Battle of Kamas 5

Malakar's death had indeed won the Imperial defensive line a precious moment to catch its breath, but that peace was as fleeting as the rare clear skies of the Kamas Sector.

The Ten Thousand Eyes warband's offensive did not completely collapse after losing a Chaos Lord. Driven on by their lower-ranking officers, they withdrew several kilometers and regrouped into a disordered yet still dangerous force.

Inside the command center of the Crimson Crescent Fortress-Monastery, Leona, Chen Xi, and the two Chapter Masters all knew this was by no means a sign of victory.

"They're regrouping." Captain Tycho wiped the filthy blood from his visor, his voice rough with exhaustion as it came through the communicator. "They've taken heavy losses, but their core strength remains. Serafex won't let this go."

Chen Xi stared at the tactical display, which showed enemy ground forces constructing temporary fortifications while more drop pod signals stood ready in orbit. "They're waiting for new orders, or... preparing for some change we haven't noticed yet."

His concerns were swiftly confirmed.

In orbit, the fierce battle underwent a subtle but crucial shift.

The Ten Thousand Eyes warband fleet no longer insisted on costly frontal artillery exchanges with the Indomitable Truth and its escort fleet.

Instead, they began exploiting their numerical advantage, using harassment and division tactics.

Large numbers of small raider vessels and faster cruisers split into several formations, constantly probing weak points in the Imperial defense line and forcing the Imperial fleet to divide its attention.

The Indomitable Truth remained an unshakable pillar, but its formidable firepower was tied down by these "fly" tactics, unable to effectively focus on destroying the enemy's capital ships.

Lion El'Jonson stood on the bridge, keenly sensing the shift in the enemy's intentions.

"They're stalling." The Lion King's deep voice echoed across the