The communication ended, the roaring machinery slowly quieted down, and the projection's light gradually dimmed, plunging the communication room back into darkness.
Dante stood in the darkness for a while, waiting to confirm the communication was completely severed before frowning.
Earlier, he had appeared so optimistic in the communication, but it was a slight pretense.
He had discerned the unease in the Saint's heart.
There were too many enemies, too powerful.
The Tyranids, the Chaos Gods, and the rising xenos, as well as the corrupt enemies hidden within the Imperium.
So many problems needed solving, yet so little time; it was inevitable to feel lost and anxious.
The Saint was powerful, possessing extraordinary wisdom and charisma.
The only issue was that he was too young.
He had not yet undergone enough tempering by time.
He was forced to shoulder the responsibility of saving the entire vast Imperium.
"Still, I must speed up so the Saint's burden can be lighter."
Dante thought as he stepped out of the communication room.
Walking onto the outer platform, the rebuilt Baal came into view.
In the distance, the colossal, mountain-like climate regulator hummed, emitting light as it adjusted humidity and temperature.
The Baal of today and the Baal of yesteryear were two completely different worlds.
With the aid of various cutting-edge technologies and the help of a Star God, Baal had shed the curse of being a death world.
Oceans and greenery reappeared on the desolate land, and exquisite buildings bearing the Blood Angels insignia stood on the surface and in the newly revitalized ecosystems, forming a perfect complement.
Although not yet perfect, given time, Baal would become a paradise.
"We fight for a better world."
"When Sanguinius returns, Baal will surely be a paradise; he will be very surprised."
Dante could clearly see the people on the streets, their faces beaming with happy smiles.
Although their living standards were not yet high, everyone was full of hope.
After the Battle of Baal, countless civilians perished.
However, after the Great Rift opened, the entire Imperium Nihilus was engulfed in war.
Many refugees fled from war-torn worlds.
Refugee ships, guided by the light of Baal's lighthouse, arrived at Baal.
Dante benevolently accepted these refugees to replenish the population lost earlier.
As a result, Baal's population recovered very quickly, even showing a subtle trend of surpassing its pre-war numbers.
"Lord Dante."
A Blood Angels bodyguard approached and saluted Dante.
After seeing Dante nod in response, the bodyguard continued, "The High Priest has sent a message, saying that the relevant personnel have gathered in the Crimson Council Chamber in Angel Keep, and he hopes you can arrive as soon as possible."
"I understand." Dante took one last look at the rebuilt world of Baal, then turned and walked towards the Crimson Council Chamber.
The Crimson Council Chamber, located within the Blood Angels Monastery, had been destroyed by the Tyranids / Tyranid during the war.
Logically, such a grand cathedral should not have piqued the interest of The Great Devourer, yet it was maliciously razed to the ground by the surging tide of Tyranids / Tyranid.
The numerous artworks and commemorative artifacts on display were ruined beyond recognition by claws and acid.
But after the Battle of Baal ended, the Blood Angels rebuilt the structure, adding many good things.
Originally, the chapel of the Blood Angels Monastery only housed sculptures of the Emperor and Sanguinius.
Now, a Saint has been added.
The Saint and the The Great Angel stood on either side of the Emperor, like guardian angels.
This design greatly pleased the Blood Angels descendants.
Two fathers standing beside the Emperor—what an honor!
Council members from all four directions sat around the circular table in the Crimson Council Chamber.
When Dante walked in, they all stood up to salute him.
"No need for formalities."
Dante extended his hand, pressing it down to signal them to forgo formalities, then walked to the head seat.
"There's a lot to do, so there's no time to waste on useless courtesies."
After sitting down, Dante looked around, surveying everyone present at the meeting.
Several Astartes, representing different successor Warbands, sat on one side.
After reorganization, many Warbands had already departed Baal, rushing back to their homeworlds without delay.
After all, their homeworlds were their foundation and their home.
They were very concerned that the crisis brought by the Great Rift might affect them, so they wanted to rush back to check.
Dante did not stop them; on the contrary, he encouraged them to do so.
Keeping them on Baal would not save Imperium Nihilus.
Allowing them to return and guard their homeworlds, patrolling their star sectors, was the only way to maintain the integrity of the Imperium.
As for the remaining Warbands, they were all fleet-based Warbands.
Without a homeworld or a fixed mission area, staying on Baal could allow them to be more effective.
"Lord." A weak voice sounded.
Dante turned his head to look at the speaker.
It was a very young noble, whose skin had the deep brown hue unique to people living under harsh sunlight.
His well-proportioned, strong physique appeared slender next to the Astartes.
He tried hard to maintain his noble demeanor, doing his best to remain calm.
"I've reviewed your report, Gimini Sigali. You are the Governor of the Imperial world of the Rongtian Star System, ruling over five worlds."
Gimini nodded, "Yes, I possess a license issued by the High Lord of Terra, and I am the sole descendant of the Sigali family, the original rulers of the Rongtian Star System."
"I am very fortunate to have come to Baal; many have died to achieve this purpose."
Gimini's voice was somewhat choked.
"Our world is threatened by Genestealer; a large-scale rebellion has destroyed our peaceful lives, so I came here, hoping to receive the mercy of the Blood Angels."
"Many worlds are under threat; countless distress signals urgently need to be addressed." Dante's tone was calm, even somewhat cold.
Such indifferent words made the young Governor Gimini's lips turn bloodless, and his body trembled.
If he could not bring back reinforcements, the people of the Rongtian Star System would be slaughtered by the xenos.
"Please, Lord of Blood, we can no longer obtain support from elsewhere; the Blood Angels are our last hope."
The young Governor's eyes welled with tears, but he bravely held them back.
"I promise to bring back reinforcements for them, not to let their blood be shed in vain. So many people risked their lives just to send me here…"
Dante's face remained unchanged; he would not soften his heart for this.
His gaze was calm from beginning to end, carrying an oppressive weight.
"You indeed cannot get any other support; the entire galaxy has become a mess."
"The Saint and the Regent have appointed me, Dante, Lord of the Blood Angels, as the overall Regent of Imperium Nihilus."
"My forces are limited; they will only be used in places of greater value."
"Now, you must answer me: Do you support reform? Are you willing to abandon hereditary rule simply to make your people live better and make the Imperium stronger?"
"I can abandon the power of hereditary Governor and fully support reform, as long as it saves those innocent people." The young Governor nodded.
Dante smiled, "Then the Blood Angels will wield their swords and slay the enemies of the Rongtian Star System."
The young Governor was stunned, "Are you planning to support the Rongtian Star System?"
Dante nodded, "Yes, I plan to support the Rongtian Star System."
Upon hearing this, the young Governor was so excited he cried tears of joy, repeatedly performing the aquila salute, "Thank you, Lord of Blood, thank you, The Great Angel, thank you, Emperor."
Dante gazed at the young Governor, whose eyes were red, and his tone softened.
"You and your subordinates have braved life and death, traveled thousands of miles to Baal, and given up the right to flee like other vulgar dignitaries. This alone is a commendable act.
"What's more, you are willing to voluntarily abandon power to save the innocent. Just this point alone surpasses countless others."
"You will soon be home, Governor; those enemies that once troubled you will pay the price."
After finishing this matter, Dante looked at the others.
"The Rongtian Star System is just the beginning; we will launch a full-scale reconquest expedition of Imperium Nihilus."
"We will tell the enemies of the Imperium with our blades that humanity's vengeance has begun."