Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 268 Improving Treatment (Fifth Update)
"I will continue to follow up on the overall progress of the project and provide guidance at key technical junctures," Chen Yu added, clarifying his role as the overall person in charge of the project. "As for the specific technical execution, daily progress coordination, and administrative tasks such as liaising with the priest team dispatched by Foundry World, those will be handled by them."

You need to demonstrate sufficient professionalism and cooperate actively to ensure the project progresses smoothly and efficiently.

"Don't worry, Sage (Boss), we will definitely cooperate fully!" The two replied almost in unison, their tone filled with the solemnity of being entrusted with an important task and the excitement of finally having something to do.

"Regarding the compensation," Chen Yu's next sentence instantly drew their attention, "once this phase of development is completed, the first two power armors that officially roll off the production line and that you personally participated in testing and finalizing will be your personal compensation for this mission."

The news made Jack gasp, and Valerie took a deep breath, her eyes flashing with barely suppressed excitement.

A fully personal power suit, possessing both powerful firepower and superior protection, is worth far more than money. It is undoubtedly a tremendous guarantee and a symbol of power for them to survive in this perilous universe.

Excited, Valerie hesitated for a moment before deciding to speak.

She knew that focusing on basic needs like food and drink might seem "irrational" within the Mechanicus system, but she felt it was necessary to bring it up for the long-term stability and efficiency of the team.

“My sage,” she said, trying to keep her tone objective and pragmatic, “I am very grateful for your generosity. Also… there is something I need to report to you regarding your livelihood.”

Chen Yu's optical lens turned to her, and the steady crimson light quietly enveloped her, signaling her to continue.

“We understand and respect the principle of prioritizing efficiency in the world of manufacturing,” Valerie carefully chose her words. “The food rations currently provided do indeed offer sufficient nutrition and calories.”

However, long-term consumption of this standardized 'life-sustaining meal' may gradually affect the work performance and mental state of those of us who have not yet fully adapted to the mechanized lifestyle.

This might have some negative impact on testing work that requires a high degree of concentration.

Instead of directly complaining about the food being unpalatable, she cleverly approached the issue from the perspective of work efficiency and staff morale. "If we could get permission to prepare some food that better suits our existing dietary habits, I believe this would help maintain the team's long-term work efficiency."

Jack nodded repeatedly, unable to resist interjecting, "Boss, after eating that stuff for a while, you really lose all your taste in your mouth, and you can't even muster the energy to work!"

Upon hearing this blunt complaint, Chen Yu's optical lens underwent a subtle change in focal length.

He recalled that he had gone through a similar adjustment period when he first joined the Mechanics Cult.

His subordinates from another world's obsession with food gave him a strangely familiar feeling.

He quickly retrieved Ignis's logistical reports and confirmed that they were indeed using nutritional rations that met the lowest standards in the world—synthetic products designed only to maintain basic physiological functions.

For those accustomed to the diverse cuisine of Night City, this extreme pragmatism certainly seemed too harsh.

“I understand the situation.” His synthesized voice remained steady, but it seemed to carry a touch more human understanding than pure mechanical logic. “The previous logistical standards were based on the most basic survival guarantees. Since you are now undertaking the important responsibilities of the ‘Iron Guard’ project, it is reasonable to appropriately improve your living conditions to maintain optimal working conditions.”

He then contacted Ignis via internal communications.

“Ignis, promote the logistics allocation level of Mann, Valerie, Jack, and David and Lucy from the standard worker level to the ‘Technical Priest Apprentice’ level.”

At the same time, they were given the authority to process some basic ingredients themselves and provided with a set of necessary cooking equipment.

"The order has been confirmed, Sage." Igni's response came immediately, completely calm. "The rationing level has been adjusted. The corresponding supplies and equipment will be delivered to the designated residential area within one standard hour."

After ending the call, Chen Yu turned to the two expectant people: "It's all arranged. The new rations will be delivered to your residences soon. I hope this will help everyone be in better shape for their work."

Jack's face instantly lit up with a huge smile, and he was so excited he almost jumped up: "That's great! Boss! You're really... really generous!" He was so excited he was almost incoherent, as if he could already smell the aroma of the real food.

Valerie visibly relaxed, her tense shoulders easing, and a genuine expression of gratitude appeared on her face: "Thank you so much, Sage. This will definitely refresh everyone's spirits and is crucial for the work ahead."

“Remember, focus on your mission.” Chen Yu’s tone returned to its usual calm, but the previous conciliatory atmosphere had not completely disappeared. “The Power Armor Project has received high attention and resource allocation from the Great Sage Vox.”

Don't let this investment and expectation go to waste. Now, go receive your new supplies, and then prepare to fully commit to the next phase of work.

The two bowed solemnly again, this time with much lighter movements, almost with a hint of eager excitement. They then turned and quickly left the laboratory, eager to share the good news with their companions who were suffering in the residential area.
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When Valerie and Jack returned to the residential area with news of the increased food rations, the previously oppressive atmosphere seemed to be pierced by an electric current, instantly erupting into a long-suppressed commotion.

"Really?! No more toothpaste-flavored nutritional supplements and those brick-hard compressed biscuits?" Rebecca sprang up from the metal bed, her large eyes gleaming with near-ecstatic joy. She unconsciously licked her lips, as if recalling some distant delicacy: "God, when I was little, I went to a fancy restaurant on Charter Hill with my dad and had a real steak once…that taste…"

Pila adjusted his goggles, his voice tinged with rare excitement: "That's right! I remember too! Dad made a fortune on that mission and took us to 'Heaven's Kiss' in the Haywood district. Their roast chicken and fresh vegetables..." His voice suddenly lowered, his eyes becoming somewhat dazed, as if struck by a sudden memory.

Mann rubbed the scar on his chin vigorously, letting out a long sigh of relief, and finally a genuine smile appeared on his face—the first one he'd had in days. "Finally... finally something decent to eat. V, well done." He looked at Valerie with approval, clearly understanding whose credit it was.

Dorothy reached out and patted Valerie on the shoulder, a simple gesture that conveyed immense gratitude. Even the usually expressionless Qiwei's lips twitched almost imperceptibly upwards.

“At least I won’t have to stare blankly at those dusty nutrient blocks anymore,” Lucy whispered to David. The young man nodded vigorously, his eyes shining. Although his thirst for knowledge could temporarily mask his dissatisfaction with the food, the thought of eating something closer to the “real thing” than the synthetic food from the bottom rungs of Night City still gave him a bit more hope for this world.

Valerie, observing her companions' reactions, couldn't help but recall the exquisite meals she had enjoyed at the rooftop restaurant of the Arasaka Building. Those dishes, prepared with real ingredients, were worlds apart from the industrial creations designed merely to sustain life. She gently squeezed her mechanical right hand, understanding the profound impact this seemingly simple change had on the team's morale.

(End of this chapter)