The Expeditionary Force slowly entered a region of the Maelstrom.
The fleet was much smaller than before, and its ships bore many more scars.
Nearly everyone's nerves were stretched taut like strings, and people kept going mad under the corrosive influence of the Warp.
The faith that sustained the Expeditionary Force rested on the Child of the Emperor who led them-Roboute Guilliman.
Each order from Guilliman himself quietly bolstered everyone's spirits, letting them know he had not yet fallen.
But only Guilliman knew that ever since his encounter with Kairos, the Greater Daemon of Tzeentch, his sight had been filled with terrifying visions of every kind.
Macragge burned before his eyes, while the Chaos Fleet rained down bombs without cease.
Chapter Master Calgar led his battle-brothers in a retreat to the Hall of Truth, only to be beheaded by a Bloodthirster.
But Guilliman knew these were all illusions, and he held firm with his powerful will and Bastion of Reason.
Still, it should soon be over.
"Father! Enemy ships!"
A multitude of energy signatures appeared on the Auspex. When Guilliman looked over, he saw vast numbers of Red Corsairs warships emerge from hiding, closing on the Expeditionary Force from every direction.
"Form a defensive formation. Watch out for enemy torpedo bombardment," Guilliman ordered swiftly.
The expeditionary fleet quickly spread out, adopting the Guerrilla Defense Formation.
Then a dazzling flash of light appeared.
An Ultramarines Librarian let out an agonized howl and fell to his knees, brilliant light streaming from the openings in his face.
Then he exploded under the influence of the Warp, the blast powerful enough to overturn a Dreadnought.
As the thick Warp mist dispersed, a powerful figure appeared on the bridge.
"Roboute Guilliman, your journey ends here," Kairos said.
Tzeentch Daemons and Red Corsairs warriors poured out