How many Primaris Astartes are there in the Sol System? That's a good question.
But it's also a question that could make the entire Imperium's heart stop.
Because the answer to that question… the High Lords of Terra wouldn't dare to hear, the Terra defenders wouldn't dare to hear, and even the Emperor's Custodians beneath the Golden Throne would never want to hear it.
No one was willing to believe that within the Sol System, where Holy Terra is located—the core heartland of the Imperium of Man, the most crucial lifeline in the galaxy—someone could, at any time, assemble hundreds of thousands of fully armed Astartes, and what's more, they were super-soldiers upgraded to Primaris!
One must know, during the "Great Birthday Celebration" rebellion launched by Horus back then, all the Astartes brought to Terra by the traitor legions to "present gifts" to the Emperor amounted to less than four hundred thousand.
In fact, the total strength of all nine traitor legions combined did not even reach that number.
So when Guilliman returned to Terra with four hundred thousand "blue sons and grandsons" to provide support, not only did Horus panic, but even the Four Chaos Gods were so scared they dared not let him truly reach the battlefield—that was an absolute force that could truly wipe out all the traitors in one fell swoop!
He could even wipe out the loyalists in one fell swoop.
It was precisely because of this that the classic legend of "always being nine hours late" came about—after all, if this army had arrived on time, the Warmaster's rebellion would likely have ended before he could even finish his opening remarks.
And now, Cawl truly held hundreds of thousands of Astartes in his hands—they were deep within the forge temples of Mars, ready to be awakened at any moment, fully armed and ready to rush to Holy Terra to "aid the Emperor."
It was precisely for this reason that when Alex directly asked this question, Cawl uncharacteristically hesitated.
His logic modules spun rapidly, weighing whether to answer truthfully—because once he admitted it, he would likely face an extremely troublesome situation, possibly even triggering an unnecessary conflict.
But Alex clearly had no intention of giving him time to think, merely continuing to ask calmly: "How many Primaris Astartes can you deploy in the Sol System right now?"
"What do you want to do?" Cawl finally decided to probe his intentions first, rather than directly giving a number.
However, this mere counter-question had already completely exposed a fact—he did indeed have an unknown number of Astartes deployed within the Sol System.
This answer instantly ignited Captain Galadon's fury.
As a Captain of the Imperial Fists, defending the safety of Holy Terra was their most sacred duty, and any unauthorized large-scale military deployment within the Sol System was tantamount to a potential threat to the Emperor's authority!
However, before Captain Galadon could erupt in anger, Alex spoke first: "Send at least ten thousand Primaris Astartes to the Phalanx. When it is forced to leave the Sol System, this force might play a crucial role."
He paused, his gaze turning towards Mars as he continued: "Additionally, I need another ten thousand Astartes to be deployed to Holy Terra for defense.
Those foolish High Lords of Terra will allow demons to rampage on Terra, even attacking the Lion's Gate.
The strength of the Custodians alone cannot fully defend the Imperial Palace; we must deploy in advance."
Cawl's mechanical eyes flickered red, and he looked directly at Alex, asking, "Is this also part of the future you foresaw?"
This question also lingered in the minds of the six Astartes Warrior, who all tensed up in unison.
Alex nodded without hesitation, confirming: "Yes, this is the destiny revealed by the prophecy.
The Cadia Gate will eventually fall, and a Warp rift spanning the galaxy will tear reality apart.
The Phalanx will be forced to rush to the aid of Cadia, but it will all be too late."
His voice grew heavier: "Afterward, the light of the Astronomican will extinguish, and Terra will become a playground for demons.
Eighty-eight Khorne daemon armies, led by eight Bloodthirsters, will besiege the Imperial Palace; the Custodians alone will be unable to withstand such an assault."
The information Alex revealed was like a heavy hammer, striking hard at the hearts of everyone present.
This was the first time he had revealed the catastrophic future so clearly and specifically.
The air in the entire room seemed to instantly solidify.
The sound of Cawl's mechanical body operating even slowed, and his semi-mechanized face uncharacteristically showed human-like shock.
And the six Astartes Warrior were struck as if by lightning; their gene-enhanced bodies unconsciously tensed, and their faces visibly turned pale at a speed discernible to the naked eye.
Although Alex had just hinted that humanity would face a dark age, no one expected this darkness to descend upon Holy Terra—the core of the Imperium of Man, the sacred place where His Majesty the Saint resided.
The very thought felt like a blasphemy against faith.
That was Holy Terra! A sacred place that had never fallen since the Great Crusade Era!
How could something happen to it? How could something be allowed to happen to it?
The mere appearance of this thought in one's mind was enough to make any loyal imperial citizen feel dizzy.
"Esteemed Alex, are you truly certain that Holy Terra will fall?" Captain Galadon's voice was low and taut, his iron-like face now terribly grim.
This question concerned the survival of the Imperium of Man; there was no room for ambiguity.
"I've already told you to activate the 'the last wall protocol'; what do you think I'm preparing for?" Alex rubbed his temples, looking slightly fatigued. Since he had spoken to this extent, did he still need to repeat that terrifying prophecy?
Fortunately, Cawl had already grasped his intention. The Archmagos's voice emanated from his vocalizer: "The number of Primaris Astartes stored within the Mars forge factories is sufficient to defend Holy Terra and the Imperial Palace. I can deploy thirty thousand Primaris Astartes for your command."
"That's far from enough," Alex shook his head decisively. "Besides the troops sent to the Phalanx to support Cadia, I also need at least thirty thousand to reinforce Baal and thirty thousand to garrison Macragge."
"Wait, Baal will also be attacked?" Captain Tychus suddenly looked up, his voice betraying unconcealed panic.
As the homeworld of the Blood Angels, Baal not only carried the glory of the entire Chapter but was also the resting place of Sanguinius, the Gene-Seed Primarch.
If Baal were to fall, the entire Blood Angels Chapter would surely descend into madness.
Alex nodded gravely: "I foresaw the destruction of Baal. The Tyranid Swarm is coveting the Gene-Seed Primarch's remains; they will surge towards that sacred planet like a tide."
Captain Tychus's face instantly turned pale, and he anxiously turned to Cawl: "Esteemed Archmagos, how many reinforcements can you send to Baal?"
Cawl's mechanical eyes flickered with the light of deliberation. After a moment of silence, he cautiously replied: "If the battle situation is urgent, I can provide thirty thousand Primaris Astartes as support for Baal."
But Cawl still kept some cards close to his chest.
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