Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 179 Technical Roadmap (Second Update)

Chen Yu lightly tapped the console with his metal finger, bringing up the Warhammer Universe power armor data stored deep within the core database.

The holographic image immediately displayed a detailed structural diagram of the Space Marine power armor, whose massive and intricate structure exuded an awe-inspiring aura even in a static display.

“Look at this, old buddy,” he said in a synthesized voice with an almost nostalgic tone, “this system is essentially a sophisticated instrument that can be worn on the body, an extension and enhancement of the user’s biological body.”

Although the power armor in the video is equally heavy and massive, its design philosophy is completely different.

It's more like a second skin covering the enhanced body, with each component perfectly matching the wearer's physiological characteristics.

"Its core lies in the concept of 'wearable'," Chen Yu continued to explain, noting that the optical lens moves along with the key components highlighted in the image, "emphasizing seamless integration with the organism and pursuing ultimate protection, life support, and strength enhancement."

He paused briefly, allowing the servo skull enough time to record this information.

“Each set of such power armor is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, containing profound technological expertise.” Chen Yu raised his hand and lightly touched the curved surface of his breastplate, the metal fingertips making a slight collision sound with the armor: “Just like the dragon scale type set I’m wearing, it also follows this basic principle, but with targeted adjustments to the specific configuration.”

“In summary,” Chen Yu turned to the servo skull, “the Empire’s technological path is to enhance the individual, integrate protection, and regard power armor as a sacred extension. But the sample before us,” he pointed to the Commando-VII on the analysis platform, “is taking a completely different path! Building vehicles, scaling up the individual, and treating power armor as a large vehicle.”

The servo skull emitted a regular humming sound, and the eye beam steadily swept across the holographic image. "Data recording complete. Warhammer path-dependent wearer's superhuman physique and armor spirit resonate."

The current sample path depends on the driver's driving skills and neural tolerance.

“Mostly correct.” Chen Yu nodded slightly. “But let’s look at a more extreme example! Pull up the files of the Death Soldier, old friend.”

(Various models of intelligent mechs from the 30k era)

When the new hologram unfolds, it reveals a disturbing structure.

The form of the Undead Machine is somewhere between biological and mechanical. The exposed interfaces and forced fusion marks on the perspective anatomical diagram give the whole design a cruel feel.

“This is the Deathbringer,” Chen Yu said cautiously. “It is neither a wearable armor nor a driver’s vehicle.”

The images highlight the key nodes that forcibly connect the organic tissue to the mechanical platform.

“This is a path of integration and replacement,” he continued, “using machinery to largely replace native organic tissue, while retaining the brain and part of the nervous system as the core control unit, directly embedding it into the combat framework.”

Chen Yu tapped the control panel lightly with his metal fingers, indicating that he was deep in thought: "This solution sacrifices almost all human qualities, comfort, and reversibility, in exchange for the possibility of approaching or even partially surpassing the combat power of Space Marines at a relatively low cost, especially when compared with Space Marine power armor."

He paused briefly before concluding, "It's a fairly efficient solution, but it's controversial on both aesthetic and human levels, even though the Empire doesn't care much about design aesthetics or human nature."

Chen Yu's crimson optical lens stared at the Commando-VII, the logic threads in the processor gradually converging into a clear path.

“This world’s technology has certainly carved its own path in terms of direct neural connections and prosthetics.” His synthesized voice carried the unique rhythm of thought. “They’re not unaware of the possibility of fusion. Old man, retrieve the Arasaka files we found in Kamikochi, especially the one about that project codenamed ‘Oni’.”

The servo skull emitted a steady hum, and the beam of light from the eyes projected relevant data streams. "File retrieval complete. The Arasaka Group attempted to develop a highly integrated full-body prosthetic, with a target body size set at under 2.5 meters."

“That’s right,” Chen Yu nodded slightly, “but the final product turned out to be a behemoth over three meters tall. Essentially, it was an attempt to follow a path similar to light zombie mechs, but unfortunately they failed to break through the core bottlenecks of size and energy.”

He turned to the servo skull, his metal fingers tapping a rhythmic beat on the console. "Now we can outline three clear technical paths, old pal."

The first approach is the Warhammer universe's route: viewing power armor as sacred wearable equipment, emphasizing bio-integration, and pursuing meticulously crafted heavy armor.

Its advantages lie in its ultimate protective capabilities, its ability to coexist with the strong, and its unparalleled reliability.

However, the cost is also obvious: it is prohibitively expensive, almost impossible to mass-produce, and requires specific genetic predispositions and unwavering faith.

The servo skull emitted a monotonous confirmation tone: "Path 1 recorded."

“The second route is represented by the sample in front of us.” Chen Yu pointed to the power armor on the analysis table. “The power armor is regarded as a drivable vehicle, operated by direct neural connections, which is a tool-based heavy armor route.”

Its advantage lies in its low basic requirements for drivers, which allows for rapid training and facilitates large-scale production and deployment.

However, its drawbacks are equally prominent: relatively weak protective capabilities, heavy reliance on external energy and maintenance systems, and the immense psychological burden it places on the driver.

“Path two recording complete,” the servo skull responded mechanically.

"As for the third route..." Chen Yu pulled up the files of the Dead Soldiers, and the interfaces between the biological and mechanical components in the holographic image were particularly glaring. "It's this forbidden reassembly that forces organic and inorganic integration."

Its advantages lie in its relatively high cost-effectiveness, its ability to generate formidable combat power, and the controllability of loyalty through modification.

However, the price to pay is complete inhumane modification, accompanied by extremely high technological risks and the possibility of spiraling out of control. Even within the Cult of Mechanics, many factions are wary of this approach.

“Path three recording complete.” The servo skull emitted a monotonous confirmation tone, while the eye beam continued its steady scanning rhythm.

A soft electronic sound came from beneath Chen Yu's metal mask, as if it were a light laugh.

“Old friend, look,” he said, his voice carrying the unique rhythm of deep thought, “every path has something to offer.”

His crimson optical lens refocused on the Commando-VII, scrutinizing its external structure.

“It’s not appropriate to directly adopt the technology of the Deadman Machines, old friend.” His synthesized voice was calm and objective. “Not to mention that I personally do not appreciate that style of modification, from the perspective of technical specifications alone, I have not been able to obtain the full technical usage license issued by the relevant Foundry World.”

(End of this chapter)