The gentle murmur of a stream flows—"sha, sha… hua, hua…"
Clear water glistens in the sunlight, like a silver ribbon meandering through a dense forest.
Majestic deer with antlers that emit a faint glow lower their heads to drink; their large, graceful forms, with antlers twinkling like stars, blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Each sip seems to smooth their fur further, as if the forest's very "spirit" nourishes them.
Beside the stream, numerous other "exotic" creatures rest. A few wolves, their fur interwoven with hints of green leaves, lounge lazily by the bank, their eyes shining as though they could see through everything. Their steady, deep breaths seem perfectly in tune with the rhythm of the forest.
Even more astonishing, some beings nearly indistinguishable from humans—but only slightly larger than butterflies—dance gracefully above the water. Their crystal-clear wings refract a spectrum of colors in the sunlight; every beat scatters stardust, adding a mysterious allure to the forest.
These varied and wondrous creatures reveal that the planet on which this woodland stream flows is Terylla, located in Universe "07."
Even though Terylla is under the dominion of the main universe's Empire, it remains full of mystery and life; every inch of its land and every leaf conceals endless magic.
Here, nature and wildlife coexist harmoniously, as though recounting an ancient, eternal tale.
The babble of the stream and the "whispers" of the forest blend into a serene and timeless melody—a secluded haven far removed from conflict and clamor, evoking a deep sense of longing.
Suddenly, all the animals freeze, as if sensing something.
Their ears perk up and their eyes uniformly turn toward the southern sky in vigilant watch.
Even the deer drinking at the bank, the lounging wolves, and the dancing fairy-like beings all lift their heads, fixated on the distant horizon.
Soon, a low, rumbling sound—like distant thunder—rolls from the south.
That sound transforms the previously tranquil forest into an atmosphere charged with tension.
The deer's antlers flash with intermittent light, the wolves' fur bristles, and the fairy-like beings cease their playful dance.
Before long, a vast fleet, led by an Emperor-class battleship, sweeps low and steadily over the forest canopy.
The engines emit a deep, resonant roar, and enormous shadows are cast upon the ground—as if titanic beasts are slowly approaching.
Under the sunlight, the fleet's armor gleams with cold metallic brilliance; its turrets and sensors radiate an aura of formidable menace.
From a vantage point high above, it is clear that this fleet's target is the immense space gate rising from the heart of the jungle.
Behind the fleet, the faint outline of a large city can be seen. Yet this city's architecture, despite its modern transit systems—numerous aerial tracks and routes bustling with craft—bears an uncanny resemblance to the medieval style of old Earth.
Most of its buildings are low and unadorned, with stone walls overgrown with vines, pointed towers, and arched windows reminiscent of an ancient town.
Even though several colossal structures stand in the city center, their exteriors and rooftops are blanketed with lush vegetation, merging seamlessly with the natural environment and exuding a unique vitality.
On the city's outskirts, military barracks, farms, and manors also adopt a medieval aesthetic.
Within the walls, soldiers in training—and even teenagers freshly undergoing genetic seed implantation—wear vintage armor and wield spears and shields, as if stepping out of a historic tableau.
Yet their armor is augmented with modern condensed batteries, and their weapons emit low-power hard-light beams, perfectly marrying the ancient with the modern.
Occasionally, one can also see members of the Fist of the Empire clad in Titanium armor. Their helmet designs, reminiscent of knights, exude dignity as they ride griffins high above the city and forest, safeguarding the land's peace.
The griffins' wings shimmer with a metallic glow in the sunlight, each flap stirring a gentle breeze.
Simultaneously, elven warriors astride hawk-beasts appear in the sky.
Their armor is modern and exquisite, and their bows and spears emit hard-light beams.
These elven warriors patrol alongside the Astartes of the Fist of the Empire, their interlaced silhouettes embodying the unique charm of this world.
In fact, Terylla is indeed one of the most popular planets in the Human Empire.
Not only does it possess unique "magic" absent on other worlds, but it also harbors many of the fantastical races and bizarre landscapes described in the literature of old Earth.
From its enchanted, dense forests to its towering elven spires; from mysterious dragon lairs to ancient dwarven mines—Terylla appears as if it were a dream sprung from a fairy tale.
Its zoological park is the most popular attraction in the Empire—undoubtedly so.
Children's eyes light up with excitement and wonder upon seeing the exotic, well-fed griffins and hawk-beasts.
These gentle, endearing creatures, which even interact with visitors, make every child feel like the protagonist of a fairy tale.
The Terylla Zoo is perfect for family outings—parents rediscover the wonder of their childhoods, while children explore a world of magic.
For enamored couples, it is also a romantic destination where hand in hand they may stroll through enchanted forests or gaze over the city's nightscape from the pinnacle of an elven tower.
For most men—and especially for adolescent boys—Terylla's greatest allure remains its exquisitely beautiful, noble elven women.
Their graceful figures and picture-perfect faces, every gesture exuding an ineffable charm, captivate all who behold them.
Yet the reason the elves are willing to rally an entire clan to assist the Human Empire is not solely due to ideological "alignment."
Firstly, it is the special, indescribable relationship between the Elven Queen, Tinas Losrian, and the Human Emperor.
Tinas is not only the leader of the elven race but also one of the Emperor's most trusted confidantes.
Her wisdom and nurturing care have earned the deep respect of many genetic originals, who even refer to her as "Mother."
Secondly, there is the close bond between the genetic original Dorn and the elven people—so much so that he is even considered a "son-in-law" of the elven race.
Dorn's deputy, Aoi-Luosilian, is not only a distinguished representative of the elves but also his most capable aide.
She has long assisted Dorn in both political and military affairs, earning immense prestige within the Fist of the Empire through her talent and loyalty.
Furthermore, by direct appointment of the Human Emperor, Dorn is soon to marry Aoi-Luosilian, becoming the first genetic original to form a marriage alliance with the elves.
This union is not merely a marriage between two races—it symbolizes the profound friendship between the Human Empire and the elven people.
For these reasons, the elves willingly donate the treasures they have accumulated over thousands of years—their rare materials, ancient elven craftsmanship, and countless priceless manuscripts.
This infusion of wealth has made the Fist of the Empire one of the richest corps within the Human Empire.
In collaboration with the many dwarven craftsmen of Terylla, the equipment level of the Fist of the Empire far exceeds that of other units; many squad leaders—and even entire assault teams—are now equipped with power armor forged from mithril.
This armor is not only lightweight and resilient but also imbued with the capacity to store and release psychic energy, greatly enhancing the Fist's defensive capabilities.
In short, while the Fist of the Empire might not match the ferocity of the Sacred Blood Angels or the speed of the Shadow Wolves on offense, when it comes to defense, if the Fist claims to be second, no one dares contest that they are first.
Their defensive lines are as impregnable as a wall of bronze; no enemy can breach them.
Whether facing alien invasions or the onslaught of chaos, the warriors of the Fist of the Empire always hold their ground, serving as the Empire's most solid shield.
Meanwhile, the elven people of Terylla not only provide material support to the Fist of the Empire but also endlessly inspire them spiritually.
The perfect fusion of elven artistry and human technology has given rise to countless miracles.
Be it the towering defensive spires or the magical barriers that envelope Terylla's cities and towns, Terylla has become one of the most impregnable fortresses in the Human Empire.
At that moment, an Emperor-class battleship emblazoned with "Eternal Expedition" on its sides was the first to cross the colossal space gate.
On the bridge, as the ship slowly passed through the gate, a soft flash of white light revealed the layout and personnel within.
There, clad in golden power armor, Dorn stood behind the observation window.
His imposing figure, his white sideburns, and his increasingly "traditional" countenance made him appear even more towering and majestic; the exquisite patterns and Chinese inscriptions on his armor spoke of the endless honor and responsibility he bore as a genetic original.
Through the observation window, one could see the Imperial palace on main universe Earth rising imperiously; its golden dome glittered under the sun like an unassailable monument.
Around the palace, countless warships and aircraft crisscrossed the skies in a busy, orderly manner, preparing for the impending "expedition."
Under the careful control of the crew and the ship's intelligent AI, the Eternal Expedition battleship began to adjust its course.
A deep, resonant roar filled the bridge, as if a great beast were awakening, and every precise, fluid movement of the ship showcased the pinnacle of Human Empire technology.
Beside Dorn stood Aoi-Luosilian, resplendent in silvery-white armor.
Her golden hair was elegantly styled, and her expression was cool and refined, reminiscent of a fairy from ancient legend.
Her armor, too, was adorned with delicate runes and accented with jewels capable of storing and releasing psychic energy, forming a striking contrast with Dorn's golden armor.
Her gaze was calm and profound, and every gesture exuded an ineffable nobility.
Also present on the bridge was the "Admiral" in charge of overseeing all auxiliary forces of the Fist of the Empire—a young general from a border town on Terylla named Pietro Bomil.
This quintessential soldier, once an adventuring companion of Dorn and Vulcan, was among Dorn's most trusted commanders.
Pietro had received injections of the Inquist serum and undergone partial cybernetic enhancements, endowing him with physical capabilities far beyond those of ordinary men.
His chin was still speckled with stubble, his long black hair combed back immaculately, and his features and gaze radiated determination and resolve.
As for Solyan, the dwarf companion who had once adventured with them, he did not follow the main forces into Universe 17.
Freely spirited and disdainful of bureaucratic formalities, Solyan had been appointed by Dorn as a technical advisor to Terylla's Engineering Department.
He was only summoned to lend his expertise when technical challenges arose, acting as an intermediary with the reclusive, eccentric legendary dwarven artisans who would only assist when persuaded by him.
Solyan thus served as a bridge, linking the Fist of the Empire with the wisdom and strength of the dwarven people.
At this moment, however, Dorn's gaze grew complex as he looked out the observation window, clearly distracted from the imminent "expedition."
For Dorn found it hard to imagine that his father had arranged a "marriage alliance."
Although he held Aoi-Luosilian in high regard, ever since he learned of his own—and his brothers'—"uniqueness," Dorn found it difficult to envision a future where he would have a wife to accompany him for the rest of his nearly infinite life.
The question remained: Are he and Aoi-Luosilian truly "compatible"?
Could they truly produce offspring together?
And could she truly stand by him until the end?
Moreover, just days ago, his father had privately discussed this with him before publicly announcing that he was about to form a marriage alliance with the direct-line niece of the Elven Empress.
Thinking of this, Dorn sighed silently.
"Father." Just then, an officer from the Fist of the Empire's communications team suddenly reported, "Dr. Catherine Halse is requesting a communication—shall I connect?"
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Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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