The Karo star system.
The battle between the fleets had already ended.
The Savior Fleet had destroyed most of the Empire's warships and had taken full control of the few remaining enemy vessels.
They had also captured an Aether Commander, who was now being interrogated for more intelligence.
While the Aether Commander was being interrogated, the ground battle on Karo had also reached its end.
Inside the Karo royal capital's defensive line—
"Victory!"
The warriors of Karo shouted with excitement.
They had repelled the xenos and defended their homeland!
"We won just like that?"
The Governor stared at the Savior Army clearing the battlefield, his mind filled with confusion.
In order to face the incoming Tau Empire xeno forces, he had spared no expense in acquiring large quantities of weapons and equipment, even personally taking the risk to command at the frontlines.
The Governor had hoped to be like his ancestors, leading his people to fight the xenos with courage and determination, leaving behind his own legend.
Yet, before he could even start to prove himself, the war was already over.
The cannons he had gritted his teeth to buy had only fired a few rounds, the barrels barely warm, before there were no enemies left to shoot.
Everything happened so fast and chaotically.
The only thing the Governor remembered was the opening bombardment—earth-shaking artillery fire, the ground trembling underfoot, and then the God-Machines casting their massive shadows over the defenses.
After that…
He remembered nothing.
Until he heard the cheers of victory from the warriors.
"Yes, Your Excellency, we have indeed won..."
The Captain of the Guards smiled, wearing a brand-new power-assist armor and holding a gleaming, rare-edition power sword.
He looked like a true high-ranking warrior.
But in that smile, there was a trace of regret.
As the Captain of the Guards, he had trained diligently in his family's sword techniques for years, and had just acquired a brand-new top-grade weapon—a divine power sword that cost as much as half of Karo's annual planetary output.
This sacred sword should have drawn its first blood from the xenos and heretics.
Only by risking life and limb, cutting down a few xeno beasts, could he live up to the Governor's trust and honor his ancestors.
Yet, before he even saw what the enemy looked like, the battle had ended.
He hadn't even had the chance to draw his sacred sword.
The Captain of the Guards clenched the hilt of his power sword tightly, his face resolute.
He believed he would have his chance to fight in the future!
"Governor."
A War Angel squad leader walked over, his voice steady:
"The xeno forces have been completely crushed. There are no remaining threats. We will now withdraw. As for any stragglers, we leave them to you."
The Governor nodded gravely, as if shouldering a sacred duty: "Sir Angel, the people of Karo will not allow any xeno or traitor to escape judgment!"
The War Angel gave a slight nod and was about to turn to leave.
But before he could, the Governor quickly called him back.
"Please, Sir Angel, wait a moment."
The Governor smiled respectfully: "The great Savior summoned you and your warriors to descend and defend our homeland. Karo must show our gratitude..."
He gestured, and attendants carried over trays of crystalline fruits, sparkling like jade artworks.
These rare fruits were a traditional Karo delicacy used to honor distinguished guests.
"Karo produces the sweetest crystal melons in the entire star sector. This is but a small token of our appreciation. Please, you and your warriors must taste them."
The Governor rubbed his hands together, eyes full of expectation: "Also, we have prepared a batch of crystal melons as a gift for the Savior himself. We were wondering how best to deliver them... We hope the great Savior will enjoy them..."
Hearing this, the War Angel squad leader looked at the Governor, his icy gaze and momentary silence making the Governor nervous.
"Sir Angel?"
The Governor wiped his sweat nervously, afraid he had somehow offended these powerful warriors.
Soon, a voice came from inside the crimson helmet:
"Governor, we will gladly accept your gift and ensure it is delivered."
The War Angel removed his helmet, revealing a frighteningly young face with a warm, approachable smile.
He turned to his comrades and said: "Come, the Governor's hospitality should not be refused. Invite the brothers to taste the local specialties."
According to the Savior's discipline, the star warriors were to respond to the enemy with thunderous fury, but to greet their allies' kindness with respect.
They were to maintain a gentle and approachable image among the people.
Besides—
The Savior himself had a fondness for local specialties...
And these crystal melons, full of the goodwill of Karo's people, must be properly delivered to him.
The War Angel thought so.
Soon, the War Angels gathered.
The long tables were filled with sparkling crystal fruits, almost half of the palace's reserves.
The Governor enthusiastically introduced them.
He explained how delicious the crystal melons were, and how their structure required a precise cutting angle to fully enjoy their flavor.
However, whether from nervousness or inexperience, the attendants cutting the fruit were slow and clumsy.
Some even made mistakes.
Seeing the War Angels waiting silently, the Governor grew increasingly anxious.
He turned to scold his attendants:
"What are you doing?! Don't you see the honored Angels are waiting?!"
The War Angel squad leader smiled faintly:
"It's fine. We have time. No need to blame them, Governor."
The atmosphere, however, was growing awkward.
Suddenly, the Captain of the Guards stepped forward and said:
"Your Excellency, allow me!"
"Quick, quick!"
The Governor, wiping his forehead, smiled in relief.
He gave permission immediately.
Under everyone's gaze, the Captain of the Guards took a deep breath, drew his power sword with a hum—
Blue energy crackled across the blade.
Using his family's sword style, he swiftly and precisely sliced the crystal melons without leaving a scratch on the long table.
At the same time, his divine sword performed its first ceremonial cut…
On a pile of fruit.
Whoosh—
Sword sheathed, the crystal melons were neatly and flawlessly sliced.
"Excellent!"
The Governor gave the Captain a hearty compliment.
He then gestured to the War Angels: "Honored Angels, please enjoy!"
The War Angel squad leader, walking past the Captain, clapped him on the shoulder:
"Brother, your swordsmanship is impressive."
"It is my greatest honor, Sir Angel!"
The Captain stood tall, feeling incredibly proud that his family's swordsmanship had been recognized by a War Angel.
Inside the makeshift banquet hall—
Under the Governor's enthusiastic hospitality, everyone enjoyed themselves.
Afterward, the War Angels prepared to depart, bringing with them the gifts intended for the Savior.
The Governor and his officials and bodyguards stood at attention, watching the Savior's forces depart.
The Governor couldn't help but sigh emotionally:
"By the Emperor, the Savior's army is truly different..."
Whenever he dealt with regular Imperial forces, he was always cautious and terrified of making mistakes that would bring punishment. But these warriors were so approachable.
Still, the Governor soon remembered a painful truth:
In preparing for this invasion, he had gone into debt—five centuries' worth!
Fortunately, compared to the tithes imposed by the Imperium, this was bearable.
Looking at the sacred relic in his hand, the Governor opened the Redemption Marketplace and saw countless goods and technologies.
Weapons, industrial machines, agricultural equipment…
Hope stirred in his heart.
With these, Karo's future would be even brighter.
"Praise the Savior!"
The Governor gazed reverently at the receding ships, his face lighting up with a smile.
—
Above Karo.
The War Angel company and the Storm Group's Armored Combined Brigade returned to the fleet. The Savior Titans and other large vehicles were recovered by massive transport ships.
The Savior's Third Fleet floated silently in space.
Awaiting their next orders.
Aboard the Conqueror-class battleship—
In the brig.
The interrogation of the Aether Commander had been ongoing for a full day.
"I've already confessed!"
The Aether Commander, bruised and battered, shouted:
"I've told you everything! I came under orders from the Aether Elders to attack the Savior's territory! I am the fleet's supreme commander! This is the main force you're looking for!"
The interrogator sneered and activated the torture device again:
"Still lying? It seems you're not ready to live yet."
"AAAAAH!!"
The Aether Commander screamed in agony, drooling and sobbing uncontrollably.
Years ago, he had participated in the interrogation of a captured Imperial Space Marine—and no matter what they did, that human never broke.
At the time, he hadn't understood.
But now—
He truly realized how unimaginably strong that Space Marine's will had been.
The pain he now endured was unbearable compared to what the human must have faced.
The Aether Commander couldn't comprehend.
He had already confessed everything!
Why didn't they believe him?!
Outside the brig's observation window—
"This guy has amazing willpower..."
Volradi watched the suffering Aether Commander, his expression grim.
After a full day of interrogation, the Aether Commander had revealed much valuable intelligence about the Tau Empire's technology and internal affairs.
But he refused to give up the true location of the main fleet.
That made Volradi even more certain:
Something far bigger was going on.
The Tau Empire must be plotting something massive!
Suddenly—
"I'll talk! I'll tell you everything!"
The Aether Commander screamed louder, desperate:
"I lied before! The main fleet really is hidden!"
Immediately—
The interrogator shut off the torture device and injected him with painkillers.
He smiled coldly: "You should've said so earlier. Volradi promised—if you tell us the truth, you'll live."
For a xeno prisoner, this was extremely generous.
The Aether Commander sighed in relief.
He thought grimly:
There is no 'main fleet.' It's a lie.
But if he could deceive them long enough, he might survive until reinforcements arrived!
He spoke:
"Bring me a star chart. I'll mark the fleet's location."
Soon, a star chart was brought.
Pretending to study it carefully, the Aether Commander pointed to a distant system:
"Our main fleet is hidden here..."
Afterward, he relaxed.
At least now he had some breathing room!
However—
The interrogator pulled out a strange black machine.
"What are you doing?!"
The Aether Commander panicked, fearing he would be killed after giving up the information.
"Relax," the interrogator said. "We just need to verify your story."
"This... What is it?"
The Aether Commander asked nervously.
The interrogator patted the device:
"This is a lie detector. Built personally by Grand Magos Kaul. Guaranteed accuracy."
The machine hummed and crackled with arcs of energy.
"Come now, Commander. Repeat what you just said."
The Aether Commander desperately calmed his heartbeat and energy fluctuations.
He had been trained to resist lie detectors.
He spoke slowly and pointed at the star chart:
"Our main fleet is hidden... here..."
Beep—!
The device immediately blared a warning.
The Aether Commander panicked: "I'm not lying!"
Beep—!
Another warning.
He immediately fell silent.
The room grew quiet.
After a while—
"Can you be gentle?" he asked weakly.
"What do you think?"
The interrogator growled, increasing the device's power:
"Double dosage!"
"AAAAHHHH!!"
The Aether Commander howled in agony again.
Outside the brig's window—
Volradi sighed.
It was clear now:
Only by completely breaking this xeno's will could they get real information.
—
Several days later.
On the bridge.
Volradi was adjusting fleet formations and preparing a report to High Command.
The delay had left him uneasy.
He began to doubt himself.
Maybe there really was no main fleet?
But then—
An urgent report came:
The Aether Commander had finally confessed—and passed the lie detector test!
The main fleet was real!
"I knew it! My instincts are never wrong!"
Volradi was invigorated, battle-hunger igniting in his chest.
At last—
A real fight!
He immediately gathered the scattered fleets for a full mobilization toward the coordinates provided.
—
In the brig.
The Aether Commander lay battered but at peace.
The pain had stopped.
"They're mobilizing," he thought, smiling wickedly.
What he had revealed—
Was not the fake 'main fleet' they sought.
It was something far worse.
The legendary Shadow Sun General was temporarily stationed nearby for resupply.
A titan of the Tau Empire—
Famed for crushing Tyranid splinter fleets and Ork warbands alike!
This human fleet would be walking straight into annihilation!
"Fools..." the Aether Commander sneered silently.
He believed victory was his.
But then—
Woooooom—!
More ships exited warp space.
Looking out the porthole, he froze.
The Savior Fleet had tripled in size.
"This... This isn't right..."
Terror filled his heart.
He had made a terrible mistake...
—
A few days earlier.
In the Charalton Region.
The planet Orms.
One of the major rebuilding projects under the Grand Charalton Redevelopment Plan.
Shuttles buzzed everywhere, bringing machinery, materials, food, and supplies.
Planetary governors from nearby worlds gathered to observe.
Listening to the teachings of the great Savior.
Inside Eden's temporary residence—
Boom boom boom—
The sounds of construction roared outside.
Eden woke up, stretched lazily, and got out of bed.
After a simple wash, he donned a white safety helmet and headed for the core industrial zone.
The towering structures still bore traces of pollution.
Graffiti marked "Demolition" everywhere.
Old safety slogans hung along the fences.
These familiar sights—
Made him feel a bit nostalgic.
If only he hadn't been dragged into this brutal galactic nightmare...
He glanced through the latest reports.
Behind him, the planetary officials, all wearing helmets, followed respectfully, maintaining a careful distance.
"The envoy should've reached Tau already," Eden muttered, reading a diplomatic report.
Recently, his domain had sent a delegation to the Tau Empire.
They would exchange embassies.
He flipped to the military situation report.
And sighed.
According to intelligence—
The Tau Empire had dispatched a fleet toward his territory.
Clearly hostile.
Without any formal communication, this was an act of naked aggression.
An unmistakable prelude to war.
In response, the Savior's Third Fleet had been dispatched to intercept.
It was clear—
The galaxy was sliding irreversibly into total war...
(End of Chapter)
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