"What kind of monster?" Nareth looked at Sanchez.
"The natives call them Gorgon Serpents."
Nareth nodded slightly, signaling Sanchez to proceed with the briefing.
Hearing the name, he immediately recalled that a species of Gorgon Serpents lived in the caves of Calth, xenos that weren't fully eradicated even by the time the "Great Rift" opened.
"The Magi of Incaladion conducted deep scans on Calth and discovered a rich rare earth deposit."
"The native inhabitants of Calth dare not enter the caves. They keep repeating in terror that there is a horrific monster inside."
"A Tech-Priest led servitors and thirty-six soldiers who retired from our Auxilia and immigrated to Calth into the cave, but they never came out either."
Sanchez's eyes flashed, his tone turning surprised as he continued.
"Porti, stationed on Calth, led a team into the cave. They encountered a serpent-like monster. During the fight, two of them were petrified."
"Besides possessing strange abilities, the serpent monsters are quite formidable in combat, and their numbers are countless. Therefore, Porti reported to me."
"Prepare to set sail. We go to Calth to see these serpent monsters." Nareth issued the command, suspecting the Gorgon Serpents might be potion ingredients.
3rd Month, 845.M41. The Shadow's Sovereignty arrived in the Veridia System.
After Nareth ordered the protective shutters opened, the light of the star shone into the bridge.
He then looked at the magnificent structures within the star system. The teleportarium was built near the star.
Ancient technology captured the star's light, converting it into energy to supply the teleportarium's massive energy demands.
A fleet patrolled the entire star system, centered around the teleportarium.
The Shadow's Sovereignty activated its thrusters and headed towards Calth.
Nareth's gaze was first drawn to the asteroid orbiting the star system. He saw five forge factories standing upon the massive rock.
Intra-system transport ships from the mining world Lamane shuttled back and forth orderly like ants.
Sanchez, noticing the Black Emperor's gaze and having prepared beforehand, immediately spoke up.
"Since my last report to you, Alamasta has added one large and three small forge factories, totaling four new ones. They can meet one-eighth of the Chapter's armament needs and support the development of worlds like Calth."
Nareth nodded, thinking with a smile.
'Alamasta is already showing signs of the future Veridia Forge.'
Sanchez paused for a moment, then continued reporting on the development of other worlds.
"Lamane has established twelve large mining bases and twenty-three small mining bases."
"Veridia's Might is positioned to primarily supply weapons to the Auxilia. The lasgun pattern improved by the artificer fires beams that are more dazzling, hence named the Luminos I-pattern."
"Ravishol focuses more on manufacturing civilian mechanical products. It provides Lamane with a large number of engineering vehicles like Mole Drills."
As Sanchez reported, the Shadow's Sovereignty passed by Alamasta and entered Calth's orbit.
Nareth then turned his gaze to Calth. From a distance, it resembled Terra.
Green continents, blue oceans, white clouds.
'Ollanius Persson choice of Calth wasn't without reason!'
'Calth's ecological environment is similar to ancient Terra. Such planets are hard to find in the galaxy now.'
Nareth saw an orbital dock hanging in Calth's sky like a rising moon.
This artificial island was a massive structure three hundred kilometers in diameter, surrounded by countless docks, berthing platforms, gantries, suspended workshops, habs, and warehouses.
Laborers worked busily at their posts. The keel of a capital ship was being laid, and three frigates were at various stages of construction.
"Five months ago, the first orbital dock on Calth was completed." Sanchez, noting the Black Emperor's gaze, added.
"According to the plan, Calth will build eight more docks in the future. Its shipbuilding capacity will surpass that of Vostroya."
"Among the Legion's domains, its future capacity should only be lower than Cypra Mundi and Triken."
"Good," Nareth praised.
One hour later, Nareth and Sanchez boarded a transport ship.
The black metal hull passed through the atmosphere, flying eastward.
Nareth stood by the viewport, looking down at the wisps of smoke rising below.
"That is the Dera Caren Lowlands. There are five large mines around it, discovered shortly after I arrived on Calth."
"Relying on the mines, the Dera Caren Lowlands were developed into an industrial zone."
"Following your command, a forest is preserved between each factory for off-duty workers to rest and relax."
Nareth saw the buildings were orderly, like spots of sunlight, interspersed with patches of forest.
The lander glided through the air, flying over a river.
"This river is called the Boros River. The estuary area ahead is Neride, where the fusion reactors power the entire surrounding region."
"The fusion reactors make this river valley one of the most fertile lands on the planet. Only the most distinguished veterans in the Auxilia can obtain land here."
"They only need minimal tending to achieve bountiful harvests."
Nareth looked into the distance. Fusion reactors drew water from the river, washing away the dirty carbon powder clinging to the turbine blades, covering the estuary with a thick layer of black silt.
He withdrew his gaze, focusing on the farmlands on both banks. Dark green fields of beets and curly kale were scattered about.
Lush gardens were also scattered around. Irrigation systems drew water from the boros River to this dry plain, creating oases.
Palm trees swayed in the wind, ponds shimmered.
Sprinkler systems filled the air with mist. Countless small rainbows appeared out of nowhere.
Looking at the fertile alluvial plain, Nareth thought to himself.
'I recall Persson accumulated merits in the Auxilia and finally obtained land here.'
As Nareth pondered, the transport ship arrived above Neride.
Most of the space in the estuary was occupied by industrial facilities, but there was still a market at the port.
Transport ships of various sizes crowded together, floating by numerous docks and embankments.
The Primarch's superhuman vision could see fish jumping and crabs scuttling in the ship holds.
"The port of Neride connects to the ocean. Fishermen bring their fresh catches here to sell."
'Hmm, Persson also often came here to satisfy his cravings.
Nareth nodded in satisfaction. "I am pleased with the progress of Calth's development."
Sanchez smiled at the Black Emperor's praise. "Ahead is the city of Numinus. It stands on the north bank of the Boros River. Across the river is the newly constructed Karas Fortress."
"The caves where the mine tunnels are located are beyond Numinas, to its east."
As he spoke, the transport ship skimmed over Numinus City, heading towards the endless, dense network of caves.
.....
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