As the twin suns of the system began their ascent, casting their light over the vast expanse of space, the Blood Angels fleet emerged from the warp. The stars served as a silent witness to the might of the reassembled Legion. Frigates, strike cruisers, and the enormous form of the Redeemer's Grace itself took formation.
From the observation deck, Dante could see the Forge World below, a colossal mechanism of industry tainted by the presence of the World Eaters. The planet's once-blue atmosphere was now tinged red, a grim omen.
The vox-system crackled to life with the voice of Captain Alerio, "My Lord, initial scans indicate a significant fleet presence around the planet. The World Eaters were prepared for our return."
Dante frowned, "Begin evasive maneuvers. We won't be caught off guard."
Even as he spoke, the void of space was lit by the brilliant flashes of lance batteries and macro-cannons firing from both sides. The World Eaters, in their zealous bloodlust, charged headlong into the Blood Angels fleet. Void shields shimmered and flared as they absorbed the onslaught, while fighter craft weaved between the larger vessels, engaging in dogfights.
Gabriel Seth's voice came over the vox, filled with barely restrained aggression. "My Lord, the Flesh Tearers request permission to lead the boarding parties. We wish to taste the blood of these traitors up close."
Dante replied, acknowledging the fervor of the Flesh Tearers, "Very well, Captain Seth. But remember our objective."
On the planet's surface, vast macro-cannons and missile batteries opened fire, sending deadly payloads towards the Blood Angels fleet. The Redeemer's Grace rocked from a direct hit, but its shields held strong.
Mephiston's voice, ethereal and calm, provided guidance. "I sense the energies growing stronger. They're accelerating the ritual. We must make planetfall soon."
Dante nodded, knowing the urgency. "Begin deployment. Drop pods, Thunderhawks, and Stormravens, all launch immediately. We will descend upon them like the wrath of Sanguinius himself."
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As the first wave of Blood Angels made their descent, Dante could see the World Eaters' twisted fortifications, the corrupted spires of manufactorums, and the unholy cathedrals dedicated to the Blood God.
And in the distance, the massive cathedral that Mephiston had identified radiated with dark energy. That was their primary target.
The battle in space mirrored the intensity of the fight on the ground. As Dante led his warriors, drop pods smashed into the surface, disgorging squads of Blood Angels into the fray. Bolter fire met chainaxe, power sword clashed against daemon blade, and the skies were filled with the screams of the dying and the roars of engines.
It was a symphony of chaos and order, and the Blood Angels were determined to bring their righteous fury to bear against their enemies.
The initial drop had been harrowing, but the Blood Angels stood firm. Dante looked around, assessing the battlefield. Ahead, the landscape was dominated by a vast manufactorum complex. Its blackened chimneys spewed acrid smoke into the air, masking the horrors that lay within.
From the shadows of the gigantic structures, hordes of mutated cultists charged, brandishing crude weapons and chanting praises to their dark gods. The sheer numbers were overwhelming, but the Blood Angels had faced such odds before.
Captain Seth and his Flesh Tearers were in their element, diving into the thick of combat, their chainswords singing a song of death. The cultists stood little chance against their fervor, but they were just the first wave.
Behind the wave of cultists, the real threat emerged: World Eaters in their baroque, blood-splattered power armor, chainaxes revving in anticipation. They met the Blood Angels with a clash that echoed across the battlefield.
Dante drew the Axe Mortalis and pressed forward. Each swing was precise, cutting down World Eaters with ease. Still, he felt the weight of the situation. The longer they tarried, the closer the enemy came to completing their dark ritual.
A sudden explosion to his left caught Dante's attention. A squadron of Land Raiders from the Lamenters Chapter had broken through the enemy lines, their bright yellow armor contrasting starkly with the grim darkness around them. They laid down a barrage, giving some respite to the beleaguered Blood Angels.
The comms crackled with the voice of the Lamenters' Chapter Master. "We've created a path to the cathedral! Push forward!"
Using the distraction, Dante rallied his forces. "Blood Angels, to me! We strike at the heart!"
As they moved forward, Mephiston took to the skies, his psychic energies blazing, acting as a beacon for the forces of the Blood Angels. Bolter fire rained down from Stormravens, providing cover as the assault troops leapt from their transports.
As they drew closer to the cathedral, Dante could feel a dark presence growing stronger. The very air seemed to thicken, and the ground trembled beneath them.
A massive gate barred their way, flanked by towering statues of daemons. But before they could devise a way through, the gates began to grind open. From the darkness, a massive figure emerged: Khârn the Betrayer, his plasma pistol glowing and Gorechild, his chainaxe, dripping with anticipation.
With a roar, Khârn charged, and the Blood Angels met his fury with their own. The battle was fierce, every inch gained came at a heavy price. But Dante was resolute. With Khârn in their sights, the Blood Angels knew that they had to break the back of the World Eaters' resistance here and now.