Terra Aeterna: The Rise of Humanity's War Machine

Amalia:

"Still pretending to be asleep, huh, bastard? How long are you going to keep playing dead like that?"

She gave Kenthelion's chest a few taps, fully aware he'd been faking it and eavesdropping the entire time.

Kenthelion:

"Hey, I was just trying not to interrupt your lovely conversation. If you two keep chatting like that, I figured I might as well lie down and rest a bit."

He opened his eyes slowly, glancing at both women with a weary, guarded look.

Selene:

"How many women do you have?"

Her tone was sharp. Her hand already had a pistol aimed at his head.

Kenthelion:

"Uh... maybe we can talk about that later, once we're back?"

Amalia:

"Why not now?"

She smiled faintly, but her eyes had that unnerving stillness—far too calm to be comforting.

Kenthelion:

"Okay, okay... I'm just afraid if I'm honest right now, you won't want to follow me anymore."

His voice was soft, almost a guilty mumble.

Selene:

"So... you really are that important, huh?"

Without warning, Selene straddled him, pinning his body down and pressing the barrel of the gun to his forehead.

Selene:

"Answer. How many? Don't you dare say you don't know. And don't even think about lying."

Kenthelion:

"Well... a lot. Quite a lot. Plus you two."

He raised his hands slowly, showing a vague number close to twenty with his fingers, as if surrendering to fate.

Selene:

"You're a real piece of shit."

She stared at him in silence, then turned her gaze away and laid back down beside him.

Amalia:

"Were they all from the same world?"

Kenthelion:

"No."

Amalia:

"So you really intended to pick up a woman from every universe you visited?"

Her question cut deep, spoken with eerie calmness—hitting his most vulnerable point.

Kenthelion (hesitating, lying):

"Um... not anymore."

He paused briefly before replying, but Amalia knew he hadn't changed completely.

Amalia:

"You never told us what your original world was like."

Kenthelion:

"My world... well, it was full of interspecies war. Aliens enslaved humans, and I led the resistance. I fought against every alien race out there. Now, I rule them."

Selene:

"What? What kind of world is that? How did things get so messed up?"

She responded instantly to his confession, shock evident in her voice.

Kenthelion:

"Pretty much the same as your world. But with way more advanced technology. I came here to conquer Earth and recruit humans into the war. Our population isn't enough to fight the entire universe. This planet? At best, it's just backup troops. No use having thousands of warships without soldiers. And back in my world, there are still millions of humans enslaved. They need saving."

He paused for a moment, then continued in a quieter tone.

"And there's still one portal left—to another universe called Terra Aeterna. But that universe... it's different. Every time we try to explore it, some kind of mist seals off access. As if the universe itself rejects intruders."

Amalia:

"Heh... so you're a full-blown imperial dictator, huh? Still lots of aliens left to fight?"

Kenthelion:

"Yeah. But we've already slaughtered billions... no, trillions of them. Some we keep as livestock for consumption. We've conquered planet after planet, star system after star system. The outer and mid-rings of the universe are still in constant war—humans versus every alien species out there."

Selene & Amalia:

"Trillions... slaughtered?"

They stared at him, stunned. It sounded like something out of a cosmic horror tale.

Amalia:

"Your world... it's tragic."

She looked at Kenthelion in silence, a complex swirl of pity and fear behind her eyes.

Kenthelion and the two women were still lounging casually atop the deck of an American aircraft carrier, basking in the gentle warmth of the sun. But their tranquility was soon interrupted by the hurried approach of an officer clad in the ceremonial silver armor of the Imperium Caelestis.

Imperium Caelestis Officer:

"Emperor, Marcus has arrived at the prison facility where William is being held," the officer reported crisply, saluting with military precision.

Kenthelion:

"So, he's finally there. Prepare the Space Marines. We depart immediately."

His voice was flat, but resolute. He couldn't afford to let those two ancient monsters—Marcus and William—tear each other apart unchecked, not after Alexander Corvinus had sworn allegiance to him.

Imperium Caelestis Officer:

"Understood, Your Majesty."

Kenthelion turned toward Selene and Amalia.

Kenthelion:

"Are you coming or not?"

Selene:

"I'm coming. I want to see it with my own eyes. Besides… that prison was built by my father."

Her expression was calm, but her eyes burned with intensity. This wasn't just another mission—it was personal.

Amalia:

"I'll pass. Sunbathing sounds way more enjoyable than visiting a family reunion full of monsters."

She took a leisurely sip of her drink and reclined further on her lounge chair, completely unbothered.

Without another word, Kenthelion boarded the Thunderhawk alongside eight Space Marines from the Ultramarine Legion, Selene at his side. The roar of the engines thundered across the ship as the transport lifted off from the carrier's deck, soaring toward the coordinates of William's prison.

---

At the prison site, chaos teetered on the edge of control. A reconnaissance Thunderhawk hovered low in the air, its sensors locked onto the brutal clash between two legendary figures—Marcus and William Corvinus.

William had fully surrendered to the beast within. There was nothing left of the man—only wrath, a predator's instinct, and monstrous strength. He no longer knew who he was. He didn't care who he was chasing.

His towering figure loomed like a nightmare come to life. Rigid muscles coiled beneath jet-black fur, his eyes blazing crimson—like twin infernos borrowed from the depths of Hell. He roared, and the sky itself trembled. Even the earth seemed to shudder beneath the sound.

From a distance, inside a gunship, Alexander Corvinus watched silently. His expression was dark, lined with guilt and dread. He had created the two most dangerous beings in history—now they were tearing each other apart.

Alexander Corvinus (in thought):

Please... let the Emperor arrive in time. They're still my sons... still my blood.

Meanwhile, Marcus was barely staying airborne. His wings were tattered, blood pouring from wounds that seared against his ancient skin.

Marcus:

"William! I'm your brother! Remember who you are!"

But William didn't answer. He lunged instead—with terrifying force—

CRAAASH!

A massive claw shredded one of Marcus's wings. The ancient vampire was hurled to the ground, crashing into jagged rocks and twisted debris.

Before he could recover, William was already upon him, jaws wide open, ready to tear his brother's head clean off.

Marcus:

"GHHH—AAARRGHHH!! AARRGH—!!! HAAKH—!!"

His screams echoed through the air—and into the Thunderhawk's comms.

Marcus (gasping):

"William! STOP! It's me... your brother..."

He clutched at William's leg with what little strength remained, hoping to reach the human buried deep within the beast.

William just snarled, jaws snapping down—this time biting into Marcus's shoulder.

CRUNCH.

Marcus kicked him away, shoving the beast back several meters. Then he scrambled toward a decaying wooden ladder, climbing for his life.

---

That's when the second Thunderhawk arrived.

Inside, Kenthelion stood surveying the battlefield, his eyes sharp with the calculating gaze of a galactic conqueror. Beside him, Selene watched in tense silence.

Kenthelion locked eyes with Alexander Corvinus from above. The elder simply gave a single, solemn nod. A wordless acknowledgment. Kenthelion returned it—no words needed. Loyalty was understood.

Behind him, eight Space Marines from the Ultramarines Legion stood at attention, their blue power armor gleaming under the sun. Beneath the Thunderhawk, a containment cage—typically used to restrain Tyranids—was being prepped for deployment.

Kenthelion:

"Look at that filthy creature. Take it alive. Send it to Terra Aeterna. Let the scientists handle it."

Ultramarines (in unison):

"Understood, Your Majesty!"

The eight Space Marines jumped from the Thunderhawk, plummeting like armored meteors toward the earth.

---

Below, the battle between Marcus and William reached its brutal climax.

Marcus fought back, clawing into William's chest, snapping one of the beast's legs. William retaliated with savage bites, tearing off two more of Marcus's wings.

They were more than just monsters now—they were ancient gods of war, fighting not for victory, but for survival as the last of their kind.

Then, just as Marcus prepared to snap William's neck—a massive figure slammed into him from the sky.

BOOM.

An Ultramarine, standing over seven feet tall, drove a kick into Marcus that sent the vampire crashing to the ground, his body broken and bleeding.

William rose with a primal howl and lunged at the Space Marines.

But Space Marines aren't pacifists. And they're not prey.

Two of them engaged William in a vicious melee. Fists clashed with fangs. Servo-powered gauntlets shattered bone. William fought back with savage desperation—but his stamina was fading. Finally, he dropped, unconscious.

The remaining four Marines moved in on Marcus, surrounding the fallen vampire to prevent any retaliation.

But Marcus, wounded and humiliated, lashed out in defiance.

Fatal mistake.

The Space Marines responded with ruthless efficiency—hammering him down with armored fists and crackling stun batons. Marcus hit the ground again, harder than before—and this time, he stayed down.

High above, Kenthelion exhaled softly.

The heavy footsteps of Alexander Corvinus echoed as he descended from the aircraft, his long cloak dragging through the wind, thick with dust and the scent of blood. From the other Thunderhawk, Kenthelion stepped down in silence, his posture straight and unyielding—like a War God from some forgotten myth.

On the ground, the Space Marines had completed their mission. William, still unconscious, was now restrained on a stasis-locked energy bed normally used to contain Tyranids. Two Ultramarines stood guard on either side, cold and merciless.

One of them muttered over his private vox channel:

Ultramarine:

"If it weren't for His Majesty's command, I would've ended this creature already."

The containment cell was soon lifted and transported back to the battlecruiser Dominion.

Meanwhile, Marcus Corvinus began to stir. Blood trickled from his nose and temples. His ribs were shattered, wings torn—but his rage remained intact.

His gaze locked on a familiar figure—his own father.

Marcus (hissing):

"Father… Was it you? Did you hand us over? Is this all because of your pact with these... humans?"

Alexander looked back at his son—not with hatred, but regret.

Alexander Corvinus:

"Yes, Marcus. I made a pact. I pledged allegiance to His Majesty, the Emperor of Mankind."

Alexander:

"I was once a failed father. I thought love alone could heal you both. But love without action is weakness. Now, with the Imperium's strength, I will correct my mistakes."

Alexander:

"William will be cured of his madness. And you, Marcus… you'll be given a choice. Lead your kind on a new world. But one condition: never betray the Emperor. If you still thirst for battle—then join His legions."

Marcus opened his mouth to protest, but Alexander raised a hand.

Alexander:

"There will be no debate. You are still my son. But loyalty to the Imperium is the price for your redemption—and your brother's. I have no other choice."

He turned and walked toward Kenthelion, who had been waiting nearby.

Alexander Corvinus:

"Your Majesty, how long do you intend to remain here?"

Kenthelion (casually, with a faint smirk):

"This prison was built by Selene's father. I'm simply keeping her company… while she reconnects with her past."

Selene stood quietly, eyes fixed on a cracked section of the prison wall. She reached out, gently brushing her fingers across a faded scribble.

Selene:

"I… remember this place. That's my drawing. The only thing that's left of it."

Kenthelion turned, nodding slowly.

Kenthelion:

"If memories survive this long, then this place was once your home."

Alexander gave a formal salute.

Alexander:

"In that case, Your Majesty, I'll take William aboard for treatment. I take my leave."

Kenthelion:

"Safe travels, Lord Corvinus."

Marcus was escorted away by two Space Marines. Kenthelion gave a short, subtle signal.

Kenthelion:

"Apply light discipline. Make sure they understand who holds authority here."

Alexander nodded in agreement.

Alexander:

"As long as they don't die, I don't object. They're still my blood."

IN THE SKY — SOMETHING UNFOLDS

Kenthelion and Selene remained among the ruins. A heavy silence lingered… until the sky itself changed color.

A silhouette of steel began to form. A massive warfleet—colossal, brutal, unstoppable—descended from orbit in perfect formation.

Kenthelion gazed skyward, narrowing his eyes. He knew exactly who was coming.

Kenthelion (flatly):

"Mira Han."

EARTH ORBIT — FLAGSHIP CONTROL ROOM, MIRA HAN'S ARMADA

At the heart of the fleet, Commander Mira Han stood tall before a massive holomap. The terrain of Earth was reflected across her sharp, charismatic—and dangerous—face.

Fleet Officer:

"Commander Han, the entire fleet is combat-ready. Awaiting your command."

Mira grinned. It was the smile of a war queen—wild, confident, and laced with cruelty.

Mira Han:

"Oh, how sweet. Time to pay our dear 'Emperor' a visit… and claim this planet—for me and my beloved Matty."

Mira Han (in a low hiss):

"Deploy the troops. Take over every military base. Lock down the major cities. This isn't peacekeeping. This is an invasion."

She strolled slowly toward the main display, voice icy cold.

Mira Han:

"And if anyone dares to play the hero… fire the Yamato Cannon. Level a major city. Broadcast it live to every network. I want the world to know—New York is your warning."

Fleet Officer (tense):

"Orders received, Commander Han!"

The skies above Earth became a hell of steel and fire. Battlecruisers tore through the clouds, their glowing red engines announcing conquest. The shadow of domination swept down from the heavens—heralding the rise of a new power.