Crimson Crescent

Lion El'Jonson, Inquisitor Chen Xi, and the cloaked Leona passed through the last row of trees at the forest's edge and stopped before an open expanse.

Not far away, a towering fortress stood beneath the sunlight of Kamath, its walls of dark stone and reinforced metal gleaming with a cold, hard sheen beneath the star's light.

Its architecture bore the typical hallmarks of an Astartes monastery—soaring spires, massive defensive walls, and staggered weapons platforms—exuding an orderly, inviolable military presence.

Though no obvious Chapter insignia could be seen on the outer walls, its architectural style and defensive layout were enough to identify it as a stronghold garrisoned by a Space Marine Chapter.

Chen Xi was the first to step forward, his calm gaze sweeping over the fortress's outer defenses and the surrounding terrain.

Leona stood quietly at his side, her hood still concealing her face. Only the occasional flash of emerald eyes from the shadows hinted at her mysterious connection to the Primarch.

The Lion King silently studied the fortress's outline, the Power Sword "Sacrifice Loyalty" at his waist swaying faintly with the slightest movement of his body.

Though he had only just escaped the illusory Caliban forest, his instincts as a warlord had swiftly awakened, professionally assessing the unfamiliar stronghold's defensive system and tactical value.

They made no deliberate effort to conceal their presence. Almost the moment they stepped out of the forest, the outposts beyond the fortress detected them.

Before long, a squad of Astartes warriors clad in crimson Power Armor approached swiftly from the fortress.

They moved in perfect unison, maintaining a standard tactical formation. Their bolters were not raised, but their muzzles were tilted slightly downward, ready to enter combat at any moment.

At their head was a sergeant, the insignia on his shoulder guard identifying him