Chapter 1038 The Grand Finale (Part 2), The Co-ruling Emperor

Chapter 1038 The Grand Finale (Part 2), The Co-ruling Emperor
What does it feel like to become a god?
To be honest, I didn't feel anything special; at least Gu Hang seemed very calm.

However, the future of humanity may be different.

To this day, the Unyielding Expedition and the Dark Side Expedition, though still ongoing, can practically be declared successful. After all, the foundation of these two expeditions lies in a revival movement initiated by humanity since the Age of Cataclysm.

Currently, 90% of the old empire's territory has been brought back under control during the expedition. Furthermore, because this is an operation where destruction is necessary for construction, the army is sweeping across the land, and the old system and old interest groups are being wiped out and eliminated during the catastrophe.

The newly established alliance system cannot be said to have been built from scratch; it will still be influenced to some extent by the original planetary structure. However, in any case, it is much easier than implementing reforms during the old imperial era.

Having experienced the great catastrophe, many human worlds suffered immense hardship, especially those worlds that endured darkness for a long time, taking over a hundred or even nearly two hundred years to be recovered; they were truly severely weakened.

Productivity has plummeted, nearly collapsing, but that's considered a good outcome. The real damage comes from a significant population decline, which is the most devastating.

Not to mention, some are in hopeless worlds, or have been placed under safe zone policies, and many have even had to be exterminated.

These are worlds where you can't reap any benefits.

In fact, after experiencing a major catastrophe, the total productivity of the entire human empire dropped by 30% to 40%—this is even taking into account the rapid growth in productivity in the core territory of the alliance, as well as the construction work of the worlds that the alliance and the new empire focused on during their expeditions.

Without a good reconstruction strategy, the productivity drop across the empire would likely have been far more than 30% or 40%.

Even so, the new empire is certainly stronger than the old one.

The mobilization and organization capabilities are different.

Not to mention its future development potential.

The old empires never paid attention to the development of each planet like the new empires and alliances do.

The new empire can mobilize roughly the same military force as the old empire. However, as time goes on, the population recovers rapidly, economic development gradually takes effect, and the empire's overall productivity will enter a period of rapid recovery.

This will further enhance the empire's war potential.

War is an eternal theme in this universe.

Even if we recover 100% of the empire's territory, will the war end and peace come?
Will not.

The threat of greenskins, Voidlings, or other alien species will always exist. Even Gu Hang can't completely eradicate them.

The threats posed by the warp and the four Chaos Gods will always be there.

These are things that cannot be avoided.

If humanity wants to survive well in this universe and grow stronger, then war is something we can never escape.

Gu Hang has this awareness.

The key point after he became a god is that humanity has now not only been called the dominant race in the universe, but has even joined the eternal game between the four gods.

In fact, humanity was also involved in this eternal game in the past.

The eternal game of the Four Gods takes place primarily in the subspace. The flames of war between the four great demon realms have never been extinguished; they constantly wage war against each other.

Even after the emperor ascends to heaven, he is forced to participate in this game.

Besides the subspace, the real universe is also their playground, and the human race naturally and inevitably gets involved.

But the humans who entered the game in the past were pawns, and definitely not players.

Even having an emperor wouldn't be enough, because he could only take care of one side: the warp or the real universe. He was trying to take care of both sides, but as a result, he didn't have the upper hand in the warp, and the human empire he built was constantly bleeding in the real universe.

But things will be different in the future.

Even after Gu Hang became a god, he did not have any direct communication with the empire, and they didn't even know each other.

But they have a certain tacit understanding.

The Emperor's influence on reality is shrinking, and the focus of the future will shift to the warp.

So far, it can even be considered a success. Looking at the increasingly dark scarlet scars and the several new passages that appear on the scarlet scars, similar to the Seven Star Corridor, connecting the two sides, it is clear that the Emperor has made many efforts.

At the same time, the safety of faster-than-light interstellar travel using interplanetary tunnels has been greatly improved. With the Thunder Torch Tower providing protection, it may even be safer, faster, and more convenient than before the cataclysmic era.

Gu Hang's focus, of course, is in the real universe.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, he will likely remain stationed on Holy Terra for an extended period, overseeing all military and political affairs of the Human Empire in the real universe. The threats posed by the Chaos Enemy to the real universe will be handled by him, relieving the Emperor of a significant burden.

Of course, Gu Hang wasn't completely indifferent to what happened in the subspace.

He was keenly aware that the Four Gods were indestructible. Even at the same level, it was impossible to destroy any one of them. Their existence was rooted in certain deeper emotions.

As long as there are living beings in the real universe, they are immortal.

Gu Hang has also reached a similar level, but he is partly a god supported by the human race, and partly a god of the 'creator's' technology, development, and creative concepts. Although he is at the same level, he is not as stable as the four ancient evil gods.

Any living being that can survive in this universe inevitably experiences struggle, killing, and courage; it inevitably experiences desire and reproduction; it inevitably experiences life and decay; it inevitably experiences wisdom and change...

As long as these exist, the four gods will live on forever.

While the concept of 'creation' is also present, it is far less fundamental and irreplaceable than the concept represented by the Four Gods.

But in any case, Gu Hang has already reached this level.

Humanity possesses two 'gods,' so they are no longer merely pawns. Or rather, even if they are pawns, they now have their own players.

This is the significance of Gu Hang becoming a god.

……

I snapped out of my thoughts; it was time.

With a slight thought, the magnificent palace doors slid silently and solemnly open to both sides. The crowd, which had been waiting quietly outside for a long time in a strict formation, poured into this hall that symbolized the core of human power with devout reverence.

The two men at the head were Leon Charles the Lionheart and Robert the Regent.

The eyes of these two sons of God held a complex expression.

The being before me is not only a comrade-in-arms who fought alongside me to defeat the incarnation of the evil god, but also a commander who jointly restored human territory, and even more so, a being who devoured the Chaos God in the depths of the subspace and ascended to the highest position.

To be honest, in their hearts, an emperor is an emperor, and there is no one else who wants to ascend the throne.
That's absurd!
But what can they do?

Ten thousand years ago, they did the same absurd thing themselves.

The so-called Second Empire had Charles as the general, Robert as the regent, and their other brother as the emperor.

However, upon learning that Holy Terra had not fallen and that the human empire still existed, they quickly abandoned the so-called Second Empire and returned to their rightful place.

Gu Hang is now more qualified to be the new emperor of the empire than any of them were back then.

No matter how uncomfortable they feel about this, they cannot object to it.

After all, this was something the emperor agreed to and even fully supported.

While Charlie felt deeply uncomfortable but had to suppress it, Robert's feelings carried a different connotation. This Primarch, renowned for his governing abilities, wore a solemn expression tinged with heartfelt emotion and a subtle sense of relief.

Composing themselves, the two highest-ranking figures in the empire, both chosen by mythology, knelt first, paying homage with the highest honor of an ancient legion, their voices deep and powerful, and said:
"Your Majesty, the armies have assembled, and the empire awaits your will."

"Your Majesty, the loyalty and expectations of the empire's territory and hundreds of millions of people converge here."

Behind them were the Alliance Chief Executive, the Great Sages of the Mechanicus Alliance, the new Popes and Cardinals, the Army Commander, and the Navy Commander.

They are also the supreme leaders of the Imperial core institutions, such as the star sector governors from various important star regions, members of the High Lord Council, and the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of the Military, and the Ministry of Justice...

Almost all the rulers and leaders of the new human empire who are of great importance in the real universe have gathered here at this moment.

They all bowed their heads deeply, their postures extremely respectful, and an almost tangible sense of awe filled the air. Gu Hang's power was beyond the measure of worldly authority.

Their gazes were fixed on the figure at the end of the steps, dressed in a simple robe with patterns that seemed to contain the stars of the universe. Complex emotions, excitement, admiration, and a vow to follow to the death... all intertwined.

"Everyone," Gu Hang's voice rang out, clearly imprinted deep in everyone's consciousness, "Stand up."

Everyone stood up straight in unison, their gazes fixed intently on Gu Hang.

Gu Hang stepped down from the platform.

The crowd silently parted to both sides, making way for the eternal avenue outside the temple.

As Gu Hang walked past Leon, the Lion King nodded slightly; as he walked past Robert, the Regent bowed again.

Gu Hang's gaze calmly swept over every face, whether familiar or unfamiliar, as if it could see into the deepest loyalty and longing in the soul.

A slight nod, and the unspoken praise stirred the hearts of everyone present.

Surrounded by a crowd, Gu Hang stepped out of the magnificent hall.

The vision suddenly opens up.

The perfect lighting simulated by the Terra Dome cascades down, illuminating the wide avenue paved with ancient stone slabs. On both sides of the avenue stand towering colossal statues, carved with the epic history of humankind spanning millennia, and the magnificent Terra Palace complex.

However, what is most awe-inspiring is the torrent of steel that stands in formation along the avenue, stretching all the way to the horizon!

Amidst the sounds of drums and bells, the military parade began.

Like walls forged of gold, the Imperial Guards, along with the Feathered Forest Guards in azure and silver, the colors symbolizing the alliance, stand on either side, forming the most steadfast and loyal protection.

The essence of different bloodlines and factions converges here. The deep blue of the Infinite Warriors, the pure white and gold trim of the Saints, the crimson and gold feathers of the Phoenix, the Phoenix Chapter, the Bat Chapter, the Angels of Death, the Blood Angels… a dazzling array of colors intertwine, like a flowing, brilliant galaxy of steel and faith. They raise high the banners of their respective factions, the badges of honor on their power armor gleaming brightly.

As the Supreme Commander and the overall leader of the Space Marines, Martins stood at the forefront of this largest phalanx. The synchronized footsteps of the power armored soldiers echoed like thunder, shaking the earth.

This was the mainstay of the empire's expansion and the eradication of evil forces.

Then came the roaring steel behemoth!
Designed and blessed by the Archsages of the Mechanicus Alliance, the Titan Legion marched with the heavy, mountain-like steps of countless heavy tanks and armored vehicles forming a steel torrent, their engines roaring into a magnificent symphony. Mechanic priests chanted hymns, infusing these war machines with divine vitality.

Following them were the Glory Guard, various combat sister orders, and elite troops from countless units including the New Empire's Army, Navy, Ministry of Justice, and Inquisition. Each of them, bearing their own banner, was a decorated unit that had rendered outstanding service in the war!

A fleet swept across the planet's orbit, allowing people on the ground to see a full twenty Glory Queen-class warships and the massive naval fleet they led.

At low altitudes, various types of fighter jets, forming formations, flew in waves alongside ground troops.

This is not all of the Glorious Queens. The New Empire now possesses thirty-three Glorious Queens, but it is not necessary to display them all here.

Gu Hang walked slowly along the Eternal Avenue, with Leon and Robert half a step behind, standing solemnly on either side of him. Countless gazes, filled with fervor, awe, hope, and unconditional loyalty, were focused on him.

At the end of the Eternal Avenue, a newly constructed, magnificent platform stands, blending the solemnity of Imperial Gothic style with the simplicity and efficiency of the Alliance. Atop the platform, a colossal double-headed eagle and star-ring emblem, symbolizing the combined authority of the Empire and the Alliance, gleam in the sunlight.

Gu Hang climbed the steps, while Leon, Robert, and Martins stood on either side of the platform.

All the high-ranking officials of the Empire and the Alliance, representatives of various legions, and soldiers standing solemnly on both sides of the avenue focused their attention on this scene.

The Protestant pope, dressed in his most solemn and magnificent robes, slowly stepped forward.

His voice, amplified by the loudspeaker array, echoed across the skies of Holy Terra and indeed throughout the entire Imperial world:

"Having endured the baptism of the darkest calamity, and guided by the Emperor's glorious light, and through humanity's indomitable struggle, we have ushered in a new era!"

"The raging tide of chaos has been repelled! The empire's territory has been restored to its former glory! The flame of humanity burns ever brighter!"

"Standing before us now is a wise commander who led humanity through its darkest hour; a great being who vanquished evil gods and protected reality; the supreme leader who rebuilt the empire and strengthened the alliance!"

"Your Majesty Gu Hang! The common guardian of mankind! The embodiment of the Empire's will! The beacon of the Alliance's progress! Are you willing to shoulder this supreme power and responsibility, to rule as a co-emperor, to coexist with the Eternal God-Emperor, to govern the Empire, to protect the Alliance, and to guide mankind toward a more glorious and splendid future?"

Gu Hang's voice wasn't loud, yet it was like the whisper of cosmic laws, clearly imprinted into the depths of everyone's soul, carrying an undeniable promise:
"I wish."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a pure and warm golden beam of light shot down from the sky without warning!

Its origin 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 an ancient emperor.

Under the gaze of billions of eyes, at the center of that sacred radiance, the phantom of a crown slowly coalesced. It was woven from flowing lightning runes, interwoven golden light, and 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, and the emperor's approval.

"By the will of the Emperor and of mankind," the Supreme Archbishop's voice trembled with barely suppressed excitement, "we are here to witness—"

"Crowning!"

The crown, interwoven with thunder and light, slowly descended and firmly rested on Gu Hang's head.

The moment the crown settled, the clouds in the sky seemed to be parted by an invisible hand, and the sunlight became purer than ever before.

Holy Terra, the heart of humanity, seemed to be reborn at the moment of the birth of the co-ruling emperor!
The Imperial double-headed eagle and the Alliance star ring emblem erupted with dazzling light behind Gu Hang. In the plaza, all the Imperial Guards, Space Marines, mortal soldiers, and even Leon, Robert, and all the high-ranking officers on the platform, simultaneously erupted in a thunderous roar:

"Long live humanity! Long live the Co-ruling Emperor! Long live the Eternal Divine Emperor!"

The sound echoed across the square, lingering for a long time.

Gu Hang stood atop the high platform, donning the crown of thunder and light. He raised his hand and gently pressed it down upon the surging sea of ​​people and the steel forest below.

As if a mute button had been pressed, the thunderous shouts instantly subsided, leaving only countless gazes focused even more intensely.

His voice rang out again, this time resonating deep within the hearts of every listener:

"Soldiers of the Empire! People of the Empire!"

"We have just experienced a war that concerns the survival of human civilization! We have paid an unimaginable price, shed enough blood to form a galaxy, and buried countless loyal and fearless souls!"

"But today, standing here, at the heart of humanity's home planet, upon the glory we have reclaimed with our own hands, we can proudly declare—we have won!"

"The minions of the Chaos Gods have been severed and driven away! The once-lost territories have all been raised under the banner of the Empire! The heroic feats of the Unyielding Expedition and the Dark Expedition will surely be engraved in the most glorious chapter of human history! Your achievements will be praised for all eternity!"

"War is not the end. Rebuilding our shattered homes, healing the wounds of war, returning the displaced to their homeland, comforting the wounded, and raising smoke and hope anew from the ruins—this is the best tribute to the fallen and the most solid proof of victory!"

"Advanced technology, allocated resources, and efficient organization will be invested in construction on an unprecedented scale. Every world, no matter what traumas it has suffered, will be included in the Empire's protection and development plan! Everyone who has fought for the Empire and their descendants will be properly resettled and given due respect! The spark 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 capable than we are in protecting all that we have not achieved!"

"Human wisdom and hard work will forge a new era of material abundance and vitality! We will ensure that every corner of the empire shines with the light of prosperity and dignity!"

"Humanity's journey is to the stars! It is to the future! It is to infinite possibilities!"

"The shadow of chaos still lingers in the depths of the warp, and the threat of the aliens has never been far away. Our fleet will continue to patrol, and our warriors will remain vigilant at all times."

"Fellow countrymen! Comrades-in-arms!"

"We have come from ten thousand years of glory, and we have survived countless calamities! Today's victory is not the end, but a brand new beginning! The beginning of a great era that belongs to humanity, to you and me, and to all future generations!"

"The road ahead may still be fraught with peril, the whispers of chaos will not cease, and the dark universe breeds the unknown. But I firmly believe—as long as we unite as one, uphold our faith in the Emperor, our loyalty to human civilization, and our indomitable will and creative wisdom..."

Even when the stars fade away and the universe comes to an end, the glory of humankind will shine for eternity!

"Long live humanity!"

(End of book)
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

It took longer than I expected to finish writing; I didn't finish until after 4 a.m.

I'll write the author's closing remarks tomorrow, I'm going to sleep now...

(End of this chapter)