Amidst the chaotic stars, calamity never relents.
While Roboute Guilliman waited within Segmentum Ultima for the arrival of Axion's relief fleet, a true, world-shaking tide was rising within the Pariah Nexus.
...
Inside the bridge of an Ark Mechanicus, filled with the cacophony of machine-noise, a Logis's synthesized voice reported through the vox-casters with a distinct crackle of suppressed tension and bewilderment.
"Honored Archmagos Cawl, current timestamp 10235.448 hours. In the central sector of the Nephilim Sector, a region which, according to theoretical models, should be entirely insulated from Warp-taint, an anomalous Warp-signal has been detected. Peak signal strength reaches 32154.234 standard units. Fluctuation frequency range: 134.66 Hz to 789.12 Hz. Energy spectral density distributed between 854.15 and 901.23 Joules per Hz. This does not match 99.99% of conventional Warp-signature profiles in the database; similarity coefficient is below 0.01%."
Cawl, who had been hunched over a console analyzing Necron blackstone constructs, snapped his head around. He focused his multi-spectral visual sensors on the Priest, his logic processors rapidly parsing the data.
"Logis, execute Diagnostic Protocol version 4.6.2. Verify the operational status of the monitoring equipment's 329 core sensor modules, 854 data transmission lines, and 63 signal processing units. Validate data accuracy; repeat three times using a triple-redundant verification algorithm."
The Logis's mechadendrites moved in a blur, inputting commands into the console as the core logic units whirred at high capacity.
"Archmagos, diagnostic routines complete. Results of the triple-check are consistent. Equipment operational; no fault codes detected; zero indication of electromagnetic interference. Probability of data accuracy: 99.999%. Signal onset recorded at 10235.448 hours, duration now 67.89 seconds. Intensity is increasing at a rate of 12.34 standard units per second. Growth curve aligns with an exponential model; goodness-of-fit: 0.998."
Cawl's metallic visage remained impassive, but internally, his decision matrix was recalibrating the situation.
"This phenomenon contradicts 264 existing spatial-physics laws governing the Pariah Nexus and 554 established theories on Warp-interaction. Initiate Contingency Plan 283. Activate secondary monitoring array Zeta-3. Synchronize data transmission to the central analysis cluster. Allocate 5,000 computational cores for real-time data cross-referencing and deep-analysis. Employ a Bayesian probability model to predict signal trajectory; set confidence interval to 95%."
The indicator lights on the Logis's cranial augmetics flickered rhythmically.
"Contingency Plan initiated. Secondary monitoring systems online. Data uplink in progress; synchronization estimated completion in 17.31 seconds. Current cross-reference progress: 9.45%. Preliminary analysis suggests the signal may originate from an unknown Warp-entity or phenomenon. Matching degree with 221 known Warp-beast species and 429 cataloged Warp-energy phenomena is below 1%."
What remained of Cawl's biological features creased slightly. Internal hydraulic actuators hissed; this situation was clearly slipping beyond the parameters of his understanding.
"This event shall necessitate a total reconstruction of our cognitive blueprints regarding the Pariah Nexus. It may herald the incubation of a new and exceedingly lethal threat within the darkness. Activate the reserve sensor banks. Cross-reference using algorithms from the Canticles of the Machine. Ensure data precision to the smallest degree, it must be as accurate as the calibration of a God-Machine's limb."
The Logis's head bobbed with mechanical precision, his neck joints clicking.
"I obey the Archmagos's directive. Yet, this signal transmits a most ominous warning to my core processor. It is as if a looming catastrophe is spreading like a machine-plague."
The red glow in Cawl's bionic eye intensified, focusing into a sharp laser-like beam.
"Whatever it is, we shall employ the wisdom and fortitude of the Machine to dissect its origin and essence. We will not allow this unknown force to disrupt the Holy Machine Order while we remain blind."
"Inform Tech-Team Gamma-5. Led by the Chief Tech-Priest, they are to assemble in the Core Analysis Chamber within 600 seconds to formulate a counter-strategy based on the deep-analysis results."
"Furthermore, mark all data regarding this event as Extremis-level classification. Encrypt and store it in Data-Vault Sector 1733. Re-encrypt using the Binary Cantus to ensure data integrity."
The Logis emitted a burst of harsh, high-pitched static before slowly withdrawing.
Cawl swept his gaze across the console one last time before turning toward the ship's Machine Throne. A strange premonition left him unsettled. For the Warp to manifest within this zone of spiritual nullity was a glaring impossibility. Even Cawl found himself compelled to make additional preparations.
When it comes to archeotech-delving, no one in the Adeptus Mechanicus surpasses Archmagos Cawl. Although the Ark Mechanicus Zar-Quaesitor had not yet completed its repairs, it did not stop Cawl from transferring to another vessel to continue probing the mysteries of Necron technology.
The sight of Warp-energies breaching the blockade of Necron constructs was a phenomenon Cawl could not afford to miss. Moored at the edge of the Pariah Nexus, Cawl issued the command for the fleet to get underway without a moment's hesitation.
He had to see with his own eyes what was transpiring within this land of soul-void.
...
Meanwhile, Cawl was not the only one to detect the anomaly. The Necrons, naturally, had also identified this inconceivable breach.
On a nodal world within the Pariah Nexus, a world teeming with anti-immaterium node-matrices, a colossal Warp-rift tore open abruptly across the planetary surface. Like the gaping maw of a monstrous beast, it remorselessly rent the fabric of space asunder!
In an instant, a surging, berserk tide of Warp-energy erupted from the rift like a flood breaching a dam, a power seemingly capable of unmaking all existence.
Pouring out alongside this terrifying Warp-force were legions of Daemons beyond count. These entities possessed myriad forms; some were as massive as mountains, others as swift and ethereal as phantoms. They clawed and tore at the air, emitting blood-curdling screeches like ghouls escaped from the deepest hell, throwing themselves in a frenzied slaughter against the Necron surface defense legions.
Simultaneously, rows of Daemon Engines, venting raw Warp-energy, filed out from the breach. These iron behemoths radiated a soul-crushing pressure, their overwhelming firepower instantly obliterating the Necron vanguard.
Amidst the throng of Daemonic horrors, a familiar figure appeared. Clutching a massive iron hammer, he stepped slowly from the spatial rift.
The Daemon Demigod, Vashtorr the Arkifane, raised his twisted and profane metal head. His gaze fell upon a gargantuan anti-matter obelisk composed of Noctilith (Blackstone) in the distance. His lips curled into a sneer of utter disdain.