Chapter 726: The Second Batch of Test Subjects
Under the Imperium's current system, the Adeptus Mechanicus possessed immense autonomy and freedom in scientific research. As long as they did not openly betray humanity, defect to Chaos or xenos, or conduct massive, uncontrollable taboo experiments, their internal research activities, even if somewhat unorthodox, were often difficult for the official Imperium and the Inquisition to interfere with directly. This was especially true when facing a Magos like Ryo, who had outstanding achievements and a unique background.
Furthermore, the things Ryo was currently doing - optimizing the Astartes modification process, providing high-quality new blood for the Imperial Fists, and developing new war machines for the Collegia Titanica - each held tangible, immense value for the Imperium.
Both Rogal Dorn and the high echelons of Mars were well aware of his importance.
Against this backdrop, as long as Ryo's "projects" did not flagrantly trample upon core Imperial laws or trigger uncontrollable, catastrophic consequences, both Dorn and Mars leaned toward granting him a certain degree of tolerance and operational leeway.
Sigismund himself understood this as well. His visit was more to fulfill his duty of oversight and to offer a reminder, rather than to conduct an interrogation.
"I understand," Sigismund finally said, his gaze profound. "Your research is vital to the Imperium, Magos Ryo. But please remember, dealing with xenos is like walking on the edge of the abyss. Ensure everything remains under control. Do not let it affect your loyalty to the Imperium and the Emperor, and do not give those long-eared xenos any opportunity to harm the Imperium's interests. The Black Templars will continue to monitor the situation in the Death World."
"Thank you for the reminder, Marshal. The interests of the Imperium and the pursuit of knowledge are not contradictory to me," Ryo responded calmly. "Everything is within plan and under control."
Sigismund nodded, said no more, turned, and left the walkway.
He knew that this was the limit of what he could do.
Ryo's domain was ultimately the domain of the Mechanicus and high-end technology. As long as he did not cross the line, the Imperium needed his capabilities.
The laboratory doors closed once more.
Ryo's main body archived the record of Sigismund's inquiry and his own response, marking it as "Processed."
This matter did not trigger any fluctuations within his logic core; it was entirely within expectations.
His attention returned to the cultivation vats and the continuously updating experimental data.
The parameters for the second phase of the gene-seed experiments needed final calibration based on the feedback from the first batch of "products."
The detailed physiological templates and resource manifests regarding the cultivation of the Titan Guard had arrived from the Collegia Titanica. They needed to be integrated into the existing optimization framework, and a new cultivation line had to be planned.
The decryption progress of the STC fragment database also required regular inspection to find segments that might facilitate existing projects.
The workload was massive, but the logic was clear.
The affairs of Pandora and the Death World were being executed according to plan by his avatars and subordinate teams.
His main body, at this moment, needed to focus on these precise experiments right in front of him, which could more directly shape his power and future.
The gene-seed laboratory aboard the "Eternal Seeker" entered a new cycle of high-intensity operation.
The preliminary adaptive cultivation for the second batch of test subjects, totaling forty individuals, had been completed.
They were housed separately in independent preparatory chambers, undergoing basic physical training, loyalty dogma indoctrination, and preliminary physiological metric monitoring.
Similar to the first batch, they only had a vague understanding of their ultimate fate: to serve the Emperor, undergo modification, and become stronger warriors.
As for the fact that a portion of them would become vessels for in-depth experimentation, they had no way of knowing, nor did they need to know.
Ryo's main body stood before the main console. The mechanical mechadendrites behind him, like precision instruments with a life of their own, operated multiple interfaces simultaneously.
The holographic projection displayed the real-time physiological data streams of the forty test subjects, as well as the fine-tuning plan for the second phase of gene-seed modification, optimized based on the data from the first batch of experiments.
"Test Subjects A-21 through A-30: Inject catalytic enzyme variant gamma-7. Objective: Increase neural bundle myelination speed by eight percent; observe gains in reaction time and potential risks of neural overheating."
"Test Subjects B-11 through B-20: Implant modified Black Carapace precursor cell clusters, supplemented by micro-doses of psychic radiation at specific frequencies. Attempt to enhance initial compatibility and information throughput with power armor neural links."
"Test Subjects C-01 through C-10: Introduce phased hypoxia-reoxygenation stress simulation during the standard organ cultivation process. Aim to preemptively strengthen the energy metabolic resilience of their cardiopulmonary systems and muscle tissues; evaluate potential improvements in adaptability for extreme environment combat."
Directives, verified through repeated simulations, were issued one after another.
Deep within the laboratory, automated injection equipment, radiation generators, and environmental control systems began their precise work.
Tech-Priests softly chanted data litanies, monitoring the stability of every step to ensure the micro-adjustment process would not trigger uncontrollable genetic collapse or organ rejection.
Simultaneously, the planning for the dedicated cultivation line for the Collegia Titanica's Titan Guard project was underway.
This was slightly different from optimizing gene-seed for the Imperial Fists, which pursued "individual adaptability based on comprehensive enhancement." The Collegia Titanica's requirements were much more directed.
A high degree of affinity for machinery, stable bodily functions in environments with intense electromagnetic and energy interference, deep internalization of the Omnissiah's dogma, and the specific tactical literacy required to serve as auxiliary infantry for Titans.
This required Ryo's team to develop a more specialized sub-program based on the general optimization template.
For example, they needed to enhance the subjects' bio-electric sensory capabilities for specific metal ions or energy fluctuations, and adjust their endocrine systems so they could maintain physiological stability while situated near the massive energy fields of a Titan for extended periods.
They even needed to design specialized mental suggestions and memory implantation programs to deeply embed concepts such as maintaining the Titan, defending the machine spirit, and obeying the Princeps' commands into their subconscious.
This undoubtedly increased the project's complexity and resource demands.
The first batch of specialized resources from the Collegia Titanica had already arrived at the "Eternal Seeker" and was undergoing intake inspection.
Ryo needed to ensure that the main progress of the gene-seed optimization project was not significantly affected, while simultaneously allocating sufficient computational power and experimental capacity to launch this new cultivation line.
The pressure was present, but it was mostly translated into highly efficient task scheduling and resource allocation.
His logic core was like the most precise clock, coordinating the progress of each sub-project and balancing the differing experimental demands for cultivation vats, catalysts, energy, and monitoring personnel.
Any potential bottlenecks were flagged in advance and resolved by adjusting parameters, calling upon reserves, or slightly delaying non-critical steps.
Just as he was fully concentrated on experimental coordination, an encrypted communication request from Mars cut in, marked with "High" priority.
The initiator was a high-ranking logistics and allocation priest serving under Archmagos Dominus Zhor.