Hive Mind? Just a Biological Mom

At Kasgar's request, a Stasis Field device, bound by multiple chains and equipped with Psychic Power suppression and corrosion protection, was carried into the Sons of the Phoenix's Defensive Fortifications.

In the center of the confinement device and the Stasis Field, a slender Tyranids Rex lay half-reclined.

The imprisoned individual's face was covered with disgusting tentacles, resembling those of an octopus. These tentacles could be used to kill the target while simultaneously absorbing their memories to obtain intelligence.

This insect, known as the [Lictor], is Tyranids creature specializing in Tyranids, typically serving as a scout in a Zerg swarm fleet.

Its agile body allows it to move silently and at high speeds in various complex terrains. Its color-changing carapace can conceal its movements to prevent being discovered by prey. It even possesses a certain amount of Psychic Power and a carapace that absorbs electromagnetic waves to aid in camouflage.

A stealthy, assassination-based elite unit comparable to the Night Lords.

Compared to typical symbiotic creatures such as Termagant Hormagaunt or ordinary Tyranid Warrior, Lictor, as scout units of the Tyranid Fleet, possess greater autonomy.

"--!"

Just as Kasgar released its Stasis Field, Lictor emitted a high-frequency sonic shriek at an extremely fast speed and spat out a large amount of highly corrosive acidic liquid from the throat beneath its tentacles.

In its rapid evolution, Tyranids had long since acquired unimaginable survival experience and evolutionary means.

As a unit capable of infiltrating enemy lines alone, Lictor possesses far more attack and escape methods than a typical cannon fodder swarm—though it may sound unbelievable, a Lictor specializing in stealth is actually no less powerful than the chief warrior of the Tyranid swarm.

But this still had no effect against Kasgar.

Just as the acidic venom was about to corrode the restraining devices surrounding it, the acidic liquid instantly vanished under the scorching heat of tiny, almost invisible Psychic Flame.

This Lictor was discovered by Kasgar not long ago by the guards of Baal Fortress-Monastery, also known as [Angel's Fortress].

After capturing it using his Psychic Powers, Kasgar planned to bring it to Melusine as a research sample for the Chief Apothecary's next research experiment.

However, it seems that before it was used for dissection experiments, Kasgar suddenly came up with a better experimental method.

"There's no need to be so wary, Lictor. I just wanted you to experience the beauty of the Centaur gold ring."

Looking at the wary Lictor, Kasgar said with a smile.

"Now, let's sing together!"

As Kasgar opened the curtain, as if conducting a musician, a Psychic Shield capable of isolating all sound and detection unfolded from Kasgar's center.

The more than one thousand fully armed Sons of the Phoenix Space Marine standing behind him did not draw their blades or weapons, but instead sang together like Choir.

Although the Sons of the Phoenix's pre-loaded knowledge did not include the Centaur gold ring, which is unrelated to combat, Kasgar took the opportunity during the deployment of Baal I to teach the Centaur gold ring to all Sons of the Phoenix, whether they were new recruits or veterans.

It's obvious they were taught the Sanguinius version.

Despite its oddity, the Sons of the Phoenix mastered it as a required course of study.

Just think of it as the Chapter Priest requiring them to perform daily prayers, only the content is slightly different.

It's all about disguise, the Sons of the Phoenix can understand.

--Of course, for those Blood Angels veterans who were rescued from Commorragh, this was even warmer than returning home!

"!"

Just as Kasgar gave the order and the many Sons of the Phoenix began to sing in unison, a silent scream emanated from the open mouth of the Lictor worm.

It was screaming in agony—though it was unclear why the Lictor bug would be so distressed by the mention of the Centaur gold ring, it might be an excellent insect-repelling method that Kasgar and his crew could use in the future.

[Singing "Centaur Gold Ring" at the same frequency can induce a forced shriek in the Tyrenlea caterpillar (this is a hypothesis based on individual cases and has not been confirmed; more experimental samples are needed)]

Looking at the Lictor that had been used as a test subject, the Chief Apothecary Melusine helplessly recorded what she saw in her Thinker Database.

She sensed that her belief, which she had held for millennia to explain all the unknown with the Imperial Truth, was crumbling as Kasgar awoke.

In her past view, even Chaos was nothing more than an unknown and powerful Warp Entity, an existence that could be observed and ultimately explained by science.

Chaos is not a god, nor is the Emperor.

--But what about the Centaur gold ring?

What science can explain this incomprehensible phenomenon? And what powerful force does it possess that can distort the Hive Mind and even drive the elite Tyranids war beast Lictor, to the brink of collapse?

In any case, she could not explain this situation scientifically.

I don't want to explain it scientifically either.

"!!!!"

Under the sonic waves of the thousand-person choir, Lictor's struggles within its confinement intensified—like a desperate human, it continuously tried to emit shrieks to resist the sonic attacks of the Centaur gold ring —but to no avail.

As the golden light patterns of the thousand-person choir enveloped it, its struggles grew weaker and weaker, until finally, like the first Soul-devouring Bees of Prospero who heard the <Centaur gold ring>, it collapsed under the weight.

"Waaah--"

Its powerful hind legs struggled a few times before collapsing to the ground, lifeless.

It looks like it.

Lictor died after hearing it. jpg

"The experiment is over. Our chorus did indeed have a certain killing and shielding effect on the Tyranids."

This discovery may play a crucial role in finding the Lictor lurking on the planet's surface in the future.

"But we cannot let our guard down—the strength of the Tyranid swarm lies in their ability to exploit their own weaknesses. It's quite possible that the next time we encounter them, they will have the means to counter our plan."

Having recorded everything she saw and heard on the data plate in her hand, Melusine turned around and prepared to take the half-dead Lictor back to her laboratory.

She has much more to investigate and research.

Does "The Centaur gold ring" absolutely require a human chorus? Can Sound Array broadcast achieve the same effect?

Is it necessary for the Astartes to lead the chorus? What about mortals? Servitor? Would their participation or leadership of the chorus negatively influence the outcome?

Will the degree of affection the singers have for Sanguinius affect the final results of the experiment?

There are still many more experimental variables waiting for her to study, and in Melusine's view, the Kasgar experiment should end here.

Next comes her area of expertise.

"Etc."

But just as she was about to step forward and pick up the unconscious Lictor, Kasgar interrupted her.

--No.

It's not over yet.

Kasgar wanted to do was never just stop the Tyranid Fleet's expansion and attacks with some Centaur gold ring.

In his mind, there was a more insane, yet also more realistic, conjecture.

The behavior of the Leviathan Hive Fleet is completely incomprehensible by common sense.

In the many battles between humans and the Tyranids, they gained some understanding of the habits of the swarm—for example, they were all under the unified command of the Hive Mind and connected to the entire swarm through synaptic organisms as nodes.

Their code of conduct is also very easy to understand: all actions are aimed at acquiring more biomass. If an attack on a planet would prevent their fleet from harvesting enough biomass to replenish what they have lost during the attack, they will choose to turn their attention to other planets.

The Hive Mind is constantly striving to satisfy its insatiable hunger.

--If that's the case, then why would the Leviathan Hive Fleet abandon other more valuable targets and instead choose to head straight for Baal in the Eastern End Sector?

Dante had already created vast scorched earth regions ahead of the Tyranid Fleet's path by Exterminatus.

Moreover, even if they could force their way through the scorched earth using up the biomass they had accumulated, the three planets of Baal were not extremely rich in biomass. Even if they could conquer them, they would not be able to make up for the biomass losses.

The Baal System has highly toxic radiation zones like the Red Scar, making it impossible for the number of humans living on Baal Stars to compare with that of a normal Hive World —yet the Leviathan Hive Fleet relentlessly marched towards them.

Even if this action was purely a loss of biomass, these swarms of insects defied all reason, charging straight at Baal despite their hunger.

Why are they coming for Baal?

Two possibilities.

Either Baal's location holds a fatal attraction for the Hive Mind;

Alternatively, Baal may have been seen as the most terrifying and powerful threat by the Hive Mind, leading it to believe that it could only exist with peace of mind if it were eliminated.

This was precisely the purpose of Kasgar's experiment—he wanted to figure out what exactly was attracting the Hive Mind to Baal.

His conjecture was also quite outlandish—that the Angel Sanguinius could not only use her charm to attract the affections of humans, Eldar, Chaos, the Silent King, and other beings in the real Warp!

Even Tyranids was captivated by the Angel's charm!

This is precisely the situation that the Hive Mind fears most!

She even attempted to devour the Angel's remaining flesh, thus becoming an absolutely perfect being in the eyes of all living beings.

"Increase the dosage!"

The coma of the Lictor was never the end for the Centaur gold ring; Kasgar wanted it to call Sanguinius" Mom" too!

"Keep singing!!!"

While unconscious, the Lictor seemed to feel a warmth it had never experienced before.

That was the Radiance of Angel —though it didn't know what Angel represented or what symbolic meaning they held. After all, it had sacrificed everything in its early life to serve the greater being, the Hive Mind.

Even if he were captured by a cunning enemy during the infiltration, Lictor had no regrets.

It believed that it was all worthwhile for the sake of the Hive Mind and for the Great Devourer.

What?

Perhaps it was worthwhile before, but now Lictor understands the bond between the Blood Angels and Sanguinius.

Thirty years, Baal III (star); Centaur, Golden Ring.

An emotion that had never appeared at the beginning of Lictor's evolution quietly sprouted and erupted in its heart!

Why!

Why do other people's mothers, like Sanguinius, treat their children so well?

Sanguinius even tried to free her offspring, though she ultimately failed. Her selfless sacrifice and dedication deserve the respect of every Blood Angels, and even move the inhuman Tyranids.

What a wonderful mother!

On the contrary!

The Hive Mind has never considered them its own children since the very beginning of their creation!

Everything, the entire swarm of insects, is a tool created to satisfy her insatiable appetite!

Despite being an elite Zerg unit of the Tyranids race, the Lictor has never abandoned its utility attributes.

It will always be an insignificant pawn, sacrificing everything for the Hive Mind.

Mother is like a treasure of Sanguinius, Mother is like a blade of grass of the Hive Mind.

[.]

[Child, do not be deceived by their wicked sweet talk.]

[No matter what, you will always be a member of the Swarm, and you will always be my child.]

Seemingly sensing the Lictor Insect's discontent and resentment, the Hive Mind attempted to soothe it.

As for the questions Lictor asked about the Hive Mind.

How do I answer that?

I can't answer that!

[Whoa!]

Sensing the evasion and hesitation of the Hive Mind, Lictor's worldview completely collapsed at this moment.

[You! You're not my mother!!!]

My mother is Sanguinius!

[You're just my biological mother!!!]

The filthy family members burst into laughter, utterly humiliated.

After a brief period of deliberation, Lictor chose the side that was more worthy of its allegiance.

Before it appeared a Radiance Angel with four forelimbs (Sanguinius' wings also count as a pair of forelimbs). She always opened her arms to her children, providing each one with absolute tenderness and warmth.

[Mother!!!]

So it turned and walked toward Baal.

Several days later.

During these final weeks of preparation, Dante directed all the sons of Sanguinius to complete a major upgrade to the Defensive Fortifications of Baal's Three Stars—the fortresses from the Great Crusade were excavated from the sand, repaired, and put into use.

With the help of numerous sub-clusters, a dense and impenetrable ground defense line was built on both Baal's two satellites and on the main star.

In addition to their impregnable surface defenses, the Blood Angels also deployed a naval fleet consisting of numerous Strike Cruiser and Strike Cruiser in the Void Naval Battle. Although this was still a drop in the ocean compared to the Tyranid Fleet, their guerrilla force was enough to inflict the first wave of bombardment from the Blood Angels before the enemy could land on Baal, destroying as much of the Zerg swarm as possible.

They might be able to resist the Tyranid Fleet.

Once everything is fully armed, some mortals or Space Marine might have such unrealistic hopes.

But at the very moment the overwhelming Shadow in the Warp of the warp descends, everyone will understand: the idea of stopping the Tyranid Fleet's advance is nothing but wishful thinking.

"Fire all missiles!!!"

The battle began the instant the Tyranid Fleet appeared.

Torpedoes carrying nuclear warheads burst from the torpedo bays of the Blood Angels fleet, while the naval fleet, equipped with Macro Cannon, Lance, Plasma Cannon, used everything in its power to kill as many insects as possible.

This sudden attack did cause considerable losses, but under the massive size of the Tyranid Fleet and its relentless, relentless attacks, the fleet began to be devoured and driven away by the frenzied swarm, leaving only a few more maneuverable ships still conducting guerrilla warfare in the void.

But this was no longer enough to stop the Zerg swarm from landing on Baal's three stars.

A swarm of insects, large enough to blot out the sky, descended upon Baal's land the instant the fleet was torn apart.

The brutal tug-of-war has officially begun.

Angel's Fortress Keep was impregnable; with the added firepower of its walls, even the Zerg swarm was cleared out, creating a no-man's-land.

As for the Zerg swarm's siege artillery fire...

Unfortunately, the human side's Void Shield defended against almost all of the Zerg's ranged firepower.

These unreasonable long-range fire defense facilities are the most troublesome thing the Tyranid Fleet faces.

Moreover, Dante prepared a large amount of Baal's "specialties" for the Zerg swarm in advance.

Take, for example, the moat in front of them: seemingly harmless, but once the thirsty swarm of insects approaches to replenish their water, the "water" will devour them first.

The Thirsting Water —this eerie "water" produced by the Baal is not actually water, but a terrifying weapon capable of breaking down and devouring its ingestors. No one knows where the Thirsting Water comes from, but it is conceivable that it will be an effective aid in hindering the advance of the insect swarm.

But the swarms of insects remain endless.

Once the number reaches a certain level, even the Thirsting Water cannot devour all the insects, leading to saturation.

Eat your fill of spicy food!

The Tyranids filled the entire moat with pure corpses, and continued their advance towards Baal's fortress walls, overcoming the barrier of the Thirsting Water.

However, at the same time, once the pile of corpses was high enough, the human forces, equipped with flamethrowers and high explosives, blew it to pieces.

This is the most thorough tug-of-war – exchanging ammunition for the Zerg swarm's biomass, with both sides waiting for the other to run out of ammunition first.

But why are the swarms so persistent?

Given the current scale of the devastation, every garrison soldier seemed to have only one thought in mind.

Why hasn't the Tyranid Fleet given up yet?

Rustling.

After the swarm successfully surrounded Angel's Fortress, a large number of swarms of insects gathered in a corner on the outskirts of Angel's Fortress that no one had noticed.

That was a clandestine tunnel-digging team composed of Lictor and the Tunneling Python.

The Tyranid Fleet's strategy was simple: if overloading the Void Shield units was too costly and not worthwhile, they would send Tunneling Python and Lictor to dig tunnels underground into the enemy Void Shield units' power supply equipment and destroy it.

It is obviously more economical in terms of biological material.

"Squeak--?"

But just as Lictor discovered the human drainage system and prepared to dig it through from underground, as the vanguard of the probe tunnel excavation, Lictor seemed to hear something it could not understand.

"!"

His body stiffened instantly, and then with a thud, the once lively Lictor collapsed to the ground as if petrified.

"?"

Tunneling Python and the other Lictor sensed something was wrong and were about to go forward to investigate...

Lictor suddenly opened his eyes again.

It understood all of this.