Chapter 607: Awakening
In the gene-seed laboratory inside the Spear of Dorn fortress atop Necromunda's primary hive spire, a decisive moment finally arrived after twelve months of silence and waiting.
As Ryo entered the final command into the main console, the light green nutrient fluid inside the seventeen cultivation vats began to drain in an orderly manner. The life-support system shifted from "deep development maintenance" to "awakening assistance."
Inside the vats, the bodies modified through non-traditional methods slowly emerged completely as the fluid drained.
Their physiques were far more muscular than a year ago—muscle fibers like forge-tempered alloy, bone structures noticeably thickened, and a life force far surpassing ordinary humans flowing faintly beneath their skin.
As the anesthesia gradually wore off and the neural activation sequence completed, the first subtle muscle twitches appeared.
Ryo's mechanical tentacles did not rest. Operating the equipment with precision, they injected stabilizing agents into the awakening individuals to balance their heart rates and nervous systems, while disconnecting the invasive interfaces used for memory indoctrination and physiological monitoring.
The entire process was efficient and calm, like performing final calibrations on a batch of precision instruments.
The first to open his eyes completely was Alvaro, a noble from Hive Phaeros.
His gaze was initially confused, but it quickly focused, sweeping across the unfamiliar environment before landing on the massive mechanical figure at the control console. He did not panic; instead, he instinctively tried to assess the situation, his body tightening slightly into a defensive posture—the indoctrinated combat instincts taking effect.
Shortly after, Glum, Cax, and the other candidates awakened one by one.
Their reactions varied: some observed silently, some tried moving their unfamiliar, power-filled bodies, and one or two let out confused growls.
Without exception, however, they displayed a baseline discipline far surpassing ordinary recruits, showing no signs of loss of control or panic. The memory indoctrination system had successfully implanted necessary concepts of order and foundational cognition into the bedrock of their minds.
The laboratory's blast door slid open, and Sigismund—who had been waiting outside—strode in alongside two Imperial Fists Apothecaries he had brought.
Sigismund's hawk-like gaze quickly scanned all the awakened candidates, assessing their initial state, while the two Apothecaries held cases packed with diagnostic equipment, their expressions solemn.
"Begin initial physiological screening," Sigismund ordered, his voice echoing through the silent laboratory.
The Apothecaries immediately stepped forward, using handheld scanners to perform full-body scans on each candidate, taking samples of blood, saliva, and tissue fluid, and testing their baseline neural reflexes and muscle strength.
Data was logged and analyzed in real-time.
"Bone density universally reaches 103% to 110% of standard Astartes warrior baselines."
"Muscle fiber density and contractile force exceed baseline by 8% to 15%."
"Metabolic rate remains stable at the expected elevated level."
"No significant signs of gene-seed rejection or tissue malformation detected."
"Initial neural response speed and coordination... meet operational requirements."
The Apothecaries reported the findings alternately, their tones carrying a barely concealed trace of surprise.
From purely physiological metrics, these seventeen candidates had not only fully met the standards, but had even slightly exceeded the levels of recruits modified through traditional methods in certain areas. Ryo's streamlined process and accelerated growth technology had achieved unquestionable success—at least on the level of physical forging.
Sigismund listened intently to every report. His battle-hardened face betrayed no emotion, but a slight nod indicated his acceptance of the data.
Flesh is the vessel that holds will and faith; a strong vessel is the foundation of becoming a proper Astartes.
The initial testing lasted for several hours.
When it concluded, Sigismund turned to Ryo: "The physiological aspect of the modification appears to be a success. But whether they truly possess the qualifications to become Imperial Fists—or Black Templars—requires far stricter trials."
Ryo's synthesized voice responded steadily: "They possess the physical and cognitive foundation to undergo the trials. The subsequent evaluation rests under your command."
The seventeen newly born warriors were guided into the adjacent prep room to change into basic training tunics. They obeyed commands silently, their eyes a mix of unfamiliarity with their new identities, confusion over their strength, and the indoctrinated initial loyalty toward the Imperium and the Emperor.
The true screening was about to begin.
Inside the area of the Spear of Dorn fortress dedicated to recruit training, the atmosphere turned grim and deadly.
There was none of the laboratory's precision or coldness here; in its place were rugged stone walls, heavy metal training equipment, and air thick with the combined scent of sweat, machine oil, and old blood.
The seventeen candidates who had successfully passed the initial physiological tests stood in formation. Before them stood Sigismund and several veteran battle-brothers handpicked from the Imperial Fists First Company, serving as instructors and evaluators for this assessment.
These veterans had sharp eyes and radiated a fierce aura forged in countless battles—their mere presence was a form of intangible pressure.
The assessment was not a single test, but a series of comprehensive evaluations designed to test whether these warriors—cultivated through non-traditional means—possessed the spirit, will, combat skills, and teamwork truly worthy of the Imperial Fists, or the even more zealous Black Templars.
The first test was a profound interrogation of will and faith.
This was no simple question-and-answer session, but a trial of loyalty conducted under a dual onslaught of high-intensity sensory interference and psychic pressure.
An accompanying Librarian applied psychic pressure in an extremely controlled manner, requiring the candidates to maintain absolute mental clarity and repeat specific battle catechisms clearly and firmly amidst battlefield illusions filled with heretical blasphemies and demonic whispers.
Alvaro performed exceptionally well in this test. His eyes burned brightly, and his catechisms rang out like a bell, as if no external interference could shake him in the slightest. Conversely, another candidate visibly faltered, his gaze scattering and his prayers faltering, nearly consumed by the illusions.
The second test targeted pure physical limits and combat instincts.
Placed in training chambers simulating extreme conditions—such as low gravity, high gravity, and toxic environments—the candidates had to complete a series of grueling physical tasks while engaging in combat against training servitors, whose combat protocols had been personally programmed by experienced First Company veterans.
Glum demonstrated staggering endurance and strength, appearing tireless with an expansive, raw combat style full of primal power. Cax appeared much more agile, adept at utilizing the environment and technique to maneuver against opponents.
However, another candidate repeatedly exposed hesitation and tactical blunders during combat, suffering severe simulated damage from the servitors until he ultimately collapsed from exhaustion.