"Order Sanguinius and Vulkan's forces to swiftly seize control of Schicksal's floating island cluster above the Mediterranean. Spread the non-resistance directive issued by their Archbishop Theresa and S-rank Valkyrie Durandal. Minimize casualties as much as possible..."
"Hm?"
In the midst of discussing rapid decisive-strike plans for his assigned region with his subordinate officers, ensuring there were no oversights, Alex turned his head at the words and looked toward the girls who, according to Lady Arisa, might be connected to Her Majesty.
"An audience with Her Majesty?"
It truly did resemble it—especially that sorrowful-looking girl and the heroic knight with the golden wavy hair.
Though their temperaments differed, their facial features and outlines bore an unmistakable resemblance to Selene.
"Kiana. Durandal..."
Recalling Selene's unusual decision to mobilize twenty Astartes Legions to besiege a single world, Alex vaguely felt as though he had grasped a crucial blind spot.
Smack.
Slapping his forehead sharply, Alex cursed inwardly. Were such royal secrets something a mere subject like him should pry into?
My life is more important. I wouldn't dare speak of it, and I wouldn't dare ask.
Casually dismissing the Servitor Army report delivered by "Fujitora" Issho, Alex straightened and said solemnly, "Your request has already been submitted. As for whether it will be approved, I cannot guarantee it."
"There is no use in being anxious. In the meantime, I recommend you read the Imperial Code... It will help you integrate into the Empire's rule."
Staring at the oversized "brick" Alex had somehow produced, Theresa's face was full of confusion. "This is a legal code? Are all your things this big? Is there a smaller version?"
Looking at the tome—thousands of pages thick, encased in unknown metal, colored gold and crimson, engraved with the double-headed eagle emblem, nearly as tall as her upper body and weighing well over a hundred kilograms—Theresa felt utterly defeated.
At eye level, her gaze hovered around Alex's knee area of his black master-crafted power armor. Even when she craned her neck to the limit—well... anything above his chest was completely out of sight.
Ahhh! This world is too unfriendly to short people. I want to grow taller!
"Rule? Read your legal code?" Durandal suddenly stood up, brows tightly furrowed. "Why are you so certain that we will surrender to you?"
"Because you have no choice. Either extinction—or surrender," Alex replied coldly.
"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you need not fear a hundred battles. As a high-ranking Legion-level commander, reconnaissance and intelligence gathering are basic methods. You and your subordinates—hm, forgive me for being blunt."
"I do not deny their excellence. To possess such strength at such a young age is indeed impressive."
Pointing toward the Valkyries of the Hyperion whose movement range had been restricted, Alex shook his head and let out a short laugh. "But in the end, they are still naive children. Rather than a true army, they are more like a group of idealistic volunteers."
"There is no scent of gunpowder on them. No smell of blood... Expect them to kill? To kill true, thinking humans of their own species? To face a high-intensity war that grinds flesh like a meat grinder?"
At this point, Alex paused and swept his gaze over the troubled expressions around him. "Can you truly bring yourselves to do it? Do you have any chance of victory? It would only add needless casualties."
From the very first sentence, Alex had made no effort to lower his voice. On the contrary, he spoke loudly—deliberately for others to hear.
Glancing at Durandal, who stood with arms crossed in quiet contemplation, Alex felt a sense of confirmation.
It was even more alike.
Alex understood Selene's division of assignments clearly. She had placed him in charge of the traditional Schicksal strongholds—Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean region.
If he guessed correctly, it was precisely because of his comparatively moderate temperament and sense of humanity.
The region under Great General Budo's command was likely the one doomed to misfortune.
Otherwise, why would Her Majesty arrange the division so deliberately?
Perhaps even the selection of the original three Astartes Legion Commanders had been intentional.
One moderate. One neutral. One iron-blooded hawk.
"..."
Remaining silent, Durandal slowly unclenched her fists and lifted her gaze toward the sky.
The once-blue heavens were now filled with colossal warships forged in ruthless steel aesthetics. Engine exhaust roared as blazing trails streaked through the air.
Now that she studied them closely, these vast steel constructs bore no resemblance to the Hyperion's minimalist style.
How should she put it?
They were saturated with brutal aesthetics. The bridge section alone resembled a gigantic palace mounted upon engines.
Though the design seemed utterly unscientific—almost mystical in appearance—strangely, it inspired an instinctive sense of power and grandeur.
Yes.
They had no right to negotiate.
As unwilling as she was to admit it, everything Alex said was painfully accurate. Let alone the ordinary Valkyries—even she, Schicksal's strongest S-rank Valkyrie, had hardly killed anyone.
No. The gap was far too great.
Even if she could fight ten thousand alone, the massive cannon batteries mounted on those steel behemoths—Durandal did not doubt for a moment that they could plow the entire surface of the planet.
Good people always bear more constraints than the wicked.
In Durandal's view, the Empire could exterminate the entire world without psychological burden. She and the Valkyries could not stand by and watch.
As Valkyries who fought "for all that is beautiful in the world," if they could not protect humanity, then what purpose did their existence serve?
If her resistance caused the Empire to turn hostile and thereby brought greater harm to others—would she not become a sinner?
Simply put, Durandal hesitated.
According to Arisa's promise and Alex's confirmation after arrival, as long as Schicksal ceased resistance and the Valkyries surrendered, the Empire would occupy the territory in a manner that minimized casualties to the greatest extent possible.
They would not slaughter indiscriminately. On the contrary, the Imperial Army could provide assistance and medical support during post-war stabilization.
As for shouting naive slogans like "If even one person is harmed, I will never surrender!"—Durandal was not that foolish.
Anyone with a sound mind and complete compulsory education understood that conquest war was not a dinner party. Was it possible for there to be no casualties?
What she could do was leverage whatever value the Empire saw in her—though she did not understand why—to negotiate better terms and conditions.
No matter the method, when the disparity was like a chasm beyond sight and victory was impossible, minimizing casualties among the people she sought to protect—that alone would already be victory.
At that moment, Alex stepped forward and declared loudly, "As long as you oppose the Empire, every step you take will bring disaster upon countless people. This is an ironclad fact. Those who understand the times are the wise."
"I understand. I hope you... keep your word." Taking a long breath, Durandal accepted the heavy code without her arm trembling in the slightest.
"Of course... hm? They're here!" Mid-sentence, Alex suddenly turned around.
Sitting on the table idly swinging her legs, Arisa abruptly sensed something. Her eyes lit up. "Queen!"
Bzzzz—rip!
A second later, violet-red sparks manifested out of thin air, spinning as they tore open physical space. A black cavity glowing with purple light instantly expanded to a diameter of six or seven meters.
This was... the authority of the Herrscher of the Void?
For Theresa, who had once participated in the campaign against the Second Herrscher, Sirin, this power was far too familiar.
They've arrived.
Tesla and Einstein exchanged glances.
My real self... the true Kiana...
With both hands clasped before her chest, Kiana's breathing grew slightly hurried.
Then, a pitiable beauty walked out stiffly. "Rita?" Durandal cried out in shock.
Short ash-gold hair, soft bangs covering her left eye, her right eye gleaming like a brilliant ruby. Her exposed shoulder was smooth and fair, and her white-and-purple form-fitting Valkyrie uniform was adorned with golden patterns that accentuated her slender waist.
The skirt ended just below her hips, outlining the smooth curves of her thighs. Wrapped in sheer pantyhose that fully showcased her exquisite legs without concealing a thing, Rita appeared like a seductive spirit emerging from blossoms—lithe and utterly enchanting.
"But she seems..." Kiana stared blankly, unsure whether it was an illusion.
Rita looked as though...
She was being forced?
The exposed skin of Rita's body bore a flushed cherry-red hue, as if brushed with rouge. Her rose-petal lips were tightly bitten, revealing shame. Her movements were extremely stiff and unnatural, like a puppet being controlled.
Following the sound, everyone looked over...
"Cecilia!"
"Mom..."
"Kiana..."
"Huh?" Just as Selene stepped out of the black cavity, the sudden chorus of different exclamations made her frown slightly.
Huh? Am I really that generic? Do I resemble so many people? And somehow I've suddenly become a mother too?
They were unfamiliar faces, yet ones Selene herself had long known—at least one-sidedly.
At the front stood a golden-haired girl with large wavy locks, looking about seventeen or eighteen, dressed in white battle attire and radiating heroic vigor.
On either side of her stood two white-haired figures, one tall and one short.
The real Kiana, K-423, and Theresa.
Hmm. And based on bloodline origin, should I call you mother—or father?
While Selene examined Kiana and the others, they too were studying Selene.
A face so exquisitely perfect it seemed sculpted by the Creator's own hands. Long silver-white hair shining like snow, cascading to her hips. Her skin glowed with a rosy luminescence, brimming with vibrant life force.
Her figure was flawless and graceful, with a full, curved silhouette visible beneath her clothing. Her chest and hips formed rounded contours that gave her body a pronounced hourglass shape.
Her crystalline scarlet pupils were pure like diamond-shaped red gemstones, and within her eyes, golden cross-shaped rings seemed capable of seeing through all things.
Compared to Durandal and Kiana, she was taller, and in platform stilettos that added several more inches to her height, she appeared even more alluringly poised and striking.
A pure white inner layer was covered by a long purple dress. Inside the skirt lay intricate golden patterns extending into six trailing hems marked with Honkai patterns. She wore crystal high heels embellished with ornate gold detailing.
Behind her head floated a golden halo symbolizing authority, suspended within mist. The fog around Selene naturally turned violet-red.
If one observed closely, it became clear that with Selene's appearance, every speck of dust around her instantly disintegrated into nothingness, the violet-red glow deepening further.
No... not Mother. Durandal, having regained her lost memories, shook her head. Although similar, Selene's face and aura leaned toward cold beauty.
That domineering presence and sense of authority—such traits would never exist in the gentle mother she remembered.
"Your Majesty! Eternal glory!"
As Selene stepped fully out of the black cavity, the Astartes—including Legion Commander Alex—instinctively knelt on one knee. The Imperial Auxilia and Servitor Army fell to both knees, some even prostrating fully with their foreheads pressed against the ground.
Though many Imperial soldiers had never seen Selene in person, at the moment of her arrival every one of them knew from the depths of their hearts—this was their sky, their Empress, their Goddess, the one they served.
Within dozens of kilometers, hundreds of thousands of Imperial troops bowed like wheat flattened by wind.
"Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty! Long live!!"
In an instant, thunderous cheers resounded across the region as though heaven and earth themselves responded, overwhelming even the roaring engines of warships.
One call—and tens of thousands answered. Nothing described it better.
Everywhere between heaven and earth was filled with earth-shaking praise. The fanatic waves of cheers made the Hyperion group—the only ones still standing—deeply uneasy.
Some, unable to endure the oppressive atmosphere, swayed unsteadily, their lips moving soundlessly as they nearly fell to their knees.
"There is no need. You are not my subjects. For now, you need not kneel." In the next instant, a melodious voice reached their ears, and an invisible force supported them.
"Yes!" Only after responding did the Valkyrie realize she was standing perfectly upright.
"Rise."
Locking her gaze on Alex, Selene lifted her hand slightly. An invisible great hand enveloped everyone present, raising all who knelt with irresistible authority.
"Dismiss." As she spoke, Selene shifted her gaze away.
Then—"Queen!"
Pounce!
The adorable Arisa suddenly sprang out from somewhere and leapt into Selene's arms, eyes sparkling. "Queen, Queen, Arisa completed the mission."
Selene lowered her head. The coldness between her brows melted into a gentle smile. She scooped Arisa up with one hand, tapping her lightly on the head in resignation.
"I told you to beat Otto. What made you urgently summon me?" Selene asked knowingly.
"Hehe... Queen, I discovered many interesting things."
This scene left Durandal, Theresa, and Kiana somewhat dazed. Just moments ago, Selene's lofty imperial bearing had made her feel distant and unreachable.
Yet when she lifted Arisa with such warmth, it felt like a different world—the cold ruler fading, replaced by a gentleness reminiscent of Cecilia.
Unfortunately, that gentleness was not directed at them.
Tears slipped from the corners of Kiana's eyes. Trembling, she reached out a hand. "Um... Kiana... I'm sorry..."
A muffled voice came from nearby. Selene could sense the fear and guilt within the words—it was Kiana.
Kiana now wore the crimson Sky Ranger outfit. Noticing Selene's gaze, her eyes became flustered. "I'm really sorry... I'm sorry..."
Watching the white-haired girl transform into an apologetic bundle, lowering her head and repeatedly offering humble apologies, Selene instantly understood the situation.
She had been mistaken for someone else.
Casting a strange look toward Durandal, whose face held complicated emotions, Selene stroked Arisa's gray hair and said, "You—are you still not going to tell her the truth?"