"Any findings?"
"Nothing."
Steff held a relatively low position within the squad. Had it not been for her connections with the local gangs, she wouldn't even have been part of this mission. Her actual strength wasn't enough to be of much use here either.
The bottom of the junkyard canyon had fossilized and weathered over time. Electronic components, perhaps left behind thousands or even tens of thousands of years ago, had integrated into a type of rock composed of scrap metal. These rocks formed intricate and labyrinthine cave systems. If a hidden relic existed within them, finding it was practically impossible.
"We've been searching here for twelve days. Today is the thirteenth, the most likely day to find something. If we don't, we'll have to consider if the Adeptus Mechanicus got to it first."
"We haven't run into any Mechanicus tech-priests either. Could this just be false intel?"
"Do those cyborgs even have a sense of humor for fake news?"
Steff felt unable to join the conversation. Even if the Battle Sisters called each other sisters, it couldn't hide the fact that they had their own internal circles. She wished someone else would show up at that moment—even Yuki.
"I must say, you lot really know how to take the long way around."
A familiar voice rang out. Steff frowned. She had only been half-joking in her mind—had that guy really shown up?
She turned around, and Yuki appeared before her, followed by his companion, Yuno.
"Why are you here?"
"I saw that you hadn't returned for a long while and worried something might have happened, so I came down to check."
"Not just anyone can make it down here," the Seraphim Captain said suspiciously.
Yuki turned to her. "It's just some miraculous Underhive body modification tech. If you're doubtful, you're welcome to inspect my skull."
"There is no method in the Imperium that can fully prove your loyalty, save for death."
The Seraphim had already raised their bolters. Yuki wanted to curse. He had just fought a life-and-death struggle against the forces of Slaanesh and Khorne, and these people hadn't even noticed. In terms of sheer contribution to the Imperium, he had done far more than these fanatics. If he hadn't held back those Chaos legions, this planet would have fallen long ago.
"Sister, Brother Yuki is only worried about us. Let him stay with us for now," Steff intervened.
Her statement drew neither agreement nor opposition. The group ceased making comments about Yuki's presence.
"I'm terribly sorry. My sisters have found nothing for days, and their moods are quite foul," Steff said, appearing almost elegant compared to the others.
"You found absolutely nothing?"
"This place is even more complex than the Underhive conduits. We encountered many dangerous creatures along the way, but none were our target."
"So, what is your lead?"
Steff saw no other choice. If they didn't find anything soon, the mission would be a total failure. There was no harm in letting Yuki see the intel.
"This. It was obtained by the Adeptus Mechanicus."
The image showed a pair of footprints. Based on the tracks, they belonged to a humanoid creature.
"A feral human?"
"Any human capable of surviving out here is no ordinary human. They must be captured."
Yuki expressed doubt. "Is it possible the photo is a fake?"
"We have to consider that possibility now."
The group fell silent. Yuki and Yuno exchanged a glance. They had rushed back immediately after handling the trouble with the Raziel Brotherhood. They had hoped the sisters would have made a discovery, but it seemed there was zero progress.
Yuki knew that anything could appear in a Warhammer Underhive junkyard. It wouldn't be a bad idea to follow these sisters and see if he could snag some benefits.
"Yuno, can you use your psychic powers to find this guy?"
"I'm trying. My psychic abilities are restricted in the material world. They were originally evolved to deal with the Warp."
"A super-strong humanoid... I'm a bit worried. What if it's an Iron Man?"
Yuno became serious at the mention of that. "An Iron Man... A long time ago, I encountered an Iron Man fleet that had left the galaxy. They are not easy to deal with."
For Yuno to describe them as "not easy to deal with" was significant, considering she represented the main Hive Fleet of the Tyranids.
"What do we do if we meet an Iron Man?"
"I'll take your soul and run. It'll take decades or even a century to regrow your body."
"I should be touched."
Suddenly, Yuno scrutinized the surroundings. She remained silent for a moment before speaking to Yuki via a psychic link.
"Someone is following us."
"The Battle Sisters haven't noticed. This stalker is extraordinary."
"We can't let these women drag us down."
The two shared a smile. Without words or psychic messages, they knew what the other was thinking. While passing through a small rest point inhabited by some local thugs, Yuki suddenly shouted.
"Steff! I just received urgent news. Something went wrong with my gang. I have to head back immediately!"
"Understood. You should go."
"The affairs of Underhive dregs are indeed important to dregs," the hostile Seraphim added.
The others said nothing. It wasn't respect; it was pure disdain.
Yuki and Yuno quickly broke away from the squad. The stalker vanished, but Yuno shared her senses with Yuki, allowing him to see a nearly imperceptible presence.
"That's him. I just marked him."
They followed the trail. The junkyard caves twisted and turned. If a war ever broke out here, it would be a nightmare to assault and a dream to defend.
Finally, the stalker's silhouette became visible. It was a massive figure, appearing like an augmented Ogryn, draped in the monastic robes common in the Underhive. The figure's pace didn't seem fast, yet its actual speed was incredible.
"Careful, he's noticed us too."
Yuki believed this was their target. Psychic powers were far too convenient; the target the Battle Sisters had spent forever searching for was found instantly by Yuno. The individual had actually been following the sisters the entire time, which was why they couldn't find him.
The target entered a small shack. Yuno signaled Yuki to stop and discuss a plan.
"You charge in first. I'll cover you from behind. As a reward for being the vanguard, I'll give you a proper reward tonight."
"You just want to 'reward' me, don't you?"
"I have to have a reason, right?"
Yuki had nothing to say to that. After a brief preparation, he burst through the door.
In the instant he entered, the massive figure slammed him to the ground with extraordinary strength. Simultaneously, a bolter in the figure's other hand fired, blowing a hole directly through Yuki's head!