-M29. 671. Italica-
The dawn bathed Italica, now transformed from medieval structures to a bastion of civilization in Falmart. The towering skyscraper loomed at the city's center, a symbol of Imperium's might. Its colossal presence served as a constant reminder, ensuring no one dared breach the Imperium's aegis.
Before the eastern gate, JSDF personnel and Solar Guardians from the 5th Recon Team, along with others, assembled.
"I think we are ready," Raias remarked to the convoys, standing proudly next to his Land Raider.
"We need to wait for the Princess, though," Maiya commented, checking her Nanosuit via her HUD.
Mal signaled his peers to look in a certain direction. The attention turned to the approaching figures – the Princess and her entourage.
Pina, despite her calm demeanor, displayed a hint of fear, a slight tremble in her step. Bozes, on the other hand, concealed her shock behind a façade of composure. In fleeting moments, she surveyed her surroundings, taking in the aftermath of the bandit siege on Italica – craters, holes, and blackened earth.
Raias, observing their reactions, couldn't help but smirk. The deliberate decision not to order repairs served as psychological warfare against the primitive civilization.
"My apologies for keeping all of you waiting," Pina said apologetically.
"It is fine, Your Highness. It was a journey to another world, after all," Itami responded dismissively, smiling empathetically.
Pina nodded, turning her gaze to the Imperium's soldiers. Raias noticed her clenched hand, prompting a chuckle from him.
"Please, ease yourself, Princess. We acknowledge you as our honored guest. We will cause you no harm," Raias reassured, waving his hand with a neutrally smiling expression – a perfect poker face that offered no comfort to the apprehensive Princess.
"Well... Solar Guardian," a feminine voice called Raias, causing him to instinctively draw his Volkite pistol.
"What can I help you with, Rory?" Raias inquired with the most welcoming demeanor he could muster.
"The church. Why does your country demand dismantling the temple of my god? Not only Emroy but also the other deities as well. Answer me," Rory demanded, her smile carrying a dangerous undertone.
Intimidation gleamed in her eyes, ready to swing her halberd and slay anyone opposing her. "It was our duty to spread the Imperial Truth," Maiya defended her Captain, stepping forward.
"Your Imperial Truth, huh? A fake belief that destroys any religion. What a fool!" Rory swung her halberd with a speed only the Guardians could follow.
Instantly, Raias seized the weapon's hilt before it could make contact with Maiya's armor. A small shockwave resonated across the earth.
"Please, cease this futile endeavor, Rory Mercury, if you want your answer. The Emperor will give it to you when you arrive at Terra. I promise," Raias determinedly replied, locking eyes with the Apostle without a trace of fear.
The mortals witnessing the scene were shocked. No one could withstand the full power of an Apostle, let alone thwart their attacks. But to the Solar Guardians, it was not a formidable challenge.
Even Rory herself, who had claimed countless souls with her halberd, was taken aback. It marked the first time someone could withstand her weapon. Slowly, she comprehended why the Solar Guardians referred to the Italican and JSDF as mortals.
"Very well," Rory gradually loosened her grip, retracting her weapon. "Only this once, and I will judge your Emperor's decision, Lord Raias."
"That's acceptable," Raias responded with a shrug.
"Rory! What was that?" Itami inquired with concern.
"Nothing," she replied with a teasing smile.
As the atmosphere began to return to its initial state, Raias used his vox to amplify his voice.
"If there is nothing else, let's move out." His commanding voice drew all the attention he needed. The JSDF started entering their vehicles, followed by the trio.
"Princess," Raias addressed the still-baffled Saderan Princess.
"U-Uh!" She jolted in shock. Regaining her composure, she faced the Solar Guardian. "What do you need, Lord Raias?"
"I just want to ask you, to whom do you want to ride with?" The question intrigued the red-haired Saderan.
She desired to accompany the JSDF, as their presence was unlike that of the Solar Guardians. However, her top priority was opening diplomatic ties with the Imperium of Man, the most formidable enemy from both Gates.
"I will go with you, Lord Raias," Pina declared with determination.
"Very well. Nathaniel, open the personnel carrier," Raias commanded through his vox channel.
"In seconds, Captain." The giant metal vehicle vibrated, emitting a humming noise. The steel skin of the Land Raider opened, revealing a spacious section filled with high-quality seats. A quick glance alone was enough for Pina to recognize their superior craftsmanship.
"They are beyond anything I've witnessed," she muttered, clenching her hand in desperation. Slowly, she made her way into the Land Raider.
The Solar Guardians heard the Princess's words and smiled in acknowledgment.
"Princess," the Captain softly called.
"Yes, Lord Raias?" Pina paused, turning towards the Captain.
"Choose your words wisely. If you do, I'm sure the Emperor will grant you the luxury and power you need. Just be careful with everything," Raias spoke softly to the Saderan Princess.
Pina slightly widened her eyes. She hadn't expected such words from a being like a Solar Guardian. Indeed, they were inhumanly perfect, both in diplomatic and martial prowess. Yet, this one felt genuine, as if he wanted to communicate on the same level as her.
"Thank you for the advice, Lord Raias," Pina expressed, smiling softly.
"Just call me Captain, Princess," he nodded, heading to the other entrance leading to the commander's seat.
"Princess, let's go in," Bozes prompted the Princess.
"Yeah," Pina agreed, taking one of the seats. As her back finally rested on the chair, Pina felt her exhaustion suddenly vanish.
"I can't believe this was their... military facility, not intended to be created for nobles. I..." Bozes attempted another sentence, but Pina lost interest. "The Imperium of Man... What kind of country is that?"
Pina watched her knight sympathetically. They would visit the JSDF first and then the Imperium of Man. Pina was sure that the Imperium of Man exceeded even the JSDF by an impossible distance.
"We can only hope for the best, Bozes," Pina tried to calm her friend, smiling to ease the blonde knight.
"Thank you, your Highness," the knight nodded, returning Pina's smile with her own.
Then, the metal wall suddenly changed with a shimmering light, revealing the environment around them.
"What is this?!" Pina shouted in panic.
"Don't worry. It is just a projection to show the environment outside of the vehicle. Nothing is harmful," Mal's voice echoed through the metal wall.
"Projection?" Pina touched the supposed projection. It was solid and cold, as if the metal wall was still there.
"Amazing," Bozes murmured.
"Well then, hang on to your seat. The engine is starting up." With that command, they began to float.
"Floating... We are floating," the Princess knight remarked.
"Let's head back to our seats, then." Thus, both of them took their seats, secretly marveling at the miracle before them.
Without warning, the gigantic vehicle began to move. Something intrigued Pina about the mechanism behind this horseless carriage.
It was the size of an entire house, almost rivaling the length of Formal's manor. Despite that, this vehicle could move at a speed she had never witnessed before.
Even when faced with terrain that would make it impossible for any normal wagon to traverse, this gigantic machine was able to get through without any difficulty.
Even though the road was rocky and dry, she did not hear a scraping sound from the ground. It floated perfectly, like a wizard's levitation magic.
Deep in her mind, Pina prayed for the best outcome.
-/-
"Captain," Maiya called to the man beside her.
"Is there something wrong, Lieutenant?" Raias replied, glancing at the woman.
"I just want to ask. Have you ever met the Emperor?" It was a question that invited the others.
Meeting the Emperor directly or even standing near him at least once in their lives was a source of pride. The majestic presence of the Emperor was something beyond the capacity of their transhuman tongues to describe.
"I have. Once, back when I was just a mortal," he replied. Even though his face was concealed behind his mask, they were sure he was smiling, even if only slightly.
"How about you, Maiya?" The Captain inquired.
"I have met His Majesty two times." The sound of a whistle punctuated her claim.
"That was amazing, Maiya. To be honest, I haven't met His Majesty, so I'm utterly jealous of you," Mal said with his jovial smile, teasing her with a chuckle.
"I'm just lucky at those moments. First, when I was a kid, I witnessed His Majesty parading on our Imperatus Laurus day. Then the second one, when I accompanied my mother to the unknown Xenos ruin, His Majesty just happened to be there with a contingent of his Primus Custodies. And also there was Lady Erd—" Maiya wrapped her hand around her mouth, which only drove the Apothecary to stare at her more intensely.
"That was beyond luck, Maiya," the man said, facepalming and sighing in desperation. "Not only the Emperor but also Lady Erda."
"Wait. Lady Erda, you said?" Nathaniel asked, his brows heavily furrowed.
"Well, yes?" It was not a firm statement. Instead, it was a questioned answer.
"How can you deduce her as Lady Erda?" The bald man insisted as his eyes narrowed in curiosity.
"The Emperor himself addressed her like that," the red-haired Solar Guardian simply answered. "His Majesty would not carelessly call anyone dear to him like that, after all."
All of them except Raphael and Raias hummed. They wondered if that statement was true. Someone had managed to catch a glimpse of a legendary figure like Lady Erda, which was beyond rare.
The sight of the Emperor outside pictures was something to be reckoned with. But encountering someone like Lady Erda was indescribable.
She was by far the most mythical person within the Imperium. Being part of the infamous Golden Order only enhanced her reputation.
"I wish I could be there," Mal muttered, receiving an apologetic smile from the female Solar Guardian.
"You will have your opportunity," Raias said reassuringly.
"I hope so... I hope so." He repeated his words as if trying to convince himself. With a closer look, it was clear that he really hoped to meet the legendary woman.
"It seems we have a fanboy here," Raias remarked, smirking under his helmet.
"Don't call me like that. Is it wrong to idolize someone like her? A person that... Alongside the Emperor saved us and the entire species?" Mal defended his action smoothly, giving his peers some eye contact to reassure them.
"Well said, Mal. Well said." The tanned man scoffed.
The Apothecary rolled his eyes, only causing the rest of his team to laugh. Even Raphael was smirking, though it was just for a moment.
"Speaking of that, we have arrived," Nathaniel informed his group. Their destination was just a short distance away, around two kilometers ahead.
"Well, let's greet our ancestors," Raias touched a button on his seat. "Princess Pina, we have arrived at our destination. Please prepare yourself."
"Is that necessary?" Surprisingly, it was Raphael who asked.
"Just in case." Raias used his WAR-CASTER to mentally command his Nano suit to connect to UR-982's Noosphere. "82, are you there?"
"Always, Captain." The Ferrous Mind immediately responded.
"Good. I want access to detailed information about the JSDF schedule for Princess Pina and Itami." Raias told the A.I. Instantly, a stream of information flooded his WAR-CASTER.
"Those were the data you needed for smooth negotiation,"
"Thank you," Raias scanned the data with his transhuman mind.
Those were not unexpected. All of them were just ordinary atomic-age civilization's first contact protocols. Even thousands of data regarding M2 Earth's cultures had been transferred into his WAR-Caster. Nothing was out of the ordinary until his mind laid on the redacted document.
"82, what is this?" The Solar Guardian asked the Man of Iron.
"It is simple data about the report of the entire world beyond." It simply answered.
"But why was it redacted?" The answer only came with the most inhuman voice Raias heard from UR-982.
"It was sanctioned directly by the High Lords themselves. Even I did not know the exact answer." Raias raised his eyebrows, feeling intrigued.
"Very well, thank you." Before Raias could end their connections, UR-982 interjected.
"Captain. I also have recently been assigned to accompany your team to Old Earth." This statement made the Captain widen his eyes before smirking.
"I think we will stick on the same boat again, 82." The man said welcomingly.
"Apparently, Captain," UR-982 replied, creating a pattern that resembled a smile in its Noosphere.
"Well then, you have my authorization to inform my team, 82." With that permission, the Ferrous Mind entered the 5th Recon Team's WAR-CASTER, informing its intention.
"Well, welcome to our party," Mal said with a smile.
"With this, it will be easier to learn their history," said Maiya with a happy expression.
The rest of the team only nodded in approval. Raias only watched his team with amusement. Silently, he sighed. It was not an emotional sigh, but it was hollow.
Something is causing his emotional control to snap. Something that made his mind clouded with distraction. As he was lost in his mind, a feminine voice snapped him out of his train of thought.
"Captain," He turned his head to the woman. That woman smiled brightly at him. "Your order."
A faint whisper came to his ears. A long-lost voice since the War of Retribution.
"Your order, sir." The same jovial voice alongside the almost identical smile.
"Let's prepare ourselves and follow the instructions and protocols. I don't want any incident to happen because we are dealing with Old Earth's civilization." Raias proclaimed.
"Yes, sir!"
The world when humanity is far from reaching its M29 counterpart. A time when mankind was an ignorant race, utterly blind from the truth.
This was also the era when humanity only cared about killing each other rather than helping others to ascendancy.
Deep in Raias' heart, he knew their primary duty was to come to Old Earth.
It would be ugly, but he hoped it would not be bloody.