Astartes Eighteenth Legion Salamanders Conquered World — Tourist World No.11, District 11 Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Chiba Prefecture.
Early morning on the streets of Chiba was already a sea of traffic. Crowds bustled everywhere, shops had opened their doors, and small groups of pedestrians strolled through the ever-rising cityscape.
As the sun climbed higher, the city's noise gradually swelled. People pressed shoulder to shoulder, the metropolis awakening and beginning to truly "live," presenting a scene of flourishing prosperity.
Gigantic virtual screens, neon projection signboards, towering statues of Astartes warriors, specially constructed fountains and gardens, marble arches draped with fluttering banners, the ubiquitous golden double-headed aquila emblem, suspended trains, security robots running along preset routes, barrel-shaped cleaning robots, fully armed patrol officers...
People hurried into a new day of busyness, exchanging brief yet polite greetings with acquaintances they encountered. It was clear from their faces that something called hope for life was shining there.
Last night, a batch of soldiers from the Servitor Army Eleventh Regiment who had embarked on their return journey had basically arrived home. Quite a few were natives of Chiba. Since they were all from the same place, once you traced back relatives—second aunts, third uncles—you could always find some connection. Family reunions, rewards delivered to the household, joy was only natural.
Beyond that, life truly was getting better at a pace visible to the naked eye.
The Salamanders Legion—their culture of compassion toward mortals meant that they treated all colonial worlds under their command equally. They always did everything within their power to help their worlds emerge from the scars of war, patiently guiding their development.
Perhaps in terms of efficiency, the Salamanders Legion could not compare with the First Legion Dark Angels, the Second Legion Retributors, or the Thirteenth Legion Ultramarines. But in terms of harmonious coexistence with ordinary people and the happiness of civilians under their rule, even the Ninth Legion Blood Angels could not match them.
Of course, there was one prerequisite: Imperial citizens must not be rebels. Pay your taxes and remain loyal.
At most, the emperor at the top had changed from the old heavenly sovereign to the Imperial Empress, and the governing body had shifted from a cabinet "small government" constrained by financial conglomerates and capital to a highly centralized "big government"—the all-encompassing local Governor's Office.
For ordinary people, there was naturally little impact. Life went on as it always had. In fact, many welcomed it. Those who truly felt discomfort were the former great capitalists, major landowners, and descendants of the old nobility—no longer able to lord over others.
...
Chiba XXX Residential District, Hikigaya Residence.
Cyberpunk aesthetics mixed with classical Gothic and traditional Japanese architecture... It gave off an uncanny sense of time displacement, like a grand eclectic fusion, yet possessed its own unique beauty.
As a true Chiba native who dearly loved his hometown,
Hachiman Hikigaya, who had just awakened from a night of deep sleep and stood on the second-floor balcony brushing his teeth, patted the railing. The house had been expanded as well. He could not help but nod in satisfaction.
"What?! Bro, you're saying there's going to be a crackdown?! We shouldn't go out recently?!"
"Did a shell blast rattle your brain on the battlefield or something? It's the period when the regiment is returning home. Soldiers are everywhere. Who would be crazy enough to cause trouble at a time like this? Waaah, Komachi's so worried about you!"
At that moment, Komachi Hikigaya—dressed in a cute light-green pajama set—rushed out anxiously, just like the headbutts she used to launch at her brother during their childhood scuffles.
But her older brother was no longer what he used to be. With a single extended finger, he stopped her from advancing even an inch.
"All right, spill it, Komachi. How many vacation plans did you secretly prepare in advance this time?" Hachiman Hikigaya asked irritably, thoroughly familiar with his little sister's mischievous nature.
"Onii-chan, today is the first day of your leave. Have you already decided how you're going to spend it? You know, you don't even have homework this time—and you even get an allowance! Waaah! I'm so jealous!"
Avoiding a direct answer, Komachi Hikigaya grabbed her brother's hand and spoke pitifully. By the end, she had already started fake crying—obviously fake!
After last night's feast and celebration, Komachi had fallen asleep from exhaustion. Meanwhile, Hachiman Hikigaya had told their parents about the visibly strengthened Imperial security forces he saw at the spaceport—especially the arrival of Astartes angels—along with the events at the ground-to-orbit elevator.
He suspected that some major figure had arrived. He leaned toward canceling the long-distance travel plans their parents had arranged for after his return. Staying home felt perfectly fine. Not only could he reunite with his parents and enjoy this long-lost warmth, it also aligned more closely with his true inner desires.
Even after enduring rigorous military tempering and baptism by gunfire, once he returned to his original family and relaxed, the urge to stay cooped up at home inevitably resurfaced.
His parents agreed with him after hearing his explanation.
Imperial society was wonderful in many ways. If it was one's local world, everyone more or less knew each other. Many mid- and lower-level government positions were held by locals. Information circulated. No one stood at an incomprehensibly higher tier. The absolute authority gap of a feudal hierarchy did not feel overly pronounced.
But what if they encountered a grand noble or major figure from another star sector—or worse, from the Imperial heartland—arriving on inspection?
Those people truly could decide life and death with a single sentence.
In the Americas region, a certain high-ranking family that had risen to deputy continental administrative chief after cooperating well post-war had been destroyed because of one unfilial son. Arrogant and reckless, he had run his mouth and collided with an inspecting Internal Affairs officer. He was executed on the spot. His family was implicated. They not only lost their position but also dragged tens of thousands down with them in collective punishment.
That was when many people woke up to reality. The prosperity of colonial worlds was built upon the Empire's vast market and seemingly limitless supply of raw materials. At its core, the Empire remained that rigidly stratified, harshly authoritarian regime.
Being alive mattered more than anything. Although the odds of encountering such figures were slim, and they would likely never notice a small family like the Hikigayas, what if they did?
There would be plenty of opportunities for recreation in the future. No need to rush now. The Hikigaya family was small and insignificant. With Hachiman having shed blood for the Empire, as long as they did not participate in anything reckless, they were unlikely to be implicated. Staying home was safest.
Komachi must have heard from Mom and Dad that all the travel plans were canceled, so she came to act spoiled, Hachiman Hikigaya thought, rubbing his little sister's head.
"So you've finally revealed your true intentions."
He generously patted his chest and added, "Although it's recommended that we avoid going out too much, we can still stroll around Chiba locally. Onii-chan's allowance and rewards are quite substantial. Whatever you want, we can just order it online."
"Hai, hai!"
Komachi Hikigaya scratched the back of her head and smiled somewhat sheepishly. In truth, it wasn't as if she absolutely had to travel far to have fun. She wasn't an unreasonable child. She had simply wanted to act spoiled.
"You said it yourself, Onii-chan. I have to say, from Komachi's scoring perspective, that answer earns very high marks!"
Clenching her small fist, sticking out her tongue, and playfully tapping her head, Komachi Hikigaya scampered off.
"Hachiman! Honestly, if you're brushing your teeth, do it properly at the sink! Don't bring regiment habits into the house. You'll set a bad example for Komachi! And hurry up and finish washing—breakfast is ready!"
Mrs. Hikigaya's slightly reproachful voice drifted over, causing a smile to curl at Hachiman Hikigaya's lips. "Coming!"
At the dining table in the living room.
"Onii-chan, hurry up!" Now changed into her casual clothes, Komachi Hikigaya held a knife and fork and shouted toward her brother.
"Komachi! No shouting at the table. What have I taught you? That's improper!"
"Ugh..." Under Mrs. Hikigaya's sharp gaze, Komachi Hikigaya immediately shrank her neck and said meekly, "It's just that Onii-chan came back. Komachi got a little excited."
"I'm here, I'm here."
After washing up, Hachiman Hikigaya changed out of his robe into a simple, neat dark green T-shirt and sat down. The muscles along his exposed arms were corded and powerful, his physique solid and compact, giving off an incomparable sense of security.
Mr. Hikigaya could not help sighing. "You've grown up. Truly grown up. You're already the pillar of this family."
"Dad, save the tearful reflections for later. Don't raise any flags now. We're all together—being happy is what matters. Ahm!"
As she spoke, Komachi Hikigaya popped a piece of tamagoyaki into her mouth in one bite, then looked toward her brother with a blissful expression.
"Mm."
Hachiman nodded. Looking at the dazzling spread of breakfast—both beautiful and fragrant—he could not help feeling that everything he had done was worth it.
He could clearly sense it. Beyond the traditional miso soup, natto, and rice balls, ingredients from alien worlds that had once been impossible to obtain now appeared on the table.
He saw it plainly. Although more of these ingredients might have been purchased specifically after his return, the sea-king fish steaks and massive beast thighs still stored in the refrigerator showed that with his allowance supplementing the household, both their quality of life and their living environment had improved significantly.
"Onii-chan, originally I planned to take you to the Moon Banquet Festival hosted by Tōtsuki Culinary Academy in Tokyo. Today is the opening day. There will be brilliant young chefs from all over presenting unforgettable dishes. It would definitely be a festival to remember..."
"But who would've thought Mom would cook in advance? Now we have to stay home. Ugh, what a letdown."
As she spoke, Komachi Hikigaya looked regretful. Even the little ahoge on top of her head drooped.
"It's inside Tokyo?" Hachiman asked curiously after swallowing two salmon rice balls in quick succession and taking a large gulp of miso soup.
He knew of Tōtsuki Culinary Academy. It was a prestigious culinary school renowned worldwide.
"Hehe..."
As if thinking of something, Komachi Hikigaya put down her utensils and gave a mischievous grin. "Since we're staying home anyway, how about inviting Yuihama-san and Yukinoshita-san over to hang out?"
"..."
Hachiman felt a flicker of temptation—but ultimately restrained himself.
Speaking of which, his acquaintance with Yuihama Yui and Yukinoshita Yukino had been something of a karmic entanglement. In a moment of impulsiveness, he had nearly been hit by one of their private cars while trying to save one of their dogs.
Then, coincidentally, he had witnessed the Salamanders Legion's conquest of the world. A Salamanders warrior had seen the boy's courage and kindness and casually rescued him. After that, he had rushed home like a madman and taken shelter with his parents and sister.
Inside the shelter, he encountered the same dachshund and its owner, the Yuihama family, as well as the Yukinoshita family—the very ones who had nearly run him over.
Because of Hachiman being saved by an Astartes warrior—a "legendary" experience—Mrs. Yukinoshita, usually so strong-willed, had taken the initiative to speak with the boy. Mrs. Yuihama, after hearing her daughter's account, had also thanked him for helping her daughter. Thus, his strange connection with them began.
As for the details... well, that period was difficult to describe.
After returning to school post-war and going through a series of events, Hachiman Hikigaya eventually dropped out and walked the path of enlisting in the Servitor Army Eleventh Regiment of this tourist world.
Just as Hachiman was hesitating awkwardly, a sudden honking sound was sharply caught by his trained ears. A flash of joy crossed his eyes. With a clatter, he abruptly shot to his feet.
Startled mid-bite, Komachi Hikigaya froze. "Whoa! Bro, what are you doing? You scared me!"
Hachiman said solemnly yet excitedly, "Dad, Mom, tidy up." Then he turned and rushed upstairs without another word.
Outside, it sounded as if a convoy was passing. Voices overlapped, footsteps thundered.
Ding-dong!
The doorbell rang. Mr. Hikigaya quickly realized something. Exchanging a glance with his wife, the joy in his eyes was impossible to conceal. He hurried to the entrance and opened the door.
In that instant, an Auxilia officer in formal dress uniform and a peaked cap stood before them. The Aquila Cross medal at his collar shone brilliantly.
Behind him stood several soldiers in dress uniform holding briefcases. Local security officers in uniform were stationed everywhere. The roadside had been sealed off. Several hover vehicles were parked nearby—some bearing military insignia, others municipal hall markings. Quite a few pedestrians had already stopped to watch.
"Mr. Hikigaya, Mrs. Hikigaya, pardon the disturbance."
The Auxilia officer paused, glancing at the somewhat overwhelmed couple and Komachi Hikigaya in the entryway, as if confirming information. He stepped forward and nodded politely before clasping his hands behind his back and calling out loudly:
"Private First Class Hachiman Hikigaya!"
"Servitor Army Eleventh Regiment, Security Division, Sixteenth Mixed Group, Nineteenth Company, Ground Combat Private First Class Hachiman Hikigaya—present!"
In the next instant, fully dressed in the uniform of the Servitor Army Eleventh Regiment, Hachiman jogged forward in small, precise steps. He halted beneath the entryway, stood at attention, and with a sharp clack, his boot heels struck together. He delivered a powerful military salute.
The officer returned a standard salute. "Step forward!"
"Yes, sir!"
The moment he stepped outside the doorway—
"Attention!"
Boots struck the ground in unison. The onlookers beyond the cordon instantly fell silent.
Before the door, all Auxilia troops, Servitor soldiers, and local security officers stood straight as spears.
"Private First Class Hachiman Hikigaya!"
The officer turned, unfolding the commendation document.
"In recognition of your participation in siege warfare, urban combat, and security operations; for repeated acts of bravery during your service; for personally beheading... eliminating... destroying enemy armored combat units... assisting in the destruction of armored units... and for four significant contributions toward suppressing and dismantling urban resistance organizations—upon recommendation by the Auxilia Eleventh Regiment Command, approval by the Astartes Eighteenth Legion Headquarters, review by the Imperial Ministry of War, and ratification by the Imperial Ministry of Internal Affairs—"
"You are hereby awarded the Third-Class Silver Eagle Medal."
"Promoted to Sergeant, Officer Candidate, and elevated to Second-Class Military Merit Peerage! Effective immediately!"
Clack!
Standing at attention once more, Hachiman lifted his chin high and straightened his spine, thrusting his chest forward. With the loudest roar he could muster, he shouted:
"Fight for the Empire! For the Empress—! Long live the Empire!"
"The Empire will remember your outstanding performance, soldier!"
The Auxilia officer nodded, pinned the Silver Eagle Medal to Hachiman's chest, and gave his shoulder a firm pat. "Seize this opportunity, soldier. I look forward to your future performance."
Turning, the officer placed the commendation document atop a briefcase engraved with a gilded double-headed aquila emblem and solemnly presented it with both hands.
"Yes, sir!"
No matter how much he had mentally prepared himself, when it finally rested in his hands, Hachiman Hikigaya's fingers trembled uncontrollably with emotion.
It had not been easy. Countless brushes with death had earned him this—this promotion that would change his fate.