Following data analysis and battlefield assessment, the order to withdraw was issued.
Heavy Drone Fighters swarmed onto the battlefield and began providing cover.
More than a third of the Machine Body units on the battlefield overloaded their weapons, while the remaining two-thirds began boarding transport ships to leave.
Facing the sudden increase in firepower, the various Drukhari Kabals and cults kept deploying more forces. The Kabal of the Black Heart, the dominant power in Commorragh, even headed straight for long-sealed Webway storehouses to try to awaken more ancient equipment.
Yet just as the Drukhari finished making their preparations, the Aeldari forces on the battlefield suddenly discovered that the overrun districts had fallen silent.
The explosions and incoming fire had stopped.
The Archons unanimously agreed that this was merely the prelude to an even fiercer battle. They ordered all troops to remain on high alert and await support from their Titans.
After all, they had already seen the Punisher Titan's enormous bulk. Without Titans to keep it occupied, no number of conventional troops would suffice against a cannon that could blast thousands of warriors away with a single shot.
Swarms of heavy drones sealed off the skies above the battlefield, preventing the Drukhari from conducting reconnaissance with their aircraft.
Since Ragnarok, the Aeldari's prophetic abilities had greatly weakened. Even Mallys, who possessed the Crystal Heart, could not clearly see the Men of Iron in her visions. Other seers could discern even less of the battlefield situation.
Worried that some scheme was afoot, the Drukhari had no choice but to hold their existing lines and wait.
The second wave of Titans was smaller.
Their quality, however, was somewhat higher.
More than a dozen Phantom Titans led the way, their enormous white Bone Sword blades shimmering with arcs of light. Several rare Warlock