LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 88: Respect
"True name or not, it's just another beast," Kayvaan replied dismissively. "That thing was spouting nonsense when it died. Why should I care?"
"Because this isn't just another beast!" Elizabeth snapped. "This was a true daemon, not one of the twisted creatures corrupted by Chaos. The others bleed and die like any mortal creature, but this one... its body ignited in unholy flames. That fire wasn't natural—it was Chaos itself reclaiming its servant. Killing it doesn't destroy it; you've merely banished it back to the Warp. It'll heal, grow stronger, and come for you again."
Kayvaan shrugged, his expression unbothered. "And I'll kill it again. A hundred times if I have to. Let it come back as many times as it wants—the outcome won't change. This is a human universe. These Warp-spawned parasites have no claim here."
Elizabeth sighed, watching the green flames devour the daemon's body until only blackened ashes remained. She knew Kayvaan's confidence bordered on arrogance, but his skill was undeniable. Neither spoke as the last traces of the daemon faded into nothing."Let's move," Kayvaan said flatly. "Next target."
The winding path to the second target was fraught with danger. Kayvaan and his group faced a relentless onslaught of twisted creatures: hulking minotaurs, sentinel rabbits armed with crude weapons, daemonic dogs, gorillas with claws like scythes, lions wreathed in flames, and horrors of all shapes and sizes. These creatures ambushed from every conceivable hiding spot—lurking in shadows, leaping from rooftops, or bursting out of the sewers.
Kayvaan's sharp instincts and experience turned these ambushes into futile efforts. When a daemon tried to emerge from a sewer manhole, Kayvaan casually rolled a phosphorus grenade inside and slammed the cover shut with his boot. The explosion below sent fiery light spilling out from the cracks. Shadowy figures clinging to lamp posts or concealed within the dim street corners were swiftly eliminated by Kayvaan's sniper rifle. Each shot was precise, each kill clean.
Walking point for the team, Kayvaan ensured that most threats were neutralized before they became a danger. He marked more problematic enemies on the squad's electronic map, guiding the Sisters of Battle to quickly eradicate these hidden threats. Despite his vigilance, the team couldn't avoid conflict altogether. The daemons' persistence forced repeated skirmishes, slowing their progress and steadily draining their stamina.
The team's path twisted down a seemingly endless staircase spiraling deep into the underground. Shadows danced ominously along the walls, and every step seemed to echo endlessly. daemons struck from unexpected places: from blind corners, from the ceilings, even bursting forth from the very stone itself. They clung to darkness, waiting to exploit the smallest lapse in attention.
Kayvaan's keen senses and skill rendered these ambushes ineffective. He identified threats before they could strike, calling out locations and dispatching foes with ruthless efficiency. Yet, no matter how quickly the team handled these attacks, the constant fighting took its toll. Though the Sisters' faith and unshakable resolve fortified them against the mental and spiritual assaults of Chaos, their mortal bodies were still bound by human limits.
Understanding this, Kayvaan led them to a secure location to rest. The group halted for two hours, during which every warrior but Kayvaan was given an hour and a half to sleep. He stood watch, ensuring their temporary respite wasn't interrupted. Refreshed but wary, the group pressed on, eventually reaching their second objective—a massive tent surrounded by makeshift fortifications. Sentinel rabbits armed with primitive firearms guarded the barricades, their glowing eyes scanning the darkness.
The daemons were prepared for an attack, but their defenses were futile against Kayvaan's optical cloak. Invisible to the naked eye, he moved like a wraith. The first explosion shattered the fortifications, and the sentinel rabbits scrambled in disarray. Then came the rhythmic, unfeeling crack of Kayvaan's sniper rifle. Bang. Bang. Bang. Each shot found its mark, splattering daemon heads with ease. Fear rippled through the defenders; none dared to expose themselves.
Under Kayvaan's cover fire, the Sisters of Battle surged forward. Before breaching the tent, they lobbed phosphorus grenades, the ensuing flames consuming everything in their path. With righteous fury, the Sisters stormed the tent, their bolters roaring in unison. The daemons within stood no chance. The carnage was so overwhelming that even the Chaos-spawn might have questioned who the true monsters were.
When the battle ended, the altar inside the tent lay in ruins. But their victory was hollow—the altar was another decoy. The march to the third target was slower. Fatigue weighed heavily on the group. At one point, a Sister collapsed mid-stride, falling to the ground without a sound. Alarmed, the others formed a defensive perimeter, anticipating a silent attack. But no enemies emerged. On closer inspection, it became clear—she had simply succumbed to exhaustion.
The relentless pace, sleepless nights, and constant fighting had pushed their bodies to the brink. Even the strongest wills couldn't override their physical limits. Realizing this, Kayvaan ordered an immediate halt. Rest was no longer optional; without it, the entire team would collapse.
As they settled in for a much-needed break, Kayvaan studied the cityscape visible through nearby windows. The underground metropolis was a strange, lifeless place, a maze of reinforced concrete cloaked in shadow. Tall buildings rose like silent monoliths, their windows dark and uninviting. It was unclear whether the city had been abandoned or if its inhabitants had sealed themselves away to avoid the horrors lurking outside.
In the distance, a few streetlights flickered, casting pools of orange-yellow light onto the empty roads. Instead of providing comfort, the faint illumination only heightened the eerie atmosphere, making the surrounding darkness feel even more oppressive. Lightning occasionally slashed across the sky, illuminating the city in brief flashes of pale, unnatural light.
Kayvaan's thoughts remained pragmatic. This strange city was just another battlefield. Whatever secrets it held would eventually be revealed. For now, the priority was clear: rest, regroup, and prepare for the challenges yet to come. The war against Chaos waited for no one.
After checking all the sentries, as he had expected, everything was in order. Despite their exhaustion, the Sisters never uttered a single complaint. They carried out their duties flawlessly, with unwavering focus. These women, steadfast and disciplined, gave Kayvaan confidence. Still, out of responsibility and habit, he personally inspected every post before allowing himself to rest.
It wasn't strictly necessary. These women, all combat veterans, were beyond reproach. Elizabeth's followers were no ordinary Sisters of Battle. They had undergone elite training, executed perilous missions, and carried an unshakable faith in the Emperor. Their belief was their shield, their courage forged in conviction. These were not mere soldiers—they were warriors who embodied the Emperor's light on the battlefield.
If Kayvaan had once harbored disdain or skepticism toward the Sisters, that had long since faded. He now held a deep respect for them, though he kept it to himself. These women fought with the same ferocity and discipline as any Space Marine, proving themselves time and again. That alone was deserving of admiration.