Reborn as Humanity’s Emperor Across the Multiverse

More than ten hours had passed.

The capital city of Campbell, once shrouded in the shadows of night, was now bathed in the soft light of dawn.

Through the early morning mist, one could still see the lingering smoke and flickering flames from the night's fierce battle—a silent testament to the chaos and destruction that had unfolded.

Clang. Clang.

Rat-a-tat. Tat-tat-tat.

Occasional gunfire echoed sporadically across the streets, a clear indication that the three-sided battle between Campbell's defenders, the Blood Angels, and the Arachi Swarm had reached its conclusion.

However, upon closer inspection, a grim and harrowing scene emerged.

The streets were littered with severed limbs and broken bodies. Green and orange blood stained the ground and walls, while the acrid stench of decay and burnt flesh hung in the air like an invisible fog, assaulting the senses of anyone nearby.

As the sunlight grew stronger, this stench became even more unbearable.

Amidst this overwhelming atmosphere, mobile infantry soldiers, local police, and cleanup crews labored tirelessly. Using every tool at their disposal, they worked to clear away the carnage and restore some semblance of normalcy.

Their faces were etched with exhaustion and strain. Lips pressed tightly together, muscles tense, they struggled to endure the suffocating odor of the battlefield as they carried out their grim duties.

The few remaining warrior bugs and tiger bugs, abandoned by the hive mind and left to fend for themselves, clung desperately to the instinct to survive.

Though they knew through the hive mind's final broadcast that the battle was lost, their primal will to live drove them to resist until the bitter end.

Yet even when their numbers had been in the tens of millions, they could not overcome the Blood Angels Legion. Now, with only a few thousand of them left, their resistance was utterly futile.

Despite the decisive victory, potential threats still lurked in the shadows.

Scattered across the capital city—and indeed the entire planet—were the meteors carrying dormant Arachi eggs. These remnants posed the last major danger to Campbell's inhabitants.

Thankfully, the biological research teams accompanying the Blood Angels fleet had, after months of study and data analysis, developed precise methods to detect and neutralize these dormant eggs.

Under the protection of auxiliary troops and ODSTs, these teams systematically sought out and destroyed the hidden eggs, ensuring no chance of resurgence.

For eggs located in extreme environments, such as deep under the ocean, specialized Terminators and hunters were dispatched to handle the cleanup.

Thanks to these efforts, it was only a matter of time before Campbell was fully rid of the Arachi menace and returned to a "green" status.

Meanwhile, the remnants of the Federation fleet, which had initially been tasked with providing fire support to the mobile infantry and artillery units, had docked at the city's starport for comprehensive repairs and resupply after the Blood Angels' successful intervention.

Hovering above the capital city now was a Phoenix-class support craft, assigned to the Blood Angels 1st Company.

This massive vessel, over two kilometers in length, utterly dwarfed the Federation's comparatively feeble escort and transport ships.

And yet, the Phoenix-class ship was merely a support vessel, its armament far inferior to even a Paris-class destroyer.

For the mobile infantry and assault troops, this revelation was another stark reminder of the sheer scale and power of the Human Empire, further solidifying their awe and respect.

Beyond displaying Imperial and Blood Angels might, the Phoenix-class vessel also deployed a fleet of Hex Robots to assist with the cleanup efforts.

These robotic helpers, highly efficient and equipped with advanced sensory systems, could identify and process various types of debris, blood, and biological remains. They tirelessly worked to cleanse the capital city of all filth and corruption.

Tap-tap-tap-tap!

The spider-like Hex Robots scuttled through the streets, their mechanical limbs clicking rhythmically against the pavement.

Unbothered by fatigue or the overwhelming stench, these machines tirelessly toiled to restore the battered city, symbolizing the first steps toward its rebirth.

Meanwhile, per orders from Campbell's officials, local civilians remained confined to their homes or sheltered within emergency facilities and underground bunkers.

Though many civilians yearned to join the cleanup efforts alongside the mobile infantry, assault troops, and even the Blood Angels, Sanguinius, now acting as supreme commander, had firmly decreed that all civilians were to remain indoors for the time being.

The reason was simple: countless remnants of the bugs still needed to be eradicated, and allowing civilians onto the streets would only complicate the cleanup and increase the risk to everyone involved.

As for orbital control, it had definitively returned to humanity.

With the Tears of Red present, the Arachi Swarm's biological fleet stood no chance of prevailing.

In many cases, overwhelming numbers can indeed crush quality.

But when "quality" reaches an extraordinary level, no amount of quantity can make a difference.

Against a Forerunner-engineered journey-class dreadnought, the tens of thousands of space transport bugs and plasma bugs were akin to a swarm of army ants attempting to overtake a flame-thrower-wielding human standing on a concrete plain.

Sure, the ants might win—if the human inexplicably removed their protective gear, discarded their flamethrower, and lay down defenseless in the swarm.

But as long as the human behaved rationally, the ants would be reduced to ashes.

Similarly, the Tears of Red, as long as it maintained its shields and continued firing its primary and secondary batteries, only needed to slowly and methodically sweep the battlefield. With the support of the flagship New Dawn-class carrier and the entire fleet of the Blood Angels 1st Company, the Arachi fleet was utterly decimated.

Thus, the battle in low orbit and Campbell's gravitational sphere concluded even faster than the ground conflict.

——

Back on the surface, at the grand plaza in front of the governor's mansion:

Towering over five meters tall, with his radiant wings folded neatly behind him, Sanguinius stood as an awe-inspiring figure of divine authority.

A faint golden glow surrounded him, radiating an otherworldly sense of sanctity and power that left everyone present in stunned reverence.

Gathered around Sanguinius were various individuals, including Leon, Maggie, and several other Federation investigators, whose roles in infiltration and persuasion had proven instrumental.

Leon and Maggie appeared calm, accustomed to Sanguinius's extraordinary nature.

For them, his arrival marked a turning point—a shield that granted them the confidence to shed the burdens of espionage and deception. For the first time, they could stand openly, without the need to hide their identities or motives.

Also present were local Federation officers such as Rico, Dizzy, and Ace, as well as several others recently promoted to official ranks after Leon and Maggie's forced removal of their corrupt superiors.

Among them, Rico, Dizzy, and Ace—Leon and Maggie's closest confidants—looked particularly somber as they processed the monumental events unfolding before them.

Though they revered Sanguinius as a godlike figure, their minds were preoccupied with what the future held. Would they remain loyal to the Federation? Or would they chart a new path?

In contrast, Campbell's civilian and military leaders, led by Governor Johnson Hallhold, exhibited entirely different expressions.

Their faces shone with gratitude and worship, their eyes fixed on Sanguinius with a fervor that bordered on religious devotion.

For them, Sanguinius was not merely a man—he was a divine being.

His towering stature, resplendent wings, and unparalleled power elevated him beyond humanity, transforming him into the stuff of myth and legend.

Even as they stood in his presence, they couldn't help but recall the night's battle, still fresh in their minds.

They had seen Sanguinius descend upon the battlefield, hurling the golden Imperial Spear into the heart of the Arachi swarm, engulfing tens of thousands of bugs in holy flames.

They had witnessed him charge alone into the swarm, wielding the spear with godlike might, effortlessly clearing entire streets of warrior bugs and tiger bugs.

By their rough estimates, Sanguinius alone had slain over one million bugs.

One million bugs.

That number was incomprehensible to them—a feat far beyond the reach of any mere human.

Without Sanguinius, the western defensive line of the capital city might have crumbled before the arrival of the Blood Angels, Helljumpers, and auxiliary forces. The result would have been catastrophic: the complete overrun of the city and the slaughter of its defenseless civilians.

To the people of Campbell, Sanguinius was nothing less than a god.

——

Governor Johnson, his voice filled with gratitude, broke the silence:

"Honorable Lord Sanguinius!"

Looking up at the towering figure, he spoke with reverence and sincerity:

"We cannot express enough our thanks for your intervention. Without you, we would have been devoured by the swarm. It is you—and the Empire—that saved us from the brink of annihilation.

Therefore, we—Campbell and all its people—are willing to join the Human Empire and pledge ourselves to its cause. Please accept our sincerest—"

Before Johnson could finish, Sanguinius raised a hand and interrupted him with a gentle smile.

His voice, calm and melodic, carried a reassuring warmth:

"There is no need for such urgency. Let us first ensure the complete eradication of the Arachi threat and the safety of your people.

Once Campbell is secure, we will discuss the next steps."

He then turned his gaze to Rico, Dizzy, Ace, and the other Federation officers. With a hint of apology, Sanguinius continued:

"Leon Kennedy, your major, was indeed an operative of the Human Empire. His mission was to minimize the casualties among his fellow humans by guiding events toward a favorable outcome.

I hope you will not harbor resentment toward him for this. Our intentions were always to protect you and your people."

His voice, soothing and resolute like a spring breeze, calmed the hearts of the Federation officers.

Finally, Sanguinius posed a direct question, his piercing yet gentle gaze sweeping across the assembled soldiers and officers:

"Now, I must ask—do you wish to join us, to become a part of the Human Empire, and, if you are willing, even join the Blood Angels Legion?"

The question lingered in the air, heavy with significance.

"Of course!"

Before anyone else could respond, Ace stepped forward, his voice loud and enthusiastic, nearly cutting off the end of Sanguinius's sentence. His eagerness was palpable.

"I've seen enough of the Federation's mess! If I can fight under your banner, Lord Sanguinius, sign me up right now!"

Ace's bold proclamation drew murmurs of agreement from several others. Dizzy and Rico, standing nearby, exchanged glances before nodding solemnly.

"For the Empire and for humanity," Dizzy added, her tone firm but with a touch of reverence.

Rico followed suit, his voice calm yet decisive: "If it means ensuring a better future for our people, I see no reason to hesitate."

The remaining officers, previously hesitant, began to soften. One by one, they echoed their willingness to join the Empire, their voices growing louder and more unified.

Sanguinius acknowledged their enthusiasm with a small, approving nod, his golden wings shimmering faintly in the morning light.

But just as the conversation reached its emotional crescendo, an unexpected phenomenon captured everyone's attention.

From the skies above, a radiant golden object descended rapidly toward the ground.

It shone like a burning star, its brilliant light cutting through the remnants of smoke and ash lingering over the city.

Boom—!

The object impacted with an earth-shaking thud, landing in a wide-open plaza several blocks away from the governor's mansion. Its arrival sent a shockwave rippling through the ground, drawing the attention of every soldier, officer, and civilian within sight.

"What is that?!" one officer exclaimed, instinctively reaching for his weapon.

The shimmering object resembled a golden meteor, but its shape was too deliberate, too precise to be natural. Its surface was smooth and polished, bearing intricate engravings that glowed faintly with golden light.

Sanguinius's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression shifting from calm to contemplative. His voice, though still serene, carried a note of curiosity:

"Interesting… It seems we are not yet finished here."

Without hesitation, he extended his wings and turned to the gathered soldiers and officers.

"Stay vigilant and maintain order. I will investigate this myself."

Before anyone could protest or offer to accompany him, Sanguinius leaped into the air, his massive wings propelling him skyward in an awe-inspiring display of power.

The golden glow of his wings blended seamlessly with the morning sunlight as he flew toward the mysterious object.

——

Moments later, Sanguinius landed gracefully in the plaza where the golden meteor had fallen. The air was thick with residual energy, shimmering faintly in hues of gold and white.

As he approached the object, he realized it was not a meteor at all—it was an ornate drop pod, far more intricate and elegant than the standard Imperial models.

The pod bore unfamiliar symbols and designs, though they seemed faintly reminiscent of ancient Imperial markings. Its surface pulsed faintly, as if alive, emitting a low hum that resonated with a strange, calming rhythm.

Sanguinius placed a hand on the pod's surface, his fingers tracing the engravings. A moment later, the pod began to shift, its golden panels folding outward like petals of a blooming flower.

Within the pod stood a figure, clad in golden armor that rivaled even Sanguinius's in brilliance.

The figure was tall—though not as towering as Sanguinius—and carried an air of authority and divine purpose. Their helmet bore a crest shaped like a radiant sun, and their hands rested on the hilt of an ornate blade glowing with celestial energy.

The figure stepped forward, their voice ringing out with a clarity and strength that demanded attention:

"Lord Sanguinius, Primarch of the IX Legion, Blood Angels."

Sanguinius inclined his head slightly, his expression calm but curious.

"You carry the markings of the Empire, yet your arrival is most unexpected. Who are you, and what brings you here?"

The golden-clad figure removed their helmet, revealing a visage of serene beauty, their features sharp yet otherworldly.

"My name is Elanthe Solari, an emissary of the Emperor Himself. I bring tidings from the Imperium, as well as a mission of utmost importance."

Sanguinius's eyes widened ever so slightly. The Emperor rarely sent direct emissaries, and when He did, it was never without profound significance.

"Speak," Sanguinius said, his voice steady. "What is the nature of your mission?"

Elanthe's gaze was unwavering as they replied:

"The Emperor has foreseen a convergence—a crisis that spans galaxies and dimensions. The Arachi Swarm is but one fragment of the greater threat.

He has tasked me with aiding you in preparing this galaxy for what is to come."

Sanguinius's expression hardened, his mind already racing with the implications of Elanthe's words.

"Then we have much to discuss," he said after a moment of silence. "The battle here may be won, but it seems the war has only just begun."

With that, the two figures—bathed in the golden light of dawn—turned toward the horizon, their silhouettes radiating hope and determination for the trials ahead.

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