Starting from the Planetary Governor - Chapter 1047

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

how does it feel to be a co-emperor and become a god?

Honestly, there is no special feeling, at least Gu Hang seems very calm.

However, the future of mankind may become different.

So far, the Indomitable Crusade and the Dark Side Crusade, although still ongoing, can actually be declared a success. After all, the foundation of these two expeditions is the revival movement launched by mankind since the Age of Cataclysm.

Currently, 90% of the territory of the old empire has been brought back under control during the expedition. And because this is an action that can be regarded as a destruction before construction, the army swept across, and the old system and old interest groups were also wiped out by the catastrophe of the catastrophe.

The re-established alliance system cannot be said to have been built from a blank sheet of paper, and it will still be more or less affected by the original structure of the planet. But no matter what, it is much easier than carrying out reforms in the old empire era.

After the cataclysm, many human worlds suffered immense hardship, especially those that clung to darkness for so long, taking over a hundred or even nearly two hundred years to recover. These worlds were truly devastated.

Productivity plummeted, nearly to the point of collapse, but that was considered a minor issue. The true devastation was the drastic population decline, which was the most devastating.

Furthermore, some worlds were beyond saving, either subject to safe zone policies or even forced to undergo extermination orders.

These were worlds that saw no benefits.

In fact, after the catastrophe, the total productivity of the entire Human Empire fell by 30-40%—even after accounting for the rapid productivity growth in the Alliance’s core territories and the significant emphasis placed on construction work on recovered worlds during the Alliance and New Empire’s expeditions.

Without a robust reconstruction strategy, the overall productivity drop across the Empire would likely have been far greater than 30-40%.

Even so, the New Empire’s national strength is undoubtedly greater than that of the Old Empire.

Its mobilization and organizational capabilities are vastly different.

Not to mention its potential for future development.

The Old Empire never paid close attention to the development of each planet like the New Empire and the Alliance.

The New Empire’s military forces were similar to those of the Old Empire. However, as time passed, the rapid population recovery and economic development gradually took effect, and the Empire’s productivity would enter a period of rapid recovery.

This would further enhance the Empire’s war potential.

War is the eternal theme of this universe.

Even if 100% of the Empire’s territory were recovered, would the war end and peace prevail?

No.

The threats posed by the Greenskins, the Void Zerg, and other aliens would always exist. Even Gu Hang could not completely eliminate them.

The threats posed by the Warp and the Four Chaos Gods would always be there.

These were inevitable.

If humanity wanted to survive in this universe in the future and grow stronger, war was an inevitable outcome.

Gu Hang had this realization.

The key point after his godhood was that humanity was now not only the dominant race in the universe, but could even be considered to have joined the eternal game with the Four Gods.

In fact, humanity had been involved in this eternal game before.

The eternal game between the Four Gods naturally takes place primarily in the Warp. The four great demonic realms engage in a constant war, constantly attacking each other.

After the Emperor’s ascension, he was forced to participate in this game.

Beyond the Warp, the real universe is also their playground, and humanity naturally and inevitably enters the fray.

But humans who entered previously were pawns, not players. Even

the Emperor couldn’t do that, as he could only manage one side, the Warp or the real universe. He constantly tried to manage both, resulting in a lack of initiative in the Warp, and the human empire he had built in the real universe was constantly bleeding.

But things would be different from now on.

Although Gu Hang had no direct contact with the Empire after his ascension, and wasn’t even acquaintance,

there was a certain tacit understanding.

The Emperor’s influence on reality was shrinking, and his future focus would be on the Warp.

So far, there have been some results. The increasingly dimming Scar, along with the emergence of several new passages within it, similar to the Seven Star Corridors, connecting the two sides, demonstrate the Emperor’s immense efforts. Furthermore

, the safety of faster-than-light interstellar travel using the Astral Tunnel has been greatly enhanced. With the added protection of the Thunder Torch, travel may even be safer, faster, and more convenient than before the Age of Cataclysm.

Gu Hang’s center, of course, is in the real universe.

If nothing unexpected happens, he will be stationed on Holy Terra for the long term, overseeing all military and political affairs of the Imperium of Mankind in the real universe. He will be responsible for addressing and handling the Chaos encroachments on the real universe, freeing the Emperor from any further involvement, a tremendous burden being lifted.

Of course, Gu Hang isn’t completely indifferent to matters within the Warp.

He clearly understands that the Four Gods are indestructible. Even at a comparable level, it would be impossible to destroy any of them. Their existence is rooted in deeper emotions.

As long as life exists in the real universe, they are immortal.

Gu Hang had reached a similar level, but he was partly a deity supported by the human race, and partly a deity representing the Creator’s concepts of technology, development, and creation. While on the same level, he wasn’t as stable as the four Ancient Evil Gods.

Any living being that could survive in this universe was inseparable from struggle, bloodshed, and courage; from desire and reproduction; from life and decay; from wisdom and change…

As long as these existed, the Four Gods would endure.

While the concept of “creation,” while also indispensable, was far less fundamental and irreplaceable than the concepts represented by the Four Gods.

Regardless, Gu Hang had reached this level.

With two “gods,” humanity was no longer just a pawn. Or rather, even if it was a pawn, it now had its own players.

This was the significance of Gu Hang’s deification.

… He

collected his thoughts. The time had come.

With a subtle movement of his mind, the majestic palace doors slid silently and majestically to the sides. The crowd, which had been waiting outside the palace for a long time, formed a strict queue and poured into this hall, which symbolized the core of human supreme power, with reverent awe.

The two leading the group were King Lion Charles the Lionheart and Regent Robert.

The eyes of the two Sons of God were filled with a complex complexity.

The being before them was not only a comrade who had defeated the incarnation of the Heretic God side by side, a commander who had jointly reclaimed humanity’s territory, but also a being who had devoured the Chaos Gods in the depths of the Warp and ascended to the highest throne.

Honestly, in their hearts, the Emperor was the Emperor. Someone else claiming the throne?

That was absurd!

But what could they do?

Ten thousand years ago, they had personally committed the same absurd act.

In the so-called Second Empire, Charles was Warmaster, Robert was Regent, and their other brother was Emperor.

However, upon learning that Holy Terra had not fallen and that the Imperium of Man still existed, they quickly abandoned the so-called Second Empire and returned to their own positions.

And Gu Hang, now, was far more qualified to be the new Emperor than any of them had been back then. No

matter how much they felt bad about this, they couldn’t object.

After all, it was something the Emperor had agreed to, even fully supported.

And if Charles was suppressing his displeasure, Robert had something else in mind. The Primarch, renowned for his statecraft, wore a solemn expression tinged with heartfelt emotion and a subtle sense of relief.

Combing their composure, the two most powerful sons of God within the Imperium, emanating from mythical figures, took the lead, kneeling on one knee and saluting with the highest etiquette of the millennia-old Legion. Their voices were deep and powerful as they spoke:

“Your Majesty, the armies have assembled. The Empire awaits your will.”

“Your Majesty, the loyalty and expectations of the Imperium’s territory and its billions of citizens converge here.”

Behind them came the Chief Archon of the Alliance, the Archmagos of the Mechanicus, the new Pope and Cardinals, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

Also present were the Governors of each major sector, members of the High Lords’ Council, and the highest leaders of the Imperium’s core institutions, such as the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Military Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice…

Nearly every influential ruler and leader of the New Imperium of Mankind in the real universe had gathered.

They all bowed their heads deeply, their gestures of utmost respect, and the air was filled with a near-tangible awe.

Gu Hang’s power cannot be measured by worldly authority.

Their eyes converged on the figure at the end of the stairs, dressed in a simple robe with patterns that seemed to contain the stars of the universe. Complex emotions, excitement, admiration, and a sworn commitment to follow… all kinds of emotions intertwined.

“Everyone,” Gu Hang’s voice rang out, clearly imprinted in everyone’s consciousness, “Stand up.”

Everyone stood up straight in unison, their eyes focused even more intensely on Gu Hang.

Gu Hang stepped down from the platform.

The crowd silently parted to the sides, making way for a path leading to the Eternal Avenue outside the hall.

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

Gu Hang’s eyes swept calmly across every face, familiar or unfamiliar, as if they could see through the truest loyalty and hope in the depths of their souls.

A slight nod, the unspoken praise made everyone’s heart surge.

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

The view suddenly opened up.

The perfect illumination simulated by the Terra Dome poured down, illuminating the broad avenue paved with ancient stone slabs with a radiant glow. On either side of the avenue stood towering statues, carved with epic stories of humanity through the ages, and the magnificent buildings of the Terran Imperial Palace.

However, the most awe-inspiring sight was the torrent of steel, arrayed and ready above the avenue, stretching to the horizon!

Amidst the beating of drums and bells, the parade began.

Like a wall of gold, the Imperial Guards, flanked by the azure and silver-white of the Alliance’s colors, stood the Imperial Guards, their staunchest and most loyal guard.

Here converged the essence of forces from diverse bloodlines and chapters. The deep blue of the Infinite Warriors, the pure white and gold of the Saints’ Bloodline, the crimson and gold of the Phoenix, the Phoenix Chapter, the Bat Chapter, the Angels of Death, the Blood Angels… the myriad colors shone together, forming a flowing, radiant galaxy of steel and faith. They held high the banners of their respective chapters, the insignia of honor gleaming brightly on their power armor.

As supreme commander and leader of the Space Marines, Martins stood at the forefront of this vast formation. The measured footsteps of the Power Armored warriors rolled like thunder, shaking the earth.

They were the backbone of the Imperium’s expansion and its slaying of demons.

Next came the roaring steel behemoths!

The Titan Legions, personally designed and blessed by the Grand Magi of the Mechanicus, marched with a heavy, mountainous tread. Following closely behind them, countless heavy tanks and armored vehicles formed a torrent of steel, their engines roaring like a magnificent symphony. The Mechanicus chanted hymns, infusing these war machines with divine vitality.

Following them came the Glory Guards, the various Battle Sisters, and the elite troops of countless other units, including the New Imperial Army, Navy, Arbites, and Inquisition. They carried their respective banners, and every unit worthy of this presence had made invaluable contributions in the war!

A fleet passed in the planet’s orbit, allowing those on the ground to see a full twenty Glorious Queen-class warships and the massive naval fleet they led.

Low in the sky, a vast array of fighters, forming formations, accompanied the ground forces, soaring in waves.

These weren’t all the Glorious Queens; the New Empire now possessed thirty-three, but there was no need to display them all here.

Gu Hang slowly advanced along the Eternal Avenue, with Leon and Robert trailing behind, standing solemnly on his left and right. Countless eyes, filled with enthusiasm, awe, hope, and unconditional loyalty, focused on him.

At the end of the Eternal Avenue, a newly constructed, magnificent platform stood, blending the Gothic grandeur of the Empire with the simplicity and efficiency of the Alliance. Atop it, the massive double-headed eagle and star-ringed emblem, symbolizing the combined authority of the Empire and the Alliance, gleamed in the sunlight.

Gu Hang ascended the steps, while Leon, Robert, and Martins stood on either side.

All the Imperial and Alliance high-ranking officials, representatives from the various legions, and soldiers standing solemnly on both sides of the avenue gathered their gazes.

The Protestant Pope, dressed in the most solemn and magnificent robes, slowly stepped forward.

With the blessing of the sound amplification array, his voice echoed in the sky of Holy Terra and even all the imperial worlds:

“After the baptism of the dark catastrophe, under the glorious guidance of the Emperor, and in the unyielding struggle of mankind, we have ushered in a new era!”

“The tide of Chaos has been repelled! The territory of the Empire has been restored! The fire of mankind is burning brighter and brighter!”

“At this moment, standing before us is the wise commander who will lead mankind through the darkest hour; the great existence who will slay the evil gods and protect reality; the supreme leader who will rebuild the Empire and strengthen the Alliance!”

“Your Majesty Gu Hang! The common guardian of mankind! The embodiment of the will of the Empire! The beacon of the Alliance’s progress! Are you willing to shoulder this supreme authority and responsibility, as the co-ruling emperor, with the Eternal God-Emperor, rule the Empire, protect the Alliance, and guide mankind towards a brighter future?”

Gu Hang’s voice was not loud, but like the whisper of the laws of the universe, it was clearly imprinted in the depths of everyone’s soul, with an unquestionable promise:

“I wish.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, a pure and warm golden beam of light, without warning, descended from the heavens!

Its source came from the direction of the Golden Throne!

The beam of light precisely enveloped the entire platform, sacred and vast, bearing the blessing and expectation of the Eternal Emperor.

Under the gaze of billions of eyes, at the center of that sacred radiance, the shadow of a crown slowly gathered. It was woven from flowing thunder runes, interwoven golden light, and the geometric light and shadow of creation. It

was not only a symbol of imperial power, but also a crown formed by Gu Hang’s own divine power and the Emperor’s approval.

“By the will of the Emperor and of mankind,” the Supreme Archbishop’s voice trembled with uncontrollable emotion, “We hereby bear witness—”

“Coronation!”

The crown, woven of thunder and light, slowly descended, firmly resting upon 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-Emperor!

The emblems of the Imperial Double-Headed Eagle and the Alliance Star Ring burst forth with brilliant light behind Gu Hang. In the square, every member of the Imperial Guard, Space Marines, and mortal soldiers, as well as Leon, Robert, and all the higher-ups on the dais, simultaneously erupted in a thunderous roar:

“Long live humanity! Long live His Majesty the Co-Emperor! Long live the Eternal God-Emperor!”

The sound echoed endlessly across the Vision Square, lingering for a long time.

Gu Hang stood atop the dais, donning the crown of thunder and light. He raised his hand and gently pressed down upon the seething sea of people and steel forest below.

As if pressing a mute button, the thunderous roars subsided, leaving only countless gazes focused even more fiercely.

His voice rang out again, and this time, it resonated directly in the depths of the hearts of every listener:

“Soldiers of the Empire! People!”

“We have just experienced a war that concerns the survival of human civilization! We have made unimaginable sacrifices, shed enough blood to form a galaxy, and buried countless loyal and fearless heroic souls!”

“But today, we stand here, standing in the heart of the human home planet, standing on the glory we have regained with our own hands, and can proudly declare – we have won!” “

The minions of the Chaos Gods have been cut off and driven away by us! The once lost territories have all been hoisted with the flag of the Empire! The feats of the Indomitable Crusade and the Dark Side Crusade will 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 broken homes, heal the wounds of war, allowing the displaced to return to their homeland, comforting the wounded, and letting smoke and hope rise again from the ruins – this is the best consolation for the sacrifices and the most solid proof of victory!”

“Advanced technology, allocated resources, and efficient organizations will be invested in construction on an unprecedented scale. Every world, no matter how traumatized it has been, 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 humans will grow up in peace and hope. They will be wiser, stronger, and more powerful than us to protect all that is hard-won!”

“Humanity’s wisdom and sweat will forge a new era of material abundance and vitality! We must make every corner of the Empire shine with the light of prosperity and dignity!”

“Humanity’s journey is to the starry sea! It is the future! It is infinite possibilities!” “

The shadow of Chaos still lurks deep in the warp, and the threat of aliens has never been far away. Our fleets will continue to patrol, and our soldiers will be vigilant at all times.”

“Compatriots! Comrades!”

“We have come from thousands of years of glory, and we have survived the catastrophe of the great catastrophe! Today’s victory is not the end, but a brand new starting point! The starting point of a great era that belongs to mankind, to you and me, and to future generations!”

“The road ahead may still be treacherous, the whispers of chaos will not cease, and the dark universe breeds the unknown. But I firmly believe that as long as we unite as one, uphold our faith in the Emperor, our loyalty to human civilization, and our unyielding will and creative wisdom…”

“Even if the stars are extinguished and the universe ends, the glory of mankind will shine through the ages!”

“Long live mankind!”

(The whole book is finished)

————

I wrote slower than expected, and it was a little after four o’clock…

I will write my final remarks tomorrow, and I’m going to sleep first…

(This chapter is finished)