Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Victoria Aurea

-M29. 671. Terra. Near The Imperial Palace-

The day of victory, or in High Gothic, Victoria Aurea, is the most celebrated in the Imperium of Mane beside Imperatus Laurus, the day of rebirth.

It was the same day when the Third Galactic War ended and the same day when humanity became the most prominent race in the entire galaxy. Thus, this day must be celebrated with utmost joy and gratefulness.

Despite the glorious celebration, rumors are spreading among the Imperial Citizens. In a particular bar, the talks had taken to a high level.

"Did you hear that the Gate's native came to Imperial Palace a few weeks ago?" A whisper of a woman to her friend.

"I have heard of them. Not many know about them, but I heard Eldar is among this group." Another whisper came, increasing the tense atmosphere that had already been present in the room.

"Eldar." One of them hissed in hate. "I wonder why we did not make their race extinct back then."

"The Emperor has his own wisdom. Besides, the extinction of the Aeldari, I believe, will result in another catastrophic effect." A Ferrous Mind objects the arguement.

"Catastrophic event?" A Man of Stone barks. "Their own existences are catastrophic events themselves!"

"Nevertheless, the Emperor and the High Lords still maintain their existence. For what purpose is unknown." Said a female abhuman, taking a sip of her wine.

"Can all of you stop talking about this matter? Victoria Aurea is our glorious day when the Emperor reveals himself to lead us. We must celebrate it with joy, not animosity toward anything." The owner says in displeasure, sending a female-human-form automaton controlled by the building's Ferrous Mind to send an order.

They comply as the room becomes silent and begin eating their food while the Men of Iron mind their activities. It made the atmosphere cool off, causing the rest of the customers to relax.

"Here is your Groxian Steak, dear customer. Our apologies for you to hear that," the automaton says in an apologetic manner.

"Don't mind it," Raphael answered her question, not showing any emotion to express his answer further.

"If that was the case, please enjoy your food.' With that, she leaves.

Raphael took a bite from his steak. Despite its delightful flavor and countless savors, he could not fully relish his food. To find his amusement, he darted his eyes toward the window. His attention is solely focused on the ground below.

The streets are filled with various classes of Imperial Citizens. They hold their faces upwards, showing their broad smile to the sky of Terra as their eyes stare with hope at the Imperial Palace.

The scar of the Third Galactic War remains in most people within the Imperial Military. Furthermore, the Emperor has instructed that scar must remain in the next generation as a reminder of that darkest time. Thus, even the youngest generations are partially aware of the horror inflicted by that war. It is a grim thought indeed.

Raphael takes another bite and then ponders about his first Victoria Aurea. It was not as much glorious as today. He spent that day inside a facility solely created to contain people like him.

He only watched the entire festival from Holovids. Even though he could not attend directly, it raches his soul deeply.

"Even though generation passes by, the soul of the Imperium will never change," Raphael remarks, amused by the sight.

It was a rare emotion for him. Happiness and genuine sentiments linger in his heart. His status as a blank made him unable to feel human's feelings in their truest sense, yet the Anathematic power still reached his nonexistent soul. It was still a mystery to him how His Majesty's power could reach him, but he had his own theories.

It might be possible that Emperor's Anathematic is too mighty for his blank power to negate it. But there is one theory he liked the most.

Anathematic power is connected directly with the concept of humanity itself. The Empyrean Sea is a place of possibility and impossibility: creation and destruction. But it is also where every thought and concept comes to life.

The concept representing humanity must be there, somewhere inside the Empyrean Sea, and the Emperor can somehow utilize it. Or maybe the Emperor of Mankind itself is the embodiment of humanity's ideal.

Nonetheless, he would gladly protect it with all of his life. Then, he hoped the Japanese and Falmartian could feel the same thing as him. Especially that brunette girl. He grew fond of her for unknown reasons, which was anathema for a blank like him.

"An odd sentiment indeed," Said Raphael nonchalantly.

"Ave Imperator!"

Dozens of shouts came from the street, praising their Emperor with all their hearts, whether they were human or non-human.

Watching this brings a warm sentiment inside Rpahael's empty soul. He smiles slightly with sincerity.

_____________________________________________________

-Imperial Palace. Outer Section-

The Japanese and the Falmartian are currently waiting for the festival. The spirits are high as this is their first-time witness such a massive festival being held.

"It's my first time seeing such a big celebration," Itami remarks, awed by the grandeur preparation that had been made weeks prior.

"Tell me, Alexander. What is the main stage of this celebration?" Kurata asks the Ferrous Mind.

"The day of rebirth or Imperatus Laurus is when our technological and societal innovations are presented. In other words, it celebrated science, art, and culture. In contrast, Victoria Aurea is the day of victory, which means it celebrates our military might." Alexander explains with pride in his tone.

"So..." Itami paused. "Will we witness Imperium's total military?"

"I doubt it would be the entire elements from every branch, Lieutenant Itami." The Ferrous Mind says to him bluntly.

"Why?" Kuribayashi inquires. In her heart, she desperately wants to see Imperium's overall military power.

"I assume you've all read about the transhuman hierarchy. Do you familiar with They Who Above All?" The Man of Iron inquires in return, earning frowns from the brunette.

"I have," Lelei answers, drawing the attention of others. "You are referring to Adeptus Logos, didn't you?"

"Excellent answer, Lelei Lelena," Alexander exclaims.

"But isn't their appearance important to the morale of the citizens? Then why did they choose not to attend this important day?" Said Itami, tilting his head in confusion.

"Their responsibility is much greater than attending this celebration. Keep it in mind they are key to our ascension." The statement met no more resistance as they nodded and redirected their concentration to the crowd.

The crowd suddenly renders silent, much to the Japanese and Falmartian surprise. What followed next made their hearts race significantly. Music blared throughout the air, sending psychic waves across the entire planet and Noosphere across the Imperium.

It was not an ordinary piece of instrument. It was psychically crafted synesthesia by the most talented Psycant Astra in the warp-science subject. It was created with countless legacies that predate it. Thousands of these songs were created in the past, improving quality each year.

It is the song of glory and power but also radiates protection as well as security. It is the full glory of mankind being delivered to the cosmos, ringing the bell of supremacy and destiny.

To all citizens across the Imperium, they see what the true meaning of the Imperium is and the reason behind its founding—the dream of true unity and their ultimate ascension. It also directly affects their soul and sanity, imbuing them with visions of the Imperial Truth. It was the bone of the Imperium's creation and the essence of its truth.

Thus, the music slowly resonated with their souls toward a single goal: to achieve their birthright.

The Japanese and Falmartian felt something utterly different from their Imperial counterpart. They see humanity's true meaning and blood and sweat's value in their progress.

It did not matter where they came from. The song has revealed to them their true nature. They are the same in flesh and soul. They are humanity.

Lelei clenches her hand on her chest. Then, she whispers words that have become her fundamental belief. "Ave Imperator. Non est deos."

"Ave imperator," Pina followed the young mage, placing her palm on her chest.

It surprises not only Bozes but also the Japanese as well. The Princess, adamant about protecting her country, suddenly changed her allegiance to the invader. But somehow, it was understandable. The Imperium does not want any terms with them; they will become Emperor's vassal sooner or later. In that simple conclusion, the safest place is to come under their wings.

A being like the Emperor of Mankind can only be described as a god. He is a being who is capable of leading quintillion of souls, constructing a country that consists of millions of worlds. Yet, he was the creator of the Imperial Truth as the foundation of all mankind.

The said Emperor reveals himself with a bright golden light on the highest structure in the Imperial Palace. He wore his golden armor with psychic flame ignites on his pauldrons. Psychic corona shines brilliantly on his head, radiating power and authority.

Right below his floor, the High Lords have gathered, sitting on their thrones.

"Greetings, my beloved sons and daughters of Terra." The Emperor's booming voice spreads across the planet as the Noosphere only furthers its effect.

"Today is when we defeat the self-proclaim master of the Empyrean Sea alongside their gods. This is the time when we achieve our first step to taking our birthright. This glorious day shall always becomes a bitter reminder of our history. In the Third Galactic War, we drove countless abominations and darkness away and replaced them with light and order. But that came with a great cost. Those who have fallen shall stay in our hearts, and we shall carve an oath for them that we shall stand firm for the incoming darkness. Ave Imperium!"

"Ave Imperium!" Countless millions join their Emperor, resounding the sky out loud with pride in their voices.

"Let the parade begin!" With a wave of his hand, a massive psychic flame erupts from his palm. The flame flew above, higher and higher, slowly transforming into twin-headed Aquila. It grows in size and complexity as it soars to heaven. The flaming Aquila reaches the size of the entire void ship, expanding its wings in supremacy.

The citizens erupt in cheers as happiness has taken as the most bright emotion among them.

When the Aquila fades from the sky, dozens of massive holovids appear in every section of the Imperial Palace. Something similar also occurs across the millions of worlds of the Imperium.

The parade starts from the country-sized start port named Damocles. The Star Fort opens its gate, revealing millions of Solar Guardians. They wore a dozen types of armor created with their own specialty, bearing various sizes and shapes.

What follows behind them are mechanized vehicles utilized by the Solar Guardian. It ranges from a dozen meters to vehicles that quadruple the largest war machines in Prometheus arcology. Weapons with immense destruction capability are mounted on each of those vehicles. Those war engines are being escorted with war skeletons. Enormous bipedal war suit, with the smallest being four meters height as the tallest stands nearly a dozen meters tall. They numbered in the hundreds of thousands.

As the last Solar Guardian exits the Star Port.

The Knights began to come to the fold. They stood taller than the war skeleton with massive weaponry rivaling the tanks. They march in perfect unison, with the smallest being the first, followed by the larger Knights. They bear weapons that not only destroy nations or continents but also bring the end of an entire civilization.

The bipedal walkers have entirely entered the march with their resounding steps, shooking the ground with their might.

As they entered the wider road, the metallic foundation of it began to vibrate as the Omniphages began to dissemble themselves, revealing square-shaped holes in both sides of the march.

The metallic sounds hiss across the surface, and battle automatons emerge from those holes. Unlike the humanoid shape of the Knights, they were entirely different as they appeared to be similar to animals like spiders and centipedes. It did not stop there. As the final batch of appears on the ground, it was much more diverse than anyone could expect. The rest of them can only be described as bipedal fortresses. And yet, despite their appearance, they can move freely as if their size were not an obstacle.

Unlike the rest before them, their weapons can only be described as exotic and dangerous.

Numbering in a million, they march in cold, calculating precision.

When they reached a quarter of the distance to the Lions Gate, bright flashes of white light burst into existence. Behind those lights are a million of metallic humanoid beings that have many similarities with psykers. Either it was their armor and staff. Yet, they did not emit any Empyrean power.

Lelei could feel something different about them. Using her psychic sense, Lelei peers into the Sea of Soul. She could not find any of their presences in the Warp, albeit even if they existed, it was significantly dimmer than the soul of the weakest psyker. But she can sense an unknown force lingering around their bodies. Pondering to seek an answer, she uses her psychic power to feel the reality around them and then concludes.

"Amazing." She mutters in amazement. Those armies did not utilize power from the Immaterial realm but drew it directly from the Material universe.

"Who are they, Alexander?" Lelei asks.

"Arcant-Praefator. They are a sub-type of transhuman in the Imperium, originating from Mars and its sister planets. They also have their own hierarchy and system." The Ferrous Mind says to her.

As the metallic armies march, their leader raises his staff. Arcant-Praefators are designed to see through the free data of the universe and utilize it for humanity's favor. The leader changes the data around him, altering it to create a room of space that siphons with time, creating hundreds of portals by his sheer might.

Automatons came out from those portals. Surprise to many, the automatons are nothing like anything they have ever seen. It was more like eldritch machinery, yet in those impossible frames, the beauty of their construction was unmistakable.

The marches slowly enter the main path of this celebration. In that vast space, a brilliant light swept across the region. Behind that light, thousands of titans stood tall. Possessing height a hundred meters tall, titans are true giants. Their warhorns blared, shattering the air with their mighty roar.

When the horns still fill the ears of those watching, a new flash of Immaterial power draws their attention. The light slowly fades away, revealing a gigantic Ordinatus that surpass titans in size.

They walk in perfect unity and discipline, approaching the Lions Gate. From above, atmospheric aircraft arrive in the thousands. Hundreds among those bearing ornamental and artistic structures. They landed on the land, opening their metallic door. The transhuman passenger takes their first step into the fold. They are Dominator Magistratus.

They wore artistic beauty of armor, holding weapons that were far significantly superior to what Solar Guardian could dream of. The value of their weapons could only be matched by the Arcant.

A flash of golden burst around them. Those are automatons. But calling them battle automatons would be blasphemous as the artistic value behind their constructions is priceless.

The vehicles and war machines of the Dominator resemble their owner perfectly. Highly sophisticated and crafted with impossible precision and details.

Then the entire march stops, creating a path for a large force. A new arm has entered. They are the Adeptus Astartes.

They did not appear eldritch like the Arcant, nor did they possess artistic marvels like the Dominator. They are conquerors, bringers of destruction. But on the duality, they are the creator and builder.

They did not bring war machines, only wearing armor. Their leader is the tallest transhuman in the line, holding a gigantic Warhammer in his right hand.

He kneel, followed by the entirety of the line.

"My name is Amestus Luxios. Primarch of the Celestial Dragon Legion. We are here to answer your call on this glorious day of victory. We are honored to be in your presence, Your Majesty." Amestus states in his booming voice.

"Rise, the loyal servant of mine," The Emperor answers, raising his hand. "Stand so that I can see your face."

The Primarch rise from his feet, directing his eyes at the Emperor. He waits for his lieges to continue.

"Your service for Imperium is paramount. You have brought peace and comfort to the innocents by leading various crusades across the galaxy. Many xenos have died in your hands.

There is no greater honor than serving humanity and their safety." Said the Emperor, smiling with pride at his warriors.

"Your words humble me, Milord," Amestus says in deep gratitude.

The Emperor nodded, directing his eyes toward the rest of the armies. They are still on their knees while waiting for his following command. The loyalty behind their figures was unquestionable. They are the loyal servants of him, ready to give their lives for Imperium and all of its citizens.

"Victoria Aurea was not only our scars and achievement. But also a reward for those wanting. They who survived shall grow stronger. Those who are fragmented shall unite. Humanity has scattered until those never-borns arrived to claim our souls. Since then, we are becoming closer to true unification, which is rewarded on the day of rebirth. Patience and vigilance shall be our most prominent nature, and unification will be our greatest strength. Rise, my loyal warriors!" The Emperor shouts with his psychic power, sending waves of Anathematic power.

The power resonates with trillions of souls in the world of Terra. They feel a warm sensation all over their bodies as the purity of the Emperor's light sharpens their spirits and minds. Many adepts and psykers came in theories with the true nature behind Anathematic power and the concept it represents. Many came in futile, but one proof could not be denied that Anathematic power is the amalgamation of souls and the true value of humanity.

It didn't matter whether they were soulless humans or Ferrous Minds. They feel the ever-present feeling of the Emperor's vast Anathematic power.

The soldiers rise from their kneeling position, heads pointing upward. They saluted using their weapons while placing their right hand on their chest.

"Ave Imperator! Ave Imperium!" They clamor in unison.

From the blue sky falls mots of lights originating from the light of Astronomicon. The crowd cheers, raising their arms with pride in their chest.

"Ave Imperator! Ave Imperium!" They shout in high spirits.

For the Japanese and Falmartian humans, this is one of the most memorable days in their life. The sensation, the sentiment, and the atmosphere are beyond any of their tongues to describe. It was beyond grandeur and majestic. And at this very moment, they feel more connected to their species, as if they share one soul.

Imperium is undoubtedly the next step for humanity because it represents what humanity is capable of achieving.