Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 280 The Purification Plan for the Tribunal (Second Update)

The judge's gaze swept across the tightly closed factory gates as if they were tangible, seemingly able to penetrate the thick metal and see the souls trembling with fear inside.

"To ensure that the malignant tumor of heretical ideology is completely eradicated and to prevent its further spread and contamination, I request that the Ministry of Justice of Chaodu immediately provide full assistance in suppressing this riot, which has been hijacked by heretics." His words carried absolute authority, brooking no questioning. "All those involved in the riot, as well as their immediate family members who have been verified to be connected with them, must be arrested immediately and sent to designated locations for strict isolation and investigation. If necessary, a purification procedure will be carried out to prevent future troubles."

Just as Judge Kailas Walker made his pronouncement, Mann's gaze was involuntarily drawn to the imposing figure behind him—a tall warrior clad in bright yellow ceramic power armor.

He stood like an iron tower beside the judge, silent as an ancient mountain, the black iron fist emblem on his shoulder armor gleaming with a cold, hard luster in the dim light.

Although he made no move, the invisible pressure emanating from his massive body and power armor made the surrounding air feel thick and heavy, and his presence even surpassed that of all the soldiers and heavy weapons present.

Judge Keras's gaze then fell on Mann's team, especially the two Iron Guard prototypes.

His gaze lingered briefly on the unique gears and binary runes on the Iron Guard's shoulder armor, a look of understanding flashing in his eyes, before he turned to Mann.

“Your equipment bears the mark of the Mechanicus.” His voice was steady, his tone more cautious and gentle than when he spoke to the Ministry of Justice. “To see servants of the God of Machines here is unexpected. It seems that the production order here has indeed attracted the attention of the Forging World.”

He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over Mann and the others, before continuing, "The Holy Inquisition is dealing with a confirmed case of heresy. In view of our shared goals, the Inquisition formally invites you all to use the power of the Mechanicus to assist us in eradicating this threat."

This invitation caused a brief pause in the room.

The Ministry of Justice officials all looked at Mann, their eyes filled with obvious anxiety.

Count Gresham's right hand unconsciously tightened its grip on the hilt of the sword at his waist.

Although the soldiers in the courtroom were still pointing their guns toward the factory, their positions had been subtly adjusted to deliberately avoid the firing axis of the two Iron Guards.

At this delicate moment, Earl Gresham stepped forward, his voice steady and powerful: "Your Honor, please allow me to explain the situation. The affairs of this factory have now been officially taken over by the Mechanicus's action team."

He turned to the side, clearly showing Mann and the others, "According to Imperial law and tradition, this matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Mechanicus."

The legal commander standing next to the Earl immediately nodded vigorously in agreement, while quickly giving Mann a wink.

He then added with absolute certainty, "Yes, Your Honor. The Ministry of Justice's current role here is to cooperate with our Mechanicus colleagues and provide necessary assistance."

Although Mann did not fully understand the complex division of responsibilities among the Imperial institutions, the Earl's statement and the commander's almost convulsing look were enough to explain the situation.

He took a deep breath, recalling Ignis's usual cold, emotionless tone, and deliberately imitated the unique way of speaking characteristic of the Mechanicus, responding in a steady, flat voice: "Confirmed. We are acting on the orders of the Sage to maintain order here and conduct equipment testing."

He didn't know what to say; at times like this, the less he said, the less likely he was to make a mistake.

As he spoke, Valerie and Jack skillfully maneuvered the Iron Guard prototype, making the clearly etched gear emblems and binary runes on its shoulders stand out even more under the light, their cold metallic luster exuding an unquestionable authority.

Inquisitor Kelas's gaze lingered on the Mechanicus emblem for a moment. He tilted his head slightly, seemingly exchanging a subtle glance with the Imperial Fist warrior behind him.

The Mechanicus's special status and autonomy within the Empire now constituted an invisible obstacle.

Without conclusive evidence that the Cult of Mechanics itself is involved in heresy, forcibly intervening in matters already undertaken by a sage would clearly exceed the scope of his authority for this action and would also cause unnecessary and enormous trouble.

The situation reached a stalemate.

The stormtroopers of the Inquisition remained on high alert, but their gazes and expressions toward Mann and the others were clearly tense.

The Ministry of Justice officials watched the judge's reaction with bated breath, while Earl Gresham maintained a facade of composure, though his slightly tense expression betrayed his inner turmoil.

In that brief moment of stalemate, Sheriff Atkins's deliberately hushed, breathless voice rang out in the encrypted tactical channel of Mann's team. He had clearly connected via a temporary link established during their previous coordinated operation.

“Captain Mann, listen! We absolutely cannot let the Inquisition take over!” His voice was filled with urgency. “Their standard procedure… once the incident is classified as heretical contamination, all 3027 workers in the factory, along with the more than 10,000 family members registered in their files, will be classified as ‘potential contaminants’!”
Do you know what that means? Arrests, then massive… ‘purification’! No one will walk out alive!

Mann felt as if his blood had frozen in that instant.

More than 3,000 workers and more than 10,000 family members... were to be executed simply because they participated in the protest or were related to the participants by blood?
The cruelty behind these cold numbers far surpasses any corporate atrocities he has ever witnessed in Night City.

Arasaka or military technology might also suppress strikes and clear up trouble, but at least they would go through the motions and not systematically and collectively wipe out thousands of lives.

For the first time, he truly understood just how cheap the lives of the lower classes could be in this world.

They were not treated as human beings, but as defective parts that could be mass-produced.

A mixture of shock, anger, and helplessness surged in his chest. His implanted, enhanced muscles tensed involuntarily, almost causing him to take a step forward and refute the absurd and cruel plan on the spot.

Valerie's calm voice broke through the internal channel, interrupting Mann's impulsive thoughts. Her tone was steady and pragmatic, carrying the keen understanding of power structures that a former company agent possessed.

“Mann, understand the situation,” she reminded him, her voice exceptionally clear through the internal channel. “The fact that they can mobilize a regular army, and that even nobles and the Ministry of Justice are so wary of them, means they are no ordinary law enforcement agency.”

The most important lesson we learned in Night City was—never challenge a power you can't afford to offend.

She paused briefly, letting the weight of her words sink in: "We now represent the Cult of Mechanics, and the dignity of His Holiness the Sage. To rashly clash with an authority of this caliber would have consequences we cannot afford."

Remember who we are now—we are no longer street mercenaries who can act on impulse.

Her words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing Mann's impending outburst of anger, but also plunging him into a deeper struggle.

(End of this chapter)