Osiris' metal finger lightly tapped the control panel, calling up the Warhammer Universe power armor data stored deep within the core database.
Detailed structural diagrams of Space Marine power armor immediately appeared in the holographic projection; its massive and intricate construction exuded an awe-inspiring aura even in a static display.
"Look at this, Buddy," his synthesized voice carried a tone almost of nostalgia, "this system is essentially a precise instrument that can be worn, an extension and enhancement of the user's biological body."
Although the power armor in the image was equally heavy and massive, its design philosophy was entirely different.
It was more like a second skin covering a reinforced body, with every component perfectly fitted to the wearer's physiological characteristics.
"Its core lies in the concept of 'wearing'," Osiris continued to explain, his optical lens moving with the highlighted key components in the image, "focusing on seamless integration with the biological entity, pursuing ultimate protection, life support, and strength amplification."
He paused briefly, allowing the servo-skull enough time to record this information.
"Every set of such power armor is a sacred relic of precision engineering, containing profound technological heritage." Osiris raised his hand to lightly touch the curved surface of his chest plate, his metal fingertip making a subtle clinking sound against the armor: "Just like this Dragon Scale pattern I'm wearing, it also adheres to this basic principle, though with targeted adjustments in specific configurations."
"In summary," Osiris turned to the servo-skull, "the Imperium's technological path is to enhance the individual, integrate protection, and view power armor as a sacred extension. And this sample before us," he pointed to the assault squad - type vii on the analysis platform, "takes a completely different route! It manufactures vehicles, amplifies the individual, and treats power armor as a large vehicle."
The servo-skull emitted a regular hum, its eye-beam steadily scanning the holographic image. "Data recording complete. The Warhammer path relies on the wearer's superhuman physique and spiritual resonance with the armor.
The current sample's path relies on the pilot's operational skill and neural endurance."
"Basically correct." Osiris nodded slightly, "But let's look at a more extreme example! Call up the data on the Thallaxi, Buddy."
When the new holographic image unfolded, it presented an unsettling construct.
The form of the Thallaxi was somewhere between biological and mechanical, and the exposed interfaces and forcibly fused traces on the transparent anatomical diagram gave the entire design a cruel aura.
"This is a Thallaxi." Osiris' voice carried a cautious undertone, "It is neither wearable armor nor a drivable vehicle."
The image highlighted the critical nodes that forcibly connected organic tissue with mechanical platforms.
"This is a path of fusion and replacement," he continued to explain, "using machinery to largely replace native organic tissue, embedding the preserved brain and parts of the nervous system directly into the combat frame as the core control unit."
Osiris' metal finger lightly tapped the control panel, indicating that he was deep in thought: "This solution sacrifices almost all human characteristics, comfort, and reversibility, in exchange for the possibility of approaching or even partially surpassing the combat effectiveness of Space Marine power armor at a relatively lower cost, especially when compared to it."
He paused briefly, then concluded: "This is a highly efficient solution, but it is controversial in terms of aesthetics and humanity, although the Imperium neither cares about design aesthetics nor humanity much."
Osiris' crimson optical lens gazed at the assault squad - type vii, the logical threads in his processor gradually converging into clear pathways.
"This world's technology has indeed forged its own path in neural direct connection and cybernetic augmentation." His synthesized voice carried the unique rhythm of contemplation, "They are not unaware of the possibility of fusion.
Buddy, retrieve the Arasaka archives we found in the Mikoshi, especially regarding the project codenamed 'Ogre'."
The servo-skull emitted a steady hum, its eye-beam projecting the relevant data stream. "Archives retrieved. Arasaka Corporation once attempted to develop highly integrated full-body cybernetics, with a target body size set below 2.5 meters."
"Exactly," Osiris nodded slightly, "but the final product turned into a behemoth over three meters tall. This was essentially an attempt to follow a path similar to a light Thallaxi, but unfortunately, they couldn't break through the core bottlenecks of size and energy."
He turned to the servo-skull, his metal finger lightly tapping a rhythm on the control panel. "Now we can sort out three clear technological pathways, Buddy.
The first is the Warhammer Universe's route: treating power armor as sacred wearable equipment, emphasizing biological integration, and pursuing precision-engineered heavy armor.
Its advantages lie in extreme protective capabilities, its symbiotic nature with the wearer, and unparalleled reliability.
However, the cost is also obvious: prohibitively expensive, almost impossible to mass-produce, and it must rely on specific genetic aptitude and unwavering faith."
The servo-skull emitted a monotonous confirmation sound: "Path One recorded."
"The second is the path represented by this sample before us." Osiris pointed to the power armor on the analysis platform, "Treating power armor as a drivable vehicle, operated via neural direct connection, following a tool-oriented heavy armor route.
Its advantages are lower basic requirements for the pilot, quick training, and ease of mass production and deployment.
But its disadvantages are equally prominent: relatively weak protective capabilities, heavy reliance on external energy and maintenance systems, and it imposes a huge neural load on the pilot."
"Path Two recorded." The servo-skull responded mechanically.
"As for the third path…" Osiris called up the Thallaxi archives, and the fused biological and mechanical interfaces in the holographic image were particularly jarring, "it is this forbidden heavy armor of forced organic-inorganic integration.
Its advantages lie in relatively high cost-effectiveness, the ability to generate formidable combat power, and controllable loyalty through modification methods.
But the price paid is thorough dehumanizing modification, accompanied by extremely high technical risks and the possibility of losing control, to the extent that many factions within the Adeptus Mechanicus themselves view it with apprehension."
"Path Three recorded." The servo-skull emitted a monotonous confirmation sound, its eye-beam maintaining a steady scanning rhythm.
A faint electronic sound came from beneath Osiris' metal faceplate, as if he were chuckling.
"You see, Buddy," his voice carried the unique rhythm of contemplation, "every path has something worth learning from."
His crimson optical lens refocused on the assault squad - type VII, carefully examining its external structure.
"Directly adopting the Thallaxi's technological path is not suitable, Buddy." His synthesized voice was steady and objective, "Not to mention that I personally do not appreciate that style of modification, from a technical specification standpoint alone, I have not obtained the complete technical usage license issued by the relevant Forge World."
"As for the plan to fully replicate the Warhammer power armor…" Osiris' metal fingers gently tapped the control panel, "it is indeed difficult to achieve in the short term given the industrial foundation of this world.
More importantly, doing so would fail to fully utilize the characteristics of the local existing human resources."
His optical lens slightly adjusted its focus, beginning to meticulously analyze the joint structure of the assault squad - type vii.
"Therefore, the most reasonable plan, Buddy, is to optimize based on existing technology. Retain the vehicle-like frame of this system, which aligns with local manufacturing capabilities and leverages their advantages in personnel training."
Osiris' metal fingers tapped lightly on the control panel, producing a series of crisp sounds.
"First, start by improving the energy system, Buddy." His optical lens focused on the power armor's fission battery unit. "This fission system is too inefficient and carries the risk of radiation leakage.
Design a simplified fusion core, maintaining the original volume but increasing output power by 300% and extending continuous combat time by five times."
The servo-skull emitted a steady hum: "Receiving instructions. Fusion core miniaturization plan being called up."
"The cooling system must also be upgraded simultaneously," Osiris added, "using liquid metal circulation cooling to ensure stability under high power output."
His gaze shifted to the armor plating of the power armor. "Secondly, the existing titanium-ceramic composite layer provides insufficient protection. A specially treated reinforced alloy plating should be compounded in critical areas." Osiris emphasized, "It does not need to meet the standards of Space Marine armor; it only needs to effectively resist most armor-piercing ammunition and low-yield explosives of this era."
"Reinforced alloy plating plan being generated. Material requirements list has been compiled," the servo-skull responded mechanically.
Osiris' fingertips moved to the schematic diagram of the power armor's weapon system.
"Third, while their existing ballistic weapons and missiles are powerful, they create too much logistical pressure. Install a light laser cannon as its main weapon, while retaining the original physical weapon interfaces and missile nests."
"Laser weapon integration plan being calculated. Energy distribution circuits being re-routed," the servo-skull's eye beams moved, following Osiris' instructions.
"However…" Osiris paused slightly, "these improvements must be carried out in stages. The first batch of upgrade packages will only include the two most core improvements."
He brought up a schematic of the new design plan.
"The first batch of improvements will focus on energy and basic protection. A simplified fusion core, paired with a weakened version of a kinetic shield generator." Osiris explained in detail, "The shield does not need to withstand plasma cannons; it only needs to deflect shrapnel and resist light weapon fire. This will greatly enhance battlefield survivability."
"Shield generator miniaturization plan initiated, energy core load test passed," the servo-skull reported.
"Label this initial improvement plan as the 'fangs - Type I' Power Armor Upgrade Kit, Phase One." Osiris confirmed finally, "Send the technical blueprints and production requirements to Militech for them to coordinate resources for trial production.
Clearly inform them that we need a batch of test models for subsequent real-world combat evaluation."
"Information packaging complete, encrypted link established. Beginning transmission to Militech's designated receiving node," the servo-skull executed the command steadily.
Osiris watched the data transmission progress bar, already planning the second phase of improvements in his mind.
Optimizations for the neural interface system and weapon system could be done later; the most important thing now was to first let this batch of power armor prove the value of the basic improvement plan on the battlefield.
After dealing with the initial improvement plan for the power armor, Osiris shifted some of his attention away from specific technical parameters.
His perception network quietly extended, relaying distant sights and sounds in real-time through sensor nodes deployed on the outskirts of the Wasteland Town.
On the temporary training ground at the edge of the Wasteland Town, the scene was busy and orderly.
Several assault squad - type vii power armors, just unloaded from transport vehicles, stood on the sandy ground, their gray-black armor gleaming dully in the afternoon sun.
The soldiers of the Wraiths unit appeared exceptionally small next to these steel giants. They were divided into several groups, familiarizing themselves with the basic operations of this new equipment under the guidance of technical consultants sent by Militech.
The engines of heavy transport vehicles roared intermittently, kicking up plumes of dust on the dry ground.
The soldiers' commands, the hissing sounds of the power armor's hydraulic systems during testing, and the crisp clanging of tools hitting metal intertwined, creating a busy atmosphere unique to the eve of battle.
Osiris' sensors focused on the center of the field.
There, a squad commander from the Lazarus Mercenaries was demonstrating the power armor's basic tactical maneuvers to Colonel Hansen.
The three-meter-tall steel body performed standard tactical movements under the commander's skilled operation, its mechanical feet heavily stomping on the ground, leaving deep imprints.
Colonel Hansen looked up at the war machine, his single eye slightly narrowed, his gaze following the power armor's movements.
That gaze held both an instinctive desire for powerful force and a cautious consideration of the complex situation at hand.
He occasionally raised a hand to gesture something, engaging in brief exchanges with the Lazarus commander.
Osiris' crimson optical lens slightly adjusted its focus, recording these details one by one.
These soldiers, this equipment, were about to become his window into observing this era's warfare patterns, and also the testing ground for validating his technological improvement plans.
And Arasaka's white whale carrier battle group, as intelligence showed, was approaching by sea, carrying the flames of revenge and their elite power armor forces.
"Real combat is the best testing ground," Osiris' synthetic voice echoed softly in the empty workshop, his calm tone devoid of any emotion, only a pure pursuit of data and efficiency. "Let me see firsthand what kind of effectiveness power armor upgraded with the 'fangs' kit, and the armies of this world, can demonstrate when facing equally matched opponents."
His gaze swept over the two holographic projections displayed side-by-side on the main console: one was a real-time satellite image of Arasaka's white whale carrier, and the other was a deployment prediction map of Militech forces.
A regular battle, indirectly facilitated by him, on a scale far exceeding street skirmishes, was brewing on the outskirts of Night City.
And he, at the center of this storm, calmly prepared to collect all valuable data—including the process and outcome of the war itself.
Inside the workshop, the regular scanning sound of the servo-skull and the faint hum of equipment operation formed a constant background noise.
The improvement plan had been sent out, and now it was time to wait for Militech's feedback and the arrival of the test prototypes.
Osiris' massive body turned back to the main console. The complex calculations of the dimensional teleporter still occupied the highest priority, but data streams concerning power armor improvements and the impending war also received stable background processes within his core.
For an Exploration Archmagos, observing and understanding the forms of warfare in an unfamiliar world was itself an important part of accumulating valuable knowledge.
And this upcoming conflict would provide a wealth of first-hand observational data.