Warhammer: Starting as a Planetary Governor-Chapter 256 - 257: The Grand Star Zone Development Strategy

That... is the Holy Sun?

Colin froze in place, staring blankly at the magnificent sun before him.

Under the radiant divine light, the endless enemies ahead disintegrated, the blood and darkness retreating.

A golden path unfolded before him.

"Emperor... You have finally heard my prayers and granted me guidance!"

Colin's heart surged with boundless reverence. Controlling his massive Dreadnought, he clumsily yet fervently stepped onto the radiant path.

He walked to the end of the road, facing the sun directly.

Then, he saw visions—beautiful and unreal.

It was an unfamiliar planet, one he had never seen before, free from bloodshed and darkness, utterly pure.

The people there wore smiles on their faces.

He also saw the great Emperor, bathed in divine light.

The Emperor extended a scepter to a warrior clad in golden armor, a figure revered by all.

The final vision was of Colin himself.

He was in an academy, appearing as an instructor, guiding young students.

These ephemeral visions were deeply etched into Colin's consciousness.

"This... is the Emperor's guidance? A divine revelation..."

Colin was in disbelief as he watched everything unfold.

For thousands of years, he had seen many devout warriors receive divine visions from the Emperor.

According to the legends among the Adeptus Astartes, only the most loyal and valiant warriors could witness these sacred visions.

They called it the Emperor's Revelation.

Those who received such visions would don armor blessed by countless layers of sacred prayers under the witness of Chaplains, becoming the Emperor's Champion.

Emperor's Champions repaid this divine gift with ceaseless battle!

Yet, Colin was perplexed—his vision seemed different from those described by other warriors.

The holy visions they reported were often similar:

A pale but radiant warrior battling the enemies of mankind; hordes of foes crashing like waves against crumbling walls; or banners eternally flying above the sacred city.

His was unlike any of those.

Despite the oddity, Colin dared not question it.

"Doubt once, and you are a fool; doubt twice, and you are a heretic."

He silently recited a passage from the Emperor's Book of Wisdom.

The great Emperor tolerated no doubts—faith had to be unwavering to receive His blessings.

Even the mere act of questioning was an act of defiance, the beginning of heresy.

Since the Emperor had bestowed guidance, all that remained was to follow it.

Colin pondered in silence, still unable to fully comprehend the true meaning behind the holy visions.

...

Elsewhere...

"By the Throne, the God-Emperor's name really is useful!"

Eden observed everything within Colin's consciousness and sighed in admiration.

For ten thousand years, the faith in the Emperor had rooted itself so deeply that it was nearly unshakable.

This gave Eden immense opportunities to exploit.

"Since it works, let's push it even further!"

Eden poured more energy into the manifestation of the miniature suns, completely engulfing Colin's consciousness in holy radiance.

At that moment, as Colin bathed in the sacred light, the exhaustion and scars accumulated over millennia vanished in an instant.

The agony that had tormented him without respite disappeared.

He felt relief, true and complete.

"Praise the Emperor!"

Colin fully surrendered to the ecstasy of faith, chanting the name of the omniscient and omnipotent Emperor.

...

Temporary Medical Bay

The rhythmic hiss of pistons echoed through the room.

Eden withdrew his consciousness from the dreamscape and looked at the iron sarcophagus, where Colin lay in deep slumber.

The ancient warrior's once-pained and rigid face had relaxed, his lips barely curling into a faint smile.

"The soul restoration worked well..."

Eden gave the iron sarcophagus a light pat and walked out of the temporary treatment room.

He had done everything he could—now it was time to wait for Colin to wake up.

After a while, Moss and the medical team entered the room again, resuming the procedures.

Numerous mechanical tendrils connected to the remains of Colin's body, scanning and recording his vitals.

As per the Savior's orders, they were to separate Colin from the dreadnought that had been his prison for so many years.

A new mechanical body would be built for him.

Colin would soon begin a new chapter in his life.

...

Sanatorium

A gentle breeze lifted the translucent curtains, and warm sunlight streamed into the room.

"Emperor, where am I?"

The comforting warmth of the sun roused Colin from his slumber.

It was a sensation he had not felt for thousands of years, and it left his mind in disarray.

In an instant, he bolted upright, instinctively assuming a defensive stance.

But the sight outside the curtain left him frozen in place.

A garden. Lush green grass, butterflies dancing among vibrant flowers, and birds chirping faintly in the distance.

Sunlight, infused with a divine glow, bathed it all.

Colin realized that there was a gap in his memory.

He only vaguely recalled a great battle, and then... nothing.

But one thing was clear: This is not Macragge.

Macragge had never known such beauty, such holiness.

Nor was this Ultramar—many of the plants before him were entirely unfamiliar.

As a veteran of countless campaigns, Colin possessed extensive knowledge in geology, zoology, and botany—skills crucial for survival in hostile environments.

And yet, he astonishingly discovered that none of these plants existed anywhere in the entire Imperium.

They were entirely new species.

Could this place be outside Imperial territory?

His breathing deepened slightly in tension.

Fresh air filled his lungs.

"Clean air, no rancid stench, no rotting decay... Have the dreadnoughts been upgraded?"

An inexplicable lightness filled him, a sensation he had not experienced for millennia.

Then, realization struck him—his dreadnought body!

He issued a mental command, raising his hand.

But instead of a massive steel gauntlet, a mechanical hand covered in synthetic skin met his gaze.

He could even feel textures through it.

"I have a body again?"

The discovery stunned Colin.

Was he dead? Had he ascended to the Emperor's paradise?

He would rather believe he had perished and returned to the Golden Throne's heaven than accept that he had been given such a gift.

He staggered forward.

Yet, his warrior's instinct kicked in—after a few steps, he fully adapted to his new mechanical form.

The body moved with such seamless synchronization that it felt completely natural, with no discomfort whatsoever.

The pain that had plagued him for so long was gone.

He stepped barefoot onto the grass, the scent of flowers carried by the breeze.

For the first time, he felt at peace.

"Praise the Emperor..."

Surely, this must be the Throne's paradise.

"Hey, brother!"

A voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

Colin turned and saw an old warrior sitting in a wheelchair, thick steel plates strapped to his legs.

The man maneuvered the mechanical chair toward him.

The veteran patted Colin's artificial limb and remarked, "Good stuff, must've cost a fortune in credits. Must've earned a lot of battle honors, eh?"

"Where is this place?" Colin asked, still dazed.

The old warrior looked surprised, then answered, "Sanctuary Sanatorium, built by the Savior. A place for war heroes to recover."

The warrior looked both proud and a bit regretful.

"I didn't want to come at first, but they said I was getting old. Said I should either retire and enjoy my remaining years or find something else to do..."

Colin fell silent.

The veteran's words made one thing clear—this was not the Imperium.

But strangely, he sensed something familiar in the air—a presence he had only felt in the Imperial Palace on Holy Terra.

He turned to the horizon, gazing past the sanatorium to the towering mechanical spire beyond.

The sacred aura radiated from there.

He asked, "What is that?"

The old warrior looked at Colin with a hint of pity. It seemed the poor guy had taken a blow to the head.

Still, he patiently explained, "That's the Holy Tower. It's been under construction for years and was only recently completed.

The cogboys in the unit say it's some kind of planetary defense weapon, but I don't really understand the specifics..."

"Brother, can I take a look at your dataslate?"

Just as Colin was about to borrow the dataslate to gather more information, an excited voice interrupted.

"By the Emperor, you're finally awake! Wait here, I'll notify the Savior at once!"

A medical sister, overjoyed at Colin's awakening, quickly used her communicator to contact the tower's pinnacle. Then she gently took Colin's hand, guiding him back inside to check his recovery.

Soon, Eden arrived from his residence at the tower's summit.

By the time he saw Colin again, the veteran had already acquired a sufficient amount of information—at least, what was permitted for him to know.

...

Sanatorium Gardens

Eden looked at Colin and asked, "Do you have any questions?"

He had already fed the old veteran a mix of truths and half-truths about his situation.

Of course, he omitted certain details—like how a group of heavily armed looters and greenskins had dragged Colin back, and how they had given him a thorough beating before he was rescued.

Instead, Eden simply told him that the warriors of his domain had found him on a battlefield and brought him back to be saved.

Colin shook his head, then turned to Eden. "What do you need me to do?"

A young ruler had spent so much effort to save him—there had to be something he wanted in return.

Colin was well aware of his situation. He had fallen into the hands of this unknown leader, in a land far from the Imperium.

He had no means of escaping.

For all he knew, his new mechanical body might contain hidden fail-safes or traps.

Eden shook his head. "It's not about what I need you to do. It's about what you want to do."

Though he had subtly guided Colin's visions, it was not outright mind control. He couldn't force the old veteran to do anything.

As a divine trickster, Eden preferred persuasion over coercion.

Only when someone truly wanted to serve him could he exert greater influence.

"If I wish to return to Macragge?"

Colin stared into the young ruler's eyes, searching for answers.

Eden furrowed his brows, hesitating for a moment before finally nodding.

"No problem. I can send you back, but you'll have to remain in stasis for the entire journey."

Colin was surprised by this answer.

After a long silence, he made up his mind.

"I want to stay."

Colin had realized that this was the planet from his divine vision, a place deeply connected to the Emperor.

He needed to understand the true meaning of the Emperor's guidance.

Eden smiled. "That's fine too. The choice is yours—you are free to do whatever you wish.

Even if you want to retire and enjoy a peaceful life here, that's an option."

To Eden, Colin looked like a middle-aged man, but in reality, he was a ten-thousand-year-old relic of war.

"Freedom? Retirement?"

These words were alien to Colin.

For an Astartes, there was only war and training. Their entire existence followed the dictates of the Codex.

The very concept of freedom simply did not exist.

As for retirement? The only true retirement was death.

And even then, an Astartes' soul might still be drawn into the Emperor's service, conscripted into the Legion of the Damned, fighting for eternity.

"That's right," Eden continued. "You have fought for the Imperium for ten thousand years. Your sacred mission is complete. You deserve to rest."

"I don't have to fight anymore?"

Colin fell into deep silence, confusion filling his heart.

His entire existence had revolved around war. Without it, what was he?

Sensing his uncertainty, Eden played his next card.

"Perhaps, you might find a new battlefield. Come with me."

Eden took Colin on a tour across his domain.

They visited the great statue of the Emperor, the grand cathedral, and many other landmarks.

He let Colin experience the peace and prosperity of the land.

Finally, their hovercar made its way to the Loyal Heirs Academy.

Eden wasn't lying. His domain didn't need another warrior.

It needed a teacher.

A veteran with ten millennia of combat experience could train an entire generation of exceptional soldiers.

...

Loyal Heirs Academy

The Savior's arrival sent waves of excitement through the academy.

Bayev's son, Baruk, had officially taken over as headmaster, and he led the faculty in a grand welcome.

After introductions, Baruk enthusiastically clasped Colin's hands, unwilling to let go.

A talent of Colin's caliber could not be allowed to slip away into the hands of the military department or some other institution.

The academy needed him.

Without hesitation, Baruk made arrangements on the spot.

He personally guided Eden and Colin through the academy, showcasing its education system and achievements.

Then, he led them to the Gene-Warrior Academy, detailing its programs.

The academy's resources had reached unprecedented levels.

Beyond rare materials and gene-enhancement programs, it now boasted a city-sized combat simulation environment, designed for real-world training.

Admission had become far stricter.

The 300,000 students currently enrolled were the best candidates from across the entire star zone.

These young warriors were raised from childhood, receiving the finest training and resources.

Only the top 5% would have a chance to become new Space Marine initiates.

Those who failed would become elite Stormtroopers.

As Baruk explained, Colin observed the academy's instructors—Void Angels, Thunder Wardens—and was left in awe.

Though these warriors lacked his experience, their physical strength and raw combat prowess surpassed his own.

Those were compared to Custodians.

There were unknown Space Marines here? And warriors equivalent to the Emperor's own Custodians?

Colin's shock and confusion were evident.

Eden patted his shoulder. "This may not be the Imperium, but it is still a place under the Emperor's divine protection. You can feel His sacred presence here, can't you?"

"This place is... humanity's new hope."

"Humanity's new hope?"

Watching the young warriors train, Colin began to understand the true meaning of the Emperor's divine vision.

Perhaps this was the destination the Emperor had guided him toward—his true home?

As he observed the training, he couldn't resist pointing out areas that could be improved.

Then, he personally demonstrated marksmanship techniques.

Though his new mechanical body was weaker than his old Dreadnought frame, his vast combat experience remained intact.

With precise efficiency, he executed a flawless, rapid-fire demonstration with a bolter.

The instructors, including Baruk, praised his skills, while the young recruits watched in awe, eyes full of anticipation.

Colin, overwhelmed by their enthusiasm, found himself unable to refuse the offer to stay on as an instructor.

Laughter and celebration filled the air.

Eden immediately appointed Colin as the Chief Instructor of the Gene-Warrior Academy.

Not only that, but even the existing Space Marines in the territory would be required to return for periodic retraining.

To support him, Colin was assigned over a dozen assistants.

This veteran had fought in countless battles.

He possessed knowledge of nearly every xenos species, their weaknesses, and the best ways to wage war against them.

His expertise in survival and combat efficiency in extreme war zones was unparalleled.

A soldier who had survived ten thousand years of war was an invaluable resource.

It would be a waste not to document and pass down his experience.

Thus, his assistants were tasked with recording, compiling, and systematizing his battle knowledge into official textbooks and training courses.

Eden was thrilled.

Colin's arrival didn't just provide a Dreadnought for study—it filled a critical gap in combat doctrine and expertise, elevating the martial strength of the entire domain.

A complete victory!

Long live opportunism!

It was only at that moment that Colin realized he might have walked into some sort of elaborate trap.

But before he could dwell on it, Baruk enthusiastically dragged him away to complete his employment paperwork.

As he was introduced to his accommodations, salary, leave policies, and various benefits, Colin found himself overwhelmed but strangely at ease.

Perhaps... this wasn't so bad after all?

Eden, watching Colin's retreating figure, smiled and turned away.

He was confident that the veteran would come to appreciate his new life here.

Once Colin fully integrated into the society, his skills and achievements would naturally earn him a high citizen rank, granting him further privileges and divine blessings.

...

The Tower's Summit—Savior's Office

Eden leaned back in his chair, his feet propped up on the desk, sipping on a cold soda.

His domain was flourishing.

Everything was thriving.

"Lord Savior~"

A knock at the door interrupted his moment of leisure.

It was the voice of the old steward, Bayev.

Eden quickly lowered his feet and straightened his posture. "Old Bay, come in."

Bayev entered, his steps steady and firm.

Once an aged and frail steward, he had undergone two rounds of divine blessings. Now, his back was straight, his breath steady—almost as if he were aging in reverse.

Bayev had been enjoying himself lately.

As the domain expanded, so too did the responsibilities.

But rather than feeling overwhelmed, he relished the work—it was satisfying.

Over the years, his personal goal had evolved.

At first, it was merely to preserve the Grant family lineage.

Then, it became ensuring the prosperity of the Grant domain.

Now, his ambitions had grown once more—he wanted to see the Grant family's flag fly across the entire galaxy!

"Lord Savior, there are some matters that require your decision…"

Bayev's warm and gentle smile contrasted sharply with the ruthless administrator he had been in the past—one known for merciless purges.

Now, he was more focused on social welfare policies than executions.

Before diving into the reports, Eden took a moment to check on his steward's health.

After all, Bayev was his personal Malcador, the cornerstone of his ability to delegate work.

He had to ensure the man remained in good condition.

After hearing the reports, Eden dismissed Bayev.

The primary issue was sector-wide development planning.

A massive strategic initiative, developed and refined over a hundred years, had been approved by the Internal Affairs Ministry.

Now, Eden had the final say.

His decision would shape the future of forty-plus civilized worlds, over three hundred planets, and the lives of trillions in the Goli sector.

Eden sat down, gazing at the digital screen before him.

A file titled "Grand Development Plan for the Goliath Sector" was displayed.

The goal?

Rapid and sustainable development.

Raising living standards, enhancing critical industries, and strengthening both economic and military infrastructure.

At its core, the plan revolved around a unified sector network, consolidating resources under a centralized governance model.

With all territories under one authority—Eden, the Savior—there would be no more fragmented planetary governors.

Instead of individual worlds struggling alone, they would function as a single, coordinated machine, directed by the Internal Affairs Ministry.

The economic development model would ensure that wealthier worlds supported underdeveloped ones, accelerating progress across the sector.

But it wasn't just about internal development—trade would be key.

With the imminent implementation of psychic-automated production technologies, the domain's manufacturing capabilities were about to skyrocket.

While the Imperium still relied on malnourished factory workers and sluggish servitors, Goliath would soon be running fully-automated, psyker-powered production lines.

This transformation would turn the sector into the largest, most efficient manufacturing hub in the galaxy.

Ironically, their biggest problem would likely be overproduction.

Thus, external trade expansion had to begin—soon, they would need to flood the galaxy with cheap goods and weapons to absorb excess production.

Meanwhile, Shahim had already departed with a fleet.

Following an ancient map left by his family, he was searching beyond Imperial borders for lost Gowendi territories—a system of ten mineral-rich planets.

However, those worlds had been attacked by Tyranids in the past.

With luck, there might still be something salvageable.

Once Shahim returned, Eden would travel with him to Holy Terra.

There, Shahim would undergo the complex inheritance process to claim the title of Imperial Rogue Trader.

Of course, Eden himself wouldn't risk going personally.

Instead, he would send a clone to represent him.

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With Guilliman stabilizing Ultramar and preparing to travel to Holy Terra alongside Saint Celestine, it was far too dangerous.

If the real Eden went and was discovered, he might never return.

Once Eden and Shahim safely returned to Urth, their trade operations could begin under the Imperial Rogue Trader disguise.

By utilizing the Webway network, they could open rapid trade channels with the wider galaxy.

Internally, resources would be consolidated.

Externally, trade would flourish.

Through this dual-pronged approach, the Goliath sector would become a beacon of prosperity.

Of course, military force would always be necessary.

The sector, hidden within the Imperium's dark zones, was free from direct Imperial interference.

The main threats came from heretics, xenos, and Chaos incursions.

Currently, the sector was aggressively expanding its military, accelerating high-tech weapon development, and completing the automated weapons manufacturing network.

New planetary defense systems were also being built.

After reviewing the plan, Eden approved it.

Then, he shut down the digital terminal and stepped out of his office.

Not long after, a hovercar departed from the tower's peak, heading toward the Holy Tower at the heart of the sanctuary…

(End of Chapter)

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