In the Grimdark Sector with a System

Author Notes:

Well, this chapter came out of the left field. What I mean by that is I didn't even plan for the Emperor to even appear this fast! I was minding my own business, playing Azur Lane, then I was hit by an inspiration from gazing at Mama Friedrich then decided to 'Fuck it, we ball', and here we are. Yeah, I am too sober for this mess...

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Out of ingrained instinct, the Space Marines, Archmagos, and Sisters of Battle lower themselves in deep respect to the visage of a mighty golden figure. More majestic than all of Her Primarchs, the Emperor of Mankind has graced the mortal world at last. As the warmth of Her holy light washes over them, they can't help but feel emotional, even with their hardened or metallic hearts. To all of them, this is like a dream come true, being in the same room as the object of their reverence. Some may question the authenticity of what's happening, refusing to believe that She is manifesting right here and now. Yet, the people in the room can feel with every fiber of their body and soul that, indeed, the Emperor is truly here with them.

"Rise, children of the Imperium." Her soothing voice gracefully commands them. "Your duty is not to kneel."

The Emperor's voice, emboldened by Her psychic prowess, feels like a balm that heals their souls. Unwilling to delay their action by a single instance, the people in the room stand up respectfully. It's only now that they can view the figure shrouded in the Light of Truth. Encased in Her Golden Aquila Armor, the Emperor stands taller than any Primarch could hope to be. A shining Halo can be seen floating above Her long, flowing dark hair. Her piercing eyes glitter and seem to shift colors from a cold arctic blue to a shimmering green and many other shades. Yet, there's a noticeable sense of boundless wisdom and patience in how She gazes at them. Her lips curl in a motherly smile, seeing their stalwart souls and dedications shine like beacons in the darkest of times.

The Emperor nods at them kindly, one by one saying their names. "Salamander Space Marine Chapter Master, Tu'shan, Salamander Chief Librarian Vel'cona, Archmagos Dominus Cawl, Canoness Superior Elyzabeth Fortier, Palatine Tsavorae."

"My Emperor..." Someone speaks up with a noticeable tremble, though it's unknown to all but the Emperor who has said it. These children of the Imperium are getting emotional, or are struggling to process the data of reality right in front of them.

Smiling at them, the Emperor walks to the one-way mirror. "Join me, children. We have things to discuss."

With Her permission, the group walks to the mirror, or in Archamagos Dominus Belisarius Cawl's case, skittering to it. Standing side by side, they barely fit in the viewing chamber due to the impressive size of the Emperor and Her Space Marines. For a minute in this time-stopping, colorless world, they remain in contemplative silence until the Emperor speaks again.

"Ein, yet to have a last name but poised to be someone bigger than any of us can foresee." The Emperor turns and gazes at them slowly. "I foresaw my failings, but even I can not view what's in store for little Ein. It is... Fascinating." The Emperor then turns to gaze mysteriously at the time-stopped figure of Ein who is leaning back on her chair with closed eyes.

Hearing their Emperor addressing her adopted daughter, Elyzabeth respectfully says. "My Emperor, is Ein a cause for concern?" It's hidden under the weight of her respect, but there's a worry about how Elyzabeth speaks.

The Emperor gives a melodic and reassuring chuckle. "I am concerned, yes, but it is because I am worried for her future. Her existence and well-being are critical to the survival of the Imperium. More than any of you, my children, can ever imagine."

They all stand alert, understanding the gravity that seems to beset the Emperor's voice. The Salamanders, in particular, feel a rising sense of duty. Whoever is crucial in the eyes of the Emperor will receive the Space Marines' utmost attention.

The Emperor goes on to hold out an opened palm that previously rested on the pommel of his Holy Flame Sword. It's on his palm that the Emperor materializes a badge of the Order of Our Martyred Lady, one that is crafted by Ein's hands.

"You have all glimpsed of the effect of the badges, made with dedication and care by little Ein." The Emperor says with a clear voice. "It's as you all expected. The badges made by Ein do carry my Light, a fraction of it, but enough to subtle enhance the Sisters of the Order of Our Martyred Lady in manners that are important. Yet, perhaps the most crucial aspect of these enhancements is the wearer's Luck. One of the most abstract concepts Humanity has come to know, but it is still perhaps the most useful to have in any situation. So long as the wearers still have these badges on them, they will no doubt become stalwart defenders against the darkness that preys on Mankind."

"That is..." Elyzabeth sucks in a breath at the revelation and its ramifications.

"Nigh impossible." Dominus Cawl states plainly, yet not in the way that disparages the Emperor. No, he is merely stating a supposed fact.

The Emperor smiles. "Indeed, Belisarius Cawl. As improbable as it sounds, little Ein has enchanted these badges with a fragment of my Will, using nothing but her pure passion to protect those that are important to her. It has to be known that, when wearing this badge, you will have a much easier time resisting the taint of the Warp."

Chapter Master Tu'shan nods. "Then it's imperative that we must secure and protect Ein, my Emperor. Such a bright and talented soul shouldn't be at the forefront that is Cadia."

Chief Librarian Vel'cona also adds. "My Emperor, Cadia is too close to the Eye of Terror. I am afraid the Ruinous Power will sense her presence and seek to eliminate her at any cost."

Before others can interject, the Emperor patiently raises a hand to calm them.

"I am reassured that your hearts are in the right place. Of course, little Ein's safety is important. However, while we must ensure her well-being, it's also critical that we do not obstruct her natural path of development. There are forces at play that want her destiny to become the greatest there is. Grand plans and ambition, mine included, are in motion, all centered around Ein. She is the fulcrum that we will use to ensure the future of Mankind, or at the very least to safeguard Humanity from another dark period. And ironically enough, Ein is the safest here, on Cadia. The dreaded politics on Terra will no doubt swallow her up, even before she can spread her wings if she is to be brought back there."

They all understand the implications. Vivid images spring into their minds, hypothesizing what their Emperor has said. At this time, Tsavorae bows. "My Emperor, what should we do?"

The Emperor smiles. "Let it be known among yourselves that little Ein is blessed by my Light. There will come a time when Ein rises to the occasion, performing deeds of valiance, wisdom, and might. Her potential shall be limitless with her budding might growing day by day. Nevertheless, until little Ein matured and even afterward, there must be a safety net for her. Even the greatest of personage stumble and fall, even I was one such person. In her path forward, Ein will come face to face with peril and setback. She needs allies, friends, and partners... A family, even, to keep her body, spirit, and mind strong against the relentless onslaught of the grim darkness of the universe."

The Emperor looks at them with Her shining gaze.

"Lucifer Blacks have been deployed." The name comes as an understandable shock to them. "They are tasked with subtly supporting little Ein on a tactical level, masking themselves as fellow Cadian Guards. However, they alone are not enough. That's why I must ask you all to stand by little Ein's side, but be careful to not grousing needless attention on her. There will come a time of great conflicts, centering around Cadia that little Ein will be a part of. Ensuring little Ein's survival will be the only way for the Imperium to survive that time. How you all will come around to safeguard our Hope will be left at your discretion. However, certain provisions have been made to support you in this task. I trust my children will be careful and smart about this critical matter."

The Emperor stops before sighing wistfully. "It is a shame that I can't be here much longer. It's only through the Light in the badges that I can project myself here for a short while. For the foreseeable future, I will focus on masking little Ein's presence from the danger of the Warp. The damnable Gods won't be able to gaze at her until the time is right. This way, you all can shield her from the more immediate threats."

Feeling that the time for their Emperor to leave is near, the group pays their respect to Her once more. Smiling at their devotion, the Emperor nods before looking at Ein's form one last time. This final gamble She made better works, otherwise, She will become a laughing stock at the Bar in the Void.

Fading into motes of Light, the Emperor leaves with a smile as color and Time return to the world. After five minutes of silence, Elyzabeth finally heaves a sigh, half in disbelief.

"Well, that just bloody happened."

Even Dominus Cawl can't stop his synthetic speech. "The chance of Her appearing is utterly abysmal. My processor failed to even compute for a period of time."

Tu'shan barks out a laugh. "No wonder you were oddly quiet. Though I guess we all did back then. Nevertheless, it won't be wronged to say that our schedule will be permanently booked from here on out."

"And it doesn't have to be said that not a single word of this is allowed to leave this room. Not even Ein can know." Elyzabeth adds. "Also, we will need to influence the Cadian 8th somehow. If we can ingrate ourselves with them, we can accompany Ein openly easier."

Vel'cona nods. "A good plan, and we should explore other avenues also."

Tsavorae finally speaks up. "Then it's a good thing that Ein is on leave for the next few days. It should give us enough time to plan her security details."

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[Daily login reward received:

Gained Abyss Totem stigmata.]

[Abyss Totem stigmata:

Error: The bearer needs to explore the benefits of the stigmata themselves. Please contact the nearest System Administrator for more details.]

Mentally checking out the Daily Reward I received, I can only sport a weirded-out look.

'What the fuck is this?'

It's the first time I ever received an error for an honestly unknown reward. And that, contacting an Admin? How the hell do I even go doing about that? There are many questions in my mind, with me taking a while to unravel the mystery surrounding the Abyss Totem stigmata and enjoying its benefits. It's only in the future that I truly appreciate the stigmata, and not just because of the benefits it can offer.