vstars Chapter 241 The Judge's Predicament
Chapter 241 The Judge's Predicament
Varoticris's training was gradually showing results. Russell's mental strength grew increasingly resilient through repeated meditation and confrontation, and the faint purple light at the edge of his soul gradually faded. However, Cayans did not give up. He decided to convey the most profound temptation and warning to Russell in his final dream.
---
Russell stood in an endless starry sky, with flowing galaxies beneath his feet and dazzling nebulae above. Kayans' figure emerged from the starlight, his form more distorted than ever before, the runes on his power armor flashing with an eerie blue light, his eyes filled with a mixture of intelligence and madness.
“Russell, we meet again.” Cayans’s voice was low and calm, as if an old friend were reminiscing.
"Kayans, are you still not willing to give up?" Russell's voice carried a hint of weariness and helplessness.
Kayans smiled slightly, his tone tinged with emotion: "Russell, I never intended to hurt you. I just hope you understand that killing will eventually end, lust will eventually tire of it, but knowledge is truly eternal."
He raised his hand, and countless images of the rise and fall of civilizations appeared in the starry sky: ancient empires rose and fell, the pinnacle of technology was swallowed by time, and only knowledge and wisdom endured in the long river of time.
“Look, Russell,” Kayans’s voice held a hint of fervor, “the power and glory of these civilizations have long since vanished, but their knowledge remains forever. Join us, and you can explore the mysteries of the universe and grasp the key to destiny. You will find true peace within your heart.”
A flicker of doubt crossed Russell's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination: "Kayans, I will not betray my beliefs, nor will I betray my comrades."
Kayans' smile faded, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes: "Russell, you're too stubborn. But it's alright, I respect your choice. Just remember—in reality, we'll see each other again soon."
---
Russell awoke with a start, finding himself still lying in the meditation room. Varoticris stood beside him, a hint of concern in his eyes.
“Russell, what did you see?” Varotigris asked in a low voice.
Russell took a deep breath, his voice heavy: "Kayans... he said we'll see each other again in reality soon."
Varodicgris nodded, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes: "The power of chaos is approaching, and we must be prepared."
…………
Russell's emotions gradually stabilized under Varoticris's tutelage, but a sudden letter shattered his inner peace. The letter, delivered by Judge Lisa, was written in neat, concise handwriting, yet conveyed a sense of urgency:
> To Russell:
> I am tracking down a Tzeentch demon in the hive world of Herax-Prime, whose activities threaten the safety of the entire sector. I need your help. Come quickly.
> —Judge Lisa
Russell gripped the letter, his brow furrowed. He was torn between two conflicting emotions: on one hand, the war raging on Vigilant Planet, where his comrades desperately needed his strength; on the other, Inquisitor Lisa's request, who was not only his superior but also a figure he could not ignore deep within his heart.
---
Russell stood outside the command center of Vigilant Star, his gaze sweeping over the busy warriors. Leos was directing the Kashezin warriors to repair the defenses, his brutal roars echoing from the training grounds, while Varotigris spoke in hushed tones with Calga in the distance.
"What should I do?" Russell muttered to himself. He knew that as a direct soldier of the Inquisition, he had an obligation to answer Lisa's call. But the situation on Vigilant Star was equally urgent, and his departure might put his comrades in greater danger.
---
Russell ultimately decided to inform Chapter Commander Pedro Canto and Grand Marshal Heil Blanchett about the matter. He went into the command center, where the two were studying the battlefield dynamics shown in a holographic projection.
"Russell, is something the matter?" Pedro looked up, his eyes filled with concern.
Russell took a deep breath and handed Lisa's letter to the two of them: "Inquisitor Lisa needs my help. I must go to the hive world 'Herax-Prime'."
Heil Blanchett took the letter, quickly glanced at it, and then frowned slightly: "Russell, the battle on Vigilant Star also needs you. Your departure may cause us to lose an important warrior."
Pedro paused for a moment, then patted Russell on the shoulder: "Russell, we all know your loyalty to the Inquisition. If you think this is what you must do, then go ahead. We will guard Vigilant Star."
A hint of gratitude flashed in Russell's eyes: "Thank you for your understanding. I will complete the mission as soon as possible and then come back."
---
Russell's departure caused quite a stir within the team. Leos, Brutal, and Commissar Arrek stood outside the camp, watching him board the transport ship.
"Russell, are you really leaving?" Leos's voice carried a hint of reluctance.
Russell nodded, his tone firm: “I have to go. It’s something I owe the court, and it’s something I owe Lisa.”
Brutal patted his chest, his voice low and menacing: "We'll wait for you to come back. Don't let those demons get away with this."
Russell smiled and waved his hand: "Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as possible."
…………
The hive world of Herax-Prime is a towering steel jungle, with countless layers of buildings stacked together to form an intricate labyrinth. The air is thick with the stench of engine oil and decay, and the streets are teeming with ragged civilians and heavily armed guards. Yet, deep within this city, a dark force is quietly spreading.
Judge Lisa stood in an abandoned factory, her figure shrouded in shadow, her gaze coldly fixed on the distant street. She had once been surrounded by a dozen loyal Inquisition agents, but now, she could only trust herself.
“They’ve betrayed me…” Lisa muttered to herself, clutching a communicator emblazoned with the Inquisition’s emblem. Her gaze swept across a corner of the factory, where the bodies of several agents lay—they had tried to assassinate her, but she had killed them instead.
Lisa knew that Tzeentch had corrupted those around her. Her adjutant, her intelligence officer, even her personal bodyguard, could all turn against her at any moment. She dared not act rashly and could only wait for Russell's arrival.
Russell's transport ship landed at the port of the Hive City world. He stepped out of the cabin and scanned the unfamiliar city. The streets were bustling with people, but his intuition told him that great danger lurked here.
"Lisa, I'm here," Russell said softly, gripping the "Fire Kirin" and the Bloodthirsty entrenching tool tightly.
Following the instructions in Lisa's letter, he walked through narrow alleyways to an abandoned factory. The factory gates were tightly shut, but Russell could sense that Lisa was inside.
Russell pushed open the factory gate, his gaze quickly sweeping over the surroundings. His finger was on the trigger of the "Fire Kirin," ready to respond to any unexpected situation.
"Lisa, are you there?" Russell whispered.
"Russell!" Lisa's voice came from the shadows. She stepped out of the darkness, a hint of weariness on her face, but her gaze remained resolute.
“You’ve finally come.” Lisa’s voice carried a hint of relief.
Russell nodded, his eyes filled with concern: "Are you alright? The letter said you needed help."
Lisa gave a bitter smile: "My situation is worse than described in the letter. Tzeentch has corrupted those around me, and I don't even know who I can trust anymore."
Lisa led Russell deep into the factory, where there was a simple table covered with intelligence documents and holographic projections.
“This is our goal.” Lisa pointed to a tall tower in the holographic projection. “The core of Tzeentch’s ritual is there. If we can destroy it, we can stop its plans.”
Russell frowned slightly: "But your men have been corrupted. What should we do?"
A cold glint flashed in Lisa's eyes: "We can only rely on ourselves. Russell, I need your strength."