After confirming the production line status and design finalization, Osiris, accompanied by Marcus Thorne, proceeded to the base's live-fire testing ground.
Dust billowed across the testing ground, filled with the roar of engines and the test-firing of weapons.
Twelve soldiers in standard Tempestus Scion armor were conducting adaptive training alongside three "Iron Guard" prototypes. Their movements were sharp and precise, clearly indicating they were elite forces under Inquisitor Kaelas Walker.
Osiris and Marcus stood on the observation platform, silently watching the activity below.
A standard operation model "Iron Guard," controlled by a soldier, executed basic tactical maneuvers and weapon system switching; the movements were slightly stiff but adhered to protocol.
Another chassis, reinforced for close combat, practiced short-range assaults and the use of the power fist in a simulated environment.
"These are the first batch of trainees sent by Inquisitor Walker," Marcus explained. "They have completed foundational theory and simulator training and are currently undergoing live-machine adaptive operation.
As planned, after they fully master the standard operation mode, they will receive neural implant modifications in preparation for receiving the neural-linked models."
Osiris' optical lens locked onto the neural-linked prototype executing complex evasion maneuvers.
Compared to the standard version, its movements were smoother, and its joint articulation range was greater, indicating a higher operational ceiling.
A Tech-Priest was connected to the chassis' back via a data cable, monitoring the machine spirit's feedback data in real-time.
"How is the adaptive adjustment of the Machine Spirit progressing?" Osiris asked.
"Progress is as expected, Magos," Marcus retrieved the relevant data stream. "We are fine-tuning the Machine Spirit's response logic based on the pre-set pilot neural signal patterns to minimize the risk of rejection during the initial connection phase.
Once the pilots complete their modification, preliminary synchronization tests can begin."
Just then, a Tempestus Scion squad leader finished training and jogged to the observation platform, rendering a crisp military salute to Osiris and Marcus.
He removed his goggles, revealing a resolute, scarred face and sharp eyes.
"Forge-Master Osiris. I am a Tempestus Scion Squad Leader." His voice was loud and direct. "Thank you and Neksum for the gear. This machine... has enormous potential."
Osiris nodded slightly. "What are the primary obstacles encountered during training?"
"Under standard operation mode, the firepower and protection far exceed any individual heavy weapon we've used before, but there is still a subtle delay in the chassis' reaction, especially during complex terrain turns and rapid target switching," the Scion Captain answered without reservation.
"We anticipate the neural link will resolve this. The soldiers are prepared to undergo modification; the necessary cost is acceptable to gain greater power to purge the Emperor's enemies."
His words were filled with the Scions' characteristic determination and pure pursuit of effectiveness.
Osiris offered no comment on this, merely logging the feedback.
He turned to Marcus: "The surgical arrangements for the neural implants and the subsequent synchronization training procedures must strictly follow safety protocols. I require detailed reports for every phase."
"Ready. The surgery will take place at the base medical center in three standard days, performed by a Bio-Magos specializing in neurobiology," Marcus confirmed.
Osiris took a final look at the Tempestus Scions on the training ground, soon to merge with steel and machine spirit.
The deep involvement of the Inquisition meant the "Iron Guard" project would soon acquire invaluable combat data from the cruelest front lines.
He tacitly accepted all these arrangements.
After inspecting the testing ground, Osiris and Marcus Thorne returned to the project center.
In the main control room, filled with the hum of data flow, Osiris presented the Forge Master with a new request.
"Magos Thorne, the 'Iron Guard' project, especially the neural-linked model, has proven its battlefield value," Osiris' synthetic voice stated calmly. "I require this equipment for my direct Protectorate Guard."
He pulled up data streams detailing the Death World base's defense structure and the anticipated escort requirements for dimension exploration.
"For the first batch, I require at least fifty neural-linked Iron Guards, along with corresponding maintenance equipment and spare parts."
Marcus Thorne's mechanical eyes flashed rapidly, performing instantaneous resource and production line calculations.
Fifty neural-linked models were not a small number; their core Machine Spirit cultivation and neural interface synchronization required time and precise manufacturing.
"Fifty neural-linked models... this will require adjusting the priority of certain production lines," Marcus stated the objective facts without outright refusal.
"The core bottleneck lies in the adaptation and implantation of suitable Machine Spirits.
However, since the project has been approved and formally finalized by you, expanding capacity is a necessary step. I will personally coordinate the resources."
He pulled up the production schedule and performed a quick projection.
"The first ten units can be delivered within fifteen standard days. The remaining forty are projected to be completed with production and basic commissioning within two months and shipped in batches to your designated location."
"Acceptable." Osiris accepted the timeline. "Prioritize the stability of the Machine Spirit and the safety of the neural interface. This equipment will be used for defense of critical areas and escort for high-priority exploration missions. Reliability is the primary objective."
"I follow your instructions." Marcus Thorne nodded, immediately beginning to issue preliminary commands via the data link, mobilizing related materials and Tech-Priest personnel. "They will be completed under my personal supervision to ensure they meet your requirements."
Osiris formally logged the equipment request into the project archive and applied permission encryption.
Re-equipping the Protectorate Guard with the more powerful Iron Guard chassis would directly enhance the Death World base's defensive capability and his core escort capacity for future dimensional exploration.
This was a necessary decision based on the current situation and the project's maturity.
The communication connected, and the holographic image of Alvaro Weiss appeared.
He appeared as an old man in a simple scholar's robe, with silver hair and beard, and wrinkles on his face that documented a long life, possessing a classical scholarly demeanor.
There were no obvious mechanical modifications visible on his exterior. Were it not for his overly clear eyes, which lacked the cloudiness of age, and the subtle, excessively even healthy glow beneath his skin, one might mistake him for a well-preserved elder.
Osiris knew the truth of this body.
Alvaro Weiss was a figure who lived through the turbulent era preceding the Emperor's Great Crusade, with an age exceeding seven standard centuries.
His seemingly natural body was essentially the product of countless precise tissue replacements and systematic enhancements, a highly bio-synthetic vessel with performance far surpassing ordinary humans.
At this moment, the face of this ancient being's holographic image showed a clear trace of surprise and deference.