Chapter 401: Assessment and Defense Deployment
Ryo quickly scanned the report; massive amounts of data completed comparison and analysis instantly within his processing core.
"Evaluation complete." Ryo's synthesized voice broke the silence. "Operational procedure standard score: 71.3%. Logical chain integrity score: 68.9%. Data analysis and conclusion validity score: 65.1%. Comprehensive score: 67.8%. Reaches the transitional threshold of knowledge reserve and practical ability from Adeptus Mechanicus Menial to the lowest-ranking Acolyte."
The score was not high, and could even be said to be very low, completely matching the level of a lowest-ranking apprentice who had only studied for a year.
But David's heart relaxed slightly, because he saw Ryo's mechanical finger make an extremely faint mark at the data point location on the report where he had identified the telomere anomaly and adjusted the protocol.
"Your thought pattern still retains too many non-logical leaps based on empirical intuition," Ryo evaluated, his tone as cold as ever. "But within a limited knowledge framework, you initially possess the ability to utilize tools for systematic analysis and problem-solving, rather than blindly begging for answers."
"Compared to a year ago, this is a quantifiable improvement."
He turned to David, his crimson optical lenses focusing on the young man's face: "Based on this evaluation, you possess the preliminary qualifications to continue your studies. For the next stage, you need to study deeply into the 'Principles of the Sacred Geometry of Genetic Coding' and the 'Protocols for the Handling of Xenos Biological Materials'.
"The theoretical knowledge and basic operations you have mastered are sufficient to handle the biological system maintenance and repair needs of your mother, Gloria Martinez."
David's breath hitched slightly; he almost couldn't believe what he was hearing.
He raised his head, his eyes filled with unbelievable anticipation.
Ryo's synthesized voice continued steadily: "Therefore, you are permitted to return to your original dimensional world, with a time limit of one standard Terran month. Your primary and only task is to utilize what you have learned here to personally complete the treatment of your mother.
"This will be the final practical assessment of your first stage of learning.
"Success proves you initially possess the ability to transform knowledge into realistic solutions. Failure means your past year of effort is completely worthless."
"Yes! Lord Magos! I will definitely... I will definitely do it!" David's voice trembled with excitement, but he tried hard to stand up straight, a firm flame burning in his eyes. He had waited for this moment for too long.
Ryo said no more, turning and leaving the biological research area.
To him, this was merely a necessary phased assessment and practical verification.
David's growth rate was not considered outstanding, but letting him return to a familiar environment to handle a problem where he had extremely strong subjective initiative was an effective way to test his degree of knowledge internalization and problem-solving ability.
At the same time, this also conformed to the spirit of their original contract.
Perhaps this variable, after successfully resolving his personal obsession, would be able to devote himself more fully to his subsequent studies and play a more stable role when executing tasks in certain specific dimensions in the future.
Having dealt with David's assessment and subsequent arrangements, Ryo did not return to his private laboratory deep within the base.
His logic core had elevated the priority of another pending item—conducting necessary contact with the newly arrived Nexum reinforcement commanders and establishing the future defense architecture for this Death World.
Inside a tactical planning room next to the base's core command nexus, Ryo's massive dark-red body stood quietly before a giant holographic star map.
The star map clearly marked the Death World's location, the situation in the surrounding star sectors, as well as the general direction of the enemy attack and the orbital engagement zones in the recently concluded battle.
The airlock door slid open, and two visitors stepped into the room.
Leading them was a Skitarii Marshal, his designation "Anvil-7".
His body had undergone mechanical modifications far exceeding those of ordinary Tech-Priests. His multi-legged chassis was steady and powerful; his main torso was covered in heavy composite armor; several mechanical arms with different functions were gathered behind him. He retained only a heavily modified human head, embedded with a multi-spectral augmetic eye, its features as resolute as a weathered rock.
He gave Ryo a standard sign of the cog, his movements accompanied by the faint sound of metal friction.
Following closely by his side was the commander of the battle group dispatched by the Legio Ferrum Canis, Princeps Wharton Miller.
He wore a crisp Titan Princeps uniform. The dark gray fabric was adorned with the silver cog and hound insignia symbolizing the Iron Dogs Legion. His demeanor carried the ancient aristocratic air unique to Titan Princeps, derived from commanding God-Machines.
Placing his right hand over his chest, he offered Ryo a concise and elegant bow, his attitude respectful.
"Marshal Anvil-7, Princeps Miller," Ryo's synthesized voice rang out in the room. Compared to a purely mechanical tone, it carried a hint of smoothness suitable for communication: "Gratitude for Nexum's timely reinforcement."
"The value of this place and the threats it faces, I presume Archmagos Vox has already elucidated to you both."
Marshal Anvil-7's vox-caster emitted a modulated, steady voice: "Archmagos Vox and the Forge Council have issued explicit directives. Our duty is to ensure the security of this world and its core facilities until the threat is eliminated, or the Council issues other deployments."
One of his mechadendrites pointed to several orbital approach points marked as high-risk on the holographic star map. "Based on the data from this encounter, the focus of our defense must be concentrated on orbital early warning and the defense of key ground nodes.
"It is recommended to deploy enhanced monitoring probes in orbits L-3 and L-7, and establish at least three forward alert bastions on the surface to form a crossfire network."
Wharton Miller took a step forward. His voice was mild but inherently carried a resilient weight, like the low rumble of the earth when a Titan walks: "Magos Ryo, the Iron Dogs Legion remembers your contributions to our Forge World. By the order of Archmagos Vox, the 'Hunt' Maniple is at your disposal."
His gaze swept over the star map, finally landing on the vast plains on the outskirts of the surface base: "That area has an open field of vision and excellent firing arcs, suitable as a standby position for our God-Machines.
"Any enemy attempting to desecrate this place will experience the power of the Emperor's will incarnate."
Ryo listened quietly to their preliminary suggestions. His crimson optical lenses swept over the star map, rapidly conducting data simulations and efficacy evaluations.
He noticed that whether it was the Skitarii's defense plan or the Titan Legion's battlefield selection, both implicitly assumed a premise—they would be stationed here long-term.
"Marshal Anvil's orbital early warning and ground bastion network form a necessary skeleton." Ryo first affirmed the Skitarii's plan, then turned to Wharton Miller. "Princeps Miller, your Titans are a decisive force. That plain is indeed the best position, but I must add one point—your primary task is to protect the core of the base, especially the canyon experimental zone on the east side. The ecological samples there are extremely fragile and precious; they cannot be lost."
(End of Chapter)