Chapter 7 — Light in the Darkness
Twenty years have passed since the first day they set foot on the foreign land now known as Terra Aeterna. Once a wild planet teeming with ancient forests and unknown creatures, it now stands as a magnificent jewel in the heart of the Ultima Lux star system.
Massive fortresses rise in the heart of the capital, Aeternum, a metropolis of gold and silver that outshines even the brilliance of Holy Terra. In the skies, fleets of warships sail in orbit like legions of divine guardians. On the surface, barracks, sacred temples, military academies, and towering Administratum spires are built with almost celestial precision.
In the central command hub, in the throne room shaped like a giant aquila, Kenthelion Celestus stands before the pillars of power.
"The final report on sector expansion was delivered this morning, Your Majesty," said Ursarkar E. Creed, his sharp eyes scanning the holographic galactic map. "Twelve planets have been successfully conquered and transformed into centers of industry, agriculture, and military might. Four of them are now classified as Forge Worlds, with the rest as Colony Worlds."
"And internal stability?" Kenthelion asked.
Lord Castellan Varn replied, "The civilian population is growing rapidly. The second generation of Cadia has been born on new worlds. We've created an order that not only survives... but thrives."
Behind Creed, Jarran Kell stood tall, while Saint Celestine and Canoness Veridyan observed from the upper balcony, surrounded by the golden glow from sacred stained-glass windows. The symbol of Corona Astra, the emblem of the Imperium Caelestis, shone on the ceiling.
Kenthelion gazed at the map showing the two decades of their expansion: golden rings spreading from Terra Aeterna, like the heartbeat of a new civilization thriving at the farthest reaches of a forgotten galaxy. Not a single system from Super Seminary had noticed their presence.
And that was part of the plan.
"General Sturnn," Kenthelion called. "Is the Conqueror Division ready?"
Sturnn nodded. "Two million additional soldiers have graduated from the academy. The invasion fleet is prepared for the Elenvaris and Brecton systems. They won't know what hit them."
Kenthelion sighed deeply as he gazed at the softly glowing system screen beside him.
> [IMPEREUM CAELESTIS STATUS: STABLE]
[ACTIVE MILITARY STRENGTH: 150.3 MILLION SOLDIERS]
[CIVILIAN POPULATION: 3.1 BILLION]
[PLANETS CONQUERED: 12]
[ACTIVE FLEET: 9,420 WARSHIPS]
"Imperium Caelestis will continue to march forward," Kenthelion said. "We will be the light in the darkness. And when the outside worlds finally see us... it will be too late for them to fight back."
A quiet cheer began to rise from the hall, starting with the younger officers, and soon it spread like a wave.
The Imperium that had died at Cadia had now been reborn—stronger, more unified, and led by an unparalleled figure.
The last light of humanity now stood as the beacon of their new destiny.