Watching the High Tech-Priests gradually move away, Zhang Ge let out a sigh of relief.
While the term "High Tech-Priest" was somewhat vague, generally speaking, the individuals who fell just below the Magos were classified within this category.
To be more specific, if not for the unique circumstances of this planet, there would likely not be a single Magos to be found throughout the entire Hongbei Sector.
Although someone like the High Tech-Priest of Yarkalan merely managed the affairs of one Hive City, such a position could still extend to heights just under that of a subordinate overseer of a Forge World.
Even disregarding the familiar local Arachnid-Tech Priest, those unfamiliar faces accompanying the Magos had clearly maintained a close relationship with him, and with such ties, how could their status within the Mechanicus be low?
Despite feeling subservient before the Magos, any ordinary upper-class noble within a Hive City would be drenched in sweat.
Here, if you call me a brother or sister of the Order of Peace, I won't pick a fight, but elsewhere, you'd only get a chance to address me during a triumph ceremony while standing off to the side.
With everything said, returning to Zhang Ge's contemplations makes it easy to understand—if this group were to come into his regiment to tighten screws, it would be a disaster.
Even disregarding any other factors, just the combat prowess of these scholar-like heavily modified individuals could classify them as elite titanic units, and who knows what kind of heavy artillery capable of wiping out a Leman Russ lurked beneath their red robes.
After sending the group away, Zhang Ge turned to Olivia and instructed her to head to the assembly point.
Before long, as the external temperature began to rise due to the Titan's pre-launch cooling systems, he turned to several of his entourage and said:
"We should depart as well."
Before leaving, he glanced up at the sky, noticing that the once-busy airspace had returned to a state of emptiness.
Had the first wave of Skitarii already landed? That also meant time should be nearing.
Indeed, not long after boarding the Valkyrie, the sound array began to ring.
Upon connecting, he heard the familiar voice of an Imperial Fists officer.
Whether due to their body modifications or not, the voices of these Space Marines bore a distinct quality compared to those of mortals. Or perhaps it was simply a conscious effort to cultivate the image of Emperor's angels?
As he pondered these matters, Zhang Ge listened to the officer's report.
In brief, the remaining Chaos Cultists who had been besieged had been largely eliminated, and although the Iron Warriors and Ork forces had made some attempts to harass the outer walls of the Deadwood Sector, they had yet to pose a significant threat. Overall, the situation had stabilized.
However, this was only true for certain areas. When considering the entire Deadwood Sector, at least two-fifths were still suffering under the taint of Chaos.
During the communication, the officer informed Zhang Ge of the original plan:
He had intended to launch a counteroffensive at least two months later, by which time the effects of military governance would likely have become apparent, and logistical matters would have been mostly organized, allowing for a steady reclaiming of those territories. However, recent events had disrupted the original timeline, bringing the counteroffensive forward to now.
The combined effects of the enemy's notable weakening and the arrival of reinforcements from the Adeptus Mechanicus far outweighed the preparation of two months, and he felt confident they could liberate the entire sector in one push.
Of course, the Imperial Fists officer wasn't just checking in for a friendly chat; he wanted Zhang Ge to head to the previously established Military Command Center, where he would assign a special task to Zhang Ge and the First Mechanized Regiment.
A special task, personally delivered, with grand build-up, from a Space Marine.
Perfectly in line with Zhang Ge's desires.
Without hesitation, he changed their destination, and the Valkyrie shifted its course, bearing the hopes of many as it accelerated toward the distant Hive City's spire.
Soon, almost as if sensing Zhang Ge's urgency, the Valkyrie, after several accelerations, arrived at the Military Command Center set atop the Hive City.
Originally the administrative center of the Deadwood Sector, this place had been repurposed into a semi-fortress for issuing military orders, with ships continuously loading and unloading soldiers and weapons, making it appear even busier than before the war.
As they approached the vicinity, the Valkyrie actively transmitted its signal and received guidance, smoothly parking within the building.
Just as Zhang Ge noticed the aircraft had landed and the hatch was slowly opening, he spotted the Imperial Fists officer directly waiting at the landing area.
Uh-oh.
He hadn't anticipated that the officer would be so eager as to guard the landing zone... the Eldar pet was inconsequential, but Perveti hadn't been disguised yet.
Maintaining an unruffled demeanor, Zhang Ge casually stepped off the Valkyrie with his companions, pretending as if Perveti, towering above everyone, didn't even exist. He asked in the same tone as usual:
"In such a hurry? What's the task? Let me know."
Upon hearing Zhang Ge speak, the officer initially failed to respond, instead raising his gaze to inspect Perveti before directing his attention back to Zhang Ge for a long moment—clearly, he had something to say about this but swallowed his words and replied:
"To keep it brief, during the purge... I mean, the investigation of the nobility, we discovered that one noble has stockpiled several special Deathstrike Missiles within his fortress. These missiles possess significant strategic value; a single missile could destroy a small warship or pose a threat to an entire Hive City."
"Oh, I see."
Well, I thought it was going to be a high-risk mission, but it's just about a noble.
Seeing Zhang Ge's slightly uninterested expression, the officer continued:
"Although we're unclear where this noble obtained these missiles, with the current tense situation, we cannot leave them in his hands... Despite this consideration, the noble's fortress lies deep within the fallen area, surrounded by many Chaos forces, and its own defenses are quite formidable. Moreover, if he were to detonate those missiles in a desperate move..."
Before the officer could finish his cautionary words, Zhang Ge interrupted him, seamlessly switching to a sympathetic expression, saying:
"There's no need to emphasize the danger. Even if it means giving my life for the Imperium, that's my duty. Just tell me where he is."
Enough said. If you keep this up, I might burst out laughing.
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