The gene-seed laboratory inside the Spear of Dorn fortress, situated within the Hive Spire of Necromunda, finally reached its decisive moment after twelve standard months of silence and waiting.
As Osiris entered the final command at the main console, the pale green nutrient solution within the seventeen cultivation vats began to drain in an orderly fashion. The life-support system's operating mode shifted from "Deep Development Maintenance" to "Awakening Assistance."
Inside the vats, the bodies modified through non-traditional paths were fully revealed as the fluid receded. Their physiques were far more burly than they had been a year ago; muscle lines looked like alloy tempered a thousand times over, bone structures were noticeably thick, and a vitality far exceeding that of ordinary men flowed beneath their skin. As the anesthetic effects gradually faded and the neural activation sequences completed, the first subtle twitches of limbs began to appear.
Osiris's mechanical tentacles did not rest. They operated the equipment with precision, injecting stabilizers for heart rate and the nervous system into the awakening individuals while disconnecting the invasive interfaces used for memory indoctrination and physiological monitoring. The entire process was efficient and cold, akin to the final debugging of a batch of precision instruments.
The first to open his eyes completely was Alvaro, a former noble from the Pharos Hive. His gaze was initially vacant but quickly focused, sweeping across the unfamiliar environment before landing on the massive mechanical figure at the console. He did not panic; instead, he instinctively attempted to assess the situation, his body tensing into a defensive posture—the implanted combat instincts were at work.
Soon after, Grum, Kax, and the other candidates awakened in succession. Their reactions varied: some observed in silence, some tried to move their unfamiliar, power-filled bodies, and one or two let out confused, low growls. Without exception, however, they displayed basic discipline far beyond that of ordinary neophytes, with no loss of control or chaos. The memory indoctrination system had successfully implanted necessary concepts of order and basic cognition into the foundations of their minds.
The laboratory's isolation doors slid open, and Sigismund, accompanied by two Apothecaries of the Imperial Fists, strode inside. Sigismund's eyes were like a hawk's, scanning the awakened candidates to assess their initial states. The two Apothecaries carried cases filled with testing instruments, their expressions solemn.
"Commence preliminary physiological testing," Sigismund ordered, his voice echoing in the silent laboratory.
The Apothecaries stepped forward immediately, using handheld scanners on every candidate. They collected blood, saliva, and tissue fluid samples while testing basic neural reflexes and muscle strength. Data was recorded and analyzed in real-time.
"Bone density generally reaches 103% to 110% of a standard Astartes warrior."
"Muscle fiber density and contractile strength exceed the baseline by 8% to 15%."
"Metabolic rate is stable at the expected high level."
"No significant gene-rejection reactions or tissue aberrations detected."
"Preliminary neural response speed and coordination... meet requirements."
The Apothecaries reported the results in turns, their voices carrying a hint of undisguised surprise. From a purely physiological standpoint, these seventeen candidates had not only met but, in some areas, slightly exceeded the level of neophytes transformed via traditional methods. Osiris's simplified process and accelerated growth technology had achieved undeniable success, at least in the realm of physical shaping.
Sigismund listened carefully to every report. No emotion showed on his weather-beaten face, but a slight nod indicated his acceptance of the data. Flesh was the vessel for will and faith; a strong vessel was the foundation of a qualified Astartes.
The preliminary testing lasted several hours. Once finished, Sigismund turned to Osiris. "The physical transformation appears successful. But whether they truly possess the qualifications to become Imperial Fists, or even Black Templars, requires more rigorous trials."
Osiris's synthesized voice responded steadily, "They possess the physiological and cognitive foundation to accept the trials. The subsequent evaluation is led by you."
The seventeen newborn warriors were guided to an adjacent staging room to change into basic training fatigues. They obeyed commands in silence, their eyes a mix of unfamiliarity with their new identities, confusion over their strength, and the implanted, nascent loyalty to the Imperium and the Emperor. The true screening was about to begin.
Inside the area of the Spear of Dorn dedicated to neophyte training, the atmosphere was grim. There was none of the precision or coldness of the laboratory; it was replaced by rugged rock walls, heavy metal training equipment, and the scent of sweat, machine oil, and old blood permeating the air.
The seventeen candidates who had passed the physiological tests stood in formation. Before them stood Sigismund and several veteran brothers selected from the Imperial Fists' First Company, serving as instructors and judges for this assessment. These veterans had sharp eyes and radiated the murderous aura of those long accustomed to the battlefield; their mere presence was a form of invisible pressure.
The assessment was not a single task but a series of comprehensive evaluations designed to test whether these warriors, cultivated through non-traditional means, truly met the standards of the Imperial Fists—or even the more radical Black Templars—in spirit, will, combat skill, and teamwork.
The first task was a profound interrogation of will and faith. This was no simple Q&A session; it was a trial of loyalty conducted under the dual assault of high-intensity sensory interference and psychic pressure. Accompanying Librarians applied psychic pressure with extreme restraint, while the candidates had to maintain absolute clarity of mind amidst battlefield illusions filled with heretical blasphemies and demonic whispers, all while clearly and firmly repeating specific combat orisons.
Alvaro performed exceptionally well in this trial; his eyes burned brightly, and his prayers were as loud as a tolling bell, as if no external interference could sway him in the slightest. Another candidate, however, visibly wavered; his gaze became unfocused, and his prayers grew intermittent, nearly swallowed by the illusions.
The second test targeted physical limits and combat instinct. The candidates were placed in training rooms simulating extreme conditions—low gravity, high gravity, and toxic environments. They had to complete a series of grueling physical tasks and engage in combat against training servitors, whose combat programs were personally set by the experienced veterans of the First Company.
Grum displayed startling endurance and strength, appearing as if he would never tire. His fighting style was broad and powerful, filled with primitive force. Kax appeared more agile, excelling at using the environment and technique to outmaneuver opponents. However, another candidate repeatedly exposed hesitation and tactical errors during the confrontation, suffering multiple simulated heavy wounds from the servitors until he finally collapsed.