As far as the eye could see, vast crowds cheered.
The irradiated wasteland Bona remembered was gone, replaced by orderly buildings and an azure ocean.
Ranks of troops marched through the Eternity Gate, heads held high, while the civilians beside them cheered with all their might and flowers rained from the sky.
Unlike most citizens of the Imperium Bona had seen, they showed neither the exhaustion of working themselves to the bone each day for a pittance nor that abject sense of inferiority.
Instead, they were full of confidence, raising their heads proudly and cheering with heartfelt enthusiasm.
Across Terra stood research institutes, schools, and public amenities. People lived orderly lives, each doing their part to strengthen the Imperium.
Those in humble positions worked hard, repaying the Imperium with their sweat; those in high office remained vigilant even in peace, using their wisdom to lead the Imperium forward.
Here, no one harbored selfish motives. Everyone strove for a brighter tomorrow, and everyone believed tomorrow would be better than today.
Scholars freely explored unknown fields of knowledge, turning their wisdom into a driving force for society's progress.
Warriors maintained the Imperium's stability, holding xenos beyond its borders and bringing it victory after victory.
Artisans crafted one flawless work after another, using their skills to build the machines that kept the Imperium running.
Leaders pooled their strength to ensure no one went hungry or cold, directing everyone's efforts toward progress.
Here, no one reminisced about the might of the Age of Technology or the glory of the Great Crusade, because they knew they were creating an even better age themselves.
They did not believe in the fleeting kindness of xenos, the supposed generosity of the gods, or, least of all, the so-called "Master of Mankind."
They believed only in themselves, in their