Chapter 298: All Matters Settled
The subsequent testing phase did not last long.
The subsequent detailed development, finalization, and mass production preparation for the "Iron Guard" project no longer required Ryo's personal attention.
Having witnessed the Inquisition's strong interest and tangible orders with his own eyes, Fabricator Locum Volks no longer had any doubts about the prospects of the "Iron Guard."
The massive industrial machine of the entire Nexum Forge World was being driven with unprecedented efficiency.
Various resources continuously converged on this project.
Fabricator Locum Volks had even actively begun to use his political influence, setting out to pave the way for the formal assessment process for Ryo's application for the title of "Forge Magos."
However, the operational speed of the Imperial bureaucracy, even with the main Warp routes largely remaining open after the Great Rebellion, was still constrained by distance, the wrangling of various factions, and its inherent inefficiency.
All of this would take time.
According to Fabricator Locum Volks's experience-based judgment, it would take about one standard Terran year to complete most of the prerequisite procedures, enabling Ryo to truly face the substantive assessment for the "Forge Magos" title.
During this period, Volks suggested that Ryo could systematically organize the technical data of the "Iron Guard" project and write an academic paper of sufficient weight.
This would serve as a phased summary of the entire project and also accumulate the necessary academic capital for the upcoming assessment.
Ryo naturally had no objections to this; it aligned with his own plans anyway.
It was just that in his internal priority ranking, the position of dimensional exploration was clearly much higher than writing a paper.
The paper could easily be written in his spare time during the dimensional exploration.
For Ryo, his primary goal had always been to initiate a new round of dimensional exploration as soon as possible, gathering more resources and knowledge for his research and personal forces.
Since the performance data for the "Iron Guard" base models had been gathered sufficiently, and after the first batch of test units for Inquisitor Karras Walker had completed production and were ready for delivery, he felt there was no longer any need to remain on Nexum.
Ryo took Maine's squad, Valerie, and Jackie, along with the newly assigned Cybernetica Automata squad containing two Thanatar-class Siege Automata, and boarded the returning frigate.
After traversing the Warp once again, the group returned to the ancient ruins located on the Death World.
Death World Base, Ancient Ruins Landing Platform.
The roar of the shuttle's engines gradually ceased, and the hatch slowly opened to the sound of hydraulics.
Ryo's massive dark red body was the first to step onto the metal ground, followed closely by the members of Maine's squad, Valerie, and Jackie.
The newly assigned Cybernetica Automata squad also walked down the ramp in sequence. The massive bodies of the Thanatar-class Automata were filled with terrifying oppression, their giant metal legs making heavy thuds on the platform.
"Ignis, arrange for these Cybernetica Automata." Ryo didn't stop, walking straight toward the base's control center.
The Skitarii soldiers along the way saluted one after another.
Inside the ruins' core area, several Tech-Priest apprentices were working at the monitoring consoles. Seeing Ryo arrive, they hurriedly bowed in salute, making the sign of the Cog with their hands while also greeting Ryo in binary.
The apprentice on duty quickly pulled up a holographic interface, projecting key data streams in front of Ryo: "Reporting to the Lord Magos, all systems are operating normally and are within preset parameters.
"Energy core output is stable, the defense arrays are fully online, and no high-level alarms have been triggered.
"Additionally, according to the orders you issued before leaving, the main structural construction of the laboratory expansion project in the eastern area of the ruins has been completed on schedule."
Ryo quickly scanned the monitoring data, then pulled up recent detailed maintenance logs and energy consumption reports.
The fluctuations in the energy curve were within normal ranges, and the system logs were completely recorded with no abnormal interruptions or error codes.
These apprentices, whom he had personally selected and trained, although possessing limited talent in technological innovation and theoretical breakthroughs, excelled in their rigorous work ethic and high compliance. They could meticulously complete the daily maintenance tasks assigned to them, which left him fundamentally satisfied.
"What is the specific progress of the laboratory expansion? At what stage are the installation and calibration of the new equipment?" he asked while quickly browsing the construction logs and material lists.
"The main structure is completely finished, Lord Magos." Another apprentice took over, skillfully pulling up a 3D structural diagram and equipment list of the laboratory. "The three newly installed advanced material analysis units have completed basic calibration and are expected to be put into preliminary use by the next standard week.
"However, the accompanying multi-functional environmental simulation system has a slight discrepancy in its main energy interface specifications compared to the existing wiring. It requires you to personally confirm the final connection plan and energy output thresholds to ensure safety."
Ryo nodded; this progress met his expectations.
The expansion of the eastern laboratory was an important part of his plan. In the future, many samples brought back from other dimensions and analysis work would be conducted here.
He turned to the other apprentices and began asking them one by one about their recent studies.
From their understanding of the basic teachings of the Lore Mechanicus, to the operational protocols for common instruments, to troubleshooting procedures for simple faults, he inquired carefully about every detail and occasionally posed a question or two to test their proficiency.
Although it would be difficult for these apprentices to become independent Tech-Priests in the foreseeable future, they had already preliminarily acquired the requisite qualities to serve as a reliable foundational technical force to maintain the base's operations.
After checking all the routine reports and work progress, Ryo's gaze passed over the apprentices in front of him and landed on David and Lucy standing slightly towards the back of the group.
Sensing his gaze, the two young people involuntarily straightened their posture, waiting intently for his arrangements.
"David, Lucy." His synthesized voice rang out again, clearly calling their names.
A trace of imperceptible astonishment immediately flashed across David's face, and he subconsciously turned his head to look at Lucy beside him.
While Lucy, though her expression didn't change much, tightened her grip slightly on David's hand.
"You two do not need to follow us back to Night City this time," Ryo announced the decision directly.
He saw David's lips move slightly as if he wanted to say something, but didn't give him the chance to speak, continuing to explain in that steady tone: "Your current grasp of foundational Mechanicus knowledge is not systemic enough. Regarding the infinite mysteries contained within the Omnissiah, you have merely touched the outermost threshold.
"Stay at the base, continue to study and practice alongside the other apprentices, deeply familiarize yourselves with the Mechanicus's way of life and logical thinking, and master more systematic technical theories and operational protocols. This is crucial for your future development paths."
David opened his mouth, seeming to want to say something, but ultimately just nodded and said in a low voice, "Yes, Lord Magos."
He understood that this was Ryo's arrangement and could not be questioned. Moreover, from a rational perspective, he knew he indeed needed systematic study.
Lucy simply nodded slightly, indicating her acceptance.
Leaving David and Lucy on the Death World was both out of an assessment of their current abilities—believing they needed to lay a more solid foundation—and an intentional move to have them deeply adapt to and integrate into the Mechanicus's ecosystem and value system ahead of time.
Ryo faintly sensed that these two young people from the Cyberpunk world, especially the certain traits David exhibited, might be able to take on some special missions different from ordinary warriors or technical personnel in the future.
Systematic study and environmental influence were necessary steps in molding them.
(End of Chapter)