The Thief of Water

For several days, Dante accompanied by Kesh visited Erishe, bringing with them a substantial amount of food supplies and some common necessities purchased by Dante and Kesh. That evening, after returning from the Lower Hive, Dante promptly reported his actions to Trajann Valoris. Trajann Valoris and several members of the Custodian Tribune requested an explanation for Dante's actions, and Dante explained that it was instinctual. He merely exchanged trivial items to assist the people.

Trajann Valoris clasped Dante's shoulder. "Personally, I'm proud of your actions. Never forget one important thing: we are still human," Trajann Valoris said. "In that case, I will prepare some supplies for you to distribute to that apartment," Trajann Valoris added. Dante and Kesh nodded in agreement.

For several days, Dante and Kesh visited the apartment where Erishe lived, distributing food supplies to all the residents in turn. Erishe and her son began to smile again, knowing that there were still those who cared about the workers in the Lower Hive. Even on Dante's last holiday, he effortlessly procured a whole Grox and invited the surrounding area to dine together. After the communal dinner, Dante and Kesh returned to the Sanctum of the Thousand Eyes and rested in their respective chambers.

What's going on?" Dante asked.

"An unusual theft case..." Trajann Valoris began.

"A case of theft involving the water supply in Hive City Chigo," Arcturus added. "This time, it's the work of the Cult of the Red Blood God. I've long suspected them because they always manage to escape during raids on their ritual sites," Arcturus continued.

"How's the Inquisitor handling it?" Dante inquired.

"They've requested our assistance. If possible, we're to discreetly eliminate the thieves. This is where you'll come in, along with an agent from the Officio Assassinorum," Trajann Valoris explained.

"Is the amount of missing drinking water that significant?" Dante questioned.

"For a Hive City, losing its drinking water supply could have severe long-term consequences," Shield Host Commander Arcturus replied. "The Inquisitor in charge is also at a loss regarding this matter. Investigations by the Inquisition have caused quite a stir in Hive City Chigo. Inquisitor Herashel Bright, who was investigating the issue, also lost track of the cultists. We suspect they've fled to the Underhive, under the protection of the Necromunda Guild," Trajann Valoris concluded.

"I'll depart immediately to handle this matter," Dante declared.

"In that case, head straight to Hive City Chigo. Due to its distance, you'll be traveling via Valkyrie Transport plane," Trajann Valoris instructed.

"What about the Assassin from the Officio Assassinorum?" Dante inquired.

"They're en route as well, so you'll meet at the spaceport in Hive City Chigo," Trajann Valoris replied.

Dante nodded and swiftly made his way to the Space Port near the Imperial Palace, boarding the aircraft prepared by the Custodes and setting off.

The next morning, Dante prepared as usual in his Auramite Armor, but with the left shoulder guard colored black. With haste, Dante made his way to the Tower of Hegemont. Trajann Valoris, slightly concerned about a recent case, was already present, along with Shield Commander Arcthurus.

The distance from the Imperial Palace was considerable, requiring several hours of travel. Dante set off early in the day and arrived just before noon. He landed at the Space Port in the Upper Hive of Chigo and headed towards the office of Inquisitor Herashel Bright. Along the way, Dante sensed the presence of two individuals observing him. Dante promptly entered Inquisitor Herashel's office, where he found the Inquisitor enjoying a glass of Amasec. Inquisitor Herashel quickly stood up and straightened his attire as Dante took a seat.

"So, Inquisitor Herashel, how could the drinking water supply from this Hive City go missing?" Dante inquired.

"Actually, I was sending Scion forces to the intended area, and my initial suspicion was that it involved Chaos Cultists, but it turns out there's another party involved," the Inquisitor explained.

"And the perpetrators?" Dante asked.

"The Cult of Eternal Knowledge collaborated with the Necromunda gang from House of Orlock's branch on Holy Terra," Inquisitor Herashel replied.

"The Cult working with Necromunda? That's something..." Dante remarked.

"Actually, the Under Hive area has always been a nest for cultists and gangsters, as well as various unexplainable creatures," Herashel added.

"It seems it's indeed time to descend into the Under Hive," Dante remarked.

"Ah, yes, You are followed by two members of the Officio Assassinorum... and one of them..." Inquisitor Herashel began.

"Is here, right?" Dante interrupted, "Come out..." he commanded.

A woman dressed in tight black attire with long, flowing platinum hair revealed herself, lounging casually on one of the empty sofas.

"Mirabela from the Caledus Temple and Hunter from the Vindicator Temple, ready for duty," Mirabela announced.

"Both of you are the Assassins assigned to me?" Dante inquired.

"According to the directives of the Assassin Master," Mirabela confirmed.

"I will prepare the 4th Scion Division to eradicate the Cult of Eternal Knowledge. Tonight, we will venture into the Under Hive," Dante declared.

Dante and Inquisitor Herashel conversed casually while inspecting the readiness of the 4th Regiment of Scion. As night fell, Dante, accompanied by Inquisitor Herashel, descended into the depths along with the two agents of the Officio Assassinorum and the 4th Regiment of Scion. Shortly after entering the Underhive section of Hive City Chigo, Dante sensed something peculiar.

"Strange... I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched," Dante remarked.

"Perhaps because the Vindicator Agent is currently observing you, Lord Custodes," Herashel suggested.

"Don't underestimate it, Inquisitor... we are in their territory," Dante replied with a serious tone. Suddenly, the sound of gunfire erupted. Mirabela and Dante swiftly prepared themselves. Dante could hear the sound of many people running in their direction.

Dante's suspicions were confirmed as numerous cult members with tattoos depicting a black circle with 8 arrows pointing in all directions on their heads emerged. Dante and Mirabela immediately confronted the cultists in front of them, while Inquisitor Herashel organized a defensive formation. Dante swiftly moved, effortlessly dispatching 5 cult members who attacked him. Suddenly, he realized that one of the cultists' heads behind him exploded, its contents scattering across the floor.

"FOR THE CHAOS GODS!!!" the high priest roared, commanding his forces to aim and fire at Dante and Mirabela. Several priests led the attack from the rear of the defense. Inquisitor Herashel, along with the Scion forces, quickly prepared their melee weapons, ready to counter-attack. As the cultists charged, Inquisitor and the Scions retaliated swiftly.

Dante and Mirabela continued their advance, with Dante shielding Mirabela from the Lasrifles fired by the cultists, which barely made a dent in his Auramite Armor, while being protected by Hunter. Dante pressed forward with Mirabela, continuously eliminating cult members attempting to halt their progress. The high priest, realizing his vulnerability, attempted to draw a Lasgun but was helpless against the Adeptus Custodes armor, which was harder than Ceramite. Dante swiftly impaled the high priest with his Guardian Spear and effortlessly cleaved his body in half.

Seeing their leader fall, the cultists quickly scattered in fear.

"Inquisitor, please return these to the inhabitants... Hopefully, with this, the crisis..." Dante's words were cut off as the sound of gunfire erupted from an unknown source. In an instant, Inquisitor Herashel fell to the ground, blood pooling around him. Another shot rang out, this time hitting Dante's shoulder armor guard. Hunter, who managed to trace the sniper's location after the second shot, swiftly returned fire, aiming directly at the sniper's head.

Damn it..." Mirabela cursed after the cultist sniper was killed. "Scion, contact the Inquisitor's office immediately. Trajann Valoris won't be pleased with this..." Dante said, exhaling a long breath.

Note:

Thank you for participating, Herashel Bright from Snoxxy Virtue! Although I forced you a little and spoiled the ending of the story, I hope you enjoyed your role in this LN

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