The very instant the Astral Express materialized fully in the vast emptiness of space, two translucent lines of notification appeared in front of Datch's eyes.
[Welcome, Anonymous Guest, to the user interface of the Astral Express.]
[May your journey ultimately lead to the stars.]
The prompt slowly faded away, replaced by the interface itself.
The very first thing that caught Datch's eye was a brightly lit option: "Enter the Train".
"Show me what it's like inside the train!"
Without a second's hesitation, Datch chose to enter.
In just a split second, the space around him warped. The next moment, everything snapped back to normal, as if nothing at all had happened.
Looking around, Datch realized he now stood in a wide corridor. Beneath his feet stretched a dark, mirror-smooth floor adorned with simple star patterns. Overhead, a gently arched dome held orbs of soft light aloft, bathing the hall in a pleasant, non-glaring glow. The air was refreshingly crisp, scented like a forest after rain—a world apart from the concoction of engine oil, sweat, and incense that always hung thick inside Imperial starships.
"Not bad, not bad…"
Datch was genuinely satisfied with this environment.
It seemed that from now on, the Astral Express would serve as his main base. Whenever he felt tired, he could simply summon the train to rest; when he had free time, he could drive the train to repair the main roads, racing to build superhighways across the entire Milky Way as quickly as possible.
Currently, Datch found himself in an observation lounge flanked by large arched windows. Through them stretched a vast sea of stars and densely packed Imperial fleet formations. By the windows, elegant small tables and plush sofas created a comfortable viewing nook. Walk down the corridor, and you'd reach the various train cars.
This train, built by the pioneering Aeon Akivili, was composed of numerous carriages each boasting unique functions: a party car for dining and socializing, a panorama car for relaxation, and cabins where passengers could rest or store their possessions.
Inside, an unnatural hush reigned, broken only by the faint hum of running machinery.
Together with the Changeling, Life Spirit and the Masque of Slaanesh, Datch advanced, passing through several cars. Then, suddenly, a clear and dignified voice echoed through the carriage:
"Honored Master, Conductor Pam is delighted to serve you."
Datch glanced toward the source of the voice—and saw, not far away, a small figure bowing respectfully. At first, Datch thought it was just a short person, but on closer inspection, he realized it wasn't human at all. Instead, it was an odd creature—reminiscent of a droop-eared rabbit, with pure white fur, walking upright on two legs. The other wore a finely tailored, dark-red uniform and a small, tall hat. Its eyes shone with an intelligent light, radiating a cute, appealing presence.
"Are you the conductor?" Datch eyed adorable Pam curiously.
"What can you do?"
"My primary responsibilities are the maintenance and upkeep of the train, and to obey the commands of you, its owner—taking you wherever you wish to go."
"Pam awaits your orders, Master. Come, let us depart at once on a grand journey among the stars!"
After Pam's introduction, Datch's smile brightened even more.
"I didn't expect to have dedicated staff come with the Astral Express. Marvelous!"
With a conductor at his side, all he had to do was enjoy himself and give orders. Next, he'd head to subspace and capture Servants in huge numbers—turning them into ruthless capitalists.
"Pfft…"
"Plop, plop…"
Life Spirit, who'd been perched on Datch's shoulder, hopped down and ambled over to Pam the conductor. Mesmerized by Pam's fluffy appearance, Life Spirit instantly felt an affection—a strong urge to scoop Pam up with his pudgy little paws.
But the very moment Pam saw Life Spirit lunging, she transformed into motes of light and vanished. When she reappeared, she'd already placed herself at a safe distance from Life Spirit. Realizing that she wouldn't get a hug, Life Spirit lowered her head with a sad little sigh and clambered back to Datch's shoulder with tiny outstretched legs.
Meanwhile, the Changeling studied Pam closely, noting that he couldn't see any visible lifeline, piquing his curiosity about her origins. The Masque of Slaanesh stole a few glances at Pam, then quietly slipped behind Datch to hide.
"Master, please, this way. I'll show you the Astral Express's features."
Pam guided her new master Datch through various train cars, explaining the basic structure of the train. Unlike the strict utilitarianism of Imperial warships, the Astral Express emphasized comfort and luxury, standing as a testament to both advanced technology and indulgent opulence.
When they reached the driver's seat, Datch pointed to the panel lined with countless buttons:
"What's the train's current status? Are we ready to depart?"
Pam's ears twitched. In her usual courteous tone, she replied:
"Reporting: all Astral Express systems are functioning normally, and every feature is fully operational."
"However, there's one thing you should know—the Astral Express cannot acquire the power to forge its own destiny here."
"To travel around the stars along stable orbits, you, Master, must pay the appropriate price."
A chill ran down Datch's spine. An ominous feeling came over him.
"A price…?"
Datch opened the "Exploration" interface to check how much it would cost to plot a stellar route. When he looked in the envelope, he saw that the so-called price was really something called points—the ones he'd been collecting. To carve out even a portion of a stellar route, a fixed number of mission points needed to be spent.
"Points again. Why do game devs always make you throw away so many points? Transforming planets requires points, laying railway tracks takes points, every single big infrastructure project has a price tag.
Entering the Warhammer world makes you little more than a pack animal—no rest for the weary."
Consulting the table of construction costs, Datch felt his chest tighten—railway construction was unbelievably expensive! Still, with the train summoned, there was no turning back.
Following Pam's instructions, Datch opened the build interface and entered the jump coordinates for the Macragge System. After the first jump, the Astral Express would automatically lay a star-shaped track; from then on, the route could be used freely, no further points needed.
Based on Datch's choices, Pam quickly formulated and presented the optimal solution, along with the points required to complete it.
"Plan confirmed."
Datch experienced a twinge of regret at using up all the points he'd worked so hard to collect, but he still pressed the confirm button. From now on, all he could do was complete every assigned task, raking in massive amounts of points so he could reshape this universe to his own desires.
…
In the void of the Paradis System, activity was frenzied. Numerous rescue ships searched for survivors and towed damaged warships to the mechanical Ark for repairs; elsewhere, maintenance crews welded and serviced wounded ships.
Busy hands ground to a halt as the sudden arrival of the Astral Express was noticed.
"Could this be the work of the Nameless One?"
"Will he perform another miracle for us?"
Many in the First Fleet immediately assumed the Nameless One was behind it. Only he could send such a train into space—only he.
But confusion soon followed. The train looked incredibly futuristic, but just how was it supposed to be used? Were they supposed to lay down two tracks? If so, one could only conclude the Nameless One must be unspeakably bored.
…
The Macragge's Honour Research Chamber, dedicated to the glory of the Primarch.
Guilliman stood before the observation window, gazing intently at the train floating in the void, a faint trace of surprise in his eyes. To be entirely honest, the Nameless One was full of secrets—whenever you thought you'd unraveled them, he'd always think of something new.
"Activate the bird-detector, maximum output scan. I want all the data on that train—readings, frequencies, physical parameters, everything."
Guilliman ordered the bridge to send data at all times.
A short distance away, aboard the Stilborn ship battleship, Natase and his Eldar crew also gathered before an observation window, faces full of confusion and astonishment. They tried to observe the train—but, just like all objects related to the Nameless One, it was shrouded in endless mist. There was nothing but sheer, impenetrable chaos, not even the faintest clue.
Just as everyone was baffled, Pam, following Datch's orders, activated the Astral Express's engine. Brilliant rays of light shimmered around the train's chassis, swirling and whirling. Slowly, the train began to move forward, twisting the very fabric of space and time around it. Before its streamlined prow, the void undulated and spun like water. The brightness at the center increased dramatically, transforming into a brilliantly lit circular portal with stable edges, through which strange light poured.
No ear-splitting roar. No shockwave diffusing energy. The train, trailing a glowing tail, vanished into the luminous tunnel like a shooting star.
Even after the train passed, the portal remained—a perfectly stable spatial gateway suspended in place.
"What's going on?"
"Did the train summoned by the Nameless One disappear into that tunnel of light?"
"…What is the Nameless One doing?"
Those who saw the Astral Express vanish into the portal traded stunned looks—everyone wanted answers.
Minutes later, a preliminary report on the light tunnel and the train was delivered to Guilliman. According to the Mechanicus Sages' report, the mysterious light surrounding the train defied explanation, but they could track its effects on space-time. The stable portal created an opening in reality, forming a tunnel through space and time—the far end still unknown.
"Send out scout ships to investigate and gather all related info."
After reviewing the initial report, Guilliman quickly gave the order. Several Imperial scout ships controlled by servitors flew towards the light tunnel, entering one after another.
Back on the Stilborn ship, Natase and the Eldar were so shocked they wondered if they were dreaming. Moments ago, using special methods, they'd observed another vast starfield on the far side of the portal—the Nameless One had used this mysterious train to construct a tunnel through space and time.
"No network disturbance, no warp ripples… and the jump past light-speed was achieved in a flash?! How can that be possible?!"
Natase could hardly believe what he was seeing—it seemed impossible.
The Nameless One had created a path past light-speed without the warp, and not even by webway means—this was more effective than the webway! Even with the webway, you still needed a ship to reach your destination, but this tunnel built by an anonymous individual could reach the target in the blink of an eye. Efficiency-wise, nothing else could compare.
Even more importantly, it existed entirely outside the Immaterium.
Not even the gods could affect this tunnel.
Another Eldar, more hesitant than usual, spoke:
"Could it be the Nameless One has grasped the supreme mysteries of the physical universe, those not even we or the ancient saints ever touched?"
"I do not know. But this must be reported to Eldrad at once. What the Nameless One has shown is truly terrifying."
Natase spoke, his voice trembling. He could sense a vastly terrifying storm brewing.
The gods of Chaos would never allow humanity to escape the warp.
…
Meanwhile, aboard the Macragge's Honour, analysis of scout data was underway. Several Mechanicus Sages worked together on the bridge, trying to determine what world lay beyond the light tunnel.
Yet as the Sages processed the data, dumbfounded expressions crossed every face.
"How can this be? Impossible. It contradicts the laws of physics."
"This is wrong—absolutely wrong."
"Recalculate. Recalculate."
After several specialist checks and calculations, the result was the same.
"The stellar spectra, planetary distribution, and gravity readings on the far side of the light tunnel match the Macragge System in our database to 99.998% accuracy."
"In other words, the far side is Macragge. Thanks to this tunnel, direct travel from the Paradis System to Macragge is now possible—no warp, no long journey required!"
At that moment, an eerie silence fell over the bridge, broken only by the sounds of the equipment. Everyone turned toward the Sages responsible for calculations and analysis.
Everyone who could serve on the Macragge's Honour bridge was an Imperial elite—each understood what it meant to possess a tunnel bypassing the warp and connecting straight to Macragge. Most importantly, it had been created by the Nameless One. If he could make one, he might make a second—a thousand, a million.
This was something that could overturn the very order of the System.
Guilliman, who'd been in his study, was so startled by the report that he doubted his own hearing. Realizing the magnitude of the situation, he immediately grabbed Sicarius and Imperial Guard Commander Carken, dashing to the bridge for the most up-to-date report.
After multiple confirmations that the far side of the portal truly was Macragge and that the passage was stable enough for indefinite use, Guilliman was so shocked he was left speechless.
I knelt. I really did. The Nameless One is a god. Even if he said otherwise, he is a god all the same.
Lorgar, now I finally understand how you felt. Burning the perfect city was my failure. If I ever catch you, I'll cut you down a few times—that will be my apology.
The reason the Emperor couldn't personally participate from start-to-finish in the Horus Heresy?
When he was repairing the Webway, Magnus broke the seal and allowed daemons to invade, forcing the Emperor to be enthroned on the Golden Throne to hold them back.
His wish back then—to build a network connecting the palace root halls to the main roads—alone had almost destroyed the entire Imperium.
Now, the Nameless One has gone and made a tunnel through space and time more useful than the Webway itself right from scratch.
If this isn't what you call a god—what is?
…
The Imperial Palace on Holy Terra, deep within the sanctum.
At this very moment, the three Tech-Priests responsible for maintaining the Imperium's central systems—Rackham-Tab 418, Hyrax 957, and Kronos 07—were in an unprecedented state of panic.
Before them, ancient instruments that connected to the Throne and monitored the Emperor's state and Terra's spiritual pathways flickered with dire warnings. Every pointer measuring psionic overflow climbed deep into the red, shrieking alarms. Lights once installed to read the Emperor's will now flashed so quickly that overload was imminent.
"What's happening?!"
Kronos-07 emitted a harsh stream of binary static.
"Psionic levels are surging. Reality's veil is destabilizing—the output is smashing all previous records and all designed fail-safes!"
"What is happening to His Majesty?!"
Rackham-Tab 418 tried to key new commands, only to find most controls had become unresponsive.
"Alert every Tech member in the palace—standby for emergency repairs on the Golden Throne!"
"Astronomican Court, warn them now—immediate action to prevent psionic overload!"
But before he could finish, a strange change occurred. An invisible, unimaginably vast will, mingled with immense psychic force, surged outward from the Golden Throne in a mighty roar.
This wasn't a passive, unconscious leak as in previous repairs, but a flare of raw, focused emotion.
The blast swept through the entire palace, rattling the walls, overloading sophisticated cogitators, pouring through psionic conduits into the Astronomican—causing the guiding light of mankind to blaze, rise, and flicker like a golden sun amidst the warp, sending countless daemons into screaming retreat.
Worse, the emotional upheaval of humanity's lord was so intense that it affected even the warp itself.
The boundary between reality and illusion quivered violently, a dreadful psionic storm making all travel hideously dangerous. Even traitors under the protection of Chaos gods fell into bizarre frenzies—the howls of daemons filled the air, and Chaos warships rocked about like skiffs in a gale.
Right then, the Emperor wished he could rise up, rush to Macragge, and drape a golden robe on the Nameless One himself.
That man had gone and built a tunnel that could bypass both the Webway and the warp, connecting Macragge and Paradis at superluminal speed. Just a matter of seconds—a journey of tens of thousands of light-years.
With this, the Webway meant nothing.
The Emperor wasn't the only one desperate to go to the Paradis System. The gods of the warp, realizing what had happened, also hastened to Paradis.
When those chaotic, evil gods saw the Nameless One create a faster-than-light passageway, they too were—each in their own way—deeply shocked and frightened.
They all had one thing in common: fear.
...
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