The Game...Is On

'Well this sucks balls.' I think to myself as I stare up at the sky. I'd just been hit by an out of control truck.

'Truck-sama, -100 for messy kill.'

I was on stay-cation in the Cayman Islands. Enjoying all the money I made from the stock markets. I made a killing during the pandemic, I had shorts and puts in the beginning of 2020 and the pandemic hit. Made a few hundred million. Then went long in April. By summer 2021 I moved from Scotland to the Cayman islands. I worked on my fitness and health, I was in decent shape. And now it's all worthless. What's worse is that I had placed an order for Adeptus Custodes with their terminator armours and dreadnoughts. I also 3D printed my own models because 'fuck GW.'

'My figures!'

I also collected several other figures. Mechas, massive starwars lego kits, die cast cars, balsa model airplanes, anything cool that I could build I would collect it and build it. I came across Warhammer 40k by complete coincidence. I loved the lore and painting the figures. The lore was cool as, a bit retarded at times but whatever. I hating playing though, something with that many rules should be a mobile or pc game. Therefore I made my own Imperium army. There were 2 very convenient missing legions. I painted my army black and gold with different colour highlights to denote different units and called it Legio Umbrae. The shadow legion. I had a huge diorama made up in a part of my mansion. My legion vs. the tyrranids. It was glorious, sadly I will never see my collectibles again. The entire Warhammer collection are worthless because they are painted the wrong colours. But I can't use the money anyway so whatever.

If only I could use my money to fuck over the world like it did me. Someone please use my money to start a war somewhere, and to the rest of the world. 'Fuck you!'

*****Vulcan POV*****

Well ain't he special, special fucking needs. His last words to the world were "Fuck you." What am I going to do with him? I can give him perks and such but I can't put him anywhere important to the entertainment of the ascended. Even then I have to start him out from the bottom, as low as possible while still giving him a chance, a small chance but a chance nonetheless. At least he likes machinery, let's see what he plans to ask for and do. Maybe I'll give him a mission to accommodate for the fact whatever will be destroyed eventually.

Oh here he comes, time to pass judgement. I straightened my suit and tie and sat back, a king on his throne.

*****MC POV*****

I awoke in a dark throne room. The walls were a dark grey granite. Carved and sculpted witch such skill it all looked like it was hewn from a single block on the side of a mountain. The sculptures, grotesques and looked alive. The fires were burning in the sconces on the walls and pillars. There was a smell of hot metal, burnt wood, sandalwood hand-scrub and burning or burnt oil. Smelled like my garage. Having a love for classic cars will break you back and knuckles, but never your heart. Tits or tires, it's still going to trouble, but you can fix a car with a wrench.

I was still lying down on my back. Sprawled out in roughly the same manner when I died. I got up and looked at myself, I was wearing a simple grey shirt and pants. At least I won't be judged by God butt-naked. I took a quick look around, the entire hallway was lit in both directions. I found myself at the entrance of the hall, now I was kind of confused, am I supposed to open the doors or walk the other way. The doors are closer, let's check them first. I pushed and pulled, and every combination. I also looked around for some sort of mechanism. The doors didn't budge. So I guess I'm walking.

Damn that's a long, creepy ass hallway. I felt like I was being watched the entire time. The suits of armor, fully armed and armored statues even the grotesques and chimeras started giving me the creeps. I didn't speed up or anything. I know I'm going to hell so why would I want to speed up the process? It took 5 minutes of walking to see a raised throne and a dressed man sitting on it. In my own time I approached the judge on the throne. He looked like a mob boss waiting for a report that 'Luca Brazzi sleeps with the fishes.'

I approached and stood at what I felt was an appropriate distance. I'm not bowing or some dumb shit like that. I already know I'm hell bound, what's another sin? I waited for my sentencing in silence. Looking the judge in the eyes, I waited.

He spoke first. "Welcome, Marcus Antonio. I am Vulcan, I will be presiding over your reincarnation. The world and your mission has already has been chosen. Now choose your gifts."

Fuck, it's like those anime. It's fun watching someone else get into fucked up situations. It's different when it's your ass online. Thinking a bit more, the judge is Vulcan, if I think he is who I think he is then I know why I had a feeling like I was being watched. He also said gifts, which means I can ask for multiple things, but it doesn't mean I will get all of them. I have to know which world I'm heading into and what I'm supposed to once I'm there. I asked, "what world is it and what will be my mission?"

Vulcan: "Is that two of the gifts you wish to ask for?"

So that's how it is, then I have to prepare for the worst. Thinking about what I need to survive in the worst situation possible.

"What I would like is the following:

All abilities and knowledge of The God Emperor of Mankind at his prime,

A Phalanx with an intact and functioning STC from the Golden age of Technology and fabricators,

The complete knowledge of the Necrons, Aeldari, Old ones and C'tan up to the 41st millennium,

The belief powers or the Korks,

Legendary Saiyan with control over the ape transformation,

Hyper Regeneration,

Incorruptibility,

and finally Infinite magic power. I finished my list of requests."

The last 3-4 requests I could do without. No matter where I end up, I'll be able to survive long enough to carve out a little haven for myself. The first four were crucial to my survival. I just have to bargain and barter until I can get as many benefits as possible.

*****Vulcan POV*****

Damn! This man planning for an invasion of Hell! I kind of want to grant all the requests and see what happens. Just then I received a message from my trusty truck sent me a message.

[Approve them! He called me truck-sama! Also gave me pointer to improve for the next time, he's a good boy.]

What the...truck-kun you've betrayed me! But it's true his methods were a bit messy, but that allowed us, the gods, to learn of the true nature the potential reincarnates or transplants. Very well, I shall acquiesce to my child's wishes as much as possible. I still cannot approve of all that he asked for.

He will get a system just by being a part of the world but he doesn't need everything he asked for. I will have negotiate with the lad. I mean he was called into my hall for his love of building things. But he is a twisted bastard as well. He did everything to fund his hobby, and thankfully his hobby was pretty tame as compared to other people. Time for the nitty-gritty.

*****MC POV*****

I waited for Vulcan to respond. He didn't let it show, but I knew he thinks I asked for too much. What did you expect? You won't tell me where I'll be headed and what I'll be required to do. I'm just going off of what came to the top of my head. Throwing some useless things in there should help with getting the maximum of the desired benefits.

Vulcan: It would seem we have to negotiate. I am not willing to grant all benefits based on the setting you will go to. So to start off, let me just state most of what you want will destroy the world faster than normal. You are not being sent into a hellish world where the chances of you dying increase every second you are alive. You will have a chance to stand at the top of the world, but that's it.

I see so that means I will have to reconsider. I'll tone it down, but not by much.

"I would like a moment to reconsider, please." I requested.

Vulcan: Take your time, relax and think about it.

Vulcan then materialized a comfortable swivel chair and a desk with paper and 4 different coloured pens.

"Thank you." I sat down and began planning. I will have a chance, that's it, so I have to make the most of it. I would like to have a massive 'Fuck you' spaceship the size of a moon but I think that's one of the deal breakers. Honestly I can combine the knowledge, STC, and fabricators into a single request. Or all of the requested wishes into the Power of Belief. I'll take that route then. Negotiations are all about misdirection. Vulcan will probably agree, but let's prepare for the worst.

Thinking back to my previous life and all the things I found cool and interesting and ideas I had for combining many different things.

1. The body and peak abilities of the Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes, Lion El Johnson of the Dark Angles and Kaldor Draigo of the Grey Knights.

2. A combined Allarus and Aquilon Terminator armours powered by an Arc reactor. The armour has the combined features of the Aegis armour of the Grey Knights and the Vexilian Standard incorporated into the armor itself. The helmet from the Grey Knights. A Guardian Adrasite Spear. A Heavy Bolter and Heavy Flamer.

3. A controllable Blank gene. I can increase of decrease it's effects from 0-100%. Affects the surrounding 10km radius at max power. Affects all people equally. All beg for the warm embrace of death, that doesn't come quickly. Can be directed at a specific person.

4. The power of belief. If I believe it to be true, then it is true. If I believe it to exist then it exists. It is absolute. Not dependant on brainwashed followers or small minded peasants.

Done with everything awesome and overpowered I could think of, I made a legible copy on a new sheet of paper and presented it to Vulcan.

He reached out his left hand and the sheet flew over to him. He read and reread it for a minute, then burst out laughing.

Vulcan: I see what you're playing at boy. Hahahahaha. Very well, it shall be done, but there will be added consequences for granting these requests. A fight to prove your determination, tenacity, and will to rule the world.

A wave of his right hand and I was in an arena. The ground was coarse sand, the walls were a few metres high and made of sandstone. The arena had a radius of 5 metres. Pretty small, but I need to know the details and rules of the fight. Another man appeared in front of me, armed with a spear, looking around like he was surprised to find himself there. The voice of Vulcan resounded through the arena.

Vulcan: Fight for your right to live. The loser is erased from existence. On your mark...

So I'm bare-handed, well I can take his spear. The bare minimum one need to know is to keep the pointy end away from yourself, and stick it into the fucker in front of you.

Vulcan: Ready...

I took a deep breath and crouched lower ready to move right at the walking corpse.

Vulcan: START!

I charged as fast as possible at the opponent. He was fumbling around with his spear, but I didn't relax all he needs is to get lucky, I need to wring his neck. In 3 seconds I was in font of him at arms length, I then pulled a pro-gamer move and punched him in the throat and followed that up with a kick in the nuts as hard as possible. He was down. I grabbed his spear and stabbed him in the head with it, repeatedly. He stopped writhing around after the first stab, I just has to make sure.

Breathing heavily from the sudden and explosive use of energy. I looked around for where Vulcan was. He was on the platform to my left. I looked at him and asked, "do I get all requests granted?"

Vulcan: Yes. You will be taking the place of the Spear Hero in Melromac. The guy you so mercilessly killed was Motoyasu Kitamura.

Well fuck, I should've asked for an army command. Wait I can make an army of Necrons, Astartes, Eldar and Orks! Phew. Naofumi is on his own, I won't hinder him, but won't go out of my way to voluntarily help him either. One must first ask for help before it is given. With another wave of his hand I was transported to a dark hall with a glowing ritual circle on the ground.

It took me a while to get my bearings. I stood standing, it would be embarrassing to be sprawled out on the floor in the Blessed Armor of Vulcan. A set of jet-black armor with gold trim. The pauldrons had the Lions of Vulcan on them. A cape of Nemean lion hides dyed black. The helmet was a Grey Knights design base with a lion The knowledge and experience on how to use my gifts and abilities was all there. Millenia of combat experience against Xenos, daemons and bugs. All ingrained into my muscle memory. My Name, Umbrus Imperatus.

To test my Power of Belief, I believed that I was alright and at the height of my powers. In the next second, I was.

I stood there, a 10 foot tall behemoth of a man, decked out in armour worth several worlds and looked at the rabble that would summon others to do their dirty work. The rabble looked at me in awe and fear. The Vexilia doing it's job and scaring enemies shitless. I noticed 3 other people in the same situation beside me. The children were sprawled all over the floor. Pathetic.

"SPEAK!" the vox enhanced my voice to make it much louder. I only spoke normally. I mentally adjusted the settings while the mages were relieving themselves all over the floor.

*****Head mage POV*****

Did we accidentally summon a God. The behemoth in front of us couldn't be a man. He righted himself quickly looked around to assess his situation. Experience and training of a warrior showing. The feeling he was giving off was inexplicable. I felt heart stopping fear like never before. I promised to whatever god was listening that I would try and be better. Then he looked at us. One word was all it took for me and my compatriots to soil ourselves. One WORD had such power. Imagine a fist. I shuddered at the thought.

Although scared, I was also happy, I had done my duty to the utmost. If this literal god can be persuaded to help us then the rest of the heroes won't matter. Gathering what little courage I had I decided to speak, "Dear Lord and heroes, please save our world." My state was deplorable, 'maybe that can work in our favour,' I thought shamelessly.

*****Legendary Spear Spirit POV*****

Someone is interfering with the summoning of my champion! I don't like it one bit! How dare they?! He's the best possible choice from all the trash I had to choose from. If the new wielder is worse than the original I will not cooperate and get him killed. Whoever is interfering better have a damn good reason.

It took a while but my new wielder arrived.

Oh boy ohboyohboyohboy! Thank you whoever interfered. This one is worth a billion of the scum I had originally selected.

He already has a spear, that's better than me! Its not possible. Before I could react I was absorbed into the spear my new wielder was carrying. There I found a message.

'The the legendary spear spirit. I hope you enjoy your new home and wielder. Vulcan'

Vulcan sama! I am not worthy! I shall do whatever it takes to keep this one alive!

*****Other heroes POV*****

What the fuck! Who is that guy?!

*****Umbrus Imperatus*****

I find them all very pathetic, but not long ago I was not much better than them. Also based on what little I know the threats are not to be taken lightly. But I have no use of the backing of a madman and a dying kingdom surrounded by dead ones. They're dead they just know it yet.

"Why should I? Would it not be better to flay you like the vermin you are and take whatever I wish?" I replied to the head vermin. I think being a blend of Legendary Astartes has changed my personality. I am now saying what I want without worry of repercussions. There are 2 types of people, those with power and the dead.

It was a long time before one of the vermin spoke. "We would very much like to live my lord, could to meet the king instead and sort it out with him."

Sword Hero: I refuse.

Bow Hero: Same.

Shield Hero: I guess.

Mentally facepalming, I turned to them, all they had to do was keep their mouths shut and I could've gotten us the fuck out of here. Now they are going to be bound to the kingdom. Fucking morons.

"If you morons are thinking about going back, don't, the ritual they performed made a one-way tunnel through the warp and brought us all here. We're stuck here, and we have no obligation to help." I told them very elaborately to get their head out of their asses and follow my lead. Sword and Bow got the memo, Shield was a Pikachu meme.

Turning to the vermin I ordered him, "your king, lead us there." Looking at the morons, "let's go children."

A few minutes later we were in the throne room. The weight of my armor testing the quality of the castle. I didn't lumber around like a water buffalo, the ingrained experience of several millennia helping me compensate for the weight and change in building size. Some passages were a squeeze but were handled. Shield was acting like a country bumpkin. The other two were more composed.

At this point some slimy vermin introduced the king and asked us to do the same. I told him to shut the fuck up.

"Alright mongrel my patience is wearing thin, so why have we been summoned?" I said directly to the sack of shit. 'Mongrel? Did I get a bit of Gilgamesh?'

The stunned court couldn't speak. "How dare-!" the slimy minister was turned into a streak of blood and guts on the floor and walls. I moved in the blink of an eye and was now standing in front the mongrel. This dissuaded others from speaking out of turn, and caused the kids behind me to start retching and puking at the sight and smell of an atomized corpse.

I grabbed the mongrels neck with my left hand and picked him up. I dropped the Guardian Spear and let it lean against me. With my right hand I removed the crown from his head. then tossed him on top of the blood splatter. Using my Power of Belief, I incorporated the crown and jewels into the gorget, then I combined the two thrones into one suitable for me. I picked up the spear, turned and sat down.

'I looked at my kingdom I was finally there, to sit on my throne as the prince of Bel-air.' Good brain.

"There has been a regime change, if you have any problems with that, kindly go fuck yourself."

The entire throne room was in complete silence. Memories of the Custodian flashed across my mind, his, now my watch in the Imperial Palace. The guards behind me and the rest in the hall looked at me in disbelief. Some looked as though their eyes would pop out of their skulls.

I looked around, "children come sit." I created thrones similar to mine for them on the platform. They warily came and sat down. Shield to my left, Bow and Sword to my right. I singled out a well dressed man with the bearings of a soldier.

"You soldier, explain the situation and the solutions in place." looking towards a pair of guards. "Chain the mongrel, find the rest of the royal family and arrest them. MOVE!" The guards arrested the former king and sent a dozen to go arrest the rest of the royal family.

Hours of talking later the situation was pretty clear. SANFU and FUBAR came to mind. I'd asked the opinion of every person in the room. Sword told us about the status. We then theorized that maxing out out stats as much as possible while still at the earlier levels was the best course of action. The counter argument to this was people dying by the Waves. I resolved to let the corrupt and incompetent die. They will buy us time. The ones who didn't have their head up their ass were to be called to arms. The man I initially called out was a general. I ordered him to recall all knights and armies to garrison within a hundred kilometres of the capital. The rest of the generals were to present themselves as soon as possible. The territories that were to be sacrificed weren't as numerous as I had originally envisioned.

Not only do I have to fight for my survival, I have to run a kingdom of corrupt and incompetent imbeciles. There is also the Church. They shall be declared Heretics and purged.

It was getting dark, but the discussion was actually heating up. It was well into the early hours of dawn that we called for a recess and to reconvene in the Council Building with all members currently present and any members who would positively contribute to the nation and fight against the Waves. The royal family will be executed in the morning. They were gagged and tied up to the pillars.

When ask why I wasn't going to bed, the answer again shocked and silenced the room.

"I have stood watch at the emperors side for centuries, fought by his side for decades, fought and purged his enemies for millennia. I have no need for sleep."

As the hall cleared the other three remained along with a few shadows. Humph, Shadows bleed. The were quickly disposed of. 'Let the bodies hit the floor x 3 Let the bodies hit the FLOOR!'

"So what is it you wish to ask children." I asked them.

Shield: Are you really going to execute them?

"I have no reason to keep them around. The queen is a hostage in a hostile land. She will be dealt with as well."

Bow: I am against this. We can keep them prisoner.

"Prisoners eat food. The dead become food."

Sword: Alright alright, I am more curious as to everybody's stats, and how we should improve them.

The others shared their stats.

Mine looked like this:

Name: Umberus Imperatus

Race: Primarch 'Nice'

Titles: The Spear Hero, King of Melromarc

Level 1

Exp: 20/1000

HP: 100,000

MP: 100,000

SP: 100,000

ATT: 9999

MAG: 9999

P. DEF: 9999

M. DEF: 9999

DEX: 9999

Well shit! That's awesome!