Chapter 802: The End of the Asura Holy War (2)

Among the crowd of survivors, there was first a deathly silence, then suppressed sobs spread out, finally merging into a wailing of mixed grief and joy.

Mothers held their breathless children tightly and wept aloud; young men and women supported each other, sobbing uncontrollably; some survivors equipped with mechanical prosthetics looked at the scars on their bodies, their eyes involuntarily moistening.

In those cries, there was the pain of losing loved ones and the release of long-suppressed emotions, but more than that, it was the joy of being alive!

Kailuosi Jin stood quietly on high ground, watching the people below as if they had returned to the world from hell.

He did not join the revelry; the Guardian Spear in his hand was slowly raised, the bottom of its shaft gently striking the metal plate beneath his feet.

Thud!

A low and clear metallic strike pierced through the cries and cheers on this ruin.

This was the silent Adeptus Custodes ringing the bell of a warrior for this hard-won victory.

It also opened a new chapter of reconstruction and hope for this ravaged land.

Horus pushed his main force forward.

Horus stood tall on a temporary command post constructed from the wreckage of a destroyed Cyberk Heavy Transport Platform.

His Power Armor was stained with machine oil and Alien metal debris, his Power Claw hung low, and viscous Cyberk Coolant dripped from the claw tips.

He scanned the chaotic battlefield ahead.

The Space Marines of the Iron Warriors advanced steadily through the broken walls and ruins.

The Luna Wolves fought the Cyberk Alien on the flanks.

Every step of the advance was accompanied by the clashing of Steel and the disintegration of Alien units.

Dozens of wrecks of various types of giant war machines lay on the ground, while the Warlord Titan and Reaver Titan in the rear provided fire coverage from time to time.

Suddenly!

Ahead, all the Cyberk soldiers that were firing, charging, or even just raising their weapons froze in place instantly.

Their raised mechanical arms stiffened in mid-air, the energy light flickering from their muzzles extinguished instantly, and the roar of their engines was replaced by an eerie silence.

Only the sound of hydraulic fluid remaining in their joints emitted a faint "hiss" in the deathly stillness.

These Cyberk soldiers instantly turned into metal sculptures in various poses scattered across the battlefield.

The warriors of the Luna Wolves also stalled instantly.

Well-trained, they did not rush forward but instinctively lowered their bodies, their Bolter muzzles pointing vigilantly at the suddenly motionless Aliens.

The helmet communication channels were instantly filled with short confirmation signals and suppressed breathing.

"Alert!"

Horus's voice sounded in the communication channel, suppressing all noise.

"All units, pay attention! The Alien group has encountered an attack or interference from an unknown source, and all functions have ceased! Maintain defensive formation! Commanders at all levels, report the status of Aliens in your field of vision! Attempt to detect the source of the anomaly! Stay alert! Eliminate all targets confirmed to be a threat, and be wary of unknown risks!"

"Understood!"

"Received!"

"Yes! Father!"

Responses from commanders at all levels rang out.

Just then, the Highest Priority communication channel built into Horus's helmet was activated.

A familiar voice sounded in his ear.

"Horus, the Task for the First Defense Zone core node is complete. The Cyberk command hub 'Sage' has been destroyed. Selina has taken over its core permissions and forcibly terminated the hostile protocols of all Cyberk combat units. Repeat, the war is over, the Cyberk threat has been neutralized. The cessation of Alien activity in your sector is the result of the command taking effect, not a trap."

A flash of light appeared in Horus's eyes, and his tense shoulder lines relaxed imperceptibly by a fraction.

He immediately responded: "Received, Father. Confirming source of command, Cyberk units have been confirmed to have completely ceased hostile activities."

"Very good."

Yingzhou's voice continued to come through.

"I have made contact with Rogal Dorn and Vulkan's advancing forces to convey the same order. Now, I order your unit, Horus."

"First, immediately secure all key buildings, factories, Energy Nodes, and data centers occupied or built by the Cyberk in your direction of advance!"

"Ensure the area is secure and prevent any possible self-destruct programs or residual automated defenses from activating!"

"Second, thoroughly clear the battlefield! Completely destroy all Cyberk wreckage and automated defense facilities! Leave no hidden dangers!"

"Third, and most importantly."

"Collect all technical data and core logs left behind by the Cyberk with all your might."

"Especially intelligence regarding the controllers behind them and their possible other invasion plans."

"I need to know everything inside the brains of these metal lumps! Selina will provide the necessary permission support."

"Understood, Father!"

Horus said.

"Control nodes, clear threats, collect intelligence! Luna Wolves, execute immediately!"

The communication ended.

Horus did not delay in the slightest and immediately issued orders to the command channels at all levels.

"All units, pay attention! Highest Priority order confirmed! Cyberk hub destroyed, threat neutralized! Now executing new orders."

"Luna Wolves! Target: the Cyberk main assembly plant ahead! Control all entrances and exits, energy cores, and control rooms! Clear the interior and ensure safety!"

"Iron Warriors! Target: the data storage array tower on the flank! Seize control and protect all data terminals! Tech-marines are to accompany!"

"Cadian! Responsible for battlefield cleanup! Destroy all wreckage or automated weapons judged to be a threat! Leave no survivors!"

"Tech-marines, prioritize attempting to access Cyberk data nodes and download core logs!"

As the orders were issued, Horus added one last sentence.

"For the Emperor! For the Human! Move out!"

"For Horus and the Emperor!"

"Rigid within and without!"

"Cadian stands!"

"Praise the Omnissiah!"

All sorts of battle cries rang out in the communication channel!