2nd Primarch

"Then what is the focus of our promotion of education?"

"Faith and military aspects?"

Another councillor asked, instantly bringing a smile to Duker's face.

The implementation of any policy must be subject to questioning, and its direction determined through discussion to avoid mistakes. The participation of more legislators will also smooth the path for future initiatives.

"It is tentatively divided into three categories: religious belief, scientific and technological knowledge, and military training," Duker explained.

Today's galaxy is in chaos. Firm belief, profound knowledge, and high military literacy are essential for humanity to gain an advantage in war. Additionally, we will ensure a steady supply of high-quality recruits for the Heart Network.

Duker then considered another critical point.

"All research related to the Warp is banned. In textbooks, demons must be simply defined, with efforts focused on propaganda to present them as the primary enemy of humanity while obscuring details about the Warp."

"In short, our objective is to cultivate hostility toward demons," he emphasized.

Currently, most high-ranking officials and Space Marines in the Empire are aware of the Warp's existence and the nature of demons. However, exposing ordinary citizens to excessive knowledge about the Warp is dangerous.

Even writing the names of the four Chaos gods could corrupt an entire planet. Thus, Duker resolved to inform the populace of demonic atrocities while omitting details of the Warp itself.

As Duker spoke, several planetary governors quickly recorded the meeting's proceedings using their augmented memories, enabling them to retain vast amounts of information effortlessly.

Meanwhile, the councilors reflected on the feasibility of specific implementation strategies while listening to Duker's additional details.

Gris, the Grand Sage of the Mechanicum, observed Duker with his mechanical eyes, his heart churning with turmoil. It was evident that this second Primarch possessed grand ambitions and harbored deep dissatisfaction with the current state of the Human Empire.

Rumors suggested plans for a grand expedition.

The Emperor is remembered as great for initiating an unprecedented expedition in the past. Though Gris had not witnessed the Emperor's journey, he imagined it must have been monumental.

However, Duker's ambitions seemed no less significant. His words hinted at a conquest aimed directly at the depths of Chaos, targeting the horrors hidden within the Warp.

This would undoubtedly be an expedition that could determine the fate of the galaxy and all of humanity.

The meeting lasted for hours.

Duker drew inspiration from the discussions, with the computing power of the Heart Network constantly calculating possibilities and filling in details under his proposed framework. Questions raised by other lawmakers further refined and enhanced the plan's feasibility.

By the end of the meeting, a basic framework for future efforts had been established. Even if they began with just the surrounding systems of Ophelia VII, hundreds of worlds would be involved. Despite the barren nature of most of these planets, they still held populations numbering in the hundreds of billions.

The scale of such an endeavor would require significant time to achieve meaningful results.

As the councilors departed, Duker felt a deep sense of relief. Completing such a substantial agenda in one session was gratifying.

Returning to his quarters, Duker first checked the Heart Network's membership numbers. He found the count nearing two thousand, a testament to Sister Efilar's efforts in comforting both civilians and wounded Space Marines.

Duker decided to host a ceremonial event soon, intending to harness humanity's collective faith at its peak. The resulting surge in Heart Network membership would greatly amplify its computing power.

The sacrifices for the ceremony, he concluded, would come from those corrupted by power.

Having made his plans, Duker briefly reviewed the memories of current Heart Network members. Most were grassroots fighters from the Battle Sisters, Interstellar Regiments, and Astra Militarum.

While the upper echelons were undoubtedly loyal, the blind, fervent faith of the rank-and-file members was more conducive to the Network's needs.

With nearly two thousand Space Marines providing spiritual support, Duker found his computational resources abundant. He began deducing methods to advance spiritual cultivation techniques.

For the next three days, Duker immersed himself in spiritual practice. By the fifth day, he completed the new meditation technique, which he named Wildfire.

When he opened his eyes, flames seemed to emanate from them, engulfing his surroundings with a radiant heat that lasted for half a minute.

Satisfied with his progress, Duker uploaded the new cultivation method to the Heart Network, along with updates introducing a points system, task system, sign-in rewards, and more.

The updates revitalized the Heart Network, sparking excitement among its members.

"Praise humanity! So many systems updated at once!"

"The next stage of spiritual cultivation is here!"

"The new techniques are expensive, but worth it."

Some members eagerly explored the updates, calculating how long it would take to amass points. Others discussed tasks, such as subjugating corrupt planetary governors, and speculated on Duker's involvement.

The Network buzzed with activity as members expressed admiration for Duker's leadership and dedication.

In the quiet of his room, Duker monitored the progress with a smile. His journey was far from over, but humanity's faith—and its potential—was rising steadily.