Chapter 352: Akira's Hint
However, this soaring performance was not without its price.
To support the more powerful output, the reactor continuously operated at a higher power state, causing the overall energy radiation level of the machine to climb to a dangerous degree.
Pilots exposed to this environment long-term, even with the preliminary isolation of the cockpit, would inevitably accumulate radiation damage in their body tissues, ultimately leading to irreversible health deterioration.
In the logic of the Tech-Priests, this was an acceptable and "necessary price" paid in exchange for formidable combat power.
As for the neural-linked version, it was viewed by them as an even more promising platform.
They completely modularized its architecture, developing over a dozen interchangeable functional components.
From configurations enhancing stealth and reconnaissance, to those focused on area suppression carrying extra heavy weapons, to those taking melee capabilities to the extreme...
Every configuration was deeply optimized for a specific tactical role, but consequently sacrificed versatility.
Reports of these modifications and "optimizations," along with detailed performance test data, were regularly compiled and transmitted via an encrypted datalink to the cogitator arrays in Akira's base on the Death World.
In between processing other data, Akira browsed these updates from Nexum.
Looking at the significantly improved performance parameters of the standard operation version—which also came with health risks—and the diverse, highly specialized configuration plans of the neural-linked version, the thought core behind his optical lenses calmly analyzed them.
He clearly recognized that this was the typical pattern of technological development within the Adeptus Mechanicus.
The pursuit of ultimate performance and specialization was often accompanied by a disregard for the safety and comfort of the user (who, in their eyes, was perhaps closer to being just a part of the system).
They had perfectly elevated the Iron Guard's attributes as a "weapon," but they might be deviating from his original intention of creating "equipment" that could enhance the comprehensive survival and combat efficacy of mortal soldiers.
He did not immediately issue commands to intervene.
For now, these modifications indeed improved immediate combat capability, and Inquisitor Silas's faction might actually be more satisfied with this aggressive version.
He needed to weigh the pros and cons, evaluating the actual value and long-term impact of these "optimizations" in a broader battlefield environment.
He archived this data, marking it as an "observation item."
Currently, his more important energy had to be focused on the Genesis particles.
But he knew that the final decision-making power regarding the developmental direction of the Iron Guard had to remain in his own hands.
Akira was indeed not worried about losing leadership over the "Iron Guard" project.
The guarantee of Magos Dominus Vox was certainly one factor, but the deeper, more solid bond lay in the immense value he could continuously provide to Nexum—value that far exceeded the "Iron Guard" project itself.
He held in his hands many technological treasures acquired from the Star Trek universe. Whether it was the replicator that subverted material forms, the warp engine that unlocked faster-than-light travel, or the miraculous Genesis particles he was currently researching right before his eyes, any single one possessed the potential to make the Forge World of Nexum leap forward and become a core faction of the Mechanicus capable of rivaling Mars.
However, the impact of these technologies was far too massive. Exposing them prematurely, before his own strength and network of influence were solid enough, would be tantamount to playing with fire.
Therefore, Akira adopted a more cautious strategy.
He carefully organized and disguised some foundational technologies analyzed from the Star Trek data—technologies related to materials science, energy transmission, and basic logical computing that could directly benefit the "Iron Guard" project.
He packaged this as a seemingly fragmented, yet incredibly valuable "Ancient STC Template Fragment," and dispatched someone to deliver it back to Nexum, directly into the hands of Magos Vox.
This disguised "technological gift" was perfectly pitched.
It not only demonstrated Akira's "ability" and "luck" in continuously unearthing ancient technological treasures—bringing tangible technological improvements and benefits to Nexum—but it also wasn't shocking enough to draw excessive attention.
More importantly, it was a silent reminder and a display of power.
Upon receiving this data packet and initially understanding the foundational technological elevation it contained—which was already revolutionary to him—Magos Vox immediately understood Akira's subtext: cooperation could bring endless benefits, but the leadership must be clear.
Thus, a strictly worded directive, personally signed by Magos Vox, was issued to the Tech-Priest team responsible for the "Iron Guard" project.
The directive did not completely negate their "optimization" work, but clearly emphasized that any major modification to the project, especially adjustments involving core design concepts and safety baselines, must undergo stricter evaluation and could not deviate too far from the basic technical framework set by Magos Akira.
The directive required the team to re-evaluate and control the impact of energy radiation on the pilots while pursuing performance improvements, ensuring the "sustainable usability" of the equipment.
This slight breeze from the top echelon of the Forge World was enough to make those Tech-Priests—who were passionate about pushing the Iron Guard to extreme aggressiveness—temporarily rein in their edge and re-examine their direction of "optimization."
They might not understand why they had to "restrict" the perfect manifestation of technology, but they understood the consequences of disobeying the Magos Dominus's clear directive.
When Akira received the briefing on Nexum's latest directive on the Death World, he merely confirmed receipt calmly.
All of this was within his expectations and control.
He once again focused his attention back on the canyon experiment data in front of him.
Compared to the minor tweaks in the technological path within the Forge World, he cared more about where these lifeforms—stubbornly evolving in the Death World under the continuous influence of the Genesis particles—would ultimately end up.
True power always originated from the exploration and mastery of deeper, more fundamental rules.
However, Akira's plan to throw all his energy into researching the Genesis particles was interrupted by a communication request from the orbital monitoring station.
The identity of the visitor forced him to temporarily set aside the experiment at hand—Sigismund, First Captain of the Imperial Fists.
When Sigismund's figure appeared in Akira's laboratory via holographic projection, Akira noticed some changes.
His signature yellow power armor was gone, replaced by a solemn black coating. Etched on the pauldron was a brand-new Maltese Cross, symbolizing some kind of new beginning.
Even though the projection couldn't fully transmit his aura, the heavy, almost tangible sorrow and gloom gathered between Sigismund's brows were clearly visible.
The bitter fruit of the Legion's division had clearly made this warrior, renowned for his resilience, feel a suppression that was difficult to let go of.
However, Sigismund hadn't come here to pour out his sorrows.
He discarded unnecessary pleasantries, cutting straight to the point just like he swung his power sword.