Osiris pulled up detailed structural and energy distribution maps of the base and its surrounding area, specifically highlighting the canyon region.
"Direct defense of the base core will be managed by me. The Fabricator Marshal is responsible for the perimeter alert and fortress operation. And you, the Titans of the Steel Dogs, will be the sword hanging over the invaders, the force that determines the course of the battle.
Unless it is an emergency, remain in silent standby to minimize unnecessary energy signature exposure."
His tone was steady, carrying the authority of a well-thought-out plan, clearly defining the jurisdictions and responsibilities.
Anvil-7 and Waldon Miller both accepted the directive.
Their highest instruction was to assist and protect Magos Osiris, ensuring the world's security, not to challenge his authority.
"The specific construction of the defensive works and the laying of the sensor network will be completed collaboratively by my technical servitors and Marshal Anvil-7's engineering units," Osiris concluded. "Captain Miller, have your Tech-Priests quickly familiarize themselves with the terrain and gravitational parameters here, and optimize the Titans' walking and targeting algorithms. I require you to be able to exert one hundred percent efficiency at all times."
"As you command, Magos," Fabricator Marshal Anvil-7 replied first, data streams already beginning to map out construction blueprints within his internal processors.
Waldon Miller again saluted with a hand over his chest, his posture humble yet firm: "Your will shall be faithfully executed, Magos. The God-Machines of the Steel Dogs are ready and will safeguard the tranquility of this land, just as we guard the holy fire of the Forge World. May the gaze of the Omnissiah bless this place."
The brief meeting concluded, and the two commanders efficiently departed to deploy their forces.
Osiris remained alone in the tactical room, the light of the holographic star chart reflecting off his dark-red armor.
A powerful force, consisting of a grand detachment of the Militarum Auxilla and a Titan Battle Group, was now permanently stationed here, elevating the Death World's defense level to new heights.
He calmly assessed the current situation. Such a military presence was sufficient to counter conventional-scale xenos incursions or Chaos warband raids.
He had a clear judgment regarding the series of attacks that had occurred previously.
Whether it was the precise orbital drop of the Orks, the surprise attack by the Chaos fleet, or the interference from the Martian fleet, a coordinating force clearly existed behind them.
Osiris well knew the nature and scale of this force, which was far beyond anything he could openly confront now.
However, he was not anxious.
All signs indicated that the Emperor's Will was now focused on this location.
The timely arrival of Sigismund and the Black Templars, along with the Emperor's interest in the warp-drive, were clear signals.
Under the watch of the Lord of Mankind, those forces hidden behind the scenes would surely exercise caution.
Based on this judgment, Osiris focused his attention on practically feasible defensive measures.
As long as sufficient military deterrence was maintained to ensure the base could withstand conventional attacks, the deeper threats were, for the moment, of no concern.
The most important thing now was to fully utilize this relatively secure period.
He pulled up the detailed records of the previous battle, beginning to analyze the data from the area erased by the black sphere, while also studying the spatial parameter fluctuations before and after the Martian fleet's appearance.
This empirical data held significant value for his technical research.
The consolidation of the defense system had bought him precious time for study.
He planned to devote his main energy to the in-depth research of the Genesis Particle and simultaneously further perfect the base's orbital warning system to ensure that similar surprise attacks would not easily succeed.
The Death World temporarily returned to peace, but Osiris knew well that this tranquility had to be maintained through continuous preparation and vigilance.
With the defense system of the Death World initially stabilized and the coordinated deployment with the Fabricator Marshal and the Titan Legion completed, Osiris briefly left the Warhammer universe, returning to Night City via the dimensional teleporter.
Accompanying him were his two apprentices—David Martinez and Lucy.
Stepping back onto Night City's familiar air—a blend of exhaust fumes, rain, and neon light odors—after a year, David's and Lucy's feelings were different.
The urban cacophony that once suffocated or numbed them now seemed more chaotic, inefficient, and... grating to senses that had been conditioned by the logic and order of the Mechanicum.
But they had no time for reflection; Osiris' instructions were clear and direct.
In the core laboratory area, isolated from external noise, Osiris' massive body turned toward the two apprentices, his crimson optical lenses scanning them in turn.
"Knowledge that cannot be translated into the ability to solve practical problems is useless redundant data," his synthesized voice stated calmly, commencing the core agenda of this return. "You have completed the foundational stage of theoretical learning. Now, it is time for practical validation."
He first looked at David.
"David Martinez, your mission remains unchanged, as it was the original intent of your quest for knowledge.
Utilizing the knowledge you have mastered in biology, neuro-medicine, and genetics, combined with the existing equipment in this laboratory, you are to independently complete the full treatment of your mother, Ms. Gloria Martinez.
The process must be strictly documented, and the outcome must meet the predetermined metrics of stable biological system function and repaired nervous system damage.
This is the most direct assessment of the results of your past year of study."
David took a deep breath, his eyes firm, showing no trace of retreat. "Yes, Magos. I will succeed."
He had waited for this moment for too long. Now, what he held in his hands was not vague hope, but tangible knowledge and tools.
Osiris' gaze then fell upon Lucy.
"Lucy, your mission is related to the environment of this location," he gestured toward the rudimentary automated defense turrets and patrol drones in standby mode within the workshop. "Based on the knowledge you have acquired in mechanical principles, basic logic circuits, and control systems, independently design and manufacture a Cognitive Control Automaton that meets Mechanicum standards."
He paused briefly, giving extremely generous conditions: "The model, function, and weapon configuration are unrestricted. You may choose to emulate existing basic models like the 'Castellan' or the 'Combat Servitor Skull,' or you may undertake limited autonomous design.
There are only two core requirements: First, it must be manufacturable; and second, the finished product must be able to pass the basic startup procedure, respond to simple instructions, and satisfy the minimum standard for a Cognitive Control Automaton—'possessing autonomous movement and target identification capabilities.'"
This task, which might be only an entry-level exercise for an official Mechanicum Tech-Priest, was still a considerable challenge for Lucy, who had only been studying for a year.
It tested not only the mastery of theoretical knowledge but also the entire process of practical ability, from design and material selection to parts processing, assembly, and debugging.
A focused light flashed in Lucy's eyes. She bowed slightly: "I understand, Magos. I will do my best to complete it."
Osiris spoke no further.
For his apprentices, he provided knowledge and opportunity, but they had to walk the path themselves.
Success would prove they had the qualifications to continue on their respective paths; failure required no further elaboration.
He turned, temporarily opening partial access to the workshop area for the two of them and providing a basic materials requisition quota.
Subsequently, he did not interfere further, turning his attention to reviewing the progress of Night City's plasma reactor and replicator projects, and data synchronization with the administrator.