Exploding shells lit up the sky. In the shadows along the edges of ruined buildings, a group of figures began to emerge, one of them towering over the rest.
Heavy, ponderous footsteps drew closer, and a golden figure was the first to come into view.
His signature golden mask and red-and-gold colours clearly revealed his identity.
Even among the Dark Angels, everyone knew this legendary angel's name.
"Dante?!"
As the flashes of explosions continued, more figures revealed themselves.
The Sanguinary Guard surrounded their Chapter Master, carefully protecting his flanks.
Clad in black Power Armour, Asmodai abruptly raised the Lion Sword in his hand and stared coldly at him.
"You shouldn't be here, Dante."
The atmosphere grew even more murderous.
The towering figure at the rear suddenly darted forward and struck Asmodai's wrist with a powerful blow. The immense force and sudden attack knocked the longsword from his grasp.
Before the sword could fall, a large hand seized its hilt.
The Dark Angels present immediately turned their weapons away from the Chaos Rebels and trained them on the towering, cloaked figure.
But the glimpse of Power Armour beneath the cloak made Chief Librarian Ezekiel hold his breath.
The towering figure reached up and pulled off his cloak, revealing an aged, stern face filled with resolve and anger.
Though he suspected who stood before him, Asmodai still raised his Boltgun and aimed it at the figure.
A Dark Angel clad in bone-white Power Armour strode out of the crowd behind him, carrying a Storm Shield, and placed himself between the two.
The identity of the warrior inside the Power Armour was clearly inscribed on his pauldron.
Zabriel.
"Traitor! You dare show yourself before me!"
Asmodai recognised the figure at a glance.
Zabriel of the Fallen.
"The glory of the Dark Angels once