Warhammer: Start with a dog.

Chapter 579: The Story on Macragge
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*This chapter has some background information.
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The first sign that something was amiss came from another planet in the Macragge system.

Sanctuary World Rafis.

Someone may ask here, isn’t Macragge Macragge?

Well, the first thing you need to understand is that the Five Hundred Worlds of Ultramar refers to the many prosperous human civilizations known to the world that surround Macragge, the home planet of the Ultramarines, and have continued since ten thousand years ago when the Ultramarines were still called the Thirteenth Legion.

This space territory is unique among all Space Marine Legions or Chapters. Generally speaking, those who refer to the Ultramarines Empire as the Five Hundred Worlds of Ultramar are the residents who originated from here, while its official name on the star map of the Imperial Ministry of the Interior is the "Ultramar Sub-sector".

The main galaxies include but are not limited to: Macragge Galaxy, Massari Galaxy, Varetia Galaxy, Cos, Konor, Yax and Tarasa Galaxy, etc.

The planet Macragge is the main reason why the galaxy got its name. In addition to Macragge itself, which is the home planet of the Ultramarines, this galaxy also includes the Death World Thorion, the Agricultural World Nova Thorion, the Fortress World Mortendar, the Hive World Aldean and the Sanctuary World Raphis. A total of six planets orbit the sun of this galaxy, including a pair of symmetrical planets sharing a common orbit (that's wonderful physics). Macragge is arranged on the third orbit from the inside to the outside of the galaxy. This distance makes it of the right size, with gravity similar to that of Terra, a mild climate, and even slightly longer sunshine hours than Terra.

The outermost one is the fortress world of Mortendar that guards the galaxy, and the sanctuary world of Raphis is arranged in the fourth orbit, just outside the orbit of Macragge.

Now, under the guidance of the Midnight Mourning Troupe that mysteriously appeared and disappeared, Malcador, Eldrad, Ivrenee and the Living Saint are standing in front of a new Webway gate. According to the gemstone mark on the lintel of the coffin, behind this gate is a valley on Laphis, the fifth planet of Macragge.

"Look at the density of these Webway Gate remnants in the current galaxy... I must admit that after ten thousand years, I can finally understand why my old friend was so envious of this ancient relic project."

Opening a webway gate on Raphis to allow the coalition forces to visit Macragge was indeed a rather prudent and appropriate location, and this time the followers of the Laughing God obviously had no intention of playing any tricks.

First, it is close enough to Macragge, close enough that it can be reached on the same day by most Imperial exoatmospheric vehicles - making an intra-system jump;
Secondly, this distance is gentle enough. A group of aliens and the Empire's coalition forces marching out at this distance should be much more beneficial to everyone's nerves, especially the precarious nerves of the Chief Think Tank, than someone deceiving fifty noble, pure and brave Ultramarines both physically and mentally, and then driving a stolen fortress and using the deceived code all the way to the sky above the Hera Fortress to commit a shocking robbery. This approach should be much more beneficial to everyone's nerves, especially the precarious nerves of the Chief Think Tank.

Finally, "The battle at this place... well... I think I can help a little," Malcador said after doing some calculations on some tables. "It won't matter much if your army retreats immediately after opening the gate. Of course, you have to stay. Yes, you."

The mistress of the Death Army clenched her blade fan, her strong-brained cat snuggled up at her feet and hunched over, Visage tightened his weapon, the Phoenix Lords were silent, but the warriors from Bjetan or Ulthwe made voices of disapproval, and Eldrad tried to fight for it.

"Perhaps," said the Great Seer, arguably one of the most knowledgeable of the Eldar, "I could stay with her while the Death Host and our other warriors fall back to the Webway."

“That won’t work,” Malcador turned to Eldrad. “Why don’t you take a look for yourself and see if there’s any future where you appear?”

The Great Prophet was silent for a moment, then nodded helplessly to the Daughter of Shadows, "I really don't want to say it, but he is right. There is only a place for you in this future, Ivrenee."

"Then you and the others should go back first, respected Great Prophet."

Therefore, when the Ultramarines and Macragge Auxiliary Army were struggling to hold on under the siege of the suddenly emerging demon army brought by the Black Legion in the fortress of Rafis, a large number of Eldar vehicles suddenly appeared in front of them. Just when they thought that they would die for the Empire today,

They saw countless familiar figures magically falling from those alien vehicles.

The black cross represents one of the purest rages in the universe. The Black Templars shouted the Emperor's Holy Word and rushed into the demons and chaos enemies that were dozens of times their number with their fanatical faith.

Pure white wings swept across the burning sky, revealing the bright, resolute and graceful face of the living saint. Roses and doves flew across the black armor decorated with scarlet velvet of the battle sisters. The battle sisters were in high spirits and launched an attack on the enemy from the sky and the ground.

Behind the Crusaders and nuns, the tall silver-armored Terminators held a variety of weapons in their hands, which lit up with demon-killing flames.

The Grey Knights strike team, consisting of five men in a group, served as the vanguard and cut into the surging demon army as smoothly as a hot knife through butter.

Wrist-mounted twin storm bombs, psychic halberds and long-handled axes chopped through large swathes of fleeing demons in panic - these previously complacent and fearless Undying Ones were horrified to discover that part of their companions killed by these silver giants seemed to have really "died" - that is, part of their "subspace essence" would be completely "annihilated" in the attacks of these psychic guys and could never be replenished.

In other words, if you are hit once or twice by these psychic guys who came from the sky, your strength may be greatly reduced. If you are hit by a salvo of bullets, it is very likely that you will die on the spot in the real world and will not be able to return home.

This discovery among the group of demons was like pouring a bowl of cold water into a boiling oil pan - the pan exploded.

Except for those who were enslaved and unable to retreat, the Unliving Ones began to find excuses and ways to slip away. Soon, after the tide of demons receded, only the teams of Chaos Space Marines and their vehicles were left. Of course, these evil warriors still had the strength to attack the fortress - due to the nature of the world's purpose, the Sanctuary World is usually not a place where troops are stationed, especially since Raphis is actually protected by a fortress world outside the Macragge system.

However, under the suspicious and puzzled gazes of the remaining troops stationed in the fortress, the reinforcements that had just shown their might but were somewhat suspicious slowly shrank to the side of an old man who walked out.

This old man looked like an ordinary civil servant of minor nobles or the steward of a large merchant, an old and frail mortal who was even slightly hunchbacked. The only thing worth noting was the flaming staff in his hand.

The gauntlet of the fortress commander was suddenly grabbed by the scripture keeper who rushed to his side. The old scholar who was familiar with all kinds of ancient allusions, imperial history, and theology said with trembling lips, "That noble lady! My lord! That saint must be the living saint Celestine—"

Malcador raised his staff solemnly.

Winter has not yet arrived in the sanctuary world, and the first trace of frost has formed on the ground.

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After smashing all the ice sculptures, verifying their identity codes jointly provided by the Inquisitor and the Archsage of Domination, and witnessing the miracle of the coming of the Living Saint, although they still remained distrustful of the short-lived appearance of the Eldar and maintained a not-so-friendly and cold attitude towards Ivrenee, the garrison guarding the fortress quickly found them a cruiser that was rushing back from outside the galaxy to provide support and could take them to Macragge.

——As for the communication? Sorry, the Star Language Choir here was the first group to be killed by the demons...

"The situation on Macragge may only get worse, my lord." This is what the Ultramarines commander said when he saw them off. "But we still need to defend here and cannot leave our post. I hope you can help the Chapter Master and others." The captain confirmed this to them on the cruiser they were on.

"The system is now full of Black Legion and Demon fleets that have appeared out of nowhere," said the proud and fearless captain. "They are mainly concentrated in orbit around Macragge, so I can send you over Magna City, and then I will immediately join the garrison fleet in the counterattack against them!"

The old man who seemed to be the leader among her passengers nodded slightly and reservedly.

"Don't worry about us, Captain," he said. "We'll figure it out when we get there."

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The situation in the Hera Fortress in Magna City was completely different from the chaos in the outer galaxy. Everyone here was already in their positions, ready for battle.

As early as when the Chaos invasion in the galaxy was just discovered, Julius had issued extremely precise advance orders to all senior officers. However, what puzzled Calgar and the other masters the most was why the Primarch's Saints, knowing such a precise prophecy, did not allow them to make more adjustments and deployments on various worlds, and could only make limited reinforcements.

"If you want to keep a secret from your enemies, don't tell it to your friends."

When Julius warned Guilliman's descendants like this from behind the shrine that had not been removed after the last hateful theft, Kant Cratchit, wearing a dark blue toga hanging from his head, stood aside and couldn't help curling up the corners of his mouth. That dazzling and extremely happy smile and the continuous bad news of the war aroused great indignation in the hearts of some senior officers, but they had all received strict orders not to have "any conflict" with this tall, seemingly pale and thin young man who could be knocked down by one punch.

Given their private speculation about the most likely identity of this person, it was indeed understandable that their Saint, the Father of Genes, issued such a strict order.

Therefore, several arrogant warriors who were most unable to hide their emotions - including First Captain Agman and Second Captain Sicarius - took their leave from the Saint one after another and went to inspect various places in the Hera Fortress. Now, only a few Extreme Warriors such as Calga and Tigris were left in the Temple of Correction, and even the Terminators of the Honor Guard were only arranged to stand guard outside the door.

"Remember where you are standing, Maneus. Don't move casually later." Julius' voice came from behind the shrine. For some reason, it sounded slightly more distorted than before. "Also, have the guards at the door told them what to do?"

"I have already told every guard, sir." The Chapter Master replied cautiously, "I personally gave the order face to face, and I am sure that they will strictly follow it if they have any doubts at that time."

"Very good. Let us wait for our guests. They will arrive in a while."

"My lord." When more disturbing distorted light and shadows, gurgling sounds, subtle smells of witchcraft materials and other noises came from behind the shrine, Calgar couldn't help but look at Tigris - the latter's face was covered with cold sweat, and he held his staff tightly, staring straight at Kant Cratch, who was standing beside the shrine to prevent them from getting any closer while his mouth corners were getting wider and wider - just like a blue butterfly falling into a spider web woven by the latter.

"What is it, Maneus?"

The steady and familiar voice and tone that came back along with the movement made Lord Macragge feel a little relieved. "Now that we are already waiting for the answer to be revealed, I have some small doubts myself, and I look forward to your answers in advance."

"Of course, speak quickly, Maneus, I can already feel the fate approaching here."

"Why don't you arrange anti-aircraft firepower in advance to destroy the airborne pod that is about to fall? Instead, you want us to let the suspicious Aida aliens and the heretics who are allied with them into this place? Excuse me, I still think this will put you in too dangerous a situation, which makes me panic."

"Pfft." The laughing voice came from Kant Cratchit. "You see, we have to give people a chance so that the airdrop pod can easily break through the tightly guarded mother planet surrounded by defense platforms, garrison fleets, defense fortresses and other firepower, and directly smash open the roof of the Hera Fortress that has been reinforced and rebuilt for 10,000 years and smash into the temple."

He spread his hands in an irritating gesture, like a saint's compassion. "If we had not opened the door to convenience, how could we gather here today to witness the rise of a Primarch?"

His eyes met Calgar's warm grey eyes, and the latter was horrified to find that "Kant Cratchit"'s eyes looked pure black, without whites -

Calgar stood up suddenly, stared at him closely, and activated his power gloves.

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The gate of Hera Fortress.

The guard took out a list and read it in front of Macador, who began to frown.

"Your Excellency Kadu, Miss Ivernie from Bietan, the Living Saint from the Throne... Oh, it's an honor, ma'am... The Black Templar... The Sisters... The Grey Knights... The Archsage of Domination... They are all here."

There was also a hint of confusion in the guard's voice, but they were Ultramarines, known for their compliance with regulations, and just as Calgar assured him, the guard checked the number of people against the list.

"The number of people is correct. You can go in. Please hurry up, everyone."

The Shadow Girl turned around and looked at her equally puzzled companions. Does that mean this is really not a trap for you humans?

"It is important to go to the Temple of Rectification first to revive our target."

In the end, the old man made the final decision.

“No matter what is out there, even if it requires shattering this body, I will bring what He needs into this world.”

(End of this chapter)