Blood streamed forth from each corpse, flowing from eyes, mouths, and even through pores, a morbid spectacle that defied all natural laws as their hearts lay still. The blood pooled on the ground, only to evaporate moments later.
In the factory deep within enemy-held territory, Yaen, clad in his Guardian power armor, examined the video transmission Grott had sent. Yet, despite his scrutiny, the phenomena defied any rational analysis—he could only conclude its origin was something dark and supernatural.
Such grotesque events had appeared once before, years ago, during the war against the Heretic Cult. Though many Guardians witnessed it, only Yaen understood the truth behind it.
"Ritual," he muttered as he scrutinized the footage.
It had to be a profane rite, intended to bolster the strength of the isolated heretic forces on this forsaken forge world—or perhaps it was designed to breach the veil, unleashing demons into the material realm.
Many in the Talon military also witnessed these strange blood-related occurrences during their ongoing battles. Yaen watched the footage, noting one scene where blood, from both allies and enemies alike, converged into an ominous sphere, suspended in mid-air, roughly eight meters across. Another video revealed blood forming into a humanoid figure, which then shrieked in a haunting, incomprehensible tongue at the recording soldier.
Each recording, taken by those in the throes of war, was forwarded to the Guardians. Yaen was certain Grey had reviewed these as well, but he'd likely dismissed them as mere abnormalities, a cause for heightened vigilance but nothing more, unaware of the Warp or the entities within.
Individually, each piece of footage revealed little, but in aggregate, a pattern emerged. Yaen's unique bio-processor—a rare, specialized variant—was adept at discerning corrupted, chaotic energies. As it detected his burgeoning insight, it triggered an advanced analysis sequence, spotlighting crucial data.
A detailed map displayed before him, with each recorded incident pinpointed. The blood phenomenon, he noted, was minimal at the northern and southern reaches of the forge world, manifesting only in small, supernatural disturbances. However, as one moved closer to the world's equator, the disturbances intensified. It was here that the grisly "blood man" apparition was recorded.
The processor flagged an area surrounding the equator, accompanied by relevant information:
**Contained Facilities: Engine Foundry (Gigantic), Wild Donkey Forge (Large)**
**Data Source: Senior Guardian Grey's report on Adeptus Mechanicus' defensive arrangements**
Upon his arrival, sparse forces had maintained sporadic contact with the Priests overseeing the forge, but no communication had been received in over fifty hours.
Analyzing the data, the processor estimated an **83% likelihood of Chaotic corruption at this location**.
"Eighty-three percent…" Yaen muttered, uncertain. The bio-processor had identified various potential sources of corruption before, yet none had reached this level of certainty. Still, it was far from infallible, relying on mere calculation, not prophecy. Nevertheless, an 83% probability warranted investigation. If this was indeed the center of corruption, decisive action might prevent untold disaster.
"Yaen, what's your situation?" Grey's voice echoed in his mind.
The strong interference across enemy-held regions prevented communication arrays from reaching the Guardian Army, yet the Guardians' link remained intact. Yaen would usually report his findings daily, though today, Grey took the initiative, his concern evident.
"The enemy command is well-hidden," Yaen replied with a note of frustration. "I'll use more 'specialized' methods to find and eliminate them."
"What methods?" Grey pressed.
"A reconnaissance tactic," Yaen replied vaguely, concealing a meticulously crafted plan. Though the precise nature of the enemy's ritual eluded him, one truth was clear: such ceremonies required sacrificial lives.
Masquerading as a civilian to be captured might lead him to the heart of their ritual. While it wouldn't guarantee proximity to the enemy's command, it would almost certainly draw him close to the ritual's epicenter.
"Take care not to be reckless. Even Guardians die if our reactors are destroyed. Don't squander life on a war destined for victory." Grey's caution rang clear.
To Grey, ultimate victory was inevitable. With the Astral Engines under their control and the Guardian Army's strength bolstered by the Talon forces, success was only a matter of time.
But Yaen thought otherwise. He believed that should the enemy's ritual succeed, the tide of battle could shift drastically—his resolve to disrupt it only grew stronger.
"I'm heading there myself, to infiltrate as a civilian or captive." Yaen transmitted the marked coordinates of the forge where the Mechanicus had once held their line. "If all goes well, prioritize an assault on this location."
Grey scrutinized the designation, trusting Yaen's judgement despite the obscurity of his intentions. "I'll discuss with the Priests; Talon forces will support, even if Mechanicus doesn't. I'll make sure it's done."
With Grey's promise secured, Yaen felt reassured. Mobilizing forces to assault the forge was a contingency—if the ritual succeeded, they would be ready, poised for an assault without delay.
"End of transmission."
Closing the channel, Yaen disengaged his armor, commanding its components to withdraw. A dimensional rift opened beneath it, and the armor vanished, stowed beyond time and space. Should Yaen call upon it, it would return instantly, ready for battle.
Armorless, Yaen resembled an ordinary man, albeit physically imposing. With no visible markings to betray his augmentations, he set off toward Forge District 4, where his bio-processor had detected substantial activity ahead.