Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 267 Project Progress (Fourth Update)
Even after concluding the negotiations with the oversight sage Vox, which concerned enormous interests, Chen Yu's thoughts did not stop.

The moment the agreement was reached, a massive number of subsequent execution instructions and resource allocation plans were automatically generated and prioritized in his logic thread.

The heavy alloy gate of the laboratory slid open silently, and the constant cold white light and strictly filtered air inside instantly enveloped him.

Unlike the solemn atmosphere of the sanctuary, where power and ancient knowledge intertwine, this place is filled with the aura of pure technological rationality and a highly efficient energy field.

Several servo skulls hovered quietly on their designated tracks, the eerie light in their eye sockets subtly adjusting its frequency as he entered, indicating recognition and obedience.

Without pausing, he walked straight to the main control panel. The data interface, as if possessing its own consciousness, emerged from under his sleeve and precisely connected to the control panel interface.

"Recall the terms of the agreement we just reached with Great Sage Vox." His synthesized voice rang out in the silent laboratory, his tone slightly more relaxed than usual, as if the success of the negotiation had brought a subtle sense of satisfaction.

A pale blue holographic document instantly unfolded before him, listing the key terms that had just been finalized: a 60% share of the net profits from the Mortal Power Armor project; priority allocation of a complete intelligent mech squad consisting of at least two Death-class Automaton soldiers; and a promise to grant him the title of "Forging Sage" and an independent forge after the project generates significant benefits, in accordance with established procedures.

His optical lens quickly scanned each piece of content, performing the final logical verification.

“Profit sharing is a direct feedback of resources, intelligent mechs can immediately strengthen our defenses, and forging the Sage Title and the furnace is the cornerstone of long-term development.” He muttered to himself, as if confirming his judgment, “This time, the main objectives have been achieved.”

“Alright, there are a few things to arrange immediately.” His voice returned to its usual calm, but his words were no longer so rigid. “First, prepare to take over that intelligent mech squad and plan their deployment in the Death World base and the surrounding area.”

Secondly, all technical data, test records, and optimization plans for the mortal powered armor prototype were compiled and encrypted to the highest level. Finally, a preliminary mobilization order was issued to the technical teams of 'Delta-7' and 'Epsilon-3', and the project codename was set as 'Iron Guard'.

"Command confirmed, in progress," the servo skull responded, its eye beams projecting a task list and progress bar.

After handling these immediate matters, Chen Yu turned her attention to the specific execution of the project.

He needs the two most critical "living test subjects" for the project at present—Valerie and Jack.

An internal communication command was silently sent to their personal terminals in the laboratory's attached living quarters.
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The side door of the laboratory slid open silently, and Valerie and Jack walked in one after the other.

Compared to the overwhelming sense of wonder and awe they felt when they first arrived at the Forging World, their expressions were noticeably more subdued now.

Valerie's steps remained steady, revealing the instincts of a professional agent, but the sharpness in her eyes had been dulled somewhat, replaced by a near-numb silence forced upon her by an environment of extreme order.

Her ordinary casual clothes stood out starkly against the backdrop of sophisticated instruments and flashing data.

Jack's changes were even more obvious.

The seemingly inexhaustible vitality that emanated from the streets of Heywood seemed to be gradually drained away by the endless metal walls, the unchanging, pale lighting, and the lifeless hum of machinery around him. He appeared somewhat listless, his fingers unconsciously rubbing together, as if searching for the air of Night City in his memory, a mixture of smoke, alcohol, sweat, and neon signs.

They stopped about five meters away from Chen Yu and nodded slightly in courtesy.

“Sage.” Valerie’s voice remained respectful, yet carried a sense of routine.

"Boss, is there a new task?" Jack tried to make his tone sound positive, but the longing deep in his eyes—the desire for something real to break the monotony of his current life—was clearly revealed.

Chen Yu's crimson optical lens silently swept over the two people, and the sensor instantly captured and analyzed their physiological data such as heart rate, microcirculation on the body surface, and pupil response.

The core logic quickly concluded that the target subject showed mild signs of mental fatigue due to poor environmental adaptability, but physical function and obedience remained at an acceptable level.

"I called you here because I have a mission for you, related to the mortal power armor project that Valerie has been testing." Chen Yu cut straight to the point without any pleasantries, his synthesized voice echoing clearly in the laboratory, "My coordination with the higher-ups at Foundry World has yielded results. The project is now officially listed as a priority development item and will receive corresponding resource allocation and support."

Valerie and Jack's eyes lit up instantly, their previous listlessness and gloom vanished, replaced by complete focus.

Chen Yu continued to explain, and at the same time, a simplified holographic image of the power armor appeared beside him and slowly rotated, with blue lines outlining the shape of the machine.

"The core task for the next stage is to finalize the design of the official model based on the performance data accumulated from the 'Experimental Model-01', especially the driving feedback you provided, Valerie, and to conduct preliminary mass production verification."

He paused briefly to allow the message to be fully conveyed, "Foundry World will send a professional team of technical priests to lead the project's implementation. Valerie, as a key tester with direct driving experience, you need to fully cooperate with their work."

However, considering that you're now accustomed to neural-based controls, I need a new driver.

His optical lens turned to Jack, the light focusing slightly: "Jack Wells, you will be responsible for testing the standard operating version. The focus will be on evaluating the system's adaptability to ordinary drivers without deep neural modifications, its intuitiveness, and its learning curve."

“No problem, boss! You can rest assured that this is my job!” Jack immediately puffed out his chest, a big smile spreading across his face, rubbing his hands together as if he had finally gotten his chance to show off his skills.

“Valerie,” Chen Yu turned to her, “you continue to focus on the neural connectivity version. Your task is to further explore the tactical potential of this model and figure out where the limits of human-machine collaboration lie.”

The practical data you collected during the new Saturn test is the foundation of all of this and is extremely important.

“Understood, Sage.” Valerie nodded solemnly, her mechanical right arm unconsciously tightening slightly, her knuckles emitting a barely audible hydraulic sound.

Being able to continue piloting that powerful machine made her feel that her abilities and value had been substantially affirmed.

(End of this chapter)