Chapter 610: Exploration of a New Dimension
"Magos Ryo," Zoor's synthesized voice remained devoid of warmth, though his phrasing was far more direct. "I have reviewed your progress in the domain of gene-seed optimization. It is commendable."
Ryo's response was as steady as ever: "My thanks for Archmagos Zoor's attention. The project remains in its early phases and requires continuous optimization."
"Balancing efficiency and quality is, in itself, a metric of excellence." Zoor skipped pleasantries, cutting straight to the core: "The Collegia Titanica maintains a constant demand for stable, reliable armed forces—whether for garrisoning key Forge Worlds, supporting specific crusade operations, or addressing... shifts in internal affairs."
He deliberately paused, letting the phrase "internal affairs" leave a meaningful silence over the communication channel.
This clearly pointed not only to xenos or Chaos threats, but potentially encompassed internal disputes within the Adeptus Mechanicus or disruptions from dark powers.
"Building upon our previous successful cooperation on the EVA-Titan project, as well as the potential you have demonstrated in biological augmentation," Zoor continued, "the Collegia Titanica wishes to deepen our collaborative relationship. We formally propose commissioning you to cultivate a batch of specialized guard warriors for the Collegia, capable of fighting alongside our Titans."
This was a completely new, extraordinarily significant commission.
It meant Ryo's technology was no longer restricted to the needs of the Imperial Fists, but had gained the endorsement of another core Imperial faction, destined for application among their most critical armed forces.
"Specific requirements?" Ryo asked concisely.
"An initial batch of five thousand augmented soldiers," Zoor provided an exact figure. "Key focus areas include: high affinity with mechanical creations alongside basic maintenance capabilities, sustained combat resilience in complex electromagnetic interference environments, and absolute loyalty to the dogmas of the Omnissiah. Detailed physiological and cognitive templates will follow shortly."
Five thousand augmented soldiers—a scale far exceeding previous endeavors.
This was not merely trust in technical feasibility, but a large-scale live-combat verification.
"Acceptable," Ryo accepted the commission. "The requisite resources must be guaranteed by the Collegia Titanica, including qualified candidates and specialized materials for the project."
"As it should be," Zoor agreed. "Resources will be dispatched immediately upon confirmation of the manifest. I look forward to your results, Magos Ryo. May the light of the Machine God illuminate your logic circuits."
The transmission concluded.
Ryo immediately set to work deciphering the initial requirements sent by Zoor. Cultivating guard warriors for the Collegia Titanica meant he not only needed to complete baseline modifications, but also incorporate specialized traits highly aligned with Mechanicus dogma and combat environments. This was both a daunting challenge and a valuable opportunity to test the adaptability and versatility of his technology.
Almost simultaneously, another message from the Death World base arrived at his terminal.
The message indicated that, following the outstanding performance and rapid deployment capabilities of the EVA-Titans on Verdant III, several Titan Legions and representatives from various Forge Worlds had begun making informal inquiries regarding the acquisition of these new Titan units.
Although orders were still currently dominated by the Collegia Titanica, external interest was surging significantly.
Ryo's technological network was quietly embedding itself into the Imperium's intricate power structures, using its unique expertise as a lever. The gene-seed project and the EVA-Titan initiative acted as dual engines, propelling his enterprise steadily forward into the vast sea of stars.
Attention and cooperative overtures from various factions carried both opportunities and hidden risks. Regardless, the path laid down by Ryo was extending steadily at a pace far exceeding expectations.
Death World Base, Dimensional Communication Center.
The indicator lights on the encrypted channel flickered steadily, signaling that a remote report from Maine's squad was being received and decoded.
Ryo (the second avatar) stood before the main control console, his crimson optical lenses rapidly sweeping over the scrolling data streams and processed visual media on the screen.
The report originated from one of the unknown dimensions currently undergoing preliminary reconnaissance by Maine's squad.
Another dimension had been marked "deferred" with its priority downgraded due to preliminary scans revealing high-risk energy signatures and unnatural structures.
However, the dimension currently transmitting data presented a starkly different picture.
The visual feeds displayed a planet covered in lush greens and blues. Observed from orbit, its atmosphere demonstrated a healthy, vibrant state.
High-resolution imaging revealed breathtaking biodiversity across the planet's surface: endless forests glowing with faint bioluminescence, massive colorful winged beasts soaring through the skies, and varied creatures roaming among exotic flora.
The entire planet radiated a primal, surging vitality.
Maine's voice report synchronized alongside the data stream, his voice carrying a trace of restrained excitement through the comms: "...Repeat, preliminary reconnaissance confirms world temporarily designated Dimension K-77c possesses an extraordinarily rich ecosystem, matching the theoretical Gaia Planet model.
Over ninety percent of the planetary surface is covered in lifeforms. Atmospheric composition is suitable for human respiration, with no large-scale artificial terraforming signatures or industrial civilization signals detected."
The display switched, showing a detailed close-up.
A tall, blue-purple flower swayed gently in the breeze, a soft pulsing glow running along the edges of its petals. Massive plants resembling spiral blades formed the main structure of the forest; between their branches and leaves, countless delicate thread-like filaments—resembling glowing neural fibers—interconnected, weaving a faint biological web that covered the entire woodland.
"The most notable discovery lies here," Maine continued reporting as the camera focused on the luminescent neural bundles. "Throughout the planet's biosphere, from macro-fauna to micro-flora, there exists a widespread neural bundle structure capable of physical connection."
"Preliminary analysis indicates this structure allows direct information and energy exchange between individuals. Ample evidence suggests the existence of a global, collective biological consciousness of some form on this planet."
Dorio's voice cut in, supplementing technical details: "We attempted low-intensity psychic scans and bio-electric signal monitoring."
"Background telemetry reveals a stable, vast, and highly interconnected consciousness field on a scale far surpassing any known individual organism. This field seems tightly bound to the planet's ecological cycle, regulating climate, species distribution, and the evolution of life itself."
The final section of the report contained a formal proposal from Maine's squad: "Given the low direct threat level of this dimension based on current observations, alongside its immense scientific value, we request authorization for deep exploration. Furthermore..."
Maine paused briefly, as if weighing his words: "We have observed that Shinji Ikari, Asuka, and Rei Ayanami have been subjected to high-intensity combat training in a relatively isolated base environment for a prolonged period."
"For human individuals of their age, this sustained state of confinement may prove detrimental to their long-term psychological stability. Therefore, we propose allowing them to participate in this exploration mission. Exposure to a world full of vitality rather than destruction may yield a positive effect."