Warhammer 40K in a box

Chapter 524 The Girl's Mission

Margaret Nearl stood by the window, her long golden hair neatly tied back, her dark blue knight's uniform perfectly pressed, making her figure stand tall and straight like a javelin.

She held in her hand an unfolded parchment scroll with gilded edges, the prominent governor's insignia clearly visible in the afternoon sunlight, exuding an unquestionable authority.

Hearing the door open, she turned around, her sharp eyes, like tempered gold, falling on her younger sister with the usual scrutiny and a hint of barely perceptible inquiry.

“Sister?” Maria closed the door, trying to keep her voice steady, but her gaze remained fixed on the scroll. “The Governor’s edict? Is it about me?”

Margaret did not answer immediately, but handed over the scroll, her voice steady yet powerful: "A direct decree from Governor Chen Xi of the Sub-Sector. Sages Olegana and Grand Sage Caul are to lead a crucial research project at the core forging facility of the Rostov III Forge World."

They made it clear they needed the assistance of the knightly family, and the governor expected us to provide that support, specifically requesting several relic protectors to accompany them.

Maria took the scroll, her fingertips able to feel the unique toughness of the parchment and the subtle raised marks left by the sealing wax.

Her gaze swept quickly over the concise yet weighty words, her heart pounding powerfully in her chest.

Sage Aurejana! Sage Caul! These two names, shining like stars in the Cult of Mechanics, their core project…

The glaring words on the scroll—"psychic circuits," "subspace energy threshold," "interdimensional resonance"—acted like cold magnets, instantly seizing her attention with an indescribable attraction and potential danger.

My throat tightened inexplicably, and a thin layer of sweat quietly seeped into my palms, but the sweat contained far more excitement than pure tension.

An opportunity to prove oneself? A chance to delve into the heart of the Mechanicus?

What is the task that can impress the older siblings and prove that she is no longer a child?
“Uncle and I have discussed it,” Margaret said, observing the fire that instantly ignited in her sister’s eyes. Her tone carried the decisiveness of a Lightbringer’s long-riding heir. “As a member of the Lightbringer family, and as the designated heir to the Mechanicus lineage, you have the responsibility and the obligation to answer the Governor’s call.”

This is not only about repaying the Governor's kindness in restoring his life, but also an excellent opportunity for you to prove your worth and hone your knowledge.

She paused, her sharpness softening slightly, revealing a protective concern characteristic of an older sister. "The wisdom of Sage Kaul is as deep as the stars, and the research field of Sage Oregana is also... extremely profound and may be accompanied by unpredictable risks."

The core factory of the forging world is not the family sanctuary, where the logic is cold and efficient, and danger lurks behind the most sophisticated instruments and the most alluring knowledge.

Are you ready, Maria? This is no joke.

Maria took a deep breath, suppressing her surging emotions and the resentment of being treated like a child.

She raised her head, her pale golden eyes meeting her sister's gaze, burning with a thirst for knowledge, a desire for challenge, and the unwavering determination of a Knight of Light: "I understand, sister. Seven years of systematic study, from basic mechanical principles to the theory of static force fields, I've been waiting for this opportunity."

The will of my ancestors guides me from the Iron Throne, and the mysteries of the mechanical god summon me.

I long to hear the teachings of wise men up close and to contribute my knowledge to the project.

The knights of the Lin Guang family never fear challenges or hardships. Her fingers unconsciously traced the edge of the scroll, as if she could touch the boundless knowledge hidden behind the words, her voice tinged with a girlish urgency, "What does Uncle think? Does he agree to let me go?"

“Your uncle acknowledges your technical abilities and believes this is the most suitable experience for you.” Margaret nodded slightly, took out a black data chip with a complex physical encryption lock and a miniature Nearl emblem etched on its surface, and solemnly placed it on Maria’s tool bag. “Inside this is the family’s secret ‘Complete Record of Etiquette Agreements for Meeting with High Sages,’ as well as historical archives and summaries of lessons learned from all major technological cooperation projects over the past century.”

Study them carefully; they can protect you in that temple of gears and flames, ensuring you don't falter in etiquette.

Her voice lowered, carrying an unmistakable seriousness and a hint of barely perceptible worry, "Also, remember, Maria. In the core of the forging world, especially where the Sage Core project is involved, danger often lurks behind the most sophisticated instruments and the most alluring knowledge."

If, anywhere in the research area, you see equipment emitting an unstable blue psionic glow—the kind of blue light that stings the soul—or if the instrument readings show violent, chaotic fluctuations that cannot be explained by common sense… do not hesitate, do not try to analyze it!

Immediately and with absolute priority, execute the emergency physical escape procedure for your mech cockpit!
The preset coordinates must be the nearest heavily guarded outpost of the defense forces!
This isn't a knight's charge; it's a necessary retreat. Understand? I'll repeat it!

“I understand, sister.” Maria picked up the chip, feeling its cold touch and the family wisdom it contained. Her excitement was suppressed by a heavy sense of responsibility, but her eyes remained clear and firm. “I will remain vigilant and cherish this opportunity.”

I will bring my ceremonial dagger, the ancestral blessing badge, and my finest set of tools, engraved with my name.

She looked out the window; the family castle gleamed in the sunlight, and the shouts of the servants training in the distance could be faintly heard: "For the honor of the family, and also... to prove that I can do it."

“Very good.” Margaret patted her sister’s shoulder, her touch steady and firm. “The shuttle will be waiting at the family airport in one standard day. Use this time to prepare well. If you need any technical support or information from the family’s relic protectors, feel free to retrieve it. Don’t overexert yourself, Maria, come back safely.”

After Margaret left, the study returned to its quiet state.

Maria walked to the window and looked into the distance.

The colossal figure of the Rostov-III Forge World, like a cold metal behemoth composed of endless forges, refining towers, and energy conduits, is shrouded in the ochre-red dust haze generated by its industrial activities, appearing and disappearing in its orbit.

Countless transport ships, like worker bees, shuttled around it, dragging the asteroid toward the giant furnace that spewed infernal flames.

This scene is filled with awe-inspiring industrial power, yet it also exudes an inhuman, cold grandeur that makes the viewer feel insignificant, but at the same time ignites the fire of knowledge in her heart and her desire to prove herself even more.

She lowered her head, her fingertips brushing against the cold, hard ceremonial dagger sheath at her waist, bearing familiar patterns.

The cold touch instantly pulled her back to that important moment many years ago—the shock of pressing her trembling hand onto the neural control panel of the family's steel throne for the first time, a shock mixed with an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

Whatever awaits her in the depths of that steel hive made of endless gears, eternal flames, and profound forbidden knowledge, Maria Nearl has no choice but to face it.

Family honor, personal mechanical skills, and a stubborn desire for recognition converge at this moment.

This time, she was no longer the child who could only be protected and evacuated.

(End of this chapter)