Osiris rapidly scanned the report, the massive amounts of data completing comparison and analysis instantaneously within his processing core.
"Assessment complete." Osiris' synthesized voice broke the silence. "Operational Procedure Standardization Score: 71.3%. Logic Chain Integrity Score: 68.9%. Data Analysis and Conclusion Efficacy Score: 65.1%. Overall Score: 67.8%.
This reaches the transitional threshold from Mechanicum Servitor-Grade to the minimum Acolyte knowledge reserve and practical ability."
The score was not high; in fact, it was quite low, exactly matching the expected level for a junior apprentice with only one year of study.
But David felt a slight easing in his chest, because he saw Osiris' mechanical finger make an extremely subtle mark on the report, right where David had identified the abnormal telomere wear and adjusted his approach.
"Your thought process still retains too many non-logical leaps based on empirical intuition," Osiris assessed, his tone as cold as ever. "However, within a limited knowledge framework, you have preliminarily demonstrated the ability to use tools for systematic analysis and problem-solving, rather than blindly begging for answers.
Compared to one year ago, this is quantifiable progress."
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 learning. In the next stage, you will need to delve into the Principles of Gene Coding Sacred Geometry and the Xenos Biomaterial Handling Specifications.
The theoretical knowledge and basic operations you have already mastered are sufficient to address the biosystem maintenance and repair needs of your mother, Gloria Martinez."
David's breathing hitched slightly; he could hardly believe what he was hearing.
He looked up, his eyes filled with incredulous anticipation.
Osiris' synthesized voice continued steadily: "Therefore, you are permitted to return to your original dimension for a duration of one standard Terra month. Your primary and sole mission is to utilize the knowledge you have acquired here to personally complete your mother's treatment.
This will serve as the final practical assessment of your Phase One learning.
Success will prove you have the initial capability to translate knowledge into real-world solutions. Failure will mean your past year of effort was worthless."
"Yes! Magos! I will... I will certainly do it!" David's voice trembled with excitement, but he forced himself to stand straight, his eyes burning with determined fire. He had waited for this moment for too long.
Osiris said nothing further and turned to leave the bio-research sector.
For him, this was merely a necessary phase assessment and practical validation.
David's rate of growth was not entirely outstanding, but sending him back to a familiar environment to deal with a problem in which he had strong subjective motivation was an effective way to test his knowledge internalization and problem-solving abilities.
At the same time, this fulfilled the spirit of the original contract.
Perhaps this "variable," once his personal obsession was successfully resolved, would be able to dedicate himself more fully to his subsequent studies and prove a more stable asset when executing certain dimensional missions in the future.
After completing David's assessment and subsequent arrangements, Osiris did not return to his private laboratory deep within the base.
His logic core had elevated the priority of another pending item—to hold a necessary meeting with the newly arrived commanding officers of the Neksum relief forces and establish the future defensive architecture for this Death World.
In a tactical planning room next to the base's core command hub, Osiris' massive, dark-red body stood silently before a huge holographic star chart.
The star chart clearly marked the location of the Death World, the surrounding stellar territory, and the general direction of the enemy's recent attack and the orbital engagement zones from the battle that had just concluded.
The airtight door slid open, and two visitors entered the room.
Leading the pair was a Fabricator Marshal, designated "Anvil-7."
His body had undergone mechanization far beyond that of an ordinary priest; his multi-legged chassis was heavy and powerful, his main torso covered in thick composite armor, and several mechanical arms of varying functions were secured behind him, leaving only a heavily modified human head with multi-spectral cybernetic eyes. His face was resolute, like rock weathered by time.
He offered Osiris a standard gear-salute, the movement accompanied by the subtle sound of metal friction.
Accompanying him was Captain Waldon Miller, the combat group commander dispatched by the Steel Dogs Titan Legion this time.
He wore a pristine Titan pilot's dress uniform; the deep-grey fabric was adorned with silver gears and the hound emblem symbolizing the Steel Dogs Legion. His demeanor carried the unique ancient aristocratic temperament of a Titan Princeps, derived from piloting a God-Machine.
He placed his right hand over his chest and offered Osiris a concise, elegant salute, his attitude respectful.
"Fabricator Marshal Anvil-7, Captain Miller." Osiris' synthesized voice resonated in the room, containing a slightly smoother tone suitable for communication, rather than a pure mechanical pitch: "Thank you for Neksum's timely support.
I trust Arch-Magos Vox has clarified the value of this location and the threats it faces to you both."
Fabricator Marshal Anvil-7's voice box emitted a modulated, steady sound: "Arch-Magos Vox and the Forge Council have issued clear directives. Our duty is to ensure the security of this world and its core facilities until the threat is neutralized, or until the Council issues a new deployment order."
One of his mechanical tentacles pointed at several orbital approach points marked as high-risk on the holographic star chart. "Based on the data from the recent engagement, the defensive focus must be on orbital warning and the defense of critical ground nodes.
We recommend deploying enhanced monitoring probes at L-3 and L-7 orbits, and establishing at least three forward alert fortresses on the surface to form an interlocking field of fire."
Waldon Miller stepped forward, his voice gentle but carrying a resilient weight, like the low rumble of the earth when a Titan walks: "Magos Osiris, the Steel Dogs Legion remembers your contributions to the Forge World. By order of Arch-Magos Vox, 'Harvest' Company is at your disposal."
His gaze swept over the star chart, finally settling on the wide plain outside the surface base: "That area offers clear visibility and excellent firing range, making it suitable as a staging ground for our God-Machines.
Any foe attempting to desecrate this place will learn the power embodied by the Emperor's Will."
Osiris quietly listened to their initial suggestions, his crimson optical lenses scanning the star chart, rapidly performing data simulations and efficacy assessments.
He noted that both the Fabricator Marshal's defense plan and the Titan Legion's choice of battlefield operated under the premise that they would be stationed here long-term.
"Marshal Anvil-7's orbital warning and surface fortress network constitute the necessary skeleton," Osiris first affirmed the Fabricator Marshal's plan, then turned to Waldon Miller.
"Captain Miller, your Titans are the decisive force. That plain is indeed the optimal position, but I must add one point—your primary task is to protect the core base, especially the East Wing experimental canyon. The ecological samples there are extremely fragile and precious and must not be lost."