Malum Caedo immediately spotted signs of Chaos intrusion all around him. Blood ran in rivers across the slaughtered bridge, and judging by the bloodstains on the Chaplain's Power Greaves, he had only just arrived himself.
The beaked Mark VI Power Armour helmet had been specially modified to accommodate his body after his Primaris transformation and his Mark X Power Armour, making the warrior look even taller and more imposing.
"Chaplain, you..."
Before he could finish, the Holy Chainsword roared. Without the slightest hesitation, Malum Caedo brought it down at the Chaplain's head.
This First Company Sushui Veteran had refused promotion many times to remain at his post, but that did not mean he had stopped growing. Tempered by countless wars, he recognized the Chaplain's abnormal condition at a glance.
Possession by a Warp creature was not necessarily fatal. The Exorcists Chapter, some Librarians, and members of the Inquisition had successfully driven them out before, but all such cases shared one prerequisite: the victim had to be restrained immediately.
Malum Caedo did not believe they had time for that now.
Countless warships had become embroiled in a chaotic melee. Imperial vessels swarmed with Orks, Chaos Traitors, Genestealers, and other corrupted humans.
He had seen too many tragedies in which a corrupted Chaplain dragged an entire company into Chaos, too many humanoid psyker bombs that appeared normal but exploded the moment someone approached. He knew Helian Cross: a stubborn bastard who would absolutely want his comrades to kill him with their own hands if he became corrupted.
The Librarian moved with him. Powerful Psyker Chains materialized from the void, blocking the Chaplain's retreat and forming a cage. He still hesitated somewhat. In his youth, he had fought alongside the Exorcists Chapter. Perhaps they had a way to save this faithful Chaplain.
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