After clearing the main Ork forces in the eastern region of "Azure Coast," the Second Squad had almost no time to rest.
They immediately followed the other brother squads of the 7th Company, boarded transport vehicles, and urgently rushed to another front line on the planet where the battle was most intense—the "Triumphal Gate" energy hub in the central plains of the continent.
This was one of the Orks' core objectives for invading Elizabeth Star, and also a key area heavily defended by the Planetary Defense Forces and the Ultramarines.
However, the Ork offensive here had also reached its peak.
When the Second Squad arrived, the scene that greeted them was a hellish sight.
An endless green tide, like a rampaging tsunami, crashed against the precarious human defenses in wave after wave, ceaselessly.
Warriors from the Ultramarines' First to Sixth Squads, along with a large number of Planetary Defense Forces soldiers, had built a great wall of flesh and steel, relying on some half-collapsed abandoned factories, broken highway bridge piers, and the wreckage of several Leman Russ tanks that had long been destroyed and were spewing black smoke.
The roar of Bolters, the hum of plasma weapons, the volleys of laser guns, and the Orks' deafening "WAAAGH!!!" intertwined, forming a symphony of destruction.
The firepower was terrifying.
Every volley from the Ultramarines' heavy weapon teams cleared a large section of the green tide, instantly blasting hundreds of Ork Boyz and Gretchin into fragments.
But all of this seemed futile.
The Orks behind completely ignored the deaths of their comrades in front, howling excitedly, even stepping on the corpses and remains of their companions, continuing their mad charge forward!
The green tide seemed to have no end!
"For the Emperor! For Macragge! Fire! Keep firing!" the Sergeants commanding the front line roared hoarsely.
Dorian and three other heavily armored warriors equipped with Ironclad Pattern Terminators immediately moved to the very front of the defense line, becoming the most solid strong points.
The four Terminators stood like insurmountable steel bastions, their heavy weapons spewing forth tongues of fire that wove a net of death, frantically harvesting Ork lives.
Although Dorian's Storm Bolter ammunition was depleted, every swing of his massive Power Fist smashed several clustered Orks into pulp, its power undiminished.
However, the sheer number of Orks was overwhelming, and their charge was savage and irrational, putting immense pressure on the defense line.
Even more unsettling was that these seemingly charge-only Orks frequently appeared in unexpected places.
Small groups of Orks began to harass rear supply points, temporarily established command posts, and even areas near medical tents.
They seemed to always find the weakest and least guarded points of the defense line.
There was even a group of about twenty Ork Boyz and an Ork Nob that stealthily snuck near the temporary command center, located several kilometers in the far rear and personally overseen by Valerius, the 7th Company's adjutant!
They attempted a surprise attack to create chaos, but were immediately discovered by highly vigilant sentries.
"Enemy in the rear! Protect the command post!" the alarm sounded.
Adjutant Valerius—an experienced veteran known for his calm and decisive nature—immediately led a squad of guard warriors to meet them.
His combat skills were practiced and efficient, his Power Sword precise as a viper, swiftly cutting down the leading Ork Nob.
The guard warriors also cooperated seamlessly, quickly eliminating all these Orks that seemed to have come from nowhere.
After the battle, Adjutant Valerius wiped the green blood from his sword, looked at the Ork corpses on the ground, his brow furrowed, and said to the warrior beside him, "These Ork beasts look foolish, only knowing how to charge... I didn't expect them to understand flanking maneuvers and attacking vital points in the rear during a fight?
That's quite unexpected."
They did not know that the reason these Orks could "accurately" find these weak points in the rear was actually very simple, even somewhat comical—there were simply too many Boyz crammed into the front lines!
Those who arrived late, or who were not big enough, simply couldn't squeeze to the front to fight!
For Orks, not having a fight was worse than death.
So, these "late" Orks had no choice but to run around the edges of the battlefield, trying to find a place with fewer "people" so they could also have a chance to "have a good fight."
Their so-called "tactics" were actually more like unconscious movements to find fighting opportunities, but they inadvertently caused considerable trouble and tension in the human rear.
On the main battlefield, the fighting remained fierce.
Six squads of Ultramarines and a large number of soldiers desperately held the main Ork forces outside the defense line.
Dorian and the other Terminators stood like unmoving rocks; the ground beneath their feet was already piled high with Ork corpses, but new green tides continued to surge forward endlessly.
The Ninth and Tenth Squads, meanwhile, were completely tied up in the rear, frantically clearing out small groups of harassing Orks that kept appearing from inexplicable corners.
No one knew how these Orks managed to bypass the front line and slip in; this omnipresent threat kept everyone on edge.
Just as the ground battle was bogged down, support from orbit played a crucial role.
The Unyielding Will Strike Cruiser hovered like a death fortress in planetary orbit, its sensors locking onto the densest Ork concentrations and large units on the ground.
"Macro Cannons One to Four! Target coordinates XXX, YYY! Volley!" Captain Cassius calmly gave the order on the bridge.
Blinding flashes of light flickered from the ship's broadside!
The next second, several massive beams of destructive energy, like spears of the gods, descended from the sky and slammed violently into the rear of the Ork tide!
Boom boom boom boom—!!!!
The ground shook!
A colossal fireball, countless times more terrifying than any ground explosion, erupted into the sky!
Orks within the blast radius, whether Boyz, Nobs, or heavy units, were instantly vaporized and annihilated by the intense heat and shockwave!
It cleared a terrifyingly large empty area!
Immediately after, a denser barrage of Whirlwind missiles and laser cannon fire, like precise scalpels, began to target and eliminate Ork heavy units and assembly points.
The precise orbital bombardment greatly alleviated the pressure on the ground forces.
Although the Ork offensive remained frantic, their subsequent strength was noticeably weakened, and the waves of their charge were no longer as continuous.
At the same time, the Planetary Defense Forces in other areas of Elizabeth Star, after stabilizing their local situations, also began to redeploy troops and gradually arrived as reinforcements in the "Triumphal Gate" area.
More soldiers and armored units joined the defense line, strengthening the human side.
The tide of battle was slowly turning in favor of the Imperium.
However, just as the Unyielding Will was focused on ground bombardment, the bridge's sensor officer suddenly raised an alarm!
"Unknown high-speed object detected approaching! Appearing from the planet's shadow zone! Trajectory... directly towards our ship!"
Captain Cassius immediately turned his gaze to the main screen.
He saw a... "ship" that was difficult to describe in words, lurching and spewing thick black smoke, suddenly burst out from behind Elizabeth Star, heading straight for the Unyielding Will!
It was nothing less than a colossal floating mass haphazardly welded together from countless pieces of scrap metal, damaged armor plating, rusted pipes, and various unidentified junk!
Its shape was extremely irregular, its surface covered with ridiculous spikes and crude gun barrels, and several thrusters of varying sizes spewed flames and thick smoke of different colors, desperately trying to maintain its alarming flight attitude.
It looked as battered as could be, as if it would disintegrate at any moment, but it was indeed flying, and at a considerable speed!
"What... what is that thing?" a bridge officer gaped.
The Orks on the ground had clearly also spotted this massive, imposing, and seemingly "advanced" blue human warship.
A thought immediately popped into their simple minds: This big ship looks awesome! There must be a lot of tough guys inside for a good fight!
So, this dilapidated Ork attack ship howled and launched a "charge" towards the Unyielding Will!
Captain Cassius looked at the increasingly close Ork creation on the screen, a challenge to the limits of physics and aesthetics, and even he, a man of extensive experience, couldn't help but show an expression of shock and absurdity.
"How... how is that piece of junk even flying?!" he whispered incredulously.
Ork technology had once again defied his understanding.
But shock aside, he would never allow this dangerous piece of junk to approach his warship.
"All broadside macro cannons and laser arrays! Lock target! Fire at will! Blast it to smithereens!" Captain Cassius ordered without hesitation.
The massive hull of the Unyielding Will subtly adjusted its angle, and several giant macro cannons and laser turrets on its broadside instantly locked onto the wobbly, dilapidated Ork vessel charging towards them.
The next second, destructive light flared again!
Several macro cannon beams and dense laser bursts accurately struck the target!
That Ork attack craft didn't even have a proper energy shield, and its fate was sealed in the face of the Imperial Navy's main battleship's terrifying firepower.
Boom boom boom boom—!!!
A huge and dazzling fireworks display bloomed silently in space! The Ork ship, cobbled together from scrap, was instantly torn apart, disintegrated, and vaporized! Not even a slightly larger piece of debris remained, turning into countless tiny, harmless specks of cosmic dust.
From detection to destruction, the entire process probably didn't exceed one minute.
A brief silence fell over the bridge. Everyone was somewhat speechless by this sudden and quickly concluded comical interlude.
"..." Captain Cassius rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. These Orks, as expected, couldn't be judged by common sense.
"Continue ground support mission," he finally ordered indifferently, turning his gaze back to the planetary battlefield below.
And that cluster of metal fragments that had just dissipated seemed to be nothing more than an insignificant, yet perfectly fitting, footnote in this absurd war against the Orks.
The pressure on the 'Gate of Triumph' defense line gradually eased under the combined effect of orbital bombardment and the arrival of reinforcements. Although the main Ork force was still attacking frantically, it was showing signs of fatigue and could no longer form the destructive Impact wave it had before. The front line had temporarily stabilized.
Just then, Adjutant Valerius received new orders from company command. He quickly connected to the Second Squad's communication channel.
"Sergeant Golden, Second Squad, listen up immediately!"
"Understood, Adjutant!" Golden immediately responded.
"Intelligence indicates that the Planetary Governor and his family, along with some key staff, failed to evacuate the main residence in time during the first wave of Ork attacks and are trapped in the 'Sky Dome' private shelter on the west side of the city. There are still small groups of Orks roaming this area, and defensive forces are weak. Your mission is to proceed to that location immediately, ensure the Planetary Governor's safety, and escort him to the rear command center. This is top priority!" Valerius's tone was grave.
"Understood! Mission accomplished!" Golden accepted the order without hesitation. Protecting important Imperial officials was also one of the Astartes' duties.
He immediately issued orders via the squad channel: "Gaius, Luna, with me! Dorian, you stay on the front line and follow Adjutant Valerius's command!"
"Huh? You're not taking me again?" Dorian grumbled unhappily, but seeing the still dense swarm of Orks in front of him, he knew his heavy armor wasn't suitable for rapid mobile rescue, so he swung his Power Fist, venting his frustration on the unfortunate Orks. "Alright, alright! You guys be careful!"
Golden, Gaius, and Luna quickly detached from the main defensive line, jumped onto a still-operational Chimera Armored Personnel Carrier, operated by a Planetary Defense Forces driver, and sped towards the west side of the city.
The streets were a mess, with collapsed buildings, burning vehicles, and the corpses of Orks and soldiers everywhere. Sporadic Orks occasionally rushed out of alleys, attempting to attack the vehicle, but they were quickly eliminated by Gaius's precise single shots and Luna's servo-arm weapon.
The 'Sky Dome' shelter was located underground in a luxurious estate, and its entrance was quite hidden. When they arrived, they found the shelter's heavy alloy door tightly shut, and several bodies of guards and servants lay outside, indicating a brief firefight had occurred here earlier.
Golden stepped forward and knocked on the large door with his Power Fist, producing a dull thud: "Attention inside! We are the Ultramarines 7th Company, 2nd Squad! We have been ordered to rescue the Planetary Governor! Open the door immediately!"
There was a moment of silence inside, followed by the sound of unlocking and hydraulic mechanisms operating. The large door slowly slid open a crack, and a pair of frightened eyes peered out. When they saw three tall blue Astartes outside the door, the people inside visibly relaxed.
The door fully opened, revealing a luxurious interior. Compared to the apocalyptic scene outside, it was like another world. Soft lighting, polished marble floors, and even a faint scent of perfume. Dozens of men and women were huddled inside, most dressed in expensive attire, but all with terrified and flustered expressions.
A slightly plump, pale-faced middle-aged man, dressed in exquisite Governor's attire, stepped forward, flanked by several bodyguards, his voice trembling slightly: "I... I am Planetary Governor Claudius... Thank the Emperor! Thank you, Lord Angels, for arriving in time!"
"Governor, time is of the essence. Please evacuate with us immediately," Golden said concisely, without any unnecessary pleasantries.
"Yes, yes! Let's go! Let's get out of this cursed place!" The Governor nodded repeatedly, calling to his family and servants behind him. These nobles and officials, accustomed to a life of luxury, now disregarded their manners and rushed out, following the Astartes.
The evacuation process was smoother than expected. Although they encountered two more small groups of scattered Ork stragglers along the way, they were quickly annihilated without incident under the protection of the three Astartes. Gaius's precise sniping was particularly crucial, always eliminating the Orks from a distance before they could even spot them.
Soon, they safely returned to the rear command center area. After handing over the shaken Planetary Governor and his entourage to Adjutant Valerius, the three members of Second Squad finally relaxed.
Mission accomplished, they had a brief period of rest. The three leaned against the Chimera armored vehicle, performing simple ammunition replenishment and equipment checks.
Gaius watched the Governor's family, carefully supported by servants, still complaining about being startled and needing reassurance. He then recalled the luxurious environment inside the shelter, starkly different from the war-torn outside world, and couldn't help but sigh softly to Golden and Luna through the squad's private channel:
"Look at them... Their lives are much more comfortable than ours. Their shelter is more luxurious than our barracks, and they probably eat real delicacies... At least they don't have to chew on nutrient paste that can be used as bricks every day."
His tone carried a hint of subtle sarcasm and faint helplessness. An Astartes' life consisted of nothing but combat and training, and nutrient paste was their primary food for maintaining their superhuman physique. While efficient, its taste was truly nothing to write home about. Compared to the luxurious lives of these Imperial dignitaries, it was a world apart.
Sergeant Golden merely grunted indifferently upon hearing this, continuing to inspect his Bolter: "They are mortals, we are Angels. Our duties are different, there's nothing to compare. The power and responsibility granted to us by the Emperor and the Primarch are far more important than the desires of the palate."
Luna, while adjusting a parameter with a tool on her servo-arm, calmly added: "Data analysis shows that the nutritional efficiency and energy density of synthetic nutrient paste far exceed ordinary food, making it more suitable for battlefield environments and high-intensity consumption. Furthermore, it is not prone to spoilage and is easy to store and transport. Logically and efficiently, it is the optimal choice."
Gaius smiled, knowing that both his teammates were right. He just occasionally felt a touch of curiosity and emotion about such vastly different lives. After all, before becoming an Astartes, he was just an ordinary farm boy.
"I know, Sergeant, Luna," Gaius said. "It's just that sometimes I find it... well... a bit interesting." He shook his head, casting aside this small sentiment. His duty was to fight and protect, not to envy the lives of mortals.
After the brief rest, they received new orders—the main Ork force on the front line had been largely defeated, and the remaining troops were scattering. Various squads were needed to coordinate with the Planetary Defense Forces to carry out the final mop-up and battlefield clearing operations.
The three re-entered the battle. This Ork invasion on Elizabeth Star, with the rescue of the Planetary Governor and the victory on the main battlefield, was finally drawing to a close. Although there were still sporadic battles, the overall situation was decided.
Time flew like a galloping horse, and the star sea revolved. Since the clean-up battle against the Greenskins on Elizabeth Star, thirty Terran standard years have passed in the blink of an eye.
For Astartes with long lifespans, thirty years might not be long, but during this period, the Ultramarines Chapter experienced countless battles, large and small, with their footprints spread across Ultramar and even more distant star systems.
They fought fiercely with Chaos traitors, battled bloody with swarming Tyranid hordes, purged xenos remnants, and suppressed planetary rebellions... The rhythm of war never ceased.
Countless familiar faces fell forever in these continuous campaigns, becoming names on the steles in the Chapter's Memorial Hall, and stories of heroes recounted by those who came after.
At the same time, more fresh blood emerged from the recruit camps of Macragge, donning blue power armor, taking up the weapons and duties of their predecessors, and becoming new cornerstones of the Chapter.
The squad led by Golden—which is no longer the Second Squad—participated in almost every major battle of the 7th Company over these thirty years, and later, the companies to which they were reassigned.
Their Mark X power armor was no longer as pristine as it once was. Deep claw marks, scorch marks from energy weapons, dents from shrapnel impacts... every scar recorded a brutal struggle, witnessing an experience of near-death.
The shoulder and chest plates of their armor were covered with numerous seals symbolizing battle honor and purity, these insignias silently narrating their achievements and loyalty.
Due to their consistent excellent performance and extensive combat experience, the entire squad was exceptionally reassigned by Chapter high command to the Third Company, known for its elites and rapid response, approximately fifteen years ago.
This was both a recognition of their abilities and a higher expectation.
Golden himself, because of his steady command, excellent tactical mind, and unwavering loyalty to the Emperor, was promoted to Lieutenant of the Third Company, becoming one of Company Commander Hansson's most capable lieutenants.
A golden service stud, representing at least a hundred years of distinguished service, was also affixed to his forehead, a symbol of a veteran's honor.
Gaius took over Golden's original position, serving as Sergeant of the Third Company's First Squad.
Thirty years of war had stripped away some of his former naivety, making him calmer and more decisive. He was still the precise and deadly sniper, but greater responsibility required him to have a broader battlefield perspective.
His squad members were still his two most familiar companions—Dorian and Luna.
Dorian... this reckless but incredibly brave assault trooper, experienced countless unimaginable brutal battles over these thirty years.
He suffered severe injuries numerous times, and even came close to death on several occasions, only to be pulled back by the Chapter's powerful medical technology and his own tenacious vitality.
The Saturnine Terminator armor, which he treasured, accompanied him through all the fires of war.
It was astonishing that, under the careful joint maintenance of this rough man and Tech-Sergeant Eilaas, this heavy armor, having endured thirty years of war, besides the unavoidable battle scars and necessary reinforcement modifications to adapt to Dorian's increasing strength, remained in good overall condition, with its armor plates even reflecting a faint blue sheen.
Dorian himself also seemed to have been tempered by time and war, becoming more... sturdy; although his personality remained fiery and impulsive, he occasionally showed a hint of a veteran's composure.
Luna, on the other hand, remained the calm and reliable tech expert.
Thirty years seemed to have left few marks on her; her skills and knowledge became even more profound.
Today, she is a well-known senior Tech-Sergeant within the Ultramarines Chapter, particularly skilled in battlefield emergency repairs and weapon system optimization.
Her servo-arm and toolkit have also undergone several upgrades, making their functions more powerful. She still spoke little, but every judgment and suggestion carried significant weight.
And Lina... the young Tech-Sergeant who used to be busy in the hangar, has also grown.
With her excellent technical capabilities and management talent, she was promoted to Chief Mortal Tech-Sergeant on the strike cruiser Unyielding Will.
This meant she rarely personally picked up a wrench to repair specific weapons and equipment; her primary responsibility shifted to managing the vast team of Tech-Sergeants on the entire warship, coordinating repair and maintenance plans, and, most importantly, cultivating and training new Tech-Sergeant apprentices for the Chapter.
Thirty years for an ordinary person is half a lifetime.
Lina was still beautiful, but time had ultimately left gentle traces on her face, adding a few fine lines around her eyes, while her gaze held more wisdom and composure.
Due to her duties, she was stationed on the Unyielding Will year-round, following the 7th Company on various campaigns, and rarely had the opportunity to return to the Macragge's Honour flagship, making time spent with Golden, Gaius, and the others even more precious.
What used to be common scenes could now only be briefly maintained through communications between warships.
Eilaas is worth mentioning. Due to the long lifespan of the Eldar, thirty years for her was like two or three years for a human.
She still looked like she was in her early twenties, youthful, beautiful, and lively.
She was reassigned to the Third Company along with Golden's squad, and with her excellent technical skills, she was primarily responsible for maintaining the Third Company's precious Dreadnoughts and Thunderhawk Gunship fleet.
She still kept her habit of playing and roughhousing with the Astartes, although in front of the Astartes giants, she was always the one who got 'instantly defeated'.
She particularly enjoyed jumping up and punching the Astartes' abdominal armor—a habit that hadn't changed in decades.
To make her 'ticklish' attacks a little more 'lethal', this Dark Eldar Tech-Sergeant, with her eccentric ideas, even cobbled together a simple, miniature power fist in her spare time, using some discarded weapon parts!
She cleverly concealed it under a seemingly ordinary work glove.
Then, during a routine, unsuspecting playful moment, the unaware Dorian, wearing a black training suit, once again puffed out his stomach, smiling and ready to receive her 'weak' punches...
"Hey! Lord Dorian! Take this!"
"Come on, little sprout! Scratch your Lord Dorian's... Ow!!!"
Bang!
A dull thud, accompanied by Dorian's sudden, painful scream and his massive body instantly bending into a shrimp-like shape!
The result was predictable... Dorian, this strong man who could withstand the heavy blows of an Ork Warboss, being caught off guard and hit in the unprotected abdomen, took a solid 'enhanced' playful punch, immediately collapsed, and was urgently sent to the medical bay... He lay there for a whole week before recovering!
From then on, when the Astartes of the Third Company played with Eilaas, they had to be extra careful, especially when she was wearing gloves...
Eilaas, on the other hand, was quite proud of her 'masterpiece', although she was severely criticized and educated by Lieutenant Golden and Lina afterward.
Thirty years had changed many people and things, but some bonds and traditions continued amidst the fires of war.
The veterans were scarred but grew tougher; new recruits constantly joined, bringing new vitality.
And the Ultramarines' journey continued, ceaselessly, in this vast and dangerous galaxy.
Being reassigned to the Third Company meant honor for Golden's squad, but even more, it meant unprecedented challenges and pressure.
As one of the Ultramarines Chapter's main spearheads, the Third Company was usually deployed to the most intense and complex battlefields, specifically responsible for tackling the toughest challenges that other companies found difficult to resolve, executing the most critical and dangerous breakthrough, decapitation, or defensive missions.
The enemies they faced were often more ferocious and cunning, the battlefield environment more harsh, and the casualty rate remained consistently high.
Every deployment could be a final farewell to familiar brothers.
As the Lieutenant of the Company, the burden on Golden's shoulders grew heavier.
He needed to assist the Company Commander in handling complex military affairs, deploying forces according to rapidly changing battle situations, and formulating detailed and meticulous tactical plans.
Every decision he made, every deployment, could directly affect the life and death of countless brothers.
This immense responsibility made him, already a steady and taciturn person, even more silent.
At command meetings, he was concise and sharp-eyed, always able to pinpoint the key issues.
On the battlefield, his commands delivered through the communication network were clear and calm, rarely losing control even in the most chaotic situations.
Only on very rare occasions, when he personally led the charge on the front lines, fighting enemies with his Bolter and power sword, could one vaguely see the shadow of the charging Sergeant he once was.
The moments when he could relax a little and speak a bit more were often during lulls in combat, when briefly reunited with old comrades like Gaius, Dorian, and Luna.
Only then would his taut nerves slightly loosen; he might inquire about Luna's equipment status or remind Dorian to watch his flanks during the next charge.
Dorian's characteristic taunting of Gaius's helmet also spanned thirty years, persisting to the present.
Whenever he saw Gaius's red, eagle-faced helmet, Dorian couldn't help but click his tongue:
"Hey, Gaius, I'm telling you, when are you going to change that 'beak' of yours? Even if it's painted red, it still looks like a big bird ready to peck worms! Look at my eagle-faced helmet! How imposing! How mighty! This is what suits the majesty of us Astartes!"
Gaius usually just shook his head helplessly, not even bothering to retort anymore. He had heard this spiel for thirty years and was immune to it by now.
Moreover, his specially modified 'beak helmet' provided him with unparalleled long-range observation and aiming capabilities, an important reliance for him as a sniper and squad leader; practicality was far more important than aesthetics.
The current mission mode has also largely stabilized.
Since Dorian wore the precious Saturnine Terminator armor, he was naturally the undisputed choice for charging into battle and tearing through enemy lines, usually leading other assault units in the company as the spearhead.
Gaius, with his precise sniping skills and increasingly mature understanding of the overall battlefield, often occupied high ground or concealed positions, on one hand eliminating high-value targets from a distance, and on the other hand coordinating the squad and even larger-scale combat; his sniper point often served as a small command node.
Lieutenant Golden once, after a fierce and costly assault, looked at Gaius, who was tallying battle losses and ammunition consumption, and uncharacteristically spoke, his voice deep:
"Gaius, in a few more years... according to your battle honors and seniority, you, Luna, and that brute Dorian... should also have your first silver service stud affixed."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Dorian, who was not far away boasting about how many enemies he had just crushed, and his voice dropped even lower: "You are a Sergeant now, a squad leader. Remember, in future missions, not only must you complete the objectives, but you must also bring them all back safely as much as possible. Especially... Dorian."
Golden's words were full of trust in his old subordinates, and also a hint of imperceptible worry.
He knew Dorian too well; his bravery was unmatched, but his knack for getting into trouble and putting himself in danger was also first-rate.
Now, as Lieutenant, he needed to oversee the overall situation and could no longer constantly watch over this impulsive assault trooper as he used to; this responsibility largely fell on Gaius's shoulders as the direct commander.
Gaius nodded solemnly: "I understand, Lieutenant. I'll keep an eye on him."
And Dorian's habit of bragging and exaggerating, naturally, remained unchanged, and even became more unrestrained with his seniority.
He often, in the lounge area or after battles, vividly described his 'heroic deeds' to new recruits or brothers from other companies, inevitably embellishing them and exaggerating his own role 'a little bit'.
Once, he even boasted in front of Company Commander Hec Hansson of the Third Company.
Company Commander Hansson listened as Dorian gesticulated, describing how he single-handedly took down an entire squad of Chaos Terminators and even tore apart a Chaos Dreadnought with his bare hands... Company Commander Hec Hansson listened, his face expressionless, and merely nodded.
Later, when Company Commander Hansson privately met Captain Cassius of the 7th Company, he couldn't help but ask curiously: "Cassius, seriously, back when this guy was under you, how did you resist the urge to just shoot him? Or at least reassign him to scrubbing toilets?"
Captain Cassius, upon hearing this, just gave a meaningful smile, a mix of helplessness and a touch of nostalgia, and patted Company Commander Hansson's shoulder: "Brother Hansson, you get used to it. And... even though this guy is incredibly noisy, brags without thinking, and always manages to cause some trouble... you have to admit, when you need someone to smash the hardest bones, he's always the first one to charge in. Sometimes, that pure... uh... 'enthusiasm', is also a valuable asset."
Company Commander Hansson thought about Dorian's performance on the battlefield and had to admit that Cassius had a point.
Perhaps every company needed such a guy who could fight, endure, and also liven up the atmosphere, as long as he wasn't allowed too close to command.
Time flowed, changing positions, adding scars, and deepening friendships.
Golden's silence, Gaius's composure, Dorian's boisterousness, and Luna's calmness, still under the banner of the Third Company, together formed a unique and resilient landscape within the iron tide of the Ultramarines Chapter.
The Ultramarines Third Company's strike cruiser, the Cleansing Blade, glided like a silent blue leviathan out of the stable space of Ultramar Sector, heading towards a distant and dangerous fringe system.
The atmosphere on the bridge was heavy; all crew and Space Marines were aware of the mission's objective—a world suffering a massive Tyranid invasion.
According to the distress calls and battle reports, that world had already become a bloody inferno.
The remaining Cadian Regiment, known for its tenacity and resilience, was defending it, desperately holding onto their last lines, but the scale of the Tyranid swarm far exceeded expectations, and its fall seemed only a matter of time.
The Cleansing Blade's mission was to assist the Cadian defenders in stabilizing the front line and to execute a crucial decapitation strike.
Inside the Captain's quarters, Company Commander Hansson of the Third Company, Lieutenant Golden, and several Sergeants were gathered around a tactical star map.
Company Commander Hansson's face was grim as he pointed to an area on the planet's surface marked in deep red.
"Intelligence indicates that while the main force of the Hive Fleet is temporarily held by the Cadians, its command node—a Hive Tyrant—is likely hidden in this area.
Its existence is central to the swarm's organization and threat," the Company Commander's voice was steady and firm.
"Our primary objective is to find it and eliminate it."
He turned his gaze to Golden: "Lieutenant Golden, you will lead the company's main force, coordinating with the Cadian Regiment on the ground, to hold the main defensive line at all costs, attracting the main attention of the Tyranid swarm, creating opportunities and time for the decapitation squad."
"Understood, Company Commander," Golden replied in a deep voice, without the slightest hesitation.
He knew this meant an extremely brutal war of attrition.
Then, the Company Commander looked at Gaius: "Sergeant Gaius, your First Squad will be responsible for assisting a Deathwatch task force in the decapitation mission.
They are experts at dealing with xenos; follow their professional guidance, but ensure the mission is completed."
"Deathwatch?" Gaius was slightly startled.
That was a mysterious organization composed of elite Space Marines from various Astartes Chapters, specifically formed to counter xenos threats.
To fight alongside them was both an acknowledgment of First Squad's capabilities and a sign of the mission's extreme danger.
"Yes.
They will provide crucial firepower and intelligence support.
Your target is only one: the Hive Tyrant."
After the mission briefing, First Squad immediately began preparations.
The Deathwatch squad quickly boarded the Cleansing Blade via a Thunderhawk Gunship.
There were only five of them, their armor uniformly deep black, with the insignias of their original Chapters still on their shoulder pads, but their overall style was grim and practical, carrying a chilling aura unique to those who have dealt with the most terrifying xenos for years.
Their leader was a Space Marine from an Astartes Chapter, codenamed "Hound," concise in speech and with eyes as sharp as an eagle's.
Hound showed Gaius their special weapons—modified Bolters and matching special ammunition.
The warheads had an ominous, sickly green glow.
"These are potent toxin rounds specifically designed for the Tyranid bio-nervous system," Hound's voice, processed through his helmet, was cold and emotionless.
"Even against larger units like Tyrant Guard, a vital hit can quickly paralyze them.
But they are limited in number and must be used on the most critical targets."
Gaius nodded solemnly.
For this covert decapitation mission, to avoid premature exposure, Dorian had to make a "painful" decision—to take off his beloved Saturn Pattern Terminator armor.
"Ah, my big baby... we must part again for a while," Dorian caressed the cold blue armor with reluctance, his expression like saying goodbye to a loved one.
"You must take good care of it until I return!" He repeatedly urged the Tech-Sergeant responsible for guarding the armor.
After changing back into his standard Mark X power armor, Dorian picked up his old friends again—a reinforced and modified Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield.
While not as exaggerated as the Terminator armor, this equipment still allowed him to unleash powerful assault capabilities and was more flexible, suitable for stealth and cave combat.
As the Cleansing Blade arrived in orbit of the target planet, the sight that greeted them was suffocating.
Vast areas of the planet's surface were covered in purple bio-mass, like a malignant tumor.
Large numbers of Tyranid flying units swarmed the sky, while on the ground, an endless Tyranid swarm furiously assaulted the circular defensive lines built by Cadian soldiers with sandbags, trenches, and broken tanks.
Laser beams, explosions, and the shrieks of Tyranid creatures intertwined.
"All company! Land! For the Emperor! For Macragge!" Lieutenant Golden's voice echoed throughout the ship via the comms channel.
Numerous drop pods and Thunderhawk Gunships shot towards the war-torn ground like arrows released from a bow.
Lieutenant Golden personally led the charge, commanding the Space Marines of the Third Company to quickly link up with the Cadian defenders.
The blue power armor intertwined with the khaki uniforms of the Cadian soldiers, and the combined firepower of Bolters and lasguns instantly strengthened, temporarily curbing the most ferocious assault of the Tyranid swarm.
"For the Emperor! For Cadia!" The Cadian soldiers, seeing the arrival of the Astartes, erupted with incredible morale, even though many of them were exhausted and fighting wounded.
While the main force drew the attention of the swarm, First Squad and the Deathwatch squad, in a specially modified, extremely quiet Thunderhawk Gunship, used the terrain and the chaos of the battlefield as cover to quietly land in a hidden valley several kilometers from the predicted Hive Tyrant node area.
The squad quickly assembled.
The Deathwatch members moved with clean precision, silently signaling various tactical hand gestures, demonstrating extremely high professionalism.
Gaius also gestured to his squadmates to maintain silence and follow the Deathwatch's lead closely.
According to the precise detectors carried by the Deathwatch, the neural node signal of that Hive Tyrant was highly likely to originate from a large underground cave system, deep within the mountains, with an extremely concealed entrance.
The detectors also showed massive bio-energy reactions inside the cave, indicating that besides the Tyrant itself, there must be numerous Tyrant Guard and other elite Tyranid units.
They used rocks and sparse, partially bio-mass-corroded vegetation as cover, quickly approaching the cave entrance.
The air was thick with the acidic stench characteristic of Tyranid creatures and the strangely sickly sweet smell emanating from the bio-mass, making it nauseating.
Despite their utmost caution, as they approached the cave entrance, they encountered a small patrol of Ripper and Termagants!
These Tyranid creatures reacted extremely quickly, letting out piercing shrieks almost the instant they were discovered, and charged!
"Open fire! Quick engagement!" Deathwatch Captain Hound immediately ordered, his voice still calm.
The Deathwatch Space Marines opened fire instantly!
Their shooting was incredibly precise, every Bolter round heading straight for the Tyranid creatures' vital points—the heads of the Ripper, the bio-launchers of the Termagants.
Even more surprisingly, those Tyranid creatures hit by the special toxin rounds, whether small Ripper or slightly larger Termagants, stiffened, twitched, and fell dead within one or two seconds of being hit, with remarkable effect!
First Squad immediately joined the battle.
Gaius's sniper rifle precisely picked off distant Termagants, Dorian stood at the front, blocking incoming bone splinters with his Storm Shield, shattering approaching Ripper with swings of his Thunder Hammer, while Luna used her weapon systems to clear scattered targets and monitor the surroundings.
The battle erupted suddenly and ended quickly.
This patrol was swiftly annihilated, with none escaping.
"Quick! The commotion might have drawn attention! Speed up!" Captain Hound urged.
The squad no longer hid their tracks, rushing at top speed towards the dark and deep cave entrance, like the throat of a giant beast.
From within the cave came heart-pounding roars and scuttling sounds, and the dense bio-matter stench was almost suffocating.
The decapitation squad did not hesitate, resolutely charging into the depths of this unknown and deadly lair, their only objective—the Hive Tyrant hidden deep within the nest.
The real test had only just begun.
The interior of the cave was far larger and more complex than it appeared from the outside.
This was clearly a long-abandoned mine, with huge, crisscrossing, bottomless mine tunnels.
But now, it had been completely transformed by the Tyranids.
The cave walls were covered with thick, pulsating purple bio-mass, emitting a faint glow and a nauseating organic smell.
The air was filled with high concentrations of acidic mist and spores, visibility was very low, and the power armor's sensors were full of interference signals.
The Deathwatch Hound Pack Leader, holding a flickering and softly ticking detector, walked at the forefront of the squad, guiding their direction. His movements were light and cautious, each step placed on the most stable ground, trying to avoid making any sound. Gaius followed closely, his "Hawk-Eye" sniper rifle constantly sweeping every shadow and fork in the path ahead. Dorian held his Storm Shield, guarding the flank of the squad, while Luna brought up the rear, her sensors and servo-arms vigilantly monitoring the rear and overhead.
From deep within the cave, eerie scraping sounds, slick squirming noises, and a low, rhythmic pulsing continuously emanated, as if the entire cave were the living, breathing internal organs of a colossal creature.
"The signal is getting stronger," the Hound Pack Leader whispered through a secured channel. "The Tyrant is in the largest cavern ahead. Be careful, it surely has many bodyguards."
They cautiously advanced deeper along the main tunnel, having to bypass several enormous biomass-constructed incubation sacs and energy nodes along the way. The further they went, the thicker the creep became, and the more slime and traces of Tyranid activity were present.
Finally, they reached the edge of a massive natural cavern. The sight in the center of the cavern sent a shiver through even the most battle-hardened warriors.
A colossal, hideous creature stood in the center of the cavern! It was their target for this mission—the Hive Tyrant! Its height was almost that of a Dreadnought, and from its body, covered in thick chitinous armor, extended massive bone swords and a whip-like tail. Its head resembled an alien crown, emitting cold and aggressive psychic will fluctuations. Surrounding it, at least dozens of tall, strong, heavily armored Tyrant Guards, wielding huge bone blades, patrolled slowly like loyal Praetorians. Further away, more elite Tyranid units of various forms lurked in the shadows.
The walls around the cavern were covered with dense pits and passages, clearly indicating other Tyranid creatures were active within them.
"Target confirmed," the Hound Pack Leader's voice was cold. "Prepare to assault. First Squad, you are responsible for clearing the swarms coming from the periphery. You must hold them off and create an attack window for us. Deathwatch, concentrate fire and eliminate the Tyrant!"
The plan was set. The Deathwatch warriors silently sought the best firing positions, their special Bolters aimed at the Hive Tyrant, which was still emitting a low hum.
However, just as they were about to pull the trigger, an unexpected change occurred!
The Hive Tyrant seemed to sense the mortal threat. Its massive head suddenly turned towards the direction where the Deathwatch squad was hidden, letting out a sharp, ear-piercing psychic shriek that could tear the soul!
"Hiss-gaaaaaaaah—!!!"
The powerful psychic shockwave spread out as if it were solid, not only jamming all communications and sensors but also directly exposing the attackers' position!
"We've been discovered! All-out assault!" The Hound Pack Leader made a snap decision, roaring, and his special Bolter was the first to open fire!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Several glowing green special toxin rounds accurately shot towards the Hive Tyrant's vital points! However, the Tyrant's reaction was astonishingly fast. It violently swung its massive bone sword, actually blocking most of the bullets! Only one or two hit its shoulder and flank. The toxins quickly took effect, and the chitin in the hit areas instantly turned dull, and its movements showed a slight delay, but it was far from paralyzed!
"Roar!!!" The Hive Tyrant let out an angry roar! The surrounding Tyrant Guards and elite Tyranids immediately surged towards the Deathwatch squad and First Squad like a disturbed hornet's nest! At the same time, a flood of Rippers, Termagants, and other small Tyranid creatures poured out of the pits in the surrounding walls!
"Dorian! Hold them back!" Gaius immediately ordered, simultaneously raising his gun and shooting, blowing out the eye socket of the fastest charging Tyrant Guard!
"For the Emperor! For Macragge!" Dorian roared, his Thunder Hammer crashing down, smashing a Ripper that was trying to pounce on a Deathwatch warrior into a pulp! His massive body and Storm Shield became the first barrier against the tide of bugs.
Luna quickly deployed a small automated turret, while precisely severing the limb of a Ripper pouncing from overhead with her plasma cutter.
The battle instantly escalated into a fierce struggle! The three members of First Squad formed a solid defensive circle, desperately fending off the swarms pouring in from all directions. The roar of Bolters, the impact of Thunder Hammers, the hiss of plasma weapons, and the shrieks of Tyranid creatures mingled, echoing deafeningly within the enclosed cavern.
Dorian stood firm at the very front like a rock, his Storm Shield enduring countless impacts from bone spikes and claws. Every swing of his Thunder Hammer cleared a small area, but the sheer number of bugs was overwhelming, and he was quickly engulfed by the green tide, only able to hold on with his heavy armor. Gaius constantly shifted his position, precisely eliminating targets that tried to bypass Dorian or posed the greatest threat to the Deathwatch. His sniper rifle never missed. Luna moved along the edge of the defense line, using her skills and weapons to fill gaps in firepower, while also constantly monitoring the status of Dorian's armor.
Meanwhile, the Deathwatch squad engaged in a brutal confrontation with the Hive Tyrant and its most elite guards. Their special ammunition was indeed highly effective, each hit causing a Tyrant Guard's movements to stiffen or even paralyze it. But the Tyrant Guards were too numerous, and the Hive Tyrant itself was extremely cunning. It continuously used psychic shockwaves to interfere with the Deathwatch's shooting, while ordering its guards to throw themselves forward, using their bodies to shield it from gunfire.
A Deathwatch warrior, exposing his position to shoot the Tyrant, was instantly impaled by the bone blades of three Tyrant Guards, his power armor torn like paper!
Another warrior, during a reload, was entangled by a sudden whip-tail from the Hive Tyrant and slammed violently against the rock wall, becoming a twisted mess of metal and flesh!
Casualties appeared instantly! The Deathwatch squad was down two men!
"Damn it!" The Hound Pack Leader roared, his eyes bloodshot. But he showed no sign of retreating, instead pouring even more frantic fire onto the Hive Tyrant! The remaining two Deathwatch warriors also desperately provided cover.
An opportunity arose in an instant! The Hive Tyrant, to dodge a volley of bullets the Hound Pack Leader fired at its head, suddenly tilted its head back, exposing the relatively vulnerable connection point of its neck!
Now!
The Hound Pack Leader abandoned shooting, suddenly leaping out from behind cover, charging towards the Hive Tyrant with astonishing speed! He drew a power sword burning with an energy field, launching himself like an arrow from a bowstring!
A Tyrant Guard tried to intercept but was held in a death grip by another Deathwatch warrior nearby, perishing together!
The Hound Pack Leader seized this fleeting opportunity, his power sword, carrying all his rage and strength, fiercely plunged into the exposed weak point of the Hive Tyrant's neck!
"Hiss!!!" The Hive Tyrant let out a painful and desperate shriek! Its massive body convulsed violently!
The Hound Pack Leader mercilessly twisted the hilt of the sword and pulled it down hard! Almost severing half of the Hive Tyrant's neck!
Green, intensely acidic-smelling blood gushed out like a waterfall! The Hive Tyrant's massive body swayed a few times, finally crashing to the ground, no longer moving.
The death of the leader seemed to instantly cut off some invisible command network. The previously frenzied attacking swarms showed obvious confusion and sluggishness. The Tyrant Guards and elite units also seemed to have lost their core, their actions becoming chaotic.
"We succeeded..." The Hound Pack Leader gasped, pulling out his power sword, covered in green blood, and looking at the fallen Tyrant, his voice hoarse. But there was no joy on his face, only the heavy burden of losing comrades.
First Squad's pressure also suddenly decreased. Dorian shook off the bug corpses hanging on his shield, and Gaius and Luna were able to catch their breath.
However, before they could celebrate, the entire cavern suddenly shook violently! As if freed from the Tyrant's suppression, something even more terrifying had been disturbed, or the cavern itself was about to collapse!
"Mission accomplished! Evacuate immediately!" The Hound Pack Leader ordered without hesitation.
The survivors, ignoring their exhaustion, immediately rushed back the way they came. Behind them were an even more chaotic and frenzied swarm of bugs, and the continuously collapsing mine tunnels. A race against death to evacuate had begun.