Celebration

Nimrod, with Arsena Dunn in tow, boarded the shuttle to meet the Primarch.

Shadow of Order from each of the twelve Chapters of the Eleventh Legion, representing the best of their respective Chapters, and the most outstanding Astartes among the Honor Guard members on this Terra expedition.

They stood behind the Primarch, clad in full armor and draped in crimson Primarch.

Nimrod stood in front of the observation window, looking down at the human Homeworld below.

The planet beneath his feet was completely different from the blue planet he remembered; if described in color, it was closer to gray.

The ocean has vanished without a trace, and countless steel Hive City have risen from the desolate land, piercing the sky.

Among the many buildings, the most dazzling is the enormous Psionic Energy Astronomican — the Astronomican, which is the foundation upon which Imperium ships can conduct sub-space navigation.

This enormous device is essentially a focusing device that projects vast amounts of Psionic Energy into the Warp.

Even when the Emperor is not on Terra, the Warp is not bound by the laws of physics, and he can still use his powerful Psionic Energy to guide the "signals" released by the Astronomican while leading the fleet.

Nimrod's eyes flickered with light and shadow as he gazed at the dazzling pillar of light that was invisible to ordinary people.

Gradually, his "Warp Insight" revealed a golden, familiar light within the rainbow beam.

That beam of light was like a conduit leading to the Empyrean, gathering immense power.

[When I met the Old Man in Yellow, I didn't see any trace of this dazzling pillar of light in the golden light he emitted. Only after arriving in Terra could I discover their connection through the Astronomican.]

Nimrod couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "The Old Man in Yellow's Psionic Energy is incredibly powerful!"

As Nimrod pondered, the light and shadow in his eyes gradually faded, and he looked at the building that was even taller than the Astronomican — the Imperial Palace.

It is a vast city that occupies an entire continental shelf, so grand it is breathtaking, like an old marble scar on the Eurasian continent, stretching from the dry eastern coastline to the empty western ocean.

The stones used to build it not only originated from Terra, but also from the Luna, Mars, and numerous moons orbiting the gas giants of the Sol System.

There was even marble from other galaxies, dragged all the way back to Terra from those rediscovered and conquered worlds.

Polishing, refining, and processing—these processes take shape in the architect's vision, become reality in the hands of laborers, and grow into fortresses under the feet of soldiers.

It was a magnificent architectural complex, composed of countless Gothic buildings.

It's not finished yet, but the framework has been erected; it's already Terra's largest and tallest building complex.

Today, countless workers who have dedicated themselves to this city have temporarily paused their busy work and have been allowed to stand in this marble city to witness this great moment.

A celebration of the return of the Primarch Nimrod.

This was both a reward from Malcador for their hard work and a tool he used for publicity.

The workers will tell their families, relatives, and friends about this moment.

Nimrod's gaze swept across the crowd and landed on Lion's Gate Spaceport, which, along with Eternity Wall Spaceport, is one of the two major orbital facilities of the Imperial Palace.

The bustling starport temporarily ceased the take-off and landing of other ships due to Nimrod's arrival.

The vacated parking area is now full of welcoming vehicles.

Nimrod had just looked in that direction when he was drawn to a familiar, dazzling light.

His body looked old and frail, yet it radiated a dazzling light, like a star.

[Malcador actually came to greet me personally. Given his status, he didn't need to do that. He really gave me a lot of face.]

When someone gives a gift, they always expect something in return; one should be wary.

Nimrod narrowed his eyes, secretly becoming wary.

The shuttle slowly descended, surrounded by numerous Servo-skull that carried megaphones, while simultaneously chanting loudly.

"Lord Nimrod, son of the Emperor, the Primarch of the Eleventh Legion..."

"Lord Nimrod, the restorer and ruler of Vostonia... the ruler of the Triken system..."

"Welcome, Lord Nimrod, son of the Emperor, the Primarch of the Eleventh Legion, to your side."

The families of low- and middle-ranking officials of the Imperium, wealthy merchants, and officers of the Solar Auxilia were favored by Malcador. They formed a welcoming party and immediately erupted into a thunderous cheer.

The Imperium Ritual Band played beautiful melodies composed by the songwriters to welcome the Primarch, which mingled with the hymns playing on a loop through the loudspeakers of the Servo-skull and the cheers of the crowd.

The sounds were chaotic, yet miraculously blended together, creating a peculiar yet harmonious "melody."

Wearing a hooded robe, Malcador walked toward Nimrod to the sound of "music".

"Nimrod, on behalf of my master, I welcome the arrival of his offspring."

Welcome back to your birthplace, your home.

Malcador's voice wasn't loud, but it contained a strange power that drowned out the surrounding noise.

"Malcador, greetings to you."

Nimrod bowed slightly in greeting to the Perpetual.

After exchanging greetings, Malcador glanced at Arsena behind Nimrod and immediately realized that he was a Psyker.

After matching him with the Primarch's Attendants in the intelligence, he nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

The silver-haired Arsena sensed the immense power emanating from the frail old man and bowed respectfully.

After nodding, Malcador looked at the giant in front of him.

"Nimrod, you have recovered more than thirty worlds for the Imperium, including the Knight World of Daxos and the Twins of Darksos."

"You drove out the Xenos and brought your lost human comrades back into the embrace of the Imperium."

"You have achieved great glory; please allow me to bestow upon you a medal of honor."

Malcador took the Golden Oath Knight Medal from the attendant who held it in his hands. It was a medal designed by the Imperium Chancellor and awarded to anyone who would rediscover the Knight World.

The gold medal is inlaid with rubies symbolizing courage and blue enamel symbolizing loyalty, and is engraved with green inscriptions symbolizing the conquest of the Vixatrix Knight Houses.

Nimrod bent down, allowing Malcador to place the palm-sized gold medal on his left breast, while a thought surfaced in his mind.

The Eleventh Legion should also establish its own medal and honor system.

After he straightened up, Malcador turned to the side to signal.

"Nimrod, please board the carriage and begin your journey of honor. The people of the Imperium have been waiting for this moment."

Nimrod then boarded an armored vehicle, a vehicle befitting his massive size, resembling a landship with the Imperium's golden Aquila sculpted on its side.

Malcador boards another, smaller vehicle, relinquishing his leading role to the Primarch.

Nimrod boarded the armored vehicle, a broad smile on his face, and walked forward amidst the welcoming crowd.

The cheers of the Imperium people rose higher and higher as they looked at the shining Primarch and surged forward, all wanting to get closer to the Emperor's offspring.

The security forces and the temporarily conscripted Solar Auxilia did their best to maintain order.

With a smile on his face, Nimrod completed his journey to the Imperial Palace and walked into the Golden Banquet Hall with Malcador.