Major Changes in the Empire’s Military

Tap-tap-tap

"She really is adorable…" Watching Alyssa's spirited, near-bouncing figure as she scampered off, Selene murmured with a smile.

"Indeed, little Alyssa… she is quite adorable," Sebas replied, pinching the bridge of his nose with a fond smile.

Was it really that easy to fool her? Sebas hadn't even needed the impromptu excuses he'd come up with to smooth things over. This girl—who had once stood her ground against him when she was first born—now seemed more like a little mascot than Selene's companion Honkai Beast. Although her power was formidable, her mindset remained incredibly simple.

Having overseen Alyssa's education, Sebas couldn't help but recall the days when he'd trained Selene herself. Both Alyssa and Selene possessed incredible potential, but Alyssa was much more spirited and childlike, whereas Selene… Selene had been far too calm and mature, even as a child.

There wasn't almost no childish behavior from Selene—there was absolutely none.

Ever since Sebas had taken on the position of Selene's pLeivate steward, she had never once exhibited the childish antics of complaining or pouting. As she grew and her power expanded, such things became even more unthinkable.

This wasn't Sebas harboring some hidden agenda; it was more of a quiet regret. With no wife or children of his own, he had poured a simple paternal affection into raising Selene, his young charge. He had always wanted to see that carefree, unrestrained smile on her face.

But alas, it seemed this was something that could never be.

Now, with Alyssa's arLeival and her spirited innocence, Sebas had finally found something close to that experience, even if only a little. In her, he found a joy that felt like watching over a playful daughter.

"Your Majesty, are you truly planning to place Alyssa in charge of this new military unit? Forgive me, but I feel she might be ill-suited for such a role," Sebas ventured carefully.

Hearing this, Selene looked over at Sebas with amusement. "Oh? Are you saying that her original master is staying calm, but you, the old butler, are the one who can't sit still?"

"To put it simply, I didn't actually plan all that much back there—I just needed to give her a response. But sometimes, these little sparks of thought are exactly how ideas are born, no?"

Signaling to a servant to refill her tea, Selene took a sip before continuing.

The truth was that Alyssa's request for a gift had been the spark for much of Selene's plans to reform the imperial military system. It was just that Alyssa herself had read so deeply into it, adding in all sorts of extra meaning, which ultimately only helped Selene reach her own conclusions.

"In any case, regardless of what happens, even if Alyssa's position is purely ceremonial or symbolic, she's got to be at the top of this new military unit."

Setting down her teacup, Selene tapped her finger on the table as she continued, "And as for you, Sebas, you'll have your own new responsibilities to handle as well."

…

"Your Majesty, the Legion Commanders have all arrived!"

Upon receiving the order from Alyssa, General Budo swiftly made his way to the Schönbrunn Palace, bringing with him the highest-ranking Astartes of the palace city's Imperial Guard.

Along the way, Budo encountered Leiva, Hak Foo, Azem, Chagatai, Leman Russ, and Dorn—all of whom were also on their way to Schönbrunn Palace.

Leiva and Hak Foo were from the Third Astartes Legion, with Leiva as the Legion Commander and Hak Foo as his champion.

The remaining four—Azem, Chagatai, Leman Russ, and Dorn—were new Legion Commander candidates who had risen through rigorous trials. Once their respective legions were fully structured and capable of holding their own on the battlefield, they would be promoted to full Legion Commanders.

As Budo caught sight of the arriving Legion Commanders, the gathered giants nodded to each other before following Budo into the Schönbrunn Palace. Under the guidance of attendants, they proceeded to the grand golden lattice doors of the palace garden courtyard, where they awaited Selene's summons.

"Come in!"

After a brief moment, Selene's voice called out, and the group stepped inside.

Gesturing to the dining hall, Selene indicated the special covered tables that had been arranged with individual servings. Selene herself sat in the central seat atop a three-tiered platform, backed by intricately carved arching screens.

Budo took the prominent seat on her left, while Leiva and Hak Foo sat across from each other on her right.

Azem, Chagatai, Leman Russ, and Dorn sat at a lower tier, positioned further down the table.

Standing behind Selene were the Chief of the Imperial Guard, Gensa, and Sebas.

Once everyone had settled in, Selene began without preamble. "Now that you're all here, I have some matters to discuss with you," she announced. "These involve proposed reforms and expansions for our imperial military structure. You'll find a document outlining them on the tables before you."

At her words, the assembled Astartes officers picked up the documents and began to peruse them.

Rustle, rustle.

For a while, the hall was silent, save for the soft rustling of paper. The attendants held their breath, not daring to make a sound for fear of disturbing the gathered commanders.

"Tonight's gathering is to hear any feedback you may have on the proposed improvements to the imperial military structure."

"Your Majesty, I have no objections to this 'Sisters of Battle' you've proposed, but considering the unit is composed entirely of prisoners from conquered worlds, would this pose any issues?" Budo asked, his tone direct but respectful.

"Are you referring to the lack of local ties?" Selene replied. "That won't be a problem, as there's another new unit being formed as well."

Sensing her encouragement, Budo continued, "Then, in that case, Your Majesty, I believe it's essential to establish a rigorous multi-layered evaluation. Given that they are still in their formative years, these prisoners are highly adaptable."

Pointing to a report from one of the conquered worlds, Budo continued, "I've read Commander Alex's report thoroughly. Due to their 'Gastrea virus' infection, their physical resilience and potential are well above average, making them excellent candidates. However, my main question is how we'll ensure a sustainable pool of recruits."

Budo's inquiry went straight to the heart of the matter. He needed to understand if Selene's proposed "Sisters of Battle" were intended as a primary combat force, support corps, or a specialized tactical division.

If the Sisters of Battle were meant to be a main fighting force, then three or four thousand soldiers wouldn't be enough—not even close. Even if two or three thousand passed military training and loyalty tests, a single major campaign could wipe them out.

If they were to serve in a unique tactical role, their loyalty would still be critical. Could such loyalty be instilled in a unit initially composed of conquered prisoners?

"Which is why I called you all here—to figure out how best to solidify their role in our military structure," Selene replied, swirling her spoon in her teacup, her face calm.

The specialists were assembled for a reason, after all. The best solution might not always be perfect, but it would certainly be suitable for the time. Besides, what good would they be if she had to handle everything herself?

"And regarding recruitment worlds, Alex's conquest efforts are near completion. Aside from the stray Gastrea creatures in the wild, the final points of resistance are about to fall."

Tap-tap.

Selene lightly tapped the table, and in an instant, the World Chronicle activated. A projection formed at the center of the hall, displaying the various conquered cities and settlements on the pitch-black planet of Black Bullet.

"Your Majesty, judging by the scenes here, it appears some of the natives have already surrendered?" Leiva observed as he stroked his beard, seated respectfully before her.

"Yes, exactly. These cities that remain untouched by battle are under the control of forces that directly surrendered to us."

Alex's first legion had spread its influence globally, making it obvious even to ordinary people that these invaders were not of Earth. The locals might have been skeptical at first, but the comparisons were stark; fighting and losing brought death and ruin, while surrendering brought leniency. As soon as the first ruler bent the knee, Alex had wisely ordered a halt to the bloodshed, granting favorable treatment to those who surrendered.

The contrast between surrendering and resisting was unmistakable. Many of these leaders were faced with a harsh choice: either cling to some vague notion of Earth's sovereignty, or seize this opportunity to survive. The stark reality of what awaited them seemed to turn most into pragmatists.

"Moving forward, I have plans to designate this conquered planet as the primary recruitment source for our new Sisters of Battle. The people of this world are…unique, to say the least."

And unique was putting it mildly.

Despising the very children who protected them—cursing them with the label of 'Cursed Children'—was bad enough, but the attitude had become the norm. In this world, compassion for these children had made people like Tina few and far between, marking them as outcasts among their own kind.

"I understand, Your Majesty. With the recruitment sorted, the remaining challenges will lie in training and strengthening them…" Budo started.

"Chiefly, loyalty," Leiva added firmly.

"Exactly. Loyalty. And for these soldiers, it's all about fostering their hope," Budo said, summarizing the various perspectives presented.

Unlike the desperate lives they once led, the Empire would offer them a glimmer of hope for something better.

The promise of a better life, the chance to save others like themselves, or simply an opportunity to feel valued and respected could all serve as powerful motivators. And if the citizens of their home world remained stubbornly opposed to change, Budo and the Legion Commanders would ensure those defiant masses learned firsthand about the iron fist of Empire.

When people who had known only despair suddenly caught sight of hope, they clung to it as though it were their last lifeline. A taste of hope would foster a deep gratitude toward the Empire, binding these girls to serve faithfully on its path of expansion.

Tap-tap.

"Well then, that settles our first topic," Selene noted, giving the table another light tap. Seeing that the basic framework had been set, she moved on to the next agenda item.

Hearing this, the assembled Astartes nodded in unison. No one raised questions about which division this new unit would fall under or who would command it; they knew the answers lay with Selene alone.

"As for the Empire's local defense forces and the border garrisons, I plan to dissolve them and merge them into an auxiliary force under the regular army."

"There will also be a restructuring within the Imperial Prison, the Imperial Assassination Corps, the Imperial Guard, and the Imperial Palace Guards. Each unit's responsibilities will be clearly delineated…"

"In addition, we will be forming a new Tribunal, alongside the creation of a new Imperial Palace Guard."

"Plans are also in place for a significant expansion of the Astartes Legions…"

"Restructuring of logistics and the Imperial Science Bureau…"

"Upgrading and reformatting the Imperial Navy's fleets…"

...