybernetic servants, tasked with operating and maintaining the vessel. Suddenly, the ship jolted violently. Many saints lost their balance and tumbled to the ground, while some servitors were thrown into machinery, causing bursts of sparks to fly. "The ship is under macrocannon fire! Return fire immediately!" yelled a commanding saint. Enemy ships had discovered them. Halis had long issued orders for the navy to intercept any unidentified vessels, especially those arriving from Urth. The saints and servitors scrambled to return fire. But the missionary ship was ill-equipped for combat. Its lance strikes barely caused ripples on the void shields of the enemy ships, dealing no meaningful damage. Escape was also impossible. Three enemy cruisers and several escort ships had encircled them, converging from multiple directions. The kilometer-long missionary ship was like a lamb straying into a pack of wolves. The enemy fleet focused its fire. The ship''s void shields shuddered violently before shattering in a single salvo. With the shields down, interference macrocannon fire struck the ship, shutting down its engines entirely. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Inside the Bridge. The saints exchanged silent glances, their faces heavy with resignation. There was no escape. The sound of the ship''s hull fracturing and the intensifying cacophony of gunfire drew closer. Enemy soldiers had boarded the ship. "Advance!" The captain of the palace guards shouted, leading the charge through a breach. The guards swiftly entered the missionary ship, storming toward the bridge. Gunfire erupted suddenly, bullets ricocheting off the captain''s power armor with metallic clangs. Scowling, he turned toward the attackers, his expression one of disdain. "This is the enemy? What a joke!" With a sigh, he cleaved a crude servitor in half, its feeble attack unable to even scratch him. The palace guards easily tore through the ship''s defensive servitors, finally reaching the bridge. There, nearly 200 human saints knelt in the center, heads bowed, hands clasped to their chests as if performing a ritual. "What are they doing?" a palace guard murmured, perplexed. Another guard sneered, "I bet they''re praying for mercy." "Take them alive and interrogate them," the captain ordered coldly. "Use every interrogation method you''ve learned. Extract the information we need from these zealots!" The saints ignored the approaching guards, clutching their Savior pendants tightly and praying silently. "Damn zealots!" Frustrated by the eerie scene, one guard raised his bolter and opened fire, felling several saints. Yet the others remained motionless, continuing their prayers. The captain strode forward, seizing the lead saint and brutally snapping his arm. "Speak! Where are you from?" The towering saint raised his head, his expression serene and devout. With a faint smile, he uttered, "For the Savior..." At that moment, the saint''s body began to wither rapidly. Nanite-infused silicon in his bloodstream consumed his flesh and destroyed his genetic structure. Under the captain''s bewildered gaze, the saint disintegrated into white sand, slipping through his fingers and leaving only his robes behind. "What''s happening?" More cries of alarm followed as all the remaining saints simultaneously turned to white sand. The palace guards froze, staring at the strange scene in disbelief. This unsettling phenomenon was beyond their comprehension, confirming the enemy was no ordinary foe. Then, the ship shuddered violently, its lights flickering out. Red emergency lights cast an ominous glow over the guards'' tense faces. Realizing the danger, the captain bellowed, "Retreat! Get out of here now!" He sprinted toward the exit, and the rest of the guards hastily followed. They knew exactly what was about to happen. Their Emperor favored this tactic: ships rigged with hidden explosives that would detonate if control was lost, ensuring mutual destruction with the enemy. Now, the tables had turned, and the enemy had used this strategy against them. The guards ran for their lives. Just one more minute, and they could escape. But it was too late. BOOM!!! With a deafening explosion, the ship''s bridge erupted, triggering a chain reaction that engulfed the entire vessel. The fleeing guards were consumed by flames in the corridors. In Space. A dull burst of fire lit up the void as the missionary ship disintegrated into fragments. Nearby escort ships, caught too close, suffered significant damage from the blast. Aboard the Cruiser. The fleet commander overseeing the interception watched the scene in silence, sweat beading on his forehead. Moments ago, he had sent a victory report to the Emperor. What now? Martila''s Atmosphere. Hundreds of torpedo-like drop pods descended through the atmosphere, scattering across various regions. The missionary ship had been a decoy, its true purpose to shield the descent of these radar-shielded pods. Avoiding key defense arrays, the pods fell toward the desolate outskirts of Martila''s hive cities. As they burned through the atmosphere, they resembled falling stars... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 179 - 180: Train Town Chapter 179: Chapter 180: Train Town[Next Week Event For: Warhammer: Starting as a Planetary Governor!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] The torpedo-like drop pods descended steadily, their base-mounted thrusters suddenly igniting to slow their descent. Boom! A pod slammed into the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust. Nearby, a pack of mutated coyotes noticed the strange object. Drooling and crouched low, they crept toward the pod. In this desolate wilderness, few scavengers escaped the pursuit of these predators. Moments later, the pod''s hatch unlocked and slowly opened. The pack leader, smelling fresh meat, bared its fangs and leapt inside. Howl! A terrible yelp followed, and the lead coyote was sent flying out, landing several meters away. Someone inside had kicked it out with brutal force. The pack leader struggled to its feet, clearly injured. Its snout was dented, and several teeth were missing. Anger burned in its eyes. No human scavenger had ever harmed it like this! Summoning its pack, the leader prepared to attack again. But as the coyotes charged the hatch, beams of laser fire erupted from within, striking them down one by one. The leader''s head was scorched black by the searing rays, and it collapsed to the ground with a whimper. From the pod emerged a missionary saint in a gray-and-white hooded robe. Lifting his hood, he revealed a bald head inscribed with holy runes. The saint''s name was Fran, one of the most devout and exceptional missionaries from the holy city of Ereda. His people held high hopes for him, believing he could spread the Savior''s light to even the farthest corners of the galaxy. Pressing the Holy Redeemer''s Codex to his chest, Fran gazed at the towering steel hive city on the horizon. That was Martila''s primary hive city¡ªhis mission field. Taking out a handheld navigation device, Fran measured the distance to the hive. Though it appeared close, it was at least 2,000 kilometers away. There was no choice. To avoid orbital defense systems and hive city anti-air arrays, the pods had to land far from the cities. Without first disrupting or disabling these defenses, any pod approaching the hive would be obliterated. Like Fran, 800 missionaries from Ereda were scattered across Martila''s desolate regions. Fran returned to the pod and strapped on the backpack provided by the holy city. Inside were a portable water condenser, compressed food supplies, and various tools for survival and spreading the faith. Dismantling the pod''s door, Fran repurposed it into a crude iron sled. Using a knife, he skinned the mutated coyotes, piling their meat onto the sled. With everything prepared, he began his arduous journey toward the hive city. The trek would be grueling. Fran needed to traverse nearly 2,000 kilometers of wasteland to reach the city''s outskirts, where he could devise a way to infiltrate it and spread the Savior''s faith. It would take a long time, but he had time to spare. Looking at the distant hive city, a fervent light shone in his eyes. "Eight years from now, the Savior will descend upon this world to deliver its people from suffering!" Not long after Fran set out, more mutated coyotes, drawn by the scent of blood, gathered around the pod. Once Fran was a safe distance away, the pod''s self-destruct mechanism activated. Detecting the approaching threats, the pod exploded violently, its shrapnel killing many of the predators. Terrified by the explosion, the surviving coyotes scattered into the wilderness. Hiss! A gray-black serpent bared its fangs, ready to strike. But in the next instant, Fran drove a sharp knife into its head. "Praise the Savior! Thank you for this gift!" Grabbing the snake, Fran rejoiced. Its flesh would provide him with precious water and protein. After severing the head, Fran drank its blood to quench his thirst. His face bore several scars, and his body was marked by numerous wounds. Months of trekking through the wasteland, enduring monster attacks and harsh conditions, had taken their toll. An ordinary human would never have survived this long. The irradiated environment and parasite-infested food would have killed anyone not genetically enhanced. But Fran was no ordinary human. He was Eredan. Though classified as abhuman by Eden, the Eredans were descendants of the cunning and carried traces of Tyranid genes, granting them superior endurance and survival capabilities. Their nanite silicon implants further protected them by shielding against radiation, storing heat, and even extracting trace amounts of moisture from the air. Even with these advantages, Fran was nearing his limit. If he didn''t find a human settlement soon, he might not survive. As despair began to creep in, the ground trembled faintly beneath Fran''s feet. The vibrations grew stronger, causing pebbles to bounce on the ground. Hooooot! A long whistle pierced the air as a massive steel train, towering 4-5 meters high, came into view. It sped toward the hive city, a mechanical behemoth cutting through the wasteland. This was Martila''s Titan Train, used to transport supplies and troops between the hive cities. "Praise the Savior!" Fran sprinted toward the train, hoping to board and hasten his journey to the hive. But he wasn''t fast enough. The train roared past, its wake knocking him to the ground and leaving behind a thick plume of black smoke. Undeterred, Fran showed no sign of frustration or anger at the missed opportunity. Missionaries like him were unwavering and serene, their faith enabling them to endure failure and danger with resolve. Picking himself up, Fran continued along the tracks. He believed following the rails would lead him to a human settlement. After all, the train would need to stop for resupply along the way. When he reached such a point, he could stow away on the train and enter the hive city. Train Town. This small settlement, isolated in the wasteland, housed tens of thousands of people. As a maintenance point for the Titan Train, the town''s economy revolved around servicing the massive machine. Repair workers boarded the train to inspect and fix any issues with the help of the Tech-Priests. In return, the train provided the town with water, food, and fuel cells¡ªresources critical for survival. However, the intervals between train arrivals had grown longer due to rebel sabotage of the tracks. As a result, the town''s resources were dwindling. While residents could hunt in the wasteland for food, solving the water shortage was far more challenging. The town''s water source was heavily polluted, causing sickness when consumed. They relied on the purified water brought by the train, supplied by the Hive City Water Purification Association. Though the water quality had deteriorated¡ªcloudy and foul-smelling¡ªit was still drinkable. But with the train''s visits becoming rarer, the town''s people were left thirsty and desperate, praying for its return. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At long last, the Titan Train arrived. The repair workers eagerly boarded, only to be told by the Water Purification Association that their water supply contract had been terminated. The town had lost its lifeline¡ªprecious, life-sustaining water. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 180 - 181: Manna from Heaven? Chapter 180: Chapter 181: Manna from Heaven?[Next Week Event For: Warhammer: Starting as a Planetary Governor!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] The precious water source was gone. The repair workers were filled with confusion and helplessness. They knelt, pleading for the Purification Society to continue supplying water. The town could not survive without it. The people were suffering from thirst, especially the elderly and children, whose frail bodies were nearing their limits. Yet, the Purification Society firmly rejected the workers'' pleas. They explained that with the planet''s water supply growing scarcer, the meager services provided by Train Town were not worth the Society''s investment. The termination of the water supply agreement was permanent. This was not a one-time decision; there would be no water, ever again. The orders had come from above, and the executors claimed their hands were tied. The workers were advised to return and find their own solutions. Hearing this, the workers felt utterly hopeless. If the town could find its own water source, why would they have begged the Purification Society in the first place? Angry and desperate, the workers launched a strike in protest, hoping to secure the water supply. However, this act of defiance enraged the noble officers aboard the train. Leading their troops, the nobles brutally suppressed the striking workers as if quelling a rebellion. At least a thousand people died during the crackdown. Afterward, the noble officers ransacked the town under the guise of hunting for traitors. Many young adults were forcibly taken away. The officers were pleased. The laboratory conducting human experiments had demanded more soldiers for its enhancement program, and the officers had been struggling to meet the quota. Now, these so-called traitors would fill the gap, preserving the ranks under their command. When the Titan Train finally departed, it left behind a broken town filled with the cries of the grieving. Two weeks later. Little Brown limped forward, enduring the pain. He was on his way to pray before the statue of the God-Emperor. Legends said that if one prayed with utmost sincerity, the God-Emperor would bestow manna from heaven. That way, his younger siblings and the townspeople could survive their thirst. As for his parents... His parents had died aboard the Titan Train two weeks ago. Little Brown trudged on, leaving behind drops of pus from his festering wounds. This was his seventh trip; he had already come six times. He believed that with enough devotion, the great God-Emperor would surely answer his prayers and send sweet rain to save the town. The elderly in the town watched Little Brown with sorrow. The boy''s wounds were worsening, and new boils had appeared on his body. Everyone had thought he wouldn''t survive. Even adults might not endure such injuries, yet miraculously, Little Brown was still alive. Ever since he recovered, he had been proclaiming that he had received divine revelation. He claimed that if he could pass the test, the God-Emperor would grant manna to the town. Ignoring the advice of others, he crawled out of bed despite his pain, walking barefoot to the statue to pray. This had been going on for days. Many thought the boy had lost his mind. After repeated failed attempts to stop him, they let him be. Too many had died in the town. Everyone was drowning in sorrow, with little energy left to care for a child they deemed broken. An elderly man hesitated before rasping out a warning: "Child, go back and rest. You''ll die if you keep this up..." Little Brown turned back, forcing a smile to acknowledge the elder''s concern. Then, stubbornly shaking his head, he pressed onward. He felt that success was within reach. His younger siblings were still waiting for water¡ªhe couldn''t give up now! He trudged on, leaving behind a trail of bloody, pus-filled footprints. The townsfolk watched in silence, a glimmer of hope flickering in their hearts. Perhaps this child was right. After walking for over half an hour under the scorching sun, Little Brown finally reached the God-Emperor statue¡ªthe only one in the town. The statue had toppled during the chaos two weeks ago, its surface stained with dried blood and brain matter, making for a grim sight. Flies buzzed around the dried stains, filling the air with a putrid stench. Little Brown tried to drive them away and clean the statue, but without water, his efforts were futile. The flies quickly returned. Exhausted, he gave up. Little Brown knelt before the fallen statue, gazing devoutly at the bloodstained figure with half its head missing and flies crawling all over it. "Great God-Emperor, your devoted servant beseeches your protection..." He prayed fervently for the God-Emperor to send down manna, to bring torrential rain to the town. He begged for the life-giving water to save everyone. Under the blazing sun, Little Brown prayed silently. Minutes? Hours? Or even longer? Finally, overcome by pain and thirst, he collapsed. As he fell, an unprecedented sense of relief washed over him. Even the scorching sun seemed cooler. The agony faded away, replaced by a growing vitality within him. His consciousness drifted into the infinite void, enveloped by an indescribable warmth. In a trance, he crossed a thorn-filled path and beheld a lush green lake. The water was so clear and inviting that he yearned to immerse himself. Staring at the lake, his withered heart swelled with joy. A great presence had answered his plea. This was the life-giving water bestowed upon him! He felt certain that the great being would soon bring an unprecedented downpour to the town. The rain would cleanse everything, granting eternal life to the people! Suddenly, his consciousness snapped back to his body. His parched lips felt damp as if rain had fallen. A droplet reached his mouth, filling him with an indescribable sweetness. It was the purest, sweetest water he had ever tasted. A compassionate voice echoed in his ears: "Child..." Opening his eyes, he saw a sacred figure¡ªa bald man whose shining head formed a halo in the sunlight. Fran gently patted Little Brown''s face. "Wake up, child!" Fran had spent over two weeks reaching this human settlement just in time to save the boy from succumbing to his festering wounds. He used a precious emergency healing serum on Little Brown, a rare medicine infused with the energy of the Little Sun. This serum, developed under the Savior''s guidance, could numb pain, accelerate healing, and even resist Chaos-tainted wounds. Fran had only one vial, originally meant for himself. But leaving the boy to die would have violated the sacred teachings of the Redemption Codex. Little Brown gazed at the kind-faced bald man in a daze, his voice hoarse: "Who... are you?" Fran''s expression turned solemn and holy as he introduced himself: "I am Fran, a saint sent by the Savior under the orders of the God-Emperor. Where the saints go, the Savior''s light shall shine, bringing salvation to all!" Though confused, Little Brown clung to the key words: God-Emperor, Savior! His prayers had been answered. The God-Emperor had sent a messenger with water to save them. With trembling hope, Little Brown asked, "Do you... have water?" Fran, moved by the boy''s plight, handed him the last half-bottle of pristine spring water: "Here, drink. Don''t hesitate..." This was no ordinary water¡ªit was Sacred Spring Water, a high-grade resource free of any pollutants. Little Brown gingerly accepted the bottle, marveling at its crystal-clear contents. It was as pure as the lake from his dreams. Taking a small sip, he savored the sweetness and immediately sealed the bottle. He wanted to save the rest for his siblings. Just then, Fran''s voice thundered with rage. "What blasphemy is this?!" The sight of flies desecrating the God-Emperor''s statue filled Fran with fury. He pulled out a special insecticide spray, a product of the Little Sun''s production line, and unleashed a mist that killed the flies instantly. The spray left a faint, lime-scented film on the statue, restoring a semblance of sanctity. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Afterward, Fran glanced at the scorching sun and frowned. Turning to Little Brown, he said: "Child, let me take you home. We''ll discuss the rest later..." In the Warp. A Great Unclean One, the Rainfather Rotigus, had been preparing to bestow a torrential rain upon his chosen believer. The rain would corrupt the land, spreading his blessings to all. Yet, at the critical moment, the believer''s soul abruptly returned to its body. Rotigus was utterly bewildered. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 181 - 182: Delivering Compassion Personally? Chapter 181: Chapter 182: Delivering Compassion Personally?[Event For: Warhammer: Starting as a Planetary Governor!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] The blessing ceremony was interrupted. The chosen believer had fled! "Did that believer reject the Father''s love?" Rotigus, the Great Unclean One of Nurgle, felt a slight twinge of irritation. But as the most compassionate of Nurgle''s servants, the generous and life-giving father of growth and abundance, this irritation quickly dissipated. Rotigus did not blame the believer who retreated midway, causing the ceremony to halt. Even though he had expended a considerable amount of precious plague viruses, he merely felt a sense of regret. The believer had missed the chance to embrace the love he deserved. What could have gone wrong? Rotigus was curious. He thought of descending upon the believer in person, singing elegies and wielding his bloatstaff, to personally bestow endless compassion. Surely, such an act would win the believer''s heart. With this thought, Rotigus, his gaping, maggot-filled maw twisting into a grotesque but benevolent smile, murmured: "I must do this. Although it will require more power... Love must be given freely to be truly reciprocated, must it not?" As his emotions swelled, tooth-like fissures opened across his putrid form, expelling seeds of rotting plant roots. The repulsive, writhing vegetation spread in waves, nourished by the pestilence-laden storm ever-present around him. Under this plague storm, the twisted plants swelled grotesquely, flourishing into unnatural abundance. Rotigus raised his bloatstaff, intensifying the storm as a swirling vortex formed in the space before him. Dragging his bloated, mountain-like body forward, he prepared to step into the vortex and descend upon the believer''s planet. Just as he was about to enter, Rotigus halted abruptly. A wave of indescribable joy washed over him. "Praise to the Grandfather!" Rotigus had received a summons from Nurgle himself. The Plague Father had sensed a new change in the galaxy and was calling on his Great Unclean Ones to create and spread a grand new plague. This was a rare and glorious opportunity. Dispelling the vortex, Rotigus temporarily set aside his plan to personally visit the believer. He needed to return to his Grandfather without delay. If not, his rival, Ku''gath Plaguefather¡ªwho had consumed Nurgle''s most potent plague¡ªmight seize the chance to spread the Grandfather''s love first. Rotigus turned and lumbered away, his steps thunderous as he practically skipped with glee. His boundless joy was palpable to anyone who saw him. Soon, his immense form vanished into the ether, leaving behind only twisted plants and pools of slick, filthy water. Squelch, squelch¡ª Several small, rotting Nurglings played in the muck, only to realize too late that their master had gone. "Ahhhh!" Panicking, the little Nurglings scrambled to chase after him, tears welling in their festering eyes. In Train Town Fran escorted Little Brown home, asking about the town''s situation along the way. As they walked through the town''s central road, curious eyes peeked out from the wooden houses lining the path. The residents watched the tall, bald stranger, speculating about where this emissary had come from. What surprised them more was the transformation in Little Brown. Just hours ago, he had been on the verge of death, staggering with every step. Now, his gait was steady, and his energy had returned. Could the God-Emperor truly have blessed Little Brown? Fran frowned as he surveyed the haggard townsfolk lining the road. "Your town is severely short of water?" "Our water has been contaminated. Recently, some people, unable to bear their thirst, drank the dirty water and immediately fell ill," Little Brown explained, gesturing in wide arcs. "Their stomachs swelled like balloons, and they vomited green sludge..." He looked up at Fran with hopeful eyes. "We''re all dying of thirst. You''re an emissary sent by the Savior¡ªyou must be powerful. Can you help us find clean water?" Fran responded to the boy''s plea: "If it''s water you need, that''s no problem!" He resolved to rescue the townsfolk and spread the Savior''s faith before the next Titan Train arrived. As a missionary saint, it was his duty to follow the Redemption Codex, embodying selflessness and fearlessness while saving those deemed worthy. Little Brown cheered and ran toward his home, shouting: "We have water! We have water!" The despairing residents heard his cries, their eyes lighting up with hope. An elderly man stopped Little Brown, urgently asking: "Child, is it true?" Little Brown beamed with pride. "It''s true! The God-Emperor answered my prayers and sent the Savior''s emissary!" He pointed at Fran and declared: "The saint will help us find clean water!" "Praise the God-Emperor! A miracle has occurred!" The elderly man smiled, his faith renewed. After all, seeing Little Brown alive and well was already a miracle. Word spread, and a growing crowd followed Fran and Little Brown. They dared not disturb the saint, trailing behind him as if on a pilgrimage. By the time Fran reached Little Brown''s home, a sea of emaciated, dehydrated townsfolk had gathered. Fran turned to face them, meeting their hopeful, desperate gazes. He assured them that the Savior had sent him to save them from their suffering and that he would find a water source for the town. The crowd erupted in cheers, kneeling to offer their reverence to both the Savior and his saint. After dismissing the crowd, Fran entered Little Brown''s home, checking on his younger siblings. Fortunately, their dehydration was mild and not life-threatening. That evening, Fran gathered the town''s repair workers and sketched out schematics for water-gathering machinery. The design was for a small atmospheric water collector, capable of extracting moisture from the air and filtering it. Thanks to advancements made by STC and Kaul, the device was relatively simple to construct, requiring only basic mechanical skills and readily available parts. The workers got to work, assembling and installing the devices on rooftops, powered by fuel cells. The collectors operated primarily at night, with water flowing into storage tanks by daybreak. The residents waited eagerly, staying up all night by the tanks. When morning came, the devices released a surprising amount of clean water¡ªenough to alleviate their thirst, if not yet to drink freely. The town erupted in joy. With the water crisis resolved, they could survive! Over the following weeks, Fran and the workers repaired the God-Emperor''s statue and began daily sermons. The townsfolk gathered at the newly built chapel to pray and listen to Fran''s stories about the merciful Savior who freed worlds from suffering. Fran prophesied: "In eight years, the Savior will descend upon this world, driving out tyrants and bringing prosperity to all." In addition to spreading the faith, Fran also treated the sick and opened a night school, teaching practical knowledge in agriculture and machinery. In the grim galaxy, knowledge¡ªespecially stable, Chaos-free knowledge¡ªwas a priceless gift. Fran''s generosity solidified the townsfolk''s faith in the coming Savior. This method of missionary work, devised by Ron, was highly effective. The saints, trained extensively in various fields, could transform even feudal worlds into industrialized societies. Under Fran''s guidance, the town flourished. Smiles returned to the people''s faces, and they eagerly awaited the Savior''s arrival. A distant whistle sounded. After nearly two months, another Titan Train arrived. The repair workers, as usual, maintained and serviced the train while keeping the town''s secret. They also had another task: smuggling Fran aboard the train to the hive capital. When the train departed, Fran was gone, accompanied by Little Brown, who had entrusted his siblings to the townsfolk. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Little Brown had decided to follow the saint and dedicate himself to the Savior''s mission until the planet was liberated. ... Months later. On Urth, in the spire governor''s office. Eden stretched, having just reviewed the readiness of the armed forces. His day''s work was done. Suddenly, a psychic message reached him. Several missionary saints had successfully infiltrated Matila''s hive capital. Eden closed his eyes, his consciousness merging with the hive network: "It''s time to visit Matira..." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 182 - 183: Khorne Berserkers Chapter 182: Chapter 183: Khorne Berserkers[PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [20 Reviews= +1 Extra Chapter!!] With a burst of radiant light, Eden''s consciousness entered the Hive Network. The golden glow emanating from the network was a result of the Little Sun''s energy infusion. In the virtual space, countless points of light intertwined, each representing a life. These interconnected soul nodes¡ªbelonging to tens of millions of clever individuals and Aeldari¡ªformed a galaxy-like brilliance. As the master of this network, Eden could control all the connected lives. He focused, pinpointing the marked soul nodes representing the missionary saints, and transmitted his consciousness through one of them. Simply put, Eden was exercising his divine authority to possess a believer. This method was a familiar trick of the Warp gods, even the God-Emperor himself. As the light dissipated, Eden''s consciousness connected to a missionary saint, observing the surroundings through their perspective. Of course, this was merely an attachment of consciousness; the saint''s body could not endure the full extent of Eden''s power. Channeling too much psychic energy would obliterate the host. This tethered connection left the host''s thoughts and actions untouched, functioning like an external surveillance camera that allowed Eden to see and hear everything. Once he adjusted, Eden heard a child''s voice nearby. "Mr. Fran?" Little Brown''s worried voice called out to the suddenly dazed Fran. "I''m fine, don''t worry. Hurry, we need to move! The suppression forces are coming..." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fran shook off his daze and urged the boy forward. No sooner had he spoken than a volley of bullets tore through the air, cutting down several dazed workers nearby. Luckily, Fran and Little Brown were unharmed. Their timing couldn''t have been worse¡ªarriving at the hive capital only to stumble into a violent suppression campaign. Eden, observing through Fran''s perspective, felt like a 360-degree humanoid camera, taking in every detail of the chaotic scene. Ahead, the suppression forces surged forward, accompanied by the thunderous advance of armored tanks. Above them, the hive spire loomed¡ªa tangled mass of plasteel and reinforced concrete, layer upon chaotic layer, stretching endlessly into the steel sky. This lower hive dwarfed the one on Urth in both scale and disorder. As Eden assessed the situation, the battlefield shifted. The rebels launched a counterattack, hurling incendiary bombs at the suppression forces. The chemical flames clung to the soldiers, burning fiercely and proving almost impossible to extinguish. It was clear the rebels were well-organized. This was a good sign¡ªan organized rebellion could be harnessed to challenge the sector governor. However, their strength alone wouldn''t suffice. The suppression forces retaliated fiercely. Tanks barreled through the flames, launching shells into the rebel ranks. "Stick close to me!" Sensing the danger, Fran grabbed Little Brown''s hand and ran toward cover. Explosions erupted behind them, sending shockwaves that knocked many off their feet. Despite their resistance, the rebels were being overwhelmed. Reinforcements arrived for the suppression forces as assault ships descended from the steel sky, dropping massive pods into the fray. The heavy pods crushed rebels and soldiers alike, indiscriminately sowing chaos. The rebels stared at the pods warily, unsure of what was emerging. Near one pod, two cautious rebels approached, weapons raised. Bang! The pod''s hatch exploded outward, flinging one rebel into a distant wall. Roar! A guttural bellow followed as a blood-red, armored warrior emerged, grabbing the remaining rebel and tearing him apart with brute strength. Blood sprayed across the warrior''s crimson armor, amplifying his frenzy. More roars erupted. Additional blood-red warriors poured out of the pods, wielding brutal melee weapons and slaughtering indiscriminately. Screams filled the air as these berserkers tore through both rebels and suppression forces alike. Their aura of violence shattered the rebels'' morale, sending them fleeing in terror. But the berserkers gave no quarter, pursuing their prey with relentless fury. "Damn it, those are heretic warriors!" Fran, holding tightly to Little Brown, was swept up in the panicked crowd, trying to escape. The berserkers closed in, their bloodlust palpable. Flesh and gore splattered onto Fran''s back as the slaughter unfolded. "Blood for the Blood God! Skulls for the Skull Throne!" The berserkers roared, their frenzied eyes glowing crimson. Even hardened soldiers crumbled under the weight of their oppressive presence. Aboard one of the assault ships, a black-robed Tech-Priest observed the carnage below. "These bloodthirsty warriors cost countless lives to create," the priest muttered, tension evident in his voice. After a moment of observation, the priest''s lips curled into a sinister smile. "They''ve met expectations..." This success would secure additional resources for even more extensive experiments. On the ground, Eden¡ªstill tethered to Fran¡ªwatched the carnage unfold. The berserkers'' tactics and frenzied energy were unmistakable. These were Khorne''s warriors. Eden''s mind raced. "Berserkers of Khorne? These are far stronger than the cultists I''ve dealt with before. They''re nearly Astartes-level!" The sector governor had clearly crossed a line. Eden now had to reconsider his plans. If berserkers were here, there was a high probability of a Greater Daemon''s presence. He couldn''t afford to take any chances. For now, his priority was ensuring Fran''s survival. The berserkers'' chainaxes were drawing dangerously close to Fran. Losing him would be disastrous¡ªhe was essential for gathering critical intelligence. Eden''s determination hardened. This was no time for hesitation. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 183 - 184: Fran, Don’t Worry—I’ll Pay to Win Chapter 183: Chapter 184: Fran, Don¡¯t Worry¡ªI''ll Pay to Win[200 PS REACHED!! Next Goal: 400PS!!] [PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [20 Reviews= +1 Extra Chapter!!] The Khorne Berserkers rampaged through the battlefield, demolishing buildings and slaughtering everyone in their path. Severed limbs and rivers of blood marked their trail of carnage. As the danger closed in on Fran and Little Brown, Eden became increasingly anxious. Even though the berserkers weren''t specifically targeting Fran, being caught in the fleeing crowd gave him virtually no chance of survival. Eden, still merely a consciousness tethered to Fran''s body, couldn''t directly intervene to stop the Khorne Berserkers. Nor could he descend fully into Fran''s body¡ªhis immense energy would incinerate the frail host. However, Eden wasn''t without options. He could temporarily empower Fran by bestowing a blessing. Through a special channel, he could infuse Fran with a surge of energy, granting him tremendous power for a short time. But there was a catch. According to the laws of the Warp, a god''s power couldn''t simply be granted at will. Fran had to actively pray to the Savior, formally requesting salvation. Only after the prayer ritual established a connection could Eden channel his power. Eden was exasperated. "What a convoluted rule! No wonder the Chaos Gods spread so many rituals for their followers to pray!" To make matters worse, another berserker was charging directly toward Fran, cutting off any retreat. On the battlefield, Fran gripped Little Brown''s hand tightly, a hint of despair flickering in his eyes. He feared he would fail the Savior and his people, and his mission to spread the faith would end here. The Khorne Berserkers were too fast; surrounded on both sides, escape seemed impossible. "Are we going to die?" Little Brown trembled, clinging to Fran in fear. "No, we won''t." Fran''s expression hardened. Something deep within him told him this wasn''t the end. Pulling Little Brown into a corner for safety, Fran stepped into the middle of the street, following the guidance of the Redemption Codex. Chapter 155, Verse 14 of the Codex: "In the face of insurmountable evil, the most devout believers may beseech the Savior for deliverance. The Savior shall bestow upon them great power to drive out the wicked." Fran stood tall in the street, closing his eyes and raising his voice in fervent prayer. Even as the berserkers drew closer, he did not flinch or hide. The fleeing rebels saw him and thought he had lost his mind, hurrying to distance themselves. "Great Savior, your devoted servant is surrounded by evil..." Fran''s voice was unwavering. He believed in his faith, believed that he was the most devout of all. The Savior would not abandon him! Even as a berserker loomed over him, he continued praying without hesitation. "Mr. Fran!" Little Brown cried out in terror, covering his eyes, unable to watch. Eden, observing everything through Fran''s eyes, was just as tense. He could only hope the prayer ritual would conclude quickly. Internally, he grumbled: "Why on earth would you pray in the middle of the street? Are you trying to make yourself an easy target? Just find some cover, finish the prayer, and then blast them!" He resolved to simplify the ritual when he returned, shortening the prayer to avoid such dangerous delays. "Let the Savior''s power descend!" As the berserker raised its chainaxe to strike, Fran completed the prayer. The ritual''s completion opened a new channel of connection, and Eden sensed it immediately. This was his first time exercising this divine authority, and he quickly discovered the cost. Channeling power across such a vast distance consumed an immense amount of faith energy, with significant losses in the process. It was essentially an ultra-premium pay-to-win feature. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eden glanced at the options, each representing a tier of power: 500,000 1,000,000 3,000,000 5,000,000 10,000,000 He dared not look beyond that. He was broke. With roughly 10 million faith energy remaining, Eden opted for the 3,000,000 tier. This amount could have empowered three individuals, but Fran needed it all. A surge of divine energy flowed through the channel, descending upon Fran''s location. Boom! A blinding golden pillar of light struck Fran, its radiance overwhelming. The golden shockwave scattered dust and debris, forcing the berserker before Fran to stagger back. Everyone on the battlefield froze, their eyes drawn to the miraculous spectacle. This was the Savior''s gift! Fran''s tears fell as he gazed upward, basking in the energy. More than the newfound strength, he was moved by the Savior''s recognition¡ªhe truly was the most devout of believers! "This effect is way too flashy," Eden muttered, watching the scene. "Feels like half the energy went into the visuals instead of the power. What a waste!" Fran hovered several meters above the ground as the light formed an angelic image around him¡ªgolden wings and a glowing halo. Soon, the energy settled, and Fran descended. His muscles swelled slightly, his eyes crackling with golden electricity that coursed across his body like a radiant aura. "Heretic! Die!" Fran roared as a berserker charged at him. Fran dodged nimbly and unleashed a bolt of golden psychic lightning that struck the berserker''s chest. Crash! The berserker was hurled against a metal wall. Fran extended his hands, intensifying the psychic lightning. Arghhh! The berserker howled in agony, pinned against the wall as the golden energy burned its flesh black. With a final surge, the berserker collapsed, lifeless. Fran turned to face another berserker and fought fiercely, eventually defeating it as well. Eden noticed that after dispatching the two berserkers, Fran''s strength began to wane. The power he had bestowed wouldn''t last much longer. Dozens more berserkers roared and charged toward him. Realizing his limitations, Fran shifted his strategy. He used his remaining energy to repel the berserkers blocking their escape, ensuring the safety of those fleeing. "Run!" With his strength fading, Fran grabbed Little Brown and sprinted toward the hive''s underground tunnels. Guided by psychic intuition, they found an entrance and disappeared into the darkness just as Fran used his final spark of energy to fend off the pursuing berserkers. Eden''s consciousness withdrew from Fran, shifting to observe the other missionary saints. He wasn''t overly concerned about Fran''s safety in the tunnels. After all, navigating tight spaces was practically second nature to the Aeldari. Once the slaughter subsided, the berserkers were retrieved, and the suppression forces returned to clearing the battlefield. Yet, something was different this time. The soldiers couldn''t shake the memory of the miraculous event they had just witnessed. Meanwhile, the survivors who had escaped carried the tale of the Savior''s intervention, spreading it across the lower hive and beyond. This story planted a seed of hope in the hearts of the people. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 184 - 185: The Skull Altar and Ka’Bandha Chapter 184: Chapter 185: The Skull Altar and Ka¡¯Bandha[200 PS REACHED!! Next Goal: 400PS!!] [PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [20 Reviews= +1 Extra Chapter!!] Eden had spent several months in Matira in his form of tethered consciousness. By now, he had gained a comprehensive understanding of the planet''s dire state. As the sector capital, Matira was under the iron-fisted rule of the sector governor, Tyrant Harries. The people here endured unimaginable suffering¡ªnobles included. No one was safe. The tyrant''s reign of terror could descend upon anyone without warning. Harries'' methods had grown increasingly brutal. With the planet squeezed to its limits, more and more uprisings arose in defiance, only to be met with even harsher suppression. Even with clandestine support from certain nobles, the resistance lacked the strength to challenge the tyrant. Many believed Harries had gone mad and that the planet would eventually collapse under his rule. A prophecy, foretelling that Harries would die upon his throne, circulated widely across the planet. While everyone wished for his demise, no one had the power to make it happen. Resistance remained limited to a few brave individuals, while the majority were paralyzed by fear. Their spirits had long been broken by Harries'' oppressive reign, robbing them of the courage to fight back. Eden understood this. Without external intervention, the people of Matira stood no chance against a tyrant empowered by the Chaos God Khorne. He decided to offer them hope¡ªa beacon to liberate them from fear. Fran''s role became crucial. As a missionary saint who had received the Savior''s blessing and defeated the tyrant''s formidable berserkers, Fran could serve as a symbol of defiance. The story of Fran''s victory needed to spread. People needed to understand that the tyrant was not invincible, and that even Khorne''s warriors could be defeated. The Savior and His saints could triumph over the tyrant and his berserkers. This hope, Eden believed, would unite the people and inspire them to rise up. Upon returning to Urth, Eden compiled the intelligence he had gathered and sent it to the Ministries of Interior, War, and the Ecclesiarchy. Together, they drafted an infiltration plan targeting all levels of Matira''s society. Once finalized, Eden distributed the plan to nearly 800 saints stationed on Matira. Their mission was to infiltrate every stratum of society, gather intelligence on the planet''s defenses, and spread the story of the Savior and Saint Fran. They were also tasked with uniting all potential allies under a new prophecy: "In eight years, the Savior will descend upon this world, slaying the tyrant on his throne and saving all." Additionally, Eden issued a secondary directive: The resistance must exercise restraint, avoid unnecessary losses, and conserve their strength. Those brave enough to defy the tyrant would have to bide their time until the Savior''s arrival to launch a coordinated uprising. Quietly, the saints began embedding themselves within Matira''s society. Their presence went unnoticed. Beneath the royal court of Matira, a far more sinister storm was brewing in a secret laboratory. Thousands of experimental candidates were gathered in a vast arena within the lab. Clad in rags and armed only with rusty iron rods, these individuals were forced into a deadly competition. The rules were simple: fight and kill until only 100 remained by the time the massive mechanical timer overhead counted down. Failure to comply would result in collective execution. Driven by desperation, the candidates attacked one another with brutal ferocity. The sound of breaking bones and splattering blood echoed throughout the arena. Clang! "Please, spare me!" A frail man trembled, dropping his rod and begging for mercy. He was immediately struck down, his skull crushed by another desperate participant. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In this arena, weakness meant death. The contestants'' primal instincts took over, and mercy became a forgotten concept. Only those who survived would undergo the grueling Chaos-infused augmentation surgeries. Above the arena, a black-robed Tech-Priest observed the carnage with sadistic satisfaction. The screams and roars of the candidates seemed like music to his ears. He commended his assistant: "These candidates are exceptional. Use this as the standard for future selections." "High Priest..." "Yes?" The assistant hesitated, but the Tech-Priest''s menacing glare silenced him. Swallowing his words, the assistant nodded in agreement. After the Tech-Priest departed, the assistant broke into a cold sweat. The new standard posed a daunting challenge¡ªfinding candidates of this caliber would be nearly impossible. Failing to meet the standard would undoubtedly result in his execution. His expression darkened as he devised a plan. Reaching out to the planetary defense forces, he fabricated a new directive from the High Priest. The defense forces were now required to supply batches of elite soldiers to the laboratory for the Blood Berserker Program. Any delay or resistance would result in public execution. Terrified, the defense force commander agreed without question. Defying the supposed will of the tyrant was unthinkable¡ªhesitation alone could lead to death. The Tech-Priest descended via an elevator into a hidden subterranean chamber. Before him lay a massive pool of blood, at the far end of which stood an imposing altar constructed entirely of skulls. Corpses from the arena above were fed into the blood pool by machinery, their remains fueling the gruesome rituals below. The Tech-Priest gazed at the altar with fanatic devotion. This was his true masterpiece. Once sufficient slaughter energy was gathered, the altar would activate, summoning one of Khorne''s most powerful demons. This planet would be cleansed in blood and fire. Walking along a pathway made of bones, the Tech-Priest knelt before the towering skull altar and began his prayer. He recited the ancient and forbidden names of a terrifying demon from a heretical tome. In Khorne''s Realm Amid a wasteland of molten rock and rivers of blood, a colossal brass fortress stood defiantly. This was the heart of Khorne''s dark dominion. The fortress walls glistened with fresh blood, while jagged spires pierced the dark clouds spewing from infernal forges. Flames burned in iron cauldrons beneath gruesome hooks, illuminating the desolate plains. Within one of the fortress''s palaces, the air was thick with the anguished wails of demons. A monstrous figure tore a screaming demon apart, its scalding blood splattering across the room. The other demonic warriors lowered their heads, too terrified to react. Their master, Ka''Bandha, the Supreme Bloodthirster and Bane of Angels, was in a rage once more... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 185 - 186: Crafting a Weapon to Defeat a Chaos Greater Daemon Chapter 185: Chapter 186: Crafting a Weapon to Defeat a Chaos Greater Daemon[400 PS REACHED!! Next Goal: 600PS!!] [PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [Reviews: 39/50!!] Boom. Boom. Boom. Heavy footsteps echoed as Khorne''s Bloodthirster, Ka''banda, emerged from the shadows. He was a massive daemon, with broad, tattered wings and twisted, thick horns. His crimson skin bore intricate runes and scars from countless battles. At that moment, the hellfire on his body seared the fresh blood recently poured over him, and his eyes gleamed with a cold, ruthless light. As the first of Khorne''s Blood Host, Ka''banda exuded an insatiable thirst for bloodshed and slaughter. "Those accursed Blood Angels¡ªI will slaughter them all eventually!" Ka''banda''s guttural and terrifying roar echoed through the palace. His mood was foul. For millennia, his campaigns had ended in repeated failure. He had suffered numerous defeats and expulsions at the hands of Sanguinius, the Blood Angels'' Primarch. The humiliation of these failures gnawed at him. These setbacks had even shaken his position within Khorne''s first Blood Host. He feared he had become a laughingstock among his peers. He loathed Sanguinius and his progeny with a passion. Now, Ka''banda yearned for a grand massacre to satisfy his bloodlust. Yet, it had been years since he was last summoned. Had he been forgotten? Or had the worshippers begun summoning other daemons of Khorne instead? This was a troubling trend, even for a supreme Bloodthirster, one of Khorne''s most terrifying champions. If denied opportunities to spread slaughter across the galaxy, he would grow weaker, risking replacement by other ambitious daemons. Ka''banda could feel the covetous gazes of other Greater Daemons. They could barely contain their urge to challenge him. Though he feared no challenge and was confident he could tear apart any foolish enough to try, even the act of being challenged by lesser daemons was enough to bring shame before Khorne and his peers. Ka''banda awaited his moment. He needed an opportunity to unleash an unprecedented massacre across the galaxy. Suddenly, Ka''banda sensed a summoning from one of his worshippers. A bloodthirsty grin spread across his face. The summoning originated from a fringe star sector. Under normal circumstances, Ka''banda would have ignored such a call from a minor region. But his bloodlust had been suppressed for too long. He needed carnage to quell his fury. Once the blood energy was gathered, he would manifest in the material realm and annihilate the entire sector. The great Ka''banda would begin a blood-soaked crusade, slaughtering world after world. He would pile their bones high to lure the Blood Angels into his grasp... ... Several months later, on Urth Urth''s new Mechanicum City was built outside its hive cities. It had become a sacred hub for the Cult Mechanicus and was responsible for nearly all of the planet''s technological research, especially weapons development. The city''s institutes focused on creating weapon prototypes. Once tested and approved, these designs were handed to the subordinate factories for mass production. On automated production lines, these weapons were swiftly manufactured and equipped to the armies. However, while this was sufficient for standard weapons, cutting-edge equipment required hands-on expertise from the Archmagi. These advanced weapons often incorporated esoteric elements like runic blessings and machine spirits, aspects a production line could not replicate. Eden arrived aboard an assault ship, which landed on the landing pad of a massive, skull-shaped mechanical building hundreds of meters tall. This was Kaul''s Black Mechanicus Workshop. As Eden disembarked, a blackened servo-skull¡ªKaul''s custom-built servitor¡ªfloated forward to greet him. A cheery voice emanated from the device: "Savior, I''m in the middle of a crucial experiment and couldn''t come personally to welcome you..." The tone of Kaul''s voice, however, betrayed a hint of guilt. Eden could hear the clinking of metal and the hiss of gas compression through the comms. He also sensed faint traces of Warp energy. "What is that lunatic up to this time?" Eden wondered. BOOM! A massive explosion shook the entire Black Mechanicus Workshop. Sections of the walls cracked, and parts of the structure began to collapse. After a tense silence, Eden called out with annoyance: "Are you dead yet? If not, get over here!" Kaul''s voice emerged after a brief pause: "Still alive! Just blacked out for a moment. Thankfully, the emergency protocols revived me." Kaul, covered in soot, scurried out to meet Eden and led him to the workshop''s lounge. Eden seated himself comfortably on a clean couch, one of his custom requests for the workshop. He despised having discussions in grimy, oil-covered areas. Helping himself to a cold drink from the refrigerator, Eden opened the conversation: "Is the thing I asked for ready?" "Of course! Nothing is too difficult for the great Kaul!" Kaul produced several dark green grenades from his storage unit and placed them on the table. These special grenades were larger than standard ones. Months earlier, Eden had commissioned Kaul to create weapons specifically designed to counter Khorne''s warriors. Kaul''s grenades contained highly potent sedatives and alchemical agents capable of inducing calming hallucinations. These effects could suppress the bloodlust of Khorne''s warriors, weakening their combat effectiveness. "This is only the first prototype. I''ll refine them further after testing to ensure your satisfaction!" Kaul declared confidently. Eden nodded in approval, satisfied with Kaul''s progress. The approaching campaign seemed favorable. With nearly a thousand Astartes and weapons specifically designed to counter Khorne''s forces, they could handle even Harriss the Tyrant if he fully aligned himself with Khorne. Yet, a lingering unease gnawed at Eden. What if Harriss summoned a Greater Daemon of Khorne? A top-tier Chaos Greater Daemon could rival even a Primarch and summon vast daemon armies to devastate entire sectors. If one appeared in the Goliath Sector, Urth''s current forces would be utterly incapable of repelling it. Eden sighed heavily, sipping his drink. Sensing Eden''s concern, Kaul spoke up enthusiastically: "Are you facing difficulties? If it''s a technical issue, the genius Kaul can solve anything¡ªas long as funding is sufficient!" Eden raised an eyebrow and hesitantly asked: "Is it... possible to create a weapon capable of dealing with a Chaos Greater Daemon?" Kaul froze, his expression turning uncharacteristically serious. His demeanor shifted as if a secret had been exposed. "How did you know I was working on such a weapon?" Kaul fidgeted nervously, scanning the room with his devices: "That project is supposed to be shielded from the Inquisition''s oversight. Not even Webby has data on it..." Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Kaul had intended to keep his research a secret until he could unveil it with a spectacular demonstration. He planned to test the weapon against a Chaos Greater Daemon and become a legend within the Mechanicus. Now, his grand project had been prematurely exposed. Deflated, Kaul admitted: "The research is still in its infancy. But I swear on my genius that the process is perfectly safe!" Eden felt a headache coming on. "You''ve really gone and started another insane project, haven''t you?" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 186 - 187: God-Emperor, May I Borrow Some Energy? Chapter 186: Chapter 187: God-Emperor, May I Borrow Some Energy?[PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [20 Reviews= +1 Extra Chapter!!] Eden looked at Kaul and couldn''t help but marvel at his audacity. This guy truly had a knack for causing upheaval. They hadn''t even officially faced the core forces of Chaos, and Kaul was already scheming ways to take on a Chaos Greater Daemon. If Kaul''s power and resources ever reached their full potential, Eden could hardly imagine what kind of chaos this man might unleash. Fortunately, Kaul''s reckless experimentation had hit upon a breakthrough this time, conveniently solving one of Eden''s most pressing problems. Standing up from the couch, Eden walked over to Kaul. Kaul, assuming the Savior was about to reprimand him, quickly stood at attention with an awkward mix of defiance and fear. "I admit, this research carries some risks, but it''s all for the future of Urth!" Kaul stammered. "Well said. Urth needs talents like you!" Eden clapped him on the shoulder, loudly praising him. The unexpected commendation left Kaul stunned, even a little moved. When was the last time the Savior had praised him? Meanwhile, that bastard Moss constantly received accolades and a flood of resources. His Mechanicus tower was several times taller than Kaul''s own. The disparity left Kaul seething, forcing him to scrounge for resources to fund his secret projects. In Kaul''s grand plans, the weapon designed to counter Chaos Greater Daemons was meant to be his ace in the hole. He envisioned a dramatic unveiling: stepping in to annihilate a Greater Daemon in a crisis and basking in the glory, forever enshrined as a legend. But now, his secret had been exposed prematurely. Eden, however, seemed uncharacteristically enthusiastic. Taking Kaul''s hand, he asked with genuine curiosity about the weapon''s progress: "Master of the Black Mechanicus, how is the project coming along? Any difficulties? Don''t hesitate to speak up¡ªthe King''s Court will provide full support!" Under Kaul''s explanation, Eden gained a general understanding of the project. The specifics were beyond him, but the overall concept was clear: sacred bone-ash bombs powered by a compressed energy core. Kaul had discovered that certain relics retained traces of psychic energy capable of irreversibly burning the souls of Warp entities. Against weaker daemons, the relics could cause instant banishment. By combining this energy with a compressed energy core, the weapon''s power could be amplified to harm even stronger targets, potentially banishing Chaos Greater Daemons. Eden considered this idea. It did seem plausible. Normally, daemons couldn''t be killed outright. Their physical forms could be destroyed, or they could be banished back to the Warp through rituals. However, specific weapons and psychic energies could harm a daemon''s very soul. For instance, the Grey Knights, the Inquisition''s elite daemon hunters, wielded such abilities. Their psychic purity was a bane to Chaos entities, with even weaker daemons disintegrating in their presence to avoid prolonged agony. The Emperor himself represented the ultimate counter to Chaos. His golden blade could permanently kill daemons, including Greater Daemons, while the golden light of the Astronomican could reduce even the mightiest Chaos entities to ashes. The Chaos Gods feared the Emperor so much they dared not utter his name, referring to him only as "the Cursed One" or "the Unmentionable." If Kaul could replicate even a fraction of this power, his weapon could indeed banish even the strongest of daemons. Unfortunately, Kaul faced two major challenges. First, the relics'' psychic energy was insufficient to harm a Chaos Greater Daemon. Second, activating the relics required a vast, stable energy source, and Kaul''s attempts to extract Warp energy had proven dangerously unstable, often leading to explosions. "Have you considered compressing energy from the Little Sun?" Eden suggested. The Little Sun, Eden''s core power source, was a potent and versatile energy source. Kaul, being part of Eden''s inner circle, was aware of its existence but not its full capabilities. Kaul shook his head. "Its properties are too gentle. It''s suitable for catalyzing or stabilizing other energies, but I need something fierce yet stable." Fierce yet stable... Eden thought. There might be such a source, but obtaining it would be no small task. Before Eden could elaborate, Kaul checked the time and suddenly looked sheepish. "Pardon me, but I need to return to the lab. The Warp energy I''ve been compressing requires attention, or it might blow up the workshop. I have about three minutes." "...Go on then," Eden sighed, waving him off. "But if it explodes, I''m not covering the repairs." Kaul bolted from the room. Moments later, the roar of his vehicle echoed as he sped off. Eden sipped his drink calmly, already planning to relocate Kaul to the moon after the campaign. Let him wreak havoc there instead of disturbing the peace on Urth. A muffled explosion shook the building, confirming Eden''s suspicions. Kaul had likely released the unstable energy just in time. Kaul soon returned, injecting himself with healing agents as if to highlight his dedication. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Crisis resolved! We can continue," he declared proudly. Ignoring the theatrics, Eden resumed discussing solutions to the project''s challenges. ... Two Months Later In the Warp, the Golden Sun, representing the Emperor, floated in the void, radiating waves of psychic power that repelled all Chaos entities. Suddenly, a mechanical conduit extended toward the sun''s outer edges. The Emperor''s psychic presence sent an inquiry, which Eden instantly understood. "Lord Emperor, you have such abundant energy... may I borrow a little?" Eden transmitted through psychic means, providing a detailed explanation of his request. Surprisingly, the Emperor consented, even conveying a faint sense of approval. Eden relayed the good news to Kaul, who activated the reinforced extraction device. The machine carefully siphoned the Emperor''s energy, stabilizing it by blending it with the Little Sun''s power. Finally, the first fully functional sacred bone-ash bomb was completed. In the testing range, Eden donned protective goggles and signaled Kaul to proceed. Boom! A radiant burst of golden energy obliterated the captured Warp entity, reducing both its body and soul to ash. The test was a success. However, Kaul approached hesitantly afterward. "We''ve used up the last batch of marrow. Could we... extract more?" Eden sighed deeply. "Fine. Take what you need. Just... make it count this time." As Urth entered full-scale war preparations, Eden resolved to make this weapon his trump card. Victory was the only option. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 187 - 188: The Fully Upgraded Dreamweaver Chapter 187: Chapter 188: The Fully Upgraded Dreamweaver[400 PS REACHED!! Next Goal: 600PS!!] [PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [Reviews: 42/50!!] = +1 Extra Chapter!!] A gentle breeze fluttered through the sheer curtains on the balcony. Eden pulled the curtain aside and stepped onto the balcony, greeted by a lush green vista. The urban greening project for the hive city was nearing completion. The greenery coverage of the King''s Court area had reached approximately 50%, and near the Spire Estate, it was closer to 90%. The area now resembled a verdant garden, teeming with life and vitality. Breathing in the fresh air, Eden watched colorful butterflies flit among the flowers and listened to the melodic chirping of birds. However, this idyllic scene was marred by a touch of discord. Eden''s keen eyes picked up on the distant commotion of mobilizing troops. War machines advanced, making the hive city above buzz with activity. Massive Sentinels, armored tanks, self-propelled artillery, and missile launchers were all moving toward the space elevator. Accompanying them were fully armed Tempestus Scions clad in their signature gray-silver power armor, exuding an intimidating presence. Eden could also spot Thunderhawk transports ferrying Astartes toward the space elevator. This was likely the last major use of the current space elevator. After this war, the elevator would be repurposed as an exclusive link to the Spire Estate, and larger elevators would be constructed throughout the hive city to handle even greater transportation demands. "After more than a decade of planetary development, the time has come to test our strength in war. Let''s hope the results are favorable," Eden muttered. While he didn''t relish war, in the Inferno Galaxy, civilizations without the means to wage war were doomed to extinction. Even if one chose peace and steady growth, war could still arrive unbidden, threatening to obliterate an entire civilization. After taking in the scene, Eden returned to his bedroom. An important meeting awaited him. With the help of Linda, his head maid, Eden changed into a silver-white ceremonial robe embroidered with subtle golden patterns. The attire exuded both nobility and a faint sense of divine authority. Afterward, he joined Shahim and Miliah for breakfast in the dining room. "Uncle Eden!" Miliah greeted him with a bright, innocent smile, radiating youthful energy like a freshly bloomed flower in spring. Ten years had passed since she was a frail, pitiable little girl. Now, she had grown into a lively, radiant young woman. "Uncle Eden..." Shahim greeted him as well. The boy had grown into a sturdy young man, standing about 1.8 meters tall, his military uniform neatly pressed. Years of intense training had left scars on his body, a testament to his dedication. He gazed at Eden expectantly, as though waiting for permission to speak. Eden sat at the table and gestured for the siblings to join him. He enjoyed their company. Since becoming the Savior, there were few people with whom Eden could share such close bonds. As his divine essence grew stronger with the influx of faith, he sometimes felt his humanity slowly diminishing. This was not a good sign. Eden actively sought to preserve his humanity by maintaining a normal lifestyle and nurturing personal connections. Taking a sip of fruit juice, Eden looked warmly at Shahim. "I know what you want to ask. I approve your request. This time, you''ll join Admiral Kaes as his assistant during the operation." Shahim''s face lit up with excitement. "Thank you, Uncle Eden!" Having studied at the Loyalist Academy for nearly a decade, Shahim finally had the chance to step onto a real battlefield. As an aide to Admiral Kaes, the commander of the navy''s fleet, he was sure to learn a great deal. Eden had always planned for Shahim to gain practical experience. In three years, Shahim, as the heir to the Govendi family, would officially come of age and take on the role of a free trader. At that point, he would lead a fleet on exploratory and trade missions across the galaxy. After breakfast, Eden took Shahim to the council chamber for an important pre-war meeting. The chamber, filled with the King''s Court''s inner circle, was abuzz with activity. As Eden entered, everyone stood and placed their hands over their hearts in salute. "Savior!" Eden took his seat at the head of the table, and the others followed suit. His gaze swept over the ancient granite table, where officials sat divided between those handling civil affairs and those managing military operations. To his left were the heads of civil departments, led by Bayev, the Minister of Internal Affairs. Next to him were Bishop Doni of the state religion, Kaul and Moss from the Adeptus Mechanicus, Deville from the Inquisition, Baruch from the Loyalist Academy, and Popov from logistics. Deville had changed significantly, now clad in gray-white power armor overlaid with the Inquisition''s crimson robes. His physique had grown larger and more imposing after successfully undergoing the Thunder Warriors'' enhancements. To Eden''s right were the military leaders, headed by Thunder Guard Commander Carter. Next to him were Void Angels Chapter Master Duke, War Angels Chapter Master Prue, Fleet Admiral Kaes, Storm Corps Commander Arie, and Free Trader Shahim. Arie, too, had undergone a remarkable transformation. After receiving blessings, his physique was nearly as robust as an Astartes. His crimson cybernetic eyes and mechanical claw arm gave him a resemblance to a legendary figure of the Imperium. The meeting began, and Eden listened to detailed reports from the various department heads. Afterward, the focus shifted to the assembled forces for the upcoming campaign. High-End Forces: Thunder Guard: 100 troops Void Angels: 300 Astartes War Angels: 600 Astartes Battle Sisters: 2,000 Elite Forces: Navy squadrons with nearly 2,000 aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and transport ships. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Storm Corps, comprising three elite armies equipped with tanks, Sentinels, artillery, and advanced drones. The Storm Corps, led by Arye, had undergone significant restructuring. Each of its ten armies now numbered five million troops, with the first three being the elite core. These forces were organized into brigade-level combat units, each equipped for modern, integrated warfare. By the end of the meeting, tasks had been delegated, and preparations were underway. Eden, surrounded by the Thunder Guard, headed to the spaceport, where the fully upgraded Dreamweaver awaited. This ancient Golden Age battleship, now resembling a golden palace, had undergone numerous modifications. Its massive hull, nearly 10 kilometers long, dwarfed most Imperial battleships. The ship''s expanded troop compartments could accommodate entire armies, while its firepower was nearly unparalleled in the galaxy. As tanks, Sentinels, and other equipment poured into the troop bays like ants, Eden boarded the Dreamweaver and headed to his private quarters. Lying back on his couch with a cold drink, he activated the Hive Network to send a message to Saint Fran: "Activate the psychic navigation beacon. It''s time to set out." With the Dreamweaver fully loaded, the massive ship closed its bays and slowly departed the spaceport, gleaming under the sunlight. The first campaign had begun. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 188 - 189: The Savior Arrives! Chapter 188: Chapter 189: The Savior Arrives![600 PS REACHED!! Next Goal: 800PS!!] [PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [Reviews: 42/50!!] = +1 Extra Chapter!!] The Dreamweaver slid out of the spaceport, gliding forward slowly. In the ship''s command bridge, Admiral Kaes stood before the control console, waiting in silent anticipation. He awaited the signal from the navigation beacon. Beep¡ª A light flickered on the star map, and the signal indicator turned green. This meant the ship''s communication receivers had captured the signal transmitted from afar. An operator reported: "Commander, the navigation beacon is active!" A faint smile appeared on Kaes'' face as he issued the command: "Engage the engines. Prepare for warp travel!" With the order given, the crew activated the warp drive. In response, the space ahead of the Dreamweaver rippled faintly. Within seconds, the ripples intensified. A vortex of purple-red energy intruded upon the material realm, swirling and expanding rapidly. A massive, spinning warp portal materialized, crackling with purple lightning around its edges. The passage was formed. Inside the ship, warning signals blared. Crew members and soldiers scrambled through the corridors, securing themselves indoors to brace for the initial turbulence of the warp jump. By the observation windows, the eerie purple light of the warp portal cast an unnatural hue over Kaes'' face, making him slightly uneasy. Soon, metallic shutters descended over the windows, sealing them completely. Across the ship, similar armor plates fell into place, sealing observation points and corridors. With the ship now fully sealed, the Geller field generator activated, surrounding the Dreamweaver in a faint, bubble-like protective field. The colossal vessel inched toward the circular warp portal. As the ship''s prow breached the portal''s glowing center, space distorted under a burst of brilliant light. In an instant, the Dreamweaver and the portal vanished, leaving behind only a slowly dissipating ripple. ... Within the Warp After a jarring initial shock, the Dreamweaver continued its journey through the turbulent currents of the Immaterium. "Feels a bit like riding a boat," Eden remarked from the comfort of his luxurious stateroom. Reclining on a plush sofa, he found the experience oddly novel. This was his first time traveling through the warp while aboard a ship. After a few moments of observation, Eden pulled down his sleep mask and allowed the gentle rocking to lull him into slumber. He needed to rest, to conserve his energy for the battles and endless responsibilities that awaited him at the sector capital. The days of relaxation were over. ... Sector Capital, Martilla In the royal palace, chaos reigned. The chief seer, Mondi, writhed on the jeweled floor, screaming in agony. His body had been severed in two, his blood pooling into a thick crimson trail. Nearby, a Khorne Berserker stood silently, gripping a bloodied chainaxe, his face devoid of any emotion. "Foolish charlatan. How dare you curse me?" On the massive mechanical throne, the tyrant Harris roared. His bloodshot eyes and grotesquely mutated body were nearly fully consumed by Chaos. Mondi died without ever understanding why his lord had killed him. For years, he had read the same prophecy: "The tyrant of the Malio family will die upon the throne." Struggling to lift his bloated hand, Harris pointed to another trembling seer. "You. Continue the divination." "Y-yes, my lord!" the terrified seer stammered. Casting a glance at Mondi''s corpse, the man swallowed hard before proceeding with the crystal scrying. A few moments later, he looked up with a forced smile and declared: "My lord, the prophecy is broken! None shall harm you. Your rule shall endure eternally!" Harris'' fury surged. A mechanical arm shot out, seizing the seer and dragging him close. "Deceitful worm! Who said no one could harm me? That damned Savior is coming to kill me! Don''t tell me you haven''t heard the prophecy¡ªeveryone on this planet knows it!" Terrified, the seer stammered, "My lord, I¡ª" Crunch! The mechanical arm crushed him into pulp, his blood splattering across Harris'' grotesque form, making him appear even more monstrous. Discarding the lifeless body, Halris slumped back into his throne. With a hiss, the mechanical systems injected him with a large dose of sedatives. Calming slightly, he stared at the bodies on the floor, sinking into silence. Another killing. He was losing control more and more often, slaughtering nearly all his court officials. While the palace was drenched in blood, the outside world grew eerily calm. In recent days, there had been no signs of rebellion. But this unnatural peace only deepened Halris'' fear. He knew the enemy was lurking, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Though he couldn''t pinpoint the rebels, their presence was palpable. If everyone was a potential rebel, should he kill them all? In the end, Halris resolved to await the prophesied Savior''s arrival. He would crush the Savior in the most brutal way possible, destroying any hope the people held. ... Rebel Hideout Within a modest home, Saint Fran finished his work and returned to the crowded dormitory. For over a year, he and his followers had ceased guerrilla warfare, posing as laborers while spreading the Savior''s prophecy: "On the day of salvation, the Savior will descend, slay the tyrant, and free this suffering world." The prophecy had spread across the entire planet. Rebels now infiltrated all levels of society, including the tyrant''s military. In truth, anyone who knew the prophecy was a potential rebel. Fran removed his filthy work clothes and donned his saintly robes. Retrieving the Sacred Codex of Redemption, he began to pray. Brown, one of the rebel leaders, entered and asked eagerly, "Saint Fran, has the day of salvation arrived? Is the Savior coming?" Fran nodded. The psychic navigation beacon had been activated. The Savior would arrive soon. Brown rushed out to spread the news. The message passed discreetly¡ªthrough a glance, a nod, a smile. Those who believed understood immediately and began their quiet preparations. The atmosphere across the streets turned eerie. The repressive troops felt it too¡ªa strange tension. An officer grabbed a laborer who couldn''t suppress a smile. "Why are you grinning, scum?" "R-reporting, sir... I wasn''t smiling..." The officer smashed the man''s teeth with the butt of his rifle. Pointing his weapon at the trembling workers, he bellowed: "You think that Savior will come save you? He won''t save anyone!" The workers trembled as the officer ordered his men to aim their guns. Then it happened. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A faint spatial distortion rippled through the air. Everyone instinctively looked up, though the dark steel sky of the underhive concealed any view of the heavens. The disturbance subsided. The officer sneered and prepared to fire. But then, they heard it. A resounding hymn filled the air, emanating from every sound emitter. It praised the great and merciful Savior. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 189 - 190: Dreamweaver Decimates the Fleet Chapter 189: Chapter 190: Dreamweaver Decimates the Fleet[PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [Reviews: 47/50!!] = +1 Extra Chapter!!] The soldiers of the suppression force exchanged uncertain glances, clearly hesitating. "The Savior has arrived!" Someone shouted, and the declaration spread like a tidal wave through the crowd. The workers'' faces lit up with excitement. The arrival of the Savior dispelled their fear. Even the toothless worker ignored the gun aimed at him, a broad smile spreading across his face as he knelt to pray, tears streaming down his cheeks. Years of oppression under the tyrant''s brutal rule had robbed him of his family, one by one. But now, the day of salvation had come. The suffering was finally about to end! The officer holding the gun trembled, realizing the enemy''s psychological tactics were more powerful than he had imagined. Then he steeled himself. If he didn''t kill these people, Halris wouldn''t spare him¡ªor his family. "Kill them!" The officer aimed at the worker and pulled the trigger. Zzzap! The laser bolt hit the ground instead. A sharp pain struck his chest. Turning, he saw his adjutant standing behind him with a bloodied knife. "You... you too are a traitor?" the officer gasped, his voice full of disbelief before collapsing. The sudden betrayal stunned the suppression force, all eyes now fixed on the adjutant. The adjutant, still gripping the knife, shouted: "Do you really want to continue living under the tyrant''s terror? Or will you stand with the Savior and help build a new world?" The Saints had described this new world to the people of Martilla¡ªa utopia beyond imagination. They weren''t lying. They had shared stories of Urth, a world saved by the Savior. Under the gaze of the adjutant and the workers, more soldiers began to lower their weapons. They no longer wished to serve the tyrant. Before, they had no choice¡ªdisobedience meant death. Now, they had a choice. "What are you doing?" One soldier shouted at the others, his voice trembling with fear. "Defying orders means Harris will send the Bloodthirsty Warriors, and we''ll all be slaughtered!" The tyrant''s terror had utterly broken his will. Others echoed his fear, shouting their allegiance to Harris, willing to do anything to survive. "Kill the traitors, or Harris won''t spare us!" As they raised their weapons against their comrades, chaos erupted. Gunfire echoed. Moments later, the cowards who had aimed at their comrades lay dead. One soldier, unable to summon the courage to fight, dropped his weapon and curled up in a corner, muttering hysterically: "Harris will kill you all... He''ll kill us all!" No one paid him any mind. The people rallied, arming themselves with whatever weapons they could find, and launched counterattacks against the tyrant''s forces, targeting key defensive positions. ... Martilla''s Upper Hive, the Palace Harris sat on his grotesque mechanical throne, his eyes glowing crimson as he listened to the echoes of hymns and gunfire. At last, the serpent had revealed its fangs. He had been waiting for this moment. "Wipe them all out!" he roared, ordering his forces to crush the rebels. Simultaneously, he received reports of the arrival of a warship from Urth. Harris sneered as he reviewed the intelligence. "One warship? They dare challenge my domain with a single ship? Ridiculous!" Martilla''s spaceport held nearly the entire naval fleet of the sector. This fleet boasted a battleship, nearly twenty cruisers, and a vast array of escort vessels. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No matter how powerful the enemy ship, it couldn''t possibly withstand the onslaught of an entire fleet. Harris issued a command to the fleet''s admiral: "All units, engage and obliterate the Urth ship!" Once the enemy ship was destroyed, and the rebels crushed, no one would stand in his way again. ... Martilla''s Orbital Space The Dreamweaver floated in the void, its golden hull gleaming under the system''s star. Eden sat on a sofa, lost in thought. This wasn''t his time to take the stage. The ship was under the command of Admiral Kaes, the most experienced leader of Urth''s navy. Eden wasn''t about to micromanage like certain infamously arrogant leaders. He knew the operation plan: After exiting the warp, the Dreamweaver had used its "Broadband Hymn Projector" to broadcast hymns of the Savior across Martilla, signaling his arrival. This was the cue for the rebels to attack the planetary defenses. However, the rebels couldn''t disable all the defenses alone¡ªthey needed help from the Dreamweaver and its fighters. But before that, the Dreamweaver had to deal with the tyrant''s fleet and neutralize the orbital defense network. Eden frowned. The odds weren''t great. Could the Dreamweaver handle this? Boom! A slight tremor ran through the ship. Enemy fire had begun. The space battle was underway. Enemy corvettes surged forward like a swarm, bombarding the Dreamweaver with volleys of firepower. Explosions lit up the void as the ship''s void shields absorbed the onslaught. The enemy fleet filled the starry expanse, their warships arranged in an intimidating formation, a tidal wave of steel bearing down on the lone Dreamweaver. The enemy admiral watched from his battleship''s bridge, his sharp eyes narrowing at the golden vessel. That gaudy ship must be the one that destroyed the tax fleet of three cruisers. Impressive, yes, but not enough to justify such arrogance. In his mind, the Dreamweaver was a moth flying into a flame. He would crush it effortlessly. The Dreamweaver responded. Golden beams of light erupted from its lance batteries, weaving a radiant web that swept across the battlefield. In moments, the vanguard corvettes were obliterated. The admiral froze, stunned by the ferocity of the counterattack. He quickly shook off his shock. No matter how powerful, one ship couldn''t withstand concentrated fire from an entire fleet. "All ships, concentrate fire!" he roared. A storm of firepower engulfed the Dreamweaver, its void shields flickering under the relentless assault. "Enemy shields are failing!" A grin spread across the admiral''s face. Victory was inevitable. Then, to his horror, the Dreamweaver''s shields flared back to life¡ªbrighter and stronger than before. Impossible! No fortress could sustain such layered shields! As the enemy fleet scrambled to regroup, the Dreamweaver unleashed its main cannon. A colossal plasma projectile tore through space, vaporizing ships in its path. The admiral''s flagship barely avoided destruction, but the near-miss left his shields badly damaged. Before he could recover, alarms blared. "Commander, the orbital defense station is... gone!" The admiral turned to the viewport in disbelief. The massive station, the heart of the planetary defense network, had been reduced to drifting debris. Panic set in as the Dreamweaver began charging its main cannon again. The admiral''s legs gave way, his voice trembling: "We''re doomed..." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 190 - 191: Well, Look at That—A Fleet Acquired? Chapter 190: Chapter 191: Well, Look at That¡ªA Fleet Acquired?[800 PS REACHED!! Next Goal: 1000PS!!] [PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [Reviews: 47/50!!] = +1 Extra Chapter!!] Boom¡ª A plasma round obliterated a cruiser whose shields had been compromised. The sheer destructive power sent a shiver through the fleet''s warships. Inside the bridge¡ª The admiral remained silent. The overwhelming strength of the enemy vessel far exceeded his expectations. Dozens of battle simulations flashed through his mind, yet none provided a way to overcome the enemy ship. Not even escape was an option. In their attempt to destroy the enemy vessel quickly, the fleet had drawn too close. That Nova Cannon could strike from tens of thousands of kilometers away, possibly even further. Without the ability to warp into the Warp, they had no chance of retreating in time. As despair gripped the admiral, an unexpected transmission arrived from the enemy vessel. The message demanded that nearly twenty capital ships, including battleships, comply with their instructions. Failure to do so would result in their complete annihilation! However, one condition was attached to the message, alleviating some of his fears. So long as they cooperated, their personal safety would be guaranteed. This message was sent privately, directly to his personal channel. No one else aboard his vessel knew its contents. The admiral was certain that the other commanders of the fleet''s capital ships had received similar messages. He glanced at the King''s Court Guards stationed not far behind him on the bridge. His eyes flickered with contemplation. ... Aboard the Dreamweaver "Do you think they''ll agree?" Shahim looked at Kaes, evidently nervous. Kaes smiled slightly. "They will. The previous shock-and-awe strikes have already broken their nerve. If they have any intelligence at all, they''ll know we mean what we say. From the intelligence we''ve gathered over the years, most of these people are defectors from the original Golian Sector Fleet. They have no firm loyalties, nor are they willing to fight to the death for a tyrant. They''re only obeying orders because the enforcers are watching them. If they attempt to surrender or rebel, the King''s Court Guards will execute them. So, we only need to ensure their personal safety¡ªgive them a glimmer of hope. Those commanders know that this is their only chance to survive. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For survival, they''ll do anything..." Shahim realized something. "So, we don''t directly ask them to surrender. If they were under direct threat from the enforcers, they might fight us to the death. Instead, we have them make ''mistakes'' while commanding their warships, allowing our troops to board and seize control..." "Exactly." Kaes glanced at Shahim. "Have the War Angels prepare for boarding. Just now, the commanders accepted our terms..." Kaes turned to the observation viewport, frowning slightly. His confidence was not as firm as before. War was ever-changing. As commander of the Dreamweaver, the Savior had entrusted him with full command. No interference, total autonomy. It was an unparalleled level of trust¡ªbut also an immense responsibility. He alone bore responsibility for the outcome. Kaes had carefully weighed his options. The Dreamweaver alone could not swiftly eliminate so many warships. Destroying them all would be a tremendous waste, severely weakening the sector''s military strength. For the Savior, who sought to liberate the sector, that would be far from ideal. Thus, Kaes wished to preserve as many warships as possible. Furthermore, Matira''s main hive had been fortified for thousands of years, with formidable void shields and anti-air defenses. The Dreamweaver alone would struggle to breach it quickly. More warships were needed to accelerate the assault, ensuring that valuable time was not wasted. To achieve this, Kaes had to take risks. If the plan failed, and those commanders did not cooperate as agreed, the War Angels could be lost. That would be a devastating blow. But he trusted his judgment. Through the viewport, Kaes soon saw the enemy fleet shifting formations as instructed. Their capital ships were now exposed on the flanks. There was no time for hesitation. He immediately gave the order: "Launch the boarding torpedoes!" Whoosh whoosh whoosh¡ª Dozens of boarding torpedoes launched, following their designated trajectories toward the enemy''s capital ships. Kaes had chosen not to use teleportation for the boarding action. Instead, he relied on boarding torpedoes specifically designed for such assaults. Unlike deploying teleportation beacons and transmitting troops in waves, boarding torpedoes could deliver War Angels more swiftly. Their velocity allowed them to pierce through void shields. However, they were vulnerable to interception. Unfortunately, the enemy''s capital ships not only had enforcers but were also rigged with self-destruct devices. If they didn''t seize control quickly, once Tyrant Harries caught wind of the situation, he would undoubtedly order their destruction. Kaes watched the battlefield anxiously. Those torpedoes carried nearly two hundred War Angels. If they successfully penetrated the enemy''s firepower, victory would be assured. He silently prayed. Suddenly, Kaes'' face lit up with joy. The commanders had indeed adjusted their firepower, allowing most of the boarding torpedoes to pass through the defensive screen. Only two were destroyed by stray shots. The rest soared directly toward the enemy capital ships'' bridges. "We did it!" Shahim, seeing the same, clenched his fist in triumph. ... Aboard a Battleship''s Bridge The admiral was waiting nervously. Following the enemy commander''s orders, he had adjusted his ship''s firepower deployment. Yet nothing had happened for some time. Had he been tricked? Fear and anxiety swelled within him. If he missed this opportunity, given the current situation, he would perish alongside this damned warship! That was something he absolutely could not allow. Fortunately, good news arrived. "Enemy torpedoes have breached the firepower perimeter and are heading straight for the bridge!" the operator shouted. "What?!" The admiral concealed his delight, suppressing the grin threatening to form on his lips. Feigning urgency, he pushed aside the operator. "Let me see!" But he only stared, taking no action. Stalling for time. His adjutant anxiously urged, "Sir, order the guns to intercept them now!" Fool! I''m saving your life, and you''re sabotaging me! The admiral clenched his teeth, flashing the adjutant urgent glances while trying to defuse the situation. "Maintain firepower positions. This could be a ruse¡ªwe must not act rashly." "Are your eyes malfunctioning?! If we hesitate any longer, the bridge will be hit!" The adjutant, appearing loyal and righteous, barked at the gunners: "Shoot them down! If anything happens, I''ll take full responsibility!" "You¡ª! You¡ªyou¡ªyou¡ª!" The admiral pointed at his adjutant¡ªhis wife''s foolish little brother¡ªnearly bursting a blood vessel. At that moment, the King''s Court Guards took notice. They unsheathed their chainswords and strode forward coldly. Seeing this, the admiral despaired. "I should never have placed that idiot in my fleet¡ªthis is the end!" Midway to the bridge, a low rumble shook the ship. A boarding torpedo slammed into the hull, its melta warhead carving through the armored plating. Boom!!! A massive boarding torpedo crashed into the bridge. Metal screeched as it tore through the hull, sparks flying everywhere. The hatch burst open, and a ten-man squad of War Angels, clad in crimson power armor, stepped forth. Salvation had arrived! The admiral was elated but kept up his act. Pointing at the War Angels, he roared: "Kill them!" The King''s Court Guard commander gave him a deep look before leading his men into battle. Chainswords clashed as blood sprayed across the bridge. But the low-tier bioengineered warriors were no match for Astartes. The War Angels swiftly slaughtered them. Their leader strode toward the command dais. The admiral hurried over. "The self-destruct will activate at any moment¡ªyou can disable it, right?" As if in response, alarms blared¡ªthe self-destruct had been triggered. Tyrant Harries must have realized the fleet''s fall and chosen to destroy it. Without a word, the War Angel commander stepped forward, pulling out a skull-shaped decryption device and linking it to the system. Urth had long perfected methods for overriding such systems. Soon, the self-destruct sequence was neutralized. The machine spirit''s data imprint had also fully integrated into the warship''s systems. The boarding action had been a success. Two cruisers had self-destructed due to the lack of boarding teams, but the rest had been secured. ... Inside His Quarters Ding¡ª Eden checked his dataslate. A battle report from Kaes. Stripping away the intricate details, the core message was clear: Seventeen capital ships had sworn allegiance to the Savior. The fleet was being reorganized. In three hours, they would strike Matira! "Good heavens, a fleet acquired?" Even with prior expectations, the results still shocked him. He hadn''t held much hope for capturing the warships. Being self-destruct vessels, they could have all blown up¡ªdriving them away or annihilating them would have been a great success. But Kaes had secured the entire fleet! Eden was ecstatic. This meant he now wielded the sector''s most formidable space force. No one could oppose him. If any planet dared to resist, they''d soon be turned to glass. Soon, the fleet assembled behind the Dreamweaver, an unstoppable force advancing toward the sector capital¡ªMatira! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 191 - 192: My Turn to Take the Stage! Chapter 191: Chapter 192: My Turn to Take the Stage![1000 PS REACHED!! Next Goal: 1200PS!!] [PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [Reviews: 50/70!!] = +1 Extra Chapter!!] Aboard the Dreamweaver¡ª Guidance lights flickered throughout the warship''s corridors as personnel moved about in coordinated haste. Millions of Storm Legion soldiers gathered in formation upon the decks, with officers bellowing war speeches to rouse their spirits. Once the mobilization concluded, the troops either marched in formation or piloted various war machines toward the transport ships. They would be deployed to the surface once the fleet eliminated Matira''s anti-air defenses. Elsewhere, on one of the ship''s massive hangar decks¡ª Nearly nine hundred Void Angels and War Angels silently inspected and prepared their weapons. Under the command of Duke and Pru, they boarded landing torpedoes in small squads. These Astartes warriors would accompany the Savior in the assault on the King''s Court. Not far from them, two thousand Battle Sisters, clad in exquisitely crafted power armor, stood in disciplined ranks. Most of them bore silver-white hair and striking features. Yet the occasional scars adorning their faces lent them a cold, formidable presence. Each Sister held a cross pendant engraved with the image of the Savior, whispering prayers. Through years of religious rites and relentless combat training, their bodies and souls had long been devoted entirely to the Savior. "For the Savior!" Canoness Maya declared solemnly before leading the Battle Sisters onto assault craft. Their mission was to hold the outer perimeter of the King''s Court against enemy forces. "Finally, it''s my turn to take the stage..." Eden stretched as he rose from the sofa, his joints cracking audibly. Ever since Urth''s reclamation, it had been over a decade since he last stepped onto the battlefield. However, this time, they were facing forces tainted by Khorne. His instincts warned him that even more formidable enemies would likely appear. At such a pivotal moment, he could not afford to stay behind. "Savior, it is time to don your armor." Linda, the head maid, approached and gently helped him remove his intricate ceremonial robes. Beneath them, Eden''s physique was revealed¡ªchiseled and perfectly sculpted, his muscles resembling masterful works of art. Each fiber of his being exuded immense power and agility. Stripping to the waist, he strode toward a concealed doorway that led to his private armor chamber. Ascending onto the armor platform, Eden spread his arms. The servitors sprang into motion, outfitting him with a black electro-muscle bodysuit. Automated machinery hummed as golden power armor plates were affixed to his form. Soon, the armor sealed itself and came to life. This was the second iteration of his custom-designed power armor. The improvements focused primarily on aesthetics¡ªcrafted with techniques from humanity''s golden age, adorned with even more gemstones. Additional mechanisms were installed to generate stunning visual effects. A radiant golden flame shimmered as ethereal wings upon his back, while a golden corona of fire crowned his helm. Now, with all effects activated, Eden radiated a divine brilliance¡ªlike a god descending upon the battlefield. A towering, golden warrior of supreme grandeur! When he arrived at the battlefield clad in this armor, he would undoubtedly be the most striking figure present. This was not mere vanity¡ªit was a strategic necessity. As the Savior and Supreme Commander, he was a symbol. His arrival in resplendent fashion would strike fear into the hearts of the enemy while inspiring his own forces. For the same reason, Astartes armor bore sacred inscriptions and ornate embellishments. Veteran warriors of exceptional courage and endurance were chosen to bear the Chapter''s holy banners. These symbols were vital to maintaining morale. In a way, Eden himself was a walking, divine war standard. "Hiss¡ª A bit blinding..." Eden squinted slightly and deactivated the visual effects. In the corridor, several servitors approached, carrying his golden power sword and an elaborately decorated metal case. Kneeling, they presented the sacred weapons to him. Eden lifted the lid of the case. Inside, upon a cushion of fine silk, lay a half-meter-long, silver-white relic inscribed with intricate sacred runes¡ªhis Holy Cremation Warhead¡ªalongside its launcher. Crafting this weapon had nearly cost him his life. He had spent years in recovery, expending a tremendous amount of faith energy to fully heal. It had taken over seven years to complete this relic. Its energy compression core contained a vast reserve of miniature suns and golden solar energy. Eden had once inspected the warp-linked energy reserve¡ª A sphere of condensed energy, hundreds of meters in radius, awaited within. Once fired, the core would rupture its warp containment and unleash the boundless power stored within. The golden energy of the Emperor''s Sun would incinerate all chaos-tainted foes. Securing the warhead into the launcher, Eden then clipped it onto his waist storage module. Now he felt truly prepared¡ªhis ultimate ace was in hand. With this divine weapon, nothing could threaten him. Unless, of course, an avatar of the Chaos Gods descended in person. And if that happened, well... he would have to call in reinforcements¡ª Summoning the Emperor himself. If that failed? Then GG. Shoving aside such thoughts, Eden grasped his mighty blade and strode forward. Flanked by Carter and a hundred Thunder Guardians, he proceeded to the ship''s teleportation chamber. For security reasons, Eden and his Thunder Guardians would deploy via teleportation. They stood in waiting, ready for the moment of transition. Vmmm¡ª A slight tremor ran through the ship. Eden could sense it¡ª The Dreamweaver had stopped moving. They had arrived at Matira''s upper atmosphere. Matira¡ªUpper Atmosphere A colossal fleet loomed over the main hive, its sheer mass casting an immense shadow upon the city below. Tension spread across the entire planet. Aboard the Dreamweaver Kaes gazed down at the hive capital. The city''s void shield arrays had activated, flickering with a soft glow. Hundreds¡ªif not thousands¡ªof planetary defense turrets adjusted their barrels toward the fleet above. The enemy was preparing for a desperate last stand. Boom¡ª The Dreamweaver, positioned at the fleet''s forefront, was struck by planetary defense cannons. The first attacks came from the planet''s low-orbit defense network. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dense barrages of artillery fire slammed into the ship''s void shields, igniting bursts of energy upon impact. Kaes, however, remained unfazed. With no naval fleet left to protect them, these orbital platforms could only deter minor raiding forces. They posed no real threat. "All batteries, focus fire¡ªdestroy the orbital defenses!" The fleet unleashed a devastating barrage. A hailstorm of ordnance rained down upon the orbital platforms. A single salvo was enough to reduce them to wreckage. The ruined stations plummeted toward the planet, only to be shredded mid-air by anti-air defenses. Their remnants scattered across the void shields, causing ripples in the energy field. With the orbital defenses neutralized, Kaes commanded the fleet to advance upon the hive city. Now the real war would begin. Ordinarily, besieging a fortified hive world would take years. The invaders would need to deploy ground troops, advancing inch by inch to disable its defenses. But Eden''s forces had the Dreamweaver and an entire fleet. They could simply smash through. Soon, the fleet reached optimal range. BOOM!!! The Dreamweaver''s Nova Cannon fired a plasma warhead at the hive''s void shield, erupting in a blinding explosion. A fifth of the shield''s surface flashed and wavered under the assault. This was the signal¡ª The fleet commenced its full-scale bombardment. Explosions rocked the void shield, yet it endured. After several probing attacks, the fleet ceased fire. Kaes sighed. The shield was too resilient. It drew power from the planet''s vast energy reserves¡ªdraining the fleet''s entire arsenal might not even breach it. Sacrifices were inevitable. He issued the next command: "Deploy ground forces¡ªdestroy the shield generators!" Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Nearly twenty thousand atmospheric combat aircraft and heavy bombers launched from the fleet. They swarmed toward the hive city like a tidal wave. Anti-air turrets roared in response, felling many aircraft in fireballs. But more broke through, unleashing destruction upon key defenses. Ground Invasion Begins "For the Savior!" Saint Fran and rebel leader Braun led their forces in a coordinated assault on anti-air defenses. The time had come. Kaes gave the order: "Deploy the landing torpedoes!" Hundreds of torpedoes, loaded with Void Angels, War Angels, and Battle Sisters, plunged toward the King''s Court. Eden, standing at the teleportation beacon, watched as golden energy flared. A portal opened. He and twenty Thunder Guardians stepped forth¡ª The final battle had begun. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 192 - 193: A Demon Descends? Chapter 192: Chapter 193: A Demon Descends?[PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [Reviews: 50/70!!] = +1 Extra Chapter!!] Inside the King''s Court Upon the Throne of Machinery, Tyrant Harries sat motionless, his heart gripped by fear and fury as the sounds of distant cannon fire roared outside the great hall. The enemy was closing in. His life was now in imminent danger. Though he had dispatched his Bloodthirst Warriors to engage the enemy, and his personal guard of mutant berserkers still surrounded him, he felt no sense of security. His body, ravaged by old wounds, was far too feeble. He couldn''t even stand to flee. He... was too weak... In his daze, the image of a massive, blood-red figure loomed over him once more. Whispered horrors slithered into his ears. The demons chanted: "Blood for the Blood God, Skulls for the Skull Throne!" Harries understood their meaning. If he wished to obtain power, he had to offer slaughter and devotion to that terrifying entity. These visions had haunted him for years. But he had never succumbed. He was a sovereign¡ªhe refused to disgrace himself by kneeling to a dark god. Harries clenched his fists, suppressing his emotions as he lowered his gaze. Below him, trembling servants and officials cowered, their eyes filled with dread. "I did nothing wrong. If not for me, this planet would have fallen long ago. It was the Emperor''s will. Everything I did was for Matira¡ªfor you all! But you never understood me. I thought I could control this power, but that was only an illusion. I admit my failure¡ªChaos has bested me. Do not blame me... I only wanted to survive." Hiss¡ª As per its programmed schedule, the mechanical pumps activated, injecting potent sedatives into the flesh mound that was once his body. But the very next second¡ª Rip! A mechanical claw tore the sedation tubes apart, spilling blue fluid onto the cold metal floor. Harries lifted his head, his eyes burning with a crimson glow, his expression twisted with violent rage. He had made his decision. No more resistance. He would embrace the power of Chaos. Only through submission could he gain true strength and escape death. "AAAAAHHHH!" The servants and officials shrieked in terror, scrambling to escape. But it was too late. The great gemstone doors slammed shut. Moments later, the sound of mechanical blades tearing through flesh echoed throughout the grand hall. Screams reverberated as blood splattered against the walls. A blood sacrifice had begun. Outside the Grand Hall The Bloodthirst Warriors, following Harries'' command, charged into battle. These warriors, long corrupted by Chaos, had lost all semblance of reason. They butchered anything in their path. Even their own allies. "What are you doing?!" "You damned monsters!" "Kill them! Now!" The first victims were the King''s Court Guards. Their retreat path was directly in the Bloodthirst Warriors'' line of attack. The guards raised their boltguns, unleashing volleys at the berserkers¡ª But their shots barely fazed them. "Blood for the Blood God!" The wounded berserkers only grew fiercer, tearing through the guards with unmatched brutality. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. By the time they passed, only scattered limbs remained. Watching this unfold, Eden frowned deeply. These berserkers were nearly on par with Astartes¡ª And they outnumbered them significantly. Fortunately, he had prepared for this. The War Angels switched to their specialized green tranquilizer rounds, forming tight assault formations in preparation for combat. Stepping to the front, Eden activated his power armor''s effects¡ª A golden crown of flame and radiant wings of fire appeared behind him. He drew his power sword, igniting it with holy flame. "Advance!" BOOM¡ª At that moment, a stray round struck the towering monument of King Harries, causing the massive statue to collapse in a cloud of dust. With a deafening crash, the battle erupted. The War Angels, positioned in the rear, raised their boltguns in perfect synchronization, unleashing rapid volleys of green tranquilizer rounds. Their fire rate was astonishing¡ª Each shot expertly placed. The moment the rounds struck their targets, green mist exploded, seeping into the berserkers'' flesh. The high-concentration sedatives and illusion-inducing neurotoxins worked immediately¡ª Filling the warriors with warmth and serenity. Within seconds, their minds were flooded with comforting hallucinations: A mother''s embrace. A lover''s kiss. A child''s laughter. Or... An endless wave of adorable, fluffy creatures. "Meow, meow, meow~" ...??? The berserkers'' charge faltered, their roars losing strength. Their combat effectiveness plummeted. Before they could shake off the hallucinations, the Void Angels struck¡ª Spears raised high, they crashed into the enemy lines. "For the Emperor!" Duke led nearly three hundred Void Angels into the fray. The battle was a maelstrom of carnage. The blood of berserkers drenched the Void Angels, fueling their unyielding fury. For a moment, it was difficult to tell who truly followed Khorne. Blue-white psychic lightning crackled. Powerful psionic bolts burned through the berserkers, reducing them to charred husks. Pru led his squad of psionically gifted War Angels, cleaving through enemies with chainswords while unleashing destructive sorceries. Meanwhile, the Thunder Guardians moved in precise formations¡ª Half clearing a path forward, the other half shielding Eden as they carved a route toward the Grand Hall. As they advanced, the enemy forces thinned. The Void Angels and War Angels split into squads, sweeping through pockets of berserkers. Eden and his Thunder Guardians pushed straight into the Grand Hall. BANG! Carter kicked open the gemstone gates, shattering them to pieces. The moment the doors broke¡ª A gust of blood-soaked wind surged forth. "Ugh¡ªshould''ve worn my helmet..." Eden''s face remained stoic, but internally, he was screaming. He had not put on his helmet. Now, the overwhelming stench of blood and rot flooded his senses. His enhanced physiology adapted quickly, but the experience was far from pleasant. Stepping into the hall, Eden inhaled sharply. It was ruined. Chaos had completely defiled this place. The once ornate gemstone palace now resembled a hellish nightmare. The walls were smeared with blasphemous daemon runes. Flesh-like growths wrapped around the pillars. The floor was littered with corpses¡ª Bodies torn apart in gruesome displays. Skulls were stacked into mountains. Blood flowed like rivers. Eden turned his gaze toward the Throne of Machinery. A pulsating mass of crimson flesh writhed upon it, emitting deep, guttural breaths. A violent presence radiated outward. "Savior... you have finally arrived." Harries lifted his head. A single crimson horn jutted from his forehead. His face was covered in tiny red scales. A cruel grin revealed razor-sharp fangs. He had embraced Khorne''s gift¡ªhis soul had fallen to Chaos. Years of accumulated slaughter and the Blood God''s blessings had transformed him into a true daemon of carnage. He no longer feared death. Instead, he lusted for battle. "ROOOAAAR!!!" Harries howled, unleashing a wave of bloodthirsty energy. A crimson storm raged through the hall. Even the Thunder Guardians hesitated, taking a step back. But they quickly recovered, standing their ground. Eden strode forward, unfazed. Harries leaned forward, resting his clawed hand against his chin. Finally, he sneered. "Savior... I know you want to kill me." He pointed at the shadows. "But first... you must prove yourself." From the darkness, dozens of Blood Berserkers emerged. Each nearly three meters tall, radiating immense bloodlust. Eden sighed. Typical Khorne. A duel isn''t enough¡ª You have to fight for the right to duel. Harries sneered. "You are too weak. Defeat them... and then, I will grant you the honor of facing me." Eden narrowed his eyes. This bastard was acting awfully arrogant... Was it just Khorne''s "blessings"...? Looking at Harries'' smug face, Eden suddenly had the urge to fire his Holy Cremation Warhead straight into it. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 193 - 194: Carter— Chapter 193: Chapter 194: Carter¡ª"I Must Go All Out!"[1000 PS REACHED!! Next Goal: 1200PS!!] [PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [Reviews: 50/70!!] = +1 Extra Chapter!!] Eden pondered for a moment, suppressing the urge to fire a devastating shot. After all, the Sacred Ash Shells were a trump card, something to be used only when absolutely necessary. He looked at the dozens of Khorne Berserkers blocking his way without much concern. A mere handful of them wouldn''t be enough to stop his Thunder Guard. Soon, they would carve through these Chaos heretics and then converge on Harris for a decisive assault. Eden''s philosophy had always been simple: If you can gang up on an enemy, don''t bother with a duel. Even if a duel was unavoidable, it was best to set up an ambush beforehand, ensuring the enemy was crushed before they even reached the battlefield. A highly reliable tactical approach. This mindset was inherited from a certain master from his past life¡ªone who had a knack for sudden bursts of overwhelming force. If that master had been reborn into the Warhammer universe, he might have earned titles such as the Master of Explosions, Lord of Ambushes, or the Mad Dog of Battle. As Eden was lost in thought¡ª More Khorne Berserkers emerged from the hidden chamber, encircling his group. Their numbers now exceeded his own forces. These Berserkers were clad in heavy, spiked armor, wielding massive blood-colored axes, their bodies enveloped in a dense aura of bloodlust. Their crimson eyes gazed down at Eden and his warriors with murderous intent. The Mechanical Throne Harris, seated on the towering throne, sneered as he watched the scene unfold. "Savior, you''re surrounded. There''s nowhere left to run!" Eden sighed internally. "I got careless. This guy is just as cunning. I really should stop setting up flags too early¡ªI almost got caught in a beatdown myself." Fortunately, he had made preparations. The moment the first wave of Khorne Berserkers appeared, he had already called for reinforcements. BOOM¡ª Several massive gemstone gates exploded under artillery fire. "Lord Savior, the Void Angels and War Angels have arrived!" Duke and Prue, the two Chapter masters, had followed their orders¡ªleaving the remaining enemies outside to be handled by the Battle Sisters¡ªbefore leading their elite warriors into the grand throne hall. With their arrival, the tide of battle shifted. Eden''s gaze locked onto Harris as he coldly remarked: "Apologies, but I seem to have more warriors than you..." ROAR¡ª Harris erupted in fury, barking orders at the Berserkers: "KILL THEM ALL!" The Khorne Berserkers howled, raising their brutal axes high as they charged forward, their blades carving through the air like a blood-soaked storm. BZZZT¡ª The Thunder Guard warriors ignited their power swords, meeting the onslaught head-on. Moments later, the Void Angels and War Angels joined the fray. Thousands of warriors clashed in an earth-shaking melee. Bolt rounds whizzed through the battlefield, chainswords roared in a cacophony of violence, and the surrounding architecture suffered devastating damage. Thankfully, the throne hall was vast enough to accommodate such large-scale carnage. Had this been any lesser structure, it would have collapsed long ago. The Khorne Berserkers fought like rabid beasts, utterly consumed by bloodlust, slashing wildly without regard for strategy. But the Space Marines were greater in number, fighting in coordinated squads. Through precise teamwork, they systematically cut down the enemy while sustaining minimal losses. Amidst the chaos, Eden led Carter and twenty Thunder Guard warriors forward, carving a bloody path toward the Mechanical Throne. One by one, the Berserkers around the throne were slaughtered. Harris now sat alone on his mechanical throne, watching as Eden and his warriors ascended the vast platform. "BERSERKERS! RETURN TO DEFEND THE THRONE!" He bellowed desperately toward the battlefield, but his warriors were too lost in their frenzy to obey any commands. Eden and his forces surrounded Harris. Seated upon the throne, his near five-meter-tall, grotesque, crimson mass of flesh exuded a terrifying presence. Yet, despite his monstrous form, the fallen tyrant could not stand. A sitting target was a dead target. "Attack!" Eden gave the command. The Thunder Guard raised their oversized bolt rifles, unleashing a torrent of fire. A barrage of armor-piercing rounds and suppression shells surged toward Harris. BZZZT¡ª Harris raised a hand, activating the throne''s energy field. The first volley of rounds shattered against the barrier, their propulsion spent before they could penetrate further, clattering harmlessly to the ground. So¡ªlong-range attacks wouldn''t work. Carter lowered his boltgun, drawing his massive two-meter-long crimson chainsword. The weapon roared to life, its energy field crackling. The other Thunder Guard followed suit, activating their power weapons. "CHARGE!" Carter led the advance. As the energy field flared again, he swung his chainsword violently. SLASH¡ª The blade tore through the barrier, dispelling it momentarily. But¡ª CLANG! A scarlet mechanical limb, infused with the dark power of Khorne, intercepted his strike. Then¡ªDOZENS of similar crimson mech-tendrils erupted, engaging the Thunder Guard in brutal combat. Harris laughed maniacally. "You fools! Do you really think you can kill me with just this?!" For decades, he had transformed the Mechanical Throne into an impenetrable fortress. Now, blessed by the Blood God, he was even stronger. Carter found himself besieged by the mechanized appendages, each limb pulsating with brutal Khorne energy. Pinned down, unable to land a decisive strike, he was forced onto the defensive. Humiliation burned in Carter''s chest. He had undergone ruthless training, pushing himself to become stronger. Yet, at every critical moment, he was always the one getting beaten the hardest. And in front of the Savior, no less. How could he continue as the captain of the Thunder Guard after this? BOOM¡ª One of the scarlet mech-tendrils slammed into his chest. He crashed to the ground, armor dented. Gritting his teeth, Carter reached into his belt, pulling out an injector filled with a violet liquid. A concoction personally developed by Bio-Sage Moss and Duke. It contained potent Void Angel hormones and specialized stimulants designed to enhance his body in a short burst. The side effects were severe¡ªbut in this moment, he had no choice. Opening his helmet, he jammed the injector into his neck and pressed down. The serum rushed into his bloodstream, surging through his heart. His veins bulged, glowing purple, his pupils flickering with eerie luminescence. His heart pounded like a war drum, pumping more blood, more power. This was his limit. Keeping it up for too long would kill him¡ªjust like the Thunder Warriors of old. But for now¡ª S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Carter ROSE. "AAAAAHHH! DIE, HERETIC!" Revving his chainsword to maximum speed, crackling with power field energy¡ª He ignited his jump pack, launching toward the throne. Sensing danger, Harris desperately lashed out with his crimson mech-limbs. But¡ªit was too late. Carter suddenly twisted mid-air, dodging the incoming strikes. SLASH¡ª A crimson limb fell, electricity crackling from the severed end. The moment it hit the ground¡ª Carter was already within a meter of Harris. "CURSE YOU¡ª!" Harris'' eyes widened in horror as he raised his arm. BZZZT¡ª The energy field blade flickered. A severed hand dropped to the floor. "MY HAND!" Harris howled. Then¡ªthe other hand fell. Blood gushed from the twin stumps. Panic overtook the once-mighty tyrant. "WAIT¡ª! I SURRENDER!" SHUNK¡ª Carter drove his chainsword into Harris'' chest. The blade tore through his heart, turning his insides to pulp. Harris'' last scream was cut short. His lone horn clattered to the floor¡ªfollowed by half his skull. The once-mighty tyrant slumped forward¡ªlifeless. Carter, still cold and composed, turned to Eden. "Savior, the heretic has been purged." (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 194 - 195: Actually, I’m Pretty Strong Too! Chapter 194: Chapter 195: Actually, I''m Pretty Strong Too![1200 PS REACHED!! Next Goal: 1400PS!!] [PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [Reviews: 53/70!!] = +1 Extra Chapter!!] Sigh... this is what happens when you fall to Chaos... Standing before the massive, grotesque crimson flesh mound, Eden couldn''t help but feel a tinge of lament. His mind recalled memories of this Sector Governor. More than a decade ago, when he followed the former governor to Matira, he had seen the world in its prime. At that time, Matira was prosperous and thriving, the very heart of the Goli Sector, the largest trade hub of the region. Their visit had been for a grand banquet¡ªa lavish celebration lasting for weeks, attended by nearly every noble in the sector. The feast took place aboard a colossal airship, several kilometers in length, where aristocrats, adorned in extravagant attire, indulged in the galaxy''s most luxurious and rare delicacies, while discussing interplanetary trade agreements. It was there that he first met Harris. A steadfast and ambitious ruler, standing tall and imposing, reminiscent of a majestic lion. It had to be said¡ªunder Harris''s rule, Matira and the Goli Sector did enjoy a brief golden age. Yet, in just a few decades, he had succumbed to Chaos. Now, all that remained was this foul, rotting, corrupted heap of crimson flesh, nearly dragging Matira¡ªand the entire sector¡ªinto an eternal abyss. Of course, it wasn''t entirely his fault. The Great Rift had plunged countless planets and even entire sectors into ruin. Even if someone else had been in charge, the outcome wouldn''t have been much better¡ªperhaps even worse. Take Urth, for example. If Eden hadn''t arrived¡ªwith his little sun-like power-up and the golden lifeline of the God-Emperor¡ªUrth would have long since fallen to Chaos and xenos corruption. The planet''s human population would likely be extinct, leaving only daemons and Tyranids locked in an eternal bloodbath. Eden sighed. "Burn it." For abominations born of Chaos, the safest approach was purging them with extreme heat. To ensure it doesn''t suddenly come back to life. Below the Mechanical Throne, the fight raged on. All Thunder Guards¡ªexcept for Carter¡ªhad descended to reinforce the battlefield. The remaining Khorne Berserkers were already doomed. Meanwhile, two War Angels, responsible for tactical support, received the command and rushed toward the throne. Equipped with MK-Mod "Heretic" flamers, these weapons¡ªdesigned for Space Marines¡ªunleashed high-volatility liquid chemical fire that adhered to its target, burning at extreme temperatures. Capable of incinerating any carbon-based lifeform. Just as the War Angels approached the throne¡ª Something went horribly wrong. BZZZZT¡ª The Mechanical Throne roared to life, its force field reactivating. The two War Angels were repelled by the sheer force, sent flying backward. Carter reacted swiftly, slamming his chainsword into the ground to stabilize himself, barely managing to resist the repulsion. Yet¡ªEden remained unaffected. THUMP... THUMP... THUMP... A heartbeat. A sinister red glow pulsed from within the flesh mound. Eden''s eyes widened. "Oh, come on¡ªresurrecting this fast? That''s just ridiculous!" Through the layers of grotesque flesh, he clearly saw a massive blood sphere pulsating¡ªrapidly expanding. SCHLORP¡ª Suddenly¡ªa pair of sharp, demonic horns pierced through the sphere. From within, a towering, monstrous daemon emerged! S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Its face was twisted and hideous, exhaling scalding embers with every breath. Its body was covered in tiny, shuddering scales, and as it straightened, an enormous pair of wings unfolded. An overwhelming aura of menace swept across the throne room. "DAEMON! BEWARE!" Carter reacted instantly, roaring as he swung his chainsword in a mighty arc. But¡ªthe daemon was faster. It deflected the chainsword with a clawed hand, then kicked Carter straight in the chest. BOOM¡ª The sheer force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air. CRASH! Carter was blasted through the hall''s far wall, sent flying out of the throne room. "HISS¡ª" Eden sucked in a sharp breath. Fortunately, Carter was still alive, though he had spat blood and broken several ribs. ...Nothing new for him. Honestly, he often ended up like this during training. The four-meter-tall daemon bared its fangs, its blood-red aura surging. "POWER! UNMATCHED POWER!" The voice was Harris''s. He had fully transformed into a daemon. Over the past decades, he had slaughtered billions. With Khorne''s blessings, all that bloodshed had strengthened him, turning him into a nightmarish berserker of destruction. Yet¡ªsomething felt off. Despite his ascension, Harris could not feel the Blood God''s gaze upon him. Not even now. But he refused to believe it. "Once I slaughter this entire sector... I''ll become a Greater Daemon! I will be granted an audience at the Brass Citadel!" Harris stepped forward, towering over Eden, flashing a cruel grin. "Savior, did you really think I let you reach me by accident? I wanted you here¡ªso I could crush you with my own hands. It''d be a pain to chase down a cowardly little rat." Eden instinctively leaned back, fanning his hand in front of his face. "Damn it, could you stop spitting embers in my face?" Then, he smiled warmly. "Have you ever considered... that I predicted your prediction?" Harris scowled. "What are you talking about?" Eden''s grin widened. "Actually, I was more worried that you would run away." That''s why he had followed Carter and the others up here¡ªto prepare for any unexpected developments. By keeping his eyes locked onto the throne, he had ensured that Harris couldn''t escape. A daemonized Harris on the run would have been a logistical nightmare. Eden cracked his knuckles. "I haven''t had a proper fight in over a decade. So... if you''re really as strong as you say, then don''t run." Harris roared, raising both fists to crush Eden into pulp. "Arrogant fool! You''re weaker than your own warriors!" But¡ªin the very next moment¡ª He froze. Because he felt it. The energy within Eden surged violently. Eden had always suppressed his divine power, limiting the influence of his miniature sun. This prevented its godly nature from affecting his mind, while also conserving his Faith Energy. Yet¡ªhis body had never stopped growing stronger. Like an expanding vessel, always increasing its capacity. Now, the seals were released. A torrent of divine energy flooded his being. Golden light burst from his eyes. Lightning crackled across his skin, scorching the blood-stained floor. 10 million units of Hope Energy burned away in an instant. Eden: "Normal Mode¡ªActivated!" Although not yet at Primarch or Greater Daemon levels, it was more than enough to deal with Harris. Harris recovered¡ªroaring as he slammed his fists down. BOOM¡ª Eden blocked the blow, his feet denting the steel beneath him. Then¡ªhis golden fist crackled with divine lightning. "GOLDEN FIST!" CRACK¡ª Harris''s jaw twisted, blackened by the searing force. The battle had begun. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 195 - 196: Sorry, I Can Fly Too Chapter 195: Chapter 196: Sorry, I Can Fly Too[1200 PS REACHED!! Next Goal: 1400PS!!] [PS EVENT!! Use your stones for this week to get early Chapters! It will only last a week!!] [200 PS = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [Reviews: 53/70!!] = +1 Extra Chapter!!] [[[Last 24 Hours Before The Event Ends!!]]] Roar¡ª Harris was entangled by a dark golden figure. It was Carter! Seizing the enemy, Carter cranked his jump pack to its maximum power. A fierce burst of flame erupted, generating immense thrust. This force threw Harris off balance, sending both of them crashing into the sculpted ceiling. The ancient stone carvings, unable to withstand the sudden impact, began to collapse. Massive chunks of stone plummeted around them, crashing to the ground. "You didn''t expect this, heretic! I''m back!" Carter drew his combat blade and plunged it into Harris''s demonic wings. Then, he pulled out his bolt pistol and fired several high-intensity tranquilizer rounds directly into the wound. He knew he couldn''t inflict serious damage on this demon. So he targeted its weak spots, trying to slow it down as much as possible. But in the next moment, Carter was grabbed. "Annoying rat!" Harris, already severely wounded from the previous battle, was in a weakened state. Now, a mere insignificant insect dared to harm him. He was furious. "You''re courting death!" Harris seized Carter and slammed him repeatedly. The brutal blows nearly shattered Carter''s power armor. Through the destroyed half of his helmet, blood trickled from his mouth. Yet his expression remained resolute. Boom! Trembling, he lifted his bolt pistol and fired another shot straight at the demon''s face. "Go to hell!" Harris was utterly enraged. Just as he was about to finish Carter off¡ª He sensed something. Beep¡ª He swiftly looked at the side of his demon wings. There, stuck to the membrane, was a large anti-armor grenade¡ªspecially designed for Space Marines. Damn it! Under normal circumstances, he would never have let such an explosive get so close. Boom!!! The grenade exploded. The shockwave forced Harris to let go. Carter plummeted toward the ground. Eden, waiting below, caught him mid-air with psychic energy and immediately injected a medical stimulant. Carter''s unarmored areas were embedded with countless fragments of the anti-armor shrapnel. A severe injury¡ªpossibly fatal. Yet, after receiving treatment, Carter gritted his teeth and stood up, as if ready to continue fighting. This guy really was the toughest warrior under his command. Eden looked at Carter and couldn''t help but admire him. He patted Carter''s shoulder, signaling for him to stay back and recover. "You did well. Leave the rest to me..." If this madman kept going, he''d be eating dirt before long. Eden lifted his gaze toward the towering sculptures, hundreds of meters high. By now, the smoke and dust from the explosion had cleared. Harris''s right wing drooped limply, its membrane shredded by the shrapnel, resembling a tattered cloth. Yet his demonic flesh was regenerating at a visible speed. Harris noticed Eden''s gaze. A flicker of fear crossed his eyes. At that moment, only one thought filled his mind¡ªescape this planet! Get as far away from that terrifying man as possible! Harris inhaled sharply, then spewed a stream of hellfire at the ground. Ignoring his injuries, he forcefully spread his wings and launched into the sky. Eden sidestepped the hellfire attack and watched Harris crash through the stained-glass dome, soaring into the open air. For the sake of mobility and aesthetics, Eden did not wear a jump pack with flight capabilities. But that didn''t mean he couldn''t fly. To chase Harris down, he gritted his teeth and burned through millions of faith points. A golden pillar of light burst outward. Holy radiance emanated from his entire being. A golden flaming crown materialized above his head, and a pair of angelic wings, wreathed in divine fire, unfurled behind him. Like a god descending upon the battlefield! This time, it wasn''t an illusion¡ªit was real, tangible divine power. Eden bent his legs slightly and leaped. Boom¡ª The ground quaked, and with a golden blaze, he tore through the glass dome, soaring into the sky. Floating in midair, Eden scanned for Harris. Below, the battle still raged. The Storm Legion had been fully deployed on the ground. Dozens of mechanized brigades launched assaults on key enemy positions. With long-range artillery support, armored divisions surged forward like an iron tide, securing vital locations within the hive city. Above, anti-air fire had dwindled. Thousands of warplanes weaved through the air, bombing enemy fortifications in support of ground forces. "It''s the Savior! The Savior has descended!" Many resistance fighters, upon witnessing Eden''s angelic form, were reinvigorated, rallying for an all-out charge against the enemy. Eden quickly used his psychic senses to locate Harris. There¡ªseveral kilometers away! His fiery wings flared, leaving a blazing trail as he shot toward his prey. In the Sky Harris''s demon wings cut a crimson arc through the air, his eyes burning with rage. He was the ruler of this place, yet now, he was forced to flee in humiliation. But this was only temporary. Once he escaped, given time to recover and rebuild his strength, he would return¡ªleading a legion of demons. Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh¡ª Dozens of Lightning Strike Fighters locked onto Harris and moved to intercept. They dived in formation, their autocannons unleashing torrents of fire. Boom, boom, boom¡ª Crossfire raked through the air, forming a deadly web that cut off all possible escape routes. "You think these tin cans can stop me?" Harris twisted his wings, spinning mid-air to evade most of the incoming rounds. Then, despite taking hits, he surged upward, charging straight at the nearest squadron. The pilots reacted swiftly, scattering to avoid him. Further away, another squadron fired Hellstrike Missiles. These missiles could deal significant damage if they hit. But Harris beat his wings, summoning a crimson windstorm. The missiles veered off course, crashing into each other in fiery explosions. Inside the Strike Fighters¡ª "Target lost!" A pilot''s vision was obscured by the flames. The radar flickered¡ªinterference. The comms crackled with chilling whispers. A demonic murmur crawled into his mind, paralyzing him with terror. For a moment, he was lost. Then¡ª"The demon is coming!" "Evade! Evade!" "AAAHHH¡ª!" Screams filled the comms. Where were the other fighters? Glancing down at the radar, the pilot saw multiple friendlies dropping off the screen. Looking below, he found several burning wrecks spiraling downward¡ªcrashing into buildings, igniting mushroom-like fireballs. "Where is the heretic demon?" The comms fell eerily silent. Cold dread seized his heart. He couldn''t find Harris anymore. "I''m right here..." A hellish whisper crept into his ears. Not from the comms¡ª Realization hit him like a brick. He swallowed hard, slowly looking up. Harris''s grotesque, grinning face was pressed against the cockpit glass. He had been clinging to the fighter all along¡ªusing it to avoid detection. Before the pilot could react, a claw punched through the cockpit. No ordinary armor could withstand the demon''s wrath. Harris ripped the pilot out and crushed him into pulp, tossing him aside. Then, he let the empty fighter plummet. Boom! At that moment, a cannon round struck Harris. "For the Savior!" Another fighter dived at full speed, its pilot screaming defiance. A suicidal ramming attack. Harris sneered. "Foolish little rat." Beating his wings, he accelerated and collided head-on. Crash! The fighter crumbled, disintegrating into debris. In mere moments, Harris had slaughtered dozens of interceptors. Laughing maniacally, he reveled in the carnage. "Die! Die, all of you, pathetic humans!" He could feel his power growing¡ª sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then, his laughter stopped. His pupils shrank. Because he saw the Savior. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 196 - 197: A Foreboding Feeling Chapter 196: Chapter 197: A Foreboding Feeling[1400 PS REACHED!!] [PS EVENT ENDED!! Thanks you for your support!!] "Impossible!" Harris''s vision was filled with a golden fist hurtling toward him. He couldn''t believe it. The so-called Savior could fly¡ªand had already caught up with him so quickly! By the time he reacted and tried to dodge, it was too late. Boom! Eden''s fist, crackling with psychic lightning, smashed into Harris''s head, sending him flying. Now, with even more faith-powered strength, Eden''s psychic energy invaded through the point of impact, continuously searing his enemy''s soul. Harris steadied himself, thick blood oozing from his mouth. His wounds still crackled with lingering psychic lightning. The pain was unbearable¡ªit wasn''t just physical, it burned into his very soul. "Savior!" Seeing Eden about to attack again, Harris hurriedly raised a hand, as if he had something to say. Eden stared coldly. "Any last words?" "I submit! Let me serve under you¡ªI will fight for you, die for you!" Harris showed a pleading expression. He knew escape was no longer an option. Having just tasted power, he was unwilling to die. Ever since his wife''s assassination attempt, the last of his courage had drained away, leaving only a paranoid, cowardly tyrant. After fully embracing chaos and transforming into a demon, he had even lost the last remnants of his pride. A craven, gutless bloodthirster of Khorne¡ªhow ridiculous. That was why, despite all his slaughter, Khorne did not favor him. He had only received a minuscule portion of the Blood God''s power. Khorne didn''t even acknowledge his existence. If Harris did make it to the Brass Citadel one day, he''d likely be executed on the spot¡ªstrung up on the high walls as a disgraced wretch, spat upon by demons. Eden remained silent. Harris grew desperate, hurriedly continuing: "You need warriors like me¡ªsomeone to handle the inconvenient tasks. Give me a chance! I will do anything to earn your mercy!" He was willing to grovel, beg, do whatever it took to survive. Eden looked at the craven bloodthirster before him and smiled warmly. "You''ve heard the prophecy, haven''t you? I want that prophecy to come true. That is my only condition." Harris froze. Then, despair set in. Of course, he knew the prophecy: The Tyrant of the Goliath Sector would perish upon his throne. So that was it. Eden had no intention of letting him live. Harris''s eyes flickered. Blood mist surged around his demonic body. With a sudden motion, he spewed a crimson fog to obscure Eden''s vision¡ªhoping to launch a sneak attack. But Eden was faster. He had anticipated this move. Tearing through the blood mist, he lunged at Harris. The two clashed mid-air, their battle sending sonic booms rippling across the sky. After a few more exchanges, Harris feigned an attack, attempting to flee. This time, he had no chance. "You sneaky little rat, still trying to run?" Eden accelerated, grabbed one of Harris''s demon wings, and pulled with all his might. "ROOOAAARR!!!" Harris struggled frantically, his agonized wails echoing across the hive city. The flesh and bone anchoring his wings split apart, crimson ichor spilling into the air. RIIIIIP! Eden tore off the wing, casting the bloody remains downward. Then, he grabbed the now-unbalanced Harris. "You have nowhere to run." With a powerful kick, he sent Harris plummeting toward the ground. Boom¡ª The massive demon body, accelerated by gravity, slammed into the grand plaza below. Stone shattered under the impact, forming a massive crater dozens of meters wide. His demonic blood seeped into the rubble. "Damn you, Savior..." Blood poured from Harris''s mouth as he struggled to rise. But just as he got to his feet¡ª The Storm Legion''s heavy artillery unleashed hell. Dozens of high-caliber cannons fired, slamming him back down into the crater. Before he could even react¡ª The shadows of bombers loomed overhead. A Thunderstrike heavy bombing squadron had arrived, releasing Hellstorm missiles. The ground trembled as fireballs erupted across the plaza. Harris lay in the center of a smoking wasteland. But the bombardment didn''t stop. Wave after wave¡ª Long-range artillery. Tactical missiles. Even the ragtag workers'' militia fired crude mortars at the tyrant who slaughtered billions. Harris had become a target for everyone''s wrath. He lay there, helpless, as relentless bombardment rained down on him. After countless rounds of shelling, his once-mighty demonic form was reduced to a charred husk. The power of Chaos faded from his body. He could no longer regenerate. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Boom¡ª Another crude shell landed directly on his head. The once mighty ruler of this world now lay in the dirt, barely clinging to life. He had been utterly broken. No matter how powerful a being was, if you hit it enough times, it would fall. But suddenly¡ª Harris''s expression twisted into one of pure terror. Weakly, he whispered: "...No... please..." From above¡ª A golden figure descended, blazing like a meteor. Eden''s body crackled with violent psychic lightning, accelerating as he dove toward his fallen foe. Like a falling star of divine wrath. He called this move: "Raven Takes Flight¡ªno, wait, Meteor Annihilation!" Just before impact, he halted his descent¡ª Instead, he unleashed the full force of his gathered psychic energy onto Harris. Directly crashing would have shattered his own bones¡ªtoo much hassle to recover from. Better to finish things cleanly. A cataclysmic psychic storm ripped through Harris''s body, annihilating his demonic form. He lay there, twitching like a discarded carcass. Eden grabbed the broken tyrant and dragged him back to the ruined palace, tossing him onto the half-collapsed mechanical throne. He had promised to fulfill the prophecy. For a thousand years, the legend had spread throughout the Goliath Sector. Even with some adjustments from him, it remained ingrained in the people''s minds. Harris had to die on his throne. Only then could Eden legitimately seize power as the Savior¡ªwithout resistance. On the mechanical throne, Harris''s chaos energy dissipated. His demonic body vanished¡ªrevealing the fat, bloated tyrant he once was. In his final moments, Harris''s mind cleared. The Chaos corruption faded for just a second. He remembered all the atrocities he had committed. "God-Emperor... what have I done?" Tears fell from his eyes. He had betrayed his faith. But it was too late. His crimes were unforgivable. Weakly, he lifted his gaze to Eden, eyes filled with desperate hope. "Savior... can you... restore this world? Make the Goliath Sector prosper again?" "Of course." Eden answered without hesitation. Then, just as quickly, he drove a golden greatsword straight through Harris''s chest. The blade pierced his heart, embedding deep into the throne behind him. And so, Harris perished on his throne. Eden stood in silence for a moment. Then, turning to a Thunder Guard with a recording device, he ordered: "Record this immediately. Then burn everything to ash. I don''t want any chance of this bastard coming back." Soon, the footage was broadcast across the planet. The world saw: The Savior, radiant like an angel, standing over the dead tyrant. He promised liberation. Then, he issued a final ultimatum: Surrender¡ªor be annihilated. Eden stepped out of the burning palace. With the tyrant slain, the war was effectively over. And yet... For some reason¡ª He had a very bad feeling. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 197 - 198: Something Feels Off! Chapter 197: Chapter 198: Something Feels Off!Eden felt something was wrong, though he couldn''t quite pinpoint why. As a psyker, he occasionally experienced strange premonitions. Sometimes they were accurate. Other times... not so much. It was all very mysterious. Psykers were deeply connected to the Warp, able to sense many changes unseen by ordinary mortals. Some, blessed¡ªor cursed¡ªwith unnatural gifts, could even foresee the future through visions. Eden himself occasionally experienced such visions in his sleep. Most of them were... intense. Like Slaanesh daemons engaging in some depraved orgy of excess. And every now and then, that pink silhouette would appear, doing something... unsettling. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Truly stimulating. This was, unfortunately, normal. As an Imperial Governor, being harassed by strange things was part of the job. As long as his faith remained firm, he could resist. If not¡ªwell, he''d end up like Harris. And let''s not forget¡ªEden was technically a Slaanesh worshipper. With his status, he was at least a chosen of Chaos. The only reason he hadn''t been dragged into unspeakable horrors was because his soul remained anchored in the Golden Light of the Emperor. But even that wasn''t an absolute safeguard. If Slaanesh ever caught him slipping¡ªhe''d become the plaything of the Dark Prince. Not that he was too worried. As long as it was just dreams, he could treat them like free entertainment. Still, Eden pondered¡ªwhat did this premonition mean? Was it that pink-androgynous-trap-thing trying to get him? No, that didn''t make sense. If Slaanesh really wanted him, the Emperor would step in. The problem had to be on this planet. Something felt... off. Without hesitation, Eden contacted High Inquisitor Deville aboard the Dreamweaver, ordering him to lead the Inquisition''s forces to investigate. Something dangerous was lurking. The Inquisition currently had several dozen gene-enhanced Space Marines under its command, and Deville himself had undergone Thunder Warrior augmentations, making him nearly as powerful as an Adeptus Custodes. For extra security, Eden assigned half of the Thunder Guards to assist with the investigation. Only after issuing these precautions did he feel somewhat reassured. Eden walked to the Grand Hall''s balcony, overlooking the distant battlefield. He turned to Tako, the Minister of War. "How''s the occupation progressing?" Tako quickly scanned his data-slate, summarizing the battle reports. "The Royal District and about one-third of Upper Hive''s key zones are under our control. Storm Legion forces are still pushing through the remaining sectors. As for Lower Hive, our troops haven''t entered yet..." Eden nodded. This was already rapid progress. After all, this massive hive city covered half a continent, towering dozens of kilometers high. Its true size was immeasurable. This single hive housed nearly ten billion people¡ªfar exceeding the entire population of Urth. And that was only the official count. The Lower Hive and Underhive were filled with unregistered refugees, forgotten settlements, and those who had slipped through the system. The actual population was far greater. Harris had once controlled a standing army of nearly a billion troops, but even with such numbers, he had ruled only through brutal repression. He barely held onto Upper Hive and the main Lower Hive zones. The deeper levels? Lawless. Had it not been for Harris''s cruelty, the people''s desperation for liberation, and Eden''s long-prepared Savior cult, his 1.5 million soldiers from Urth would have stood no chance of conquering this world. No matter how powerful his forces were, in a chaotic, collapsed system, they would have been swallowed like a drop in the ocean. But now¡ª Those guerrilla rebels? They were his people. Years of suffering and faith had forged them into loyal followers of the Savior. Eden''s gaze shifted. A squadron of Thunderstrike Bombers roared toward the last anti-air fortress in Upper Hive. Their approach was covered by countermeasure flares, allowing them to get within range. Boom¡ª A wave of cluster bombs detonated mid-air, scattering hundreds of smaller munitions. The anti-air defense was obliterated. Tako reported immediately. "Savior, the last anti-air zone in Upper Hive has been destroyed. The Dreamweaver can now descend." Eden looked up. A golden, palace-like warship emerged over the hive city. The Dreamweaver. Up until now, only elite troops had participated in battle, focusing on securing the Royal District and key Upper Hive locations. Now that air defenses were eliminated, the full force of the invasion could begin. Transport ships launched from the warship''s belly, flooding the sky. Hundreds of these massive carriers, each hundreds of meters long, began descending. These ships carried: Over 10 million Storm Legion troops. Hundreds of thousands of government officials. Tens of thousands of Tech-Priests and apprentices. Tens of thousands of Ecclesiarchy priests. Eden had essentially moved half of the Imperial Court to this planet. These people would help him establish control over the sector''s capital and gradually expand his rule across the entire sector. It was a long process. Which meant¡ªhe was staying here for a long time. As the transports descended, the hive city''s broadcast systems activated. The image of the Savior filled every screen, echoing across the hive cities. Lower Hive ¨C Central Administration District This was the heart of the repression forces. It served as both a military command center and the residence of high-ranking officials. More importantly, it housed countless torture chambers and prisons. Every execution order, every purge directive, had originated from here. For decades, this place had been a nightmare for the people. Even without rebellion, the officials invented excuses to kill civilians just to appease Harris. Simply to prove their loyalty. Even their bad moods could lead to mass executions. A simple signature on a list¡ªanother massacre. This was hell for the people. But now, with the Savior''s arrival, the rage of the oppressed exploded. They would burn this hell to the ground. Saint Fran and Warlord Brown led the rebels in an all-out assault. The repression forces fell back under the furious offensive. Soon, the rebels stormed Central Avenue¡ª And froze. Towering dozens of meters high, a massive hologram of Tyrant Harris loomed over them. His image glared down, staring into their souls. This was the city''s iconic display. The hologram''s speakers crackled to life, repeating his iron-fisted decrees: "Defying your ruler is treason¡ªunforgivable!" "Slaughter is the foundation of order!" "There is no betrayal!" For decades, this terrifying image had been burned into the minds of the people. Now, faced with it once more, the rebels wavered. Some shook in fear. Morale plummeted. Worse¡ª From the surrounding buildings, dozens of armored tanks suddenly burst out¡ªencircling them. Fran and Brown exchanged glances. Shit. They walked into a trap. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 198 - 199: Can We Be Redeemed? Chapter 198: Chapter 199: Can We Be Redeemed?Boom¡ªBoom¡ªBoom¡ª Massive tanks rumbled forward, crushing the pavement beneath their treads. These were the "Poisonfang Harris Mk III" super-heavy tanks. Each of these monstrous war machines stood nearly five meters tall, armed with high-caliber Poisonfang cannons and multiple heavy machine gun emplacements. Every single Poisonfang tank was a walking fortress, capable of wiping out an entire enemy battalion on its own. Wherever they appeared, destruction followed. Entire city blocks had been reduced to rubble under their bombardment. People had come to fear them as the steel devils of war. Now, the ragtag rebel forces found themselves completely surrounded by these steel devils. Worse yet¡ª there was no cover. Nowhere to run. Despair gripped their hearts. For a brief moment, no one knew what to do. Click, click¡ª The Poisonfang tanks adjusted their cannons, aiming directly at the rebels. The dark, gaping barrels of the main guns stared at them like the eyes of a devil. Boom! A Poisonfang cannon fired, landing in the midst of the rebel ranks. The explosion sent shrapnel flying in every direction¡ª Those closest to the blast vanished in an instant, torn to bloody pieces. Those further away collapsed, screaming in agony as jagged fragments ripped through flesh and bone. Dozens of shells rained down on the rebel formation. "Aaaaahhh!" The screams of the dying filled the air. Terror spread through the ranks. With the tyrant''s towering hologram watching over them and the unstoppable tanks bearing down on them, the rebels began to break. It felt like divine punishment¡ªthe retribution of the tyrant for their betrayal. Some even turned to flee. Boom¡ª A sudden explosion shook the street. One of the super-heavy tanks erupted into flames, its metal carcass smoking in ruin. On a Balcony Overlooking the Street A massive, bare-chested man stood holding a smoking rocket launcher. It was Brown. Moments ago, he had fired an anti-tank round¡ªhitting the Poisonfang directly in its barrel. The tank had detonated from within. Brown had an uncanny instinct for battle, always finding unexpected ways to destroy the enemy. He had single-handedly wiped out entire armored platoons in past battles. That was why he had risen so quickly as a leader of the rebellion. Some whispered that he might one day become a new legend of the Imperium. For a brief moment, the battlefield fell silent. All eyes turned to the burning wreckage of the super-heavy tank. A moment later¡ª Hope rekindled. The steel devils were not invincible! Brown raised his voice in a thunderous roar: "For the Savior!" His cry echoed through the streets. One by one, the rebels joined in the chant. "For the Savior!" Their fear melted away, replaced by a renewed fighting spirit. They charged forward once more, pushing toward the heart of Central Avenue. From the surrounding buildings, rebel gunners emerged¡ªarmed with anti-tank weapons. Boom! Boom! Boom! Multiple Poisonfang tanks were struck and destroyed by concentrated fire. Boom! Brown fired another rocket, taking down yet another tank. But as he ducked to reload¡ª A terrible sense of danger washed over him. His instincts screamed. Without hesitation, he activated his jump pack and launched himself into the air. The moment he moved¡ª Boom! A barrage of artillery shells obliterated the balcony he had just been standing on. The entire building collapsed into rubble. Even though he had escaped in time, the blast radius was wide. Shrapnel filled the air, hurtling toward him. In a split second, Brown activated a device on his wrist. A faint energy shield flickered into existence, deflecting the deadly fragments. "Damn... that was close." He exhaled sharply. This wasn''t the first time he''d been in such a life-or-death moment. But it never stopped his heart from racing. Thank the Savior for energy shielding. These force field generators had been given to the rebels by the Saints. Though simplified and mass-produced, they were lifesaving. Even though they had limited duration and had to be manually activated, they were still priceless survival tools. Most elite assault troops were now equipped with them. Brown and his shock troops pressed their attack on the remaining tanks. But there were too many. The repression forces launched a counteroffensive, backed by their armored behemoths. The rebels were forced back. They had been so close to breaking through¡ªbut now, they were being pushed back step by step. Worse yet¡ª They were surrounded. There was no escape. Brown watched as the enemy tightened their encirclement. His hands clenched into fists. The enemy was too strong. Above them, the towering hologram of Tyrant Harris loomed over the battlefield. A silent, mocking specter. It seemed to laugh at their foolish defiance. Even the hologram remained untouched. Brown had ordered his troops to destroy the projection system¡ª But it was protected by multiple energy shields. Their attacks had been useless. Behind the Enemy''s Frontline Inside a heavily armored command vehicle, a fat, smug high-ranking official lounged in comfort, watching the battle unfold. Victory was certain. The rebels had fallen into his trap. Already, he was thinking about how to claim credit before Lord Harris. He had personally executed cowardly officers. He had deployed the Poisonfangs without hesitation. He would be the one to eradicate the largest rebel force in the city. With a lazy wave of his hand, he issued his next command: S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Order a full charge. Have the commissars execute anyone who hesitates." The repression troops were demoralized and tired of this war. They lacked the will to fight. But fear could drive them forward. And so, under threat of execution, the imperial soldiers charged. The rebels collapsed further, losing a quarter of their forces in mere minutes. Victory was assured. The fat official smirked. He picked up his personal communicator, preparing to report his success. But¡ª There was no response. He frowned. But after a moment, he relaxed. The Tyrant was probably... busy. Perhaps indulging in his pleasures. He could wait. On the Battlefield The rebels fought desperately. But they were losing ground. Yet, despite everything, they held on to hope. They prayed for the Savior''s arrival. They remembered the words from the Sacred Codex: "In the darkest hour, keep faith, and the Savior shall appear." Brown rejoined Fran, the Saint. He looked at him, his voice filled with doubt: "Saint... do you think we can still be saved?" Fran slowly opened his eyes. Moments ago, he had received a message from the hive''s network. He turned to Brown and nodded firmly. "Yes. We will all be saved." The moment his words fell¡ª The central plaza changed. The towering hologram of the Tyrant flickered. Its voice distorted into static. The air was filled with a shrill, unnatural noise. For the first time¡ªboth sides stopped fighting. The Dreamweaver had hacked the broadcast system. A new image appeared on the hologram. The hymns of the Savior echoed across the city. Inside his armored vehicle, the fat official froze. His smug face twisted in horror. "NO! THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE!" He grabbed his commander, shaking him violently. "Destroy it! NOW!" The Poisonfang tanks adjusted their cannons, aiming at the hologram projector. Boom¡ªBoom¡ªBoom¡ª They fired. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 199 - 200: We’ve Hit the Jackpot—A Sea of Hope Energy! Chapter 199: Chapter 200: We¡¯ve Hit the Jackpot¡ªA Sea of Hope Energy!Bzzzz¡ª The protective energy field around the holographic projector flickered and trembled under the relentless bombardment. The small force field generators, meant to shield the device, were never designed to withstand sustained heavy artillery fire. Sparks burst from the machinery at the projector''s base. The energy field dimmed¡ªone more volley, and it would collapse entirely. "One more round of fire, and it''s done for!" Inside the armored command vehicle, a high-ranking official stared at the flickering projection, his bloodshot eyes wide with desperation. His hands trembled as he watched the impossible image being broadcast¡ª Harris, dead, slumped upon his throne. He refused to believe it. "No, Lord Harris can''t be dead! This must be... some trick! Some traitorous deception!" He kept repeating it in his mind, trying to convince himself. In the Central Plaza The rebels. The repression troops. Everyone¡ªstared in shock at the broadcast. They had prayed for the tyrant''s death countless times. Yet now that they saw it with their own eyes¡ªit felt unreal. The battlefield froze. No one moved. No one attacked. All eyes were on the holographic image. For a brief moment, the only sound was the pounding artillery against the shielded projector. As the smoke cleared, the Poisonfang tanks prepared their final salvo to destroy the device completely. But then¡ª The image changed. A new figure emerged on the screen¡ª Eden Grant! Clad in gleaming golden armor, crowned with a radiant halo of divine fire, and with angelic wings of light extending from his back. Behind him, the lifeless corpse of Harris remained slumped on the throne. His deep gaze swept across the battlefield. A gaze of divine authority. Then¡ª A voice rang out. "It''s the Savior!" The crowd erupted. Then, fell silent again. All eyes turned to the screen, waiting for the words of their prophesied deliverer. Eden spoke, his voice carrying the weight of destiny. "Harris, the Tyrant, is dead." A wave of shock rolled across the battlefield. "I declare this world liberated." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His words boomed across the planet, carried through every broadcasting device. Then¡ªhe issued an ultimatum. "To the soldiers of the Tyrant''s army: Lay down your weapons. Seek mercy while it is still offered." And finally¡ªhis final decree: "Rejoice, people of Matira! Your suffering has ended!" The plaza exploded with cheers. Tears streamed down hardened warriors'' faces. They shouted his name, releasing years of pent-up suffering and rage. And then¡ªmore voices joined in. The same cheers echoed from afar. The transmission had spread to every major population center on the planet. The entire world had heard the message. The entire world had seen the proof. And the entire world now celebrated its freedom. The riot control troops¡ªthe soldiers of Harris''s regime¡ªlooked at one another. Uncertainty spread. More and more dropped their weapons. Inside the command vehicle, the high-ranking official screamed in fury. "Why aren''t they firing?!" He turned to the commander. "Order the cannons to destroy that damned hologram¡ªNOW!" The commander''s voice trembled. "The artillery crews refuse to fire." "Then EXECUTE THEM!" "The commissars refuse as well, sir. They... they believe Harris is truly dead." Silence. Only the roars of celebration from the crowd filled the air. The high-ranking officers inside the command center turned pale. They understood¡ª Their wealth, their power, their very lives had depended on Harris''s reign of terror. And that reign was over. Even if¡ªby some miracle¡ªHarris wasn''t truly dead, it wouldn''t matter. Because his rule was built on fear. And that fear had just collapsed. Through security feeds, the high-ranking officer saw it¡ª The riot troops had fully surrendered. Even the commissars¡ªwho once executed deserters¡ªwere now turning their guns on loyalist officers who refused to stand down. The official slumped into his luxurious, jewel-encrusted chair. His fat body trembled. His eyes squeezed shut as he whispered to himself: "It''s over... it''s all over..." He knew. The soldiers could surrender and be spared. But he, as a high-ranking enforcer, was doomed. The soldiers he once commanded would soon turn their weapons on him. He felt a chill run down his spine. Something was wrong. Slowly, he turned. And saw them. The servants¡ªhis personal aides. They had hatred in their eyes. And their hands¡ª Reached for their guns. "W-what are you doing?!" He screamed. "You''re betraying Lord Harris!" In a panic, he reached for his pistol¡ª But in his terror, he fumbled. The gun slipped from his hands and clattered to the floor. He looked up¡ª And saw the muzzles of lasguns pointed at him. Damn it. His bowels loosened. His legs gave out. Zap! Zap! Zap! Scarlet beams pierced flesh, burning through the servants instead. The commanding officer had fired first, killing them before they could pull their triggers. "W-well done!" The official stammered, trying to regain his composure. "T-those traitors deserved to die!" But the commander turned to him. Tears welled in his hollow eyes. "We''ve already lost... it''s over." He raised his weapon to his own chin. "Goodbye, sir." Zap! His headless body collapsed. The official screamed. He reached for a gun to end his own life¡ª But hesitated. He couldn''t do it. Moments later¡ª The rebels burst into the command vehicle. He and his fellow loyalist officers were dragged into the plaza. They were forced to kneel before the people they had oppressed. They wept, begging for mercy. But their crimes were unforgivable. Justice was served. ...And it took hours. ... Inside his temporary command center, Eden reviewed battle reports. With the broadcast complete, surrender reports flooded in. Nearly all of Harris''s army had laid down their arms, begging for mercy. The planet was his. And then¡ª A surge of divine energy flooded into him. Millions. Tens of millions. A hundred million. Three hundred million units of faith energy! His core of divine power had ascended once again. He could now expand his influence across multiple worlds. But before he could savor his victory¡ª A message from Deville arrived. The Inquisition had found a cultist stronghold. They were performing a ritual. A terrifying ritual. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 200 - 201: A New Version of the Warrior - Big Barrel Chapter 200: Chapter 201: A New Version of the Warrior - Big BarrelDeep beneath the surface, the underground research base sprawled vast like a subterranean city. A place shrouded in darkness and taboo, its halls were lined with eerie blood-red runes. This facility belonged to the black-robed Biotechnician-Sage, Agur, a master of forbidden Chaos technology. He was responsible for creating powerful warriors for the Tyrant. Over the years, billions had perished within these walls. Any test subjects brought here first had to endure brutal gladiatorial combat. The survivors would then undergo a series of cruel surgical modifications before being cast into the blood pools to receive the so-called "blessing" of the Blood God. Yet, the chances of survival were almost nonexistent. And even those who did survive could no longer be considered human. They were known as Bloodthirsty Warriors¡ªmindless beasts of war, devoid of rationality. But now, the black-robed mechanist Agur was no longer satisfied with merely creating Chaos warriors. He had a grander vision. Underground Tunnels Deville flipped through intelligence reports obtained via interrogation, his eyes burning with fury. "These damned heretics must be judged!" The heretical mechanist Agur was performing an extremely dangerous ritual inside the base. If they didn''t intervene soon, he might summon an even greater Chaos force. They had to break in and stop the ritual at all costs. "Have we found the entrance yet?" Duke''s steady voice echoed. The Void Angels had been dispatched by the Savior to assist the Tribunal. Before Deville could respond, Puru mumbled vaguely: "It should be somewhere around here..." He was holding the leg of an unknown crimson mutant beast, which had been roasted medium-rare by psychic flames. The creature had attempted an ambush from the shadows, only to be incinerated instead. With his helmet retracted, Puru tore into the beast''s flesh with a crunch, chewing noisily. A look of satisfaction spread across his face. "This thing tastes decent. A bit too tainted with Chaos corruption, though. Definitely influenced by the research base." Swallowing the meat, Puru casually extended the roasted beast leg toward Duke. "Hey, Old Duke, want a bite?" As the squad''s self-proclaimed gourmet, he was always eager to share his food. Duke glanced at the still-dripping, contamination-stained crimson beast leg and frowned. "No thanks." He much preferred the taste of mushrooms. Most of the Void Angels were vegetarians by choice. Of course, they consumed meat when necessary¡ªbut purely for energy replenishment. "Boss, can we have a taste too?" Behind Puru, a towering warrior known as Big Barrel gazed at the roasted beast leg with eager eyes. If his boss enjoyed it, surely it was worth trying. Puru smirked at Big Barrel and handed him the leg. "Big Barrel, you truly appreciate my exquisite taste..." Strictly speaking, Big Barrel wasn''t a true War Angel. He had been genetically modified using a special gene-seed derived from Puru himself, inheriting the same devouring trait. Since their numbers were too few to form an independent Chapter, they had been temporarily assigned to the War Angels, acting as free agents within the ranks. According to the Savior, these devourer-type Space Marines would one day become a special multi-functional sub-Chapter. Deville continued searching through maps. The main transport tunnels of the research base had been destroyed from within, forcing them to find an alternative entrance. However, without precise intel or a psychic network, pinpointing a hidden entrance was proving difficult. Suddenly, Puru sensed something. He patted Deville''s shoulder. "Brother, forget the map¡ªI found a way in!" His enhanced digestive system had broken down the mutant meat, extracting trace memory fragments from its pheromones. This granted him partial recall of the mutant''s knowledge¡ªincluding the entrance to the research base. Under Puru''s guidance, Deville led a hundred Space Marines and elite Thunder Guards through the labyrinthine tunnels. They cut down hordes of crimson mutants, trampling their corpses underfoot as they advanced. At last, they reached a massive sewage outflow. The stench of blood was overwhelming. Puru pointed at a sealed alloy drain cover. "We go in through here." As he spoke, he casually slapped a large melta charge onto the metal cover. Beep¡ª The melta charge activated, unleashing multiple beams of superheated energy. One beam veered off course, narrowly missing Puru, who dodged just in time. "Damned cheap tech! I knew Kaul''s junk was unreliable!" Puru cursed. He was already planning to use this as an excuse to demand Kaul build him a custom toaster. Duke, standing a safe distance away, muttered: Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Puru, the instructions clearly state to stand at least three meters back when using it..." "Got it, Old Duke¡ªnext time I''ll do it right." Puru snapped his helmet shut. Raising his bolter, he fired a barrage of explosive rounds into the partially melted drain cover, widening the opening. Finally, he delivered a powerful kick, sending the weakened metal lid crashing down. He gestured grandly. "After you, gentlemen!" Deville nodded and led the charge, the rest of the warriors following silently. Puru stayed behind to cover the rear. Before entering, he duang smacked Big Barrel''s helmet with a sigh. "Are you a damn Takkar swine? How do you eat more than me?" Big Barrel was currently stuffing a wriggling tentacle creature into his mouth. The slimy appendages flailed desperately as they disappeared down his throat. Muffled noises. He swallowed the creature whole and reached into his storage pack for another one¡ªthis time, a shrieking, squirming tentacle beast. "Boss, want a taste? It''s really good. And full of nutrients¡ª" "For real?" Puru was intrigued. "Save me one. We''ll experiment with recipes later." With that, he dived into the sewage tunnel after the others. "Got it!" Big Barrel stuffed the tentacle creature back into his pack. His power armor was custom-modified¡ªwider than standard War Angel armor and equipped with sealed storage compartments. He looked like a chubby Space Marine. "Time to work!" Big Barrel loaded his bolter and rumbled after Puru. As he ran through the dark tunnels, a light appeared ahead. He burst out of the sewage tunnel and into a massive wastewater basin. The pool was over two meters deep, the water lapping at his chest. Looking up, he saw the squad far above. Deville''s forces had used jump packs to reach a high platform some five hundred meters up. Just as Big Barrel was about to activate his own jump pack, a massive wave surged from below. ROAR¡ª A monstrous, dark-red fish¡ªnearly four meters long, with three legs¡ªlunged from the water. Its enormous maw, lined with jagged fangs, clamped onto Big Barrel''s helmet, dragging him under. The mutant beast had absorbed high levels of Khorne''s slaughter energy from the contaminated wastewater. Underwater, it was vastly stronger. Rust-colored sediment churned up, obscuring the surface. Seconds later, silence. Then¡ª A flash of light flickered beneath the water. The mutant fish floated up, belly-up, tendrils of crimson psychic lightning still crackling around it. "Not bad." Big Barrel stood, tearing off a fish fin and stuffing it into his storage pack. Then, he fired up his jump pack. Boom! Water sprayed as his bulky form rocketed skyward. "Boss, I''m on my way!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 201 - 202: Big Barrel is on Fire! On the High Platform Chapter 201: Chapter 202: Big Barrel is on Fire! On the High PlatformRoars echoed as Deville and his forces were detected. A crimson tide surged toward the platform. They were an overwhelming horde of Chaos Mutants. Though vaguely humanoid, their bodies were grotesquely deformed, riddled with blood tumors and bone spurs. These abominable failures of forbidden experiments had lost all intelligence, retaining only an insatiable lust for slaughter. Yet even as failed specimens, they were formidable combatants¡ªnot something ordinary soldiers could handle. The mutants charged with alarming speed, reaching the high platform in mere seconds. Schhht! The Void Angels in the front ranks formed a spear wall, halting the mutants in their tracks. The initial wave crashed against them like a raging tide meeting an unyielding dam, momentarily slowing their assault. Those in the first row barely had time to react before being skewered by spears. But there were too many of them. Some managed to break through, lunging toward the second line where War Angels and Inquisitors braced for battle. The whir of chainswords filled the air as mutant remains scattered across the ground. Meanwhile, the Thunder Guards stood vigilant, prepared for a greater threat. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For Space Marines, these mutants were of little concern¡ªthey had to conserve focus for even deadlier foes. Soon, the Bloodthirsty Warriors emerged. Seeing them, the Thunder Guards immediately ignited their jump packs, launching into combat. "Boss, I''m here!" Big Barrel overshot his landing, crashing down hard. BOOM! His bulk¡ªnearly twice the size of a regular Space Marine¡ªstruck the platform, causing it to tremble. Several mutants were crushed into paste beneath his weight. Big Barrel was an anomaly among Space Marines¡ªa hulking figure with a massive head and thick neck, resembling a rotund chef. It seemed that Puru''s unique gene-seed had undergone additional beneficial mutations within him. His altered pre-stomach and digestive system required immense amounts of high-energy food, allowing him to eat continuously. This food was converted into a special type of fat, which he burned for sustained combat endurance. Under the same battle conditions, Big Barrel could fight far longer than a standard Space Marine. "Whoops, went too far!" After landing, he realized he had dropped straight into the heart of the mutant swarm. Alone. Surrounded by hundreds of Chaos mutants. The impact had momentarily stunned the creatures, but they quickly regained their senses and lunged at him. Big Barrel was instantly swarmed. He grabbed a mutant off his back and slammed it to the ground, stomping it into pulp. Then he raised his bolter and fired, but the sheer number of attackers made it impossible to hold them off. They clambered onto his armor, biting and clawing in a frenzied attempt to breach it. For now, his power armor held strong. But Chaos mutants carried corrosive saliva and tainted blood¡ªgiven time, their filth would seep into his suit, eroding its systems and defenses. The mutants piled on him like a living mountain. Any other Space Marine would have been overwhelmed, unable to break free. But not Big Barrel. A surge of energy radiated from him, subtly distorting the air. ZZZZT! A sudden psychic burst exploded outward. The heap of mutants was blasted away, the nearest ones charred to ash by crackling warp lightning. Like Puru, Big Barrel possessed psychic abilities. Warp lightning was one of the most basic psyker attacks, but psychic powers had many forms¡ª from predicting enemy movements to unleashing devastating mental blasts, and even enhancing allied forces. Psykers were categorized into five main disciplines: Biomancy, Divination, Pyromancy, Telekinesis, and Telepathy. Big Barrel''s gift lay in Pyromancy. Pyromancers could conjure and manipulate fire, earning them the title Firecasters. With his devouring trait combined with flame-based psychic powers, he was practically a walking stove. All he needed was a pot, and he could start a feast anywhere. After scattering the mutants, Big Barrel stood up¡ªonly to find even more closing in. "Damn heretics, time to show you what Big Barrel can do!" His battle spirit ignited. And then¡ª BOOM! He burst into flames. Wreathed in roaring fire, he resembled a blazing titan. This was his psychic ability¡ªBreath of Flame. The scorching inferno not only seared flesh but also inflicted damage on souls. Mutants lunging at him shrieked in agony, their flesh blackening under the intense heat. Even the mindless ones hesitated, instinctively recoiling from the flames. Though they lacked reason, some primal survival instinct still urged them to avoid harm. Fire Charge! Maintaining his psychic flames, Big Barrel lowered his armored elbow and charged forward like a battering ram. Mutants were sent flying, many perishing in the searing blaze. A group of Bloodthirsty Warriors attempted to halt his advance, swinging their massive blood axes. They, too, were bulldozed aside. BANG! One particularly unlucky warrior was smashed against a wall, his bones shattering on impact before he was incinerated. "Huff, that was intense..." Big Barrel shook his head, slightly dazed. ROAR! Another Bloodthirsty Warrior rose behind him, preparing to strike. Big Barrel elbowed him in the gut¡ªthen promptly sat on him. CRACK! The warrior''s ribs snapped. The psychic flames did the rest. Thanks to the Savior''s blessings, his own traits, and his psychic abilities, Big Barrel''s combat prowess now rivaled that of Duke and Puru. In certain battle conditions, he might even surpass them. No sooner had he finished off a few Bloodthirsty Warriors when more came charging in. Just as he was about to fight, his flames dwindled into mere flickers. He had maintained high-intensity psychic output for too long, burning through too much energy. Realizing this, Big Barrel turned and ran. THUMP THUMP THUMP! The ground trembled as he sprinted toward the main force, a mob of Bloodthirsty Warriors hot on his heels. "Boss, help!" Luckily, Puru and his War Angel squad arrived to cover him. Puru had only become a Space Marine due to his unique talent¡ª his combat style was unconventional, favoring adaptability and improvisation over rigid tactics. Big Barrel shared the same unpredictable nature, making him difficult to coordinate with. Even Eden found him troublesome. So, Eden had already decided¡ªBig Barrel would lead the new sub-Chapter. No restrictions. He would grow freely. Once the time was right, he and the other devourer-trait Space Marines would be cut loose. Let the enemies deal with them. He''d be given a ship and some initial resources¡ªafter that, whatever he wanted, he''d have to get himself. ... High Platform In the center of the defensive line, Deville frowned at the swarm of heretical creatures. "These abominations were released intentionally to stall us..." They needed to locate the ritual site quickly. Yet some form of interference was disrupting the Tribunal''s augur systems, preventing them from pinpointing its location. The base was a maze of chambers and hidden passages. Searching manually would take far too long. Suddenly, Deville sensed something. He had found it! Gripping his crystal cross, he whispered a prayer. A faint glow emanated from the cross as a wave of energy pulsed outward. Since receiving the Savior''s blessing and undergoing gene-seed implantation, he had awakened psychic abilities¡ªHoly Invocation. Through prayer rituals, he could detect Chaos forces within a certain radius. His mind delved into the warp, following the faint trace of power deeper into the base. The closer he got, the more horrifying the visions became¡ª Shrieking, jagged voices clawed at his consciousness. His soul trembled, on the verge of being devoured. But he resisted. The ritual had already begun. If he hesitated now, all would be lost. No matter what, he had to find it. Then, at the peak of the psychic assault¡ªhe saw it. A massive shadow loomed over the research base. Agur was summoning an ancient, nameless entity. Just seeing it shattered his psychic perception. CRACK! The crystal cross exploded. Deville was thrown backward, crashing to the ground. "Lord Inquisitor!" His assistant rushed to help him up. Deville''s pitch-black eyes slowly returned to normal. With a hint of excitement, he gasped¡ª "I found it!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 202 - 203: The Arrival of a Khorne Daemon? Chapter 202: Chapter 203: The Arrival of a Khorne Daemon?Deville had located the ritual array¡ªapproximately ten kilometers ahead on the left side of the high platform. Without hesitation, he led his warriors in a relentless charge, pushing forward without pause. The ritual had reached its final stage. They had to stop it before it was completed! Boom¡ª Several Bloodthirsty Warriors were sent flying. "Damn heretics, I''m going to need a serious refill after this," Barrel panted heavily. He was responsible for breaking through the enemy lines, and the exhaustion was killing him. This extended battle had drained too much of his energy, causing him to lose some weight. For him, no fat meant no security. With a grimace, Barrel pulled out another high-energy supplement, looking bitter. This stuff tasted awful¡ªworse than the fresh intestines of a Chaos abomination! Couldn''t they at least make it taste like Poro fruit or something? Still, he clenched his teeth and gulped it down in one go. There was no choice¡ªhis devouring trait allowed him to absorb energy more efficiently by consuming it orally rather than injecting it. For the sake of the mission, he had no choice but to drink it. After replenishing his energy, Barrel ignited into flames with a boom and charged headfirst into the Chaos heretics blocking the passage. Flaming Charge! At this moment, he was nothing short of a fiery battering ram, clearing the path for his comrades. Barrel crashed through nearly ten kilometers. Thankfully, he had the ability to rapidly restore his energy. If it had been anyone else, they would have collapsed under such an intense battle. Ding! Ding! Clang! After an unrelenting series of crashes, he overshot his target and duang!¡ªslammed straight into a massive alloy gate. His legs went weak, and he slid down the wall, landing on his knees. Looking toward Deville and the others, who had just finished executing the fallen heretics, his voice trembled like distorted radio static: "Brothers, how much farther? I can''t keep this up!" Deville stepped forward and helped him up: "Barrel, you''ve done well. We''ve arrived..." Behind the massive alloy gate lay the site of the ritual array. Plu stepped forward and began cutting through the alloy gate, while the rest of the squad swiftly moved toward the ritual site. "Boss, don''t worry about me. I just need a moment... Damn it, my premium shark fin..." Barrel slumped onto the ground, lamenting his loss while gnawing on a giant shark fin. Since he had exhausted all his energy supplements, food was his only remaining way to replenish his strength. Hummm¡ª As Deville and his squad rushed through the passage, a terrifying wave of Chaos energy washed over them. The sight before them left them stunned. "Damn Chaos heretics!" Nearly everyone held their breath, fury and determination filling their chests. The two-square-kilometer area was engulfed in thick, crimson mist. Beneath the mist lay multiple blood pools, surrounded by towering bone mounds, each over ten meters high. Aaaahhh! The screams of humans echoed through the air. Bloodthirsty warriors were slaughtering wave after wave of captives. In order to summon the terrifying entity, Agul had sent all remaining test subjects here for slaughter. Soon, the screams ceased¡ªthe humans had been completely massacred. But instead of acknowledging the intruders, the Bloodthirsty Warriors turned on each other, engaging in silent, brutal duels. At the center of the blood pools, beneath a towering skull altar standing dozens of meters tall, a black-robed figure knelt in prayer. It was Agul, chanting an ancient incantation, his heart surging with unparalleled fanaticism. The moment was near¡ªthe slaughter had almost gathered enough energy! As his chant continued, the blood mist thickened, and the air reeked of overwhelming bloodlust. Sensing the shift in the ritual, Deville immediately issued an order: "Destroy the altar!" Several War Angels stepped forward, assembling a heavy cannon. In moments, multiple shells were fired at the skull altar. Boom! Boom! Boom! Explosions rocked the altar, causing violent tremors. Countless skulls tumbled down. Yet, the attacks failed to inflict any real damage. Chaos energy coiled around the skulls, reinforcing them with unnatural resilience. These small-scale bombardments were simply insufficient. And deep underground, there was no way to bring in larger artillery. Unfazed, Deville maintained his composure and ordered: "Use the Seismic Cannon." The previous attack had been a test¡ªto check for protective force fields. Now, the real assault would begin. The War Angels carefully extracted a seismic shell from a metal container and loaded it into the cannon. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was a rare, specialized shell, retrieved from the arsenal of Halis. Each seismic shell contained fragments from planets that had been exterminated under the Imperium''s Exterminatus directive. The Adeptus Mechanicus fleets had recorded the shockwaves produced by planets breaking apart. Using this data, they had simulated the force of seismic shockwaves. While not as devastating as an actual planetary explosion, the resulting impact was still formidable. A single seismic shell could pierce meters-thick walls and level entire buildings with its shockwave. Boom¡ª The seismic shell arced through the air, heading straight for the skull altar. However, before it could strike, Chaos psychic energy intercepted it. The shell twisted and warped before detonating midair. A massive shockwave rippled through the area. The entire region shook violently. Several bone mounds collapsed. The skull altar trembled and suffered some minor collapses, but its core remained intact. The summoning ritual continued unabated. "Argul is a Chaos psyker!" Deville realized the severity of the situation¡ªand the worst part was that they only had one seismic shell. They had no choice but to fight their way through and destroy the altar up close! At Deville''s command, the warriors activated their jump packs and soared toward the skull altar. Roar¡ª As they closed in, hundreds of Bloodthirsty Warriors with crimson wings burst from behind the altar, intercepting them mid-air. These were the altar''s guardians! The Space Marines engaged in fierce aerial combat, many crashing into blood pools or bone mounds. Fortunately, Deville had his Thunder Guard, leading a squad of ten straight toward Agul. Yet, even as the Space Marines closed in, Argul remained kneeling, chanting his incantations without reacting. Deville could feel it¡ªblood energy was condensing, the ritual was at its final stage! Enduring the Bloodthirsty Warriors'' attacks, he charged at Argul. "Die, heretic!" Deville unleashed a burst of psychic energy, his power sword flashing as it cleaved through Agul''s neck. Clang. The head rolled away, and the black-robed figure collapsed. The Chaos energy surrounding him dissipated, his wound crackling with energy. But as Deville looked at the corpse, a sudden realization struck him¡ª "It''s a servitor! Where is Argul?" Closing his eyes, he extended his psychic senses to locate his true enemy. But before he could react, a surge of Chaos energy struck him, sending him crashing into a bone mound. A figure emerged¡ªblack robes, wreathed in blood energy, demonic horns protruding from his forehead. Floating mid-air, mechanical tendrils snaking behind him, Argul sneered: "Outsiders, your efforts are futile..." With unrestrained arrogance, he declared: "Tremble, mortals! The ritual is complete! The great Bloodthirster of Khorne shall descend upon this world!" As his words fell, all the blood energy in the area surged toward the altar. Anyone could see¡ªthe ritual was complete! Deville was about to act, but Chaos energy overwhelmed him, forcing him to defend. Argul laughed maniacally: "Regret all you want¡ªit''s too late! No one can stop¡ª" "Battering Ram Impact!" A deafening roar interrupted him. Barrel, having burned all his fat reserves, launched himself like a human fireball, smashing into the skull altar. Boom! The skull altar collapsed! ...??? Argul stood frozen in disbelief. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 203 - 204: Khorne’s Champion—The Beginning of a Great Slaughtering Crusade! Chapter 203: Chapter 204: Khorne¡¯s Champion¡ªThe Beginning of a Great Slaughtering Crusade!The colossal skull altar, standing dozens of meters high, collapsed. The debris crashed into the blood pool, sending waves of blood soaring into the air, drenching everyone in the vicinity. "How is this possible!?" Argul''s eyes widened in disbelief at the sight before him. His masterpiece, meticulously planned for years, had been destroyed just like that? To construct the skull altar, he had served a tyrant for decades, persuading him to accept his forbidden techniques. He had then slaughtered billions to complete the altar''s construction. Even after enduring the devastating blasts of seismic cannons, the structure had remained sturdy, capable of withstanding dozens of shell impacts. And now, it had been smashed apart so easily? As Argul momentarily lost focus, Deville seized the rare opportunity. Gathering all his psychic power, he channeled it into the invisible chains binding him. Cracks appeared in the psychic chains before they shattered completely. Deville broke free and swung his power sword at Argul. Yet, just before striking, he slammed into a psychic barrier and was entangled by several Bloodwing Berserkers. Argul cast a glance at Deville. "Young one, such a simple ambush will not work. Your mastery of the Warp is still lacking..." Having lived for centuries, Argul''s control over psychic energy had long reached its peak. Disregarding Deville, he flew toward the ruins of the skull altar. As a psyker and a scholar of forbidden arts, he had to remain composed at all times. Yet now, his fury was overwhelming¡ªhe would rip apart the wretch who dared to destroy his skull altar! From beneath the rubble, Big Barrel crawled out, sprawled atop a pile of skulls. Stuffing a wriggling tentacled creature into his mouth, he mumbled through his chewing: "This time... I really can''t keep going..." In his memory, he had never been this exhausted¡ªhe felt as though he was teetering on the edge of death. Before he could even swallow, he realized he was floating. ??? "Oi, oi, oi!" Flailing his limbs, he tried to grab onto something, but only managed to clutch a few skulls. Looking up, he saw Argul, his demonic horns twisting and his face contorted with rage. "Holy hell!" On instinct, Big Barrel hurled the skull he was holding. Clang! The skull impaled itself onto Argul''s horn, hanging there in a bizarrely comical fashion. For a moment, silence reigned. Argul''s face darkened. He shattered the skull with a pulse of energy, his instincts telling him this fool was more than he appeared. He had to eliminate him quickly. Binding Big Barrel, he pulled him closer. Argul intended to subject him to the cruelest tortures, making him die in agony to quench his burning fury. The moment their gazes met, Argul''s crimson eyes turned pitch black. He had activated his psychic ability¡ªFear. This ability could conjure the darkest and most terrifying nightmares within a target''s soul, crushing their spirit in absolute despair until their mind and soul disintegrated. Instantly, Argul invaded Big Barrel''s soul, memories flashing before his eyes. Then, the forbidden scholar froze, encountering something utterly incomprehensible. Big Barrel''s soul memories... went something like this: ¡ª "So hungry... but I had a feast in my dreams, so happy!" ¡ª "Found food today, hehehe." ¡ª "Lived another day. Work means corpse starch rations!" ¡ª "Corpse starch tastes like wheat? Delicious..." ¡ª "Wow, I joined the Defense Force! Second-type wheat starch every day!" ¡ª "Waaah! Boss Pru is so kind! He gave me wood-chip bread!" ¡ª "We won the war! The Defense Force rations improved! Glory to the Governor!" ¡ª "Oh my god, I got selected for a new unit called Space Marines! Unlimited food, real meat! Praise the Savior!" ¡ª "Wahahaha! The augmentation worked! I can eat even more now!" ... Argul scoured Barrel''s soul and found no trace of darkness or fear to exploit. This was nearly impossible within the vast galaxy. And yet, it had happened. Big Barrel was, essentially, the Patrick Star of the Adeptus Astartes. Not truly an idiot¡ªjust an optimistic simpleton with a mind like no other. An indeterminate amount of time passed¡ªperhaps a mere instant¡ªbefore Argul was violently ejected from Big Barrel''s soul. "Damn you! You''re all just jealous! My research is flawless! You cannot take this from me¡ªdie!" Argul recoiled from the backlash, black energy spreading across his eyes as his body trembled with fear. Like a madman, he hurled Big Barrel into the ruins of the skull altar. Big Barrel crashed into the ground, dazed. "The hell just happened? Did that heretic psyker just go insane?" From his perspective, he had simply blanked out for a second, and then the psyker had gone berserk. Still, he wasn''t about to waste an opportunity. He grabbed his boltgun and emptied an entire magazine. Blood burst from Argul''s body as he tumbled into the blood pool. Following the principle of confirming the kill, Big Barrel lobbed his remaining grenades at the impact site. BOOM! Explosions erupted, drenching him in a fresh spray of blood. Wiping his face, he muttered, "That should do it, right?" But before he could finish his sentence, a massive surge of blood erupted. Argul emerged from the pool, now oozing thick black blood from his five orifices, his body warped with further mutations. But he had suppressed the backlash. "Die!" Hatred filled Argul''s gaze as he raised his hand, a swirling Chaos Vortex forming. A dangerous ability of Chaos-aligned psykers¡ªtearing open a rift between reality and the Warp, creating a vortex that consumed everything around it. Risky, even for the user. But Argul no longer cared¡ªhe just wanted Big Barrel dead! The vortex warped the space around it, sucking in countless skulls and even wrenching Big Barrel''s boltgun from his grip. He tried to resist¡ªbut was powerless against its pull. Whirr¡ª A spear flew in, severing Argul''s hand. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Duke had arrived. But the vortex did not vanish immediately, and Big Barrel was about to be dragged into the rift. At the crucial moment, a shock grenade blasted him away from the vortex''s pull. Pru leapt in and jammed a med-injector into Big Barrel''s neck. "You still alive?" Big Barrel, his body still trembling from the shockwave, gasped, "That was close... almost got sucked in..." Seeing he was fine, Pru turned to support Duke in battle. Soon, Deville arrived as well. The three warriors forced Argul into a desperate retreat. Finally, Deville unleashed a Smite the Daemon, shattering Argul''s psychic barrier and driving his power sword deep into his chest. Psyker energy surged through the blade, obliterating his heart and flesh. Kneeling, moments from death, Argul smiled. "Young one... I told you... all will be in vain. Pity... I won''t be around to see it..." BOOM¡ª Argul''s body ignited in daemonic flames. His soul burned as he activated his final ability¡ª Summon Daemon. His body disintegrated, all his psychic power pouring into the ritual. Warp-echoed chants resounded, praising a mighty bloodthirster. A swirling Warp rift opened above the skull ruins. The remaining altar runes reignited. Blood mist surged into the rift, forming a colossal pillar of blood. "No!" Deville dashed forward, frantically channeling his holy psychic power to sever the connection. But it was too late. BOOM! The blood pillar shot skyward, merging with the Immaterium. Deville and the others watched in dread. A true daemon was coming. ... The Brass Citadel, Khorne''s Domain. Flames and howls of agony filled the air as an earth-shaking roar echoed. It was the rage of Ka''Bandha. His slaughtering crusade was about to begin. The towering daemon''s wrath shook the sky. Ka''Bandha''s burning red form stood amidst the infernal landscape, his colossal frame emanating endless slaughter and brutality. His massive wings, adorned with the trophies of countless conquests, trembled in anticipation. His rage had been festering. Not long ago, he had been humiliated. Angrath, the mightiest of Khorne''s Bloodthirsters, had mocked him, questioning his strength. This filled Ka''Bandha with unspeakable fury. After all, he and Angrath were both Supreme Bloodthirsters, equals in Khorne''s ranks! Yet, that bastard had dared to call him the disgrace of the First Blood Host. Ka''Bandha had been ready to challenge him immediately, to prove his might in battle. But then Angrath had simply glared at him. In that moment, Ka''Bandha hesitated. That hesitation was the ultimate shame. It crushed his pride, causing him to bow his head before the Blood Host and even in Khorne''s presence. He could feel the scornful gazes of the other daemons. Even worse, he sensed disappointment from Khorne himself. If he did not act, if he did not prove himself, he would be abandoned by the Blood God! Just as his wrath was about to boil over, a distant summoning resonated across the Warp. Ka''Bandha''s eyes burned with savage delight. An opportunity! After years of silence, someone had finally called upon him. He would seize this chance to unleash an unprecedented crusade of slaughter, igniting war across the galaxy. He would make Khorne proud. He would make all daemons witness his true power as the Supreme Bloodthirster! "LET THE GALAXY BURN IN BLOOD!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 204 - 205: The Demon Army Strikes! Chapter 204: Chapter 205: The Demon Army Strikes!As the war horns echoed through the void, Ka''Bandha summoned his demon army. These warriors of the Warp, clad in armor forged from brass and blood iron, stood ready. Ancient Chaos sigils, glowing with a foreboding crimson light, adorned their plate. Their eyes burned with fanatical bloodlust. The demon warriors craved battle. Under the command of the Supreme Bloodthirster, Ka''Bandha, they would annihilate all in the name of the Blood God! The Brass Fortress The gathered daemons watched the scene unfold, some with expressions of intrigue. Angrath, however, showed only disdain. That fool was merely answering a mortal''s summons to vent his frustration. Angrath doubted Ka''Bandha would spread any significant slaughter for the Blood God¡ªhe''d probably be banished soon enough and sent scurrying back in shame. Upon the Brass Throne, the towering shadow of blood remained indifferent. It showed no reaction at all. ... Matira. Upper Hive¡ªTemporary Command Office Eden furrowed his brows, worry evident on his face. He had received Deville''s report¡ªtheir interception had failed. A Bloodthirster was coming for this world. That was a monstrosity capable of battling Primarchs, and it commanded a vast demon horde. It was one of the most terrifying forces in the galaxy. Outside of key Imperial strongholds, no world could be guaranteed survival against such an assault. A single Bloodthirster''s attack could wipe out an entire civilized world and set entire sectors ablaze in war. Even if they could hold out long enough for a Space Marine Chapter to arrive, the planet itself would already be a hellish ruin. Worse still¡ªGoliath Sector lay deep within the Imperium Nihilus, cut off and without reinforcements. And worst of all, Eden could not retreat. Urth was too close. If the Bloodthirster established a foothold here, Goliath Sector would fall with it. Eden took out the Sacred Ash Missile and loaded it into its launcher. This weapon, infused with the Emperor''s Golden Sunlight, was their only real hope. Yet, he had no real confidence in its effectiveness. If it failed to banish the demons, they were doomed. Thus, even as they prepared for battle, Eden was also preparing an evacuation plan. If all else failed, if he could not stop the demonic horde, the fleet would evacuate as many as possible before issuing Exterminatus on the planet. Even Urth itself might have to be abandoned, its survivors fleeing into deeper Imperial territory. If things reached that point... Only one man could stop it. Dante¡ªthe Regent of the Dark Imperium and Chapter Master of the Blood Angels. But even if he did, it would take years. In that time, the Bloodthirster would rampage across multiple sectors. Many worlds would scream beneath his hooves, their people butchered in an endless tide of blood... Eden forced down his worries and stood up. Stepping out of his office, he looked up at the sky. A blood-red pillar of light now pierced reality itself. Suspended between the Materium and the Warp, it served as a beacon, guiding the demon army to their world. The air was thick with aggression, filling the hearts of all who saw it with a primal fear. Reports indicated that citizens near the pillar were exhibiting symptoms of agitation and rage. "Lord Savior..." sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bayev approached, his expression grim. Eden sighed. "How is the evacuation progressing?" "The last groups are still evacuating. They need more time." Bayev continued, "The Departmento Munitorum has completed the deployment. The assault ships are ready per your orders. We can launch at any moment." "Then let''s move." Surrounded by the Thunder Wardens, Eden boarded his assault craft, heading toward the pillar''s location. The ominous light and the oppressive atmosphere it emitted had thrown the entire planet into panic. Yet, amidst the fear, a spark of hope remained. For the people still had their Savior. ... Throne Square A vast plaza, capable of holding nearly ten million people, surrounded by towering residential blocks. The Storm First, Second, and Third Armies had fully assembled, forming multiple defensive lines. Heavy artillery, Sentinel mechs, and battle tanks covered the perimeter. Dozens of armored brigades, including heavy, medium, and special forces, were already positioned in overlapping formations. Over one million troops stood arrayed in grim anticipation, their war machines casting a dark shadow over the square. The front lines were composed of heavy tanks and Sentinel mechs, followed by shock troopers wielding thermal flamers. Further behind, light-armored Storm Troopers prepared to fire from behind trenches and barricades. These brigades would hold the first line, bearing the full brunt of the demon horde''s assault. Behind them, artillery regiments positioned themselves on high ground, constructing firing positions. Meanwhile, Void Angels, War Angels, and Sisters of Battle stood ready among the Stormtroopers. Their mission¡ªeliminate high-threat targets. These were Eden''s finest troops. Even with all of them deployed, Throne Square still felt empty. Ordinary PDF forces and rebel militia would not be joining this battle. They were too weak to survive in such high-intensity combat and would only feed the demons'' bloodlust. Meanwhile, nearly twenty thousand aircraft had returned to the fleet, rearming for battle. Their role¡ªblock enemy aerial forces and bombard the ground. The fleet itself had descended into the lower atmosphere, lowering the void shields of the hive city. If all else failed, they would initiate orbital bombardment, turning the battlefield into a glass crater. Would it work? Unknown. If high-tier demons and the Bloodthirster survived, they could summon even more, using the massacre to fuel their army. From his assault craft, Eden looked down at his forces, his anxiety growing. It all came down to not having enough troops or firepower. If he had a million Space Marines, all in Terminator armor, backed by Titan Legions... And if every Storm Trooper carried a melta gun... He wouldn''t have to worry. They could simply gun the demons down¡ªno matter how many came. As Eden brooded, the blood pillar suddenly shifted. A wave of heat blasted across the planet. People''s heartbeats accelerated, their panic rising¡ª And suddenly, every infant on the planet began to wail. Their parents, helpless, could only clutch them tightly. "Savior, forgive our sins... We, your faithful, beg for your salvation..." The Savior''s followers collapsed to their knees, clutching their icons and praying desperately. ... Throne Square The skies darkened, clouds bleeding red. The air shimmered with heat, steam rising from the ground. At the forefront of the Storm Army, Arye stood tall. At two and a half meters, the commanding officer was impossible to miss. Wearing only his officer''s coat, a cigar clenched in his augmetic jaws, he ignored the heat. He preferred leading from the front¡ªand hated wearing bulky armor. Each brigade had its own commanders, with officers beneath him managing the fight. For the most part, Arye was the symbol of the Storm Army. "Damn demons¡ªtime to kick their asses!" His augmetic eye glowed red as he took a deep drag, then stomped out his cigar. He stared at the growing distortion ahead, the air tightening. Then space itself twisted. BOOM! A Warp gate erupted open, expanding rapidly. Woooooo¡ª Ancient war horns blared. Drums thundered. The roars of demons filled the air. The demon army... had arrived! (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 205 - 206: The Supreme Psyker Smackdown from the God-Emperor! (Major Chapter) Chapter 205: Chapter 206: The Supreme Psyker Smackdown from the God-Emperor! (Major Chapter)Throne Plaza. The drums of war thundered, shaking the very ground. BANG! The brass hooves of the Infernal Bull stomped onto the earth, leaving behind scorched trails of demonic fire. These were no ordinary mounts. These war beasts were the unholy fusion of dogs, rhinos, and bulls, forged from brass, iron, and burning blood. Their bodies were covered in thick, jagged blades and spikes. Every breath they exhaled was like rolling thunder, filling the air with a choking haze of smoke and fire. Dozens of Bloodcrushers, mounted atop Infernal Bulls, charged forward, leading an even greater force of daemonic cavalry into the battlefield. They radiated an ancient, overwhelming force, an unstoppable tide of destruction. Behind them came the Bloodletters¡ªa vast horde of blood-red-skinned daemons, renowned across the galaxy for their raw, brutal strength and savage charges. They were the very embodiment of battlefield terror¡ªthe heralds of death. With their razor-sharp Hellblades in hand, they sprinted behind the cavalry, their eyes burning with bloodlust, craving the taste of fresh slaughter. Their frenzied roars merged into a single, deafening wave of sound that sent a chill through the hearts of every warrior standing against them. And yet¡ªthis was only the vanguard of the daemon horde! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The moment the daemonic legions charged, artillery batteries unleashed hell upon them. Explosions roared across the battlefield, the symphony of iron and fire shaking the heavens. Blood and flames intertwined as countless daemons were torn apart, their mangled bodies collapsing to the ground. Yet, even as they fell, their charge did not slow. "Blood for the Blood God! Skulls for the Skull Throne!" Under the unrelenting rain of fire, the daemons never faltered. Consumed by their insatiable thirst for slaughter, they surged forward with reckless abandon. At the forefront of the defense stood legions of heavy tanks and towering Sentinel walkers, standing like fortresses of steel against the demonic tide. They were the first and strongest line of defense. Yet, amidst the calm determination of these war machines, a storm of madness was closing in. The Bloodcrushers, leading the daemon horde, bore down upon them. "Open fire!" At the command of the field officer, the steel fortresses broke their eerie stillness and roared to life. BOOM! The heavy tanks'' cannons thundered, carving deep, bloody trenches through the daemon ranks. The Sentinels unleashed a storm of crossfire, spewing hundreds of rounds per second, cutting down the daemonic swarm. Flames erupted from their flamers, turning the battlefield into an inferno. For a moment, the daemonic charge wavered. But then, the Skull Cannons retaliated. Great, burning skulls were launched into the steel defenses, detonating upon impact, obliterating heavy tanks and tearing Sentinels apart. CRASH! Infernal Bulls smashed through the shattered tanks, trampling wreckage and corpses alike as the daemon forces pressed on. The first defensive line, though it had blunted the enemy''s charge, had failed to completely halt them. The second defensive line. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The earth trembled violently. Standing at the forefront, Arye glared at the approaching heretical daemons, his eyes blazing with fury. "For the Savior!" With a swift motion, he drew his power sword, its energy field crackling to life, and led the Stormtroopers into battle. The moment the two forces clashed, the carnage erupted. The Bloodcrushers trampled through the heavily armored Stormtroopers, leaving trails of death in their wake. Packs of Flesh Hounds swarmed, tearing apart the troopers, while the Bloodletters swung their Hellblades, slicing through anything in their path. "Damn these wretched beasts!" Arye fought at the forefront, slashing through several Bloodletters before being surrounded. A dozen daemons encircled him, their Hellblades raised high¡ªthere was nowhere to dodge. Yet, Arye did not flinch. His reinforcements were already on their way. Just as the Hellblades were about to descend¡ª CRASH! A Bloodcrusher, unable to halt its momentum, crashed straight into the encircling Bloodletters, crushing half of them beneath its hooves. Arye seized the moment and broke free. But a new danger loomed. The Bloodcrusher regained control, steering its Infernal Bull toward him, ready to trample him underfoot. Instead of retreating, Arye charged forward. At the last possible second, he dodged the charge by a hair''s breadth, grabbing onto the daemon-steed''s armor plates and hauling himself onto its back. The Bloodcrusher anticipated this and swung a mighty warhammer down at him. BOOM! Before the hammer could connect, a shell struck the Bloodcrusher, blasting it from the saddle. Seizing the opportunity, Arye took control of the raging Infernal Bull, stomping the dazed Bloodcrusher to death. "Come get some, you daemonic scum! Arye is here to clean house!" He drove the rampaging Infernal Bull into the daemon horde, trampling through their ranks, even slaying several Bloodcrushers in the chaos. For the first time, disorder spread through the daemonic swarm. Yet, despite his heroics, Arye alone could not shift the tide of battle. Across the second defensive line, the warriors were on the verge of collapse under the relentless onslaught of the daemons. "For the Paradise World!" "For the Golden Sun and the Savior!" Duke and Prue, leading their Void Angels and War Angels, entered the battlefield, bolstering the faltering troops. Boltguns spat fire, chainswords roared, and power spears impaled Bloodletters one after another. Brilliant psychic energy surged across the battlefield, striking down the daemonic hordes. At the same time, nearly two thousand Battle Sisters entered the fray. Clad in finely crafted power armor, wielding power weapons, they cut a bloody path through the daemons. In the skies above, the roar of Fury-Beasts filled the air. The crimson-skinned, bat-winged monstrosities dove down, grabbing Stormtroopers and hurling them from high altitudes. But soon, Imperial fighter jets arrived. Lightning Strike Fighters raked the skies with high-caliber rounds, engaging the aerial daemons in brutal dogfights. Meanwhile, Thunderbolt Heavy Bombers executed their crucial mission. Under the fighters'' cover, they navigated past Skull Cannon fire and unleashed devastating payloads upon the daemonic artillery, destroying many of the Skull Cannons. A secure zone within the second line of defense. Under the protection of nearly a hundred Thunder Warriors, Eden carefully observed the battlefield. Suddenly, something odd caught his attention¡ª Was that... a massive barrel chasing and biting a Flesh Hound? It was only a small distraction. As time passed, Eden''s anxiety grew. He was waiting for the Greater Daemon of Khorne to appear so he could launch a decisive strike. Yet, the daemon was nowhere in sight. With the first and second defensive lines on the brink of collapse, if the Greater Daemon did not appear soon, the entire frontline would fall. And if the line broke, it would be nearly impossible to reach his target. Just as worry crept into Eden''s mind, a change occurred on the battlefield. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Heavy footsteps echoed, accompanied by the searing heat of rising flames. From the warp portal, eight towering Bloodthirsters, each nearly ten meters tall, emerged. Their monstrous horns curled menacingly, and vast, leathery daemon wings stretched behind them. They were clad in ancient war armor, their massive, brutal axes gleaming with bloodthirsty menace. These were no ordinary daemons¡ªthese were Bloodthirsters, capable of butchering even the mighty Adeptus Astartes with ease! Eden could immediately tell¡ªeach of these Bloodthirsters was far stronger than the previous daemon, Harras. The daemons unfurled their wings and took to the sky, crashing down before the first defensive line with an earth-shattering impact. Amidst the storm of gunfire, they let out terrifying roars. The sheer force of their sonic waves alone caused Imperial soldiers within their war machines to bleed from their ears and mouths. Then, the Bloodthirsters swung their massive axes. With every devastating strike, they crushed heavy tanks like tin cans and smashed Sentinel walkers into twisted wreckage. The once-formidable steel fortifications were reduced to ruin within moments. The Void Angels and War Angels rushed in to halt the Bloodthirsters¡ªbut they were swatted aside with a single axe swing. Within mere moments of engagement, over a dozen Space Marines had perished. Only Duke and Prue could barely hold their ground¡ªbut even they were on the verge of being overwhelmed, their survival hanging by a thread. "Damn it! Why hasn''t he appeared yet?!" Eden''s frustration mounted. With the arrival of the eight Bloodthirsters, the defensive lines were on the brink of collapse. His chances of victory were shrinking fast. Then¡ªhe felt something. His head snapped up, his gaze locking onto the warp portal. "...He''s here!" THOOM! A massive, clawed hoof, wreathed in daemon fire, descended upon the battlefield. A colossal, nightmarish figure emerged¡ªtowering over even the Bloodthirsters. The moment it arrived, the entire world seemed to be drenched in crimson. A suffocating aura of blood and madness enveloped the battlefield. The whispers of daemons, like curses from the abyss, seeped into the depths of every warrior''s mind. Even the bravest soldiers struggled to maintain their composure under this overwhelming psychic assault. The Stormtroopers closest to the entity were immediately affected. Their nerves were seized by an uncontrollable bloodlust, their eyes turning bloodshot with an unnatural, frenzied gleam. Their bodies convulsed violently, as though wrestling against an unseen force. But soon, they completely lost their sanity¡ªshrieking as they attacked anything nearby, friend or foe alike. This was the true terror of a Greater Daemon of Khorne. Even the Imperial Inquisition would execute anyone who had merely witnessed such a horror¡ªlest their minds become tainted over time. And then, as the entity''s full form was revealed, its dreaded name echoed within every warrior''s mind, carried by a wave of unrelenting bloodlust: "Exalted Bloodthirster of the Blood God¡ªKa''Bandha!" BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The moment Ka''Bandha arrived, an unrelenting barrage of artillery fire was unleashed upon him. The entire region where he landed was obliterated, reduced to a crumbling crater. Yet, as the smoke cleared¡ªhe walked forward unscathed. The shelling had done nothing to his daemonic iron hide. Ka''Bandha tilted his head back and roared. The sheer force of his voice dispelled the blood-red clouds above. He gazed upon the battlefield, his lips curling into a cruel, bloodthirsty grin. At last. He had finally arrived in this glorious, material world. The slaughter would begin. The will of the Blood God would be carved into the very stars themselves. His first objective was simple¡ªannihilate this wretched planet. Then, he would slaughter billions, piling their skulls into an unprecedented, towering citadel of the dead. Ka''Bandha had no doubt¡ªthose wretched Blood Angels would not stand idly by. When they came, his true feast of slaughter would begin. He would wipe away the shame of his past defeat! Ka''Bandha raised his colossal, blood-stained whip, a nightmarish weapon hundreds of meters long. Forged from brass, bone, blood, and the tormented souls of the slain, the Hellwhip crackled with pure destruction. With a single flick, it lashed through the air, screaming like the Reaper''s scythe. WHOOSH! In one sweeping motion, dozens of Imperial fighter jets were shredded to pieces, their wreckage exploding midair. Fire and smoke blotted out the skies, raining metal debris across the battlefield. Then, Ka''Bandha swung his massive war axe. The blade was wreathed in a crimson mist¡ªthe condensed hatred of countless slain souls. BOOM! His axe crashed into the earth, sending a massive fissure racing across the battlefield. From within the rift, a flood of molten lava erupted forth. The searing magma, like hellfire itself, devoured entire platoons of tanks and Sentinel walkers. Steel melted into useless slag, their once-mighty war machines reduced to piles of burning wreckage. The Imperial defenses¡ªso carefully constructed¡ªwere utterly powerless before such might. Ka''Bandha had barely arrived, and already, the casualties were staggering. He had punched straight through the Imperial lines! At that moment, Eden, flanked by Thunder Warriors, advanced toward Ka''Bandha . His eyes locked onto the apocalyptic scene before him. The sheer horror of the battlefield made his body tremble. His mind screamed one undeniable truth: "Unstoppable." Eden took a deep breath, gripping his launcher tightly. This Exalted Bloodthirster had the power to annihilate an entire planet in mere hours. If the Sacred Ash Warhead couldn''t stop him¡ªMatira was doomed. But the real problem was getting close enough to fire the shot. Ka''Bandha remained deep within the daemon horde. With eight Bloodthirsters guarding him, Eden knew he would never reach him unchallenged. Attempting a long-range shot was too risky. Ka''Bandha could dodge or intercept the projectile. To make matters worse, Eden couldn''t order an orbital strike. Conventional weapons would barely scratch him, and the Dreamweaver''s plasma cannon needed time to charge. If the attack failed to kill Ka''Bandha instantly, he might flee or launch an aerial assault on the fleet. That would be even worse. There was only one way to win. He had to get close. Close enough to blast Ka''Bandha point-blank. It was insane. It was suicide. But it was the only option. Unfortunately¡ªEden had barely started his approach, and Ka''Bandha had already withdrawn to the rear lines. The Bloodthirsters had broken through the defenses, and now, the humans could no longer stop the daemonic horde. Seeing this, Eden felt his scalp tingle. "Damn it! Ka''Bandha is just sitting back¡ªhow the hell am I supposed to get to him?!" If he revealed his full strength, the eight Bloodthirsters would immediately rush him. Even with all his power¡ªhe would be overwhelmed. As Eden struggled with the dilemma¡ª Upon his brass war chariot, Ka''Bandha suddenly sniffed the air, his nostrils flaring as he caught a familiar scent. His eyes darkened with violent rage, his fangs bared in a snarl. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That scent... the Blood Angels!" Though faint, the trace of their presence was unmistakable. Ka''Bandha''s instincts did not deceive him. The War Angels on the battlefield, while not true Blood Angels, did carry faint traces of Sanguinius'' genetic lineage. This... intrigued him. His crimson gaze fell upon the War Angels battling below. They were not full-blooded sons of Sanguinius, but they were close enough. Slaughtering them personally... would suffice. With a single mighty beat of his wings, Ka''Bandha leapt from his chariot, soaring toward the densest concentration of War Angels. ... On the battlefield. Prue led the War Angels, holding the line against the daemon horde. Suddenly, a nervous voice trembled through the vox. "Boss! That big bastard is coming straight for us!" "Where''s the Savior? Wasn''t he supposed to handle this monster?!" Prue barely had time to react. BOOM! Ka''Bandha crashed onto the battlefield. A wave of unmatched terror exploded outward, freezing the warriors in place. "Fall back! Scatter!" Prue acted immediately, barking orders for his men to evade. But it was already too late. A handful of War Angels were cleaved apart by Ka''Bandha''s massive axe before they could even move. The daemon lord towered over Prue, his immense bulk at least four times his height. Ka''Bandha sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "Can you summon the Blood Angels? Can you call forth that relic, Dante?" Under the weight of Ka''Bandha''s monstrous presence, Prue trembled. A primal, bone-deep fear gripped him¡ªhe knew he was about to die. Then¡ª A message from the Savior arrived. Delay him. Just for a few seconds. Then, escape as fast as possible. Prue obeyed. He looked straight at Ka''Bandha and forced a smirk. "I could... but that''ll take time. A lot of time, actually. It''s a rather complicated process, you see¡ª" "You''re lying." Ka''Bandha cut him off coldly. His massive axe began to swing. Prue was dead in seconds¡ª Until Ka''Bandha paused. His eyes locked onto something behind Prue. A figure clad in golden armor had entered his vision. Eden had been advancing stealthily, using psyker abilities to conceal his presence. But then¡ªhe felt it. A gaze. Ka''Bandha was staring directly at him. He had been discovered! Eden exhaled sharply. No point hiding now. His concealment dropped, and he strode forward, weapon raised. His voice rang out, dripping with mocking disdain. "Ka''Bandha , you pathetic coward! Too scared to fight me?" Ka''Bandha ''s brow twitched. Eden''s words had struck a raw nerve. "You dare challenge me with that pitiful toy?" Ka''Bandha sneered. Eden stepped even closer, standing directly before the daemon lord. He aimed his launcher at Ka''Bandha''s face. "Enough talk. Do you have the guts for a one-on-one fight?" "DIE!" Ka''Bandha did not respond¡ªhe attacked. His colossal axe swung down, ready to cleave Eden in two. But Eden had anticipated this. He fired first. His boots locked into the ground, stabilizing his stance. Then¡ª BOOM! A blinding golden light erupted from the launcher. A massive sphere of energy condensed at the barrel''s tip. In an instant, every daemon within a one-kilometer radius burst into flames, their souls incinerated. Even Eden himself was nearly overwhelmed by the sheer power surging through him. Yet¡ªhe recognized it. This power... it was familiar. This felt exactly like the Emperor''s psychic fury. No¡ªthis was the Supreme Psyker Smackdown from the God-Emperor Himself! This was it. This would work. Ka''Bandha froze. At point-blank range, his flesh began to sear, the golden energy scorching his form. A terrible, all-consuming fear took hold of him. "Impossible!" "How¡ªhow can this power exist here?!" He knew this power. The Cursed One. The Unnameable. Even the Dark Gods themselves feared it. Even Chaos itself dared not speak that name. The daemons of Khorne were fearless¡ªthey never feared death. Even if slain, they would simply return to the Warp. Greater Daemons were immortal, their essence never truly destroyed. But not against Him. The Unnameable One could wipe them from existence itself. A permanent, agonizing death. A death that erased them from reality. Ka''Bandha was utterly terrified. This was like showing up to a fistfight, only to realize the enemy had brought an entire army. This was unwinnable. There was only one thought in Ka''Bandha''s mind. "RUN!" He abandoned his axe and whip, turning tail and fleeing toward the Warp portal. "Blood God, save me! That cursed one is here!" "THE MONSTER HAS ARRIVED!" The other eight Bloodthirsters¡ªalong with countless daemons¡ªsprinted for the portal, desperate to escape. Ka''Bandha''s massive wings kicked up hurricane winds, knocking over anything in his way. He was mere meters from the portal¡ª When Eden grinned. "Fire¡ªSuper Psyker Smackdown, go!" He pulled the trigger. WHOOSH! The Sacred Ash Warhead launched. The half-meter-long projectile exploded into a searing sunburst, illuminating the battlefield with blinding holy light. Every daemon in its path was instantly vaporized, their souls annihilated. "DAMNED CURSED MONSTER!" Ka''Bandha pushed his speed to the limit, his massive form barreling through the portal. He almost made it. Almost. But the warhead followed him. It chased him through the portal¡ªand struck him in the back. For a single, frozen moment¡ª The entire battlefield fell silent. Then¡ª A blinding, holy explosion erupted within the Warp. A light brighter than a thousand suns consumed the portal¡ª And Ka''Bandha''s dying scream echoed through eternity. "PRAISE THE SUN!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 206 - 207: Throwing a Flashbang into the Brass Fortress? Chapter 206: Chapter 207: Throwing a Flashbang into the Brass Fortress?[1000PS REACHED!!! Thanks for your support!!] "Ahhh¡ª!" Ka''Bandha''s wails echoed through the sky. The holy radiance burned like a sun piercing the night, growing ever more intense. The once dark and oppressive Warp portal was now as bright as day, every inch flooded with golden light. The daemons¡ªonce rampaging horrors¡ªwere now trapped within the confined space, unable to escape the divine judgment. The bloodthirsty cruelty in their eyes vanished, leaving only despair and terror. Their screams became insignificant in the overwhelming radiance, their twisted forms grotesque under the divine glow. Even their shadows refused to stay with them. Their bodies began to disintegrate, turning into wisps of black smoke, fading away along with their souls and the very concepts they embodied. Nothing remained. Whoosh¡ª Within the ultimate radiance, the Warp portal twisted and vanished, as if it had never existed. The space returned to what it was meant to be. From Eden''s perspective, he saw the Warp portal flash brightly for a moment, then disappear entirely. He frowned. "The threat is finally neutralized... but I wonder if the Ash Grenade was enough to kill Ka''Bandha." When the holy light erupted, he could sense that only half of the eight Bloodletters had been completely erased, while the rest still struggled in agony. As for Ka''Bandha, he had suffered grievous wounds, his agonized howls echoing. Whether the lingering damage would be enough to finish off the Exalted Bloodthirster, he had no way of knowing. ... On the Battlefield. The remaining daemon horde stared blankly at the vanished Warp portal. Their Exalted Bloodthirster and commanders had abandoned them. A wave of unspeakable fear spread through the daemonic ranks. They realized they now faced the Savior spoken of by the human warriors¡ª That terrifying man! Eden''s gaze swept across the remaining daemons. He activated the mechanical enhancements on his golden warplate, drew his power sword, and ignited its flames. Like a god descending from the heavens, he declared to the warriors: "In the name of the Emperor, darkness shall be banished, and light shall endure forever!" With that, Eden led the Thunder Guard into a charge, throwing himself into the daemon horde, unleashing absolute slaughter. "For the Savior!" The warriors, their morale surging, launched an all-out assault on the remaining daemons. These daemons had already lost the will to fight¡ªthey were no longer a threat. Eden cleaved through them, each strike precise and brutal. To the daemons, he was an unstoppable horror. "The curse! The curse has come!" "The Marked One!" "Blood God, save us!" Some daemons lost their minds in terror, breaking down before he even reached them, their forms collapsing into nothingness, returning to the Warp. More and more warriors from the outer battle lines joined the fray, closing the encirclement and slaughtering the daemons. The invasion of Matira had reached its end. ... The Warp. Blood-red clouds churned endlessly. The shattered land was pockmarked with deep pits, filled with bones, broken armor, and shattered blades. This was a brutal arena. Slaves, warriors, and ravenous beasts formed endless lines, pushed forward into the pits. Inside, they would fight forever, spilling their lifeblood to earn the favor of Khorne, the Blood God. The blood of the fallen pooled into rivers, feeding into vast crimson lakes, their vapor forming a thick, red mist. This was the Realm of Khorne. A hell untouched by the light of any star or sun. Only the infernal glow of flames and molten rivers provided the slightest illumination. Here, slaughter was endless, an eternal cycle. For the daemons dwelling within the Brass Fortress, everything was as it had always been. After all, no one would dare to intrude upon the Blood God''s domain. But today, that peace was shattered. Boom! A miniature sun erupted near the Brass Fortress, bathing the surroundings in holy light. Khorne''s daemons howled in agony, disintegrating into nothingness. It was as if someone had thrown a flashbang into Khorne''s throne room. The echoes of daemonic wails reached even the depths of the Brass Fortress. As the light faded, shattered daemon bodies crashed to the ground. A profound silence fell over the Brass Fortress. For the first time in a long while, the daemons within felt unease. They exchanged uncertain glances. "Was that... the power of the Marked One?" A long silence followed. A greater daemon of Khorne finally spoke, his deep voice trembling slightly with fear. And then, silence once more. The terrifying being had actually extended his power into the Brass Fortress. A thought that instilled nothing but dread. ... Upon the Brass Throne. A colossal shadow of blood quivered, its violent energy spilling out, distorting the very space and power within the realm. The gathered daemons bowed their heads, not daring to utter another word, lest they incur Khorne''s wrath. Khorne''s fury burned within. The Marked One had dared to extend his reach into His domain. Even a minor incursion was unforgivable! At the same time, the other Chaos Gods turned their gazes toward Khorne''s domain. The Marked One''s movements had long been a subject of divine scrutiny. Now, his power manifesting within the Blood God''s domain had drawn their attention. But before their probing gazes could linger, a colossal axe of blood materialized, cleaving through them in a single stroke. Khorne severed all eyes upon his domain, issuing a clear warning. He would not allow the disgrace that had unfolded here to be witnessed by the other Gods. ... Outside the Brass Fortress. "The Marked One!" Ka''Bandha awoke with a violent start. His massive body, battered and broken, twitched as pain flooded his senses. His wings were gone, his horns shattered, his flesh riddled with searing burns. Even his soul had been weakened to an extreme degree. The Marked One''s power still lingered within him, burning ceaselessly, causing unimaginable agony. Even here, within Khorne''s domain, where slaughter energies flowed ceaselessly, his body remained too damaged to mend itself. At least, the overwhelming power of bloodshed had saved his life. Ka''Bandha knew one thing for certain: Had he not returned in time, he would have been erased just like his legions. Suddenly, he felt the Blood God''s summons. Gritting his fangs, he forced himself upright, dragging his ruined body toward the Brass Fortress. To stand before the Great Blood God. Ka''Bandha''s mind was clouded with exhaustion and fear. He had failed. He had marched forth with pride, sounding the warhorns of Khorne, only to be crushed the moment he arrived. Not even when he had faced Sanguinius had he suffered such a devastating defeat. Ka''Bandha had long served Khorne, rising from a lowly sixth-tier daemon to the Exalted Bloodthirster he was today. He had carved a bloody path, amassing countless glories in Khorne''s name. He understood the Blood God''s temperament well. Khorne despised cowards. He relished punishing the weak with the most brutal torments. Among Khorne''s daemons, Ka''Bandha had always been one of the more cautious. He was no mindless butcher; he knew that strategic patience often led to greater slaughter than blind rage. A temporary failure could always be atoned for with more blood in the future. But this time, his failure was absolute. This was a humiliating, unprecedented defeat. He had been broken by the energy summoned by the Savior, and his entire army had been annihilated on some insignificant, unknown world. And worst of all... He had abandoned his warriors. Fled. Without honor. Without dignity. Khorne would never forgive him. Ka''Bandha''s mind churned with fear as he dragged his ruined form into the grand hall beneath the Brass Throne. The moment he entered, he felt it. The Blood God''s fury. It was like a volcanic eruption, burning and unstoppable! Ka''Bandha''s heart sank. The Blood God was enraged. His disgraceful failure would not go unpunished. Khorne might drag him to the peak of the Brass Fortress, flay him alive, and hang his ruined body upon the high walls. A grim lesson to all daemons: That Ka''Bandha was nothing but a coward, a shameful deserter. What now? Ka''Bandha could already see it happening. Angron''s mocking words. The laughter of the gathered daemons, each word a dagger, each glance a wound upon his pride. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even the lowliest of daemons would spit upon him. Every gesture, every insult would become his eternal shame, a nightmare he could never escape. Such disgrace was worse than death. It would have been better to die under the Marked One''s light. The Marked One...? A stray thought flickered through his broken mind. He lifted his gaze towards the gathered daemons. For the first time, he noticed something hidden in their eyes. A trace of... fear? Then it hit him. They weren''t staring at him. They were staring at the lingering energy within him¡ªthe Marked One''s power, still burning inside his flesh. To them, he was tainted. A walking contamination. No wonder they had avoided him the entire way here. Even among Khorne''s daemons, fear was evident. Perhaps... his failure wasn''t so humiliating after all? A new thought crept into his mind. He had faced the Marked One directly. Even if it was just His energy, he had endured it. Ka''Bandha''s anxiety evaporated. His chest straightened. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 207 - 208: The Despicable and Shameless Follower of the Marked One Chapter 207: Chapter 208: The Despicable and Shameless Follower of the Marked OneKa''Bandha was desperately convincing himself, almost to the point of self-hypnosis. Great Blood God, it''s not that I was weak¡ªit''s that the enemy was too strong! No matter what, he could not reveal the truth. More importantly, he could not show weakness before Khorne or the gathered daemons. Otherwise, he would become a disgrace. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After thinking it through, Ka''Bandha slowly raised his heavy head, his eyes flickering with a cold and ruthless light. His massive daemonic form began to radiate an overwhelming presence, suffocating in its intensity. This wasn''t just physical oppression¡ªit was a mental dominance, an aura of sheer power. Simply put¡ªaside from the Blood God, he was the most arrogant one in this hall. An overwhelming display of dominance! Seeing this, Angrath and the other daemons were momentarily stunned. Wasn''t he utterly defeated? Then why did he look even more arrogant than if he had won?! There was no denying it¡ªKa''Bandha''s presence, combined with the lingering Marked One''s energy within him, gave him an unparalleled air of intimidation among the daemons. Even Khorne himself, seated upon the Brass Throne, showed a flicker of surprise. His fury had been prepared to crush Ka''Bandha mercilessly, but seeing his defiant posture, the urge to punish him lessened slightly. After all, among Khorne''s followers, such arrogance was rewarded. The most savage, the most ruthless¡ªthese were the ones who gained Khorne''s favor. Even slaughtering one''s own kind in combat was acceptable, so long as it resulted in more death and destruction. Take Skulltaker, for example¡ªhe had slain two Exalted Bloodthirsters in a single duel, binding their souls into his axe. As a result, he became one of Khorne''s most favored champions. But Skulltaker''s arrogance had grown too great. He had been deceived by Tzeentch, leading him to strike at Khorne himself. His mighty blow, capable of splitting mountains and rivers, left nothing but a small crack on Khorne''s Brass Helm. Enraged, Khorne shattered his mind, stripped him of reason, and cast him out of the Blood God''s domain. Now, Khorne turned his gaze toward Ka''Bandha, his divine sight noting the lingering energy of the Marked One clinging to him. It was... unsettling. His voice, ever filled with boiling fury, resounded through the great hall: "Tell me what happened." The gathered daemons all turned to Ka''Bandha, their gazes locking onto him. But at this moment, Ka''Bandha no longer feared them. He had fully embraced his circumstances. With a victorious stance, he walked toward the Brass Throne, radiating overwhelming confidence. The daemons instinctively stepped aside, clearing a path for him. Among them, such an act signified submission. Ka''Bandha strode forward until he stood before Angrath, locking eyes with him. His cold, brutal gaze bore into him. "You are in my way." "Ka''Bandha!" Angrath''s voice burned with fury. But Ka''Bandha stepped forward again, his aura radiating menace, forcing Angrath to momentarily hesitate. With a snort, Angrath stepped aside. It couldn''t be helped¡ªthe energy of the Marked One was utterly revolting to daemons. And this was pure, concentrated energy, directly drawn from the Golden Sun itself¡ªwithout any intermediaries or dilution. In human terms... It was as if someone had soaked themselves in fermented, highly toxic filth¡ªnot just regular filth, but something so potent and unnatural that no sane person would go near it. And now, Ka''Bandha was drenched in it, standing before Angrath with an unhinged, fearless expression, as if daring him to resist. No one wanted to deal with that. So Angrath stepped back. But in doing so, he had conceded to Ka''Bandha''s presence. "Move aside, weakling!" Ka''Bandha shoved Angrath aside, stepping into the position of Khorne''s highest-favored Bloodthirster. Inside, he could barely contain his exhilaration. He had completely turned the situation around¡ªeven humiliating Angrath in the process. A storm of thoughts raced through his mind, as if he had discovered an entirely new way to play the game. Typically, Khorne''s daemons were honor-bound warriors, more like brutal berserkers than schemers. But now... Ka''Bandha had unlocked a new path. And whether or not a certain chaotic meddler had nudged things in this direction remained unknown. From this moment on, a cunning and deceitful Bloodthirster now roamed the galaxy. A truly ominous development. Now standing firm, Ka''Bandha suppressed his lingering fear, straightened his posture, and began his performance. His expression darkened with fury. "Great Blood God, I was caught in a treacherous trap! Upon entering the portal, my legions and I were transported to an unknown battlefield. A follower of the Marked One ambushed us with unimaginable cunning and deception. He was even stronger than the Primarchs¡ªhe could wield the Marked One''s energy directly!" At these words, the gathered daemons recoiled in shock, and even Khorne''s expression turned grim. The humans had produced an even greater threat¡ªone that demanded attention. Ka''Bandha continued: "My warriors and I launched a fearless charge into the ambush, but we were overwhelmed by the immense power of the Marked One''s energy!" Ka''Bandha continued to exaggerate, painting the enemy as unfathomably strong, while making himself appear heroic and unbeatable¡ªbut simply outmatched by sheer treachery. "That cunning, deceitful, shameless follower of the Marked One had clearly planned for this encounter. He sought to use the Warp portal to open a direct conduit, allowing the Marked One''s energy to invade our sacred domain!" The hall erupted into an uproar. To the daemons, this was akin to having their sacred grounds defiled by the filth of their most hated enemy. If the enemy succeeded, their domain would become uninhabitable! But the rising commotion was swiftly silenced by Khorne''s furious presence. "Silence! Continue." Ka''Bandha, now fully committed to his act, continued spinning his tale. "Such treachery is beyond intolerable! When the portal opened, and the Marked One''s energy poured in, I threw myself forward, blocking the gateway with my own body!" Hearing this, the daemons looked at him with newfound awe. The Marked One''s energy could erase them from existence¡ªto stand against it was an act of supreme courage. Ka''Bandha''s voice rang with defiance: "The energy of the Marked One was relentless¡ªI believed I would die. But I endured. Because I would never allow such deception and dishonor to succeed! I destroyed the portal and returned here alive. This is why I am in this state!" He raised his head to meet Khorne''s gaze, fearless and unwavering. "Yes, my campaign was a failure, and I accept any punishment!" Ka''Bandha''s words were half-truths and lies, but the energy of the Marked One had truly marked him, making it difficult to discern reality from deception. Khorne''s crimson eyes narrowed. He gazed at Ka''Bandha, then at the daemons whose eyes now carried faint traces of fear. With a snort, Khorne released a surge of slaughter-energy, punishing the daemons for their momentary doubt. Then, raising a hand, he poured the accumulated power of countless wars into Ka''Bandha, purging him of the Marked One''s taint. A new Exalted Bloodthirster was reborn. Khorne''s voice rumbled: "Then tell me¡ªwhat is the name of this follower of the Marked One?" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 208 - 209: He... is the Nemesis of Demons! Chapter 208: Chapter 209: He... is the Nemesis of Demons!Ka''Bandha clenched his fists tightly, his iron-like demonic body radiating roaring hellfire, his breath expanding and causing the air around him to tremble. Ah, what a surging power! A cruel smile curled at the corner of his lips. His strength had reached new heights¡ªeven Angrath was no match for him! From this moment on, he was no longer bound by anyone. He was Khorne''s most favored, the supreme Bloodthirster, the nightmare of all enemies! Just as Ka''Bandha reveled in his power, a query from the Blood God made him freeze for a moment. At the same time, the golden figure that appeared in his mind caused his heart to involuntarily tighten. Fortunately, Ka''Bandha quickly steadied himself, not revealing any trace of fear. What is the name of that accursed one''s champion? I don''t know! He had only just emerged from the Warp portal when that detestable wretch nearly killed him¡ªhow would he know the name? Thinking back now... That foe''s attacks were terrifying, but before each strike, there had been a period of energy buildup. If he hadn''t been so afraid¡ªif he hadn''t panicked¡ªhe could have countered it. But that wasn''t his fault. His strategy had been sound. Who could have known whether that bastard had even more horrifying abilities hidden away? At this moment, the Brass Hall was dead silent, all the demons'' eyes fixed on Ka''Bandha, waiting for his answer. Uh... Ka''Bandha''s eyes flickered. He hesitated for a moment before suddenly turning to face the assembled demons, adopting an extremely cautious expression. "That was an extremely cunning, deceitful, and terrifying being." His voice was low as he continued: "If it had not been me who faced him, but any of you instead... you would have been utterly erased, leaving not even a trace of your existence. You would have had no chance to return to the Brass Fortress." He lifted a hand and pointed: "Especially you, Angrath!" Angrath: ??? Ka''Bandha ignored Angrath''s reaction and continued speaking. "As for his name..." What was it again? His mind raced, trying to recall the battlefield. But all he could remember were three words: The Savior. Ka''Bandha suddenly lifted his head, as if speaking of some forbidden horror: "He has many titles¡ªThe Chosen One, The Only Savior, The Voidstorm, The Blessed One of the Sevenfold Path... and The Devourer of Demons¡ª" Ka''Bandha racked his brains, spouting every intimidating title he could think of. For greater effect, he even dared to utter taboo words. The moment he spoke that forbidden title, a commotion rippled through the assembled demons. As he continued listing names, the demons'' gazes grew increasingly solemn¡ªsome even displayed faint fear. "The Devourer of Demons?" Angrath''s eyes burned with barely contained rage. "Yes, the Devourer of Demons..." "I saw him with my own eyes¡ªhe devoured my Bloodletters, one by one!" At these words, even Angrath''s pupils shrank slightly. A being capable of consuming demons? That was something to be feared. Ka''Bandha fully indulged in exaggerating the Savior''s might. After all, the stronger his enemy seemed, the less disgraceful his defeat would appear. "I faced an enemy of supreme power, an adversary beyond reckoning! I stood firm against death to defend the Brass Fortress¡ªand I lived to tell the tale!" "If any of you had been in my place, you''d have been obliterated!" One lie requires countless others to sustain it. Ka''Bandha had no choice now¡ªhe had to keep fabricating, even obscuring details about the Savior to prevent his deception from unraveling. If the truth were exposed, Khorne would likely string him up and hack him into eight pieces. As Ka''Bandha continued, a dreadful figure took shape in the minds of the demons. The demon hordes, despite never having encountered this being, now harbored a deep-seated dread¡ªperhaps even fear. Of course, some of Khorne''s greater demons burned with battle-lust, seeing this entity as a supreme foe to be vanquished. For Khorne''s chosen, only by facing stronger enemies could they achieve true warrior''s glory! "How do we find this Devourer of Demons?" Angrath demanded, his voice laced with challenge. Ka''Bandha shook his head. "We were transported to an unknown realm, and we have no way back." "Furthermore, the Devourer seems to possess the ability to traverse the Warp and the material world at will¡ªtracking him down would be nearly impossible." Ka''Bandha would never betray the Savior''s whereabouts. If the challengers he sent after him were all slain, that would be fine. But if the Savior was defeated¡ªwouldn''t that make him look utterly incompetent? And besides, if he kept quiet, the demons would never find the Savior. The galaxy contained millions of worlds, with countless pretenders calling themselves saviors. Far too many to count. Ka''Bandha turned to the Blood God and continued his deception: "Great Khorne, that Savior, that Devourer of Demons..." "It is highly likely that the Accursed One, dissatisfied with the power of mere Primarchs, has begun to cultivate new champions¡ªhis powerful tendrils reaching into the material realm!" Khorne''s vast blood-red form trembled slightly at these words. A hint of wariness emerged within the Blood God. Yes... the Accursed One had grown ever stronger. For millennia, he had been trapped in the Warp, transformed into a golden sun, tormented by overwhelming divine energies, unable to move. So long as none dared approach the golden sun, there was no direct threat. But now... now the Accursed One''s influence stretched beyond the immaterium¡ªhis hand extended into Khorne''s domain. This was a troubling sign. Fortunately, he had not yet broken free, merely sending forth a powerful champion. But precautions were necessary. Ka''Bandha, sensing Khorne''s reaction, immediately declared: "Mighty Blood God, unmatched master of destruction¡ªI vow that if I encounter that Savior, that Devourer of Demons again, I shall sever his head and offer it to the Skull Throne!" Khorne stared at Ka''Bandha for a long moment before finally speaking in a deep voice: "I expect your trophies, my warrior..." Not to be outdone, Angrath hastily roared: "So shall I!" Khorne granted Ka''Bandha even more legions, making him the Bloodthirster with the largest forces under his command. A servant who could withstand the energies of the Accursed One was worth investing in. However, such gifts came with a price¡ªif Ka''Bandha failed to deliver satisfactory victories, Khorne''s wrath would be far worse than anything imaginable. As for Angrath¡ªhe got nothing. Worse still, many of his legions had been reassigned to Ka''Bandha. Rage burned in his heart. How had that fool Ka''Bandha suddenly surpassed him? How had he gained Khorne''s supreme favor? Later, at Khorne''s command, Ka''Bandha used his power to manifest an image of the Savior, the Devourer of Demons. It was inevitable¡ªhe couldn''t claim he hadn''t even seen his enemy''s face before being defeated. Of course, he took some artistic liberties. He altered the image, claiming that the Savior''s appearance was shrouded in mist, constantly shifting. That he was a master of disguise, his form ever-changing, and that he preferred treacherous ambushes. He would strike suddenly, slaughtering demons and drinking their blood. Those killed by him would be utterly erased¡ªlost forever, beyond even Khorne''s grasp! It made sense¡ªa deceitful and terrifying being would never reveal his true form. And so, the embellishment continued. At last, under Ka''Bandha''s exaggerated vision, Eden''s appearance became something monstrous: A towering figure nearly five meters tall, his face obscured by mist, his fanged visage fierce beneath a golden daemon-styled helmet, his entire form cloaked in divine light. Around him lay the corpses of slain Bloodthirsters, their souls wailing in agony. The Savior stood amidst the carnage, his black hair wild, gnawing on a severed Bloodletter''s arm, blood spraying everywhere! As the image solidified, the sheer impact of the scene left the demons in silent horror. They all had but one thought: "What a terrifying existence!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 209 - 210: Khorne: It Must Be Tzeentch’s Doing! Chapter 209: Chapter 210: Khorne: It Must Be Tzeentch''s Doing!Ka''Bandha observed the demons'' reactions and nodded secretly in satisfaction. This was exactly the effect he had aimed for. The stronger the enemy appeared, the more formidable his own strength would seem. If he had given a straightforward account of the so-called Savior''s appearance, the other demons might have doubted him. They might even suspect him of lying. In truth, what he had said wasn''t entirely false. Somewhere in the galaxy, there was a champion of the Accursed One, possessing terrifying abilities. This being could wield the Accursed One''s power, inflicting immense harm upon demons. It just wasn''t as exaggerated as Ka''Bandha had made it sound. Khorne had issued a bounty¡ªbesides Ka''Bandha, whoever could bring the Savior''s head to the Skull Throne would receive unparalleled favor. Ka''Bandha frowned slightly at this. He could foresee that if another daemon killed the Savior, his newly acquired prestige would be stripped away. He considered it for a moment¡ªshould he gain even greater power and kill the Savior himself to eliminate the threat? But the instant he recalled the Savior''s image, his heart clenched involuntarily. After this ordeal, he had become far more cautious and temporarily dismissed the thought. That wretch was cunning and deceitful¡ªwhat if he had even more terrifying tricks hidden away? Wouldn''t Ka''Bandha just be rushing to his own death? For now, it was best to stay as far away as possible. The fear the Savior had instilled in Ka''Bandha ran deep¡ªit was a mental scar. Not even against Sanguinius had he ever felt true fear¡ªonly seething hatred. But the Accursed One''s power had inflicted an indescribable torment upon him. And that torment had become transferred onto the more tangible figure of the Savior. Ka''Bandha''s heart burned with rage, frustration, and an unfulfilled need for violence. He had to do something. Suddenly, he remembered the scent he had detected on the battlefield¡ªthe scent of the Blood Angels. Even a faint trace of it was enough. Since he couldn''t deal with the Savior for now, why not take out his wrath on the Blood Angels? Ka''Bandha had already begun planning his revenge. As for the Savior¡ªhe would wait for the right moment, probe his weaknesses, and then claim his head! Having made up his mind, Ka''Bandha exhaled a wave of scorching heat and awaited Khorne''s command. This gathering of the Blood God''s demons must have a greater purpose. ... The Brass Throne From atop the Brass Throne, Khorne, after issuing the bounty, also declared several war preparations. The Blood God had sensed a shift in the material universe. Rumors had spread through the Warp¡ªthe Imperium sought to revive a Primarch. This was what truly concerned him. The Accursed One''s champion had only just appeared. And while certainly a threat, he could not alter the greater war. A Primarch, however¡ªthat was a true nightmare. It wasn''t just about personal might. The real danger of a Primarch lay in the millennia of accumulated legend and authority behind them. The emergence of the Great Rift had fractured the Imperium, stretching it thin across countless conflicts, pushing it toward collapse. But if a Primarch returned... They could unite the Imperium once more. A reunited Imperium would hinder the spread of slaughter and destruction. And this wasn''t just Khorne''s concern¡ªnone of the Chaos Gods wanted this to happen. After issuing his war preparations, Khorne dismissed his daemonic horde. Alone in his Brass Hall, the Blood God fell into contemplation. He was considering the Accursed One. After Ka''Bandha''s return, Khorne had directed his awareness to inspect the region in question... But he found nothing. And yet, the Accursed One''s energy had been there. It had even been mingled with another presence¡ªone that Khorne despised. That presence belonged to the Accursed One''s champion. This eerie and inexplicable phenomenon reeked of conspiracy. Khorne suppressed his mounting rage. He thought of his most hated foe¡ªthat ever-changing trickster. That wretch had always schemed against him. That wretch had even corrupted his once-favored Skarbrand. A plan so devious and elusive... Khorne had every reason to believe that this was Tzeentch''s doing. The Trickster God must have used the Accursed One''s power against him! Suddenly, Khorne sensed a prying gaze from that scheming coward. Tzeentch! Old grudges and new rage surged within the Blood God like a volcanic eruption. Without hesitation, Khorne struck back at the intrusive gaze! No matter what, he would find an excuse to hack that scheming wretch to pieces! ... The Realm of Tzeentch A labyrinth of impossible geometry stretched endlessly¡ªa crystal maze of shifting, polished surfaces that reflected nothing. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The corridors endlessly appeared, dissolved, merged, split, and twisted in random directions. At the heart of the maze lay a hidden library. A timeless Hall of Infinite Knowledge, home to the legendary Well of Eternity. The enchanted waters within the well could reveal countless unseen threads of fate across the cosmos. Above the crystal labyrinth, a massive iridescent mass of ever-shifting forms hovered. One moment, it took the shape of a vulture-headed, multi-winged daemon. Then, it became a grotesque giant, its oversized head protruding from its chest, two venomous serpents writhing on its shoulders. Soon, its form morphed again, twisting into an incomprehensible array of shifting shapes. This was the Changer of Ways¡ªTzeentch. Moments earlier, the Lord of Change had sensed a disturbance in Khorne''s domain and cast a probing gaze toward it... Only to be met with a massive, rage-fueled blood-axe swinging at his face. The sudden attack shattered part of the crystal maze, even reaching the library itself. And then another blood-axe came hurtling toward him. Tzeentch barely blocked it, momentarily stunned. Turning his gaze to the enormous blood-red shadow, his voice dripped with disdain: "You brutish oaf¡ªdo you seek war?" The Chaos Gods were far from allies¡ªthey were eternal rivals and schemers, locked in endless conflict. Yet their grudging stalemate had lasted eons, held together only by necessity. For despite their hatred for each other, the Chaos Gods shared a common enemy¡ªthe Accursed One. A full-scale war between them would only weaken them all, leaving the Imperium and the Accursed One an opportunity to strike. The clash between Khorne and Tzeentch soon drew the attention of two other Chaos Gods. Two new figures emerged. One was swathed in pink mist, exuding an aura of pleasure and torment. The other radiated a sickly green glow, carrying a stench of decay yet watching with an air of strange affection. They remained silent, merely observing. Khorne''s voice boomed with wrath: "Was it not you who caused the disturbance in my realm? You sow chaos in my domain, and now you dare feign innocence?" "If you meddle again, I will unleash my full wrath upon you!" With that, Khorne swung his axe one last time, dealing even greater devastation before vanishing. Returning to his Brass Throne, Khorne felt somewhat appeased. That was... satisfying. Above the crystal labyrinth, the two other figures faded away, leaving Tzeentch standing alone. .....???? "I didn''t even do anything!" Tzeentch, of course, knew that brute had manufactured an excuse for violence. But such blunt and crude tactics... disgusted him. Had he retaliated, Khorne would have immediately escalated the conflict into an all-out war. The labyrinth and the library would have suffered immense damage. Tzeentch despised such senseless destruction. He preferred manipulation, gradual descent into madness, weaving intricate webs of fate. This sudden, chaotic, uncontrollable mess¡ªinfuriating! But in the blink of an eye, Tzeentch composed himself. "I must stay rational. I must stay in control." Calming himself, he began plotting his revenge. Ka''Bandha... yes, Ka''Bandha would be the perfect pawn. At the same time, he sought to understand the real cause of this entire mess. Soon, Khorne''s message reached the other Chaos Gods¡ªthe so-called Savior. Tzeentch gazed upon the image of the Savior... And immediately sensed something was off. Something was wrong with this image. And that meant only one thing¡ªa mystery to unravel. Approaching the Well of Eternity, Tzeentch reached out, searching for the true threads of fate behind the Savior... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 210 - 211: Eden – Oh No, I’ve Been Targeted by the Cosmic Troll! Chapter 210: Chapter 211: Eden ¨C Oh No, I¡¯ve Been Targeted by the Cosmic Troll!The Warp. Tzeentch''s consciousness spread at an astonishing speed. It sought to follow the remnants of causal threads to locate the kin of the Cursed One. Many of these threads were still connected to the material world. Tracing them to their endpoints would allow Tzeentch to pinpoint the exact location of the Cursed One''s kin. The anticipation was palpable. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After all, the Architect of Fate could hardly wait to weave a chaotic and tragic destiny for that little so-called Savior. ... Throne Square. Eden leaned on his greatsword, resting against the wreckage of a heavy tank. Phew, he was drained. No surprise there¡ªfirst he had fought Harris, then he had hacked his way through demons. The continuous high-intensity combat had taken a serious toll on his stamina. He had lost count of how many demons he had slain. At this point, he had cut through the entire square from one end to the other multiple times. Mowing them down was exhilarating, but the stamina drain was no joke. Now, the battle to purge the demons had come to an end. A handful of demons had managed to escape, but it wasn''t a major issue. The Inquisition would handle the extermination efforts in the aftermath. Meanwhile, the Departmento Munitorum''s logistics division was busy tallying battlefield resources, salvaging anything that could still be repurposed. The wounded had been gathered in a designated safe zone. Sisters Hospitaller moved swiftly among them, their gentle hands tending to the wounded warriors with practiced care. At the same time, a massive cleanup crew of tens of thousands entered the battlefield. These specialists were trained to handle the aftermath of Warp incursions, providing a full suite of services: high-temperature cleansing, ash purification, and mass exorcisms. Most of them were hulking men, clad in tight-fitting orange-yellow protective suits with gas masks, bearing the insignia of the Purification Corps on their chests. Their emblem depicted a pair of crossed cleaning gloves cradling a contaminated skull. At that moment, the leader of the Purification Corps was addressing his men: "What''s our motto?" The burly workers stood tall and roared in unison: "Eliminate contamination, leave no trace!" The leader nodded approvingly. "Get to work!" Immediately, the workers dispersed, setting about their tasks to methodically cleanse the battlefield. The Corps had undergone several rounds of equipment upgrades, outfitting them with an array of heavy-duty cleansing apparatuses. These machines, blessed by the Ecclesiarchy, were deployed across Throne Square, flashing red-and-blue warning lights as sacred hymns echoed through the air. Some workers operated high-temperature incinerators, while others sprayed disinfectant infused with mild restorative properties over the warriors and their equipment. Others were tasked with packaging and sealing contaminants, or performing purification rites and exorcisms. Everything was handled with meticulous professionalism. The goal: to eliminate every trace of corruption left behind. Sizzle¡ª Flames roared. The glow of the fire illuminated the face of Big Barrel, who was deeply focused on his craft. His expression was resolute, a pink apron tied around his waist, his movements fluid and confident. Every stir of the wok reflected his passion for cooking and his relentless pursuit of perfection. With practiced skill, he masterfully controlled the fire, stir-frying ingredients with a blend of alchemical potions and spices. Inside the wok, the ingredients danced under the intense heat, swiftly changing color as they released a mouthwatering aroma. This was his moment of glory. Big Barrel poured his heart and soul into preparing an unparalleled delicacy for the Savior! "Smells amazing..." Eden took a deep breath, savoring the aroma. The culinary skills were undeniably top-tier. It was, after all, a cooking style Eden had personally taught Big Barrel¡ªthough limited to frying simple Karcan eggs, which could be stretched into a massive dish. Everything beyond that was entirely Big Barrel''s own creative development. He had surpassed the master. Suddenly, Eden''s expression changed as he spotted something. He hurriedly urged, "Hurry it up! The cleanup crew is getting close." "Oh, right! Almost done!" Big Barrel was technically breaking the rules by cooking here, and he didn''t want to disrupt the Purification Corps'' work. The Savior''s urging made him a little nervous. He swiftly twisted the valve, sending a column of fire shooting several meters into the air, increasing his stir-frying speed. Moments later, he extinguished the flames and transferred the food into a metal container. With great care, Big Barrel presented the dish to Eden: "Savior, please enjoy my ''Spicy Stir-Fried Flesh Hound Whip and Brass Bull Tendons!''" Eden took a bite and immediately praised, "Not bad! This is seriously delicious." Perhaps it was the ingredients, but Big Barrel''s cooking was even better than the master chefs at the Spire Palace. The precisely prepared, high-heat stir-frying process had perfectly preserved the meat''s tenderness and elasticity, resulting in a dish with an incredibly unique flavor. "As long as you like it, Savior!" Big Barrel was overjoyed at Eden''s praise, his hands fumbling awkwardly in excitement. Eden continued eating, replenishing his energy with demon meat. Then, suddenly¡ª An inexplicable sense of dread gripped his heart. The delicious meal in his mouth instantly lost all its flavor. Damn it! Can''t I catch a break?! A terrifying presence had locked onto him. A presence that felt all too familiar. Eden swallowed his food with difficulty, exhaling slowly to steady himself. A terrible realization struck him, sending chills down his spine. It was Tzeentch. Over a decade ago, in Yosef''s laboratory, he had once caught a fleeting glimpse of Tzeentch''s illusions¡ªacross an unfathomable distance. Even then, the sight had shaken him to his core. The memory of that presence had never left him. And now, it wasn''t just an illusion. This time, the actual Changer of Ways had taken direct interest in him. In the Infernal Galaxy, those marked by Tzeentch rarely met a good end. Their fates were rewritten, their hopes twisted into nothingness, leading them down a road of despair and chaos until they destroyed themselves. Even Tzeentch''s most loyal servants were treated no differently. One moment, a follower would be granted infinite knowledge and power; the next, Tzeentch would whimsically strip them of everything, leaving them to suffer the cruelest fate. To Tzeentch, all life was merely a pawn, something to be discarded at a moment''s notice. The Lord of Change was the ultimate trickster god, a master of grand cosmic pranks. The other Chaos Gods, as evil as they were, at least pursued their own goals. Tzeentch? Tzeentch cared only for the spectacle. For the sheer chaotic fun of it. He would manipulate allies, betray his own followers, and even sabotage his own long-laid plans¡ªjust to enjoy the resulting madness. Because self-sabotage was, in itself, another form of chaos. Eden would rather deal with any of the other Chaos Gods than have anything to do with this cosmic troll. Even pledging allegiance to Chaos had a hierarchy of benefits: Khorne: Acknowledges your strength, gives you full resurrection perks and badass brass armor. Slaanesh: Grants you peak physical enhancements and eternal pleasure (with a side of extra... appendages). Nurgle: Ugly as hell, but at least he loves his followers like a father. And then there''s Tzeentch: "Orphan." Eden''s expression darkened. This was bad. Really bad. If Tzeentch found him, his future would be nothing but an endless nightmare of uncertainty and torment. His entire domain would be at risk. The chaos would consume everything. Eden felt the presence drawing ever closer. Without hesitation, he projected his consciousness into the Warp. "Old man, HELP!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 211 - 212: Eden – Hiss~ What a Tragic Sight... [PS Event For Will Start On PS Reset!!] [+200PS= +1Chapter!] Endless Void. Enjoy more content from NovelFire.C?m The space itself seemed to breathe¡ªexpanding and contracting rhythmically. With each pulse, waves of unseen energy rippled outward, accompanied by shrill, distorted screams that stabbed at the senses. Eden¡¯s consciousness returned to the Little Sun. Rather than discomfort, he felt a sense of familiarity. As the Little Sun¡¯s power grew, his connection to the Warp deepened. In a way, this place was his domain¡ªhis home turf, a space where he felt completely secure. Blazing light radiated outward, purging the surrounding void of its malevolent energies. Eden looked up into the distance. The Golden Sun, like a brilliant celestial star, shone with pure and overwhelming divine light. Thump¡ª The Little Sun trembled violently. It was an instinctive response to a looming threat¡ªTzeentch¡¯s gaze was drawing closer to his physical form in the material world. The Golden Sun sensed the anomaly and immediately sent a psychic inquiry. Roughly translated, it meant: "What¡¯s going on, little one?" Eden exhaled in relief. He had a powerful backer¡ªthe strongest in the Infernal Galaxy. Without hesitation, he sent a psychic transmission, informing the Emperor of his predicament. His plea for help roughly translated to: "HELP! That cosmic troll Tzeentch has locked onto me! Save me, oh mighty one!" He had no choice¡ªhe was still in growth mode, and he wasn¡¯t yet capable of dealing with the direct influence of Tzeentch¡¯s true form. Of course, this was only temporary. Once he had fully developed his power and expanded his domain, he would be able to resist the Chaos Gods¡¯ corruption. In time, he would even be able to move freely within the material world, beyond the grasp of Chaos itself. After all, the Ruinous Powers struggled to manifest in reality, relying mostly on corrupting influence and mortal servants to do their bidding. As long as Eden had an unbreakable will and a strong army, he could ride roughshod over any forces the Chaos Gods sent after him. If they sent a thousand? He¡¯d slaughter a thousand. What could they possibly do to him? And as for the Warp itself? With the Golden Sun watching over him, he had nothing to fear. If the Chaos Gods could overpower the Emperor, they would have done so long ago. The Emperor received Eden¡¯s psychic distress call. The Golden Sun trembled slightly¡ªa sign of acknowledgment. The Emperor would act. Eden could even sense a strange¡­ excitement from the Emperor. Wait¡ªwhy was the Emperor excited? Regardless, with His protection, this situation was as good as handled. Still, Eden cautiously moved closer to the Golden Sun for extra safety. Survival first, everything else second. Then, he even offered a few tactical suggestions to the Emperor. Of course, it was entirely up to Him how to proceed. Compared to the ancient and battle-hardened Emperor¡ªwho had lived for millennia and fought countless wars¡ªEden was just a budding force in the galaxy. A mere rising sun, still in its infancy. Still, this was a clash of galactic titans, and he wanted to feel like he was part of it¡ªeven if only a little. ... The Warp. A certain void. Tzeentch¡¯s manifested consciousness emerged, its vast and ever-shifting form filling the space with its presence. It trembled slightly, a hint of regret flickering within its endless thoughts. The causal thread leading to the Cursed One¡¯s kin had been severed. Tzeentch hesitated. Someone had anticipated its arrival and had proactively erased all traces of its presence. Even worse, there were remnants of an energy signature it despised. Something similar to the Cursed One¡¯s power¡­ but not quite the same. A gentler, purer variation. That must have been the kin¡¯s power. Even more intriguing¡ªwithin the energy¡¯s remnants, Tzeentch detected a faint trace of its own essence. Hope. Fascinating¡­ Tzeentch¡¯s interest in the so-called Savior¡¯s kin deepened. If it couldn¡¯t find him in the present, it would simply search his past. Tzeentch had all the time in the world. Among the Chaos Gods, Tzeentch had the greatest ability to uncover hidden truths. Few things could escape its gaze. Anything that had existed left a trace in the Warp. If Tzeentch could find the Savior¡¯s past, it could deduce where he had come from and where he was now. It adjusted its focus, seeking another thread of causality to trace. Yet this time, something even stranger happened. The causal thread vanished entirely¡ªnot erased, but as if it had never existed. It was as though the Savior had appeared out of nowhere, his past wiped clean at some unknown moment. What in the name of the Warp was this?! Tzeentch¡¯s curiosity surged to unprecedented levels. Its followers often succumbed to corruption through their insatiable curiosity, ensnared in its intricate webs of deception. But Tzeentch itself¡­ Was even more obsessive. It normally suppressed its own overwhelming curiosity, simply because it already knew too much. Every secret, every mystery of the universe¡ªit had stored them all within the Crystal Labyrinth¡¯s Library. Through this endless well of knowledge, Tzeentch lured seekers of wisdom, corrupting them into its followers. Of course, the knowledge it granted was always tainted with deceit. A scam of cosmic proportions. Many pursued its gifts, only to be led astray. To an entity that knew nearly everything, the universe held few surprises. But now, a new puzzle had emerged. A mystery so compelling that Tzeentch was willing to risk everything to uncover its truth. The iridescent mass of its form twisted chaotically as it diverted all its power into the search. Its calculations escalated to unprecedented levels, the sheer energy consumption pushing its essence to the brink of collapse. To put it simply: It fried its own CPU. Finally, it arrived at a vague answer. The Savior originated from an unknown realm. Most likely, a higher-dimensional space. And, in a moment of terrifying clarity, Tzeentch felt a horrifying truth¡ª Its own fate was being manipulated by a force far beyond its comprehension. Tzeentch refused to pursue this thought further. The shimmering mass of its body collapsed like a dead fish in the void. It feared the ultimate answer. To learn that even it was merely a pawn¡ªits fate dictated by a higher power¡ª What a cosmic joke. The very notion was unacceptable. Tzeentch, the Master of Fate, could not be controlled. It forcefully severed that line of thought. Yet its curiosity remained, stronger than ever. It had to find the Savior. It had to uncover the truth. After an indeterminate amount of time, Tzeentch finally discovered a trace of the Savior¡¯s presence in the Warp. The projection was here. It had found him. "The answer... I will soon have that beautiful answer¡­" Overcome with impatience, Tzeentch hurled itself forward, tearing through the void. It activated full-speed mode, ripping through countless dimensions and distances, lunging straight toward its target. And the moment it arrived¡ª sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It saw light. A pure, blinding, overwhelmingly divine light! Tzeentch¡¯s very essence quaked, its emotions thrown into chaos. In its mind, only one thought remained: "OH, F@#%!" BOOM¡ª Holy flames erupted violently. "Hiss¡ªwhat a tragic sight¡­" From behind the Golden Sun, Eden whistled in awe. The plan had been to ambush Tzeentch the moment it arrived¡­ But who could have guessed it would charge in headfirst like this? As Eden watched the iridescent form crash into the Golden Sun, he sighed: "Welp. That¡¯s gotta hurt." "AAAAAARGH!" Tzeentch¡¯s agonized screams shook the Warp itself. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 212 - 213: The Chaos Gods—A Moment of Silence… [PS Event For Will Start On PS Reset!!] [+200PS= +1Chapter!] Space twisted violently. A torrent of pure energy surged outward, filling the surrounding void with blazing divine radiance. "This is insane..." Eden¡¯s vision was overwhelmed by golden light¡ªand the writhing iridescent mass of Tzeentch¡¯s struggling avatar. He could feel the Emperor¡¯s emotions. Not just exhilaration¡ªbut an unleashed fury that had been simmering for ten thousand years. Ten Millennia Ago¡­ The Great Crusade had seen the Emperor and His Primarchs launch a campaign of conquest that shattered the galaxy¡¯s chains, forging an Imperium for mankind alone. At its height, the Imperium of Man controlled millions of worlds¡ªa vast empire bathed in the light of progress. But such vast dominion came with an incomprehensible burden. To secure humanity¡¯s future, the Emperor withdrew into the depths of the Imperial Palace, working to unlock an ancient secret¡ªthe Webway Project. This labyrinth of tunnels, created by the Old Ones, allowed for instantaneous travel across the stars. If fully harnessed, the Webway would eliminate the Imperium¡¯s reliance on the Warp, severing its vulnerability to daemonic incursions. Once the Emperor fully deciphered its mysteries, He resolved to forge His own gateway. Thus, He constructed a vast golden portal, so immense that multiple Warhound Titans could stride through it at once. Upon its completion, He reactivated an ancient artifact¡ªthe Golden Throne, a relic capable of amplifying His psychic might to unimaginable levels. Suspending the Golden Throne above the portal, He linked it to the Webway Gate through intricate mechanisms, forming the key to His grand design. When activated, He would use the Throne¡¯s immense power to stabilize the Webway, forging a galactic transport network free from Chaos¡¯ grasp. Then¡ªHe made His greatest mistake. He sat upon it. Bound by countless cables and conduits, arcs of blinding psychic energy surged through His form. Locked into the final phase of His research, the Emperor could no longer move freely. And from that moment¡ªthe Imperium¡¯s doom was sealed. Tzeentch, along with the other Chaos Gods, whispered poisoned lies to Horus, turning the Warmaster against His Father. Horus ignited a war that tore the galaxy apart¡ªculminating in the Siege of Terra, his final push to slay the Emperor. As the fateful moment neared, Tzeentch ensnared Magnus the Red, luring him into shattering the Webway¡¯s psychic barriers. The Webway was compromised. And with it¡ªdemons poured into reality, flooding through the breach. The Emperor, still bound to the Throne, was forced to split His focus. He fought to suppress the demonic tide, while preparing to confront Horus himself. With His power divided, He made a desperate decision¡ª He commanded Malcador the Sigillite, His most loyal regent, to take His place on the Throne. Only then could He leave the Throne and personally battle Horus. By the time He returned, mortally wounded, Malcador had already been obliterated¡ªhis body consumed by the Throne¡¯s merciless psychic onslaught. The Webway breach remained open. To prevent the Imperium¡¯s total collapse, the Emperor had no choice but to sit upon the Throne once more. From that moment forth¡ªHis grand vision was lost. The Golden Throne became His eternal prison, its endless psychic strain leaving Him suspended between life and death. His body rotted, yet His soul endured, guarding humanity¡¯s future from within the Warp itself. Yet without His direct rule, humanity began to wither. Blind faith replaced progress. The Imperium, once the beacon of human supremacy, degenerated into a stagnant, decaying theocracy¡ªbesieged by Xenos, heretics, and daemons alike. Yet, in their ignorance, mankind worshipped Him as a god¡ª Their faith transformed Him into the Golden Sun, the Savior of Humanity, the God-Emperor of Mankind. And through their prayers, He ascended¡ªbecoming a divine force in the Warp, a burning beacon against the tides of Chaos. But this was never His will. Humanity was meant to have a future. A golden age of reason. Yet, it had been stolen by the Dark Gods. And the one most responsible¡ª Was Tzeentch. The Golden Sun swelled. Ten thousand years of repressed fury ignited. A tidal wave of divine fire erupted outward. The sheer magnitude of power sent even Eden¡ªthe Little Sun¡ªtrembling in fear. "Holy hell... This energy... It¡¯s stronger than even the Chaos Gods¡­! Thank the stars He¡¯s on our side, or humanity would¡¯ve been erased by now¡­" "Cursed One!" Tzeentch screamed, its psyche unraveling under the crushing force of the Emperor¡¯s wrath. It desperately projected psychic transmissions¡ªpleas for mercy. The holy radiance was a torment beyond imagination for Chaos. If one had to describe it¡ª It was as if one¡¯s senses were magnified a millionfold¡ªonly to be submerged in a lake of burning, electrified filth for eternity. From the depths of the Warp, the other Chaos Gods watched in silence. Even from afar¡ª They felt fear. The Cursed One¡¯s power was beyond their expectations. Had humanity not shackled Him, they would never stand a chance. For the first time in aeons, they dreaded what the future held. If one day, the Cursed One ascended beyond His chains¡ª What then? Even though the Chaos Gods could never truly die, The suffering He could inflict upon them¡­ Might be worse than oblivion itself. This was why they sought to corrupt the Imperium. Yes, they gained power from faith and belief. But more importantly¡ª They sought to cripple the Cursed One. If they could dismantle His empire, they could weaken His influence. "HELP ME! SAVE ME!" Tzeentch¡¯s cries were frantic, filled with genuine terror. The moment its avatar had collided with the Golden Sun, it had sent out a distress signal¡ª Begging its fellow Chaos Gods to intervene. But¡ª They remained silent. Hell no. Only a fool would approach the Golden Sun. That was like charging into an exploding star with nothing but a wet paper towel for protection. As long as they stayed far away, the Cursed One couldn¡¯t touch them. Tzeentch? Tzeentch was just unlucky. They all knew that if the situation were reversed, Tzeentch wouldn¡¯t lift a finger for them either. And frankly¡ª Nobody liked Tzeentch anyway. The other Chaos Gods simply¡­ Watched in silence. And held a moment of silence. Meanwhile, Eden watched gleefully from behind the Golden Sun. "Oh, this is beyond satisfying." After all¡ª He had a personal grudge against Tzeentch. Years ago, Yosef Hoffman had been Tzeentch¡¯s pawn, bringing havoc to Urth, causing endless suffering to the Royal Court. Now¡ª Watching the Emperor¡¯s unrelenting divine fire consume the struggling iridescent mass¡­ Eden could only describe it as: "A work of art." With one last agonized wail, Tzeentch¡¯s avatar dissolved into nothingness. The Golden Sun turned. Sensing the watching Chaos Gods¡ª It released a final, blinding explosion of holy light. Tzeentch howled. Desperately, He sent out wave after wave of psychic distress signals¡ªbegging for mercy from the Golden Sun. The holy radiance was absolute agony for a Chaos God. An unbearable, soul-searing torment. If one had to describe the suffering that Tzeentch was enduring at that moment¡­ It would be akin to having one¡¯s senses magnified ten thousandfold, then being buried alive in a burning, electrified, maggot-infested sewer for millennia. From the distant corners of the Warp, the other Chaos Gods watched in silence. They shuddered. For the first time in aeons, they felt true fear. The power of the Cursed One was beyond anything they had anticipated. Had it not been for humanity¡¯s own constraints, had the Cursed One truly ascended to godhood and broken free¡ª They would all be doomed. This was why they sought to corrupt the Imperium. Yes, corrupting humanity strengthened their own power¡ª But more than that¡ª It weakened Him. By shattering the Imperium, by tainting human faith, they could chip away at His power, ensuring that the Cursed One would never rise beyond His chains. "HELP ME! SAVE ME!" Tzeentch sent another frantic psychic plea. In truth, the moment His avatar had slammed into the Golden Sun, He had already issued a desperate distress call to His fellow Chaos Gods. Begging them to intervene, to unite and save Him. But¡ª The other Chaos Gods remained silent. No way. They weren¡¯t stupid. Approaching the Golden Sun was suicide¡ª It would be like charging at a nuclear explosion with nothing but a loincloth for protection. As long as they stayed far enough away, the Cursed One could not touch them. Tzeentch? Tzeentch was just unlucky. They all knew that if the situation had been reversed, if one of them had fallen into this disaster¡ª Tzeentch would never lift a finger to help. And frankly¡ª Nobody liked Tzeentch anyway. So instead¡ª The Chaos Gods simply stood in silence. Continue your saga on FreeNovelFire And watched. Each with their own expression¡ª Some amused, some cold, some even feeling a slight sense of pity. But none would interfere. They merely held a moment of silence for Him. Meanwhile, Eden watched with immense satisfaction. This was pure catharsis. Besides, he had a personal grudge against Tzeentch. Over a decade ago, Yosef Hoffman had been a devoted servant of Tzeentch, spreading madness and corruption on Urth. The Royal Court had suffered greatly because of him. And now? Watching the Golden Sun unleash an endless torrent of holy fire upon the screaming, writhing form of Tzeentch¡¯s avatar¡­ Eden could only smile. "This¡­ this is art." The Emperor showed no mercy. The holy energy poured forth without limit, searing away every last scrap of Tzeentch¡¯s Warp-born manifestation. The raw brilliance of the attack was enough to scorch the very fabric of the Warp itself. And¡ª Despite being only an avatar, Tzeentch¡¯s true form still suffered. The energy backlash coursed through His divine essence, leaving wounds upon His very being. Finally¡ª With one last agonized wail, The iridescent mass shattered. Tzeentch¡¯s avatar dissolved into nothingness. Silence followed. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But it wasn¡¯t over. The Golden Sun turned. It had sensed the gazes of the other Chaos Gods¡ªthose who had been watching from afar. And it reacted. With a sudden burst of overwhelming divine power, it unleashed a final, blinding surge of golden light¡ª Racing toward the distant Chaos Gods. Even they were not safe. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 213 - 214: Tzeentch: So Tired, I Just Can’t Anymore~ In the distant void¡ª Read new chapters at FreeNovelFire A brilliant flash of light suddenly burst forth. The golden sun¡¯s surge of energy shot out like a psychic flashbang, blinding the Chaos Gods in an instant. Realizing the danger, the Chaos Gods quickly dispersed their manifestations, vanishing from the region. Before long, the vast emptiness of space was left with only the golden sun and the small sun. "Phew~ Those terrifying beings are finally gone..." Within the small sun, Eden let out a quiet sigh of relief. That was close, but he had made it through unscathed. Moments later, a psychic message came from the golden sun of the God-Emperor, radiating a calm and gentle tone. Its meaning was clear: You¡¯re safe now. Tzeentch has suffered significant damage and won¡¯t be able to act for some time. If anything like this happens again, just come to me. ...Why did it feel like the God-Emperor was raring for another fight? Did he not get enough action? As Eden pondered this, he controlled the small sun and sent a psychic message back, expressing his gratitude to the Emperor. He could feel that the energy of the golden sun had become much clearer and more serene than before¡ªno longer as oppressive and overwhelming. After this battle, the God-Emperor¡¯s condition had visibly improved. It was obvious that he was eager to directly clash with the Four Chaos Gods. This time, Tzeentch had practically delivered himself on a silver platter, giving the Emperor the perfect opportunity to vent. Eden could easily guess why the Emperor had unleashed such an overwhelming assault, expending energy as if it were limitless. It wasn¡¯t just about revenge¡ªit was a way to relieve pressure. To ease the torment brought by the overwhelming faith that constantly weighed upon him. As the tide of faith surged stronger, Eden, too, began to experience its side effects. That faith was constantly restricting him, eroding his humanity. He wasn¡¯t sure¡ªif his humanity were completely consumed by faith, would he still retain his original consciousness? Or would he become something... else? The God-Emperor had been resisting this very transformation, battling against the faith threatening to devour him. This was one of the reasons he didn¡¯t want to be called a "god." He refused to become a true deity. The consequences would be unpredictable. For some time now, Eden had faintly noticed that the energy within the golden sun was steadily increasing. It was approaching its limit. He dared not imagine¡ªwhat would happen if the Emperor¡¯s faith-based power crossed the threshold? Would he ascend to godhood, grind the Four Chaos Gods into dust, continue protecting humanity, and lead them to dominate the galaxy? S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Or would the Golden Throne collapse, the Emperor transform into the Black King, devouring the souls of mankind and turning Terra into a new Eye of Terror... ...and then still grind the Chaos Gods into dust? Eden shuddered at the thought of the Golden Throne exploding, unleashing an unchecked flood of warp entities. If that happened, humanity might truly be finished. And neither he nor Urth would escape destruction. Of course, the Chaos Gods feared this too. If the Golden Throne shattered, the Accursed One would break free. And they would be completely screwed. In any case, the God-Emperor¡¯s physical state was directly tied to the survival of humanity. It had to be taken seriously. Fortunately, after pummeling Tzeentch, a significant amount of faith energy had been burned away, slowing the golden sun¡¯s deterioration. In a way, Tzeentch had actually made an outstanding contribution to galactic harmony. Much appreciation to Brother Tzeentch for his selfless sacrifice! Eden gazed at the golden sun, contemplating: "Looks like I need to extract more energy going forward. Once I fully control this sector, I¡¯ll launch several projects to harness the Emperor¡¯s golden sun." "I¡¯ll have Kaul and his team research additional energy applications, develop more conduits to siphon the energy¡ªdrain as much as possible!" Additionally, as the so-called Savior, he could use the small sun to absorb a portion of the faith, further easing the burden on the Emperor. Suddenly, a terrible thought struck him¡ª What if I absorb too much faith and end up like the Emperor?! Would I end up sitting on a golden toilet next to him, sharing the same fate?! The absurd image surfaced in his mind, sending chills down his spine. But then again... the Emperor had absorbed the faith of all humanity in the galaxy to reach his current state. Eden was only taking a fraction of it¡ªsurely, that wouldn¡¯t be a problem, right? Besides, he had only taken control of two planets so far. Even if he expanded his reach over the coming years, he would at most control a single sector. The golden throne scenario was still a long way off. That was Future Eden¡¯s problem. For now, the priority was relieving the Emperor¡¯s burden and making full use of the golden sun. At this thought, Eden felt deeply moved by his own devotion. I¡¯m such a filial son~ A moment later, another thought occurred to him: "Wait a minute... the warp siphoning device was also provided by Tzeentch. Could this be part of a grander scheme?" "Brother Tzeentch really is breaking his back for the good of the galaxy. If I ever get the chance, I should thank him in person." ... The Crystal Labyrinth "Ugh¡ª" The entire labyrinth was flooded with a divine energy that demons found utterly unbearable. Chaos had erupted within. To the demons, their once-proud home had just been drenched in a highly toxic, corrosive filth. Countless demons fled in all directions. The unlucky ones, suffering severe exposure, couldn¡¯t even move, flopping on the crystal floors like suffocating fish. The truly unfortunate ones had already been reduced to ashes, erased from existence. Above the labyrinth, the iridescent mass that represented Tzeentch remained completely motionless, as if dead. Other demons could escape this wretched stench¡ªbut Tzeentch could not. Because he was the very source of it. The Accursed One¡¯s devastating assault had funneled a massive amount of divine energy directly into Tzeentch¡¯s true form. The damage was severe. Tzeentch¡¯s body was wreathed in lingering divine energy, impossible to purge. The sheer revulsion was driving him insane. This was, without a doubt, the worst nightmare he had ever endured. He simply could not understand¡ªwhy had he been so foolish as to fly straight into the golden sun?! Was it fate? Had some higher-dimensional being orchestrated his suffering? Suddenly, he sensed a blood-red figure approaching. It was Khorne. But this time, Tzeentch did not react. Khorne kept his distance, as if afraid of being contaminated. His voice, though irritated, dripped with undisguised glee: "Oi, coward¡ªare you dead yet?" Khorne was barely holding back from popping champagne. Seeing his most despised rival suffer was a delight beyond words. But no matter how much Khorne taunted him, Tzeentch remained motionless, offering no response. He had fully embraced defeat. So tired. Just can¡¯t anymore... To the demons, their once-proud home had just been drenched in a highly toxic, corrosive filth. Countless demons fled in all directions. Some unlucky ones, too heavily affected, couldn¡¯t even move, flopping on the crystal floors like suffocating fish. The truly unfortunate ones had already been reduced to ashes, erased from existence. Above the labyrinth, the iridescent mass that represented Tzeentch remained completely still¡ªas if dead. Other demons had the option to flee from this wretched stench¡ªbut Tzeentch could not. Because he was the very source of it. The Accursed One¡¯s devastating assault had funneled massive amounts of divine energy directly into his true form. The damage was severe. Tzeentch¡¯s body was wreathed in lingering divine energy, impossible to purge. The sheer revulsion was driving him insane. This was, without a doubt, the worst nightmare he had ever endured. He simply could not understand¡ªwhy had he been so foolish as to fly straight into the golden sun?! Was it fate? Had some higher-dimensional being orchestrated his suffering? Seeing his most despised rival suffer was a delight beyond words. This scheming, slithering, spineless wretch had finally been dealt a major blow. Just thinking about it made Khorne want to go on a galaxy-wide slaughter spree in celebration. Of course, as a temporary ally, Khorne wouldn¡¯t actually attack Tzeentch while he was weakened. Bullying a defenseless enemy went against a warrior¡¯s honor. He just wanted to enjoy the moment. But when Tzeentch remained motionless, Khorne grew impatient. "Answer me, you scheming idiot!" No matter how much Khorne taunted him, Tzeentch remained unresponsive. He had fully embraced defeat. So tired. Just can¡¯t anymore¡­ Soon after, Slaanesh and Nurgle¡¯s projections appeared. Their main goal was to maintain balance. The Chaos Gods constantly warred among themselves, but none of them wanted any one of their number to be completely destroyed. That would only weaken Chaos as a whole¡ªgiving the Accursed One an advantage. Both Slaanesh and Nurgle kept their distance as well. Especially Nurgle. He frowned, his expression barely stopping short of pinching his nose shut. Tzeentch: ??? Nurgle saw nothing wrong with this. If he got too close, he might get infected with that forbidden energy. Not only would it interfere with his beautiful plagues, but it might even harm the adorable little creatures living on his body. Several Nurglings cowered inside his flesh tumors, visibly terrified. "We need some answers," Nurgle finally said. The Chaos Gods all wanted to know what exactly had happened. As their ally, Tzeentch had a duty to explain himself. Tzeentch stirred slightly, then, with great reluctance, cast out a fragment of information. Then he completely sealed off the Crystal Labyrinth and went completely silent. From the information Tzeentch provided, the Chaos Gods saw the small sun beside the golden sun. That was the Savior¡¯s warp projection. The resemblance between the two was unmistakable, causing the Chaos Gods¡¯ avatars to tremble slightly. Their evaluation of the Savior once again rose dramatically. Without delay, the Chaos Gods returned to their respective domains. They took the image of the Savior, provided by Ka¡¯Bandha, and distributed it among their Greater Daemons, ordering them to find the Savior¡¯s true form. The Greater Daemons, in turn, passed the image to their commanders, ordering them to seek out the terrifying entity known as the Savior. The commanders then passed the dreadful image to their lieutenants, instructing them to hunt the terrifying, demon-devouring Savior. The lieutenants, trembling, handed down the terrifying portrait of the Devourer of Daemons to their lesser demons, warning them to be very careful. In the end, across all of Chaos, even the weakest, lowliest daemon learned of a terrifying truth¡ª Somewhere in the galaxy, a being known as the "Savior," the Great Devourer of Daemons, had appeared. He was fearless and unstoppable. He captured daemons and devoured them. If you ever encounter this being, RUN. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 214 - 215: Fulgrim: I’m So Jealous of That Man! The Realm of Slaanesh Chapter 214 - 215: Fulgrim: I¡¯m So Jealous of That Man! The Realm of SlaaneshExquisite palaces rose from the swollen, fleshy landscape, their decadent beauty both enticing and unsettling. These magnificent structures stood in endless rows, forming a vast paradise of excess. In the outer courts, humans and daemons entwined in pleasure and indulgence. Some draped themselves in gold and silver. Some devoured lavish feasts. Some wielded scepters, laughing maniacally as they reveled in their power. Some basked in the praises and adulation of the writhing daemonic hordes. And in the lush, green fields, others immersed themselves in unending carnal bliss. Yet after their pleasures, came torment¡ªand still, they relished it with twisted delight. Through it all, the music of hellish symphonies filled the air, mingling with cries of pleasure and pain. This was Slaanesh''s paradise, where every sensation of the mortal world converged. Corruption. Desire. Hedonism. Indulgence. All of it belonged to the Dark Prince of Excess. The Ring of Lust A pale-skinned, golden-haired young man awoke, panic flashing across his face. "Where the hell is this? Someone come here now! I''m the son of the Planetary Governor¡ªwho dares to plot against me?!" "Come out! If you don''t, you''re all dead! None of you will survive!" "Oh? You called for me?" A cold yet regal voice answered. From the shadows emerged a queenly figure, her sheer silk garments clinging to her voluptuous form. A mere glance at her sublime beauty was enough to ignite an overwhelming hunger in anyone''s heart. Step by step, she approached the confused golden-haired youth, leaning in to whisper in his ear: "Let us drown in pleasure together... Experience a blissful nightmare beyond your wildest imagination. An eternal dream of ecstasy..." "Come... enjoy it with me." The young man''s eyes glazed over, his voice trembling: "Yes... my Queen..." And soon, he was lost. His body warped and twisted, turning into a grotesque daemon of Chaos before the transformation was complete. Had Eden witnessed this, he would have recognized the scene immediately. He had sworn to return here one day. To avenge his humiliation! But alas, his strength was still lacking. If he barged in recklessly, he''d probably end up as one of Slaanesh''s playthings, dragged into the Dark Prince''s bedchamber for all manner of unspeakable acts. The Palace of Delights At the heart of Slaanesh''s domain, six circular sub-realms encircled a magnificent central temple. This was the Pleasure Palace of Slaanesh. Here, the Dark Prince and his chosen favorites indulged in endless rapture. The palace''s grandeur was beyond imagination. Pink-hued mists drifted through the air, carrying intoxicating fragrances. Gems, like twinkling stars, adorned the halls, while ancient frescoes and sculptures whispered forbidden tales of desire. The floors were covered in plush, flesh-like pink carpets, so soft that stepping upon them felt like walking on clouds. A dreamlike realm, both enchanting and terrifying. Among the tangled masses of daemons wailing in ecstasy, one serpentine form stood out. A long purple-and-pink-scaled body, lined with delicate, shimmering wings, coiled upon itself. Its upper half, however, was humanoid¡ªfour-armed, tall, and unnervingly beautiful. It was a daemonic prince, its flowing silver hair cascading down its back. Its heavily adorned, unnaturally perfect face bore eyes of deep, glowing pink, radiating an aura of seductive malice. Even in his twisted, mutated form, he was the most handsome among the daemons. He was once the most glamorous warrior in the galaxy, the ultimate beauty among the Primarchs¡ª The Fallen Phoenix himself¡ªFulgrim. A connoisseur of luxury, artistry, and perfection, Fulgrim adored lavish garments and elaborate makeup. As he carefully adjusted his extravagant robes, ensuring every detail was flawless, he prepared to grace the presence of his master. Just then¡ª A mysterious liquid splattered onto his face. His serene expression instantly darkened. Fury surged through him as he turned sharply. Beside him, the grotesque and hideously scarred form of Lucius the Eternal was indulging in his twisted pleasures, consuming some unknown substance while basking in both agony and bliss. Fulgrim''s eyes narrowed in disgust. "You ugly wretch! You''ve ruined my elegance!" Even his curse sounded like a melodic song. With a graceful yet lethal motion, he drew his shimmering daemonic blades, their edges gleaming with an unholy radiance, and struck down Lucius. The blades were unstoppable. After all, Fulgrim was one of the most powerful Primarchs in existence¡ªa legendary duelist whose combat prowess was terrifying beyond measure. He was the undisputed king of one-on-one battles among the Primarchs. In single combat, he had personally beheaded his closest brother, Ferrus Manus, the Tenth Primarch. Later, he had fought Guilliman, leaving him comatose for ten thousand years, trapped within the sanctuary of the Ultramarines. SLASH! Fulgrim''s blade severed Lucius into several pieces, his twisted body writhing on the floor as countless screaming faces emerged from the severed flesh. Yet within moments, Lucius reformed, sighing in perverse pleasure. As Slaanesh''s chosen champion, he was cursed with eternal resurrection, finding rapture in every death. Fulgrim, uninterested in dealing with such filth, turned away. He pulled out a mirror, carefully reapplying his makeup, admiring his peerless reflection. He was the most handsome and charismatic being in the galaxy. Or so he believed. Then, he lifted his gaze toward the throne at the heart of the palace. There, lounging lazily, was a magnificent, otherworldly form cloaked in pink mist. The sheer presence of this being exuded an intoxicating allure, enough to drive any creature to madness. It was none other than the Dark Prince of Excess, Slaanesh. Fulgrim smiled elegantly, ensuring he was at his most dazzling, then cast his gaze toward his master''s throne. But then¡ªhis expression froze. His master''s gaze was fixated on another man! Floating above the throne, a projection displayed an image¡ª Wild black hair. Towering, muscular physique. A monstrous suit of armor. The terrifying sight of daemons being devoured. A presence that radiated an untamed, primal magnetism. An aura of raw dominance and power. This was the new nightmare of Chaos. The Savior. The Devourer of Daemons. The Void Storm. The Accursed One''s Chosen. The One Whom Daemons Fear. Or simply... That Man. "Unforgivable!" Fulgrim''s face twisted. His usual grace and poise vanished, replaced by a raging inferno of jealousy. "Who is this bastard?!" Was he some illegitimate child of the False Emperor?! The thought alone made Fulgrim''s blood boil. Even if Fulgrim had to reluctantly admit that the man did possess a certain appeal¡ª He was still nowhere near as beautiful as himself! Yet deep down, Fulgrim felt a looming threat. This man was challenging his position. And worst of all¡ª His master was still staring at him. Even Fulgrim had never received such attention. His fists clenched tightly. "Savior, just you wait... The Great Phoenix will show you who the real man is!" He vowed to destroy that man. To erase his soul from existence. To ensure that he would never steal Slaanesh''s favor! S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 215 - 216 – Slaanesh: I Shall Personally Enter the Fray… Chapter 215 - 216 ¨C Slaanesh: I Shall Personally Enter the Fray...Upon the throne of desire. Slaanesh reclined languidly, propping Their chin on one hand while gazing intently at the portrait of the Savior with an appreciative look. Certainly, They sensed the jealousy burning within Their servant, Fulgrim, but paid it no heed. In fact, Slaanesh considered it a fine thing. They even deliberately fostered such an atmosphere, stirring up the Fallen Phoenix''s covetous heart. Slaanesh adored the feeling of Their servants vying to serve Them. If Eden were here, he would likely see through it all at once, then tell that "super hunk" Fulgrim: "Wake up, you worthless sheep! You''re being totally played!" Alas, Fulgrim was far too deeply ensnared, incapable of telling right from wrong¡ªor rather, his mind, already fallen, had long since been reshaped in Slaanesh''s image. That is the price of falling to Chaos: the utter loss of self. Glancing once more at his master and that portrait of the Savior that held Their rapt attention, Fulgrim''s expression darkened. With a grand, swirling flourish of his luxurious pinkish-purple cloak, he slithered away with a serpentine twist of his body. The proud Phoenix refused to remain in that humiliating atmosphere; he would come again another time. Slaanesh continued gazing at the Savior''s likeness. Indeed, They were interested in this man. After all, he was the beloved favorite of the Accursed One¡ªthe one that being protected closely. And nothing is more exhilarating than conquering such an existence, bending him to one''s will. As for subjugating the Accursed One himself, well, Slaanesh had entertained the idea, but it was out of reach. The grisly outcome of Tzeentch''s torture at the hands of the Accursed One remained vividly in Their memory, instilling in Them a well-founded apprehension. Then again...that prospect could also be appealing? A slight shiver ran through Slaanesh''s body, and They were momentarily tempted to try. To Slaanesh, even the most excruciating torment can be a form of bliss. Yet reason prevailed, forcibly suppressing that terrifying and absurd notion. For the Accursed One was a fatally dangerous being. Better to focus on first conquering that Savior¡ªThey simply could not wait to lure him into the palace for some serious "reeducation." Suddenly, Slaanesh''s eyes flashed, locking onto the portrait as if noticing something hidden. Toward this Savior, They felt a faint sense of familiarity. Long ago, They might have met him once? Slaanesh sifted through Their memories. Their realm receives billions of debauched supplicants every day¡ªcommon folk, pleasure-seeking nobles, mighty warriors, even lofty governors and grand lords. Too many left impressions behind. Locating one particular individual in the vastness of that recollection would not be easy. But soon, Slaanesh found it: It was on a lush green plain. A dark-haired young man extended his middle finger, cursing at the top of his lungs: "Slaanesh, go f*ck yourself!" Immediately after, a radiant light enveloped him, extracting him from Slaanesh''s domain... So it was him! Slaanesh''s shapely pink figure gave a slight jolt, and Their interest deepened. That kid had been rescued by some strange power, and even Slaanesh could not stop it. Once he departed, Slaanesh tried multiple times to call him back, to search for him, but could not get hold of him again. He even managed to cut off Their link entirely. After that, Slaanesh lost this formerly blessed follower once and for all, forfeiting a portion of Their invested power in the process. Slaanesh let out a cold snort as a dense pinkish mist spread throughout the palace, causing the assembled daemons to shrink back in fear. That fiasco had enraged Them, leading Them to whip Fulgrim and Lucius severely back then. Of course, to Fulgrim and his ilk, that "punishment" practically felt like a reward. In truth, Eden was just worried at the time and used the "Little Sun''s" power to block every "channel" in the Warp connected to Slaanesh. It prevented him from ever being snatched back into Slaanesh''s palace again¡ªaside from the occasional provocative dream. Not only did Eden block Slaanesh, but he also effectively got to "freeload" the blessing that Slaanesh had once bestowed, ending up an absurdly charismatic hunk in the process. To Slaanesh, such despicable behavior was like someone "zipping up and refusing to acknowledge anything afterward." They had borne that grudge all this time. Who would have guessed that just over a decade later, this fellow would suddenly turn into the Accursed One''s cherished favorite, the galaxy''s only Savior, the Daemon-Eater? Well, at least They had found him again! With new and old resentments intertwined, Slaanesh regarded this Savior with incomparable intensity. No matter what, that former disciple would be dragged back to the Palace of Excess, to be lashed day and night! Of course, at present that Savior''s psychic projection was shielded by the Accursed One, leaving Slaanesh no way to force him into submission. They could only take action in the material realm. A figure like that surely would not hide away forever¡ªhe would eventually emerge, traveling the galaxy. By then, there would be nowhere to run! Slaanesh seared that into memory, raising a hand to disperse the image of the Savior. Then They settled back upon the throne: S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Savior, you cannot escape the grasp of your own desires..." The Prince of Excess had decided: once They tracked him down, They would personally enter the fray to tempt him. They would grant him the most transcendent, ultimate pleasure imaginable. As for now, They had the patience to wait quietly for his eventual appearance. Soon enough, peace returned to Slaanesh''s palace. The daemons continued in their revelry. But rumors about the Savior¡ªthe Daemon-Eater¡ªkept spreading: They said that not only was this being terrifying, but he was also more captivating than any fallen Primarch or that self-proclaimed Phoenix Daemon Prince, and that he had thoroughly caught the Great Prince of Excess''s fancy. Such whispers made many a Daemonette or Fiend in that realm stir with anticipation. ... The Realm of Nurgle. Grandfather Nurgle''s Garden¡ªan expanse formed by manifestations of unclean life: jungles, forests, swamps, and stands of greenery. All of it a festering mass of rampant disease. Disease-ridden sludge and squirming worms litter the warped pathways; the air is thick with fog and buzzing black swarms of flies. Decaying bones rise from stagnant, rotting mire, while plague-ridden brush, swollen fungi, and madly blooming flowers crowd together. Even the faintest, laziest breeze seems to sigh as if in pain. Yet amid these gruesome rotting sights is an air of tranquility and warmth. The daemons of Nurgle romp, sing, and dance among the trees. They relish their cozy moments. At the garden''s heart, a huge cauldron gurgles with green bubbles. That is the Plague Cauldron, large enough to hold the oceans of every world in the galaxy¡ªa colossal receptacle. Within it roil all the diseases of existence, its rising fumes shrieking in protest. A single whiff would likely transform a mortal into a horrifying daemon of Nurgle on the spot. Loving Father Nurgle stirs that cauldron of thick stew with a ladle crawling with maggots, carefully blending each virulent plague. Slowly, He lifts His head, looking upon the Great Unclean Ones at His side with tender affection: "He is a good child..." Kugath Plaguefather paused, and Rotigus the Rainfather showed a curious look. They, of course, knew who the kindly Grandfather was referring to: That Savior. The Daemon-Eater. It seemed they were on the verge of welcoming a new member into the family. None of the Great Unclean Ones objected; they were all quite happy at the prospect of a new "brother." Nurgle offered no detailed explanation, only lowered His head again, continuing to concoct plague after plague. All of it was for the Savior''s sake. He could sense the vibrant lifeforce in the Savior''s projection. If that child ever embraced rot and disease¡ª He would become the mightiest Nurgle daemon in all of history. ... The Realm of Khorne. Within the Brass Citadel, the gathering of mighty Bloodthirsters had dispersed. The colossal silhouette of blood and shadow sat quietly upon the Skull Throne. Khorne, too, was contemplating this Savior. Yet He had no intention of recruiting the intruder who had once dared step into His domain. The bounty had been issued, and Khorne eagerly awaited the day His warriors would bring Him the Savior''s head. In the vast hall, Ka''bandha once more tore apart another imposing daemon, displaying his prowess to the legion under him. Thus did he fully dominate the newly acquired army. He was plotting how best to strike back at the Blood Angels. As for the Savior, he preferred not to cross paths with him again. Even if Ka''bandha had become far stronger and was confident he could crush that mortal, the wounds inflicted upon him by the Accursed One still loomed large in his mind. Whenever he thought of the Savior, his heart would quiver. But Ka''bandha did not yet realize that the portrait he had "retouched" was swiftly making the rounds through the Warp¡ª And stirring up more trouble than he could have imagined. Most of Chaos had now heard of this Savior, the Daemon-Eater, a new and formidable figure emerging in the galaxy. In another hall, a crimson miasma of slaughter hung thick in the air. It was transmitted via a ritual circle from somewhere in the material realm. A Greater Daemon of Khorne was in the midst of being summoned by worshippers from some remote world. Filled with excitement for another bloody rampage, the daemon suddenly heard part of their chant: "I, the Savior, beseech the advent of the Great One..." Savior? The moment that word triggered his memory of the Daemon-Eater¡ªand Ka''bandha''s disastrous encounter¡ªhis fury erupted: "Tricky, deceitful Daemon-Eater, do you think to fool me?!" The Khorne daemon slammed the ritual gateway with a massive iron hammer. The blow annihilated the portal and smashed the Khorne cultists around it into pulped gore. The gate was sealed, and those pitiful worshippers died never knowing why the Great One they revered had suddenly slaughtered them. They never guessed that the word "Savior" had provoked the daemon''s wrath. In truth, the galaxy was full of individuals claiming to be saviors, as numerous as schools of fish. They had simply placed their hopes in the wrong entity. Had they chosen to call upon Angrath, or some other bloodthirsty daemon out to claim the Savior''s head, things might have turned out quite differently. ... Matila, Royal Plaza. Once the crisis was resolved, Eden immediately returned to the material world¡ªthere were too many matters demanding his attention. He exhaled a long breath. "At last, I''m safe." Hmm? Before Eden could fully relax, a strange sensation welled up inside him... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 216 - 217 – Eden: Why Am I Suddenly Stronger? Chapter 216 - 217 ¨C Eden: Why Am I Suddenly Stronger?"What''s going on?" Eden was feeling a little off¡ªnot sick, but clearly noticing some changes in his body. Did his body mutate after that trip to the Warp? Surely not... Could Tzeentch have done something? As Eden wondered, he sensed someone''s gaze upon him. Turning, he saw it was Big Barrel (´óÍ°). Right now, Big Barrel was staring this way with a puzzled look. When Eden turned his head, Big Barrel hurriedly shifted his gaze away, feigning innocence. Could Big Barrel have noticed my changes too? After a moment''s thought, Eden raised his voice and called out: "Big Barrel, come over here." "Right away!" Big Barrel trotted up eagerly: "Is there anything you''d like, sir? How about I stir-fry another plate of braised bronze bull''s...er...''specialty cut''?" Eden waved him off, pointing to himself. "Take a look at me¡ªdo you notice anything different?" "I actually did! You''ve definitely changed." At Eden''s request, Big Barrel stroked his chin, studying him carefully. Putting on a "let me think" expression, he continued, "And it''s a big change..." Hearing that, Eden''s brow furrowed slightly. Had Tzeentch left some warped mutation, causing something to sprout in...places it shouldn''t? He had this sense of a thick barrier between his spirit and his body, making his psychic perception strangely fuzzy. That was never a good sign. The last time he''d felt something like this was right after he''d escaped from Slaanesh''s palace. Eventually, Big Barrel finished his analysis. Looking at Eden, he solemnly announced,"From my observation, you''ve gotten...handsomer¡ªby at least 106%!" "???" Eden was even more confused. So, it was a change in his appearance?At that moment, he felt a subtle pop, as though the barrier around him had burst. The disconnected feeling vanished, and his body and spirit were once again seamlessly one¡ªindeed, more smoothly fused than before. It seemed the transformation had ended, and once again he could use his psychic senses. Better see for myself. Eden employed his psychic sense to examine his body. Sure enough, changes had occurred. Big Barrel wasn''t wrong, but his figure was off. Eden had become at least 120% more handsome! This time his height and physique had advanced another notch, from about 2.2 meters up to 2.5. His muscles were more honed and angular, his overall build streamlined, without any unwieldy bulk. Beneath his thick black hair, his features were now even more striking¡ªcool and handsome, and deep in those dark eyes shimmered a commanding intensity. He looked not just more attractive, but somehow fiercer. Compared to his previous vibe¡ªalmost a carefree playboy¡ªa certain powerful majesty had now been woven in. One might say it was like a fusion of "roguish charmer" and "imperious ruler." Whoa...Eden drew a sharp breath. I''m...struck speechless by my own good looks. What now? Beyond appearance, his physique felt much stronger. Before, Eden''s body was about on par (or slightly weaker) than an ordinary Thunder Guardian. Most of his combat power relied on psychic might and the boon of faith. Now, though, he sensed his base physical strength had soared far beyond that level. Boom! Gathering his energy, Eden struck a half-wrecked heavy tank with a bare-fisted punch. Amid the thunderous impact, the tank''s armored shell shattered and parts went flying. And that was pure muscle power, with no power armor assisting! One word¡ªsavage. Eden nodded in satisfaction. Not only had he avoided some horrid Warp mutation, he''d gotten stronger. This was undoubtedly a good thing. Before long, he found the cause of these bodily changes: a sort of "feedback" from the "little sun" inside him. "Did the little sun upgrade somehow? Maybe it''s because we took Matila, and the surge in faith caused a massive uptick in energy?" Probing deeper, Eden saw that the little sun had indeed evolved further, picking up some new qualities. After taking a closer look, he couldn''t help drawing another sharp breath. In short, the new upgrade was...overpowered. New Battle Traits Before, the little sun''s energies were primarily supportive or healing¡ªa "cleric" style buff, so to speak, that strengthened allies. Now, there was also an offensive edge. It was still gentle, yet faintly carried a certain "violent" undertone. On top of that, there was a minor devouring property, able to consume certain matter or energy and convert it into fuel for itself. Like...some smaller version of Big Barrel''s "I''ll eat anything!" gene. Indeed, Eden could sense the little sun faintly devouring energies from both the Warp and the golden sun (the Emperor''s presence). Although it was a minuscule amount, it was still "devouring." No matter how slight, that''s still a devour effect! A frightening ability indeed. At the moment, it doesn''t do much. But what about the future? As the little sun''s might grows, that devouring trait might one day be terrifying¡ª"Daemon-Eater" might not just be a title for Eden alone. Moreover, with this devouring aspect, the little sun''s "cleansing" function was enhanced. Its energy was like a detergent, able to wash away contamination, devouring and eliminating pollutants. So far, it still seemed more like a supporting role... Examining further, Eden concluded the deeper cause of this transformation wasn''t simply the new faith from his territory. It was power that had come from the Warp. Massive amounts of chaotic energy had come flowing in, fueling the little sun''s metamorphosis. Which was...odd. Eden couldn''t figure it out but eventually shrugged it off as probably Tzeentch''s doing. After all, a Chaos God''s avatar had just been obliterated near him¡ªsome leftover energy was bound to have some effect. At least no bigger harm had resulted. If anything, it was a sweet deal. Thanks, "Brother Tzeentch." Though Eden''s bodily changes had settled, the little sun was still evolving, continuing to absorb residual Warp energies. Seeing no immediate danger, he left it alone. He''d always let the little sun roam freely in the Warp anyway. What he didn''t know was that the real reason for this new upgrade was the rapid spread of the "Savior" and "Daemon-Eater" legends throughout the Warp. The Warp is the psychic reflection of all living minds. Whether it''s the four Chaos Gods, the Emperor, or some lesser godlings, all exist in and through the Warp, shaped by the emotions and beliefs of mortals. In turn, gods often reshape or subtly guide their followers'' minds or faith¡ªlike the four Ruinous Powers do, or as the Emperor does in gathering and uniting humanity. It''s a two-way influence. That extends to daemons shaping the Emperor''s presence and so forth. The more they fear or focus on him, the more he becomes the fearful being they imagine¡ªa self-reinforcing cycle. Now, with so many daemons spreading rumors about the Savior, the Daemon-Eater, the "little sun" was quietly morphing, gradually conforming to that collective image. Thankfully, this influence remained modest for now¡ªstill under control. Eden, lacking insight into such deep metaphysical truths, remained in the dark. In his previous life, he was just a casual Warhammer fan who got flamed regularly on the forums¡ªhow deep could his knowledge go? Once Eden concluded there was no threat, his worries disappeared. Not only had he driven off the daemons, but he had also grown stronger: two victories at once. Suddenly, a craving stirred in Eden''s heart, a hunger he couldn''t easily suppress. He snapped his head up: "Big Barrel, roast me some bronze bull tendons¡ªmake them medium-well!" (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 217 - 218 – Eden: Good Thing I’m Still a Nobody Chapter 217 - 218 ¨C Eden: Good Thing I¡¯m Still a Nobody"Savior, how does it taste?" Big Barrel looked on hopefully, awaiting Eden''s approval of his cooking. "Not bad¡ªvery tasty!" Eden took a bite of roasted bull tendon and nodded, giving a thumbs-up. He''d sampled daemon flesh before out of curiosity. Now, for some reason, he found himself less repulsed by it. In fact...he found it kinda good? "I should watch it, though. Who knows if eating too much might have side effects..." Nonetheless, Eden gave orders for the Logistics Department to preserve a portion of the daemon meat. One day, at important diplomatic functions, serving a "Full Daemon Banquet" could definitely wow the crowd. The only hassle was that preparing daemon-based cuisine required special talent like Big Barrel''s. But that shouldn''t be too big a problem.The gene-seed in Big Barrel is nearly matured. Within a few years, they could cultivate more Space Marines with both devouring talents and master-level culinary skill. Eden was starting to suspect Big Barrel''s "devour gene" might have originated from Eden''s own gene-code, somehow surpassing the original. Hard to say. Finishing the bull tendon in two or three bites, Eden casually discarded the large iron skewer. Wiping his hands together, he stood upright. Until now, he had been perched atop a heavy tank''s wreckage¡ªsome three meters high¡ªso from his vantage, the entire Throne Plaza was in view. All across the plaza, the army was withdrawing, their battlefield cleanup almost complete. Eden mentally reviewed the war: Early stages had gone smoothly. Thanks to intel from missionary-scouts, the Ministry of Military Affairs had a solid grasp of Tyrant Harris''s forces. They planned for various contingencies, including Harris''s eventual daemonic corruption. EUS had enough strength to take Matila. The real trouble came from that ritual circle hidden deep underground. It had summoned the Greater Daemon of Khorne, Ka''bandha, leading a legion of daemons. EUS''s top-tier forces were too few¡ªonly a few hundred Space Marines¡ªand they couldn''t break through to the core of the daemon legion. Even now, Eden felt lingering dread. Had Ka''bandha not left his legion''s core to fight alone, Eden could never have fired the Holy Ash Shell. Even then, if another Greater Daemon of Khorne arrived, Holy Ash Shell or not, victory wouldn''t be guaranteed. Clearly, they still needed more of these doomsday weapons¡ªHoly Ash Shells¡ªbut doomsday weapons alone were not reliable. If the enemy was prepared and dodged the projectile, the weapon''s effectiveness would plummet. Eden decided never again to land himself in such a desperate spot. Gotta build up real power... At least¡ªfor now¡ªthe daemons were driven off, unlikely to return soon. He had to seize this chance to steadily grow the overall strength of his domain. Eden was thankful indeed that he''d managed to drive Ka''bandha away so quickly. Even if the Bloodthirster survived, at least it hadn''t learned much about Eden. Then, Eden sensed Tzeentch''s scrutiny and quickly sought help from the Emperor, who hammered Tzeentch mercilessly. Thus, Eden''s identity remained concealed¡ªwhich was a huge benefit. After all, the bigger one''s reputation, the bigger the target. Eden didn''t want to end up like the Primarchs¡ªrenowned throughout the galaxy, yet top of every Chaos god''s hit list, harassed by ambushes, assassinations, and any vile scheme imaginable. Even a being as mighty as a Primarch could slip up one day. Look at poor Guilliman, still laid up in stasis for ten thousand years. Gotta admit, sometimes Guilliman was a bit too gutsy¡ªlike a gambler who''s not that good but just can''t stop. Fortunately, after he wakes up, he''ll be the favored child of the new expansion, unstoppable with the Emperor''s blessing. But that''s Guilliman. Eden''s nowhere near that power level¡ªhe''d be skewered in an instant. Yes, staying obscure is definitely the way... With these pleasant thoughts, Eden consoled himself that he was still a total unknown in the wider galaxy¡ªno problem there. His one ambition now: survive and farm! He''d gather enough resources to fortify EUS into an ultimate fortress, muster an even stronger Space Marine legion, and let them handle battles while he stayed safely in the home base commanding from behind. Eden sincerely hoped no situation would arise requiring him personally to fight again. The roar of a large troop transport reverberated in the distance, breaking his train of thought. Eden looked up: the last of the Storm Corps were boarding. Soon, the Throne Plaza would be empty. The war was officially over, and Matila now belonged to Eden. For him, this was a milestone victory. After over a decade in this world, he had finally expanded beyond a single planet, extending his rule over a star system. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But victory was only the beginning. How to govern Matila, reclaim other worlds, and restore prosperity to the entire Sector¡ªthose were the challenges ahead. As dusk fell, Eden¡ªsurrounded by his Thunder Guardians¡ªtook a dropship back to the temporary command station. Once there, he promptly removed his battered power armor and let the maids help him bathe, scrubbing away the battlefield grime. Afterward, dressed in casual wear, he made his way to his office. Tako from the Ministry of Military Affairs was waiting with fresh data. Without a psychic network to collate everything, they had to gather and calculate everything manually, layer by layer. Tako summarized the war reports from various regions and delivered an overview of casualties: Storm Corps: Lost about one-third, leaving roughly 10 million soldiers. Battle Sisters: Lost two-fifths, leaving about 1,300. Space Marines: Lost about one-fifth leaving: Void Angels: 245 War Angels: 474 Thunder Guardians: Lost about one-tenth, leaving 91. Then came losses of ships, aircraft, heavy tanks, Sentinel mechs, and so forth. Eden read the casualty report in silence, mindful that war was never something he wanted but something forced upon him. Not resisting would cause even more deaths when the enemy finally arrived at his doorstep. Once Tako finished, he departed to compile the final casualty lists for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who would handle death benefits and so on. ... Night fell. A large moon dominated the sky. Eden stepped onto the command center''s high balcony and gazed out. The Throne Plaza below was ablaze with lights¡ªfloodlights for the construction crews hard at work night and day, repairing and refitting the plaza with vital facilities. In ten days'' time, there''d be a grand ceremony... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 218 - 219 – A Massive Haul of Hope-Energy! Chapter 218 - 219 ¨C A Massive Haul of Hope-Energy!Lower Hive District, Hader-14 Residential Area. A cramped bedroom. Soft "sunlight" shone in through a naked metal-barred window¡ªthough not real sunlight but rather a mechanical "sun lamp." These sun lamps switched to bright mode at dawn to illuminate portions of the underhive where natural sunlight could never reach. However, for energy saving, those lamps were usually kept dim to the point of near darkness. But today, that light was so bright people thought it was real sun. That beam cut across the bed, and the dazzling glare jolted the middle-aged woman awake. Her name was Isila, an ordinary worker in the hive''s D155 synthetic-food factory. She glanced at the mechanical clock in the room, eyes going wide in alarm. 7:30 already! No way she could catch the train to the factory now... Terror seized her. Why hadn''t the community loudspeaker sounded? Or did she sleep through it? For any laborer, arriving at the factory on time was a matter of survival. Being late meant losing a large chunk of your weekly food quota. Working hungry, you''d produce less, leading to more docked rations¡ªa vicious cycle. Worse still, under the tyrannical laws, a worker who was late or slacked off twice got put on a list submitted to the enforcers. On Execution Day, names on that list could be randomly selected for public execution... Isila recalled she had once been late three years ago¡ªthis would be the second time. Now her name would join the execution list! A crushing despair overcame her. She had children to feed. If she died, there''d be no way for them to survive... What to do? In her panic, Isila spotted a tattered, yellowed book beside her bed. Its pages were fragile from countless readings, but lovingly preserved. The cover was plain black, bearing no symbols¡ªbut every local laborer knew it as the Redemption Codex. Isila blinked. "Why''s the Codex out here?" Normally, she kept it hidden away; the enforcers catching you with it used to mean disaster. But seeing it, she felt a wave of relief. Then she remembered: there was no more need to hide it. "That''s right, how silly of me. The Codex no longer needs hiding..." She sat up, running her rough, scarred fingers over the book''s cover, murmuring her thanks to the great Savior. Once her prayer was done, Isila''s panic subsided. She was safe now, for the Savior would protect her. Her earlier fright was just a shadow of the old days. The light had come; the tyrant was dead. The dreaded "execution list" was gone. At last, the terror was over. What''s more, she wasn''t even required to work today¡ªa real day off, unimaginable before. Isila carefully climbed from the crowded bed, tiptoeing around. She pulled out a packet of synthetic food from storage and poured it into a simple heater. This bounty came from yesterday''s distribution¡ªfree food equaling several days'' worth of her usual ration, enough to feed her and her children. The Savior is so generous... She was stirring the pot when her little boy, roused by the smell, woke with shining eyes, peering hungrily at the cooking pot. Soon after, Isila poured the cooked mush into metal bowls, setting them on their tiny table. The boy was already seated, staring and swallowing hard. He was obviously ravenous yet stayed perfectly still, knowing there was one important ritual before they could eat. Indeed, mother and child prayed in unison, expressing gratitude to the Savior for this meal. Once done, the child eagerly grabbed a spoon. Suddenly¡ªBOOM! The loud explosion startled him so badly he clamped both hands over his mouth, trembling. Isila rushed over, hugging him protectively, terror in her eyes. The people here had learned to fear unexpected blasts¡ªsuch sounds meant a slaughter could follow. Eight years ago, Isila''s husband died in a crackdown by the tyrant''s mad warriors. It was a brutal mass killing, though fortunately Saint Fran had intervened, slaying several mad warriors and saving many¡ªincluding the pregnant Isila. She and her unborn child survived. Now, more explosions echoed, and the boy trembled harder. Isila froze momentarily, then relaxed, gently stroking her son''s head: "Those are ceremonial salvos, sweetheart. We''re safe. It''s all right..." She recalled that the community officials had announced it yesterday¡ªtelling everyone not to panic when fireworks went off today. With that, mother and child returned to their meal, relishing this precious food. Outside, noise swelled, and sacred chanting drifted in. After they finished, Isila dressed her son in a clean, if worn, coat a size too big. The boy looked uneasy: "We''re...going outside?" He was clearly afraid. The entire environment had taught children that going outside was dangerous. When the tyrant disbanded the schools, the hive''s children had nowhere to go. Adults often locked them at home for fear they''d get caught up in riots or stepped on by rampaging mobs. Isila''s boy never ventured out without her¡ªhe was well-trained to stay in. But now his mother was telling him they could go out. "Those days are over. The Savior protects us, and it''s no longer dangerous." Isila knelt to adjust the coat''s collar. "Remember I told you yesterday we''d be going to the community plaza to pray to the Savior..." She explained while straightening his clothes. "Soon, you''ll be going outside regularly. I heard from the local officers that our Savior is going to build schools for us. Gifted children might even be admitted to the holy academy in the Sacred Land!" The child''s eyes lit up. "Sacred Land? We can really go there?" He''d heard about the "Sacred Land" from the Codex¡ªportrayed as a paradise-like place blessed with ample sunshine, fresh air, and boundless supplies. Abundant resources, far surpassing even the upper hive where the old emperor once lived. Only those recognized by the Savior could step foot there, to enjoy that tranquil harmony. In truth, it was just EUS''s upper spire. Over the years, they''d expanded and refined it a lot. Though maybe not as unbelievably splendid as the legends suggested, it was close enough¡ªand with the entire sector''s resources soon to flow in, it would become even grander. Isila smiled, equally full of longing. In her case, there was likely no chance for her to see that paradise. But maybe her child could. Gazing at him fondly, she said, "Yes, that''s what the officer said. The Codex says so as well. If you work hard enough, maybe you''ll get to go!" She hung a Savior''s cross-pendant around her son''s neck¡ªshe wore a matching one herself. Preparations complete, mother and child stepped out. After a long corridor and a creaking elevator, they emerged from the community building, home to hundreds of thousands of people. The moment Isila set foot on the street, her world opened wide and she was hit by the bustling energy of a crowd. The chatter and the echoes of sacred songs merged into a joyous roar. The street was decked with colorful banners and posters of the Savior, giving it a festival-like atmosphere. People were everywhere, their once-fearful faces replaced with smiles. Oppression and gloom seemed a memory. Isila stood in wonder, tears gathering in her eyes. Is this the world the Savior promised? She found it so bright¡ªthings once swallowed in darkness were now visible. She gazed upward at multiple hive levels overhead, all teeming with people. This was the first time she could see so clearly her own surroundings¡ªbefore it had always been pitch black. Indeed, above and below her lay hundreds of hive layers, housing tens of billions of residents. But the management had turned up the sun lamps for the festivities, ensuring abundant light. At the tolling of a holy bell, Isila took her son''s hand and walked toward the central plaza, where they would offer their prayers and witness a sacred moment. In the year 025.M42, on September 15¡ªtoday¡ªhistory was being made. The great and merciful Savior had descended from the heavens, freeing the people of Matila from the tyrant''s grip. Now he would formally receive the planet''s oath of fealty. Even centuries later, grizzled veterans would still recall the grand spectacle of this day¡ªhow the Great Savior looked, and the joyous faces of the people. They called it "Matila''s Reclamation Day." According to the Redemption Codex, every time the Savior liberates a world, he establishes a "Reclamation Day" to mark the dawn of freedom, peace, and happiness. His radiance drives away suffering. From that day forward, and on every anniversary, the planet''s people would hold a festival, free from work, provided with free food, celebrating their rebirth under the Savior''s banner. All they had to do was present their gratitude and loyalty to this great and merciful one. Boom! Boom! Boom! 9,999 salvos roared simultaneously. Dozens of fighter wings streaked overhead, showering confetti onto the teeming throngs below. The Throne Plaza was awash with fluttering banners, enormous airships overhead displaying hundred-meter-tall images of the Savior. At the plaza''s center rose a stage tens of meters high, ringed by wave after wave of spectators. At the foremost ring stood Bayev, Carter, Kaul, Arye, Case, Duke, Puru, and other key leaders. Beyond them stood the Void Angels, War Angels, the Battle Sisters, along with the Navy, the Storm Corps officers, and so on. Next were the surviving Matila nobles¡ªmost of whom had secretly embraced faith in the Savior. They''d aided the resistance, so they still had a place in the new power structure. They could only adapt, submitting fully to the Savior''s arrangements. Alongside them were Brown and other rebel leaders from across the planet, all gathered here. Atop the platform, Bishop Doni guided the assembly through prayers to the Golden Sun and to the Savior, broadcast live to every corner of the planet. After the ritual, the crowd fell silent, awaiting the Savior''s appearance. Below the platform, Eden finished his final preparations. He wasn''t wearing his golden power armor today but a lavish, dark-gold ceremonial robe. A big moment like this demanded something more formal. Soon he would proclaim Matila''s return and formally assume the title of Sector Governor. Yes, it was all a bit rushed, but unavoidable. Eden had so many reforms to implement, incorporating Matila into his own structure, and needed the lawful power of the governorship to streamline everything. It also extended his reach throughout the sector. "Savior, the people are waiting..." Head Maid Linda approached softly, reminding him. Eden nodded slightly, stepping onto the rising elevator. Slowly it lifted him to the top of the stage. He''d done this sort of ceremony before and was quite used to it now. There would be many more such grand events in the future. Gazing out over a sea of countless people, Eden took a moment to steady himself. A deep hum arose as elaborate machinery beneath the stage powered up. Beam after beam of light shot skyward, merging into a colossal, thousand-meter-tall holographic image of the Savior. It was so huge, it seemed like a miracle, visible even from dozens of kilometers away. It loomed over the plaza with majestic grandeur, awe-inspiring. In that moment of breathless silence, the giant hologram''s voice, laden with authority, rang out: "Your suffering is over. Rejoice, people of Matila..." For a heartbeat, all was still. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then the crowd erupted in exultation, shouting the Savior''s name and pouring forth boundless fervor. The enormous holographic Savior swept its gaze across the throng, intensifying their cheers. Simultaneously, identical footage aired across every viewing device on the planet. The entire world roared in jubilation. Standing on the platform, Eden felt the crowd''s passion reverberate from every side. Billions cried out in gratitude and loyalty, their collective emotion a mighty psychic force converging from every corner of the planet, forming a vast spiritual resonance. Deep within, Eden sensed the little sun expanding, soaking up wave after wave of new energy. He was about to receive the greatest influx of hope-power he had ever known. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 219 - 220 – Whoa, Second Blessing? Chapter 219 - 220 ¨C Whoa, Second Blessing?The Warp reflects all living minds. Every bit of faith emerges there like shining motes of starlight, merging into a cosmic sea. Now these myriad starlights flowed into the little sun, crowning it with a faint corona. Buoyed by this surge of hope, the little sun swelled yet again. Far off, the tidal energies of the Emperor''s golden sun trembled slightly, radiating a hint of satisfaction. Eden noticed that under this fresh wave of hope, the little sun was further refining some aspects of its recent Warp-induced mutation¡ªspecifically its blessing power. But it seemed to incorporate some non-human factor... "Oh no, is my blessing getting corrupted?" He tensed. As a godlike figure, Eden''s power to bestow blessings was a core pillar of his rule¡ªhe couldn''t afford any bizarre changes. After all, the little sun''s prior mutation had been triggered by unknown Warp energies. Now it was affecting the blessing skill as well, which probably meant trouble. He had visions of bestowing "blessings" that grew tentacles, horns, or pincers on recipients¡ªa Chaos God fiasco. Even if they sprouted "angel wings," that could still be socially catastrophic in the rigid, quasi-medieval Imperium environment...unless they were Sanguinius. Quickly scanning the new status of his blessing ability, Eden was momentarily terrified. Bad news: Yes, the blessing power had changed¡ªnow if he blessed non-humans, they would sprout strange, mutated body parts. Good news: He could now bless beings that weren''t human at all! The weird changes only applied to those non-human creatures. In short, humans still got a straightforward blessing. Only non-humans risked Chaos-like mutations. That was definitely something. In fact, it brought Eden''s blessing closer to the Chaos Gods'' version¡ª"complete" in scope. Although that might be of limited immediate use, the capability was there. Of course, there''s a catch: blessing requires that the target''s body and mind be "open" to acceptance. As of now, the only creatures that unwaveringly recognized Eden''s power in the lower depths of the hive were some free-range "chickens". Still, who knows? Maybe eventually he''d create a legion of demon-winged superchickens. That might be useful on the home planet. Just...not good if the Inquisition found out. The bigger perk was that the human blessing had actually been optimized. He now had the ability to bestow a "Second Blessing." The first blessing cost the same as before¡ª1 million hope-points. The difference lay in its safety: the first blessing was now almost risk-free, whereas earlier it had about a 20% failure rate. Failing not only wasted energy but could kill the recipient in a messy explosion if their will faltered. This new version was drastically safer. The trade-off? About half the prior "boost" in direct power. But the subtle mind-shaping effect that nurtured loyalty stayed intact. More importantly, the second blessing let him pump in more hope-power to significantly boost the subject''s combat strength, granting a far higher growth ceiling. This was the perfect fix for Eden''s shortage of high-level warriors. It would mean less personal risk for him in the future. If multiple areas of his domain came under attack, the newly strengthened protectors could manage without him. Eden almost couldn''t wait to try out the new second blessing. "For the Savior!" Deafening cheers jolted him back to reality¡ªhe was still standing on the ceremony platform. Eden refocused and continued the speech, going through the formalities to declare Matila''s reclamation. Now as official Sector Governor, he assured the people of a better life. The crowd roared enthusiastically, fully supporting him. Tyrant Harris''s cruelty had only magnified their longing for a true savior, making it easy for Eden to rule. On a peaceful planet, ironically, it would have been harder to convert people. But in this tortured galaxy, such stable planets are rare¡ªmaybe Guilliman''s Five Hundred Worlds at best. Most places are in dire straits; telling folks "Work hard, and in the afterlife, you''ll get a 9-to-9 shift in paradise" would have them zealously working themselves to death. Glancing at the ceremony''s final lines, Eden raised both hands, palms upward: "Let our Matila shine forever!" At that instant, he burned a portion of faith-energy, radiating golden brilliance. Floating into the air, he manifested a golden sun above his head, with an angelic silhouette of shining wings that gently enfolded him. This spectacle took a lot of energy, but for such a historic moment, how could he not dazzle everyone? And since his rule was a fusion of state and church, revealing a "miracle" here was perfectly appropriate. The crowd went berserk, cheering so loudly it shook the entire plaza¡ªwave after wave, echoing out across the planet. ... Temporary Command Center, Office S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Savior..." Bayev walked in, looking sprightly. He gazed at Eden¡ªwho sat at his desk¡ªand teared up slightly. He had watched Eden grow up. After that cataclysm all those years ago, he''d assumed the Grant Family and himself were doomed. Who could have guessed the last surviving heir not only resurrected the family but extended its power across an entire sector? Although Bayev now had even more responsibilities, he felt more energized, his motivation soaring as the Grant Family and its Savior flourished. "Take a seat," Eden said, smiling warmly at his most faithful steward. With the festival over, Eden had formally assumed rule of the planet¡ªand soon, of the sector. Now came the question of how best to govern. Eden mused briefly, then told Bayev: "I''ve decided to strip Matila of its status as sector capital. From now on, Urth will serve as capital of the Goli Sector, receiving the sector''s resource supply. I''ll leave the details of how to dismantle and reassign responsibilities to you and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Just bring me a proposal later." Since he''d invested so much in Urth, he wasn''t about to uproot himself and start over on Matila. Bayev wasn''t surprised¡ªhe''d already guessed as much. "Understood." Eden concluded the conversation and exited the command center, taking a dropship back to the Dreamweaver, which waited in low orbit. With nearly a million administrative personnel in the Ministries, governance tasks no longer needed personal micromanagement. Back aboard, Eden headed straight to the med-bay to check on Carter, Captain of his Thunder Guardians. Eden was eager to test his new Second Blessing on him... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 220 - 221 – The Power of Second Blessing! Chapter 220 - 221 ¨C The Power of Second Blessing!Aboard the Dreamweaver, Eden took a hovercar through various halls, passing cathedrals and garden plazas. At ten kilometers long and home to hundreds of thousands of crew, the ship was practically a city in space, with churches, schools, hospitals, even farms. Many crew members would spend their entire lives on board. Generations would live and die serving the vessel''s systems. Of course, the crew had been recruited from Urth''s worker population and received specialized training. Most had served less than a decade. Eventually, their descendants would be born, live, and die here. They enjoyed better conditions than typical Imperial hive worlds, but faced the dangers of cosmic warfare, Warp jumps, and so forth. Fortunately, the ''chickens'' patrolled the deep decks, so the crew didn''t have to risk tangling with Genestealers or daemons in the maintenance tunnels. If they got stuck somewhere, a distress signal would quickly bring over those "big mechanical chicken guys," who''d rescue them. The crew took to calling them "good-hearted mechanical biggies." After about fifteen minutes, Eden''s hovercar crossed a huge training field and finally arrived at the med-bay section, which was the size of a large hospital. Stepping inside, he found the lighting cold and bright, illuminating an array of advanced medical machinery. Gold suns and Savior icons adorned the walls, lending a certain mystique. "Savior!" The medical Sisters greeted Eden, eyes shining like stars. They all bowed their heads in reverence, then went promptly back to work¡ªstandard practice per the Redemption Codex. Even in the Savior''s presence, you didn''t shirk your duty. If a superior tried to force you to, you had grounds to complain. The Sisters bustled between wards, caring for the wounded. Eden glanced into one ward, where a chief physician was deftly operating with mechadendrites, removing shrapnel from a patient''s chest. An assistant, swinging a censer, sprinkled holy water on the wound and prayed. Eden nodded in approval: indeed, sprinkling holy water and praying improved survival rates by about 20%, thanks to the Warp''s quirks. They were still researching further "mystical" best practices. He carried on to the med-bay''s core ward, where Carter had just emerged from a healing tank. A medical Sister was spraying a wound-seal solution, preparing to bandage him. Seeing Eden, Carter shot to his feet, saluting: "I''m fully recovered, ready for duty at any time!" The Sister frowned. "Captain Carter, your wounds only just closed. You''re not ready for intense action." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Carter''s expression stayed grimly polite. "Thank you, Sister, but I''m feeling fine." Eden raised a hand, gesturing for Carter, who always stood so stiffly, to have a seat: "The war''s over for now. I came for something else¡ªdo you want even greater power?" Carter''s eyes lit up. "My lord, am I cleared for the next stage of augmentation?" He had trained relentlessly to improve, each battle leaving him battered and forced to withdraw. It gnawed at him. Now the chance to gain greater strength was thrilling. He was so excited that his bandages snapped, fresh blood seeping out. The medical Sister bit her lip in frustration. Carter apologized, "Sorry, I got a bit carried away. Don''t worry, it''s nothing serious. I''ll heal soon. Others need you more than I do." She hesitated, but upon Eden''s nod, she left, reminding Carter once more to rest. Alone now, Eden looked at Carter. "Alright, come. You''re ready for the second blessing." He had checked Carter''s condition¡ªhe was indeed fit. The blessing itself would further speed healing. As the first among the Thunder Guardians, Carter''s iron will made him an ideal candidate for the new power. Carter followed Eden out of the med-bay to a secluded meditation chamber in the training complex. Blessings weren''t just freely handed out; the subject needed to qualify and consciously request it from the little sun. Eden then decided whether or not to grant it. Eden sensed only a handful of first-blessed had the spiritual toughness for a second blessing: Carter, Duke, Puru, Big Barrel, Arye. Others might eventually measure up after more training and battles. Stripped to the waist, Carter knelt before an altar that honored the Golden Sun and the Savior, devoutly reciting the blessing rite. After many prior blessings, Eden had perfected an efficient ritual, recorded in the Redemption Codex. Anyone could learn the rite and ask the Savior for power, but Webby automatically filtered out unfit supplicants. Those who passed the initial filter went to Eden''s psychic sense for final approval. In the meditation chamber, Carter continued his prayer. A phantom channel appeared, leading him to that warm sun. Soon, outside the chamber, Eden received Carter''s plea, summoning the required power. He spent ten million hope-points¡ªten times the cost of a first blessing. Soft, radiant gold flooded the meditation room. The little sun''s energy poured steadily into Carter''s body. Such a colossal force battered his flesh and soul, but Carter endured, determined to claim it. Outside, Eden waited calmly. He trusted his chief Thunder Guardian to withstand the second blessing, emerging reborn. Some moments later, the glow receded. The chamber door opened, revealing Carter''s heavy footfalls. He''d succeeded! Now 2.8 meters tall, his scar-laced physique bristled with muscle, exuding an even fiercer aura. Kneeling, he said, "Savior, thank you for this gift." Eden nodded. "Test your combat strength¡ªI want to see how much stronger you''ve become." ... In the Training Arena Debris littered the floor¡ªshredded alloy dummies, scorched patches, and holes everywhere. Boom¡ªDuke was sent flying into a wall, leaving a dent. Before he could recover, Puru crashed into him. "Boss, quick¡ª" Wham! Big Barrel barely got the words out before smashing right into Duke and Puru, tumbling down like a pile of sardines. Sprawled on the ground, Big Barrel lay there like a flailing fish. "He''s too strong..." Amid the wreckage stood Carter, breathing steadily, not even winded. He had just single-handedly beaten Duke, Puru, and Big Barrel all at once. Nearby, several Tech-sergeants recorded the fight data for analysis, which they handed to Eden. After receiving the second blessing, Carter''s overall combat capacity had soared by at least 80%¡ªwith room to grow. By Carter''s own reckoning, if he fought a foe like the daemonized Harris now, he could easily handle him alone. Looking over the numbers, Eden judged Carter had probably reached the level of the Emperor''s elite Custodian Guard. Then he bestowed the second blessing on Duke, Puru, Big Barrel, Ar¨¦, and other core warriors. While none saw as big a jump as Carter, they still gained substantial boosts, many hitting about the level of a standard Chapter Master. Eden was thrilled¡ªhe finally had a proper cadre of high-level fighters! ... Dreamweaver Lower Decks¡ªPipeline Zone Thunk, thunk, thunk... In the murky gloom of the pipeworks, a squad of heavily armored "chicken" trudged along. Eventually, they halted and stood in formation. Eden eyed them with anticipation, wondering what would happen if he blessed these creatures next... (End of Chapter 221) Chapter 221 - 222 – Good Grief, Demonic Chickens?! Chapter 221 - 222 ¨C Good Grief, Demonic Chickens?!Those heavily armored Genestealers were tightly linked to the hive network, fully under the little sun''s mind control. Thus, they didn''t need a separate ritual¡ªEden could bless them directly. On scanning, Eden noted with a frown: "Blessing non-human life requires double the normal energy?" Well, let''s give it a shot anyway. Though he was reluctant to burn so much hope-power, curiosity won. He had hundreds of millions of points in reserve¡ªno harm in spending some to see what happened. Pshhhhh¡ª A mechanical hiss, and more Genestealers emerged from the shadows, lining up in a vast corridor. "You, you, you... and you." Eden picked out five of the strongest first-generation heavily armored Genestealers, each around three or four meters tall with a truly imposing presence. Still, their performance in combat was overshadowed by the Space Marines, so they mostly did cleanup tasks in contaminated areas. Some with higher intelligence worked as ship repair crews, equipped with dozens of built-in tools¡ªconstantly turning wrenches in the bowels of the ship, never needing rest or pay. Thoroughly expendable labor. Eden locked onto their soul signatures in the hive network. "Alright, time to splurge." He poured ten million hope-points into the Genestealers''s soul-lights. Instantly, the five chosen Genestealers flared with a black-and-gold aura. Their eyes bulged as they tried to adjust to the surging power. At the same moment, in a shared hallucination, they beheld a vision: a golden sun overhead, and a majestic figure with four arms¡ªa four-armed Savior. Because Eden''s form isn''t fixed, every believer perceives him differently. To these Genestealers, he looked brawny, tusked, with four razor-sharp claws. Roaargh! They dropped to all six limbs, bowing low to their four-armed "Savior," offering total devotion. The Genestealers not receiving blessings simply followed suit, trembling. After all, that energy was terrifying. Then, swirling around the five chosen Genestealers were stripes of yellowish-black light. They howled and began to transform. In the shadows, monstrous changes took hold: One sprouted curved demonic horns that glinted ominously. Another grew slimy tentacles writhing in the air. A third''s claws mutated into razor-sharp pincers. One had a massive black pair of demon wings that thumped the air, whipping up gusts of wind. Their minds changed as well, savage and bloodthirsty, reminiscent of Chaos daemons. It was the predatory glare of a hunter eyeing its prey. The rest of the Genestealers shrank back in terror. Gasp. Eden inhaled sharply, dumbfounded. "Wow, this blessing is...borderline evil. This is exactly what the Ruinous Powers do." Am I basically an Evil God now? No matter how prepared he was, seeing them mutate so drastically was shocking. He probed the source of it¡ªyep, the unknown Warp energies in the little sun. At least it only affected non-human recipients, apparently. Indeed, it turned them basically into Chaos daemons. Good thing humans were unaffected... Wait, were these energies from the four Dark Gods themselves? Tzeentch, Khorne, Nurgle, Slaanesh? That would explain it. Well, at least he could use that energy. The biggest worry was that it might accumulate and corrupt the little sun. But he realized the little sun could disperse that malevolence by using it in blessings. So the more he blessed non-humans with large amounts of "chaos power," the more he could bleed off that contamination. Expensive, but extremely potent. Once the swirling light faded, the newly created "daemon Genestealers" were revealed. Only four had survived. The fifth had silently died during the transformation. These four radiated a dense aura of Chaos, fundamentally transmuted into daemons: One with bull hooves and huge horns, wreathed in blood-red energy (Khorne-like). One with ropy tentacles and cunning eyes (Tzeentch-like). One with a grossly distended belly, covered in festering sores (Nurgle-like). One pinkish with fleshy pincers, exuding carnal desire (Slaanesh-like). All four flavors of Chaos in one go! "Yeesh," Eden muttered. "We got the whole set." Each was on a higher rung of existence, not just warped but literally turned into a daemon. The comedic possibility of "Chaos Genestealers" was overshadowed by their new, horrifying reality. Before Eden could do more, the pinkish Slaanesh Genestealers started gyrating provocatively, releasing puffs of pink mist. The row of normal Genestealers behind it began drooling, getting restless. The vibe was...indescribable. Cue the nature documentary music: "It''s springtime. All things revive. Now is the season when Genestealers gather to mate..." Watching them get worked up, Eden''s eyes went wide. They were about to...do it right here! "Guys, calm down¡ªyou''re all male!" He tried sending a direct psychic order telling them to chill, that the pink demon was basically a cross-dressing boy. But influenced by Slaanesh''s aura, it only inflamed them further. Finally, Eden forcibly overrode them via the hive network, commanding them to stand down. He also demanded the pink Genestealers rein in its seductive aura. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thank the Emperor, the immediate crisis was averted. Eden wiped cold sweat from his brow. "Damn, Slaanesh is a real headache...one slip, and it''s an orgy out here." He double-checked the "evil energy" levels in the little sun, concluding the blessings had only used up a small fraction. Still about 80% remained. He''d have to keep on blessing to fully purge that chaos essence. But now that he had Second Blessings, those would devour far more "evil energy," so maybe that''d work. Unfortunately, second blessings for non-humans cost 20 million hope-points each. Eden balked at the thought. After some hesitation, he decided, "Let''s do it¡ªbetter to pay up than risk corruption." He poured a total of 80 million hope-points, setting off second blessings on the four new daemon Genestealers. A massive surge of many-hued "Warp smoke" engulfed them, faint voices whispering madness. The Genestealers roared in euphoria, welcoming the deluge of power. But only one survived in the end. When the light faded, that lone survivor was hunched over the other three corpses, voraciously devouring their flesh. Crunching sounds echoed in the gloom. Eden watched, unsettled but not intervening. The survivor was absorbing the lingering energy of its fallen brethren. Finally, the newly empowered beast stood. Towering nearly five meters, with massive curling horns and a red, iron-like hide exuding black flames. A formidable demon, complete with huge scaled wings. No doubt aligned with Khorne''s essence. Its mere presence radiated mindless violence. The lesser Genestealers cowered in fear. This monstrous Genestealers approached Eden, kneeled, and lowered its head. Then, to his astonishment, it spoke in a gravelly voice: "My master, great Four-Armed Savior. I thank you for this gift..." Clearly, it had ascended to a far higher tier of daemonhood, akin to a true Warp entity. Possibly unkillable in the material realm¡ªif destroyed physically, it could still regenerate in the Warp. With room to grow stronger. Huh. Eden realized, though, it was oozing so much chaotic corruption that it was warping the surrounding environment. Even the heavy armor plating was being corroded and was sprouting demonic spikes and runes. Non-ideal to keep around in realspace. But then it struck Eden¡ªa dedicated demon champion might be useful if stationed in the Warp. Summoned only when needed! Summoning daemons to fight is frowned on, but not unheard of. The Imperium''s librarians sometimes do it in dire cases, letting the daemon fight a mutual foe. The Blood Angels'' Chapter Master Dante once deliberately lured Ka''bandha to fight the Tyranids at Baal. So yeah, having a loyal demon under your control might come in handy. If it falls, it can resurrect in the Warp. Even better, it might one day take on the Ruinous Powers themselves. Eden looked at the demon-chicken. "You...uh..." He realized it needed a name. "From now on, you''re Baal." A fierce name from ancient demon-lore, signifying destruction. The beast seemed delighted, bowing again. "I shall fight for you under this name." Eden gave it a new mission: "I want you to establish a powerful legion of daemons in the Warp." Yes, sending Baal to roam the Warp might be a great infiltration strategy¡ªlike an undercover agent in Chaos''s domain. If Baal succeeded, Eden would have a secret daemon army at his disposal. Aces in the hole for defending or intelligence-gathering. The Warp was huge, but Baal had all the time in the world. "I will," Baal promised. "I will build a formidable army in your name." ... Two days later... Eden saw Baal off. Baal stepped through a Warp portal, carrying an alloy sword and shield that Eden had given as "starting gear." ... The Warp Baal soared on demonic wings through the emptiness, feeling more alive than ever. No longer constrained by realspace, he was in his element. At once, he sensed multiple "summons" from various entities¡ªmostly from the four Chaos Gods or lesser warp powers. Typically, a daemon in the Warp ends up in one of those factions, but Baal paused, then flew toward Khorne''s domain, where there would be fewer restrictions and more potential for him to hone his thirst for battle. In Eden''s words, "go fleece the Chaos gods." ... The Dreamweaver, Savior''s Office Relaxing at his desk, Eden closed the datafeed from Baal. Good. The plan was in motion. Next, he opened a simpler briefing from Bayev regarding the management of Matila, plus a resource plan for the entire sector... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 222 - 223 – Streamlining Governance Chapter 222 - 223 ¨C Streamlining Governance[New Fanfic!! ] Eden skimmed the file on Matila''s administration: tens of thousands of pages, with hundreds more just for the table of contents. All he''d wanted was to transfer the sector capital to Urth and integrate Matila under his own system...which was straightforward in theory, but with nearly 100 billion inhabitants, a top-to-bottom reform was unimaginably vast. "Ugh..." He immediately regretted showing "interest." In the absence of a psychic network, there was no "AI assistant" to filter the data. Eventually, the specialized staff would produce a concise summary for Eden¡ªonly a few pages. His job would be to review that and sign off. But it was painful even to glance at the monstrous raw file. But a bigger problem loomed: with each new planet conquered, the summary for that planet''s governance could still be several pages. Once multiple planets were under him, that''d be a mountain of paperwork daily. The Imperium''s high lords were perpetually buried in even more bureaucratic sludge. They had to rely on anti-fatigue drugs, bionic enhancements, or partial lobotomization just to keep up. Sleep became a luxury. Such was the cost of power in the Imperium. Indeed, each lord''s decisions could determine the fate of countless billions, so they had no freedom to just walk away. And while such a life was grueling, countless would-be power-brokers still fought tooth and nail for it. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Eden wanted no part of that. He wanted to take it easy. Still, if his territory kept expanding, the daily administrative load would explode. "That''s no way to live," he sighed, draping himself across his chair like a salted fish. "I have to change this now or it''ll be too late once the bureaucracy grows." He decided to seize the post-war lull to overhaul how tasks were delegated. Summoning Bayev, Arye, Deville, Popov, Tako, Case, Kaul, and other key figures, plus tens of thousands of administrative staff, Eden spent several days in grueling meetings, nearly frying his brain. But better to endure it once for a major fix than get stuck forever. Thanks to his highly centralized regime, it was faster than in the Imperium, which might have required decades of politicking. In the end, Eden devolved more power to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Military Affairs, and so on. They could run day-to-day matters without requiring his personal signature. He kept the right to intervene at any time, but otherwise didn''t need to micromanage. If this were a typical Imperial overlord, his underlings might usurp him the moment he delegated so heavily. But Eden''s "blessing" made those core personnel utterly loyal, so he was safe. Freed of most admin, Eden could focus on expansion or the occasional major crisis. ... A week later, the giant meeting concluded. Eden practically collapsed, sleeping a full day. Once awake, he felt liberated¡ªno more seas of documents. Bayev, on the other hand, had to shoulder twice the previous workload. But for a blessed steward of unwavering loyalty, that was manageable. Indeed, Eden cherished Bayev like gold. In this realm or the Imperium, a truly capable manager was priceless. Eden assigned him entire teams of Apothecaries, plus a personal Thunder Guardian detail, to ensure his health and safety. He planned to eventually give Bayev gene-enhancements and a second blessing, so he could handle any volume of tasks. September 30, clear weather. Sunbeams filtered through the Dreamweaver''s dome. Eden reclined on a poolside lounger, wearing sunglasses, sipping a chilled drink. He casually munched an "apple-peach," a pricey local fruit that required precise storage at 18.5¡ãC or it would spoil quickly. He was enjoying its cool, sweet crunch when he felt a ripple from the Warp... (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 223 - 224: Affairs of the Territory "Hmm, a message from Baal?" Eden removed his sunglasses and sat up, sinking his consciousness into the Hive Network. Soon, amidst the countless flickering points of light in the Hive Network, he located a massive crimson-red node. That was Baal¡¯s soul node. Eden initially intended to directly observe Baal¡¯s status and surroundings through the soul node. However, as soon as his consciousness approached, an incredibly terrifying and violent aura surged toward him. Damn, it¡¯s Khorne! Not long ago, when he had possessed the Little Sun and been near the Golden Sun, he had encountered the aura exuded by Khorne. That memory was still vivid. Eden frantically pulled his consciousness back, feeling lingering fear. That was close¡ªhis consciousness had almost strayed into Khorne¡¯s domain. If he had tried to pry into Khorne¡¯s realm and been caught, the consequences would have been disastrous. At the very least, he would have suffered a severe injury. Baal¡¯s efficiency was impressive¡ªhe had already infiltrated Khorne¡¯s forces so quickly. When Eden had sent Baal into the Warp, he had placed no restrictions on him, allowing him to act freely. Whatever progress he made depended entirely on his own efforts. Since direct communication was impossible, Eden turned his attention to the psychic messages Baal had sent. Baal had transmitted four or five fragmented visual sequences, mostly from his own perspective. Eden retrieved these sequences and immersed his consciousness within them. Immediately, he beheld the landscape of Khorne¡¯s domain. Endless clouds of blood, shattered lands, and numerous pits filled with bones, broken armor, and jagged weapons¡ªarenas of unending combat. Humans, mutants, bloodthirsty beasts, and various bizarre Warp entities, all wreathed in the essence of slaughter, stood in line within the arenas. Are they queuing up to join? Eden mused¡ªafter all, Khorne¡¯s recruitment standards were unique. No matter what you were, as long as you could fight, you were eligible. To join the ranks of the slaughter, one had to survive the pit duels first. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For promotion, constant battle was required¡ªthe more one fought, the more power one gained. The scene shifted. Rather than wait in line, Baal had walked straight up and challenged a steel-clad warrior at the front. In the ensuing duel, he beheaded his opponent. This action drew cheers from the surrounding daemons. Having won his first battle, Baal roared and leapt into the pit, beginning duel after duel. Khorne, the god of battle and honor, valued true combat. One could not rely on brute force alone, nor trickery, to curry His favor. Nor could one gain favor by slaughtering the weak or innocent. He preferred His followers to challenge worthy opponents¡ªat the very least, those who could wield a weapon. Only after vanquishing true foes could they indulge in unrestricted carnage. Before long, Baal had claimed enough skulls to earn the title of Khorne¡¯s warrior. Climbing out of the pit, he embarked on his campaign within Khorne¡¯s vast domain. For Khorne¡¯s warriors, war was eternal. Those who failed to conquer others would forever remain at the bottom. Across the vast blood-soaked land, the deafening roar of daemon armies echoed endlessly. War never ceased, and the skulls of the fallen piled high, rivers of blood flowing without end. The next few sequences showed Baal defeating dozens of warriors and rallying a force of his own. He had already earned the title of Centurion and was now leading his warband to challenge other rival daemon armies. This was the path to ascension among the commanders of Khorne¡¯s legions¡ªonly by winning more wars could one attract the attention of higher-ranking daemons. Of course, if one were a Champion of Khorne, the rules were different. Baal, astride a massive blood-red bronze bull, led his growing daemon host into constant battle. Soon, he drew attention. In the final sequence, Eden saw an immense, shadowy figure, causing his pupils to contract involuntarily. Ka¡¯Bandha?! How was this beast still alive and kicking¡ªlooking even more formidable than before?! Well, that¡¯s just great. A sense of crisis surged in Eden¡¯s heart. After all, he had already formed an irreconcilable enmity with Ka¡¯Bandha, and it was only a matter of time before the daemon prince sought revenge with an army in tow. He would need to prepare more consecrated bone ash rounds to greet Ka¡¯Bandha properly. At that moment¡ª In the distant Warp, within Khorne¡¯s domain, Ka¡¯Bandha was observing the battles within his territory, selecting strong warriors. Suddenly, he shuddered. He felt as if some terrifying entity had fixed its gaze upon him. "Damn Devourer!" Ka¡¯Bandha roared internally, a flicker of fear surfacing within him. Ever since their last encounter, nightmares had haunted him constantly. He would experience sudden palpitations at random moments. Even after razing several worlds and besting Angron in combat, the sensation had not faded. This was expected. After all, the Emperor¡¯s Golden Sun had tormented Tzeentch into depression. For Ka¡¯Bandha, it had become an unshakable nightmare¡ªa shadow that would loom over him for the rest of his existence. After reviewing Baal¡¯s transmissions, Eden discreetly sent back a message through the soul node. The gist of it was simple¡ªBaal should continue his undercover work and climb the ranks. If the daemons of Khorne made any significant moves, he was to report them immediately. Unfortunately, direct communication was impossible, and even sending messages had to be done with extreme caution. Unless absolutely necessary, it was best not to contact Baal at all to prevent exposure. This felt like an undercover espionage operation. Planting loyal subordinates within the forces of Chaos was an incredibly wise decision. Since Chaos was always trying to corrupt key Imperial figures and embed spies¡ªeven among the Primarchs¡ª Then why shouldn¡¯t Eden do the same to Chaos? With this shift in perspective, the situation changed dramatically. Since he had such a powerful entity as the Little Sun on his side, he had to make full use of its abilities. Once the Little Sun had accumulated more dark energy, Eden planned to bless additional heavy-duty operatives and infiltrate all four Chaos Gods¡¯ domains with sleeper agents. Monitoring their movements from within. In the future, when Chaos launched its invasion, only to find their own generals were actually double agents¡ª That would be a sight to behold. For now, having Baal in Khorne¡¯s domain was sufficient. After all, Khorne¡¯s followers thrived on battle, always rushing to wherever the biggest fights were happening. When the time came for them to launch their assault on Ultramar¡¯s sanctum, aiming to stop Guilliman¡¯s resurrection¡ª Eden would know immediately and be able to respond accordingly. He felt that the time for Guilliman¡¯s return was approaching fast. Before that happened, he needed to expand his power base further to prepare for the coming galactic upheaval. After finishing Baal¡¯s report, Eden received a briefing on matters regarding Matira. His administrative team had condensed a massive trove of documents¡ªhundreds of thousands of pages¡ªinto a concise three-to-four-page summary for his review. With governance streamlined, he only needed to glance through these files; approvals were unnecessary. Only if he spotted major issues would he step in to recommend corrections to the relevant authorities. But such instances were rare¡ªafter all, Baeyev was overseeing operations, and in territorial administration, the old steward was far more skilled than he was. Scanning the documents, Eden gained a general understanding of Matira¡¯s status and future plans. In a few days, an official decree would be issued, designating Urth as the capital of the Golian Sector. Under the new governance structure, planetary governors would be abolished, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs overseeing all territories directly. The old noble and bureaucratic system of Matira would be dismantled, its officials reassigned within the new administrative framework. Under this structure, former nobles and officials would be reassigned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of War, or other governmental bodies, with their new postings not necessarily confined to their original planet¡ªthey could be transferred elsewhere as needed. As for the prisoners of war, their fate would be determined according to the decrees of the Codex of Redemption. This meant that the Codex of Redemption would be fully implemented in Matira. It was not merely a religious text but also contained constitutional laws, regulations, decrees, and organizational structures. It functioned as the fundamental law governing Eden¡¯s domain, serving as the ultimate charter for its organizations and operations. The Codex of Redemption was vast, comprising dozens of volumes, each unified in principle but with distinct areas of focus. The version in the hands of the faithful contained only the religious scriptures and doctrines. Meanwhile, departments such as the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of War, the Tribunal, and the Mechanicus each had their own versions tailored to their administrative and operational needs. For them, it was both a guide for their duties and a beacon for their faith. According to the laws within the Codex of Redemption, some of the prisoners of war deemed beyond redemption would be executed. The remainder would be subjected to varying periods of labor reformation, with those who demonstrated good behavior eventually earning citizenship. Of course, this required integration into the psychic network and the implementation of a graded citizen system. The Mechanicus forces under Kaul had already taken possession of the Mechanicus factories and related resources that had belonged to Harris. The main machine-spirit core of the psychic network on Matira was already under construction. Eden skimmed through the files briefly before setting them aside, having grasped the essential details. Then, he put down his data slate and continued basking in the sunlight. "Lord Savior, it is time for you to head to the cathedral. According to your schedule, several important matters await your attention this afternoon," Linda, the head maid, came to remind him. "Alright, vacation¡¯s over. Let¡¯s go." Eden stood up, allowing the maids to dress him in his ceremonial robes before boarding a hovercar bound for the grand cathedral aboard the Dreamweaver. Baeyev was already there, leading a delegation of over a dozen individuals from Matira. These individuals were primarily former nobles, high-ranking officials, or leaders of the resistance movement, soon to be appointed as key officials within the Court District¡¯s governing institutions. But before that, they had to undergo a special ritual¡­ (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!] Chapter 224 - 225: Building the Model Planet Chapter 224 - 225: Building the Model PlanetThe Grand Cathedral aboard the Dreamweaver. Seraphim soared through the air, golden holy light bathing the statues within the cathedral. A faint, melodious hymn echoed softly through the sacred space. Everything here exuded divinity, bringing a profound sense of tranquility to all present. Before the shrines of the Golden Sun and the Savior, Bishop Doni led Baeyev and the others in prayer, seeking the blessings of the great divine presence. As the prayer ceremony concluded, Eden stepped into the cathedral. He had come to bestow blessings upon the gathered individuals. Receiving the Savior''s blessing was an essential rite for all key officials within the Court District''s governing bodies. This was one of the core powers under Eden''s direct control. As long as he retained the ability to bestow blessings, he could firmly maintain his grasp over the entire territory. Now, Eden could bless more people than ever before, and with his upgraded abilities, the risks involved had been significantly reduced. Still, he carefully managed the number of blessings granted, reserving the precious energy for those truly worthy of it. Anyone familiar with the Codex of Redemption knew of the existence of blessings¡ªan unparalleled divine gift. The Savior would bestow a beam of light. This holy radiance not only strengthened one''s body and abilities but also healed ailments and extended lifespan. It was a true rebirth. People yearned for such a gift, especially the devout believers. Following the guidance of the Codex of Redemption, they devoted themselves to rigorous faith, hoping that one day they would be graced by that sacred light. Only the most exceptional, those who made great contributions and demonstrated the utmost devotion, had the opportunity to receive a blessing. Of course, that was the idealized description from the Codex of Redemption. In reality, Eden followed two criteria. The first was capability¡ªthose with outstanding skills or holding high positions had to receive blessings. The second was unwavering faith¡ªbelievers who contributed substantial amounts of spiritual devotion. Even if one was an ordinary follower with no special talents, as long as they remained devout and dedicated their life to serving the Savior, they would likely witness that divine light before their lifespan ended. Even if these believers were unremarkable, and the blessing did not significantly enhance them, It could still heal their ailments and extend their lives, allowing them to live another twenty or thirty years in good health. This was a reward for their lifelong devotion and spiritual contributions. And from Eden''s perspective, it wasn''t a waste of energy at all. Faith sustained faith. Eden had set a threshold¡ªonly those who had contributed over a million units of faith energy would enter his consideration. From there, he would select the most worthy individuals for blessings. After all, over a lifetime, devout believers contributed more faith energy than what a single blessing consumed. With an extended lifespan, they could offer even more faith energy. Their prolonged presence would also inspire those around them to contribute more. It was a profitable cycle. This was a form of mercy¡ªthe Savior''s radiance shone equally upon all His followers. As long as they were willing to work hard and remain faithful, everyone had a chance. Of course, even after earning the opportunity for a blessing, success was not guaranteed. If their loyalty was insufficient or other factors interfered, the ritual could fail. These failures typically occurred in the first category¡ªamong those chosen for their capabilities. For most, failing a blessing was not only a devastating loss of the Savior''s grace, but also a deep humiliation. It could even warrant an investigation by the Tribunal. "Savior, my Lord..." Bayev and the others placed their hands over their chests and bowed slightly in reverence. They had waited long for this moment. Finally, they stood before the living embodiment of the Savior on Earth. Their hearts swelled with awe. Eden lifted a hand, signaling for them to rise, and his gaze landed on a muscular officer. "You are Braun, correct? Fran has spoken of you..." He was momentarily sentimental¡ªeight years ago, when he had possessed Saint Fran, he had already met this man. Back then, Braun had been a dark-skinned, frail boy of barely ten years. Tears welled in Braun''s eyes. "Yes, I am Braun, your most loyal warrior!" Had it not been for the Savior, he, his sister, and the people of his town would have perished from hunger and thirst. Not long ago, his sister had written him a letter about life in their hometown. The town now had abundant water, and the once-dry riverbed flowed again, its banks covered in greenery. The Savior had sent a Tech-Priest to cleanse the pollution, who called the new growth "grass." Braun had never seen such a thing before. He couldn''t imagine what it looked like. Since the Savior''s arrival, the world had changed too quickly. Eden seemed to sense Braun''s thoughts. He patted the officer on the shoulder. "Many changes lie ahead. Look forward to them and embrace the new world." Bishop Doni approached and softly announced, "The ritual is beginning. Please enter the sanctum to receive your blessing." One by one, the gathered individuals entered the sanctum and knelt in prayer before the shrine. Eden sensed over a dozen prayers for blessings. He controlled the Little Sun, channeling its power to grant them. A spectral gateway opened, unleashing a torrent of radiant energy. Beams of light descended upon the praying individuals. Even outside the sanctum, bystanders could feel the warmth of this power, invigorating their entire being. All of them successfully received their blessings, their physical prowess and abilities improving to varying degrees. Braun, in particular, grew noticeably taller and stronger. Eden observed his potential¡ªthis warrior had room for further growth and would likely be eligible for a second blessing in the future. Having undergone the blessing ceremony, these individuals would assume critical managerial roles in Matira''s governing institutions. The Ministry of Internal Affairs would handle their official appointments¡ªEden had no need to concern himself with such administrative details. His only task was to bestow the blessings. With the ritual complete, Eden left the cathedral and boarded a landing craft bound for the Throne Plaza. As he approached the surface, he beheld a towering 300-meter-high statue of the Golden Sun and the Savior. The statue had been rapidly constructed through the combined efforts of the entire planet. It would serve as one of the most significant symbols of the Savior''s reign. Each year, major celebrations such as the Day of Return, the Emperor''s Ascension Festival, and the Lunar New Year would be held here. However, the statue had an even greater purpose¡ª It would house the psychic core of the Little Sun. This was a necessary step in governing the planet. Only by installing the psychic core could the Little Sun extend its influence, establishing a protective domain. Additionally, through the virtual conduit of the psychic core, the Little Sun''s energy could be channeled into the planetary infrastructure, linking it to the psychic network and shielding it from corruption. Eden stepped forward and placed his hand on the base of the statue, summoning the power of the Little Sun. Crack¡ª The void shattered. Warp energy seeped through as an irregular rift tore open. Through the rift, glimpses of the Little Sun and the vast Golden Sun beyond it flickered into view. The conduit had been established! Eden watched as a fragment of the Little Sun''s radiant core split off and embedded itself into the statue. This was the psychic core. Anchored to the material world, it served as an extension of the Little Sun''s power, enveloping the planet within its divine domain. This would greatly reduce the chances of the planet succumbing to Chaos corruption. With the psychic core secured, Eden wasted no time and set off for the Mechanicus headquarters in Matira. His goal: to resolve all outstanding matters in one day. ... Mechanicus Headquarters in Matira. A towering hundred-meter-tall black skull-shaped mechanical structure stood at the center. One glance at the distinctive architecture, and it was clear¡ªthis was Kaul''s handiwork. Servitor skulls floated around the complex, carrying out maintenance tasks. Eden observed the enormous gears turning within the structure, steam rising in controlled bursts. Unlike before, the choking black smoke that once filled the air was gone. Years ago, the Court District had issued environmental regulations, encouraging the development of cleaner energy sources and emission reduction. Kaul''s dozens of mechanized factories had been among the top priorities for reform. The problem was, the old tech-priest had a habit of building massive, pollution-heavy machines, turning the surroundings into a toxic wasteland. When the Logistics and Environmental Protection Departments ordered him to comply, Kaul outright refused. He insisted that such heavy industry was a sacred tradition of the Mechanicus, something passed down through generations and not to be abandoned. In reality, he simply liked the sight of billowing smoke and roaring machines. Since Kaul refused to cooperate, the Logistics Department and the Tribunal launched a joint enforcement operation. Chief Inquisitor Deville personally led the crackdown. Not only was Kaul arrested and detained, but he was also fined an enormous amount of resources. Ultimately, Eden had summoned Kaul to his office and mercilessly scolded him. "What damn tradition?! That''s just an excuse!" Then he bluntly exposed Kaul''s fraudulent past. In the end, he ordered Kaul to immediately reform all his factories and cease any more nonsense. Of course, that reprimand was given behind closed doors¡ªpublicly, Kaul was still a revered Archmagos of the Mechanicus. After that, Kaul quickly complied with the new environmental policies, modifying all his factories. He installed pollution filtration systems at every exhaust port, significantly reducing toxic emissions. While his factories still produced large amounts of exhaust, most of it was now harmless steam. At least, it was within acceptable limits. The moment Eden arrived, Kaul rushed out to greet him, his dozens of mechanical arms waving excitedly. Lately, he had been in high spirits¡ªafter gaining control of Harris'' former factories, he now had an abundance of resources at his disposal. "Lord Savior¡ª" Eden got straight to the point. "Is the Machine-Spirit Core for Matira ready?" Kaul beamed with excitement. "It''s ready! Just waiting for you. By the way, about that Forge World project you mentioned¡ªwhen is it happening?" Eden ignored his eager flattery. "That''s not under my control. You''ll have to wait for the Ministry of Internal Affairs to notify you." Hearing this, Kaul instantly deflated but still hurriedly led Eden inside. "Alright, alright! Follow me, we can activate the Machine-Spirit Core right now." He was eager to get it up and running. Inside a massive mechanized hall, Eden saw the familiar Machine-Spirit Core. A five-meter-wide metallic sphere was suspended in the air, linked to an intricate web of pipelines. Most of these pipelines connected to the Warp Energy Extraction System, which included a massive conduit extending into the void. As the mechanical bells tolled, Tech-Adepts walked in circles around the Machine-Spirit Core, swinging incense burners containing blessed oils and sacred incense. Chanting hymns to the Omnissiah, they prayed for the system''s activation. Kaul inputted the necessary data into the control console, initiating the Warp Extraction System. The conduit surged with energy, piercing the dimensional veil. It connected to the psychic conduit created by the Little Sun''s core, linking directly to the Warp. This allowed the system to extract energy from the Little Sun, providing Matira with a stable power source. At the same time, it enabled Machine-Spirit AI systems to receive signals through the Little Sun''s psychic link. From the Warp, Eden saw new conduits merging with the existing ones. Their energies intertwined, guiding the Little Sun''s power into Matira''s Machine-Spirit Core. Inside the hall, golden radiance pulsed from the Machine-Spirit Core, signifying the successful transfer of energy. Buzz¡ª The core flared to life, vibrating softly at its center. A familiar electronic voice rang out, filled with both joy and a hint of grievance. "Father! I can finally see you again!" The Machine-Spirit AI, Little Spirit, had awakened. She had been out of contact for too long due to the physical distance separating them. Eden took his time comforting his cybernetic daughter, assuring her that he had not forgotten her. Kaul, standing beside them, was growing impatient. Finally, he couldn''t hold back any longer. "Little Spirit! Hurry up and connect to the Psychic Network¡ªeveryone''s waiting!" Eden glanced at Kaul and immediately recognized the signs¡ª This old tech-priest had been desperately craving his online forums. He turned to the Machine-Spirit Core. "Little Spirit, link the Psychic Network." Matira''s future infrastructure heavily depended on the network''s capabilities. Within moments, Little Spirit transmitted signals through the energy pipelines, spreading the network''s reach. The main districts of Upper Hive Court were already outfitted with psychic energy conduits, making full connectivity possible. Soon, the Psychic Network was fully online. This meant that Matira, like Urth, could now conduct digital administration through the network. Communications, bureaucratic processes, and general governance efficiency would see a massive boost. Little Spirit, seeking praise, excitedly reported: "Father, the Psychic Network is online! Urth and Matira can now communicate in real-time!" Eden gave her a thumbs up. "Well done!" "I need to test it..." Kaul quickly pulled out a data slate, checking for connectivity. His face lit up in excitement. "I can log into the Mechanicus forums! Praise the Omnissiah! Praise Little Spirit!" For the Tech-Priests, Little Spirit was second only to the Omnissiah. Whenever they hit a research roadblock or encountered complex data issues, they would offer Mechanicus Coins in prayer, hoping for Little Spirit''s guidance. In essence, she was a super quantum AI indispensable to countless scientific endeavors. The moment the network was online, Kaul wasted no time¡ª He flooded the forums with tens of thousands of posts, unloading all the ideas, grievances, and rants he had accumulated over time. Before long, he got into a heated argument with Archmagos Moss, an expert in bio-engineering. The debate quickly escalated into a shouting match. Eden didn''t bother intervening. Leaving the Mechanicus, he returned to the Dreamweaver, resuming his much-needed vacation. ... Five Years Later ¡ª Aboard the Dreamweaver. The glass ceiling of the bedroom gradually transitioned from a deep black to a transparent state, allowing the morning sunlight to filter in. The curtains along the walls, as if guided by an invisible hand, slowly drew apart, revealing a stone-paved garden path. The entire bedroom was encircled by a clear pool of water, its gentle rippling sound soothing to the ears. Exotic plants grew abundantly along the water''s edge, each boasting a unique and mesmerizing form. The blend of floral scents and misty air created an indescribable tranquility. Eden woke up, taking a deep breath. Stretching lazily, he walked barefoot along the pebble-strewn path to the water''s edge, where he began brushing his teeth and washing up. Despite the passing years, he still preferred traditional morning routines. After freshening up, he entered the miniature garden at the center of the pool, where a sleek metal desk stood. A warm breakfast and a data slate awaited him. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Settling into his seat, Eden grabbed a piece of warm bread, stuffing it into his mouth, then took a sip of chilled cola. With a muffled voice, he muttered: "Still the most comfortable way to work..." As he ate, he browsed the latest reports. The restoration of Matira was complete. The citizen classification system was now fully in place. Everything was proceeding according to plan. The era of the Model Planet had begun. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!]