The black Aquila Lander lifted off from the hive spire, heading towards its target.
Nelson's hands flew across the controls, locking onto the target.
Due to his exceptional performance during the Gardinaal air battles, he had joined the Honor Guard and recently become the Primarch's personal pilot.
Nelson quickly locked onto the Vhulian Swirl, gripping the control stick tightly.
Even without coordinates, no pilot could overlook this meteorological wonder.
Not only because its footprint rivaled any hive city.
But also because it constantly surged upwards, covering an ever-expanding area with no apparent limit.
The dust vortex even towered higher than the primary hive's spires, piercing the clouds, visible clearly from the void.
Nelson opened the throttle and pushed the control stick. The Aquila Lander, like a great black bird, flew towards the surging vortex.
The distance on the dial rapidly decreased.
100 km, 95 km...
When the dial's digits jumped to 49 km, Nelson, who had recently become a "Monster," suddenly had a vision flash in his mind.
A colorful vortex swept forth. The Lander shuddered violently, engulfed.
A flicker of astonishment passed through the "Monster's" eyes. He glanced at the vid screen; the image remained the ochre of a dust storm, no sign of a colorful vortex.
Nelson took a deep breath, ultimately deciding to report to his father.
His father was aboard his aircraft. He was responsible for his father's life, even if it meant being scrutinized later.
Since the Chaplaincy's establishment, Shadows of Order members experiencing visions became subjects of special attention.
Nelson also trusted his father. From their time together, he believed even if the reason sounded improbable, his father would understand.
He immediately opened the comm, switched to a private channel, and reported.
"Father, I just had a vision..."
Inside the cabin, with the black wolf and strong-brain cat at his feet, Nareth listened. He understood the "Monster" had sensed the danger of the Vhulian Swirl.
He knew the Voidclaw contained immense energy. Even powered down, it generated the perpetual massive dust storm surrounding it, the cause of the Vhulian Swirl.
Coincidentally, vast underground areas of Vigilus were rich in Blackstone deposits. Influenced by this energy, a storm formed.
Blackstone could actually function bidirectionally. Necron pylons could suppress psychic power but could also be used to amplify Warp energy, a secret Abaddon discovered during the Black Crusades.
"You, relying on the power I granted, detected hidden danger. Trust your inspiration."
"Reduce speed. Locate the camp."
Hearing his father's affirmation, Nelson's worries dissipated. Following orders, he reduced speed, heading towards the ground base.
When the dial jumped to 24 km, another vision flashed in Nelson's mind: a colorful lightning strike.
The Aquila Lander was pierced, burning wreckage falling like meteors.
His father's words echoed: "Trust your inspiration."
Nelson immediately pulled the control stick, banking sharply down and right.
The Aquila shuddered. Nelson saw red runes flash on the video screen.
An aetheric shockwave grazed the left fuselage.
The "Monster's" confidence soared. His hands worked the control stick continuously, letting inspiration guide him.
The black Lander veered left and right, avoiding blue lightning and red flames, continuously descending.
At 517 meters above ground, the "Monster" felt danger recede. He smoothly piloted the Aquila Lander to land at the base.
Nareth walked onto the deck but didn't immediately approach the waiting Primarch's attendant. He walked to Nelson, who had emerged from the cockpit, calming himself.
"Well done. Your inspiration guided you through this perilous flight."
Nelson instantly felt something dissolve within him, like sugar cubes rapidly dissolving in his cup at the Reka coffee machine before flight missions.
'I have become a true "Monster."'
After a brief moment of stunned realization, Nelson quickly composed himself.
"Father, it is my honor."
"Go rest." Nareth said, then walked towards Arsena.
The hydraulic airlock hissed open. Nareth entered the command base.
Arriving at the holographic display table, his gaze swept over Marlena and Thomas, finally settling on Arkhan. He asked.
"Progress?"
Arkhan's expression was grave. "My reconnaissance servitors have circumnavigated the Vhulian Swirl in different directions."
"Total reconnaissance distance: one hundred twelve kilometers. Collecting energy readings."
He raised his staff, pointing at the servitor standing behind him.
["Authorization: transmit data file, number 1295."]
The servitor's eyes glowed blue-green, emitting a synthetic sonic-array voice.
["Activating transmission protocol. Transmitting data file number 1295."]
Its chest panel opened, revealing a data storage unit. The servitor lifted its right hand, extracting a data disc.
The Primarch's attendant had already activated the cogitator with his control rod. The servitor stepped over, inserting the disc.
The overhead video screen lit up. Arkhan continued.
"The dust vortex's energy readings are exceptionally high. Ordinary humans entering would be torn apart instantly."
"Even Astartes would sustain damage over prolonged exposure. The magnetic field is chaotic, making navigation difficult and extremely hazardous."
"More dangerously, warp readings are anomalous. Multiple sudden hazards may occur: lightning strikes from above, Flames appearing out of thin air, and even a bizarre labyrinth.
Nareth nodded. "Any additions?"
The "Polymath" exchanged a look with the Chief Librarian, then said.
"My Lord, I believe these anomalies are related to Blackstone. Excavations in the surrounding area should mitigate its effects."
"Too time-consuming." Nareth rejected the "Polymath's" suggestion, though it aligned with his own conjecture.
'The Fallen Angels and Abaddon who seized the Voidclaw didn't seem affected by Warp energy, likely due to Stygies VIII prolonged excavations.'
Looking at the four individuals possessing different capabilities, he said.
"First, find a path to the central research station, Citadel Vigilant."
The Dice of Prophecy required five more months to recharge. Nareth decided to let them attempt first.
If they found a path, he could save this Dice of Prophecy divination for other uses.
If not, his intervention would further impress Arkhan.
"As you wish." Arkhan said. He hoped to recover the Doomsday Weapon, a sacred duty as a servant of the Omnissiah.
As the four departed the command base to begin reconnaissance, a whispering sound reached Nareth's ear.
Leaving the Dionysian Spear on the ground, Nareth went to the prepared rest chamber.
With a thought, he arrived in the "Kingdom of Disorder."
His spirituality extended towards the spheres. Nareth saw Howard kneeling before an altar in prayer.
He didn't immediately pull Howard into the "Kingdom of Disorder." With a thought, he went to the first layer, instructing the Jokaeros to prepare the Sequence 6 "Judge" potion using the Body-binding Amber and other ingredients.
After obtaining the potion, the "Baron of Corruption" returned to the fourth layer. His spirituality extended, pulling Howard into the "Kingdom of Disorder."
The Primarch's eyes flashed. Telekinetic force delivered the golden potion before Howard.
"Drink it!"
Howard's eyes shone. He knew he received another gift from the Black Emperor.
He took the amber-like potion, pouring it down.
Howard's eyes turned gold, light radiating, shimmering within the black mist.
Moments later, the newly ascended "Judge" contained his power.
"Thank you for the gift, my Lord."
Nareth nodded slightly. He recalled that Howard was battling Aeldars earlier.
"You cleared the Aeldar pirates?"
"I have cleared all pirates within the Elysia system, both Aeldar and human." The Arbiter Lord replied.
"But Elysia lies at a Warp route junction and is a regional trade hub. I believe it won't be long before pirate harassment resumes."
"A foreseeable future," Nareth agreed. "Use them as training targets for new recruits and Auxilia."
"As you wish." Howard accepted the order, then was returned to the Judgements Glory.
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
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