The Bizarre Adventure of the Warhammer Guard

With the completion of the unification process, a regime called the "Empire" was established by the Emperor. At the same time, the Emperor issued the first decree of this new empire—the "Imperial Truth".

Imperial Truth firmly believes that all things and phenomena in the universe can be explained scientifically, and that there is no supernatural force. All superstitions about religion, witchcraft, and psychic energy must be systematically eradicated. It also asserts that humanity is the greatest species in the universe and will inevitably become its master.

With the promulgation of Imperial Truth, a massive campaign to eradicate religious superstition began. Piles of scriptures were burned, temples were overthrown, and finally, the Emperor, leading the Imperial Guard, the Astartes Legion, and mortal auxiliary forces, destroyed the last temple on Terra.

The Emperor stood atop the ruins of the collapsed temple, sunlight illuminating the floating ashes and shattered fragments. Still clad in his golden armor, he looked at the imprisoned temple priests and said:

"You once knelt in delusion, believing that the gods would bestow upon you bread, peace, and victory. But the gods will not give you anything. You must bake your own bread, win your own peace, and achieve your own victory. Your will is your only victory."

The Emperor's words were majestic and clear. He used no psychic powers, no amplification devices; his human voice alone was enough for everyone present to hear him clearly. Then he proclaimed the future direction of human civilization:

"Humanity will not be worthy of these stars until the last stone of the last church is thrown at the last priest."

Elpis stood below, holding the Spear of the Moon, listening silently to the Emperor's speech. The surrounding Imperial Guards, Astartes, and mortal auxiliary troops all stared with worship and reverence at the sacred figure atop the ruins.

Is the Imperial Truth correct? Elpis didn't know how to answer that question. Believing in science was right, but the Emperor himself was the most powerful psionic being among humankind, and the warp, psionic energy, and even warp gods and celestial beings in the material universe truly existed.

Elpis knew this was to buy time. The Emperor's plan was to repair the network, and everything being done now was for that purpose.

Emperors guided people to replace faith with knowledge and to fight the unknown with reason, but they also underestimated human nature.

Will things be different this time? Can I change humanity's dark future? Elpis unconsciously gripped his spear tighter, secretly lamenting that time was still too short.

-

Peace and prosperity are gradually descending upon this ancient planet that has endured thousands of years of war—Terra, humanity's home planet.

Everything is going according to the Emperor's plan, and the people gathered under the same banner are unleashing tremendous power. A colossal psionic beacon—the Star Torch—is being built, and the Emperor's palace is also under construction.

During this period, people's living standards improved, and all kinds of weapons and equipment were added to the Emperor's army, expanding the twenty legions, all composed of Astartes.

People observed that the subspace storms lingering in this galaxy were gradually dissipating, a sign that the time was ripe, and the Emperor began his next plan.

But before that, the emperor prepared a grand military parade.

Elpis stood on the viewing platform, dressed in ceremonial gold armor but without a helmet, holding a standard guard spear in his hand and a power sword at his waist.

He saw the bustling crowd below the observation deck, their faces beaming with happiness and excitement as they craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the Imperial army's might. In the distance stood the Astartes and the mortal troops awaiting inspection, their faces radiating pride.

The Imperial Guard and the Sisters of Silence do not participate in the parade; instead, they review the troops alongside the Emperor.

The timing was perfect; the Emperor arrived at the viewing platform. The moment he appeared, everyone was captivated by his divine figure, momentarily speechless. The next instant, a tremendous cheer erupted from the crowd, a deafening roar that soared into the sky.

With a wave of his hand, the emperor signaled the start of the military parade.

First to pass were the mortal auxiliary troops. In front were ordinary mortal conscripts, wearing simple armor and carrying laser weapons; in the middle were the planetary defense troops, the backbone of the mortal auxiliary troops; behind them were the solar auxiliary troops, the Empire's most elite mortal forces, all wearing light power armor and carrying explosive rifles. Next came various tanks and armored personnel carriers.

Next to be reviewed were twenty Astartes Legions, each consisting of several hundred Space Marines, forming twenty separate formations. Although most of them had not experienced the ravages of war, they were all exceptionally imposing. As they passed by the crowd, they were met with loud praise and songs of admiration for these superhuman warriors.

After the parade ended, Elpis walked slowly down from the observation deck alone. It was truly a powerful army, and the warships and mechs constantly being produced in the arsenal inspired Elpis, temporarily easing his deep-seated worries.

Elpis was always like that; he liked to be alone and think about things.

"My lord," a timid voice called out, "are you an angel?"

Elpis's thoughts were interrupted. He looked down at the sound and saw a little girl holding some colorful flowers in her hands, her eyes filled with fear and hesitation.

"No, I am the Emperor's royal guard." Elpis smiled, squatted down, and patted the girl's head. "I am not an angel, nor have I ever been. I am just a tall, ordinary person."

The girl looked slightly puzzled, but firmly held up the flowers in her hand. "I want to give this to you."

Elpis took the flowers; the various colored blossoms lay quietly in his palm. He quickly wove them into a wreath and gently placed it on the little girl's head.

"This is a gift for you—because of your courage."

"Thank you, sir." The girl blushed instantly, overjoyed to receive such a gift.

"Let's go home, be careful," Elpis said to the girl as he stood up.

"You too, sir." Then, the little girl waved goodbye to Elpis, wearing a flower wreath and smiling, and skipped away into the distance.

Going home or being safe? These were none of his business. Elpis nodded slightly, a smile playing on his lips.

Watching the girl's departing figure, Elpis seemed to understand that what he was protecting was never some grand mission, but simply the hope that still flickered in people's eyes.