After Cegorach's second failed attempt to establish connection with the Torture-class Raider, he immediately transmitted a psychic pulse to the Venom-class transport.
Upon receiving intelligence from other Drukhari that Lelith had already piloted the Raider toward Terra, he instantly comprehended, events had likely transpired contrary to expectation regarding Lelith.
He had indeed orchestrated a scheme to draw her to the technologically limited civilization of Terra, thereby also enticing Yvraine to that location.
However, implementation had barely commenced.
Yvraine remained within the Webway nexus of Craftworld Ulthwe, yet Lelith had already encountered complications.
The remnants of the Astra Militarum on Terra had only recently activated their gene-enhanced combat protocols, and Celestine was merely a human who had experienced limited incarnations.
Even the legendary "Chapter Master" who once engaged in fierce conflict against the Ecclesiarchy of the Frateris Templar, no entity existed on Terra with whom Lelith should have attempted direct engagement.
So who might have intervened?
Had the Ecclesiarchy established additional military assets on Terra? Or did the Astra Militarum maintain concealed strategic resources?
"Drazhar..." Cegorach regarded the hololithic projection displayed upon the chamber's crystalline surface.
The image depicted the formidable Master of Blades, Drazhar, his graceful posture radiating deadly confidence. His masked visage conveyed calculated menace.
A glimmer of ancient recognition flickered within Cegorach's eternal gaze.
The Laughing God immediately employed the Dimensional Aperture to extrapolate the final coordinates the Torture-class Raider attempted to establish connection with.
The location did not match Terra's spatial coordinates. According to his intelligence archives, no recognized god-tier combatants maintained permanent presence there. An unidentified adversary invariably introduces tactical uncertainty. However, for such an insignificant planetary body, perhaps a singular exterminatus-level assault, would sufficiently illuminate all variables.
Only by incorporating every potentially disruptive element into his grand performance could his ultimate objective manifest!
"Solenfar Outpost?"
His eyes shimmered with interest.
He then initiated communication with the Hrud Migration and Kroot Mercenary contingents, both progressing toward Segmentum Solar.
"Sylandri, Motley, have your advance reconnaissance elements reached proximity to Terra?"
"Great Deceiver, the vanguard scouting forces have already established position at the designated Webway coordinates. We anticipate commencing operations on Terra by next orbital cycle..."
"Divert immediately, locate Lelith."
"We shall execute your will without deviation."
Sylandri and Motley acknowledged the directive.
"Initiate comprehensive Webway convergence jumps for your entire contingent. I shall employ the Dimensional Aperture to accelerate your transit." Cegorach's voice continued.
Though maintaining characteristic composure, detached, as if observing mortal affairs with clinical detachment, those who had performed in his cosmic plays for centuries could detect the subtle urgency underlying his tone.
"Such maneuvers will necessitate considerable warp energy expenditure. For a mere primitive human world..."
Sylandri's voice hesitated momentarily beneath his chitinous helm. He immediately comprehended, something of profound significance to Cegorach must have manifested on Terra.
The Hrud Collective served Cegorach's designs, yet they did so pursuing their own agenda, not merely as disposable performers. They maintained autonomous ambitions.
"The galaxy shall witness the ascendance of the Immaterium, and you shall accompany me and become integral to it."
Cegorach effortlessly perceived Sylandri's underlying calculations.
Yet such trivial concerns warranted minimal attention.
Moreover, given the Hrud and Kroot contingents' limited combat efficacy, even should they locate Lelith, they would likely require Webway Technology to properly assess the situation.
"We acknowledge your magnanimity, Great Deceiver."
A predatory expression formed on Sylandri's features as he issued directives for accelerated Webway transit.
"The privilege of participating in your cosmic performance surpasses all considerations." Motley contributed additional flattery.
Although their knowledge regarding Webway Technology remained limited, they recognized with absolute certainty, that only the most elevated warriors serving Cegorach qualified for integration with such formidable enhancements.
However... Sylandri, this creature's devotion to the Laughing God contained obvious reservations!
"Sylandri! You avaricious parasite concerned exclusively with material gain! You merit only observing the Great Deceiver's performance from the furthest galleries!"
"Abandon your pretense! Without my intervention, you wouldn't qualify to polish his domino mask!" Sylandri's expression darkened beneath his helm. Inwardly, he had reached his determination.
He must secure precedence in acquiring Webway Technology, and when circumstances permitted, Motley would become the first casualty!
---
In the Solenfar Outpost, the members of the Steel Legion gathered around the cooking apparatus.
With amasec vessels in one hand and protein strips in the other, they consumed sustenance, imbibed spirits, and exchanged companionable discourse without apparent concern. The conversation progressed from interstellar civilizations to ancient Imperial mythology.
Eventually, Kyganil engaged with Sister Miriya and others regarding ceremonial garments and cultural aesthetics of Terra.
Meanwhile, Kei had manifested several reclining furnishings from the Primordial Realm. Half-closing his eyes, he reclined upon one such furnishing, observing the celestial bodies visible in Terra's night atmosphere.
Mentally, he instructed the system to utilize all three Trait Extractions.
---
[Obtained:
- Lion of the Moon (Purple)
- June 1st Children's Calamity (Gray)
- Crushing Debt (Black)]
[Lion of the Moon (Purple):
During the full moon, the most authentic and wild power within you is awakened. In this state, your power, speed, and combat ability receive a massive boost. Combat instinct, neural response, dynamic vision, fighting spirit, charisma, and appearance are all enhanced. Duration depends on the host's own constitution.]
[June 1st Children's Calamity (Gray):
While others celebrate, you suffer. Until you've lived 18% of your total lifespan, every year on June 1st, your chances of facing life-threatening danger, strong enemies, misfortune, injury, and even bone fractures increase drastically.]
[Crushing Debt (Black):
Poverty is your present; bankruptcy is your future. Wealth avoids you like the plague; even gods scratch their heads when they see you. Your luck with money is negative. Regardless of your abilities, performance, or income, sudden incidents will rapidly empty your savings and bury you in debt.]
---
Very good. Still the same cursed style...
Examining the three traits he had acquired, his expression conveyed absolute absence of surprise.
[Lion of the Moon], if his assessment proved accurate, originated from the Mink Tribe in the One Piece world.
That little bunny Carrot had once left a deep impression on him.
A fluffy, adorable, lovable creature, but after activating Sulong, she turned into a cool long-haired warrior bunny queen, and her combat ability increased by several times!
Though this trait offered limited utility to him presently, it maintained value as a potential offering for another, or as incentive within the Demon God Trials.
Regarding [June 1st Children's Calamity], for entities with extended lifespans, this essentially represented an existence-level affliction!
18% of total lifespan!
If someone like Celestine acquired this trait, she'd spend every Children's Day for thousands of years worrying about life-or-death events.
Finally, [Crushing Debt], while not immediately life-threatening, perpetual financial destitution and inescapable obligation? Such circumstances would psychologically compromise virtually any being.
When will I get a conversion card...
He contemplated thoughtfully.
[Crushing Debt] clearly intersected with financial destiny concepts. If he could somehow reconfigure it into a beneficial trait, then amplify its effect utilizing [Primordial Realm Lord], he might develop additional conceptual capability!
"Does your previous proposition regarding collaboration with the Eldar remain available?" Jain Zar's gaze reflected calculated interest as she regarded Kei, still maintaining his reclined position.
"Getting anxious, are we?" Kei raised an eyebrow, expressing subtle amusement.
It was obvious.
His demonstrated ability to acquire Webway Technology and even begin deciphering Eldar genetic architecture had apparently caused even Yvraine and Taldeer to experience tactical apprehension.
After all, they had maintained their civilization across millennia. They comprehended with perfect clarity: Further delay would ensure that, regardless of eventual Eldar cooperation, they might lose governance over their ancestral technologies.
Rather than suffering comprehensive appropriation, strategic exchange for beneficial countervalue represented optimal policy.
"Your manifestation has rendered transition into the Immaterium Age inevitable throughout known space. The Emissary must consider the continued existence of all Eldar." Jain Zar's refined features conveyed subtle resignation.
"Time cannot be stopped. Cegorach's research advances considerably beyond your current implementation." Kei dismissed the concern with minimal gesture, then casually elevated a single digit.
He translated Kamar-Taj's arcane knowledge into data comprehensible to Eldar and transmitted it directly to Jain Zar. Despite now possessing both Warp Energy and the Labyrinthian Circuit, Eldar technology maintained significant value.
Yvraine's Wraithbone body gene sequence, their four-dimensional anatomical research outcomes, the manufacturing protocols for Webway Technology, and even their Infinity Circuit systems, which demonstrated substantial advancement beyond Drukhari equivalents, not to mention their Soul Shard manipulation methodology, each represented exceptional value.
Should he acquire these technologies, he could enhance his own followers without relying exclusively on traits.
Thus, continued collaboration presented only advantages, with minimal strategic liability.
"You... transmitted knowledge with such immediacy?" Jain Zar exhibited visible surprise. She had anticipated that following acquisition of Webway Technology and Drukhari capabilities, Kei would initiate extensive negotiations.
Perhaps even demanding preliminary access to Yvraine's Black Library.
His directness contradicted expectation.
"I recognize the Eldar's adherence to covenant. However... Should the Eldar demonstrate disregard for honorable conduct, alternative discourse methods remain available."