Chapter 840: The First Battle of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance (8)
Bridge of the Lunar-class Cruiser "Angel", Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance
Sanguinius stood before the star map, his snow-white wings naturally folded, radiating a soft glow.
His azure eyes reflected the situation of the entire battlefield.
"Brother Angron has already locked horns with the heretic fleet. This fleet has no follow-up support; begin closing the net. Brother Sanguinius, the task of capturing the heretic commander's warship is entrusted to you! Brother Corax, Brother Jaghatai, follow me to surround this heretic fleet and assist Brother Sanguinius."
"Understood!"
"Understood!"
After hearing Horus's order over the communication device, Sanguinius nodded slightly and replied.
"Understood, I will capture the enemy commander alive with the greatest speed."
The communication ended, and Sanguinius locked his gaze on the Weiguang Fleet's flagship, the "Qingsuanzhe Hao," which was the largest in size and guarded by numerous frigates.
"The outer fleet has completed the encirclement according to the plan."
Captain Solta reported in a steady voice, currently exerting all efforts to coordinate with the Primarch's will.
"The heretic fleet's attention has been successfully diverted, and its firepower is being drawn by the frontal fleet and the encircling fleet."
Sanguinius nodded slightly; his voice was ethereal and clear, carrying unquestionable power as it echoed on the bridge and in the communication channels of all standby Blood Angels Space Marines.
"The time has come. The serpent's head is exposed, and its torso is mired in the mud. Now is the moment to sever its head and render it completely paralyzed."
He raised his hand, his slender fingers pointing at the ferocious flagship on the star map.
"Although the external shields of this heretic commander's warship are strong, they have been subjected to continuous shelling, and their intensity is fluctuating periodically.
Its attention is focused on the front and flanks; its 'crown'—the A Zone armor belt—is relatively weak, and its close-in defense system has developed a brief window of vulnerability. This is our only, and best, point of entry.
Our objective: board this commander's warship, strike directly at the bridge, capture the enemy commander alive, and paralyze the entire fleet.
At the same time, divide forces to seize or destroy its engine room and main weapon arrays."
"Blood Angels,"
His voice reached the standby bay, where one hundred elite Blood Angels Space Marines were already prepared; their MK2 Power Armor was painted a blood-like red, the armor was meticulously maintained, and their chainswords and bolters were in perfect condition.
They stood silently, only the faint light flickering in their helmet lenses revealing the burning intensity within.
Hearing the Primarch's voice, all the warriors subconsciously straightened their backs.
"Following me is not a glorious expedition, but an operation deep into the heretic's nest to demonstrate the strength of our Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance!
We will face the most elite guards and the most hostile environments.
But remember, what we bring is not only death, but the Emperor's judgment and the light of purification. Where our wings reach, darkness shall surely retreat. Where our sword tips point, the heretic shall ultimately be struck down."
"For the Emperor!!"
"Live up to the blood of Sanguinius!"
In the standby bay, one hundred voices merged through the communication devices into a low and fanatical torrent of battle cries.
The Blood Angels' fighting spirit was filled with absolute loyalty to the Primarch and a noble belief in executing their sacred mission.
"Navigator, calculate the optimal entry trajectory to avoid the main firepower. All gunnery stations, heed my command, perform one final covering salvo, target: the airspace above the enemy flagship's A Zone, clear any potential obstacles and fire points."
Sanguinius ordered.
The massive hull of the "Angel" began to fine-tune its angle, and engine output increased.
The bow's light lance array and macro-cannon batteries began their final calibration.
"Drop pods, prepare!"
Sanguinius's voice blew the horn of final judgment.
"For Humanity and the Emperor!"
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Dozens of specially reinforced drop pods, branded with the Blood Angels emblem on their exteriors, were ejected from the launch ports of the "Angel"!
They dove precisely toward that fleeting point of defensive weakness that Sanguinius had discerned!
Almost at the same moment the boarding pods were launched, all the main guns of the "Angel" fired their final salvo!
A barrage of scorching light lances and macro-cannon shells covered the airspace above the A Zone, forcing back several frigates attempting to intercept and clearing away any potential attack craft!
Braving the sporadic close-in defensive fire, the drop pods slammed hard into the top armor belt of the "Qingsuanzhe Hao."
Inside the "Qingsuanzhe Hao" · A Zone Landing Point.
The hatch exploded open, and Sanguinius was the first to step out.
The sacred radiance blooming from his wings instantly dispelled the thick smoke and darkness, also blinding the first batch of Fengqi guards who rushed over.
"Purification begins."
Sanguinius's voice was calm, yet carried endless majesty.
With a casual wave of his power spear, the golden energy blade cleared a large area.
Following closely behind, the Blood Angels Space Marines poured out of the drop pods! Their movements were swift and efficient, and the roar of bolters rang out instantly, precision-killing any enemies attempting to organize resistance.
"First Squad! Second Squad! Follow the Father! Strike directly at the bridge! Clear all obstacles!"
"Third Squad! Left flank corridor! Objective: engine room! Stop the enemy ship from maneuvering!"
"Fourth Squad! Right flank corridor! Objective: main weapon energy distribution center! Paralyze its turrets!"
"Fifth Squad! Secure the landing point! Establish a communication relay! Intercept enemy reinforcements!"
The Sergeants' orders were clearly conveyed through helmet communications.
There was not a hint of chaos, not a moment of hesitation.
The Blood Angels Space Marines had already clearly understood their mission the moment they jumped out of the hatches.
With Sanguinius as their core, they advanced at high speed toward the bridge!
Sanguinius was in the lead, the radiance of his wings serving as both protection and guidance, his power spear invincible.
Outer edge of the Weiguang Fleet encirclement.
Major General Jialuo, Commander of the Weiguang Fleet, was currently in shock due to Sanguinius's boarding action, but he reacted quickly.
Although his fleet was surrounded by unexpectedly appearing reinforcements, it remained vast and elite; as long as he steadied his footing, it was not impossible to tear open a gap, or even... bite back!
He suppressed his shock regarding that winged monster and attempted to regain control of the situation.
However, just as he was about to issue the order to adjust the formation and concentrate firepower to attempt to break through one side of the encirclement.
From outside the encirclement, three distinct yet equally lethal directions of attack simultaneously launched a general offensive against the chaotic Weiguang Fleet!
Bridge of the Horus Fleet Lunar-class Cruiser "Zhonghun".
The towering figure of Horus stood at the very front, his gaze like a torch, commanding the entire scene.
He saw the faint explosion flash atop the "Qingsuanzhe Hao"—that was the signal that Sanguinius had successfully boarded.
"Brother Sanguinius has drawn his Sharp Blade! Now, it is our turn to clear the obstacles for his sword point!"
Horus's voice issued the order through the fleet broadcast.
"All ships! Target: enemy fleet! Light Lance Array! Full power volley! Macro-cannon load Armor-Piercing Shell barrage! Suppressive fire! For the Emperor! For victory!"
Following the Warmaster's command, the fleet cluster led by "Zhonghun" saw all bow Light Lance Arrays erupt with blinding light simultaneously!
Thousands of scorching white-gold energy torrents crossed the void, slamming into the shields of the Capital Ships at the front of the Weiguang Fleet that were attempting to steady their footing!
Boom—!!!
The blinding flashes of overloading Energy Shields merged into one.
Countless energy ripples surged.
Following closely behind was the Macro-cannon barrage!
These physical Rune Bullets were specifically aimed at the fragile hulls after the Energy Shields overloaded, smashing into the armor belts with deafening roars, exploding into massive clusters of metal sparks and debris!
Horus's distribution of firepower was perfectly timed, instantly leaving the Weiguang Fleet riddled with holes and teetering on the brink of collapse! Forcing Jialuo to divert more attention and reserve forces to deal with this fierce offensive.
End of Chapter
