Dust thrown up by the explosions swept across the planet's surface. Soil and rock fragments hurled skyward by the nuclear bombs tumbled and spun through the air, forming a thick gray-brown curtain that completely blotted out the sky.
Sunlight could not penetrate the dust. The land sank into an eerie gloom, with only the still-burning wreckage and ruins casting an orange-red glow, painting an apocalyptic scene along the horizon.
The 54th Regiment's armored forces chose this moment to launch their main assault.
They knew full well that the chaos following a nuclear blast offered the best opportunity to attack.
Having only just landed, the enemy had yet to consolidate their formations. Their attention would be focused on clearing out the remaining defenders on the surface rather than guarding against a large-scale counterattack.
If they could seize this window, they might inflict heavy casualties before the enemy gained a firm foothold.
They were only ordinary soldiers of the Imperialis Militia, without the powerful bodies and surgical augmentations of Space Marines, or the extensive logistical support and vast numbers of war machines available to the Holy Word Army.
Their armor was standard mortal-issue equipment rather than Power Armour. Their weapons were Lasguns rather than Bolters. Their bodies were still flesh and blood; a single bullet, a shard of shrapnel, or an explosion was enough to claim their lives.
But they had their burning passion to fight for Lorgar, their determination to defend their home, and their courage to stand against a powerful enemy without flinching.
Within ten minutes, an assault force of five thousand Leman Russ Main Battle Tanks, Dracosan troop carriers, and Emperor's Blade super-heavy tanks had assembled.
The tanks emerged from concealed shelters and garages, threading their way between ruins and shell craters before swiftly gathering at their designated positions.