Lumina Crusade

by ColinHayworth

In the 42nd Millennium, there is only war. In the Hive World of Twilight where the promise of technology and understanding still remains but the corrupted and rotten bureaucracy in its place is threatening to destroy all of it slowly but surely. And when the threshold has finally been broken, it will take only a spark to burn all of it down. And there will be retribution...

12. Scarred Body, Broken Mind

Warning: This story doesn't exactly follow the suit of grimdark because of the way the story may develop. If you still enjoy what you are reading then go ahead.

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Chapter 11
Scarred Body, Broken Mind

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Secret Sanctuary

The three took their breather now that they are absolutely sure of their safety. Beside, no one else but them could perceive this safe zone thus this is their only saving grace amidst this unfair endeavor that partake in.

"Kang... sorry that I broke the gun you made just now". Alphric said as he hands over the ruined Assault Cannon whose damage would make any gunsmith flinch as if their own children was injured.

"Don't worry. I thought it would happen eventually but thankfully it is now instead of somewhere even worse." Kang said as he pulls himself together again.

Mika didn't say anything as if she is still feel guilty for the predicament before. Alphric decided to clear up any misgiving between them because it would be unworthy of them of this power if they allows misunderstanding to fester.

"Hey, how do you feel now, Mika?" Alphric said as he wraps his arm around her shoulder from her left side.

"Not so well, I think. Back then, I thought that my past in the Lower Hive was bad and troublesome but after seeing Yang's past memories in enactment. I came to realize that I have no right to complain about. Neither do the people of Lower Hive." Mika said as if she has undergone enlightenment upon seeing just how bad it could be.

Alphric came to assessment upon hearing what Mika has to say. And to him, the idea of comparing others suffering to one another is just wrong to him. Billions toil under the sunless sky of Lower Hive, and their suffering can't be conveyed properly through words or body languages. He heard about the Martial Art that Yang imparted to her called Heavenly Demonic Divine Art in which it makes use of the practitioners' suffering and anguish to unleashes the martial techniques in it to the maximum.

Making comparisons with suffering is a path to unspeakable things. In doing so, it will create an ideology around competing about suffering, which will continue to harm and divide any sense of self-worth and integrity. Mika is such an empathic and compassionate person that she can't help but soak up others' suffering like a sponge. Whether Alphric interprets it as a good thing or not, he only knows that he must take good care of her. Especially now that their destinies are intertwined.

"Mika, I can't ever speak as equal to your experience because I don't have your disposition. But please keep in mind that your suffering can't be understated or disregarded at all. Just because others may have it worse than you doesn't mean that your struggle has no merit. Because at the end of the day, only you can understand your own suffering and how you become stronger in the face of it". Alphric tried his best to play his part as a reliable partner to her, even though his own knowledge regarding psychological counseling is as much as that of any normal person. Or pretty much nothing.

Mika stood there in silence after hearing what Alphric has to say. Then, her thoughts continue once more.

"Thanks, I really need it". Mika said as she then returned with gratitude toward him. It actually didn't matter what Alphric said to her, but the fact that he cared about her makes him more endearing than previously thought.

"Boo, get a room already!". Kang said as he also had enough of this romantic feeling that the two recently having already. With that comments, he left toward the Manufactorium just so that he can come up with a way to overcome the Genestealer Cult massive number that the three of them or even the entire retinue and Lightbringers can't bridge.

As much as he said of how much he hated the Manufatorium's oppressive atmosphere and obvious previously-mentioned reasons, there is still one reason that he came to consider this place his rightful place. A love for powerful weaponries that will raze all of his adversaries into unrecognizable ashes. Now even more prevalent since he is the owner of one right now.

"Mika, I'm going to study our opponents more thoroughly. Knowledge is power and they will be needed so that we won't needlessly wasting our hard-earned power in any ineffective manners". Alphric said as he makes a finger gun gesture to her. A simple gesture standing in for 'See you soon' before he heads off toward the Archive.

Mika is now alone once again as she took in a breather. Then with recognition, she heads off toward the Barrack because no one is better at rallying the people than her.

The three has their purposes in mind and they will no return until they are sure that their enemies will be crushed thoroughly beneath their feet.

Secret Sanctuary - Manufactorium.

"Now... what do I have here..." Kang said as he takes his time to inspects the expanded Manufactorium. Which is now large enough to mass-produce heavy combat chassis. With the amount of Lights that they have, he could easily create the eponymous Imperial Knight many times over but there are only fewer than 50 personnel left in combat capable condition. And even if he gives these suits to everyone, it doesn't mean that they could control it effectively.

Even still, with the Light surplus that he got, he ordered the facility to produce one Imperial Knight for him. Within seconds, an Imperial Knights that would have taken its working menials months on ends to produce rolling out on conveyor belt as if something utterly mundane as usual. Even though he has disdains for the manufactoriums that usually produce them, an Imperial Knight is still something to behold.

Imperial Knight, once again spoken. Is a towering bipedal engines of war whose original purposes were as much as construction vehicles that eventually got weaponized into highly-lethal machinery. The name that originally came from Knight Worlds or feudal worlds which still contains and remain such powerful ancient technology of Dark Age.

The original Knight Worlds were founded during the Dark Age of Technology, settled by Humanity in its first great stellar exodus. In an event dubbed the Long March, over the course of decades colonization ships reached their pre-chosen worlds. But often times, they were beset by lethal wildlife or devastating meteorological events thus the ship that were used to transport them become their sole materials.

Among the creations of the STC during this time were the first Knight suits to defend against predators and hostile Xenos. The pilots for these suits were carefully chosen, but over-extended exposure to their Throne Mechanicum console their concepts of practical self-defense and communal survival was replaced by ideas of authoritarianism, chivalry, and martial honor. Over the decades thus a feudal system formed, and those protected by the Knights increasingly became vassals to their masters.

Now with the power of Light did the analysis better than he could. The Imperial Knight's specification revealed to him as clearly as day.

Questoris Pattern: Knight Paladin
-Left Armament: Rapid-fire Battle Cannon
-Right Armament: Reaper Chainsword
-Body Hull Armament: Autocannon

The Rapid-fire Battle Cannon installed on its left arm. It is a terrible and powerful weapon carried by Knight Paladins. This large-calibre artillery cannon uses an automatic loading mechanism that allows to unleash a stream of high-explosive shells at a prodigious rate and accuracy. It is equally-devastating blasting holes in massed infantry formations as it is wiping out squadrons of light and medium vehicles or engaging in long-range duels with enemy artillery pieces.

With the specification shown to him, he is sure that even a single Imperial Knight will hold back the tide well on its own. But considering how even a special variant True Hybrid Genestealer considered as stronger than even this towering war engines, he suddenly felt worry about just how powerful they truly are individually. Let alone considering them as a group.

Kang takes a deep breath and further inspects what is allowed in the Military Science tab, then he found something that they have obtained after slaying that one deadly nemesis that he loathed so much. He smiled because the solution really just appears in front of him.

Remember the Abominable Intellect that Mika slew with all her hatred? It also now appear in the Military Science tab again as a carry-capable device that is repurposed to control armored vehicles and weapons in masses. With highly-coordinated capability for command and coordination, much like how it did with the Servitors and the Knights that it manufactured.

A small smile appears on his face. How much he had glad that it happened.

Machina Mass Control Core. A device containing machine spirits derived by dissecting the functionality of an Abominable Intellect. Its power for control and manipulation of combat devices is unmatched in comparison to any currently made with the current Imperium's technology base. The ability for effective coordination and tactics that can outwit many brilliant tactical minds of generals and commanders.

Give it any information and it will adapt on the fly swiftly. Much like a game of hyper-speed Regicide chess.

Current control capacity: 5

And it can be upgraded using the power of Lights and any technology that can help it increases its efficiency and power. Just having any unmanned support is an Emperor-send blessing that can't be traded for in this hellhole where any form of manufacture of technology is limited by non-existent facility.

"Let us push it to the limit, shall we?" Kang said as through the holowatch on his wrist, he uses the excess Lights to upgrade the control core. It is a blessing that they actually came across it before they confront the Genestealer Cult.

7, 10, 15. 25. That is a perfect number that Kang chose to stop on or else the upgrade expense will cut into Imperial Knight manufacturing. Each one of them cost a million Lights at first then the number just increment by another million. By the time Kang done with 4 upgrades, he has already dipped 10 million worth of Lights already. Just how far does this ridiculous future inflation of Lights can go is up to whatever patron they made their pledge to.

Now, the table shall turn.

Secret Sanctuary - Archive

Alphric sees that the mountain made of books and tomes has stacked higher than before. How much of it he isn't even sure of, but all he knew for sure was that it was indeed higher. The total sum of over 11 thousand kills has accumulated into this staircase of books that is trying to bridge toward heaven.

"Librarians, gather all of the aforementioned tomes and scripts that involve the Genestealers that we have slain. Compile them into one neatly organized journal that can be understood at first read. Explain as if you are teaching a five-year-old". Alphric said as he raised his right arm upright and his hand into a finger snap.

All of the Librarians moved to his commands, draped in red robes, in reminiscence of the Tech-Priest of Mechanicus. Then, coldly, like machines that they are, they came over to the lines of long shelves placed within as they read over the hundreds of pages of them in a single page flip. Even if he has eternity to do things, he would rather respect his times, leaving all of them in more capable hands than he is.

As he approaches the round wood table again, he lets himself be embraced in the air-conditioned coolness that seeped into this waxed wood texture. It's always the simple things that get him, and he wouldn't consider it otherwise. As he enjoyed the atmosphere and relaxed after a grueling battle against the seemingly endless onslaught of those filthy Xenos, his rest was disrupted as the Librarians did the job a bit too fast for his enjoyment.

"Emperor, damn it. Really?" Alphric said it in disappointment, but he decided to check it out either way.

The personal cogitator that he has carried with him since his fight with the Abominable Intellect. As of right now, it has no real use due to his opponents being mostly biological either way. Now that he is in the Archive, the cogitator is now doing its job as basically a datahub in which the Librarians will send their result back to.

Initially, they were roughly in the three thousands of books, with each can quite literally be a doorstopper on its own. Thanks to the Librarians powerful datasifting capability, it was reduced into this still rather thick size of a tome that can quite literally kill a Genestealer if he tried. It could even stop a bullet if it was real thing right now.

All of these knowledges in such detail. Even an Ordos Xeno Inquisitor would murder him for it despite their own lore would be no less extensive.

"Haha... To think we struggle so much because we went in blind. If only we know better then... No, there's really no way that we could prepare ourselves better regardless". Alphric muttere with a wry smile on his face before he snaps himself out of self-pity. No matter how the infamy spoken or how much knowledge could accumulate, their horribleness and the danger they represent can only be resonated if seen in action.

And before he could even go through the result that shown in his cogitator, the Librarian in red earnestly placed the final compiled journal next to him. A tome with its size and thickness equal to that of a construction cinder block and its hardcover is crafted with Genestealer carapace. As if thousands of Genestealers of all variants have all been used as direct material for its creation and it may not have been too far from the truth itself. With a simple title printed into its cover, Codex Genestealer.

Within it, unknowable knowledge that no amount of research or testing could uncover. Ideas and info that vanish into ether with the immediate termination of the individual. This Archive is no less of a cheat that makes him stand above many of the vast Imperium in terms of knowledge and access to information. As if something like this is stolen out of the Ordo Xenos' Headquarter and no one knows any better.

Alphric reaches toward the tome and lift it up with his own hands. As he looks into it, he couldn't help but just smile because of how much he owes whoever gave him and his friends this place after all.

Knowledge is power, and he would do his job properly by spreading this to his people.

Secret Sanctuary - Barrack

The lines of cryopods lay there in front of her. How ironic that her idea of a barrack didn't exactly encapsulate of these pods but simply just tower beds that just stack like shelves in a warehouse. But they fulfill the same purpose so she ignored it. With a clap of her hands, all them opens as freezing mist flows out.

It seems that the train in reality is still drilling through the collapsed section and it really is a particular long one if she guessed. Seeing how all of the Lightbringers are present here right now, it is clear that it is safe enough for them to go into dormant state.

As everyone is all around her, she decided to strike a group conversation instead. All their grievance and things they wish to say, she'll give her all to hear.

"Everyone, I'm not exactly the best at this considering none of yours injury carry over here but I'm sure that all of you have a lot to say". Mika said as her heart and mind keeps telling her that she should do something.

And amidst the folks have long entered acceptance, there are a few new additions to the Lightbringers resulted from the recent casualty of their battle. They obviously didn't expect that they are still alive after their supposed deaths but they came to accept it rather quickly. Even the guy she recognized as being shot in the throat seems to get over his death a bit too fast for her liking. She's not Michele who is an expert of mental diagnosis either way.

So in the end, it seems that she can only gave them a few pep talk and motivational rousing before they inevitably come to their next battle.

"Hey, you always care about us but what about yourselves? You can't possibly just give without expecting things in return, do you?" The veteran old man spoke to her in which it immediately caught her attention.

Mika only realized it just now. She always help the Lightbringers while she can but whenever it involves her, she only do things alone because only she and the Luminaries can even compete with one another in terms of sheer power. In comparison, there was no reason for the Luminaries to bother with the Lightbringers other than the fact that they were cannon fodders.

"No... it shouldn't be like that. There has to be something that I can give all of you a chance to fight with equal footing". Mika knew what the situation is standing for now and she intends to rectify it while she could.

Recollecting her thoughts once more, she knew that there is that one thing that gave any lowliest being a chance to return their retribution. Heavenly Demonic Divine Arts, for all of its practitioners are all equal with one another under its doctrine.

"Tell me... What is the time you starved the most?" Mika intends to teach them this very forbidden Martial Sword art for them as she demonstrates its first form.

All of the Lightbringers present looked at her with attentive details as if they try to understand what she is doing. Mika lets herself immersed in those painful memories once more as she recalls every detail of it, the pungent smell of soils, the desperation molded the shape those mud dough, and the bitter realization and aftertaste that follows. Her hands and body motions gripped its sword in the same way of that starving people tried to grasp for anything edible just to bring themselves out of the weakening sensation that cripples them.

Heavenly Demonic Divine Art - First Form
Sword of Starvation

Despite having no psykic power put behind it, the way the blade moves was undoubtedly powerful as one can tell from the shockwave alone. If it has struck something, even stones and concretes will shatter. Mika's experience with starvation was undoubtedly unique and that no one could ever replicate that desperation of trying to eat dirt just to hold the starving sensation.

"I see, it's because that we are just struggling folks who know very well of suffering of many kinds, you believe that by using this sword art that is capable of channeling one's experience of suffering, we can overcome anything that doesn't understand them." The veteran old man said as he smirked at Mika's performance and his assessment of it is very well positive.

They really can't figure out a better counter to the kind of enemy they're facing right now. The person who devised this Martial Art may very well be a legend of their own right.

"Now let us have a test around with it, shall we?" Mika said before she uses her holowatch and sees the next facility to be opened. At the cost of 1,000,000 Lights, they will have access to the Training Ground which will be necessary if they want to gauge and refine their own skills before entering real combat.

And within the flash of light, all of them are promptly transported into an open bright room completely opposite of the dark atmosphere that the Barrack represents. Then a training target wearing armor that seems to be mash up of Servitor's body and Genestealer carapace appear in front of her. If anything, it is a durable target that can withstand a whole load of abuse.

"Let me go first to make you understand the difference". Mika said as she once again performs that demonic sword art of her once more.

In a swift and almost savage manner, she slashed the training dummy into pieces in a single blow. No additional power applied and she still thoroughly demolished it with no resistance. The Lightbringers around her were left dumbfounded by such display of finesse and power that they immediately tried to replicate her sword arts. If that didn't convince anyone before she destroyed that dummy then it would be now.

Everyone gets a training dummy of their own and they immediately try to slash it off with the training sword that manifest instantly as they wished to be. Of course, if they tried to imagine any more powerful weapons than that of a cast-iron sword, they would only get a trashy replica version of it that doesn't do anything at best. Only when the facility is further upgraded and with the Luminaries' consent can they get what they desire.

And they only uselessly hack at the dummy despite them trying to recall their worst memory of starvation. Her expectation completely dashed away when she expected that they would at least make their marks with what they learned. Turns out, trying to conceptualize sensation and memories into action isn't exactly an easy thing for anyone to do.

Mika was irritably furious. She knew that there was something wrong being done in their execution in general but she couldn't even fathom why. Mika manifested her own training dummy and once more destroyed it in a single blow of her Sword of Starvation. She couldn't even find fault on why they can't be like her.

She gazed toward everyone in their futile attempt at replicating her sword art. Then, she stopped at the old man who is contemplating in front of the dummy while holding his sword into proper fighting stance. As she continues to look at him, it didn't escape her notice that he is staring at that dummy with that same gaze she did when she consumed the mud biscuit. He isn't just trying to recall his starvation, he is immersing himself with it.

Others have been merely trying to imitate her sword art while only rethinking of their starvation. And yet understanding none of it as they continue to futilely wrack at the dummy. A hollow imitation they tried to perform, applying a different unsuitable movement that never belonged to them for their own. These people were trying to shortcut something that required careful treading.

Mika rescinds her statement. Although anyone can learn it, it is clear that it isn't suitable for everyone at all seeing how they didn't even try. Clearly, she had put too much faith in these imbeciles that she called as trusted comrades. It's not that she didn't try to help them but the result has spoken for itself.

The old veteran then quickly swung his sword as his dominant hand grasps it in a certain distinct way than her but she could tell what is going through his mind through just his attack motion alone. The raw emotion instilled within the swung sword screams clearly of unspoken anguish that he has never resolved properly yet the weight he has to carry remain.

Heavenly Demonic Divine Art - First Form
Sword of Starvation

With his last swung, he decapitated the dummy. Afterward, he kneeled down to the ground trying to hold back his own sobbing. It's clear that they were unpleasant memories that she just force him to recall but can she really justifies in saying that it is for everyone's sake? Although they no longer has to worry about life and death with what they have become but she doesn't wish for them just needlessly waste their lives trying to repeat that torturous cycle by dying needless deaths to make meager gains.

She doesn't give them a second chance at life just to perform suicide attacks again.

"Old man, you alright?" Mika approaches him as she tries her best once again. Whatever that she learned and shared between Michele and herself.

"Don't worry. I'm just being emotional since I have never once remember so clearly". The old man explained before Mika pulling him up by the arm.

The other Lightbringers upon seeing the old man's self-display of prowess quickly change their way of approaching this Martial Art. Instead of trying to mimicking her, they decided to finally make use of their own experience and go off from there. Only their own arts belong to them and that no one should try to wholly replace one's experience for another.

It's a simple thing and yet it has to be shown to even be understood. People has such brilliance only to completely go the wrong path.

Now that she set them on the right path, there's still a question about how she can improved her own sword art. After a bit of thinking, if starvation is one of the sword arts used for Heavenly Demonic Divine Arts then by logical conclusion, thirst would be the next. Unfortunately for her, she didn't hear or read anything from her parents about that sensation in particular. She's probably sliding of a slippery slope with how much she is yearning for suffering but she knows better to strike that delicate balance by herself.

The rules of three, one can live without food for 3 months, without water for 3 days and without air for 3 minutes. Although she come to became intimate with feeling of starvation, she didn't conceptualize thirst at all because of her parents' enlistment welfare which consists a minor portion of water for her daily. Because of that, she tried fasting but never deliberately dehydrates herself for that instinct to satiate thirst is too strong for the younger her back then.

Now, she has to find a way to simulate thirst without ever being thirsty.

"Everyone, tell me what is the time when you're most dehydrated?" Mika said as she tries to resonate with the people since if she can't feel it herself, perhaps everyone here who aren't as fortunate as her could.

They all gave her their responses, but unlike starvation in which once happens in mass can result in famine, there's no equivalence for thirst. And much like starvation, none of them actually suffering from thirst for any extended amount of time to actually feel its effect. Much like before, it was all nothing but surface level of feelings which is subpar for the requirement of this Art.

Mika won't make them pursue it any further, it just seem that the idea of trying to proliferate this martial art to the mass is nothing but a lukewarm dream to her at all. Just what level of understanding of suffering is required just to muster sufficient force from it that she doesn't understand.

She broods once more as she sits down on the ground. Is she just that lucky that she can enter her state of epiphany from literally eating dirt alone?

"That state of you right now reminds me back then during that tragedy. Back when I thought that I too can carve a place for myself as long as I can work hard enough. But reality has shown me that no matter what I do, everything I cared about will be taken from me forcefully. I used to drown myself in sorrow and amasec just to get myself numb to that painful sensation". The old man said as he doesn't look too proud at himself for saying it.

Mika thought so too but once her mind reached the word 'amasec' did she started to reach a startling conclusion. She remembers one of the more insidious illnesses that rampantly occur in the Lower Hive but never once crossed her mind much once she entered Middle Hive.

Alcohol Abuse

Sanitation of water is still a major issue in the Lower Hive. Unless you are the direct vassals of House Umbra of Lower Hive who get access to the most powerful filtration system yet exist to the Imperium, you would most likely have to use the over-recycled water that circulates the Lower Hive. So much of those water are often as unsanitary for consumption despite going through the many filtration plants of Lower Hive many times over.

But quality is never uphold there and everyone always fall back to the 'good enough'. But given sufficient amount of lackluster effort into treating the water, any effort that has been made is ultimate rendered worthless because no one but the House Umbra bothered to make lasting filtration. The water by the time they came out of the facilities have already been murked with filth in just minutes. Unless you live directly to one, the dream of drinkable water is non-existent. She only avoided such thing because of her parents' Imperial Guard enlistment welfare enable a direct Umbra filtration line to her.

Mika cried, because she now only realized what all of those envious gazes toward her truly meant. And how fortunate she were to ride off her parents' effort to change her life. And yet, how heartbroken they will be when they learn that their only remaining precious daughter of theirs will challenge the hellscape that has made them like this to begin with.

Thus, what does Lower Hive people drink to satiate their thirst when even the water they get is as murky as the sky above them? The one products whose entire industry may well have monopolized people's lives to begin with, amasec distillation.

Amasec quality can range from literal firebomb fuel to well-aged brands used only for the highest of Imperium' servants. But since it's the Lower Hive that is being talked about, firebomb fuel it is that they forcefully drink just to satiate the thirst that is continuously creeping up within them. And sometimes, they don't even find water at all as this shoddy and low-quality amasec is far more plentiful than that of drinkable water in this accursed Hive.

And so, they continue to try to satiate their own thirst with this shoddy alcoholic drink that Mika only learn as an apothecary in Middle Hive that it in fact exacerbates their thirst even further than if they didn't drink it at all. Alcohol by nature is a poison that people are addict to because germs and harmful bacterium can't prosper in it. Because of its diuretics' effect, which lead to increase of biological urination. It's always a net negative in terms of hydration in any condition to drink only alcohol instead of water.

Eventually, it will lead to their death in just matters of days or even hours depends on the alcohol strength of what they consumed. The process will be agonizing in a similar manner to dehydration. At that point when the information links together, she realized something as she once more entered her state of epiphany as the thousand-yard stare pierce through anything within sight.

The world around her become empty as her mindscape become blank white.

Drinking poison to quench thirst.

She had taste of amasec before, mostly at the Guild's celebration party to take brighten the mood sometimes. But here, a bottle of it appears in front of her in this blank white landscape within her mind as if urging her to drink it and only it. She knows already just what kind of hell she is stepping deliberately into thus with no hesitation did she tried to down the entire bottle in one sitting.

Then as she placed it on the floor, the bottle is filled to brim again. And the effect of consuming alcohol in excessive amount starts to take its toll on her. It wasn't just the sensation of thirst that she is enduring, the headache and nausea welling up inside her head makes the experience even worse. And if she guessed correctly, people often die faster to overdosing than the thirst that comes from drinking it.

Not only must she waits out the throbbing in her minds but to also enduring the effects of dehydration in meantime. Then when it seemingly all over, she continues to drown herself in that same amasec just so that she can understand the plight of common people of Twilight's Lower Hive. As she continues to repeat this self-torturing cycles, her sense of self continues to deteriorate as if she is losing herself in the madness she created.

When all seems lost, something snapped her out of delusion.

"MIKA! GET YOURSELF TOGETHER!" A familiar voice spoken to her snapping herself out of her delirious drunken stupor.

Broken out of her mental world, she noticed a familiar warmth that is embracing her. Even if she couldn't see the person directly, she knew already just from embrace alone.

"Alphric... I... I'm sorry! WAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" Mika muttered sadly before the dam holding the flood in her eyes at bay collapse.

Mika has cried before but she never remember when she did cry so hard like this at all. The combination of guilt and regret created into an emotion that has no proper namesake to it. And yet, it is something that everyone here understand instantly without any additional moment spent.

"It's fine, because I am here right now". Alphric said as he tries to calm her down.

"Alphric, am I a bad person because I wanted to understand people's suffering?" Mika said as she stutters from overwhelming sadness that keeps derailing her line of thoughts.

Alphric remains silent for a little while because this question of morality simply has no concrete answer to reply. Either way, it didn't matter what answer he gave her, just that he has cared about her.

"If you were a bad person then everyone else and me would be the worst scum of the earth. Just remember that no matter what may be said about you, always remember that I will support you no matter what". Alphric said possibly the most unfitting phrase of him yet to be seen and heard. He's not a master of verbal fluency but he tried and that's what mattered.

Mika still sobs briefly before she finally stops to wipe her tears and snots. Only then did Alphric finally let her go as she promptly clean herself up once more. Every Lightbringer in this room nearly brought to tear by the interaction between the two, no romance novellas would ever compare to this scene between them.

"Thanks, Alphric. I know now that I shall no longer doubt or hesitate when pushes come to shove". Mika said as she manifested her training sword in her hand so that she can show them what she has learned from epiphany.

Thirst... A universal sensation that all complex bioforms know and aware. And it was something that nearly all of them has to satiate or else they won't be able to live and function normally. No sapient creature deliberately dehydrate itself no matter what choice is given. Then, there exists humans.

With her thought resonates with the training facility, many training dummies appeared in front of her. As she recollects all of her painful sensations within the mental world that she subjected herself to during her epiphany. The sensations of dehydration, the poisoning of her own entrails, wanting to cry but can't even form tears, listless emptiness dwelling within that gnaws endlessly.

Her sword-wielding hand shifts its grips into the form that reflected that sensation. It doesn't matter if it's accurate or correct, what only matters if the sensation that instilled within. The stiff hand of a dehydrated person, whose blood within has run dry trying to purchase a few more precious seconds of life.

Mika steps forward with all she has.

Heavenly Demonic Divine Arts - Second Form
Sword of Forthirst

Like surging torrent, Mika's sword art pierce through the formation of dummies. Sudden, unstoppable, malleable... the sword path everchanging and shift without warning like a flash flood that took the path of least resistance. If the Sword of Starvation could smash a boulder apart in a single blow, the Sword of Forthirst will swept anything nearby along with it to the depth.

No one will ever hope to replicate such technique she did. Such biological specimen like Genestealers can't ever hope to comprehend what will soon take them down by the storm.

"Damn, that's what we are trying to reach? Even if I have all the time, I can't hope to reach such level of understanding like her". The veteran old man said as he witnesses the second form of the art that he tried to learn. It's almost demoralizing to be left behind like that but Twilight has given him too many of that share already.

To rage against the heaven itself, is the principle of Heavenly Demonic Divine Arts. The core tenet that many of its practitioners would come to forget in their pursuit of power from this seemingly so deceptively widespread Martial Art.

After performing that seemingly-impossible feat, she collapsed to her knee before crying again toward the ceiling above despite having done so just seconds before. But it is no longer of sadness and self-pity anymore.

It's catharsis.

Secret Sanctuary - Hub

Kang stood waiting for his friends to come out after he has done nearly everything he knows within capability or resources. While he is uncertain of how things may proceed from here on out, he knows that he will have to deal with it either way.

He swore that he remembers how he probably used to smoke a cig whenever he is irritated or stressed out but... he doesn't even remember when it was the last time. Perhaps for the better now that he probably won't be able to indulge in anything anymore.

With a look toward the room that didn't exist before with a name plate written plainly as 'Training Ground'. Kang has enough knowledge of euphemism that he just doesn't know if he should crack a devious smile or being annoyed that he even think of it that way. Then came from that room is the two of them seemingly becoming much closer than before.

"Hey, did you two do something behind my back?" Kang said as he leans on the wall with his arms crossed with one another seemingly showing his disapproval.

"Nothing, just training with one another, discussing tactics and the likes". Mika said while the cathartic expression on her face seemingly insinuate toward something else.

Kang takes a brief gander at the Emotion Level through his holowatch.

Emotion Level: 2.31

"Yeah, no. You ain't proving your innocence with the way you're phrasing it with that face". Kang thought to himself as he remains unconvinced.

He sighed before approaching them again. This time, they better report everything they have done up until now to better recognize where they stand in the following battle against Genestealers.

"Here's your Assault Cannon, Alphric. It's a bitch to repair the damage and fix any possible flaw that can occur later on. And you can use it consistently at Third Gear now." Kang said as he hands over the properly modernized version of it as it looks much closer to proper manufactorium-made models.

"Thanks, and here is something I want to show you too". Alphric said as he takes out the massive tome that seems like it could crush someone's foot if dropped directly on.

"Buddy, I don't think we're going to have much time to read in the heat of battle". Kang said sarcastically as the prospect of having a calm read of a book while chaos going on sounds hilarious if it weren't for them being the butt of said joke.

"Technically true, but that's the purpose for the personal cogitator that I'm carrying. This tome will serve a different purpose other than for reading". Alphric said as he has a devious smile on his face hinting at something ill-intended.

What would a Genestealer do if they see someone holding a book with its hardcover made out of the skin of its brethren? It would be surprising to see them being calm about it afterward. And that's perfect for someone like Alphric whose entire build is mostly revolving around the defensive either way and this tome will aggro all their attentions toward him, allowing Mika and Kang to play the offensive without worry.

"I certainly don't know what their precise reaction will be but it will be something worth record for sure". Mika said as she is also somewhat curious of what may come.

"And not only that, I have also teach the Lightbringers on the tactics necessary to fight back against Genestealers from basic to more advanced bioforms. They should at least be able to handle a Neophyte Hybrid using a sword alone although it is clear that they will mostly rely on their firearms to do the jobs more." Alphric said as he has also made assessment of Heavenly Demonic Divine Arts. And it is clear that it is not suitable for everyone seeing how he can't even get the requisite for first form.

The amount of people who can even learn it properly won't be very high, it seems.

"Good, because our next phase of the battle will involve far more many people than just all of us, considering just how narrowly we are to just being overwhelmed by number alone". Kang said as he is interested in seeing how well their people can do, considering the future ahead of them.

The next concern that Kang has toward Mika is a suitable weapon for her. There can only be a limit to just how far she could just use her scalpels as a medium for her power. This problem has been delayed for long enough now that the situation has demanded it, she needs a suitable weapons that doesn't just immediately melt apart by her psykic heat.

That's where the next problem arise, is there even anything that he could even base the psykic technology from to create her sword? It's been a while since Kang has to think seriously about a problem before Alphric comes up with a potential solution.

"What do you think about that masterminding Genestealer that we fought before. Despite all of everything we have thrown at it, it remains less for wear than we thought in comparison to its cohorts". Alphric said as he tries to recognize if there's any hint to it, considering that they are likely to rematch with one another soon.

And just like that, Kang suddenly realized the prime reason and why to all of his suffering just now at their hands. Unnatural forces that are similar in essence to their power but the fundamental between is entirely different. Those Xeno bastards have gained access to Psykic power much like them and they are using it to their advantage much like how the Luminaries are doing.

Now that he remembered that thing in greater details than before, he couldn't mistake that stave it is holding in its hand and that accursed power that used to debilitate him. Now that power is in the equation, raw physical attacks likely won't work in which they will require someone who could exert their Psykic energy as ranged attack. The only recipient, Mika.

Kang facepalmed himself as his hand clutches his face ever tighter in realization. What a chicken and egg situation that he gotten into, Mika needs a psykic weapon to beat that psykic Genestealer in which they need to beat to get said thing in the first place. How exactly is something like that is going to be resolved at all dumbfounded him.

The Codex Genestealer has all the in-depth details of the Genestealers that they have slain but completely lack any further detail of things they have yet to.

"In the end, we can only rely on him again". Kang said as he knew precisely the only person that could help them. Although his help is sorely needed, unless they can ascertain his allegiance with them, any further interaction may just compromise them in the future.

The three approach the light beacon again as they leave this sanctuary with belief that they can and will overcome this adversary that they will face.

In a flash of light, they're back to where they were once more. With a deep breathe, Alphric makes contact with Yang once more. Surprisingly, he picks it up immediately as if he has been waiting for them for a while.

"Yang, sorry for the interruption before just now. Is there anything you wish to complain or not?" Alphric said as he looks somewhat ashamed that he has to disrupt their previous connection abruptly.

"It's fine... How about Mika just now, there's a lot that I wish to impart my knowledge with her but from the situation that I'm getting right now, it must not be a suitable time as I guess". Yang said through the other end of the communicator.

"She advanced a lot faster than you may think. It seems that by her own deduction, she managed to figure out the Second Form of Heavenly Demonic Divine Arts that you are trying to teach her. I can show you right now if you want to. Here, Kang, place it into your ear". Alphric said as he hands the communicator device over to Kang.

"It's my turn on the schizophrenia free trial huh?" Kang said as he tried to sprinkle the situation with some humor although its result was left much to be desired.

With little protesting he did, Kang placed the communicator and soon Yang also joined the copilot seat inside his head.

"I expected worse but okay". Kang said again as he sorts of imagine reality to be worse than what it actually is.

"There's a lot to be said here and transferred. Including for Mika in which I have yet to speak about. Can I trust that you can convey them?" Yang said as his spoken words echoes like intrusive thought in his mind.

"Yeah, yeah, don't treat me like I haven't yet leaving Sunday School". Kang said again to the voice inside his head.

So the three sets out on the path uncharted path once more. Surprisingly, they get their moment of peace and truce after a much harrowing fight previously. Although they know that it won't last long, it is necessary to debrief all of these dense information that they are about to have.

"Due to material scarcity here, the next best-bet material that all of you will rely on to create her choice of weapon will be Brilliant Scarlet Steel. It's not Adamantium-level of durability that you are looking for but I'm assure you that it is the utter limit that you can do with just iron itself." Yang said as he recalls the ancestral metallurgy method of his homeworld.

There's obviously better thing for the job and that steel are often relegated for mass-produced products that circulates the Imperium's armory. What makes Brilliant Scarlet Steel different that just normal steel is its ability to conduct heat and power far greater than the same steel that is mass produced by Imperium's technology at an unequal cost for its material. Signified in its name is the scarlet color that it reflects upon its glint.

The second thing that they need to gauge is Mika's Psykic channeling pattern in which that it was a new thing entirely to them. Each individual with Psykic potential has different way to channel their power through their respective medium and every individual Force weapon that has been crafted is cater to such thing to maximize their potential and effectiveness. They are often hidden as design patterns of the weapon itself that one wouldn't be aware of at first glance.

"Goddamn it, I guess that we will only know when that moment comes to us". Kang said in infuriation as he is forced to bear all of this new information in mind when design a suitable weapon for her.

The fact that the Genestealer Cult can create dedicated Psykic weapons of their own means there's a facility for them to do so. That will be the Luminaries' new target to reach toward.

"By the way, what is the name of that Genestealer that is commanding that army?" Kang said as he finds calling that thing 'Psykic Genestealer' is too mouthful if they're going to keep mentioning it.

"That thing is called a 'Magus', the fact that all three of you come out alive fighting its army head-on is genuinely miraculous to the point that I don't think there's any different word that can be used to describe that kind of fortune". Yang said as he recognizes how the situation has devolved so much beyond the control of a single Inquisition when by the time they received intel was that there are only second generation Genestealers.

The Magus plays a vital role in infiltrating a civilized society. Due to his intelligence, charisma, appearance, and understanding of the society being infiltrated, they are well suited to his role as mouthpiece of the clan to the outer society. The Magus is a special mutation which appears in a clan if a psychically-active species, such as humanity, is infiltrated.

As a True Hybrid Genestealer of the 4th generation, they appears nearly human, although invariably bald and heavy boned. Highly intelligent and possesses formidable psychic ability. Their "normal" appearance allows them to operate as the public spokesman for the clan or cult, which is disguised as a legitimate religious, political, or social movement — a role which the purestrain patriarch cannot take.

"And I have to let you know too about that ambushing entity back during that tunnel. Because all of you were really that close to your demise if it weren't for Mika's intervention. That thing is called a Purestrain Genestealer and let me tell you, even the Space Marines die to them". Yang said as what he is saying really do wonder to make them feel relaxed.

Paradoxically, the Genestealer's DNA reemerges in the fifth generation otherwise called Purii, giving birth to a full Genestealer, albeit one showing some physical characteristics of the host species. Thus the cycle can begin anew, as the new Genestealers have the potential to infiltrate other worlds and become a Patriarch.

Purestrain Genestealers are Genestealers that have been spawned not through the process of infecting hosts but rather by the hive ships themselves in great bio-factories and birthing vats. Originally not polluted or altered by "inferior" genetic material, they are markedly stronger and faster than a normal Genestealer and possess a wider variety of adaptive biomorphs. This is intentional, as Purestrain Genestealers are the creatures from which all other Genestealers are born, and even a single Purestrain Genestealer can create a vast brood from a local population given time and enough raw material.

A Purestrain Genestealer's swipe of their claw can carve through Space Marine Armor, which is designed to be already resistant to majority of the Imperium's ordinance. If that's the kind of opponents that can even go toe-to-toe with such behemoth of power then how much chance can a mortal human being has against them? Not a lot.

The Luminaries doesn't have that mortal limitation anymore thus it would rather disgraceful of them to be beaten by such hideous creatures. Either way, they know a bit better of their unseen and undetected foes and that makes them a bit stronger already.

"Damn, let's just hope that I don't immediately jinx us by saying that I hope I'm not going to meet them right now". Kang said as he places his two arms behind his head.

Stagnant Blood + Scar of Sorrow + Fervid Emotions + Heart of Aspiration

Speak of the devil and here they come. Alphric managed to block the slashing claw of a Purestrain Genestealer with such force that it could have easily tear a concrete wall apart on its own. Unfortunately, the Luminaries have already long exceeded wall-level once they activated their Psykic Passives.

Hope that they love confetti because they're going to be one.

Fervid Emotion + Pulsating Beat + {Minor Psykic Links}

Alphric turns the offending Purestrain Genestealer into a grotesque purplish paste in a singular punch that splatters all over what's in front of them. Yang simply has no comment to make because the reality and what they are capable of right now only continues to get higher.

You have slain a Purestrain Genestealer. +750,000 Lights

Then in the darkness in front of them is even more of them. How very persistent of them that they scoured the entire place to reach them in which they have likely mapped the entire station to come here. Thus, came Alphric's deduction that they have the entire place layout marked down in their minds. Then he promptly takes out the Codex Genestealer and flaunt it in front of them.

"Hey you ugly pieces of shit, look what I have here, not so frightening anymore aren't you?" Alphric spoke in a mocking tone that does its best to make people pissed off. Who said that an average man is boring clearly didn't write them well enough.

Seeing him flaunting the tome made out of its brethren skin. They completely went off the rail as they unhesitatingly lunge at him with no self-preservation. With his act of taunting them complete, Mika and Kang jump to the fray as they unleash their own respective brand of power upon them.

Cherished Memories + Display of Affection + Burning Heart + Ember of Hope + {Minor Psykic Links}

Heavenly Demonic Divine Arts - Second Form
Sword of Forthirst

Mika swung her blazing sword in a swift and unpredictable manner as she tore into the Genestealers' ranks with swiftness and grace before they could retaliate. Fast like whitewater, as lethal like magma flow, the combination of her Psykic Passives and the realization of Heavenly Demonic Divine Arts' Second Form has created a beautiful and lethally-crafted sword art that continues to create a lasting pyrotechnic arc that follows her sword path as it continues to slaughter her enemies.

Like a dragon that is coiling through the waning eventide sky, it continues to devour her enemies like a feast that never cease. What should have been the most horrid nightmare made manifested becoming her yet most powerful display of power so far.

Violence + Metallic Crush + Overdrive + Recognition + Momentum + {Minor Psykic Links}

Kang doesn't have such power or martial arts like Mika. But he doesn't need too much in order to kill them as his mace swing alone is enough to brutalize his opponents in a single blow. When asked for any martial arts involving mace however, Yang ended up being tongue-tied because there is painfully little left about them being recorded post Imperium-annexation. So there really is no more to the mace than just swinging very hard and in sync.

But when your power is overwhelming, all the necessity of flowery movement become meaningless. Because there's no better demonstration of power than raw force itself.

The Death that I Deserve.

Speed closely reaching toward the speed of sound itself, even the impact alone of something moving at near Mach speed with his weight would completely butcher them. With no restraint, he smashes through their rank for no human should be able to move at the speed of sound at all.

As his body covers completely in their viscera, he doesn't yet end his assault there. With one swift turn of his body, he utilizes the Thousand March Footwork for rapid turning before accelerates back toward them through that speed. Unable to detect the returning strike on time, the remaining Genestealers perished to a sudden death as his run-off-the-mill power maul that has already taken away hundreds of lives by this point will have dozens more adding to its tally.

You have slain a Neophyte Hybrid. +15,000 Lights (243 times)
You have slain a Metamorph Hybrid. + 25,000 Lights (217 times)

The entire Genestealer patrol team destroyed to the last specimen. None of them deserved to even be called human. They have already moved past their disgust already but seeing their hideous physiology only reinforces them on why they must exterminate this filth with great prejudice. It's no longer just because that they are vile creatures that parasites on sapient creatures.

With that, Alphric takes out his personal cogitator as all the memories of everything they have slain up until now converges and filters into its final unified combination. The obvious one, the true layout of this wretched hive that they have built for themselves with all the directions and facility name written in jarringly-written Low Gothic. The fact that they could decrypt the words at all is still fortunate.

"Now, time to get Mika a proper weapon fitting her namesake". Alphric said as he makes himself the vanguard and moving toward the place.

Once more on the line, the three of them continues their confrontation with this dreaded foe of theirs. As the rule of escalation follows, only one side shall make it through.

At this point, there's no measure or description to their fight beyond the word 'kill'. The assault only grows larger but none of it could deter the Luminaries from their destination. Seeing Mika in action like this with just her scalpels as her sword alone, one would really think that she doesn't need anything else to unleash her power.

Her sword hand shifted into the grip of starvation as she swung her blade with fierce movement behind. The fiery shockwave unleashed from it tore into the enemy without stop as it continues to cleave through them like a hedge trimmer. Then the scalpel that she is using crumbled into irrecognizable ashes despite being Middle Hive's quality steel.

That's is the limitation of her equipment right now. Her scalpels are useful when their Psykic potential wasn't too great but now, she continues to expending each one of them just to perform one shockwave flame slash. If the clash between her and the Magus Genestealer were to come, that brief moment of her trying to replace her weapon may end up becoming her downfall.

That will all change once she got that Scarlet Steel sword but until then, she will have to continue using her scalpels for anything but medical purposes.

"There it is! Their manufacture facility!" Alphric said as the concentration of guarding Genestealers became excessive beyond any of his imagination.

Yang always assume the worst whenever Genestealer is involved, like they could have potentially replaced nearly half of the world's populace before any authority replaces it. But seeing them all below here tells that the entirety of this Underhive Sector may have been subverted for a while already and they are practically too late to do anything meaningful with what they prepared. They may have just consumed their entire existence's worth of luck just to meet up with the Luminaries and have them do their jobs instead.

Now, victory doesn't seem that farfetched anymore.

In an explosive entrance that follows, the first to enter was Kang as he swiftly clears out all the threats in the area at the speed literally unmatched biologically. Genestealers are fast but Kang is even faster than them as his swing at the speed that even the sound barrier is nearly about to rupture at his motion. Subtlety be damned, nothing matters when the atmosphere around him rage like a whirlwind.

You have slain a Purestrain Genestealer. +750,000 Lights (5 times)

As the imaginary death toll's digit counter continue to whirl madly without stop, Kang quickly uses his trump card now that the forging of her blade requires his full attention. With a gesture of his palm held skyward, Kang yelled his phrase out loud for instant confirmation.

Come, Questoris Battalion!

Then in flashes of crackling lightning, multiple Imperial Knights appear around him in squad of five. Yang who is perceving through Kang's perspective at the moment can't believe that he is getting bewildered multiple times in a row within a single day. There's just no end to what they are capable of and he couldn't even fathom the far end that they will go.

Upon summoning, the Knight's auspex lenses instantly flashed red as it instantly performing extermination protocol on its own once its system went online. The control core that is linking these Knights together work in such unity and togetherness as if they were all controlled by hardened veterans who underwent many wars together in those suits of armor. Muzzle flashes and gunfire drown out the vision and auditorial sense, to fight or even stay in control of such environment is simply maddening.

Now that the Knights is taking the attention, Kang quickly takes a look at the surroundings to see what can be used. On further analysis, he realized that this whole place was a train maintenance station which solidifies his theory of this being not only a train station but the cross-height elevator that is used to access between Lower Hive and Underhive. The facility is long abandoned but seeing how absurdly decay-proofed they are that the train that the Luminaries used to travel only need a few fixes to even get functioning.

"Alphric, uses your power to analyze if there's anything that can be fixed with our power. I'll check the material and tool they used to craft their blasphemous armaments". Kang said as he gets thing going, fast.

Alphric did the same before gesturing Mika to hold the line along with the Knights, they are powerful but they're also as big as a target for them to dog-pile on with how numerous the Genestealer Cult's members are. Titans often get taken down not because of other behemoths like them but the ants beneath, it will be Mika's duty to make sure that none of them could overwhelm the Knights.

"Okay, the workstation line is there. The metal furnace is there, the forge is also convenient too. And- What's that ominous feeling?" Kang said as he assess the facility within moments before his acute sense of awareness picked up something amidst the production line.

"That's...! A Psi-Convector! They really have a spare one lying around!". Yang exclaimed inside Kang's head as he immediately tell him what it is that he just picked up.

There was residual trace of Psykic power thus it must have been used or tested before being left here. Considering the number of Psi-Convector prototypes that is being laid next to it, it must have been a proper one without a question of doubt.

"Okay, having a Psi-Convector helps immensely with crafting a Force Sword, all you needed is to adjust it accordingly for Mika. In the worse case scenario, you may have to design a new one by yourself". Yang explains to Kang through his copilot seat in Kang's mind.

Using the power of Lights, Kang summons his own disassembly tools so that he can take apart the Psi-Convector. As battle rages behind him while he focuses on the device, Kang continues to focus his mind to delicately handle the tools with strength that can rip a Purestrain apart. To him, this act is even more nerve-racking than fighting any Genestealer could.

Meanwhile, Alphric is playing the role of repairer and defender of the same time. As he is trying to make sure that the machinery will work correctly, he also ended up fighting back unseen assailants that are trying to impede him. One moment he tries to fix the forge, the next he carve a Purestrain Genestealer with another one's paper-edge talon. The abrupt and sudden change of role eventually almost getting him punch the machinery that he supposed to fix in retaliation.

And then, Mika is the one holding the defense line from falling apart due to the enemy's density. The Imperial Knights are no doubt carrying their weight but with how much threat that is assailing them. Thus it falls to Mika to maintain the distance that is between.

Incineration Surge (Cherished Memories + Display of Affection + Nostalgic Embrace + Ember of Hope + Burning Heart + [Sword of Starvation] + {Minor Psykic Links} )

Swinging her blazing sword from underneath to upward, the unleashed shockwave cleave through the ground as the sheer heat within turns anything it made contact with into molten lava. Soon, the aftermath that it left behind resulted in a barrier of flame prohibiting entry of anything attempt to move into. At least, anything lesser than a tank if they are willing to sacrifice that even.

With one entrance stopped already, Mika quickly heads toward the few other breaches that has been forcefully opened by the Genestealer Cult although they haven't yet gone scorched earth lest they want to permanently destroy any chance of producing heavy weaponry. Though it won't be too long to see them going through with it the longer this battle drags out.

"Okay! The internal pattern is revealed but what the fuck is Mika's Psykic pattern!?" Kang yelled out loud from behind for all of the Luminaries to hear.

Mika upon hearing what Kang said realized that she never knows the way she wield her own power. And conveniently that there's a pile of sword that lay haphazardly from all the fighting that was done in which Mika quickly uses her own power to test it out.

With a swing of the imbued blade into the ground, the collision unleashed is far greater than the original strength input. And when the flame extinguished from it, molten metal ran across the blade like veins. That was when Mika realized that the pattern of the molten flow was no coincidence. It was precisely what she recognized of the Spirit Arm that she awakened to and the flowing pattern of the molten metal that ran across it.

And that hypothesis of her is only continue to be affirmed as she repeats with the swords she obtained and all of them has that exact pattern. The most likelihood is that it is her body's instinctual understanding of Psykic channeling and it brute-forced through the unsuitable medium in the attempt of doing so thus the melting veins on them.

After seeing that, Mika quickly threw all of them at Kang and probably input way too much force into them as they impale into the ground nearby him up to their hilt. The force that is put into them was so much that even Kang struggles to uproot them. Once he did so, he quickly analyzes the searing pattern left behind by her Psykic channeling and deduce the pattern needed to adjust the Psi-Convector to.

However, an ominous feeling washed over him as he soon realized that the amount of time they have left isn't much anymore. If he intents to focus on the device, he would likely have no time left to perform the metalwork. Using his telepathy link, he communicates with Alphric in urgency.

"Alphric! Is the machinery ready for operation!? I need you to do the metalwork and forging of the blade while I handle the Psi-convector! I'll tell you the procedure right away." Kang yelled loudly through the telepathy link between them. Alphric felt like Kang just shout directly into his ear with that loudness but he got what Kang is trying to say already.

"Understood! Tell me what to do!" Alphric said as he quickly gets to position.

"Gather the material, scrap metals and coals alike to refine said Scarlet Steel that I mentioned. The formula is 2 to 100 in metal and coal weight ratio". Kang said as he tries to modifies the Psi-Convector through Yang's guidance.

Following what Kang has spoken, Alphric quickly analyzes the furnace for which input is for the scrap and which is for the coal. However, it soon came into his mind is where the hell does he get coal from in the Underhive of all places?!.

Another Purestrain Genestealer infiltrated through the unseen gaps in their location, it once more trying to lunge at Alphric while his guard is seemingly dropped while he looked around the place. But faster than even its own thought and reaction, Alphric swiftly grabs it by the throat before tossing it into the blast furnace itself in infuriation before it could promptly retaliate. Immediately melting apart in the heat of thousands degrees, it soon become part of its steel-making mixture before it could even let out a dying screech.

"So that's how they make steel in the first place. Bloody self-serving bastards they are." Alphric said as he realized how they even make any more steel at all without salvaging as the result.

Quickly adding more scrap metals into the mixture until he reached that desired ratio, now that he could do is wait for the steel-mixture to melt completely. Or prepare for the next processing parts that Kang will tell him. Either way, his body felt the tinges of anxiety that he couldn't explain how or why exactly. Just that he knew that all of the Luminaries are feeling the same unspoken.

"Okay! Pour the molten steel into the blade casting and wait until it solidifies". Kang spoke through the telepathy link but time isn't on either of their side.

Suddenly, all three of them instinctively felt something wrong is about to occur. With their senses heighten to great degree, they await for whatever unexpected enemies to occur. Then, it finally happened.

Kang puts the Psi-Convector into his pocket as he knew that he will accidentally crush the device with his own strength when attack. Force Weapon would be unreliable if they can get damaged with a single drop either way. Then, something completely unexpected to him approach.

A massive vehicle bursts through the wall, clad in armor and armed to the teeth. Its first act is to immediately unleash the mounted flamethrower upon him as Kang narrowly lunges forward into below it. Thinking that the truck weight's would somehow crush him, they simply continue to drive toward him without stop until Kang returns his retribution in complete-fold.

Steel-shattering Strike ( Metallic Crusher + Violence + Chained Wrath + Overdrive + [One Inch Punch] +{Minor Psykic Links})

With one decisive blow at utterly close-quarter, one that can't possibly spare him any more moment than it should. With might impossible to contain within a single punch, his uppercut sends it flying up as it flips backward. Then with a finishing blow when the moment connects, Kang threw his following-up punch again as he shatters the armored vehicle in a single blow, killing all recipients inside in a hail of explosive fragments.

As Kang sees the falling fragments, he couldn't misidentify the parts that make it up as a whole even if he wanted to. Too many professions he underwent, and yet none of it helped him in the end.

Goliath Truck, an extremely durable but common Imperial transport vehicle that is often used for mining and construction activities. They were originally built from an STC design to provide heavy-duty protection for Imperial officials and corporate bureaucrats moving through subterranean complexes and mining tunnels. Although maintenance with such a thing usually falls to the duty of the Tech-Priests, there aren't enough of them running around to inspect such common thing while more wonderful things are around thus common people like him have to take measure.

He works in those industrial complexes for a few months but all of them were disastrous hell of their own before he left on his own accord. Industry accidents, radiation leaks, collapses, if it weren't for these trucks that act as temporary shelter then he would have left this reality long ago. Even the guards pay some respect to this thing's durability. Thus he knew just how much of a Emperor-send to these Genestealer that a single Goliath truck to them are.

And Kang just obliterated one in a swift straight punch whose speed exceed sound itself. Even the rupture of the atmosphere still lingers deafeningly.

"And here they come..." Kang mutters through the telepathy link for all his friends to know.

Tearing apart through the reinforced wall of the maintenance bay is the entire squad of Goliath Trucks, with some even modified with grinder arrays with whirling drilldozer blades that can cleave even bedrock and mineral seams. And often, they are used to run over large swathe of infantry and act as battering ram.

A live example in play as a group of them rushes toward one of the Imperial Knights while unleashing a plethora of combined firepower, including the Heavy Mining Laser that can drill through voidship front hull in seconds, the Clearance Incinerator used to melt down rubble in no fewer time spent. As it is shown to him that the Knights that he called upon isn't of their true quality thus they're more vulnerable than how they normally would of their proper peers.

The targeted Knight return fire but the Goliath Trucks was simply too quick for it. As its heavy motion did barely anything to hit its intended target, the Goliaths move in circle around as they fires all sort of ammunition at it. He expected it and yet it still shakes him when it did. As the heated metal of its frame deform, the Heavy Mining Laser did the finishing touch as its beam cut through them effortlessly. Hideous bastards that they were, which he thought as he and his friends step forward with no hesitation to fight back this newly appear threat.

Once again, Mika and Kang made their combined assault as the two apply their own applied combat knowledge which they earn throughout the journey so far.

Twin Daemon Fang (Cherished Memories + Display of Affection + Nostalgic Embrace + Ember of Hope + Burning Heart + {Minor Psykic Link})

Unleashing two rapid slashes in succession, the two shockwave made their path toward one of the fast moving Goliath Trucks as they fires their mounted Heavy Stubber at her. Mika also moves accordingly as those two shockwave continue to cleave across toward her target. Ignoring such apparent threats while focusing solely on her, they will soon learn to not having done so.

The two collide with one another right underneath as the collision explosion sends it upward as it completely totals the underneath of said truck. As it spins madly in the air, Mika promptly unleashed her Blazing Sword of Starvation as the unleashed flaming shockwave tear into her target before they become fiery smithereens. No survivors to be found in the aftermath.

All of this occur in a few seconds but that isn't fast enough with how many of them there are and how much their hit and run tactics are harassing them to no end. Even though they could shrug off a few blows, that damage will add up and they would rather not taking said chance to begin with. Being Peak human simply isn't enough when the trash lying around can kill someone effortlessly if cobbled together.

"Shit! They're heading for the furnance!" Kang yelled to Alphric telepathically as Alphric immediately picks his warning up and seeing a Goliath Rockgrinder which is called that for the rock-grinding bumper installed in front of it. With its force, it could easily crush solid steel block with little resistance and yet Alphric charges toward it using his body alone.

The Genestealer drivers on it immediately hail upon him with any weapon they have on hand but his Stagnant Blood and Krav Magus Defense Technique allows him to swiftly approach even in guarding stance. Then as the two collide, Alphric jams his arm into the grinder itself. But despite all of the horrific consequence that should have follow, Alphric's arm stubbornly refuse to be devoured by the grinder as it broke into the gap itself and deform the gnawing teeth of it.

Fervid Emotion + Heart of Aspiration + Pulsating Beat + {Minor Psykic Links}

"GGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" Alphric yells as he lift the Goliath Rockgrinder one arm inserted into the grinder itself. As the other Goliath Truck approaches as they all intends on running him and the furnace he is using over, Alphric screams in rage again as he swung the truck itself into the other approaching truck at speed far faster than the vehicle itself. At the speed that he goes at, the truck that he is using along with the assailants were utterly brutalized into speed as blood and scrap meld indiscernible with one another.

"KANG! THE FUCKING SWORD MOLD! NOW!" Alphric screams in visceral tone for all to hear. Speaking through telepathy doesn't resolve his frustration right now anymore.

And right when he said it, a sword mold thrown by Kang hit him in the head, with enough force to easily obliterate a Purestrain Genestealer's skull but Alphric is built different in this moment right now thus it is the mold that get damaged. Although the casting shape isn't damaged, it will likely be unusable in the moment after he use it. That's fine to him since he isn't the one that made the mold in the first place.

With Yang's guiding procedure recited by Kang through the telepathy link, Alphric quickly cast the molten metal into the casting mold. Then after waiting for it to take shape while he is continuously assaulted by the Genestealer's onslaught that has been going for the last few minutes. If there's any more hardcore blacksmithing that exists right now, tell them that they have competition because not a lot of things top forging a legendary sword while being beset by the most insidious predators known to man.

Then after the aforementioned amount of time passed, Alphric quickly opened the casting mold as it reveals a white-hot blade. By Kang's reciting, he will have to put the blade into the heating forge and then hammer at the thing to create the blade's edge while the steel is still hot. Then at the right moment, he will temper the blade to make it so that it will not become brittle if left to cool on its own.

From the way he is speaking it, it doesn't sound that different than classical steel-making already. So where exactly is the procedure to create the "Brilliant Scarlet Steel" that he said. Kang actually asked that question because he realized it on his own.

"Heh... This is where the differences start. Instead of quenching the heated steel with water like you usually would, you use blood instead. Preferably of a fierce and dangerous predator whose bleeding life-force still fresh. Or the blood of powerful Martial Artists if they are willing whether or not". Yang said in a proud tone but somewhat remorseful. Kang doesn't like the way his tone goes because hiding behind every single one of them was all-untold tragedy.

This... this is precisely why Brilliant Scarlet Steel obtain its mythical properties despite its original procedures are no more than of common steel production with a single changed step. Normally, blood isn't suitable for quenching at all due to inexplicable nature it has. But with how human physiology change when overcome great distress much like Wuxia's Martial Artists in general, it obtains characteristics not found anywhere otherwise with baseline human.

With great durability and resistance far exceeding common steel, along with its ability to channel heat and inner energy if within the hands of residual touched beings in which Wuxia's people somehow evolve into through sheer physical training alone. If you come to be wielding one of it, you either command great respects from other Martial Artists or you bring great fear to anyone who heard of your name and what you can and willing to do.

One side come from everyone's donation. Other against their wishes. Make it whatever you will.

"Wait... where the hell did the blacksmithing tools go!?" Alphric suddenly yelled in realization that he doesn't even have a single thing to take the blade out from the casting mold.

In sudden panic and constraint of times while the sounds of battle still rage behind. Kang would have intervene already as he quickly tries to get near Alphric and stop him from attempting any idiotic things that involved.

And Alphric did, and he soon realized that Stagnant Blood and Scar of Sorrow did little to mitigate the harm of what he is trying to attempt.

He tried to grab the white-hot blade from the mold, bare-handed.

"Alphric! You stupid fuck!". Kang yelled at him for the inane decision he made with no input of others.

Alphric didn't actually grab the white-hot blade but Kang's yelling made him stop right when he was seriously about to touch it. In retrospect, he who supposed to be the level-headed acting stupidly was unlike of him. Becoming aware of his recent acts, he made his apology which Kang belligerently accept.

"And I thought that only I and Mika would be the only weird one out here, not you too". Kang said as he manifests all of the blacksmithing tools necessary for forging using the power of Lights or more exactly having the foreknowledge of the tools involved to purchase them using the System.

Now that the two can work with the weapon, Mika and the Knights are still sealing off all the possible entry routes that is being used to assault them. Normally, having only 2 or 3 entrances is enough for the Knights to hold out on their own but now the maintenance bay have become an open area for total encirclement due to the appearance of the Goliath Rockcrushers causing property destruction.

And just like that, a group of 5 has to be enlarged to full-size much to Kang's dismay. 25 Imperial Knights would normally be excessive for any combat situation but Genestealer Cult is dangerous enough that Exterminatus was called upon such worlds after all. If anything, they will still never have enough combat power to hold back the encirclement that is shrinking upon them.

Although destroyed Imperial Knights get replaced immediately thanks to Kang's command, the brief moment between their replacement is enough for the Genestealers to grasp for ground at any cost. Mika knew of this and decided that she must take drastic measure, now. With her blazing sword impales to the ground, she quickly rushes forward as her sword continues to cleave into the ground. Wherever her sword goes, walls of flame erupt on the spot as she intends to set up the lockout to purchase as much time as possible.

And again, seeing that she's about to seal off their advances, the Purestrain Genestealers hidden upon the unseen will try to lunge at her only for her to promptly demolish them faster than any of their bodies could under any capacity. They are spoken to be dangerous and cunning creatures, and yet why are they just charging head-on toward danger that they knew already that they can't defeat?

No question asked at all, she quickly lock down their perimeter while she can. Then, her telepathic link flares up once more as she heard what Kang said.

"Mika! Can I trust in you to hold the line?! I'm going to take down some Genestealers to forge your blade so don't worry about us!" Kang said to her before the transmission gets interrupted.

Gritting her teeth once more, she quickly speeds up as the wall of fire continues to incinerate any trespasser that try to overcome it. And when the horde tries to overwhelm her, one swing of her sword is more than enough to cleave ten-folds of them to ashes. And if her threatening presence isn't enough to deter as they approach either way regardless of their instinct, her death glare would then silence any of them before becoming their judge, jury and executioner. And her verdict is 'death'. If one can make a sad person reacts in anger, they deserve all of the comeuppances that follow.

Kang looks at the distance seeing Mika's sword cleave setting the ground itself ablaze. The spectacles that he see is rather mesmerizing that he almost forgot that he supposed to be helping Alphric with forging the Brilliant Scarlet Steel blade. Quickly returning to his duty, Kang quickly uses his adjusted strength to hammer at the blade. What should have taken hours on end done in minutes because Kang's explosive yet delicately applied strength.

Then, putting the blade into the forge again. Alphric is the one standing guard as the Purestrain Genestealers continue to be such pesky foes that harass them to no end. But, they at least resolve one problem that they have with forging procedure. The blood quenching blade that they're about to do. Because you really can't get a much fiercer predator than a Purestrain of all the things.

After heating the blade properly and reshape its form to fitting Yang's standard. With his approval, Kang then quenches the heated blade with the Purestrain Genestealer blood that they harvested with the death of roughly 34 of them in total so far during the forging procedure. All of which tried to ambush them but Alphric just simply too thick-skinned for even their armor-slashing talons.

"Make no mistake, even Scarlet Steel has quality depends on the skill you have during tempering". Yang said within Kang's head while Kang dips the blade into the blood as its heat make the blood literally boiling.

Focused to the utter most he could, if one could tell the bloodshot literally showing on his eyes and the focused irises shrunk to a single point. In few minutes until the blood have literally clotted, Kang took the blade out of the frozen blood as he extracts it carefully. Through the incinerated blood that reveals, a brilliant glint of scarlet shown its form.

"It's... It's the best in quality that I know so far. You quite literally can't get any better than here. Its quality is in brilliance much like its namesake". Yang said as he recognizes the quality by Kang's sight alone.

With the blade prepared. All they need to do is to prepare the rest, such as the rail guard and handle. The Psi-Convector can act promptly as a sword guard now the problem is that they need to assemble.

"Kang, she said something about the sword pattern isn't it? I think we should carve the pattern so that it can channel her power much more effectively". Alphric said as he raises his idea.

"Bruh, where do we even get something even hotter than the smelting furnace we just used? As if something like that will just drop into our lap and such?" Kang said as he doesn't even get everything he has for the job let alone to dedicate so much at a time.

Then a Mining Laser casually dropped upon them, likely the result of a clash between Mika and one of the Goliath Rockgrinders if the smell burnt polymer is any indication. They continue to be proven wrong but for once that it was beneficial instead of making their lives even worse than it already is.

"Just let me do the thing and stand watch". Kang sighed before he proceeds, if the extra effort somehow make the difference then he will thank himself for the rest of his life.

As the sound of the Mining Laser clash with the Brilliant Scarlet Steel, the proof of its heat conductivity made apparent as what can easily cut apart stone into molten lava barely carving into the scarlet steel itself. It seems overkill for the purpose they're trying to do but that's just basic metalwork for Kang if he has any comment to say.

"Alphric, prepare the material to craft a handle for this thing. The more of the checklist that we can cross-out the better". Kang said as the pattern slowly etches upon the flame-colored metal that he attempts to work on.

The corpse has already dissipate into Lights already thus Alphric quickly checks the holowatch if he can use the power of Light to manipulate for some Genestealer carcasses to process them into something and then, it just neatly show him all the things he can in fact do with the Genestealers he has slain. All with bones and leathers made out of Purestrain Genestealer that can quite literally sell for exorbitant prices in Imperium's currency.

He doesn't even know if the system is just trolling him at this point. But he'll take the convenience it shows him. Then appears in his hand is Genestealer bone and leathers that is neatly processed for him.

"What the hell... Can I use the system to shortcut the metalwork and... it doesn't..." Kang thought to himself as he quickly checks the holowatch if he can skip his work and his expectation was met with disappointment not too soon.

Yang once again made no comment because he felt like it isn't going to do him anything good if he know too much.

Handing him over the bone and leather that he obtained, Kang also quickly heads toward the processing machinery to tailor it for the finishing touch. And once again as they hated to say it, they felt another presence with that psykic reading unmistakable.

"Fuck me... That damn Magus!" Kang cursed inside his mind as he turns around toward the direction that he felt from.

The phenomena when Psykic arts are cast is numerous, ranging from unnatural aura, ethereal stench, spoilage, temperature drop and so many more that listing it all will pointlessly drag things out. It just that the Luminaries' Psykic power isn't of the same kind that the majority of the Imperium has much like Yang's comment during their previous interaction. None of that unstable, suffering-induced agony and side effects that this forbidden power brought even if theirs are much less in variety in comparison.

But still, when a foe has little reason to hold back, the Psykic power that they are forced to fight against is still too overwhelming even if it is the duel between two. The Magus has its force staff allowing it to cast Psykic arts back-to-back with little repercussion due to its Xeno biology. Mika has nothing but just keep igniting her scalpels for powerful attack to match against this nemesis of her.

"Emperor damn it! If that bitch is there then there's going to be many more after it!" Kang said as he knew the how bad the situation is without taking his eyes of his masterwork.

The fierce clashing power between two drags on without cease. As the unleashed power resulting from the clash disrupting the wall of flame that Mika erected, the Genestealer Cultists quickly breach into the gap as the Knights quickly focus its power on. Then whenever Mika fails to suppress the Magus's casting action in time, the Magus used then exploits that fraction of moment to use its Psykic power to smite the Knights in a singular blow much to the lack of Psykic defense that they have which is noted before by them.

With the defense exposed briefly, Alphric quickly joins the fray while the replacement Knights slowly try to make its way to take their fallen brethren' places. No need to ask question or hesitate with them, if they greet with hostility then hostility he will return with.

"Done! Emperor damn it if this doesn't change the tide that will come to us!" Kang said as he finishes the assembling of all the parts together as it forms into a pristine and masterwork of a sword.

Its scarlet blade gleams within the refracting light of the forge, the sword grip made from Genestealer bone and wrapped in its leather, the pommel made from its longest fang. If there's any greater declaration of war toward the Genestealers, it won't be much more than this sword of perpetual eventide. Kang turns around toward the battle and see that it has deteriorated beyond his envision. They know already that fighting Genestealer Cult as a whole is a daring decision but the degree to which their danger represents fail to be described in words or texts.

Mika is pushed back away as her attack collide with one of those Psykic Smite that the Genestealer Magus tried to cast on her. Being sent back by a great distance, Mika quickly crawls to a slowing halt as she attempts to return to battle. But that would ultimately just continue their stalemate which gets them nothing done.

"Mika! Take this sword!" Kang yells as he threw the blade at her at the speed that threatens to deconstruct it with sheer force alone.

The scarlet sword impales to the ground near her and she quickly took it out to use. Wielding it as if she had affinity for it before, Mika quickly rushes toward the battle once more now that she has something which she can rely on without fear.

The sword is shaped after the Wuxia's broadsword design. A weapon of the masters, something that only those who have good deal with expertise can use effectively. Often seen in the hands of commanders or martial artists the like. Its sword-flow often described to be like a fountain brush stroking through the air by those with more imaginative quality, thus given its official Imperial Lexicon translation as fountain sword.

And speaking of it, Mika's sword is moving in rapid flow as it continues its stroke written in Genestealer blood. A lot of these gave the run for money of a lot of Imperial's hardliner but Mika is making short work of them like casually writing down her medical notes. After undergo so much distress and unchangeable plight, she had enough of this pointless duel that takes its length to make her life as insufferable as possible.

She thirsts for release.

Fiery Cresent (Burning Heart + Ember of Hope + Nostalgic Embrace + Cherished Memories + Display of Affection + [Sword of Forthirst] + {Minor Psykic Links})

Mika instantly swing her blazing scarlet swords in rapid changing motion as slashes connect with one another without disconnection. Each swing unleashes a blazing shockwave toward the Genestealer Magus as everything in between them get shred without mercy by her attacks. As the Magus sends out their own attack, each clash with one another before violently discharge from collision. But with Mika's relentless onslaught continues to perform as the gap between the two shortens, the quantity of Mika's attack was too much for even the Genestealer Magus to do anything.

It screams in fear and anger before it tried to conjure a Psykic barrier trying to shield from Mika's onslaught but even that is proven to be way too much as its barrier starts to wane and disrupted in the first hit and it only goes worse from there as dozens more collide. In total frustration and self-preservation instinct, it used its power to teleport away, leaving every of its brethren that it left behind completely headless in terms of command.

Even without the Magus for direct command, they're still a formidable threat in numbers and it would still be a brutal battle to contend against. Mika is at her peak right now with the scarlet sword enabling her to use her own Psykic power unhindered in terms of means. But a single match can't ignite all the incenses at once without withering away entirely.

But that's if she was alone, and she has her trusted friends having her back right now. In fact, she could leave it to them so that she can preserve her strength for more pressing situations should they arrive. Alphric has also disconnect the telepathic connection between Kang and Yang because he fears that Yang may not be able to take in what they will do.

Now, it's their turn to shine.

Emotion Level: 3.00
Spirit Arms Manifest.

Alphric and Kang took their deep breath as they resonate with their own power. They clearly not doing it as well like Mika with her 4th Blaze Match but they have own method of epiphany. Reconciling with their own learned lessons, they recall of what make them better than the day before. Emotions that has no proper way to describe, all that is known about them, is that it is rightfully theirs.

The two marches toward the tide of Genestealers that ravenously hunger for their demise. The leaving of their Magus doesn't matter if they can slay their opponents here and right now. The answer to that burning question would eventually be resolved and the answer isn't what they remotely like. As Alphric and Kang's minds resonate with their own spirits, their next step changes the reality around them to something that reflects their inner selves.

"Together?" Alphric said to his long-time friend.

"Together". Kang said the same as he too agree that he will never have a better partner-in-crime than Alphric.

The two individual mental worlds imprints into the Materium itself. And with resolution and clarity, they will ascertain their wills.

The only right way to overcome present adversary, is to live on with determination instead of contemplating the easy way out.

A man who has strength yet lack the will to change himself for better. Is nothing but an indestructible frame housing a cracked mirror.

Sewing stitches and numerous scars appear all over on Alphric's body. His combat outfit changed to that which doctors of all professions use, white coat, black long pant and shirt with waist belt held tightly. But his expression changed to the inexplicable broodiness and contemplation yet carrying the will to carrying on. He looks like the exemplary of contradictions but they merge together seamlessly as if he was Mika if she was a man instead.

Kang's transformation was entirely different. He suddenly gain a few more foot in height, an armor materializes around him as his muscles bulge up. As the Lights bless him as it transform his appearance bit by bit. The final result makes him appear as if a Space Marine has appeared out of thin air in place of him. Clad in impenetrable silver armor with golden trim, the black shoulder pauldron makes him stand distinctly from before. With his previous weapons that he carry disappeared, only dragging behind is a massive ball and chain that seemingly stolen from a construction vehicle.

The two appear completely different to one another but their thought was entirely in sync. Reality shift and turn as the battlefield turns solely for the Luminaries' advantages.

In total confusion, the Genestealer Cultists found themselves in unfamiliar environment to the already worn-out path that they remember clearly. Blood soaks to the knee, almost no light to be found then... their instinct flares up as they saw a shadowy figure in the distance that slowly walks up directly on them. With no regard if friend or foe, they unhesitatingly try to gun down the figure in the distance. Focus on 'tried' as no matter how much they shoot at the figure, bullets may hit yet fall harmlessly away.

One of the daring Genestealers rushes with their razor-sharp claws intending to swipe at his neck. They did but, it didn't even cut remotely deep enough to leave a lasting trace.

That figure was Alphric, carrying a disappointed look at the Genestealer for its feeble attempt at harming him. His doctor outfit stained in blood as the dichotomy between red and white stood glaringly now that his appearance is clear for them to see. Then with a gesture of his right hand shown to it, he doesn't remotely care to paraphrase his following attack.

Submerged Slumber

A scar that ran across his palm as if a blade has pierced through it. Then it completely opens without a word of warning as a geyser of blood flood into the assailant Genestealer that his target and those behind it get completely torn apart by the hyper-pressurized blood that threaten to cut even through multiple concrete city blocks in half if aimed.

Then his open wound immediately seal itself without any further additional input as Alphric searches for more of them to put an end to their wretched existence. He has fought hard beyond all his base instinct to obtain this power in this place. And now it is his place where he shall reign over the intruders who has trespassed into his domain.

He has a lot of grievance to resolve and the Genestealers will answer to it whether not they want to or not.

Somewhere in this illusion, the sound of heavy stomping can be heard as Genestealers try to run away from the source. Unfortunately for them, the moment they have heard it is when their demise is assured. Before any of their enhanced senses could detect anything, the rupturing sound of the atmosphere forcefully pushed back by something large and powerful in which shouldn't have moved at that speed.

No amount of self-convince could have worked at all when that behemoth clad in impenetrable metal eviscerate them with mere speed alone. Maneuver through the tight corridor as his legs continues to run atop of the surface of the blood-flooded facility with through sheer propulsion of his legs and buoyancy of the blood. As they madly made its cyclic movement like a steam train's pistons in overclock.

The area around is constructed in manner similar to military bunker and defense base yet a lot of the path connects to the adjacent areas design like research facility. As if their mental worlds merged with one another to create this dreary and mournful landscape that has resulted into. But none of its obstacles could stop Kang once he obtained his Spirit Arms.

With speed long exceeding even sound, into Mach 3 he goes as he shatters everything on his way with his own body, steel bunker gate smashed into smithereens, reinforced concrete has as much bearing as a wall of sand. He was virtually unstoppable and that as much as the truth without a shred of doubt.

It wasn't even remotely a fight at all, it was a one-sided massacre as the two of them seek and destroy any Genestealer they found.

With how much viscosity blood has in comparison to water, any attempt to move fast in them is met with futility. Trying to submerge themselves in blood will only drown them faster than water could. The amount of blood that even present here is too excessive for any baseline imagination or capability that no one here really could devise any measure of tactic at all. The dark and damp supposed to be their home field advantages but all of that are override completely by him and his capability.

Some even try to climb up to the wall and move from there. But neither would that save them at all as Kang's Power Armor allow thermal vision for detection thus any attempt to hide only to be met with prejudice slaughter. It doesn't matter in the slightest of what they may do, only one same fate awaits them at the end of the line.

Genestealer doesn't feel fear, they said. They would like to concur that they are now as they are going the worst nightmare that they will never awake from. But just seeking them individually would be expending their time and stamina which they don't have and that the full-extent of the Genestealer Cult hasn't yet reveal to them tell that they better utilize this power of their smart instead of trying this the way before.

This is their domain after all. This reality is whatever they command to be. And just like that, the next room that they enter is a massive hub area that seemingly connects to all. Both Alphric and Kang saw each other before nodding at one another. A plan formulated between without a word of discussion as the two in perfect sync combine their respective power.

Submerged Slumber

Alphric held his palms toward the air as geyser of blood unleashed from the scars that gashed between. Then Kang immediately jumps into the geyser itself as the Power Armor protects him from the pressurized blood jet before it propels him upward into the ceilings above. As Kang approaches closer to it, the gigantic ball and chain manifests in his arm out of nowhere as he whirls it around before swing it directly into the ceiling above.

Graviton Sphere

The gigantic sphere collide with the ceiling, resulted in total destruction of the above. Revealed what's behind was nothing but bright light that is blinding to even perceive through the Power Armor's enhanced vision. They don't need to actually step outside at all, all they needed was a false hope that the Genestealers will come to this place believing it to be the exit.

If you completely corner someone, they will fight to their last breathe. But leaving a vain exit and they will no doubt reach for it without questioning. With the final finishing touch, they altered the whole layout of the place to have the direction indicator that this place is their exit. And without much time passed, the Genestealers all arrived as they ferociously lunge forward despite the blood dragging them back.

The false hope of escape and illusion of release. There was simply no better lure than this sight to them.

Kang jumps into the fray as his speed increasingly mounts despite the initial resistance he undergoes as he move in the knee-deep blood. Then quickly, his movement speed starts to press against the heavy atmosphere as the sound barrier coalesce in front of him as he soon exceeds Mach speed. Even if they could see it coming, there was no possible way for their body to react in time despite their thought forcing them to.

Bodies torn apart upon collision as blood and viscera splatters into the pool underneath. Is it Alphric's? Is it theirs? Nobody can tell for there's no difference for the fallen. That's what all suicide victims are, figure-less beings that exist only as text or statistic on paper. People hear all the time and felt sad for a brief moment, but that's where it all end. Everyone of it is just meaningless noise for there is no one who has unlimited empathy or time to spare.

So, here Alphric stood, whose body marred in countless scars and wounds. They're not there randomly at all just to make him appear suffered. All of those scars are all traces of every suicide method used by countless people accumulated. The cuts at both of the wrists, vertical slits across forearms, the stabs through the palms, scars gashed through the fingers, the stitches at the neck, the long slash across the bowel, many more and numerous that doesn't bring immediate death but prolonged suffering.

People imagine suicide as quick and painless death but the truth can't be any more wrong than any imagination. Those who can kill themselves without their instinct holding back means their existence as an individual has long perished. And those who aren't when done so pass this pain around to everyone else nearby. There's no more coward action than the act of meaningless suicide itself. Even if it is for selfless acts, the cowardice is still behind them no matter what.

So his sorrow on his face isn't just to reflect the nature of suicide. It is to show how much pain and agony both physical and mental accumulate by the very act itself. When you suicide, the pain don't disappear away but continue to be passed on, perhaps even to more around. And he who represents all those who commit suicide, can only witness in silent as the pain festers. No matter physical or spiritual.

Submerged Slumber

Alphric blasts his approaching enemy in horde again as they try to reach for the exit hanging above them. With his palm unleashing jet of hyper-pressurized blood, any of those Genestealers caught in it get shreds apart by the impact. Made glaring even more is the carving impact left behind on the reinforced concrete as the result of said blast.

Imagine Alphric has to fight such monstrous foe that is capable of this at the beginning, he won't be able to even make it past the first bout of combat. No one will make it past their first bout during their Spiritual Resolution. The test is unforgiving but it must be possible to do so or it would be just a continuous curb-stomp battle that deters all hope of changing oneself for better. Ultimately, it is not a test that is difficult for its sake, it is to make its partakers realize their own being.

This attack stems from the suicide of drowning, much like what its name implies. To deliberately drown oneself, to be never seen again if they wished to be. The ultimate act of forfeiting their life to the tide. His blood geysers are meant to drown his enemy in blood but the force behind is too massive that it tore his enemy apart before the drowning act even start.

Enemies still come in thousands and not even the blender that is Kang moving in Mach speed can eliminate them all. It is obvious what he must do then, using the same blood geyser that he unleashed, he aimed them downward into the ground as the counter-force as the force sends him upward, he then ceases his propulsion as he then falls downward headfirst into the ground. Spreading his arms to the side, he proceeds to his following move.

Death Spiral

Blood starts to gush through his fingers instead. As he quickly spin around himself as the blood continues to unleash in hyper-pressurized jets that shreds them apart with force capable of easily tearing even city blocks in seconds. With maddening speed that he whirls, he become even more of a human blender than what Kang did in comparison and actions.

It doesn't matter of the special variants of Genestealer joining the fight or not. It all doesn't matter the moment the Luminaries gain their access to their own Spirit Arms. The staggering differences between two side has become too much that none of their actions matter in the slightest against the Luminaries.

While the blood splatters and gush upon, Kang continues his wrecking carnage as he swing the gigantic ball and chain that promptly demolished anything in sight. He doesn't feel anything despite the gruesome sight on display, nor is it because of his targets being abhor-able being that will see the death of any people it opposes.

There's a world of differences between suppressing an urge and feeling nothing at all. Kang's violent history is certainly something that is touched upon during his time at the Guild but he doesn't mind it too much. But here within this suit of armor, he genuinely felt detached from all the violence and horror on display. As if he is watching a display in real-time while the input he made is completely separated from him to the reality around it.

If there's something that would change his perspective instantly, it would be the knowledge of the pattern of this Power Armor that he is wearing. The exact is that armor he wore belongs to the Iron Warrior's heraldry. One of the First Founding Traitor Legions at the end of Great Crusade era. The knowledge involving this will obviously lead to his ordered termination if he knew.

The Iron Warrior, the most thankless of all transhuman soldier that ever put their service to the Emperor. The remorseless toll put on these individuals tore and shatter any sense of self-worth. Not even including their own Primarch who is even go so far to order routinized purges of their own elements with their own forces as it further demolish any remaining human connection and elements of them. In eventuality, there was no feeling to be found, only cold calculation and embittered thoughts imprinted.

No more than even the Servitors themselves. Like easily discarded tools that can be replaced without heart to care.

It is the final result that the Iron Warrior wanted. Spoken in their Unbreakable Litany of how they will be stalwart and devoid of all weaknesses by removing any possible perceived notions of ones. Finally, only the empty shell made out of iron remained. And yet the emptiness supposedly dwell within lingers the trace of bitterness and self-loathing.

Regret Within, Regret Without

The gigantic sphere made out of undiscernable metal moved at great forces as its wielder swing with apathy, that's what supposed to be. And yet his motion and the way he carries as his speed mount to exceeding sound since long ago as he slaughters. He killed so many that he lost count long ago, he murdered so many that there was no sensation can be found in the heinous act. An empty sensation that goes on as if his life was nothing but two processes looping endlessly without stop.

Ends, begins, ends, begins, ends...

Kang is still himself but the reflection on this state of mind made him realized just how fortunate he really were to learn the mistake before it was too late. That he can't forsake himself to go back to that accursed path again.

With their combined efforts, even thousands of these fierce enemies met their assured demise. When there are no longer anything but the two, this reality came to a stop on their own accords. In a flash of light, the two returns back to their usual attire once more as they fall to their knees in tiredness. Not fatigue because the whole process is no different than that of stepping on ants.

"Alphric! Kang! Are you alright!?" Mika said as she quickly approaches them.

"Mika... I owe you an apology. Because until now, I didn't fully understand how you felt at the time and that it was strange of you to be sad all the time. But... seeing who I were back then, I have no right to say any of it. If there's any grievance you wish to speak of me right now then say it". Alphric said as if he came out wiser although the broody aftereffect still lingers as a result of his Spirit Armament.

"Alphric! There's nothing wrong with you! The fact that you overcome your own desire for release is proof that you are a lot stronger than how much you give credit to". Mika said as she held him tightly.

While the two lovebirds still having their sweet heart-to-heart. Kang sat there on the ground as without Alphric and Mika, it would have been eerie silence for just how empty this place has become with only the three of them. Seeing how their Spirit Arms are based on their opponents during Spiritual Resolution and that it is based on their past, Kang decided to make a run down the memory lane to see what might be used during their next Spiritual Resolution.

A life of violence like Kang is no doubt leaving an everlasting impression on him but he seems to make it past a lot with belief that he probably could overcome seeing who he is now. But then, his expression turned toward disbelief as he realized that if there's any that it will take advantage thoroughly, it would be that one. He couldn't dare tell the full detail to his friends lest it will disrupt their whole partnership with one and another.

Either way, he immediately turns away from that thought, can't let it sours their savory of victory. This battle between them and the Genestealer detachment, ends with total defeat for the Genestealers.

---

Battle Report

Group Physical Strength: Peak Human
Spiritual Resolution Level: Awakened Psyker
Light: 123,432,449 (123.4M)
Total Kills: 21,325

-Nemesis Slain:
-Scrap Knight (100k Lights)
-Imperial Knight (300k Lights)
-Kelermorph (300k Lights)
-Locus (300k Lights)
-Purestrain Genestealer (750k Lights)

-Abominable Intelligence (1M Lights)

-Martial Arts learned:
+Alphric Alpheus:
-Thousand March Footwork
-Krav Magus Defense Technique

+Mika Apocrypha:
-Heavenly Demonic Divine Arts
-Autumn Falling Leaves

+Kang Jeremy:
-One-Inch Punch
-Thousand March Footwork

-Armaments:
+Alphric Alpheus:
*Weapons
-Heavy Autorifle (GM6 Lynx)
-Assault Cannon (GAU-19 / MG46 Wolfenstein)
-Break-action Grenade Launcher (M79)
*Armor / Accessories
-Flak Armor
-Heavy Ammunition Box

+Mika Apocrypha:
*Weapons
-Heavy Automagnum (Desert Eagle - extended barrel/mag)
-Brilliant Scarlet Steel Sword
*Armor / Accessories
-Flak Vest
-Magnum Bandoliers
-Imperial Guard Standardized Medicare Bag

+Kang Jeremy:
*Weapons
-Autohammer (Shockhammer Wolfenstein)
-Arbite Power Maul
*Armor / Accessories
-Flak Armor
-Exotic Shotgun Munition
-Grenade Bandolier

Spiritual Resolution:

#Mika Apocrypha:
+Broken Hope:

-Ember of Hope: Kinetic-based attacks gain incendiary effect, and heat-based weapons gain more effectiveness. Close-quarter combat can release fire burst upon injury received and inflicted.

-Burning Heart: Melee attacks gain increased potency and can cause explosions at times. Can cause friendly fire and self-harm. Can be activated and deactivated at will.

-Rise From the Ashes: Cause a massive incendiary explosion on receiving mortal wounds, nullify said deathblow at the cost of potentially losing all non-relic equipment in the said explosion. Can be activated and deactivated at will.

*Spirit Arms: 4th Blaze Match - Dying Light (information updated)

+Cherished Memory:

-Nostalgic Embrace of Old Days: All melee attacks can cause shockwaves even if fail to connect. Chance of happening increases with repetition and succession.

-Cherished Memories: Combat fatigue effect is reduced, and the most tiring combat technique known and used becomes less tiring the more usage of it is increased. Reset at long rest.

-Display of Affections: When engaging in direct combat or duel, attack potency is increased significantly. Otherwise, attacks become less in power. (Can be toggled at will)

#Kang Jeremy:
+Forsakened Servitor:

-Violence: All attacks gain a significant boost but skill-based attacks may suffer from uncontrollable violence. Can be activated and deactivated at will.

-Metallic Crush: Strike attacks or critical blows inflict permanent damage that can't be removed. Significantly increased damage dealt against mechanical and constructs.

-Chained Wrath: Gain a massive attack boost to everything even firearms, however, mobility is reduced to a near-slow pace. Can be activated and deactivated at will.

*Spirit Arms: Regret Within, Regret Without (Astartes-pattern Armor and Weapons)

+Helper Servitor:

-Overdrive: At combat start or well-rested, gain a massive increase in speed, and attack deals significantly increased damage in comparison to potency during effect.

-Recognition: When attacks succeed against enemies' attacks multiple times in a row, the next following attack has minimal fatigue.

-Momentum: The higher Kang's speed in comparison to the clashing opponent, the higher the attacking potency against the said opponent.

#Alphric Alpheus:

+Bloody Aftermath:

-Stagnant Blood: Blocking become much more effective and can withstand all blows with no agony and permanent damage.

-Scar of Sorrow: Slash attacks received deal significantly reduced damage and can nullify blows at chances.

-Pale Hands: Melee attacks can inflict shocking and revolting sensations. Extensive contact can destroy a target mentally.

*Spirit Arms: Bloodbath - Coward's End

+Endless Endeavor:

-Heart of Aspiration: Increase maximum health and endurance. Movement and reaction speed are increased considerably when activated.

-Pulsating Beat: Strength increases the longer combat extends (hard-capped at 12 hours maximum). This ability resets when the Emotion Level is reset from long rest.

-Fervid Emotions: Gain a short burst of strength, speed, defense, and indomitability when activated. May cause heart attacks if overused in rapid succession.