Chapter 8: Italica Pt 1

-M29. 671. Terra. Three days after the first contact-

Colt Formal stared in awe at the majestic view of the Imperial Palace. It was golden architecture as far as he could witness. Dozens of floating cities adorned the blue sky, clamoring with countless riches and impossibly beautiful buildings.

Everything he had seen in Italica, even the Empire Capital, was utterly rendered primitive by the majesty of the Imperium. This paradise, this breathtaking world, was one of the countless millions across the stars.

Looking around, he can see countless people walking with smiles plastered on their faces. Bright eyes and bravery to confront the unknown were a common sight on the Imperium's citizen faces. Though they are giants and incredibly intelligent, but they are still human, like him.

And this world, this marvel of engineering, this haven was offered by the Emperor for him, his people, and most importantly, his daughter. Myui, a very innocent girl, was born and dictated to someday replace Colt as head of Italica.

Colt himself only stared deeply into the incoming fate. Myui is a girl destined to be the wife of a Saderan noble, serving as a womb to birth an heir. Thus locking her destiny as it was the culture of the Empire. But here, such a culture was long eradicated, replaced by mutual understanding. This place is the one he desperately seeks—a place where his daughter could live as a true nobility, like the nobleman from Saderan.

"Colt Formal, you've been called to the Senatorum Imperialis by His Majesty." A voice came directly into his mind. Colt could not familiarize himself with this Ferrous Mind named Alexander. To him, this Alexander was akin to a mighty spirit that governed this entire Imperial Palace. Speaking about the Imperial Palace, Colt still could not comprehend the scale of this place. Once he asked about it to Alexander, he regretted it. The place was unspeakably massive, rivaling the size of the entire Empire. The centuries worth of hard work by the Empire to expand its territory is completely shattered by the sheer size of this Imperial Palace.

"I will answer the majesty's command." Colt made his way to the said Senatorum Imperialis. This palace is like a maze. It was a miracle that somebody could navigate through it flawlessly.

Before he could murmur about the direction, Alexander's voice resounded in his mind.

"I will guide you." It said softly.

"Thank you," Colt replied with gratitude.

As he walks further into the Imperial Palace, Colt does not know how Alexander will guide him. Yet, he can feel it. Every step he takes, every direction he walks into. Colt can feel some unknown force directing his subconscious to take certain directions, capable of operating even intricate tools that he even cannot comprehend. With a flash of light, he appeared in a majestic golden room that was even bigger than his entire manor, with various golden Aquila and countless beautiful ornaments polished this room.

"Presenting Colt Formal of Italica." Alexander's voice boomed across the room.

When the voice ended, flashes of light bathed the room. At the same time he was blinded, Colt could hear machinery begin to stir in less than one second. The light disappears as he opens his eyes. A gigantic podium suddenly manifested without knowing how it was created. Colt raises his head to check who is the one on the platform.

"Colt Formal." The voice of the Emperor calling his name with a fluent Farmatian.

The voice made Colt instantly kneel. "My Lord."

"Rise, proud son of Falmart." The Emperor said softly.

Rising from his feet, Colt can finally see the entire person standing above the platform. Eleven people with two gigantic golems stand with their indescribable might and authority.

Besides the Emperor and Lady Larian, he did not recognize the rest of them. Even though he acknowledges their ranks.

They are the High Lords of Terra, the thirteen most powerful individuals besides the Emperor in the entire Imperium.

"What do you want me to do, my Emperor?" Colt asked with all of his respect and devotion.

"Your world is new to us. Moreover, the second Gate has proven more than worthy of our attention." The overwhelming aura of the Emperor, combined with the rest thirteen, made Colt's heart sink into his stomach.

"Furthermore, I think that Gate will lead you to your former world as well as Terra's ancestor." The revelation shocked Colt to his core but also nearly caused him to faint. Though he still stood tall, seemingly unfazed by it.

"This first contact, unlike countless others. It was fundamentally different as the result of Japanese appearance. With my authority, I declare you as Imperial Herald on Falmart. Thus, we supervise you and will receive commands from the High Lords directly." The Emperor's voice boomed with power and absolute authority.

At the same time, a flying object came from the suddenly opened floor. The thing was made of metal, with round-like eyes that stared directly into Colt's soul.

A stream of light flooded his body. Slight nausea invaded his body, causing him to nearly lose his composure. Colt could feel his body being touched by an unknown hand, entirely tearing his body inside out. Yet, his eyes could see it. His body did not suffer any harm or wounds.

Finally, he could suck a free breath when the light dies. At the time his dizziness faded, Colt felt it. His body became more powerful, and his old body somehow felt young again.

"Your Majesty, what happened to me?" Colt asked in astonishment.

"I've enchanted your body to live long enough to serve your duty. Centuries worth of lifespan, a psychic link that connects you with Alexander, and power that brought you near transhuman power." The giant robot beside the hooded man answered with his surprisingly human voice.

"I'm thankful for this power, milord. I will never disappoint you."

____________________________________________________________

-M29 671. Falmart. Prometheus Arcology-

Colt Formal darted his eyes at his palm. Clenching it and then opening it again and again. Although he was grateful for this newfound strength, he was distraught because of his lifespan.

"Myui." He murmured to himself.

"Lord Herald of Falmart," A voice snapped Colt from his stupor.

"Lord General," Colt addressed the golden armored man honorifically.

"Did you still disturb with your new title, Lord Herald?" Agral asked.

"I won't say it does. But, my daughter is just a mortal human." Colt's eyes narrowed with caution as countless unpleasant feelings clouded his mind.

"You can make a request, and the Emperor will judge you. That was unfortunate that Falmartian were not Imperial citizens yet." The Lord General said with empathy from behind his nearly robotic voice.

"That is one of His Majesty's will. And I shall fulfill it." the newly appointed Imperial Herald replied, stilling his heart to accomplish his duty.

"That's remarkable, Lord Herald. I hope you can bring this world to its knee to serve the Imperium. With that, His Majesty's aegis could shelter the innocents." The Lord General said with a warm smile.

"I won't disappoint you, Lord General." Colt slightly bowed respectfully.

"I have received an order from the Lord Commander that you will bring our emissaries to Italica?" The General asked, switching his personality drastically to match the moment.

"Indeed, Lord General. I was tasked to bring our Imperial Truth and technologies to them." Colt Formal has studied his newfound power at an astronomical speed. Thus, he used to change his persona at any given moment.

"Excellent. But I must give grievous news, Lord Herald. Italica had been attacked." This statement made Colt lose the color of his skin.

"By who, Lord General?" Colt clenched his fist desperately.

"Remnants of Alnus Hills' Saderan army. They are outcasts and attacking Italica for resources."

"We need to move fast, Lord General. If they won, there is no Italica left to protect." Colt's heartbeat rises at a speed that a man his age could not. Various emotions exploded in his head, and thanks to his augmentation, Colt processed a large number of information at an impossible speed.

"I know. But do not be worried. I sent the 5th Recon Team to reinforce Italica's defense a day prior. They can survive long enough when the reinforcement arrives." The General replied with calmness, reassuring Lord Herald to calm himself.

"When will our army mobilize, Lord General?" Colt asked, regaining his composure.

"Soon, Lord Herald. Soon.".

_________________________________________

-Two days earlier. JSDF Base-

Since their first contact, various uproars filled the JSDF Base.

The Discovery of a new Gate and the inhabitant beyond it came to every Japanese ear. A truth about their future, a galactic-spanning civilization with wonders of science and the universe. It came to life when five giant people made an aggression treaty with their General.

They are giants with metallic armor. Men and a woman bear stunning marks of the art of gene engineering on their very skins and features. Proving the pinnacle of human technologies.

The giants currently did not wear their armor, wandering around the base. The fact that they did not wear any armor made them wonder where they stored it. But there are words about those armors. Some JSDF has witnessed those armor turned Into liquid before reshaping itself into a small cube. Words kept spreading, making the entire base try to see the appearance of these soldiers.

Raias walked around the base, trying to peer at every detail of the base. Though he wore no armor, a helmet-sized mask still lingered around his head.

"Captain." A voice called him from his back.

"Maiya. What's wrong?" The crimson-haired woman came to his sight, smiling brighter than the setting sun itself.

"Nothing in particular. I just want to give you this." Extending his hand, Raias could feel a small metal touch his skin. It was a chip, small and recognizable as a records chip.

"What is this?" Raias asked.

"It's all my interview and video feet across this base," Maiya said with a smile.

"Did anyone know you were recording them?" The Captain narrowed his eyes from beneath his helmet.

"Of course not! I have prepared a dozen of safety measures." She exclaimed, which made Raias sigh.

"Very well. Resume to your activity." Raias put the chip in a section of his mask.

"Speaking of activity, Captain. Would you like to join us for dinner?" Maiya informed him with a warm smile.

Raias pondered for a moment, holding the chin of his helmet. A dinner with all of his teammates and JSDF soldiers. Raias forgot his last casual, warm dinner. When he tried to remember, it only left a bitter taste in his mouth. Sighing in defeat, he started at Maiya.

"Alright. I will join, but what about that Aeldar?" The topic brought a heavy frown from Maiya.

"She must likely join us. But I think we must tolerate her if we do not want to spark any hostility from JSDF." Maiya suggested.

"Yeah. Inform them who wants to join this dinner."

"Immediately, sir." Maiya turned her back and left.

"A dinner. Dinner." Raias said slowly. "A fine dinner, huh."

__________________________________________

The trio Falmartian still drowned themselves in the hot bath and could not move because of the warm touch on their bodies.

"Ah, it was wonderful," Rory remarked with a satisfied moan.

"This is indeed very calming and comfortable," Lelei said with her stoic face.

"Hey," Tuka said wistfully.

"What's wrong, Tuka?" Rory asked, starting the elf.

"Even though the... Japanese, as they call them, were welcoming and very good to me—the armored soldiers. They stared at me with hostility, and somehow, I saw intent to kill from their eyes." Tuka replied, her eyes staring intensely into her own being.

"I feel that too. They did not honor me as the Saderan did or treat me nicely like the green one. Those soldiers... They are keeping their distance from me like I was a threat." Rory said with narrowing eyes, speaking with a sense of venom and suspicion.

"But they don't show any such things to me. Instead, they like the JSDF." Lelei rebutted.

"Then what makes them see you differently?" Rory asked the young mage, glaring at her with curiosity.

"I think... It was our race." Lelei stated, which made both of them to stared at her.

"What do you mean by that?" Tuka inquired.

"Tuka, you are an elf while Rory is an Apostle. I think that was the reason." The conclusion only gives both girls a severe expression.

"Explain," Rory commanded.

"If you're case. I don't know. But I know why they hate you like that, Tuka." Lelei said, thoughtfully holding her own chin.

"What?" The blonde elf asked, feeling distressed.

"I talked with one of them, the red-haired one. She said that four thousand years ago. Her people wage war with a country called Aeldari Dominion." Lelei explains to them, but it only makes them more confused.

"Aeldari Dominion?" Tuka tilted her head.

"She said that it was an elf country that became a rival of humanity. She never told me the reason why the war began. But there is something certain. Humanity won that war."

Silent followed after. Baffled by Lelei's words and revelation. A nation of elves that was almost unheard of, and they have witnessed the power of the Imperium, their mighty force that can slay a Fire Dragon easily, wage war with these elf's country.

"What kind of war happened between them?" Tuka murmured.

"To make them have that kind of hatred. It must be a very devastating war." Lelei concluded.

Rory only chooses to remain silent, wondering about Lelei's words.

___________________________________________

Besides the temporary living tent, there was a long wooden table with a long bench. Various foods are served on the table.

"It seems delicious." Rory smiled jovially.

"Indeed," Lelei said, adding her excitement despite her stoic face.

As they sat, they were prohibited from eating. They are said to wait.

"Hey, Itami. Why were we waiting right now?" Rory asked the JSDF man.

"We must wait for the others," Itami said while caressing his neck.

"Wh-" Before she can continue her sentence. The people in question arrived.

"My apologies for arriving too late." Raias addressed the Japanese.

"Ah, don't worry. We barely started yet." Itami said reassuringly.

With the arrival of the Solar Guardian, they began to eat. The Falmartian was new to these delicious foods. On the other side of the coin, Solar Guardians were impressed, but for a very different reason.

"You made this with fire and hand, right?" Maiya asked excitedly.

"U-Um. Yeah?" Itami said with a small smile.

"Can you show me later?!" The crimson beauty shouted with a wide smile.

"Of course... If you have free time." The JSDF said with a small smile.

"Are you never cooking by yourself?" Tomita asked Raias.

"Cooking is uncommon in our society as the automatic fabricator printed our foods." He simply answers with a shrug.

"Print?" The JSDF asked at the same time.

"We manipulate the raw material by molecular level and create the food by constructing the particle. Even from single meat, we can make a steak with dozens of flavors. So, in particular, this food is not out of the ordinary. But the process is fascinating." Raias replied.

The JSDF was utterly speechless and could not comprehend what they had heard. Printing foods and then modifying them to serve any flavor.

The Falmartian themselves only stared with thick marks on their heads as they did not understand what implementation was in that giant's words.

As the food is almost entirely eaten, Rory stared with narrowed eyes at the Solar Guardian, Raias Seloce.

"What's wrong, Rory Mercury?" Rather than asking, Raias demanded an answer from the Apostle.

"Why did you see me like that? Hostility and caution like I was a dangerous threat. Why?" The question made the entire atmosphere descend into a cold silence.

"I think I can't fool you, Rory Mercury." Raias glanced at his team. All of them choose to remain silent, silent of approval.

"To Imperium's terms. You are a Warp-born creature created from Warp energy, previously mortal that elevated by an Empyrean entity. Those creatures back in our nation are monitored by The Silver Templars, ensuring it did not wreak havoc on human worlds." The statement was utterly different. It was radiated with charisma and dread that made the JSDF desperately hold their urge to run. A transhuman dread, a psychological impact that used to subdue mortals by supernatural charisma and prowess of Solar Guardian.

"Hooh. May I ask why? I'm an Apostle sent by gods to protect this world. Spreading their benevolent words for any mortals." Rory smirked as her lips turned purple. Falmartian recognizes this pattern. The Apostle is inviting for a fight and bloodbath.

Raias closed his eyes, reminiscing the moment when he was a kid. It was a life-changing moment for him, and it changed his perspective on the cosmos entirely. He remembers the very seconds he had witnessed the Emperor at the Imperial Palace. His radiance glory, and ever-present warmth showered Raias' essence, showing a truth.

A perfect being who leads humanity to ascension, benevolent as it was indifferent, wholly separated from the species he rules.

A god that chooses to be human.

"I've seen the Emperor of Mankind by my own eyes. I've seen His Majesty's brilliant might. As our belief, the Imperial Truth held the truth about this universe crafted by the Emperor's own will. A revelation about mankind's ascension, our birthright as a species that exceeds self-proclaimed gods. Gods who thirst for their own amusement, fed by our emotions like parasites, and the Emperor wants to give us the true path. No word can describe the Emperor other than god. But heed my words, Rory Mercury. His Majesty is not a god but a man that tries to protect mankind as mankind itself wills it. By that very moment, if the Emperor is not a god, then nothing is." Raias proclaimed firmly, eyes staring severely at every mortal, Xenos, and Warp-born present before him.

"Excuse me," Raias said as he left the dining table. Soon, the 5th Recon Team follow their leader.

The rest remained on the table, only silent as they lost any words left spoken. The Solar Guardian Captain's proclamation only left them with many questions.

What is the Imperial Truth?

What had the truth Raias spoken about?

And most importantly. What kind of person is the Emperor of Mankind?

To JSDF, it was some kind of atheistic belief based on fundamental knowledge and understanding. But they were still distraught by what kind of truth was hidden beneath that Imperial Truth.

Lelei, who is a mage, thinks about the Imperial Truth as the source of the entire answer. But the reason why it despises gods is still a mystery to her.

Tuka clenched her fist. The description of Imperial Truth and how the Solar Guardians look at her only give her anxiety and distress.

Rory thinks all of the Imperium of Man are fools, guided by a foolish Emperor. The fact a god denies his divinity is an alien concept to her. Thus, she concluded this Emperor was a mortal man that is playing gods.

With that, the night falls.

______________________________________________

When at the near midnight, Raias came to General Hazama's office. He receives another mission to conduct a mission to Italica at dawn. What surprised him is the mission was a collaborative mission between him and the Japanese. Thus, Hazama sent the 3rd Recon Team to accompany him.

With that, dawn came.

The 3rd Recon Team and the trio of Falmartian came with them. Apparently, they were invited to communicate with the natives. JSDF and Solar Guardians were armed, ready to carry out their duty.

"Captain, Italica is far from here. I won't bother that you can with us. But, your size." Itami said to Raias with a wry smile.

"Don't bother. We have our own transport." Raias open a box channel to UR-982.

"I hope you're awake, 82."

"I'm ready and on standby, Captain. The upgrade cost us more than expected. Yet, here I am. What can I do for you?" The Ferrous Mind answered with a tone that resembled joviality.

"Can you transport a Septimus Ultra-class Grav-Land Raider?" He asked with a slight smile beneath his helmet.

In that nanoseconds, UR-982 conducts a dozen of procedures. Permit requests, protocol executions, manufactorum checks, and armory marks. And in that instant, a blast of white blinded them, alongside other JSDF stationed near the base's entrance.

Then, an 11-meter-long metallic vehicle materialized from thin air. It was a box-like vehicle without any gun or entrance, a flawless piece of metal with the Aquila symbol on it.

Raias approached the vehicle, touching it as his augmentation synchronized with it. The metal floated in the air, vibrating as the entire metal substance began to form entrances, and the entire machinery came to life; weapon protocol was ready, and the void shield came to manifest. The machine roared in mighty hum.

"We are ready."