vstars Chapter 221 Harken's Failure!
Chapter 221 Harken's Failure!
Russell examined the last piece of equipment—the rarely used power axe, "Dawnbreaker." The spirit bone runes embedded in the axe blade glowed faintly in the darkness, resonating with the spirit bone coating of "Blood Drinker."
“Remember,” came Company Commander Aksu’s voice through the communicator, “your 'Judicator' pistol is loaded with Holy Blood bullets, which have a special effect against demons.”
Russell inserted the "Arbiter" into the holster on his leg. The barrel of this explosive pistol was engraved with imperial maxims and emitted a hymn-like hum with each shot.
As the transport pod passed through the crimson atmosphere, Russell felt every cell in his body scream. When the hatch opened, he activated his optical camouflage, instantly blending into his surroundings.
[System notification: Optical camouflage activated, duration 47 minutes]
The city wall, hundreds of meters high, was made of writhing flesh and blood, its surface covered with screaming human faces. Russell took out the Mechanicus universal key and inserted it into the control panel on the city wall.
"Warning! Intrusion detected!" The flesh and blood wall suddenly emitted a piercing alarm.
Russell immediately drew his "Arbiter" and shattered the alarm with a single shot. The Holy Blood bullet burned within the flesh, temporarily suppressing the city wall's regenerative abilities.
[System notification: Destroy the alarm device, gain proficiency +1]
Two Khorne demon guards noticed the anomaly, their crimson eyes scanning their surroundings. Russell quietly drew his power axe, the runes on its blade beginning to glow.
"For the Emperor!" He suddenly appeared, his power axe drawing a dazzling arc. The first demon guard's head flew high into the air, and before the second could react, his chest was blasted apart by the "Arbiter's" explosive bomb.
[System Notification: Kill 2 Demon Guards, gain Proficiency +20]
When Russell arrived at the core chamber, he found it far more terrifying than he had imagined. The core itself was a massive, beating heart, surrounded by the souls of twelve chained Space Marines.
"Save...save us..." the souls groaned in anguish.
Russell took out the Holy Energy Bomb, but suddenly felt a murderous intent coming from behind him. He immediately rolled to dodge, and a power sword grazed his shoulder.
“Intruder,” a Chaos Terminator emerged from the shadows, his armor crawling with writhing flesh, “your head will be my spoils.”
Russell immediately activated all his abilities:
- Emperor's Blessing (Increases all attributes by 100%)
- The Soul of the Giant Python (Power Burst)
- Optical Camouflage (Time Remaining: 12 minutes)
The Chaos Terminator's power sword swung down, and Russell parried with his power axe. The runes on the axe blade burst forth with dazzling light, miraculously blocking the fatal blow.
The Arbiter fired continuously, the Holy Blood warheads leaving charred marks on the Terminator's chest armor. The Chaos Warrior roared in fury, unleashing warp energy from his power sword.
Russell was thrown back by the shockwave and slammed heavily against the wall. He felt several ribs break, but he still gripped his weapon tightly.
"Let's end this!" The Chaos Terminator raised its power sword, ready to deliver the fatal blow.
Just then, Russell activated his last trump card. He plunged the "Blood Drinker" into the ground, and the entrenching tool's bone coating suddenly burst forth with a dazzling light.
[System Notification: Blood Drinker's absorption rate has reached 100%, activating ultimate skill: Emperor's Wrath]
The entire core chamber was enveloped in divine light, and the Chaos Terminator's armor began to melt. He let out a painful roar, attempting a final struggle.
Russell seized the opportunity, his power axe cleaving towards the Terminator's neck. The runes on the axe blade unleashed their final energy, severing the enemy's head.
[System Notification: Defeating the Chaos Terminator grants +100 proficiency]
Despite his injuries, Russell installed the Holy Energy Bomb on the energy core. As the teleportation beacon activated, he took one last look at the released souls.
"Thank you..." The souls turned into specks of light and dissipated.
…………
The Blood Throne Orbit, a Space Battlefield!
Harken stood on the bridge of the Skull Road, his black wings trembling violently with rage. On the holographic tactical map, the Crimson Fist fleet was breaking through the defenses in a wedge formation.
"How dare they!" Harken's power claws crushed the adamantite armrest. "Activate all weapons! I'll make these arrogant bastards pay!"
The flagship of Crimson Fist, the "Unyielding Will," fired first, its massive cannon array spewing devastating beams of light. But Harken's fleet displayed astonishing maneuverability, dodging the fire in ways that defied the laws of physics.
"They're dancing!" the artillery sergeant gritted his teeth. "These damned heretics!"
Suddenly, the bow of the "Path of the Skull" cracked open, revealing a huge cannon muzzle. A dark red energy beam tore through the void and struck the Crimson Fist's escort ship, "Shield of Loyalty."
"Shield failure! Hull integrity reduced to 40%!" The damage control officer's voice was filled with despair.
Commander Pedro Canto, watching the friendly signals disappear on the hologram, knew action was necessary. He turned to Chief Strategist Varo Digglis: "Prepare to teleport. I need to meet Harken in person."
When Harken's landing pod slammed onto the deck of the Indomitable Will, he was met with the Chapter Commander's power sword. Pedro's breastplate still bore the cracks from the last battle, but his eyes remained as sharp as knives.
"Your tricks end here, Harken." The warband's voice was like a muffled thunderclap.
Harken unfurled his black wings, his spear "Void Spike" pointing directly at Pedro: "Let's end this farce!"
Pedro's power sword clashed with Harken's spear, sparks flying. Though wounded, the Chapter Master's swordsmanship remained superb. Seizing a moment of distraction, he thrust his sword into Harken's chest.
Harken parried with his powered claws, his wings unleashing a warp storm. Pedro was thrown back by the shockwave, crashing heavily against the wall. He felt his wound reopen, blood staining his breastplate.
"Too weak!" Harken laughed, raising his spear. "Your era is over!"
Just as the spear was about to strike, Varo Digglis's psionic staff suddenly erupted with a dazzling light. A pure beam of psionic energy struck Harken's wing, igniting his black feathers.
“Damn psionicist!” Harken roared in agony, his wings severely burned.
Pedro seized the opportunity and thrust his power sword at Harken's abdomen. Although it was blocked by the power claws, it still left a deep wound.
"Retreat!" Harken tore open a rift in warp space. "We'll fight another day!"
As Harken's figure disappeared into the crevice, Pedro finally collapsed to his knees. Varo immediately rushed to support the warband leader: "Medical team! Quickly!"
On the holographic tactical map, the Crimson Fist fleet had broken through the defenses and begun orbital bombardment of the Blood Throne. But everyone knew that this victory came at a heavy price.