Warhammer: The Black Emperor
Chapter 640

The Psionic Anomaly of the Cradle of Serpents

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894. M30.

Carium Gate Space Zone, Bridge of the Shadow of the Throne.

Nimrod stared at the star map on the holographic table. Planetary Anchor, flight path vectors, and dot-like trajectories pieced together an incomplete star map.

It is the result of two previous Dice of Prophecy divinations.

Nimrod performed two divinations: in the second standard month of 888, a star chart of the route from the Carium Gate to the Cradle of Serpents; and in the third standard month of 891, a star chart of the "Great Maw" route between the future Calixis Sector and the Koronus Expanse.

After confirming the Uniqueness of the Dice of Prophecy divination through multiple divinations, he permanently extended the recovery time by one month.

The next divination will be performed in the fourth standard month of this year.

Nimrod has already chosen the object of his next divination: the Koronus Expanse, a world teeming with the undead and suitable for the Fourth Legion.

After estimating the timeline for Purification the Slaanesh Daemon World of the Cradle of Serpents, he chose this moment to launch his expedition.

"My lord, the main forces of the Second and Fourth Chapter, and two companies of the 5th Legion, have completed their assembly."

After Arsena Dunn finished speaking, Thomas, the Chief Librarian, immediately spoke up.

"My lord, the Librarian that possesses the 'Gryphon's Roar' has assembled on the Shadow of the Throne, totaling 5,936 people."

In addition to selecting the Second Legion, which primarily uses the "Sun" Pathway, as the main force for Purification Devil and the Fourth Legion for recruiting soldiers in the future world, Nimrod also chose the Sixth Legion, which primarily uses the "Gate" Pathway.

They are able to adapt to complex and unknown star systems, accumulate knowledge and experience about the stars, and provide opportunities for the role of "Astrologer".

Nimrod raised his finger and lightly touched the shimmering area.

"Set sail for the Cradle of Serpents."

He has established a "connection" with the Tuchulcha Engine and is ready to head to the Cradle of Serpents to obtain the materials needed to transform the Perpetual.

Thirteen ship standard days later, the Librarium of the Shadow of the Throne.

Thomas suddenly heard the noise of another world.

The hissing sound was like ten thousand snakes writhing.

The Psyker felt a sticky, cold gaze fixed on his body.

Ethan, with his Indomitable Discipline, sensed a giant python climbing the mountain peak.

Nicholas, from the Storm Discipline, saw countless sea serpents surging into the Sea of Souls.

Okafor from the Mind Department, Gell Quastá from the Technology Department...

The various Warp phenomena observed by numerous Psyker underwent bizarre changes one after another.

The temperature Librarium plummeted, cold mist rose from the Data Slate and shelves, and frost formed on the rune-covered floor.

Thomas's ideas have spread to numerous Librarian.

"Enter the Thelema Mindset."

Following the instructions of the Telepathy, the Librarian members skillfully ascended to the Third Mindset of Thelema's state of mind.

The hissing sound subsided, and the frost dissipated.

On the bridge, a glint flashed in Nimrod's eyes. As the Shadow of the Throne approached the real-world target from Warp, he sensed evil, sticky creatures clinging to the ship.

Even with the Simian Field set up by the Space Ape covering the entire Gloriana-class Battleship, his power still briefly penetrated several areas where Psyker were gathered.

Nimrod secretly became wary and prepared to confront him.

He was pleased to see that all areas had been cleared of interference.

The Navigator and Astropath accompanying the group were all chosen from allied families, each possessing unwavering resolve, and had signed confidentiality "contracts" with the "Notary."

Nimrod felt the slippery tentacles pulling at the ship disappear, and knew that the fleet had arrived at the Cradle of Serpents in the Northwest the Galaxy.

Originally, the Imperium of Man would only set foot in this cosmic realm in its fortieth millennium.

"My lord." After recovering from a brief period of discomfort, Arsena Dunn quickly reviewed the reports he had received from various departments.

"It has transitioned to the real world."

"The Astropathic Message Choir Master reports that his choir has completely lost communication capabilities; all communications have been blocked."

"Psionic Energy phenomena briefly occurred in the Librarium area and the Navigator Sanctum, but no actual damage was caused."

Nimrod nodded, then got up and walked towards the holographic strategy table.

"The Auspex is scanning the entire galaxy at full power."

The empty holographic image gradually lights up.

As if a painter were creating a painting, planets of different colors and orbits with black lines appeared one by one on a green canvas.

The Primarch's Attendants reviewed the report and began to speak.

"My Lord, as You said before, this galaxy has two blue stars."

As Arsena spoke, the Serpent Alpha and Serpent Beta transformed from two burning sapphires in the void into different colors.

"The Tech Sergeant of the Simulacrum Sanctum are performing calculations: the twelve planets within the galaxy orbit the star in a unique double helix configuration."

They will all pass between the Twin Stars.

Nimrod nodded. "That's why this galaxy is called the 'Cradle'."

"Every planet that travels through a star is subjected to intense radiation on every part of its surface," Arsena remarked with admiration.

"However, as you said, and according to the results of the Auger Matrix scan, each world is still vibrant and possesses its own unique ecosystem."

"The Aeldari's skill in combining technology and Psionic Energy is truly remarkable."

Despite having already seen the five Crone World of the Triken system, Arsena was still amazed by the twelve worlds of the Cradle of Serpents.

Arsena's body trembled slightly; the discovery of twelve incredibly valuable planets was unparalleled.

The Aeldari's Crone World combines the beautiful scenery of the Paradise World, the abundant produce of the Agri World, and the vast and rare mineral deposits of the Mining world.

Twelve unparalleled worlds will become the Black Emperor's domain, beyond the Imperium's sight.

As his silver hair trembled, Arsena's gaze shifted to the surrounding video screens.

He saw the images transmitted back by the probe, passing through the sixth world of the Twin Stars, flashing a blurry Purple light, and his agitated emotions immediately calmed down.

"My lord, the latest scan results show that the planet absorbs radiation and energy as it travels between the Twin Stars."

"I think, just as you said, there is a giant collector underground, gathering energy."

After listening to the Primarch's Attendants's report, Nimrod raised his finger and lightly tapped a rock on the outer edge of the galaxy.

"Fleet, disperse. Your team, enter the Simulacrum Sanctum and, in coordination with your adjutant and Tech Sergeant, plan a route through the dangerous rocky area."

"The Royal Court Baron of the 5th Legion, serving as the core, led the ships through the rocky terrain."

Nimrod knew that countless passing spaceships would perish in this ring in the future.

Their good fortune was that they perished in the cold void before becoming food for the Devil.

"Follow Your will."

Following Nimrod's order, the entire fleet's Simulacrum Sanctum was put into full operation.

The Simulacrum Sanctum of "Shadow of Order" is not entirely the same as that of Iron Hands," although Tech Sergeant are an essential component.

The central figure in each Simulacrum Sanctum is the "White Tower" Pathway adjutant, specifically responsible for devising battle plans.

But this time is different. The "Astrologer" of the 5th Legion will be the core figures, leading this dangerous journey.

At the viewing window, the "Astrologer" examined the information passed from the Astartes "Knowledge Keeper" adjutants and "Deduction Cadets" attendants, quickly marking it on the screens of the control panel.

Each adjacent area traversed was marked with earth-colored rock tracks, while friendly warships were identified with black runes.

The Astrologer placed one hand on the crystal ball and, in the dim light, used a stylus to trace a path.

The "Reader" attendants stood beside him, relaying the reading routes through the Simulacrum Sanctum to the data network.

The black, starry Great Beast strode nimbly through the dense rock formations and entered the Cradle of Serpents.

End of Chapter
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