"The internal renovation project of the ruins has now completed its second phase." She guided Osiris' gaze across the entire cavern, introducing each development: "We have added and installed two standard plasma reactors in the energy zone on the southeast side. They are now fully integrated and operational, with stable output and a 400% increase in total power, sufficient to support all existing equipment and defense systems at full load."
She continued to report on the upgrades to other systems: "The life support system has achieved full coverage, and air circulation and temperature/humidity control have reached the standards of a Forge World-level outpost.
The material reserve warehouse has also been expanded. According to the list you approved, it now stores enough ammunition, energy cells, and various spare parts to sustain three thousand Cult Guard for six standard months of high-intensity combat."
"In terms of defense," her tone became more solemn, "the external defensive matrix of the ruins has been fully activated, including four automated turret arrays covering all main passages. A void shield has also been deployed, capable of withstanding medium-intensity orbital bombardment.
Internal critical nodes, such as the reactor area, main control room, and teleportation zone, have all been equipped with independent shields and isolation doors, further enhancing regional security."
Osiris listened to the report while cross-referencing the information through his own sensors and real-time connection with the servo-skulls in the workshop.
He saw thick energy conduits laid along the rock walls, emitting a low, steady hum; modified Cult Guard soldiers patrolled everywhere, their crimson robes appearing even more solemn in the cold light; various instruments and equipment familiar to him, imbued with the Adeptus Mechanicus style, were neatly arranged within the significantly expanded space.
The entire ruin had indeed transformed from a mere archaeological discovery into a fully functional, heavily fortified forward base and experimental center.
"The work efficiency meets expectations." After Sekhmet completed her report, Osiris gave his affirmation. He then instructed: "Upgrading the energy supply and defense system is a necessary foundation.
The focus of subsequent work needs to further optimize the data network architecture and improve overall information processing capabilities."
"Understood, Priest." Sekhmet responded, "The relevant upgrade plan has been initially drafted and awaits your review."
After addressing the basic situation of the base, Sekhmet shifted the topic to the upcoming actions: "Archmagos, regarding the return to Forge World Neksum, when do you plan to depart? How much Skitarii Corps force do you require to accompany you?"
Osiris' cogitator core rapidly calculated various parameters.
Promotion to Archmagos was a predetermined goal, yet the political environment of the Forge World, while not as treacherous as Mars, was certainly no easy path.
He needed to display sufficient strength during the journey to match his Coming soon of status, but excessive display of force could also trigger unnecessary vigilance.
"Prepare a shuttle. As for the escort force, you will personally lead eight hundred Cult Guard to accompany me." Osiris finally issued the order.
This scale was just right, sufficient to form a noticeable honor Skitarii Corps, demonstrating his rightful authority as a prospective Archmagos, yet not so large as to appear aggressive.
Sekhmet, in her capacity as Cult Guard commander, personally escorting him, would further highlight the importance of this trip.
"Your command is absolute." Sekhmet immediately accepted the order, "The shuttle and escort team will be ready within four standard hours."
"Execute." Osiris' response was concise and powerful.
Sekhmet bowed again, then turned and departed with steady steps, beginning to deploy for the journey.
Her servo-skull floated silently behind her, its red lights flickering in its eye sockets, tracing flowing paths in the dim corridor.
Utilizing this preparation time, Osiris accessed the ruins' main control system, recalling the promotion process report Sekhmet had previously sent.
His cogitator core ran at high speed, reviewing each detail, analyzing the possible motives behind Archmagos Fabricator Kasper Vox's actions, and assessing the potential reactions of various factions within the Forge World.
Concurrently, he had already begun planning the specific steps upon arrival at Neksum: first and foremost, a formal audience with Archmagos Vox and the submission of his report; then, participation in the promotion ceremony; and finally, a crucial step, using this opportunity to formally submit an application for the allocation of a cruiser-class forge ship.
Each step required precise calculation; any minor error could cause unnecessary delays, or even affect the achievement of the ultimate goal.
Four hours later, all preparations were complete.
Osiris and Sekhmet boarded the shuttle parked on the temporary landing pad outside the ruins.
Eight hundred elite Cult Guard soldiers had already lined up neatly, then successively boarded several other transport craft of the same model.
The shuttle's engines emitted a low, powerful roar, spewing blue ion streams as it slowly ascended, breaking through the Death World's thin atmosphere, heading towards the frigate awaiting in orbit.
Looking out the viewport, the barren surface of the Death World gradually shrank, presenting a cruel and monotonous beauty.
The frigate in orbit gradually revealed its massive form.
This was an Adeptus Mechanicus-style frigate, with the colossal Adeptus Mechanicus cog-skull insignia branded on its bow.
The shuttle smoothly docked into the frigate's hangar.
The hatch slid open silently, and Osiris' tall, dark-red figure appeared in the connecting passage. The metal deck resonated steadily under his footsteps, and his power pack emitted a low-frequency operational hum.
On the ship's deck, Tech-Priests in red robes and various ranks of crew members were lined up on both sides.
Within the strict hierarchy of the Adeptus Mechanicus, a Priest on the verge of promotion to Archmagos, and actually controlling independent military force, held a status far beyond that of ordinary members.
The crowd maintained absolute silence, optical lenses and biological eyes alike cast downwards, expressing obedience to a higher-ranking individual in a manner approved by the Adeptus Mechanicus.
Osiris did not linger, nor did he even glance at the queue.
He merely nodded very slightly, his movement as precise as a mechanical command, then, flanked by Sekhmet and a squad of capable Skitarii Corps, proceeded directly to his exclusive cabin.
Simultaneously, his logic core seamlessly accessed the ship's data network, silently retrieving navigation parameters, Warp jump progress, and the latest power shifts and resource allocation intelligence within Forge World Neksum.
The entire ship's systems seemed to naturally open their permissions to him, data streams awaiting inspection like loyal servants.
"Set course, target Forge World Neksum, return at maximum speed." He issued the command to the bridge via the internal communication channel.
"Course confirmed, Priest. Estimated time of arrival, seven standard days." The captain's response came through the communicator.
The engines of the 'Steadfast Will' began to increase power output, the massive hull slowly adjusted its direction, then carved a trace in the void, entering the designated Warp lane, heading towards Forge World Neksum.
This return was not merely a reporting and promotion, but a critical turning point in his grand plan.
Acquiring Archmagos status and a forge ship would truly provide him with the capital to act and develop independently in the Warhammer Universe, thereby more effectively integrating resources from both worlds and advancing his exploration of dimensional teleportation technology and other cutting-edge fields.
The voyage had begun; the next step was to confront the power structure and opportunities of the Forge World.