What first caught Lynn's eye was a completely distorted world.
The vast purple Warp Domain, like a ferocious giant eye, loomed over the sky above the Midtown.
The impact has already covered nearly one-third of the Midtown center.
The laws governing reality within this domain have been corrupted and distorted by the power of Chaos.
On the originally gray-black exterior walls of the factory buildings in the industrial zone, disgusting tumors and constantly writhing blood vessels have grown.
Tzeentch Daemon floated in the sky, omnipresent, spreading mind-altering whispers.
The Thousand Sons Warriors, clad in blue Power Armour, walked along the twisted streets, their helmets etched with eerie runes of the Lord of Change, and their force field swords gleaming with a chilling Psychic Power light.
Following behind them were countless Chaos Cultist and mutated monsters, roaring as they charged towards the Imperium defenders' lines.
The battle was exceptionally fierce.
More than 30 percent of the Midtown has fallen, and the defenders have been forced to retreat to the second line of defense, where they are barely holding on with the thick walls of the industrial zone.
Strangely, the Chaos army, which held an overwhelming advantage, did not press its advantage but instead halted its expansion.
They neither rushed to advance into the Uptown nor spread to the Lower City, but instead steadily advanced within the occupied areas.
The Thousand Sons Sorcerer brandished their staffs, setting up Psychic Power arrays at key points along the street.
The Cultists relied on heavy machinery in the factory to build temporary fortifications using thick alloy steel plates and engineering equipment.
There were even hordes of mutated creatures digging trenches and setting traps on the edges of the streets.
They are deliberately closing the border.
All the main streets, side streets, and underground tunnels leading into the occupied territory were completely blocked by ruins and believers.
The defenders' reconnaissance aircraft and Servo-skull would be shot down by a sudden attack as soon as they approached the edge of the territory.
No one can see what is brewing in the core area of Warp Domain anymore; all they can see are Chaos forces constantly emerging from the depths and replenishing the front-line defensive positions.
"They're building fortifications?" Lynn's pupils contracted slightly, and a chill ran through him.
This is highly unusual.
The Chaos forces are known for their unpredictable and relentless attacks, especially the followers of Khorne.
Never before have we been so obediently squatting in the occupied territory, building bunkers and digging trenches.
This is not the posture of an aggressor at all; it's more like... like preparing for a long-term garrison to defend against an impending large-scale attack.
Against whom? The Tithe Fleet? The Vanguard?
Or is he hiding in a swarm of insects in two desolate worlds?
Once this thought popped into my head, it spread wildly through my mind like weeds.
Lynn felt a chill run down her back, and cold sweat instantly soaked her shirt.
The swarms of insects on Dead World A and Dead World B were his deepest trump card.
Billions of Zerg troops are entrenched on two deserted, lifeless planets, ready to reach Brevis at any time via gravity jump using their Hive Fleet.
He believed he had handled the matter flawlessly; even his trusted confidants, such as Gus and the Butcher, were unaware of the details, and the entire process was controlled by Rena.
But what if the Tzeentch ones have already discovered it?
The Thousand Sons, the Tzeentch electorate, is most adept at discerning the flow of fate and sifting through countless timelines for clues.
They may not be able to see the specific coordinates or hear the specific Dialogue.
Yet, from the tides of fate, one can sense the terrifying predator lurking in the shadows, a predator powerful enough to devour an entire galaxy.
Their choice to descend upon Midtown was not a random decision at all.
Midtown is the most concentrated area of Brevis's industry, possessing the richest strategic resources, the most complete industrial facilities, and countless pieces of machinery, equipment, and weapons.
Once they occupy this place, they can quickly establish an impregnable stronghold by relying on the complex terrain and sturdy buildings of the Hive City, without needing any food supplies.
They never intended to take over the entire Brevis in one fell swoop from the very beginning.
Their goal was to first occupy this "feng shui treasure land" of Midtown, gain a foothold, and wait for the swarm of insects to arrive.
The cuckoo has taken over the magpie's nest.
They intend to use Brevis's Hive City fortifications to defend against Tyranid Swarm he might summon.
"A clever scheme." Lynn gritted his teeth, his voice carrying a hint of cold anger.
No wonder they weren't in a hurry to kill him or expand their gains.
Trapping himself was merely a way to buy time, preventing him from immediately realizing his true intentions.
Once they've completely transformed Midtown into an impregnable fortress, even if we were to recklessly mobilize the Zerg swarm, it would still cost us an extremely heavy price to take it down.
I'll be at a huge loss then.
"We can't let them succeed," Lynn decided immediately.
" Rena, immediately relay my orders through Isolde."
"You say."
"First, mobilize the Vanguard force of the Uptown, unite with the Ecclesiarchy Sisters of Battle, and the private armies of loyal nobles to form a northern allied force, and launch a general offensive from the Midtown."
"Don't worry about me. The underground of Saint Garus Castle is easy to defend and difficult to attack. These Chaos Cultist won't be able to break in anytime soon."
"They're not targeting me, so there's no need for them to waste a lot of manpower on me."
"Second, notify the Vanguard troops stationed at the grassroots level in the Lower City to unite with all available grassroots armed forces."
" The Scavengers' Alliance, gang militias, and factory guards formed a joint southern force and launched an attack from the lower entrance of the Midtown."
"Tell them that if they win this battle, each participant will receive a month's worth of rations, and the families of those who die in battle will be supported by the Governor-General's Office."
"Third, select a small Vanguard to form a rescue team in conjunction with the elite Sisters of Battle. Their job is to hold the enemy at the perimeter; there's no need to force their way in."
"Preserve your main force and prioritize destroying the Chaos stronghold in the Midtown."
Lynn's orders were clear and decisive, without any hesitation.
He knew very well that the most important thing now was not getting himself out of trouble.
Instead, they aimed to shatter the Thousand Sons' Warp Domain and drive the Chaos forces out of Brevis before the Thousand Sons could completely transform the Midtown into a fortress.
As for himself, the underground passages of Saint Garus Castle were intricate and complex, with newly constructed fortifications.
As long as a few key nodes are guarded, even if there are twice as many Chaos Cultist, they won't be able to easily break in.
Staying a few more hours is perfectly within his tolerance.
"Received, the order has been synchronized with Isolde," Rena's voice quickly rang out.
" The Uptown troops have begun to assemble, the priests are ready, and the nobles, aware of the risks of this Chaos invasion, have not shirked their responsibilities."
"The reaction was even more enthusiastic in the Lower City. Faced with a crisis for the planet's survival, they said they would volunteer to fight even without food."
Lynn nodded; this was within his expectations.
Although humans are selfish creatures, they never hesitate to display courage and unity when it comes to matters of national importance.
"There's one more thing," Lynn said, his tone turning somber.
"Contact the Zerg swarm in Dead World A, and instruct Toothy to prepare for battle. All combat units are to enter Level 1 alert."
"If the Imperial Army can't hold out, if the Thousand Sons really gains a foothold..." A resolute glint flashed in his eyes.
Even if it exposes the existence of the Tyranids and the Orks, I will never let Brevis fall into the hands of Chaos.
This is his bottom line.
The Tithe of the Imperium can be negotiated, and the conflicts among the nobility can be resolved, but Chaos cannot.
Once Chaos takes hold in Brevis, Warp Domain completely envelops the planet, everything will be over.
At that point, not only will development be impossible, but even the biomass will be contaminated, rendering it unusable for the insect swarm.
"Hmm!" Rena's voice also turned serious.
"I have already sent a message to the silent world."
Upon receiving Lynn's message, Toothy also said that it could bring its boys at any time to launch a massive attack on Chaos.
Lynn nodded, his gaze turning to the battlefield below.