In an underground branch research facility on Brumm.
Three Death Guard advanced down a straight corridor. The one at the front was responsible for disarming traps and leading the way.
The one at the rear was responsible for intercepting the gland hounds emerging from every direction.
And the one in the middle held a Book of Calamity in his hands.
Within the Death Guard's nest, on the Plague Planet, stood a Library that Mortarion had once used to store all manner of forbidden books, including theoretical records of his research into plague viruses, forbidden texts on the numerology he had studied, and complete collections of vicious cursed incantations.
The Library's most valuable collection was its seven Books of Calamity. Mortarion would occasionally take one out and gift it to a champion warrior he favored.
The Death Guard holding the Book of Calamity was clearly one of Mortarion's champions.
But the champion no longer served Mortarion.
The three-man squad proceeded for a while.
When the one at the front suddenly stopped and showed the champion the Augur Array in his hand, which was covered in tumors and tentacles, the champion realized they had been wandering pointlessly through Fabius's laboratory.
But the Augur Array had already revealed a new route.
"Head for that new route immediately!"
Taifon's command rang in the ears of the three Death Guard.
After leaving Melem, Taifon had immediately begun searching for the sacred artifact stolen by Fabius. He already knew that artifact was on Brumm.
Yet Taifon, who had displayed an absolute determination to retrieve the artifact from Brumm before Vashtorr, had now become hesitant and cautious.
If Fabius had found a way to steal the artifact, then he would never have leaked the news that he possessed it immediately afterward...
He might have a trap