"I can't figure it out!!"
"The threads of fate shouldn't be developing like this!!"
Amidst the surging Warp,
the chief Great Demon's roar echoed through Immaterium's labyrinth, composed of countless crystals containing the mysteries of knowledge.
Kairos stood before the intricate loom of fate, a look of doubt on his demonic face.
The Necrons, Tyranids, and Drukhari / Dark Aeldari were all drawn by fate to the Calixis Sector.
Originally, everything was developing according to his plan.
But then, he left for just a short while, and everything went awry.
The rebel forces led by the Colin Family were obliterated by that Emperor Saint!!
Although he hadn't expected those foolish mortals to win in the first place,
he only hoped they could hold back the Emperor Saint for a period,
thereby allowing other factions to enter the Calixis Sector to create chaos and wear out the opponent.
Who would have thought these foolish mortals would lose so quickly!!
It only took a few days for them to be pierced through and wiped out.
Even if it were hundreds of millions of pigs, it would take at least a month to catch them all!!
The biggest loss was the Menagerie,
which housed numerous unique creatures born throughout various eras since the universe's inception.
And now, the glowing octagonal crystal, which served as its anchor, had fallen into the opponent's hands.
This meant that the opponent could not only freely enter the Menagerie but also release creatures that mistakenly entered it, effectively gaining partial authority.
Kairos's future-seeing mind had already foreseen the Menagerie's future:
the exotic beasts he painstakingly collected became mounts for The Cursed ones' minions,
those scoundrels used special controllers crafted with Eldar knowledge and ancient technology to enslave the exotic beasts, then gleefully rode them away.
The exotic beasts he had collected over countless years of hard work had thus become a wedding dress for the Emperor.
Thinking of this, even a Great Demon felt a surge of high blood pressure!!
It had always been them plundering the Human Empire's things,
and now it was their turn to be plundered by the Human Empire!!
"This is terrible!!"
Kairos's two bird heads showed dismay.
Not only did his plan fail to trouble the Emperor Saint, but it also resulted in heavy losses for himself.
"How could this happen??"
After nine days and nine nights of contemplation, Kairos found the answer.
"This must be the great power of my Lord, part of the Great Plan."
Kairos regained his spirits and formulated a new plan.
The Lord of Change was the most irresistible among the gods,
and he was the strongest chief Great Demon; there was no way he could lose.
Chaos spirit, never give up.
The opponent could win countless times, but he only needed to win once.
......
Malz Hive World,
the traitors' blasphemous banners were burned,
and the golden double-headed eagle banner once again flew at the highest point of this Hive World, which had once been desecrated by the dark gods.
When the Imperial forces completely purged the traitors within the Hive World and stabilized the situation,
the populace emerged from their hiding places, waving cloths and white papers adorned with double-headed eagles, cheering for the Imperial soldiers who had liberated them.
Though their clothes were tattered, their bodies emaciated from hunger, and their faces covered in dirt,
their eyes were filled with the light of hope.
The days of suffering were finally over,
and the Emperor's Light would once again shine upon all of them.
Under the gaze of the populace, Pierce and Harry, wearing their exoskeletons, straightened their backs, their faces showing pride.
The applause and cheers of the people were their reward for winning the battle; there was no reason not to enjoy it.
"It's great following the Saint; we just keep smashing those idiotic traitors all the way."
"If it were with our old officers, it would definitely be retreat, retreat, and more retreat."
Pierce really wanted to find his former officer and tell him,
"Following you for so many years wasn't as enjoyable as a few days with the Saint."
"Correction, that's not called retreating, it's called strategic redeployment."
"Of course, following the Saint means we don't have to consider that; we just advance, then win, then advance again, then win again."
"By the way, I got over ten kills this time; I should be able to get promoted to non-commissioned officer. Congratulate me quickly."
Harry was excited, envisioning the rewards he would receive.
When he retreated to the Sintilla Hive World previously, he was a Private Third Class.
After the battle of Las Forge World, he was promoted to Private First Class.
During the battle of Las Forge World, the Astartes and God Chosen were the main force.
At that time, the Atoma Astartes Legion, Titan Adeptus Mechanicus, and Knight Houses also participated in the battle.
As a small cannon fodder, when he was sent to the battlefield, the tough battles had already been fought by the front-line troops.
The enemies were in full retreat; there was no real fighting.
Their unit ended up with small tasks like escorting prisoners and guarding warehouses.
Later, he unexpectedly captured a hidden rebel non-commissioned officer, earned a small merit, and was then promoted to Private First Class.
This time was much better than the last.
When they landed, there were still a few battles to fight, allowing him to get over ten kills.
Logically, he could be promoted another rank, becoming a junior non-commissioned officer.
The Human Empire's Astra Militarum ranks are divided into Private Third Class, Private Second Class, Private First Class.
Corporal, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant,
Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain,
Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel.
A Colonel is usually a Regimental Commander or Divisional Commander,
the highest-ranking officer a small fry like Harry could ever encounter.
Harry's current most admired figure is the Saint,
and his second most admired figure is the legendary Lieutenant General Aying.
It is said that he was originally just a Captain with no background.
Later, he gained the Saint's appreciation, was entrusted with important responsibilities, and continuously won battles, rising all the way to Lieutenant General.
After this battle, he is expected to be promoted to General.
This promotion speed is like flying, sounding almost unreal.
Harry dared not dream such dreams; his wish was to reach the rank of Colonel before he died.
After this promotion, he would be a Corporal,
usually able to become a squad leader, leading a few soldiers or becoming a platoon leader.
This was a good starting point.
As long as he continued to work hard, charge on the front lines, and earn merits, he could continue to rise.
Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain…
Rising all the way, he would eventually become a high-ranking officer of Colonel rank, wearing the golden double-headed eagle on his chest.
"You've certainly hit a good year,"
Pierce said enviously,
"In the past, no matter how many kills you got, even if you were blown into sixteen pieces, you couldn't expect a promotion, and you might not even get a pension!!"
"Now, as long as you work hard and can survive until retirement, you're guaranteed at least a Colonel rank."
"Too bad I'm old; I can't fight for many more years. Even if I can retire safely, I probably won't get any position."
"You never know; maybe in your next battle, by some fluke, you'll shoot down an enemy commander! Then you'll rise quickly!"
Harry's words made Pierce burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, little Harry, you sure have an imagination."
Harry also grinned, laughing along.
Amidst their laughter, the Imperial forces moved through the streets,
stationing themselves in different districts as instructed, to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the chaos,
while also being responsible for clearing out gang members near their posts, preventing them from profiting from the war.
Because this also counted as merit, the various units worked very hard, all wanting to use gang members to earn Merits.
(Hive City Gangs: "Do gang members have no human rights? You only think about earning merits and your KPIs; can't you be more considerate of us?")
...
At the top level of the Hive City,
Alex examined the glowing octahedron in his hand, the anchor of the Menagerie.
He learned from the Eldar Seer Kasareth and several Inquisitors of the Inquisition.
The Tzeentch Great Demon Mara Bass had been subtly corrupting many families on Malz World over the years.
The first to be corrupted was the former ruling family of Malz World, the Orsini Family.
Due to the bloody Solstice caused by the apocalyptic Chaos cult dedicated to murder, the "Hate Pilgrims,"
the Orsini Family's incompetent rule was questioned by the public, thus losing its power base.
Driven by the desire to restore family glory and regain past power,
the cunning Cult of Change easily corrupted members of the Orsini Family.
Using this fallen family as a base, the Cult of Change subtly influenced many families on Malz World,
weaving a web of conspiracy targeting the entire Calixis Sector.
Due to an accident, the Inquisition noticed something amiss on Malz World and investigated it, discovering the corruption of the Menagerie.
At that time, many influential families were involved and were purged by the Inquisition.
The Orsini Family, as the source of corruption, was completely erased,
their name not even allowed to be mentioned again.
However, the Inquisition's purge failed to completely resolve the problem of Chaos corruption on Malz World;
it only made the corruption hide deeper, with the Colin Family being a prime example.
They were the most deeply fallen but also the best at disguising themselves.
Upon hearing rumors that the Inquisition was about to act, they immediately jumped out to support the Inquisition,
even deploying their family forces to suppress the Orsini Family, earning the trust of the Inquisitor responsible for the investigation at the time.
Subsequently, in the years that followed, the Colin Family quietly operated, using the wisdom and assistance of the Lord of Change to build a network of interests spanning the entire Calixis Sector.
Thus, their foundation became increasingly solid, subtly becoming the uncrowned kings of the Calixis Sector,
so powerful that even the Inquisition had to present evidence before making arrests.
Had it not been for Alex's appearance, the Colin Family would most likely have continued to hide until they completely controlled the entire Calixis Sector.
As the headquarters of the Cult of Change, it was understandable that Mara Bass placed the Menagerie's anchor in the Malz Hive World.
Alex was curious how Kasareth and these Eldar knew the glowing octahedron was here!!
"This is a secret of our race."
Kasareth was unwilling to reveal the true reason why the Eldar could be omniscient in the Warp.
Alex did not press; one day, he would know.
No secret in this universe remains hidden forever.
"This is an improved Beast Taming Controller."
Kasareth took out the improved Beast Taming Controller and handed it to Alex.
The Beast Taming Controller was a technological creation of the MC Dynasty, modified from a Mind Controller,
originally intended to allow players to subdue alien beasts and create beast-taming units and mounts.
The Eldar incorporated some Warp knowledge and spirit bone materials into the original design, making it a transcendent creation.
The once smooth metal surface was now engraved with numerous special ancient runes,
and in addition, a thumb-sized crystal was embedded in the controller.
"Does this thing work?" Alex examined it and asked.
"Of course it works. Wizards have always learned how to enslave and control demons from the Warp."
"This controller integrates that forbidden knowledge. With it, you can easily enslave those exotic beasts with special abilities."
"If you don't believe me, I can demonstrate it for you."
Kasareth explained.
"Then let's see the effect." Alex nodded.
Kasareth took out some rhomboid runes, threw them into the air, and chanted an ancient incantation in Eldar.
The runes intertwined in the air, forming an intricate pattern.
Immediately after, a Hellhound whose body was burning with black flames was summoned.
It was over half a meter tall, with a sturdy build, and sparks would spray from its nose when it breathed.
When it walked, its black-scaled feet would leave burning footprints on the floor.
The Hellhound roared, but the power of the magic circle bound it, preventing it from escaping or attacking others.
An Eldar warrior, relying on agile movements, placed the controller on the Hellhound's head.
Probes glowing with psychic energy pierced into the Hellhound's skull.
The Hellhound roared in pain, frantically scratching its head, trying to pull out the controller, but it couldn't.
A moment later, the Hellhound quieted down, lying there like a docile hunting dog.
"Saint, you can give it commands now," Kasareth said.
Alex tried it.
"Run over here, squat down…"
The Hellhound faithfully carried out the commands.
Running, squatting, reaching out, biting—every action was completed perfectly.
"It really works." Alex showed a hint of joy. "Are there any drawbacks?"
Kasareth nodded. "Currently, because only the lowest quality spirit bones and soul stones are used, this type of controller can only control the lowest-level Warp demons."
"Moreover, once the demon returns to the Warp, the controller will fail."
"Can it only control the lowest level?" Alex was a little disappointed.
He thought he could really catch a Greater Demon as a pet!
Thinking of Kairos, what a great SSSSS-grade mount!
And Skarbrand, what a great combat pet.
As a result, it can only catch the lowest level ones, and it becomes ineffective once they return to the Warp!
Alas, I was happy for nothing!
"Using good spirit bones and soul stones can control more powerful demons."
"It's just that you'll have to find a way to get the spirit bone materials and soul stones yourselves."
Kasareth added,
"We are willing to share the relevant knowledge with you for free, hoping only that you will remember the friendship between our two races."
"The friendship between the Human Empire and the Eldar will last forever." Alex's tone was sincere.
After handing over the relevant knowledge to Alex, Kasareth and the other Eldar left.
...
"Why? Why share that knowledge with them for free?!"
"The stronger humanity becomes, the more passive we will be in the future!!"
Walking into a corridor where there were no humans, an Eldar member asked with a thought-voice.
"The Gods will not allow him to act recklessly." Kasareth replied to his kinsman,
"Handing over the Menagerie's anchor point to that Emperor Saint, Fateweaver Kairos will surely retaliate."
"Going back and forth, the conflict between the two sides will inevitably become sharper and more intense, eventually escalating into war."
"The current Human Empire does not have enough strength to contend with the Warp. Appropriately enhancing their strength is very necessary."
"What we need to do now is to ensure that the outcome for the Human Empire and the Warp is like the Paradise War, where one falls and the other's strength is greatly diminished. And the Eldar become the race with the greatest benefit."
Kasareth's explanation dispelled the doubts of several skeptical kinsmen, who showed expressions of approval.
"The Seer indeed thinks long-term. A small trick makes humans willing to charge into battle for us."
"Human civilization will enter an incredibly glorious era, but ultimately, everything they do will become nourishment for Eldar civilization."
"This is a perfect plan and is bound to succeed."
......
Alex played with the Eldar-modified beast-controlling device again, commanding the Hellhound to perform various actions.
After confirming there were no issues, he had the Hellhound banished back to the Warp.
"Let's put the Beast Controller and the Menagerie in the 5.0 version update."
"At that time, we'll also share the Eldar's knowledge. I believe players will find a way to solve the material problem."
Given the players' creativity and initiative,
Alex felt it wouldn't be long before
capturing Warp creatures as mounts and pet companions would become commonplace.
"Master, this is the list of spoils of war captured by the various units, as well as the tallied assets of the Colin Family."
Cortana appeared before Alex, handing him the list of spoils of war compiled after the campaign.
"Is the Colin Family really that rich?"
"I highly suspect the Calixis Sector government's fiscal revenue isn't as high as theirs!"
Alex was astonished upon seeing the dense list of tangible assets, warehouse storage, and bonds.
The Colin Family was one of the oldest families in the Calixis Sector.
Their main business was providing banking services and loans to other noble families.
Every planet in the Calixis Sector had families that needed the Colin Family's help to maintain their finances.
It can be imagined what astonishing wealth the Colin Family controlled.
"It looks like we can redeem the war bonds we issued ahead of schedule."
The Colin Family was too wealthy, coupled with the wealth they plundered during the rebellion.
Not only could they repay the debts from issuing war bonds and give the soldiers a bonus, but they could also leave a surprising amount of reserves.
"No wonder those medieval kings, when short of money, wanted to kill Jews and do lending. Money comes quickly that way."
Alex muttered. When he recovered the Sintilla Hive World earlier, he checked the previous government's accounts, and they were all in deficit.
Looking at the Colin Family, it truly is a case of the powerful being fat and the empire being lean!
No need to say anything else, this financial power must be firmly held in hand.
This is the money bag, as important as the gun barrel.
"Compile the statistics, then issue an announcement to redeem the war bonds early. The agreed-upon interest remains unchanged, and full redemption will be made."
"Won't that be a huge loss?" Cortana asked, puzzled.
"This is just the beginning. We need to give some sweetness first to establish good credit."
"With good credit, we can borrow more money, after all, the next battles won't be in the Calixis Sector."
"Moreover, as for money, as long as we build up the banks and the Imperial financial structure, we won't lack it."
Alex's tone was filled with ambition.
Fighting against the Tyranids, Necrons, and Orks.
Also conquering the Koronus Expanse, rescuing the Scarus Sector, and supporting the Baal System.
These are all projects that consume money like flowing water.
The people of the empire must support them greatly!
"Alright, I'll listen to Master." Cortana nodded. "I'll go immediately to calculate the principal and interest due."
"Go."
Alex sent Cortana to work, while he began to plan the next steps.
The main rebel force had been utterly defeated by him.
The Colin Family was finished, and the Tzeentch cult had also suffered heavy losses.
As for the other cultist forces involved in this rebellion, they would naturally be purged one by one.
Alex was preparing to intensify efforts, launching the first round of anti-evil and anti-gang operations to sweep the Calixis Sector.
Cultists and gangs cannot be completely eradicated.
Only by increasing the intensity and frequency of anti-gang and anti-evil operations, constantly cleaning them out, can we ensure they don't become rampant.
In addition, large-scale infrastructure projects must be launched, lighthouses built, instant communication networks established, and inter-system trade promoted.
In short, there's a lot to do next.
...
The large-scale campaign had concluded,
but the cleanup of the remaining rebel forces was still ongoing.
Some stubborn rebels, entrenched in factories, fortresses, and other areas, confronted Imperial forces.
Occasionally, small-scale battles would break out.
A group of remaining rebels hid in a strong fortress, using it to put up a desperate resistance.
Among them were Uld Colin, the patriarch of the Colin Family,
and Ms. Bossy, the representative of the Eternal Conglomerate, as well as the xenos they served—the Worm People.
Scalp also snuck in with his boss, Jonah.
He secretly incited several individuals willing to surrender to the Human Empire,
and used his stealth abilities as a Midnight Lord,
to destroy several important facilities and cause explosions.
While the fortress was in a state of panic, he infiltrated Uld Colin's location, assassinated his bodyguards,
and injected Uld with a sedative, making him fall into a deep sleep to prevent him from seizing the opportunity to commit suicide.
After all, he was the patriarch and knew many secrets.
It would be a pity if this guy died before all those secrets were dug out.
As for whether he would talk, that would depend on the Inquisition's methods.
Scalp had great confidence in them.
After doing all this,
Scalp led the people he had incited to attack the gate guards, seizing control of the fortress gate.
To open the gate for the players who had been waiting outside, and together, clear out the remaining rebels and xenos.
After a fierce battle, the guards suffered heavy casualties.
The surviving guards hid behind cover, not daring to show their heads.
"Surrender, resisting stubbornly is a dead end."
Scalp led his people, providing covering fire, while persuading them to surrender and approaching the enemy's cover.
"9527, you're actually a traitor?!"
"You bastard, I suspected everyone but you."
Jonah, hiding behind cover, heard Scalp's voice.
First, he was stunned, then came an indescribable rage.
"Why? Why betray us?"
"Do you really like being a slave to the Emperor that much?"