V

When Richard enter his bedroom, Selina bow towards him and say: "Young Master, lord Maximilian have requested you to join him for dinner, you should prepare yourself and be ready to answer any questions that may ask."

"Yes, I know." Richard reply while walking towards the couch. "I have been inform by Albert about the dinner, and I will make sure to be prepared for anything."

"Understood, then I shall return when you need me." Selina say and exiting the room after bowing slightly.

As the door closed, Richard started to think what the future hold for him. While this is the Warhammer 40k universe, one, if not the most dangerous fictional world, he's lucky to be a member of nobles. The best results of this will be gaining small fiefdom, or serve as retainer for the future duke.

Another path would be joining the Astra Militarum, just like the family ancestors. He could potentially rise to a high rank if he's lucky or competent enough, but there's the ever-present danger of dying on some distant battlefield for a planet he never heard of.

The alternative, serving under a system governor or in a civil administrative role, is far less exciting, but it offers a certain degree of safety and stability. Managing logistics, overseeing trade, or handling bureaucratic matters could keep him well away from the chaos of war, though the thought lacks the thrill of adventure. Still, considering the dangers of the Warhammer 40K universe, the possibility of safety is not something to dismiss lightly.

Then there's the tantalizing idea of securing a Warrant of Trade and becoming a Rogue Trader. "It's not bad if I can get the warrant," Richard muse, a spark of excitement flickering within. "If I had the Warrant of Trade, I could roam the galaxy freely, avoiding the most dangerous regions and potentially building my fortune. Sure, the Inquisition might 'request' my services from time to time, but as long as the missions aren't too insane, I could handle it."

But there's a significant problem with this plan. "The warrant," He think with a sigh. "How can I even get one? I haven't done anything worthy of it yet. While House Aurelius has money, I doubt Maximilian would be willing to spend Thrones on me for something like this."

While he thinking all of this, he also writing a record about all the events that occur in the 40k universe, Siege of Vraks, Badab war, the wars on Armageddon and more as he is a fan of the universe, so that he know what's happening outside the world, and possibly gaining something out of this, if all of this haven't happened. And also the possible future plans to make sure he can survive.

'Survival first.' Richard think as he continue writing, knowing that preparation is key in a place like the Imperium. With enough foresight and careful moves, he might not only survive but thrive amidst the chaos of the 41st Millennium.

As he immersed in writing and mapping out your plans, the sudden sound of knocking on the door breaks his focus. With a quick word of permission, Selina enters the room.

"Young Master, you should start your preparations now, if you don't want to be late," she says, her voice gently reminding Richard of the dinner with Maximilian.

Richard glance at the notes he's been scribbling, already feeling the weight of the upcoming dinner. Nodding slightly, he close the book and rise from his seat. "You're right, Selina. I shouldn't keep him waiting."

Selina bows her head slightly. "Shall I assist with your attire, Young Master?" she asks, her tone ever dutiful.

"Yes, please," Richard reply. There's much to think about, but for now, he need to focus on making a proper appearance for dinner. He have to navigate the conversation carefully, just as he's with his future plans.

After done preparing, Richard walk towards the dining hall with Selina accompany him on the way. When arriving at the front door of the hall, Albert greet him at the front of door, his sharp eyes observing Richard punctuality and nods approvingly before ordering the door servants to open the massive doors.

When the door open, Richard saw a beautiful room with a long table on the central of the room. With this, a grand chandelier hanging above the room, beautiful painting on the left side and windows on the right side that let the occupant to get the view of the garden.

While the room is beautiful, but Richard don't have the leisure to dwell in the sight, as his father, Maximilian already sitting at the table.

"Hello father, sorry to be late." Richard quickly approach him and apologize, even though he did not arrive late. "No need, I only just arrived, take a seat so we can start." Maximilian reply coldly.

His tone leaves little room for warmth, but Richard already expect that. Richard nod respectfully and quickly make his way to the seat already pulled out for him by Selina. The chair is placed to the left side of Maximilian, a position that, while close to him, still showing who's the person in charge.

Once Richard taken his seat, Maximilian gives a curt nod toward Albert, signaling him to proceed. Albert, ever efficient, leaves the room briefly before returning with several servants, each carrying trays laden with various dishes. The presentation is immaculate, each plate carefully arranged as the servants place them on the table before quietly leaving the room.

The table is now set, a feast of roasted meats, fresh bread, and vibrant vegetables, but no one moves until Maximilian takes the first bite. As expected, Maximilian begins eating first, signaling that the dinner has officially begun. Richard follow suit, picking up his utensils and starting his meal, though he remain nervous of the intention of this dinner, as it is only Richard and Maximilian eating, and the other family members are not present.

After 25 minutes of tense and uncomfortable silence, Maximilian finally breaks it. "Richard, I have received a report from Alaric that you have improved greatly in your swordsmanship, even beating your opponent."

Richard sit up straighter at his words, immediately responding. "Yes, Father. After the punishment you gave me, I have been training in my confinement to improve myself."

Maximilian nods, his expression still unreadable. "Indeed. Alaric believes you have the potential to become greater. Therefore, you are to train under his tutelage for the next seven days to see if you truly have that potential. Don't let me down this time, Richard."

His cold, piercing gaze meets Richard, making it clear that this is not just another training session.

"I won't, Father," Richard reply.

As both of them finish thier dinner, Richard take a moment to gauge Maximilian's demeanor. After a final, subtle nod toward Maximilian, Richard stand and begin to leave the room.

'Hopefully you can improve enough to participate on the plan.' Maximilian thinking while looking at Richard, leaving the room.

With the door close behind Richard, he walk down the dimly lit corridor toward his bedroom with heavy thought.

When arrive at the bedrooms, Richard get ready to sleep with the help of Selina in changing his clothes. After finished changing the clothes, he said. "Selina, you can now go rest at your room, I don't need your help for now." With that, Selina bow towards him and leave.

'Well, today is an adventure, I should get as many rest I can for the training for the next 7 days.' Richard think while lying down on his bed, closing his eyes.

For the next 7 days, Richard undergo training under Alaric supervision, from 7 am to 3 pm. After that, he went into the library to read more books on various topics, but he just can't get any information about the current year, and which segmentum does this planet locate at. This leave him frustrated as both of this information are very important.

Unbeknown by Richard, while he is training and reading, there is actually a person watching him with Maximilian. "So, you willing to give me your son for my support for your race of High King position." The man say, coldly and almost machine like. "Of course, while I'm not sure what plan you are doing but I'm trust you as we all are His loyal servants, and you will never harm another servants." Maximilian reply. "Other than Richard, there are also another 1000 people I can send to participate for your plan." Maximilian continue.

"Is that so?" the man replied. "It seems you're quite determined if you're willing to go to such lengths." He paused, appearing to think for a few moments. "Very well. If you're willing to help me, then I shall assist you in gaining your position. But remember, no one must know about this. All evidence of my arrival, as well as anyone you can't trust with this information, must be erased."

"Of course, I'll make sure of that—after I acquire the position," your father replied, nodding.

On the eighth days, Richard still arrive at the training ground, but he see Maximilian, Alaric and an unknown hooded figure beside your father. "Good morning father, and Coach Alaric." Richard greet Maximilian and Alaric. Maximilian nodded towards him and reply. "This is mister Nine and from today onwards, you will be participating the plan this mister made."

Richard felt shock of this situation, as he are being throw into an unknown plan that made by this unknown man with a weird name. But he know he can't reject it. "Understood father." Richard nodded towards Maximilian.

"I shall be in your care then, mister Nine." Richard say towards the figure. "Of course, hopefully you prove worthy enough to succeed the plan, that can made you stronger and serve the Emperor better." Nine reply while nodding. "Then, we will be departing today, prepare your luggage and keep it simple, as you can't use themfor all the time."

Richard nod towards all the people in the room, preparing to leave, but before doing so, he turn to Nine with a serious expression. "Is it possible for me to bring someone with me? She is very important to me."

Nine think for a moment. "Who do you wish to bring?" he asks, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

"Selina," Richard reply. "She's not just a servant; she's someone very close to me and a part of my mother's memories."

"Sure." Nine reply. "But, she can only join you if you prove yourself in my plan." He quickly say. "Then, I will personally send my men to pick her up , and make sure when you open your eyes after your sleep."

"Understandable, then I will go to prepare for the departure." After replying, Richard leave the training ground and go to his room to prepare the luggage.

When Richard enter his room, he find Selina already inside, her hands deftly completing your luggage. She looks up at him, her expression a blend of sadness and longing.

"Young Master, I have prepared the luggage for your departure," she says softly, her voice tinged with concern.

Richard take a moment to meet her gaze, feeling the weight of the moment. "Thank you, Selina. And don't look at me like that, you know I can take care of myself." He say, trying to assuring her. "And I already get permission from Nine, the supervisor of the plan to get you join me if I do well."

Selina's expression softens slightly, but concern still lingers in her eyes. "I just worry about you, Young Master. This world can be so unpredictable."

Richard nod, understanding her apprehension. "I promise I will do my best so that you can join me too."

A faint smile appears on her lips, a flicker of hope shining through her worry. "I believe in you, young master. You have always been strong. Just remember to stay focused and keep your wits about you."

After this, Richard take his luggage and walk towards the landing pad that located inside the castle with Selina. Arriving at the pad, he not only see Maximilian and Alaric, there's also other member of the house and the retainers.

Turns out, there are more people joining hjm in the Arvus Lighter, children of the family relatives and retainers already sitting inside the craft. Before Richard board the craft , he wave his goodbye to Selina, and his family members.

Then, Richard find a empty seat and sit on it, putting his luggage above his seat. As everyone are nervous about the situation, so no talk on the whole journey to the cruiser, which he suspected as the Lunar class according to his memory.

Once on the ship, all of them are guided by the servitors to your rooms, with each rooms housing 10 persons. Richard got assigned with all the members of Aurelius house.

For the next 10 days, all of them just participate in various test, such as blood test, gene test, tissue compatibility tests and more. But, other than these tests, all of them just eat balance nutrients foods and training at the training rooms that the cruiser have.

On the 11 day, all of them have been summoned to the main hall. Which Nine already standing on the stage, waiting for them. After all people arrive, he say. "For the past 10 days, we have you all to do tests that is important to determine the role that all of you have in the plan."

"Luckily, all of you pass the test." Nine say. Richard can hear all the person around him relaxed, he the same. "Though, this prove nothing but the ticket for you all to participate the plan, as failures will happen too." While this make all of them nervous about their future, but it also make them excited as they can serve the Emperor better, and can bring honor and glory to their parents, while Richard just happy as it might increase hjs survivability, if he survive the process.

"Now, the servitors will guide you all to your respective operating room, as the processes are long and need many surgery to make you all to be better servants for the Omnissiah, the Emperor." Nine finished it with many servitors entering the room and guiding them to their rooms.

As Richard and his roommates being guide by the servitor, he can see there are many priests and servitors that walking around. The hallway itself is lined with machines adorned with various intricate symbols and insignia, blending both art and function. The scent of oil and incense hangs in the air, creating a heady mix that feels both sacred and industrial.

Once he arrive at his room, Richard can see 10 capsules, with a techpriest typing something on a machine. "Ah, you all finally arrived." The techpriest say while turning towards them. He can see that the lower half of his face have turned in machine, like Cawl face, and he doubt that his body is still comprised of flesh.

"Now please step into the capsules with your designated number that print on your clothes." Richard and his roommates go to their designated pods, Richard designated pod is XIII.

As Richard enter the capsule, the door seals shut behind him with a soft hiss, creating a cocoon of dim light and mechanical hum. Inside, the atmosphere feels sterile and clinical.

Suddenly, he feel a sharp prick as a needle injects something into his arm—medicine, he think, likely intended to induce sleep or a state of sedation. As wave of drowsiness washes over him almost immediately, his eyelids growing heavy.

The last thing Richard see is the techpriest looking at the pods way, but be can feel that his cybernetic eyes is actually watching him.