After deciding to investigate the events of the past, Yao En ended the communication and immediately headed toward Sector 100 in the Lower Nest. To truly understand the death of the so-called "usurper" from the current governor's family—the mysterious demise of the new governor from years ago—the best course would be to consult Chen Ye.
A century is enough to twist records and stories alike; much as Kleiner, a former vagabond trader, has become a mere rumor in a single decade, now remembered only as an opportunist. But Chen Ye, as a Space Marine, likely remembers well the tales of his youth.
While Yao En set off to investigate, An Rui Da remained in the tower, meticulously scanning the archives for more knowledge of the Nest's political structure. His duty was not simply indulgence at the peak; he also had to unravel the intricate relationships among the noble families here, aiming to settle any ancient feuds before North Su officially joined the Tyrone Gates region.
"What might you be searching for?" A languid voice echoed through the hall as a portly middle-aged man appeared in the doorway, his face beaming with a welcoming smile. It was Anton, the governor of this Nest.
"I'm seeking records of the Nest's history," An Rui Da replied, continuing his scan of the library. "There's something I'd like your help to clarify, Governor."
"It would be my honor; please ask." Anton nodded with a polite smile.
"How did your father kill Ta An?" An Rui Da asked directly.
Hearing Ta An's name, Anton paused, searching his memory for a moment before An Rui Da clarified that Ta An was the so-called "usurper" in noble circles.
"Oh, yes, now I remember," the governor replied, still smiling. "I recall that when the usurper claimed the title of governor, he also appropriated an ancient family name from our records, calling himself Ho Zheng. You see, noble families all uphold their own culture and customs. This lowborn usurper thought he could mimic our ways…"
"Regardless of his chosen name, how was he killed?" An Rui Da pressed.
Anton's expression remained unflinchingly polite as he bowed slightly. "I'm afraid I don't know. My father, who would have known, passed into the Emperor's embrace twelve years ago."
An Rui Da gave a slight nod, his cybernetic eye scanning Anton for physiological responses, noting that the readings confirmed he wasn't lying. Anton's father, it seemed, had likely chosen to withhold the humiliating episode from his descendants.
"Is there anything else I may assist you with?" Anton inquired respectfully.
"Nothing for now," An Rui Da replied.
But instead of departing, Anton reported, "I intend to execute a long-planned military operation in Sector 100 of the Lower Nest. Out of respect for the great Tyrone, Lord of Glory, and his servants, I wish to inform you. After all, North Su will soon be part of the Tyrone sector."
An Rui Da noted Anton's eagerness to demonstrate allegiance—rare among governors. "What's the purpose of this military action?"
"To eliminate an insidious cult known as the Worm-God Sect," Anton replied. "This mission has been planned for seventeen years, and the timing is finally right."
As Anton spoke, An Rui Da was reminded of a detail: the governing elite had never ceased hunting the usurper's descendants, and history had speculated on their possible whereabouts, including Sector 100. He advised, "I suggest you delay this operation."
Anton's polite smile lingered, and after a brief pause, he nodded. "As you command."
When Anton departed, An Rui Da sent a transmission to Yao En, informing him of the governor's intended military action in Sector 100. Both he and Yao En knew the governor might not genuinely delay it. An Rui Da's parting advice was succinct: "If they proceed, be prepared to give them a response they won't forget."
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**Lower Nest, Sector 100.**
Chen Ye walked through the streets accompanied by a psyker with sewn-shut eyes, a militia hastily gathered in their wake. Whenever the psyker halted, pointing at a wall that would be breached, the militiamen moved to reinforce that spot. Even elders and children joined in, fortifying the barricades with sheets of iron.
"Here are the vulnerable areas," the psyker finally said, after two hours of guiding them through the district. "These sections are where I foresee the enemy breaking through. Do you believe this will be effective?"
Chen Ye looked at the psyker and then back at the wall, giving a slight nod. The crowd broke into cheers, brimming with newfound confidence, though his nod had been merely a reassuring gesture. As one who had seen the intensity of true war, he doubted these hasty defenses would hold. Yet in times of looming threat, any act to boost morale was better than letting all fall into despair.
"You should take your guard and protect your master," Chen Ye advised, drawing his power sword. "This battle will be all too easy for me, but I cannot shield you both should the enemy employ diversion tactics."
The psyker responded in a cryptic tone, "My true master is a scholar of profound wisdom. It took me 120 years to master my foresight and mind manipulation under his guidance, and he surely has no need of my protection."
True to form, the psyker spoke in riddles, and Chen Ye cared little about this mysterious master who had yet to appear. His focus was on the northern barricades, the area foretold to face the fiercest assault.
"Someone's coming!" A lookout shouted just as Chen Ye reached the wall. He turned to see a familiar figure approaching. From the dark power armor and the distinctive shoulder cannon, it was clear—it was his old friend, who had left but now returned.