Daemon Engine Makes a High-Profile Entrance
Indeed, Tucker is an elite member of the Astra Militarum.
However, apart from a very few, exceptional individuals, or Astra Militarum existing only in legends, the average strength of most Astra Militarum would be that of super-soldiers if they were placed in the 20th century.
Even for such elite soldiers, on many battlefields of the Imperium, their greatest value is merely that of a expendable resource.
If the Astra Militarum is the Emperor's coin, then the Astartes are high-value banknotes, a more advanced consumable.
Although it may seem cruel, this is the reality of the Warhammer Universe.
Having undergone nineteen biological modification surgeries, Astartes, in a sense, has completely detached itself from humanity and become a "demigod"-like being.
Getting back to the main point, only by understanding the differences between the two sides can we more clearly understand what a "Angel of the Emperor" truly is!
It took Tucker and his men almost their lives to break through the lines, and with the help of dozens of Astartes, they were breached with overwhelming force.
Those smaller Daemon were completely unable to inflict any fatal damage on Astartes, who was clad in Ceramite Power Armour.
Their prized speed is rendered almost stagnant by the millisecond-level reaction of the Astartes.
How outrageous is it?
Lyon, wielding Bolt Rifle, even pulled off a seemingly superhuman feat, instantly killing his opponent with a headshot in mid-air!
If this scene were shown in the 20th century, it would definitely be mistaken for a mouse spirit possessing someone.
But against Astartes, these are all basic maneuvers.
The three squads worked together seamlessly to defend and advance, quickly breaking through the horde of demons at the Upper-hive.
Guided by Tucker, Lyon led his team back to the settlement. The desperate civilians, upon seeing the tall, imposing "Emperor's Angel" clad in armor, were moved to tears and knelt down to pray for the Emperor's mercy.
Lyon listened to the people's prayers, a hint of reluctance flashed in his eyes beneath his helmet.
However, he hardened his heart and bypassed the praying crowd, using the Auspex to find his target immediately.
"Reporting to the Company Commander, the target has been located and confirmed to be alive."
Lyon immediately reported the discovery.
Meanwhile, aboard the Strike Cruiser orbiting Loselle, Raimon, upon hearing the news, was immediately invigorated. "Excellent! I'll have the Thunderhawk Gunship return, pick up the target, and all squad members, return to the cruiser immediately!"
Lyon opened his mouth slightly, but ultimately said nothing, letting out a soft sigh.
"Are you leaving?"
Tucker, looking every bit the scoundrel, had lost much of his awe since learning of Astartes's objective, and asked, a cigarette dangling from his lips.
Lyon paused for half a second, then nodded slightly. "That's an order."
"I understand."
Tucker took a drag of his cigarette and grinned, "Well, that kid's got guts. I always had a feeling he'd do something big someday, unlike us old folks who've lived most of our lives. If we die, we die, it's no big deal."
During their conversation, Aruman brought Alvin over, looked at the towering Astartes, and said indifferently, "I'm handing the man over to you. From now on, whatever happens is none of my business."
"They've got the responsibility assigned pretty quickly. "Alvin's lips twitched, and he turned to look at Astartes, swallowing hard.
This is the first time in my two lifetimes that I've ever truly seen the Angel of the Emperor!
That armor is so damn cool!
Huh? There's a toilet here. Oh, it's Son of Guilliman!
"You're Alvin Valshius, right?" Lyon verified his information according to procedure. "I am Lyon, commander of the Third Tactical Squad of the Watcher Chapter. I am here on orders from the Company Commander to bring you back to the Strike Cruiser in satellite orbit."
Upon hearing this, Alvin suddenly froze. As if realizing something, he abruptly turned his head, his eyes bloodshot, and stared at Tucker and Aruman: "You... want me to go alone?"
"Otherwise what?"
Tucker flicked his cigarette ash, still sporting that roguish grin. "I don't want to run anymore, and I can't run anymore. This place is perfect for burying me. You're different, kid. Your life's worth more than ours. You shouldn't be buried here with us. Get lost."
Aruman's voice was equally cold. "Don't think too highly of us. I saved you only to borrow the power of the Valshius Family to see if we can wipe out the heretics. Only after you retreat can they act without restraint. So get out of here; this has nothing to do with you."
Alvin was stunned. He had thought that even if he couldn't help everyone, he could at least help those within his reach to escape this damned planet!
But why, in the end, was no one willing to leave?
Are we all just supposed to stay on this wretched planet and wait to die?!
"No, you all have to leave!" Alvin suddenly became stubborn, staring intently at them. "Otherwise, I'm not leaving either!"
He was afraid of death, but what he feared even more was being abandoned by those who had once helped him, and then slinking back home in such a sorry state.
In that case, what difference would there be between him and Rashid, who was a coward?
Did he do justice to the deceased Inquisitor Winnie?
No!
A voice exploded in Alvin's heart.
Unfortunately, Lyon was too lazy to listen to his nonsense. He grabbed Alvin with one hand and carried him out of the camp like a chick.
The Thunderhawk Gunship in the sky were already weaving through the clouds, preparing to descend.
But just then, a huge shadow suddenly appeared in the clouds. Its blood-red, ferocious shape and enormous wings stirred up the air currents and clouds, reflecting a terrifying form!
The moment Lyon saw the creature, his pupils constricted sharply. "Damn it! Get the Thunderhawk Gunship back immediately! That's Hell Dragon!!!"
But his warning came too late.
Boom!!!
The scorching flames spewed by the Hell Dragon melted the Thunderhawk Gunship instantly!
A massive explosion swept through the clouds, blasting the Thunderhawk Gunship into pieces, and revealing the terrifying form of the Hell Dragon to everyone!
"It's the Daemon Engine! There's Daemon Engine here!"
Lyon's roar echoed throughout the communications array.
Suddenly, the Daemon, who had been mostly restrained in various places, and the Khorne Cultists seemed to have gone mad and surged towards this place!
In the blink of an eye, the entire defense line was on the verge of collapse!
"Spread out and hold the line!"
As Lyon gave the order, he stood alone, Bolt Rifle in his left hand and Power sword in his right, blocking the surging demonic tide.
The blood of heretics is the Emperor's reward for the loyal!
They are not afraid of sacrifice, nor are they afraid of Chaos. In the name of Macragge, in the name of Primarch Robert Guilliman, they will never break their oath!
However, no one could have predicted that an unexpected "accident" would occur.
Thank you so much to "jia who feels dignity", "PhoeniAI", and "angel non-human" for your generous donations! I'm so grateful, I bow down in gratitude!