Chapter 916: Assault on Sanpimu Star (2)

"The Defense Network Calibration Window will begin in seven minutes, with an estimated duration of 83 seconds."

The technical officer reported.

Mortarion nodded and spoke over the communication channel.

"All ships, prepare for action. Remember, our Task is to create enough chaos to create an opportunity for Lion's drop, and to destroy these Heretic fleets."

Throughout the fleet, soldiers took their positions. Gunners' fingers hovered over the firing buttons, pilots sat in their cockpits, and engines hummed with a low roar.

"The enemy does not seem to have detected our presence yet; they are focused on internal affairs."

Mortarion's mouth curled slightly upward as he said.

"Very well. Keep them in that state until it is too late."

Meanwhile, in the drop zone at the rear of the fleet, Lion and his Dark Angels Third Company were making final preparations.

"Small-tai" was portioned into special containers and distributed to each squad.

"Remember, we are not here to conquer this planet, but to disarm it.

The targets are the Shield Generator and the Orbital Defense Control Center.

Avoid unnecessary combat, but if combat is unavoidable, let the enemy witness the wrath of the Dark Angels."

Third Company Captain Takaer stood at attention and replied.

"For the Emperor and the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, Father. We shall not fail our mission."

Lion checked his Bolter and Power Sword, then walked toward the Drop Pod.

The surfaces of these special pods had been covered with a layer of Yingxin moss, capable of mimicking the space background to provide a degree of camouflage.

The Tech-Sergeant reported.

"It is very quiet; audio frequency monitoring shows it is in a dormant state."

Lion's mouth curled upward as he replied.

"I hope it stays that way. I don't want to be singing during the drop."

The Dark Angels Space Marines entered their respective Drop Pods.

Mortarion's voice came through the encrypted channel.

"Countdown to the calibration window: sixty seconds. Good luck, brother."

"Good luck to you as well."

"Understood."

Lion closed his eyes, waiting for the Drop Pod to descend.

The technical officer's voice rang out on Mortarion's Bridge.

"Calibration window starting!"

"All ships, fire!"

Mortarion ordered.

Dozens of energy beams tore through the void, flying toward the Orbital Defense Platform of Sanpimu Star.

The defense system of Sanpimu Star reacted swiftly.

The rotating turrets of the orbital platform locked onto the intruders.

Energy Shields flickered to deflect the attacks.

On the planet's surface, alarms blared through every base and bunker.

"Enemy fleet returning fire! Multiple enemy ships are entering engagement range!"

Mortarion observed the tactical display and ordered.

"Maintain formation. Frigates move forward to provide point-defense cover. Light Cruisers concentrate fire on the defense platforms in the northwest quadrant."

At this moment, the tactical officer reported to Mortarion.

"The enemy is mobilizing reserves; more ships detected emerging from the dark side of the planet."

"As expected. All ships, execute the 'Lure' protocol."

"Yes!"

The fleet began to change formation, exposing a weakness to lure the enemy fleet deeper.

Just as the opponent's first fleet fell into the fire trap, Mortarion ordered.

"Now!"

Torpedo boats appeared on the battlefield, firing Torpedoes at the flanks of the overextended enemy ships.

Simultaneously, Capital Ships concentrated their fire, destroying several key defense platforms.

"Thirty seconds remaining in the calibration window!"

Hearing this report, Mortarion switched to the encrypted channel.

"Lion, the time is now. May the Emperor protect you."

Dozens of Drop Pods were launched from Mortarion's fleet.

They perfectly mimicked the surrounding environment as they flew toward the atmosphere of Sanpimu Star.

"Drop Pods have been launched; the enemy has not detected them."

"Continue to maintain fire suppression."

Inside the Drop Pod, Lion felt the violent vibrations of entering the atmosphere.

"Hold on, remember your training, and trust your equipment."

Lion's Drop Pod struck the ground, sinking into the purple soil of Sanpimu Star.

The hatch blew open, and Lion strode out, Bolter at the ready, scanning the surrounding environment.

They had landed in a remote canyon area, far from the main defense facilities, near a secondary Energy Relay Station.

According to intelligence, this relay station connects to the main Shield Generator.

Other Drop Pods also landed in the vicinity, and the Dark Angels Space Marines formed a defensive formation.

Company Commander Takaer walked up to Lion and saluted.

"The Third Company soldiers have all landed, Father. There are no losses."

Lion nodded.

"Good. Initiate Infiltration Protocol."

The Dark Angels Space Marines began to move toward the Energy Relay Station.

The ground of Sanpimu Star was covered in shimmering purple minerals.

Above them, the battle in the void continued.

Mortarion's fleet exchanged fire with the orbital defense forces of Sanpimu Star, drawing their attention.

The vanguard Dark Angels scouts whispered over the encrypted channel.

"Patrol Squad detected, 300 meters ahead, a six-man team."

Lion's voice sounded over the communication channel.

"Eliminate them."

Six Dark Angels Space Marines moved forward rapidly, their Combat Knives already drawn.

The six enemy patrol members fell before they realized the danger, their bodies dragged behind rocks to be hidden.

"Threat cleared, no alarm triggered."

"Continue forward."

One hour later, the Energy Relay Station came into view.

Guards stood watch at the entrance, and the Sensor Array rotated slowly, scanning the surrounding area.

"The defenses are stronger than expected; intelligence did not mention additional turrets."

Takaer looked at the Energy Relay Station and spoke.

Lion pondered for a few seconds before saying.

"Tactical Squad, clear the turret guards. Assault Squad, prepare for a frontal breakthrough."

"Yes!"

A few minutes later, Takaer's voice sounded over the communication channel.

"All squads are in position, Father. The Assault Squad is ready to break through from the east and west sides simultaneously, the Tactical Squad will provide fire support, and the Heavy Weapons Squad has locked onto the turrets."

Lion raised the Power Sword in his hand and let out a low growl.

"For the Emperor and the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. Move out!"

On the east and west sides, over a dozen Dark Angels Space Marines approached the perimeter wall.

Jump Packs sent the Dark Angels Space Marines onto the wall top in short bursts, and their Bolters were already firing before they landed.

"Enemy attack! On the wall there are..."

A Fengqi soldier's warning was interrupted by a bolter round, a large hole blasted into the Power Armor on his body.

Alarms blared throughout the base, the Automatic Turrets on the defensive wall began to rotate, and the Energy Weapons began to charge.

"Turrets locked on!" Takaer warned.

The Heavy Weapons Squad fired immediately.

The Multi-melta hit the Energy Core of the Automatic Turret.

Three turrets turned into scrap metal in the explosion, but the remaining turrets began to fire.

A high-energy laser beam grazed the shoulder pad of a Dark Angels Space Marine, instantly vaporizing the Ceramite.

This Dark Angels Space Marine did not pause in the slightest, firing precise shots with his Bolter to kill two Fengqi soldiers who were operating heavy weapons.

"East side cleared!"

The First Assault Squad Captain reported.

"West side cleared!"

The Second Assault Squad Captain responded simultaneously.

Lion's voice sounded over the communication channel.

"Tactical Squad, advance and occupy the high ground on the wall. Heavy Weapons Squad, suppress the remaining turrets."

Thirty Dark Angels Space Marines pushed forward, their Bolters firing precise shots, suppressing the fire of any exposed Fengqi defenders.

A squad of Fengqi soldiers occupied a bunker and fought back with Heavy Armor-piercing Guns.

Large-caliber Armor-Piercing Shells struck the Space Marines' Power Armor, and quite a few Armor-Piercing Shells remained embedded in the Power Armor.

"Need heavy fire!"

The Third Tactical Squad Captain shouted.

Lion's gaze locked onto the target.

"Devim Squad, clear that bunker."

Five heavy weapons team members immediately adjusted their fire, multiple Missiles flew out, directly blowing the defenders hiding inside the bunker into the sky.