The Oculus Terran Academy loomed before Itami, a towering edifice of white crystal-like metal adorned with intricate golden embellishments. It shimmered in the light, exuding an aura of regal magnificence.
"Alexander, how many students are housed within this arcology?" Itami inquired of the Ferrous Mind.
"Twenty million students currently reside within this installation, Lieutenant," the Artificial Intelligence responded.
"Twenty million students?!" Itami exclaimed in disbelief, echoed by his Japanese companions. "How is it possible to educate such a vast number of individuals?"
"Thanks to our Coordinator template, humanity's intellect flourishes," Alexander explained proudly. "Our educational focus emphasizes specialization and adaptation, ensuring that each student's knowledge remains within their grasp. The intervention of the Ferrous Mind accelerates their learning process."
"Remarkable. This could address the issue of teacher shortages, while also harnessing the talents of individuals for various roles," Aizawa commended.
"Indeed. Every Imperial Citizen has a designated role within our society, ensuring a wealth of human resources," the artificial being elaborated. "You may perceive it as a meritocracy, honored Aizawa."
"My apologies, but I must assert that reading minds is a crude practice, Alexander," the Diplomat rebutted.
"My apologies, but I must do so for security purposes," Alexander replied wearily. "Many of our adversaries possess psychic abilities. Thus, a psychic firewall is mandatory for every citizen."
"The Imperium's mastery over technology is truly astounding," Kurata remarked in awe.
The Ferrous Mind chuckled in response, eliciting confusion from the Japanese. "You have yet to see the full extent of it. Now, let us enter the Academia."
As they approached the grand gate, Alexander instructed Itami to place his hand upon it. Tentatively, Itami complied, feeling the smooth surface beneath his palm. In an instant, the gate shimmered with a radiant glow, transforming into trillions of golden Omniphages, revealing the opulent architecture within the Academia.
The interior of the grand room dazzled their senses. Its white metal walls adorned with intricate gold embellishments surpassed anything they had ever seen back in Japan. Mortal students and transhuman teachers moved gracefully side by side, creating a scene of harmonious learning.
"Amazing," Kuribayashi murmured to herself, unable to contain her awe.
"If we were to put a price on this room in yen, it would cost tens of billions, if not more," Kurata added, his eyes wide with wonder.
Their reverie was interrupted by the appearance of a stunning woman before them. With flawless features and sapphire eyes, she exuded an air of elegance. Her long white hair was tied back in a ponytail, complementing her white shoulderless dress with masterful craftsmanship.
"Greetings, esteemed guests from Japan. My name is Alicia Ventrona Dalkia, and I am honored to be your guide," she spoke in flawless Japanese, her words laced with honorifics.
The male members of the JSDF couldn't help but blush at her presence, though the female members managed to conceal their reactions.
"Greetings, Lady Alicia," Aizawa bowed respectfully.
"I'm sure the Japanese are eager to learn about our culture in this distant future," Alicia said with a smile.
"Indeed, Lady Alicia."
"Very well, follow me," Alicia said gracefully, leading them deeper into the arcology.
As they followed Alicia deeper into the arcology, they were greeted by magnificently crafted structures that surpassed their wildest imaginations. Every corner revealed new beauties, each architecture a testament to the heights of human ingenuity and creativity. The Japanese visitors couldn't help but marvel at the impossible level of architectural mastery on display.
However, amidst the grandeur, something peculiar caught their attention.
"Lady Alicia," Itami called out.
"Yes, Lieutenant?" she replied, her composure unwavering.
"I've noticed that despite the Imperium's technological prowess, students still use books. Why is that?" Itami gestured to several students holding books.
""The answer is quite simple," Alicia softly addressed. "It's to remind us of our origins. In this M29, digitalized information is easy to acquire. Books, on the other side of the coin, are essential to preserving the original idea. It also implies that we must document everything in hard or soft copy."
"It seems ironic," Kuribayashi muttered.
"In our world, digitalized books are more common, especially among younger generations who prefer the internet. Additionally, manga is highly popular," Kuribayashi noted.
"The Emperor has instructed us to preserve books as a symbol of our culture," Alicia added. "Now, let us continue our tour."
As they approached the imposing lift, Alicia's fingertips brushed against its cool metal surface, activating yet another teleportation sequence. "After you, Mr. Aizawa," she said with a polite nod.
With a stoic nod in return, Aizawa took the lead, stepping into the swirling vortex of light that enveloped him. Itami and the rest of the delegation followed suit, each disappearing into the unknown depths of the teleporter. Moments later, they materialized in a sprawling complex that stretched out before them, its grandeur unfathomable.
But amidst the marvels that surrounded them, what truly caught their attention was an unexpected sight for M29.
"Greetings, esteemed guests!" Women clad in elegant Yukata attire bowed respectfully, forming a corridor of reverence on either side of the group. Their fluency in Japanese was flawless, as if they had been raised speaking the language.
The Japanese visitors stood dumbfounded, their jaws threatening to unhinge.
"What in the god's name..." Itami's voice finally broke the stunned silence.
"It was His Majesty's wish for the Historia Order to extend this unique welcome to you during your tour," Alicia explained with a serene smile.
"This... was arranged specifically for us?" Itami's voice wavered with disbelief.
"Indeed, it was," Alicia confirmed, her tone tinged with amusement. "Members of the Historia Order have meticulously gathered relics from your era in anticipation of your arrival."
The transformation of Alicia's attire drew gasps of astonishment from the Japanese contingent. In the blink of an eye, her elegant gown morphed into a resplendent Yukata adorned with motifs of cherry blossoms, a seamless fusion of tradition and advanced technology.
"How...?" Kuribayashi's voice trailed off, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Ah, the wonders of Imperium technology," Alicia replied with a soft chuckle. "But enough marveling for now. Our tour awaits."
-/-
The Japanese guests relished their time at the Schola. The luxurious amenities, the ceremonial honors, and the gracious hospitality bestowed upon them made them feel as if they were back in Japan. No, it was more than that. It was akin to the noble customs of feudal Japan intertwined with modern Japanese traditions.
"I must say, Lady Alicia, the hospitality here is truly exceptional," Aizawa remarked as he sipped green tea from a ceramic cup that bore a striking resemblance to a 19th-century Japanese vessel.
"We are delighted that you find it to your liking," Alicia replied with a soft smile.
"But I can't help but notice," Aizawa continued, glancing at the cup, "this ceramic cup. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it from the 19th century?"
"That is correct," Alicia confirmed.
"But isn't such a relic incredibly precious to your nation? Moreover, it predates our own culture by centuries," Aizawa inquired, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"Indeed, it is a precious artifact. However, our duty takes precedence. Besides, we possess the necessary permits for its use, albeit they are quite complex to obtain," Alicia explained, her regal demeanor tinged with a hint of weariness.
Aizawa couldn't help but imagine the intricacies of acquiring such a permit. The thought of someone as genetically enhanced as Alicia feeling fatigue only added to the diplomat's discomfort, prompting him to change the subject.
"How do you preserve such artifacts? And how do you maintain their structural integrity after thousands of years?" Aizawa asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from the complexities of Imperium bureaucracy.
"We utilize stasis fields," Alicia replied, regaining her composure.
"Stasis fields?" Aizawa echoed, taken aback.
"Yes, it's a form of technology that manipulates the flow of time. Stasis fields allow us to accelerate, rewind, or halt time within their range," Alicia explained casually, as if it were an everyday occurrence.
"What?" Aizawa was dumbfounded by the revelation.
"Just as the name suggests. Stasis fields freeze objects along the temporal axis," Alicia clarified, taking another sip of her tea.
Aizawa could only offer a wry smile as he struggled to wrap his mind around the concept. "The Emperor mentioned that these two weeks would be special. May I inquire as to why?"
Alicia's eyes lit up with excitement at the question, though she maintained her composed demeanor. "Ah, you mean Victory Day?"
"Victory Day?" Aizawa repeated, intrigued by her response.
"Yes, it commemorates the day when the Federations triumphed over the Aeldari Dominion," Alicia explained, her eyes gleaming with pride. "It's a momentous occasion, celebrated throughout the Imperium, with Terra serving as its focal point."
"It sounds like quite the grand ceremony," Aizawa remarked, sensing the significance of the event.
"Indeed it is. The entire Imperium will come together to honor this historic victory," Alicia replied, her smile widening.
"Glad to know, Lady Alicia. But like other festivals or celebrations, it must have the main show." Said the Japanese man innocently.
"Indeed... A parade." Alicia replied with a calculating tone.
"A parade?"
-/-
Itami was overcome with disbelief and excitement, his senses heightened by the immersive experience unfolding before him.
"I can't believe they ended it like that!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the digital realm.
"It was a predictable ending, considering the storyline," Kurata remarked casually.
"But still... it feels so unfair," Itami protested, his eyes betraying his denial.
"In that manga, fairness isn't exactly a priority," Kurata replied in a hushed tone. "At least your favorite character survived."
They were currently inside the Digital Reality within Academia's Noosphere, a specially designed environment tailored for storytelling and narrative immersion. Here, they could experience the story as if they were living it, with every sensation feeling real-time.
"This animatio is just one of many relics we've managed to preserve," Alexander, the Ferrous Mind, informed them.
"It's incredible... I can feel everything in this digital consciousness," Kurata marveled, gesturing around them. "Even the air and the dust."
"It's just a fraction of what we have," Alexander replied, noticing the excitement on the faces of the Japanese guests.
"Can we see more?" they asked eagerly, their voices synchronized in anticipation.
"Of course," Alexander agreed, using his technological prowess to alter the landscape of the digital realm.
"Woah!" they exclaimed in unison, their excitement palpable.
Meanwhile, Alexander couldn't shake a sense of unease. Despite the entertainment value of the animatio, it lacked the depth and artistic brilliance of ancient songs and poetry. While some were compelling, none could rival the masterpieces of artists like Van Gogh.
There was something missing, something intangible that the complex artificial intelligence couldn't quite articulate.
-/-
Kuribayashi found herself immersed in the most fascinating experience of her life as she walked through the tour guided by Alexander and the Imperial servants. Flanking her were the women chosen to be her guides, their colorful Yukatas adding to the surreal ambiance of the journey.
"Your world and culture are truly fascinating, Miss Kuribayashi. They can be considered masterpieces in their own time," remarked the woman in the blue Yukata.
"We have many creative minds to thank for that," Kuribayashi replied with a wry smile, though she couldn't help feeling a pang of pity for the fragmented pieces of history that the Imperium's servants had shown her. Nevertheless, she was grateful that so much had been preserved and survived into the distant future.
"I'm curious about your own culture, Lady Ambrisia," Kuribayashi inquired of the woman in the red Yukata.
"Ah, you wish to learn more about our culture. Very well, we shall provide you with that," Ambrisia replied with a smile, signaling Alexander to proceed.
As they followed the designated path through the digital realm, Kuribayashi's anticipation grew. Upon reaching their destination—a vast room filled with books and scrolls—she felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of learning more.
"Please, come closer," Ambrisia beckoned, gesturing towards a wide ruby table.
Kuribayashi complied, joining Ambrisia near the table. With a wave of Ambrisia's hand, the table's surface displayed a selection of book names, and one in particular caught Kuribayashi's eye.
"Thank you," she said, reaching out to select the book. However, she couldn't help but notice the surprised reaction from Lagita, the woman in the blue Yukata, at her request not to be addressed as "Miss."
"What? You don't have a boyfriend?" Lagita exclaimed in shock.
Kuribayashi blushed slightly at the unexpected question. "Well, my appearance is quite average, and my younger sister is much more beautiful than me," she admitted.
"That may be so, but as our honored guest and someone from Old Earth, you hold a status that would attract many suitors," Lagita replied with a knowing smirk.
"But I'm not interested in wealth," Kuribayashi insisted. "I prefer a strong man, preferably a soldier."
"Ah, a soldier? Every Imperial citizen must undergo conscription at the age of 45," Ambrisia chimed in, causing Kuribayashi to flush with embarrassment at her inadvertent faux pas.
Quickly regaining her composure, Kuribayashi redirected the conversation. "Anyway, let's return to our main topic."
"Of course," Ambrisia agreed, opening the book. "What would you like to learn from us?"
"About the rebirth of your nation," Kuribayashi began. "Why was the transformation from a Federation state to an Imperial state referred to as a rebirth?"
"The history is indeed complex," Ambrisia replied, her gaze shifting to the book before her. "The Federation existed from M22 to M27, during which time our fragmented sector-wide nations united. However, that union needed to be reforged for our survival."
"The Third Galactic War," Kuribayashi interjected grimly. "I've heard that name mentioned by the Solar Guardians. It was the main impetus for your nation's rebirth. But why?"
"The Third Galactic War was not confined to the Milky Way Galaxy alone," Lagita explained, her voice tinged with bitterness. "Its impact extended far beyond our galaxy's borders."
"But if the war was fought solely in the Milky Way, shouldn't its effects be limited to this galaxy?" Kuribayashi questioned, puzzled by the discrepancy.
"Third Galactic War is a conflict between literal gods, Kuribayashi," Alexander explained in his characteristically neutral tone.
"Gods? I don't understand," Kuribayashi replied, her brow furrowing in confusion as she massaged her temples. You use the term 'gods,' but you also seem to despise them. What exactly was this war?"
Alexander's gaze softened, understanding Kuribayashi's bewilderment. "It was a war of beings beyond mortal reckoning," he began, his voice carrying a weight of ancient sorrow. "A conflict that transcended the boundaries of time and space."
With a gentle touch, he delved into Kuribayashi's consciousness, unlocking the floodgates of memory to reveal the horrors of that distant conflict. Images cascaded through her mind like a torrential storm: planets consumed by swirling vortexes of nanomachines, cosmic entities wielding powers that defied the very laws of existence, and towering structures that loomed over reality itself, casting shadows across the cosmos.
"What... What are those?" Kuribayashi demanded, her voice trembling with fear.
"They are fragments of memories from the Third Galactic War," Alexander explained calmly.
"I witnessed the laws of causality being twisted and the universe itself screaming in agony!" Kuribayashi exclaimed, struggling to comprehend the scale of the destruction.
"Yes, what you saw were our Omniphages consuming the Aeldari's Pleasure planet, our Monitor Engine rewriting causality to repel the Aeldari's attack, and the Aeldari's reality engine designed to annihilate us all. But we proved to be their equals, thanks to the Emperor's guidance," Alexander reassured her.
"That war... It seems impossible for a civilization on a galactic scale," Kuribayashi murmured, her mind reeling from the horrors she had witnessed.
"That's what you might call 'hax,' Kuribayashi," Ambrisia remarked wryly.
"The level of power involved... How could you even hope to fix the cosmos, let alone win such a war?" Kuribayashi questioned, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"Thanks to the Emperor's Astronomicon and the seven legions of Adeptus Logos," Alexander explained.
"Astronomicon and Adeptus Logos... Is the Logos the pinnacle of your transhuman hierarchy?" Kuribayashi inquired, struggling to maintain her composure.
"Yes," Ambrisia confirmed. "The Solar Guardians rank lowest, followed by the Dominator Magistratus, the Adeptus Astartes, and finally, the Adeptus Logos."
"Is there a reason for this hierarchy?" Kuribayashi pressed, her eyes reflecting her inner turmoil.
"Yes, Solar Guardians are mortals who ascend to become our direct protectors, serving as the first line of defense," Ambrisia elaborated. "From among the Solar Guardians, the Magistratus emerge, ascending to positions of rulership and guiding our society forward. The Astartes, on the other hand, are forged from newborn infants, honed into warriors to wield the might of our civilization among the stars. And finally, there are the Logos." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in before continuing.
"What's wrong?" The brunette asked, staring at Ambrisia with a demanding look.
"Adeptus Logos, they are solely created by the Emperor to be our craftsmen."
"Craftsmen of what?" Kuribayashi probed further.
"Our ascension. They are tasked with guiding us towards our birthright as a species, surpassing the self-proclaimed gods," Ambrisia replied, her eyes burning with hatred.
"If... That war is the reason for your disdain for gods, then I have no reason to object," Kuribayashi conceded wearily.
"I'm glad you understand," Alexander replied.
Kuribayashi's gaze drifted to the book, a passage catching her eye. She cleared her throat before speaking.
"Only in death does duty end," she recited with a grimace.
"That is an unofficial motto of the Imperium of Man. As long as you live, your duty continues. But rest assured, utopia awaits those who serve faithfully," Ambrisia added before Kuribayashi could respond.
"So... This is the Imperium of Man," Kuribayashi murmured, finally grasping the essence of the civilization before her.
"The Imperium exists to serve the worthy, protect the weak, uplift the primitive, and obliterate any who dare to oppose us," Ambrisia affirmed solemnly.
