Hawk did not understand. It never even occurred to him that Cheng Mingrui might represent good. He believed this had to be because the daemon named Cheng Mingrui was more powerful.
Fortunately, the Ordo Malleus had made thorough preparations, sending two platoons-two hundred Grey Knights-to seal the daemon.
As he fought, Hawk contacted Levinie aboard the orbiting warship through his communicator, telling her to send down more Grey Knights-all of them.
The daemon's power surpassed anything they had imagined.
Levinie complied, but she was deeply worried. For the first time, she lost confidence. Were the forces she had brought truly enough? Were they really enough to seal such a terrifying daemon?
"Emperor above, your humble servant begs you to bestow your blessing. Protect your valiant warriors, that they may win another great victory for you."
Levinie knelt on the floor. Never before had she prayed to the Emperor so devoutly.
Her prayers seemed to have no effect. The battle inside the fortress remained grueling. With their equipment and combat experience, the Grey Knights all but overwhelmed the Yellow Turban Strongmen, yet Cheng Mingrui's immense strength overwhelmed them in turn.
It took five Grey Knights and three Power Halberds just to barely catch a casual strike from Cheng Mingrui's longsword.
Two Grey Knights behind Cheng Mingrui seized the opening, leaving two wounds on his body with their halberds.
Those wounds were not fatal, however, and rapidly healed instead. The Grey Knights had accepted that their weapons had no special suppressive effect on the daemon before them, but they remained undaunted and continued their encirclement.
Another Grey Knight fell before Hawk. His initial shock and anger had given way to calm.
Sacrifice was the foundation of the Imperium of Man. Sealing such a powerful daemon would naturally demand greater sacrifices.
Two flames