A few days later, on October 16, in Universe 13 of the Trench Crusaders, changes swept across the toxic mist-laden frontier of the Holy Roman Empire. The once oppressive poisonous fog had largely dissipated, along with the dense clouds that had obscured the skies. For the first time in centuries, the blue sky stretched visibly over the horizon.
The frontier towns themselves had undergone a "rebirth."
Viewed from above, these towns still retained their distinctive medieval structure characteristic of the Trench Crusaders universe—towering walls, central churches, and modest apartment buildings. Yet, within the town walls, many elements appeared strikingly out of place.
Wireless stations seamlessly integrated into the town's aesthetic now provided electricity and internet access. Holographic technology dotted the streets, from hard-light screens to AR navigation aids. The townsfolk wore practical clothing similar to the standard attire of the primary universe or other parallel universes, offering warmth and ease of movement. Although their fashion sense lagged behind the more advanced universes, these were the basics provided by the Empire's humanitarian relief efforts.
Holographic displays throughout the town presented available jobs and their corresponding benefits. The streets were populated primarily by children, disabled soldiers, and the elderly. Able-bodied residents, regardless of gender, worked diligently in factories, restaurants, and stores marked with the red-and-white "Λ" symbol of Atlas Corporation.
A smaller fraction of the townsfolk had donned navy-blue uniforms with lightweight gear and carried AMWS-series firearms, replacing the once-dominant clone soldiers and Terminators to patrol and maintain order.
These developments suggested that life under Imperial rule had significantly improved for the residents. Though the prosperity of these towns could not compare to New Akra City in the primary universe or New Paris in the Edge of Tomorrow universe, basic needs were now guaranteed. Hunger, cold, and despair were no longer daily concerns.
Atlas Corporation played a pivotal role in creating jobs within these towns. Residents earned reasonable wages through labor and could purchase essentials, entertainment, and other goods from Atlas-operated stores and supermarkets. Before introducing these jobs, Atlas had converted the locals' savings into physical cR currency, calculated against Universe 13's purchasing power by AI analysis.
A select few locals, vetted for their reputations and backgrounds, were hired as "sheriffs." Outdated military gear and weapons were provided to this militia, replacing the fearsome presence of clone soldiers and Terminators. Meanwhile, reconnaissance teams equipped with optical camouflage continued to monitor the towns from the shadows.
The faith deeply rooted in Universe 13 proved difficult to eradicate. The Empire's visible reduction of auxiliary forces, clones, and Terminators ostensibly aimed to ease the transition for the locals. However, the strategy also sought to lure out zealots who remained fervently loyal to God and Heaven.
With Hell now firmly under Imperial control and its former rulers eradicated, the gates linking Hell to the physical world remained open but could no longer corrupt Jerusalem as before. Demonic forces, now leaderless, became little more than aimless spirits.
For those who betrayed humanity—cultists, fallen knights, and corrupted nuns—the situation was even grimmer. No longer protected by Hell, they faced the full might of the Empire. They were either repurposed as experimental subjects for the Bio-Division or sent to Hell itself for judgment and torment.
The Dark Angels' 1st Company, alongside the Inquisition's main forces, hunted these heretics across Europe and the Middle East, further reinforcing the illusion of neglect toward the frontier towns. This ruse was designed to lure radical believers of God and Heaven into revealing themselves.
The Church, which had dominated the lives of Universe 13's inhabitants for centuries, faced an existential crisis. The destruction of Hell by Athena, the Goddess of War, undermined the Church's narrative of an all-powerful God who alone could save humanity. The faithful began to question their devotion.
According to the Church, humanity endured suffering in life to secure a place in Heaven after death, avoiding the torments of Hell. Yet Athena had effortlessly stormed Hell, annihilated its demons, and upended the status quo.
The Church's upper echelons struggled to suppress news of Hell's fall. They ordered tens of thousands of their elite troops to remain silent about what they had witnessed. Still, whispers spread. Those few who returned from Hell recounted the sight of a colossal Athena—standing 200 meters tall—tearing through demonic legions with overwhelming power. This shattered the illusion of the Church's narrative.
If humanity learned the truth, the Church would crumble. Even the most uneducated would grasp the implications:
"God failed to protect us, but the Goddess succeeded. Why worship God at all?"
To preserve their authority, the Church sought to reestablish contact with Heaven, hoping for divine intervention. Meanwhile, in the frontier town under Imperial jurisdiction, a once-grand church had been repurposed into an "Imperial Cathedral."
The walls were painted gold, and statues were replaced with effigies of Astartes—one wielding a chainsword and bolter, adorned with the iconic "▼皿▼" helmet. A statue of Athena, poised to hurl her Spear of Victory, stood prominently in the square before the cathedral. Two heavily armored guards, clad in Titan VII power armor, stood motionless at the entrance, exuding an aura of invincibility.
Locals, many clutching paper copies of the Codex Humana, approached the cathedral with reverence. Under the Church's influence, these people had once devoted themselves to God. But Athena's intervention and the Empire's support had transformed their lives, sowing doubt and inspiring new faith.
Among the curious onlookers were two siblings—Clonto and Carrie Lorran. Their father, Christopher Lorran, had been hired as a sheriff and now patrolled the streets. The siblings, eager to explore the revitalized town, had spent their pocket money on snacks before making their way to the Imperial Cathedral.
Upon seeing the imposing guards at close range, the siblings froze in awe. These "Imperial Angels," far mightier than the knights they once revered, left them speechless.
"How tall... and handsome," Carrie muttered, her admiration spilling forth.
One of the guards, catching the compliment, straightened slightly, though his stoic demeanor remained intact.
Encouraged, the siblings ventured past the cathedral's golden doors. Inside, their eyes were immediately drawn to a grand statue of the Emperor himself.
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