74: The governor's contempt! The low-ranking rebels are nothing but clowns.

Zhang Yuan stared at the real-time footage of the Adeptus Mechanicus factory on the screen. The pale blue plasma cooling smoke continued to be emitted, proving that production activities inside the factory had never stopped.

He turned and walked toward the console, pulling up the adjutant's text report.

A line of golden text flashed on the holographic screen:

[Phase Objective: Small Warlord (Completed)]

[Current Progress: Advancing toward Planetary-level Faction]

[Unlock Progress: Human Technology Tree Completion 78%]

[Resource Reserves: 2847 units of crystal minerals, 1023 units of high-energy gas]

Zhang Yuan nodded in satisfaction. From a small base in the underclass to now controlling the entire mid-level airspace, his faction had achieved a qualitative leap. But this was far from enough.

“Adjutant, pull up the detailed intelligence on the Valerius Family.”

The holographic screen switched views. A large stream of data unfolded in the air.

“The Valerius Family, one of the three major noble families in the Hive City. They control the Fifth Industrial District and possess a private army of approximately 5,500 personnel. Equipment includes: laser firearms, Bolters, and various heavy weapons.”

“Combat Vehicles: twenty armored transport vehicles, eight light tanks. Aerial units are unknown, but according to the latest intelligence, they are being secretly procured through the Adeptus Mechanicus.”

“Family Head: Victor Valerius, fifty-three years old. He previously served in the Planetary Defence Force and inherited the family business after retirement.”

Zhang Yuan carefully studied every piece of intelligence. This opponent was stronger than any previous gang. Not only did they have a complete military system, but they also had allies like the Adeptus Mechanicus.

“Commander.” Ilaria walked up to him. The Inquisitor's icy blue eyes reflected the data on the screen. “This branch of the Valerius Family has operated in this Hive City for five generations, and their foundation is deep. If an all-out war begins, the resources they mobilize will far exceed our estimates.”

Zhang Yuan understood her concerns. But retreating was never an option.

“Then let them mobilize everything.” His voice was calm. “I want to see if the private army of a traditional noble family can withstand the crushing power of interstellar 'STC' technology.”

Swann jumped up excitedly, waving a wrench in his hand. “Exactly! Let those wastes in their fancy uniforms witness the firepower of the viking fighters!”

“But we need a more cautious strategy.” Titus walked up to the map. His black power armor reflected a cold, stern sheen under the warning lights. “The intervention of the Adeptus Mechanicus has changed the situation. They possess a technological advantage, and their status within the Imperium is special.”

Zhang Yuan pondered for a moment. He reached out and gently held Ilaria's hand. The Inquisitor's fingertips felt slightly cool.

“Miss Inquisitor.” He smiled. “It seems our 'oversight' mission needs to be upgraded further.”

Ilaria's expression was serious. She didn't pull her hand away, merely nodding.

“The secret production of the Adeptus Mechanicus is indeed worth investigating. As a member of the Inquisition, I have the authority to intervene.”

“In that case, our next step is clear.” Zhang Yuan released her hand and turned to the holographic map. “Continue monitoring the Adeptus Mechanicus factory while preparing to strike the military facilities of the Valerius Family.”

“Eagle Squadron, increase patrol frequency. Nighthawk Squadron, stand by. Ground forces, prepare for battle.”

“Understood!” Everyone responded in unison.

Upper level of the Hive City, Governor’s Palace.

Victor Valerius stood in the spacious reception room. The mid-level noble wore a deep blue formal suit, with the family crest pinned to his chest. But at this moment, his expression was filled with anxiety.

“The Planetary Governor must take this matter seriously,” he said to the secretary behind the desk. “The heretic forces in the underclass are severely threatening the stability of the mid-level.”

The secretary didn't look up, continuing to process documents. “Mr. Valerius, the Planetary Governor is extremely busy. Your report has been submitted; please wait patiently.”

Victor gritted his teeth. He knew that in the Planetary Governor's eyes, his branch of the Valerius Family was just a minor noble house. But the situation was different now.

“That underclass upstart named Zhang Yuan has already seized control of the entire mid-level airspace!” His voice rose. “He possesses advanced aircraft and well-trained troops. If he is not contained—”

“Enough.” A commanding voice interrupted him.

The office door opened. A middle-aged man in a lavish Planetary Governor's uniform walked out. He was tall, his hair meticulously combed, and his face showed an expression of impatience.

“Mr. Valerius.” Planetary Governor Karl Drax stopped at the doorway. “I have read your report.”

Victor immediately bowed. “Your Excellency, please—”

“Just a small warlord from the underclass.” Drax waved his hand dismissively. “Large-scale gang conflicts happen dozens of times a year in the mid-levels, and the under-Hive is in constant crossfire every day. Can't you handle this yourselves?”

“But Your Excellency, this time is different!” Victor said urgently. “The technology they possess—”

“Technology?” Drax sneered. “How advanced could it be? Just some cobbled-together junk.”

He walked back to his desk, picked up the report. He flipped through a few pages casually, then tossed it aside.

“Don't bother me with mid-level affairs at every turn.” His tone was full of contempt. “No matter how much the underclass insects jump around, they can't fly up to the upper level.”

“But Your Excellency—”

“That's enough.” Drax waved his hand impatiently. “Out of duty, I will dispatch some Planetary Defence Force troops to reinforce the defense of the connecting passages between the mid-level and the upper level.”

“As for the underclass?” He sneered. “They can fight all they want. As long as they pay the tithe on time, I don't care if they all wipe each other out.”

Victor's face turned pale. He realized that the Planetary Governor hadn't taken this matter seriously at all.

“Your Excellency, I implore you to send more troops—”

“Enough!” Drax slammed his hand down on the desk. “Mr. Valerius, if you can't even deal with an underclass faction, then perhaps your noble position should be given to someone more capable.”

Victor stiffened. He understood. The Planetary Governor was reprimanding him.

“I... I understand, Your Excellency.” He bowed deeply. “I will resolve this issue as quickly as possible.”

“Good.” Drax sat back down in his chair. “Remember, the stability and taxation of the Hive City are what matter most. I don't concern myself with anything else.”

Victor left the office. In the corridor, his assistant immediately rushed over.

“Sir, what did the Planetary Governor say?”

“He... he said it was just a minor conflict in the underclass.” Victor's voice was filled with anger and despair. “He only sent a few soldiers to defend the passages. The rest, we have to solve ourselves.”

The assistant gasped. “What should we do then?”

Victor was silent for a moment. His eyes turned cold.

“Since the Planetary Governor won't help, we can only rely on ourselves.” He turned toward the elevator. “Contact the Adeptus Mechanicus and tell them to speed up production. At all costs.”

“Also, contact the other mid-level families. Tell them that if they don't unite, they will be the next to be annexed.”

starport Command Center.

“Commander, an abnormal communication signal has been detected.” The adjutant's voice rang out. “It originates from Mid-Level Sector Eight, and the encryption level is very high.”

Zhang Yuan immediately pulled up the signal tracking interface. “Can it be decrypted?”

“Attempting now. Estimated time: fifteen minutes.”

“Continue.” Zhang Yuan turned to Ilaria. “It seems the Valerius Family has already made a move.”

The Inquisitor nodded. “They must have requested aid from the Planetary Governor. I wonder how the Planetary Governor will react.”

Fifteen minutes later, decryption was complete. The communication content appeared on the screen.

“...The Planetary Governor only sent a few troops to defend the passages... Must unite with other families... Adeptus Mechanicus speed up production...”

After reading the communication content, Zhang Yuan curled his lips into a cold smile.

“It seems His Excellency the Planetary Governor doesn't take us seriously.”

Swann laughed loudly. “These idiots! They think we're just ordinary underclass gangs!”

“This is good for us,” Titus analyzed. “At least in the short term, we won't face a full-scale attack from the Planetary Defence Force.”

Zhang Yuan walked up to the observation window. Through the thick armored glass, he could see the distant lights of the mid-level.

“The Planetary Governor's contempt is our greatest opportunity.” His voice was filled with determination. “We must expand quickly before he realizes what's happening.”

“Ilaria.” He turned to the Inquisitor. “The investigation of the Adeptus Mechanicus factory can begin. With your status, you should be able to gain access.”

“I understand.” Ilaria nodded. “I will take a few Ghost Operatives with me.”

“Titus, continue clearing out the minor factions in the mid-level. Establish a complete control network as quickly as possible.”

“Understood.” The Space Marine in black power armor saluted.

“Swann, increase the production of viking fighters. I want to double our air power within a week.”

“No problem!” The engineer excitedly waved his wrench.

Zhang Yuan looked at the dense markings on the holographic map. Red represented hostile forces, and blue represented areas under their control.

The blue was expanding rapidly.

“Everyone.” His voice echoed in the Command Center. “The war has begun. The Planetary Governor might think this is just a minor skirmish in the underclass, but we need to make him understand—”

“This storm will eventually sweep across the entire Hive City.”

The night was deep. Under the steel sky of the Hive City's mid-level, the engines of viking fighters roared one after another. Silver fuselages sliced through the night sky, their patrol routes covering every corner.

banshee bombers were cloaked and standing by, ready to launch a lethal strike at any moment.

On the ground, Space Marines and Militia Guard were clearing out the last few pockets of resistance. Blue banners fluttered in the ruins.

Meanwhile, in the Governor’s Palace, Drax was enjoying his dinner. Exquisite food covered the long table, and attendants stood respectfully nearby.

He had no idea that a storm that would change the landscape of the Hive City was brewing in the underclass.