With their assignments handed out, the Deathwatch squads left the Landing Site, pursuing the Men of Iron forces that had already advanced dozens of kilometres ahead.
Behind them were the surviving Imperial Guard regiments, only just reorganised and regrouped, along with a negligible handful of Planetary Defence Force troops.
Most of the planet had already fallen. Only the two great fortresses in this region and the massive weapons turrets they protected remained.
Yet everyone watched as that steel battle line swept the swarm back dozens of kilometres in one stroke, like a broom sweeping dust from the ground. Moments earlier, the creatures had been on the verge of breaking through the positions and pouring into the Landing Site.
Nothing remained on the ground but charred remains and scattered pieces of corpses.
Even the Astartes were taken aback by such efficiency.
The Deathwatch squads followed cautiously behind, observing the battlefield closely.
Lefus's squad numbered five. Besides Blackshield Kna, it included Augustus and Marcus, two warriors from the Imperial Fists.
They had all fought alongside one another on various missions before. When forming an impromptu battlefield squad, familiar brothers were naturally easier to coordinate with.
In the five-man squad, Augustus and Marcus took point, Lefus served as the heavy weapons specialist, and Blackshield Kna provided supporting fire.
Thorn handled observation and flexible support.
The warriors of the Imperial Fists excelled in such frontline roles. They could often be seen carrying shields to cover their comrades or withstand enemy fire.
Compared with mortal troops, the Astartes showed greater initiative.
Because his forces had split up, Iax did not advance the battle line at full speed this time. Keeping losses manageable and giving the troops time for repairs was essential.
The Deathwatch following behind naturally noticed this.
Whenever the mechanical forces along a section