Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 405 Iron Guard Project (Second Update)
The Death World Base, the core command center.

Chen Yu's massive, dark red mechanical body stood silently in front of the main control panel, his scarlet optical lens scanning the real-time status data streams of various areas of the base.

The aftershocks of the dimensional teleportation have completely subsided inside the isolation chamber, and the base's energy readings have returned to baseline levels.

"Ignis." Chen Yu's synthesized voice rang out in the silent central control room.

Ignis, who was standing to the side, immediately stepped forward and connected the data interface to the main control panel. "Sage."

"Lead Knight Zofia and her squad to familiarize themselves with the base's defense layout, especially the sensor network and firing positions in the canyon experimental area. Their permissions have been entered into the base's defense system's secondary sequence."

“Command confirmed,” Ignis replied, then turned to Zofia, who was waiting in the wings.

Zofia, dressed in a pilot's suit, nodded slightly to her, and the two quickly exchanged base structure diagrams and defense node information via data stream.

Chen Yu's gaze shifted to the Mann squad, who were gathering and waiting on the other side. "Mann."

The tall mercenary captain stepped forward, followed by Dorio, Rebecca, Pila, Falco, and others.

They still carried the bustling atmosphere of Night City, but their eyes had already switched to mission mode.

"The new dimension exploration mission has entered the preparation stage." Chen Yu's synthesized voice was calm and even. "Your next task is divided into three parts."

He brought up a list of supplies and projected it.

"First, conduct a comprehensive inspection and maintenance of existing exploration equipment. This includes the life support systems of environmental protective suits, the energy reserves of weapon modules, general-purpose reconnaissance drones and their control terminals. All equipment must meet standard operating parameters."

"Second, adaptation training. The base training ground has simulated high gravity and low gravity environment parameters. All members need to complete basic physical adaptation and tactical movement calibration."

"Third, stand by. Await the transmission of preliminary reconnaissance data on the target dimensions, and make targeted equipment adjustments accordingly."

Mann nodded steadily. "Understood. Equipment checks can begin today, and acclimatization training will start tomorrow."

He glanced at his teammates behind him. Dorio had already begun checking the hydraulic system of her power gauntlets, while Rebecca was checking the energy readings of her heavy weapon.

“Pira,” Chen Yu called out, “you are responsible for checking and optimizing the stability of the team members’ neural interfaces and data links. Ensure that the communication and sensory enhancement systems are not subject to unpredictable interference in unknown dimensional environments.”

“Leave it to me, Sage.” Pira brandished his signature silver prosthetic limb with confidence.

Chen Yu transmitted an encrypted data packet to Mann. "This contains the basic environmental parameter prediction model for the target dimension, as well as an analysis of possible energy interference patterns. It will be used for training reference."

“Received.” Mann confirmed receipt, the data stream flashing in the corner of his tactical visor.

After arranging the exploration team's preparations, Chen Yu handed over temporary command authority to Ignis: "Maintain the base's routine operations. In case of any abnormalities, handle them according to the contingency plan, or report directly to me via an encrypted link."

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Chen Yu's massive body turned toward the passageway leading to the hangar.

He needs to return to the Neksam Foundry World to personally inspect the actual progress of Project Iron Guard.

Data reports can be faked, but the actual machines coming off the production line, the synchronization rate of neural connections reported by the drivers, and even the activity level of the machine's soul all require his personal perception and evaluation.
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On the landing platform of the Death World base, the engine of a small shuttle started up, emitting a low hum.

Chen Yu's massive mechanical body stepped into the cabin, and the shuttle immediately took off, penetrating the atmosphere and heading towards near-Earth orbit.

The cruiser "Eternal Seeker" hovers silently in orbit.

The shuttle smoothly entered the belly hangar, where servo locks secured it. Chen Yu disembarked from the shuttle and proceeded directly to the bridge via the internal passageway.

"Set course, Nexus forge the world," he commanded the shipborne Thinker.

"The course has been locked. Warp speed travel is expected to take five standard days."

The warp drive at the stern of the "Eternal Seeker" started, the hull was enveloped in a space bubble, and then disappeared from the current coordinates.

During the voyage, Chen Yu reviewed all the "Iron Guard" project data transmitted by the Neksam Foundry World. He focused on three parts: the standard operating version of the machine's operation log and pilot's physiological injury reports; the neural connection version of the combat test records and system stability data; and the actual assembly progress and quality control reports of the production line.

He compared the project data with the periodic summaries submitted by the Great Sage of Vox, marking seventeen performance parameters that needed to be verified on-site and three production nodes that might have reporting delays.

Five days later, the Eternal Seeker precisely broke out of warp drive and appeared on the outer edge of the Nexus system. It quickly received permission to sail into the main star port.

After leaving the ship, Chen Yu refused the reception arrangements made by the Starport officials and did not go to the Forging Temple for a courtesy meeting. Instead, he took an internal transport vehicle directly to the main production assembly line of the "Iron Guard" project.

Stepping into the bustling and enormous assembly hall, the sounds of metal clanging and energy tools humming are incessant.

On the assembly line, more than a dozen "Iron Guard" aircraft are in different stages of assembly.

Project manager, the forging sage Marcus Thorne, soon appeared, dressed in a standard red robe, moderately modified, retaining a few human facial features.

He quickly stepped forward and gave Chen Yu a simple gear-shaped salute.

“Sage Chen Yu, I have failed to greet you from afar. Your arrival has boosted the efficiency here.” Although both were sages, Marcus still showed respect to Chen Yu.

Chen Yu nodded slightly in return: "Sage Thorne, retrieve all the actual combat test records from the past three months in the standard operating version, as well as the corresponding pilot's physiological monitoring logs."

His synthesized voice went straight to the point.

The data stream was quickly integrated into Chen Yu's processing core.

He quickly analyzed: the machine's output power had increased by about 12%, and the weapon system's performance had been enhanced, at the cost of the reactor's operating load and energy radiation levels exceeding the initial design safety threshold.

Driver physiological data show that long-term operation can accumulate radiation damage and increase the risk of tissue necrosis.

“We weighed performance against cost,” Marcus explained cautiously but firmly, “In the current war zone, survival often takes precedence over long-term health.”

These changes do deviate from your initial security redundancy settings, but they do not affect the core architecture.

Chen Yu accessed the neural connectivity version of the data.

While multiple specialized configurations sacrifice versatility, they significantly enhance tactical adaptability.

He walked to a machine, and the mechanical tentacles connected to the maintenance interface to read the underlying operation logs.

The machine spirit is active and stable, and integrates well with the enhanced machine body.

Chen Yu silently assessed all the information.

The project team's changes were indeed more radical and more demanding on drivers.

But in this cruel universe, this trade-off of sacrificing a healthy lifespan for greater survival and lethality has proven effective.

The current model can be seen as a natural evolution of the original design under harsh realities.

He retracted his tentacles.

"The existing mass production design and production schedule will remain unchanged." Chen Yu's instructions were clear and unambiguous.

Marcus Thorne nodded slightly.

“We will follow your judgment. The production line will continue to operate according to existing standards.” He maintained a respectful demeanor, but his eyes revealed understanding as a fellow technology decision-maker.

Chen Yu left the assembly hall.

Project Ironguard did deviate from his original vision of "safer equipment," but it became a qualified weapon that was more suited to the needs of the Warhammer universe battlefield.

(End of this chapter)