After the minor debacle was over, the Necrons on Libethra were finally put to death, for the final time. Even on the ground, the Necrons fought with determined hate, trying to exterminate anything alive.

They were also easy to trick and made to chase roving Orks and random Tyranids, while our troops gunned them down in massed volleys. Spartan had come up with this ancient strategy, but it did work on Necrons as they were not allowed to regenerate, even as Necron infantry marched in ranks after ranks into our guns.

It was the other Necron constructs that were more of a threat, from tiny Scarabs to flying Canoptek Acanthrites . Beams weapons were highly effective against both, as a single Ion Beam could incinerate a hundred Scarabs with one shot, and sometimes many more if they were bunched up.

The Cobra Anti-air tanks and the new Astareus proved their worth agaisnt flying constructs, although the Cobras were certainly in need of better firepower. Necron constructs were durable as hell, being made from necrodermis and slowly regenerating non-fatal damage.

As a stop-gap measure I began replacing one of the Cobra's multi-lasers with Las-Beam cannons, as to give them a killing shot against tougher Necron enemies.

The Ragnarok tanks that already received Ion Cannons had about same damage output and blast radius like a Plasma Cannon, but suffered none of the overheating and explosion risk of the plasma weapons.

The transport models were in dire need of shields and better weapons too, since the Tarantula turret bolted on top could not hope to eliminate an entire Necron squad before they blew up my poor transport.

For now, the infantry carriers would have to wait, and deploy in the rear. The infantry should not rush ahead into battle anyways, instead dig in or hole inside bunkers and fortifications, which allow them a better chance of survival.

The Necron Gauss weapons were extremely deadly for any human, even if one had carapace armor and a helmet. I was not going to redress millions of years worth of technological advancement with a better las-rifle or even adamantium chest plates.

The Armed Sentinels performed great, as I expected. Either blackstone or Tiamat-bone armor were enough to block the Necron infantry guns, and that was the best I could hope until I managed to give them shields.

The new Exo frames did okay. Their main purpose was to carry heavy weapons and support the tanks and other troops, and in that role it worked. Taking return fire, not so much.

For now, the shield-mounting priority had been heavy tanks and my Primaris Marines in their Invictus Warsuits, as they went in the thick of the fight to eliminate the most difficult targets like Necron Lords and Crypteks.

Volkite weapons were proven useless versus Necrons, and swiftly replaced with Las-Cannons or Ion Beamers as soon as my sons yelled in my mind.

Then again, I should have probably known. Maybe the Volkite weapons were a bit over-hyped, especially after seeing Forge Graia being so eager for them.

And lastly, my heavy tanks and Knights performed excellently, not that I was worried. Ion Flare shields blocked most Necron weaponry by default, and the Weave shields needed to be dialed on certain frequencies to be as effective.

Didn't know that before, but war is the best teacher after all. Luckily, I did have thousands of tech-marines ready and able to play with their new toys, and find out how to best use them.

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By the next fight, we should have near-perfect coverage for the important units, and begin shielding the next ones.

One doesn't go to war with the perfect army. He returns with one, if he wins.

Which means I had much to repair and learn.

"Woooohh!" Canis woke me from my revelry, as I did have a whole Crusade staff waiting for my decision.

"Do we go for Drucilla Majoris, a Hive World of six billion people? Or do we reinforce Amarah, the Sector capital? We can't allow either to fall, yet our forces are only enough to defend one of them." Dreadnought Chyron asked as I raised my eyes onto the large hololith map showing the Orpheus Sector.

"The Necrons are not fighting strategically. They go after the easiest victims. Cutting away reinforcing points. I think they will attack Amarah last." I decided after exchanging a glance with my wolf.

Strange, right? Should a wolf be able to discern enemy strategy from a long look at the map? Or was I just imagining things, and Canis simply reinforced my own ideas?

Primarch Khan turned towards me, holding his chin in deep thought. "The risk is too great, Lancefire. I also think you are right, but the Necrons are acting erratically. What if they throw bones and attack wherever they fall?"

I personally thought the Necrons had far better planning, but I also wasn't sure. They could also be chasing golden cows with starry eyes.

"Okay then. The Indomitus Fleet can separate and protect Amarah. My own forces will depart for Drucilla." I allowed with a nod towards the Primarch.

The Primarch frowned for a second, then nodded. He had been sent by the Emperor exactly for this task, and given numerous ships and troops. My presence here was a boon, but not required. "There will be another Imperial force arriving soon: Adepta Tertia and her Sisters. Between the three of us, I predict a decisive victory."

I rose an eyebrow, but stayed silent. Silence was golden, I was often taught by my Inquisitor wife.

There was also a risk, should Janice try to steal away my Silent Sisters. Although their powers were less urgent against Necrons, the Crusade will surely need them again.

A few days later, we had just arrived in the Drucilla Majoris system, when the Necron Fleet also arrived, now reinforced with a third Tomb Ship, as well as nearly a thousand escort vessels.

Fine! Make me cheat again, and use the tesseract for offense. The Necrons will surely realize what I had, and perhaps find a way to counter it next time. That was the risk I wasn't normally willing to take, but then again...what could I do? Retreat? Fight against impossible odds and lose 90% of my forces? Sorry, not my style.

Pef Lancefire was here to blow up Necrons and chew bubblegum. And they didn't have bubblegum in 40k.

Plus, the Imperials were not here to observe me cheat, so I had an excuse. Can't blame a man for winning too easily, right?

M growled at me in the same tone as Canis, just as I rose a finger to begin the attack. "You have the most bullshit luck in the universe, my Lord!"

I just sighed and clicked on the tesseract crystal. They should invent bubblegum if they wanted a chance.