June 1, Year 5 of Kaiyuan.
Summer was well underway on the Imperial Star.
The conference hall on the first floor of the Empire Building.
The hall's vaulted ceiling soared overhead, light and shadow shifting across it.
Uchiha Mikoto, director of the Imperial Central Intelligence Department and head of the Propaganda Department.
The imperial empress, who had awakened after several months, carried herself with ever greater grace and elegance. Her long hair was piled high, revealing her slender, fair neck.
Her features retained their familiar gentleness, but when she faced the assembly, her eyes took on the composure and sharpness of someone who controlled two vital departments.
"Everyone, there is an important matter to announce to the assembly today."
The entire hall fell silent.
Mikoto raised her hand and waved it lightly.
The enormous screen behind her lit up, displaying the towering Cyan-White Stone Gate in the northern outskirts of the imperial capital. Within the gate,
a boundless nebula swirled.
"Since the first Dimensional Gate opened on May 18, Year 2 of Kaiyuan, the Empire has explored and conquered two new worlds."
.
The display changed, images of the Hunter Planet and Trial Planet One flashing across it.
"The incorporation of these new worlds has brought the Empire new resources, knowledge, and territory."
Mikoto's voice rang clear.
"But this is only the beginning."
The display changed again, becoming a complete map of the Imperial Star.
The outlines of the five great provinces—Fire, Water, Wind, Lightning, and Earth—were clearly visible. A prominent golden point marked each provincial capital.
"By decree of His Majesty the Emperor,"
"effective immediately, a new Dimensional Gate will be constructed in each of the Imperial Star's five provincial capitals."
The five golden points on the screen lit up together, dazzlingly bright.
Many gazes in the hall converged