Warhammer: Dawn of Annihilation

The database contained an immense wealth of human scientific and technological knowledge, awaiting the host's access once certain authentication tasks were completed. The Lord of Dominion template was designed to help the host amass the recognition of believers, with each creature that acknowledged the host's power contributing to a stronger blessing. The host was able to view the data of those who supported them, but could not delve into the approval other entities might have for dark gods. The warning was clear: caution was essential.

Guilliman, however, felt his heart sink. No flashy, game-like features—no ten-draw summons or loot boxes. There would be no convenient power-ups to aid him in his battles. How could he face the traitorous Primarchs or the gods of Chaos without these tools? He longed for the kind of cheats that were common in tales and systems. In his mind, it was absurd to face such foes without extraordinary assistance.

"Is this some kind of joke?" Guilliman grumbled internally. The system, devoid of extravagant powers, seemed almost helpless. The Emperor's divine abilities were already beyond compare, but even then, the threat from Chaos and their alliances felt overwhelming. The Emperor, in his glory, might not have needed such trivialities, but in this new era, Guilliman couldn't help but feel the absence of such support.

The assistant wizard's voice interrupted his frustration, reminding him that it was serious support, free of "messy" functions. Guilliman scoffed inwardly. 

Figures like the Emperor embody the very essence of a protagonist.

In terms of sheer power, his psychic abilities are so immense they could extinguish entire stars, and even the combined forces of the four gods find themselves struggling to contend with him.

As for strategy, he has obliterated countless alien species, toppled warlords, and achieved the monumental task of unifying humanity.

In ideology, he has dabbled in mysticism, championed a form of socialism, and later led the God-killing movement himself.

In terms of accomplishments, he unified mankind, established the Astronomican, and built the foundations of the empire that would endure for millennia. The idea of elevating all humanity to a higher plane was nearly realized.

Honestly, Guilliman had never encountered such an overwhelmingly powerful protagonist in any tale.

And yet, despite the combined efforts of the Four Gods and the traitors, this towering figure was forced to endure thousands of years of torment upon the golden throne.

How could anyone be better than the Emperor?

[ The system trusts the host, please word hard ]

"You trust me?" he thought sarcastically. "I can't even trust myself, let alone this system."

For the Emperor, the source of all strength and unity for humanity, Guilliman felt a weight of responsibility he hadn't anticipated. The golden throne, his father's agony, the unity the Emperor fought for—Guilliman couldn't help but wonder why he was now the one to bear the mantle.

Before his self-reflection could continue, the voice of Saint Celestine pierced the air, drawing him back to the present. Her voice was a gentle, magnetic melody, capable of calming even the deepest turmoil. Her presence radiated light, even though she was heavily wounded from the battle, blood staining her form despite her remarkable healing powers.

Celestine, one of the key figures in Guilliman's resurrection, had been instrumental in ensuring the success of his return. Her wisdom and unwavering faith had brought together the Black Templars and other battle groups, paving the way for the Mechanicus Sage, Cauer, to safely deliver Guilliman's body for the crucial ritual.

Her reverence for him, her gratitude, and the sheer joy in her voice made Guilliman pause. To them, the Emperor's son returning was a beacon of hope, an answer to the overwhelming darkness that humanity had suffered for millennia.

"I thank the Emperor for sending the great Primarch back to our side," Celestine said, her words full of emotion.

Behind her, Calgar, the Chapter Master of the Ultramarines, stepped forward. His face was a mix of pride and joy, tears welling in his eyes as he looked at the resurrected Primarch. For Calgar, this moment represented the culmination of ten thousand years of sacrifice. His voice trembled, yet it carried the weight of millennia of service to humanity.

"Primarch...," Calgar said, his voice thick with emotion.

Guilliman smiled, an expression of paternal pride crossing his face as he placed a hand on Calgar's shoulder.

"The Empire needs your guidance, Emperor and Son," Celestine added, her voice full of admiration and hope.

The loyalty and faith of these warriors were undeniable. They had never lost faith in the Emperor's vision, and now, with Guilliman's return, they saw a flicker of hope in the darkness.

He had absorbed all of Guilliman's memories and power, granting him the composure to calmly face those gathered around him.

His response was firm and filled with an unwavering resolve. "That's why I returned. My presence will make the enemies tremble. The people of the empire will rejoice, and the glory of mankind will once again shine across this dark starry sky."

His words echoed in the hearts of all who heard them. Guilliman's presence, his strength and resolve, inspired confidence. He would lead the Empire once more, with power that could overcome the darkness threatening humanity.

Suddenly, a new message arrived. The assistant wizard's voice spoke directly into his mind.

[The host has successfully triggered the authentication task. Please expel the Chaos forces from Macragge. Earn rewards to unlock further levels of the database.]

[First-level authority unlocks access to critical technologies such as dark matter engines and star-destroying weapons.]

The revelation was a welcome one. Dark matter engines and weapons capable of destroying stars—the tools he needed to turn the tide in humanity's favor. Weapons of unimaginable power, capable of obliterating enemies with unrelenting fury.

The joy of burning through his enemies with these new technologies was palpable. Guilliman's thoughts turned to the chaos forces that had dared invade Macragge. They would soon feel the full wrath of the Empire.

His eyes narrowed, and he stood tall, feeling the full weight of his mission. The Empire would rise again. His enemies would know fear.

And in the end, all would pay for their transgressions.

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