Chapter 1018 - 1017: Is She Really a Woman Who Needs Protection and Pity?

In the Akum-Sothos Cluster, Horus Lupercal's earliest resplendent achievement, a jewel upon the Warmaster's crown of conquest,

In the Planetary Governor's palace in the Potsdam system, Pezela lay on the velvet bed, gazing at the graceful silhouette seated at the vanity.

Maria Kournikova's pale fingers gently combed her lustrous hair, sending ripples of motion through it.

Pezela stared at the delicate, fair-skinned figure wrapped in a translucent nightgown, rose from the bed, and hurried to her side, embracing her.

Maria leaned into his arms. "Is Tbilisi still refusing to pledge allegiance to Lord Nareth?"

Pezela inhaled her scent, feeling slightly dizzy, he lifted his head only at Maria's words.

"They are ignorant and stubborn. They rejected my envoy's demands."

"They believe the Warmaster will surely win, and that their loyalty will be rewarded."

A glint of coldness passed through Maria's eyes, though her voice remained soft.

"Dementieva has already arrived on Tbilisi. She will teach those people the meaning of true pain."

"Those still wavering will make wiser choices."

Pezela's body trembled slightly. The woman in his arms was not as frail as she appeared.

Not only could she mobilize vast resources, but she also commanded a network of terrifying assassins.

Pezela's ability to regain control of the Potsdam system and its surrounding domains owed much to her support.

"I believe in your capabilities." He held her tightly, both he and his kingdom were inseparable from the support of the woman in his arms.

...….

The Hive Capital of Tbilisi Prime.

"Affliction" Dementieva walked to the golden railing, gazing down below. She said to the five "Pleasures" and thirteen "Witches":

"Tbilisi has refused to submit to His Highness. We will bring down punishment upon them."

"You all know your targets. Now move, make them repent in agony."

Dementieva watched the senior "Assassins" depart in silence, then stepped onto the balcony.

Her gaze locked onto the hive-tower that pierced the clouds at the city's center, and she leaped.

Markaton Talons fired strands of webbing that adhered to the walls' edges, propelling her swiftly toward her target.

Boom!

Dementieva twisted gracefully, tracing the explosion with her eyes.

A figure in black robes stood atop a platform, proclaiming loudly:

"The nobles of this hive-tower, in their folly, follow Horus, leading you all to death and ruin."

"If you do not wish to follow them to hell, then follow my steps."

"Lord Nareth will pardon your sins."

The workers of the upper hive were all engaged in technical labor, and the Akum-Sothos Cluster bore vital supply responsibilities.

They all knew the terrible punishments the Imperium would inflict upon traitors, and they remembered the legend of how the Shadows of Order had swept through rebellious worlds like wind, six years past.

They raised their arms high: "Praise Lord Nareth!"

"Kill the traitors, and be pardoned."

Dementieva withdrew her gaze, pressing down on her Markaton Talons.

Weblines retracted and shot back, the senior "Assassin" landed as lightly as a feather.

The hive-tower guards raised their lasguns in unison. "Halt."

"The Governor's palace, unauthorized entry, "

"Affliction" Dementieva pulled back her hood, actively activated her "Charm" ability, and offered a gentle smile.

The guards stared at the frail woman before them, her tall figure, whipped by the wind, seemed even more delicate.

How could this pitiful creature be some dangerous rioter?

Even clad in armor, it was surely only to keep her from harm.

Dementieva silently gripped the protective orb bestowed by the Black Emperor, advancing slowly toward the hundred guards.

The "Affliction" saw their gun barrels lower, some even slung their lasguns to step closer to her.

'The active "Charm" ability of an "Affliction" is far more effective than the passive state.'

She reached the guard captain, curtsied slightly, revealing a flash of pale skin, and spoke in a soft, sweet voice:

"Sir."

The guard captain felt a warm surge rise from his abdomen, rushing through his entire body.

His pallid, sun-starved face flushed slightly, he had never felt such ease and comfort in all his life.

He swallowed, imitating the hive-noble etiquette he had seen, and executed an elaborate courtly bow.

"Madam, how may I serve you?"

Dementieva extended her pale, delicate hand. The guard captain kissed it reverently, as if afraid his rough stubble might scratch her fragile skin.

"My family has suffered an injustice. I wish to see the Governor and present the truth to him."

"I would ask you to take me to the Governor."

The guard captain released her soft hand, feeling a pang of loss.

"Madam, it would be my honor."

He led the way solicitously; the guards surrounded Dementieva, proud to act as her escort.

Using his family's access codes, the captain unlocked the elevator, and it ascended rapidly.

Dong!

The elevator stopped. The captain said apologetically: "Madam, my clearance only goes this far."

"The Governor's floor is three levels above."

Dementieva bowed. "Thank you for your help."

She stepped forward, then stumbled and fell backward.

The captain reacted first, reaching out to catch her warm, soft body before anyone else.

"Thank you..."

The "Affliction" walked away slowly, her back lonely, her voice tinged with poignant beauty.

The guard captain felt a hot rush to his head.

"I will not let you go alone."

A faint smile curled at the corner of Dementieva's mouth. She was beginning to savor this feeling, "charming" and manipulating others.

"Halt!" Guards in ballistic armor appeared abruptly.

Dementieva stepped forward and curtsied.

"Honorable sirs, my family has suffered an injustice. I wish to see the Governor. Please help me."

"Attack!" A cold voice rang out.

Beams of light flared, sizzling the air.

Dementieva let out a scream, "fleeing" in panic, just barely dodging the scorching beams.

She glanced at the scene: the Governor's household guard was exchanging heavy fire with the hive-tower guards.

Her gaze sharpened, five guards raised their lasguns and opened fire on their comrades.

Bang bang...

Over a dozen guards, caught off guard, collapsed.

Dementieva heard rapid footsteps approaching. She knew she had to break through the guards' interception quickly.

The "Affliction" extended her spirituality, covertly spreading "Disease."

'One, two…'

Dementieva counted silently, until ten.

Achoo!

Cough! Cough!

She quietly activated her Spirit Vision and saw a guard's head clouded with grey.

Another's lungs had darkened, the shadow growing thicker.

Bang!

A guard collapsed in agony, clutching his throat, struggling to breathe, he rasped.

The "Disease" the "Affliction" had created gradually worsened from mild symptoms. The guards' spiritual forms were quickly overtaken by grey shadows, eventually turning a lifeless black.

Their faces burned, chests tightened, they staggered and fell.

The "Affliction" stepped out from the shadows; with each step, the disease spread and worsened.

The guard captain was struck through the chest by a beam. He collapsed, watching the delicate woman move with unhurried calm.

Bizarrely, the guards before her fell one by one.

'Is she really a woman who needs protection and pity?'

....

If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.

[email protected]/DaoistJinzu