Warhammer 40: My Fiancée Fulgrim.

Chapter 207 The Final Battle, Istefan (Part 1)
[Casca and his fleet are trapped in the Eastvan system and are in danger.]

The minions of chaos are about to be driven to this destined planet.

The message from the Void Dreamers intensified the anxiety of Princess Yrel, leader of the Eldar pirate fleet—surrounded by the warp storms, with chaos obscuring the Starlight and the recently lit Pharos Beacon, the destined Phoenix King, the hope for the future revival of all Eldar, was now in danger.
They are about to be annihilated by the forces of chaos.

[Notify all crew members: no matter the cost, we must rescue Casca and the others.]

Irelia, speeding along the net, remained steadfast in her goal.

As the Great Expedition continued, his Eldar pirate fleet, having received sufficient intelligence from Kasgar, had already absorbed several other Eldar pirate forces, becoming the largest Eldar pirate fleet.

Furthermore, now that Fugrim is the Imperial Warmaster, who would dare to point fingers at the Imperial Warmaster unless the Emperor himself intervenes?
—But it's obvious the emperor won't care.

Within the familiar network of domains, Irelia's fleet moved freely.

Although Luo Jia managed to expose a small section of the shoddy artificial network constructed by the Emperor, the endless branches and dimensions beyond human perception of time and space of the ancient network are still beyond the reach of demons.

Even before that, Yrel's fleet was not without its troubles—just after Fugrim sent them to find a way to break through the warp storm and transport some people back to Holy Terra, her Eldar pirate fleet was ambushed by the Chaos forces.

Although the Yrel fleet has grown stronger, they are no longer afraid of the threat from the Chaos army.

But these guys seemed to have no intention of killing at all, but only to slow down Irelia and the others.

To prevent them from using the network to maintain communication even under the influence of the subspace storm.

"Stop, Irelia, you can't possibly catch up."

Just as Irelia was speeding through the net tunnels piloting the Flame of Asuyan, a teleportation beacon suddenly flashed on the ship, and a familiar figure appeared on the bridge.

Eldrad, the Eldar prophet.

He relayed the order to halt the advance toward the Eastfan system throughout the entire ship via the Spirit Bone Network.

"prophet!"

Irele interrupted him urgently: "What are you doing?! Are we just going to stand by and watch them die?"

“No.” Eldrad tapped the spirit bone floor lightly with his staff. “This is to preserve our power. We must proceed with caution in this chaotic storm caused by humans.”

"But you said that humanity is our last line of defense against the forces of chaos."

“That’s right, but if humanity’s power is too great, even if the Casca you’re eyeing has the legacy of the Phoenix King, we are ultimately not their absolute ally.”

“The power of our race must be preserved, Yrel. You are a rare rising star among the Adarin race, and the hope for our future.”

Aldrad shook his head and said.

“I’ve discussed this with Kasgar before—we both agree that you need to integrate the Eldar pirate fleet and maintain communication between humans and Eldar in the future.”

"Both the Eldar and the human empires have extreme beings who absolutely cannot coexist with each other. We must proceed with caution in order to navigate between these two equally proud civilizations and jointly resist the encroachment of Chaos."

“You must live, Irelia, you are our hope.”

"If Coco does this, what about Casca and the others? Can he really survive this great rebellion?"

Irelia's face darkened.

She knew Philus's whereabouts.

With the firepower of the Iron Hand fleet, enhanced by the power of chaos, there is no way that Kasgar and his Sons of the Emperor fleet could survive.

"Perhaps, but this is also a battle and experience he must go through, an inevitable path for him to grow as a young god."

Looking out at the ever-changing multiple spirals and the irregular world beyond the net, Eldrade's voice was heavy with emotion.

"Believe him."

"The Phoenix King will surely rise from the ashes."

István III.

“Our current fortifications are simply no match for the firepower of Phyllis’s Iron Hand, and the area around Choir City also needs to be reinforced.”

Casca's expression remained serious.

Horus, severely injured and unconscious, was placed in a stasis field by Abaddon and then sent back to the Spirit of Vengeance to recuperate, awaiting the end of the warp storm.

Fugrim led the Sons of the Emperor's Legion to build defensive facilities within the Eastvan system in preparation for the impending attack by the Iron Hand fleet.

Compared to the nearby planet Istvan V, the terrain here is more complex, and the buildings on it are more suitable for use as shelters after large-scale bombing.

Faced with the bombardment of the Iron Hand fleet, they could not possibly eliminate all the armed forces on the planet with their massive firepower alone.

Furthermore, according to information provided by Casca, the underground structure beneath Chorus City is extremely complex and robust, and could even serve as a guerrilla battlefield after the surface was bombed by the Extinction Order.

Even if bombarded by viral bombs or light spears capable of destroying the entire world, the underground structures can still survive and continue to wage guerrilla warfare against the enemy's surface forces.

Until the very last soldier.

Currently, the Imperial Legion has only one objective—to wear down the fully armed Iron Hand on this planet, Eastfan.

drag.

With their outstanding guerrilla tactics and individual combat capabilities, they dragged the battlefield of the Steel Hand from the large-scale carpet bombing battles on the plains to the extremely complex underground urban warfare labyrinth of the Chorus City.

Only in this way can the Sons of the Emperor, as the Imperial Warmasters and the model of loyalist legions, have a chance to shake the power of the terrifying Ironhands and complete this decisive battle against them.

Only in this way can they stall until the loyalist legions have completed their assembly on Terra, and until the Philus fleet's armed forces are largely depleted on this insignificant planet, thus relieving the pressure on the enemy when they attack the solar system.

—Since Philosopher and Iron Hand have sided with the rebel legion this time, and given their close relationship with the Mechanicus, it is very likely that the Mars Forging General will provide even greater support to Philosopher and her rebel legion, and the number of members joining the Dark Mechanicus will increase exponentially.

There is no way around this.

Although the possibility of defeating Philus still exists, and there is currently no direct evidence of Philus's rebellion, Kasgar and Fugrim have already prepared for the worst on the planet's surface.

They are about to fight to the death here.

The only possible way to win is to kill Philus on the surface, just like in the original timeline.

From then on, the mighty Iron Hand Legion would fall into internal strife without a leader, and would never be able to muster effective fighting power again.

But now, only a possibility remains.

"An additional auxiliary legion is also needed here to protect the equipment on Choir City."

Amidst the smells of dirt and engine oil, busy mechanics, under the guidance of the mechanical sage, carried heavy building materials and placed them in the construction area.

The marble castle, which was originally just the official residence of the local rebel capital, has now been reinforced with countless layers of steel, and each room is equipped with an absolutely airtight protective gate designed to prevent the use of viral bombs.

"The Tavitz brothers".

The Imperial Prince Company Commander Tavitz, who was in charge of the construction of the defenses in this area, looked in the direction of the call—it was a brother he had made during the Battle of Ulanor, a company commander of the Shadowmoon Wolves, who was now a core member of the Council of the Four Kings.

Gavial Loken.

“Congratulations. It’s been a long time, Gavial. I didn’t expect you to be one of the Four Kings Council.” Tavitz smiled and nodded at the other party.

“Why such flattery?” Loken shrugged helplessly. “We all know that your title of company commander is just a humble way of putting it. If you wanted, your name would definitely be among the lords and commanders of the Son of the Emperor.”

Company Commander Tavitz's true abilities far exceeded his official rank, but even when Casca wanted to promote him to a higher position in the Imperial Princes, Tavitz resolutely refused.

In his mind, he felt that being a company commander at the grassroots level was enough.

"What are your thoughts?" Seeing that the other person was still busy, Loken sat down on the stone platform that had just been cleared and looked up at the sky. "About what Casca said about Philus and Ahriman—have they really both betrayed us?"

Despite the fact that Casca had previously gained the trust of almost everyone with his unwavering prophecies, the accusations against him were unfounded.

However, the claim that he was so treasonous as to accuse an entire legion of participating in a rebellion without any evidence is a gross exaggeration.

Even though some members of the Shadowmoon Wolves might wonder why Phylos could move freely through the warp storms unaffected, they couldn't believe that an Astartes Legion would choose to turn its cannons against its comrades who had fought alongside it.

After all, these Space Marines, who had not experienced the War of Koss, had never imagined that Space Marines would directly wield their swords and kill each other.

Even if Casca told everyone everything that happened in the Extreme Starfield, it would only deepen the Shadowmoon Wolf Legion's suspicions.

Even Loken, who trusted them more, was unwilling to believe that it was all true.

Although Shadowmoon Wolves agreed to send legions to assist the Emperor's Son in constructing fortifications in order to establish a surface base during the warp storms.
But doubts remained in my heart.

"But that is the truth. I was in Cowes at the time, and we saw with our own eyes how pathetic the Word Bearers had become."

Tavitz recounted his duel with the Blessed Son on Kaus, but all he received in return was a wry smile from Loken.

“I know you wouldn’t lie to me, Saul, but I’d rather believe you did.”

“Me too, Gavial,” Tavitz said sadly, “but that’s just how it is.”

"Have you ever thought about sacrificing yourself, Thor? In battle, or at some other time?"

“How could I not have thought about it? As a Space Marine, I was prepared to die the moment I stepped onto the operating table.”

Tavits paused for a moment.

"In my imagination at the time, I would die like a hero in a life-or-death struggle against aliens that oppress humanity on a planet, fulfilling my mission as a great son of the emperor and bringing light to mankind."

As he spoke, as if to prove his words, the golden eagle on Tavitz's chest shimmered in the moonlight.

As the only legion authorized to wear the Imperial Skyhawk, the glorious Sons of the Emperor are imbued with unparalleled honor and responsibility from their very name.

Every son of an emperor possesses the will to die for his cause at any moment.

Like now.

Even though they all knew how vulnerable their fortifications would be to the onslaught of the Iron Hand, the title of Son of the Emperor would once again instill in each of them a steadfast will to fight.

—Until the very last moment.

"But what if, what if our battlefield is a battlefield of civil war, and our opponents are our compatriots who once fought alongside us?"

The light on Tavitz's face dimmed; he was unwilling to accept it, but he had no choice but to accept this tragic reality.

"It's pointless, yeah, brother, I know."

"Yes, the grand expedition has come to an end."

Gone are the glorious ideals and missions, gone is the will to forge ahead and explore new frontiers.

From then on, people will kill each other and fight for power and profit.

As for the survivors of the great war, survival became their sole purpose for the rest of their lives. "But...why?"

On Istvan III, Loken could still see the moon alone in the night sky.

Amidst the continuous roar of machinery from the surrounding construction sites, a new tranquility seemed to emerge from the noise.

Just as humanity fell after reaching its golden age, why would someone choose to turn against their own people at this crucial final moment when emperors once again lead humanity toward a great goal?

Just as since the first murder, after humanity has worked together to overcome countless difficulties, conflicts between shepherds and farmers, nomads and agriculturalists, pagans and religious fanatics, colonists and colonies—conflicts between humans—will always follow one after another, destroying the fruits of countless efforts.

“I don’t know, Gavial.”

Tavitz glanced at him, then silently turned his head back towards the construction site.

Nobody knows the answer to this question.

Like the bright moon high in the sky—even if it is not Luna who accompanies the holy Terra.

But it has also witnessed countless human struggles and infighting.

That's all there is to it.

The Emperor's Pride Fleet.

"Reporting to Primarch and Commander, according to the Star Speaker's calculations, the Iron Hand's fleet will arrive in the Eastvan system in one hour."

Clearly, the fact that Philus could move freely and unimpeded through this warp storm meant either she possessed some advanced technology, or she had completely sided with the Chaos faction, to the point that the Four Gods gave her the green light for warp travel.

"Understood. You may go now. Remember to inform all crew members to prepare for battle."

"Casgar said."

"Yes."

In the next battle, even with the two top-tier Space Marine legions, Shadowmoon Wolves and Sons of the Emperor, Casgar still didn't have much confidence in defeating the formidable Felice and Ironfist fleet.

With several buffs, the Terror Iron Hands' stats have long surpassed those of all Astartes legions.

They had already forgotten what heaven and earth were.

Moreover, the Shadowmoon Wolf, commanded by the pointy-headed Abaddon, cannot be entirely trusted to not side with Chaos.

"It seems this is truly the toughest battle we've ever faced, Casgar."

Fugrim stepped forward and gently stroked Kasgar's face.

With the messenger gone, only Casca and she remained.

Due to a subspace storm, the entire Imperial Legion is trapped in the Istvan system and unable to escape.

Given that they will most likely be wiped out on this planet Istevan, all they can gain is a reduction in the strength of the Iron Hand Legion.

Their victory would be to inflict considerable damage on the Iron Hand before the Imperial Princes are completely annihilated!
Even if
"Casca, tell me."

"Did you foresee this? Did you foresee that we might very well be with Phyllis, and my Primarch sisters?"

"This doesn't need my prophecy at all."

Kasga smiled helplessly: "The moment we met, when you opened that ancient book of mythology."

"But the moment the pages of the book showed a purple-gold warrior fighting a Gorgon, some things were already destined."

"It seems...that's true."

As Fugrim recalled Kasgar's words, and it seemed to be true as he said, Fugrim could only smile wryly.

"Yes."

“But I still persevered.” Casca seemed to be caught up in the past as well, “even though I could see my future fate.”

Even if you could see the future.

Fugrim opened her arms and quietly embraced the other person.

Do you remember what I said back then?

"What? A centaur gold ring?"

"Thirty years"

As if some fixed ritual had been triggered, after Kasgar uttered the mysterious number and quantifier that modified time, Fugrim was immersed in beautiful memories of the past.

"Alright, alright, alright!" Kasga interrupted her singing impatiently.

"Not this sentence."

"Which line is it? Tell me already, stop keeping me in suspense!"

"It's...it's that line—'I will save you!'"

Casca felt his face getting hotter, and it seemed to be getting even redder at this moment.

Even though the two had been married for over two hundred years, Casca was still not quite used to expressing his love in a more direct way.

intrinsic.

No matter how many years pass, it won't make a difference.

"Hmph, still acting all high and mighty."

Fugrim laughed confidently. She seemed to enjoy Casgar's predicament.

"Where can I have it?"

"But I really like that about you."

Chirp.

As she spoke, she gently kissed him with tender affection.

"Casca, you did it."

"It is thanks to your salvation that I exist today, along with the current Sons of the Emperor's Legion."

"Casca, thank you for your perseverance and support."

"Thank you."

The screen behind the flagship illuminated countless Imperial Sons Legion warriors and auxiliary soldiers who were on high alert at the surface positions in Istvan.

They were all prepared to die, choosing to hold on until the very last moment for the sake of humanity.

Casca felt as if tears were streaming down the beautiful cheeks that were close to hers.

"Forgrim, see you after we win the battle."

Casgar will soon be heading to the surface to wage guerrilla warfare in the upcoming battles.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Pride fleet in the sky requires Fugrim to personally oversee and command it, in order to prevent the enemy from boarding and seizing the ships.

“Hmm,” she smiled, her beautiful amethyst-like eyes narrowing.

"See you later."

A massive rift tore open before the eyes of the people in the Istefan system who were on high alert.

The massive, iron-gray flagship, symbolizing the hand of steel, slowly made its way towards their location on Istvan III, amidst the tense gazes of the crowd.

"Calling Primarch Filus. Please state your purpose and warp warp method!"

"To reiterate, please state your purpose and the method of warp in subspace!"

Got no response.

Philus's fleet, as if it had never received the communication, headed straight for the Legion's warships to enter near-Earth orbit around Istvan III.

Seeing that there was no reply from the other party, the personnel involved in the sound array team felt a sudden sinking feeling in their hearts.

It's very likely that Casca is right again.

Phyllis, something's really wrong with her!
"As ordered by Imperial Warmaster Vograim, Primarch Filus of the Tenth Legion is hereby ordered to proceed to the surface alone for questioning! I repeat!"

"As per the orders of Imperial Warmaster Vograim, Primarch Filus of the Tenth Legion is ordered to go to the surface to be questioned alone!"

As Imperial Warmaster, Vograim has the authority to demand that the Primarch Legion undergo inspection.

However, this power only applies when the other party recognizes the empire.

As the "Iron Fist" entered the local orbit, it silently began deploying countless personnel and equipment to the surface.

There was no direct carpet bombing.

Even though the planet's surface still retains the void shield devices used for previous planetary defenses, their ability to deploy personnel without firing a single shot is—

Could it be that?
It was Philus's urge to fight one-on-one that got the better of them. Even though their firepower was many times superior to that of the surface defense forces, they still insisted on relying on Philus's personal strength to fight one-on-one first.
Just like on the Istvan 5 in the original work, even though the firepower could have blown the surface defenders into the air, the Primarch insisted on personally going down to "lead" the charge.
This gives them an opportunity.

Casca's heart was beating very fast.

If Phyllis really abandons her greatest advantage and chooses to fight one-on-one, then their Imperial Prince Legion might actually pull off a surprise attack!
"wrong!"

"They're deploying airborne pods!"

这 是
Recalling the name Istvan III, Casca's mind immediately went on high alert.

"They've deployed loyal members from within the legion!"

"What about Shadowmoon Wolves? Which parts of their forces are on the surface, and which are in the aerial fleet?"

"What? Horus Jr. and Abaddon? They...they're both on Vengeful Spirits!?"

At that very moment, Kaska's eyes were fixed on the Vengeance Spirit flying in the sky.

Its light spear struck the Void Shield defense of the Istvan III precisely at that moment.

(End of this chapter)