Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 126 Hiring a Knight (Sixth Update)
“Thank you for your praise, Sage.” Margaret placed the teacup back on the table smoothly, her gaze meeting Chen Yu’s crimson optical lenses with sincerity. “The Nearl family has served under the glory of the Cult of Mechanics for generations.”

With our lances and our unwavering oath of loyalty, we defend the territory and creed of Om Messiah.

She paused briefly, her words carrying the frankness characteristic of a knight: "I heard you are about to embark on a new journey to an unknown star system to begin a new great exploration."

The Nearl family is willing to contribute its modest strength to this journey, using our swords and shields to protect your course and ensure the smooth progress of your exploration mission.

Her expression was direct and sincere, a stark contrast to Father Wharton's previous communication style, which was full of subtext and metaphor.

This also clearly reflects the essence of the relationship between knightly families and the world of forging: it is based on a pragmatic foundation of mutual benefit, although it is always cloaked in an ancient and solemn guise of feudal loyalty.

They need concrete missions to prove their bravery and worth in order to maintain their position in the forging world system and continue to receive mech support and resource allocation from the technology core.

Chen Yu's heavy mechanical body leaned forward slightly, and a low hum came from the internal reactor.

"The path of exploration certainly requires reliable protection. While the Titan Machine is unparalleled in power, it is not omnipotent. In certain special environments and tactical scenarios, the flexibility and adaptability of the Knight Mech often have irreplaceable value." He first affirmed the other party's value, and then got to the point, "I do have plans to form a Knight squad to accompany us, mainly to undertake outpost reconnaissance, rapid assault, and defense of key nodes."

A fleeting hint of anticipation crossed Margaret's eyes, but she quickly composed herself, maintaining the composure expected of a knight: "The Nearl family has many experienced knight pilots and well-maintained mechs."

The 'Radiant' I pilot is a specially tuned 'Ranger'-class knight mech. We are familiar with combat modes in various harsh environments and always adhere to the doctrines and commands of the Mechanicus.

Chen Yu retrieved records from the database regarding the Nearl family and their mech performance, quickly browsing the key parameters: "Ranger-class... characterized by mobility and mid-range fire support."

Excellent configuration; records show that you performed particularly well in combat on complex terrain and against light and medium-sized targets.

“That is indeed the case, Your Excellency.” Margaret nodded in response. “Our mechs are designed to balance mobility and firepower, enabling them to quickly adapt to changes on the battlefield and clear obstacles or defend key positions for you.”

She paused briefly before adding a crucial piece of information: "In addition, the 'Radiant' system, passed down through generations of the family, can release a high-intensity energy field in a short period of time to interfere with enemy sensors and slightly increase the output efficiency of friendly energy weapons."

This characteristic can often prove surprisingly effective in dealing with certain alien technologies.

This was a valuable piece of tactical intelligence. Chen Yu silently entered it into the list of items to be evaluated.

"A very interesting strength. The specific tactical coordination still needs to be further refined in actual combat." He then changed the subject, reminding him, "But exploration missions are often lengthy and the risks are unpredictable."

You must be prepared to be away from your family's fiefdoms for extended periods, fighting on the frontier. Furthermore, all your actions must be absolutely obedient to my orders.

“The knights of the Nearl family never fear expeditions or challenges,” Margaret replied resolutely. “Our oath inherently includes loyalty and obedience. As long as your orders do not violate Imperial law and the Code of Machines, the lances of the Nearl family will forever point in the direction you designate.” This statement was clear and firm, consistent with the usual style of a knightly family.

What Chen Yu needed was precisely this kind of clearly defined and readily deployable armed force.

The cooperation with the Titan Legion is more of a long-term strategic plan, while the relationship with the Knights is a tactical collaboration that can be used immediately.

“Very good.” A hint of approval was in Chen Yu’s synthesized voice. “I will arrange for Ignis to liaise with you to discuss the specific terms of employment, personnel composition, mech transportation and logistical maintenance, etc.”

The initial plan is to form a squad of three to five Knight Mechs, prioritizing models with reconnaissance, assault, and support capabilities.

“Understood, Your Excellency.” Margaret rose and bowed again.

This time, her demeanor carried a greater sense of solemnity, as if she were about to embark on a mission: "The Lightbringer family will certainly live up to your trust. I will immediately return to make arrangements to ensure that the finest knights are dispatched to serve you."

"Looking forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you, Lady Margaret Nearl." Chen Yu nodded slightly, watching the valiant female knight turn and leave.

This meeting with the Lin Guang family was more like an efficient and targeted talent recruitment.

Both sides got what they wanted, the conditions were clear, and the response was swift.

Chen Yu gained a highly mobile and flexible elite guard that was about to arrive; while the Lin Guang family secured a valuable opportunity for real combat, as well as the favor and potential support of a newly appointed powerful sage.
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Two consecutive important meetings gave Chen Yu a more tangible understanding of the power and responsibility that came with the identity of "Explorer Sage". He was no longer just an independent researcher buried in the laboratory, or a lone adventurer; now, he had become an emerging node in the vast power network of the Nexus Forging World—and even its surrounding star sectors.

The meeting with the Steelhound Legion, though ostensibly a social courtesy, actually solidified his connections within the high-level military circles of the Mechanicus; while the talks with Margaret of the Nearl family were an efficient tactical procurement, preparing much-needed mobile forces for his upcoming expedition.

These necessary interactions and arrangements, while taking up his precious time that he would normally focus on pure scientific research, were the cornerstones that ensured the steady progress of his grand plan. He deeply realized that only by systematically establishing his own influence and resource channels in this relatively "safe" rear area could he build a solid barrier and support for those explorations that were hidden in the core, more dangerous, and more unorthodox.

His thoughts once again soared back to orbit, focusing on the silent dock. There, his future flagship, the Luna-class cruiser codenamed NXS-07, awaited his awakening, like a sleeping giant, to be given a new mission.

The blueprint for the ship's core laboratory had already been simulated and constructed countless times in his mind—it would no longer be just a research site, but a true hub connecting the endless mysteries of the universe.

The ripples that his arrival has created in the world are spreading, and Chen Yu, this newly emerged sage of exploration, has already stood at the center of these ripples, beginning to methodically weave his own web of relationships and power.

All of this preparation and accumulation is for the upcoming voyage to the unknown depths of space.

　I don't really feel like writing today, so I'll only be writing ten chapters. I'll finish the remaining four later after I take a shower; I should be able to finish around 1 a.m.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)