Decisive Battle, Istvaan (Part 1)

[Kasgar and his fleet are trapped in the Isstvan System and are in danger.]

The minions of Chaos are about to be driven to this destined planet.

The message from the Void Dreamer intensified the anxiety of Princess Irill, leader of the Corsairs fleet—surrounded by the Warp Storm, with Chaos obscuring the Astronomican and the recently lit Pharos Beacon, the destined Phoenix King, the hope for the future revival of all Eldar, was now in danger.

They are about to be annihilated by the forces of Chaos.

[Notify all crew members: no matter the cost, we must rescue Kasgar and the others.]

Yriel, speeding along the Webway, remained steadfast in her goal.

As the Great Crusade continued, his Corsairs fleet, having received sufficient intelligence from Kasgar, had already absorbed several other Corsairs forces, becoming the largest Eldar pirate fleet.

Furthermore, now that Fulgrim is the Imperium Warmaster, who would dare to point fingers at the Imperium Warmaster unless the Emperor himself intervenes?

—But it's clear the Emperor won't care.

Within the familiar Webway of domains, Yriel's fleet moved freely.

Although Lorgar managed to expose a small section of the shoddy artificial Webway constructed by the Emperor, the endless branches and dimensions beyond human perception of time and space of the Webway are still beyond the reach of demons.

Even before that, Yriel's fleet was not without its troubles—just after Fulgrim sent them to find a way to break through the Warp Storm and transport some people back to Terra, her Corsairs fleet was ambushed by the Chaos Demon Army.

Although the Yriel fleet has grown stronger, they are no longer afraid of the threat from the Chaos Demon Army.

But these guys seemed to have no intention of killing at all, but only to slow down Yriel and the others.

To prevent them from using the Webway to maintain communication even under the influence of the Warp Storm.

"Stop, Yriel, you can't possibly catch up."

Just as Yriel was speeding through the Webway piloting the Asuryan's Flame, a teleportation beacon suddenly flashed on the ship, and a familiar figure appeared on the bridge.

Eldrad, the Eldar Aeldari Farseer.

He relayed the order to halt the advance toward the Isstvan System throughout the entire ship via the Spirit Web.

"Prophet!"

Yriel interrupted him urgently, "What are you doing?! Are we just going to stand by and watch them die?"

"No." Eldrad tapped the Wraithbone floor lightly with his staff. "This is to preserve our power. We must proceed with caution in this Chaos storm caused by humans."

"But you said that humanity is our last line of defense against the forces of Chaos."

"That's right, but if humanity's power is too great, even if the Kasgar you're eyeing has the legacy of the Phoenix King, we are ultimately not their absolute ally."

"The power of our race must be preserved, Yriel. You are a rare rising star among the Aeldari, and the hope for our future."

Eldrad shook his head and said.

"I've discussed this with Kasgar before—we both agree that you need to integrate the Eldar pirate fleet and maintain communication between humans and Eldar in the future."

"Both the Craftworld Aeldari and the Imperium of Man have extreme beings who absolutely cannot coexist with each other. We must proceed with caution in order to navigate between these two equally proud civilizations and jointly resist the encroachment of Chaos."

"You must live, Yriel, you are our hope."

"If Coco does this, what about Kasgar and the others? Can he really survive this Horus Heresy?"

Yriel's face darkened.

She knew Philus's whereabouts.

With the firepower of the Iron Hands fleet, enhanced by the power of Chaos, there is no way that Kasgar and his Sons of the Emperor fleet could survive.

"Perhaps, but this is also a battle and experience he must go through, an inevitable path for him to grow as Young God."

Looking out at the ever-changing multiple spirals and the irregular world beyond the Webway, Eldrad's voice was heavy with emotion.

"Trust him."

"The Phoenix King will surely rise from the ashes."

Istvaan III.

"Our current fortifications are simply no match for the firepower of Philus's Iron Hands, and the area around Choral City also needs to be reinforced."

Kasgar's expression remained serious.

Horus, severely injured and unconscious, was placed in Stasis Field by Abaddon and then sent back to the Vengeful Spirit to recuperate, awaiting the end of the Warp Storm.

Fulgrim led the Emperor's Children Legion to build defensive facilities within the Isstvan System in preparation for the impending attack by the Iron Hands fleet.

Compared to the nearby planet Isstvan V, the terrain here is more complex, and the buildings on it are more suitable for use as shelters after large-scale bombing.

Faced with the bombardment of the Iron Hands fleet, they could not possibly eliminate all the armed forces on the planet with their massive firepower alone.

Furthermore, according to information provided by Kasgar, the underground structure beneath Choral City is extremely complex and robust, and could even serve as Guerilla Warfare battlefield after the surface was Exterminatus.

Even if bombarded by Virus Bomb or Lance capable of destroying the entire world, the underground structures can still survive and continue to wage guerrilla warfare against the enemy's surface forces.

Until the very last soldier.

Currently, the Emperor's Children Legion has only one objective—to wear down the fully armed Iron Hands on this planet, Istvaan.

Drag.

With their outstanding Guerilla Warfare and individual combat capabilities, they dragged the battlefield of the Iron Hands from the large-scale carpet bombing battles on the plains to the extremely complex underground urban warfare labyrinth of the Choral City.

Only in this way can the Emperor's Children Legion, as the Imperium Warmaster and the model of Loyalist legions, have a chance to shake the power of the terrifying Iron Hands and complete this decisive battle against them.

Only in this way can they stall until the Loyalist legions have completed their assembly on Terra, and until the Philus fleet's armed forces are largely depleted on this insignificant planet, thus relieving the pressure on the enemy when they attack the Solar System.

—Since Philus and Iron Hands have sided with the rebel legion this time, and given their close relationship with the Adeptus Mechanicus, it is very likely that the Martian Forge Master will provide even greater support to Philus and her rebel legion, and the number of members joining the Dark Mechanicum will increase exponentially.

There's nothing we can do about it.

Although the possibility of defeating Philus still exists, and there is currently no direct evidence of Philus's rebellion, Kasgar and Fulgrim have already prepared for the worst on the planet's surface.

They are about to fight to the death here.

The only possible way to win is to kill Philus on the surface, just like in the original timeline.

From then on, the mighty Iron Hands Legion would fall into internal strife without a leader, and would never be able to muster effective fighting power again.

But now, only a possibility remains.

"An additional auxiliary legion is also needed here to protect the equipment on Choral City."

Amidst the smells of dirt and engine oil, busy Servitor, under the guidance of the Adeptus Mechanicus sage, carried heavy building materials and placed them in the construction area.

The marble castle, which was originally just the official residence of the local rebel capital, has now been reinforced with countless layers of steel, and each room is equipped with an absolutely airtight protective gate designed to prevent the use of Virus Bomb.

"The Tavitz brothers".

The Emperor's Children Tavitz, who was in charge of the construction of the Defensive Fortifications in this area, looked in the direction of the call—it was a brother he had made during the Battle of Ullanor, a company commander of the Lunar Wolves, who was now a core member of the Council of Four Kings.

Garviel Loken.

"Congratulations. It's been a long time, Garviel. I didn't expect you to be one of the Council of Four Kings." Tavitz smiled and nodded at the other party.

"Why such flattery?" Loken shrugged helplessly. "We all know that your title of company commander is just a humble way of putting it. If you wanted, your name would definitely be among the Lord Commander of the Sons of the Emperor."

Company Commander Tavitz's true abilities far exceeded his official rank, but even when Kasgar wanted to promote him to a higher position in the Emperor's Children, Tavitz resolutely refused.

In his mind, he felt that being a company commander at the grassroots level was enough.

"What are your thoughts?" Seeing that the other person was still busy, Loken sat down on the stone platform that had just been cleared and looked up at the sky. "About what Kasgar said about Philus and Ahriman —have they really both betrayed us?"

Despite the fact that Kasgar had previously gained the trust of almost everyone with his unwavering prophecies, the accusations against him were unfounded.

However, the claim that he was so treasonous as to accuse an entire legion of participating in a rebellion without any evidence is a gross exaggeration.

Even though some members of the Lunar Wolves might wonder why Philus could move freely through the Warp Storm unaffected, they couldn't believe that a Legiones Astartes would choose to turn its cannons against its comrades who had fought alongside it.

After all, these Space Marine, who had not experienced the Battle of the Kaus, had never imagined that Space Marine would directly wield their swords and kill each other.

Even if Kasgar told everyone everything that happened in the Extreme Star Zone, it would only deepen the Luna Wolves's suspicions.

Even Loken, who trusted them more, was unwilling to believe that it was all true.

Although Lunar Wolves agreed to send legions to assist the Sons of the Emperor in constructing fortifications in order to establish a surface base during the Warp Storm.

But doubts remained in my heart.

"But that is the truth. I was in Calth at the time, and we saw with our own eyes how pathetic the Word Bearers had become."

Tavitz recounted his duel with the Blessed Son on Calth, but all he received in return was a wry smile from Loken.

"I know you wouldn't lie to me, Saul, but I'd rather believe you did."

"Me too, Garviel," Tavitz said sadly, "But that's just how it is."

"Have you ever thought about sacrificing yourself, Thor? In battle, or at some other time?"

"How could I not have thought about it? As a Space Marine, I was prepared to die the moment I stepped onto the operating table."

Tavitz paused for a moment.

"In my imagination at the time, I would die like a hero in a life-or-death struggle against Xenos that oppress humanity on a planet, fulfilling my mission as a great Sons of the Emperor and bringing light to mankind."

As he spoke, as if to prove his words, the golden Aquila on Tavitz's chest shimmered in the moonlight.

As the only legion authorized to wear the Imperial Eagle, the glorious Sons of the Emperor are imbued with unparalleled honor and responsibility from their very name.

Every Sons of the Emperor possesses the will to die for his cause at any moment.

Just like now.

Even though they all knew how vulnerable their fortifications would be to the onslaught of the Iron Hands, the title of Sons of the Emperor would once again instill in each of them a steadfast will to fight.

—Until the very last moment.

"But what if, what if our battlefield is a battlefield of civil war, and our opponents are our compatriots who once fought alongside us?"

The Radiance on Tavitz's face dimmed; he was unwilling to accept it, but he had no choice but to accept this tragic reality.

"It's pointless, yeah, brother, I know."

"Yes, the grand expedition has come to an end."

Gone are the glorious ideals and missions, gone is the will to forge ahead and explore new frontiers.

From then on, people will kill each other and fight for power and profit.

As for the survivors after the war, their only goal for the rest of their lives was to survive.

"But why?"

On Istvaan III, Loken could still see the moon alone in the night sky.

Amidst the continuous roar of machinery from the surrounding construction sites, a new tranquility seemed to emerge from the noise.

Just as humanity fell after reaching its Dark Age of Technology, why would someone choose to turn against their own people at this crucial final moment when Emperor once again lead humanity toward a great goal?

Just as since the first murder, after humanity has worked together to overcome countless difficulties, conflicts between shepherds and farmers, nomads and agriculturalists, pagans and religious fanatics, colonists and colonies—conflicts between humans—will always follow one after another, destroying the fruits of countless efforts.

"I don't know, Garviel."

Tavitz glanced at him, then silently turned his head back towards the construction site.

Nobody knows the answer to this question.

Like the bright moon high in the sky—even if it is not Luna who accompanies the Terra.

But it has also witnessed countless human struggles and infighting.

That's all there is to it.

The Pride of the Emperor Fleet.

"Reporting Primarch and Commander, according to the Astropath's calculations, the Iron Hands's fleet will arrive in the Isstvan System in one hour."

Clearly, the fact that Philus could move freely and unimpeded through this Warp Storm meant either she possessed some advanced technology, or she had completely sided with the Chaos faction, to the point that the Four Gods gave her the green light for Warp travel.

"Understood. You may go now. Remember to inform all crew members to prepare for battle."

"Kasgar said."

"Yes."

In the next battle, even with the two top-tier Space Marine Space Marine, Lunar Wolves and Sons of the Emperor, Kasgar still didn't have much confidence in defeating the formidable Philus and Iron Hands fleet.

With several buffs, the Terror Iron Hands' stats have long surpassed those of all Legiones Astartes.

They had already forgotten what heaven and earth were.

Moreover, the Lunar Wolves, commanded by the pointy-headed Abaddon, cannot be entirely trusted to not side with Chaos.

"It seems this is truly the toughest battle we've ever faced, Kasgar."

Fulgrim stepped forward and gently stroked Kasgar's face.

With the messenger gone, only Kasgar and she remained.

Due to Warp Storm, the entire Emperor's Children Legion is trapped in the Isstvan System and unable to escape.

Given that they will most likely be wiped out on this planet Istvaan, all they can gain is a reduction in the strength of the Iron Hands Legion.

Their victory would be to inflict considerable damage on the Iron Hands before the Emperor's Children Legion are completely annihilated!

Even if

"Kasgar, tell me."

"Did you foresee this? Did you foresee that we might very well be with Philus, and my Primarch sisters?"

"This doesn't need my prophecy at all."

Kasgar smiled helplessly, "The moment we met, when you opened that ancient book of mythology."

"But the moment the pages of the book showed a purple-gold warrior fighting a Gorgon, some things were already destined."

"It seems... that's true."

Fulgrim recalled Kasgar's words, and it seemed to be true as he said, Fulgrim could only smile wryly.

"That's right."

"But I still persevered." Kasgar seemed to be caught up in the past as well, "Even though I could see my future fate."

Even if you could see the future.

Fulgrim opened her arms and quietly embraced the other person.

Do you remember what I said back then?

"What? Centaur gold ring?"

"Thirty years"

As if some fixed ritual had been triggered, after Kasgar uttered the mysterious number and quantifier that modified time, Fulgrim was immersed in beautiful memories of the past.

"Alright, alright, alright!" Kasgar interrupted her singing impatiently.

"Not this sentence."

"Which line is it? Tell me already, stop keeping me in suspense!"

"It's... it's that line—'I will save you!'"

Kasgar felt his face getting hotter, and it seemed to be getting even redder at this moment.

Even though the two had been married for over two hundred years, Kasgar was still not quite used to expressing his love in a more direct way.

It's innate.

No matter how many years pass, it won't make a difference.

"Hmph, still acting all high and mighty."

Fulgrim laughed confidently. She seemed to enjoy Kasgar's predicament.

"I didn't!"

"But I really like that about you."

Chirp.

As she spoke, she gently kissed him with tender affection.

"Kasgar, you did it."

"It is thanks to your salvation that I exist today, along with the current Emperor's Children Legion."

"Kasgar, thank you for your perseverance and support."

"Thank you."

The screen behind the flagship illuminated countless Emperor's Children Legion warriors and auxiliary soldiers who were on high alert at the surface positions in Istvaan.

They were all prepared to die, choosing to hold on until the very last moment for the sake of humanity.

Kasgar felt as if tears were streaming down the beautiful cheeks that were close to hers.

"Fulgrim, see you after we win the battle."

Kasgar will soon be heading to the surface to wage guerrilla warfare in the upcoming battles.

Meanwhile, the Pride of the Emperor fleet in the sky requires Fulgrim to personally oversee and command it, in order to prevent the enemy from boarding and seizing the ships.

"Hmm," she smiled, her beautiful amethyst-like eyes narrowing.

"See you later."

A massive rift tore open before the eyes of the people in the Isstvan System who were on high alert.

The massive, iron-gray flagship, symbolizing the Iron Hands, slowly made its way towards their location on Istvaan III, amidst the tense gazes of the crowd.

"Calling Primarch Philus. Please state your purpose and Warp method!"

"To reiterate, please state your purpose and the method of warp in Warp!"

There was no response.

Philus's fleet, as if it had never received the communication, headed straight for the Legion's warships to enter near-Earth orbit around Istvaan III.

Seeing that there was no reply from the other party, the personnel involved in the Sound Array team felt a sudden sinking feeling in their hearts.

It's very likely that Kasgar is right again.

Philus, something's really wrong with her!

"As ordered by Imperium Warmaster Fulgrim, Primarch of the Iron Hands Philus of the 10th Legion is hereby ordered to proceed to the surface alone for questioning! I repeat!"

"As per the orders of Imperium Warmaster Fulgrim, Primarch of the Iron Hands Philus of the 10th Legion is ordered to go to the surface to be questioned alone!"

As Imperium Warmaster, Fulgrim has the authority to demand that the Primarch Legion undergo inspection.

However, this power only applies when the other party recognizes the Imperium.

As the "Iron Fist" entered the local orbit, it silently began deploying countless personnel and equipment to the surface.

There was no direct carpet bombing.

Even though the planet's surface still retains the Void Shield devices used for previous planetary defenses, their ability to deploy personnel without firing a single shot is—

Could it be that...?

It was Philus's urge to fight one-on-one that got the better of them. Even though their firepower was many times superior to that of the surface defense forces, they still insisted on relying on Philus's personal strength to fight one-on-one first.

Just like on the Isstvan V in the original work, even though the firepower could have blown the surface defenders into the air, the Primarch insisted on personally going down to "lead" the charge.

This gives them an opportunity.

Kasgar's heart was beating very fast.

If Philus really abandons her greatest advantage and chooses to fight one-on-one, then their Emperor's Children Legion might actually pull off a surprise attack!

"Wrong!"

"They're deploying Drop pod!"

This is

Recalling the name Istvaan III, Kasgar's mind immediately went on high alert.

"They've deployed Loyalist members from within the legion!"

"What about Lunar Wolves? Which parts of their forces are on the surface, and which are in the aerial fleet?"

"What? Little Horus. and Abaddon? They... they're both on Vengeful Spirit!?"

At that very moment, Kasgar's eyes were fixed on the Vengeful Spirit flying in the sky.

Its Lance struck the Void Shield defense of the Istvaan III precisely at that moment.