An absurd guess

As the Kommandos bobbed through the dust-filled hills, the Assault Squad pursuing them soon ran beyond Iax's enhanced visual coverage.

These demigods of the Imperium could cover several kilometers in mere minutes. The uneven terrain and jutting rocks obstructing their view slowed them somewhat.

The nimble Ork Boyz, however, took advantage of their greater familiarity with the terrain and vanished from sight after scrambling over a few obstacles.

After a chase that failed to wipe out the enemy, the Assault Squad soon returned.

"Sir, aside from the Orks killed by the Ancient Construct at the start, we only eliminated a few enemies. We can confirm that at least two Orks escaped pursuit."

After speaking, the sergeant leading the squad looked at Calando with some shame.

Calando had no intention of blaming him. With unfamiliar terrain and cunning Orks, expecting them to wipe out the enemy had been wishful thinking to begin with.

"Everyone, assemble. Move out immediately. The Orks will discover us soon. We must relocate while we still have time."

The Astra Militarum soldiers, who were helping one another remove bullet fragments from their bodies, looked up hesitantly and asked.

"Sir, what about us?"

"May the Emperor protect you."

Without answering them directly, Calando immediately led his team away.

If they had still been capable of fighting, he would have had no hesitation in ordering them to come along and assist him.

But the soldiers before him were only keeping their bodies functioning for a short time through powerful drugs.

And those drugs.

Were about to wear off.

Bringing along several gravely wounded mortal burdens would do nothing to help his next operation.

Nearby, Iax updated the known ground conditions.

It marked a nearby area with a Daemon symbol, then placed Ork symbols along the directions in which the