Chapter 265: Mortal Power Armor Project
Joric's mechanical body emitted an almost inaudible hum, a characteristic of his high-speed cognition processing. Moments later, he spoke. "Regarding a new growth point, perhaps I can offer another direction."
Volks' single eye immediately focused on him, and his multi-spectral cyber-eye adjusted its focal length, displaying immense interest. "Oh? Let's hear it."
"Based on certain STC fragment data obtained during past archaeological excavations, combined with my personal research, I have designed a Power Armor System suitable for use by Mortal Auxilia or the Imperial Guard." Joric's voice stated this calmly, without boasting or humility, as if reporting an established fact. "Currently, the prototype has been completed and has undergone preliminary testing in a controlled live-combat environment. The results meet, and even slightly exceed, my expectations."
As his voice fell, a dexterous mechanical tentacle extended from under his robe, precisely interfacing with the sanctum's holographic projection port.
An encrypted data stream was called up, unfolding a short combat record video between the two.
In the footage, a power armor suit painted dark red was maneuvering through a simulated urban ruin environment.
Its movements were steady and efficient. Its ability to maintain balance and traverse rugged terrain was visibly superior to common Sentinel walkers or other standard Imperial ground vehicles.
When simulated, agile xenos units launched a surprise attack from behind cover, a layer of pale blue kinetic shield instantly deployed around the power armor, deflecting the initial volley.
Immediately after, a laser turret on its shoulder rapidly locked onto and suppressed one target, while the Storm Bolter mounted on its arm cleared the threat on the other side with precise bursts.
The combat record Joric pulled up fully demonstrated the various performance metrics of the power armor.
In a key segment, a simulated heavy armored target broke through the fire net and closed in. The dark red power armor did not choose to dodge but met it steadily head-on.
The Power Fist on its right hand, glowing with faint energy, struck the target's front precisely, easily crushing and killing it.
This efficient mode of destruction clearly demonstrated its lethality as a close-quarters solution.
The clips Joric selected focused on demonstrating the armor's comprehensive survivability in complex environments, firepower coordination, and tactical flexibility against different threats, rather than simply pursuing visual impact.
After the footage ended, he added, "Test data indicates that this system can significantly enhance the sustained combat and survival probability of mortal soldiers on high-stress battlefields. Its modular design also facilitates logistical maintenance and functional expansion."
Volks' mechanical tentacles traced unconscious trajectories while watching the record, his optical lenses precisely capturing every tactical detail of the power armor in the footage.
"Heavy power armor designed for mortal troops... integrating shield systems, modular weapon interfaces, and comprehensive environmental adaptation capabilities..." His deep voice carried professional consideration. "The design philosophy is quite complete."
Volks' mechanical tentacles suddenly froze in mid-air. Even the rhythmic low-frequency hum seemed to pause for an instant.
His massive tracked base lurched forward half an inch. His human eye locked tightly onto Joric, gaze burning as if trying to pierce through that dark red armor.
"Do you understand what this implies, Joric?" His voice was lowered, but it carried a suppressed, almost trembling fervor. "This is not an ordinary armament upgrade—this is a discovery sufficient to redefine the structure of the entire Imperial armed forces!
"The Imperial Guard! Billions upon billions! Even if only one in ten thousand—no, one in a hundred thousand—of the most elite regiments are equipped, that would still be orders flooding the desks of the Martian Parliament!
"The furnaces of every functioning Forge World in the galaxy would roar for decades for this single model!"
One of his mechanical tentacles stabbed abruptly toward the lingering holographic image, fine electric arcs bursting from the tip. "And you, Explorator Magos, stand here so calmly at this moment, showing me this... this treasure."
His tone suddenly became incomparably sharp, carrying an interrogation that allowed no evasion. "Tell me, what exactly do you want? Merely to pass the review of Mars and get that patent license?
"No, that is far from enough. When you initiated this project and brought it before me, what exactly are you plotting?"
His massive body leaned forward slightly, the oppression it brought almost tangible. "Let us be frank, Joric. Such massive benefits cannot be covered by a phrase like 'technology sharing.' State your true conditions."
Facing Volks' scorching gaze and undisguised greed, Joric's voice remained steady. "The technical path of this power armor is clear. Its true value lies in unparalleled practicality and scalable market potential.
"What it can bring to you and Nexum will be a stable and massive flood of profit, far beyond what the 'Ancient Logic Core,' a stream limited to specific fields, can compare to."
He paused deliberately here, allowing the magnificent image of "orders flooding all Forge Worlds" in Volks' mind enough time to ferment and expand.
Subsequently, he continued to push forward in a pragmatic and unquestionable tone. "Of course, as you saw in the combat record, the project is still in the prototype verification stage.
"To push it from a successful prototype to mass production and satisfy the vast market you envision, the entire Forge World needs to pour resources into this.
"I need the participation of top Tech-Priest teams for optimization, dedicated production lines for process verification, and massive amounts of test material to accumulate data sufficient to pass the review of Mars.
"All this support is necessary to accelerate the process and transform blueprints into actual orders as soon as possible."
Volks let out a low hum mixed with hydraulic sounds. Several secondary mechanical tentacles waved dismissively in sync.
"Resources? Support?" His voice deliberately carried a tone of treating something heavy as light, as if discussing a trivial matter. "In the face of potential profits of such... such scale, the investments you mentioned are merely adding necessary lubricating oil to the great gears, the basic cost to ensure the engine runs at full speed. Insignificant!"
His massive tracked platform emitted a faint drive sound, causing his heavy body to press forward another half-inch, bringing more direct pressure.
That unique human eye locked tightly onto Joric's optical lenses, trying to capture any trace of fluctuation. "Joric, we are both rational men serving the Omnissiah. Time is precious; there is no need to circle repeatedly around these basic aspects.
"Tell me, to leverage this wealth sufficient to change the fate of a Forge World, what is the true, final asking price in the heart of you, Explorator Magos Joric?"
(End of Chapter)