Chapter 964: They Chose the Wrong Opponent

Ka Lun Eye Orbital Defense Platform, main Command Center.

Colonel Walton looked toward the Seventh Star Sector on the star map and spoke.

"The situation is more complex than anticipated. Our long-range sensors and the Erasin Psionic Outpost have monitored at least three anomalous gravitational fluctuations in the past twenty-four hours. The intensity is not high, but the source is clearly pointed toward the edge of the Seventh Star Sector. It is highly likely the enemy has already dispatched an outpost fleet."

Colonel Liara's pointed ears twitched slightly as she added.

"The psionic resonance is very blurry, interfered with by a... psionic background noise filled with violent and destructive intent. I cannot pinpoint it precisely, but I can confirm that something is approaching."

Colonel Geluke pulled up a series of data streams.

"We have preliminarily integrated the arriving 'Swarm' units. Per your orders, Colonel Walton, we have divided them into hundreds of small tactical clusters based on their functions and familiarity with the star sector. Each cluster has enough firepower to conduct harassment operations."

Colonel Geluke pointed to several key navigation nodes and asteroid belts on the sand table, specifically those on the periphery of Ka Lun Star and near the Seventh Star Sector.

"The preliminary plan is to deploy the first batch of 'Swarm' clusters to these preset guerrilla zones. Their task is: monitor the main shipping lanes, ambush any enemy reconnaissance or patrol squads that appear, and use asteroids and nebulae for cover—hit and run, never lingering."

The Norn Legion Commander spoke in an impatient tone.

"So, we have assembled such a massive force, including one hundred thousand 'Guardians', just to hide behind rocks like rats, waiting for the enemy to come to us, and then sneak in a bite?"

Walton nodded and explained.

"Legion Commander, this is the most prudent strategy at present. We do not know the enemy's main force location or their intentions. A rash attack could easily lead us into a trap. The 'Swarm's' harassment can force the enemy to expose their patrol patterns, fleet composition, and reaction speed. This intelligence is crucial."

Norn asked in return.

"What about time? The Western Theater is bleeding every day. The Council needs us to resolve this threat as soon as possible, not play hide-and-seek here. I request again: allow the 'Fist of the Firmament' to advance to the front lines for active reconnaissance and deterrence. If we encounter the enemy vanguard, we have the confidence to annihilate them."

Colonel Liara asked in a calm tone.

"And then draw out the enemy's main force for retaliation? Legion Commander, General Suo'er's Fengrao Starport only held for less than forty-eight hours under the attack of the enemy's capital ships. Before we establish a complete depth-defense and intelligence network, we cannot easily expose our core strength, especially you and your legion."

Geluke also interjected.

"Indeed, Norn Legion Commander. Your fleet and soldiers are our final trump card; they cannot be played lightly. Let those 'Swarm' units go test the waters first and see what the enemy is made of. If they can't even handle our harassment, it means they aren't that terrifying. If they display overwhelming strength... then we also need to know just how overwhelming it is to decide our next move."

"... Fine. I will keep the 'Fist of the Firmament' at the highest state of readiness. But once the 'Swarm' discovers the enemy's exact weak points or confirms the location of their capital ships, I must have the autonomy to strike immediately."

Colonel Walton nodded.

"Understood. We also hope the 'Guardians' can become the key to deciding the outcome. But for now, please give us some time to let the 'Swarm' deploy."

The battle plan was quickly issued.

The order was transmitted through the tactical network to every 'Swarm' cluster commander.

Edge of the Sixth Star Sector, in the void.

On the command deck of the 'Angel', Sanguinius stood before a holographic projection, looking at the projection of Jaghatai.

Jaghatai spoke.

"It seems we arrived on time, brother. The Sixth Star Sector is even more... 'busy' than I imagined."

On the star map, the edge of the Sixth Star Sector was already marked with a large number of sensor contact points.

Sanguinius said calmly.

"They know we are coming. The fall of the Seventh Star Sector was enough to sound the alarm. The Alien commander is no mediocrity; he must have made preparations."

Jaghatai chuckled.

"Preparations? All I see is a group of insects trying to build a nest. Look at their deployment: relying on asteroid belts and defense platforms, trying to establish a defensive line. Typical defensive thinking, lacking initiative."

Just then, a communication request cut into the channel, coming from the White Scars' forward reconnaissance squadron.

"Khan!"

The reconnaissance squadron leader, a White Scars Space Marine named Chuluk.

"My unit has discovered a large-scale enemy buildup on the periphery of Ka Lun Star, coordinate zone Kaipa-777! The numbers are staggering, and the ship models are mixed, but among them are a large number of high-energy reaction units. They... are constructing an outpost for a containment net!"

The star map updated, and dense light points lit up on the periphery of Ka Lun Star.

They were scattered into several large clusters, echoing one another.

The intent was clear: to block, or at least delay, the Xiuluosheng Fleet's advance into the heart of the Sixth Star Sector.

Sanguinius and Jaghatai's holographic images met each other's gaze, and a bright light flashed in Sanguinius's blue eyes.

"They want to engage us in a war of attrition here, using their home-field advantage and preset positions to weaken our strength."

A smile curled the corner of Jaghatai's mouth.

"And then? Wait for reinforcements? Or hope they can create a miracle? The idea is good, but unfortunately, they chose the wrong opponent and underestimated our speed."

"What do you mean?"

Sanguinius wanted to hear his brother's thoughts.

Jaghatai pointed to the area behind the enemy buildup on the star map.

"It's simple, brother. They want to stop us here, so we simply won't let them have their way.

Your 'Angel' and the capital fleet stay here to attract their attention. And my White Scars..."

Jaghatai paused, then continued.

"We will bypass this defensive line and strike straight at their heart! By the time they react, the White Scars will already be rampaging in their rear!"

Sanguinius nodded in response.

"I agree. I will remain here and let these Aliens understand how foolish it is to block the will of the Human Emperor."

Jaghatai calculated the distance on the star map and spoke.

"At that time, no matter how the battle goes on your side, I will launch an attack on their rear worlds, forcing them to turn back for reinforcements, or... directly take out their Command Center."

"Very well. May the Emperor guide your path, Jaghatai."

Sanguinius reached out and made a gesture of blessing.

"And may you crush all obstacles, Sanguinius."

Jaghatai grinned, and the image vanished.