Initially, the arguments strictly remained at the data and theoretical level, with torrents of binary code clashing fiercely over the conference table, attempting to overwhelm the opposition with the pure force of the Logos.
However, when complex mathematical models and learned references to STC fragments failed to fully convince the opposing party, a more ancient, direct tradition within the Mechanicum naturally came into play—physical validation.
"It seems the purity of logic can no longer bridge this cognitive chasm! Only the test of practice can manifest the truth of the Omnissiah!" Vladimir of Gryphonne IV abruptly stood up from his data interface seat, his multi-jointed mechanical feet striking the metal floor with heavy, dull impacts.
From his back, a heavy tool-arm sprung out with the hiss of hydraulics, instantly deploying a Forge Axe the size of a door, its blade arcing with unstable energy. The surrounding air slightly warped from the heat.
"The sentiment is agreeable! Let the Machine God bear witness to whose design can best carry His glory!" The Martian structural Magos's vox-caster burst with a high-pitched reply.
The armor plating on his side slid open, and a relatively refined Power Hammer, its head radiating a deep blue force field energy, was gripped in his mechanical hand, a low hum resonating around the head.
Without further warning or ceremonial gestures, the two Magos strode toward the "Study and Practice Zone"—a cleared area next to the conference room built with reinforced steel plating—under the "spectatorship" of the gathered representatives.
The next moment, the clang of heavy metal replaced the clamor of all binary code!
The Martian Magos's combat style was as steady and solid as his academic views. The Power Hammer was wielded in trajectories honed by countless simulations, each impact mighty and heavy, seeking to use absolute force to dismantle the opponent's defense.
In contrast, Magos Vladimir's Gryphonne IV style was sweeping and grand. The Forge Axe swung with the force of wind and thunder, the scorching energy blade not only used for hacking but frequently employed at tricky angles for parrying and deflection, attempting to use finesse and energy erosion to destroy the opponent's weapon structure.
"Bang!" A heavy strike from the Power Hammer was deflected by the sloped surface of the axe. The deflected energy impact left a molten crater on the reinforced floor.
"Szzzt!" The energy blade grazed the Martian Magos's shoulder armor, leaving not only a scorched mark but also tearing through the outer sensor cluster. Several severed cables hung down like wounded tentacles, sputtering tiny electrical sparks.
This was not a fight to the death, but a form of "physical dialectics" filled with the unique flavor of the Mechanicum. Both sides tacitly kept their output power below a certain threshold.
The core objective was to prove the "superiority" of their own design philosophy—by destroying the opponent's demonstration tool, disrupting their stance, or inflicting enough "functional damage" to force the other to concede inferiority.
After all, under the grand goal of collaboratively promoting new technology, they were essentially still "cooperators," differing only on matters of technical pathway and leadership within the cooperation.
The intense "exchange" lasted for several minutes, interspersed with the sounds of metal deformation, the screech of energy weapons overloading, and the roar of servo-systems running at full capacity.
Finally, after an exquisite feint, Magos Vladimir's Forge Axe swept the Power Hammer aside at a strange angle, the heated side edge of the axe striking heavily against the Martian Magos's chest plate!
"Clang!"
Accompanying the loud bang and flying sparks, a large section of the Martian Magos's chest plate visibly dented inwards.
Several ventilation conduits twisted and blocked, and internal coolant leaked out, emitting white vapor. He stumbled back several steps, his Power Hammer flying out of his mechanical hand and skittering across the floor.
Magos Vladimir retrieved his axe, its energy field slowly dimming. His heavy breathing system vented excess heat, his data stream carrying the winner's composure and a subtle, hard-to-detect trace of pride: "I concede. It seems that Gryphonne IV's considerations for structural strength and energy transfer redundancy are slightly superior."
The defeated Martian Magos struggled to stabilize his stance. He glanced at his heavily damaged chest plate and the Power Hammer still rolling in the distance. His internal systems were clearly running roughly due to the trauma, and his vox-caster replied with static:
"Hmph... your energy circuit redundancy scheme... indeed possesses stronger... battlefield adaptability. It can be... incorporated into the subsequent detailed assessment."
His influence in the debate, commensurate with this physical defeat, was clearly weakened. The winning party's technical proposal and design philosophy would naturally receive greater consideration and priority in the subsequent blueprint discussions.
The loser would temporarily withdraw, serviced by their accompanying Servitors for emergency repair or replacing damaged components, silently gathering strength to launch another "validation" at the next point of technical divergence.
Osiris stood quietly on the side, his crimson optical lenses calmly recording the details of every "exchange" and the resulting direction for blueprint modification. His internal logic core assessed the efficiency of this peculiar method, concluding that despite its primitive form, this model—combining physical persuasion with technical demonstration—was surprisingly effective in pushing the design toward the "optimal solution" within the context of the Mechanicum's intertwined interests and extreme practical focus.
Amidst the clanking disputes and "debates," the final design for the Warp drive version of the Lunar-class cruiser was rapidly refined and perfected in a manner both inconceivable and yet wholly aligned with the Mechanicum's underlying logic.
Ultimately, after countless data skirmishes and the distinctively Mechanicum "physical validations," the finalized design blueprint for the modified Lunar-class cruiser, a fusion of all parties' wisdom, was formally established amidst argument and cooperative compromise.
It incorporated Neksum's structural reinforcement philosophy, Gryphonne IV's energy system redundancy design, Lucius' precise control system interface, Mars' classic layout optimization, and the unique contributions of other Forge Worlds. Its overall performance was a complete transformation from the original Lunar-class cruiser, marking a comprehensive technological leap.
Given the extent of the modifications and the significance of the performance enhancement, the Martian side proposed, at an opportune moment, that it should no longer be considered a simple variant of the Lunar-class but should be formally established as an entirely new ship class.
This would also be the first landmark production license under the new framework system, jointly participated in and approved by Mars.
Regarding the right to name this new class, after a brief and amicable discussion, all parties unanimously agreed to bestow this honor upon Osiris—the bringer of the technology and the key catalyst for the new order.
Osiris' mechanical body stood before the screen projecting the final design. His crimson optical lenses swept over the lines that encapsulated countless arguments and "practical" outcomes.
He did not hesitate for long, and calmly gave his name.