The number of Slaaneshi Daemons wasn't vast, but the chambers inside the Leviathan were cramped. This small contingent of Daemons was enough to trigger a significant riot.
This was no place for Ravagers, Lurkers, or much less Ultralisks. The Overmind had to rely on the "Big Three"—Zerglings, Hydralisks, and Roaches—to push back with sheer numbers. He even added a few Banelings, though he couldn't use too many.
Slaaneshi Daemons were unique; their strength and defense were average by Daemonic standards, but their speed was blinding, and they possessed minor spellcasting abilities. A Baneling might fail to hit its mark and instead be struck by a Warp spell, detonating prematurely amidst the Swarm.
Watching these Daemons rush toward the chamber holding the captive Wyches, the Overmind was incensed.
†I gave you face, didn't I? You think a tiny Warp rift like that will let you out-produce the Swarm?†
The interior of the Leviathan became a battlefield as the Zerg surged toward the Daemons like a tide.
†Push the attack with Roaches—no, make Hydralisks the vanguard!†
He had initially considered using heavy armor to steamroll them, but then he remembered that Slaaneshi Daemons possessed crab-like claws capable of easily rending heavy plating. He shifted his choice to the Hydralisk. Having undergone three major technological upgrades, the Hydralisks now boasted superior speed, strength, and explosive power.
However, the Slaaneshi Daemons were equally swift. It was as if their bodies were constantly pumping some form of stimulant, giving them reaction speeds faster than even Space Marines or Aeldari. In their eyes, the movements of a Roach were practically in slow motion.
Only Zerglings and Hydralisks could keep pace. A dense barrage of needles suppressed their movements; since Daemonettes are essentially unarmored, androgynous entities, both sides began suffering heavy casualties.
But it wasn't just Daemonettes. The Wych whose body was leaking purple Warp energy began to mutate at a visible rate. Within breaths, she transformed into a massive, twisting mass of warped flesh.
†This bitch is spawning a Chaos Spawn inside my Leviathan?!†
A Chaos Spawn is an extremely violent and chaotic product of the Warp. In terms of role, it's similar to a Roach—a creature of immense strength and rapid regeneration—but it moves with surprising speed. This Spawn charged into the Swarm, flailing its thick, tentacled limbs, sending Zerglings and Hydralisks flying with every strike. Even the tall Hydralisks had to look up at this monstrosity. Only Roaches could hold the line against its assault.
Three Roaches stepped forward, forcibly shoving the Chaos Spawn back. The creature let out a high-pitched, androgynous shriek that even disoriented the Swarm's sensory network. Taking advantage of the chaos, the Daemonettes began attacking the outer walls of the Wyches' containment chamber. When one Daemonette tore a hole in the wall with its razor-sharp claws, the Overmind's fury reached its boiling point.
†You're actually trying to steal my food?†
Before the Daemonette could consume the Wyches' souls, the ceiling of the chamber burst open. A massive group of Zerg units had literally carved a new path through the Leviathan's internal structure, taking a shortcut to intercept the Daemons.
The move was so sudden that the Daemonettes were caught completely off guard.
†When it comes to "stealing food," neither Zerg nor Tyranid can tolerate it. Kill them all! F2A, go!!!†
The Slaaneshi Daemons began to lose ground. The Swarm opened several more channels, completely disregarding the damage to the Leviathan's internal organs. A Leviathan's vitality is immense; this level of injury was painful but far from lethal. Surrounded from all sides, the Daemons were pushed back. The tide had turned!
The last Daemon was torn to shreds the moment it stepped out of the Warp rift. The purple energy gradually subsided. Slaanesh was interested in the Zerg, but She didn't intend to intervene personally just yet. The Chaos Gods usually act like players behind a chessboard rather than the pieces themselves. However, now that Slaanesh knew the Zerg lacked the Shadow in the Warp, She likely wouldn't wait long.
†Great. I've encountered three of the Four Chaos Gods already. The Aeldari really are Slaanesh's favorites—this was only the sixth Dark Elf.†
After repelling the Daemons, the Overmind surveyed the heavily damaged Evolution Chamber.
†Suddenly, I'm not sure where is safe. If Abathur goes down, I'm in huge trouble.†
Abathur's modification expertise was a resource built up over time. If he had to spawn a new Master Evolver, they wouldn't possess Abathur's accumulated experience.
"Overmind. Should the experiments continue?"
†Continue.†
Why would the Swarm fear Slaanesh? If they come, we fight. The Swarm is fearless! Resources can be lost; the Swarm can afford it. This wasn't a massive rift like the Eye of Terror or the Great Rift—what was there to fear from a tiny tear in reality? The Overmind now felt confident enough to pit his numbers against the Daemons pouring through the Webway gate under the Imperial Palace on Terra—that was a true battlefield.
Abathur resumed the experiments. One by one, the Wyches' psychic potentials were triggered and ranked based on their output. However, even for the Aeldari, their performance failed to satisfy the Overmind.
†This is only at the level of a Protoss High Templar. Not enough. Nowhere near enough.†
The Overmind was dissatisfied with the power displayed by this batch.
†Nydusara, keep capturing Wyches. I need more samples.†
"Overmind. We can grant Nydusara higher authority, allowing for the production of advanced units," Abathur reminded him.
†Authorized. Nydusara is permitted to hatch all units except for Leviathans.†
Nydusara had officially moved up in the hierarchy. With the Overmind's permission, she could now even hatch Overlords and specialized biological vessels. Receiving the command, Nydusara ceased her restrained expansion.
"The Overmind requires more samples. The Swarm shall execute His will. Come, hatch! The Swarm's grand army shall trample all!!!"
Countless eggs began to hatch; larvae began to morph. The resources Nydusara had accumulated were transformed into Zerg units, ready to cause a massive upheaval in Commorragh to capture more Wyches or high-level psykers. Previously, Nydusara hid herself. Now, there was no need.
The Swarm was about to show its full might in Commorragh!
This was a display of immense arrogance—and also immense ignorance. Commorragh had been the domain of the Aeldari since the height of their ancient empire. The "Dark Technology" possessed here was something even the Necrons viewed with extreme caution.
And now, the appearance of the Swarm was undoubtedly a challenge to the Archons of Commorragh—and a direct challenge to the Supreme Overlord of the Dark City, [Asdrubael Vect], one of the oldest, most powerful, and deadliest living beings in the 41st Millennium.