The smoke of the Battle of Iax had yet to fully clear. The price of victory was a devastated planet and countless sacrifices.
Guilliman stood on the bridge of Macragge's Honour, his gaze sweeping across Iax's projection on the star chart, still shrouded in plague clouds. Yet a more urgent threat, like an icy steel needle, pierced his heart.
Dante's emergency distress signal rang like an alarm—the shadow of Hive Fleet Leviathan had drawn near Baal, and the homeworld of Sanguinius's descendants was in dire peril!
"Order all forces!" Guilliman's voice rang across the fleet's communication channels. "Immediately purge the remaining forces of Nurgle on Iax and eradicate the plague they have spread! All fleet units, begin emergency resupply and combat-readiness repairs!"
His finger struck the route on the star chart that represented both danger and opportunity. "Destination: the Nachmund Gauntlet! We will pass through this corridor to reinforce Imperium Nihilus and support Baal!"
Time was short; not a moment could be wasted. He turned to the loyal Chapter Master beside him. "Calgar!"
"Lord Regent!" Calgar stepped forward. The filth of Iax still stained his power armor, yet his eyes remained as sharp as ever.
"You will lead the main Ultramarines force, along with all warships that require no repairs, and depart at once. Make full speed for Vigilus!"
Guilliman's order was absolute. "I need you to take complete control of this strategic stronghold! It is the vital hub connecting us to the Dark Imperium! Ensure it remains in our hands. Failure is not an option!"
"As ordered! For Ultramar! For the Emperor!" Calgar accepted the command and departed without hesitation, beginning to muster the troops.
The fleet entered a tense period of repairs and replenishment.
In that brief gap, a thought arose in Guilliman's mind—he wanted to see his