Chapter 62: The Infiltrated Uphive

Chapter 62: The Infiltrated Uphive

Lucan was changing into his combat suit. He intended to head to the underhive along with his troops; right now, his combat prowess against single targets was the strongest among all his men.

If mortal armies on a conventional battlefield could still rely on massive heavy firepower and numerical superiority to fight Astartes, then the complex terrain of the underhive was tailor-made for Astartes.

Here, they could maximize their combat experience and superior physical attributes. Even if only two of them remained, the destructive power they could unleash was incalculable. In the Warhammer universe, after the Space Marine Legions were disbanded, they rarely had the opportunity to serve as the main force on a conventional battlefield.

They leaned more towards special operations; striking high-value targets and decapitating enemy command became their primary missions.

Moreover, the underhive now also had Genestealers. From his last encounter with the Sanctus, Lucan felt this group was far more difficult to deal with than described. Their Patriarch was not only psychically powerful but likely surpassed even an Astartes in all physical aspects.

"My Lord, Inquisitor Ian wishes to see you."

The attendant's voice came from outside the door.

"Let him in."

Having received permission, Ian also pushed the door open and entered.

Now, when he looked at Lucan, his gaze was no longer as arrogant as it was initially, but carried a hint of humility.

A Rogue Trader holding the title of a Living Saint was not someone the Inquisition could casually manipulate.

"Should I address you as Lord Lucan now, or the great Living Saint?"

"Just address me as Lord. What matter brings you here, Inquisitor Ian?"

"It's regarding some matters in the underhive. Are you planning to personally go to the underhive?"

"Yes. I intend to personally eliminate all enemies on Agathos."

"If that's the case, perhaps I can offer you some assistance."

"Oh? What assistance?"

"I have examined the Cogitator of my predecessor, the last Inquisitor stationed here. He has lost contact. According to the information left in his memorandum, he likely also discovered traces of the Genestealer Cult in the hive bottom, though he couldn't confirm if it was indeed Genestealers.

And the last message he left was precisely his operational plan to go into disguise and head to the hive bottom to gather intelligence. However, he never returned. He misjudged the extent of their development."

A look of remembrance appeared on Ian's face; it was almost certain that his predecessor was dead.

"May his soul return to the Golden Throne. But how does this help me?"

"The Cogitator contained not only his operational plan, but also a list."

"A list?!"

"Yes. He had placed a considerable number of informants within your Dynasty."

Hearing this, Lucan's face also showed displeasure.

"Is it really appropriate to say these things in front of me?"

"It is the duty of the Inquisition. Perhaps you should look at this list first."

Saying this, Ian took a document from within his robes. Lucan took it, and the more he read, the more alarmed he became.

Seeing Lucan's expression, Ian also continued to speak.

"This involves many people within your Dynasty. I feel it is a matter you need to decide for yourself."

Lucan did not reply.

There were many names on the list, at least a thousand.

Behind many of the names was the annotation "underhive."

Most of these people were gang members. The hive city was too large; Imperial Enforcers simply couldn't control every aspect of it.

And in the dark corners, many illegal factions festered. They used violence to gain profit. As long as they didn't go too far, the Enforcers would turn a blind eye; there were even considerable dealings between the two sides.

Lucan wasn't concerned about these people; he was definitely going to clean up the underhive later, and the gangs were certainly within the scope of that cleanup.

But as he scrolled down the list, names of uphive residents also began to appear.

There were Enforcers, military officers, administrative officials, and even the names of some nobles.

"Are you trying to say all these people are connected to the Genestealer Cult?"

"Yes. I trust my predecessor's professional ability. I can't say all of them are compromised, but investigating these people is definitely the right course of action. Some may already be dead, but some are still in the uphive right now.

Everyone on this list has one thing in common: they frequently visit a club in the underhive called the 'Pleasure Den'." Ian said solemnly.

Hearing Ian's words, Lucan knew he was right. He had previously been focused on the underhive, thinking the Genestealers hadn't yet infiltrated the uphive.

He had originally thought the Sanctus was able to enter his palace relying solely on its own stealth abilities. Thinking about it now, that was simply impossible.

Coming all the way from the hive bottom to the uphive, how could a sump-scrapper with no knowledge of the uphive directly find his palace, and even pinpoint his room?

Did the Genestealers have a map hack and full vision cheats?

And on the list, there happened to be the name of a PDF officer responsible for the security of the area around the palace.

Lucan closed the list and looked at Ian.

"Ian, I feel our cooperation is becoming more and more pleasant. Are you short on commendations? Perhaps I can give you the credit for dealing with this Genestealer Cult as well. When the time comes, I will have the Ecclesiarchy vouch for you alongside me!"

"Give all the credit to me? Lord Lucan, what exactly do you want me to do?"

"I want you to be my long-term collaborator. You help me, and I'll help you. In the future, I will provide you with resources and find ways to help you ascend to a high position within the Expanse's Inquisition! Even to Lord Inquisitor!

My footsteps will not stop here at Agathos. You've seen my Raiders. As an Inquisitor, you can surely see what they'll be like once they are armed on a massive scale, right? And what I have in my hands is not limited to just this."

Lucan revealed some of his hand to Ian.

"How about it, want to consider it? As a Living Saint, I should be able to help you in many aspects, right?"

Lucan's words were like a daemon's whisper, lingering in Ian's ears.

"I will not do anything that crosses the bottom line."

"As if I would. I'm a Living Saint! I welcome any member of the clergy to verify my authenticity. It's just that sometimes, for the sake of humanity and the Imperium, some matters may appear somewhat heretical. Isn't your Inquisition the same?"

Ian was truly tempted. After a brief internal struggle, Ian made his decision.

"Alright! I agree!"

"A pleasure working with you. Everything for the God-Emperor and Mankind."

"A pleasure working with you. Everything for the God-Emperor and Mankind."

Lucan, holding the list, summoned Damon, Verre, and Rebecca.

These three were people he trusted completely, and it was impossible for them to be members of the Genestealer Cult. If even the Governor had been infiltrated, then Agathos would likely have been completely taken over by the Genestealers long ago.

Lucan had Damon assemble all the Raiders who had been directly warped in by him.

Only these individuals could Lucan trust one hundred percent. Lucan didn't know if the people connected to the Genestealer Cult were only those on this list.

Following Lucan's orders, the secret operation to arrest the people on the list began.

(End of Chapter)