-Japanese Diet Building-
Gradually, the bus and the Guardian's vehicle approached the Diet building, where a sea of reporters and media had flooded the streets. News had spread about representatives from the world beyond the Gate arriving to share their culture and experiences, sparking debates and discussions worldwide. Some advocated for the closure of the Gate, while others believed it could bring benefits through access to natural resources. The emergence of dragons and other mythological creatures from the Gate fueled various communities' speculations.
Whispers circulated about the existence of a second Gate in that world, inviting a second faction into the Special Region. The representatives' arrival at the Diet Building would finally provide answers to the public's curiosity.
From the bus, observers could spot a blue-haired girl wielding a staff, immediately sparking speculation about her being a mage. Another figure with a gothic style prompted intense internet speculation, and the last one was unmistakably an elf.
"That's an elf!"
"Look at them. They are beautiful."
Reporters buzzed with excitement, snapping pictures and filming the entire scene passionately.
Not far from the bus, a gigantic floating vehicle descended. Its construction defied the possibilities of a medieval-era civilization, leaving scientists around the world puzzled. No signs of carbon emissions or jet machinery were evident; the vehicle simply floated flawlessly.
Then, a seemingly ludicrous but strangely logical answer dawned on them: anti-gravity technology.
As the inhabitants of the Special Region disembarked from the bus, the metal door of the extraordinary vehicle swung open. Five giants emerged, clad in skin-tight suits with long-sleeve vests. As the onlookers caught sight of their flawless skin and peerless features, collective bafflement ensued.
Their beauty surpassed any human comparison, from models to artists and historical figures. The internet erupted with various comments.
"Who are they?"
"Look at them; they are unnaturally beautiful!"
"The symbols... Is that an eagle? Are they militarist people?"
"Sci-fi became true!"
Countless theories emerged, but the true origin of these giants remained a mystery.
"Even after thousands of years, the press still exists. I think many of our world's cultures could trace their origins here," Maiya remarked, waving her hand as cameras captured her every move.
"I'm glad we have similarities. I also found many... websites, they called. It is filled with various information, both pleasant and unpleasant," Mal added, with a wry taste on his tongue. "Call it a guilty pleasure and countless amounts of unspeakable prejudices. It was unthinkable how far our species is from enlightenment."
"We were young at this point. Naive as we are blinded by our pleasure. It is our duty to guide them," Raias said to his team, earning nods in confirmation.
They walked to the Diet building, following the Falmartian and Japanese. From the data they had acquired, the Japanese higher-ups were already aware of their presence in the Special Region, making it much easier.
They entered the main hall, where most Japanese politicians presented themselves.
"82, you have all their profiles and personal life, don't you?" Raias asked from behind his helmet.
"Of course I am. This is the world's firewall. No. I won't call it a firewall because this place looks like an open diary, ready to read whenever I want," UR-982 replied to the 5th Recon Team.
"I think we did not even need any assassin to conduct their operations here." With his transhuman capability, Nathaniel could speak very slowly. With a room this wide filled with this many people, his whisper is almost impossible to bear.
"Good... That's good." Mal said wryly.
As they began to sit, the Solar Guardian was provided with a chair that fits their size, slightly surprising them as they managed to build chairs for them.
As they waited for the debate to start, Raias used his helmet to activate his HUD. He began to fill out the scholarships with Lelei's full name and her bio. After that, he sent every Japanese politician's data to the Prometheus Arcology. He also discovered a scandal within the Japanese parliament regarding the current Prime Minister.
"Maybe they will find some use with this," he murmured as he sent them via his Noosphere.
They started with the introduction of the Falmartian. Much to his amusement, they are uprooted due to Tuka's elf origin. Elf or, rather to him, an Aeldar. It was a reasonable choice. She did not dare to call him and his team Monkeigh. But, it also applied to the Japanese, which was unusual for an Aeldar.
"Unfortunately, as the chairwoman said prior. We encountered Fire Dragon. A very powerful monster, as we are underprepared to face a being of that caliber," Itami said with honesty.
"I want to confirm something. Is there any causalty in that incident?"
Itami smiled. "Fortunately, we have no causalty in that incident."
"How so?" The Human Right Chairwoman asked dryly. "You've said there is no weapon in our arsenal capable of killing that Fire Dragon."
"The answer is quite simple. We got a helping hand from them." Itami glanced slightly at the Solar Guardians.
"I think it's our turn, Lieutenant?" Raias asked. Itami nodded his head in confirmation.
"Well then, I think it was time we introduced our other guests. I'm certain all of you heard about a rumor about the second Gate, and I'm here to declare that rumor is true. The second Gate is indeed exist." Itami declared firmly; his feature as an otaku immediately disappeared. Now, he is Lieutenant Itami of JSDF.
"Therefore, I present you, Captain Raias of the Imperium of Man." With that, Itami withdrew from the podium.
The towering figure of the Solar Guardian stood proudly. He walked to the podium with a weight that rendered the entire building silent.
As the podium is too short for the eight-foot-tall transhuman, Raias reaches his collar to activate his vox speaker.
"Greetings, people of Japan and nations beyond it. My name is Captain Raias Seloce of Solar Guardian—commanding officer of the 5th Recon Team. We hailed from the Imperium of Man. A country that came from the second Gate at Zalvus Hills." Raias said in fluent Japanese. It is so perfect that it exceeds their mortal understanding.
It did not born from training or hard work. It came from the genetic mark on his body.
"You came from the second Gate, aren't you? May I ask how you know the Japanese language? Furthermore, the way you spoke far exceeds us and even my fluency in voice and tone. How?" Kohara asked slowly, trying not to inflict any negative image on the giant.
"It was our purpose, chairwoman. We are cultivated to be perfect warriors of the Emperor and the most humane among transhumans. It is our duty to excel in diplomacy and warfare, as we are the Imperium's first and last line of defense and its army's public face." Discipline is paramount, causing the high tension within the room to skyrocket.
The older politicians are aware of a certain fact. That kind of discipline, the name of his country, and the most particular is the leader's title.
A militaristic Empire that held human supremacist ideology.
An old wound began to emerge in their soul. Therefore, sweat began to emerge from their skins.
"Imperium of Man, what country is that?" The chairwoman asked carefully, trying to stare into the captain's eyes. Yet, she could not.
"Isn't that a little bit rude, chairwoman? You asked us before we could introduce ourselves." Raias pointed with a poker-faced smile beneath his helmet.
This mistake made the room's temperature drop significantly. No one dares to speak. Somehow, they understand to communicate smoothly under that crushing weight is almost impossible.
"M-My apologies." The woman apologized.
Then, without any commands, the 5th Recon Team stood proudly.
"Nathaniel Varus, Devastator Specialist." The bald-tanned man said softly.
"Mal Eisobar, Apothecary at your service." Mal grinned.
"Raphael Trax, sniper." The blonde simply said with a stern face.
"Maiya Jacillev, Lexius-Lieutenant. I am a Demolisher." Maiya said cheerfully.
The name of that red-haired woman piqued a question.
"Pardon my intrusion. Maiya, isn't that a Japanese name?" The woman asked as she felt her sweat drop from her forehead.
"Well, indeed it is," Maiya admitted with a smile. "My parents are archaeologists. They named me after a name of a certain culture dating back to the Old Earth."
The statement made an uncomfortable silence. Many questions popped out as the Guardians held the answer.
"Let me answer that to all of you around the world. Old Earth is a term we used to address your era. And even in the more ancient era, we also addressed them by Old Earth." Raias said to the camera and Parliament.
"Ancient time? What does that mean?"
"We came from M29 or millennium 29th. It would be 27.000 years from now." That was the bombshell.
Suddenly, the internet was flooded with various topics and discussions. Many conspiracy theory lovers began to bicker their arguments.
It also began to explain their appearance and heights. The secret behind that massive vehicle began to unfold as their world's date made the answer to anti-gravity technology more profound.
Not only them. People across the globe, alongside their leaders, were shocked as well.
"That... 27.000 years from now." The image of that far future made them bleed to imagine.
Many sci-fi movies and films depicted that far time. Yet, people are still determining the full picture. Furthermore, the most famous image of the future did not date that far. Even some scientific theories and predictions did not hold a concrete view of that future.
These Solar Guardians held the truth about that future and its secret.
"Regarding our country, Imperium of Man," Raias stopped momentarily in mere nanoseconds. If they were transhumans, they would notice it.
In this very small moment, Raias recalled a moment deep inside his mindscape. A time when he was just a mortal, a kid that blind to the truth in this universe.
He sleeps peacefully on his mother's lap. He still remembers her mother's beautiful yet regal gown. A loving, caring mother that lives eternally in his mind. Raias remembered the day when his mother told him a beautiful verse. A verse that always came whenever he wanted to sleep. His mother would tell this verse over and over again to his ear.
A verse created by an unknown artist.
Verse with the nameless creator that became an unofficial portrayal of Imperium's glory.
"Imperium of Man. Cradle of civilization of the entire galaxy, spanning across millions of worlds, we stand strong as bastions of ours stand strong. Among countless trillions, we thrive and prosper. A country of progress and scientific understanding. As we are, humanity shall live."
Humans across the globe could feel it, a radiance of the glory of the said nation. It was something that they could not describe.
It is a sensation that borders supernatural prowess.
A safe haven for all.
A place of order that protects from chaos.
A sane place for those who seek refuge.
Many of them can feel it, some even capable of glimpsing the shining fragments of memories.
Raias smirked slightly under his helmet. It was very easy, thanks to UR-982's psychic power. It would take them less time to elevate their species into what they used to be.
The entire room fell into silence as no one dared to speak.
"Again, that feeling," Lelei remarked in a whisper.
"I think when my father said that words have their own powers," Tuka said in awe.
Rory only chooses to remain quiet. She started at the giants with a calculating look. This time, she can see that wonderful world again; this one is much clearer.
The city and the marble that built it caused Rory's curiosity about this Emperor to reach its peak. A man that leads this kind of people astonished her.
"What kind of person are you, Emperor of Mankind." She muttered to herself. Something about the name and vision that Solar Guardian presented resonated deep within her soul.
Once, she was also a mortal, like people who worshipped her. She understood how the inferior being held their belief in the higher one.
These Solar Guardians managed to engage in combat with her. Rory was convinced she had the upper hand when it came to pure martial prowess. Despite their hushed conversation, she could pick up on their words.
The Solar Guardian only held the fourth rank in their hierarchy.
This sparked Rory's curiosity about the full image of the Emperor. The title "Emperor of Mankind" spoke volumes about his position in the Imperium. He stood above the hierarchy, above all of humanity like their God, yet he was not.
A subtle signal prompted the chairwoman to snap her fingers, signaling her withdrawal from the podium. From the main hall door, the Prime Minister entered the room. It shocked the Japanese people, though it was a predictable action.
The Prime Minister took his place at the podium, clearing his throat. "I am the current Japanese Prime Minister, Motoi Shinzo. I welcome you to Japan, Captain Raias," he humbly greeted.
"The pleasure is all mine, Prime Minister," Raias nodded.
"I believe this is our formal first contact, Captain. Japan is fully open to diplomatic ties with your nation, but I would like to know your intentions first," Motoi inquired.
"Understandable, Prime Minister," Raias nodded again. "The Imperium of Man and His Majesty's intentions are clear. We aim to establish a solid connection and create an embassy here, in Japan." The statement left the leaders of great powers worldwide shocked.
"I see. Japan welcomes you and your Imperium, Captain. But I'm afraid we can't fulfill that demand instantly," the Prime Minister responded.
"That was expected, Prime Minister. Since humanity found the concept of nations, any diplomatic endeavor should benefit their nation and, potentially, their allies. We will send our official ambassador," Raias replied firmly.
"That is acceptable, Captain," the Prime Minister said, signaling to his aide to contact someone. Thanks to UR-982, they recorded the entire conversation.
"Also, Prime Minister, His Majesty wants to invite your representative to our nations for two weeks as a formal invitation," Raias added.
This statement not only heightened the tension in the room but also resonated worldwide, affecting everyone.
"Of course, I will send my diplomats to your nation," Motoi diplomatically smiled.
"That's a good answer, Prime Minister," Raias nodded approvingly.
"With good intentions, Captain. You have described your country. May we know detailed information about it?" Motoi asked carefully, choosing a tone to avoid diplomatic disaster.
"Of course, Prime Minister. Of course," Raias used his WAR-CASTER to communicate with UR-982, seeking clearance on how much information he should disclose about the Imperium. In an instant, he got his answer.
"As I mentioned earlier, the Imperium of Man is a galactic-spanning Empire. We have millions of worlds within our borders. I come from Macragge, a planet in the Ultramar Regnum. It is a sector with a thousand planets," Raias slowly recollected his days back on Macragge.
"Ferrous Mind? May we know what that is, Captain?" Motoi asked, intrigued. After a brief discussion with UR-982, Raias cleared his throat.
"It's an independent A.I. we created since M23, also known as Men of Iron. We coexist without any master or slave." This revelation stirred discussions across the internet about humans coexisting with artificial intelligence.
"The rest of my team comes from Terra, the birthplace of humanity. In contrast to Macragge, Terra is densely populated, housing trillions of people."
Shockwaves rippled across the globe as people shouted in disbelief.
"T-trillions... How is that possible?" A member of the parliament whispered in curiosity, and others joined in.
"Technology and advancements are our answers, gentlemen," replied the Solar Guardian softly. "Since the founding of the Federation, a country that became the predecessor of the Imperium, humanity has reached its technological zenith. We can cure every disease, build matter from nothing, and manipulate the cosmos. In that era, every problem was solved by our own hand."
"If I may ask, then why does your Imperium exist if you have something that astonishing?" Motoi asked. Deep down, he expected to invite their anger sentiment, but they only stared at him with wonder.
"Imperium was born two thousand years ago after the worst event that happened to us. You know, Prime Minister, we are not alone in this universe. This universe is full of horror that you would be grateful your blindness saves you from them," came a bitter voice from the transhuman.
"Third Galactic War. A war that marked not only our own failure but also the era where we forced our eyes open to perceive the truth of the universe."
The word 'war' marked deeper into their souls. A galactic-scale war is something beyond their sane mind to calculate. Something that they wanted them to ignore as the truth would be devastating.
"Then the Federation reforged into the Imperium of Man at M27 by His Majesty's will. As His Majesty has become our leader, he guides us to a new height." Something was off as the Solar Guardian finished his words.
"Pardon my intrusion. But you said your Emperor rebuilt your nation and then lived as the ruling monarch until now. Am I correct?" Motoi asked slowly.
"Yes, Prime Minister. The Emperor has ruled our country for over two thousand years." The simple answer was widespread knowledge in the Imperium. Now, that information brought a gasp of shock across the earth.
"How is that possible?" The question made Raias smirk under his helmet.
"In the Imperium itself, a man living until one thousand years old is not uncommon." Raias chuckled slightly. "Since an Imperial Citizen is born, they are gifted with a Coordinator template, giving them immunity to all basic diseases in the Imperium medical record. It also gifts them with intelligence that is 1/10 of our prowess. To provide you with an example, I can calculate the entire skyscraper in just seconds and draw it with perfect calculation and even improve it into an architecture that your civilization needs decades to invent."
Raias slowly recalled the moment he became the Solar Guardian. He could feel the sensation once again, the power that is beyond his imagination.
It is a might that came when he went to the fourth rank of the transhuman hierarchy. Something that even his mortal version could not comprehend.
"As the Imperial Citizen turns 45 years old, they will be elevated to Solar Guardian's level—the fourth rank of the transhuman hierarchy within the Imperium of Man. They shall receive relatively one thousand years of lifespan, intellect transcending any mortal mind, and power beyond mere humans." The statement only brought astonishment.
All sections of the internet burned with discussions and theories. Scientists began to lose their minds slowly, and biologists were the worst. They began to wonder what kind of advancement could create a superhuman that lived that long.
"I think that was all, Prime Minister, as those are the information I have clearance to inform in this diet," Raias said neutrally.
"Thank you for your words, Captain. I'm sure our countries can have a decent relationship." The Prime Minister smiled, though it was dry from any previous optimistic emotion.
Raias withdrew from the podium, sitting back in his chair.
"You are cruel, Captain," Maiya whispered.
"It was not cruel. It was necessary."