"It was the end of 740.M41. The timing matched, and there had been Genestealers aboard that cruiser before."
Romulus pondered.
Within the Imperium, Genestealers were classified as xenos capable of corrupting human genes and forcibly assimilating humanity.
But all Transmigrators knew that these so-called xenos were actually the vanguard of a terrifying species from beyond the galaxy.
When this species locked onto a star system as prey, it gradually severed that system's connection to the Warp, driving Psykers mad. In the Warp, it manifested as a dense, hungry shadow of substance.
"Should I say this planet was lucky or unlucky?"
At that, Karna set down the fruit platter, craned his neck, and glanced at the system map. He found no areas with abnormal gravity.
Yet he still had a bad feeling.
If nothing unexpected happened, this war was likely about to become very lively.
"A mixed blessing, I suppose. At least the chances of this planet falling to Chaos have dropped dramatically."
Watching the dense fields of shattered ice outside and the wreckage of system-defense vessels gradually appearing on the scanners, Ramesses extended his shadow as far as possible to shield the Psykers within the Expeditionary Fleet and could not help sighing.
"A storm was brewing, and the wind had already filled the tower."
"Once we land on Piaerde and see whether there are any Genestealers, we'll basically be able to confirm it."
Through the Demon sight Ramesses jokingly called "Imperial Vision," Romulus stared at the many warships near Piaerde's orbit.
"And even landing there will probably mean a vicious battle."
Just then, the ship's communications system received a request.
It was a communication request from the Inquisition Fleet.
That fleet was positioned in the orbit of a moon around the sixth planet of the Piaerde System, a gas giant.