Chapter 13: Warhammer: What Do You Mean You Conquered the Zerg

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Protagonist:

Lin En

Lena

"According to the promotion file and supplementary investigation, you were appointed 'Abnormal Creature Inspector' of the Seventh District on M41.998.12.21."

"And prior to this appointment, credible intelligence indicates that you had close dealings with a local group called the 'Iron Anvil Society,'

and in fact provided shelter for some of their illegal activities."

Lin En's fingers curled slightly on his knee, his nails pressing into his palm.

He seemed to have already guessed what Cassius was about to say next.

Cassius continued, every word cold and piercing: "During this period, and after becoming a Patrol Officer,

your action squad and the Iron Anvil Society associated with you regularly and in large quantities collected various 'Xenos Remains,'

especially tissue samples of Gene Thieves and related xenos."

Such behavior far exceeds what is needed for routine research or evidence preservation."

The white helmet tilted slightly forward, its dark red target lenses seeming to brand themselves into the depths of Lin En's soul:

"Give me a logical explanation, Lin En, 'Patrol Officer.'"

Cold sweat instantly drenched Lin En's back once again.

The metal chair had become slippery beyond measure at some point, and he could not get a grip on it no matter what.

He had not expected the other party to investigate so deeply, so thoroughly.

This was the place he most feared being discovered: collecting xenos materials.

This was absolutely a line that could not be crossed, so every time he was extremely careful, falsifying account books and killing the subordinates responsible for transport.

He had thought he had already been careful enough.

But before the systematic investigation of an existence like a Space Marine, loopholes were still dug out.

His Adam's apple rolled, his brain operating madly.

Deny? Meaningless.

Colluding with gangsters was an established fact, and it was not even considered serious.

As for collecting xenos samples......

He had to give a reason the other party could "understand," and even "tacitly permit" to a certain extent.

He forced out a bitter smile mixed with embarrassment, helplessness, and a trace of giving up entirely.

His voice lowered somewhat, as if revealing a shameful secret:

"Angel Adult, your insight is unmatched."

"This is indeed a major negligence in my duties, and a helpless measure forced by the realities of the Nest Capital."

He raised his head, meeting those red target lenses, his eyes striving to display candid remorse:

"You know the situation in the Lower Level."

"'Abnormal Creature Inspector' sounds impressive, but budget, equipment, personnel—everywhere is hindered."

"The Legal Affairs Department has limited resources and often cannot attend to these 'Minor Threats.'"

"And those xenos remains, especially relatively intact organs, carapaces, glands......"

He paused, his voice even lower, "In certain specific research channels, they are worth a considerable sum."

Seeing that Cassius seemed to have no reaction, he gritted his teeth and continued, taking "greed" and "forced by reality" as the main tone:

"The Iron Anvil Society indeed has close ties with me, but I have never colluded with them to do anything damaging the Empire's interests."

"And this gray income from selling xenos samples is to make up for the Patrol Squad's equipment shortage, improving the members' treatment and Green Skin Morale."

"Let them work harder to clear out those mutation nests that truly threaten civilians."

"I know this violates Empire Law, but in the Slum, sometimes one has no choice but to do so."

His last words almost carried a touch of self-mockery.

"Otherwise, Adult, do you think I would collect those disgusting things in order to... keep other xenos in captivity?"

After speaking, he spread his hands, striking a pose of "that's just how it is, I'm helpless too."

The Warehouse fell into silence once again.

Cassius's white helmet remained motionless, only the scanner's glimmer sweeping back and forth over Lin En.

Analyzing every trace of his physiological reaction, evaluating the logical chain in his words.

Lin En's heartbeat was like a war drum, but he forced himself to maintain the expression of "admitting fault but understandable."

He knew that Space Marines, especially warriors of the Iron Hand line, had an extraordinary obsession with "efficiency" and "practicality."

Pure moral fastidiousness was not their primary concern.

As long as his actions could be included in

"the expedient, controllable gray methods adopted to more effectively achieve the goal"

this category, perhaps there was hope.

Time passed minute by minute.

Finally, Cassius's calm and waveless voice sounded again:

"Your life sign data shows signs of deliberate control during your statement."

"Heart rate, breathing frequency, and skin resistance all have abnormal fluctuations."

Lin En's heart sank.

But Cassius's next words made him almost not dare believe his own ears:

"However, your chain of explanatory logic is basically complete, consistent with the corruption and expedient modes commonly found in the Nest Lower Levels."

At present, there is no direct evidence showing your actions exceed the scope of 'utilizing illegal resources to assist official duties.'

Or are associated with heretical Soul Faith or actively allying with Xenos existences."

"You are temporarily excluded from suspicion of 'actively sheltering heretics' or 'having a relationship with Xenos existences beyond utilization.'"

Lin En almost failed to catch his breath in one go, a huge sense of Exhaustion nearly making him collapse onto the Chair.

He forcibly steadied himself, his face showing a complex expression of relief and Gratitude:

"Thank you for your discernment and understanding, Angel Adult."

"Understanding?" Cassius interrupted him, that voice still Ice Cold.

"No, this is a temporary determination based on existing data."

Your 'expedient measure' is full of risk and uncertainty; from now on, you are included in the supervision and testing sequence."

He stepped forward, the shadow of the Power Armor completely enveloping Lin En:

"You are familiar with Lower Level geography, master unofficial intelligence networks, and have shown... unconventional Efficiency in clearing Xenos Activity."

We need you to locate those Bug Nodes that are difficult to find."

Especially targets suspected of having independent or high-priority command units."

This is not a request; it is a Command.

It is giving him an opportunity to 'prove his value' and 'atone.'

"Provide the Coordinate, and we will verify."

Cassius Paused, then said: "Remember, your opportunity comes only once."

Understood?"

Lin En lowered his head, swallowed saliva that did not exist, his voice dry but clear:

"Understood, Angel Adult; I will do my utmost."

During the second conversation, Cassius directly had him "invited" into the simple Cabin of that Thunderhawk Transport Aircraft.

This time, Cassius was not wearing his Helmet.

What met Lin En's eyes was a steel-like... Bald Head covered in fine Scars, tempered by years and Warfire.

But on that Bald Head, the most striking feature was three dull Orichalcum Service Nails embedded in it.

That was proof of serving the Empire for at least Three Hundred Years.

He did not speak, merely handing Lin En a Wrist-mounted Data Slate with a simple display screen and input interface.

"Access your private intelligence network and update suspicious Area Activity traces in real time."

We need the precise Coordinate of the next Target, the sooner the better."

His words were concise and Direct, with no intention of courtesy or Explanation.

Lin En took the Wrist-mounted Data Slate, his fingers somewhat stiff.

This Bald Head was going to make him find other Bug Nests right in front of him.

"Damn Bald Head!" Lin En cursed in his Inner Heart.