Chapter 529
The gloom receded, revealing a small, intricate tech cube suspended in the air. It began to rotate slowly, gradually increasing its speed until its form blurred into a shimmering vortex of motion, thrumming with an unseen energy.
A synthesized voice emanated from the rapidly spinning cube. "Connection established."
The robed figure inhaled deeply, the fabric of their garment rustling softly in the stillness. "Make contact."
Across the planet, a subtle shift began to unfold. Boltthrower’s camp was not an isolated recipient of the "Emperor’s gift." Numerous other ratmen encampments, scattered across various battlefields and hidden strongholds, had also received the mysterious containers. The instant the order to "make contact" was given, a silent, invisible wave began to spread.
Deep in slumber, shielded by his new armor, Boltthrower felt a faint, fleeting tingle, like an errant itch. He scratched at the spot absently, dismissing it as a minor irritation before drifting back into unconsciousness.
Across the sprawling network of ratmen camps, every skaven clad in the Emperor’s "gift" experienced the same subtle prickle, an almost imperceptible itch that was readily ignored in their exhaustion. Unbeknownst to them, this sensation was the work of minuscule needles embedded within the armor’s lining, silently drawing minute samples of their blood.
Inside the armor’s intricate framework, a newly activated mechanism analyzed the collected blood. It searched for a specific biological marker, a unique substance that, once identified, would transmit its signature back to the orbiting cube.
In the darkened chamber, the robed figure watched intently as a holographic projection materialized from the humming cube. A vast network of red lights bloomed across the display. A slow, satisfied smile spread across the figure’s hidden face. "Finally," they murmured, their voice laced with a chilling triumph. "Found you all."
Simultaneously, the robed figure issued another command, their voice carrying a note of cold precision. "Administer dosage to the marked targets."