Chapter 7: The God-Emperor’s Reflection

The wind howled outside the workshop as another cold night settled over the mountains of Afghanistan. Inside, the forge glowed a deep orange, illuminating the workers as they continued shaping the iron into cannon barrels. The pace had picked up—with every passing day, Faisal's plans edged closer to reality. Steam-powered artillery would soon be in production, and Rahim Khan's army would have firepower far beyond anything Malik Zaman could counter.

But tonight, Faisal was alone. The workers had been dismissed for the evening, the flames of the forge now casting long shadows across the room as the embers cooled. It was in these moments of solitude that his mind wandered, not to the immediate concerns of the village or the warlords, but to the larger questions that had followed him ever since he had arrived in this world.

He leaned against the workbench, staring into the dying flames, his thoughts drifting back to his old life—the life he had left behind.

Faith and the Warhammer Universe

Faisal had always been a man of contradictions. A military engineer, a Muslim raised in foreign lands, and a fan of the dark, dystopian universe of Warhammer 40k. He had grown up in a world that balanced belief in something greater with a fascination for a fictional universe where god-like beings waged eternal war.

In many ways, Warhammer 40k had always struck a chord with him—not just because of the epic battles or the sprawling lore, but because of what it represented: the endless struggle for power, for dominance, for survival in a universe where hope was a luxury and faith was a weapon. The God-Emperor of Mankind, the immortal ruler of the Imperium, had always fascinated him. A leader worshipped as a deity, guiding humanity through a galaxy of endless war.

And now, in this strange new life, Faisal found himself reflecting on that same philosophy. The God-Emperor ruled through fear and devotion, his subjects living and dying by his will. But even as a fan of the lore, Faisal knew that such power, such faith, came at a cost.

[New Mission: Balance faith and power.]

[Objective: Establish dominance while maintaining the core values of your faith.]

The system's cold, mechanical voice interrupted his thoughts, reminding him that he was not alone in his reflections. It was always there, guiding him, pushing him toward his ultimate goal. Faisal wasn't a man who believed in coincidences. This system, this second chance—it all had a purpose. And just like in the 40k universe, power was something that had to be seized and maintained through strength, cunning, and unwavering resolve.

But there was a difference. Faisal's faith—the real one, not the fictional worship of the God-Emperor—was Islam. Even though he had been born and raised in foreign lands, far from the traditional heartlands of the religion, it had always been a part of him. Prayer, fasting, submission to God's will—these were the things that anchored him in a world that often seemed chaotic.

"Submit to no one but Allah," Faisal murmured, a quiet reminder to himself as he stared into the flames. "Power is fleeting. Only God remains eternal."

He had carried this faith with him into this brutal world. And now, as he built armies, designed weapons, and manipulated warlords, Faisal knew that there was a line he would never cross. Even as he amassed power, he would not let it consume him. He would not become like the God-Emperor of 40k—immortal in might, but devoid of humanity.

Power without purpose was hollow. He had seen it in the history of his own world, and now he was watching it unfold in Rahim Khan's pursuit of domination. Men like Rahim thought that by controlling land and soldiers, they could become invincible. But the truth was more complex. Faith provided purpose.

The Balance of Power and Faith

Faisal moved to a corner of the workshop, where a simple mat lay on the ground. He knelt, facing the direction of Mecca, and began his evening prayer. The movements were fluid, automatic—years of practice had ingrained them into his very being. The familiar recitation of Quranic verses flowed from his lips, quiet but steady.

In these moments, Faisal was reminded of why he fought. Not just for power, not just to build an empire. But for something greater. To bring order to chaos, to create something lasting, something that would benefit more than just himself.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had once spoken of justice, of ruling with fairness, and ensuring that the weak were not oppressed by the strong. This, too, was power. But it was power tempered by morality, by humility. Faisal knew that in this world, where violence and dominance seemed to be the only currency, his faith would serve as both a guide and a restraint.

He stood after completing his prayer, the weight of his thoughts still heavy in his mind. He was not the God-Emperor of Mankind. He would not rule through fear and blind devotion. But he would rule. He would build an empire, not of cruelty, but of strength tempered by justice.

The Influence of Warhammer 40k on His Strategy

Still, he could not help but reflect on the lessons of Warhammer 40k. The eternal struggle for dominance, the endless cycle of war—it was, in some ways, not so different from the world he now inhabited. Warlords like Rahim Khan and Malik Zaman were locked in a smaller version of that same struggle, each one fighting for scraps of land, oblivious to the greater threats that lay beyond.

The British Empire and the Russian Empire, looming just beyond Afghanistan's borders, were like the massive fleets and alien races of the 40k universe—unrelenting, vast forces that could not be stopped by mere walls or swords. And Faisal knew that to survive against these powers, Afghanistan would need to become something more. Something that even these great empires would fear.

Just like the God-Emperor, Faisal would need to inspire. He would need to convince the people that he could protect them, lead them to glory. But unlike the fictional ruler of the Imperium, Faisal wouldn't demand worship or loyalty born of fear. His strength would come from the people's belief in the cause he was building.

The Coming Conflict

A knock at the workshop door interrupted his thoughts. Faisal turned to see one of Rahim's soldiers, a young man with a tired expression, standing in the doorway.

"The warlord wishes to speak with you, my lord," the soldier said, his voice hesitant. "There's news from Malik Zaman's camp."

Faisal nodded and gathered his thoughts. Malik Zaman. The warlord had escaped from the ambush but had lost many men. Faisal had expected him to regroup, to prepare for another strike. But now, it seemed Malik was moving faster than anticipated.

"Tell Rahim I'll be there shortly," Faisal said.

The soldier bowed and hurried off, leaving Faisal alone once more. The game was moving forward, and Faisal was prepared. With the production of cannons now underway, Rahim Khan's forces would soon be armed with superior firepower. Malik Zaman wouldn't stand a chance, not against the steam-powered artillery that would rain down destruction from the mountains.

But Malik wasn't the endgame. He was just a pawn.

Faisal knew that the real battles lay ahead. The British, the Russians—they would come for Afghanistan, drawn by its strategic importance. And when they did, Faisal would be ready. He would turn their ambitions against them, just as the God-Emperor had turned the forces of chaos into instruments of his own empire.

But unlike the God-Emperor, Faisal would not lose sight of who he was. He would build an empire, but it would be built with purpose, with faith.

As Faisal left the workshop, heading toward Rahim Khan's quarters, his mind was clear. War was inevitable. But with war came opportunity. And in this war-torn world, Faisal would rise not just as a conqueror but as a leader who understood the balance between faith, power, and the eternal struggle for dominance.

"In the grim darkness of this world," Faisal thought, a half-smile playing on his lips, "there is not only war. There is purpose."

To be continued…

End of Chapter 7