As the Void Hunter returned, Vostonia and the Cradle of the Sea, after five stellar months of preparation, began their first recruit selection.
Tezwork Hive, Upper Hive, Arsenal A-008.
The bell for the Rini Troupe rang. The workers who had been busy through an entire Nightfall Troupe quickly finished the work at hand, tidied their workstations, and left along the yellow pedestrian lane.
One worker rolled up his sleeve, revealing the black tattoo on his arm. His wife's and children's birthdays were inked there, a reminder that heavy labor would not make him forget them.
He puffed out his chest and said proudly to the coworker beside him, "Our Per is taking part in the Ascension Rite selection today."
"Once he passes, he'll be able to serve the king."
"I'm so jealous of you! My wife's only just pregnant with our tenth."
The man with Low Gothic tattooed on his neck suddenly slapped his forehead.
"Oh, right. Last night, when my wife and I were talking about the Path of Ascension selection, we got to discussing which child to send."
Ever since King Nimrod announced their entry into the Imperium, the new orders he issued had adjusted policies on childbirth and conscription.
Every family with eleven children could have one child of suitable age gain the qualification to take part in the Path of Ascension selection.
Those who passed would become great Legion warriors. Those eliminated would join the Auxilia and fulfill their military service obligation.
"Old Koschelny, how did your family choose?"
"Of course we chose the best one. That's the only way they've got a chance of climbing to the heavens, instead of slinking back with their tail between their legs."
Old Koschelny, the man with the arm tattoo, said smugly, "I tested the Koschelny brats."
"What did