Emperor's Bane

Chapter 1006 The Situation in Comoros

Beneath the steel dome of the Comoros, time flows differently than elsewhere in the galaxy.

This difference cannot be simply summarized in human language as "faster" or "slower".

It is a kind of uncertainty, like that of a liquid.

Two adjacent blocks may be separated only by a flimsy barbed wire fence or a wall haphazardly built with the corpses of slaves: but when the Astartes warriors who invaded this place climbed over the obstacle and intended to set up a new position on the other side, they would find that they had fallen into a completely different world.

Spires turned into swamps, sand replaced streets, and at the foot of bizarre altars and palaces lay nameless mass graves that had been silent for thousands of years. Phosphorescent flames from the white bones emitted a faint glow in the distance, illuminating the claws of hungry beasts lurking in the shadows.

And if that's not bad enough, when you pick up a weapon in one hand and grab the sonic array in the other, trying to report your current location to the brothers behind you, you will be horrified to find that in the sonic array, they are saying the same words you heard minutes, hours, or even days ago.

When you switch to the next channel, you find that the time seems to be several days or more later, and those familiar names and voices are talking about the story of your and your brothers' unfortunate deaths in battle: in their words, you died on the very land beneath your feet.

What makes you even more desperate is that when you look at your comrades with some worry, you find that they are also frowning at their own sound arrays: no one can receive accurate messages, and no one can find the road that you came from, which was clearly unobstructed.

You are trapped, thrown into the middle of a vast ocean containing countless vortexes of time: on the turbulent surface, there are hungry shark fins everywhere.

At this point, when the land beneath your feet itself becomes your enemy, all you can do is continue adjusting your sound array and, while constantly fiddling with the channels, silently pray that the most special channel remains within your acceptable range.

In theory, that was a channel that every soldier who participated in the Battle of Comoros could receive. Even if you could no longer contact anyone else, you could still reach that fixed voice through the sound array.

It has no unique markings, except for a serial number that never changes, but when you tune into that channel, you can recognize it instantly: because of all the channels, only this one exudes a captivating spiritual energy.

You will feel a warm yet undeniable power brush past your ears and into your soul, as if your grandmother, long forgotten, is gently stroking your head: You need to accept it until it confirms that you are a loyal warrior of the Empire and that you now need its help.

Then, you need to wait patiently.

Generally speaking, it only takes about ten seconds, and at worst, it takes only one or two minutes.

Then, on the other side of this channel, you'll hear a voice that you and your comrades will find heavenly.

……

This is Morgan, please speak.

【Uh-huh.】

【okay, I get it. 】

Please wait a moment.

The Spider Queen opened her eyes, her blue pupils seeming to rotate a couple more times than usual to adapt to the darkness of the Comoros.

She turned her head, her eyes sparkling, looking at the treasure that always floated to her right: the Comoros map that the Emperor had given her at the very beginning of the campaign. As the Astartes advanced on the front lines, more and more annotations and modifications gradually appeared on it, and compared to the beginning, it had become a reliable auxiliary tool.

Of course, it was before, but the Emperor's definition of trustworthiness was different from Morgan's.

【let me see……】

The Primarch muttered to herself, and with the information from the soldiers who had called for help reporting their location and the psionic energy attached to the sonic array, she quickly determined a vague direction. After about two seconds of thought and logical reasoning, she pinpointed exactly where the Astartes were trapped.

Morgan's consciousness then extended outwards, like an octopus lurking in the deep sea extending a tentacle, precisely encircling the Astartes squad that was about to be swallowed by the Comoros storm. With a thought, he then flung them back to where they had set off: a place safe enough that they wouldn't get lost.

Having done all this, and with the cheers and gratitude from the other side of the sound array ensuring the outcome, Morgan calmly shifted his gaze from the map.

It sounds like the task of bringing lost children back home isn't something the Spider Queen, who's in charge of the entire campaign, would be doing, but what can you do when war has fallen into a strange stalemate: like when Germany and their adversaries dug trenches after the failure of the large-scale offensive at the beginning of World War I.

In the Comoros theater, Imperial forces and their alien adversaries are simultaneously digging trenches.

While the flames of war in the real universe are burning everything uncontrollably as more and more forces are either drawn into it or become collateral damage, the conflict that is taking place in the deepest part of this net-path Netherworld remains under control and has not exceeded the limits of the capabilities of either side: at least at the highest levels of both sides, there are always people who believe that they have the ability to change the course of this war at any time.

Whether this is genuine confidence or mere speculation is another matter entirely.

As for the Queen of Avalon, all she needed to worry about was what to do next.

Over the past period, the Imperial army has been employing the same urban expansion and grid tactics that have worked so well since they set foot on the land of Comoros, taking over block after block from the Dark Eldar. To this day, the banner of the double-headed eagle has been planted on hundreds of millions of spires, streets, and blood-soaked public places.

The Hillian family, which was captured and relentlessly pursued by the Emperor and the Imperial Army from the very beginning of the war, has gone from being a powerful force capable of launching a large-scale counterattack to a poor family that can only barely keep the front line going after several battles with the Imperial Army. An ancient bloodline that may have been passed down for hundreds of thousands or even millions of years seems to be driven to the brink of despair by these immature "monkeys" in the blink of an eye.

Its most powerful army has fallen to the wrath of the Primarchs and Astartes, and its core regions, on which it depends for survival, have either been planted with the banner of the Double-Headed Eagle or seized by other ancient families of the Comoros. Even the Trueborn, who are considered the core of the family, chose to scatter and flee after their last failed counterattack, rather than return to the family.

These once high-ranking individuals understood the Hillian family's heritage and the trauma it had suffered in this war better than any outsider. Therefore, after the final military operation ended in failure, these war commanders also realized that the ancient family that had bestowed upon them wealth and glory was finished.

In the dictionary of the Dark Eldar, the concept of family sharing weal and woe naturally does not exist.

Little did they know that their escape was the very death knell for the Hillyan family: if before this, this ancient organization, which had been passed down for tens of thousands of years, could still barely intimidate other rivals in Comoros and even the imperial army with its prestige and imposing presence, then when the true sons began to seek their own positions, everyone knew what the Hillyan family's fate would be.

Nowadays, the powerful Hillian family is no longer a match for the Imperial army, but is instead placed as a buffer zone between the Double-Headed Eagle and other ancient families: the Titans' cannons can penetrate the Hillian family's main building at any time, but beyond the range limit of the God Machines, armies from other Comorian nobles are gradually gathering, yet they dare not launch an offensive.

These are all old rivals who have been together for tens of thousands of years. These nobles are well aware of the power of the Hillian family. They may not be the strongest among them, but there is not a huge gap between them: otherwise, this family name would have disappeared into the darkness of the Comoros long ago.

And now, this old adversary, with whom they have been locked in a stalemate for hundreds of generations, has been defeated in just a few months: although only a powerful figure in the Comoros city has fallen, the result is enough to terrify every Comorian.

This feeling is probably like seeing the first breach in a dam during flood season.

From a God's-eye view, one would see that the current imperial army is like a nail driven deep into the flesh of the Comoros.

The wound wasn't large, only a dozen or so blocks away.

But it was deep enough, and painful enough.

Although the area currently being slaughtered by the Imperial army is only a very small part of the almost limitless Comoros, considering the Astartes' achievements during this period, it is not impossible that they could shake the core of Comoros.

If the Hillian are wiped out, then naturally they can go on to wipe out the families that were on par with the Hillian. There are only a handful of these old and powerful families with hundreds of thousands or even millions of years of heritage left, even in the Comoros.

If the outer city can be breached, then breaching the inner city will not be difficult: even the most ferocious counterattack will only cause a thousand or so Astartes casualties. Compared to the total number of casualties committed to the war, the Lord of Mankind still has plenty of coins to squander.

But what's even more terrifying is not these things, but the three suns that remain an unresolved problem in the Comoros sky.

The Emperor. The Spider Queen, and the network tunnel boring machine they were protecting behind them.

They are the unshakeable foundation of the imperial army.

As an ancient family, when the Hillian army was driven to despair, they also tried to use those secrets that even the Dark Eldar feared: methods that could obliterate star systems and distort reality, the last remnant of the Old Eldar empire.

The result was disappointing.

These unpredictable calamities indeed caused the greatest casualties to the Imperial Guard and Astartes warriors at the front lines since the start of the war: the knights and psionic titans who fell on the battlefield are the best proof of this.

But before the Emperor and his daughter, even these proud traditions had to crumble: the last trump card of an ancient family was not even qualified to face the Lord of Man and the Spider Queen.

That terrifying machine still hasn't stopped.

The Dark Eldar witnessed firsthand what they had done to those fallen neighborhoods; entire blocks had vanished entirely in the shadow of the tunnel boring machines, and Comoros had lost a part of itself forever: nothing could have terrified these ancient monsters that parasitized this Netherworld more than this news.

An unstoppable destroyer?
Any ancient saint's son who has experienced the great fall of the Eldar will begin to suffer a heart attack.

However, just as the rulers of Comoros were filled with dread over this possibility, the army of the Lord of Man temporarily halted its advance: after capturing only a few blocks belonging to the Hillian family, the Astartes did not rush to charge their last stronghold, but instead built new trenches where they had stopped.

Like the Germans who stopped in front of Paris.

Compared to the Germans of yesteryear, the Reichs are in a slightly better position now: at least they have proactively chosen to dig trenches when the war situation is favorable, allowing them to consolidate their gains in a more stable environment.

Even tunnel boring machines have their limits.

The Imperial army has conquered more land and space in the Comoros than any star system. If they want to extract the true treasures within, the tunnel boring machine needs a period of more than ten days to prepare and digest them. Only when it provides the answer will the Emperor decide whether to continue the attack.

In this stable situation, diverting some energy to ensure the safety of a few Astartes veterans is a sure-fire deal. After all, when the Imperial Army and the Dark Eldar go to war again, the Spider Queen, busy with command, won't care about such a small loss; even if she did care, she wouldn't have the time.

But things are different now. Let's turn our attention back to the object directly in front of us.

The Spider Queen muttered to herself.

Now, I have all the time in the world.

[This allows me to focus on these small things right now.]

This is no small matter.
Only one voice dared to interrupt her at that moment.

Morgan turned his head and saw the demure, quail-like nun moving quickly to make room for the Lord of Humanity behind her.

【Father?】

A slight smile appeared on Morgan's lips.

Aren't you going to stay with your tunnel boring machine?

No need.
The Emperor stood beside Morgan, gazing together at the still-burning battle lines in the distance.

It is merely stagnant, not stopped.

The tunnel boring machine analysis has been completed; the remaining work is simply mechanical sorting and filling in any gaps.
【Is it? 】

A hint of expectation appeared in the Primarch's eyes.

Have we found what we need?

The Emperor shook his head.

It's still trying; but I'm not confident.
The Queen of Avalon narrowed her eyes, and a hint of doubt crept into her voice.

[I hope you remember, Father, that in the past year or so, our army has broken through the outer cities of Comoros and occupied several vast urban areas: if we can't find what you need in these places, then our only remaining objective is the innermost city.]

That's the heartland of the Comoros; the resistance we're facing won't be limited to just one family.

I know.
The emperor remained noncommittal.

So I made them stop temporarily.
I'm waiting for the tunnel boring machine's report: although I've given up hope, perhaps we can still find something during the subsequent checks and adjustments.
Furthermore, even if fighting continues, the current army does indeed need a period of rest and recuperation.
Of course I know that.

Morgan nodded.

I just wanted to remind you.

While we rest here, the real universe won't stop for us.

[Think about it, my dear father, how long has it been since you paid any attention to the situation with the Marksman and Dorne?]

+You seem to care more about them than I do?
I'm different from you; I have a conscience.

+……+
+cough...+
Watching the emperor cough in silence, the Silent Sister blinked innocently not far away.

She suddenly realized why the Dawnbreakers and the Royal Guards who had been standing with her all retreated in unison as the Lord of Man approached his daughter.

+In fact: I just checked the situation outside with my subordinates in the real universe.
Want to hear it?
[Nonsense: Just say it already.]

Morgan's voice was devoid of any emotion, and equally devoid of any respect.

+……+
This daughter is getting more and more outrageous.

The emperor frowned slightly, but he still relayed the latest information.

First, let's talk about Terra.
+ Dorn's main Terran fleet, under his personal command, has arrived in the Minerva and Harken systems and established strongholds on both worlds. They are currently engaged in a struggle with Horus for control of strategic points and permanent fortresses on these planets: Minerva is the main battleground, while Harken has been entrusted to their second-in-command. +
Who has the advantage?

+Shadowmoon Wolves have suffered 5,000 casualties in Minerva, while Imperial Fist are losing at least several hundred men every day in Haken.
Hmm... and then what?

+The standoff continues on Taran: The Death Guard has breached the outer defenses of the Taran garrison, established a firm foothold in the rainforest, and captured large settlements including Sapphire City. However, they have yet to achieve a fundamental breakthrough, repeatedly suffering heavy losses against the Imperial Fist's defenses.
Overall, however, the situation on Taran's side is slightly favored by the Death Guard.
However, the Fourteenth Army Corps' deployment in Taran was clearly insufficient in terms of both manpower and supplies; relying solely on what they had, they could not sustain the war.
What is Namortalian doing now?

Mortalian's fleet is methodically sweeping through the Necromonda sector, but he doesn't seem to be in a hurry to head north for conquest.
This is normal.

Morgan smiled.

If we go to support the Warlord now, how can we highlight Mortalian's importance?

I understand the Lord of Death; he is waiting for Horus to shed more blood on the battlefield.

Do you think he will succeed?
[That depends on whether the Wolf God's other allies can fulfill their assigned tasks.]

So what if there's a Khan and a phoenix?

+ They have already entered Betangamon's main planet, but it will take time before they can completely conquer it.
In fact, I think Horus will resolve the battle faster than Chagatai and Forgrim.
Why? Is Ruth really that strong?

+The fighting spirit of the white-scarred warrior is waning.

Even with the power of the Emperor's Son, he could not defeat Space Wolf and Imperial Fist in a one-on-one fight.
However, what really interests me is the area further east.
[Saint-Gilles?]

+No: Your place. +
+Johnson has arrived in Signus: he will meet with Guilliman a few days after we begin our conversations. +
[And then persuade the Five Hundred Worlds to join his plan?]

I don't know.
When Morgan asked the question, the Emperor shook his head.

Frankly, I can't imagine how Johnson and Guilliman would get along in private.
What about you?
【…】

I can't figure it out either: even if I've seen it.

Morgan responded in a low voice, seemingly absent-minded.

What's wrong?
Seeing his daughter's brows suddenly furrow, the Lord of Humanity took a step forward.

【nothing. 】

Morgan pointed to what was in front of her: This was also what she was most concerned about right now.

That was a chessboard.

However, it seems more like a cross-section of a bloody fortress than a chessboard.

The surface was covered with twisted black stones, but only two white stones were cautiously moving forward.

Look at them.

The "original body" refers to these two white pieces.

Their actions did not go as I expected.

Because they are not real pawns; they are living, breathing human beings with their own thoughts.
The emperor shook his head, finding the question laughable.

It's better to guide them than to manipulate them; after all, there's no second chance in this game.
【…】

The Primarch glanced at her father.

Since you're so knowledgeable and happen to have the time, why not teach me?

Okay.
The emperor smiled and readily accepted the invitation. He then gracefully stood beside his daughter and extended his hand.

If it were me...
+This is how I'll proceed...+
------

I went to the hospital today and got my foot treated. I got back a bit late. I'm writing Chapter Two now, and I should be able to post it sometime tomorrow during the day.

(End of this chapter)