Chapter 30: Return

-M29. 671. Falmart. JSDF Base-

Itami and his group have returned from the Imperium of Man. Many of their colleagues seek them for an answer to a certain question: How does the imperium of Man look like?

But before they could answer the question, General Hazama summoned Itami and his group for a brief interview and meeting, much to the JSDF's dismay.

Although the question was left unanswered, they noticed a genuine change in the group. They boast with unexplainable aura and shine like beacons that light the darkness of uncertainty.

They did not take long to arrive at General Hazama's room. Itami knocks on the door gently.

"You can come in," The General replies from behind the door.

"You called us, General?" Itami asks, opening the door.

"Yes, I am." He nods in affirmation, studying Itami's figure more profoundly. As the rest of the group enters the room, Hazama notices something different about them.

"Is there something wrong with us, General?" Kuribayashi asks, slightly tilting her head.

"There is none, Kuribayashi," Hazama says in dismissal. "We will wait for Yanagida. Please have a seat."

They take their seats, posture straight, unflinching, and unyielding. Their eyes stare with conviction and discipline.

Hazama couldn't believe his eyes and instinct. He knows about them and their characteristics. Indeed they are very well-trained soldiers. But this was something new, almost unrecognizable. However, there are some particular features he could identify. They are the charisma and discipline of wartime soldiers.

How they managed to achieve such characteristics is a mystery to him. He needs to discuss it further with Yanagida.

At a later minute, the said man arrives.

"Sir," He greets with a smile, acknowledging the entire room.

"Since everyone has gathered, I will start the meeting." Said Hazama, signaling Yanagida to write everything down.

Then, an implausible story begins. They tell them about flying countries above the clouds, a palace of gold that spans the entire continent, and people with beauties exceeding anything they have ever seen.

It didn't stop there as Itami said words beyond their imaginations.

The concept of anime is still intact even after millennia. Even though the name changed to Animatio, the descriptions remain the same. Moreover, Imperium has recovered from the recently aired anime and recovered the entire series until the last episode.

They also describe technology like portal transportation is widely used in the entire Imperial Palace. When they were questioned about how that was possible, they discussed psyker.

"Psyker?" Yanagida asks, narrowing his eyes.

"Yes, psyker," Itami replied, nodding his head.

"What psyker actually is, Lieutenant Itami?" General Hazama feels intrigued, expecting an immediate answer.

"From what the Imperial told me. Psyker is a sub-type of human who is born with mutation. This mutation enables them to use power from the Warp." Itami answers the question.

"Warp?" Yanagida inquires, brows furrowed.

"I can't say about it for sure because they always avoid it whenever I press them about this topic." Itami shrugs, smiling wryly.

"May I know the reason?" This Yanagida is the one who asks, pressing the matter further with his stern expression.

"It's because we are still much younger than them." This one is Kuribayashi. "We are still innocent about the truth of the cosmos and its danger."

"We are still... Younger?" Yanagida narrows his eyes. "That was a pretty rude way to address their ancestor, I must say."

"But it comes with a reason," Itami defended his subordinate.

"May I know the reason, Lieutenant?" Hazama turns his head at the younger JSDF, giving him a neutral look.

"It was..." Itami tries to wrap his answer as he can feel sweat forming on his neck. "It was their history, sir."

"Care to explain, Itami?"

"It was about their war," Itami paused momentarily before regaining his sense and speaking the continuation. "The Third Galactic War, a war that left a profound wound in their souls."

"Third Galactic War?" Yanagida's brain begins to run wild with the possibilities that will come in the future, which erodes his calm demeanor.

It wasn't surprising news for Hazama. A country spanning the entire galaxy would face a war on the same scale, whether with humans or non-humans. Yet, the thrill of the truth in that war managed to send a chill on his spine.

"Yes... And to describe that war is an impossibility. I can't say it for you, sir. My apologies." Itami admits it immediately, refusing to meet his superior's face. His face went pale as he held his stomach from letting out anything inside it.

"is there something wrong with it, Itami?" Hazama inquires in concern.

"May I answer that question, General Hazama?" Said Kuribayashi. She is burying her finger deep into her thigh, holding fear from emerging to her face.

"If you don't mind, of course," Hazama replies, smiling.

"Third Galactic War is more than its name. It was a war that not only tore the galaxy apart and every. It was a war that shattered dimension, space, and time across the threads of fate." Kuribayashi cut her words, taking a deep breath. "Before you were asking. No, what I mean is a literal sense."

Both the General and his advisor could not utter a word. They choose to listen to what the soldier wants to say.

"It was a war between gods, believe me, or not. It was a war where a single nanobot could strip the world clean of its material. It was also a war where the destruction of the entire solar system was like a tactical bombardment. Lieutenant Itami and Kurata might be only aware of it when they read books in the Imperial Palace. But for me, I saw it directly." Kuribayashi says grimly, lowering her head in fear.

"... What do you mean by saw it directly, Kuribayashi?" Yanagida asks, snapped from his stupor.

"Alexander, a Ferrous Mind that overseer the Imperial Palace showed me the small fraction of that war directly into my mind." The brunette says in exasperation.

"Ferrous Mind?" The young man feels intrigued by it.

"An Artificial Intelligent. But somehow, Imperium's scientists and psykers managed to put a genuine artificial soul into that soulless frame." Kuribayashi could not hold her sigh. The concept of the Ferrous Mind itself was mindboggling to accept.

"Artificial soul?" Yanagida felt his glasses slip slightly as his brow twitched.

"So, Imperium of Man can create souls... Please continue." Hazama chooses to press further. Kuribayashi's prior story is unbelievable at best, but everything can happen, which makes his body shiver.

"The war rages with power from the material universe and the Warp. Warp is the opposite of our universe. It is a place of ever-changing insanity. The war rages across space-time, ripping reality apart like wet paper. Both sides utilize machines beyond comprehension... It was a war of gods, and no other words can explain it better." The female JSDF says in dread, taking a deep breath.

Seeing Kuribayashi did not want to explain further, Itami took her place to speak. "In that war, humanity emerges victorious but with a great cost. The Emperor also revealed himself, playing a core key to their victory. Thus, the transformation of the Federation to the Imperium of Man began."

"Your story... Is... I can't say it better than a fantasy story." Said Hazama, feeling a headache plaguing his mind.

"But it indeed happened and started four thousand years ago," Itami says, ending the story.

"Four thousand years ago... Amazing," Yanagida remarks.

"Yes. Imperium is two thousand years old, formed after the end of the Third Galactic War." He answers, nodding his head in affirmation.

"But despite that horrific war, Imperium still held the true value of humanity. Either it was the way of the old or the new one." Said Kuribayashi, smiling wide.

"The true value of humanity? What value, miss Kuribayashi?" Hazama could not hide his shock when hearing that a civilization a dozen millennia apart had something sentimental like that.

The group stares at each other, waiting for someone that will take the role to explain to the General. It didn't take long for Itami to tighten his chest, eyes shining in conviction.

"Imperium of Man is the height humanity must be capable of achieving. Imperium is the next step of ours." Itami says in determination, as the trace of easygoing and laziness of Itami are disappearing at that very moment.

It stuns the General and his advisor. They never see Itami like this, as the young man radiated a supernatural aura that awakened them. Something has changed in him, and his initial travel to the Imperium must cause it.

"Why you said it like that, Itami?" Yanagida asks, trying to dig deeper for information. "Did Imperium's massive wealth have blinded you?"

"Yanagida," Hazama scolds his advisor. The eyes of the General grow thinner, as well as his patience.

However, Itami is seemingly not affected by it. His calm demeanor is only bringing a genuine smile to his face. Itami is completely changed from his older self. Yet, the trace of Itami of old still lingers.

"No. It is not, Yanagida." Itami answers softly. His face is calling deep memories into his head. But it did not bring a heavy countenance into his face, only a reminiscing face of a man remembering a great moment in his life.

"Imperium is indeed possessing an unfathomable wealth we can imagine. But that wasn't the value I wanted to tell you." Said Itami calmly.

"Then tell me, Itami." Yanagida didn't back down, pushing further as his thirst for an answer was unbearable.

"Imperium is a country that is too diverse for us to describe. But they share one in common. Yanagida, what do you see in our world?" Itami asks the man, unflinching.

"What do you mean by that, Itami?"

"Even though our technological advancement is unstoppable, our societal and spiritual advancement came into stagnation. I wouldn't name it, but I'm sure you know it."

Yanagida didn't take long to realize what Itami was talking about. Humanity has lived for thousands of years but is only advanced in technological might. Albeit some societal advancements were achieved, the effort only became futile as the most recent generation eroded that hardship with their sheer hedonism and arrogance-a materialistic pleasure that will manifest in humanity's downfall.

"There are many theories that our future would significantly depend on machines, and thus we become subjects to our own desires. But the Imperium proves otherwise." Itami proclaims it boldly, eyes flaring with confidence. "They prove those theories are just laughable ideas."

Hazama became fully interested in the subject. "What did you see beyond that Gate, Lieutenant Itami?"

"I saw the truest and most genuine form of humanity. I saw humanity in its golden age." Itami says without hesitation. "It was a place where humanity became spiritually and materialistically united. A place where humanity has truly ascended and walks on the shining path."

"Not only Imperium managed to attain a zenith that was impossible to achieve, but they also preserved many old traditions and teachings. Philosophies, spiritual teachings, and even the most basic human traditional values have taken a deep root in their society. They can have babies outside their mother's womb, but it is shunned. They could alter their genders, but it is heavily restricted. They reject gods but still retain their spiritual essence. They embody every aspect of humanity and excel in them." Said Kurata. His words shook his superiors as the young man was recognized as an immature otaku. Currently, they saw none.

"The Emperor is guiding them with his own hands. When he spreads his power at the end of our tour, we see our existence's true meaning. It was majestic and warm, as if we shared one soul and purpose." Kuribayashi adds her opinion with a promising expression.

Itami is waiting for the atmosphere to die as it would be unfavorable to give a direct answer as two subordinates constantly bombarding his superiors.

"The Imperium of Man is the greatest ally we can have. Even though we might be failed to explore the stars, we can go with them. Their intention is pure, General. I trust them entirely." Itami assures them with his passionate words and expression.

"They are gods that reject their divinity. Their technologies are defying logic and reason. And yet, they still maintain their true value... What other nations can stand up upon their accomplishments?" Said Kuribayashi with a slight smile on her face.

Their claims made the General and his advisor shiver in dread. They have never seen them like these, and their aura is inhumanly charismatic for people like them.

Yanagida has read many books about brainwashing, but this came to another level of height. The determination, conviction, and courage are beyond any methodical brainwashing procedure.

However, the description of such a nation would not be that impossible to imagine. The appearance of Lord General Agral was undeniable proof of their craftsmanship. Moreover, the JSDF has acquired a picture of the Prometheus base from their talk with General Agral.

Their power is overwhelming, and they can destroy Japan if they want it. Furthermore, if Kuribayashi's words are put into account, they might be literal gods in human flesh.

"Very well," Hazama says, exhaling his breath in exasperation. "I dismiss this meeting; thus, you need to send me a follow-up report for the Parliament."

"At once, sir." They respond in unison.

_____________________________________________________________________________

-M29. 671. Falmart. Main Road to Sadera-

The 5th Recon Team's Land Raider went through miles since their departure from Prometheus. They currently use their camouflage to avoid any unnecessary attention.

The 5th Recon Team was assigned to a new mission, to become Princess Pina's guardian for her endeavor to ensure the dream of unity came to pass.

Her passionate eyes tell them enough about her resolve, but it cannot be said with her knight. The blonde knight had isolated herself in her room for the rest of her days. The vision traumatized her, shaking her core with the horror of the Third Galactic War. None can blame her as that vision was beyond any mortal understanding. Moreover, a feudal knight likes her.

"Bozes," Pina calls her friend fondly.

"Your Highness."

Bozes stares back at her liege, eyes watering with tears.

"Raise your head, my dear knight. You have done enough to accompany my journey to the Imperium. Those visions that we saw must not delude us. Be proud of it so that we can fall into Imperium's aegis. " Pina places her hand on the blond knight's shoulder. Her face is radiance, bringing comfort to the poor knight.

"Milady," Bozes says in a whisper.

"You are a proud knight, Bozes. It doesn't suit you. Please, raise your head and steel your resolve." The red-haired Princess gives her knight a pendant that takes the shape of a golden Aquila. "The Saderan Empire must survive. To achieve that, I need your help."

Bozes did not know how to process the situation before her. The Princess she had been together since their childhood has changed. The young and eager Princess is no more, replaced by a mature woman capable of leading her people to greatness.

"Yes, Milady." Bozes smiles in return, bathed in her liege's brilliant charisma.

"That's good." Pina nods in affirmation.

The 5th Recon Team watches the interaction between the Princess and her knight in astonishment. Both of them have met with Lord Malcador himself. He is a man who had notoriously organized various shadow organizations across the Imperium.

A man is so terrifying that no one, even the fellow High Lord, dares to cross paths with him. Yet, he is one of the closest people to the Emperor. Moreover, he is also a member of the Golden Order.

But somehow, they managed to become one of his agents.

"Lord Malcador is indeed a terrifying person indeed," Mal remarks, whispering to himself.

"I couldn't agree more," Nathaniel says, shrugging.

"Keep your mouth shut, both of you," Raphael growls in annoyance. "She is under Lord Malcador's protection and the Emperor's. Please, keep yourself at bay."

"Fine, fine." Said Mal nonchalantly.

Raias only sighs in tiredness. It always comes to his mind whenever he tries to re-read the instruction. This tiredness only brings him a headache to deal with.

"Well... We have arrived," Nathaniel says to his team and passengers.

They arrive before a gigantic gate that, when it opens, will lead her directly toward the Saderan Imperial Palace. It was nowhere near Imperium's Imperial Palace, but it was Pina's home nonetheless.

"Begin to decloak," Raias says to Nathaniel as the said Solar guardian presses a button, causing their Land Raider to decloak. It surprises many of the guards around the gate. They resound the alarm, alerting the entire city.

"Well, I expect that," Said Mal to amuse himself.

"Let's greet them, shall we?" Rayas says to his teammates.

His team nods in unison. A hissing sound came from the metallic surface of the Land Raider, opening an entrance. It surprises the Saderan soldiers as they are prepared to launch ballistas toward the unknown object.

"Hold!" The commander shouts, raising his voice in a stern motion. The soldiers comply with the leader's order, waiting for further command.

The commander stops because a certain woman exited the strange object. It was Princess Pina in all of her glory. It surprises them as the young Princess emits a supernatural charisma that rivals and even surpasses the Emperor Molt himself.

"Soldiers. In the name of Emperor Molt, I command you to open this gate!" Pina shouts with an aura of authority. It was utterly absolute as the legionnaires only nodded, opening the gate for them. Since her journey to Terra and her direct contact with the Anathemathic power, something deep in her soul has changed significantly. She couldn't tell if it was good or bad, but she believed it for her people's good.

Pina returns to her seat inside the Land Raider as the grav-vehicle slowly enters the city's wall. Many Saderan watches the vehicle with interest, some with fear. The news about the Princess in that vehicle has spread across the city's guard.

The Emperor has been informed about this unpredicted news. He orders none of the legionaries to touch that metallic being.

The Land Raider arrives right before the Palace. The metallic door slits open. Pina and Bozes reveal themselves from within the Land Raider. The surrounding civilians expect many things to come out of that thing but do not expect what will happen next.

Five gigantic golems stepped out from the metallic carriage. They wore flawless metal armor, imposing their menacing presence further.

Pina has already used transhuman dread but could not say the same with the mortals around them. They are shivering in fear, trying to distance themselves from the Solar Guardians. The red-haired Princess enters the throne room, where her father awaits her arrival.

"Father," Pina greets the man on the throne, bowing her body slightly.

"Pina... Who are these people? And give me a good reason why I didn't attack them?" Even though Molt is seemingly unflinching, he holds a fear that threatens to take over his sense.

"They are Solar Guardians, Father," Pina says to her father firmly. "They came from Imperium of Man to be my guardian as well as their representatives."

"Imperium of Man?" Molt raises his brows in confusion.

"They are our enemy from Zalvus Hills," Pina utters bluntly, unflinching.

"And how dare you bring enemies to our doorstep, Pina?!" He roars in anger. Molt stood up from his seat, glaring dagger at his daughter.

"Because I have been granted the title of Primum Praesidium. A title that I shall become Emepror's protected Herald." Pina boldly proclaims, raising her voice that echoes throughout the throne room.

"This is madness. Guards!" Colt shouts in all of his anger. The guards surge into the throne room, encircling the Princess and her Solar Guardians.

"I expect it will happen," Mal says via Vox channel to his teammates.

"Raphael, I leave this to you," Raias says to the sniper with a commanding tone.

The said Solar Guardian didn't choose to reply. Instead, he takes a step forward. He stands tall as his transhuman dread begins to spreads across the room. But there is something more as Raphael's nature as a blank made this dread take a height that could bring the sanest transhuman to their edge.

The guards fall to their knees. They clutch their heads in pain as some begin to vomit violently. The sensation is burning their soul as they can feel a deep void start to creep into their minds.

"What?" Molt was left speechless by the sight.

"Father, I came without any ill intention." Pina approaches her father with a face filled with determination. "I came here to bring salvation to our people."

Molt could not have any other choices except to listen to his daughter. "Speak."

"I have seen what the Imperium of Man looks like. They are a nation beyond us to defeat, Father."

Pina tells her father firmly.

"What proof do you have, Pina?"

"Are their existence not enough for you, Father?" Pina is addressing the Solar Guardians.

"They are only five people. Even though they are stronger than us, our number shall overwhelm them." Molt says with confidence, smirking.

It only made Pina shake her head. The folly of Saderan's pride has truly blinded everyone, even her. Yet, she has witnessed the truth, and thus Pina wouldn't back down.

"They are Solar Guardians, Father. They are once mortal and thus elevated into something beyond. I will let you know, Father. Solar Guardians are the most basic soldier in the entire Imperium, an Empire of millions of worlds, and each of their world's populations dwarfed Falmart by a large margin." Pina says to her father, eyes staring deep into Molt's eyes.

"Don't be rid-" Before Molt can entirely say his words, Pina cuts in.

"Don't let your pride blind you, Father. The force before you is undeniable. Imperium can destroy this entire world if they want it to, but they don't. Instead, they sent me here to bring salvation to our Empire." Pina raises her voice even higher.

"Imperium brings us unification and endless wealth. Suppose you are still unconvinced by my words, Father. I will show you in the near future. Once again, I do not seek Empire's destruction. I just want to protect it." Pina smiles with her utmost sincere smile. It struck Molt's mental fortitude, causing the Emperor to lose his composure.

"Very well, then." Molt stares at the five Solar guardians in his throne room. His eyes move toward all his powerless guards, who cannot even stand on their own feet. "I think I can't do anything either, as my life is on the line right now."

"My apologies, Father. But they are my guards for my duty. In the name of the Emperor of Mankind and the safety of the Saderan Empire, I have no choice." Pina bows deeply and then kneels before the Emperor.

"... If that was the case. What did you... What did this Imperium want from us?" Molt asks, still studying the Solar Guardians.

"I want the establishment of the Japanese and the Imperium embassies in the capital city. I wish to secure our relationship with them."

"Your brother would disagree with this," Molt let out a sigh of tiredness.

"Then let him come. If civil war is the only answer, let it happen. With Imperium, we are mighty, as no one shall be capable of standing before us. Not even gods can stop the relentless march of those who know their hidden secret."