Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 273 The Nest City World (Ten Updates)
Before the team set off, during the short rest period, an atmosphere of mixed anticipation and tension permeated the team members.

It was in this atmosphere that David Martinez found Chen Yu.

The young man stood before the massive, dark red mechanical body, trying to maintain a calm facade, but his slightly taut jawline and the fleeting desire in his eyes did not escape Chen Yu's keen optical sensors.

“My sage, I…” David began, the words catching in his throat, as if he didn’t know how to properly express his request to participate in the actual battle.

Chen Yu's mechanical head lowered slightly, and the scarlet optical lens focused on David. That steady and ruthless gaze seemed to penetrate flesh and blood, reaching straight into his restless heart.

“David Martinez,” the synthesized voice rang out smoothly, with an unquestionable authority, “your value at this moment is not reflected in charging into battle with a slingshot.”

The path of Mechanism is forged by an endless ocean of data, a rigorous ladder of logic, and ancient technological theology.

Strength is a natural byproduct that arises after knowledge has been understood to a certain level, not the ultimate goal.

One of his mechanical tentacles silently pointed to a learning area on one side of the laboratory, where mountains of ancient data boards were displayed, along with an array of Thinkers connected to immersive neural infusion interfaces.

"Your genetic optimization and neural system modification are to lay the foundation for carrying more complex knowledge, not to put you on a battlefield that is not your current level."

Completing the study and assessment of "Basic Doctrine Indoctrination", "Introduction to Technical Theology Volumes I to VII" and "Standard Binary Logic Language (Advanced Applications)" is your only and most important task at this stage.

Until you prove to me that you are qualified to understand and safely master deeper mechanical fusion, combat is not your domain.

David met the inhuman gaze of his Creator and could sense the steely logic and absolute will beneath those calm words.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the urge to prove himself in his chest, and transformed it into a firm nod: "I understand, Sage. I will focus on my studies."

In contrast, Lucy appeared calm and submissive. She stood alone in a suitable distance, neither too close to avoid disturbing him, yet able to clearly hear every instruction from the sage. When Chen Yu finished with David's affairs and turned his gaze to her, she immediately lowered her eyes slightly, adopting a respectful listening posture.

“Your initial neuroscan and psychological assessment report shows that you have a significant innate tendency in electronic signal perception and intuitive data flow processing,” Chen Yu told Lucy.

A more slender and dexterous mechanical tentacle tapped the holographic projection in the air, displaying the internal structure diagram of the intelligent mech firepower platform and the complex battlefield data link network.

"Within the Mechanics Cult, there is a group of technical experts who specialize in remotely coordinating and controlling automated war units; they are known as 'CNC craftsmen.' Your qualities are highly compatible with this path."

Lucy raised her purple eyes, her gaze humbly sweeping over the complex data streams and mechanical structures in the holographic projection, before respectfully looking back at Chen Yu.

Although her face didn't display any overly exaggerated expressions, her focus and obedience were clearly visible. She bowed slightly and replied in a calm and respectful tone, "Thank you for your guidance, Sage. I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations."

“However,” Chen Yu’s synthesized tone rose slightly, emphasizing the key point, “becoming a qualified CNC machinist is far more than just learning to press attack commands.”

You need a deep understanding of the operating principles, weaknesses, and maintenance cycles of each type of intelligent mech; you need to be able to independently build and maintain battlefield data links to ensure uninterrupted command flow in complex electromagnetic environments; and you need to master methods for countering enemy electronic warfare and cyber intrusions. All of these capabilities are built upon a solid grasp of the fundamentals of mechanized warfare.

“I understand, Sage.” Lucy bowed slightly again. “I will start learning from the most basic knowledge and will not rush into anything.”

Chen Yu seemed satisfied with her attitude, said no more, and ended the conversation.

So, while Mann, Valerie, Jack, and the others, fully armed, boarded the transport ship bound for Vesta Prima, David and Lucy—two newcomers with different backgrounds and goals, yet both incorporated into the vast system of the Cult of Mechanics—remained in the quiet and solemn laboratory, facing a sea of ​​data and knowledge, beginning the long and tedious accumulation phase they, as apprentices, had to go through.

For them, the real challenge may have just begun.
-
The transport ship passed through the dense debris belt in the orbit of the planet Vista Prima and slowly landed at a designated starport in the upper layer of the hive.

Unlike the purely industrial order of the Forge World Nexusam, the Hive City world brought a different kind of impact to Mann's team.

The air is filled with carefully blended fragrances and purified circulating air, and the ventilation system in the upper area efficiently filters out any unpleasant odors coming from the lower level.

As far as the eye can see, there are magnificent buildings that soar into the clouds, their exterior walls covered with polished metal and bulletproof glass, and countless hover vehicles shuttling orderly through designated air lanes.

Although natural light still struggles to penetrate the metal dome, carefully designed artificial lighting illuminates every street as if it were daytime, with colorful holographic advertisements and the imperial eagle emblem flashing alternately, showcasing the prosperity and order of the place.

The background is filled with the rhythmic sounds of city operations and the noise-reduced engine sounds of aircraft, creating a well-ordered white noise.

They did not linger in the well-ordered upper area.

A team of fully armed bailiffs from the Ministry of Justice was waiting at the designated starport. The officer in charge was a middle-aged man with a resolute face. His armor was covered with scratches that showed his seniority, and the rank insignia on his shoulder boards indicated that he was a police sergeant.

He stood ramrod straight, his gaze sweeping over the Mann squad’s sophisticated equipment with a professional deliberation.

“I am Sheriff Atkins.” His voice was steady and powerful, carrying the authority that came from years of issuing orders. “I am under orders to escort you to the lower border. The area below is more complex, and conventional law enforcement cannot effectively cover it.”

Escorted by a squad of bailiffs, they passed through a mirror-smooth passageway in the upper area and boarded a well-marked and well-maintained dedicated elevator to begin their descent into the depths of the nest city.

As the altitude decreases, the surrounding environment gradually changes; the light becomes less bright and dazzling, and more complex smells begin to mix in the air.

Graffiti and some unintelligible marks began to appear on the walls.

Occasionally, there were glimpses of eyes peeking from the shadows, but they quickly looked away upon seeing the fully armed bailiffs.

(End of this chapter)