NCCnovel Chapter 319 "Meeting the Emperor"
Chapter 319 "Meeting the Emperor"
Russell's consciousness floated in the darkness, as if he were in an endless void. The roar of the battlefield, the howls of the Zerg, and the shouts of his comrades echoed in his ears. His body felt as if it were being torn apart, the excruciating pain making it almost impossible for him to breathe. However, just as he was about to sink into eternal darkness, a warm light enveloped him.
When he opened his eyes again, he was greeted by an unfamiliar ceiling. The golden decorations and ornate reliefs made him realize that this was definitely not a battlefield. His body was still weak, but the tearing pain had subsided. He tried to sit up, only to find an IV drip in his arm and various sophisticated medical devices around him.
"You're awake." A deep and authoritative voice came from behind.
Russell turned his head and saw a towering man, nearly six meters tall, standing beside his bed. He wore magnificent power armor, with the Imperial Eagle emblem emblazoned on his shoulder armor. His face was handsome and resolute, and his eyes gleamed with wisdom. His presence was like a beacon of rationality, illuminating the entire room.
"Lord... Lord Gilliman?" Russell's voice was tinged with disbelief. He had never imagined that he would meet the Regent of the Empire under such circumstances.
Guilliman smiled slightly, a hint of approval in his eyes: "Russell, I am proud of your performance. Your courage and strength have bought the Empire precious time."
A complex mix of emotions welled up within Russell. He whispered, "Lord Guilliman, I... I've failed. The Zerg's offensive was too overwhelming; we couldn't withstand it..."
Guilliman shook his head, a hint of determination in his voice: "No, Russell. You have not failed. Your sacrifice and efforts have bought the Empire a chance to breathe. Now, you are back on Terra, the heart of the Empire and our last line of defense."
A look of shock flashed across Russell's eyes: "Terra? I... how did I get here?"
Guilliman's voice carried a hint of gentleness: "Your body suffered severe damage in the battle, and we had to urgently teleport you to Terra for treatment. Your power is vital to the Empire, and we cannot lose you."
A warm feeling welled up in Russell's heart, but he quickly realized the battle was far from over. He tried to sit up, his voice tinged with anxiety: "Lord Guilliman, I must return to the battlefield! My comrades are still fighting; I cannot remain here..."
Guilliman gently pressed Russell's shoulder, his voice carrying an undeniable firmness: "Russell, your body hasn't fully recovered. Now, you need to rest. The future of the Empire still needs your strength."
A flicker of struggle crossed Russell's eyes, but he finally nodded: "I understand, Lord Guilliman. I will recover as soon as possible and return to the battlefield."
Guilliman smiled slightly, a hint of approval in his eyes: "Very good. Now, get some rest. The future of the Empire is in our hands."
With that, Guilliman turned and left the room. Russell lay on the bed, gazing at the Terran sky outside the window. He knew the battle was not over, and the threat of the Zerg remained. But at this moment, his heart was filled with hope. The appearance of the Imperial Regent meant that the Empire had mobilized all its forces, preparing for a final battle against the Zerg.
A dozen days later, Russell's body had largely recovered. His golden psionic energy surged within him once more, and although he was still somewhat weak, his will and strength had been rekindled. That day, Guilliman came to his room again.
When Guilliman entered, Russell immediately got up from the bed, knelt on one knee, and bowed respectfully, saying, "Lord Guilliman, thank you for your care and treatment."
Guilliman smiled slightly and quickly stepped forward to help Russell up: "No need for that, Russell. You are a hero of the Empire, and your courage and strength deserve the respect of all of us."
Russell stood up, a hint of gratitude in his eyes: "Lord Guilliman, I... I just did what I was supposed to do."
Killieman nodded, his tone gentle: "Russell, come with me. There are some things we need to talk about."
The two entered Guilliman's study, a room simply yet solemnly furnished, with bookshelves filled with ancient texts and data tablets. Russell sat upright, barely daring to breathe, as if afraid of disturbing the dignified atmosphere.
Guilliman noticed his nervousness and smiled reassuringly, "Relax, Russell. This isn't a battlefield; you don't need to be so reserved."
Russell nodded, took a deep breath, and tried to relax.
Guilliman sat opposite him, a hint of inquiry in his eyes: "Russell, I've investigated your background. Your power... is very peculiar. Your golden psionic energy can not only fight against the Zerg and Chaos, but also repair your own damage. This kind of power is extremely rare in the Imperium."
Russell was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Lord Guilliman, I don't know where my power comes from either. I only know that it is a mission bestowed upon me by the Emperor."
Guilliman nodded, a profound look in his eyes: "Perhaps you could see someone. He might give you some answers."
Russell looked up, a hint of doubt in his eyes: "Who?"
Guilliman’s voice was deep and solemn: “My father, the Emperor.”
Russell's body trembled violently, and his voice stammered, "This...I...I dare not..."
Guilliman smiled slightly, his tone carrying a hint of reassurance: "Don't be nervous, Russell. Although my father's body is unable to move, his soul has never died. Your golden psionic energy may have some connection with him. I think he would also like to see you."
A complex mix of emotions welled up within Russell. He had never imagined he would have the chance to meet that great Emperor, the creator and protector of the human empire. His voice trembled slightly: "Lord Guilliman, I... I don't know how to face the Emperor..."
Guilliman stood up and patted Russell on the shoulder: "Relax, Russell. The Emperor may be unable to speak, but his will remains strong. You only need to follow the Custodians to the Golden Throne. The rest is up to fate."
Russell nodded, though he was still filled with trepidation, but he knew this was his mission.
Led by the Imperial Guard, Russell traversed the layers of corridors of Terra Palace. Each step felt like treading on the weight of history; the walls were adorned with countless reliefs of imperial heroes, their gazes seemingly fixed on him, witnessing this mortal's ascent to the empire's most sacred core. An indescribable sense of oppression permeated the air, as if time itself had frozen.
Finally, they arrived at the Golden Throne Room. The massive archway slowly opened, and Russell's vision was flooded with golden light. The Throne Room was breathtakingly vast, its towering dome studded with countless artificial stars, as if the entire Milky Way had been condensed within it. And in the very center of the room, the legendary Golden Throne stood majestically.
The Emperor sat upon his throne, his body surrounded by countless intricate mechanical devices and psionic conduits. These conduits, like veins, coiled around his body, shimmering with a faint blue light, connecting his life energy to the throne. The Emperor's face was concealed by a jewel-encrusted golden helmet, revealing only a pair of tightly closed eyes. Though his body was motionless, the invisible pressure emanating from him made Russell feel his very soul tremble.
Around the throne, thousands of royal guards stood in solemn silence, their golden armor gleaming in the psionic light. A deep hum filled the air—the psionic engines of the Golden Throne were operating, sustaining the Emperor's life and the Empire's warp barrier.
At the signal of the royal guards, Russell slowly walked toward the throne. Each step felt like walking on a knife's edge, his heart pounding in his ears. When he finally stood before the throne, he knelt on one knee, bowed his head respectfully, and said, "Your Majesty... I am Russell."
At that very moment, a deep and authoritative voice suddenly echoed in Russell's mind: "Russell... I know you!"
Russell's body trembled violently. He raised his head, a hint of shock in his eyes: "Your Majesty... how did you know me?"
The voice rang out again, carrying an ancient and weathered quality: "Your golden psionic energy originates from a being called the 'Ancient Saints.' They... are one of the oldest civilizations in the universe. And I... my power also comes from them."
A wave of unprecedented shock washed over Russell. His voice trembled slightly: "Ancient Saints? Who...who are they?"
In fact, Russell only knew that the man was called A, but he didn't know that he was the "Ancient Saint". He only understood after the Emperor said it. No wonder he always talked about some great plan.
The Emperor's voice seemed to come from a distant time and space: "The Ancient Saints... are the creators of the universe, the controllers of psychic energy. Countless eons ago, they sowed the seeds of psychic energy throughout the universe, waiting for suitable successors. You... and I are both their choices."
Blurred images flashed through Russell's mind—ancient star maps, shimmering psionic runes, and a tall, mysterious figure. That figure seemed to stand outside the river of time, watching the rise and fall of the universe.
"Why...why me?" Russell asked in a low voice.
The Emperor's voice carried a profound depth: "Because of your soul... pure and steadfast. The ancient sages chose you because you can bear their power and fulfill their mission."
A resolute glint flashed in Russell's eyes: "Your Majesty, what is my mission?"
The voice grew fainter, but remained clear: "Protect humanity... fight against the threats of Chaos and the Zerg... find the legacy of the Old Ones... complete their unfinished mission..."
As the sound faded, Russell felt a warm power surge from the throne, flowing into his body. His golden psionic energy reignited, stronger than ever before.
As he left the Golden Throne, Guilliman was waiting outside the door. He looked at Russell with a hint of inquiry in his eyes: "Russell, did you see the Emperor?"
Russell nodded, his voice firm: "Yes, Lord Guilliman. The Emperor told me... my power does not come from him, but from a being called the 'Old Ones'."
Bertrand Russell once suspected that the man named A was the Emperor.
A flicker of surprise crossed Guilliman's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "The Ancient Saints... I've seen that name in ancient texts. They were the creators of the universe, the controllers of psychic energy."
Russell's eyes held a resolute glint: "Lord Guilliman, my mission... is not merely to protect humanity. I also need to find the legacy of the Old Ones and complete their unfinished mission."
Guilliman nodded and patted Russell on the shoulder: "Very good, Russell. Wherever your power comes from, you are a hero of the Empire. We will fully support you."