Deep within the Tomb World.
Sutton let out a long sigh.
Since the biotransference of eons past, he had never thought that one day he would be able to feel such vivid emotions once again.
It was a sense of relief born from an utter, wordless absurdity—the kind where one simply cannot find the strength to laugh.
At this moment, the Cryptek was seated within the cockpit of a vehicle he had crafted with his own hands: a Doomsday Ark.
This vehicle represented the pinnacle of Necron technology, a weapon that only high-ranking nobles had the right to pilot into battle. Its power core consisted of a singularity ripped from the heart of a dying star. In combat, it could draw energy from this core and unleash devastating firepower through its hyper-dimensional singularity array.
With several improvements added by the Cryptek himself, this unique Doomsday Ark even possessed the hyperspace communication capabilities of an Overlord's Command Barge, allowing him to command and mobilize his troops as easily as moving his own limbs.
Within the cavernous tomb hall, Sutton—having played all his cards—had deployed a full array of elite forces, including aerial units.
Necron Warriors piloting Tomb Blades hovered in the low air, patrolling back and forth. Several Night Scythes and Doom Scythes hung suspended in the high ceiling as if frozen, their underslung heavy Gauss weaponry scanning the area.
On the ground below, a towering Obelisk stood solemn and majestic like an unshakeable fortress. The last remaining heavy vehicles and Necron soldiers clustered around it, while various hideous Canoptek constructs made terrifying, rhythmic noises.
The Cryptek understood that he likely wouldn't get a second chance.
No matter what, he had to completely annihilate these enemies called "Humans" right here; only then could he guarantee the safety of the Tomb World.
Just now, a deluge of bad news had arrived in succession.
The Canoptek Spyder sent to eliminate the human Psyker—equipped with specialized weaponry—had completely lost contact. The last intel confirmed that the Psyker and that humanoid "Ork" (the Domitar) had successfully regrouped.
On the other side, the Necron soldiers sent to block the enemy's main squad had performed abysmally. Sometimes, they disappeared from Sutton's command hierarchy before they even had time to transmit data back.
The enemy, now fully regrouped and freed from the confusion of being scattered by void-teleportation, was driving straight into the heart of his territory without a moment's hesitation. They were at the gates.
Sutton was so exasperated he almost laughed.
The last time I was pushed to such an extent... was it during the War in Heaven?
Seriously, if humans were this strong, why didn't anyone say so earlier?
It wasn't that he was ignorant of the Imperium.
Since bringing those civilians to his laboratory, Sutton had searched their memories to piece together the full picture of the "Human Imperium." The conclusion he had reached was merely that of a decaying empire intoxicated by false faith.
How could a mere exploration squad possess such ridiculous combat power?
If you have this kind of technology, why don't you take care of your own citizens first!
What?
The Necrontyr were also a class-stratified mess where the nobles lived in space stations while the lower classes lived in mud huts during the interstellar era?
...Never mind then.
[Incoming Communication]
Sutton snapped back to reality and accepted the transmission.
"Wait a moment, are you actually preparing for a final showdown with those humans?"
Trazyn sounded quite surprised. "Have you considered other options? To be honest, the strength of this human squad is truly uncanny. Are you sure you won't reconsider?You're a necron! Think logically!
Even if you don't agree to let my troops reinforce you via the Eternity Gate, it's not like you can't make a strategic retreat through this wormhole. My Tomb World is vast; it has plenty of room for your assets."
Heh.
Is there any difference between the two?
Sutton didn't bother listening to the rogue's persuasion and spoke plainly.
"I will not agree."
"Why?" Trazyn was clearly puzzled.
"Because I must achieve my goal. I will reverse the biotransference. I can no longer endure this cold, mechanical body," Sutton said calmly. "Once I lose everything in this Tomb World and the resource support it provides, that dream will likely perish with it. Are you truly willing to support my research at any cost?"
Understanding the Cryptek's resolve, Trazyn fell silent.
Biotransference was the source of agony for most Necrons. Losing their flesh meant no capacity for reproduction; the entire civilization had no future. Furthermore, their mechanical cores had become increasingly unreliable for unknown reasons, often resulting in memory loss and drastic personality shifts.
If one day all Necrons became nothing more than cold, unfeeling machines, then the last echoes of the Necrontyr civilization would vanish forever.
However, Trazyn hadn't expected his old friend to be so deeply obsessed.
"Fine. I respect your wishes," Trazyn finally said.
"Thank you. But do not worry; I still have my final trump card."
Unfazed by the heavy topic, Sutton spoke with a hint of ease. "Even if the enemy is strong enough to fight through such a terrifying formation, everything will be fine as long as the C'tan Shard launches its attack."
"Still, you should use it with caution," Trazyn shook his head, offering one last piece of advice. "If the hyper-dimensional prison is damaged and that C'tan Shard escapes, you will be in massive trouble. The damage to the Tomb World would not be minor either."
"Yes, I understand."
Sutton nodded.
The two fell silent.
As time passed, Adam and his group arrived as expected.
BOOM!
A deafening explosion suddenly rang out.
At the entrance of the hall, the entire tomb gate seemed to turn into a massive explosive. Under the power of a Quantum Annihilator, the subatomic gaps within the gate released immense potential energy, blowing it apart!
A dozen Cybernetica robots formed a battle line, using their unique personal void shields to protect Adam and the others in the center as they stepped forward slowly.
Adam was clearly surprised that they hadn't encountered a wall of fire upon entering, and he signaled for the others to halt.
However, upon seeing the Necron formation within the hall, they quickly identified the threats. Everyone immediately went on high alert.
Battle was imminent.
Yet, through some sort of amplification device, the Cryptek's voice echoed from the hovering Doomsday Ark above.
"I am the Cryptek of the Ignatius Dynasty, Sutton the Void-Bringer."
Sutton spoke: "Humans, why don't we talk first? Why have you invaded the Tomb World where I slumber?"