Chapter 15 – Hidrus Quartus

Author's Note: This is a context chapter so to speak, to introduce the planet, the factions and the buildup to conflict, so there will be a lot of dialogue to go on. I would also like to say that the location where the story currently takes place has changed a bit, I messed up in chapter three, I think, where I say the location of Hidrus Quintus and the other planets, but don't worry, that information was corrected right below.

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The planet of Hidrus Quartus was the sixth closest planet to the star Ifrit, located in the Ultima Sector in the Ultima Segmentum. In the Ultramar subsector, close to Macragge, in a neighboring system known as Hinaritus.

Hidrus Quartus was a planet classified as Sanctuary World, Imperial worlds dedicated to a Saint of the Imperium. These worlds are governed directly by the Adeptus Ministorum and attract huge numbers of pilgrims every day.

Often serving as eternal resting places for holy men and women of the Imperium, the entire surface of these holy planets is given over to the holy crypts of the saints, and great monolithic cathedrals.

In this case, Hidrus Quartus served for the worship of a single saint. Saint Alexia, the remains of the saint were kept in a large coffin of solid gold, adorned with figures of skulls and golden angels.

The lid of the coffin was its most striking feature, as a lying statue was carved in gold, which, according to the stories, was a faithful representation of the saint.

A sister of battle wearing Canoness armor, holding the pommel of her Power Sword lying on top of her body, the sword extending from the center of her chest to just past her feet.

Around the waist of the statue was a representation of a Bolter, a book with Litanies of Faith written on it, and the helmet that the Canoness wore in battle.

On the shoulders of the statue were two large torches, representing the Emperor's sacred fire that this sister carried and used to purify heretics.

Moreover, above the statue's shoulders, there was the image of the saint's face, a beautiful face, but hardened by the battlefield. Long hair flowed down from her head to her armor shoulder pads; a pair of eyes closed in a peaceful expression accompanied this hair.

The coffin was also covered with purity seals, and parchments with litanies and prayers.

The coffin was placed on top of an altar carved in marble and covered with a large cloth of red fabric with the symbol of the Sisters of Battle. Attached to the wall and altar where the coffin was located, there was a large statue representing the Saint in a battle.

Her sword raised to the sky, the flames of her torches swaying in the wind, rays of light shooting from her back and Cherubim flying beside her.

The room was built in a rectangle with a high ceiling where its end could hardly be seen due to its height whose light from the torches lit on the wall barely reached.

The room had no windows for security reasons, but in addition to the torches, the walls had large tapestries with images representing the greatest moments of victories and difficulties of Saint Alexia.

Descending the white marble steps of the saint's altar, you would pass through a long red carpet that would lead you to a gigantic metal door six meters high and three meters thick.

Only the highest-ranking members of the Sisters of Battle could open this door or members of the Ecclesiarchy located in Hidrus Quartus.

Going through the door, you would reach a long corridor that gave access to the resting place of Saint Alexia; this corridor was composed of large stained glass windows' representing the image of saints and heroes of the Imperium, when the light of Ifrit passed through these stained glass windows, the hall was lit in a mixture of beautiful colors.

The hall floor was clean and gleaming, being a single piece that reached all the walls. It was so clean that you could see your own reflection as you walked by.

The hallway ceiling was covered in paintings, meticulously painted over the years. Showing images of the Emperor, Sisters of Battle, Imperial Saints, Angels and the Emperor's Realm in the Afterlife.

The hall was supported by eight square pillars of marble and metal, four on each side of the hall, and on each side of the pillar was a statue of a skeletal angel holding a torch in its hands.

On leaving the hall, you would have to go through another large door, similar to the one that led to Saint Alexia and through that door; you would have to go down a long staircase of pure white marble steps, with words in High Gothic written in high relief on each step.

Arriving at the bottom of this staircase, you would see the entrance to the cathedral of Saint Alexia from the upper floors of the cathedral.

You would see worshipers entering through the set of three huge metal doors, a large door in the center and two smaller doors on the sides. You would see worshipers sitting in rows made up of hundreds of long wooden benches.

Those who could not find a place knelt and prayed on the ground.

You would see the big golden chandeliers with flames illuminating the place; you would see the great altar with a golden image of the Emperor carved in gold.

You would see the priest preaching the emperor's word on a podium in front of the altar. His booming voice echoing through the gigantic cathedral.

In addition, if you were to step out of the church, you would see the grand building in its entirety, a colossal building over a hundred stories high. Adorned in gold and gleaming metals, covered with statues of angels and priests, walls covered with windows and colorful stained glass.

With a chorus of voices praying in unison as the Emperor's faithful followers made their daily pilgrimage towards the cathedral which was located in a huge open square with a gray tiled floor and a few sets of stairs leading up to the cathedral.

In this square, you would find a set of four statues in front of the cathedral, statues with the image of priests and members of the Ecclesiarchy. These statues held up staffs and scrolls while their faces were locked in a permanent image of religious fervor.

Moving away from the cathedral, you would have a better view of the society of Hidrus Quartus. A rocky brownstone planet with little value in resource extraction. Its stone and metal cities didn't quite make Hive Cities, but that didn't mean they weren't densely populated.

Right now, millions of men, women and children were leaving their cramped apartments and heading to the streets to go to work. From the simplest ones like street cleaners, food vendors and office workers to the most important ones like street policing or cathedral cleaning.

On the great metal avenues supported by huge pillars of stone and metal, hundreds of cars honked in an irritating cacophony in the middle of a traffic jam as the smoke from their exhausts polluted the air.

With no other option, drivers turned on their car radios, where they heard the news, music or morning prayers.

However, unknown to the inhabitants of Hidrus Quartus, something insidious was taking place in the depths of the city. Because if you went down that same avenue, you would reach the point where the pillars connect with the ground.

An area covered in garbage from above, and in that same area, you would find the entrance to the sewers. Passing through the iron bars and into the large cement tunnel filled with dirty water and human waste, you would hear the sound of voices.

If the smell didn't make you puke, pass out, or leave, or all three at once. If nothing brought you back and instead you followed the unknown voices for some reason, you would see the sewer end up giving way to something that didn't fit this place.

For a huge sewer chamber had been converted into a true palace dedicated to pleasure, men and women fornicated in great orgies in a mixture of drinks, drugs and deafening music.

Screams and laughter of pleasure were mixed with the screams of violence, because while some individuals dedicated themselves to carnal pleasure, others dedicated themselves to the pleasure of fighting, as huge pits of that sewer were converted into fighting pits where half-naked men and women fought with everything they had.

Nevertheless, that wasn't all, that was just a section of the sewer that had been converted for this cult's use. In other areas of the sewer, certain things were stored. Like food to feed thousands of people, firearms, explosives and equipment to arm a small army.

A garage and workshop full of cars, motorcycles and trucks transformed into makeshift battle vehicles. What appeared to be a command room full of cogitators where military-looking men and women discussed next to a table on which a map showing the city of Tismator, the largest city on Hidrus Quartus and where the Cathedral of Saint Alexia was located.

Moreover, the largest of all these sections was what appeared to be a ritual room mixed in with an altar of worship. The most striking object of this room was the large altar built in its center and in front of this altar; the Demagogue of the Chaos Cult recited an incantation as he prepared to sacrifice one more of his followers.

The Demagogue, heavily mutated by the energies of chaos, drew a ceremonial dagger adorned with the sigil of Slaanesh from the sleeve of his robes. With a swift slash, the Demagogue slit his follower's throat, sending him crashing to the ground with a wet gurgle.

Blood began to flow from the body of the sacrifice towards the altar, as if a supernatural force was sucking it. When all the blood had been drained from the sacrifice, the Demagogue stepped away from the altar and took his staff from the hands of one of his Blessed Blades.

Men and Women wearing black armor and robes while carrying great swords. These people served as bodyguards for the Demagogues, keeping enemies at bay with their deadly swordsmanship.

For a moment nothing happened, until an unearthly wind blew into this place where a mere breeze was impossible to feel. Suddenly screams and laughter came out of nowhere, as if born from the mind of a lunatic, then a mighty explosion occurred, the fabric of reality ripped apart and a great maelstrom of colors, claws and monstrous face appeared.

A few seconds passed before this whirlpool stabilized, forming a large glowing purple portal. The outline of a female figure appeared in that portal, this figure approached until its form was revealed to all present.

A Sister of Battle with pale skin and long black hair, this sister wore her order's signature armor, but black and red, and covered in thorns, human skulls, and icons of Slaanesh.

The sister looked around, but as soon as her eyes focused on the Demagogue, the Sister of Battle broke into a big smile, revealing a series of sharp teeth and a long tongue like a frog's.

Immediately the Demagogue and his Blessed Blades knelt in front of their sister.

"You grace us with your wonderful presence, Sister Sabathiel!" The Demagogue spoke.

"You can get up. We have no time to lose brother, for our goddess demands the death of the one who thwarted her plans on Hidrus Quintus." Sabathiel spoke.

"Yes. I understand. I received messages from our goddess' envoys about what happened. And to think that the inhabitants of Hidrus Quintus were denied bathing in the glory of Slaanesh." The Demagogue said as he stood up with his bodyguards.

"Exactly! I'm glad you understand."

"But Sister Sabathiel, something worries me." The Demagogue said hesitantly.

"Tell me, dear brother."

"The enemy managed to destroy the forces of our goddess. I know it's bold to ask this, but… Will we have enough forces to win?"

Sabathiel's smile widened at that question, and then with a snap of her fingers, the portal Sabathiel walked through began to expand. The sound of a synchronized march echoed out of the portal, and then new occupants appeared.

Men and women in uniform, hundreds, thousands of them, all wearing military uniform and gear and carrying Lasguns. That was the traitor guard.

The guard passed. Bigger equipment soon followed, like tanks and artillery. Soon, an entire army armed to the teeth came to the aid of the cult.

"Oh! I almost forgot! Honey, could you come over here?" Sabathiel shouted at the portal.

Then the Honey appeared, a large figure stepped out of the portal, pushing the guards out of the way, it was a figure wearing armor that was once silver, but was now a mixture of purple and pink.

All adornments and sacred items were removed from the armor, giving way to blasphemous books and scrolls created for the purpose of summoning daemons.

The Honey was what was once a Gray Knight. Sabathiel grinned from ear to ear as the Space Marine stopped in front of her.

Leaping towards the Space Marine, Sabathiel wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed the side of his helmet, leaving a red lipstick mark.

Sabathiel smiled sadistically at her Honey and spoke.

"You better get ready, Honey. Because soon we'll have fun! We will bring to our goddess the metallic skull of the one who dared defy her!"

Then Sabathiel laughed, she laughed with all the sadistic glee she could muster.

Meanwhile, the Gray Knight just stared ahead, as if what he swore to destroy wasn't around him.

-Necron Fleet-

"We are approaching Hidrus Quintus." Sire Aetir spoke to me in its robotic voice.

"Understood. Stop our advance at a safe distance from the planet; I don't want us to be detected by any equipment."

"Affirmative."

Looking out of the ship, I had a view I had only seen in movies. We were moving at such an absurd speed that the stars had turned into luminous dots stretched out in a sea of darkness; it was as if we were going through a tunnel.

Suddenly, as quickly as that image had come, it was gone, the other ships of the fleet following in the form of bright green blurs.

Moreover, in the distance, I saw a small rocky planet called Hidrus Quartus. The light of its great cities can be seen from space.

Well that was fast!

"Sire, how long did it take us to get to Hidrus Quartus?"

"It took our fleet a total of eleven and a half minutes to reach our destination from our departure from Hidrus Quintus."

"Thank you Sire."

"I am only doing what I was made to do, Lord Ulthagakh."

"Accept the praise, Sire, you deserve it." I said, getting up from my throne and walking down the stairs.

Eleven minutes... Impressive! The distance between the two planets was small in 40k terms, but it is still something impossible for 21st century technology to do.

Oh! How I wish I had this technology in my old life. Placing my feet on the ship's bridge, the nobles and my Crypteks turned to me, presumably expecting me to say something.

"Well, my dear court, that's it. Our brothers from our wonderful dynasty await us asleep in the depths of this planet. Our main objective is to awaken them, but not only that, we will take control of Hidrus Quartus."

"Shall I send the formal declaration of war, my lord?" Haratek asked me. His hands ready to type on a holographic keyboard.

"Declaration of war?"

"Yes, the formal declaration of war that must always be made before engaging against the enemy, just as it is written in the law code of our dynasty." Ananotek spoke; I noticed a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

That bastard must be enjoying the amount of laws I must be breaking simply by not moving and talking like an Overlord should. Yet another reason for the radicals to not like me.

Maybe I should throw them out of the airlock? No, that would just cause me more trouble than necessary, and it would be a waste of capable hands.

"Give me a minute." I said to Ananotek while raising my left index finger.

>Accessing ship systems...

98%

>Verifying authorization...

99%

>Authenticating user...

100%

>Access Granted! Greetings Overlord Ulthagakh! What do you wish?

-Start Orbital Bombardment.

-Start Anti-Inertia Jump.

-Start Invasion.

-Initiate Self-Destruct.

-Start Worldwide Broadcast.

>Access the Database.

>Access database? Y/N.

>Y

>Affirmative, accessing database...

99%

100%

>Access Granted! What data do you wish?

>Basic Laws of the Necron Empire.

>Advanced Laws of the Necron Empire.

>Book of Laws of Mahazarek, The Immortal.

>Data selected. Start download? Y/N.

>Y

>Affirmative! Starting download!

98%

99%

100%

Download Completed!

I cringed slightly at the sudden flood of information that entered my systems, but quickly the annoyance disappeared and what was in its place was the entire set of millions of laws and rules of the Necron Empire and the dynasty of which I am part.

"I know, Ananotek. You don't have to treat me like I'm a fool." Then I recited the law that Ananotek spoke of.

"Law Number 11.752 of the Book of Laws of the Dynasty of Mahazarek, The Immortal: Every engagement against an enemy must be preceded by a formal declaration of war and a meeting between all leaders of the two or more opposing forces, where the place and date of start of battle will be discussed, along with the terms of victory and surrender. In case of victory for us Necrons, there is the possibility of adding the defeated to our empire, either as slaves, servants, warriors, or any subservient position."

"Is that enough for you, Ananotek? Or do I need to recite the entire law book to show I know what I'm doing?" I asked with noticeable sarcasm in my robotic voice.

Ananotek was silent, the nobles of the three factions and my Crypteks stared at him waiting for an answer, the only ones who didn't move were my Royal Wardens and Lychguards, they kept guard position next to my throne.

"No, Lord Ulthagakh. I'm sorry if my words sounded like I doubt your leadership abilities. I ask your pardon." Ananotek responded as he bowed in an arc.

"I accept your apology. Just think better of your words before you speak. As I was saying before being rudely interrupted, normally we would send a declaration of war and face the force of Hidrus Quartus until they either submit to us or fight to the last man, but I prefer a more cautious approach, as another of ours laws says."

Then I recited another law.

"Law 7.981 of the Book of Laws of the Dynasty of Mahazarek, The Immortal - On Strategies and How to Fight Efficiently: Although our law dictates that combat should be conducted honorably but efficiently, always going head-on against the enemy, It is recommended to recognize your enemy's capabilities, whether through probes, infiltration, or invasion of their data network, to avoid unforeseen events and damage that could have been avoided. If the enemy proves to be too powerful for direct combat, the use of less conventional and 'dishonorable' methods is recommended."

Some of the nobles from the three factions nodded in approval at the mention of this law.

"And that's exactly what I plan to do. I will personally infiltrate Hidrus Quartus and observe the capabilities of our enemies to decide if they are worthy of being part of our empire, simultaneously initiating the awakening of our brothers. As you may already know. We are outnumbered, so I intend to rule the planets from within, replacing those in power with those loyal to us, either through loyalty, mind control, or replacement by one of our own using solid light technology."

This time the nobles' reaction was a little different, those of the moderate and neutral faction nodded affirmatively, although there were some of them who didn't seem to like my strategy. Those from the radical faction were the least approving, but there were a few who didn't show negative reactions.

"Now if everything has been cleared up. Haratek, Thaszan, Rahkikh and I will infiltrate the city of Tismator, using our solid light disguises."

"My lord! Does that mean that…" Haratek asked as he stopped looking at the holographic screen.

"Yes, Haratek! Utaniel and Harold are back!" I said, quickly turning towards the Cryptek as raised both arms.

"Oh... This is... This is wonderful, my lord... I can't wait..." Haratek muttered in a despondent voice, making the holographic screen disappear and looking at the floor of the bridge shortly after. .

I slowly lowered my arms upon seeing Haratek's dismay.

"Why are you acting like this? Rahkikh and Thaszan didn't seem to mind the disguises used at the party." I said as I turned towards the Lychguards in question.

The two shifted uncomfortably as they became the focus of my gaze. Seriously? Mentally sighing, I ignored the discomfort of my Lychguards and Cryptek. I am the Overlord, they will accompany me, like it or not.

"But there is something I would like to communicate to everyone here. Although our mission seems clear, easy and objective, there is a possibility that an enemy that we faced recently is present in Hidrus Quartus."

This information generated a series of murmurs from all the sentient Necrons on the Command Bridge.

"I believe that you are already aware of who I am talking about. The forces of Slaanesh, The Prince of Pleasure and Chaos God created by the Eldars. In several planets of the Imperium, humans organize themselves in occult cults to worship the ruinous powers, and there is the possibility of finding an abnormal amount of them in the system, because according to the information acquired in Hidrus Quintus, the former governor was influenced by Slaanesh after come into contact with a group of people originating from Hidrus, the Forge World. Do not think that our actions in thwarting Slaanesh's plans have gone unnoticed; there is a possibility that our arrival has already been expected. Anyone else have any questions?"

The first to act was Qemet; the captain of the guard took a step towards me, knelt down with his fist over his heart and head bowed.

"My Lord, forgive me for this bold request, but if you plan to infiltrate enemy territory, allow me to accompany you with a detachment of Wardens." Qemet spoke worriedly.

"Stand up Qemet, your concern is valid and your request is welcome, it shows that you take your job seriously, but I will have to deny it. Walking around the city with the guard accompanying me, even if they are disguised, will only draw attention, I intend to pretend to be an ordinary citizen this time."

"But..."

I held up my hand, interrupting Qemet.

"If you wish, I will allow you to accompany me. Since you have the role of captain of the guard, I can assume that your skills are above other Wardens. Then I will count on you to keep me safe during our infiltration."

Qemet rose, "puffed out" his chest and lifted his head, with a determined voice, he spoke.

"I will protect you to the best of my abilities, my lord."

"I'll be counting on that, now if everything is resolved..." I spoke as I turned to the nobles and Crypteks, but stopped talking as soon as I saw a few of them looking away as they swayed in their seats.

"My lord..." Koratitan spoke, fidgeting with the sleeves of his robes.

"If it's not too much to ask..." Tholikan said. The hundreds of legs of her centipede body slamming against the floor with a metallic crack.

"I would like to visit a new planet..." Imanitek spoke, turning his staff in his hands.

I pinched the bridge of my nose as I let out a frustrated sigh, in one moment, no one wanted to go with me and now everyone wants to go like a bunch of kids following their dad. Decide it at once!

"Those who will accompany me will be, Haratek, Imanitek, Qemet, Tholikan, Koratitan, Kamamitet and Ananotek!" I said, pointing my staff at each of the aforementioned Necron.

The two Nobles jumped in surprise upon hearing their names being called, they glared at each other before focusing on me with what I thought was a questioning look.

"Why are you looking at me like that? You didn't hear wrong. The two will come with me to the surface of the planet. Haratek! Prepare everyone's disguise!"

"Yes, my lord!" Haratek exclaimed, typing on a series of holographic screens, one with a 3D model of a Necron and another with a 3D model of a human being formed.

"YAY! I'll get my camera! I would love to take some pictures at the sights of the planet!" Tholikan said, throwing her arms up and walking off the Command Bridge.

"Tholikan, wait a minute. Although I allow you to accompany me. Are you sure, you want to go? The way your body was built can offer some difficulties." I said with a fist in front of my mouth, giving a fake cough. The subject I'm trying to talk about might be a little sensitive.

"I'm sorry, my lord. But could you elaborate?" Tholikan said confused, turning to me.

"What our magnanimous lord is trying to say is that your metallic centipede ass is going to be in the way. Though Haratek's solid light serves as a disguise, it is just that, solid light, an illusion. The organics that pass behind you will collide with something that isn't there, or in this case, that monstrosity you have for legs." Koratitan spoke in a humorous tone, leaning back and letting out a loud laugh.

Unfortunately, while enjoying his moment of fun, Koratitan left himself open to the centipede-legged Cryptek's violent reaction. Swiftly, with the click of her many legs against the ground, Tholikan advanced towards Koratitan and wrapped her centipede body around him.

The Cryptek's laugh was cut off with a high-pitched gasp as Tholikan squeezed the body of her prey, making the four-armed Cryptek's Necrodermis creak loudly.

"Excuse me, but what were you saying? That my metallic centipede ass would get in the way? Could you repeat? I don't think I heard right." Tholikan demanded.

Koratitan's response was to free its upper pair of arms from Tholikan's grip and grab one of the metallic tentacles located on the Cryptek's back.

With a swift movement, Koratitan wrapped the tentacle around its owner's neck and began to strangle her. Tholikan let out a series of insults and gasps as she used her remaining tentacle to slap Koratitan across the face.

I resisted the urge to scream. It wouldn't do my dubious reputation with the nobles any good if I showed that kind of reaction here. Glancing around, I saw that my Lychguards and Qemet were holding their guard position, waiting for the moment for us to leave.

Imanitek helped his uncle in preparing the disguises, which only left the nobles. In addition, I didn't have to wait long, as the two nobles I decided to take with me decided to approach in a set of hurried metallic steps.

"My Lord, if I may ask. Why did you decide that we should accompany you?" Kamamitet asked.

"This is one of the few times I agree with Kamamitet, my lord. Why did you make this decision? I prefer to avoid being among the organics as much as possible." Ananotek added.

"You may remember the conversation we had at the top of the tomb on Hidrus Quintus, your answers were not satisfactory, and I believe this does due to you not understand my point of view about the organics and the rest of the galaxy. I believe that the best way for you to understand is to see humans up close, maybe then you will realize their true value."

Kamamitet and Ananotek fell silent, exchanging a quick glance with each other. Then with a nod, the two bowed slightly.

"If that's what you wish." Both said simultaneously.

"Perfect! However, don't treat it as a kind of punishment, but as a learning experience. To see how much the galaxy has changed."

With a cheer and a quick farewell, Kamamitet, Ananotek, and the nobles withdrew from the bridge. With everything resolved, I returned to my throne, passing by my two Crypteks who were still fighting, as I sat down, I covered my face with both hands and let out a muffled scream.

"AAAAAHHHHH!"

-Hidrus Quartus, City of Tismator-

With a flash of green light, we emerged from the open Eternity Gate at the top of an office building. A group of Wraiths followed, the great machines floating toward the ground, drifting in and out of reality.

We had a general idea of the tomb's location, it was somewhere beneath the city, the wraiths' job was to find it and determine the quickest route to it.

If we have to excavate or not, we will only know after the tomb is found. As soon as the Eternity Gate closed behind us, I walked to the edge of the building and took a good look at the city as I reviewed the information about the planet in my mind.

Hidrus Quartus, a brownish rocky planet, the opposite of its name, according to records, at some point this planet was covered by oceans, hence the name, but imperial expansion and its absurd consumption of resources caused the oceans to dry up quickly, the planet now got its water through extraction from extremely deep water tables or import.

The planet's cities weren't quite hive cities, but they were on the verge of becoming one, as the cities of Hidrus Quartus were built in a hexagon shape on top of large natural stone formations, leaving the cities miles above sea level, now they only had one place to expand, upwards.

There were only two means of traveling between cities in Hidrus Quartus, by air, using aircraft, whether collective or private. On the other hand, by the use of long and gigantic bridges that crossed the rocky deserts, also erected kilometers high and covered by dozens of busy highways.

The city of Tismator, which is our current location, has six bridges, each extending from one side of the hexagon that was the city. As a shrine world, this planet was ruled by a Cardinal named Ridonius Meroch, but because the saint reposed here was a Sister of Battle, Hidrus Quartus had a worrying presence of Adeptas Sororitas.

Unfortunately, we were unable to obtain information about specific Sisters Orders. If Haratek tried to break into the data network further, there was a possibility that we would be detected.

Maybe I should put some Mindshackle Scarabs on the cardinal? Moreover, after awakening the tomb, replace some important people with disguised Necrons?

Who knows? Infiltrating the planet to test the enemy's capabilities was just an excuse, I just wanted to explore a bit before trying to take over this place. If it wasn't for Ananotek deciding to play by the rule book this would have been so much easier, now I have to pretend I'm doing something serious.

Speaking of the noble, turning back, I saw my followers in their disguises, Haratek as the minister and my Lychguards as a couple, but they wore mundane clothes that matched what the normal citizen of Hidrus Quartus wore. Ordinary people's fashion wasn't all that different from what people in the 21st century wore.

I shifted my focus to those who received new disguises, Imanitek looked like his uncle, fair skin, and green eyes but with brown hair, the Aprentek wore brown shorts, a green shirt and black sneakers, he looked around curiously.

Koratitan was a thin, tall, fair-skinned young man with Asian features, he had long black hair slicked back, yellow eyes, pointed chin and nose, he had a small smile on his face as he looked around.

His clothing consisted of a loose-fitting black shirt and pants with green accents, small black shoes, and the sleeves of his shirt were long enough for Koratitan to hide his hands inside.

Tholikan on the other hand, seemed like something out of the minds of certain 40k fans who are also internet artists, particularly those who draw Sisters of Battle wearing inefficient armor and impossible body proportions, if you know what I mean.

Nevertheless, I can't deny that Tholikan was beautiful. A dark-skinned woman with long light blond hair that reached the middle of her back, a youthful face with features of what I assume is Middle Eastern but bordering on maturity, a small nose and full, rosy lips; her eyes were of a deep blue.

She wore an icharb mixed with modern clothes; I could make out the colorful pant and shirt hidden beneath the traditional clothing. In her arms, Tholikan wore a series of golden bracelets and a golden necklace around her neck, but despite this, her clothes hugged her body, highlighting her "assets".

"Ooohhh!" With an awed cry upon seeing the landscape, Tholikan teleported a scarab into her hands, immediately the scarab was covered by a flash of light and in its place was a technologically advanced camera, disguised with solid light, probably.

The Cryptek approached the edge of the building before taking a picture with a flash of light coming out of her "camera".

Ananotek, Kamamitet and Qemet were more restrained with their attire, all three wore business suits but their appearances were similar but somewhat distinct.

Ananotek was a tall, muscular man with dark skin and short, dark red hair, black eyes, and serious, well-defined features. He appeared to be someone from the African continent.

Kamamitet had tanned skin, short black hair and brown eyes, a mature face, but less serious than Ananotek, she gave off an air of professionalism. I would say she would be someone from South America.

Qemet was also wearing a suit; he had fair skin, the appearance of a grown man in his forties, straight black hair slicked back and a stern face, his eyes hidden by dark sunglasses. He looked like someone from North America.

I wonder if Haratek made the disguises based on those nationalities or if it was pure coincidence. Well, enough wasting time, let's start with our "infiltration."

"Well done, everyone! I hope you enjoyed your disguises, as you will be using them for some time. Right now our Wraiths are searching for the tomb, we know it's here somewhere, meanwhile we'll analyze the city's capabilities and strengths, focusing on the Cathedral of Saint Alexia."

"I have no problem with my disguise, my lord. I'm actually liking this new look, I'm just asking myself if someone else is too. Isn't that right, Haratek? Do you like my new appearance?" Tholikan said. Approaching Haratek while wiggling her eyebrows.

Haratek's response was to let out an irritated growl.

"We are not here for tourism, Tholikan, but on a reconnaissance mission." Haratek replied.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Tholikan said, hugging Haratek's arm and dragging him towards the stairs that led inside the building.

"Tholikan, what are you…" But I couldn't hear what Haratek said as the two of them disappeared inside the building.

"Uncle, wait for me!" Imanitek yelled, coming down the stairs shortly after.

"Well, I can't let those two have all the fun." Koratitan shrugged as he walked down the stairs as well.

"Kamamitet?" Ananotek whispered audibly to the female Necron beside him as he covered his mouth with the palm of his hand.

"Yes, Ananotek?" The Necron whispered back, but I could still hear it.

"I'm starting to think our Overlord's problem isn't his leadership, but the servants he keeps around." Ananotek spoke.

"I share your opinion. Perhaps our lord should consider placing new servants under his service?" Kamamitet spoke back.

Then the two nobles walked past me and down the stairs, as if I hadn't heard everything they said. Seeing that the two nobles had disappeared into the building, I closed the metal door leading to the stairs.

"AAAHHH!" And with a scream of rage, I punched the door, sending my fist through it. I ripped the door off its hinges shortly thereafter and ripped it to shreds like paper, with a final scream of frustration; I crumpled all the pieces into a small metal ball.

At that moment, I remembered that there was still someone here with me, my two Lychguards and Qemet.

"What?" I asked the three of them as they stared in silence.

"My Lord, you are not going to replace us, are you?" Qemet asked hesitantly.

Heaving a sigh of relief and a sadistic chuckle, I threw the metal ball over my shoulder.

"As long as you refrain from making any witty comments, I will have no problem with your services. Did you understand?"

"Yes, my lord!" The three responded nervously. Except for Qemet, being an Immortal, his voice was monotonous as usual.

Therefore, I went downstairs too. Better, join my companions soon before they think something is wrong.

-Streets of Tismator-

You know, it was so weird. When you start to learn about the 40k universe, you are amazed at the different factions, the atrocities each of them commits. The absurd wars with millions of causalities, the planet-destroying weapons and the endless suffering of being an ordinary person in these times.

But I think that even in the distant future, the monotony and routine of everyday life still exist, or normalcy, call it what you like. For as soon as we step out of the building, we find ourselves on a gray, busy sidewalk.

We had to walk right away so as not to interrupt the flow of people and as Koratitan had said, people started tripping and bumping into Tholikan's metallic centipede ass.

We immediately moved to a less crowded area, leaving behind the cries of surprise and pain from those who seemed to have stumbled in the air.

As we walked, we passed by apartment buildings and stores of all kinds, markets, workshops, electronic repair shops and many more.

Cars and trucks of different models ran through the streets, either collective or individual transport.

Meanwhile, I just enjoyed the view while having a feeling of nostalgia; I think I missed my home a bit. But as I looked into a store window, I saw a small smile forming on my face.

We passed through a suburb where clotheslines with clothes hanging were right above us. A group of children playing with a ball ran past me, I saw some men talking at a table in front of a bar.

But I recoiled a little in surprise when a group of stray dogs barked furiously towards me, they did the same when the rest of my group approached but fled in fear when Rahkikh, Thaszan and Qemet approached with a strong green light shining in their eyes.

I had to order the three of them to stop before they tried to kill the poor animals.

A few people gave us strange looks, but shrugged when they didn't find anything weird.

As we approached the Cathedral of Saint Alexia, the quality of the buildings around us changed. Buildings adorned in gold and gleaming metals, with stained-glass windows and covered in angel statues and Gothic decorations were all around us.

The streets looked cleaner and the stores became luxury goods stores, people were also better dressed, I saw a group of preachers preaching the emperor's word to a crowd of people.

As soon as we turned a corner, we were facing the Cathedral of Saint Alexia and in front of the churchyard, there was some kind of truck parked in the street.

There was a long line of people in front of the truck, I was confused by this view, until the side of the truck opened towards the ground, forming a ladder and from this ladder a group of women wearing white armor descended.

A Sister Hospitaller, a member of the Non-Militant Order known as the Order Hospitaller of the Adeptas Sororitas.

The sisters began to take out a series of equipment and put them next to the truck, calling people in small groups, they began to listen to people's explanations and performed a series of tests on them soon after.

Hm... So the truck is a mobile clinic? Good to know. It's strange to see some good-hearted people helping the common citizen of the Imperium, honestly the Order Hospitaller is one of my favorites, even knowing its darker side, I just wish there was more information about it.

Leaving the Sisters aside, we made our way towards the cathedral, where we passed a pair of colossal statues of cardinals and arrived at a large fountain in the center of the courtyard.

Some people were talking; others were going in and out of the cathedral.

"Hello sir! Would you like a snack?" One person said, getting my attention.

And of course, there were those selling snacks from their stalls. The person who spoke to me was an old man, a little chubby, with gray hair and wearing a white apron over a red shirt.

He was behind the typical hot dog cart.

"Of course! Why not? How much for the hot dog?"

"Five credits." The old man replied with a smile as a small technologically advanced terminal appeared on his cart.

In that moment, I realized something, despite being a Necron Overlord with thousands of warriors at my disposal, a fleet close to the planet and an awakened tomb on Hidrus Quintus.

Technically, I was poor as fuck for the Imperium. I didn't have a single imperial credit or coin in my pocket. Well, time to solve this problem.

"A minute please."

>Accessing Hidrus Quartus data network.

>Network accessed.

>Accessing the Planetary Bank of Hidrus Quartus.

>Bank accessed.

>Creating account on behalf of Mariel Donatis...

>Putting necessary information...

>Creating an account on behalf of Richer Novis...

>Putting necessary information...

>Creating account on behalf of...

>Creating account on behalf of...

>Creating account on behalf of...

>Hacking accounts of the nobility of Hidrus Quartus...

>Accounts hacked.

> Diverting money to fake accounts...

>Money Diverted.

>Total sum: 100,000,000,000 credits divided into 250 fake accounts.

Honestly, it was extremely easy to create a few hundred accounts, hack into the nobles' account, and divert the money. This all took less than a minute, my training is paying off.

"All ready!" I said to the old man while paying the five credits.

"Thank you very much! Your hot dog will be ready in a minute!" The old man said before starting to prepare my lunch.

Meanwhile, I looked around; I saw Tholikan dragging Haratek while Imanitek followed. Tholikan took a series of pictures all around, bothering people with the flash of her "camera" or forcing Haratek to take pictures together.

Koratitan looked at the cathedral curiously, probably analyzing the architecture, occasionally stopping to talk to someone.

Qemet just hung around like a bodyguard. Rahkikh and Thaszan pretended to be a couple watching the cathedral, but they stayed close.

Kamamitet and Ananotek kept close to me, occasionally glancing at the people around them. I think it's time to resume the conversation we had in the tomb.

"So, what is your opinion of humanity so far?"

"Pathetic." Ananotek spoke.

"Strange." Kamamitet said.

"Care to elaborate?"

"They still worship gods and saints while we fragmented and enslaved or eliminate ours. A race that clings to superstition is pathetic and has no place in the galaxy." Ananotek replied.

"Tell me. Weren't we like that in the past? Believing in gods and superstitions?"

"Yes, and see where faith in things beyond our understanding has led us."

"And it was that same faith that kept us going when we were short-lived and suffering from the radiation of our star. That same faith motivated us to try to escape the clutches of death and achieve interplanetary travel. Or would you rather we had stayed on our home planet, dying a slow and painful death?"

"No but..."

"Or do you think that humans are not entitled to that same faith, the faith that keeps them from giving up, and the faith that makes them fight in the face of what seems like certain death? I don't see a pathetic race, but one that is struggling against impossible odds, just like us in the past, but I believe that humanity needs a little help, for even if they survive, their methods are self-destructive."

Ananotek fell silent at my response, his disguise taking on a thoughtful expression as he looked away towards the people entering the cathedral.

"Your turn now, Kamamitet." I said to the disguised noblewoman.

"Humanity confuses me, I honestly don't see the point behind most of the things they do, but sometimes I have memories of the times of flesh due to what I see. From my point of view, humanity is ignorant and foolish, as we once were, but they have the potential to grow, unfortunately, this potential is overcome by fear of the unknown and progress, which according to the information made available by you, is a constant thing in humanity. I believe they will never return to their golden age, but maybe they will have a bright future as long as they don't drive themselves extinct by then."

Hm... Not a bad answer, but it still had a negative view of humanity. It's better than nothing.

"You are right on many points, Kamamitet, maybe humanity will get a better future, but they will need someone to guide them."

"And you believe that you are that someone?" Kamamitet asked.

"Maybe yes maybe no. I'll never know if I don't try."

"Sir! Your hot dog is ready!" The old man said, getting my attention.

I turned to the old man and accepted my lunch, with a quick thank you I started to eat but stopped as soon as I noticed something odd. I couldn't take a bite, I slammed the food against my mouth repeatedly and got more frustrated with each failed attempt.

I noticed that Kamamitet, Ananotek and the old man were giving me strange looks. Was there something wrong? Then my mind finally reminded me of my current situation. I think I got too deep into my disguise.

Now that something wasn't trying to kill me, I had some time to think. I'm not human anymore, I came to terms with that a long time ago, but there was another problem, I don't feel anything.

I don't feel hunger, thirst, cold, heat, pain, I don't feel anything that touches my body, I'll never taste food again, I'll never have a good night's sleep again... I... I... I... I couldn't breathe.

The world around me blurred, Ananotek and Kamamitet were nothing but blurs, the people, cathedral and city were shapeless walls, and sounds became muffled, I could only hear one noise clearly.

SCRATCH!

SCRATCH!

SCRATCH!

It sounded like metal dragging against metal. But where was it coming from?

SCRATCH!

SCRATCH!

SCRATCH!

Then other noises became clear, the noise of several people talking mixed with the sound of a synchronized march.

"Hey… *Glup* I'm sorry!" A man said scared.

"Mother look!" A child called out to his mother.

"Emperor, I am grateful for this vision." A woman prayed.

Then a serious and stern female voice spoke.

"Get out of the way. I have matters to attend to and little time to waste with those trying to rip their own necks."

"My Lor... UTANIEL!" a familiar voice called out.

"GASP!"

With a sigh, I snapped out of my stupor, looking around in confusion, I noticed that there were a larger number of people in the cathedral courtyard, and most of them were staring at me.

Mostly a group of a few hundred white-haired women wearing red-colored Power Armor. It took me a while to process what was happening, but I let out a mental curse as I realized whom it was.

Sisters of Battle of the Order of the Bloody Rose, the angriest of all orders, for from the moment a Sister joins the Order, she is taught to foster and harness its most violent impulses. Litanies of heretical deeds are burned into the recruits' minds, filling them with hatred.

Prayers that would be whispered silently by other Orders are shouted aloud by the Bloody Rose. In place of meditation, they learn to rage even when they are not confronted with provocation.

However, they are also trained to focus their anger, as they are taught that letting anger overwhelm them is as great a sin as notions of mercy.

Moreover, in typical behavior for their order, they all angrily stared down on me, as if I've committed heresy by simply existing here in this moment.

"Are you listening to what I'm saying? You need help? There is a group of Sisters Hospitaller across the street, they can help you if needed." The female voice returned, only less irritated and with a slightly concerned tone.

Focusing on the source of the voice, I realized there was someone next to me as she placed a hand on my shoulder, I followed the hand to her arm and the arm to the person it belonged to, and I let out a string of mental insults upon seeing who it was.

A canoness of the Sisters of Battle, with larger and better-decorated armor, the Sister was without her helmet, revealing her pale-skinned face, likely due to constant use of the armor, extremely short white dyed hair, almost completely shaved.

The canoness also had a bionic right eye that glowed red and scars that ran from the right side of her face to the center of it. Probably the result of whatever caused her to lose an eye.

Looking beyond the canoness, I saw Qemet, Kamamitet and Ananotek ready to act. I had to send a command to Qemet and he whispered that command to the two nobles beside him.

A command for them to not attack.

Returning to the canoness, I realized that she was staring at me, waiting for my answer; I fumbled to answer, but managed to get the words out of my mouth.

"N-no, thanks. I appreciate you concern, but I believe I'm fine, I guess I just got lost in thought."

The canoness brought her face close to mine and stared at me profusely.

"I understand, but I think it's best to have someone examine the wounds on your throat. Now get out of the way." The Canoness spoke as she tried to push me aside.

However, I didn't move, the canoness stared at me confused with a raised eyebrow. Making an effort face, I noticed that she applied more strength, but I was still in the same place, realizing that I was still there, the canoness's face took on a red tone, if it was anger or shame, I couldn't tell.

Stifling a chuckle, I easily slipped out of the canoness's grip and stepped to the side, allowing her and her Sisters to pass. The canoness stared at me in surprise, her face still red before letting out an irritated murmur and continuing on her way.

Unfortunately, the Sisters of Battle who followed her didn't share her self-control, they each let out a string of insults and gave me hateful looks as they passed.

One of them tried to slam her shoulder into mine, but was pushed back, slamming her back into the Sisters behind her. They both stared at me in surprise that I hadn't moved.

I offered a polite smile as I held out both hands to the path they were supposed to follow. Moving past me with a hurried step, trying to pretend nothing had happened, the Sisters caught up with their companions.

But I spotted the Sisters who lunged at me holding her shoulder in pain while muttering a curse. She glanced back and I just waved as I smiled.

"My lord. Are you well?"

Looking to the side, I saw that it was Haratek who was talking to me. It must have been him who caught my attention earlier.

"I think so, Haratek. I got lost in thought, so to speak." I said to Haratek as I walked towards the fountain in the courtyard, Haratek following by my side.

Seeing my reflection in the water, I understood why the canoness seemed so interested in my neck; there was a series of deep red scratches covering my skin. Who would know? The disguise also simulates wounds.

I must have done it unconsciously, that explains the metallic noise from earlier, me scratching my own neck, trying to understand why I couldn't breathe.

I sat on the edge of the fountain, still watching my reflection, my expression changed from happy to curious and from curious to sad, I slowly extended a finger towards the reflection, small ripples formed when I touched the water, but I couldn't feel it.

Looking around, I noticed that my Crypteks, Imanitek, Lychguards, the nobles and Qemet were approaching me, probably worried about my reaction.

"My Lord, you..."

I held up a hand interrupting Haratek just as my Wraiths found something odd. Looking behind its eyes, there was a place in the city sewers that they couldn't enter.

It didn't matter if they were drifting in and out of reality or not, the Wraiths always hit a wall of purple energy when they tried to move forward.

Well, it doesn't take a genius to know that chaos and warp are involved here. I ordered the Wraiths to return, and was about to tell everyone to return to the ship and change into our Space Marine disguises, but I was distracted by a commotion.

A cacophony of startled screams echoed across the courtyard, followed by the rumble of an engine and a horn. Looking towards the source of the noise, I was surprised to see three large trucks driving into the cathedral courtyard, running over everyone in their path, leaving bloody trails in their wake.

"My Lord, I think you should see this." Sire spoke suddenly in my mind.

Sire showed me in my mind a vision of space, that vision got closer until I saw the city where we were. And what I saw was worrying, the great bridges leading out of the city were blown up, they were still standing but there was a big hole preventing people from getting in or out.

And to make matters worse, today was a busy day, which means that hundreds of people fell kilometers towards their deaths, I saw the vehicles that could not stop in time falling.

As I saw what Sire wanted to show me, I noticed that the trucks were coming in our general direction, with my advanced vision, I got a good look at the truck drivers, men wearing masks and improvised armor made of pieces of metal welded together.

Cultists.

Once they got a good distance into the courtyard, the cultists jumped out of their trucks, while without their drivers, the vehicles went in different directions, one to the left, one to the right, and one headed straight ahead, towards me.

"Son of..."

Looking around, I noticed that no one was paying attention to us; people were more concerned about not being run over.

"Haratek."

I didn't need to say anything else, Haratek opened an Eternity Gate beside us, a small gate, the size of a door. Quickly, we all passed through the gate and found ourselves inside my ship.

The last thing I heard before the gate closed was the trucks exploding followed by people's screams of pain and panic.

Looking around, I realized I was facing a few hundred Necrons wearing their respective Space Marines disguises.

Turning around, I saw that Haratek was already wearing his Tech-marine disguise.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time!" I said as in a flash of green, I changed into my Chapter Master disguise.

-Streets of Tismator-

The city of Tismator was in flames, what seemed like just another day, turned into a nightmare. Several explosions sounded throughout the city, trucks, cars and buildings suddenly exploded, bathing the surroundings in flames, starting huge fires everywhere and killing hundreds of people.

The great bridges that served as entrances and exits to Tismator were damaged, explosions opened holes in the great constructions, condemning thousands to a cruel death where everyone would have enough time to understand what was happening as they approached the ground.

From the sewers, hundreds of men and women emerged, they wore armor made of metal and leather welded and sewn together, and metal masks representing monsters and faces in expressions of pleasure and agony.

Each of them carried auto-guns, machine guns, pistols, shotguns and hand weapons such as knives, axes and homemade metal bats.

As if that wasn't enough, hundreds of modified cars and trucks came from alleys and alleyways. Vehicles covered in metal plates and spikes, metal rams were mounted on their bumpers, and mounted machine guns were placed on the rumps.

These masked maniacs were unknown to the common citizen, but to those who had some knowledge of chaos, they were known as Cultists.

The cultists screamed in a mixture of madness and pleasure as they opened fire on the innocents fleeing the chaos. Through the streets of Tismator, men, women and children fled, trying to escape the monsters in human skin scattered everywhere.

On one particular street, a frightened crowd of hundreds of people was desperately running away from the city center. They were trying to get to a safe place. The center of the Planetary Defense Forces? To the Stations and Fortress of the Arbites? To one of the cathedrals where the Sisters of Battle were?

Unfortunately, they would never find out, as around a corner, the crowd came face to face with a wall of weapons, dozens of cultists blocking the street from one end to another.

Using cars and trucks as cover and a barricade, the cultists pointed their guns at the crowd while laughing sadistically. A cultist climbed on top of a truck, he was probably the leader of that group.

With a grin that stretched from ear to ear, he held a hand out in front of him and shouted an order.

"Fir… AAAHHH!"

But the order never came, as a great blue bolt ripped through the air, flying above the crowd and striking the cultist in the chest. The cultist screamed in agony as electricity coursed through his body.

His flesh burned, his blood boiled, his clothes and hair burned as the metal of his armor melted over his body. Then just as quickly as it arrived, the bolt disappeared, leaving a scorched cultist with smoke pouring from his body. A horrible smell of burnt flesh filled the room, making everyone wrinkle their noses in disgust.

"Well, well, well. It looks like he had a shocking experience." A strong but slightly artificial voice said from behind the crowd.

This voice was accompanied by a series of heavy steps marching in unison. The crowd slowly parted as they turned toward the voice. With faces of admiration, hope and relief, people walked away from the Space Marines that approached.

There were hundreds of Space Marines, wearing dark green armor with skeleton trim and details. The most notable part being their skull-shaped helmets. Each of them carried a large weapon in both hands, and each of these weapons released a faint blue light.

Leading this group was a large Space Marine, larger than all the others, wearing large shoulder pads, armor with silver skeleton adornment, and a golden adornment in the center of his chest. On one of his shoulder pads was the number XI and on the other, a symbol in the form of an extremely thin human skull surrounded by green flames and below the skull was a parchment with the following words.

"Exspiravit Equites, Hic Sumus Pro Anima Tua".

In terms of weapons, the large Space Marine carried a large Power Halberd covered in bright lightning and in his other hand; he carried a Heavy Flamer mounted beneath his wrist.

Ten of the Terminators that accompanied him carried Power Swords and Storm Shields while the other ten carried Power Scythes.

Pointing his halberd towards the cultists, the large Space Marine shouted.

"Advance!"

And to the horror of the cultists, those twenty Space Marines wearing Terminator Armor started running at full speed towards them. The cultists froze as the huge mountains of metal in front of them quickly approached.

The sight was dreadful. How could something so big move so fast?

One of the cultists let out a terrified scream before dropping his weapon and running away, unfortunately the other cultists took too long to react and ended up allowing the Space Marines to get close.

And what followed was a bloodbath.

END OF CHAPTER