Chapter 899: Shadow Star (5)

The cleansing operation lasted less than 1 hour.

The resistance of the Shadowborn was completely crushed, the main residential areas were controlled, and all strategic points were occupied.

Only three Anya Shouwei of the Raven Guard Third Company sustained minor injuries; their Power Armor required repairs, but their lives were not in danger.

By comparison, nearly two-thirds of the Shadowborn warriors were killed, while the rest were captured or scattered into more remote areas.

Their Shengsuo and knowledge repositories were preserved relatively intact, thanks to the timely cooperation of Kalibo.

Company Commander Salafu stood in the center of the Shadowborn Shengsuo, facing Kalibo and several Shadowborn Elders who had been forced to their knees.

A Techmarine was connecting the Shadowborn's Scrolls, crystals, and data equipment to the company's analyzer, attempting to decode the information within.

"Speak everything you know about the Maw of Darkness."

Salafu commanded Kalibo.

Kalibo's tentacles hung down powerlessly.

"The Maw of Darkness is an ancient curse of Shadow Star. Legend says it sleeps deep in the planet's core and will awaken when the stars align in a specific pattern, to Devour all light and life."

"When was the last time it awakened?"

"Thousands of cycles ago; according to ancient records, the three races—the Shadowborn, the Shu, and the Symbiote—temporarily united to seal it away again."

At this moment, the Techmarine interjected.

"Company Commander, I have found the relevant records. These crystal memory banks contain detailed logs, including energy guidance methods and the sealing ritual."

Salafu nodded and continued to question Kalibo.

"Why attack the Symbiote and our squad?"

"We... we did not know those Metal Giants were such powerful existences.

We only saw the Symbiote moving abnormally and believed they might be related to the awakening of the Maw of Darkness.

Recent tremors and abnormal phenomena have become increasingly frequent, and we became... overly vigilant."

Hearing Kalibo's explanation, Salafu said without the slightest change in tone.

"Over-vigilance leads to misjudgment, and misjudgment invites destruction.

You are lucky; the Primarch may need your knowledge to confront this threat.

Otherwise, the Shadowborn would have vanished from the universe today."

A young Shadowborn suddenly raised his head in agitation.

"You alien tyrants! By what right do you decide our life and death?"

Salafu turned toward the young man, his Bolter raised.

"By the right of having the power to do so. The laws of the universe have always been thus: the strong rule, and the weak obey. Today, you have learned this lesson."

"Bang!"

Before Kalibo could stop the young Shadowborn's further protest, a gunshot rang out, and the young Shadowborn's skull was shattered.

"You are right. We attacked an unknown, powerful existence and paid the price. Now, the most important thing is to survive."

Salafu acknowledged the attitude of Elder Kalibo.

"A wise choice. You will provide all information regarding the Maw of Darkness and assist us in confronting this threat. You will have the opportunity to submit to the Emperor."

"Submit?"

Kalibo repeated the word bitterly.

"Submitting to the Emperor means obedience and tribute, but it also means survival and security. Now, tell us what you know about the Feng Qi Xing Alliance. Have you seen any non-native ships or visitors?"

Kalibo's tentacles trembled slightly as he replied.

"There have indeed been... unusual visitors. Not Metal Giants, but three-eyed outsiders. They sometimes trade with the Shu, but we have never had contact with them. We believe they may be related to the abnormal activity underground."

The Techmarine walked over and reported to Salafu.

"Company Commander, I have extracted some encrypted signals from their communication equipment that match the characteristics of the Feng Qi Xing Alliance we are tracking. They have indeed been here."

Salafu nodded with satisfaction.

"Very good. This operation has yielded unexpected intelligence."

Just then, Salafu's Communication Device rang.

"Company Commander, the Father is calling."

Salafu stepped aside to answer.

"Father, the cleansing operation is complete. We have obtained important intelligence regarding the Maw of Darkness and the Feng Qi Xing Alliance."

Corax's voice came through the Communication Device.

"Very good. Leave a squad to guard the Shadowborn territory and ensure their cooperation. The rest of the personnel are to head to the Shu territory to rendezvous with me. Wudisi and the Symbiote Alien have arrived, and we need to prepare to face the true threat."

"Understood, my Primarch."

Salafu ended the communication after responding.

He turned to Kalibo.

"It seems your value has saved you. My father has ordered us to cooperate to confront the Maw of Darkness. We will leave a protective force... which will also serve to protect you. Cooperate with the garrison and provide all necessary information and technology."

Kalibo lowered his head and replied respectfully.

"We will. We only hope that when this crisis ends, the Shadowborn can still retain some autonomy."

"Then prove your value."

Having said this, the Company Commander turned and began organizing the troops to depart.

The Thunderhawk Gunship descended once more, taking away most of the warriors and leaving only a squad behind to garrison the area.

Kalibo looked at his devastated home and fallen kin, realizing that the history of Shadow Star had changed.

The threat of the Maw of Darkness had now become an enemy faced by all races together.

The surviving Shadowborn began to emerge from their hiding places, starting to clear the ruins and bury the dead.

Kalibo raised his head to look at the perpetually dim sky, his tentacles trembling slightly.

The shadow whispers became more urgent, filled with uncertainty and warnings.