As the star's light gradually faded, night fell over the Planet.
Through the atmosphere, the Tyranid biofleet in orbit could still occasionally be seen exchanging relentless fire with the Imperial Fleet.
Whenever they reached a suitable firing position, the fixed Giant Defense Weapons on the ground began to roar.
The only unit that had never had a moment to spare was the Apocalypse Titan within the defensive perimeter.
Regardless of the planet's position, the Titan could freely find an angle of attack, taking a moment every few minutes to give the Tyranid Bio-fleet in space a little surprise.
Along the front where the fortifications had been completed, the troops began slowly withdrawing, while the Machine Intelligence Servitors started building Energy Transmission Towers.
Without energy support from the Pectaro, even the Men of Iron forces could not sustain uninterrupted combat. Splitting their forces meant a lack of reserves, forcing these tireless steel reapers to halt and recharge.
A large portion of the logistical supplies carried by each unit this time consisted of these enormous "power banks."
Apart from the Apocalypse Titan and the Enforcer Tanks, which had independent power supplies, all the other units needed to replenish their energy.
Numerous Armed Sentinels formed a ring around the Energy Transmission Towers, while the Sentinels on the perimeter began returning in batches to recharge.
Building fixed fortifications not only secured the line, but also gave the troops an opportunity to recharge.
Yet the sole Imperial front suddenly became precarious.
The prolonged fighting had consumed enormous amounts of ammunition, and the soldiers were so exhausted that they could barely load their shells.
The Astartes swung their Power Swords more and more slowly.
Their Chainswords had long since stopped spinning, and their Power Swords' disruption fields had already vanished.
The sea of bugs blanketing the