War Apostle Penny
Some people didn't understand Alvin's decision, but his prestige was so high that even the complaints from the collateral bloodline were suppressed.
Of course, from his own perspective, making this sudden decision was not just a personal decision; he also had some ulterior motives.
Leaving aside the favors bestowed upon the Blood Angels, the sheer amount of benefit he could gain from a complete civilized world in terms of factories, mines, and manpower is self-evident.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
The Star Whisperer immediately transmitted Alvin's decision to the Warp Blood Angels Chapter, which was approaching in geosynchronous orbit.
Relocating a civilized world with hundreds of billions of people in one fell swoop is no small matter; it requires the consent of the Blood Angels.
After all, the Hive Fleet "Leviathan" has, barring any unforeseen circumstances, already breached the Diamond Shield and the Bastion Ring's defenses, leaving the Stygian Shield System with little time left.
"I am Santikan, the Chapter Master of the Blood Angels."
Soon, the Blood Angels Chapter, a Chapter of the Blood Angels, responded, "Viscount Alvin, I regret that I cannot grant your request. The Hive Fleet is approaching, and we must immediately carry out Lord Dante's orders to protect our homeworld, Baal, at all costs!"
Upon hearing this, Alvin frowned, pondered for a few seconds, and then said, "Could I speak with your Chapter Master, Lord Dante? After all, this concerns the survival of a civilization of hundreds of billions of people. I believe that if possible, preserving as much population and industrial capacity as possible will play a significant role in the subsequent resistance!"
Santikan hesitated for a few seconds before finally deciding to agree to Alvin's request and proposal.
While the Great Rift has isolated the Dark Imperium, making Psychic Power communication difficult, it does not mean that...
They were completely unaware of the situation on the other side of the Imperium.
Logically speaking, the status of Chapter Master should be higher than that of Rogue Trader, but Alvin's aura is simply too dazzling!
He destroyed more than half of the Black Crusade, thwarted the plot of Chaos Warmaster Abaddon, saved the Imperium's most important outpost "Alert Star", was a collaborator of the Mechanicus of the Eighth Underworld, and most importantly—a hero personally recognized and awarded a title medal by Ultramarines Chapter Calgar!
In this light, the Rogue Trader seems to be just one of Alvin's most insignificant identities.
In the midst of anxious waiting, the Star Whisperer finally made contact, and a projection appeared before him—it was none other than the "Regent" of the Dark Imperium, one of the three legendary Space Marine, and Chapter Master of the Blood Angels, Louis Dante!
He is also the oldest Space Marine in the current Imperium!
Although it was just Psychic Power projection, Alvin still felt a deep sense of respect when he saw the legendary Chapter Master.
No one knows how old this Chapter Master was or when he took over the position of Blood Angels, but the only thing that is clear is his astonishing resume, his experience in countless bloody battles, and his outstanding art of command!
Because he lived for so long, many of the deeds of this Chapter Master gradually evolved into stories that were almost mythical through word of mouth!
"Greetings, Lord Dante."
Alvin respectfully paid his respects to Dante, for no amount of respect was too much for such a legend.
"I've heard of you." Dante sat in his chair, gazing calmly at the young man opposite him. "Your plan for Calgar successfully destroyed Abaddon's Black Crusade and thwarted Chaos's plot to isolate the Imperium. He spoke highly of you and sent me Psychic Power communication to tell me about you. I just never expected—to see you here."
It turned out to be Alvin, the commander of the Calgar Chapter Master. He suddenly realized why Dante had agreed to his communication request so readily.
"My fleet encountered Warp Storm and was accidentally swept into it. By some twist of fate, we deviated from our course and ended up here," Alvin explained, briefly outlining why they were in this location.
"This place is different from the other side," Dante said thoughtfully. "Since the Great Rift opened, the Chaos forces of the Dark Side have grown increasingly powerful, and we must be even more careful during our voyage."
"Thank you for your advice, Lord Dante."
Alvin nodded his thanks. Traveling in the dark side of the Warp was indeed much riskier, and this incident served as a lesson, reminding him never to underestimate the Warp.
"Santikan's report says you want us to give you five days?" After the small talk, Dante quickly got down to business. "I'm sorry, I know you want to save more people, but the Zerg's Hive Fleet Leviathan has already breached two of our defenses. I can't risk Baal being discovered by the Zerg."
So—I can't give you five days.
Upon hearing this, Alvin was not surprised. From Dante's perspective, protecting the homeworld of the Blood Angels was paramount.
That's the most important thing!
"Excuse my bluntness, Lord Dante, do you really believe that simply creating an artificial extinction zone will stop this Hive Fleet?" Alvin stared directly at Dante, his tone filled with an unquestionable attitude.
"Are you trying to tell me that even destroying the Stygian Shield won't stop the Hive Fleet Leviathan?" Dante frowned, his gaze scrutinizing.
Even the projection made Alvin feel an immense pressure.
"That's exactly what I meant!"
Alvin steeled himself, his gaze unwavering as he met Dante's serious yet questioning eyes. "Haven't you noticed yet? The actions of the Hive Fleet this time are clearly different from those in the Imperium files!"
"Go on."
Dante, a legendary commander, Chapter Master of the Blood Angels, and Space Marine, was not angered by these words; he simply gazed at him calmly.
"According to the Imperium's research data, the Tyranid Swarm's behavior, and even their wars, are often driven by the struggle for Biomass, right?" Alvin paused for a few seconds, looking at the expressionless Dante, and continued, "But this time, the behavior of the Tyran Hive Fleet Leviathan is clearly different from before."
"Their goal isn't to plunder Biomass, but— Baal, isn't it?"
At this moment, Dante, who had been silent, suddenly spoke, a hint of weariness in his eyes. "I understand what you're saying. Leviathan's actions this time are clearly not for plundering Biomass. Even after breaking through the outer defenses, they didn't plunder or linger; they just kept advancing."
Clearly, such a legendary commander had long since discerned the Hive Fleet Leviathan's strange behavior and objectives.
"I did this not only to create a lifeless zone," he said slowly, "But also to cut off Tyran's supplies, at least to buy ourselves a chance in the subsequent war."
If these planets are left unattended, their ultimate fate will be to fall to the enemy, and they may even become breeding grounds for Tyran soldiers. For Baal and the Blood Angels, such an outcome would undoubtedly be the worst possible result!
"I understand your concerns, but if I were to say—" Alvin took a deep breath, looked at the legendary Chapter Master, and said, enunciating each word clearly, "I could relocate the entire population, industry, and mineral resources of the entire Higanbana region within five days?"
"What did you say?!"
Even Dante, who is hailed as a legend, couldn't help but change his expression upon hearing these words.
"Five days! Just give me five days!"
Alvin held up five fingers and said firmly, "Lord Dante, if we can preserve such a large population, along with a complete industrial base and resources, it will surely play a significant role in the ongoing war against Tyran, won't it?"
"Why should I believe you?" After his initial surprise, Dante's eyes showed a hint of doubt. "Do you know how many troops we will lose if we delay for five days?"
"But compared to the industry, resources, and population of an entire civilized world, even if the losses are great, it's worth it, isn't it?" Alvin said, looking at him.
This is an entire civilized world with a complete industrial system, especially during times of war.
This is enough to ensure that the Blood Angels will no longer have to worry about supplies and other issues in the war to come!
Moreover, there are several assault forces from Cadian stationed on this planet, which is a force to be reckoned with!
In human warfare, the Space Marine are indeed very powerful, but don't forget—the true power, the cogs that keep the Imperium running, is the Astra Militarum!
Give me a reason to believe you.
Dante spoke in a deep voice, his eyes flashing with a terrifying light, as if he were scrutinizing him.
Have you heard of Mathieu, the War Apostle?
Alvin suddenly smiled mysteriously and uttered this extremely unfamiliar name.
He believed that Dante, the Chapter Master of the Blood Angels, must have learned about the existence of "Mathieu" through his communications with Calgar.
"You mean the saint who conveyed the Emperor's prophecy to the Primarch?" Dante frowned slightly. He had heard of Mathieu's legend, even in the Dark Imperium, but he always felt it was a bit far-fetched.
"Yes, Your Excellency Dante."
Alvin nodded, then turned his gaze aside. "What if I told you that this is a 'War Apostle' who wants me to convey her message to you?"
Where is she?
Dante was greatly shocked; his pupils contracted slightly.
It's important to know that in the ten thousand years since the Emperor ascended the Golden Throne, humanity has rarely witnessed "miracles." Primarch Robert Guilliman, however, once established Ecclesiarchy and bestowed the title of "Saint" upon a human.
The fact that his deeds are sung proves that the current Emperor still cares about humanity and occasionally performs miracles.
War Apostle are a way for Emperor to display divine miracles!
This undoubtedly gave a glimmer of hope to the Dark Imperium, which was now in chaos, and to the various star systems, which were in despair!
"She is there, Your Excellency Dante."
Alvin stepped aside slightly, revealing Penny behind him.
The innocent little girl had a look of pity on her face, and a faint gold hue deep in her pupils seemed to gild her with a golden light!
"If you'd like, I can bring her to see you, Your Excellency Dante." Alvin believed that once Dante met "Penny," he would naturally understand and agree to his plan.