Zeke discussed a few more details in depth with Creed.
When the topic turned to the materials required for the Iron Golems—specifically, the massive amount of iron—Creed became evasive, humming and hawing.
"I will figure something out," Creed told Zeke, before the three of them returned to the auditorium hall together.
The chatter inside the auditorium had quieted down.
Castellan Creed announced that he would accept Zeke's Iron Golems and use them to arm Tyrok Bastion.
He also enlisted Magos Klein to supervise, to further ensure the safety of the Iron Golems.
More specific matters were left for later deliberation.
Zeke and Magos Klein tacitly stood at the very back.
The Iron Golem and the Servitor, who had been busy all morning, stood quietly a few meters behind them.
"Klein, Adeptus Mechanicus representative of the Cadian High Command."
Magos Klein extended his mechanical hand.
"Zeke, Master Builder."
Zeke felt that just giving his name wasn't enough, so after a thought, he added a self-proclaimed title.
"Master Builder. An interesting self-designation. Your Iron Golem is truly an astounding creation."
"To be honest, when it finally erupted into action, I briefly suspected it was masquerading as an Abominable Intelligence."
"After all, such an active manifestation of a Machine Spirit is rarely seen." Magos Klein extended his hand forward and shook Zeke's.
"Honestly, even I was startled at the time," Zeke admitted truthfully. "I didn't expect its reaction to be so intense."
Zeke observed Magos Klein. "Does Magos Klein have any knowledge in the field of mechanical automation?"
"Mechanical automation... to which specific aspect do you refer?" Magos Klein asked.
"Hmm, mainly the automation of production and collection," Zeke said as he took a Cogwheel from the Create mod out of his inventory and handed it over.
"For example, using some ingenious mechanical structures to achieve automatic planting, mining, sifting, and crafting."
Magos Klein took the Cogwheel. The moment he touched it, Zeke saw the Magos begin to zone out.
He had also entered that state of "hold to ponder."
"Incredible." The Magos's synthesized voice fluctuated. "It is clearly just some of the simplest machinery, yet why can it assemble into such miraculous devices? This is unscientific!"
"Mr. Zeke, once the meeting is completely over, we must have an in-depth discussion."
"Of course, I was thinking the same thing." Zeke nodded, taking the opportunity to pose his next question.
"Magos Klein, utilizing the principle of this Cogwheel, could you construct a device like this..." Zeke tried to describe it in plain language.
"It automatically plants saplings in the soil, waits for the saplings to grow into big trees, then automatically chops them down and collects the logs."
Zeke was describing a fully automatic tree farm from the Create mod.
Saplings grow into trees, and automatic chopping turns them into blocks? What kind of fantasy is this?
Magos Klein's expression was peculiar. Are we even in the same universe?
Magos Klein realized the strangeness of the man before him could not be summarized simply by calling him a psyker.
This kind of knowledge, this power to alter reality... he suppressed a conjecture deep in his heart.
On the surface, he replied, "Yes. Based on the principle of this Cogwheel, it is theoretically completely feasible, perhaps even simple."
"If these were normal times, I could even build a prototype right here to verify it."
If these were normal times. Zeke noted Magos Klein's wording.
Magos Klein reluctantly handed the Cogwheel back to Zeke.
"Cadia is currently suffering from a severe shortage of mechanical parts. Many of my daily research projects have been forced to pause."
"I heard it is because the prison world St. Josmane's Hope, a major supplier of parts for Cadia, has undergone an unknown change."
St. Josmane's Hope. This was the second time Zeke had heard the name of this planet; the first was on a parts label in the maintenance tunnel of the Leviathan.
If parts can't be supplied, I can craft them with a Crafting Table.
Zeke pressed on, "As long as there are enough mineral materials, like Andesite or whatever, I can craft them by hand."
"That is a pity." Magos Klein shook his head again. "Cadia's local mineral reserves are also in crisis."
No minerals either? Surely that batch of gold he requested hadn't consumed all the minerals on Cadia.
"Have you heard of Solar Mariatus?" Magos Klein mentioned a name.
This was the planet Fire Anvil had mentioned earlier where he was stationed—covered in lava and extremely rich in mineral resources. (TL/N: Fire Anvil is the code name of the soldier that made a makeshift furnace some chapters back.)
"That is a system dedicated to large-scale mineral extraction," Magos Klein continued.
"It was raided by Chaos forces. The entire planet has fallen and become an outpost for Chaos."
So that's it. Zeke now understood why Castellan Creed had been so evasive when he mentioned needing a large amount of iron to build Iron Golems.
No good. Looks like I have to visit that planet, if only for the lava and obsidian.
If he could get obsidian, he could build a Nether Portal.
If Minecraft rules were still in effect in this world, then the ratio between the Nether and the Overworld should be 1:8.
This meant he could establish a transport route between Cadia and Mariatus via a Nether Portal.
That way, he wouldn't lack ores to use.
"Wolf Lord Bloodhowl is an extremely excellent warrior, and his ability to pilot a ship is also outstanding." Magos Klein saw through Zeke's thoughts.
Zeke looked at Bloodhowl in his seat. He was still rolling that Golden Apple around; it was practically glowing from the friction.
"I'll go ask him." Zeke nodded to Magos Klein, pushed past a few officers, and walked toward the Space Wolf.
Sensing someone approaching, Bloodhowl looked up. Seeing it was Zeke, his first reaction was to tighten his grip on the Golden Apple.
"What's up, kid? Regret it? Want your little trinket back?"
It seems the Golden Apple I gave him had an effect. At least this Space Wolf is willing to talk to me.
Zeke got straight to the point. "Wolf Lord Bloodhowl, I wanted to ask if you could take me to the planet Mariatus?"
"Mariatus?" Bloodhowl's eyebrows shot up. "What are you going to that broken rock for? That place isn't exactly peaceful right now."
"But if you're dead set on getting yourself killed," he weighed the Golden Apple in his hand, "and if you provide me with some of those iron lumps of yours that seem decent..."
"I'm going to pay a visit to the Despoiler in a few days. I can give you a lift."
Bloodhowl's words were shocking.
"You're going to attack the Blackstone Fortress?"
"What's so surprising about that? Offense is always the best defense." Bloodhowl grinned.
He raised his hand, fingers together, simulating the shape of a ship.
"My Firemane's Fang has the power to tear through the Chaos fleet and drive straight into the Blackstone Fortress."
Then, he opened his other hand, palm up, simulating a massive fortress. "We just need to ride the Firemane's Fang and blast a path open."
His 'ship' hand crashed into his 'fortress' hand.
"That way, all the troubles are solved. How perfect."
Reckless to the point of suicide, Zeke evaluated.
Wolf Lord Bloodhowl also realized his plan wasn't entirely reliable.
"If we succeed, everything's great. Even if we fail, we can delay the Blackstone Fortress's arrival."
Wolf Lord Bloodhowl looked calm; clearly, his mind was made up.
He was simply making the choice any Space Marine would make: striving for that sliver of hope, however slim.