Emperor: Go and become the Astronomican, Alvin!

Alvin felt like he was dreaming again.

But this time, unlike before, he was clearly aware that he was in a "dream," a "lucid dream."

But what shocked him even more was that he actually met the "Emperor," the Master of Mankind!

This was the third time he had seen the "Master of Mankind" in his dreams. But unlike before, this time the "Master of Mankind" was not the skeleton sitting on the "Golden Throne," but a real, living "Emperor."

The Emperor stood atop a Snow Mountain- capped mountain, appearing as a kind middle-aged man with extraordinary bearing. His features were three-dimensional and deep, with jet-black hair draped over his shoulders and a pair of golden eyes that seemed to be plated with gold.

The Emperor in everyone's eyes depends on the image of "Emperor" in their minds.

It can be said that in the eyes of ten thousand people, there are ten thousand different images of Emperor. Of course, in the eyes of some more blasphemous people...

Or maybe a blonde loli?

Alvin quickly shook his head, banishing the blasphemous thought from his mind, lest he actually turn into a blonde loli.

Just then, the "Emperor" in front of them spoke.

Hello, human.

The Emperor's voice was unique, as if billions of lives were speaking at the same time, without distinction between men and women. Yet, despite the mix of so many voices, every word He uttered was extremely clear to Alvin's ears.

"Emperor?"

Alvin was stunned.

Is he dreaming?

A living Emperor who can even speak—if the Thirteenth Lord knew this, he'd probably be green with envy. When the Thirteenth Lord went to see the "Emperor," he cried for most of the day, but didn't utter a single word. It was just that the Emperor's Psychic Power hinted at certain things.

"Hello?"

Alvin swallowed hard. This was the first time he had ever truly faced the "Master of Mankind" and spoken with him.

"My time is running out. There are two things I need to tell you." The Emperor lowered his eyes, his tone gentle, yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.

Ah?

Alvin was immediately drenched in sweat.

What merit or ability does this mere Rogue Trader possess to be entrusted with such an important task by the "Master of Mankind"?!

"The first thing you're doing is following the ancient covenant between Valshius and me: retrieving that 'thing' left behind in the Black Zone."

The Emperor seemed genuinely anxious, giving him no chance to speak before stating directly, "That is an artifact created by an 'Old Ones,' originating in the later stages of the War in Heaven. Due to certain special reasons, it was sealed in the Black Zone. You must retrieve 'it.'"

Old Ones creations?

Alvin's miniature children's screen.

Although the "Emperor" revealed very little information, he still vaguely guessed something.

A creation that can be linked to the "Old Ones" and is so highly valued by the "Emperor" is very likely involved in the "Webway" or even the "Golden Throne"!

Thinking of this, Alvin couldn't help but gasp. The previously vague truth was finally pieced together and surfaced.

It turns out that the "Valshius" family, along with the other three major Rogue Trader families, made an alliance with the "Emperor" Ten Thousand Years Ago, which was to go to the Black Zone and retrieve this important "Old Ones Creation"!

"I see."

Suppressing his shock, Alvin nodded and accepted the promise, "I will definitely retrieve this 'thing'."

Emperor.

"The second thing also concerns you."

The Emperor nodded slightly, his gaze gently falling on him, and said slowly, with a hint of entrustment in his voice, "Next,"

I will not appear again for a long time. This time it was Khorne, and next time it may be other Chaos Gods. The value and significance you represent are far greater than you imagine. Those who covet you are perhaps not only them, but you yourself need to be careful.

Alvin's mouth gaped open, showing no surprise whatsoever, only utter shock. He asked bitterly, "Your Emperor, I—"

What is so special about it that makes it so coveted by so many people?

You should ask, "Why you?"

The Emperor's reply seemed to contain some profound meaning. He said meaningfully, "Atropos is an irresistible destiny. In Greek mythology, her scissors were endowed with the power of 'judgment.' The moment the thread of fate was cut meant that Atropis determined the final outcome. If you can understand the meaning behind the name 'she,' you will also understand why they covet you."

"I don't understand a damn thing!"

Alvin was frustrated. If he could understand the meaning of that sentence, why would he have asked someone else?

That's all so vague and unclear, who could possibly understand it!

"Don't worry, you'll understand eventually." The Emperor remained enigmatic, but what he said next was truly a 'thriller'.

Never mind, there's always a way out.

Now, no matter how much he worries, he can't foresee the outcome. Alvin exhaled a breath of stale air and looked up at the "Emperor": "Is this the second thing you wanted to say?"

"No, the second thing is that the light of the Astronomican will be temporarily extinguished for a period of time." A chilling glint seemed to appear in the depths of the Emperor's gaze. "Perhaps a few days, perhaps a few months, perhaps—a few years."

"!!!"

If the previous words had only left Alvin feeling somewhat depressed, then these next words filled him with shock and fear.

The light of the Astronomican is about to go out?!

This is pure horror! The most important reason why the Imperium of Man has survived is the "Astronomican". Once the light of the "Emperor" is lost as a guide, if the human fleet enters the Warp, it will completely lose its only "lighthouse" and direction!

In an even more serious scenario, the Imperium of Man could once again witness the chaotic wars of the "Dark Ages," with each colony shrouded in the shadow of the Warp, ultimately leading to its complete disintegration!

This is no joke!

"You—you're joking with me, aren't you?" Alvin swallowed hard, a hint of fear already appearing in his eyes.

Humanity can lose any fleet, but it must never lose the Emperor's "Astronomican"!

"No."

The Emperor remained calm, his gentle gaze fixed on Alvin as he softly said, "Don't panic. The extinguishing of the Astronomican was within my expectations. Some beings are unhappy with my actions; consider this a warning. There won't be any serious consequences, so you can rest assured."

Do some exist?

Alvin paused slightly, seemingly guessing something. He looked at "The Emperor," his lips barely moving. "Is it— the Blood God? Because of me?"

"He alone couldn't have accomplished this." The Emperor smiled, raised his hand and patted the man's head, saying softly, "There's no need to feel guilty. Compared to this 'outcome,' it's an 'outcome' that 'everyone' can accept."

"Next, that's what I need to tell you."

The Emperor said slowly, "During the time when the Astronomican is extinguished, I need you—to become the second 'Torch' for the Imperium and for humanity."