Chapter 7 – Encounter on the Edge of Fire

Chapter 7 – Encounter on the Edge of Fire

Imperial Space Fortress

Above the capital planet of the Human Empire, a colossal space fortress floated with majestic presence, surrounded by countless warships patrolling the void like silent sentinels. Inside the fortress's grand chamber, holy light from the Imperial sigil glowed softly on the polished steel walls.

There stood Saint Celestine, the living saint of the Imperium, radiant with her ethereal wings of light. In her hand, she held the legendary Ardent Blade, a sacred relic from the age of fire and faith. Around her, the elite Adeptus Sororitas stood ready, their trigger fingers twitching in silent warning.

Before them, a group of unknown female angels stood quietly. Though their wings and presence bore grace, the room was tense—like a battlefield held together by a thread.

Celestine spoke, her voice calm yet commanding, concealing the fire that burned within.

"You who call yourselves angels... why have you trespassed into Imperial territory?"

One of the female angels, a mid-ranking warrior by her aura, stepped forward cautiously.

"We are pursuing remnants of male angels who defected from our order. We did not intend to violate your domain. It was by chance that we discovered... a new civilization. Our queens request an audience with your king or emperor."

Her face betrayed her nervousness, especially under the watchful eyes of the battle sisters ready to erupt with fury.

One of the Sororitas whispered harshly,

"Saint Celestine, we cannot allow these xenos to meet the Emperor!"

Celestine raised her hand, silencing the storm.

"I understand your concern. I, too, do not wish to send them forward lightly... but this is His will. I carry the Emperor's divine mandate."

Turning back to the angels, she added,

"Please wait. I will deliver your message to His Majesty."

After some time, approval was granted. The angel returned to her fleet and reported to the Three Angel Queens: Keisha, Hexi, and Liang Bing.

With a serious expression, she knelt and spoke,

"Your Majesties, this civilization… they are highly xenophobic. When I arrived, I was met by women clad in holy armor, glaring at me with burning hatred. They called me alien... and their faith in their Emperor is absolute."

She recounted the entire conversation aboard the fortress in vivid detail.

Keisha crossed her arms thoughtfully.

"It seems their Emperor is revered beyond imagination. Even if they're not friendly, there is order in their world."

Hexi nodded slowly.

"From what I can tell, they have an extremely strong military hierarchy. Discipline runs deep."

Liang Bing chuckled softly.

"A civilization that despises anything outside their race... How curious. I want to see how they live."

Keisha rose from her seat and addressed them all,

"Very well. Prepare yourselves. We'll proceed to their fortress again—this time, according to their protocol."

At this point in time, Keisha, Hexi, and Liang Bing were still early in rebuilding the Angelic Civilization. Their personalities had yet to fully form into the godlike figures they would become. For now, they were explorers of fate—about to step into the fire of a holy empire forged in blood and steel.