Chapter 10: The Immortal's Journey

-M2. Earth. Japan-

The world unfolded as a tapestry of change when Ollanius Persson first trod upon its vast lands. A man seemingly ordinary, yet his destiny etched itself into the very fabric of time. The oldest Perpetual, born of humanity's loins, he bore many names that resonated through the ages. Some hailed him as The First Savior, Enkidu, while others whispered tales of the Warmaster of the First Empire, Jediah, and a myriad of other names lost to the whims of time.

Ollanius bore witness to the countless rises and falls of civilizations, a silent spectator to the grand symphony of history. Yet, unlike his ancient comrade, he remained tethered to humanity. He sensed the pulse of life, the rhythmic dance of birth and death across civilizations. Despite the eons, he stood as a constant, an unwavering presence in the ever-shifting tapestry of existence. Though sentiment towards his people waned, he still beheld the horizon, a vista extending beyond mortal comprehension.

In this parallel universe, a younger humanity challenged the perspective he'd carried through ages. The echoes of his experience on the long-lost Old Earth reverberated, and the Japanese people, familiar yet distant, evoked a sense of nostalgia.

He yearned for the days when humanity remained blissfully ignorant of the universe's indifferent nature, even as their thirst for knowledge burgeoned since the late M1.

As Ollanius reentered his room, his eyes were immediately captivated by towering shelves laden with an eclectic collection of books. History, science, and philosophy volumes claimed significant portions, yet it was the dusty, timeworn tomes perched on the top shelf that seized his gaze the longest.

Blessed with a transhuman mind, Ollanius delved into each book with unparalleled clarity, effortlessly absorbing every word and concept. A contented sigh escaped him as he cradled a book tracing the cosmos's history, his finger dancing along the words.

"Many of these volumes are now either forbidden or obliterated in the Imperium's time. Those damned Eldar," he muttered, his calm tone tinged with a simmering anger.

His ire wasn't directed at the Eldar as most of the Imperium's inhabitants harbored. No, Ollanius's resentment emanated from the scars they inflicted upon humanity during the cataclysmic Great War that echoed through the galaxy. The wounds of that conflict still festered within him, haunting his dreams.

As the words on the pages continued to weave tales of cosmic history, memories of his most harrowing odyssey flooded back. The Third Galactic War, a nightmare where unspeakable horrors emerged from both the material and immaterial realms, played out vividly in his mind. Many of his Perpetual brethren had met their end under the crushing weight of that godly conflict.

The burden of the war pressed heavily upon him, leaving scars on his soul that seemed beyond repair. Yet, he knew he couldn't succumb to the weight, for his journey was far from its conclusion. The aftermath of the war loomed ahead like a foreboding storm, ready to envelop him in its grasp. Under Gilgamesh's command, he led the Seven Legions in purging the stars, clashing with the remnants of the Dark Prince and his brethren, and pushing against the diminished forces of the once-mighty Aeldari Dominion. The universe lay in ruins, its material reality stripped away by the chaos.

He had no luxury to ponder the intricacies of humanity's inner workings; Gilgamesh had everything in hand. His duty now was to dispel the lingering shadows in the war-torn galaxy.

"Perhaps this will turn out to be a peculiar vacation after all," he mused with a chuckle.

As he sat lost in thought, a knock interrupted his musing, and he kicked his legs to approach the door. He opened it to find Rei.

"Lord Ollanius, I'm here to take you to the Tokyo Imperial Palace," she said.

"I understand," he replied, nodding his head in response. Despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building inside of him. 

It has been long since his last visit to the Tokyo Imperial Palace. The sentiment of nostalgia slowly returns to his immortal soul. He remembered the glorious sight when the ancient ruler of Japan built the palace. 

A smile carved itself upon his face as a seemingly endless stream of memory continuously flooded his senses. 

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-En route to the Tokyo Imperial Palace-

The journey is indeed refreshing for the old Perpetual. It was a rare sight for him to witness once again humanity's struggle and advancement in the Old Earth era. Despite how backward or primitive they are compared to Gilgamesh's Imperium, Old Earth still resides in a special place in his heart. 

"We have arrived, Lord Ollanius," Rei said politely. 

Ollanius immediately turned his head toward the other side of the car without a second thought. There, he can witness the full glory of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. 

"Amazing." He said in awe, earning a soft sigh from the Japanese diplomat. 

"To be honest, Lord Ollanius, I really wonder what Imperium of Man would look like." Said Rei, smiling at the Perpetual. 

"Why so, Miss Rei?" The oldest man asked in genuine confusion. 

Rei didn't answer as she chose to ponder. Her eyes are filled with many thoughts and sentiments that Ollanius finds hard to describe. Since their eyes meet, Ollanius is unable to see through her intention, as if what lies beyond her eyes is an ocean full of mystery. He was sure that Rei Ishikawa was not a Perpetual or transhuman; even he requested aid from the assassins to fully check her profile, and they found nothing peculiar. 

Ollanius shook his head slowly, trying to shake those thoughts away because his duty was coming. The car stopped. Almost instantly, the palace's bodyguard opened the door for him. 

"The Emperor and the Prime Minister are waiting for you, Lord Ollanius," the bodyguard said with a stern expression. 

Sinking into his seat, Ollanius allowed the tapestry of his extraordinary life among the M2 Japanese Emperors and Prime Ministers to weave through his thoughts. Dozens of their names danced in his recollections, yet the void left by these unfamiliar figures solidified the truth—he was traversing an alternate universe.

The mastery of the Old One over the Webway proved an enigma beyond Ollanius's grasp. He navigated the chaotic Sea of Souls, barely scratching the surface of the vast Empyrean. Aeldari texts, whispered from their homeworld, painted the Old Ones as god-like beings wielding powers that transcended even humanity's most audacious dreams.

While Gilgamesh might hold deeper knowledge of this ancient race, Ollanius stood firm in his understanding of the Webway's colossal scale. It stretched beyond the boundaries of time and space, a living conduit shaped by the will of the Old Ones.

A wry chuckle escaped him as he pondered the new trajectory of mankind, now under the guiding hand of the Emperor of Mankind.

As the car glided to a stop in front of the palace garden, Ollanius decided to shelve those contemplations. Before him stood the breathtaking Japanese Imperial Palace, an architectural masterpiece crafted from stone and wood, capturing the essence of its era. The palace's pristine white façade triggered memories of the illustrious days of the Roman Empire.

Passing through the palace gates, a profound sense of awe enveloped him. Stepping onto this hallowed ground, he felt the weight of millennia on his shoulders—a momentous entrance into the heart of history, compelling him to embrace the unfolding saga of this extraordinary universe.

As Ollanius stepped into the palace, he was met with dozens of guards, and standing before him was the Prime Minister, Motoi Shinzou. Ollanius couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for the mortal man who had built such a magnificent palace.

"Glad to meet you, Lord Ollanius. It's a very fortunate time to meet you," Motoi said, extending his hand in greeting.

Ollanius accepted his handshake, smiling politely. He felt a sense of belonging in this place, as if it was his home, no matter where or when he was born.

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As he sipped on the matcha tea, Ollanius couldn't help but wonder how many times he had tasted this beverage before. The Emperor of Japan, Akito Hanzei, noticed his expression and asked, "How's the taste of our tea, Lord Ollanius?"

"It was wonderful, your Majesty," Ollanius replied, returning the teacup back to the wooden tray. He had a deep appreciation for the Japanese culture, and it showed in the way he handled the teacup with grace and elegance.

The Prime Minister and the Emperor exchanged astonished glances as they observed Ollanius, a man from the distant future, impeccably executing what they deemed sacred table manners.

"Lord Ollanius, if I may inquire," Motoi began slowly, still gripped by awe.

"What is it, Mr. Motoi?" Ollanius responded.

"Forgive my rudeness, but how are you familiar with these table manners? According to Third Recon's report, this cultural practice is nearly extinct." Confusion etched across Motoi's face, providing an unintended amusement to the ancient human.

"I've undertaken studies under the Emperor's directive. Every governmental official within the Imperium must comprehend and excel in the cultures of our clients and allies. It ensures favorable terms in our negotiations." Ollanius answered the curious mortal, his smile radiating delight.

"Mastering various cultures to honor allies. Truly commendable." Akito shared his opinion, nodding approvingly. "But doesn't that become a considerable burden for diplomats?"

"Thanks to our transhuman minds, what may seem burdensome to others is a seamless duty for us," Ollanius replied.

"Transhuman mind. Could you elaborate on this Transhuman culture, Lord Ollanius?" Motoi inquired with a firm yet friendly tone, as if seeking to unveil something hidden within the Perpetual.

Ollanius discerned the veiled intention of the Prime Minister. He knew that one of Malcador's agents accompanied him, tracing his every move to ensure the success of whatever Lord Sigilite was orchestrating. Based on the intel from Gilgamesh, their upcoming strategy involved division and consolidation—echoing His plan from mid-M2 to propel humanity's progress.

"Transhuman society has gained widespread acceptance in the Imperium since the creation of the first transhuman in M22. Yet, there are pockets of resistance in certain regions of the Imperium."

Ollanius infused a somber tone into his narrative, intending to inject a hint of gravity into the conversation. The effect was immediate. Both mortal men fixed him with a gaze filled with wonder and curiosity, yet they restrained themselves from vocalizing their inquiries. The oldest Perpetual concealed the formation of a smirk, relishing in the intrigue he had stirred.

"However, thanks to diplomatic endeavors across various Imperium installations, we've managed to establish peace and reconciliation with these dissenting factions," Ollanius interjected, aiming to restore the atmosphere to its original state.

Indeed, the situation was gradually regaining its composure. "I see. To govern a vast empire, your Emperor must be an extraordinary monarch."

The Japanese Emperor's words tempted a chuckle from Ollanius, and he summoned all his mental fortitude to stifle it. "I can affirm that he was an exceptional monarch for both the Imperium and mankind."

"Could you describe His Majesty's appearance for us?" Akito posed the question, catching Ollanius off guard. He had anticipated it from Motoi, not the Japanese emperor.

Taking a thoughtful pause, Ollanius pondered. Gilgamesh was someone he never underestimated. Despite being more ancient than the Master of Mankind, the Emperor's mask was far more intricate and enigmatic than Ollanius' enduring presence.

"His Majesty is a figure so profoundly human that even the transhuman minds within the Imperium struggle to grasp the entirety of His essence," Ollanius began with a wistful smile. "He remains wholly separated from us."

With a scrutinizing gaze, the Perpetual observed their reactions, finding the anticipated blend of confusion and conflicting ideals.

"Could you provide more insight, Lord Ollanius?" Motoi inquired, confirming Ollanius' expectations.

"Consider comparing a solitary Solar Guardian to a mortal endowed with a Coordinator gene. It's an inherently uneven juxtaposition. The Solar Guardian, a transhuman designed to bridge mortals toward transcendence in mind and soul, can process millions of data simultaneously, akin to a supercomputer, and live for around a thousand years," Ollanius explained, taking a sip from his cup.

"The Solar Guardian surpasses any ordinary mortal. There's speculation that the Emperor directly influenced the later development of the Solar Guardian template, capping their maximum lifespan at around one thousand years. Interestingly, this template is the most customizable in the entire Imperium. In theory, we could extend the lifespan of any Solar Guardian indefinitely. However, it's a prohibited practice, and instead, our focus shifted to template upgrades."

The explanation stirred further confusion, as expected from a civilization less acquainted with these concepts. Ever since Ollanius uncovered this revelation, a sense of disquiet lingered. It was peculiar, and despite the awareness of countless adepts, they seemingly accepted it, adhering to the Emperor's command. At a superficial level, it might appear tyrannical, but delving into the truth revealed a command that offered absolution.

"Why did the Emperor insist on enforcing this policy, Lord Ollanius?" Akito inquired, earning a disapproving glance from Motoi.

Ollanius smiled, raising his palm slightly to signal the Prime Minister, who understood the subtle gesture and calmed himself. Perhaps Akito hadn't fully grasped it, as the motion was inconspicuous. Like a caring parent to a child, the first Perpetual conveyed his intent. "The answer is quite simple, Your Highness. The Emperor of Mankind perceives something beyond our understanding."

"Beyond any of your understanding?" Akito asked. However, his tone is more than just a question. It was pure superstition and scepticism. 

Ollanius could see everything about Akito's character, which made him amused beyond anything since his last card game with Malcador and Gilgamesh. 

Seeing a much younger man challenged him into the game of wisdom, making a small part of his old persona pitied the young emperor. 

""The universe is vast, emperor Akito. A being capable of uniting mankind under his banner and cultivating civilization with an impossible precision akin to a god. How something like that is in our grasp of logic, Your Highness?" " Rather than a question, it sounded more like an assertion. The tone wasn't cold or indifferent; instead, it held a profound and ancient quality.

In that very moment, the Japanese officials realized a truth that drained the color from their faces. The being before them transcended their understanding. Moreover, Motoi, confronting the full transhuman dread embodied by a Solar Guardian, felt his palms growing damp.

Akito locked eyes with the Perpetual. When their gazes met, the mortal emperor perceived a pearl of wisdom and knowledge, an ocean within the Perpetual's eyes. To the less enlightened mind, it seemed like a mystical experience, but for the Perpetual, it was an entirely different sensation.

No warp magic or techno-sorcery fueled it, just a simple gaze. The souls of Perpetuals intrigued even the most seasoned adepts. A Perpetual soul resembled perpetual energy, endlessly renewing itself. The deepest sanctums of Luna and Tri Magister Oculum buzzed with theories, yet no concrete discovery had surfaced. Gilgamesh's and Ollanius's theory echoed in the older Perpetual's mind.

"Perpetuals are destined to become mankind's greatest repository of knowledge. Like parents, we shall guide them to the heights they deserve."

Gilgamesh's words echoed loudly in the elder Perpetual's thoughts, tickling his old heart.

Ollanius halted his actions, reverting to his prior demeanor. "My apologies. It's challenging to rid myself of old habits."

To ease the tension, Ollanius produced something from under his robe, capturing the interest of both mortal men. Retrieving his hand, he held a golden Aquila pendant.

"It's His Majesty's gift for the Japanese people," Ollanius said softly with a smile, presenting the pendant.

Akito accepted it carefully, inspecting the perfectly crafted ornament with awe. However, the pendant held a more significant purpose.

"Make a mental command to activate it." The suggestion was heeded by the Japanese emperor.

A mental image transmitted to the golden pendant triggered a shimmering glow. Without warning, the pendant burst into a brilliant golden light.

Security guards entered the room, poised for any threat. Motoi, however, halted them with a stern gaze, and the agents slowly lowered their weapons.

Between them and the elder man emerged a hologram of impossibly complex technology, crafted during the Age of Stellar Exodus at M12. Though archaic by the Imperium's current standards, labeling it as severely outdated would be a bizarre understatement.

But it will suffice for the Old Earth. Gilgamesh's master plan unfolds, guided by the hands of one of his most trusted allies.

"What is this, Lord Ollanius?" Akito inquired, his eyes fixated on the holovid.

"As I mentioned earlier, it's a gift from His Majesty, the Lord of the Imperium, for the Japanese people," Ollanius began in a soft tone.

"It's a blueprint for a semiconductor. I believe your scientists and R&D section will find this gift quite intriguing."

The statement landed like a bombshell. Time seemed to freeze in the room as every person present grappled with the revelation. While they might not have realized it was a severely outdated technology for the Imperium, it was undeniably advanced for the Old Earth. This was the linchpin behind all the plans meticulously designed by Malcador for Ollanius.

Hidden beneath a composed exterior, Ollanius couldn't help but smirk. The varied expressions of those before him took him back to the day he comprehended the true purpose behind Gilgamesh's actions—a guiding hand leading humanity toward a brighter future. Now, he fully understood why Gilgamesh wore an amused expression when Ollanius first learned the truth about the foundation of the Imperium.

"We graciously accept this gift, Lord Ollanius," Motoi said with a small smile, bowing slightly in a gesture of appreciation.

Ollanius nodded in agreement before using his psychic link to signal the device to power down. As the fading light left the room in gentle shadows, Ollanius serenely lifted his matcha to his lips, sipping as if the world around him was untouched by the recent revelation.

---

The meeting unfolded precisely as Ollanius had anticipated. Malcador's agents had effectively influenced the Prime Minister, reducing the emperor of Japan to a mere formality. As Ollanius absorbed the information from the schedule the Japanese had provided, he recognized the need to address the international media the following day.

"I suppose a public speech is in order," he muttered, a remark audible only to transhuman ears.

Rei's voice interrupted his contemplation. "How was the meeting, Lord Ollanius?"

"It proceeded smoothly. No cause for concern, Miss Rei," Ollanius assured her with a smile.

Observing him, Rei responded with her own radiant smile. "I'm relieved."

A soft chuckle escaped Ollanius. "Japan truly is an incredible country. Every moment here has been enjoyable."

While he refrained from disclosing the true reason behind his statement, the sentiment was genuine. Nostalgia washed over him, evoking memories of days long past in Japan. Despite the emotional surge, Ollanius maintained a composed facade, acknowledging the weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders. A hint of moisture formed at the corners of his eyes, only to be halted by the gravity of the task at hand.

"It would be an honor, Lord Ollanius," Rei responded, her smile reflecting innocence untouched by the harsh realities of the 29th millennium. Although her face bore the marks of life's struggles, her eyes conveyed a purity that could not be feigned.

To Ollanius, it was a gift. While the innocence of countless children across the Imperium had melted his millennia-old heart, Rei's smile and the smiles of her people spurred a solemn vow to protect them.

"So, what do you feel every day, right, Gilgamesh?" The unspoken words lingered, etching themselves deep into Ollanius's heart. As his journey unfolded, he resolved to cherish this connection forever.