Imperium of Man Terra Aeterna Season 01: Rise of Humanity's War Machin

Two Hours Later

The smoke and dust from the test site finally began to clear. Amid the drifting haze, a flock of yellow Manju chickens and several loli Bulins emerged from the rubble. Despite their small size, they carried equipment far larger than their own bodies and immediately got to work repairing the ground, now littered with craters.

Even though shipgirls' full power wasn't optimal on land, their destructive capability remained immense—almost equivalent to rocket strikes. The aftermath of the explosions was everywhere.

"Well, based on our initial tests and evaluations, your physical strength is between that of a destroyer and a cruiser," said the Corporation, eyes on the experimental data in hand.

"Your durability is far above the human average. Approaching that of a heavy cruiser. Attacks from standard destroyers won't have much effect… unless you get directly hit by a swarm of torpedoes."

"So, only at destroyer level?" Reuel rolled his shoulders, a little disappointed. "Feels... less than I imagined."

True, he had been able to withstand Yukikaze's punch. But once heavy battleships or carriers got involved, it would be another story. Small-caliber weapons weren't too painful, but he could feel the limits of his body's durability.

"Maybe because you and the Rubik's Cube haven't fully synchronized yet," the Corporation said calmly. "If you keep using it, your abilities should gradually improve."

"Oh, no problem," Reuel replied casually.

Even destroyer-level power was more than enough to dominate ground combat. And if things got truly desperate, he still had his trump card: the physical and psionic might of the Emperor of Mankind. This battle was only meant to test the Mind Cube's power. Becoming a "shipgirl" for a while wasn't too bad… even if he was still a man.

But then, a thought struck him.

"But… I can't summon ship equipment, can I? Can't float on the sea?"

He realized a glaring difference—shipgirls could summon their rigging, standing on the ocean surface as if it were solid ground. But him? No such luck.

"There's a reason, Commander," Akashi said, narrowing her eyes and speaking in a tone full of dissatisfaction.

"Your body is not a warship. The Mind Cube's main function is to materialize human cognitive perception of an object. In other words, if people perceive warships as beautiful girls, the Mind Cube can manifest them in humanoid form."

"However… your self-awareness is still human. So it's only natural you don't have rigging or combat equipment."

"…"

Reuel fell silent for a long while.

"So because I perceive warships as human girls, the Mind Cube can turn them into humans?" He massaged his temples. "What kind of idealism is this? Imagination powerful enough to distort reality?"

"I can't even be a 'shipfather' just because I still see myself as human?"

"Yep, that's right." Akashi nodded without a hint of emotion.

"But… if at some point you come to see yourself as something else, the Mind Cube might adjust and transform you into that form."

Reuel fell silent again, thinking. For the first time, he realized just how much "black technology" in the Azur Lane world wasn't merely bizarre fiction, but a logical system built on the strength of thought and perception. A reality that could be bent, reshaped… as long as you believed hard enough.

"In other words," Reuel murmured, "if I truly believe that I'm a warship… I can project naval equipment?"

He stared blankly at the ceiling, then suddenly said again, half-joking:

"If I believe I'm a Gundam, could I pilot Unit-01, Strelitzia, Strike Freedom, and Barbatos all at once?!"

His expression grew increasingly bizarre.

"And if I believe I'm the battleship Imperator Somnium Gloriana, with battlecruiser Gorgon as a sub-unit, I could project their gear too?"

Akashi just nodded slowly. "Uh-huh."

Even though she only understood one of the names Reuel mentioned—the rest were foreign to her—she still nodded. After all, she'd never encountered the technology from Reuel's world.

"I don't know what a Gundam, Gloriana, or Imperator Somnium is… let alone this Gorgon battlecruiser~ But in theory, yes, you could."

The problem was, Reuel didn't know how to instantly change his perception.

For more than thirty-five years, he had lived as a human. No matter how hard he tried to suggest to himself with mantras like "I am the Destroyer of Stars… I am Gundam…", it was all in vain.

This wasn't just about belief like gender identity. Inner affirmation wasn't enough. Even if he flooded his mind with attack helicopters or biomechanical creatures, his subconscious refused.

His body rejected it, too.

And now, with the seed of the Emperor of Mankind's power embedded within him, it seemed to further reinforce his fundamental identity as human—a superior human, but still human.

"Well, I'll think about it later," he muttered.

Even without the ability to manifest rigging or weaponry like the other shipgirls, just having physical fitness equal to them was already astonishing. It opened up tremendous future potential.

He began to imagine—what if, someday, he could wield the Emperor's Sword cloaked in psionic flame while firing the battleship Imperator Somnium's Nova Cannon? A ridiculous image, but… tantalizing.

If I have to face those disgusting Chaos Gods, Reuel thought, won't they think I've completely lost my mind?

But for now, there was just one small problem…

Akashi.

She kept coming to collect debt.

For some reason, Akashi believed Reuel was responsible for consuming the only Mind Cube without producing immediate results. Reuel had no choice but to promise to help her sell "painted boxes" across the multidimensional market in the future—and more absurdly, they were going to scam aliens from other worlds together.

As a bonus, Reuel also promised to introduce Akashi to the Adeptus Mechanicus—the Machine God-worshipping techno-priests from his world. Those sacred mechanics were a fusion of biotechnology, cybernetics, and absurd dogma.

Akashi, as a scientist, was brutally triggered. She vowed not to lose to anyone, not even to bizarre beings who worshipped wrenches and lubricants.

After doing some profit calculations, Akashi began to glow with joy and started sitting at the shop daily to paint white boxes with gold paint. She was convinced that with such packaging, they could shock profit-hunters from other worlds.

---

Five Days Later

In the main building of the port area—specifically, in the top floor conference room—a significant meeting was underway.

After numerous discussions and clarifications about the "misuse" of the Mind Cube by Reuel, both parties finally reached an agreement: cooperation between the two worlds.

Although they had just met, enthusiasm over the Mind Cube's potential quickly warmed relations. The shipgirls even began calling Reuel "Commander"—some seriously, others… maybe just teasing.

The Corporation, dressed in a white military uniform, handed Reuel a stack of documents with a formal expression.

"On behalf of all Azur Lane shipgirls, I approve the formation of comprehensive cooperation with your world's Imperium of Man."

The documents handed over were the product of countless negotiations, internal meetings, and interdimensional compromises.

Reuel opened the papers and made copies. On the front page, the official logos of Azur Lane and the Imperial Aquila faction were clearly printed—this agreement resembled a diplomatic treaty between two major Blue Star powers

Reuel read the opening section:

"On behalf of Minato City, I hereby sign a trade agreement, immigration treaty, scientific research pact, non-aggression pact, and military alliance agreement."

He nodded with a slight smile.

"May this bring prosperity and advancement to both our worlds."

---

The agreement document was dozens of pages thick, filled with formal language worthy of a high-level diplomatic communiqué. Just from the structure and tone alone, it was clear how serious and important the Minato shipgirls considered this accord.

Reuel read it carefully, line by line, and realized that despite its complicated appearance, the core of the agreement was actually quite simple.

In the trade clause, the world of Azur would send a pioneer fleet to help rebuild civilization in Terra Aeterna and the surrounding planets. They would also develop local resources, and regularly send a portion of the output back to the port as a form of reciprocal contribution.

The immigration section allowed the shipgirls to move freely between worlds—they could reside in the Trade District, on Terra Aeterna, or anywhere else they wished. Reuel bore full responsibility for guaranteeing their citizenship rights and legal protection.

If a conflict were to arise between the shipgirls and another party—including the Adeptus Mechanicus—Reuel was obligated to act as mediator and protector. If the shipgirls were innocent, he had to defend them completely. But if they were proven guilty, then they had to submit to the laws of the Imperium of Man.

Then came the military alliance clause: if one party was attacked, the other must provide military support. The pioneer fleet would follow Reuel in expeditions to other worlds, and in return, Reuel had to assist in the defense of the port should the Sirens threaten again.

The contents of the agreement were crafted to be as fair and transparent as possible—each clause was clearly outlined, leaving no room for ambiguous interpretation. Rights and obligations were arranged equally and with mutual respect.

"I agree," said Reuel, then signed the final page of the document.

"Pleasure doing business with you," replied the Minato Corporation representative, signing as well.

At that moment, cheers erupted from the crowd. The shipgirls—both the older ones and the lolis—shouted with unrestrained excitement:

"Yayyyyy!!"

With the agreement signed, the port immediately sprang into action. Preparations to form the Pioneer Fleet began on a massive scale.

The fleet would carry enough supplies to support 6.1 billion people for two full years—mostly seafood, processed foodstuffs, and other daily necessities. The goal: to ensure that upon arrival at Terra Aeterna or other colonial planets, they could immediately lay down the foundations of civilization and basic industrial infrastructure.

For several days, the port was filled with the sight of yellow Manjuu and Bulins scurrying back and forth hauling cargo. Crates of construction materials, refrigeration units, ship fuel, and life-support gear were packed into containers. The amassed resources were estimated to be enough to build a fully autonomous naval base for the shipgirls.

Some of the Royal Navy wives didn't forget to sneak "essential" items into their luggage—bread machines, black tea, traditional cuisine, even a portable "starry sky" in a tube.

"We still need to leave our main forces here to protect the port," said the representative of the aircraft carrier company during an open assembly at the port square. "So the number of personnel in the Pioneer Fleet will be limited."

"According to combat formation standards, 48 core combatants should suffice. The rest will be logistics. If necessary, a follow-up wave will be sent."

Then she stepped forward and looked directly at the gathered shipgirls.

"Who's willing to be part of the Pioneer Fleet? Who wants to explore new worlds, break open deserts, build colonies on alien planets?"

"Me! Me! Me!!"

"Me too! Me too!!"

The warship lolis instantly exploded with excitement, each raising their hands high and bouncing with enthusiasm. Some even half-ran forward.

"Yukikaze wants to go to another world!"

"Yukikaze's spear is ready too!"

"The Four Kongōs are signing up together!"

"Commander, pick me! Me!!"

The aircraft carriers in the back row could only glance at one another with stunned expressions.

"If we all go and the Sirens attack, then what?!"

"In that case... let's just leave the port to the Sirens and live with the Commander in the new world!" said a shipgirl from France with innocent honesty.

Bang!

A wooden mallet flew into her head, a huge bump swelling like in an anime—with a sound that might as well have been "poying!"

Richelieu, standing atop the podium, straightened up and cleared her throat to bring the nearly out-of-control situation back in order.

"For the sake of justice and order, I will lead the Pioneer Fleet. Each main fleet is only allowed to send three representatives."

She looked sternly across the crowd.

"We leave tomorrow morning. No one is to be late."

---

The next morning.

The port plaza was packed with a sea of people and shipgirls. A roar of enthusiasm reverberated through the air, blanketing the place with a spirit that nearly rivaled the atmosphere before a great war.

Richelieu stood calmly before Reuel, flanked by fifty chosen shipgirls who had passed through a rigorous selection process.

"These are the first members of our Pioneer Fleet," she said, her voice firm yet humble. "Once we arrive, I'll be under your full command, Commander."

Reuel gave a small nod, his gaze sweeping the ranks behind her. The formation was diverse and formidable—carriers, battleships, cruisers, even destroyers. Akashi the opportunist had somehow shown up too, her smile calculating as she toyed with a Rubik's Cube she had mysteriously acquired for free. Her intention? To open a franchise in the new world, of course.

On the other side, reports from Terra Aeterna stated that the construction of the capital was progressing rapidly. Old modern buildings were being demolished and replaced with the monumental Gothic architecture of the Imperium—fully embracing the Warhammer 40K aesthetic.

The shipgirls greeted Reuel with open enthusiasm.

"Hohoho~~ We meet again, Commander!"

A small shipgirl stepped forward confidently. White hair, orange eyes, a sailor uniform, and a pair of animal ears atop her head. A proud smile lit up her face.

"Listen well! I am Yukikaze-sama, Kagerou-class destroyer, noble, invincible, and the luckiest of them all!"

"You're seriously lucky to have me in your fleet! Just rely on my luck, hohoho~~!"

Reuel nearly couldn't hold back a smile. Although Yukikaze was notorious for tossing teammates into the abyss in countless war histories, the fact that she always survived until the end made Reuel wonder… maybe her luck really was real. Or… was it a curse?

"All right, all right."

The scent of chaos crept in when another girl stepped forward with an expression that was... too familiar. She wore a short red kimono, and her "great sin" seemed to defy the laws of gravity. Her face was beautiful, graceful—but that smile, it was too sweet, too dark. A feathered fan resembling a peacock's tail completed her appearance.

"Commander-sama... do you still remember me?"

"Well, even if there are plenty of pests tagging along, it doesn't matter~ Because the Commander belongs to me alone... hehehe…"

Reuel immediately tensed. Dafeng.

His spine felt like it was being pulled by the gravity of a black hole. Thankfully, the big mackerel—his mental safeguard—was also part of the team, or else… goodbye, psychological stability.

Fleets from other factions had joined as well.

The White Eagle sent two submarines and one Essex-class carrier. The Royal Navy contributed Guanghui and Ke, while the deadly trio of Belfast, Edinburgh, and Sheffield were present as the fleet's ultimate trophy unit. Donghuang, though fewer in number, sent Yixian and her sisters—Ninghai and Pinghai.

In the back row, one unusual sight drew attention.

A perfectly aligned formation of Universal Bulins stood like a parade unit, followed by a massive flock of yellow Manjuus. Each carried a wrench the size of a full-grown adult, led personally by the senior Universal Bulin. Their hairstyles, outfits, even their posture were nearly identical—as if cloned. Only the chest numbers distinguished them.

"Commander~ Don't forget to come visit us once in a while~"

A small shipgirl gently tugged on Reuel's sleeve. Dressed in a dark blue dress, with short hair and an expression so sad it could melt anyone's heart.

"I want to hear stories about the other world too..."

Reuel gently patted Taiyuan's head.

"There'll be plenty of time for that later. Once the Sirens are defeated, you can all move there."

"Maybe we could even give you some next-gen equipment. Like the Type 055 or something..." Taiyuan added, half-joking.

Reuel looked up at the sky. That day, there were no clouds. Only silence stood between the port and the new world they were about to enter.

He took a deep breath, then raised his hand into the air. Palm open, facing the void.

"Everything's in place. Prepare yourselves!"

Buzz—

Energy from the higher dimension exploded. The space before them shattered like glass hit by a bullet. A space-time corridor opened, spinning wildly like the Eldar's Webway or the towering, mysterious Warp.

Without hesitation, Reuel stepped forward, followed by Richelieu, Yukikaze, Dafeng, Universal Bulin, and the flock of yellow Manjuus that looked suspiciously like they were going on a picnic.

They were headed to the world of Resident Evil—the world where Reuel would build the Imperium of Man.

Mid-step, Reuel wore a smile that was half relieved, half anxious.

Bringing dozens of loli shipgirls and Bulin creatures into a world filled with Claire Redfield, Alice, Ada Wong, Jill Valentine, and Angie...

Let's just hope they didn't call him trash—or worse—lolicon.