Reborn as Humanity’s Emperor Across the Multiverse

Shortly after the events at the border town, aboard the Phoenix-class supply ship of the Dark Angels' 1st Company:

Lion El'Jonson stood motionless outside a medical pod, his arms crossed over his chest and his expression cold. He silently watched the surgical procedure being conducted inside via a holographic display projected by his Primarch armor.

The condition of the two squad guards was dire.

One had a punctured chest, his heart and lungs grievously damaged.

The other had lost his right arm and part of his shoulder, sheared cleanly away in combat.

Fortunately, the enhanced clotting capabilities of the Astartes' genetically engineered bodies had prevented either from bleeding to death. However, the latter would require a metallic prosthetic to replace his lost arm and shoulder.

The Apothecaries worked with mechanical precision, stabilizing the guards' conditions and repairing the damage as best as possible.

After some time, one of the Apothecaries activated his helmet communicator and reported, "Father, both brothers' conditions have stabilized. They are out of immediate danger and should regain consciousness in a few hours."

"Good."

Lion gave his typical curt reply, then turned and left the area, striding down the corridor with his towering Honor Guard—the Lion Paladins—falling silently in step behind him.

A short ride on the ship's mag-rail transit system brought the group to the bridge of the Phoenix-class vessel.

"Commander," "Father,"

The crew members manning their posts stood to attention as Lion entered.

Lion nodded in acknowledgment but said nothing, heading directly to the central control console.

Standing nearby was Selene, awaiting him with her usual calm demeanor.

Before they could exchange words, a holographic projection of Garan Clovis materialized. The blue light coalesced into the form of the 1st Company captain, who immediately raised his fist to his chest in salute.

"Father," Garan began, his tone laden with guilt, "this was an oversight on our part—"

"Do not waste time on past failures," Lion interrupted, his voice as sharp as his blade.

Turning to the others present, he continued:

"Selene theorizes that the headless knight which attacked the border town is the Horseman of War described in Universe 13's Bible.

Its performance in battle was equivalent to the demon lords of Hell's layers.

The Church, through some form of sacrificial ritual, successfully summoned this supernatural entity from Heaven. This also confirms that such rituals could theoretically open a gateway to the Heavenly Realm for an entire army."

Lion's gaze shifted to Selene, signaling her to elaborate.

But before she could begin, Lion sent out a communication request to Athena and Soap.

Moments later, two new holographic forms appeared next to Garan's projection: Athena, clad in resplendent golden armor, and Soap, equipped with his sleek nanotech combat suit.

Lion gestured to Selene.

"Selene, explain your findings and proposed methods for reaching the Heavenly Realm."

Lion had initially intended for the Dark Angels alone to spearhead the upcoming operations, seizing all the glory for their legion. However, after some deliberation, he decided to involve Athena and Soap, representatives of the Inquisition and the United Reconnaissance Unit, respectively.

Though he wasn't one for diplomacy, Lion understood the importance of maintaining cohesion within the Empire. His sudden intervention in Universe 13's affairs was already abrupt enough; monopolizing command would tarnish both his and his legion's reputation.

For those watching, however, Lion's decision seemed resolute and without hesitation.

As Athena and Soap's holograms solidified, Selene began her briefing:

"Through interrogations of captured Church zealots and nuns, we've confirmed that the headless knight was summoned through the sacrifice of 4,400 willing devotees of Heaven.

If we wish to open a portal to the Heavenly Realm, we would need at least 100,000 zealots to act as living sacrifices."

"100,000…" Soap muttered, his face clouded with concern.

Athena frowned. "Selene, these sacrifices must be devout worshipers of God and Heaven, correct?"

"That is correct," Selene confirmed. "Random sacrifices wouldn't suffice. If it were that simple, Hell's demon lords would have invaded Heaven long ago."

"That's… a problem," Soap admitted. "Identifying and sacrificing 100,000 fanatics—doesn't that go against the Empire's principles?"

Athena remained silent, her expression contemplative.

"What principles?" Lion's voice cut through the tension.

"The so-called 'zealots' are no different from Chaos cultists in Warp-related incidents.

If they had any semblance of rationality or free will, they would understand that their retaliation against the border town was a grave error."

Lion's tone grew sharper as he continued:

"Their fanaticism blinds them to the prosperity and happiness that Imperial governance has brought to the border town.

They cling to their crumbling power, wealth, and indulgences, all of which are slipping away thanks to the Empire's intervention.

These zealots have already pledged their lives and souls to their so-called God. Keeping them alive does nothing for the Empire and only endangers the people of Universe 13.

Why simply kill them when we can put their lives to use?"

Lion's gaze and tone made it clear that he would brook no argument.

To him, collaborators and traitors deserved only death—death in service of a greater purpose, if possible.

Without waiting for a response, Lion turned to Garan and issued his command:

"Notify the fleet and prepare all 1st Company forces for orbital deployment. I must be standing in front of Vienna's cathedral in 40 minutes."

"Yes, Father."

Garan saluted once more before his hologram dissipated.

Lion then addressed Athena.

"Athena, please inform Hera to assist the Dark Angels in identifying the zealots among our prisoners."

Athena hesitated briefly but ultimately nodded. "Understood."

Finally, Lion turned to Soap.

"Captain MacTavish, I need your Recon Unit and elite investigators to temporarily act as marshals once we seize Vienna. You'll also oversee reconstruction efforts alongside our engineers."

"No problem," Soap replied. "Leave it to us."

As Athena and Soap's holograms vanished, the ship's viewing port transitioned from the dark void of space to the golden glow of Earth's atmosphere. Below, the continent of Europe stretched out, the central region bathed in the midday sun.

Lion prepared to leave the bridge, turning to Selene one last time.

"Selene, once we open the portal to the Heavenly Realm, I'll need you to accompany us as a wartime advisor."

"Of course," Selene replied with a faint smile.

40 Minutes Later: Above Vienna

The capital of the Holy Roman Empire had seen rare, clear skies that day. The autumn breeze had swept away the industrial smog, revealing sunlight that bathed the city's tiered districts.

But the city itself was far from the picturesque Vienna of other worlds.

The Danube River was polluted, its waters murky and lifeless. The outermost districts were overcrowded with peasants and slaves, surrounded by towering walls and artillery emplacements.

The city center, reserved for nobles, clergy, and royalty, was dotted with small gardens and fountains but reeked of decadence and excess.

At its heart stood St. Peter's Cathedral, bathed in what the clergy called "holy light."

The clergy and royalty, long complacent in their power, now scrambled to secure Heaven's aid against the encroaching Empire.

But their plans were interrupted by a sudden, earth-shaking tremor.

BOOM! BOOM!

The ground quaked violently, sending goblets and plates crashing to the floor.

"What's happening?!"

"Guards! Guards!"

The clergy and nobles rushed outside, only to see fiery streaks descending from the sky.

BOOM!

One after another, massive pods impacted the city. A fraction slammed into the inner districts, obliterating buildings and sending shockwaves through the streets.

The rest decelerated mid-air, deploying their contents: Dark Angels and their Helljumpers, beginning their methodical assault.

Above the chaos, an unmistakable figure led the charge.

Lion El'Jonson, Primarch of the Dark Angels, descended alongside his warriors, ready to bring Imperial judgment to Vienna.

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