It is necessary to elaborate on the significance of the Queen of Blades' existence.
In the original lore, the Queen of Blades was a creation of the Overmind designed to break free from Amon's control. However, in this world, Amon might not even exist, so there was technically no necessity to create her. Yet, the Queen of Blades' personal combat prowess was undeniable. The only problem was...
†Where on earth am I going to find a psyker whose raw power is strong enough?†
The manifestation of psychic power in Warhammer 40,000 is similar to psionic power in StarCraft II. Theoretically, any being with immense psychic potential could be transformed into a Queen of Blades. But such psykers are highly coveted prizes in the eyes of both the Imperium and the Daemons of Chaos.
Psykers themselves are rare enough; finding one with overwhelming power is a monumental challenge.
†The Hive World I captured earlier had psykers, but their levels were pathetic. At most, they could trigger a psychic shockwave within a ten-meter radius before collapsing. The psyker I want must be at least at the level of the Primarch Magnus the Red.†
†I mean the Primarch Magnus, not the Daemon Prince Magnus after his ascension. Magnus the Red's psychic power was formidable, but not unstoppable—otherwise, Leman Russ wouldn't have been able to break his back. Post-ascension Magnus is an entirely different level of power.†
†If I can't find a Magnus, then at least someone on the level of an Aeldari Farseer.†
A run-of-the-mill Farseer wouldn't cut it; it would have to be an exceptionally powerful one.
†I need to find the coordinates of an Aeldari Craftworld. There's bound to be one or two incredibly powerful Farseers on board.†
The Overmind was dreaming big. The direct combat strength of an Aeldari Craftworld is terrifying. Aside from everything else, the Avatar of Khaine possessed by every Craftworld is a nightmare to deal with.
However, some Aeldari are even more eccentric. For instance, there was a Craftworld where the inhabitants voluntarily allowed themselves to be infected by Genestealers, believing it would hide them from Slaanesh's curse. By the time the Ynnari discovered them, they were busy worshipping a "Four-Armed Avatar of Khaine." They had truly gone off the deep end in their struggle against Slaanesh.
Yes, for those thinking that the Zerg could infect the Aeldari to help them hide from Slaanesh—some "space elves" have already tried it. Who would have thought these "mon-keigh" haters were that open-minded? They wouldn't even spare the bugs.
The Overmind pondered this for a long time until Zagara's report broke his concentration.
"Overmind, the enemy fleet has been neutralized."
The Overmind followed the Mutalisks' line of sight into space. Indeed, the Hands of Judgment fleet had been completely shattered under the assault of the reinforcing Leviathan. The Leviathan had sustained minor damage but was already self-healing.
"Ah? Oh! Well done, Zagara."
"To serve the Overmind is my greatest honor."
The strength of a single Chapter was simply too small, and with their primary combat companies trapped on the surface, the destruction of the fleet was unsurprising. The Space Marines in the base still required some time to clear out. Kans' operations were becoming increasingly proficient; even without the Overmind's intervention, he could steadily erode the remaining members of the Hands of Judgment.
"Overmind." Abathur's voice rang out.
†What is it, Abathur?†
Every time Abathur spoke, he brought a little surprise for the Overmind. This time was no different.
"I have studied the specialized organ implants within these humans. Ingenious design. I have derived some inspiration from them and applied genetic improvements to several Swarm units. Please review."
[Unlocked Baneling Tech: Corrosive Acid]
[Unlocked Baneling Tech: Rupture]
[Unlocked Hydralisk Tech: Muscular Augments]
[Unlocked Hydralisk Tech: Grooved Spines]
[Unlocked Hydralisk Tech: Frenzy]
The Overmind hadn't expected to unlock five technologies at once. Corrosive Acid and Rupture were Baneling upgrades, granting them greater explosive power and a larger blast radius. Muscular Augments improved the Hydralisk's muscle efficiency, while Grooved Spines increased their projectile range. Frenzy could briefly enhance a Hydralisk's physical functions, boosting its speed and power.
†Excellent work, Abathur.†
The Overmind was genuinely surprised that Abathur could find useful genetic sequences from Space Marines. He hadn't expected to gain much technology from them, given that their strength lay in combat experience and iron will rather than raw biological stats. By pure numbers, they were already weaker than many Zerg units, yet they resisted the Swarm through superior military discipline.
"Your approval is the primary driver of my efforts, Overmind."
†Kans, how much longer until you finish the battle on your end?†
"Soon, Overmind. I will conclude the battle shortly. Please trust in me."
†I am in no rush, Kans. But ensure the death of every single unit. Secure a total victory.†
After instructing Kans, the Overmind shifted his gaze away from the planet. After such a massive battle, the world needed time to develop. The Overmind formed a star map in his mind, compiling information on planets he had explored through the Webway gates. He hadn't forgotten his plan to create a Queen of Blades. He began searching for planets with an Aeldari presence.
This was difficult. Aeldari rarely established permanent planetary bases; they mostly lived as nomadic fleets or on secure Craftworlds. The Webway gates to these Craftworlds were notoriously hard to find. The Overmind quickly reviewed the planets he had explored and found no Aeldari—certainly no powerful psykers.
†Tsk. Truly hard to find these elves.†
If the "Light Aeldari" were hard to find, he'd have to look toward the "Dark Aeldari" (Drukhari). Nidzora's communications were still coming in once a day; her hive was developing well in the dark corners of Commorragh. However, since the Drukhari dared not use psychic powers, it was difficult for the Overmind to judge their psychic potential.
†Has the Ynnari not appeared yet?†
Nidzora's reports contained no information regarding the Ynnari. This meant that the Ynnari had not yet been born.
†Should I take a step back? Maybe hijack a Black Ship?†
Hijack a Black Ship? It was a tempting thought. Referencing the Tithes series, a Tyranid Hive Fleet once attacked a planet where a Black Ship was collecting psykers. And how did the Imperium respond? They sent Sisters of Silence and a freaking female Custodian!!!
You dare interfere with the Imperium's taxes? You've already chosen the path to your own demise. As everyone knows, in Warhammer 40k, you can do almost anything and the Imperium might ignore you due to bureaucratic inefficiency—but the moment you stop them from collecting taxes, every department will unite in a heartbeat to crush you.
†Never mind. I don't even want to think about the consequences of hitting a Black Ship. I don't want Custodes knocking on my door just yet. I'll stick to bullying the Dark Aeldari.†
The Overmind decided the Drukhari were better suited for the Queen of Blades project. If all else failed, he would just capture Wyches one by one and test their psychic levels.