Upon seeing Zhang Ge unscathed, and even able to walk down from the vehicle himself, the previously tense atmosphere within the convoy gradually lifted, reaching a peak of excitement.
Surviving an assassination attempt by a high-ranking Chaos Space Marine and turning the tables was nothing short of miraculous for a mere mortal officer, even with the strength of his guards backing him.
After all, how were the soldiers to know what Amilia was truly doing for him?
They could only guess from simple impressions, concluding that since she obeyed Zhang Ge, he must be greater than Amilia.
This naturally formed a circular logic.
Why did the psychic powers fail to penetrate the vehicle at first, as if there was some unseen barrier? Because Zhang Ge was sitting inside, blocking the way.
And why, during the fighting, were only Amilia and the Canoness participating? Of course, it was because even the two of them could repel the enemy, and Zhang Ge had seen this outcome clearly, not wanting to involve himself in the fighting at all.
With this reasoning, it became obvious why the enemy had chosen to retreat when they were outnumbered despite not being at a disadvantage: they understood that even if they defeated the two Sisters under injured conditions, they wouldn't be able to handle Zhang Ge.
It made sense.
A Chaos Space Marine Captain escaping after failing to defeat two opponents was pathetic, while their commander remained seated during an assassination attempt without leaving the vehicle at all was a display of confidence and assured victory.
Now, Zhang Ge had become the "Symbol" carrying the hopes of everyone.
As long as they didn't lose too badly, his subordinates wouldn't mind filling in some of the imperfect details on their own.
Moreover, this victory wasn't ungraceful at all.
Surviving an assassination of this level held immensely high credibility; even across the entire Imperium, how many could say they faced a Chaos Space Marine Captain, Terminators, and a Sorcerer in a decapitation strike? He had already surpassed 99% of people.
Of course, there was a psychological factor involved—Zhang Ge was one of their own. For them, while Amilia was also an ally, she was still viewed as an "outsider" from the Ecclesiarchy.
Every crewman, keeping a close watch on their instruments, let out a sigh of relief as they announced to the inside of the vehicle that Zhang Ge was unscathed, causing the tense atmosphere to abruptly dissolve into a tsunami of jubilation.
Since the frontline collapse, there had been an overwhelming number of messages about defeats, as if the terms "Chaos" and "Space Marine" combined signified a force too mighty to combat, meaning they were destined for slaughter.
But now, it was as if they were witnessing the pivotal turn of battle victory, simultaneously bearing witness to the "Fallen Angels" retreating in disgrace, a symbol of invincibility.
With the environment deemed relatively safe, some even peered out from the various hatches of the vehicle and the windows on either side, eager to witness the moment Zhang Ge arose, to behold the miracle that shattered the invulnerability of the chaotic invasion.
He even had the presence of mind to first concern himself with the front lines and the fallen soldiers.
Were it not for their strict adherence to military discipline even in such circumstances, cheers would have long since filled the entire block.
However, contrasting with the joyous mood in the arena, Zhang Ge almost choked on his own words after he spoke.
Ever since that Chaos Captain had opted to retreat, the hearts that had shattered on the battlefield were not just one.
He watched helplessly as the Captain several times tried to ignore Amilia and directly come for him, yet each time he was thwarted.
By the time the Captain landed, his disoriented mind immediately thought of pursuing him, but he quickly caught himself and corrected his thoughts.
Yet, when he truly came to his senses and realized what his correction implied, Zhang Ge felt regret.
Damn it, I didn't say what I should have, and I said what I shouldn't have.
Seeing this predicament, he could only immediately give the next order:
"Everyone, continue to advance. After we eliminate all of them, we will gather around the bonfire of their burning corpses to discuss our celebrations."
Even the military indulged in some gossip. If he didn't let them find something to do, rumors would likely sprout that he single-handedly beheaded four Captains.
As the orders were relayed, Zhang Ge turned to Amilia and asked with concern:
"How's your wound?"
Seeing her stabbed by a sword, she must have been hurt badly. In that case, sending her back for treatment seemed quite reasonable.
Upon hearing this question, Amilia touched the bandaged wound and replied, "Um... it's a bit strange, but it's not affecting me."
This was not bravado; she was not foolish enough to deceive her allies with false information in a life-threatening battlefield. She genuinely felt that aside from the pain, the sword wound didn't hinder her movements.
"No effect?... Hard to believe."
Zhang Ge couldn't help but scoff. That sword looked almost as long as an average person's height. If someone slightly shorter had taken that hit, a single blow might have cleaved them in half.
Unexpectedly, Amilia nodded strongly in agreement and said, "True, the effects might be subtle." After saying the first half of her sentence, she turned towards High Canoness Heloise, who was landing a bit later. Once the Canoness approached, the second half of her sentence followed, "High Canoness, could you please join us? My condition is a bit uncertain."
Upon hearing those words, Zhang Ge's already tense heart sank even further.
No, I don't mean to doubt your words; should I take back what I said earlier?
Or perhaps the Canoness should assert herself or something. How could such a humble soldier like me withstand her protective care?
However, aside from Amilia, the one who most didn't want Zhang Ge to die was likely High Canoness Heloise.
Thousands of Sisters' deaths, the frontline collapse, and the falling Chaos warships.
This series of events threatened the destruction of the Fortress Monastery, and the Courageous Heart Chapter harbored an even greater sense of guilt over past betrayals, leading to a significant inclination toward self-destruction. The immense pressure from billions of lives slipping away weighed heavily upon her.
If it weren't for her responsibilities, she might have long since thrown herself into the penitent engine.
Now, the situation had turned around, bringing hope of victory.
In terms of happiness, she was probably the purest, genuinely delighted for the countless souls in the Fortress Monastery who might be spared from disaster.
But since the Canoness usually endured hardships and self-flagellation, she had little social experience. Attempting to express her excitement, it instead came out as a cold response:
"Um, no problem."
Thus, after the Noble Girl was carried away due to fainting, Dominica took her seat on either side of Isys and Heloise.
As the battered light armored vehicle set off again with the convoy, Dominica, who once seemed vivacious, now exhibited visible unease, even noticeable in her fluttering eyelashes.
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