Warhammer: Empire Reboot

Especially after being baptized by blood and fire.

Today, when the order from Regent Guilliman to summon all of Terra's high command to welcome the new ruler of the Empire was announced, this small circle was in an uproar.

The Lord of the Seal, whom they admired so much, was finally coming.

"It's him! The Master of the Seal has arrived!"

"Quick! Change your clothes! No, change into your military uniform!"

On the tower's terrace, Aurelia Vane, Armand de Valmont, and dozens of core members of the Coronaguardi had already gathered.

Other young people who are still far away are also on their way.

They took off their aristocratic clothes and put back on the standard military uniforms they wore on Vigilant Planet.

These damaged standard military uniforms hold special significance for them.

On Aurelia's left wrist, the tattered corona badge of Victor Kaslan was once again strapped on.

Even as we welcome the one who will hold the seal, we must not forget this comrade who has already sacrificed his life.

Armand also carried the trench shovel he had inherited from Brock, a veteran of the Star Forces, at his waist.

These young people who returned from the Vigilant Star were among Lawson's most fervent supporters on the planet.

They are also the ones who routinely spread rumors about the Scepter of Terra.

They whispered among themselves, "How long do you think the master will stay in Terra this time?"

"Who knows? Maybe they're just here to deal with the Golden Throne issue and will leave soon."

"I wish he could stay a little longer."

Armand looked at the starport in the distance, "It would be best to take care of those old guys one by one."

He grinned at Aurelia and teased, "Perhaps you came here for a personal request? After all, someone asked for a hug in front of all of us."

Aurelia's ears turned red instantly, and she kicked Armand in the shin without hesitation.

“Shut up, Valmont, if you keep talking nonsense, I’ll tear your mouth apart.”

"Yes, acting commander."

Aurelia ignored their teasing.

She instinctively gripped the medal that Lawson had pinned on her chest.

[Seventh Hill, no retreat.]

Time passed by, second by second.

A slight commotion began to rise among the crowd at Star Harbor.

The nobles on the tower held their breath and looked up at the sky.

Finally, someone pointed to the sky and let out an uncontrollable gasp.

"I'm coming!"

…………

Terra, the Solar System.

The highest-level outer rail berth at Lionsgate Airport.

This super airport, which has been expanded along with the palace for thousands of years, has long since penetrated the upper atmosphere of Terra.

Ordinary transport ships can directly enter the atmosphere.

Large warships, on the other hand, would be anchored at the edge of the atmosphere above the airport and connected to the ground via a docking arm, gravity lock, and rail lift system.

Today, Lionsgate Airport suspended most of its civilian routes.

Thousands of waterways were temporarily cleared.

Imperial Navy ships deployed a perimeter cordon, while Imperial Guard aircraft and palace defense platforms took control of the entire airspace.

Everyone knew that the people coming today were different.

A flagship slowly entered Terra's near-Earth orbit.

The double-headed eagle and the imperial dark side emblem on the bow were clearly visible in the starlight.

With the coordination of Lionsgate Airport's guidance system, the flagship went directly to its top-level exclusive berth.

Dozens of large gravity anchors were activated simultaneously, and the nozzles on both sides of the ship adjusted their attitude.

With a low, mechanical roar, the ship docked with the uppermost docking platform of the airport.

The flagship vessel docked at port.

This scene alone had already drawn the attention of countless people at Lionsgate Airport to the warship.

Terra has too many people.

Even if the High Lords Council were truly insane, it would be impossible for billions of residents to crowd into Lionsgate Airport.

Those who are actually allowed to enter the welcoming area have all undergone strict classification.

The highest levels of the empire's power are closest to the docking platform.

Members of the High Lords Council, representatives of the highest levels of the state religion, and representatives of the Mechanic Church.

The Supreme Command of the Imperial Navy and the Star Forces.

Senior members of the court.

And the heads of Terra's core organizations.

Further out, there were rows of high-ranking military and political officials.

The sector governor, marshal, fleet commander, military affairs officer, cardinal of the state church, and sage of the Mechanicus are arranged in order.

The third tier is for the oldest noble families of Terra.

They possess wealth and power capable of influencing several star sectors, yet on this occasion, they can only stand obediently on the periphery.

Further away, there was a guard of honor with a scale of millions.

The Star Guard, Imperial Marines, Battle Sisters, Imperial Guard Auxiliary Forces, and honor contingents from various military agencies.

They lined up along the main avenue from Lions Gate Airport to the Royal Palace, stretching to the horizon.

Ordinary Terra residents cannot enter this area.

But the empire did not allow them to miss today's ceremony.

Countless holographic projections were simultaneously activated in the Chaodu Square, the State Religion Temple, the rail elevator, and all the large public areas in the city.

Everything happening on the top floor of Lionsgate Airport can be seen from all over Terra.

Even many of the lower-level residents, who normally had no right to watch the activities of the imperial high command, crowded in front of the dilapidated public projection screen.

The crowd was buzzing with discussion.

"Is that the one who holds the seal on the dark side of the empire?"

"I heard he blocked the Eye of Fear."

"The Lion King came back with him?"

"Shut up and watch."

Even after the flagship completed all the connections on the airport's highest platform, the cabin door remained closed.

The high lords are all waiting.

The mechanical body of Mars-cast General Raskian is at the forefront.

Frank, the Lord of the Star Torch, Danda, the Merchant Ship Representative, and Lassilo, the Lord of the Inquisition, also stood in their respective positions.

Behind the four, other high lords would occasionally cast their gazes over.

Those eyes held both scrutiny and schadenfreude.

That's how politics has always been on Terra: once someone falls, someone immediately starts calculating whether they can take the place he left behind.

Guilliman stood at the very front of the welcoming party.

The armor of fate covered his entire body.

To his side and behind, Trajan Valloris led a contingent of the Imperial Guard in formation.

The first chime rang out.

thump—

A heavy sound echoed from the top of Lionsgate Airport in all directions.

All conversations ceased.

Thump—thump—

thump—

……

A total of twelve sounds.

This is the welcoming ceremony that the High Lords Council specially modified for today.

The twelve rings represent the twelve seats of the Imperial Supreme Council.

It is also the highest secular authority in Terra's recognition of the Seal Bearer's formal arrival.

After a brief pause, the bell rang again.

Nine shots.

Nine ancient imperial institutions that have long occupied the core of the High Lords' Council.

The military, navy, Mechanicus, state religion, Starbeam, administration, merchant ships, judicial system, and Terra's most important intermediary institutions together form the backbone that has enabled the human empire to continue operating for millennia.

The second round of bells ended.

Lionsgate Airport has quieted down.

Finally, a long whistle.