The malicious plan of Inquisitor Malachi was almost stillborn under the iron siege of the highly vigilant Ultramarines Chapter. He underestimated Chapter Master Calgar's resolve and the Ultramarines' will to protect their brothers and those they cherished.
Since the incident where a Battle Sister tried to forcibly take Luna, the security alert level on the Macragge's Honour had been raised to an unprecedented height. Especially in the Tech-Sergeant's activity area and the hangar, elite warriors of the First Company in azure power armor could be seen patrolling almost constantly. Their gaze was sharp and meticulous, and any approach by non-Chapter personnel would draw undisguised vigilance and questioning.
What made Malachi even more frustrated was that he found a specialized squad, almost like a shadow, constantly "accompanying" their "Purifying Fire". No matter which berth their ship docked at, there would always be Ultramarines patrol boats and surveillance probes nearby, as if silently warning them: We are watching you, don't try any tricks.
Under such airtight surveillance, trying to lay hands on Eilaas was an almost impossible task. Any attempt to investigate or contact her would immediately be reported to the Chapter Master.
"Damn it! These stubborn Ultramarines!" Malachi paced irritably in his cabin, his face so gloomy it looked like it could drip water. He felt like a beast caged, with sharp claws and fangs but nowhere to use them.
He even, at one point, furiously thought about whether to simply target that reckless Dorian, who had previously injured a Battle Sister and now seemed to be released! Frame him for attacking an Inquisitor, perhaps that could stir up the situation?
But the thought was extinguished as soon as it arose. He glanced at the data-slate showing Dorian's image, clad in Saturn Pattern Terminator armor like a human fortress, and his combat records of "dueling an Ork Warboss" and "holding off a Tyranid swarm for thirty minutes...". Malachi, though fanatical, was not foolish. To trouble that brute? He would likely be flattened by that Power Fist before he could even start.
"Why did I even have such a stupid idea..." Malachi rubbed his brow, feeling a wave of powerlessness. Facing a Chapter of the Ultramarines' caliber, especially when they were already highly vigilant, his usual tactics against ordinary planetary governors and other Chapters seemed to be completely ineffective.
He could only watch helplessly as time passed, as Grand Master Silver Shield went to the Ultramarines' battleship again and again, unable to stop him or learn of the specific progress. This feeling of loss of control tormented him immensely.
In contrast to the Inquisitor' anxiety and oppression, in a small room in the Tech-Sergeant's living quarters on the Macragge's Honour, the atmosphere was relatively peaceful, even a little... cozy?
Eilaas was sitting cross-legged on the floor of her small bedroom, which was filled with various tools, parts, and half-finished products. The small table in front of her was densely covered with miniature power fist components. A bit of oil smudged her small nose, and her short hair was a little messy, but her large Aeldari eyes, sparkling with curiosity and focus, shone brightly.
She was engrossed in tinkering with her "masterpiece"—the miniature power fist. The experience of sending Dorian to the medical bay with one punch last time made her a little proud, but also made her realize that this treasure still had room for improvement. How could she make it more powerful and energy-efficient while maintaining its small and flexible nature?
Her slender fingers skillfully disassembled, assembled, and debugged precise parts like a butterfly flitting through flowers. Occasionally, she picked up a nearby data-slate to record parameters, humming an unknown, strangely melodic Macragge tune. This kind and simple girl was completely absorbed in what she loved, oblivious to the undercurrents and malicious schemes that had arisen because of her.
She only vaguely felt that the atmosphere on the battleship had been a bit tense recently, with many more warriors on patrol, and Chapter Master Calgar and Lieutenant Gorden also looked very tired. Luna was on another mission... She missed her a little. She hoped she would come back soon and be happy to see her improved new work.
She did not know that her current efforts and ingenious ideas would, in the near future, bring a practical equipment innovation to the Ultramarines Chapter. Her improved miniature power fist, due to its significantly increased power while maintaining its small and flexible characteristics, was very suitable for Tech-Sergeants to use in battlefield environments—it could deliver a powerful blow to nearby enemies when necessary, without affecting their complex repair and maintenance tasks. This design was later widely adopted by the Chapter's Tech-Sergeants and became one of their standard configurations. Of course, that was all for later.
Meanwhile, outside the highest isolation chamber in the core area of the battleship, the atmosphere was solemn and tense.
Grand Master Silver Shield began his full-force treatment of Luna. This time, he was not alone but brought the six Grey Knights accompanying him. The seven Grey Knights formed a formation containing some profound pattern in the antechamber outside the isolation chamber.
Grand Master Silver Shield stood at the core, with the other six Grey Knights serving as auxiliary nodes. They simultaneously chanted ancient and obscure gothic prayers, and vast, pure psychic energy began to converge and resonate among them. Finally, guided by Silver Shield, it transformed into a condensed, silvery-white torrent of pure energy, piercing the isolation field and slowly injecting into Luna's body, focusing on the hideous mark of Chaos on her forehead.
This was an extremely complex and delicate process, requiring extremely high psychic control and tacit cooperation. The silvery-white purifying psychic energy clashed violently with the dark purple Chaos energy, annihilating each other with subtle but heart-stopping hissing sounds.
Even in a coma, Luna's body convulsed violently from the immense pain, her teeth clenched, and fine cold sweat beaded on her forehead. But she endured stubbornly, her will to survive incredibly firm.
Lieutenant Gorden and Chapter Master Calgar sometimes stood outside the observation room, nervously watching everything inside. They could see that, with the unremitting efforts of Silver Shield and the Grey Knights, the light of the Chaos mark visibly dimmed, and the evil aura it emitted significantly weakened!
It's working! It's really working!
Lieutenant Gorden's heart was in his throat, his hands clenched tightly, his fingernails almost digging into his palms. He wished he could rush in and contribute, but he knew that with this level of psychic purification, he couldn't help at all and might even cause trouble.
The ritual lasted a long time. When Grand Master Silver Shield finally slowly withdrew his psychic energy and ended this purification, he and the other six Grey Knights' silver-grey armor were covered with a fine layer of energy sweat beads (a sign of excessive psychic consumption), clearly indicating immense exertion.
But the results were significant! Although the Chaos mark on Luna's forehead still existed, its color had become extremely faint, almost like a light grey scar, and the unsettling aura of Chaos had become negligible, almost imperceptible without careful sensing!
"Grand Master!" Lieutenant Gorden rushed into the antechamber immediately, his voice trembling with excitement. He bowed deeply to Silver Shield, "Thank you! Thank you so much! We will never forget your kindness to the Ultramarines!"
Grand Master Silver Shield waved his hand slightly, his voice a little tired but still steady: "No need for thanks, it's my duty. The mark's power has been greatly weakened, and its connection to the host's soul has also been temporarily suppressed. But..."
He changed his tone, his voice becoming solemn: "The root has not been completely eradicated. Kairos Fateweaver's power is like the most stubborn toxin, deeply embedded in bone and soul. This purification has reached the limit she can currently bear; if we force it further, it might damage her soul's origin. We need to observe for a period, allowing her soul to recover slightly, before proceeding with the next, and final, purification ritual."
Although not completely eradicated, this was already a huge step forward! At least, Luna was temporarily out of the most dangerous situation, and it brought genuine hope for ultimate success!
"Understood! We will take good care of her and await the next ritual!" Lieutenant Gorden quickly promised, a genuine smile, unseen for a long time, finally appearing on his face. He looked at Luna in the isolation chamber, whose breathing seemed much more stable, and felt that the huge stone pressing on his heart had finally been mostly removed.
Chapter Master Calgar also walked over and expressed his sincere gratitude to Grand Master Silver Shield. He knew that without Silver Shield's full assistance and the Grey Knights' efforts, Luna would likely have faced a grim fate.
A glimmer of hope finally pierced through the heavy clouds, illuminating people's hearts. Although there was one last hurdle ahead, at least they saw the shore of success.
Luna's significant improvement injected a breath of fresh air into the long-depressed Macragge's Honour. Although the quarantine remained, the despairing gloom that had enveloped the battleship had largely dissipated, replaced by cautious optimism and an even firmer resolve.
After confirming Luna's stable condition and the Silver Shield Grand Master stating that he needed time for rest and research, Chapter Master Marius Calgar finally found time to deal with another crucial matter—reporting the recent series of major events to the Primarch, Lord of Five Hundred Worlds, Roboute Guilliman.
He entered the communication sanctum alone and activated the highest-encryption communication array. Complex runes lit up around the altar, and incense smoke curled, ensuring the absolute security and secrecy of the communication.
While waiting for the connection, Calgar's mood remained somewhat heavy. Although Luna's situation had taken a turn for the better, the Inquisition's involvement, the Daemon Prince's conspiracy, and the ripples it caused within the Chapter were no small matters. He needed to be honest with the Primarch about everything and accept any potential reprimands or instructions.
The holographic projection flickered a few times, gradually coalescing into an extremely tall, imposing figure clad in exquisite blue Power Armor. Even through the projection, Roboute Guilliman's wise and profound gaze, and the overwhelming aura of a Primarch, still filled Calgar with genuine awe and loyalty.
"Marius," Guilliman's voice was steady and powerful, directly calling him by name, "Are you contacting me at this time because of new developments in the Tyranid threat in the southern stellar region?"
"Primarch," Chapter Master Calgar saluted respectfully, then took a deep breath and began his report: "The Tyranid swarm threat is under control; our forces are currently eliminating the remaining enemies. This contact is to report another... more complex and urgent matter to you."
He recounted the events as concisely and clearly as possible: Kairos Fateweaver's conspiracy, Tech-Sergeant Luna being framed and branded, the Inquisition being lured by fabricated messages, the initial conflict and standoff, the unexpected intervention and full-effort rescue by the Silver Shield Grand Master, and the current progress and final challenge faced.
"...That's roughly the situation, Primarch," Calgar concluded, with a hint of self-reproach in his tone, "Failing to detect the daemon's plot in time, leading the Chapter into such a passive situation and drawing the attention of the Inquisition, is my dereliction of duty as Chapter Master."
Guilliman in the holographic projection listened silently, his face calm. Only his fingers tapped unconsciously on the armrest of his throne, indicating that he was thinking rapidly. When he heard that Kairos Fateweaver had personally framed a Tech-Sergeant, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. When he heard that the Inquisition attempted to forcibly take people, his brow furrowed slightly. And when he heard that the Silver Shield Grand Master had helped and achieved results, his expression softened slightly.
"Kairos... as cunning and malicious as ever," Guilliman spoke slowly, with a hint of disdain for an old adversary in his voice, "Its goal is always Sergeant Karlos, and to try to sow discord among Imperial forces. Tech-Sergeant Luna is an innocent victim."
He looked at Calgar: "As for the Inquisition... their arrival, though misled, did not exceed the scope of their zealous duties. You managed to withstand the pressure, insist on the Chapter handling it independently, and secure the assistance of the Grey Knights Grand Master. It was handled rather appropriately."
This was almost direct affirmation, which brought some relief to Calgar's heart.
"As for dereliction of duty..." Guilliman paused, his tone deepening, "The schemes of Daemon Princes are hard to guard against, especially an entity like Kairos. This is not your personal dereliction of duty, but a challenge we all may face when confronting the treachery of Chaos. What's important is that you did not yield, you did not abandon your brothers."
These words were full of understanding and even favoritism, fully reflecting Guilliman's protection of his sons. He did not simply emphasize the iron laws of the Imperium, but valued the loyalty and camaraderie of his warriors more.
"Thank you for your understanding, Primarch," Calgar said sincerely.
"That Silver Shield..." Guilliman seemed to recall, "I remember him. Over thirty years ago, he appeared on Ultramar... dealing with some matters concerning Sergeant Karlos. It seems he is not a warrior entirely bound by dogma, understanding adaptability and the scrutiny of truth. His help is crucial."
"Yes, Primarch. Without Lord Silver Shield, the consequences would have been unimaginable."
"Hmm," Guilliman nodded, "Given that, the focus now is to ensure the success of the last purification ritual. State whatever support you need. Macragge's resources will be prioritized for you."
"Currently... Lord Silver Shield believes the most important thing is Tech-Sergeant Luna's own recovery and willpower. We need time to wait," Calgar replied.
"Then give her time, give her the best medical care and support," Guilliman said decisively, "As for the Inquisition... I will personally inquire. That Inquisitor named Malachi seems a bit... overly 'proactive'."
Though the Primarch's words were calm, the implication within them made Calgar's heart tighten. Guilliman personally 'inquiring' would definitely be enough to give Inquisitor Malachi a hard time. This undoubtedly provided a powerful protective umbrella for the Ultramarines Chapter.
"As for the warrior who injured the Battle Sister..." Guilliman seemed to recall something.
"That was Dorian, Primarch. He was trying to prevent the Inquisitorial personnel from acting on their own..." Calgar quickly explained.
"I know," Guilliman waved his hand, seemingly not too concerned, "Courageous, but reckless in method. A few days in confinement, a small punishment to serve as a warning, will suffice. After all, he protected his brothers, and his intention is commendable."
This almost made light of the matter. The Primarch's partiality was already more than evident.
"Yes, Primarch!" Calgar felt greatly relieved.
"Alright," Guilliman finally said, "Keep communication open and report progress to me at any time. Remember, Marius, the destiny of the Ultramarines is decided by the Ultramarines themselves. But at the same time, do not fail the expectations of the Emperor and the Imperium. Maintain the proper balance."
"Understood! I will not fail your trust, Primarch!" Calgar straightened his body and solemnly promised.
The communication ended. The holographic projection dissipated, and Chapter Master Calgar let out a long sigh, feeling as if a thousand-pound burden had been lifted from his shoulders. With the Primarch's clear support and favoritism, he had the greatest confidence to face the coming situation.
He immediately left the communication sanctum and conveyed the Primarch's instructions, appropriately streamlined, to Lieutenant Gorden and several core Company Captains. As the news spread, the atmosphere among the Chapter's high command noticeably brightened.
In the days that followed, everyone's focus was on preparing for Luna's final purification ritual. The medical team monitored her vital signs and soul fluctuations twenty-four hours a day, ensuring she was in optimal condition. The Tech-Sergeants repeatedly checked the force fields and energy supply of the isolation chamber, ensuring nothing was left to chance.
Lieutenant Gorden practically lived near the quarantine zone, constantly watching for any subtle changes. Dorian also became much more subdued; although he still disliked the Inquisition personnel, he at least no longer clamored to "smash their heads," but silently polished his Thunder Hammer and Storm Shield, as if preparing for some unknown battle.
Karlos often came outside the quarantine zone, silently watching Luna through the observation window. His heart was still filled with guilt, but more so with a firm belief—he had to save her.
The Silver Shield Grand Master, meanwhile, spent most of his time on the "Fire of Purity," conducting complex psychic simulations and ritual preparations with the Grey Knights to ensure the success rate of the final purification.
In the core area of the Macragge's Honour, the air seemed to solidify into crystals, each second as heavy as lead. The moment for the final purification ritual had finally arrived.
The antechamber outside the highest isolation chamber had been converted into a temporary psychic sanctuary. Ancient runes were carved into the floor and walls, emitting a faint silver-blue glow that shimmered in concert with the psychic patterns on the Grey Knights' armor. The air was thick with a peculiar mixture of ozone and incense, solemn and oppressive.
Grand Master Silver Shield stood in the center of the sanctuary, with six other Grey Knights standing solemnly in a hexagram formation. They were silent as statues, their silver-grey armor reflecting a cold sheen under the cool light. Powerful psychic fluctuations flowed and resonated silently between them, subtly distorting the surrounding air.
Inside the isolation chamber, Luna had been awakened in advance. Her face was still pale, but her eyes were exceptionally clear and firm. She knew well what she was about to face, and she understood the cost of failure. She felt no fear, only a near-pious resolve. For her comrades who had protected her at all costs, for the Chapter's honor, and for herself, she had to succeed.
Lieutenant Golden, Gaius, Dorian, and Chapter Master Calgar all stood outside the observation room, gazing inward through the thick transparent steel. Their hearts were equally tense, their fists unconsciously clenched, and their breathing significantly softened.
Dorian was so nervous that he constantly rubbed his hands, silently muttering the holy names of the Emperor and the Primarch, and every blessing he could think of.
"Ready? Tech-Sergeant?" Grand Master Silver Shield's ancient and cold voice came through the communicator into the isolation chamber.
Luna took a deep breath and nodded firmly: "Ready to begin, Grand Master Sir."
"Very good. Hold fast to your will, remember your loyalty. No matter what you hear, what you see, what you feel, you must not waver. We shall guide the Emperor's pure light to dispel the last of the defilement for you." Silver Shield's voice carried an undeniable power.
"For the Emperor, for Ultramar." Luna responded in a low voice, closing her eyes and sinking her entire mind inward, constructing the most solid wall of will.
Grand Master Silver Shield slowly raised his hands, and the other six Grey Knights simultaneously made corresponding gestures. Low and obscure gothic prayers began to sound, no longer a chant, but more like a resonance from the depths of the soul, each syllable imbued with immense power.
Seven pure silver-white psychic light columns suddenly rose from the Grey Knights, converging at the top of the sanctuary to form an incredibly dazzling, yet incredibly gentle, orb of light. The entire antechamber was illuminated as if by day; the light was not harsh, but carried a sacred aura that purified all defilement and healed all wounds.
"In the Emperor's name, purify!" Grand Master Silver Shield let out a low roar like thunder!
The massive silver-white orb of light suddenly shot out a beam of extremely condensed light, precisely penetrating the isolation field and completely enveloping Luna, who lay on the medical bed!
"Ugh—!"
Even with preparation, Luna still let out an uncontrollable groan of pain! The sensation was no longer burning or tearing, but more like an indescribable, ultimate experience of being thoroughly "cleansed" from the deepest part of her soul! Every inch of flesh, every cell, and even every fiber of her soul, had nowhere to hide under that pure light, undergoing the most thorough scrutiny and purification!
The extremely faint mark of Chaos on her forehead, like residual ice thrown into a furnace, began to violently fluctuate and twist, attempting its final struggle! Tiny, yet still incredibly malicious, tendrils of dark purple energy were forcibly expelled from the mark, then let out a silent scream in the silver-white light, utterly annihilated!
However, at this most crucial moment—
Kairos Fateweaver's malicious and cunning whisper, like the coldest venomous snake, once again echoed directly in the depths of her soul! This time, it was no longer a vague temptation, but the most direct and cruel attack!
"Foolish mortal... do you think you can escape my master's mark like this?"
"Look at those so-called 'brothers' outside... do they truly trust you? What they're thinking right now is probably how to 'dispose' of you, this hidden danger, if you fail, isn't it?"
"Golden... he's looked through so many files, didn't he see those records about 'failed purifications leading to the contamination of the caster'? Isn't he afraid?"
"And that Gaius... he's the culprit! He attracted my master's gaze! He harmed you! Don't you hate him?"
"Give up... embrace this power... it can let you live... even... let you get revenge on everyone who doubted you, who hurt you..."
These whispers maliciously amplified Luna's deepest fears and doubts, trying to pry open a crack at the weakest moment of her will!
Luna's body trembled violently, her brows furrowed, her teeth clenched tightly, and a trace of blood even seeped from the corner of her mouth. She was using all her willpower to resist this attack from within her soul!
Outside the observation room, Golden and Gaius and the others could not see or hear the conflict on the soul level, but they could see Luna suddenly become extremely pained, her physical reactions far exceeding any previous time! The silver-white light beam remained stable, but the resistance of the Chaos mark seemed to become unusually fierce!
"What's happening?! Luna!" Dorian couldn't help but exclaim, wishing he could rush in immediately.
"Calm down! Dorian!" Lieutenant Golden grabbed him, though his own heart was in his throat. "It's Karlos! He's making a final counterattack! Interfering with Luna's will! We must believe in her!"
Gaius stared intently into the isolation chamber, watching Luna's painful struggle, his heart aching. He knew Karlos must be attacking her, and he himself was likely one of the core subjects of those malicious whispers... boundless guilt once again overwhelmed him.
Grand Master Silver Shield also clearly sensed the anomaly. His ancient voice sounded again, penetrating the force field and pouring directly into Luna's ears: "Hold fast to your true self! Do not believe the illusions! They are all false! Remember what you fight for! Remember what you love!"
His words were like a great bell, carrying powerful psychic energy, attempting to help Luna stabilize her mind.
However, Karlos's whispers grew even more rampant: "Love? They only love the 'pure' you! If you become corrupted, will they still love you? That little xenos called Eilaas... if she knew her teacher and mother-like Luna had become a monster, would she still be as close to you as she is now?"
Eilaas's name, like a sharp thorn, plunged fiercely into Luna's mental defenses! That was the softest part of her heart!
Just as her will was on the verge of being shaken, in the nick of time—
A scene, without warning, clearly appeared in her mind.
It was during a lull in a fierce battle, the smoke of which had not yet fully dispersed. Young Eilaas was crouched beside a damaged Thunderhawk Gunship, her small face smudged with oil, awkwardly trying to tighten a loose screw with her improved small tools. She had walked over to help, but Eilaas stubbornly pushed her away.
"Luna Sir! I can do it! You said to trust my hands and my heart!" Eilaas looked up, her large Aeldari green eyes sparkling with incredibly serious light, a look of unreserved trust and reliance.
"And Dorian Sir! He promised to take me for a double portion of protein paste after I fix this!"
"And Gaius Sir! He even praised my energy wrench last time for being effective!"
"And Sergeant Golden! He said I would definitely become the best Tech-Sergeant in the future!"
"Everyone is watching me! I can't lose face!"
At that moment, the pure light in Eilaas's eyes, like the warmest sunlight, dispelled the gloom of the battlefield.
Immediately following, more scenes emerged: Dorian complaining about "kids being so troublesome" while carefully using his massive hand to lift Eilaas so she could reach higher mechanical parts. Gaius patiently answered Eilaas's various fantastical technical questions, his eyes gentle. Golden's rare approving smile when he solemnly pinned a Tech-Sergeant apprentice badge to Eilaas's chest. And... Chapter Master Sir enduring immense pressure to buy her time... And... Grand Master Silver Shield sacrificing his essence, purifying her again and again... These scenes, these memories, like the strongest shields, instantly shattered Karlos's malicious whispers!
They love me! They trust me! They never gave up on me! This isn't because of my "purity," but because I am Luna! I am their brother! I am Eilaas's teacher!
For them! I absolutely cannot fall!
An indescribable, fervent and firm power, erupted from the deepest part of Luna's soul! It was not psychic energy, but the purest, most powerful light of will! It was the pinnacle that human emotion and belief could reach!
"Get out!" Luna roared silently in her heart! Her will, like adamantium tempered a thousand times, became incredibly brilliant and solid!
The last trace of resistance from the Chaos mark, under the impact of this powerful light of will originating from within her, evaporated and dissipated instantly, like a dewdrop in the sun!
Buzz—!
The silver-white light beam also reached its peak, then slowly weakened and dissipated.
Inside the antechamber, the Grey Knights simultaneously withdrew their psychic energy, and Grand Master Silver Shield even swayed slightly, clearly having expended a great deal of energy.
Inside the isolation chamber, the light faded. Luna collapsed weakly onto the medical bed, completely exhausted as if she had been pulled from water. But the skin on her forehead was as smooth as before—the hideous Chaos eight-pointed star mark had completely vanished without a trace! Not even a scar was left!
At the same time, a faint but incredibly pure, warm, and strange sensation, like a breeze, swept through the hearts of Grand Master Silver Shield and all the Grey Knights. The sensation was fleeting, yet it made all of them tremble, as if they had heard an incomprehensible sigh and... approval? from some distant shore.
Grand Master Silver Shield suddenly looked up, staring into the void, a flicker of unbelievable shock and... awe in his cold eye lenses. He was silent for a moment, then slowly and extremely solemnly made the Aquila sign over his chest.
Outside the observation room, there was a deathly silence.
Until the medical instruments emitted a steady beeping sound, indicating that all of Luna's vital signs, though weak, were completely stable, and all abnormal psychic fluctuations and Chaos contamination indices had returned to zero!
It succeeded! It completely succeeded!
Boom! The observation room instantly erupted in a huge, relieved cheer and roar!
"It worked! Emperor above! It worked!" Dorian was the first to jump up, like a giant child, excitedly waving his arms and legs, slamming his fist hard against the nearby wall, which triggered another alarm.
Company Commander Hansson let out a long, long sigh of relief, leaning against the observation window as if completely drained, a smile of extreme exhaustion yet immense relief on his face, his eyes even a little moist.
Gaius's tightly clenched fists finally loosened. He looked at Luna, who was sleeping peacefully inside, and a huge, ineffable sense of relief and joy surged through him, making him almost unable to stand.
Even the usually steady Chapter Master Calgar couldn't help but vigorously pump his fist, his eyes filled with excitement and pride.
Grand Master Silver Shield slowly walked out of the antechamber. His steps were slightly weary, but his posture remained upright.
"Grand Master!" Company Commander Hansson immediately went to meet him, his voice choked with emotion, "Words cannot express our gratitude! The Ultramarines will forever remember your kindness!"
Grand Master Silver Shield waved his hand, his voice still ancient, but seemingly with a hint of undetectable... warmth?: "It was not our doing. What ultimately dispelled the last root of that mark was her own... incredible light of will. The Emperor... perhaps also cast a tiny bit of attention."
He paused, then added: "The contamination has been completely removed. Her soul, having been tempered by this ordeal, is even purer and more resilient than before. She will recover after a period of rest."
With that, he said no more, and slowly left with the Grey Knights. Their mission was complete.
News spread like wildfire throughout the entire battleship. The long-suppressed atmosphere was instantly replaced by cheers and joy! Tech-Sergeant Luna was saved!
Hours later, the quarantine was lifted. Luna's sickroom was crowded with visitors.
Dorian was the first to rush in, seeing Luna's weak but clear eyes and her smooth forehead. This man of steel couldn't help but get red-eyed, grinning foolishly, yet unable to utter a single word, only repeating, "It's great... it's great...".
Luna looked at him, smiled faintly, and softly said, "Thank you, Dorian. And... I heard you broke another wall?"
Dorian immediately scratched his head awkwardly, eliciting a round of good-natured laughter from everyone.
Gaius walked to the bedside, looking at Luna, a thousand words stuck in his chest, finally condensing into one: "...I'm sorry, and... welcome back, Luna."
Luna shook her head, her eyes gentle and firm: "That wasn't your fault, Gaius. We are a squad, we bear everything together. I'm back."
Lieutenant Golden stood a little further away, watching this scene, a truly relaxed smile, unseen for a long time, appearing on his face.
Just then, a small head peeked in through the door; it was Eilaas. She seemed to have heard that Lady Luna had returned from 'a business trip,' but also that she was sick, so she secretly ran over, holding her latest, sparkling miniature Power Fist.
"Lady Luna!" Eilaas's small face immediately fell when she saw Luna's weak appearance. Her eyes reddened, and she ran over, cautiously asking, "Are you sick? Is it serious?"
Looking at Eilaas's face, full of worry and innocence, Luna's heart was filled with warmth. She reached out and gently stroked Eilaas's hair, softly saying, "I'm fine now, and I'll get better soon."
Only then did Eilaas break into a smile, proudly beginning to show off how amazing her new invention was.
Watching this warm scene, everyone smiled. The dark cloud that had hung over the Ultramarines Chapter finally completely dispersed.
Loyalty and camaraderie ultimately triumphed over the demon's schemes. After this ordeal, the bonds of the First Squad, and indeed the entire Third Company, became even stronger.
However, what no one knew was that deep within the Warp, Kairos Fateweaver's two heads simultaneously wore a twisted and meaningful smile.
"An interesting struggle... a shining will... Alas, the game has only just begun..."
The whisper slowly dissipated into the endless chaos.
Inside the ward, the warm atmosphere gradually settled. Luna's energy had not yet recovered after all; prolonged conversation and emotional fluctuations caused fatigue to reappear on her face. Although Eilaas still wanted to stick with Luna, she also obediently realized that Luna needed rest.
"Lady Luna, you should get some good sleep first!" Eilaas carefully picked up her sparkling miniature Power Fist. "When you're better, I'll teach you how to use it to smash bad guys' heads!" She waved her small fist, making a fierce expression, but unfortunately, paired with her tender face, it had no deterrent effect and instead looked especially adorable.
Luna smiled weakly and nodded gently: "Okay, thank you, Eilaas."
Lieutenant Golden stepped forward and gently said to Eilaas, "Eilaas, let Luna rest well. I happen to have something to see Company Commander Hansson about; you can come out with me."
"Yes, Lieutenant Golden!" Eilaas immediately straightened her small body, responding like a little soldier, then reluctantly glanced at Luna again before following Golden out of the ward, looking back every few steps.
In the corridor, Lieutenant Golden watched Eilaas follow closely beside him, his gaze involuntarily falling on the exquisitely structured, significantly improved miniature Power Fist in her hand. He had noticed this little thing in the ward earlier, and now, upon closer inspection, its design concept was indeed extraordinary, perfectly balancing power and portability.
"Eilaas," Lieutenant Golden slowed his pace, "could I take a closer look at your... 'little darling'?"
"Of course!" Eilaas immediately offered the gauntlet like a treasure, her small face full of pride. "Lieutenant Golden, look, I've improved the energy conduction lines, used more efficient capacitors, and redesigned the joint cushioning structure! Although it's still very small, its power is much greater than before! And it doesn't affect finger movement at all!" She chattered on, her eyes sparkling with the unique light of a tech enthusiast.
Lieutenant Golden took the gauntlet; it was heavy in his hand, but the weight distribution was excellent. He carefully examined every detail, becoming more and more surprised. This was by no means a child's toy; its design philosophy even surpassed many standard-issue equipment. He immediately thought of the Chapter's Tech-Sergeants—they often needed to handle repair tasks and sudden close combat simultaneously on the battlefield. Standard Power Fists were too cumbersome, while laser pistols or plasma pistols seemed insufficient in terms of power during close quarters. Eilaas's invention perfectly filled this gap!
"You've done an excellent job, Eilaas," Lieutenant Golden praised sincerely. He knelt down, looking at the girl's eyes at eye level. "I'd like to take it to Company Commander Hek Hansson to show him, if that's okay? This might be very helpful to our Chapter."
Hearing the Lieutenant's praise and affirmation, Eilaas's eyes instantly lit up like stars. She nodded vigorously: "Yes! Of course, you can! It would be great if it could help everyone!"
"Good girl." Lieutenant Golden stroked her head, then contacted Company Commander Hek Hansson of the Third Company, briefly explaining the situation before taking Eilaas and her precious invention directly to the Company Commander's office.
Company Commander Hek Hansson was initially somewhat dismissive when he heard that the Lieutenant had specifically come for a "small invention." But when Lieutenant Golden placed the miniature Power Fist on his desk and explained its design features and potential uses in detail, the Company Commander, known for his bravery and pragmatism, immediately took it seriously.
He personally picked up the gauntlet to examine it, even calling in an on-duty Tech-Sergeant for a preliminary assessment. The results were exciting; the Tech-Sergeant highly praised the gauntlet's design, especially appreciating its clever structure and practicality.
"Incredible..." Company Commander Hek Hansson looked at Eilaas, whose small face was flushed from nervousness and anticipation. "Did you really complete this independently?"
"Mostly! Lady Luna taught me a lot of basics before! And Sir Dorian helped me test its sturdiness!" Eilaas answered loudly, not forgetting to mention those who had helped her.
"Well done, little one!" Company Commander Hek Hansson rarely showed such an appreciative smile. "The value of this thing might be beyond your imagination. Come on, let's go see the Chapter Master immediately!"
The importance of the matter escalated again. Company Commander Hek Hansson personally held the gauntlet, leading Lieutenant Golden and Eilaas directly to Chapter Master Marius Calgar's command center.
Chapter Master Calgar had just finished processing the follow-up reports on the Luna incident and was in a good mood. Seeing the Company Commander and the Lieutenant arrive together, accompanied by the adopted Dark Eldar little girl, he couldn't help but be curious.
"Chapter Master," Company Commander Hek Hansson didn't waste time with pleasantries, directly presenting the miniature Power Fist. "Please take a look at this. This is Eilaas's design and improvement."
Chapter Master Calgar took the gauntlet; his vision was far more astute than the Company Commander's. In just a moment, his face showed the same surprised expression as Lieutenant Golden initially, then turned to deep interest and admiration.
"Energy output efficiency... structural stability... ergonomics..." he murmured, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns on the gauntlet. "Ingenious! Very ingenious! This is almost a tailor-made close-combat defensive weapon for Tech-Sergeants and frontline personnel who need frequent fine manipulation!"
He looked up, his gaze burning as he looked at Eilaas: "Eilaas, is this truly your work?"
Facing the Chapter Master, Eilaas was visibly more nervous, her small body stiff and straight, but her voice was still loud: "Yes... yes! Chapter Master Sir! I... I like making these things!"
"Very good! Excellent!" Chapter Master Calgar did not stint on his praise. "Your talent and effort are commendable. This design will be of great benefit to our Chapter."
He pondered for a moment, then issued an order: "Lieutenant Golden."
"Here, Chapter Master!"
"You are responsible for providing Eilaas with all necessary resources and authority, assisting her in further refining this design, conducting standardized tests, and developing a feasible mass production plan. If manpower is needed, capable personnel can be drawn from the Tech-Sergeants to form a project team. I hope to see a mature product ready for deployment as soon as possible."
"Understood! Mission accomplished!" Lieutenant Golden immediately accepted the order, also feeling happy for Eilaas.
Eilaas's small face was even redder with excitement; she hadn't expected her small invention to receive such high praise and attention from the Chapter Master! She felt like she was floating.
"Thank you, Chapter Master Sir! I will definitely work hard!" she promised loudly.
However, just as the Chapter's upper echelons rejoiced over a new invention that could potentially enhance the Chapter's strength, another dangerous undercurrent was stirring.
After Dorian learned that Luna was completely safe, the biggest stone weighing on his heart finally fell. After the euphoria and relief, another emotion quickly took hold of him—that was burning anger towards the Inquisition, especially that daemon Inquisitor Malachi and his subordinates.
If it weren't for those bastards trying to secretly abduct Luna, things wouldn't have escalated to such a tense point! Although Luna ultimately benefited from the misfortune (as he saw it), this debt had to be settled!
This brute began to use his not-so-clever mind, racking his brains to figure out how to "deal with" those Inquisition members he found disagreeable—Inquisitor Malachi, those pompous Stormtroopers, and those overly fanatical Battle Sisters who almost harmed Luna—without anyone knowing.
"Can't let anyone know... can't leave evidence..." Dorian paced in his cabin, like an agitated bull trapped in a cage. "Can't use a hammer... too obvious... poison? I don't know how... backstab? They're definitely on guard against that..."
Countless simple, crude, and flawed plans flashed through his mind, each idea rejected by himself, which made him even more frustrated. "Damn it! Is there no way to teach those bastards a lesson?!"
He even thought about whether to talk to Gaius about it. Gaius was smart. But this thought was extinguished as soon as it arose. No, Gaius was too upright; he would definitely not agree to such "underhanded" tactics. Lieutenant Golden was out of the question; he would surely be confined.
"I have to rely on myself..." Dorian clenched his fist, as big as a sandbag, his eyes gleaming with stubborn and dangerous light. "I must find a way... to teach them a harsh lesson, and yet give them no handle to grasp... ideally, to make them suffer in silence..."
He was immersed in his "revenge plan," completely unaware of how dangerous and reckless his thoughts were. If any of his foolish plans were actually implemented, regardless of success, it could very likely trigger a full-scale conflict between the Chapter and the Inquisition, completely shattering the fragile balance that Chapter Master and Grand Master Silver Shield had painstakingly maintained.
On the other side, after arranging Eilaas's affairs, taking her back to the Tech-Sergeant's workshop and reminding her to rest well, Lieutenant Golden did not feel completely at ease.
He knew Dorian as well as the lines on his own palm. That brute was definitely not one to silently endure a wrong. Previously, because Luna's situation was critical, Dorian could barely suppress his anger. Now that Luna was fine, with his vengeful nature, he would definitely find ways to cause trouble for those people from the Inquisition.
Lieutenant Golden rubbed his temples, feeling a headache. He had to keep a close eye on Dorian, absolutely not letting him cause any more trouble. The Chapter had just weathered a major storm and truly couldn't endure any more turmoil. He decided to immediately go "have a talk" with Dorian, and if necessary, even consider arranging some "high-intensity training" to exhaust his excess energy.
Within the warship, hope and vitality were blossoming, while potential crises still surged in the shadows. Maintaining this hard-won peace required everyone's restraint and wisdom.