-M29. 671. Terra. Imperial Palace-

Pina's unease was palpable as she prepared herself for the upcoming meeting, where she would once again encounter an individual who filled her with anything but pleasant thoughts. The memory of meeting the Emperor himself still lingered in her mind, the weight of his presence overwhelming yet oddly comforting.

But this person, Malcador, was a different story altogether. From the moment she laid eyes on him, a sense of dread washed over her, his very presence casting a shadow over her thoughts.

During her brief stay in the Imperial Palace, Pina had learned more about Malcador, known as Malcador the Sigillite. He operated in the shadows, much like herself, governing the underground network of the entire Imperium. His mysterious nature only added to her apprehension, especially considering his close relationship with the Emperor as one of his most trusted companions in the High Lords.

Rumors swirled around Malcador, some of which only served to heighten Pina's anxiety. Among them was the speculation that he was a member of the legendary Golden Order, a secretive and almost mythical organization rumored to be the Emperor's Inner Circle.

The Golden Order was steeped in mystery, with countless tales circulating throughout the Imperium. Some claimed they were the true power behind the throne, while others believed they wielded abilities bordering on the supernatural.

As Pina prepared herself mentally for the encounter, she couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that gripped her, wondering what secrets Malcador held and what role he would play in the unfolding events of the Imperium.

"Is there something bothering you, Princess?" Bozes asked.

Pina's troubled thoughts were interrupted by Bozes's concerned inquiry. Sensing her unease, the blonde knight leaned in, prompting Pina to voice her concerns about the impending encounter.

"It's the man we're about to meet," Pina explained slowly. "I believe he's the most dangerous person in this Palace."

Bozes's confusion was evident as she whispered back, "How so? Isn't the Emperor the ruler of the Imperium?"

"Indeed, but this person is a ruler in his own right, albeit in a different realm," Pina sighed, feeling the weight of her words. "He governs the Imperium's underground world. Quite unsettling, wouldn't you agree?"

The noble knight nodded in agreement, her expression reflecting the unease that Pina felt. The notion of a ruler operating in the shadows of the Imperium's vast underground network was indeed disconcerting.

As they walked, Pina couldn't help but wonder about the presence of the Elf accompanying them. The young woman trailed behind them, her demeanor subdued as if she wished to remain unnoticed.

Pina understood the source of the Imperial citizens' hostility towards the Elf, known as Aeldar, a race bearing a striking resemblance to Elves. The notion of the Third Galactic War weighed heavily on Pina's mind as they ventured deeper into the heart of the Imperial Palace. It was a conflict of such magnitude that it transcended mere mortal understanding, its effects rippling across the galaxy and beyond, warping the very fabric of space and time.

Yet, despite the evidence before her, Pina found it difficult to accept the reality of such a cataclysmic event. The idea seemed preposterous, almost surreal, and her rational mind struggled to comprehend the scale of destruction it must have wrought.

Even the gods themselves, beings of unimaginable power revered by countless civilizations, seemed incapable of wielding such influence over the cosmos. Pina had spent her childhood studying the Falmartian Pantheon, learning about the deities that represented humanity's various aspects, from war to culture.

Guided by Alexander's instructions, they followed the path to Lord Malcador's chamber, where a familiar circle of light awaited them. Stepping through the teleportation device, they emerged before a massive and enigmatic gate flanked by towering golems.

The sight of these golems elicited a reaction from Tuka, the elf, whose fear was palpable. As Bozes reached out to comfort her, Pina couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that settled over them, wondering what secrets awaited them beyond the gate.

As the group approached the massive esoteric gate, guided by Alexander's instructions, Pina couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation mingled with curiosity. The familiarity of the teleportation device and the ominous presence of the towering golems only added to the surreal atmosphere surrounding them.

The golems, unlike any Pina had seen before, exuded an aura of otherworldly power, their flawless metal and crystal forms emanating a strange energy that sent shivers down Tuka's spine. The elf's pale face betrayed her fear.

"Are you alright, Tuka?" Bozes's voice cut through the tension, her concern evident as she glanced at the trembling elf.

Tuka swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "Their... Their magical energy is... Impossible."

Bozes's brow furrowed in confusion. "Impossible? What do you mean?"

However, before Tuka could respond, the massive gate before them began to open, its metallic hiss echoing through the chamber with an undeniable air of authority. Malcador's voice echoed from within, beckoning them forward.

"You may enter, my honorable guests," he intoned, his words carrying a weight that seemed to hang in the air.

As they stepped into the chamber, the sheer grandeur of the room enveloped them, each artifact and display exuding an aura of significance that left them in awe. Pina couldn't help but marvel at the countless relics that adorned the space, each one a testament to the vast history and power of the Imperium.

Guided by instinct and Alexander's explanations, they navigated through the labyrinthine displays until they reached a magnificent metal door. With a sense of anticipation, Pina watched as the door swung open, revealing a breathtaking sight beyond.

Before them lay a flourishing garden, its beauty beyond compare. Crystal-like plants glistened in the soft light, emitting a soothing fragrance that seemed to wash away their worries and fears. Pina felt a sense of peace wash over her as she took in the serene surroundings, a feeling that penetrated to her very soul.

In the center of the garden stood a gazebo, its intricate design drawing their gaze. And within the gazebo, seated calmly, was the robed figure they had come to meet – Lord Malcador.

"Lady Pina, I have been waiting for your arrival," Malcador greeted with a slight smile.

"Lord Malcador," Pina acknowledged with a respectful bow, followed by the rest of the group.

"Please, have a seat," he gestured gently, prompting them to take their places around the round table.

Various sweets and a ceramic teapot adorned the table, their aroma enticing the guests to indulge.

"Please, enjoy yourselves," Malcador said softly.

Pina nodded as she reached for a sweet, her eyes widening in delight as she savored the taste.

"This... This is amazing!" Bozes exclaimed, her enjoyment evident.

"It's delicious. The rich flavor, the composition, everything is perfectly balanced!" Tuka added with a bright smile.

"I'm glad you all like it," Malcador replied with a pleased smile.

After swallowing her food, Pina braced herself for the question she was about to ask. "Lord Malcador, is there a reason for our presence here?"

"I'm intrigued by the nature of your culture and world, Princess," Malcador replied simply.

"But you have everything here. Why the interest in my world?" Pina questioned, her curiosity piqued.

"Your world holds more value than you can imagine," Malcador answered cryptically, his gaze penetrating.

"Value? What kind of value does my world possess?" Pina furrowed her brows, puzzled by his response.

"It is something I cannot reveal just yet, Princess," Malcador replied with a smile.

"Why?"

"There is something hidden on your planet. Something far more ancient than your gods or other sentient beings living there," Malcador stated bluntly, causing Pina to gasp in shock.

"Something more ancient than gods?" Pina exclaimed, taken aback. "That's impossible."

"I will ask you a question," Malcador continued, his gaze intense. "Do you know anything about the Gate?"

"The Gate..." Pina pondered for a moment, recalling her knowledge of Falmartian mythology. "It is a mythical construct, created to populate the world with races from across the unknown realms, to live within the garden of the gods."

"I see. But what if I told you it's much more than just a myth?" Malcador's eyes gleamed with intrigue.

"What do you mean?" Pina's curiosity was piqued.

"There are reasons why we chose to abandon our gods. As we expanded our understanding of the universe, we came to a conclusion that led us to the ultimate truth," Malcador explained, his tone solemn.

"The truth... Can you tell me what it is?" Pina asked, her heart pounding with anticipation.

"You will see soon," Malcador replied, tapping his staff on the floor. The room seemed to pulse with energy, and Tuka's magical senses tingled in response to the power surrounding them.

A shimmering blue light enveloped them. Initially, it was a mist of carefully filtered Anathematic power in the Palace. Slowly, the mist transformed into a sea of stars, encompassed by a blue shimmering aurora.

"Remarkable," Boes murmured, her eyes darting around the luminous spectacle that enveloped them.

"L-Lord Malcador... What manner of sorcery is this?" The Saderan Princess's voice quivered with a mix of awe and trepidation.

"This psychic projection will aid in elucidating my words," Malcador explained, rising from his seat with an air of solemnity. He manipulated the ambient light with his psychic power, bending it to his will in ways that defied mortal comprehension.

"Did you know, Princess, miss elf, why your gods ascended to divinity?" Malcador's gaze bore into each of them, his eyes alight with ancient wisdom.

Silence greeted his inquiry, but the lack of response only seemed to deepen the gravity of the moment.

"In this vast universe, mortals ascend to godhood through belief and worship," he continued, his voice a soothing cadence that belied the enormity of his revelation.

"Worship alone?" Pina's curiosity ignited, her attention fully captured by Malcador's words.

"The Warp, the fount of all magic, holds the answer," Malcador explained, his gestures weaving threads of energy that conjured fleeting glimpses of the chaotic realm. "It is a realm of boundless power and unfathomable madness, where the impossible becomes reality. Your gods, leveraging the energies of the Warp, ascended to their divine status."

As the images of the Warp danced before them, a sense of foreboding crept over the assembled guests, hinting at the profound implications of Malcador's revelations.

As the images of the Warp enveloped them, Tuka felt herself being swept away by a torrent of emotions. Being an elf, her connection to the spiritual realm allowed her to sense the raw power of the Warp more acutely than the others.

She felt her soul being tossed and turned amidst the chaotic sea of souls, each wave of emotion threatening to overwhelm her. Fear, anger, despair—every imaginable feeling surged through her, threatening to consume her entirely.

But amidst the tumultuous sea, Tuka sensed something else—a faint glimmer of hope. It was as if an invisible barrier surrounded her, protecting her from the full force of the Warp's power. Though she could still feel its presence pressing against her, she knew that she was safe for now.

Pina and Bozes, though less attuned to the spiritual realm, could still sense the immense power emanating from the Warp. They felt a sense of unease wash over them as they gazed upon the swirling vortexes of energy, their minds struggling to comprehend the incomprehensible.

"This sea... This sea made the gods, ascending them?" Bozes whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the weight of the revelation.

"Yes, indeed. But, their worship was not enough to fully ascend them to godhood," Malcador replied, his voice carrying a solemn tone as he acknowledged the complexities of the situation.

"This much power was not enough? How did they manage to gain their ascension?" Pina pressed further, her curiosity overcoming her fear and traditional beliefs.

"In this universe, there must be a beginning. In that beginning existed one of the first sentient life forms. We named them the Old Ones. They seeded life throughout the universe and are the most potent psychic race ever, the ones who invented your Gate," Malcador explained, dropping the revelation bluntly.

As he spoke, the images and visions shifted, revealing god-like figures that resembled dragons and lizardmen, their forms enigmatic and beyond mortal comprehension.

"These are the Old Ones... They are the creators of gods?" Pina hesitated, grappling with the enormity of the revelation.

"The more precise answer is that they are the creators of the devices that brought your gods to their current power. Unfortunately, we still do not know what that device is, but we are sure it lies deep within your world," Malcador elaborated, gesturing to the image of Falmart displayed before them. "I must admit, your world is unique. Possessing seven continents and almost identical features to Old Earth. This has led the Emperor to believe that your gods came from the ancient times of Terra."

"They came from our world?" Pina asked, her eyes widening in shock.

"Your origin is also shared with your gods. All humans from your world originated from the same planet but with different realities. This also applies to your race, Tuka Luna Mercau. From our analysis of DNA and psychic signatures, you originated from the Aeldari race, albeit altered by the gods to serve their own purposes," Malcador explained, his tone devoid of malice or hatred.

"Aeldar... I... I want to know about my race and why the Imperium hates us so much," Tuka declared, her voice filled with a mix of determination and apprehension as she stepped closer to the ancient psyker. The overwhelming dread she had once felt in the presence of such a powerful being seemed to diminish in the face of her burning curiosity.

"Aeldar... They are an ancient race created by the Old Ones to wage war against a certain soulless creature. The Aeldari were meant to be the inheritors of the Old Ones' legacy. They were gifted with immense psychic might and knowledge of the Warp, capable of performing rituals such as God-Calling and god-Forging, which could summon or even create gods. There were stories of the Aeldari pantheon and their detachment from mortal affairs. However, the Aeldari grew desperate to create their replacement, leading to the Third Galactic War," Malcador explained, his tone turning somber and cold.

"A war to prevent the birth of that god, am I right?" Tuka sought confirmation from Malcador, who nodded in response. "But why? If they were that desperate, why did you humans dare to trigger a war to prevent the birth of a god?"

Contrary to Tuka's expectation that Malcador would be offended by her bold questioning, the ancient psyker only offered a weak smile.

"The god they sought to create is an abomination to its core. The Prince of Pleasure, as they proclaimed, embodies excess emotions."

With a tap of his staff, the atmosphere around them began to shift and twist. The once serene blue hues turned into shades of purple and pink, and an oppressive stench filled the air, testing the limits of the Falmartians' endurance.

"The Goddess of Excess, She Who Thirsts, Prince of Pleasure, The Snake. It is known by many names and forms. Its birth would bring about catastrophe," Malcador replied grimly, his eyes narrowing with a steely resolve.

A looming silhouette began to materialize before them, taking shape as a grotesque and monstrous figure that defied comprehension.

"Who... Impossible. That cannot be a god! How is this possible?!" Pina exclaimed in shock and horror.

"The Aeldari saw it as the epitome of absolute beauty. Something that even horrified the Emperor," Malcador revealed, his words causing a ripple of disbelief among his audience.

"The Emperor of Mankind was horrified by this entity? How is that possible?" Pina's complexion paled at the revelation. The idea that something could instill fear in the Emperor, a being revered as a god in his own right, was utterly unthinkable.

"His Majesty feared not Its power, but the calamities It would unleash upon creation. Futures where these abominations claim not only the Imperium but the entire universe would cease to exist," Malcador explained bluntly, his words carrying a weight that pressed down upon the Falmartians.

"Thus, we waged war against them to prevent this creature from being born. In the year M25, we declared our offensive on the Aeldari Dominion four thousand years ago," he continued, as visions flooded the room, fragments of memories from the time of the Third Galactic War.

Their minds were bombarded by battles that surpassed the endurance of any sane individual.

The stars were drowned in a sea of madness as countless lives were extinguished by abominations. Automata clashed, wielding weapons that could shatter worlds.

Echoes resounded of machines capable of altering the fabric of reality at their wielders' will, twisting time and space to their advantage.

Thousands of mechanical worms erupted from the shattered void of space and time, consuming everything in their path, reshaping the very structure of reality into data streams to create unspeakable and powerful entities to defeat their enemies.

Both nations reached a stalemate, unable to overpower the other, further wounding the fabric of space-time.

In their desperation, humanity emerged with weapons that would become their salvation and pave the path to ascension.

The vision shifted to the Emperor, who was not adorned in his crown or golden armor, but instead wore flawless black armor.

In a chamber, he sat upon a Golden Throne, a beacon of light burning corruption across the Warp, directly confronting the purple abomination and its brethren.

Simultaneously, new armies were forged by the Golden Order. Seven Legions, not only capable of breaking the stalemate and achieving victory but also forging the path for humanity's ascension. They were provided with the new Men of Iron, the Ferrous Mind type, artificial intelligences housing souls within their metal frames.

With these new armies and armaments, humanity pushed back against the encroaching darkness.

The Warp continued to rage, fueled by the Emperor's Anathematic power and Chaos's corruption. Its turbulent energies spawned madness unseen since the War in Heaven.

Within the Warp, realities and universes shattered and were erased, while countless others were twisted into forms of grotesque madness within the maelstrom.

The seven ultimate engines of the Seven Legions tore through the fabric of the Warp and material reality alike, their sheer force granting them the power to both destroy and create realities.

The climax of the war came at the Battle of Lothern, the capital of the Aeldari Dominion. Here, reality itself was rent asunder, opening a rift into the Warp.

The Warp and its myriad dimensions, which structured the material universe, screamed in agony as the dimensional veil separating the immaterial and material realms began to fray.

Amidst this chaos, the Emperor stood defiantly against the four abominations, his psychic power stretched thin as he fought on two fronts — both against the forces of Chaos and to maintain the Golden Throne. Yet, he stood resolute, unwavering in the face of insurmountable odds.

(Your kin had plagued this universe. I am here to stop you, parasites} The Emperor plunged his claw into the rift as light washed the reality.

-/-

Malcador observed his guests as they began to recover from the vision he had imparted upon them. He recognized that he had shown them more than they may have been prepared for regarding the Third Galactic War. However, it was necessary; they needed to understand the true scale of the conflict, as it would inevitably become part of the Imperium's history sooner or later.

As they grappled with the aftermath, each bearing physical wounds from the psychic onslaught, Pina's voice cut through the heavy silence. "Lord... Lord Malcador... Is that?" she asked, her words punctuated by labored breaths as she wiped blood from her face.

"Yes, that is what happened four thousand years ago. A war that made humanity the most dominant race in the galaxy," Malcador replied solemnly, turning his gaze toward the trembling elf beside her. "I hope those visions can answer your question."

Tuka, her eyes brimming with tears, bowed before the ancient psyker, her voice choked with fear and anguish. "My kin... My race... Why... Why did they create such an abomination?" she pleaded, her desperation palpable.

Malcador approached her with a comforting presence, his expression one of sympathy rather than judgment. "Please, don't ruin your dignity, o proud creation of the Old One. Your ancestors' sins are indeed unforgivable, but yours were not," he reassured her gently.

Tuka looked up, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What... I-I don't understand."

"The elves of your world are innocents," Malcador affirmed. "But the scars of that war remain in our hearts. The Imperium's animosity toward your kin is indomitable. No one can change that."

"Then-Then what must I do?!" Tuka cried out in desperation. "I-I don't want to see my people perish! I don't want it... Please... I don't want it."

"No one can change it besides one person," Malcador declared, igniting a spark of hope within Tuka's heart. "The Emperor. Only His Majesty can grant you penance. Join us so that the Emperor can forgive the sins of your people."

"I... I can repent for my race's sins?" Tuka asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

"You can," Malcador affirmed firmly. "Prove yourself worthy of the Emperor's forgiveness, and your race in Falmart shall live under the Imperium's protection. Earn His Majesty's pardon, and none shall harm you, not even our citizens."

"I, Tuka Luna Mercau," Tuka declared, kneeling before the High Lord, "shall pledge my loyalty to the Imperium of Man and its people, to redeem the sins of my ancestors. I swear to serve the Emperor of Mankind and his loyal subjects. I swear!"

Malcador extended his hand, offering her a golden emblem bearing the twin-headed Aquila. "This is the Imperatus Emblem. It will grant you direct protection from the High Lords of Terra. Only the Emperor himself can harm you."

"I humbly thank you, Lord Malcador," Tuka replied, accepting the emblem and placing it over her heart.

"Now, Princess of Sadera," Malcador turned to Pina, his gaze unwavering. "I am waiting for your answer."

"I... I wish the best for my people," Pina began, her voice wavering with uncertainty. "But... my father won't listen... My brother would think of this encounter as part of his sick humor."

"Speaking of honesty, Princess," Malcador began, his voice gentle yet commanding, "Imperium can destroy your world and even remake it whenever we want to. But until this day, we haven't. Do you know why?"

Pina remained silent, her expression pained as she grappled with the weight of his words.

"It's not a matter of us having mercy upon you," Malcador continued, his tone reassuring. "The Emperor has deemed your world valuable, not just for its artifacts, but for something else entirely."

"Why has His Majesty chosen not to destroy us?" Pina questioned, her voice tinged with grim determination. "I understand that the artifacts in my world hold value, but what about my people? Why choose peaceful integration over claiming an empty world?"

"Moreover, His Majesty bestowed me with a title... I wonder why," she added, the weight of her newfound responsibilities weighing heavily upon her.

"Even if I knew the complete answer, I couldn't give it to you," Malcador replied simply.

"Why? Is that also an order of His Majesty?" Pina inquired, her eyes avoiding his gaze.

"No," Malcador answered. "This precaution is my own. Many responsibilities await you, Princess. More than you can imagine."

"What responsibilities, Lord Malcador?" Pina asked, her eyes searching his for answers.

"The Emperor sees the universe in a way that we cannot comprehend," Malcador explained, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "His plan is beyond our understanding, but I can assure you that he wants the best for you."

Pina's eyes widened as she looked into Malcador's warm smile. Unlike the Emperor's overwhelming presence, Malcador's aura was kind and compassionate, like that of a wise father.

"I will ask you once again, Princess," Malcador said, withdrawing his hand and offering it to her. "Do you want to answer His Majesty's call? To fulfill the weight on your shoulders and ascend your Empire beyond the realm it currently resides in?"

As the pain in her head began to fade, Pina felt a sense of clarity wash over her. Malcador didn't seek subjugation; he sought integration with honor.

"I will," Pina declared, rising to her feet and accepting Malcador's hand. "I will do anything to make my country prosper."