Guilliman's tone was incredibly calm as he spoke.
It was as if he were discussing something mundane.
Not the essence of gods and the Warp.
Yet, his words stirred endless waves in the hearts of Cegorach and Eldrad. The shock on their faces was palpable.
"Does that mean there are other ways to awaken the God of Death?" Cegorach's voice trembled slightly, unable to hide his excitement.
Guilliman nodded. "Yes, besides the destruction of the Aeldari and the Seventh Path, we can use other methods to complete the God of Death. It is the conceptual embodiment of death, signifying the end of all things.
The Imperium has discovered similar embodiments in other universes, and our roving Imperial armies have captured many. From a theoretical research perspective, their essence should be the same."
Leaving aside other universes, the Imperium alone has gained much in Universe 02. Those of the Pantheon have given the Imperium a deeper understanding of the rules and concepts of the universe.
Every parallel universe has a Pantheon. They serve as tools for the Supreme God to maintain the operation of the universe. Their power is not strong, but their underlying essence is astonishingly profound.
To some extent, the Pantheon is used by the Supreme God to fill the divine positions in the universe. They are placed in those positions to maintain the universe's operation.
It's a unique application of the universe's essence.
Of course, there are still many incomplete pieces in the puzzle of the universe's truth.
But it has already proven that this path, this direction, is correct.
If the Imperium continues down this path, it will understand the evolution of the universe and the essence of the gods.
"When can we begin the work of awakening the God of Death—Ynnead?" Eldrad asked. This was the most crucial point.
And what countless Aeldari cared about.
If Guilliman's words were to spread, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar in the current Aeldari society. The resurrection of the God of Death had always been a key propaganda point for the Ynnari.
Unfortunately, with the actions of the daemon Shalaxi, the plan to resurrect the God of Death had, at one point, been considered bankrupt.
Guilliman's current words undoubtedly gave them hope again.
"The last piece of the puzzle is still missing," Guilliman said. "The birth of the Aeldari is closely related to the Old Ones. Therefore, we cannot simply replicate Ynnead by reading its data from the cosmic background. There is a high probability of data discrepancies between the two. We need to find enough samples to obtain the closest to Ynnead's fundamental essence before we can replicate it."
"Where is the last piece of the puzzle?" Cegorach asked.
"In another universe, the Old Ones once fled there and created new Aeldari. The Aeldari there have their own pantheon; their power is very weak, but they possess..." Guilliman looked at Cegorach. "The same essence as you, Cegorach. If the Aeldari in that universe were strong enough, they would become as powerful as you. The last piece of the puzzle is within them. Perhaps on this journey, you can even use those weak gods to complete some of the Aeldari gods that have already been devoured."
In the universe explored by Valerius' team, there were many remnants left by the Old Ones. Orks, Half-orks, Ogryns, and, of course, the Aeldari. The Aeldari and humans there were equally weak.
From the perspective of a multi-universe empire, or even an interstellar empire, they were indescribably weak.
Just a few warships could turn an entire world into ruins and ashes.
But the Aeldari there, though small, were complete in every aspect. They lacked none of the necessary pantheons. They shared many commonalities with the Craftworld Aeldari led by Eldrad, and the gods created by their faith were also the same.
Guilliman's words excited Cegorach and Eldrad.
Being able to awaken Ynnead greatly increased their chances of success. The improvement in the Aeldari's strength would also be visible to the naked eye.
Although Guilliman had repeatedly declared the friendship between the Imperium of Man and the Aeldari to be limitless, the problem was that their alliance would always be unequal. The Aeldari's commitment to the alliance was almost nonexistent.
If the Imperium of Man were determined to eliminate them, it would likely be an easy task.
Cegorach quickly calmed down.
"Your Majesty telling us this, I'm afraid there's another deeper meaning, isn't there?"
Guilliman nodded.
"This piece of the puzzle needs to be retrieved by yourselves. The Imperium could capture those weak gods through imprisonment or other means, but that would lead to a problem: the resurrected God of Death would have an inherent malice towards humanity.
For the Imperium to expend so much effort to awaken a god that might be malicious towards humanity, it would be better to simply annihilate it.
But you Aeldari are different. Even across two universes, your genetic sequences and bloodlines are the same. You can easily bring them back."
"Especially you, Cegorach. As an Aeldari god, you inherently have the ability to absorb those Aeldari gods. You two are the same. It's like an ocean and a pond; your scales are very different, but your essence is the same and can merge."
"Does Your Majesty mean that we must personally go to that universe?" Eldrad asked. "Would that be met with opposition?"
In fact, the Aeldari were also very envious of humanity's ability to venture into the multiverse.
By venturing into the multiverse, even if this universe were destroyed, branches of the Aeldari could survive.
By leaving this universe, they might even be able to escape Slaanesh's torment.
However, the path was in the hands of the Imperium, and they had little say.
Rashly undertaking cross-universe exploration could also lead to the Imperium's displeasure. There had always been dissenting voices within the Imperium against the alliance, though not loud, they persisted.
Guilliman and many high-ranking officials had also been suppressing those voices.
If they rashly conducted cross-universe exploration without the permission of their allies, it would inevitably give the opposition more reasons, and even allow them to grow stronger.
Only a few seers could accompany the Imperial armies to different universes for conquest.
Large-scale migration was not realistic.
But if Guilliman personally allowed it, the situation would be vastly different.
"I will personally discuss this matter," Guilliman said. "We are allies. If you cannot gain sufficient benefit from this cooperation, then this relationship will become a mere formality. Humanity is not the kind of creature that burns bridges."
There were quite a few xenos allied with the Imperium. The Dark Watchers of the Rock, the Void Dragon, the Dwarves of the Andromeda Galaxy and the Orks. Well, last one didn't count.
If the Imperium were to suppress the Aeldari, it would inevitably make other races suspicious, leading them to resist the Imperium.
This universe is merely the beginning. As the Great Crusade into the multiverse begins, the number of races needing to be allied with will increase.
Races that possess powerful technology and strength, and are staunchly opposed to Chaos, are naturally to be won over.
It's not about killing every single one; one must distinguish between primary and secondary. Races willing to become human vassals, serve the Imperium, and possess sufficient value, are naturally more beneficial to keep alive than to exterminate.
Exterminating a race is very difficult. Take the Great Crusade launched by the Emperor in the past; many races were merely suppressed and driven out, not completely annihilated.
When humanity weakened, they returned.
Just interstellar civilizations are already so difficult to deal with, so difficult to completely exterminate.
Not to mention those galactic-level, or even more powerful civilizations.
Implementing an extermination policy for all races is an impractical approach.
If those powerful civilizations are pushed too far, they might overreact and directly destroy the space-time structure, causing large-scale destruction.
Some compromises are very necessary.
"Are you willing to go to that universe?" Guilliman looked at Eldrad and Cegorach. "The cross-universe tunnel to that universe still has one-third of its construction unfinished, so there are some dangers, but rest assured, an Imperial Legion will accompany you, and your safety will be guaranteed to the maximum extent."
"We are naturally willing," Cegorach said. "This is our duty anyway."
"This is not merely your duty; you are allies of the Imperium, and this matter is also the Imperium's duty. Go forth, I bless you to successfully complete this journey, to bring back the last piece of the puzzle, and awaken the God of Death."
Guilliman's words were very skillful.
He understood how to soothe and build relationships with others. This was an innate talent of the Primarchs.
After ending the conversation, Guilliman left.
He left Cegorach and Eldrad to organize the Aeldari exploration team, which would then depart with the supporting forces.
He still had many things to attend to. The various signs of the Four Gods slowly reviving made him quite concerned. The Imperium's expedition to the heavens also needed to accelerate.
Every citizen of the Imperium is born with the duty to offer everything to their Emperor.
From the moment of their birth, they learn, and the most intelligent children are chosen as scholars or commanders. The less talented ones become soldiers or workers in various positions.
Every individual's value to the Emperor is equally important. They are the screws and lubricants of the vast empire, ensuring the machine runs smoothly.
Nataal System.
A new round of soldier conscription had begun.
Arthas, who had completed his studies, was also among those enlisting.
By this time, he had come of age and even grown a beard.
He looked resolute, with a weathered look on his face.
Decades passed in the blink of an eye for a vast empire.
Arthas spent a great deal of time learning various theoretical knowledge and undergoing certain mechanical modifications to make his mind more agile and his physical fitness stronger.
His parents had left before he could even say their names.
According to some records, he was called the Blessed Son. The Emperor had kissed him and bestowed a blessing upon him when he was just born.
Many held high hopes for Arthas. They believed he would surely bring glorious victories to the Emperor and even greater splendor to the Nataal System.
"Everyone must die for the Emperor."
Over a long period, Arthas had only received one sentence from his father, whom he had never met.
News of the legendary general Hawk's death in battle had returned from Universe 02.
He used himself as bait, severely wounding the enemy, and solving a major problem for the Imperium in one fell swoop.
Arthas grieved for these things.
From his father's past, he clearly understood why his father would disregard everything for the Emperor.
Without the Emperor, there would be no legendary general Hawk. To die for the Emperor was probably the happiest and most fulfilling thing in his life.
Arthas could understand this emotion.
Every citizen of the Imperium in this era could understand such emotions. They were willing to offer everything to the Emperor.
Including their lives and souls.
Every ten years, the Nataal System would offer its most outstanding children to the Imperium. These children possessed exceptional talent, making them excellent technical personnel and soldiers.
Scholars and soldiers were what the Imperium needed most; expanding into other universes required an extremely large population.
This endeavor required every individual sent to other universes to master a vast amount of knowledge, be able to operate complex equipment, and know how to govern and manage the local natives.
The teams gathered at the spaceport, where they would be transported by shuttles to low-Earth orbit, and then board warships.
Many soldiers embraced their families goodbye.
"May we meet again in the embrace of the Emperor."
Once they embarked into the stars, they might never return.
So many people left each time, yet only a handful returned. They were going beyond the Milky Way, to other universes. The journey was incredibly long, often tens of billions of light-years.
A single campaign could take years, or even decades. They would participate in battle after battle, erecting the Imperium's double-headed eagle banner on world after world.
Day after day, year after year, eventually forgetting where they came from.
Many would vow that they would never forget.
But in the end, it was always the same result.
Long stretches of time and distance erased everything, leaving only mission and duty.
When they first left, they might feel homesick.
But as time passed, they would no longer miss home. They might find their loved ones elsewhere and settle down there.
Or they might die at the hands of the enemy, and their souls would return to the embrace of the Emperor.
Death was the best way for them to reunite with their former families.
No one cried.
Bidding farewell with tears to warriors who were about to go to war and serve the Emperor was the worst form a Nataal family could use.
A Nataalian was born to sacrifice for the Emperor.
Leaving home to venture into the vast void and the unfathomable universes was an inherent duty.
Sax sat in his seat, looking out the transport's window at his companions embracing their parents goodbye.
He had no friends to see him off.
Because all his friends had been conscripted.
Arthas' definition of friends was very strict; only those who were sufficiently loyal to the Emperor and had enough drive would be recognized by him.
He always kept his distance from those who were unwilling to offer everything to the Emperor or were not outstanding enough.
He could not demand how others should act, but he could demand it of himself.
Faith was pure, and he would not allow any form of defilement. The transport roared, propelled by the immense thrust of its anti-gravity engines, soaring into the sky and docking at the designated port.
They exited the transport's hatch and walked along the magnificent void corridor, heading towards the colossal warship docked at the port.
Atmosphere maintainers were installed on both sides of the void corridor. These were the three-sided crystal pillars emitting a faint glow.
Through the maintainers, even without wearing any equipment, there was no need to worry about hypothermia or lack of oxygen. They could walk in casual clothes in low-Earth orbit. T
he void corridor Arthas was on was thousands of meters wide, with statues of Nataal heroes lining both sides. Their heads were slightly bowed, looking at the sons of Nataal who were about to go to war.
At the end of the void corridor was a giant warship. The warship was immense, like a mountain suspended in the void.
Energy weapon firing towers and hero statues were located on both sides of the warship, with the muzzles of giant macro-cannons in between them.
Each of those muzzles was the size of a house, dark and cavernous. They could fire various types of shells.
Arthas was very knowledgeable about this.
He was familiar with all of the Imperium's advanced military technology and weaponry.
At least, the parts the Imperium was willing to disclose to the public, he knew inside and out.
Arthas knew that the Imperium likely had many other weapons and technologies that had not been revealed to the public. Those weapons were very likely beyond mortal imagination.
Just the publicly known photon cannons, anti-matter cannons, black hole cannons, and so on, already possessed destructive power. They could easily wipe out a city or a planet.
As he boarded the warship, Arthas looked back at his home. The planet rotated in the vast void.
Maintaining a state of half-light and half-darkness.
Standing in the void, it was hard to distinguish whether a new day was beginning or an old one was ending, and Arthas felt that both should be happening simultaneously.
Watching Nataal rotate beneath his feet, Arthas gave a final smile to his home world.
He remembered the girl from a few days ago.
She looked pure, but was actually passionately fiery. They had been together countless times until he fell into a deep sleep. The two of them didn't know each other. They met at an Imperial recruit farewell party. There, everyone let loose.
Men and women reverted to their primal selves.
No formalities were needed; if there was an initial attraction, they would spend a passionate night together.
It was difficult to ask for high self-restraint from a group of children who were about to leave home.
A proper indulgence helped to dispel the melancholy they felt about leaving home.
Arthas only remembered drinking a lot of alcohol, and then he was with that girl.
When he woke up, if it weren't for the scent of perfume on him,
He would have thought he was dreaming.
In any case, it was a wonderful night and a memory worth cherishing.
"Goodbye, my past, my homeland," Arthas silently said in his heart, "I will fulfill my mission and duty until death."
This is an unimaginable improvement, with speed increasing by one hundred percent compared to yesterday. I owe one chapter today, plus yesterday's six, making it seven chapters. I will strive to start catching up tomorrow.