Elsa, back at work, displayed exceptional abilities.
After Emrys left, she organized and summarized the events that occurred in the Siluria Hive District over eighteen days, then filtered them.
Finally, she picked out the important matters and presented them to Emrys for review.
As expected, although Stygies VIII tried its best to stabilize the situation during the eighteen days he was away, it was still not optimistic.
First, the Pauper Prince Cult finally couldn't hold back. Under the call of 'Venerable Father Ancestral Dragon,' they swarmed out, using pre-dug tunnels to wreak havoc in the Siluria Hive District. Taking advantage of their elusive tactics, they successfully destroyed the shield device.
After Siluria lost its energy shield device, it immediately fell under immense pressure.
The Ork Spec Ops lads poured into the hive district like madmen, engaging in a seesaw battle with the Ecclesiarchy, Astra Militarum, and Space Marines.
Of course, besides the Imperium, the green-skinned Orks were also fighting genestealers and Chaos Raptor squads simultaneously. It was precisely because of this that the Tech-Priests of Stygies VIII were able to catch their breath from the initially collapsing front line.
"No time for leisure," Emrys muttered.
Gazing at the battle report, Emrys had already sensed the impending atmosphere of killing intent in the lines.
The three factions—Chaos, heretics, and xenos—were pressing closer, like an invisible hand, gripping Siluria' throat.
And currently, the most important thing was to defend the 'Dominar Vigilant.' Otherwise, once this Warlord-class Titan was corrupted by Harken, the Haarken World-Eater, Siluria would inevitably fall, and the chain reaction it brought could very well lead to the collapse of the entire Hyperia!
If the most important Hyperia of Vigilus collapsed, it was highly likely that Vigilus would be completely controlled by Chaos before the beloved Chapter master Karl could even arrive, fulfilling the declaration of taking Vigilus in eighty days!
"What do you think are the chances of us breaking through successfully?"
Emrys' eyelids were half-closed, his index finger gently tapping the table, as he turned to ask for Elsa's opinion.
The situation in the Siluria Hive District had already exceeded expectations. Not only was Karl, who should have arrived long ago, still missing, but Harken, the Haarken World-Eater, had also arrived early. All these signs seemed to imply that he was sinking deeper into a quagmire with each step!
Just as Hilda's prophecy stated, once he stepped into Siluria, he shouldn't expect to leave easily!
"It's almost impossible, lord Emrys."
Elsa, beside him, carefully considered the feasibility and shook her head: "Currently, we have completely lost air support. If we try to leave the hive district's protection, we will quickly be shot down by Chaos Fliers and green-skinned Orks."
"What about orbital space?" Emrys still asked, unwilling to give up.
"The family flagship is currently located on an asteroid, protecting the satellite communication base station," Elsa said, pausing for a few seconds, then added, "Furthermore, the Dirkden Sector where the family head is located is also surrounded by a large number of genestealers."
"Didn't I instruct them to leave as soon as possible?"
Emrys was stunned for a few seconds. The Dirkden Sector shouldn't have been surrounded so quickly. Damn it, the 'plot' had deviated again!
"It's the family head's physical condition; she temporarily cannot move intensely," Elsa said softly, her tone containing a hint of worry, "You don't need to worry too much. The Dirkden Sector is an important stronghold for nobles, and there are many 'Knights' there, so nothing should happen."
"I hope so."
Emrys pinched his brow. Since coming to Vigilus, nothing had gone smoothly!
The current situation, a quick analysis would show, was very bad!
The Imperial Navy and space support were all intercepted by Chaos flagships; support was out of the question.
Planetary air support was also cut off, the forces of various ground hive districts were fragmented, and administration could not be unified. The Ecclesiarchy, the planetary governor, and the Adeptus Mechanicus were all fighting their own battles; it couldn't be more chaotic!
It was no exaggeration to say it was a complete mess, and Chapter master Karl was still missing!
"We can't sit back and wait any longer." Emrys crumpled the paper, his eyes suddenly gleaming with sharp light, and said in a deep voice, "Go inform Jackal. I have an idea and hope to meet with Drakechris."
"Yes, I'll go now, lord Emrys."
Elsa knew the importance and immediately turned and left the room.
In the study, Emrys organized his thoughts, his brows furrowed. In fact, there was one thing he hadn't said.
The reason he was unwilling to leave Vigilus was because of its importance, which determined its value; it must not fall into the control of Chaos!
Otherwise, once Vigilus was destroyed, and the Great Rift fully expanded, blocking the only path to the 'Dark Side,' then neither Merlin' 'Ancient Oath' nor the 'Supreme Treasure' left in the black Domain, as described by Horn, would ever be found again!
Unless one could circle the Milky Way Galaxy, but considering the threat of the 'Tyranids,' even if there was that much time, the success rate would be minuscule.
But, the plot was spiraling out of control again and again, making him completely unable to hope that the Imperium could save this crucial world.
Suddenly, just as Emrys was pondering how to break the deadlock, he detected a trace of an unusual aura.
He frowned slightly, his gaze drifting towards the shadows in the study. "I'll give you three seconds. Either you come out, or... I'll blast you to smithereens!"
Books on the bookshelf fell one after another, rustling in the inexplicably rising cold wind, and an extremely ominous stench permeated the air.
Around Emrys, there were faint flashes of lightning, and psychic energy surged like an undercurrent beneath a reef!
"Heh heh, please don't be so nervous, esteemed Your Highness Emrys."
A figure emerged from the shadows behind the bookshelf. When illuminated by candlelight up close, a familiar face was revealed.
"It's you, Coleman Scott."
Gazing at that face, Emrys' eyes immediately darkened: "You have a lot of nerve, daring to sneak into my study. Do you really think... you can do whatever you want by relying on Loki's protection?"
Last time, he had delivered an invitation on behalf of the 'Tzeentch Cult.'
This time, he appeared in the study again, completely unnoticed. Had he not detected that trace of abnormality, he probably wouldn't have discovered him.
Thinking of this, Emrys quietly pulled out the 'Spear of Song' from his private space, while also preparing to 'transform.'
But Scott clearly saw through his intention, a slight smile on his lips as he said, "Please don't be agitated, Your Highness Emrys. Just like when I came to see you last time, I am also here with 'goodwill' this time."
"Goodwill?"
Emrys sneered, no longer pretending, and tightened his grip on the Spear of Song: "I don't think a follower of the Changer of Ways would have any 'goodwill.' Don't you think that sounds ridiculous?"
"I can assure you that every word I say will not be a lie."
Scott took off his felt hat and sat in a chair like an old friend, smiling: "You see, I didn't lie to you last time, and this time, I won't lie to you either. This is the 'privilege' our Lord grants you."
"Telling the truth doesn't mean not deceiving people."
Emrys saw through his little trick at a glance, the Spear of Song condensing psychic energy: "Sorry, I'm not going to listen to your nonsense!"
As he spoke, he threw the 'Spear of Song,' imbued with psychic energy, towards Scott's face!
Whoosh!!!
A brilliant light instantly tore through space!
Carrying a storm that shattered everything in its path, it pierced through the chair like a streak of light, then broke through the wall and fell directly into the courtyard.
Terrifying psychic energy immediately stirred up a raging torrent in the garden, tearing apart flowers.
However, when the smoke cleared, Emrys was expressionless. He turned to look at the window, where Scott was sitting, a half-smile on his face, a mocking expression: "It's a pity, Your Highness Emrys. I came with good intentions, specifically to warn you."
"What warning?"
Emrys remained expressionless, raising his hand to recall the Spear of Song, a strong killing intent emanating from his body.
"Harken, the Haarken World-Eater's Hell-Spear, will tear your 'heart'!"
Scott put on his felt hat again, bowed like a gentleman, his lips slightly upturned with a nauseating smile: "I eagerly await the moment you fall into Chaos and embrace Chaos, Your Highness Emrys."
