Time flew by; in the blink of an eye, half a month had passed. Rhodes's space battleship had arrived in his own domain.
Although it was his territory, Rhodes had not spent much time here. This domain had been given to him by Guilliman after his awakening; Rhodes had only visited briefly during the initial construction phase.
At first, there were only three star systems, with only five habitable worlds.
Later, after development by Mefilas, and the expansion by Huron, it had grown to more than a dozen star systems, now comparable in size to an Imperial sector.
Moreover, within each star system, all metallic planets had been put to use—some as mining worlds, others moved into the habitable zones and transformed into agri-worlds, forge worlds, or hive worlds.
This place had developed independently for five years. Unknowingly, it had already been six years since Rhodes's transmigration. If not for the monster system, he would have long since become biomass for some Tyranid hive fleet!
"Great Master, allow me to report on your territory. Its breadth is 40 light-years, encompassing 18 star systems.
It has over 200 habitable planets: 100 agri-worlds, 50 industrial worlds, and 60 hive worlds.
There are also 100 mining planets and numerous satellite mining worlds.
After years of construction, all the planets have been linked. Trade and travel are free across the region, and even warp travel is incredibly safe.
The mortal army now numbers 30 million, and there are 600,000 Astartes."
Huron bowed and reported to Rhodes.
"You've done well. You haven't let me down," Rhodes said.
This feeling of developing one's own territory was simply fantastic.
When he left, there were only three star systems; now, there were more than a dozen, and his population had reached tens of hundreds of billions.
"It's what I should do, great Rhodes. You saved me; you saved my fallen brothers; you brought us back to the right path," Huron replied.
To gain Rhodes's approval was an immense honor. Rhodes was far superior to those High Lords of Terra. Back then, in the Maelstrom, Huron had frantically expanded his forces because of Chaos threats, while those foolish High Lords not only didn't help but tripped him up, even using Imperial troops to wage war on him.
Facts proved his worries right. If the Imperium had listened and strengthened their defenses, perhaps the 13th Black Crusade wouldn't have happened.
He ended up betraying the Imperium, becoming a Chaos Space Marine lord; but even so, with his talents, he formed a force rivaling Abaddon's.
It wasn't until he met his true confidant—his real patron—that he could realize his value. Give him a century of stable development, and he could launch a massive crusade using all the resources of this territory.
"I trust you completely with my domain, Huron," Rhodes said.
Indeed, Mefilas were not as effective as Huron. Mefilas were smart, good at plotting and analysis, but when it came to territory development, Huron was better.
"Rhodes, the planet you asked me to prepare is now complete. Allow me to show you!" Huron said.
After taking over Rhodes's domain, he'd been ordered to find a pristine planet with excellent environment and location.
About half a year ago, during a Space Marine expedition, they found such a world.
There was no intelligent civilization, only wild beasts; they easily took control.
Huron discovered it was an unpolluted world, just as Rhodes required.
This planet became Rhodes's most important Cosmic Phantom Beast Planet.
This time, Rhodes would place the remaining cosmic phantom beasts here, especially the Phantom Beast Queen, Zoiger, who would reside here. Besides breeding smaller phantom beasts, she would use her energy to alter the environment.
Rhodes nodded, then had Huron take him to the newly established Phantom Beast Planet.
After a warp jump, they arrived at a strange star system, with some planets being transformed into industrial and agri-worlds.
With Mefilas' powerful psychokinesis, every time a system was conquered, Huron would maximize its output, dragging all metallic planets into habitable zones.
Whether for habitation or mining, all were put to best use.
They landed on a gigantic, emerald-green planet, more than twice the size of Holy Terra, with 1.5 times the gravity.
It had a thick atmosphere, 60% ocean, 40% land. Highest temperature: 50°C; lowest: -40°C. Polar regions were colder.
It had a beautiful ecosystem, extremely livable. Normally, such a world would be made an agri- or hive world; making it a garden world would be a waste, given its immense value.
"Lord Rhodes, as instructed, I've built several training bases here, doing everything possible not to harm the environment, with no industrial production.
Only some food has been planted, and at a modest scale. At least a million Space Marines can train here at once," Huron explained.
"I plan for you to garrison here long-term, as your political center. Any problem with that?" Rhodes asked.
With a few cosmic phantom beasts, two Eldar sisters, and Huron, this planet would be suffused with phantom beast energy.
"Of course not. We need a bridgehead for further expansion. This star system is huge, with many planets suitable as forges or recruitment grounds," Huron replied.
Rhodes nodded in satisfaction, toured the area, and let Yvraine and Lelith leave the ship to settle on this planet.
They would peacefully bear children here, keeping the existence of Rhodes's two Eldar-mixed heirs secret.
Even Rhodes's two other wives, including the goddess of life, came down from the flagship to this beautiful planet.
Rhodes stood atop the highest peak, gazing at the verdant world.
A breeze carried the scent of grass and trees. Far lakes sparkled in the sun.
Yvraine and Lelith stood beside him, their eyes full of love and hope for this land.
"It's truly beautiful here," Yvraine murmured, gently stroking a tall ancient tree, feeling the pulse of life in its bark.
As an Aeldari, she naturally loved such scenes; the air filled her with comfort.
The goddess Isha was also delighted.
Lelith nodded, her gaze on the distant grasslands—the scenery was breathtaking.
Rhodes's subordinates had chosen well; having children here was truly wonderful.
Rhodes smiled, putting his arms around his wives. "As long as you like it, I'll stay for now."
New cosmic phantom beasts and the queen Zoiger had not yet absorbed the C'tan shards, so Rhodes planned to remain in his territory for a while.
He would wait for the Necron Overlord Traveler Anrakyr to arrive, deal with him, then take Rogal Dorn back to Holy Terra.
"Can't you leave after the children are born? It'll only be about ten to twenty years," Yvraine said.
Rhodes's genetics were strong; they didn't need his constant presence.
That's the benefit of being a super lifeform! But it also meant that his children's gestation was longer than normal Eldar.
Normal Eldar pregnancies, by Terra years, took just 7–10 years.
For Eldar with millennia lifespans, this was short; and now, as super lifeforms, they cared even less.
"You know I really can't get away," Rhodes shrugged.
He still had to deal with the Necron Overlord and Imperial affairs, join the Great Crusade, and face the Chaos gods.
"Then go! We'll need ten years or so to bear the children."
"I must do this myself. Don't worry, I'll return when the children are born. The first stage of the Unyielding Crusade will only last a decade or so."
After comforting his wives, Rhodes settled all his spare phantom beasts on this planet, and placed the complete Phantom Beast Martial Codex here.
At last, the cosmic phantom beasts had a true homeworld.