-M29. 671. Falmart. Prometheus Arcology-
Colonel Gax sat at his desk, scanning dozens of reports with transhuman speed and understanding. As he read through the documents, he couldn't hide the smirk of satisfaction on his face.
"Everything will change indeed. I never thought this day would come since the Hell tide," he remarked, recalling the bitter memory of the Hell tide, a devastating moment in his nearly seven hundred years of life when the Imperium faced corruption and devastation. The Emperor had issued unprecedented orders at that time, reshaping the course of the Imperium.
But the current situation was different. It promised a change that would make the Imperium shine even brighter.
"Attention, all officers are requested to attend the Command center. Attention, all officers are requested to attend the Internal Command," UR-982's voice echoed across the arcology. If this message was broadcasted, it meant the Lord General was calling them.
Gax stood up, answering the call. He walked through the hallways with several other officers, most of them sharing bright expressions.
Upon entering the Command Center, they saw the Lord General with his Honor Guards, standing proudly in their artistic armor. A smile graced Agral's face, radiating the shining figure of the third-ranked transhuman.
Without delay, the officers lined up with utmost discipline.
"Hear me, the loyal soldiers of the Imperium. It's been widely known that the second Gate led us into contact with our ancestors. But yesterday, we managed to forge formal diplomatic ties with them. Therefore, we already presented ourselves to them. Now, they will come to our Cradle World to further enforce our friendship. It is our time to guide and show them humanity's true value. Let's show them the truth," the Lord General's voice beamed with transhuman charisma. Agral's features became the beacon of spirit for the Solar Guardians.
"Release the cloak. We've had enough of hiding!"
Since its construction, Prometheus Arcology had been hidden behind a gigantic cloaking mechanism. It was a simple procedure when engaging with feudal civilizations. But the circumstances had changed. Now they must reveal themselves as the dominant force in this world.
The might and the dream shall come for those wanting.
Freeing the enslaved and bringing the light to the weak.
Thus, the time of hiding was over.
-/-
Raias continued to monitor the holo display, processing the real-time reports about Prometheus Arcology. A message echoed through the base, announcing the end of concealment and the revelation of the Imperium's presence.
"For those who are outside the base. We have revealed our concealment to spread our dream of unification. The silent operation is no longer needed. We are the Imperium of Man, shall judge they who are worth this world. Ave Imperator," the message proudly declared.
The 5th Recon Team solemnly placed their hands on their chests, responding with a unified, "Ave Imperator."
"Well, I think we must inform our JSDF friends," Mal remarked, smirking at his Captain.
"Indeed we must," Raias agreed, reaching for the vox speaker. "Lieutenant Itami."
"Yes, Captain?" Itami's voice came through.
"I suggest you open your window wide and see forward. I assure you that you will enjoy this," Raias advised with a confident tone.
"O-Okay? Thank you for your advice, Captain," Itami replied, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"No problem," Raias said before severing the connection.
"Prometheus had been upgraded into Ultima-class arcology, wasn't it?" Nathaniel asked with a slight smirk.
"Yep," the Captain confirmed, acknowledging the significant upgrade of Prometheus Arcology. The air was charged with anticipation as the revelation unfolded.
-/-
"What was that, sir?" Kurata asked, dressed in his military suit as Itami's bodyguard. He and the 3rd Recon Team elements were accompanying the Saderan Princess and the Japanese diplomat. In contrast, Itami wore a formal suit.
"Captain Raias wants us to stare up ahead. The reason? I don't know," Itami said with a sigh.
"Can you elaborate more, Lieutenant?" Koichi Aizawa, the diplomat tasked to the Imperium, asked.
"I don't know. But I'm sure they are up to something," Itami shrugged.
"What are they talking about?" Pina asked the blue-haired mage, Lelei.
"They said the Solar Guardian wanted them to witness something before us," Lelei informed the Princess.
"Something? But I don't see anything," Rory remarked.
In that continued silence, they began to wonder about the Solar Guardian's intentions. Without any warning, a thunderous noise split the air.
"What is that?!" Kuribayashi shrieked in fear.
"Look there!" Aizawa screamed, pointing forward.
As they laid their eyes in the said direction, a flash of blue light shimmered across the horizon. Lightning crackling burned the sky as unholy energy began to touch their skins.
"Impossible," Itami said in a whisper.
From the bottom, like the lifted veil, an impossibly large structure emerged into reality.
For the JSDF, they could deduce this technological wonder as the Imperium's cloaking technology.
But to the Falmartian, their blood ran cold with fear and awe. The structure seemingly manifested itself from thin air, revealing its glory to their mortal minds.
The structure was incredibly tall, sprawling like a mountain. Its artistic beauty could not be described by their words. It was metal that rose to the heavens with the might of unthinkable mastery.
It was beauty beyond any measure, filled with wonders. As far as their eyes could reach, they could not witness the peak of this structure.
"Beautiful," Lelei said with her eyes glued to the marvel of the structure.
"What is this... How was it possible?" Pina trembled, not in fear but in amazement.
"Human... Are they really human?" Tuka could not believe her eyes, rubbing them as if she was dreaming.
Bozes could not utter a word, completely paralyzed by the sight before her.
Rory paled like a corpse. She was beyond terrified by the sheer magical power when the veil lifted from the inhumanly beautiful structure. The pure power of the realm of gods was beyond even her ability to comprehend.
"How... How can they channel that power? They are not gods... How?" She clenched her hand to steel her mind and heart.
"Rory, are you okay?" Itami asked the demi-god in concern.
"I-I don't know," she shuddered, swallowing a bitter taste of her saliva.
Around that mountain-like metal structure, a road had been built, fortified with walls of Adamantium. They stood with unknown danger within. Instead of a military facility, they witnessed a colossal megalopolis.
Countless Solar Guardians performed their duties while thousands of metal automatons marched with perfect coordination. Something about those giant golems made Pina feel her heart race.
"Their weapons. They are much bigger than the Solar Guardian's," Lelei pointed.
That is what exactly made Pina nervous. She studied the golems to their utmost detail. Weapons in their possession were similar but much larger and vastly superior.
She had witnessed the might of Raias and his team destroying thousands of bandits in a single night, leaving the barren land with craters that not even the Apostle could create.
And these golems held more unspeakable power of destruction. Pina's breath began to dwindle in her shock.
"Princess, breathe," Bozes whispered softly.
Hearing the comfort, Pina began to control her emotions. She smiled at her most trusted knight, nodding his head in affirmation.
They also witnessed half a dozen vehicles six times the size of the 5th Recon Team's possessions. They are floating, bearing weapons that resemble massive artillery. No, it would be an understatement. Those vehicles are the weapons themselves.
Weapons ready to unleash the apocalypse itself.
"What... Are those," Itami asked in a tone quieter than a whisper.
"Those would be Ordinatus Medium-class Self-Propelled Artilleries." A voice that neither resembled a man nor a woman rang in their minds.
"Who is that?!" Aizawa shouted.
"Greetings, I am UR-982. Ferrous Mind that served this facility." The voice stated.
"The iron spirit," Pina murmured.
"Nice to meet you again, Princess. I hope you have a great morning." The Man of Iron said happily.
"T-Thank you," Pina smiled weakly, trying to conceal her distress.
"Ferrous Mind," Itami muttered. "So, you are the Imperium's Artificial Intelligent."
"Yes, I am. I think you have heard about me, Lieutenant. I'm glad to know that," UR-982 said pleasantly.
"Your welcome," Itami said with a wry smile.
"Very well, then. I will be your guide when you arrive at this arcology. All of you will wait about two hours, and then you can pass our Gate to meet our Emperor." Ur-982 said to all of them clearly.
"May I ask?" Lelei asked.
"Of course, little psyker." The Ferrous Mind answered kindly.
Ignoring how the Man of Iron addressed her, Lelei cleared her throat. "I've heard from Captain Raias regarding this structure. Arcology, wasn't it?"
"You're correct. This is an Ultima-class arcology, Prometheus. It was named after a certain deity in Old Earth's mythology. A deity that stole fire from the god to grant enlightenment to mankind." When the Man of Iron mentioned a deity, it made Lelei frown.
"From what Captain said, your country hates gods and any religion. But why are you using the name of a god for your structure?" The blunt question brings chills to all passengers.
"We only admire its philosophical meaning. Furthermore, this legend drove humanity's wisdom to bring salvation. His Majesty believes we must remember what makes our origin. Even we are governed by a secular government. We also practiced countless spiritualistic rituals." The revelation made all of them frown.
"Then what is the Imperial Truth?" Rory suddenly asked, narrowing her eyes.
The Ferrous Mind did not answer, remaining silent for a split second.
"Imperial Truth," UR-982 said slowly. "I don't have any clearance to speak about that to you, Rory Mercury."
"Why?" She tightened her grip on her halberd.
"Because the one who will answer your question is the Emperor of Mankind himself." That was the most deafening truth. A truth that made time itself seemingly frozen by the weight of UR-982's words.
"The Emperor himself... Why?" Not satisfied with the answer, Rory asked with concern in her voice.
"The Emperor held the title Master of Mankind for a reason, Rory Mercury. Please, you will have your answer. But for now, I will guide you in this arcology."
Finally, they entered the massive structure. From the windows, they witness the arcology is utterly wider inside. It was a city that was held within a single impossibly large frame. As far as their eyes can go, they only witness the most advanced industrial complex they have ever seen. It was automated, yet it did not eliminate any human involvement. They did see not only transhumans but also mortals who accompanied them. It was fascinating that the supposedly mere humans managed to stand side by side with a transhuman.
"Take the left side, and you will find a vehicle-sized teleporter. It will bring you to the hangar. Then, Colonel Gax will meet you there." Kurata nodded his head, complying with the Man of Iron's direction. There, he spotted an iron circle with a shimmering blue light in its center.
As they entered it, a flash of brilliant light washed over their vision. It did not last long as the light died out.
"Man, I feel nausea," Kurata said, holding his head.
"It's a common experience when a person undergoes their first teleportation travel," informed the Ferrous Mind.
"Thanks for the information." Itami rubbed his stomach, attempting to hold down the queasiness.
Amid their struggle with nausea, the echoing steps of a Solar Guardian drew their attention. This one was different—older than the 5th Recon Team. The Solar Guardians were said to live up to a thousand years, and the appearance of this man piqued their curiosity about his age.
"Greetings, the representative of Japan and Sadera. My name is Colonel Gax; I'm here to bring you to our Lord General until we can enter the Gate." The Colonel smiled warmly at his guests.
"Greetings, Colonel. It's a new experience for me, especially that teleportation," Aizawa said, adopting a diplomatic tone.
"Pardon us for that, Mr. Aizawa. We did not want to waste any time bringing all of you here. Thus, that was our ultimate choice," reassured the Solar Guardian.
"Now, let me guide you to the Lord General's Sanctum."
The group followed the Solar Guardian down a hallway. Before they could step inside, their guns were swiftly confiscated, prompting a surprised reaction from Kuribayashi.
"My apologies, but we need to confiscate your weapons for safety reasons," explained the Solar Guardian neutrally.
"Understandable, Colonel." Aizawa nodded to the JSDF, signaling their understanding.
As they proceeded down the hallway, the Falmartians were captivated by the artistic design of the corridor. Deeper within, they reached a glass hallway that unveiled a breathtaking sight.
"What is that?!" Itami exclaimed in excitement and awe.
Petrified by the view before them, the entire group gazed at a massive chamber with countless construction bays and innumerable creation instruments assembling a gigantic humanoid frame.
Omniphages swarmed across the hundreds of meters tall frame, covering every edge of its complex metal skeleton. In an almost instantaneous process, the Omniphages departed, leaving the skeleton adorned in sinewy steel and adamantium plates—a mighty giant destined to seek and destroy anything in its path.
"Mind answering that, 82?" the Colonel requested gently.
"Of course, Colonel," responded UR-982. "This place is the Titan Manufactorum. Here, we create titans—bipedal walkers designed to slay titan-sized enemies, advancing in the Emperor's name."
As UR-982 described the mighty machine, the titan in construction roared its warhorn, and a newly created Man of Iron entered the titan's noosphere.
The roar sent shivers down the spines of the warp-sensitive humans in the group. For a brief moment, they glimpsed something—not the titan but something lingering around it.
A soul. The soul of a vastly terrifying entity.
"Let's continue our walk, then," said the Colonel with a smile, breaking them from their petrification.
-/-
As the day unfolded in a meticulous array of schedules and meetings, the Lord General, still retaining an otherworldly air, meticulously went through various lists and gatherings the guests would be attending. From the morning schedule to nighttime, every detail was discussed.
"Then we move to the next list outside your primary meeting. Lelei Lelena, you shall attend the scholar meeting at planet Prospero. Also, you have been appointed as a temporary student there," Agral stated, his eyes unwavering from the holovid.
"I understand," she responded simply.
"Princess Pina co Lada and Bozes Co Palesti, you will have a personal meeting with Lord Malcador, one of the High Lords of Terra." At the unfamiliar name and title, Pina felt a sense of distress. "He is the master of Imperium's shadow. High Lords themselves hold titles directly under the Emperor."
"I-I see. Thank you, Lord Agral," Pina replied slowly.
"The last one. The Japanese will be escorted to the Academia on the second day." Agral blinked several times, a broad smile appearing as he read the last paragraph. "There would be an exhibition that I guarantee will amuse all of you."
The JSDF members wondered what the exhibition would entail.
"That's all I need to tell you. One hour later, you shall be accompanied by our soldiers to pass our Gate," Agral stood from his chair, smiling broadly. "I hope Imperium will leave you with a good impression, ladies and gentlemen."
The anticipation among the group was palpable. They were more than eager to pass through the Gate, meeting their future counterparts. However, not everyone shared the same sentiment. The Saderan Imperials whispered prayers to their gods, while Rory struggled to contain her emotions.
Tuka, heavily distressed by the Imperium's citizens' hostile attitude toward elf-kin, concealed her ears using Imperium's technology to hide her psychic presence.
"With everyone here, I shall open the Gate. Enjoy your journey to our glorious nation," UR-982 declared with pride and joy.
The Gate before them opened, revealing a dark tunnel. At its end, a brilliant golden shine beckoned them—a tempting and regal invitation.
"I will lead the way. Anything you see is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; make it precious," Colonel Gax said with a slight smile.
The Solar Guardians stepped first, followed by their honored guests. Footsteps echoed through the tunnel's solid walls, and the golden light intensified as they approached.
Their eyes widened in awe as they entered the magnificent light.
"Welcome to Terra, the heart of the Imperium, the Cradle World of humanity," the Solar Guardian Colonel greeted gently.
It was a breathtaking sight.
White metal structures sprawled across the horizon, arcologies mountain-sized and numbering in the thousands. Despite the titanic urbanization, the air remained untouched by pollution, and the azure sky shone unrivaled in its purity.
Nature and technology harmoniously coexisted, the green ecology resembling an infinite robe of emeralds. The sun's shimmering light reflected off countless buildings like diamonds.
"Follow me," the Colonel's voice returned them to reality.
Nodding, they followed the Colonel. Upon closer inspection, the ground beneath their feet was made of genuine metal.
Confusion overcame the Falmartians and JSDF members when the Colonel suddenly stopped. A familiar crackling voice broke the silence, unveiling the true sight.
A fortification eclipsing anything they had seen lay before them. Solar Guardians, automata, and even Imperial Knights stood ready to unleash untold devastation.
"What...?" Itami tried to utter a word, but it died in his throat.
Without motion, they knelt—from humanoid transhumans to gigantic Knights. Their undying loyalty held them in a reverent stance.
"Why are they kneeling?" Rory asked, feeling nervous.
"Please, be quiet," the Colonel said harshly.
Before they could question further, a blast of psychic energy washed over them. Rory sensed the genuine scale of this being's power.
It matched Emroy, her god—a being capable of manipulating the Sea of Soul like a music composer stands within it, slowly emerging into the material world.
As the light dimmed, a frail old man in a black robe, holding a flaming staff higher than her, emerged.
"I assume you had a great time, my honored guests. My name is Malcador. I will take you to the Emperor directly," the old Malcador said with a hearty smile.
