GATE: Thus The Imperium of Man Fought There

-M29.671. Falmart. Ronde-

Lelei gazed upon the sprawling city of Rondel as it unfolded before her. Had she not already borne witness to the majesty of Prospero, she might have been overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the metropolis and the teeming masses that inhabited it. Rondel stood as a beacon of enlightenment, a sanctuary for those who sought mastery over both the arcane and the empirical sciences. It was a city where magic and reason intertwined, a testament to the Imperium's boundless pursuit of knowledge.

Her thoughts drifted to a certain woman—a scholar who had dedicated decades to the study of the Gate. For now, that too was Lelei's purpose. The girl, her hair a striking blend of blue and red, moved through the bustling streets with an air of quiet determination. Her Immaterial senses guided her effortlessly, ensuring she never strayed from her path.

At last, she arrived before a grand library, a bastion of knowledge owned by the local scholars. Stepping inside, she was greeted by the sight of towering bookshelves that stretched endlessly into the shadows, their contents a treasure trove for any seeker of wisdom. It was a sight to stir the heart of any scholar. Her biological detection abilities registered the presence of a few individuals within the vast hall.

"Excuse me," Lelei called out, her voice polite yet firm, echoing through the cavernous space. The sound prompted an elderly woman to approach, her steps measured and deliberate.

"Ah, and who might you be, young one?" the woman asked, her tone cheerful but laced with curiosity. Then, her eyes widened as she drew closer, her gaze sharpening with sudden recognition. "This energy... Who are you, child?"

"My name is Lelei Lelena," the girl replied, her smile serene. "I have come to meet you, Master Mimoza."

"To meet me? My, my, my. What an honor," Mimoza said, her voice tinged with amusement. She turned and called out, "Arpeggio! We have a guest!"

Moments later, a mature brunette emerged from the depths of the library. "Who is our gu... est?" Arpeggio began, her words trailing off as her eyes locked onto Lelei. She froze, her expression blank with shock. "Lelei?"

"Long time no see, Arpeggio," Lelei replied softly, her tone carrying a hint of nostalgia.

"Y-You've changed!" Arpeggio exclaimed, her eyes scanning her younger sister with a mix of disbelief and awe. "What is this armor? It must have cost a fortune! How did you afford such a thing? And your hair—"

"Don't worry. It's part of my... Psychic evolution," Lelei explained, idly twirling a lock of her crimson hair between her fingers.

"Psychic evolution? What in the Emperor's name is that?" Arpeggio asked, her head tilting in confusion. But her attention was quickly drawn to something far more striking—the overwhelming aura of magical energy radiating from Lelei.

"Your power... it's immense," Arpeggio muttered, her voice trembling with awe.

To anyone sensitive to the Warp, or even those who had merely brushed against its currents, the sight was unmistakable. An ethereal aura emanated from Lelei's form, a mantle of radiant power that enveloped her like a second skin. It was a manifestation of her newfound strength, a testament to her transformation.

"As I said, Psychic evolution," Lelei stated matter-of-factly, her calm demeanor contrasting sharply with her sister's shock. She turned her gaze to Mimoza. "May we sit and discuss this further?"

"Of course. Arpeggio, prepare the tea and bread," Mimoza instructed, her smile never wavering.

"Y-yes, Master," Arpeggio muttered, sighing in resignation before hurrying off to fulfill her task.

"Let us move to the patio, shall we?" Mimoza suggested, gesturing toward a sunlit alcove.

"Agreed. It would be a more suitable place for this conversation," Lelei replied.

As they made their way to the patio, Mimoza's eyes lingered on Lelei—on the intricate craftsmanship of her armor, on the palpable weight of her magical energy. The golden Aquila pinned to her robe stirred an old memory, one tied to the drunken ramblings of a former Saderan soldier.

The man had been a broken figure, his voice heavy with grief, his eyes hollow and shadowed. The bottle in his trembling hands had been his only solace. He spoke of a mighty empire, one that had brought ruin upon the Saderan legions. Of towering warriors clad in black steel, wielding weapons of unimaginable power that had erased thousands in moments. And then, there was the Butchery of Italica—a tale so horrifying it defied belief. Less than ten of these steel-clad giants had annihilated the remnants of the once-proud Saderan army stationed at Alnus Hills.

Mimoza had always been fascinated by the sheer impossibility of such power existing. The tales she had heard from that broken Saderan soldier lingered in her mind like a haunting melody. He had spoken of steel-clad legions bearing the golden Aquila—the same sigil that now adorned Lelei's robes. The symbol of an empire so vast and mighty that it defied comprehension.

They took their seats on the patio, the sprawling city of Rondel stretching out before them. Lelei gazed upon the metropolis, her psychic senses reaching out to touch the lives of its inhabitants. Their emotions—joy, ambition, curiosity—flowed into her like a gentle tide, filling her with a quiet sense of fulfillment.

"It is a beautiful city," Lelei said, her smile warm and reflective.

"Indeed," Mimoza agreed, her voice tinged with pride. "It is also a place where science and reason flourish."

Lelei marveled at how this world, so primitive compared to the Imperium, had achieved such progress without external aid. It reminded her of Prospero, that shining beacon of psi-science within the Imperium. Prospero, where the untamed currents of the Immaterium were studied, harnessed, and bent to the will of humanity. The thought filled her with a sense of pride and purpose.

"Master Mimoza," Lelei began, turning her gaze to the elderly scholar. "I have heard that you have dedicated much of your research to understanding the nature of the Gate. I wish to learn more about it."

"Ah, of course. Allow me a moment to retrieve it," Mimoza replied, her tone light but deliberate. She did not elaborate on what "it" referred to, but Lelei simply nodded in understanding.

At that moment, Arpeggio appeared, carrying a silver tray laden with bread, a teapot, and three ceramic cups. She set the tray down carefully, though her expression betrayed her inner turmoil.

"Thank you, sister," Lelei said, her smile gentle and reassuring.

"You've changed," Arpeggio said bluntly, her voice sharp with a mix of envy and frustration.

"Everything must change if it is to grow," Lelei replied patiently, taking a small bite of bread.

"You..." Arpeggio's voice trailed off into a low growl. "I've wasted years in this place, striving for something—anything—of significance. And yet, I've achieved so little. But you... Why is it always you?"

Lelei watched as frustration consumed her sister. It was a feeling she understood all too well. Arpeggio had poured her heart and soul into her pursuits, yet her accomplishments paled in comparison to what Lelei had achieved in a fraction of the time. A pang of pity stirred within Lelei's heart.

"To be truthful, sister, I would not be where I am now without their help," Lelei said, her tone sincere.

"Their help?" Arpeggio echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"I will explain everything once Master Mimoza returns," Lelei replied, offering her sister a small, reassuring smile.

The old master soon reappeared, clutching a thick, weathered book. Its pages were yellowed with age, and its spine bore the marks of countless readings. Lelei's eyes lit up with anticipation as Mimoza placed the tome on the table, drawing the full attention of both sisters.

"My apologies for keeping you waiting," Mimoza said, her smile as bright as ever.

"May I read it?" Lelei asked, her voice tinged with eagerness.

"Of course!" Mimoza replied, her enthusiasm matching Lelei's.

With Mimoza's permission granted, Lelei opened the book, her eyes scanning its pages with the intensity of a scholar on the brink of discovery.

The young psyker extended her psychic senses, delving deeper into the book's history. It was a meticulous study compiled from various cases among the races of Falmart. The research was comprehensive, reminiscent of the anthropological studies of Old Earth. According to Mimoza's findings, every race in Falmart traced its origins back to the Gate.

This led Lelei to hypothesize that this world had once been barren, a blank canvas upon which the gods had opened the Gate to populate their garden. This theory offered an explanation for the rapid ecological changes that had swept across Falmart in the past few centuries. Yet, something didn't align. Based on the population data from the Imperium's records, Lelei deduced that such a population could only have been achieved through a massive, simultaneous migration. However, the prolonged activation of the Gate had created a significant instability—a rift in the fabric of reality.

If the Gate had remained open for approximately a year, it might have been manageable. But now, as the Gate approached its first year of continuous activation, the strain on the world was becoming unbearable. The fabric of Falmart was eroding, slowly being consumed by the Sea of Souls.

Lelei closed the book, her expression one of quiet satisfaction as she smiled at the old scholar.

"It was enlightening," she said, her words drawing a look of pride from Mimoza.

"It has been my life's work, after all," Mimoza replied, her voice tinged with both satisfaction and longing. "But there is still so much more to learn. There are rumors that the Gates lead to more advanced civilizations."

"Indeed," Lelei said, taking a sip of tea. "The Gate at Alnus Hill connects to a world called Earth—more specifically, a nation known as Japan."

"My, my," Mimoza said, her eyes sparkling with interest. She leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "Would you care to share more?"

"Japan is a land of marvels," Lelei began, her voice carrying a note of reverence. "Towers of glass and steel pierce the heavens, their skeletons forged from iron. Horseless carriages made of metal fill the streets in endless numbers. Books are abundant, and none are forbidden. People soar through the skies in metal contraptions. It is a place where even the common folk can attain knowledge rivaling that of nobles."

"A place where books are available to all?!" Arpeggio exclaimed, her voice sharp with disbelief. "What value do they hold if they are so freely given?"

"The people of Japan value the dissemination of knowledge above all else," Lelei replied simply.

"And what of the second Gate?" Mimoza pressed, her impatience barely concealed.

Lelei paused, considering her words carefully. Describing the Imperium to those of a feudal society was no simple task. Yet, the majesty of the Emperor's domain was something that demanded to be spoken of, a tale worthy of legends and songs.

"The Gate of Zalvus connects to the Imperium of Man," Lelei began, her tone measured. "To compare it to Japan would be like comparing the Saderan Empire to the bandit tribes of the northern border."

At this, both Mimoza and Arpeggio stared at her in stunned silence, their expressions a mix of confusion and disbelief.

"The northern border is filled with bandits and savages," Arpeggio said, her voice trembling. "You... you can't be serious."

"I speak only of what I have seen," Lelei replied calmly. She closed her eyes, drawing a deep breath as she summoned images of the Imperium's grandeur. "The Imperium is a nation of star-faring voyagers, creators of wonders that surpass even the gods. They are beings of such power and majesty that they dwarf even the achievements of the Japanese."

"Hahaha... Now you're jesting," Arpeggio said, her voice strained as she forced a laugh, though her face betrayed her unease.

"What do you see when you look at my armor, sister?" Lelei asked, choosing not to argue directly. Instead, she placed her hand on her chest plate, the intricate craftsmanship catching the light. 

The chest plate began to dissolve, breaking apart into millions of tiny metallic particles that flowed like liquid into Lelei's hand. They coalesced into a small, glowing sphere of white light, its radiance baffling the Falmartians before her.

"This is but one of the smallest wonders the Imperium has to offer," Lelei said, her voice measured and deliberate. "The Imperium wields power beyond comprehension—power to crush suns, to forge worlds, and to shape reality itself to their will. Their cities are monuments of steel and gold, stretching across continents with foundations of iron. They sail the sea of stars, their dominion spanning five million worlds, each sworn in fealty to the Emperor. They create life and treat death as a mere equation to be solved." She paused, her gaze sharp and penetrating as she studied their reactions.

Mimoza's expression had shifted entirely. Gone was the easygoing demeanor of a curious scholar; in its place was a look of intense scrutiny. Her eyes bore into Lelei, searching for any hint of falsehood. Arpeggio, by contrast, wore a mask of sheer disbelief, her earlier skepticism crumbling into stunned silence.

"Lelei..." Arpeggio began, her voice trembling. "Are you suggesting that the Imperium of Man is a nation of gods?"

"The Imperium of Man is a nation of men," Lelei replied firmly. "It was built by the sons and daughters of humanity—beings of blood, flesh, and bone, no different from us. They took me to one of their worlds, a place called Prospero. It is a world of mages, where the mysteries of the Sea of Souls are studied and wonders are crafted that rival the works of gods." As she spoke, Lelei reached into the Empyrean, drawing upon its boundless energy to amplify her mind. She extended her consciousness, forging a psychic link with Mimoza and Arpeggio.

(Hear), she spoke directly into their minds.

"Lelei?!" Arpeggio shouted, clutching her head in shock.

"So, you can speak within our minds," Mimoza said, her tone a mix of amusement and awe.

(I can do far more than that), Lelei replied. She expanded the connection, weaving their minds into the thoughts of those within a several-meter radius. The air seemed to hum with the weight of unspoken words, a cacophony of thoughts and wills flowing freely between them.

"Lelei, stop! I feel dizzy!" Arpeggio pleaded, her voice strained.

Lelei obliged, severing the connection with a thought. Arpeggio slumped in her seat, her muscles relaxing as the psychic pressure faded.

"That was... extraordinary," Mimoza said, her eyes alight with fascination. "Did you learn this from the Imperium?"

"Only one among countless disciplines they teach," Lelei replied with a faint smile. With a mental command, she willed the glowing sphere to reform into its original shape, the metallic particles reassembling into the intricate chest plate. "And that brings me to my purpose here. I need your help, Master Mimoza."

"My help?" Mimoza asked, her voice tinged with excitement. "What could I possibly offer you, Lelei?"

"I need your connections with the other masters of this land," Lelei explained. "I wish to create a stage—a platform to spread the scholarship of the Imperium."

"Scholarship?" Arpeggio interjected, her brow furrowed.

"A fully funded program of study," Lelei clarified. "Five years of education at the most prestigious institutions in the Imperium, with all living expenses covered and countless other benefits. Would you be willing to help me, Master Mimoza?" Lelei's eyes burned with passion, her gaze piercing into the old wizard's soul.

Mimoza leaned back, her expression thoughtful. Then, a slow smile spread across her face. "I would be honored."