It was truly a distant dream. The Emperor of the 40k timeline felt filled with emotion as he awakened from a nightmare that had seemed to last for an eternity.
"Thank you, the 'me' from another world. Thank you for your support. And this Mister Axis... are you also a Primarch I created?" The 40k Emperor first expressed his gratitude to his alternate self, then looked at Axis and asked with some confusion.
"Axis did indeed undergo some of my modifications, but that was a very long time ago," the Emperor said. "After Axis grew up, he completely evolved his body to the level of a God. All the modifications on his body have long since vanished."
It was true that when Axis was young, he had modified him, and most of those modifications were based on the Primarchs.
Because of this, Axis's bloodline had achieved an extremely powerful primordial regression, which laid the capital foundation for his growth and strength.
However, Axis later gradually comprehended the power of the Gods, meditated under the Tree of Might for three hundred years, traveled to another world, and eventually split the Warp alongside the Emperor himself.
Axis's body had long since reached the level of a God, and surpassed that of ordinary deities. In a certain sense, Axis was the most powerful lifeform he had ever seen, aside from that fellow called the Grand Minister.
Guilliman reported many things to the Emperor.
Regarding his counterpart in this world, the Grand Kai Emperor hid nothing; he bluntly told the other that he came from ten thousand years ago, or rather, nine thousand years ago.
He had also sat upon the Golden Throne, but thanks to Axis, he had been able to walk away from it.
"So that is how it happened! It is truly a lamentable experience. Axis changed the fate of two worlds almost single-handedly," the 40k Emperor said, looking toward the Golden Throne and the Webway Project that had once been destroyed by his son.
"Regardless, I must thank you both. Since I have been liberated from the Golden Throne, humanity will now see hope. I will not fail again."
There was a time when the Emperor had fallen into near-despair after Magnus destroyed the Webway Project. The Webway was humanity's only true hope.
He could have suppressed the rebellion of twenty Primarchs, but the destruction of the Webway had utterly broken his defenses.
It meant that all of humanity's future hope had been snuffed out; the Chaos Gods would dominate mankind completely, and the species would never have a chance to develop, only to linger on in agony.
He had not expected that the 'himself' from another world would not only resurrect him but also effortlessly repair the Webway. His other self's power was far beyond his imagination.
How exactly did he do it? Did he rely on that thing called Shenron?
Wait, the 40k Emperor thought. Since an existence in another world obtained this thing called Shenron, why didn't I obtain it? And this existence called Axis... why didn't I encounter him?
The 40k Emperor thought of many things in an instant. Theoretically, a parallel universe was not a completely different world; what existed in one universe should exist in the parallel one.
Perhaps the experiences of a counterpart would differ, but they should generally be comparable. Therefore, if Axis possessed these things called Dragon Balls, they should exist in his world as well.
Furthermore, this Axis seemed to be very intimate with his daughter, whether it was the daughter from the other world or the daughter of this world.
"I would like to know where you found these Dragon Balls," the 40k Emperor asked his alternate self directly.
He believed his counterpart would tell him the truth. Perhaps the Axis of this world no longer existed; after all, ten thousand years had passed. Without his modifications, the theoretical Axis would have died long ago.
But the Dragon Balls, treasures that could alter the fate of the entire universe, must still be there.
The Dragon Balls could grant three wishes. With them, he could accomplish many things, such as resurrecting the Axis of his own world.
Hearing the 40k Emperor's words, Axis felt somewhat speechless. This guy was getting ideas about him. Did he think transmigrators were common? He was the only transmigrator in this multiverse!
If there were other transmigrators, changes would have occurred long ago, or they would have died on some nameless battlefield immediately upon arrival.
In the Warhammer universe, without a powerful 'cheat' or Golden Finger to back you up, death came quickly. It was arguably the most unfriendly place for a transmigrator.
"I regret to inform you, but your world does not have an Axis. Axis is unique and belongs only to our world," the Grand Kai Emperor said, offering a partial explanation. "And in a sense, the Dragon Balls came with Axis. They belong to him. They do not exist in your universe."
The Grand Kai Emperor withheld some information, such as Axis's ability to travel between completely different worlds, not just parallel universes.
And the fact that Axis created the Dragon Balls was even more important and absolutely could not be shared. The external explanation was simply that the Dragon Balls were a magical treasure Axis had acquired by chance.
Upon hearing this, the 40k Emperor frowned. He had not expected his other self to be unwilling to tell him the truth.
"The 'me' from another world, I must obtain such a miraculous object as the Dragon Balls. It is vital. For the sake of all mankind, please tell me," the 40k Emperor insisted.
Neoth was created for the sole purpose of serving the human race. The Emperor did not love any single human; he loved the species as a whole.
The 40k Emperor believed that by applying pressure in this manner, his other self would surely capitulate. No one understood him better than himself.
But this time, the 40k Emperor was destined for disappointment.
"I am sorry, but times have changed. I have completely broken free from that influence," the Grand Kai Emperor said, shaking his head. "Although I still deeply love the human race, it is different from your love. I can now love individuals as well. I love my sons, my daughters, and even my grandsons."
He was no longer bound by that belief.
Giving everything for the human race, sacrificing everything, that was the rule set for him by the ancient shamans, carved into his subconscious. But after eating Axis's Fruit of the Tree of Might, he no longer needed to obey that rule because he had transcended it.
"You actually broke free from that influence... that truly surprises me. Congratulations," the 40k Emperor said. "But the artifact known as Dragon Balls... can you truly not lend it to me? I only need one wish."
Originally, he had many wishes. He wanted to resurrect Sanguinius, resurrect Malcador the Sigillite, and resurrect the slain Ferrus Manus.
Perhaps he could even resurrect a benevolent Horus, repair the ancient Aeldari Webway, have Shenron create a Webway belonging solely to humanity, or completely seal off the Warp.
Regardless, he did not want to give up the right to use the Dragon Balls. Clearly, there were two wishes left; why was Axis unwilling to spare one?
"Axis has explained it very clearly. This would make Axis pay a great price. It is not free to use. Everything has a cost; you should understand this," the Grand Kai Emperor stated firmly.
"Father, and Lord Neoth from another world, please forgive us. My father is just too anxious; he would sacrifice everything for the human race!" Guilliman interjected, first apologizing to the Grand Kai Emperor and then looking at his true father.
"Father, you have resurrected, and I have returned. Rogal Dorn has also returned. We will help you rebuild the Imperium of Man."
"Fine. Perhaps I was too anxious. This current state is acceptable," the 40k Emperor said, immediately realizing his words were somewhat discourteous and likely to anger his incredibly powerful alternate self.
Moreover, he risked offending this man named Axis.
The other party had already resurrected him, which was the utmost benevolence. There was no need to push his luck. Some things could be taken slowly; previously, he had ruined many things precisely by rushing them.
"As long as you understand. You have been resurrected, and I have sealed the Webway rift. If you wish, in the future, you can rely on your own power to complete your previous plans," the Grand Kai Emperor said. "Alternatively, I can give you a new technology, something called an FTL Engine.
"You can install this engine on all Imperial vessels. It allows travel through the universe at dozens of times the speed of light, and for distances within a few hundred light-years, there will be no need to use Warp travel."
It wasn't that he didn't want to give the spatial fold system, but they were still researching it on his side.
Although Axis had brought the technology, the Imperium needed time to fully digest it. Currently, human navigation in the galaxy relied mostly on the Webway, the usage rights for which had been granted by the two Aeldari Goddesses and the Laughing God.
"An FTL engine? How astonishing. You have already mastered such technology? I thought only those cold skeletons possessed such capabilities," the 40k Emperor remarked.
"Do not underestimate the creativity of the human race. The FTL engine is not an insurmountable problem. I will give you a complete set of technical data," Axis said with a smile.
In truth, Saiyans were not a race known for research. Their spaceships and civilization-related technologies were traded for or plundered from other aliens. The Imperium of Man had done quite well; in over five hundred years, they had matured the technology.
In their version of the Imperium, unless it was absolutely necessary, they no longer used Warp travel. After all, they had the safer, high-speed Webway and FTL travel, with spatial jumping capabilities on the horizon.
Axis then retrieved documents regarding the FTL engine from his private dimension, along with a complete, functional engine, and handed them to the Emperor of this world.
This is all I can give you; research the rest slowly yourselves!
Following this, Axis, the Grand Kai Emperor, and the two Kashas took up temporary residence on Holy Terra.
Axis generously opened a spatial rift, allowing the human fleets stationed near the Necrons to withdraw directly.
Rogal Dorn, who had been responsible for defending the galaxy, also immediately returned to Holy Terra to pay respects to his father. Previously, he had been managing defensive fortifications near Pluto's orbit.
Truth be told, the Tyranids had given him immense pressure. That terrifying race was more difficult and horrifying than any enemy encountered before.
Yet even so, Rogal Dorn had not retreated, choosing to lead his sons, the Black Templars and the Imperial Fists, along with other rebuilt successor chapters to resist them.
The news of the Emperor's return invigorated the entire human world. The entirety of the Segmentum Solar received the message that the Emperor had awakened.
The awakened Emperor did not sit idle. He made a public appearance directly on Holy Terra, showing himself to all imperial citizens.
Once existing only in myths and legends, the god-like figure now stood before all of humanity in reality. He appeared as he did ten thousand years ago: five meters tall, clad in resplendent gold armor, with a visage of majestic sanctity.
Upon his appearance, the Emperor promised all of humanity that he would lead them to glory once more.
During this time, Axis decided to propose to the Emperor of this world to marry the Kasha from the alternate timeline.
Some things simply happened naturally.
Upon first arriving in her own world, Kasha had learned the Emperor's true identity. She had been heartbroken for a long time, but after Axis returned, she actively helped facilitate the arrangement.
After all, they were both herself; Kasha didn't feel much jealousy. As the saying went, keep the wealth within the family.
Axis did not suggest using the Dragon Ball universe's Fusion Dance or Potara Earrings to turn the two wives into one person.
Although they were both Kasha, they were two completely distinct individuals with independent minds.
The 40k Emperor expressed great approval regarding his daughter's marriage and even offered to hold a grand wedding for the two. However, Axis refused.
It was entirely unnecessary. He had already done his utmost for this universe.
Axis planned to find the Aeldari God of Death quickly.
They lived on Holy Terra for three months.
During this period, the newly awakened Emperor of Mankind directly rejected the proposal to use Exterminatus to create a defensive perimeter around Holy Terra, harshly rebuking the Inquisitor who proposed it. What was the point of protecting Holy Terra with such methods?
Without another word, the newly resurrected Emperor personally led a crusade. Alongside him were Rogal Dorn and Guilliman. He used this war to announce his return.
This time, to establish his authority, the 40k Emperor did not ask for help from Axis or the Grand Kai Emperor. After his resurrection, his power was far greater than before.
His terrifying psychic power had become even more horrific after absorbing fragments of the Dark King, and his physical body had reached a level difficult to describe with words. The Emperor was full of confidence.
He had power like never before.
"How is it? Are you satisfied with your counterpart' of this world, Father-in-law?" Axis asked with a smile, looking at the Emperor.
"What can I say? It is a novel experience. But this is not our world, after all. We resurrected the 'me' of this world, gave him greater power, and you even provided the FTL engine technology. We have done everything we can," the Grand Kai Emperor said.
"Sometime later, I'll take you to the Dragon Ball Universe. You have already obtained the divine power of a Supreme Grand Kai. Combined with your terrifying physical constitution, once you comprehend Ki, it could increase your attack power at least tenfold," Axis said, looking at the Emperor.
Ki was unique to the Dragon Ball world. His son, Kratos, had successfully comprehended Ki after traveling there.
Furthermore, in their own universe, the Warp had been split into the Netherworld and the Demon Realm, so psykers no longer existed.
No one could extract energy from the Warp anymore. The disappearance of psykers was actually a good thing.
Although imperial communications had relied on psykers, their dependency had dropped significantly since Axis brought back quantum communication devices from the Dragon Ball world.
So now, the Old Man in Gold only possessed his own divine power and power of Holy Light; his psychic powers had completely vanished.
"I feel your world is somewhat dangerous. I think we should explore our own world first before going to obtain that Ki. I am in no rush," the Grand Kai Emperor said, shaking his head.
As a Grand Kai, he naturally knew the benefits of Ki, but now was not the time. He was very wary of Axis's world. That Grand Priest gave him too much pressure.
"Fine, suit yourself. I plan to find the Aeldari God of Death in this world and convince him to go to our universe to serve as the Kai of the Netherworld," Axis shrugged.
Having resurrected his old father-in-law in this world, he now had business to attend to.
"I am going to deal with that Silent King of the Necrons. Let us split up," the Grand Kai Emperor said.
"No problem. You go handle the Silent King. Have fun!" Axis nodded.
"By the way, there is one more thing I must remind you of. Your Dragon Balls are powerful, but those things called Shadow Dragons are a huge threat. I think you should create a set of smaller Dragon Balls with reduced power," the Emperor added.
Axis had told him about the Shadow Dragons, and he understood how dangerous those things were.
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ps?