Chapter 260: Re-entering the Warhammer World
Maine rubbed the prominent scar on his chin and responded in a deep voice, "Understood, Boss. We'll follow the rules."
The others nodded one after another, and the atmosphere became even more solemn.
They realized this was not just a physical modification, but a journey deep into the core of an alien civilization, filled with unknown rules and potential dangers.
"I will give you one day to handle personal affairs in this world and complete necessary arrangements." Joric gave the final instruction. "Assemble here at this time tomorrow. Dismissed."
The crowd walked out of the laboratory one after another. The atmosphere relaxed noticeably, but the topic of discussion had shifted entirely to the upcoming trip to the Forge World and the unknown modifications.
Jackie threw an arm around Valerie's shoulder, gesturing excitedly. "Say, should we bring the remaining gold bars? What if prices are high over there? Or... hey, do you think there are any exotic specialties we can flip back here?"
His mind never strayed far from business.
Valerie shook her head helplessly. "You're thinking too much. We can't carry such a large amount of gold on us. As for the Forge World... the Lord Sage said to follow the rules, don't get any funny ideas."
Maine rubbed the scar on his chin and said to his team, "Hear that? One day. Handle whatever private matters need handling, say hello to people you know, don't leave loose ends. This time... we might be gone for a while."
Rebecca was enthusiastic. "Awesome! Now we've got something to play with! Wonder what their armory looks like!" Her pursuit of power was simple and direct.
David looked nervously at Lucy. "Lucy, I..." He wanted to say something but didn't know how to start. Lucy looked at him, her gaze slightly softer than usual, and nodded gently. "Be careful." These simple two words settled David's heart.
Mower was the last to leave, walking silently toward the exit as if merging into the shadows.
Silence returned to the workshop.
Joric turned to the main console, his optical lenses locking onto the Dimension Teleporter. He needed to perform final energy calibration and coordinate confirmation for this multi-person cross-dimensional transport. Target: Death World Base, Ancient Ruins Main Transport Zone.
On the upper observation corridor, Margaret and Maria also turned to leave.
"Standard Mechanicus modification..." Margaret whispered. "That will change them completely."
Maria followed up, "Hope they can bear that power, and the... responsibility that comes with it."
They knew well the depth of Mechanicus modification and the potential price accompanying it.
One day passed in a flash.
When everyone gathered in the laboratory again, the atmosphere was even heavier than yesterday.
Everyone carried simple luggage, their faces a mix of determination, apprehension, and awe of the unknown.
Mower was the first to arrive as always, standing quietly aside.
Valerie and Jackie stood together; Jackie was unusually quiet.
Maine's squad was fully assembled, equipped neatly, like soldiers about to march onto a foreign battlefield.
David stood beside Lucy, his eyes determined.
Joric's massive body had moved to the center of the laboratory. There, the core component of the up-scaled Dimension Teleporter was emitting a ghostly blue light, and complex energy circuits etched a huge transport array on the ground.
"Stand within the marked transport area," Joric's command came.
Everyone took a deep breath and stepped into the glowing rune circle as instructed. Mower stood silently by Joric's side.
"Activating coordinates: Death World Base, Ancient Ruins Main Transport Zone." Joric's synthesized voice remained clear amidst the energy roar.
The massive instrument emitted a deafening roar. The ghostly blue light in the core area suddenly became blindingly bright. Energy flowed madly in the ring structure, forming a vortex of light that swallowed everything.
Space began to twist violently, and the scene inside the laboratory became bizarre and fragmented.
A layer of weak energy field rose from the transport array, wrapping around everyone like invisible fluid—this was the protective mechanism provided by the large-scale portal designed by Joric based on the Dimension Teleporter's principles.
A strong sense of weightlessness and being torn apart hit instantly! This was starkly different from the stability when Joric traveled alone carrying the teleporter.
Under the buffer of the energy field, the violent tearing of space was significantly offset, but the vibration of bones, the churning of internal organs, and the tugging of consciousness between reality and nothingness still existed.
"Urgh!" Jackie let out a suppressed groan, veins bulging slightly on his forehead.
Valerie clenched her teeth, her face slightly pale, relying on strong willpower and partial support from her power armor to stand steady.
Maine, Dorio, and the others stabilized their centers of gravity relying on their enhanced bodies, but their metal joints emitted slight groans, their expressions tight from discomfort.
David felt the world spinning, strong nausea rising in his throat. He only avoided collapsing thanks to Lucy supporting him in time. Lucy herself was enduring discomfort, but she pursed her lips tightly, staring focusedly at the twisting light and shadow ahead.
Mower's body swayed slightly, but her deeper level of modification, plus having experienced it once, kept her relatively stable under the energy field's buffer.
Unknown time passed—perhaps only a few seconds, perhaps an eternity—and the uncomfortable tearing sensation vanished abruptly.
The light receded like a tide, and everyone's senses gradually recovered like scattered puzzle pieces.
They found themselves in a massive ancient cavern composed of cooled lava.
Beneath their feet was a metal transport platform etched with unknown patterns. The air was mixed with the smell of sacred oil, ancient rock dust, and faint ozone—this was the smell familiar to Joric, belonging to this Death World.
The interior of the cavern had been massively modified.
Natural rock walls were cut flat and covered with thick adamantium composite armor plates, surfaces etched with continuous binary prayers and Cog Mechanicum emblems.
Thick energy conduits ran along the walls, emitting a low and steady hum.
Skitarii soldiers in crimson robes patrolled in the shadows, the gear emblems on their armor surfaces flickering faintly under the cold light.
"Coordinates confirmed. Death World, Ruins Main Transport Zone." Joric's synthesized voice rang in the cavern.
The severe aftereffects of teleportation made Jackie retch uncontrollably. Valerie forced down her discomfort to stand firm.
Maine and the others stabilized themselves with their enhanced bodies, metal joints groaning slightly. David's face was pale, relying entirely on Lucy's support to stay upright.
They had arrived—Joric's research stronghold built in the ancient ruins of the Death World. This was not the final destination, but a necessary springboard to the Forge World Nexum.
(End of Chapter)