Holding the Dice of Prophecy, Nareth quickly recalled all the known information about the Attila system in his mind.
'Thousands of years ago, humanity colonized Attila and adopted a nomadic lifestyle.'
'Attila is slightly smaller than Terra, consisting of a single continent covering half the planet, with oceans surrounding it.'
'Attila has only one city, the bustling metropolis of Khanasan.'
'…'
After swiftly running through Attila's information in his mind, Nareth silently recited his request.
'The star chart from the Veridia' System to the Attila System.'
Nareth decided to secure the Attila system before his own arrival.
He chose the 7th Chapter not only because it was the closest and had the shortest travel time, but also because the Sequence 7 "Pyromaniac," among them, could provide considerable assistance in exploring the Ymga Monolith.
"Hunters" were knowledgeable about traps, and the "Pyromaniac's'" flames were also quite effective against Necron construct.
After silently reciting the request eleven times, he tossed the Dice of Prophecy in his hand.
The dice tumbled through the air several times before landing in his open palm. At that moment, a scene like a holographic projection unfolded before his eyes.
After memorizing the star chart, Nareth input it into a data crystal.
Concentrating, he moved to the fourth layer of the space, his spirituality extending to simultaneously touch the red and golden orbs.
Nareth saw Sanchez holding a data slate, handling official duties, and Gabriel, his mechadendrites swaying behind him, studying a Rangdan artifact on an experiment table.
Confirming that both were alone, he pulled both of them, along with their gyrinx, from Veridia and the Ramilies into the Kingdom of Disorder.
Sanchez and Gabriel, pulled into the realm of black mist, were stunned for a moment before reacting and bowing to the Black Emperor.
Nareth nodded slightly and asked, "My Reaper Lord, how fares Veridia under your governance?"
Sanchez was silent for a few seconds. Although he hadn't yet received mental enhancements, the superhuman brain of an Astartes, aided by his gyrinx, allowed him to quickly recall the relevant information.
After a moment's consideration, he organized his thoughts.
"My Lord, Lamane, as a Mining World, is developing the fastest. With support from Incaladion, seven large mining bases have been established, capable of meeting the development needs of the other worlds in Veridia."
"Alamasta is developing relatively quickly. As an asteroid, its mineral deposits are easier to extract. A large manufactorum has been established, capable of meeting one-seventeenth of the Chapter's armament needs."
"Veridia Force and Ravishol are also developing on track as Industrial Worlds, having encountered few obstacles so far."
After reporting the more smoothly progressing developments, Sanchez continued with the two worlds facing some difficulties.
"Immigration work on Calth and Ischara has begun, but it still requires time."
"Thanks to your communication with Lord Malcador, approximately five thousand retired auxilia and 12 thousand citizen have immigrated over the past two years."
In less than three years, to have developed Veridia to its current state, Nareth was satisfied with Sanchez's results.
Although this was aided by the support of the Forge Worlds, Sanchez's efforts were indispensable.
"I am satisfied with your progress. Continue with the current policies."
Considering that Calth might, as in his memories, attract Ollanius Persson to settle there, Nareth decided against accelerating development by immigrating people from Necromunda.
He focused his will, using telekinesis to deliver the data crystal to Sanchez.
"Leave one company to guard Veridia and oversee local development."
"You lead the rest of the fleet to Attila according to the star chart in this data crystal and secure that system."
Nareth emphasized, reminding him:
"Remember, after arriving in the Attila system, only secure the planet Attila. Do not explore other planets."
In his memory, the Ymga Monolith wasn't activated until after the opening of the "Great Rift," when the warp storm known as the Sabellaax approached.
Subsequently, the Monolith physically replicated the arriving Sautekh Dynasty fleet, clashing with Khorne's daemonic legions in the "Cerberax Wars", a conflict between Necrons and Khorne across fourteen hundred worlds.
For a considerable time, the Necron artifact would not activate, but that didn't mean entering it now was without danger.
After sending Sanchez back to Veridia, Nareth looked at Gabriel.
"My Marshall of Ordnance, how progresses the research on the Rangdan artifacts?"
"My Lord, the Librarians and I have made some progress in researching the personal energy shields," Gabriel replied.
"Currently, we can confirm they utilize a special psychic fabrication technique, requiring collaboration between Techmarines and Librarians. Mass production is impossible."
"This also aligns with the fact that not all Rangdan xenos are equipped with personal energy shields; only the elite warriors possess them."
Nareth thought for a moment, then issued instructions.
"Prioritize fabrication for Court members, from highest to lowest rank."
"What of research in other areas?"
Gabriel responded, "My Lord, the Neural Collars have been verified; they can restrain the Rangdan xenos."
"Research on the Shadow Blasters is still ongoing; no breakthrough has been achieved yet."
"To my knowledge, the joint research by Magos Lian Ramilies and the Forge World Lucius on the war-moons is also still in progress and has not yet achieved a breakthrough."
Nareth nodded slightly.
"Pass your current research to others and depart for Attila."
Gabriel had previously researched the golden Garuda, an artifact related to the Necrons discovered on Medusa, and thus possessed some relevant knowledge and experience.
He was also one of only two Sequence 7 "Appraisers" following the paragon pathway. With Rosicky engaged in research with Vulkan and unavailable, Gabriel was the most suitable choice.
After sending Gabriel back to the Ramilies, Nareth returned to the real world.
While summoning Arsena Dunn, he transfered his of the star chart into a data crystal.
Whe his aide arrived as ordered, Nareth handed him the crystal.
"Order the Chief Navigator to plot a course to the Attila system."
"Order the 5th Chapter to proceed to the Kalium Gate for garrison duty. Santiago is to take charge of the research."
"As you command, My Lord," Arsena acknowledged the order, then reported to Nareth:
"The Librarians and Techmarines in the Vigilus System have sent reports. They believe no further progress can be made in researching the Aeldari Craftworld fragment."
"How should it be handled?"
Although it was only a fragment of a Craftworld, that cruiser-sized piece still preserved a small ecosystem.
The ideal solution would be to convert it into a ship and give it to Marlena. After all, for a beyonder of the "Mother" pathway, the variety and quantity of plants equated to combat power.
But currently, they lacked the ability to modify the Aeldari Craftworld fragment, whose core was Wraithbone. This new idea would have to wait for later realization.
"Tow the Craftworld fragment to Catachan and deliver it to Marlena. Attempt to convert it into an asteroid."
While the Shadow's Sovereignty was en route to Attila, the redirected 5th Chapter fleet arrived at the Kalium Gate in the 2nd standard month of 844.M41.
As Carlo's Stormbird flew towards the space station following the navigation beacons of the Dark Angels garrisoning the place, Santiago ordered the canopy opened. He looked out at the series of stations connected by giant cables, like a necklace.
Santiago's eyes were profound as he gazed at the central area enclosed by the "necklace." As a daemon-focused psyker, he could vaguely sense the leaping, hidden power within.
The series of stations seemed dead silent; only the one towards which the Stormbird was flying had lights on.
Carlo's Stormbird slowly landed, and he disembarked.
Carlo had interacted with the First Legion on several occasions. His most memorable experience was when a First Legion warrior, following the Emperor's command, came to lecture the Eleventh Legion on tactics that had been experimentally successful in battle, his tone exceptionally arrogant.
Looking at the Astartes standing ready opposite him, he thought to himself: 'This won't go too smoothly.'
A moment later, a tall warrior walked up to him and said, "First Legion, 8th Company, Pric, welcome."
"Carlo, Chapter Master of the 'Shadows of Order' 5th Chapter. By order of the War Council and my Primarch, I have come to take possession of the Kalium Gate."
"I have received the War Council notification. It belongs to you now."
After speaking, Pric immediately led his team away.
Carlo stood stunned for a moment, then somewhat stiffly turned his body to watch their retreating backs, thinking to himself.
'That was surprisingly smooth.'
It took him over ten seconds to suddenly understand
'It must be because Father gave the First Legion a chance to earn glory in the war against the Mitu.'
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu