Bang! With the final report of a bolter round leaving its barrel, the ground of the Rock lay covered in layers of corpses.
Blood seeped into the earth, turning the soil into a black mire. Apothecaries hurried across the battlefield, assessing injuries. Astartes who could still be saved were carried away by their Battle-Brothers. What awaited them might be a Primaris upgrade, or a cold sarcophagus. The Astra Militarum who had landed with them were just as busy.
The bodies of the fallen Space Marines were gathered together. Their gene-seed was extracted and their Power Armour recovered, while their remains were collected for burial.
They would eventually be handed over to members of their respective Chapters, along with their gene-seed.
The sight of the devastated Rock Monastery weighed heavily on everyone.
The Dark Angels had suffered grievous losses in this battle.
Many recruits who had only just completed their training had fallen, and even some Inner Circle veterans had died valiantly under the enemy's relentless assaults.
Azrael led a group to Lion El'Jonson's side. Although they could now confirm his identity, they still questioned his current condition.
Ten thousand years ago, Lion El'Jonson had vanished without a trace. Now that he had reappeared, he was accompanied by many of the Fallen whom the Chapter had been hunting.
Even though he had appeared at a crucial moment, led the battle, and saved his Progeny.
But what came after that? Had he been tainted by Chaos? Did he harbor doubts about the Imperium? Had he even betrayed the Emperor?!
The Inner Circle veterans stared at their Gene-Father with doubt in their eyes, as though hoping to discern something from his expression.
But Lion El'Jonson let out a deep sigh before slowly speaking.
"I led you through countless battles, fighting to safeguard humanity's