"The path of exploration is indeed full of variables," Osiris' synthesized voice continued the topic steadily, as if stating an objective fact, "In those forgotten battlefields, one can often discover some... considerable ruins.
Not all war machines in history were able to return to base intact; their wreckage sometimes lies dormant for centuries, awaiting rediscovery."
Miller's mechanical optical eye slightly adjusted its focus, a glimmer of interest flashing within.
"Indeed. According to Legion archives, during the late Great Crusade and the subsequent turbulent periods, several God-Machines were lost in this sector, including multiple Warhound-class and their elite variant, the 'Fear Wolf' type."
His voice lowered slightly, carrying a solemn tone mixed with regret and longing, "These God-Machines are valuable assets of the Legion, and even more so, gifts from the omnissiah. Their loss is a detriment to the Legion and the entire Adeptus Mechanicus.
If any relevant clues are obtained during your future explorations, whether fragments of information pointing to wreckage locations or reliable reports about their last operational areas, the Steel-Hound Legion will treat it as a top-priority cooperative matter.
And we are willing to provide full assistance, including armed escort and technical support, to ensure the successful recovery of the God-Machines."
Osiris' mechanical fingers rubbed against his Exploration Archmagos's staff, as if performing some calculation or weighing a decision.
"In subsequent data retrieval and on-site surveys, I will pay special attention to keywords related to Titan units and anomalous energy signals.
However, exploration is full of uncertainties; the star sea is vast, and relics are both real and illusory, so I cannot make any guarantees here."
He paused slightly, the light from his optical lens steadily directed at Miller, "But if a discovery is indeed made, cooperating with a military force like the Steel-Hound Legion, which possesses professional recovery capabilities and profound heritage, is indeed the best solution to ensure the safe return and proper handling of the God-Machines. Efficiency and professionalism are key in dealing with such matters."
This cautious and reserved conversation laid a pragmatic foundation for future cooperation between the two parties.
For Osiris, this was an opportunity to establish a potential connection with the local strongest Titan Legion and gain its support; for the Steel-Hound Legion, it was planting a seed of hope in the mind of a newly appointed Exploration Archmagos who had the authority to explore dangerous frontier star systems and seemed to possess good luck.
The subsequent exchange naturally shifted to a more professional technical level.
Miller, with detailed data and case studies, introduced the combat adaptability of Warhound-class Titans in various extreme environments, typical firepower configurations, and maintenance cycle characteristics, and shared the Legion's latest threat assessment reports for several known dangerous areas in the nearby star system.
Osiris, from his perspective as an Exploration Archmagos, inquired about professional issues such as the stability of large Titan energy cores in long-term silent states and special maintenance protocols that might be required for ancient models.
The entire conversation consistently maintained the objective, pragmatic, and data-driven atmosphere characteristic of technical experts.
"May the wisdom of the omnissiah guide your exploration and illuminate the darkness ahead." Miller concluded his farewell with a standard Adeptus Mechanicus blessing.
"May the flames of the Forge burn eternally, forging a more glorious tomorrow." Osiris responded with an equally traditional Adeptus Mechanicus blessing, his tone steady and unruffled.
After seeing off the representative of the Steel-Hound Legion, Osiris stood alone in the reception room, his core processor silently running, recording and archiving the key points of the meeting one by one into a specific "Potential Strategic Cooperation Nodes" database.
This exchange successfully established a strategic cooperation possibility based on mutual needs and careful evaluation, maintaining an appropriate distance and independence while allowing ample flexibility for future collaboration involving the recovery of high-value technological artifacts.
---
Shortly after the meeting with the Steel-Hound Legion representative concluded, Osiris welcomed his second important visitor of the day—Margaret Astoria, a representative of a knight family loyal to the Forge World. She hailed from the Astoria Family in the Kazimierz star system.
The Astoria Family has a long and storied history; for centuries, they have ruled the feudal world of Kazimierz, bound to the Forge World by oaths of loyalty.
Unlike the Titan Legions, which are fully integrated into the Adeptus Mechanicus system, knight families retain unique feudal traditions, their status more akin to vassals enjoying a high degree of autonomy.
They pledge allegiance to the Adeptus Mechanicus, not only providing elite knight mecha units as military support but also submitting the distinctive agricultural and sideline products of their planet as tribute.
In return, the Forge World provides them with the latest knight mecha chassis, comprehensive technical maintenance, stable political asylum, and extensive trade passage rights.
This ancient and stable alliance forms the basis of centuries of cooperation between the two parties.
The Astoria Family enjoys a high reputation in this star system, its fame built upon three pillars: the unparalleled valor of its knights, a code of honor upheld for generations, and combat capabilities consistently maintained at a top-tier level.
Margaret Astoria herself was the perfect embodiment of these qualities.
Her posture was as straight as a pine, and even without her iconic armored pilot suit, one could feel the steady demeanor forged through years of rigorous training and countless real-world battles.
She meticulously styled her radiant golden hair into a neat bun, revealing a well-defined face; her clear and resolute sapphire eyes, like an cloudless sky, revealed an unshakeable will.
A perfectly tailored family ceremonial dress complemented her figure, with Kazimierz's emblem—three lances pointing skyward side-by-side and a proud horse's head—delicately embroidered in gold thread on her shoulders and chest.
This ancient totem not only symbolized the Astoria Family's bloodline but also represented the purity and indomitable spirit that is the pride of knightly chivalry.
Unlike the extensive body modifications common among Tech-Priests, her visible augmentations were extremely limited, confined to necessary mech neural interface ports and a few basic performance-enhancing implants, retaining most of the original form of a human warrior.
"Greetings, Exploration Archmagos Osiris." Margaret's voice was clear and steady. Her bow was elegant and powerful, a standard knightly salute that conveyed due respect without losing the pride of her family's heritage: "On behalf of the Astoria Family, I congratulate you on your ascension to the rank of Archmagos. May your journey be like a breaking meteor, illuminating new routes for the Imperium."
"Welcome, Lady Margaret Astoria." Osiris showed friendliness to Margaret: "The archives of the Forge World frequently mention the loyalty and battle achievements of the Astoria Family; even I have often heard of them. Please be seated."
A nearby Servitor attendant silently stepped forward, offering her a drink.
It was not the high-energy nutrient paste or synthetic liquid commonly served to Adeptus Mechanicus members, but a specialty tea from the feudal world governed by her family.
Such natural agricultural products are one of the typical tributes submitted by knight worlds.
She calmly accepted it, took a light sip, her demeanor exuding composure and refinement.