"Advance from the Landing Point! Alternate covering fire!"
"Scout, move ahead and mark the energy flow! Techmarines, try to crack the structure!"
"Keep the channel clear! Mark enemy positions on contact!"
Clipped orders passed through the crackling channel. The warriors advanced slowly but steadily along the warped passages in combat squads, back to back, weapons covering every direction.
The low hum of their power armour's Servo System, the clicks of bolter safeties disengaging, and the distinctive sizzling of disruption fields as power weapons activated—as though the air itself were tearing—formed a grim prelude.
Rangdan Elite warriors poured out of the shadows around passage corners, from behind pipe-like structures dangling overhead, and even through fissures that suddenly opened in seemingly smooth walls.
They stood as tall as Space Marines and were equally robust. Unlike the Rangdan Elites encountered before, however, those facing the Dark Angels wore smooth, dark-purple armour made of something resembling the Construct's material.
The armour did not look worn so much as grown and mutated from within their bodies, fused with their skin, with tougher bone plates covering their joints.
Organic structures resembling Mantis Blade Arms or clusters of energy-focusing crystals extended from the ends of their arms, their edges shimmering with dangerous, high-energy light.
They moved swiftly and silently, like phantoms, lunging at the Dark Angels squads from every angle in an instant.
"Contact! Front! Three o'clock! Above!"
"Fire at will!"
The roar of bolters instantly shattered the oppressive silence.
Orange-red lines of fire crisscrossed the narrow, uncanny passages.
Yet these Rangdan Elites displayed astonishing combat skill and defensive capabilities.
Their smooth shells deflected bolts with unusual effectiveness. Many rounds skimmed off their carapaces, leaving only scorch marks.
Even direct hits often required several rounds striking the same spot to punch through.
They were incredibly fast, bounding