The Solar Guardians observed their potential ancestor with intrigued expressions. They were armed with what were considered primitive firearms. All of them were authentic, older versions of the Terran military.

"My name is Captain Raias Seloce, leader of the 5th Recon Team from Prometheus Arcology. Team, introduce yourselves," Raias said with his vox-enchanted voice.

"I am Mal Eisobar, Apothecary Auxilia. Nice to meet you," the helmetless man said, his charming smile revealing its intention.

"Nathaniel Varus, Devastator Specialist. I hope to become well-acquainted with all of you," the Solar Guardian standing beside Raias added. He opened his helmet, revealing a tanned man with a bald head.

Beside Mal, a crackling noise could be heard. From thin air, a bulky armor materialized. The JSDF could deduce that this newcomer was a woman from the armor's slim design.

"Greetings! I am Maiya Jacillev, Demolisher Specialist. I hope to learn much from you, Japanese people." As Maiya opened her helmet, her crimson hair flowed in the air. Her augmentations enhanced her flawless skin and unnatural beauty, leaving the JSDF men and villagers in awe.

"Men," Nathaniel remarked with a chuckle.

"Raphael, introduce yourself," Raias instructed within his vox channel.

"Roger," came the short and neutral reply.

Another crackling noise behind the Japanese group turned their attention. Another Solar Guardian manifested, but this one was different. An aura of intimidation radiated from him—not a predatory intimidation, but that of a man always ready for war, vigilant for every threat. All Solar Guardians were considered perfect soldiers by Japanese standards, but this one was distinct.

"I am Raphael Trax, Sniper Specialist," his answer was neutral, almost emotionless. His helmet opened.

Most of the JSDF members looked at them with a mix of dread and awe. A certain brunette girl in a JSDF Humvee gazed at Raphael, her face slightly flushed.

Raias walked in front of the JSDF personnel. "You can introduce yourself, honored JSDF."

"Please, drop the honorific title. I don't deserve such a thing," Itami waved his hand awkwardly.

"I must use it. After all, you are my ancestor," Raias dismissed the concern.

"Ancestor?" Itami muttered, lost in his thoughts. The rest of the Japanese also wore puzzled expressions.

"I'll explain later. Your name, soldier?" Raias asked gently.

"Ah, yes. First Lieutenant Yoji Itami," Itami replied with a smile.

"Glad to meet you, Lieutenant Itami," Raias extended his hand, which Itami shook.

"This is my team, the 3rd Recon Team." With that, the entire team exited their Humvee and introduced themselves to the Solar Guardians.

From beneath his helmet, Raias could observe his team members forming quick connections with the Japanese personnel. The most evident was Mal, who stole glances at the medic Mari Kurokawa in mere milliseconds.

Sighing, Raias chose to remain silent. Until Itami approached him.

"I have a question, Captain," Itami began.

"Ask away." The Solar Guardian replied.

"My apologies, but what is the Imperium of Man?" Itami inquired.

At this question, he glanced at his teammates, receiving slight nods. Sighing, Raias fixed his gaze on Itami.

"The Imperium of Man is a galactic-spanning empire across the Milky Way Galaxy. A nation of millions of worlds, led by His Majesty, the Emperor of Mankind," Raias proudly declared.

Silence followed among the JSDF members. They were stunned by Raias' words.

"A galactic empire?" Itami exclaimed, his voice trembling.

"Yes, and according to your calendar, we come from the year M29,671. Roughly twenty-seven thousand years into the future," Raias stated matter-of-factly.

"Twenty-seven… thousand years from the future?!" The rest of them exclaimed in shock.

"Do the people of Old Terra possess extraordinarily strong lungs? Are they augmented?" Raias inquired of UR-982 within his helmet.

"Based on historical records, human gene and bionic augmentations had not been discovered by M2," UR-982 replied.

"Then how…" Raias mused for a moment.

"Yes, as our Captain mentioned, we originate from M29,671. That translates to the twenty-nineth millennium, age 671," Nathaniel explained to the Japanese with a smile.

"How?" Tomita asked.

"We came through another Gate at Zalvus Hills," Mal informed them.

"So there's another Gate. We need to report this to the General," Tomita muttered.

"Speaking of your General, I wish to meet with him to fully explain our intentions here," Raias stated to Itami.

"We'd be happy to take you to him. However," Itami's gaze shifted to the villagers.

"I understand." Raias approached the villagers.

Taking a deep breath, he used UR-982's psychic capability to translate his words.

"People of Coda Village, I am Raias Seloce, a Solar Guardian from the Imperium of Man. The Fire Dragon has been defeated, and though you could stay here and save your village, the Empire has enforced a scorched earth policy. However, I offer an alternative. The Imperium of Man provides shelter for all. If any of you wish to join us, I would be honored to bring you there. Our world is one of wonders and power that you've only glimpsed so far. Will you join us?" Raias spoke in flawless Falmartian.

His transhuman aura and charisma left the villagers in awe and wonder. Thanks to UR-982's psychic power, they fully understood the depth of his words, feeling a sense of hope emanating from Raias' speech—a glimmer of what the Imperium could offer.

Lelei and Cato felt the aura even more deeply. Their souls resonated with the Solar Guardian's words—glory, pride, and unimaginable wealth.

Tuka, as an elf, felt something even beyond. She sensed the entire weight of the Imperium of Man's civilization—a warm embrace and love for all.

Rory, on the other hand, saw fleeting images. Buildings that pierced the sky, floating cities, and a colossal ship blotting the horizon.

For the JSDF, a sense of destiny settled upon them—an inherent right waiting to be claimed.

Only a few villagers chose to remain for extraction; the rest opted to resettle elsewhere. Raias smiled beneath his helmet.

"82, connect me with Gax," Raias commanded the Ferrous Mind.

"Right away." A video call appeared on his HUD.

"Ah, Raias. According to the pinpoint coordinates, your mission seems to have been successful. What can I do for you?" Colonel Gax inquired.

"I have villagers who wish to become citizens of the Imperium," Raias stated.

"That's unexpected. Are they armed?"

"No, they are simple villagers."

"Very well, I will send you teleportation coordinates to bring them over." Gax tapped his table.

"Thank you, and I also want to report that first contact has been established. I repeat, first contact has been established," Raias informed with a stern tone.

Upon hearing this, Gax's expression underwent a drastic change. The Colonel's gaze locked onto Raias, his eyes searching for something. "Can you provide me with a live video feed?"

"Of course, Gax." Raias complied with his superior's request. Using his visor, he directly linked his Noosphere with the arcology's systems to display what he was witnessing in the stronghold.

"So, you've interacted with the Japanese," Colonel concluded, his fingers resting on his chin as he adopted a thoughtful look.

"Yes, sir. It aligns with the historical records about them. They are pacifists," the Captain observed, his attention on the Japanese individuals who were engaged in conversation with his team members. Friendliness and innocence seemed to emanate from them.

"But the rest of Old Earth wasn't. Well, the teleportation coordinates are now complete. Accuracy should be at 100%." Colonel's smile carried a sense of fondness as he addressed Raias. "You never fail me, Raias."

"Save the compliments for later, Gax. We have an important task at hand," Raias waved off the praise, his response carrying an air of nonchalance.

Sighing in a display of surrender, the Colonel-ranked Solar Guardian replied, "I'll report this to Lord General Sol. I assume you've requested a general audience with them?"

"I have, Gax. Don't worry." A smile formed on the Captain's face, mirroring the Colonel's earlier sentiment.

"Good job, Raias. Colonel Gax, out." The transmission concluded.

"Team, utilize the Teleportation Beacon for the villagers. We'll send them back to Prometheus Arcology." Raias addressed the entire 5th Recon Team via vox channels. With a nod, the team members approached the villagers, gently affixing a small, circle-shaped device to their shoulders. The villagers complied without question, staring at the devices with a mix of astonishment and curiosity. Even the carriages had been equipped with the devices.

"What's the plan, Captain?" Itami inquired, standing by Raias's side with a questioning expression.

"We'll teleport them back to our base." For Raias, the procedure was routine. But for Itami, it was an utterly mind-boggling concept.

"T-teleport them?!" The JSDF personnel reacted with a mixture of shock and disbelief.

"You'll see." Raias's simple response didn't prevent Itami from trembling slightly in apprehension.

"All clear, Captain!" Maiya's voice rang out. Her proclamation caught the attention of the JSDF, the Warp-born, and the psyker present. Raias also noted Aeldar's curiosity. The psyker's hand clenched into a fist.

"82, proceed." Raias issued a concise command, prompting a brilliant flash of light. As the light subsided, the villagers, their carriages, and their belongings had vanished.

The remaining onlookers were frozen in shock, their astonishment palpable.

"What have you done to them?!" Mari's panic-laden voice pierced the air as the Warp-born tightened her grip on her halberd.

"Easy there. We've simply teleported them to our base." Nathaniel's reassuring tone accompanied his attempt to ease their concerns. His smile aimed to instill confidence.

"Teleport?!" The shout of disbelief reverberated from the bewildered group.

Raias let out a sigh, recognizing that the concept of teleportation was quite overwhelming for those who had just witnessed it.

-/-

Using their vehicles, the JSDF returned to their base. However, the Solar Guardians opted to traverse the distance on foot. Surprisingly, the Guardians managed to match the pace of the vehicles with a determined jog.

After a few hours, they reached the perimeter of the base.

"You know, it feels a bit strange visiting this place for the second time. Well, the first time if you consider the previous visit an infiltration," Mal remarked with an awkward tone in their vox channels.

"I understand what you're saying," Nathaniel responded with a small sigh.

"Just pretend this is our first time here. That should make things easier," Mal suggested, though her tone hinted at self-directed advice.

Following a brief argument between Itami and a guarding soldier, they were granted passage.

Every inhabitant of the base regarded the Solar Guardians with a mix of caution and awe. The sight of an 8-foot tall human clad in metallic armor was like witnessing a super soldier from a dream brought to life.

"I'll be reporting to the General. You all can wait here," Itami stated with a smile.

"No problem," Raias responded. With Itami gone to report to his superior, the rest of the 3rd Recon Team engaged in conversations with Raias' teammates. Surveying the rest of the base, Raias noticed a subtle distancing from him. His status as a Solar Guardian seemed to create a perceptible gap between them. It was a stark contrast to his experience in the Imperium, where societal augmentation brought everyone closer to his level. To the Japanese, he was just another human, and they, mere mortals with lifespans barely spanning a century.

Distance, fragility, and a sense of simplicity. Within Raias, a tingling sensation emerged, a feeling he only experienced during the War for Retribution—a sentiment tied to a longing for a long-lost fragment.

"What are you trying to convey, Itami?" General Hazama inquired of the man before him.

"As I mentioned, sir, not only have we established contact with the natives, but it appears we've also established contact with a civilization from another Gate," Itami explained while rubbing his neck.

"And you claim they're from twenty-seven thousand years in the future?" The General's incredulity was evident.

"They assert as much." Itami avoided direct eye contact with his superior.

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Yanagida entered, his gaze fixed on Itami, causing the latter to yelp involuntarily.

"General," Yanagida saluted the seated officer.

"Lieutenant Yanagida," Hazama acknowledged.

"I've heard we've made contact with another Gate," the bespectacled man stated sternly.

"Yes, Lieutenant. The Solar Guardians are undeniable evidence of that. And, based on your report, they were responsible for killing the Fire Dragon?" Hazama glanced at the report on his desk.

"Yes, General," Itami replied, recalling the event when he witnessed a formidable creature being brought down by only four individuals.

"In that report, you mentioned they used laser and plasma weaponry. Are you certain of that?" The report explicitly detailed the dragon's demise and the weapons used against it.

"Absolutely certain, General. I mean, what else could produce blue projectiles and a red beam capable of scorching the entire land? Though, I couldn't identify all their weaponry. There was a weapon emitting a green light that seemed to manipulate gravity?" Itami explained, a wry smile accompanying his words.

"A weapon manipulating gravity?" Yanagida's voice dripped with calculation as he narrowed his eyes.

"Yes, exactly. It all happened so quickly, and I could barely make it out. What I did see was the green light crushing the dragon's wing, as if applying pressure from all sides." Itami shrugged, a weariness evident in his sigh.

Hazama closed his eyes, his brows furrowed as he pondered the implications. If these revelations were true, they could reshape humanity's future.

"I believe I have no alternative. Bring their leader here. I intend to have a conversation with him." The General's resolve was palpable.

"Understood, sir," Itami responded before departing from Hazama's office.

"Yanagida, I'll need your assistance with this," Hazama enlisted the help of the bespectacled officer.

"Of course, sir."

Raias observed his team conversing with the Japanese individuals, standing silently like a statue.

"So, these are medical technologies from M2," Mal remarked, inspecting the various instruments within the medical tent.

"Actually, no. These are for medical field operations. If you want to see our medical technologies, you'll need to visit the hospital," Mari chuckled, amused by Mal's genuine interest in JSDF medical technology.

"Back in my world, these could be classified as artifacts." The black-haired man's statement reflected the advanced nature of his own reality.

"Wow. So, what kind of medical technologies does your Imperium possess?" Mari's curiosity was evident in her smile.

"Prepare to be surprised," Mal smirked. "We possess many advancements. One of them is the Panacea STC, upgraded countless times to cure virtually anything."

"Anything? Diseases like AIDS, Ebola, Cancer, Dementia—essentially all of Earth's incurable illnesses?" Mari's widened eyes betrayed her disbelief.

"To us, those are considered primitive diseases. Panacea would require mere seconds to completely heal them." Mal's nonchalance indicated the extent of their capabilities. Mari was left in stunned amazement.

Mal chuckled, finding amusement in her reaction.

Shifting his attention, Raias noticed Nathaniel engrossed in conversation with machine specialists, particularly those specializing in tanks.

"What a fascinating relic," Nathaniel remarked.

"What do you mean, relic?" A JSDF member inquired with curiosity.

"We've equipped most of our tanks with Grav-technology." Nathaniel's straightforward answer left the JSDF personnel astounded.

Once again, Raias observed Maiya being interviewed by various JSDF members present in the base. Her imposing stature and bulky armor, combined with her cheerful demeanor and wide smile, created an awkwardly contrasting interaction.

Finally, there was Raphael. He stood like an automaton, devoid of aura and presence—as if he were a ghost. Even psychic detection proved futile, rendering him null, akin to a Blank. This led Raias to speculate about the enigmatic history of the man.

"My team is certainly an intriguing bunch," Raias mused to himself.

"Captain Raias, General Hazama wishes to see you in his office," a JSDF member informed him. Despite avoiding direct eye contact, the Japanese maintained their professionalism.

"Affirmative." With his response, Raias headed to meet the General.

As Raias entered the base, an irksome sensation began to creep up on him.

"Feeling a sense of familiarity yet attempting to deny it, Captain?" UR-982's voice suddenly chimed in.

"Be silent," Raias retorted with sternness.

"Very well. I'll remain quiet until you require my assistance. After all, I'll soon be upgraded into an Ultima-class arcology." UR-982's statement caused Raias to pause for a brief moment, contemplating the potential reasons behind the necessity of such an arcology.

"I'll have numerous questions for you later, 82." Raias concluded their communication. He

stood before the familiar door, opened it, and found himself face-to-face with the General and the four-eyed man.

Suppressing a mental groan, Raias entered the room.

"Captain Raias, I presume." The General addressed him with a smile.

"General," Raias replied.

"While I would offer you a seat, I believe we lack one of suitable dimensions," the General's gaze scanned Raias's imposing figure. "Nevertheless, welcome."

"I don't mind. Please, General. Let's proceed with the discussion," Raias responded neutrally, causing Yanagida to subtly flinch.

"If you would be so kind, Captain Raias, please remove your helmet," Yanagida suggested with a smile that held both cunning and warmth.

"Yanagida," Hazama interjected sternly.

"I have my reasons. I hope they won't pose any problems," Raias replied, maintaining his professional demeanor.

The General sighed. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am General Hazama. This is Lieutenant Yanagida."

"Pleased to meet both of you."

"Now, Captain, could you provide an explanation of where you come from and what the Imperium of Man is?" Hazama's tone remained composed as he fixed his gaze on the super soldier.

"We originate from Zalvus Hill, situated approximately twenty-five kilometers from Alnus Hills. Our presence here is a result of another Gate emerging on our Cradle World, Terra. An Empire launched an attack against us, prompting our counter-attack efforts," Raias elaborated, mentioning "Cradle World" and "Terra," which resonated within the minds of the JSDF members.

"A Cradle World. According to Itami's report, the Imperium of Man spans millions of worlds," Hazama remarked thoughtfully, clearly intrigued by the topic.

"Correct, General. Over countless millennia, we have ventured into the stars, colonizing one planet after another. The foundation of our Imperium solidified our rule across the cosmos, with Terra serving as its core. For you, Terra is analogous to Earth," Raias explained with a soft tone, exuding his charismatic aura.

"The Imperium of Man. While I may be a General without the authority to pass judgment, does this imply that your society promotes a doctrine of human superiority, Captain?" The question was unexpected yet somewhat anticipated. A General symbolizes a nation's protector, and this inquiry appeared to validate that assumption. Raias recognized this and prepared to respond.

"To some extent, yes. However, it is rooted in a compelling rationale. The universe harbors horrors that fall outside our moral framework. Many of these entities desire our obliteration and consumption. Guided by these principles, we stand steadfast against these horrors," Raias replied softly, attempting to tap into their emotions.

"What horrors?" Yanagida inquired, his curiosity evident.

"Ignorance can indeed be a form of bliss, Lieutenant Yanagida," the Solar Guardian replied with a cold, neutral tone.

Hazama, shaking his head disapprovingly, maintained his patient gaze on Raias. "You mentioned it's a counter-attack. Did you have any intentions towards this Special Region?"

"Previously, the Lord of Italica pledged loyalty to our Emperor. Consequently, the entire Italica region now falls under the jurisdiction of the Imperium," Raias stated, reviewing the Italica region through his helmet. He accessed data he had clandestinely gathered from Hazama's office, allowing him insight into the Japanese's upcoming operations.

"From our perspective, Captain, that was an unacceptable move. According to our world's laws, such an action constitutes aggression," the General pointed out with narrowed eyes.

"I understand, General. However, loyalty has been pledged, and the Lord of Italica willingly ceded his territory. Thus, our response was only fitting," Raias replied directly, his answer irrefutable and blunt.

"I'd like to inquire, Captain. Your civilization spans millions of planets. Why then expand into this primitive world?" Hazama continued probing.

Raias responded with a wry smile. "Only the Emperor knows."

A subsequent silence ensued. Hazama sensed limited room for further discussion. He maintained his gaze on the Solar Guardian.

"Captain, for the time being, I propose establishing a non-aggression pact. As the saying goes, 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend,'" the General suggested smoothly, a serene smile gracing his lips.

"I would be willing, General. However, I'm a soldier and, more importantly, a low-ranking Solar Guardian. Such negotiations fall outside my purview," Raias replied honestly. He was a soldier, enhanced to shield the Imperium from tangible threats. Diplomacy was not his domain.

"Regrettable. Nonetheless, I suggest a non-aggression pact with the Imperium of Man. Can you convey this proposal to your superior?" Hazama pressed further.

"If it's considered a delivery mission, I can certainly fulfill that task for you, General," Raias nodded affirmatively.

"Thank you, Captain." The General signaled to Yanagida, who exited the room.

Shortly afterward, Yanagida returned with a document. A quick scan revealed it was a non-aggression treaty.

"Here you are, General." Yanagida handed the document to Hazama.

"Thank you, Yanagida." The General opened the document. "I will relay the message of this treaty. I hope for a prompt response, Captain."

"Of course, General." As Raias reached toward the document, a notification appeared in his helmet. A swift glance confirmed the sender's identity, prompting a satisfied smile.

"What has transpired, Captain?" Hazama inquired.

"It's not of immediate significance, General," Raias responded, piquing the curiosity of both JSDF officers.

"What do you mean by that, Captain Raias?" Hazama's narrowed gaze remained fixed on the Solar Guardian, ready to address any situation.

"Lord General will address you directly." Raias left no room for further questions, touching his temple to activate a hologram.

Before their eyes, a holographic figure materialized – a golden-armored man even taller than Raias. The hologram exuded an uncannily realistic presence, as if the Lord General himself stood before them in hard light, his armor an epitome of advanced technology and artistic grandeur.

"Greetings, General. I am Lord General Sol, Agral Velhico. I have come to discuss the matter of this non-aggression treaty," the voice resonated regally in perfect Japanese. The holographic figure radiated an otherworldly charisma, casting a luminous aura that enveloped the room in its captivating brilliance.

Both Japanese officers found themselves rendered speechless, dwarfed by the entity they faced.

"General?" Agral's voice softened.

"My apologies. I-I find it difficult to process the overwhelming presence before me, Lord General," Hazama stammered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"This was to be expected, General. I should have prepared you beforehand," the golden figure waved a dismissive hand.

"It's much clearer now. Please, review the document," Hazama managed to regain some composure, pointing to the paper.

Agral placed his index finger on the document. Instantly, his signature appeared – a signature made by a hologram, a concept that defied conventional understanding.

"A standard non-aggression treaty, with no further conditions or arrangements. I understand your intentions, General. I commend your leadership," Agral commented, placing his finger on the document, and a signature materialized.

Although aware that they were interacting with a hologram, both Hazama and Yanagida stood in awe as the holographic figure executed a signature as if the real person were present.


"T-thank you very much, Lord General. Your gesture is deeply appreciated," Hazama handed the document back to Yanagida, who was still in a state of disbelief at the Imperium's General.

"General Hazama, I have another proposal. I wish to extend an offer that allows non-offensive Japanese operations to take place in Italica. Additionally, I seek to foster a positive relationship between our nations," the Lord General's words resonated deeply within Hazama's contemplation.

"I will give this proposition careful consideration, Lord General," Hazama replied resolutely.

Agral extended his arm. With some hesitation, Hazama reached out and found himself gripping the holographic figure's hand. Surprisingly, he could feel a warm, light-like sensation emanating from the Lord General.

"I look forward to meeting you in person, General Hazama," Agral's voice carried a soft tone.

"As do I," Hazama responded with sincerity.

And just like that, the golden General vanished as the hologram dissipated.

"It seems my task here is complete. I hope that Japan and the Imperium may forge a strong alliance in the near future," Raias addressed Hazama, his helmet concealing any visible expression.

"I will exert all efforts to make that a reality, Captain," the General replied with a nod, his respect for the Solar Guardian evident.

"With that, I shall take my leave." Raias departed from the room.


Hello guys. Vorhard's here. I would ask you guys about the true scale of the war in Heaven. You know. It is hard to believe that the war in Heaven the only limited to our galaxy. I mean, the Necron has Breathe of the gods that can create a temporal black hole capable of erasing the entire timeline. At the same time, the Necrons themselves destroyed their most advanced weaponry. Thus Breathe of the Gods was not dangerous(at least in their book)

The Elders themselves have a tower capable of manipulating the fundamental fabric of reality that can create Commorragh in a single thought. And in Harlequin's book, if I remember it correctly. It stated that the web way also stretches beyond Milky Way.

And recently, I read Fabius Bile's book. He mentioned that the war in Heaven scratched into every galaxy in the universe. And when I remember it correctly, the old lore stated that orks filled a quarter of the universe. Yet, the recent lore in a few years old Necron's book state that the Deceiver destroyed galaxies in the past using a black hole.

So what do you guys think?