The First Mission

Several months had passed since Dante joined the Adeptus Custodes on Holy Terra. The training with the Adeptus Custodes was quite rigorous. Dante had fully mastered how to wield Guardian Spears very efficiently and was still learning how to wield the Castellan Axe as his secondary weapon, but Dante particularly favored Vaultswords. Dante quickly mastered the Martial Ka'tahs and even became a master in Martial Ka'tahs. He had already defeated quite a few Custodians in training sessions. The most noticeable change was Dante's larger physique due to gene enhancement with highly secretive alchemical techniques.

Trajann Valoris, who had fully become Dante's mentor, saw that Dante was ready to receive his armor and Guardian Spears. "Dante, the Emperor indeed did not err in his choice of individuals. It usually takes at least 20 years to become an Adeptus Custodes, but you have managed to pass in just a few months," Trajann Valoris said. "Normally, we recruit Adeptus Custodes from infancy, but because the Emperor trusts in your abilities, I can say..." Trajann Valoris paused. "What?" Dante asked. "You have passed and will soon receive your own Auramite Armor. Welcome to the Ten Thousand, Adeptus Custodes Dante..." Trajann Valoris said, shaking Dante's hand. Dante returned the handshake firmly. He immediately headed to the Sanctum of Thousand Eyes with Trajann Valoris. Upon arriving at the Sanctum of Thousand Eyes, Dante swiftly donned the Adeptus Custodes armor and took up the Guardian Spears.

"Here, there are 10 Shield Host Companies, each with their own tasks," Trajann Valoris explained. "I know you're the adventurous type, someone who enjoys facing challenges that really push your abilities, judging from your training performance and how quickly you've mastered Martial Ka'tahs," Trajann said. "Choose the Host that you feel suits you best, and once you've decided, meet me at the Tower of Hegemont," Trajann Valoris said as he left Dante.

Dante immediately noticed the Shield Host Commanders looking in his direction, but only one seemed preoccupied. Dante approached that Commander to see what the Shield Company had to offer. "So, you're Dante, right? I've heard about your performance," said the Shield Host Captain. "You're still in the Hykanatoi chamber, but from what I've read, you're more adept at stealth and assassination. I think I'll assign you to the Ephoroi chamber," the Shield Host Commander said. "Welcome to the Gilded Fist Shield Host Company, my name is Archturus Paliades," said Archturus Paliades as he shook Dante's hand. "Thank you, Commander," Dante replied. "Go see the Captain General immediately. If you succeed in your initial tasks, I will recommend you for the Ephoroi chamber," Commander Archturus said. Dante nodded and promptly headed to the Tower of Hegemons.

Dante swiftly arrived at the Tower of Hegemont, having become accustomed and familiar with the layout of the Holy Terra Imperial Palace after months of training as an Adeptus Custodes. Upon arriving at the Tower of Hegemont, Dante noticed a computer and a holographic map displaying the layout of Holy Terra.

"Dante... as the finest force Holy Terra possesses, the Adeptus Custodes have the primary duty of protecting the Imperial Palace from any attacks attempting to breach its defenses," Trajann Valoris said. "There's some unfortunate news that a riot is brewing in the Hive City of Surba. The Sisters of Battle, along with Inquisitor Elisa, are heading there to investigate. Your task is to assist them in their investigation. I suspect that a Genestealer Cult has managed to infiltrate Holy Terra," the Captain General explained.

"Isn't that the task of the Inquisitor?" Dante asked. "Indeed, it is the Inquisitor's task, but the Governor of that Hive City seems to be covering up or even protecting something," the Captain General replied. "Hmm... intriguing and suspicious at the same time," Dante remarked. "Shield Host Commander Archturus said you're suitable for the Ephoroi chamber, I'll consider that," the Captain General added. Dante promptly left the Tower of Hegemont and headed to the Hall of Armory. In the Hall of Armory, he immediately spoke with one of the Tech Priests and then boarded a Jet Bike to Hive City Surba.

It took a full hour to reach Hive City Surba from the Imperial Palace. The Jet Bike used by the Adeptus Custodes differed from those used by Space Marines. Adeptus Custodes' Jet Bikes boasted incredibly high speeds and durability compared to the standard Space Marine Jet Bikes. Dante swiftly entered Surba Hive City and made his way to the Imperial Cult church. He promptly parked his Jet Bike and entered the church, where he was greeted by one of the priests.

"Welcome, honored Custodes, what brings the Emperor's finest to our humble abode?" the priest asked. "I wish to meet with the Sisters of Battle and the Inquisitor who are investigating a cult in this Hive City," Dante replied. "Very well, please wait a moment. I'll summon Sister Arabel and her squad," the priest said, then commanded a skeletal robot to follow him. "Impressive Skull Servo," Dante remarked casually. "Ah, thank you, Custodes," the priest replied. Shortly after, a group of women appeared, clad in black power armor adorned with the symbol of the Adepta Sororitas.

The female soldiers immediately knelt before Dante. "Sister Mariana of the Order of the Argent Shroud is ready to assist," Sister Mariana said. "Rise, sisters. I come here to aid you and Inquisitor Elisa in the investigation," Dante replied. "The Inquisitor is currently with the Governor; they're in a meeting," Sister Erika informed. "Good, let's prepare to head to the Governor's office," Dante said. He swiftly exited the church and boarded his Jet Bike, heading towards the Governor's office, with the Sisters of Battle following closely on a Speeder.

The Governor's office was located at the top of the city, so it took Dante longer to reach it from the lower part of Hive City Surba. Upon arriving at the Governor's office, Dante immediately entered. The Governor, who was on duty, was being interrogated by the Inquisitor.

"Custodes? What is this? Are you..." the Inquisitor began to ask, but Dante ignored him and signaled to the Sister of Battle accompanying him to close the door. Dante immediately aimed the spearhead of his Guardian Spear.

"TELL ME WHERE THE CULT IS HIDING!!!" Dante threatened loudly. "I... I..." the Governor stammered.

"TELL ME OR YOUR HEAD WILL EXPLODE!" Dante threatened for the second time.

"Alright!!! They call themselves the Cult of Emperor Crawler! They usually hold meetings in the Underhive at night. You can find them by their insect-like logo," the Governor said, trembling in fear, even wetting himself in the process.

"Inquisitor, we have our answer," Dante said, while the Inquisitor remained silent. "I came here to assist you... oh, and as for your Governor... it's up to you what to do with him," Dante added before leaving the room. "Oh, and prepare your forces as well... it seems tonight will be eventful," Dante remarked as he exited the room.

Dante quickly mounted his Jet Bike and headed to the Lower Hive level of Hive City Surba. Due to the density of the Lower Hive area, Dante was forced to leave his Jet Bike at the nearest Adeptus Arbites office while coordinating with the Arbites on duty. Shortly after, Inquisitor Elisa arrived with a detachment of Sisters of Battle from the Ordo Hereticus and a Judge from the Arbites at the location.

"We will conduct a thorough patrol to ensure we locate the gathering place of the cult," Dante declared.

"No need, I was a little late because I wanted to confirm the exact location earlier. The Governor provided the location, which is why I brought the Sisters of Battle," Inquisitor Elisa explained.

"What about the Governor?" Dante inquired.

"He's been taken care of by the Justicar and Marshall from the Arbites, so we can focus on tonight," Inquisitor Elisa replied.

"Good... let's begin then," Dante said as a Judge closed the door.

Under the cover of night, the operation to dismantle the Cult of Emperor Crawler began. Dante led the way with the Sisters of Battle and Inquisitor Elisa. With the location confirmed, they swiftly arrived at the scene. Dante knocked on the door marked with a symbol resembling a coiled caterpillar, and immediately a small window on the door opened.

"Password?" the person asked. Without hesitation, Dante kicked the door with such force that it shattered, instantly killing the person who asked for the password. "FOR THE EMPEROR!" Dante roared as he charged forward, decapitating three individuals in one swift motion, their heads separating from their bodies as blood splattered against the walls. The Sisters of Battle swiftly entered, unleashing a barrage of Bolter Rifle fire at the remaining cultists. Meanwhile, Dante advanced towards the leader of the cult, a four-armed insect-like figure, dodging attacks from cultists while cleaving through their bodies with his Guardian Spear.

Inquisitor Elisa coordinated the Sisters of Battle into a steady fighting formation, while she herself advanced slowly amidst their ranks with her Bolter Pistol. Meanwhile, Dante, fully immersed in the fray, impaled one of the cultists' chests and cleaved through their body. He then swiftly ran forward, slicing the main cultist's neck in one swift motion, causing the cult leader's head to roll away.

Quickly, the cult was annihilated after losing its leader, and its members were swiftly dealt with. Dante then exited the scene and promptly returned to the Arbites office where he had left his Jet Bike. As he ignited the Jet Bike's engine, ready to depart...

"Are you leaving already?" Inquisitor Elisa asked.

"My task here is done, what else..." Dante began to reply.

"I'm curious about what Custodes look like, may I..." Inquisitor Elisa requested.

Dante opened his Custodes helmet, revealing short silver-white hair and blue eyes.

"Just for today, as today marks my first day as a Custodes," Dante said, noticing Inquisitor Elisa's delighted expression. Dante swiftly put his Custodes helmet back on and started his Jet Bike. He then headed back to the Tower of Hegemont in the Imperial Palace.