Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 116 Returning to the Forging World (Eighth Update)

"The renovation project inside the ruins has now completed its second phase." She guided Chen Yu's gaze across the entire cave, introducing the progress of each project one by one: "We have added and installed two standard-model plasma reactors in the energy zone on the southeast side. They have now been connected to the grid and are operating stably, with a total power increase of 400%, which is sufficient to support the full-load operation of all existing equipment and defense systems."

She continued to report on the upgrades of other systems: "The life support system has achieved full coverage, and air circulation and temperature and humidity control have reached the level required to build a world-class outpost."

The supply depot has also been expanded, and according to the list you approved, it now holds enough ammunition, power batteries, and various spare parts to sustain three thousand frigates for six standard months of high-intensity combat.

"In terms of defense," she said, her tone becoming more serious, "the outer defense matrix of the ruins is fully activated, including four automated turret arrays covering all major passages; at the same time, a layer of void shield has been deployed, capable of withstanding moderate-intensity orbital bombardment."

Key internal areas, such as the reactor area, main control room, and transfer area, have been equipped with independent shields and isolation doors, further enhancing regional security.

While listening to the report, Chen Yu cross-verified this information through the real-time link between his own sensors and the servo skull in the workshop.

He saw thick energy conduits laid along the rock wall, emitting a deep and steady hum; the modified Guardian Army soldiers patrolled everywhere, their deep red robes appearing even more solemn under the cold light; all kinds of familiar instruments and equipment, full of the style of the Mechanic Church, were neatly arranged in the significantly expanded space.

The entire site has indeed been completely transformed from a simple archaeological discovery into a fully functional, heavily guarded forward base and experimental center.

"Work efficiency is in line with expectations," Chen Yu affirmed after Ignis finished her report. He then instructed, "Upgrading the energy supply and defense systems is a necessary foundation."

The next key task is to further optimize the data network architecture and improve overall information processing capabilities.

“Understood, Father. The upgrade plan has been drafted in its initial stages and awaits your review,” Ignis replied.

After dealing with the basic situation of the base, Ignis turned the conversation to the next steps: "Father, regarding the return to the Forging World Nexus, when do you plan to depart? How many guards will you need to accompany you?"

Chen Yu's mind was rapidly calculating various parameters.

Advancing to the sage realm is the established goal, but the political environment for forging the world, while not as turbulent as that of Mars, is by no means an easy path.

He needs to demonstrate sufficient strength during his trip to match the status he is about to attain, but excessive displays of force could also arouse unnecessary suspicion.

"Prepare a shuttle. As for the escort, you will personally lead eight hundred guards to accompany you," Chen Yu finally gave the order.

The size was just right, enough to form a remarkable procession that demonstrated his authority as a quasi-wise sage, without being overly aggressive due to its size.

The fact that Ignis, as the commander-in-chief of the Papacy, personally escorted them further highlights the importance of this trip.

“As you command.” Ignis immediately accepted the order. “The shuttle and escort will be ready within four standard hours.”

"Execute it." Chen Yu's response was concise and forceful.

Ignis bowed again, then turned and walked away with steady steps to begin planning the itinerary.

Her servo skull floated silently behind her, the red light flashing in her eye sockets tracing flowing paths in the dim passage.

Using this preparation time, Chen Yu connected his consciousness to the main control system of the ruins and retrieved the promotion process report that Ignis had previously sent.

His mind raced, scrutinizing every detail, analyzing the possible motives behind the actions of the Great Sage Casper Vox, and assessing the potential reactions of various factions within the Foundry World.

Meanwhile, he had already begun planning the specific steps after arriving in Neksam: first, to formally meet with the Great Sage Vox and submit his report; then, to participate in the promotion ceremony; and finally, and most importantly, to take this opportunity to formally submit an application for the allocation of a cruiser-class forge ship. Each step required precise calculations; any slight mistake could cause unnecessary delays or even affect the achievement of the final goal.

Four hours later, everything was ready.

Chen Yu and Ignis boarded the shuttle that was parked on the temporary take-off and landing pad outside the ruins.

Eight hundred elite Guardsmen of the Faith had already lined up in neat rows and then boarded several other transport ships of the same type in turn.

The shuttle's engines roared with a deep, powerful sound, spewing out streams of blue ions as it slowly rose into the air, breaking through the thin atmosphere of the Death World, and heading towards the escort ship waiting in orbit.

Looking out the porthole, the desolate landscape of the dead world gradually shrinks, presenting a cruel and monotonous beauty.

The frigates on the track gradually revealed their massive size.

This is a Mechanicus-style frigate, with a huge Mechanicus gear and skull emblem branded on the bow.

The shuttle smoothly docked and entered the frigate's hangar.

The hatch slid open silently, and Chen Yu's tall, dark red figure appeared in the connecting passage. A steady resonance resonated beneath his footsteps on the metal deck, and the powerpack emitted a low-frequency hum.

On the ship's deck, the technical priests in red robes and crew members of all ranks stood on either side.

In the rigid system of the Mechanicus, a priest who is about to be promoted to sage and actually controls independent armed forces holds a status far beyond that of ordinary members.

The crowd remained absolutely silent, their optical lenses and biological eyes both lowered, expressing obedience to the higher beings in a posture sanctified by the Mechanicus.

Chen Yu did not stop, nor did he even glance at the queue.

He nodded very slightly, his movements as precise as a mechanical command, and then, surrounded by Ignis and a team of elite guards, he headed straight for his private cabin.

At the same time, his logic core has been seamlessly integrated into the ship's data network, silently retrieving navigation parameters, warp progress, and the latest power shifts and resource allocation intelligence within the forging world Neksam.

The entire ship's system seemed to automatically grant him access, and the data streams waited for his inspection like faithful servants.

"Set course, target: Nexus, the forging world, and return at top speed." He issued the order to the bridge via the internal communication channel.

"Route confirmed, Father. Estimated arrival time: seven standard days." The captain's response came through the communicator.

The engines of the "Unwavering Will" began to increase their output power, and the massive hull slowly adjusted its direction, then left a trail in the void and entered the predetermined subspace channel, heading towards the forging world Nexusam.

This return was not just a performance review and promotion, but a key turning point in his grand plan.

Acquiring the Sage status and the Forge Ship will truly give him the capital to act and develop independently in the Warhammer universe, thus more effectively integrating the resources of both worlds and advancing his exploration of dimensional teleportation technology and other cutting-edge fields.

The voyage has begun; the next step is to confront the power structures and opportunities that shape the world.

(End of this chapter)