Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 270 The Transformation Begins (Seventh Update)

Driven by the vast resources of the casting world, all aspects of Project Iron Guard began to operate at high speed and in an orderly manner, like precision gears fully lubricated. The Technical Priest teams "Delta-7" and "Epsilon-3" had taken over the data analysis and preliminary mass production planning of the prototypes, while Valerie and Jack were also engaged in intensive adaptability testing.

Chen Yu didn't devote all his energy to "Iron Guard." In his thought process, the comprehensive upgrade and transformation of Mann's team held the same high priority as the "Iron Guard" project. A loyal and powerful direct operational force was the cornerstone for ensuring the execution of his personal plans and addressing potential threats. Now, in the resource-rich Nexus Forge world, he could finally break free from the constraints he faced in Night City and replace the compromises he had to make due to material and technological limitations with truly powerful modifications that met the standards of the Cult of Mechanics.

He first summoned Mann.

A tall, dark red figure stood in the center of the private laboratory. Compared to the Night City workshop, Chen Yu appeared more majestic now. The mechanical tentacles that surrounded him were no longer cobbled together, but rather more precise and powerful servo mechanical arms with world-standard configurations.

“Your initial modifications were limited by the barrenness of that world,” Chen Yu’s synthesized voice rang out smoothly, the crimson optical lens fixed on Mann. “Many designs failed to achieve their ideal state. Now, the conditions are right, it’s time for a comprehensive enhancement and upgrade.”

Mann stood below, feeling the invisible pressure emanating from this true technological master. He nodded calmly: "Understood, boss. What do you need me to do?"

“First, the basic structure will be replaced.” Chen Yu said, as the servo robotic arm beside him had already taken out a component that gleamed with a dark metallic luster. “The plasma cannon system on your left arm and the shield generator on your right arm will have their bases and outer armor completely recast from ceramic steel and plastic steel composite materials. Refined gold will be used for critical energy conduction paths and joint load-bearing structures.”

The new arm components were unveiled, retaining their rugged and powerful design, but with drastically different materials. Ceramic steel provides them with far greater defensive capabilities than previous alloys, plastic steel offers the necessary toughness, and energy channels woven from fine gold wires minimize energy loss.

“The energy core will also be upgraded,” Chen Yu continued. “The high-output energy battery in your chest cavity will be replaced by a miniaturized plasma reactor. It will provide near-infinite, continuous power to all your systems, including weapons and shields, and significantly reduce the risk of overload.”

Looking at the top-grade materials gleaming with a cold luster, and sensing the technological power contained within them, even someone as composed as Mann couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. This was far beyond the technology that the companies in Night City could provide.

"As for the weapon system," Chen Yu's mechanical fingers swept through the air, bringing up a new weapon blueprint, "the precision plasma cannon will be removed."

Mann paused slightly and looked at Chen Yu.

“Plasma weapons are incredibly powerful, but in this realm, their technical characteristics are too obvious, and they have certain requirements for ammunition,” Chen Yu explained, his voice carrying a rational analysis rather than a simple command. “I will equip you with a completely new incendiary weapon system.”

In the holographic projection, a diagram of a gun structure with a more imposing shape and ancient, mysterious lines was presented.

“The incendiary gun,” Chen Yu explained, his tone carrying a hint of caution towards this ancient technology, “is an ancient ‘thermal’ ray weapon that can be traced back to the era of conflict.”

He pointed to the complex ray-generating device at the core of the weapon.

"It does not emit chemical flames, but rather a concentrated beam of thermal energy. This beam can cause organic matter, including living organisms, to burn violently in an instant, explosively turning flesh into ashes and spewing out deadly flames."

A single direct hit is enough to instantly turn the target into a burning torch, and its effect usually extends to nearby allies as well.

Chen Yu lowered his synthesized voice slightly, emphasizing its tactical value: "Its attack mode—instantaneous combustion and explosion—makes it more difficult to trace its energy source in this world, and it is easily misjudged as some kind of special incendiary bomb or energy weapon. Its power exceeds that of most conventional weapons of the same size, making it suitable for creating panic and clearing cluster targets."

Mann carefully examined the design of the Explosive Gun. It could be perfectly integrated with the new ceramic steel left arm, and its area-of-effect attack characteristics made up for his previous lack of area-of-effect damage.

He replied in a deep voice, "Understood, boss. This is perfect."

"The transformation process will be more in-depth than before, involving the replacement of major limbs and the replacement of core energy sources," Chen Yu concluded. "Be prepared."

Mann nodded firmly, without any hesitation. Pursuing greater power to protect his team and face more dangerous enemies was his very creed.
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Following Mann, the other members of the squad were summoned in turn to receive their upgrade plans.

Dorio's approach to transformation differs from everyone else's.

Chen Yu respected her unwavering pursuit of pure physical strength, thus avoiding the path of large-scale mechanical cybernetic enhancement and instead choosing the more profound and more in line with her origins biochemical enhancement.

“Your muscle structure and bone density have already established an excellent foundation through previous modifications.” After conducting another round of in-depth scans on Dorio, Chen Yu’s data stream flew rapidly across the edge of his optical lens: “The core of this stage of upgrade lies in breaking through the inherent biological limiters of your body.”

I will inject a complex set of catalytic enzymes and gene inducers that will restructure your muscle fiber ultrastructure and significantly improve the speed and accuracy of nerve signal transmission.

He gestured to the mechanical tentacles beside him, which precisely retrieved a storage device containing a ghostly green potion that seemed to possess life: "This formulation is based on the principles of ancient genetic alchemy, and incorporates the results of reverse engineering of the world's top physical enhancement data."

It will guide your muscle tissue to undergo a structural transformation at the cellular level.

Its external form won't expand excessively; instead, it will appear more refined and concise due to the extreme increase in density and efficiency. However, its strength, explosiveness, and endurance will surpass your previous understanding.

He paused briefly, then shifted the topic to her weapon upgrade: "Your existing shockwave gauntlets will be reforged. The internal core will integrate a miniaturized explosive energy generator."

When your powerful punch strikes the target with sufficient kinetic energy, the generator is triggered, releasing a small but extremely lethal explosive shockwave at the point of impact. The accompanying energy flames are extremely difficult to extinguish.

Dorothy listened in silence. As the medicine was slowly injected into her veins, she clearly felt a burning sensation, like molten lava flowing from the earth's core, surging through her body with her blood.

She clenched her fists instinctively, her knuckles making a dull, rock-grinding sound due to the increased internal pressure.

This feeling of power surging, filling, and even boiling from the depths of her flesh gave her a sense of control that was far more primal and real than simply manipulating a metal limb.

(End of this chapter)