A warp crack tore open in space, gaping like a bleeding wound in the fabric of reality. From that rift, a massive warship surged forth, pulsing with energy as its metal hull fully crossed the interdimensional boundary.
Moments after emerging from the warp, the crew on the bridge sprang into action. They began scanning the nearest planet—a blue world strikingly similar to Earth.
"Your Majesty, we have arrived on the other side of the gate," the navigator reported calmly and respectfully.
"According to the scans, the planet ahead is in the 2nd millennium, local calendar shows the year 2002," a tactical officer added.
"And biologically, this planet is undergoing a crisis similar to the Resident Evil world we previously visited, Your Majesty."
Kenthelion listened intently, narrowing his eyes in thought.
"Could this... be that world?" he murmured.
Only two famous biological apocalypse worlds came to his mind: Resident Evil, and another unfinished and mysterious comic world—Highschool of the Dead.
He gave the order immediately. "Search the Japanese archipelago region. Find out if there is a school named Fujimi Academy."
Seconds later, the report came back.
"Your Majesty, we have confirmed it. Fujimi Academy does exist on this planet."
Kenthelion nodded slowly. "So it is… the world of Highschool of the Dead."
"Prepare the Astra Militarum for deployment. Divide the troops into three: one to America, one to Europe, and one on standby in orbit awaiting further orders from me. Save as many survivors as possible."
Unlike the approach in the Resident Evil world, this time Kenthelion decided not to develop a vaccine. His main goal remains: to accustom the Wandering Earth soldiers to the equipment and combat systems of the Imperium Caelestis.
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Aboard the Gathering Grounds of the Gloriana-Class Battleship Terra Concordia Legion
"Hey guys, did you hear? His Majesty the Emperor is launching an expedition to another universe. I heard there's a biological virus—zombies, like the ones in those old movies!"
"No way, seriously? Actual zombies like in the films? I can't wait to try out the new equipment. These weapons are so different from anything modern."
"Finally, I get to fire a Leman Russ tank!"
"I'm using a Siege Tank!"
"Too bad we need intense training and regular serum injections just to wear CMC armor."
"Same here. I wanted to pilot a Mobile Suit, but I failed the selection. Every pilot has to go through strict testing."
"But let me tell you all something—don't mess with the Space Marines. They're terrifying. Especially those from the World Eaters, Night Lords, and Alpha Legion. They love messing with new recruits."
Zhang Peng: "Lie Pieqiang! We need to get used to our aircraft before we enter an interstellar war!"
Liu Pieqiang: "Yes, Teacher. I'll try my best."
Zhan Zhezhi could only stare helplessly at the two acquaintances chatting animatedly.
Suddenly, a senior officer from the Gloriana warship entered the assembly area. The troops instantly fell silent. The officer began issuing commands to divide the forces into three groups.
These soldiers, unlike prior deployments, were civilians from the Wandering Earth world with no formal military background. Now, by the Emperor's command, they were being shaped into warriors.
Orders were clear:
1.5 million troops to America
1.5 million to Europe
500,000 remain aboard: comprising 100,000 Astra Militarum regulars and 400,000 elite units.
Notably, Space Marines were intentionally not deployed to America or Europe. His Majesty wanted the human forces to learn and grow through real combat.
The great transport ships began descending from the Gloriana, cutting through Earth's atmosphere, each heading toward its designated zone of operations.
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Kenthelion Descends into the Highschool of the Dead World
Kenthelion, the Emperor of the Imperium Caelestis, decided to personally explore the newly discovered world—known from old records as Highschool of the Dead. However, his intention to go alone to the planet's surface without any escort immediately sparked strong reactions from the Adepta Sororitas.
"Your Majesty, I do not agree with you going there alone without an escort," said Saint Celestine firmly, joined by Canoness Veridyan, Amalia Novena, Alicia Dominica, and Tariana Palos.
The five formidable Adepta Sororitas stood resolutely before the Emperor, their expressions clearly full of concern.
Kenthelion sighed softly before calmly replying, "Very well… you may follow me, but only from the shadows. Besides, down in this world… no one can truly threaten me, right?"
With that agreement, Kenthelion transformed his appearance into that of a normal human—young, tall, and without the usual imperial grandeur. It had been a long time since he walked alone, free from endless protocols and formalities.
A Thunderhawk transport was prepared. Kenthelion and the selected Adepta Sororitas boarded it. With the roar of engines and fiery thrusts, the ship pierced Earth's atmosphere, diving toward the Japanese archipelago.
Their destination was clear: Fujimi Academy—a well-known high school in this world, and the epicenter of all chaos in Highschool of the Dead.