Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 299 Preparations Before Dimensional Exploration (Second Update)
After handling the affairs of the Death World base and confirming that the intelligent mech squad had been successfully integrated into the defense system, Chen Yu did not linger any longer.

He activated the dimensional teleporter, precisely locking the coordinates onto the abandoned town laboratory on the outskirts of Night City.

The familiar, eerie blue light once again filled the cave, and a brief sense of spatial distortion and separation swept over it before fading away in an instant.

When everyone's senses returned to normal, they found themselves in the tall, sturdy teleportation hall of the abandoned town laboratory.

The air was no longer filled with the heavy smell of machine oil and ozone from the foundry world, but with the slightly metallic and disinfectant odor produced by the laboratory's internal circulating filtration system, and a faint smell of dust from an abandoned town drifting in from outside.

Compared to the suffocating oppression of the lower levels of the city, the environment here can almost be described as "clean".

The sudden change in environment caused everyone to pause for a moment. Jack looked around, a relaxed expression on his face, as if he were back in familiar territory. He rubbed his neck and muttered, "Finally back in my own territory..."

"Wake up, all of you." Mann said in a deep voice, rubbing the conspicuous scar on his chin, his gaze sweeping over his team members, "The boss didn't bring us back for a vacation, we have important business to attend to."

Valerie immediately got to work, looking at Chen Yu with a respectful yet capable tone: "Sage, what is our next move?"

Chen Yu turned to look at them, his gaze sweeping over everyone, taking in their subtle relaxation as they returned to their familiar surroundings.

“Ignis will assist you with the preparations,” Chen Yu’s voice rang out steadily in the laboratory. “Make a list of all the necessary equipment and supplies. Weapons, ammunition, protective gear, survival supplies, medical supplies, reconnaissance tools… Considering the unknown environment, the preparations must be thorough; it’s better to have too much than too little.”

He paused briefly, then emphasized: "The key is universality and reliability. We cannot predict the specific rules and threats of the target dimension, so you must consider all possible scenarios."

“Understood, boss,” Mann replied on behalf of the team, his tone calm. “We’ll compile a list as soon as possible.”

"You have seventy-two hours," Chen Yu finally ordered. "Handle necessary personal matters and complete all procurement and preparations. After seventy-two hours, assemble here for the final mission briefing and equipment check."

"Yes, Your Excellency (Boss)." Everyone responded in unison, then quickly dispersed and began the intense preparations.

The brief sense of relaxation brought about by returning to a relatively familiar environment was immediately replaced by the sense of urgency of about to step into completely unknown territory.
-
For the next 72 hours, the abandoned town laboratory and its surrounding area operated at a high efficiency.

The members of Mann's team, Valerie, and Jack each performed their duties, making comprehensive preparations for the first active dimension exploration.

Mann and Dorio were responsible for coordinating and procuring heavy equipment and survival supplies.

Leveraging their extensive mercenary experience, they ordered high-powered ambient lighting systems, multi-functional engineering robotic arms, high-strength traction and climbing rigging, and mobility aids for navigating complex terrain through reliable channels.

Considering the possibility of encountering extreme environments or needing to establish temporary bases, they also prepared industrial-grade obstacle-breaking tools, cutting equipment, and structural reinforcement materials.

Rebecca and Pila focus on environmental detection and data collection.

Their procurement list includes various models of drones, emphasizing their terrain scanning, environmental sampling, and long-endurance reconnaissance capabilities.

In addition, various motion sensors, atmospheric and water quality composition analyzers, radiation and anomalous energy detection devices, and signal interception and preliminary analysis units were also included.

Rebecca insisted on bringing her secondhand industrial cutting laser, reasoning that "it doesn't matter if there's a stone door or an otherworldly tree in front of me, I can just burn through it and move on."

Pira then used his upgraded nervous system and dexterous prosthetic hand to thoroughly inspect and optimize all electronic devices to ensure their stability in unknown environments.

Falco inventoried and replenished a large amount of basic survival supplies: high-energy compressed rations, water purification equipment and filters, comprehensive first aid kits, protective clothing adapted to extreme temperatures, emergency thermal insulation equipment, flares, and various rope tools.

Jack, meanwhile, was active in his business network, procuring "non-standard" supplies that could prove surprisingly effective in crucial moments. He not only acquired specialized tools for geological exploration and site investigation, but also used funds to stockpile a batch of items that he believed could have "trading value" or serve as a "stepping stone" in different civilizations.

It includes a small amount of high-purity synthetic gemstones, several exquisitely crafted old-fashioned mechanical timers, well-packaged high-quality food, and several cases of premium cigarettes and alcohol.

His thinking was very practical: "It's never a bad thing to be more prepared. What if the 'hard currency' over there looks different from credits?"

Valerie, as a former company agent, demonstrates systematic planning and integration capabilities.

She was responsible for compiling and reviewing everyone's procurement lists, eliminating duplicates, filling potential gaps, and paying special attention to the redundancy of critical equipment (especially communication and relay devices).

She also prepared a powerful portable data analysis terminal and data connection cables compatible with multiple interfaces.

The workshop's warehouses and designated areas were quickly filled with categorized supplies.

Ignis coordinated several service servitors to efficiently carry out the work of receiving, marking, performing performance checks and initial packing of supplies, ensuring that all equipment and supplies could be quickly and accurately activated when orders were given.

Just as everyone was busy, Margaret Nearl found Chen Yu in the control room.

“Sage,” Margaret said with standard courtesy, her voice clear, “Margaret Nearl, a knight of the Nearl family, requests to participate in this dimensional exploration mission.”

Chen Yu's massive mechanical body turned towards her, its scarlet optical lens calmly gazing at her.

Margaret continued to state her reasons, her tone carrying the unique sense of responsibility of a knight: "The knight mechs possess powerful firepower and protection, serving as a solid foothold for the exploration team in unknown environments."

If there is an insurmountable threat ahead, we will be the strongest bulwark to tear through the defenses and cover the retreat.

To leave one's companion to face danger alone while the knight sits comfortably in the rear is contrary to our creed.

Chen Yu's voice rang out calmly, not directly denying her wishes, but stating the objective limitations: "Your fighting spirit and sense of responsibility have been recorded, Margaret Nearl Knight."

However, the core task of the first wave of exploration was reconnaissance and information gathering, with stealth, mobility, and adaptability being key.

He paused briefly and pulled up a size comparison chart of the Knight mech, ordinary power armor, and human body: "The Knight mech's massive size and prominent energy signature make it an easy target in completely unknown environments, which is not conducive to covert operations."

Secondly, it remains unknown whether the environmental carrying capacity and spatial structure of the target dimension can accommodate the activities of the Knight Mech, posing a significant risk.

Therefore, having Mann's team and Valerie, among others, conduct the first round of exploration is the most efficient solution under the current conditions.

Margaret listened attentively, understanding that Chen Yu's analysis was based on pure rationality and mission requirements, rather than downplaying the value of knights.

She nodded slightly in understanding, but the fighting spirit in her eyes did not fade: "I understand, Sage. Then, please allow our Nearl Squad to stand by on this side of the teleportation point as a rapid response force."

Once a distress signal is received from the front, or if the environment is confirmed to allow for mech deployment, we will immediately cross over and provide decisive support.

“Agreed.” Chen Yu accepted the proposal. “You, together with the intelligent mech squad, will form the base’s final defense and emergency response force. Remain on standby.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.” Margaret placed her right hand on her chest, bowed solemnly, and turned to leave. Although she was not among the first wave of explorers, playing a crucial support role was still in accordance with a knight’s duty.

(End of this chapter)