"Today is your end, Fulgrim. Repay your past sins."
Guilliman roared, stepping forward, his eyes burning with the fury of vengeance.
He wanted to settle the many matters from ten thousand years ago.
To avenge his father, Ferrus, and all those who died tragically, by striking down Fulgrim.
At this moment, a terrifying storm of fire suddenly struck, interwoven with bolter rounds, followed by plasma heat streams, dazzling melta beams, and malevolent energy from the Warp.
A group of Noise Marines had arrived on the battlefield at some unknown time.
They unleashed a deadly barrage of fire upon Guilliman.
"Shelter."
Alex's Staff of Retribution sharply struck the ground, and terrifying psychic energy instantly erupted.
A golden shield appeared before him and Guilliman, completely neutralizing and annihilating all incoming ranged attacks from the enemy.
"Protect the Primarch."
A Noise Marine shrieked.
Fulgrim lay on the ground, twitching, his screams of pain ear-piercing.
His father's power was destroying his immortal daemon body.
At the same time, another equally powerful force was entering his body, repairing it.
The wounds were scorching hot, and the pain was excruciating, unbearable even for a Primarch.
But vaguely, Fulgrim felt pleasure and stimulation from this burning agony.
Slaanesh's blessing was thus enhanced, and more Warp energy surged into Fulgrim's body.
Noise Marines and Slaanesh Daemons swarmed forward, surrounding Fulgrim, attempting to carry away the wounded Daemon Primarch.
"For the Emperor, fire!"
The Warmaster shouted, raising his arm.
The numerous Players who had followed Alex opened fire in retaliation, while others directly activated the swords and axes in their hands and charged into melee combat.
For a time, bolters roared, melta flew, and both sides became embroiled in a chaotic struggle.
"Fulgrim!"
The enraged Guilliman roared, striding towards the Daemon Primarch who was being dragged away by the enemy.
The Noise Marines and Slaanesh Daemons along the way let out bizarre howls, throwing themselves at Guilliman one after another, intending to buy time.
Guilliman wielded the Emperor's Sword, slaughtering the charging enemies, cleaving them all into fragments.
Fulgrim tried to stand up and counterattack Guilliman, but the wounds on his abdomen and severed hand were excruciatingly painful.
The more Slaanesh's blessing he received, the more painful his wounds became.
Two different wills were battling within his body, using it as their battlefield.
Soon, Fulgrim could no longer think, nor could he react to the battlefield situation.
No amount of Warp energy could repair the damage inflicted by his father's sword.
The scorching pain and indescribable pleasure overwhelmed his remaining sanity.
A Noise Marine opened his mouth, unleashing a piercing shriek.
Layers of sound waves formed deadly ripples.
Two Players instantly exploded, turning into crimson blood mist.
A faint ripple emanated from Guilliman's protective field, completely neutralizing the sound waves.
Subsequently, the Primarch cleaved the Noise Marine in half with a single sword stroke.
The Daemons and traitorous warriors were powerless to resist Guilliman's wrath, turning into fragments in the Primarch's fury.
The battle intensified, with Slaanesh Daemons continuously manifesting.
They appeared as illusions of seductive maidens, but were in fact Daemonettes composed of slender bodies, sharp claws, and mouths full of fangs.
Seekers, riding steeds that resembled a hybrid of anteaters and raptors, possessed incredibly high attack speed.
Various types of Slaanesh Daemons continuously surged from the Warp behind the veil, joining the battlefield, sacrificing themselves to retrieve the Prince of Pleasure's favored one.
"These guys are really… well-endowed," Little Fatty exclaimed, widening his eyes. "No wonder they're called Daemonettes; they're certainly lustful."
He controlled the exoskeleton armor Cawl had previously modified for him.
Numerous weapons fired simultaneously, creating terrifying firepower that pulverized the enemies.
"They're all giant cows," September Ninth whispered. "No wonder everyone wants to play with Slaanesh. Even I feel tempted just looking at them."
"You're thinking too much," Krieg said. "They're all hermaphroditic. When a slipper-wearing guy says 'top your lung,' he's probably insulting you. When a Slaanesh Daemon says 'top your lung,' they're speaking literally."
"That makes it even more exciting," September Ninth chuckled mischievously. "When will the Guide lead us into Slaanesh's domain, so we can have a three-hundred-round battle with these damned, well-endowed cows?!"
"..."
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Several charging Daemonettes were blown to smithereens. Their beautiful illusions vanished, leaving only charred, twisted corpses.
"So ugly," Little Fatty complained. "They have illusions when alive, but show their true forms when dead."
"Slaanesh Daemons' illusions are comparable to a woman's beauty camera,"
September Ninth's words made everyone laugh.
The Players discussed amongst themselves, but showed no mercy.
They could see the true forms of these Daemonettes; they were indeed well-endowed.
But if a single body had seven or eight well-endowed features and a mouth full of fangs, no one could truly fall in love with them.
Players were lustful, but far from perverse.
Guilliman was blocked by the numerous Slaanesh Daemons.
No matter how he swung his sword, he found it difficult to cut a bloody path to Fulgrim's side.
Alex, nearby, was also engaged in a bitter struggle. The number of Daemons was increasing, and among them were some powerful entities.
Not only Slaanesh Daemons, but also Khorne and Tzeentch daemon armies surged into the battlefield.
Alex's side quickly found themselves at a disadvantage in terms of numbers.
If not for the three daemon armies also fighting and slaughtering each other, Alex and his group would have fallen into desperate straits.
"You must leave."
A voice echoed in Alex's and Guilliman's minds.
"Who are you?" Guilliman asked.
"I am your ally, Shyrllian, the Shadow Seer of the Masque of the Veiled Path. You may call me Shyrllian."
"There is a path within the Blackstone Fortress that can take you from the Webway to Holy Terra (Earth/Reality). I will Guide you along that path."
Guilliman looked at Alex, asking for his opinion.
"You have to go to Holy Terra (Earth/Reality)," Alex spoke telepathically in Guilliman's mind. "We can't waste any more time here."
The Primarch nodded.
He looked at Fulgrim, who was being carried away, his eyes filled with rage.
But he knew he had no chance.
Even though the opponent had fallen, he only needed one more sword strike.
He could not act as rashly as he did ten thousand years ago, charging recklessly without regard for the consequences in his desire for revenge against his traitorous brothers.
Returning to Holy Terra (Earth/Reality), to his father's side, was of paramount importance.
"Cortana, select two-thirds of the Players to cover our retreat. The rest will follow me," Alex communicated with Cortana mentally.
Their souls were bound together, allowing them to communicate even across great distances.
"Understood, Master."
As her voice fell, a new mission updated in the Players' data logs.
[Mission: Blockade/Withdrawal.
The enemy's offensive is growing fiercer. To continue fighting will lead to total annihilation. Protecting the Primarch's arrival at Holy Terra (Earth/Reality) is of utmost importance.
A portion of Players will remain to block the enemy, buying time for the Imperial Loyalists' retreat.
A portion will follow the Guide on a difficult journey, fighting to protect the Primarch.
This mission is a continuation of the support mission. Refusal or disobedience of mission assignments will result in punishment based on the losses incurred by such actions, with the highest penalty being account suspension and permanent blacklisting.
Basic Reward: 55,000 Contribution Points, 5,000 Honor Points, 10,000 Faith Points.
Bonus Reward: Calculated based on kills and contributions.
]
The Players received different missions.
"Well, I got the blockade mission," Little Fatty said with some regret. "I was hoping to visit Holy Terra (Earth/Reality)!"
"No need to rush," September Ninth comforted him. "Once the Guide reaches Holy Terra (Earth/Reality), a new map will definitely open up."
"September Ninth is right," Krieg agreed.
The Players quickly took action.
The Players assigned to the blockade took over the positions of those departing, holding back the frenzied daemon tide.
"What about the fleet?" Guilliman asked Alex.
"I will have Cortana assist, and some God Chosen have also gone to Macragge's Honour. They will ensure the Fabricator General's safe departure."
"Moreover, the enemy's target is you, not the fleet. If you leave, the Daemon Primarchs will surely pursue you. Their fleets, without restraint, will surely turn on each other, which will instead create an opportunity for our fleet to break through."
The Chaos Gods all desired to destroy each other, and this will influenced all their minions and followers.
If they found an opportunity to attack each other's minions, they would certainly not give it up.
This battle was destined to devolve into chaos. If properly commanded, the Imperial fleet would surely be able to withdraw safely.
If Guilliman insisted on returning to the fleet, he might instead become the focus of concentrated fire.
"Alright," the Primarch sighed, beginning to withdraw from the battlefield.
"Cortana, it's up to you. Assist the Fabricator General in bringing the fleet back."
"Don't worry, Master. Cortana is omnipotent. Watch Cortana beat up these fools."
Alex said no more, but mentally gave Cortana a thumbs-up.
Sicarius and the others also withdrew from the battlefield, leaving it to the remaining Players.
They proceeded deeper into the Blackstone Fortress.
The Blackstone Fortress was magnificent, with intricate and complex internal passages.
Its core was rarely ventured into even by the Red Corsairs.
After some time, the sounds of battle gradually faded.
An Eldar team, like phantoms, glided into Holy Terra (Earth/Reality), entering the sight of Alex's group.
Among them were several Space Marines wearing black power armor with gray robes over them.
Their shoulder pads bore the sword-wing insignia.
Guilliman immediately recognized this as the style of the First Legion from the 30K era.
Especially the leader, who also carried Lion's sword on his back.
"Is that Lord Cypher?"
The Warmaster spoke in the exclusive Player communication channel.
"Isn't it obvious? Do you see the Lion Sword on his back and the plasma pistol and bolter at his waist? Carrying a Primarch's sword, distinguishing loyalty and treachery with two guns—that's Lord Cypher," Tenjiro replied.
"By the way, what exactly is Cypher's goal?" Zhuge asked, puzzled. "Is he seeking the Emperor's redemption, or is he going to Holy Terra (Earth/Reality) to commit regicide?"
"Are those two in conflict?" Tenjiro retorted.
"Aren't they in conflict?" Zhuge couldn't understand.
"Of course not. The Emperor is an immortal, an unascended Fifth God. Is there any power in the Warhammer Universe that can kill a god? Even if there is, it wouldn't be in the hands of a fallen angel. No matter how special Cypher's identity is, he won't be another god."
Tenjiro explained, "So, for the Fallen Angels, regicide might not truly be considered treason. It's about gaining the Emperor's forgiveness, then slaying the Emperor with a single sword, allowing Him to sublimate and return in death."
"No wonder they're called Fallen Angels, their ideas feel quite abstract," Wan Lao said.
"Hurry, go to Caliban and call the Dark Angels, tell them there are Fallen Angels here," Husky said humorously.
"Can you go to Marvel first and borrow a Time Stone from the Ancient One? Otherwise, how can we travel ten thousand years back?"
"Do we have to borrow the Time Stone? Can't we borrow a time machine? Are you discriminating against the blue Fat Man?"
"Get lost! You damned contrarian."
"You tell me to get lost, and I'll get lost? No, I won't! I'll crawl!!"
"..."
Alex could also hear the Players chatting.
They could always stray from one topic to another.
But their words also reminded him that Cypher was here because he wanted to follow Guilliman to see the Emperor.
"Primarch, Saint."
An Aeldari walked out, bowing to Alex and Guilliman, removing her helmet to reveal a beautiful face.
It was Shyrllian, the Guide who had communicated with them telepathically earlier.
"Thank you for your guidance, Guide Shyrllian," Guilliman said.
"This is our duty. Ensuring your arrival at Holy Terra (Earth/Reality) is the shared wish of both our races," Shyrllian replied.
"Are these with you?" Guilliman looked at the Dark Angels wearing power armor in the 30K style.
"They are part of fate," Shyrllian said ambiguously.
"Sons of Lion, what do you wish to say?" Guilliman asked.
"Take us to Holy Terra (Earth/Reality)," the leading Dark Angel said. "We will provide assistance."
"To Holy Terra (Earth/Reality)?" Guilliman frowned. "What do you want to do on Holy Terra (Earth/Reality)?"
"This involves an ancient secret and truth; please forgive me for not being able to tell you," Cypher shook his head, appearing mysterious.
Before Guilliman could answer, Alex spoke first.
"Lord Cypher, it's not the time yet. Leave. The journey to Holy Terra (Earth/Reality) will be of no use to you."
The leading Dark Angel's figure visibly stiffened.
He hadn't expected the other party to recognize him directly.
"No matter what, we should try," Lord Cypher said. "No matter how bad things get, they won't be worse than they are now."
"No, they can get worse," Alex said. "Wait until your father returns before making any further decisions."
"My father?" Cypher's tone rose. "You know him? Where is he?"
"This involves an ancient secret and truth; please forgive me for not being able to tell you."
Alex's words made Cypher so frustrated he wanted to vomit blood.
Well, speaking in riddles is indeed quite hateful.
"When the time is right, the Lord of the First Legion will return from that forest to complete his unfinished mission."
Alex added, "Now, what you need to do is leave this place and await the summons of your gene-father, instead of going to Holy Terra (Earth/Reality) to do something whose consequences you cannot foresee."
Cypher fell silent, and after a long time, he finally spoke.
"We will meet again, Saint. In the prison ahead, there are still a few Imperial loyalists imprisoned by Black Heart King Huron. If you can save them, you will gain a little help."
After leaving these words, Cypher turned and left decisively.
The other Fallen Angels followed closely.
Shyrllian looked at Alex with some surprise, not expecting him to make Lord Cypher leave with just a few words.
The secrets surrounding Lord Cypher involve the Aeldari's creators and his ability to freely enter and exit the Webway.
This is also why Cypher can travel throughout the galaxy.
Footsteps came from afar, and a Red Corsairs squad appeared at the end of the corridor, opening fire on Alex's group.
The Players and Sicarius's personal guard also raised their boltguns, sweeping the enemy.
And further away, more Red Corsairs and Daemons had appeared and were rushing towards Alex and his group.
"We need to leave quickly," Shyrllian walked at the front, with the other Harlequins following closely.
Alex and Guilliman led the team and followed.
In the core of the Blackstone Fortress, the ancient technology, after an unknown amount of time, was still operating in an orderly fashion, maintaining the path to the Webway.
But more and more Daemons surrounded them, attacking the retreating group.
To keep Guilliman, these Daemons chose to temporarily cease fighting among themselves and instead deal with the pilgrimage party.
Blessing,
Sanctuary,
Fanaticism,
Roar,
Prayer,
...
Faithful Frenzy.
Light constantly erupted from Alex, scattering onto the Imperial loyalist warriors, stacking buffs on them and increasing their combat power.
Guilliman and the others roared repeatedly, firing and sweeping without pause.
They forcibly tore open a passage through the enemy's encirclement.
During this time, the team unexpectedly rescued the prisoners Lord Cypher had mentioned.
Each one was an Imperial hero, including a significant figure: the current Chapter Master of the White Scars, Jubal Khan.
He was also a renowned Imperial hero, having participated in the Third War for Armageddon and achieved countless merits.
To avenge the Red Corsairs' invasion of his homeworld, he led his Warband in a counterattack against Black Heart King Huron.
He successfully destroyed many of the enemy's warships and space stations but was trapped while detonating a space station occupied by Huron, leading to his capture.
He was supposed to be brought back to the fortress, but due to Fateweaver Kairos's promise, Huron rerouted to intercept Guilliman, who was on pilgrimage to Holy Terra (Earth/Reality).
Therefore, Jubal Khan was also imprisoned in the Blackstone Fortress, allowing Huron to free up his hands and fully deal with the pilgrimage expeditionary fleet.
By a twist of fate, he was unexpectedly rescued.
"Thank the Emperor, I thought I was dead. Give me a weapon, and I can fight too."
Jubal Khan was covered in wounds, but he possessed an unyielding will and high fighting spirit.
After receiving a new weapon, he joined the battle, fighting alongside many loyalists against the Red Corsairs and Daemons.
...
Maelstrom, Void Battlefield.
Cortana took over the Macragge's Honour and demonstrated her computational abilities.
She quickly calculated the enemy's weaknesses and began to systematically harvest and break through.
The Macragge's Honour's firepower was incredibly fierce; no warship, except for Magnus's 'Tizca's Revenge,' was its match.
Using her powerful computational abilities, Cortana controlled the warship and began to wreak havoc.
Boom!
A Khorne warship covered in bone spikes was destroyed, then it crashed into the belly of a Slaanesh warship, cutting it in half.
The other warships in the fleet followed behind the Macragge's Honour, assisting it in breaking open the enemy's encirclement.
"Aren't we going to pick up the Primarch?" Amaric asked Cortana.
"They have already stepped onto the Webway, heading directly to Holy Terra (Earth/Reality)," Cortana replied. "My mission is to take you all to safety and rendezvous with him on Holy Terra (Earth/Reality)."
Amaric gripped his sword, a look of worry on his face.
"Don't worry, the Saint is with the Primarch," Celestine, who also remained on the warship, said. "They will surely turn misfortune into blessing and arrive safely at Holy Terra (Earth/Reality)."
"According to calculations, their success rate of reaching Holy Terra (Earth/Reality) is 20.14% higher than ours. Let's worry about ourselves first," Cawl also said.
"Prepare for close combat," Cortana's voice rang out. "They are attempting to board."
As soon as her voice fell, a piercing alarm sounded.
The enemy had forcibly boarded the ship using boarding craft.
"Fight!" Grand Master Woldaes of the Grey Knights shouted. "Kill in the name of the Emperor!"
A fierce battle erupted on the Macragge's Honour.
Daemons, Chaos Warriors, and Imperial loyalists fought in a chaotic melee.
...
Maelstrom, Blackstone Fortress.
"For the Emperor, for glory!"
Players constantly shouted slogans, staying behind to block the enemy and buy time for the main force to evacuate.
Angron's roar sounded.
His battle with Magnus had temporarily ceased.
The Blood God had given him a new order: to hunt the head of his Primarch brother.
"Speed up, evacuate, don't linger in battle."
"Hold Angron back at all costs."
Alex continuously issued orders, telling the Players to sacrifice their lives to buy time for the main force.
"It's our turn now, brothers! It's time to fight for our glory!"
When they reached the Webway gate, Wan Lao and several other Players received orders to block the pursuers.
After activating their power armor's self-destruct devices, they formed a defensive line, firing their boltguns.
With roaring sounds, Daemon after Daemon was torn to shreds.
But their ammunition quickly ran out, forcing them to activate their melee weapons and engage in close combat.
Wan Lao held a chainaxe, roaring continuously.
The rapidly spinning chainaxe sliced through enemy bodies, and crimson blood splattered.
After another Khorne Daemon was slaughtered,
The ground shook, and Wan Lao looked up to see Angron running towards his position.
"I'm fighting a Primarch? This game is truly humorous."
"Blood for the Blood God, for the Emperor and the cows!"
Wan Lao roared.
He gripped his chainaxe tightly and began to run, charging towards Angron.
Angron swung his axe, and Wan Lao blocked the first blow, then immediately fell to his knees, spitting blood continuously.
The Daemon Primarch's power was too terrifying; he couldn't withstand it.
The next second, Angron swung the Daemon sword in his hand, cutting Wan Lao's body in half, and crimson blood gushed out.
When Wan Lao's blood landed on Angron, it made his roar pause for a moment.
This was the pure blood of a World Eater, his blood descendant.
The blood of his offspring made images of the past flash in Angron's mind.
His departed gladiator companions spoke in his ear, calling his name.
But soon, rage burned away everything again, and Angron roared to the sky, continuing to pursue Guilliman.