Tyranids!
That is the most terrifying predator in the galaxy, the common enemy of all life.
Wherever they go, nothing grows; all living matter is devoured, leaving not even a single planet behind.
If Kerry Von is colluding with the Tyranids, the consequences would be unimaginable!
However, if that's the case, it would explain Kerry von's extraordinary efficiency and ability.
After all, he had heard of a Tyranids vanguard force called Genestealer, which supposedly could improve the work efficiency of the infected.
But Ralfa's next gesture completely stunned him.
[But another aura took absolute control.]
[That aura was loyal, holy, and warm, carrying the radiance of the God-Emperor.]
[Like... those Living Saint.]
Dominic stood there, Daidai, his mind blank.
The aura of Emperor or Living Saint?
These two completely opposing, irreconcilable auras actually appeared in the same person at the same time?
How is that possible?!
He looked at Ralfa, his eyes filled with disbelief.
Ralfa nodded solemnly and made another gesture:
[I can't be mistaken. That holy aura was extremely pure and incredibly powerful.]
It suppressed that cold, devouring aura.
He was neither corrupted by the Chaos nor assimilated by the Tyranids.
He was a man favored by the Emperor.
Dominic breathed a long sigh of relief, finally able to relax.
Perhaps that cold aura was simply a special Psychic Power that someone had awakened.
He had initially thought that Ralfa had discovered evidence of Lynn's treason or corruption.
I never expected it to turn out like this.
Does he have the same aura as Living Saint?
It seems that the rumors about him being the Emperor's Chosen were not unfounded.
No wonder he was able to create so many incredible miracles in just six months.
With the Emperor's favor, what is impossible?
"I see." Dominic smiled, the doubt in his eyes fading considerably.
"No wonder I always felt he was different from others."
Ralfa nodded slightly, retreated back to the corner, and once again became the taciturn, unassuming Sisters of Silence.
Dominic looked out the window again, his eyes filled with admiration and anticipation.
He had initially thought that this trip to Calixis would be another tedious, corrupt, and deceptive tax collection journey.
I never expected to meet such an interesting person.
"Alright, Kerry von," Dominic said in a low voice, "I'll give you a chance."
I will thoroughly investigate the truth about Brevis.
If what you're saying is true, maybe I'll consider helping you with a small favor.
"After all, what the Imperium needs is a governor like you, not parasites who only know how to line their own pockets," Dominic muttered to himself.
After that, unlike before, he did not immediately lead a large guard to the governor's mansion to force Lynn to pay taxes in the most authoritative manner.
Instead, they decided to patiently wait for the investigation results.
He also has every reason not to rush.
First, his fleet encountered severe Warp turbulence while navigating in Warp.
Ever since that mysterious black fleet emerged from the Eye of Terror, the entire Warp of the Segmentum Obscurus has become extremely chaotic.
Several capital ships, including the Gemstone, suffered severe damage to their Gellar Field.
The ship's hull also suffered varying degrees of damage, and it will take at least a month to repair.
They cannot safely leave the Calixis System until the fleet is repaired.
Secondly, he did indeed admire Lynn to some extent.
Dominic comes from the martial Ventria Family and deeply admires the strong and loyal heroes.
Having witnessed the corruption and decadence of the Imperium, he was delighted to encounter a governor like Lynn, who was loyal, brave, capable, and responsible.
It was like finding a sparkling gem in a pile of garbage.
He unconsciously developed feelings for Lynn and was willing to give Lynn a chance to prove herself.
If Lynn can truly manage to pay his Tithe under such difficult circumstances, or come up with a reasonable solution.
Therefore, he wouldn't mind using his connections and power to help Lynn.
"Someone come here!" Dominic called out towards the door.
"My lord!" The captain of the guard immediately pushed open the door and came in.
"Pass on my orders." Dominic's tone regained its usual authority.
"First, have the fleet's engineering teams immediately begin repairing the damaged warships, prioritizing the repair of the Gellar Field and weapon systems on several capital ships."
"Secondly, assign some personnel, dividing them into three teams."
He thought for a moment and continued, "The first team, led by you personally, will head to the Uptown of Brevis."
The investigation focused on the living conditions of the nobles, their food reserves, and their evaluation of Governor Kerry von.
"Second team, head to Midtown to investigate the union's operations, industrial capacity, and workers' living standards."
"The third team will head to the Lower City to investigate the basic needs of the common people, the state of public security, and the severity of the famine."
"Remember, do not reveal your identity, and do not alert anyone."
"I need the most truthful and detailed report. Report back to me in one week."
"Yes, sir!" The captain of the guard saluted and turned to leave to assign tasks.
He himself planned to find an opportunity to investigate what exactly the Orks on Dorito was all about.
He hadn't had a satisfying battle in a long time, and he was itching to get his hands dirty.
Dominic picked up the Dataslate on the table and started looking at it again.
On the screen, Lynn, clad in Power Armour and wielding Power Sword, stood out as he bravely fought his way through the Orks horde.
" Kerry von, don't let me down," Dominic whispered. "Don't let the Emperor's favor be wasted on you."
On the night the Tithe Fleet arrived, at Brevis Governor's Office.
The office where Lynn worked was filled with smoke.
Lynn sat behind his desk, smoking one cigarette after another.
The ashtray was already overflowing with cigarette butts.
His brows were furrowed, his eyes were serious, and there was no trace of the ease and composure he had shown when he confronted Dominic in the reception room.
He knew that his victory was only temporary.
Although Dominic was moved by his achievements and agreed to extend the time, the Imperium's Tithe system was extremely rigid.
You will pay every penny of the taxes due.
Even if he were given a month's grace, he still wouldn't be able to gather that much food.
Unless the deadline can be extended to a year or two, allowing him to retake Dorito and rebuild the production line.
More importantly, the Sisters of Silence on the Black Ship were like ticking time bombs.
Every extra day they stay in Brevis increases the risk of the Tyranids being exposed.
Rena's swarm of insects, the Frost Soldier on the ice plains, and the Genestealer lurking in every level—if any one of them is discovered, it will bring annihilation.
" Lynn, stop smoking."
A clear, crisp voice rang in Lynn's mind.
Immediately afterwards, a pink Ripper the size of a palm crawled out of the drawer and jumped onto Lynn's lap.
It raised its head and looked at Lynn with worried eyes.
"You've smoked several packs already; it's bad for your health."
Lynn smiled, stubbed out his cigarette, and gently stroked the smooth carapace of the Ripper.
"I'm fine, just a little annoyed," Lynn sighed.
" Dominic may have been temporarily intimidated, but the problem is not solved."
"What's the big deal?" The Ripper tilted its head and said matter-of-factly.
"Why waste your breath talking to them? I'll just bring the swarm and gore them!"
"Eat all those tax collectors and the Sisters of Silence, and eat their entire fleet!"
"That way, no one will dare to collect taxes from us!"
Rena has said this countless times.
In the past, Lynn would patiently explain to her why they couldn't break ties with the Imperium and why they couldn't expose the existence of the Tyranids.
But this time, Lynn did not refute it.
He looked into Rena's eyes, remained silent for a few seconds, and then slowly nodded.
"Good."
"Huh?"