Chapter 362: The Dawn Arrives
Vigilus Starport Central Concourse
The architecture here was grey-white, appearing somewhat monotonous but imposing. Exquisite carvings were everywhere, depicting vast collectives of humanity: the grand charge of the Astra Militarum, the busy assembly lines of manufactorums.
Divided into five zones, the terrain rose gradually, separated by tower-like walls. While retaining solemnity, it also gave a sense of military austerity.
Various emblems were painted on the broad stone pavement. The Rogue Trader could barely recognize the sigils of Astartes, Astra Militarum, and other Imperial forces among them.
The quality of people in this exchange was astounding.
Members of the Vigilus Merchant Guild, Administratum officials, Arbites tax officers...
You might even encounter an Admiral from a Cadian Gate defense fleet or a member of an Astartes Chapter resupplying here.
The Imperium did not lack slaves and laborers, but its fleets sorely lacked high-quality technician groups capable of maintaining warship interiors, as well as an efficient transit hub.
Vigilus was perfect. While resupplying the fleet, one could even lead fleet members to the surface to experience the rejuvenation treatments that were the best in the Obscurus Segmentum.
Most amazingly, every department had an office below the concourse. Once a conclusion was reached, one could go directly to the relevant department to register.
Rather than a concourse, it was more like a simple conference hall where conclusions could be implemented quickly, only without anyone presiding over this grand meeting.
The Rogue Trader's arrival didn't attract much attention; his opulent clothes were unremarkable here.
He shrugged helplessly. His squad dispersed immediately to gather intelligence, while he began to observe the gathering place for familiar faces.
"..."
The Rogue Trader withdrew his gaze.
He seemed to have arrived a bit early.
"Are you from the Calixis Sector?"
A slightly portly middle-aged merchant approached. Noticing the emblem on the Rogue Trader, he quickly said:
"I have two routes to the frontier of the Cadian Gate here."
"Oh?"
The Rogue Trader leaned back slightly, surprised that the other party had deduced his purpose directly.
Yes, he had traveled thousands of light-years to Vigilus to use this stable stronghold as a base for exploring the frontier of the Cadian Gate.
After the 'Cadian Gate Self-Defense Counterattack' ended, with reality further stabilized, the Eye of Terror underwent a rare contraction, exposing countless unexplored worlds within.
The Regent seemed to be a proponent of passive defense, showing little interest in interstellar exploration, dedicating himself to building starforts and consolidating the defense of the Cadian Gate.
But for a Rogue Trader, an unexplored sector full of xenos technology was an unimaginable treasure.
"I am obliged to remind you that the supply operations for the Space Wolves during the war were no less in military scale than Cadia. Many merchant ships under Imperial fleet escort have a certain understanding of various routes."
The attendant beside him reminded him.
The merchant retreated resentfully.
Realizing he had almost been scammed, the Rogue Trader thanked him:
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
The attendant shook his head, then explained.
"Although the sector government does not prioritize the development of the 'frontier', it has standardized exploration plans at the Primarch's request, handing supervision over to the Arbites to further reduce the impact of the free market. These merchants are just trying to make a quick buck during this window period. Their routes will soon be invalid."
"Then what is your suggestion, sir?"
The Rogue Trader felt fortunate for his generosity just now.
"If you want to know who has the most comprehensive information on the surroundings of the Eye of Terror, it's only the Space Wolves."
The attendant pointed to an Astartes office not far away.
"They led the offensive against the rear of the Eye of Terror. No one knows how much information they gathered in the process."
A Space Wolf sat with legs wide on a sturdy bench, feasting wildly. Beside him was a Rune Priest, clinking glasses of dark liquor with him.
Burp~
The Space Wolf let out a thunderous belch, a pungent smell spreading everywhere.
The Rogue Trader looked troubled.
"It seems they don't welcome new members at the moment."
The attendant shrugged with a smile.
These Imperial merchants saw the Space Wolves set up a stall and planned to fleece them, unaware that these Astartes were sharp.
"I suggest you come back later, or go to the surface to have a look—"
He suggested.
Beep beep~
Suddenly, the emblem on the attendant's chest vibrated twice.
His face changed instantly.
"What's wrong?"
The Rogue Trader was confused.
"Please follow me to the viewing platform. Of course, you can also ask me to stay here with you."
The attendant said with a smile.
At the same moment his voice fell, the crowd in the assembly hall suddenly surged towards the transparent window edge.
The Space Wolf who was isolating himself from the world also slammed his cup and stood up at the Rune Priest's reminder.
"Lead the way, please."
The puzzled Rogue Trader waited for his companions to return to his side and said immediately.
He came to the high platform of the inner sanctum. Many people gathered here; the Rogue Trader could even see civilian tourists.
"Entry with a ticket," the attendant reminded, staring intently ahead.
The Rogue Trader also looked up, then froze.
He saw the dawn.
It was a sight the Rogue Trader found hard to describe.
The crowd acted spontaneously.
No Ecclesiarchy propaganda, no planetary government incitement, no mandatory work stoppage before a large gathering.
People enjoying their leisure time spontaneously came to the port to watch the glorious fleet enter, expressing their emotions with cheers.
In the enclaves that once belonged to the noble pleasure gardens, where light could only touch the highest spires and few could witness the moment of glory, tens of millions of residents living there had long since been able to reach the high places.
Most people came to the edge of the viewports. Some pilgrims from remote systems exhausted their money and favors just to be closer to that glorious fleet.
A few, whether old, rebellious, or foolish, drilled into luxurious halls or stayed in simple sanctuaries, either closing their eyes to pray or dismissing it.
For most people, the time when they left the hive city and saw clear sunlight for the first time was as distant as a dream.
They looked at the abundant food, clutching the corners of their decent clothes.
Some smiled, some shed tears.
For the majority, the gradually brightening light was like a promise, and also a farewell to the past.
As the sun slid across the sky, in the eyes of countless people, some watched it go, whispering prayers to a man who refused to be called a god, whispering prayers to existences integrated into humanity.
That glorious fleet had arrived.
Vigilus Starport, The Dawnlight
Ramesses walked into the office happily.
"Hey, the communication network construction is done. Now both humans and Eldar can interact with real-time information through the Infinity Circuit constructed in the Dawnlight."
He came to Romulus's side and picked up a document casually.
Finally done, finally no need to endure countless voices jabbering in his head.
Let Old Ro worry about it himself in the future.
"Oh."
The Regent bent over the desk responded symbolically, while Drakus beside him handed over another document.
"Take a look at these materials. The details have been sent to you via the internal network. Once the paper documents are approved, send them down. Pick the people yourself, lead them yourself. Maximize detachment from Eldar technical constraints."
Romulus explained.
"Oh."
Obviously, the joy of liberation lasted only a moment.
Construction of Independent Psychic Communication Network, Modification of Psychic War Weapons, Analysis and Research of Eldar Soul Characteristics...
Ramesses looked closely and immediately looked desperate.
"Can I not do it?"
He asked hopefully.
"No."
Romulus replied flatly.
"Fine."
Ramesses shook his head, accepted it simply, then turned around.
"By the way, one more thing."
Romulus sent another document.
"You need to participate in the initial experiments of the Slipstream Module. Report to Arthur in two days to collect data."
"Oh."
Ramesses turned his head and nodded.
Then stepped forward.
"One more thing—"
"? Can you finish it all at once?"
"This is the last one."
Romulus threw another generated document.
"For the Navigator Houses. Later, we need to assist the Space Wolves in continuing to explore the Eye of Terror routes. You need to send someone for psychic guidance."
"Okay."
Ramesses reached out to take it, hurriedly stepping to push open the door.
"Wait!"
"There's more?"
"Yes."
"You said that was the last one."
"Just came in."
"..."
"Sigh, ah—give it here!"
Under the increasingly cheerful smile of Victrix Guard Secretary-General Drakus, the two like-minded partners completed the handover of work and separated again.
Hum~
Starlight pierced the projection, running figures and warm light entered the view.
Romulus raised his eyes, looked at the crowd full of expectation, and smiled.
The joy of victory had been enjoyed long enough.
Now they would throw themselves back into the daily grind of life.
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