NCCnovel Chapter 332: The Ruins of Sanguinius
Chapter 332: The Ruins of Sanguinius
Chapter 332: The Ruins of Sanguinius
Three years passed quietly as Baal rebuilt. Every day, Russell and Mephisto were busy on every important component of the walls and fortress, their psionic matrix like golden veins running through the entire fortress monastery. Every section of the wall, every tower, every fortification was covered by their psionic matrix, shimmering with golden light.
Inside Baal's newly built, magnificent fortress, Dante, Russell, and Mephisto sat around a massive holographic tactical table. A holographic projection of Baal and the surrounding star sector floated above the table, the Zerg wreckage and the Imperial defenses clearly visible. The fortress's golden psionic matrix flickered on the walls, as if powering this crucial meeting.
Dante's gaze swept over the holographic projection, and after a moment of deep thought, he said, "The reconstruction of the inner city is complete, but our mission is far from over. Next, we need to develop a long-term plan to ensure that Baal becomes a strong fortress for the dark side of the Empire."
Mephisto's fingers traced patterns on the holographic projection, psionic rays flowing from his fingertips. His voice was deep and powerful: "I propose that we first thoroughly cleanse the entirety of Baal. The remnants of the Zerg and the power of corruption still linger on this land; we must ensure that every inch is purified. Then, with Baal at its core, we should expand outwards to form a powerful sector. In this way, we can not only strengthen our defenses but also provide a stable rear for the Imperium's dark side."
Dante nodded approvingly, saying, "Mephisto's suggestion makes a lot of sense. The cleansing and expansion of Baal is our top priority right now. We need to ensure the safety of this land in order to further advance the Empire's plans."
Russell pondered for a moment, then lightly tapped the holographic projection, causing the star sector surrounding Baal to rapidly enlarge. He said, "I propose that we emulate the operating model of the Alteramar 500 sector. Alteramar is one of the Empire's most successful sectors, and its management model and defense system are worth learning from."
Dante became interested: "The 500 worlds of Altera? Lord Guilliman's homeland. Russell, tell me your thoughts in detail."
Russell nodded and said, "The Altramar 500 worlds, with Macragge at their core, form a highly autonomous sector. Each world has a clear division of labor and responsibilities, some responsible for production, some for defense, and some for research. This model not only improves efficiency but also enhances the overall defense capabilities of the sector."
Mephisto's eyes were full of approval: "Russell's proposal is very valuable. If we can emulate the Alteramar model and transform Baal and the surrounding sector into a highly autonomous sector, our defense and governance capabilities will be greatly enhanced."
Dante continued, “Very good, Russell. Your suggestion provides us with a clear direction. Next, we need to develop a detailed plan to ensure that each step is implemented.”
Then Dante drew a circle with his finger on the holographic projection, and four flashing dots appeared on Baal's map.
Dante continued, “I have some new ideas regarding the reconstruction of Baal. I plan to build four secondary fortresses outside Baal’s core area. Each fortress will be garrisoned with a thousand warriors, forming a strong defensive network. In this way, we can not only strengthen Baal’s defenses, but also provide a stable rear for the Empire’s dark side.”
The four points of light on the holographic projection gradually enlarged, revealing the detailed locations of the secondary fortresses. Mephisto praised, "Lord Dante's suggestion is excellent. These four secondary fortresses will become Baal's first line of defense, ensuring that the Zerg and Chaos forces cannot easily approach the core area."
Russell considered for a moment, then lightly tapped his finger on the holographic projection, and the star sector surrounding Baal rapidly enlarged. He said, “Lord Dante, your proposal is indeed very strategic. However, we now face a crucial problem—resources. Ten thousand Proto-Forged Space Marines, while powerful, are far from sufficient in such a vast sector. We need to increase our forces to ensure the stability of our defensive network.”
Dante's expression turned serious. He nodded. "Russell, you're right. The manpower shortage is indeed our biggest challenge right now. We need more soldiers to ensure the smooth progress of Baal's defense and expansion plans."
However, he quickly sighed and said, "Genetic modification of the Holy Blood Angels... has always been a difficult problem for us. Out of ten candidates, no more than one succeeds. Coupled with the genetic defects—Blood Thirst and Black Wrath—this makes our path to forming an army even more difficult."
Mephisto frowned, his voice heavy: "Bloodthirst and Black Wrath are the curse Saint Gilles left us, and our destiny. This problem... is probably not one we can easily solve."
Dante sighed and said, "Besides that, we face an even more pressing problem—a shortage of gene seeds. Without enough gene seeds, we cannot carry out large-scale genetic modification, let alone expand our military strength."
Mephisto nodded and said, "Obtaining gene seeds... is indeed a difficult problem. Gene seeds of the Holy Blood Angels are already scarce, and with the depletion from the war, our reserves are almost gone."
Russell's expression became complicated as he said, "Lord Dante, could we consider obtaining the Geneseed from other chapters? Or... request support from Lord Guilliman?"
Dante shook his head, his eyes filled with helplessness, and said, "Lord Guilliman is on the Unyielding Expedition, and his resources are also strained. As for the gene seeds of other chapters... they are not fully compatible with our gene sequences, and using them rashly may lead to more serious genetic defects."
Mephisto, on a sudden inspiration, said, "Perhaps... we can try to find the answer in the ancient ruins of the Holy Blood Angels. The legacy of Saint Gilles may hold the solution to the genetic defects and the shortage of gene seeds."
Dante's eyes lit up with hope: "Mephisto, your suggestion is very valuable. The legacy of Sanguis... is indeed our last hope."
Russell immediately proposed, "Lord Dante, I am willing to lead a small team to the ruins of San Gilles to find a way to solve the genetic defects and the shortage of genetic seeds."
Dante paused for a moment before saying, "Russell, this is an extremely dangerous mission. The ruins of San Gilles may harbor unknown threats."
Russell’s voice was resolute: “For the Empire, for the Emperor, I am willing to take this risk.”
Mephisto replied, "Russell, I will accompany you. My psionic knowledge may come in handy in the ruins."
Dante finally made up his mind and said, "Very well, Russell, Mephisto. I am deeply gratified by your courage and determination. I will provide you with all my support."