Genestealer Cults represent a danger that almost every planet in the galaxy might encounter. These organisms possess an extraordinary capacity for adaptation and propagation. They linger silently on a world, nurturing their strength and covertly seizing control of a planet's subterranean infrastructure. When the Tyranid Hive Fleet arrives, they rise in rebellion, only to be tossed into the digestion pools along with everything else in the end.
To be honest, such a practice is quite inhumane, but expecting humanity from the Tyranids is an excessive luxury.
Yuki pulled himself back from his thoughts. The Genestealers had begun to take a defensive stance against him. The claws of these Purestrains were not opponents to be underestimated; after all, even Terminators in Space Hulk struggle against Purestrains. Furthermore, Genestealers exist in overwhelming numbers, making it unnecessary for him to challenge them head-on.
"What a pain."
Yuki unleashed his psychic power, easily infiltrating the minds of the Purestrains and briefly connecting their consciousness to the Tyranid Hive Mind network. Moments later, these Purestrains knelt on the ground.
"Envoy of the Gods!"
At those words, everyone in the cult knelt down, their hostility toward Yuki vanishing instantly. These people placed absolute trust in the Purestrains. They viewed these ancestral-looking Purestrains as beings blessed by the Great Devourer—the angels of the Hive Mind. Since the "God-Emperor's" angels were this agitated, then the person before them must be...
"Envoy!"
"Praise the God-Emperor!"
Yuki looked at the people prostrating at his feet and felt only boredom. This would certainly allow his influence to expand significantly, but the problem was that he couldn't have his subordinates be entirely composed of Genestealers. Bringing them into high society would lead to inevitable exposure.
"Fine. I can see you've done well here. Keep up the hard work. I'm leaving now."
"Envoy! How much longer until Paradise arrives?" A woman clutching a child crawled forward. The others around her immediately dragged her back. "What are you doing? It will be our turn to go to the Land of Bliss when the time is right. Do you still not understand?"
"Twenty years. Wait another twenty years, and this place will return to Her embrace."
To the surprise of all the cultists, Yuki provided an answer. A moment later, everyone erupted in cheers. They loudly praised the God-Emperor's name and passionately insisted that Yuki stay for a meal.
Yuki originally intended to leave, but as he watched the celebrating crowd, their lifestyle—so vastly different from other Underhive residents—sparked his curiosity. Thus, when the community's first-generation Purestrain respectfully invited him to dine, Yuki hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing.
At the feast, Yuki saw a massive amount of food. These delicious and nutritious meals were used to support the more "pure-blooded" Genestealers who were unable to work normally. The community had its own dedicated hydroponic farms and livestock pens, and even several factories. According to the Purestrain, they could pivot to weapon production within a month.
The living conditions of the Genestealers were superior to those of most people in the Underhive. The community guaranteed stable jobs and housing for everyone; single individuals were assigned partners, and after death, bodies were returned to the community. From birth to death, the community took care of everything.
Their thoughts were even purer, fervently believing in the God-Emperor. If the entity they worshipped wasn't the Four-Armed Emperor but the actual Emperor of Mankind, they would likely be model citizens of the Imperium.
Yuki didn't understand why these people, created through forceful means and genetic contamination, lived better than everyone else. The enemies of the Imperium lived more comfortably than its citizens, yet the Imperium delayed its collapse and even showed signs of resurgence. How ridiculous.
Yuki consumed nearly thirty pounds of meat by himself. The Genestealers were deeply moved; to them, this meant the Envoy had forgiven them. Those who had initially cornered Yuki were overcome with shame—fortunately, those who had been insolent at the start had already been dealt with by Yuki personally.
"I am currently with the Yuki Gang. If you seek new believers in the future, do not expand toward my territory. You must also conceal your relationship with me. Your mission is to be my hidden blade. Understand?"
"Understood."
Yuki and the Purestrain Patriarch stood at the highest point, overlooking the sizeable Genestealer community.
"To have developed this far over a dozen generations is quite impressive."
"Thank you for the praise. My only wish now is to return to the Great Collective."
The first-generation Purestrains were always different. Yuki nodded. "That day will come."
There is no such thing as a utopia in this world; in the end, paradise is still just a beautiful dream.
...
"Yuki?"
Steff received news she hadn't hoped to hear. "That sister's soul has returned to the Golden Throne."
Steff clenched her fists, her eyes filled with nothing but loathing and fury.
"Be careful, Steff. Control your emotions. Chaos excels at using these feelings to lure others into corruption."
"I don't need your reminder, Mr. Yuki."
"It's better that way."
Yuki took a sip of beer. Yuno had already started researching how to brew wine. If the Tyranids didn't arrive in twenty years, he might actually be able to live a happy life with Yuno.
"Can you clean up the Underhive completely?"
"Regrettably, no. Even if we kill every Chaos cultist this time, they will continue to appear."
"What about the Emperor? If we weren't in the way, could the God-Emperor clear all these foul things away?"
"Perhaps."
Steff said nothing more. Finally, she put on her helmet, picked up her bolter, and left Yuki's factory.
"Boss?"
"Elia, you'd better not provoke those women lately. They're not far from going insane."
"Got it, Boss."
Yuki's expression was extremely serious. His heart grew heavy. The real challenge was still ahead; he was about to face the most terrifying crisis of the past few days.
Biometric identification passed.
A heavy iron door opened—a place that even Eleven and Elia were forbidden to enter.
Yuno's laboratory.
The massive Lictor, which had already developed a certain level of psychic resistance, was currently sharpening its blades. Wearing a white lab coat, Yuno was thrilled to see Yuki return. "My love! Come quickly!"
Dammit. All for the sake of becoming stronger.
Yuki drew his dagger. Driven by psychic power, it floated in the air. The Lictor didn't roar; it stared silently at Yuki.
In order to decide my own fate.
Yuki lunged at the Lictor. His body and movements were incomparable to what they had been before. Watching Yuki's silhouette, an obsession flickered in Yuno's eyes.
What a beautiful body. What powerful movements.
Want him. Want him.
In the darkness, the Lictor and the Great Devourer's partner engaged in their final bout.