Kenthelion: "System, is there a population option available in the Mall?"
System: "Does the host still remember me? I'm deeply saddened… being forced to work overtime by the host like this."
System: "Is… is this what they call capitalism?"
Kenthelion paused after hearing that. Is this System being serious? Or is it having mood swings like a woman during her period?
He began to doubt his own mental state.
Kenthelion: "Sorry, sorry. I've just been too busy being pissed off by those alien bastards. Now—does the Mall have population units?"
System: "Of course, Host."
System: "Population is measured in units of tens of thousands. For example, 10,000 people cost 1,000 War Points. Of course, each individual has their own personality. There's no guarantee they'll all obey you."
Kenthelion: "That's fine. Let's start with ten million."
System: Ding!
"Beginning summoning. Please note that these people are all native to this universe and are ordinary civilians. Host, please be cautious and begin memory modification procedures as necessary."
On the left side of their helmets, the symbol of a hand grasping a flaming phoenix torch, wrapped in broken chains, is etched. Below it, the motto: "Ex Cinere, Libertas." — From ashes, freedom. This tattoo marks the identity of the Aeterna 5th "Flame of Freedom" Regiment. According to them, the meaning of this symbol is:
1. The Hand Grasping the Flaming Phoenix Torch
The hand symbolizes the strength and freedom reclaimed by those who were once trapped in slavery.
The torch represents the light of hope, the relentless struggle for freedom.
The phoenix is a symbol of resurrection — those who rise from destruction to forge a better life.
2. The Broken Chains
This represents liberation from the shackles of slavery that once bound them. It is a sign that they are free now and will never be trapped again.
3. Motto: "Ex Cinere, Libertas."
Translation: From ashes, freedom.
This is a statement reflecting their rise from ruin and suffering, to claim true freedom that had long been lost.
---
Everything is ready!
On the battlefield, at the Imperium Caelestis military academy, 10,000 soldiers hold rifles with bayonets, their eyes locked on the targets in front of them. They are warriors who are unafraid, ready to carry out the command.
Various aliens from different races are bound and made the living targets by the Imperium Caelestis. Most of them are remnants of races that have been purged by the expeditionary forces, planets that now bear witness to the rise of human power.
"Everyone! Stand tall! Stab!"
This command echoed across the training ground. Every soldier thrust their bayonets into the bodies of the aliens used as live targets, prisoners forced to experience their suffering.
"Bastard! Bastard! Human! I will kill you!"
"Please! Please! Give me mercy!"
"Don't kill me! Don't kill me!"
The screams of panic and fear from the aliens echoed throughout the military academy. But the soldiers showed no mercy. Their bayonets struck with precision, or for those who chose other methods, their serrated swords began cleaving alien bodies, testing their combat skills.
"Remember! Do not show mercy to the aliens!"
"Every time you kill an alien, you contribute to the resurrection of humanity!"
This command was repeated, reminding them that each slash and thrust was part of the struggle for humanity's freedom. Every drop of blood spilled was a sacrifice for a greater goal
BOOM—BOOM—BOOM…
Suddenly, the sky thundered with a series of explosive roars. Everyone instinctively looked up. For the new recruits, it was their first time seeing anything like this—but for the veteran Cadians, they recognized it immediately.
A warp tear had opened right above their heads.
From within, long grey transport ships emerged, swaying unsteadily as they descended toward the landing zone—one after another pouring out of the rift.
"UFO detected! Identify yourself immediately! State your purpose!"
X-Wing fighters scrambled in formation, engines roaring as they spiraled upward, heading directly toward the descending transports.
Each transport was escorted by four fighter jets and one mobile suit, its cannon resting on its shoulder and shield in hand, scanning the surroundings.
BOOM!
One of the transport ships' engines exploded mid-air. Flames trailed behind it as it struggled but managed to make a rough landing on the airstrip.
"Quick! Surround the site! Initiate Yellow Alert!"
Stormtroopers deployed rapidly, setting up barricades around the crash site. Behind them, a Zaku II mobile suit stomped into position, standing guard as a mobile defense tower. Hovering transport carriers brought more reinforcements.
"Establish a defensive line! Relay a message to the nearest Astartes detachment immediately!"
With a mechanical hiss, the hatch of the first transport ship opened—and tens of thousands of people stepped out. They were dressed in elegant attire, their eyes wide with awe and confusion.
They whispered among themselves.
"Is this… really the place we remember?"
"Why do the military forces look so different… so… advanced?"
One of the ship's commanders stepped forward, calm but weary. He raised his voice and spoke in a tone of authority:
"We are citizens of the Human Federation. We were lost in the subspace anomaly. Can anyone tell us… where exactly are we?"