For those in the Talon System, the past and future do not exist. At first, this sounded like another enigmatic prophecy typical of the Eldar, yet it was different.
Qin Mo recalled the unification war of the Talon System—Yoen, Grey, Anreda, Duncan… These were people who should have perished long ago, slaughtered in the depths of the hive by gene-stealers, yet they survived. The demon who could foresee futures could not see their fates.
Qin Mo acknowledged the truth in Uslane's words. These people, who possess neither past nor future, only the present, do indeed hold a unique advantage.
"It seems you accept what I've said," Uslane remarked, relaxing somewhat, clearly relieved he wouldn't need to elaborate.
"So, then," Qin Mo narrowed his eyes at the screen, his gaze piercing, "you traveled across star systems to tell me all this—are you simply trying to manipulate us?"
Uslane's lips curled into a sudden, restrained smile. Despite their different species, Qin Mo recognized this as a barely concealed smirk.
Even Sal, standing beside Uslane, was taken aback at seeing such an expression from the prophet, who had never displayed a smile in front of others. It was a smile that reeked of shameless pride, one that seemed to say he was rather pleased to have his motives questioned.
"You understand our race well," Uslane said, stifling his smile and regaining his usual cold demeanor. "But this time, you've wronged us."
Qin Mo continued to stare at Uslane in silence, suspicion clear in his gaze.
"I've no intention of using you as a tool or of making you a scapegoat," Uslane insisted with sincerity, though it hinted that he might only defer his schemes. "For now, I've come solely to warn you of the ritual—to prepare you."
Qin Mo remained skeptical, silent, yet Uslane could only sigh, then continued as if speaking to himself, "Whatever the ritual's true purpose, the star system housing Cadia will face an assault from the Black Legion Fleet. They now possess a weapon capable of annihilating entire planets. We call it the Vaal Talisman; you call it the Blackstone Fortress."
Uslane then explained the nature of the Blackstone Fortress: a weapon forged by the Eldar artisan-god Vaul during the War in Heaven, originally meant to slay the Star Gods. Unfortunately, the two Blackstone Fortresses remaining in the galaxy are both under Abaddon's control—one for himself, named the *Eternal Will*, and the other as a gift to Huron, leader of the Red Corsairs. Fortunately, Abaddon remains ignorant of its true function and potential. But even so, destroying planets is well within his means.
After a brief explanation, Uslane issued a grave warning: "I've foreseen the Black Legion's assault on Cadia. When the conflict erupts, don't send your fleets or the celestial engine directly into battle. Leave the Blackstone Fortress to others."
"Why?" Qin Mo asked.
"The Blackstone Fortress possesses a mind—like a creature on the cusp of awakening," Uslane replied, his voice steeped in caution. "I may not know precisely what you are, but I sense you wield the powers of a Star God. The Fortress would be hostile to both you and your forces."
Uslane's words struck a chord with Qin Mo.
He knew much about the Blackstone Fortress—how, in the original 13th Black Crusade, the Imperial forces succeeded in destroying it, thanks partly to the fortress's own unwillingness to fully serve Chaos.
If the Blackstone Fortress were to encounter the celestial engine, if it sensed not only a creation of the Star Gods but the presence of a Star God shard within, it would not tolerate its own destruction.
But if not the celestial engine, then what other choice remained?
"Your warning holds merit," Qin Mo said. "But I can only consider it."
"I expected as much," Uslane replied, pressing a hand to Sal's shoulder. "But if, for any reason, your forces must confront the Blackstone Fortress, send him. He may prove useful."
Sal nodded resolutely. "At your service."
Qin Mo neither accepted nor refused immediately, taking a moment to consider. The Eldar were inherently untrustworthy, but that didn't mean all they did was meant to deceive humanity. Uslane likely did intend to help.
None in the galaxy harbored more hatred toward Chaos than those untouched by it.
If Cadia fell, it would mean far more than the loss of one Imperial world; the Eye of Terror would expand, imperiling countless species throughout the galaxy.
"Then come to the Talon System," Qin Mo told Sal, glancing toward Uslane. "But if you prove useless, I'll fire you out of a torpedo tube."
Sal's expression hardened. "You'll never get that chance. Either I'll cripple the Blackstone Fortress, or I'll die in the attempt. I'm not here simply to lend aid. I want revenge against the Black Legion."
Qin Mo nodded, then terminated the communication.
…
Ten minutes later.
"That's what the Eldar said—the ritual, the Blackstone Fortress…"
"The captured Chaos Space Marine mentioned the ritual too. Both he and the Eldar changed my perspective. I originally thought the Black Crusade would proceed as expected."
Qin Mo confided the gathered intelligence to Mimicry.
In human form, Mimicry listened in silence, giving the impression of deep contemplation, though the ethereal realm around them continued to project the unfolding scenes from the Veiled Region.
The planets, long since transformed into battlefields, seethed with chaos. Squads of Chaos warbands waged war, conducting strange and horrific rituals as they fought. Some ships, even, sought out Imperial or Talon warships to execute desperate, suicidal attacks.
All of this confirmed the grim reality of the ritual.
Finishing his recount, Qin Mo believed Mimicry had reached some insight. He asked, "So, what do you think?"
"Hmm?" Mimicry appeared startled.
Qin Mo realized that instead of contemplating, Mimicry had simply been lost in thought.
"I shouldn't have asked," Qin Mo said, resigned, then turned his attention back to the projection of the Veiled Region.
This was all he could do.
Regardless of the ritual's intent or the war's unfolding chaos, he had done everything possible.
The main fleet of the Talon Navy was advancing toward the Veiled Region, with additional fleets already engaged there. The celestial engine remained on standby in the Agrippina System, ready to intervene.
Should Cadia find itself in peril and Creed call for aid, the celestial engine would immediately jump to the Cadia system, acting as a beacon to draw fleets from distant sectors for a single, long-range dimensional jump.
As for the Blackstone Fortress, there were means to counter it. If Sal proved useless, the celestial engine would face it down, deploying every last measure—activating the Star God shell, even releasing the Nightbringer shard.
Uncertain of the ritual's true purpose, and unable to predict Abaddon's plan, Qin Mo had done all he could.