Chapter Summaries

Anjeflod’s Idealist Fleet routed the Tyranid and Ork forces in orbit, while allied troops struggled to hold Savvas Square. Six hundred Lamenters arrived to reinforce the ground assault, and Valtov was surprised by another group of armored soldiers whose identity he questioned.

• Anjeflod ordered the Idealist Fleet to attack the Tyranid and Ork fleets, and its firepower drove both enemies into retreat.
• Anjeflod sent warships after the fleeing enemies while Space Marines, Aeldari, T'au, and humans advanced on the planet.
• The ground troops captured most of Savvas Square but were too exhausted to hold it against a possible Tyranid counterattack.
• Six hundred Lamenters landed in drop pods and advanced to fight the Tyranids.
• New support troops took control of the battlefield from Valtov, who asked whether they were the Death Korps of Krieg.

Imperial troops used Graviton Guns to kill a Hell Executioner and discussed their new weapons and rations. Commissar Vya curbed his soldiers’ boasting before command reported that the New Spirit Reconnaissance Team had found a Tyranid node organism and needed immediate support.

• The soldiers used graviton waves to immobilize a Hell Executioner, then burned it to ashes with Volkite Guns.
• Lance Corporal Jilie bragged about passing the Level 25 weapons examination until Commissar Vya ordered him to prepare rations.
• Vya reflected on his soldiers’ growing arrogance and ordered the Planetary Defense Force soldiers back to their posts.
• Jilie helped prepare soup from compressed nutritional rations while Vya waited for it to cool.
• Command reported that the New Spirit Reconnaissance Team had located a Tyranid node organism and called nearby units to support them.

Commissar Vya rushed his troops to rescue two Aeldari Rangers trapped in tunnels by a Tyranid swarm. As the Rangers faced the Neurothrope and a Pyrovore, reinforcements reached the cavern and prepared to attack.

• Commissar Vya learned his unit was closest to the Rangers' coordinates and ordered his troops to move out.
• Rangers Itko and Tycho fought through the tunnels and found a Pyrovore blocking their route while Tyranids surrounded them.
• The Neurothrope exposed the Rangers' disguises, and Itko cut off his hooked arm as Tycho tried to protect him.
• Volkite Guns and gravity guns sounded as Commissar Vya and his soldiers arrived at the cavern and spotted the Pyrovore's exposed rear.

Imperial soldiers and Aeldari Rangers fought Tyranids in a lava cave until one hundred Lamenters Terminators arrived to reinforce them. The Terminators devastated the swarm, but the Neurothrope pierced their shield and badly wounded the front rank.

• The soldiers killed Tyranids with volkite, plasma, gravity weapons, and railguns as the Neurothrope advanced with Tyrant Guard and targeted the Aeldari Rangers.
• Commissar Vya was thrown aside when his Aegis overloaded, while engineers completed the heavy beacon and Terminators teleported into the cave.
• The white-armoured Terminator captain rallied the medical company to save the wounded by killing every enemy, and one hundred Terminators formed a unified Aegis shield.
• The Terminators' assault cannons shredded the Tyrant Guard, then some planted Blackstone Aquila Staffs while others prepared Blackstone bolts.
• The Neurothrope struck through the Terminators' shield, hurling a row of them aside and tearing open their armour, but life vaccines and self-repairing armour began treating the wounded.

The Idealist Fleet captured the Neurothrope and helped rebuild the planet, but Imperial officials gathered to accuse its forces of violating Imperial law. Anjeflod began answering their accusations by exposing the Inquisition’s own secret dealings with xenos.

• A hundred Terminators exhausted the Neurothrope’s psychic power, captured it, and bound it for the research institute.
• The Idealist Fleet began rebuilding the planet, while the governor and Valtov remained wary of local officials’ complaints about the fleet’s forces.
• Sigma-003 and representatives from several Imperial departments gathered with Anjeflod, a Lamenters captain, the T'au commander, and the New Psyker Department head for a confrontation.
• The Inquisition representative denounced the Idealist Fleet’s alliance with xenos, and Sigma-003 challenged Anjeflod in Binary Cant.
• After the departments presented their accusations, Anjeflod defended the fleet and cited classified cases of the Inquisition secretly allying with xenos.
• The Inquisitor insisted the Inquisition’s actions were for the Imperium and under control, and Anjeflod smiled as he questioned that claim.

Valtov learned that the Inquisition had caused the Pulos Sub-sector’s destruction and covered up other atrocities, while Anjeflod rebuffed accusations from the Inquisition and Adeptus Mechanicus. As Imperial officials hoped the Ultramarines would intervene, Tyranids invaded prosperous Ultramar and darkened the skies over Macragge.

• Valtov heard that the Inquisition’s botched Chaos ritual had destroyed the Pulos Sub-sector and that it had concealed earlier massacres.
• Anjeflod dismissed accusations about the Chapter’s numbers, armor, and warships, and the Lamenters Captain shot the Inquisitor when he tried to fire his weapon.
• Anjeflod used authorization from Archmagos Oedmeir to challenge Sigma-003, who vowed to report the dispute to Mars.
• Administratum and Departmento Munitorum officials lost confidence in confronting Anjeflod and hoped the Ultramarines would uphold justice.
• The Tyranid swarm invaded Ultramar, and its creatures’ shadows obscured Macragge’s skies.

Rogal Dorn planned to bring Perturabo and Fulgrim to Macragge concealed in a container while he approached the Ultramarines, and Slaanesh watched the plan unfold. As Calgar fought a renewed Tyranid invasion, Tigurius discovered that the swarm was fleeing from an incomprehensible threat.

• Perturabo and Fulgrim agreed that Rogal Dorn should negotiate with the Ultramarines, so Dorn hid them in a decorated, heavily equipped shipping container.
• Rogal Dorn departed for Macragge with Helbrecht and Celestine, reminding them that there were to be no Primarchs.
• Slaanesh persuaded the God-Emperor to let her watch events on Macragge and wonder what might happen between Yvraine and Guilliman.
• The Behemoth Hive Fleet breached Macragge's defenses, and Calgar learned that two Hive Tyrants were leading attacks that overwhelmed Ultramarines strongholds.
• Tigurius told Calgar that the Tyranids were attacking desperately because they feared an unknown enemy, and Calgar ordered his forces to prepare for its arrival.

Lin Fan idled in the eastern T'au sector while Jaghatai hunted bugs and Cawl studied the Blackstone Obelisk beneath Cadia. On Macragge, Calgar nearly died fighting two Hive Tyrants until Rogal Dorn arrived and killed them, turning the battle in the Ultramarines' favor.

• Lin Fan failed to capture a fleeing Hive Tyrant after sneezing, then watched Jaghatai speed away on his noisy anti-gravity bike to hunt another bug.
• Lin Fan wondered whether Guilliman had awakened and whether Cawl's Fate Armor was useful, while Cawl continued studying the Blackstone Obelisk under Trazyn and Orikan's watch.
• Calgar and the Ultramarines fought desperately as two Hive Tyrants devastated the restored 1st Company and overwhelmed Calgar.
• Rogal Dorn saved the gravely wounded Calgar and advanced on the two Hive Tyrants, who attacked him with psychic roars and toxic acid.
• Dorn cut down both Hive Tyrants, and cheers erupted across the battlefield as the tide of battle on Macragge turned.

Rogal Dorn and the allied forces drove back the Tyranid swarm on Macragge, while Aeldari Revenant Titans and blue-skinned warriors joined the fight. With most of the planet reclaimed, Calgar questioned Chapter Master Hope about the Lamenters’ actions and wondered who these strange reinforcements truly were.

• Helbrecht healed Calgar, then joined Rogal Dorn and the Black Templars in the main battle as the Lamenters and Celestine aided the Ultramarines on the flanks.
• Oedmeir and the Aeldari built a temporary Webway portal and brought Revenant Titans to reinforce Macragge’s embattled Titan Legion.
• The command center recognized the blue-skinned warriors under the Alien Execution Edict and ordered Imperial forces not to fire on them.
• Colonel Oma and a Fireblade warrior confronted one another after Oma had mistakenly shot the T’au ally.
• With three-quarters of Macragge retaken, Calgar challenged Hope about the Lamenters’ Penitent Crusade, and Hope answered with a gesture of trust rather than an explanation.
• Calgar considered whether the many unfamiliar allies and their advanced equipment might be a deception, and resolved to seek answers behind closed doors.

Dorn told Calgar that the Holy Golden Coffin contained the key to saving Guilliman, and Calgar mistook Dorn’s mission for a plan devised by Malcador. Dorn brought the coffin to Guilliman’s throne hall, where Tigurius found no daemonic danger within it.

• Perturabo, Fulgrim, and Dorn commented on the oversized statue of Guilliman and the smaller, covered statues around it.
• Calgar entered the chamber, and Dorn told him that the Holy Golden Coffin held the key to saving Guilliman.
• Dorn said the coffin’s power came from The Emperor’s friend, leading Calgar to conclude that it contained Malcador’s legacy.
• Calgar agreed to cooperate with Dorn, while Fulgrim wondered why Calgar was looking at them strangely.
• Dorn brought the coffin to Guilliman’s throne hall, where Tigurius examined it and detected no daemonic runes or plots.

Calgar and the Ultramarines realized Rogal Dorn, Perturabo, and Fulgrim were carrying out a demonic ritual against Guilliman, while Tigurius trusted a prophecy that Guilliman would be revived. As Fulgrim’s appearance changed and black vapor poured from Guilliman, Tigurius doubted the prophecy and prepared to self-destruct.

• Rogal Dorn opened Guilliman’s coffin as Fulgrim began carving forbidden runes into his skin for the ritual.
• Calgar recognized the deception and ordered the Ultramarines to save Guilliman, but Rogal Dorn and Perturabo held them back.
• Tigurius sided with the ritual, blasting his brothers away with psychic power because he trusted his prophecy.
• Rogal Dorn and Perturabo knocked Calgar, Agemman, Sicarius, and other Ultramarines aside without killing them.
• Slaanesh accelerated the ritual, transforming Fulgrim’s armor and placing a dagger in Guilliman’s neck as black vapor streamed from him.
• Tigurius feared the prophecy was wrong, admitted his doubts to Calgar, and prepared to self-destruct.

Yvraine's kiss and Ynnead's power made Guilliman's heart beat again, but he remained trapped in a deep slumber. Perturabo finally awakened him by shouting that the Second Empire needed him.

• Rogal Dorn stopped Tigurius, knocking the Chief Librarian unconscious as Slaanesh's corruption spread through the hall.
• Yvraine kissed Roboute Guilliman, allowing Ynnead's power to flow into him and triggering his heartbeat.
• Celestine heard Guilliman's heartbeat and returned to battle against the Tyranid swarm, while Cawl checked that the Fate Armor was safe.
• Tzeentch urged Khorne and Nurgle to wait, while Carlos warned Abaddon of Guilliman's future resurrection and Abaddon prepared to oppose it.
• The vision of Guilliman rising vanished, and Perturabo tried to wake him by striking him and breaking the stasis device.
• Perturabo shouted that the Second Empire needed Guilliman, and Guilliman opened his eyes.

Guilliman awakened ten thousand years after his battle with Fulgrim and learned from Dorn, Perturabo, and Fulgrim how the Imperium had changed. After grieving over the fate of their ideals, he joined his brothers before the assembled forces and citizens of Macragge as they prepared for the future.

• Guilliman awoke in a hall and attacked Perturabo and Fulgrim, believing them to be traitors and part of a trap.
• Dorn stopped Guilliman and told him that ten thousand years had passed, leaving Guilliman terrified about the Imperium and his unfinished work.
• Guilliman ordered Calgar and the Ultramarines to leave the throne room, then questioned Dorn, Perturabo, and Fulgrim for several days.
• After learning the Imperium's history, Guilliman lamented that their ideals and efforts had come to nothing, and Perturabo urged him to help repair the damage.
• Guilliman apologized to Perturabo and stood with his three brothers before the gathered forces and citizens of Macragge as Perturabo spoke of the Second Empire prospering.

Roboute Guilliman explained the original purpose of the Codex Astartes and condemned how it had become a sacred restriction on Space Marine tactics. After his Ultramarines knelt in shame, he comforted them and considered whether to abolish or revise the Codex.

• Roboute Guilliman convened a secret meeting with Primarchs, Ultramarines, and xenos commanders to address the Codex Astartes.
• Roboute Guilliman explained that the Codex had been created to prevent Legion-scale rebellion, improve gene-seed screening, and help the Imperium recover after the Horus Heresy.
• Roboute Guilliman revealed that the Codex had strayed from his original vision and had become an obstacle to Chapter development and new tactics.
• Fulgrim felt guilty about wounding Roboute Guilliman and killing many of his sons, while the Ultramarines lowered their heads in shame over their unquestioning devotion to the Codex.
• Calgar and the other Ultramarines knelt in tears, and Roboute Guilliman raised and comforted them.
• Roboute Guilliman considered whether to abolish the Codex Astartes or revise it.

Guilliman considered abolishing the Codex’s supreme authority and questioned the Big Canteen’s human, T'au, and Aeldari commanders about their forces and cooperation with Macragge. When Fulgrim compared Lady Oedmeir to Lady Euten, Guilliman was overwhelmed by memories of the woman who had cared for him.

• Guilliman proposed stripping the Codex of its supreme authority while retaining its purity standards and basic tactics.
• Guilliman met General Kodel, General Maxi, and Seer Renas, learning about their backgrounds and the Big Canteen’s forces.
• Seer Renas agreed that the Ivens Craftworld survivors would maintain contact between the Big Canteen and Macragge and make the Tree of Life their home.
• Guilliman learned that certified Big Canteen soldiers received Volkite Guns, and Perturabo explained that Lady Oedmeir had made them rather than the Adeptus Mechanicus.
• Fulgrim compared Lady Oedmeir to Lady Euten, causing Guilliman to remember the woman who had comforted him and shaped his life.

Guilliman began restoring the Ultramar sector and confronting the collapse of Imperial administration while Farsight’s forces fought Tyranids on Graveyard. The Tyrant tried to delay Lin Fan’s advance, but Lin Fan broke into its nest and cornered the remaining Tyranids.

• Guilliman recalled his brothers’ jealousy over his mother and promised to visit Lady Oedmeir after settling matters on Macragge.
• Guilliman rebuilt Macragge, concealed the Ultramar sector’s situation from Terra, and saw how badly the Imperium’s worlds had declined.
• Guilliman resolved to restore the Ultramarines to two hundred thousand and began reading the Book of Holy Words with Celestine nearby.
• Farsight learned that Lin Fan was fighting Tyranids in the Wolie Islands on Graveyard after the last Tyranid void beast had been destroyed.
• The Tyrant ordered its warriors to hold the nest and delay Lin Fan, but Lin Fan smashed through the wall and confronted them.

Lin Fan helped defeat the Tyranid swarm and handed the captured Tyrant to the Kroot for transport to a T'au research facility. After the victory, Farsight told him the T-grade Life Vaccine had been produced and showed him its specifications.

• Lin Fan captured the Tyrant, and the Kroot chieftain agreed to transport it while clearing Tyranid contamination along the route.
• Lin Fan questioned the Kroot chieftain about eating humans and learned that the Kroot had sworn to treat humans and Aeldari as they treated the T'au.
• Lin Fan asked whether consuming Orks had taught the Kroot to make bullets, then sent the chieftain back to work.
• The war against the Tyranid swarm ended, and Lin Fan watched the fortress city being rebuilt as Farsight brought him a can of Wrack bug venom.
• Farsight told Lin Fan that the T-grade Life Vaccine had been produced and displayed information about its composition.

Lin Fan and Farsight discussed the deadly effects and possible military use of the T-grade Life Vaccine, then learned Guilliman had awakened and set out as VK-01 issued a red alert. At VK-01, Volani and Krawos struggled against a spreading breakdown in perception and communication whose cause remained unknown.

• Farsight explained that the T-grade Life Vaccine could make its users wither away and shatter their souls, but Lin Fan and Farsight agreed to expand production for emergency suicide squads.
• Jaghatai told Lin Fan that Guilliman had awakened and gone with Perturabo to the Big Canteen, prompting Lin Fan to prepare to support Cadia.
• Farsight received a red alert from VK-01, and Lin Fan learned that the situation there was unclear.
• At VK-01, Volani restrained the babbling Krawos and used pain and a stimulant to bring him back to awareness.
• Volani and Krawos began losing the ability to understand each other as their surroundings distorted, and Volani struggled to stay awake while recalling that the cognitive failures had begun months earlier.

An Aeldari psychic scouting ritual aimed at the VK-01 system exposed the seers to a force that distorted their memories, senses, and bodies. Lin Fan tried to wake the affected crew aboard the Void Phoenix Fighter, but Yilafren fell asleep again and began bleeding from her mouth.

• A seer scanning the VK-01 system heard whispers, lost his memories, and believed he was a blade of grass.
• The other Aeldari pulled the seer from the ritual, but the psychic disturbance spread to them and Jaghatai Khan.
• Lin Fan entered the ritual room and slapped the writhing Aeldari awake, then tied them together and led them toward the cockpit.
• Jaghatai told Lin Fan that his perceptions and bodily sensations were being distorted, while Yilafren slept in the pilot's seat.
• Yilafren woke with dry, rough skin, then began falling asleep again as blood poured from her mouth.

Lin Fan found that a mysterious presence had contaminated the minds of the Aeldari and Jaghatai, then followed a probe’s coordinates toward the source. The Silent King prepared for his arrival, and Lin Fan finally heard the presence speak from the darkness.

• Lin Fan and Jaghatai knocked out the Aeldari and flew the Void Phoenix Fighter to Volani’s command center.
• Jaghatai examined the command archive, suffered a vision of an incomprehensible reality, and asked Lin Fan to help him find the probe data.
• Lin Fan found a blurry region in the probe images with a bright red cluster at its center and decided to investigate it himself.
• The Silent King ordered his forces to wait while the Subjective One tested Lin Fan, and the chronomancers compressed the distance between them.
• Lin Fan followed the probe coordinates through the darkness until a voice asked whether he was afraid.