From Titan Corporation to the Empire of Man

Chapter 762 "Doctor! Come, let me toast you!"

Imperial Calendar: May 30, 0058

Location: Earth, Main Universe - Imperial Palace - Core Area of ​​Ruins.

Earth in the main universe, as the undisputed "heart" and central hub of the human empire, has long surpassed the limits of human imagination in the old era in terms of its prosperity and scale.

In the core area of ​​the ruins where the imperial palace is located, this grandeur reaches its zenith.

Once, this was just a pristine rainforest untouched by humans, but now it is the absolute core connecting countless stars and ruling over endless territories.

The most impressive feature is the twenty giant spatial gates that are already in stable operation, all of uniform size and six kilometers in length.

They were like twenty enormous, flawless mercury mirrors, with swirling energy vortices within them, leading to the Empire's known colony universes, frontline fortresses, and resource worlds.

Countless standardized tracks, like intricate silver veins, tightly connect these space gates to large hub stations scattered across the surface and even on synchronous tracks.

These hubs are like metal cities suspended in the starry sky, constantly handling immeasurable flows of people and goods day and night.

Looking around, one sees ships of various shapes and sizes—

From the massive, heavily armored Imperial Navy and Legion warships, to the giant cargo ships responsible for transporting goods, and then to the sleek, passenger-focused interstellar cruise ships, and so on.
Like a school of fish following some kind of cosmic law, they enter and exit space gates in an orderly manner, forming a dynamic, powerful and orderly picture of interstellar shipping.

The main universe Earth is the core node of this vast transportation network, the source of the convergence and flow of the imperial bloodline.

On the planet's surface, the vast Imperial Palace, with its sprawling complex of buildings, is a symbol of this heartland.

Today, the vast area surrounding the palace was unusually lively, with large numbers of people bringing their families to this normally heavily guarded restricted area.

The laughter of children and the exclamations of tourists mingled together.

It seems that today is some kind of "open day" at the Imperial Palace.

On this day, ordinary citizens, after making an appointment and undergoing strict security checks, can enter designated areas around the palace to a limited extent, experiencing the majesty and glory of the empire up close and appreciating the architectural art and monuments that integrate the essence of all the great civilizations in human history.

To ensure the absolute safety and smooth operation of the open day, a large number of Imperial Guards and Astartes from the Flame Lizard Legion took on the tasks of security and crowd control.

Clad in black and gold power armor, the Imperial Guards stood solemnly like golden statues, mainly stationed at key nodes and entrances to core buildings. The cold "gaze" emanating from their helmet monitors swept over the crowd, and the invisible pressure was enough to suffocate any person with ill intentions.

Meanwhile, the Flame Lizards, clad in dark green power armor and known for their steadfastness and reliability, are more active among the crowds. They patiently guide tourists and handle emergencies, their calm and dependable figures bringing a great sense of security to the public.

Their presence ensured that the open day proceeded in a lively yet orderly atmosphere, preventing any potential accidents.

In stark contrast to the bustling public area below, a grand banquet for the imperial government was being held on a high-rise plaza within the main building of the imperial palace.

The view here is superb, overlooking the bustling crowd below and the twenty spatial gates in the distance that resemble the gates of heaven.

The attendees of this banquet included officials from different universes and star sectors of the Empire, distinguished generals, top scholars from various fields, and people from all walks of life who have made outstanding contributions to society.

They were dressed appropriately, gathered in twos and threes, talking in hushed tones, creating a solemn yet harmonious atmosphere.

The banquet featured lavish drinks and food, encompassing most of the known delicacies within the empire's borders.

Those responsible for providing services on-site were all elves from Terella.

These elven attendants, regardless of gender, all possessed strikingly beautiful appearances that met the limits of human aesthetics, with pointed ears and emerald eyes, and their demeanor exuded innate elegance and composure.

Carrying trays of drinks and snacks, they moved silently among the guests like butterflies flitting among flowers, their movements precise and efficient.

However, careful observation reveals that these beautiful and handsome elf waiters, in addition to standard etiquette, occasionally whisper a reminder when serving guests:
"Please take only what you need, cherish the ingredients, and avoid waste."

Alternatively: "Sir, this dish is quite large. We suggest you try it first. Please let us know if you would like to order more."

This is not just polite talk.

Despite the fact that the human empire currently possesses virtually unlimited material wealth due to its control over resources and technology, the empire has consistently and tirelessly promoted the virtue of thrift from top to bottom.

The empire's education system and public opinion held that developing wasteful habits was not only disrespectful to labor, but also corrupted individual character and weakened the resilience of civilization.

More importantly, the imperial code stipulated that certain levels of deliberate and ostentatious extravagance would indeed violate the law and be subject to corresponding punishment, especially in public places and official activities.

This idea has already penetrated deep into every part of the empire.

"Hahaha! Come on! Brother! Drink! Long time no see! Drink more!!!"

A burst of powerful, unrestrained laughter, brimming with uninhibited heart and enthusiasm, suddenly rang out in a corner of the banquet hall, breaking the relatively quiet atmosphere.

Following the sound, one could see a giant over five and a half meters tall, whose imposing physique, as majestic as a mountain, could not be concealed even in his loose and comfortable casual clothes. This was none other than the Primarch Riemann.

He was using his left arm to intimately, yet undeniably, embrace another Primarch—

That is, on Forgrim's shoulder.

In stark contrast to Riemann's rugged and wild temperament, Fugram was also dressed in casual clothes, but the cut and fabric were clearly more refined, perfectly fitting his already impeccable physique.

His face was incomparably handsome, and his long silver hair was draped over his shoulders like flowing moonlight. Even in this gathering of elites, Fogrem remained the undisputed visual focus, especially attracting the subtle and appreciative gazes of many female guests.

At this moment, Fugrim, who was being forcibly embraced by Riemann, had a helpless yet undeniably averse smile on his face, and his hands were being stuffed with a large wine glass that seemed somewhat out of place with his elegant demeanor.

"Riemann, be mindful of the occasion."

A relatively calm, yet equally powerful voice rang out from the side.

The one speaking is Primarch Angron.

Anglong was equally handsome, but his demeanor was more reserved and indifferent, and there always seemed to be a faint trace of contemplation between his brows.

He patted Riemann's muscular back and whispered a reminder:

"Pay attention to the appearance of our Primarch; this isn't appropriate."

Upon hearing this, Riemann not only did not restrain himself, but instead tried to straighten his back and put on a "serious" appearance. However, this deliberate posture, combined with his bold nature, made him look somewhat comical.

He grinned and said, “Angron, my brother! You’re too reserved! In my sector, my people love my genuine nature the most!”

If I always had a stern face, like you or Fugen, that would really lower my approval rating! Be carefree! Understand? That's the style of us wolf cubs!

As he spoke, he patted Forgrim hard on the back, almost making the Primarch, known for his perfection, choke.

“.” Angron and Forgrim exchanged a glance, both seeing the same helplessness in each other’s eyes, as well as a hint of barely perceptible tolerance for their brother’s unique style.

Angron shook his head and said no more.

Meanwhile, Forgrim elegantly adjusted his disheveled clothes, picked up his wine glass, and gave Riemann an impeccable smile with a hint of indulgence.

At this moment, the banquet held in the high-rise square of the Imperial Palace was of far greater significance than usual.

It was not only a gathering of the Imperial elite, but also a rare event where all Primarchs came together.

The Emperor's Primarch offspring, scattered across the stars and seas, each ruling a region or commanding legions, are all present today.

Looking around, apart from Riemann, who was drinking heartily, Vograim, who looked somewhat helpless, and Angron, who remained indifferent, the other Primarchs each formed their own unique aura centers.

In the most central area of ​​the banquet hall, Primarchs Guilliman, Saint Gilles, Leon, Horus, and Magnus were surrounded by a group of high-ranking Imperial officials and meritorious generals.

They are like the core of a magnet, attracting countless eyes that admire, revere, or try to make a connection.

They were bombarded with carefully chosen pleasantries and respectful toasts, leaving them overwhelmed.

Guilliman, with his outstanding administrative skills and strategic vision, had long been admired by the Imperial civil service and many legions. He dealt with each official who came forward to talk with him with composure, his words precise and his demeanor elegant.

Saint Gilles, with his near-perfect character, powerful spiritual energy, and godlike appearance, won the heartfelt love of almost everyone who came into contact with him. He seemed to be surrounded by an aura, and people unconsciously carried a sense of piety when they talked to him.

Leon's seriousness and chivalry, Horus's outstanding leadership charm, and Magnus's wisdom and erudition all made them impossible to ignore in a crowd.

They were undoubtedly among the Primarchs with the highest prestige within the Empire, second only to the Emperor.

This prestige stems not only from their own achievements but also from their shared upbringing.

Just then, a woman dressed in formal attire slowly walked into the inner circle. Her arrival even caused the crowd surrounding the Primarchs to spontaneously make way for her and cast her with the utmost respect.

She is Alexia Ashford.

This woman, who made foundational and outstanding contributions to the field of Imperial biology, was also the "mother" who raised Primarchs such as Guilliman, Saint Gilles, Leon, Horus, and Magnus, and one of the Emperor's indispensable right-hand women.

Today, she wore a bold yet elegant backless black gown. The smooth silk fabric perfectly accentuated her near-perfect figure, which had been meticulously maintained through cutting-edge biotechnology.

Time seems to have been exceptionally kind to her; despite her advanced age, her appearance, demeanor, and figure remain remarkably youthful.
This certainly reflects the application of her outstanding achievements in the field of biology, but it also highlights her vibrant vitality that has endured trials and tribulations.

As she approached, the attitudes of the Primarchs, who had just been calmly handling toasts and pleasantries from all sides, instantly underwent subtle, even unanimous, changes.

Almost simultaneously, they slightly adjusted their posture, their expressions softened, and their eyes revealed a respect far beyond what was expected.

"Mother."

Guilliman spoke first, his voice unusually gentle.

Saint Gilles stepped forward and gently and considerately supported Alexia's arm.

Leon, Horus, and Magnus all nodded in greeting, their postures respectful.

Alexia looked at her magnificent offspring, who were forever "children" in her eyes, her gaze filled with affection and a hint of barely perceptible pride.

She spoke softly, perhaps about taking care of her health and not overworking herself, or perhaps about the common family advice about harmonious relationships between brothers.

The Primarchs had heard these words countless times and could even predict what would come next.

However, at this moment they showed no impatience whatsoever, all bowing slightly and listening attentively with expressions of receptive acceptance on their faces.

Because in the eyes of Alexia, or indeed any parent in the world, no matter how tall their child grows or how illustrious their achievements, they will always be the child who needs care and reminders.

On the other side of the banquet, the atmosphere was different.

Primarchs such as Corax, Mortalian, and Peturabo are gathered around another woman.

Their attitude was similar to that of Guilliman and others when they faced Alexia, with a closeness and affection mixed with a deeper sense of gratitude and heartfelt reverence.

Surrounded at the center by them was the Elf Queen Tinas Lothrian.

She was their mother, filling the void in their childhood with the patience, meticulousness, and endless tenderness unique to elves, and nurturing their growth with the love and wisdom of another culture.

The Elf Queen wore a magnificent sky-blue robe that seemed to be woven from the starry sky and the deep sea, embroidered with delicate silver runes that appeared to shimmer with light.

Her long, silver hair, as radiant as moonlight, was cleverly styled into an updo, adorned with antique yet luxurious gold jewelry.

Moreover, these ornaments are not merely decorations; each piece seems to contain ancient power and history.

Her temperament was ethereal and noble, and her beauty transcended racial boundaries. It was a perfection that had been refined over a long period of time and was almost untouched by the dust of the world. Her unparalleled elegance seemed to overshadow all the women present, making ordinary people dare not look directly at her.

Corax's silence softened in her presence, Mortalian's aloofness lessened somewhat, and even Perturabo's usual serious expression revealed a hint of barely perceptible emotion.

They listened quietly to the Queen's whispers, whether they were expressions of concern for their current situation or reminders of the ancient wisdom of the elves.

On the other side, Sui Meng did not join his other brothers; he was accompanying his mother, the goddess of war, Athena.

Meanwhile, Hera, the goddess representing family and marriage, walks through the banquet with Sui Meng and Athena.

They received high-ranking officials from various parts of the empire and engaged in necessary, ceremonial conversations.

Athena's divine power and fierceness, Hera's grace and poise, together with Sui Meng, created a unique spectacle.

The youngest progenitor, Chagatai, has now grown into adulthood.

He had a heroic appearance, with thick, long black hair neatly tied into a ponytail at the back of his head, making him look capable and dashing.

The Primarch wore a well-tailored white military uniform that conformed to banquet etiquette while retaining his own unique style.

He did not act alone either, but followed Halsey, who was also dressed in formal attire, to the area where Riemann, Fugrim, and Angron were located.

Halsey still wore that sly, all-knowing smile, his gaze sweeping over the stack of empty plates and enormous wine glasses on the table in front of Riemann, and he made a sarcastic remark without any restraint:
"Wow~~ It seems that our Wolf King's appetite is still as astonishing as his voice, just like it has been for decades."

Riemann, upon hearing the teasing, was not annoyed at all; instead, he burst into laughter: "Doctor! This is a celebration! How can we not eat and drink more to make the most of this rare gathering! Come, let me toast you!"

Chagatai stood beside Halsey, nodding slightly to his brothers with a smile on his lips, observing the lively interaction between them.
(End of this chapter)