Static-like arcs of electricity danced in the air, outlining the figure of a man.
"Respected outsider, I am Von Valanxius of the Planet Atoma."
"A rebellion has erupted on the Planet Atoma; Cultists worshipping the Dark Gods have incited ignorant civilians, plunging the entire planet into war."
"The traitors are constantly advancing, and the Planetary Defense Force has suffered heavy losses; the situation has reached its most critical point."
"Regardless of which part of the Imperium you belong to, the Valanxius Family sincerely hopes you can lend a hand and help us quell this rebellion."
"The Valanxius Family has a long and profound history, possessing a Rogue Trader warrant personally signed by the Emperor Himself, and has always believed in repaying kindness."
"We never forget anyone's kindness; if this crisis is resolved, we will surely provide a generous reward."
At this point, the message concluded.
The holographic projection also shut down.
"The Valanxius Family? A Rogue Trader!" Alex fell into deep thought.
The Players also put their heads together, discussing in hushed tones.
"Is this a clue for a new map?"
"The Planet Atoma, I wonder if it's an Industrial Planet or a Forge World. I hope it's a Forge World, then we can pilot mechs."
"A Forge World is the territory of the Adeptus Mechanicus, managed by Mars. Even if a Rogue Trader has immense power, it's absolutely impossible for him to control a Forge World."
"This Valanxius Family isn't just any ordinary Rogue Trader family; they have a Rogue Trader warrant personally signed by the Emperor. You should know, that's something from the Great Crusade era."
"Even if the Valanxius Family were to immediately pull the Emperor, the Old Man, from his throne, the Adeptus Mechanicus wouldn't give them a Forge World."
"Nonsense, the Imperium belongs to the Emperor."
"Mars and Terra are allies, do you understand what 'allies' means?"
The Players argued, their faces flushed, unwilling to give an inch.
Alex ignored them.
He pondered the Valanxius Family's Rogue Trader status alone.
Rogue Traders represent a non-official form of external trade that has existed within the Imperium since the Great Crusade era.
During the Great Crusade, the Emperor and the Primarchs realized that the galaxy was too vast.
Many star systems were beyond reach, which gave rise to the adventurous and pioneering Rogue Traders.
They are the conquerors, privateers, and explorers of the interstellar age.
Rogue Traders holding warrants authorized by the Emperor or a Primarch are active in the undeveloped frontier star systems of the Imperium.
They acquire vast wealth through means such as colonizing new worlds, exploring ancient ruins, acquiring Xenos technology, and engaging in black market trade.
Rogue Trader warrants also have different grades.
In order of preciousness, they are issued by the Administratum, the High Lord of Terra, a Primarch, Guilliman, and the Emperor.
Administratum warrants can be obtained simply by paying a tribute.
Not only are their permissions limited, but the use of their vessels is also strictly controlled.
Rogue Trader warrants issued by the High Lord of Terra are often used to reward those who have made great contributions.
For example, discovering lost human colonies or recovering STC templates from the Dark Age of Technology.
The most precious are those warrants issued by the Emperor and Guilliman.
After the Horus Heresy, Guilliman served as the Regent of the Imperium, compiled the Codex Astartes, organized the Second Founding, and rebuilt the Imperium's administrative system.
Because of this, the Rogue Trader warrants he signed are more valuable than those of other Primarchs.
Not only can they be inherited, but their power is also similar to those signed by the Emperor.
Rogue Traders possessing such warrants, provided they have sufficient financial resources, can maintain fleets, Astartes, Imperial Knights, and Adeptus Mechanicus forces.
They are not restricted by the High Lord of Terra.
Such Rogue Trader families, as long as they do not openly rebel or ally with Chaos, are essentially immune to being dissolved.
Footsteps approached.
The two squads responsible for recovering the Data Processing Hub and the Communications Main Control Room arrived at the Command Hall.
They quickly learned about the Planet Atoma and the Valanxius Family from Little Fatty and the others.
Tenjiro stroked his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"It looks like our next map is the Planet Atoma, which is in rebellion."
The other Players also showed excitement.
"Do you think they'll open up advanced classes for Astartes, Imperial Knights, or Adeptus Mechanicus disciplines then?"
"I don't know if there will be new classes, but there will definitely be more weapons and gameplay."
"I can't wait to land on the Planet Atoma and go on a rampage."
"You're thinking too optimistically. We have to recapture the Imperial Glory first before we can figure out how to get to the Planet Atoma."
The appearance of the new map greatly boosted the Players' enthusiasm.
They couldn't wait to unlock more gameplay options.
"I feel full of motivation; I can still grind."
"Guide, our squad doesn't need rest. Please give us more missions."
"There's still one important area left on the Bridge, the Praying Sanctuary, which hasn't been recovered yet. Guide, let's finish it before we rest."
"Only useless trash to the Emperor rests. We must grind. We won't rest until the galaxy explodes."
"Sorry, for the Emperor, even if the galaxy explodes, I won't rest."
"Skulls for the Golden Throne, blood for the God-Emperor! Let's keep killing and hacking!"
Alex originally intended to let the Players rest before continuing the battle.
Who would have thought that as soon as the clue for the new map, the Planet Atoma, appeared, the Players collectively couldn't sit still.
Each of them seemed to have been injected with combat stimulants.
"I really wanted to refuse, but they're too enthusiastic."
"They keep asking me to push them, to exploit them; I really can't refuse their overwhelming kindness."
Alex sighed silently in his heart.
It wasn't that he wanted to be a heartless foreman.
It was just that he couldn't let down the Players' enthusiasm.
Alex walked to the control panel and opened the tactical projection.
He displayed the layout of the Praying Sanctuary area.
"Since none of you want to rest, then let's strike while the iron is hot, take the Praying Sanctuary, and regain control of the Bridge."
Old Bird stepped forward, wanting to tackle the toughest challenge.
"Our squad has heavy firepower and a Psyker. As the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility, so we'll be on the front line."
"As compensation, we'll take an extra 20% of the contribution points. You don't mind, do you?"
Zigman was the first to jump out and object.
"Your squad still has two injured members! Our squad is brave and fearless, and we have a Plasma Gun and a Soulless, and no injured members. We should definitely be the ones leading the assault!"
Old Bird glared at Zigman, "When I blew up a Chaos Ogryn with a Melta Bomb, I didn't even blink. Do you have that kind of loyalty to the Emperor?"
"What's wrong, you think we're cowards? Look at this." Zigman lifted his shirt, revealing a row of Melta Bombs.
"Our entire squad is ready to sacrifice ourselves for the Emperor at any time."
Little Fatty watched the two argue, a look of disdain on his face.
Only after they finished their glaring contest did he step forward.
"When it comes to combat prowess, the strongest here is none other than Guide."
"Tearing apart Chaos Ogryns with his bare hands, slicing down corrupted Captains with his sword, pushing forward relentlessly—who dares to stand in his way but Guide?"
"The assault on the Praying Sanctuary will definitely be led by Guide, with our squad as support."
Old Bird: "..."
Zigman: "..."
You, Little Fatty, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes!
I didn't realize you were from the same school as Director Qi!
Kissing up to NPCs like this, you really want to get ahead, don't you?
Little Fatty ignored their gnashing teeth.
How can flattering an NPC be called flattery?!
That's called building up favorability.
Do you have any common sense about games?!
Alex pondered for a moment, then nodded.
"This battle indeed needs to be swift and decisive. My personal involvement is the most secure approach."
"It's decided then. Check your weapons and equipment, then depart."
Under the resentful gazes of Old Bird and Zigman, Little Fatty led his squad, heads held high, and departed with Alex.
"That damn brown-noser."
Old Bird and Zigman, with unspoken understanding, spat inwardly.
Then, they waved to signal their teammates to follow.