Chapter 1038: Finale (Part 2), Co-ruling Emperor
How does it feel to become a god?
To be honest, there was nothing special feeling, at least Gu Hang seemed very calm.
However, the future of mankind may be different.
To this day, the Indomitable Crusade and the Dark Side Crusade, though still ongoing, can practically be declared successful. After all, the foundation of these two crusades is a resurgence of humanity since the Age of Cataclysm.
Currently, 90% of the old empire's territory was under the expedition and had been brought back under control. And because this was an operation that could be considered a breakthrough, the army pushed forward, and the old system and old interest groups were also wiped out in the catastrophe.
The newly established alliance system couldn't be said to have been built from a blank slate; it was still somewhat influenced by the original planet's structure. However, regardless, it was far easier to implement reforms than during the old imperial era.
After experiencing the catastrophe, many human worlds suffered tremendous hardships, especially those worlds that persisted in darkness for a long time, and were not recovered until more than a hundred years or even nearly two hundred years later. They were really badly damaged.
Productivity has dropped a lot, almost to the point of collapse, but this is considered good. The real damage to vitality is the sharp decline in population, which is the most damaging.
Not to mention, some of them are in worlds beyond salvation, or they have been implemented into safe zone strategies, and many even have to be subject to extermination orders.
These are worlds where you can’t get any benefit.
In fact, after experiencing a major disaster, the total productivity of the entire human empire fell by 30% to 40% - this is even taking into account the rapid growth of productivity in the core territories of the Alliance, and the construction work in the recovered worlds that the Alliance and the New Empire focused on during their expeditions.
If there were not a good reconstruction strategy, the productivity drop across the empire would probably be far more than 30% or 40%.
But even so, the national strength of the new empire today must be stronger than that of the old empire.
The mobilization and organizational capabilities are different.
Not to mention the future development potential.
The Old Empire never paid attention to the development of every planet like the New Empire and the Alliance.
The military force that the new empire can mobilize is similar to that of the old empire. However, as time goes by, the rapid recovery of the population and the gradual effect of economic construction will gradually take effect, and the productivity of the entire empire will enter a period of rapid recovery.
This will further enhance the war potential of the entire empire.
War is the eternal theme of this universe.
Even if 100% of the empire's territory is recovered, will the war end and peace come?
No.
The threat of greenskins, void zerg, or any other alien creatures will always exist. Even Gu Hang cannot completely eliminate them.
The threats posed by the Warp and the Four Chaos Gods are always there.
These are inevitable things.
If human beings want to survive well in this universe in the future and become stronger and stronger, war will be something they can never avoid.
Gu Hang has this awareness.
The key point after he became a god is that humans can now not only be called the dominant race in the universe, but can even be said to have joined the eternal game with the four gods.
In fact, humans were also involved in this eternal game in the past.
The eternal game of the Four Gods, the main battlefield is of course the Warp. The flames of war never cease between the four great demonic realms, each attacking the other.
After the emperor ascended to heaven, he had to participate in this game.
In addition to the subspace, the real universe is also their playground, and the human race naturally and inevitably enters the game.
But the humans who entered the game in the past were pawns, and definitely not players.
Even with the Emperor, it would not work, because he can only take care of one side of the warp and the real universe, but he has been trying to take care of both sides. As a result, he cannot take the initiative in the warp, and the human empire he built in the real universe is also constantly bleeding.
But things will be different in the future.
Even after becoming a god, Gu Hang did not have any direct communication with the empire, and they were not even acquainted with it.
But there is a certain tacit understanding.
The Emperor's influence on reality is shrinking, and the focus of the future will be on the Warp.
So far, there have even been some results. Looking at the increasingly dim scarlet scar and the several new passages that have appeared on the scarlet scar, similar to the Seven-Star Corridor that can connect the two sides, it is clear that the Emperor has made a lot of efforts.
At the same time, the safety of faster-than-light interstellar travel using the Star Tunnel has been greatly improved. With the Thunder Torch Tower as protection, travel may even be safer, faster, and more convenient than before the Cataclysm.
And Gu Hang’s center is of course in the real universe.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he would remain in charge of Holy Terra for a long time, overseeing all military and political affairs of the Imperium of Mankind in the real universe. He would be the one to resolve and deal with the Chaos Enemy's invasion of the real universe, freeing the Emperor from any further burden.
Of course, Gu Hang didn’t completely ignore the things happening in the subspace.
He had a clear understanding that the Four Gods were indestructible. Even at the same level, it would be impossible to destroy any of them. Their existence was rooted in some deeper emotion.
As long as there are living beings in the real universe, they are immortal.
Gu Hang had also reached a similar level, but he was partly a deity supported by the human race, and partly a deity of the Creator's concepts of technology, development, and creation. Although they were at the same level, he wasn't as stable as the four Ancient Evil Gods.
Any living being that can survive in this universe must experience struggle, killing, and courage; desire and reproduction; life and decay; wisdom and change...
As long as these exist, the Four Gods will exist forever.
The concept of "creation", although indispensable, is far less fundamental and irreplaceable than the concepts represented by the Four Gods.
But no matter what, Gu Hang has reached this level.
With two 'gods', humans are no longer mere pawns. In other words, even if they are pawns, they now have their own players.
This is the meaning of Gu Hang becoming a god.
…
Get your thoughts back, time has come.
As his mind moved, the majestic palace doors slid silently and solemnly to the sides. The crowd, who had been waiting outside for a long time in a strict queue, poured into this hall that symbolized the core of human supreme power with reverent awe.
The two leaders were King Lion Charles the Lionheart and Regent Robert.
There was a certain complexity in the eyes of these two sons of God at this moment.
The existence before him was not only a comrade who had defeated the incarnation of the evil god side by side, but also a commander who had jointly recovered the human territory. He was also an existence that had devoured the Chaos Evil God in the depths of the subspace and ascended to the highest position.
To be honest, in their hearts, the emperor is the emperor. How can someone else ascend the throne?
That's ridiculous!
But what can they do?
Ten thousand years ago, they did the same ridiculous thing themselves.
The so-called Second Empire, Charles was the war marshal, Robert was the regent, and their other brother was the emperor.
Only after learning that Holy Terra had not fallen and the Human Empire still existed did they quickly abandon the so-called Second Empire and return to their own positions.
And the current Gu Hang is more qualified to be the new emperor of the empire than any of them were back then.
No matter how uncomfortable they felt, they could not object to this.
After all, this was something the Emperor agreed to and even fully supported.
If Charlie was feeling uncomfortable but had to suppress it, Robert had something else going on. This Primarch, renowned for his ability to govern, had a solemn expression, a mixture of genuine emotion and a subtle sense of relief.
With their minds in check, the two sons of gods, the most powerful men in the empire, who had emerged from mythical legends, took the lead by kneeling on one knee, saluting with the highest etiquette of the ancient legion. Their voices were deep and powerful as they spoke:
"Your Majesty, the armies have been assembled, and the Empire awaits your will."
"Your Majesty, the empire's territory and the loyalty and expectations of hundreds of millions of people converge here."
Behind them were the Chief Archon of the Alliance, the Grand Magi of the Mechanicus, the new Pope and Cardinals, the Commanders-in-Chief of the Army and the Commanders-in-Chief of the Navy.
They are also the governors of various important star regions, members of the High Lords Council, and the highest leaders of the core institutions of the Empire, such as the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Military Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice...
Almost all the important rulers and leaders of the New Human Empire in the real universe are gathered together at this moment.
They all bowed their heads deeply, their postures extremely respectful, and the air was filled with an almost tangible awe.
Gu Hang's power cannot be measured by secular power.
Their eyes were focused on the figure at the end of the stairs, who was wearing a simple robe with patterns that seemed to contain the stars in the universe. Complex, excited, looking up, and swearing to follow to the death... all kinds of emotions were intertwined.
"Everyone," Gu Hang's voice rang out, clearly imprinted in everyone's consciousness, "Stand up."
Everyone stood up straight in unison, their eyes fixed even more intensely on Gu Hang.
Gu Hang took a step and walked down from the platform.
The crowd silently parted to the sides, making way for a path leading to the Eternal Avenue outside the temple.
When Gu Hang walked past Leon, the Lion King nodded slightly; when he walked past Robert, the Regent bowed again.
Gu Hang's eyes swept calmly across every face, familiar or unfamiliar, as if they could see through the truest loyalty and hope in the depths of the soul.
With a slight nod, the unspoken praise made everyone's heart surge with emotion.
Surrounded by the crowd, Gu Hang walked out of the magnificent hall.
The vision suddenly became clear.
The perfect light simulated by the Terra Dome poured down, illuminating the broad avenue paved with ancient stone slabs with a brilliant aura. On both sides of the avenue stood towering giant statues, engraved with the epic stories of mankind spanning millennia, and the magnificent buildings of the Terra Imperial Palace.
However, the most shocking thing is the torrent of steel lined up on the avenue, stretching to the end of the horizon!
The military parade began with the sound of drums and bells.
Like a wall made of gold, the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Guards in azure and silver, the colors of the alliance, are lined up on both sides and are the most solid and loyal guards.
Here, the essence of power from various bloodlines and chapters converged. The deep blue of the Infinite Warriors, the pure white and gold rims of the Saints' Bloodline, the crimson and gold feathers of the Phoenix, the Phoenix Chapter, the Bat Chapter, the Angels of Death, the Blood Angels... the various colors of the livery blended brilliantly, like a flowing, radiant galaxy of steel and faith. They held high the banners of their respective chapters, the merit insignias on their power armor gleaming brightly.
As the supreme military commander and all-around leader of the Space Marines, Martins was at the forefront of this largest phalanx. The synchronized footsteps of the armored warriors were like rolling thunder, shaking the earth.
This is the backbone of the empire's expansion of territory and suppression of demons.
After that, there was the roaring steel behemoth!
The Titan Legion, personally designed and blessed by the Grand Magi of the Mechanicum, marched with footsteps as heavy as mountains. Following closely behind, countless heavy tanks and armored vehicles formed a torrent of steel, their engines roaring like a magnificent symphony. The Mechanic Priests chanted hymns, infusing these war machines with divine vitality.
After that, it was the Glory Guards, the various Battle Sisters, and the elite troops from countless units such as the New Empire Army, Navy, Ministry of Justice, and Inquisition. They held their own banners, and every one of them who was qualified to participate had made great contributions in the war!
A fleet passed through the planet's orbit, allowing people on the ground to see a full twenty Queen of Glory-class battleships and the huge naval fleet they led.
At low altitude, all kinds of fighter planes that covered the sky formed formations and flew in waves along with the ground troops.
These are not all the Queens of Glory. The New Empire now has thirty-three Queens of Glory, but there is no need to display them all here.
Gu Hang walked slowly along Eternal Avenue, Leon and Robert trailing behind him, standing solemnly on his left and right. Countless eyes, filled with enthusiasm, awe, hope, and unconditional loyalty, focused on him.
At the end of Eternal Avenue, a newly constructed grand platform stood, blending the Gothic majesty of the Empire with the simplicity and efficiency of the Alliance. Atop the platform, a massive double-headed eagle and star-ringed emblem, symbolizing the combined authority of the Empire and the Alliance, gleamed in the sunlight.
Gu Hang climbed up the stairs, while Leon, Robert and Martins stood on both sides of the platform.
All the high-ranking officials from the Empire and the Alliance who were watching the ceremony, representatives from various legions, and soldiers standing solemnly on both sides of the avenue, all focused their attention here.
The Protestant Pope, dressed in the most solemn and gorgeous robes, walked slowly forward.
His voice, empowered by the sound amplification array, reverberated throughout the skies of Holy Terra and even across all the worlds of the Empire:
"After experiencing the baptism of the Dark Tribulation, under the glorious guidance of the Emperor, and amidst humanity's unyielding struggle, we usher in a new era!"
"The tide of Chaos has been driven back! The Empire's territory has been restored! The flame of humanity burns brighter and brighter!"
"At this moment, standing before us is the wise commander who will lead humanity through its darkest hour; the great being who will slay the evil gods and protect reality; the supreme leader who will rebuild the empire and strengthen the alliance!"
"Your Majesty Gu Hang! Humanity's common protector! The embodiment of the Empire's will! The beacon of the Alliance's progress! Are you willing to shoulder this supreme authority and responsibility, as Co-Emperor, alongside the Eternal God-Emperor, to rule the Empire, protect the Alliance, and guide humanity towards a brighter future?"
Gu Hang's voice was not loud, but it was like the whisper of the laws of the universe, clearly imprinted in the depths of everyone's soul, carrying an unquestionable promise:
"I wish."
As soon as he finished speaking, a pure and warm golden light beam shot down from the sky without any warning!
Its source comes from the direction of the Golden Throne!
The beam of light precisely enveloped the entire platform, sacred and vast, carrying the blessings and expectations of the Eternal Emperor.
Under the gaze of billions of eyes, at the center of that sacred radiance, the shadow of a crown slowly condensed. It was woven from flowing thunder runes, interwoven golden light, and the geometric light and shadow that created all things.
It is not only a symbol of imperial power, but also a crown composed of Gu Hang's own divine power and authority, as well as the emperor's recognition.
"By the will of the Emperor and of Mankind," the Grand Archbishop's voice trembled with uncontrollable emotion, "we hereby bear witness—"
"Coronation!"
The crown, which was a woven mixture of thunder, light and shadow, slowly descended and was placed steadily on Gu Hang's head.
When the crown was placed on the sky, the clouds in the sky seemed to be pushed aside by an invisible hand, and the sunlight became purer than ever before.
Holy Terra, the heart of mankind, seemed to be reborn at the moment when the co-emperor was born!
The emblems of the Imperial Double-Headed Eagle and the Alliance Star Ring burst forth with dazzling light behind Gu Hang. In the square, all the Imperial Guards, Space Marines, mortal soldiers, and even Leon and Robert on the platform, along with all the higher-ups, simultaneously erupted in a thunderous roar:
"Long live humanity! Long live His Majesty the Co-Emperor! Long live the Eternal Divine Emperor!"
The sound echoed in the Vision Square for a long time.
Gu Hang stood atop the platform, donning the crown of thunder and light. He raised his hand and gently pressed down upon the seething sea of people and steel forest below.
As if a mute button had been pressed, the thunderous shouts subsided in an instant, leaving only countless gazes focused even more fiercely.
His voice rang out again, and this time, it resonated directly in the hearts of every listener:
"Soldiers of the Empire! Citizens!"
"We have just endured a war that hinges on the very survival of human civilization! We have made unimaginable sacrifices, shed rivers of blood, and buried the souls of countless loyal and fearless heroes!"
"But today, we stand here, in the heart of humanity's home planet, upon the glory we have recaptured with our own hands, and can proudly declare—we have won!"
"The minions of the Chaos Gods have been slain and driven away! Lands once lost now bear the banner of the Imperium! The feats of the Indomitus Crusade and the Dark Crusade will be etched into the most glorious chapters of human history! Your deeds will be celebrated for eternity!"
"War is not the end. Rebuilding our shattered homes, healing the wounds of war, allowing the displaced to return home, comforting the wounded, and letting smoke and hope rise again from the ruins - this is the best consolation for the sacrifices and the most solid proof of victory!"
"Advanced technology, allocated resources, and efficient organizations will be invested in construction on an unprecedented scale. Every world, no matter how traumatized it has been, will be included in the Empire's plan of protection and development! Every person who has fought for the Empire and their descendants will be properly resettled and given due respect! The flame of knowledge will be ignited in every corner, and a new generation of humanity will grow up in peace and hope. They will be wiser, stronger, and more powerful than we are to protect all this hard-earned wealth!"
"The wisdom and sweat of mankind will forge a new era of material abundance and vitality! We will make every corner of the empire shine with the light of prosperity and dignity!"
"The journey of mankind is to the sea of stars! It is the future! It is infinite possibilities!"
"The shadow of Chaos still lurks deep within the Warp, and the xenos threat is never far away. Our fleets will continue their patrols, and our warriors will remain vigilant."
"Compatriots! Comrades!"
"We have emerged from a thousand years of glory. We have weathered the ravages of great catastrophes and remained undefeated! Today's victory is not the end, but a brand new beginning! The beginning of a great era that belongs to mankind, to you and me, and to future generations!"
"The road ahead may still be treacherous, the whispers of Chaos will never cease, and the dark universe breeds the unknown. But I firmly believe that as long as we unite as one, uphold our faith in the Emperor, our loyalty to human civilization, and our unyielding will and creative wisdom..."
"Even if the stars disappear and the universe ends, the glory of mankind will shine forever!"
"Long live humanity!"
(End of the book)
————
I wrote slower than expected, and finished it after 4 o'clock...
I'll write my final remarks tomorrow, I'm going to sleep first...
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
