GATE: Thus The Imperium of Man Fought There

Interlude 1: The Questions of Old Believe I

-M29.671. Falmart. Bellnahgo-

Bellnahgo was renowned throughout Falmart as the holiest of cities, a place where the worship of Hardy, the goddes of the Underworld, was held in the highest regard. The city's grand temple dedicated to Hardy was a testament to the devotion of its inhabitants. Pilgrims flocked to Bellnahgo from all corners of the continent to pay homage to their deities, making it a bustling hub of religious fervor.

Rory, now an Iterator of the Emperor's light, was on her way to Bellnahgo with a mission. She was charged with spreading the Imperial Truth, a task that required both tact and determination, especially in a city so deeply entrenched in its traditional beliefs. Her status as a former Apostle of Hardy was well-known, but the nature of her relationship with the deity was often misunderstood by his followers.

As she approached the city's gate, the guards stationed there were visibly taken aback by her presence. Rory's association with Hardy was legendary, yet her current role represented a stark shift from her past. One of the guards, regaining his composure, greeted her with a respectful bow, his voice tinged with reverence.

"Your Holiness, what brings you to our city?" he asked, his posture reflecting the high esteem in which he held her.

Rory's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. The transformation she had undergone under the Emperor's guidance had instilled in her a clarity that set her apart from the religious fervor of Hardy's devotees. She knew the truth behind the gods of Falmart and their dominion over the people.

"I wish to meet your head priestess," she replied, her tone even and authoritative.

The guard seemed honored by her request. "We will be honored, milady," he responded, before gesturing to his comrades, who quickly ran off to alert the city's leaders of Rory's arrival.

Rory nodded in acknowledgment, watching as the guards scrambled. Their reaction was not unexpected, but it brought a twinge of annoyance. She had visited Bellnahgo before, under far different circumstances, and the memories of that time were still fresh and unsettling.

As she continued her approach, the city loomed before her, its towering spires and grandiose temples casting long shadows.

Rory observed the people around her, many clasping their hands in prayer to their gods as she set foot in the city.

Once, this city of devout individuals filled her with happiness and a warm sentiment, eager to interact with everyone, sharing the wisdom and stories she had gathered over centuries. But now, having embraced the Imperial Truth, her sentiments had changed drastically. Rory saw them as fools, surrendering to empty beliefs that would never provide any real reward, only superstition. Yet, she also felt a pang of pity for them, enslaved by these hollow beliefs, sacrificing their bodies, souls, and even their children.

The irony was palpable.

As Rory continued to walk, she noticed the attention focused on her growing with each passing moment, and she disliked it intensely. The adoration and reverence she once found flattering now felt suffocating.

The city, with its towering spires and grand temples, seemed almost mocking now. The gods these people worshipped had no power, no substance, nothing compared to the harsh, unyielding reality of the Imperial Truth she now held dear. It was a revelation that had stripped away the comforting illusions of her long life and replaced them with a stark clarity.

Rory's thoughts drifted to the Emperor, whose presence was a beacon of undeniable power and truth. Unlike the distant, impotent deities these people prayed to, the Emperor was real, tangible, and immensely powerful. Her loyalty to Him was unwavering, fueled by a profound respect for His vision and strength.