After the dizziness from the dimensional teleportation subsided, Maine's team, along with their precious loot, found themselves in the familiar teleportation zone of the Death World base, filled with the smells of engine oil and ozone.
The base's lighting system emitted a steady, cool light, a stark contrast to the smoke and chaos of the battlefield on the edge of tomorrow.
The heavy footsteps of the two Iron Guards echoed in the metal corridor. Sasha and Lucy carefully operated the loading equipment—one was a special unit that imprisoned Alpha, and the other was the dimensional container whose surface had turned gray, which contained the more important Omega.
Osiris' massive, dark red mechanical body was already waiting at the entrance of the core laboratory.
His crimson optical lens immediately locked onto the two containment units that had been transported over. Tiny robotic arms extended from his shoulders, and as if they were alive, precisely and quickly took the two sample units and placed them on the analysis platform that had been prepared in the laboratory and was filled with various sensors and energy confinement fields.
"Sample received." Osiris' synthesized voice rang out. Although it remained steady, those familiar with him could discern the almost burning focus and satisfaction contained in the subtle changes in tone.
His optical lens scanned up close the pale blue entity within the Alpha Unit, which was still under anesthesia, before turning to the dimensional container that contained Omega. Even though the abnormal spacetime fluctuations contained within it were isolated, they were enough to evoke a strong resonance in his logic core.
He turned to the entire Maine squad standing before him, his satisfied voice echoing clearly in the laboratory: "Mission accomplished. Not only did we successfully capture the key target Alpha, but we also successfully contained the core target Omega."
Your efficiency and adaptability in this extradimensional operation fully demonstrate your combat skills and execution capabilities. The samples obtained this time are of immeasurable research value.
This is high praise from Osiris, which is rare and direct.
Rebecca grinned and patted the plasma cannon beside her: "At least all those trips weren't for nothing."
Dorio nodded calmly, relaxing her tense shoulders and neck.
Pilar excitedly nudged Lucy and whispered, "See? I told you the Magos would be satisfied!"
Falco calmly recorded the mission completion status.
Valerie and Jackie began to emerge from the Iron Guard cockpit for initial post-war checks.
Cage... Oh, Cage and Rita didn't come along; they stayed in their own world, which was finally seeing the light of day.
Maine stepped forward and responded on behalf of the entire team: "As you wish, Magos. The mission is complete."
Osiris' mechanical body turned slightly towards the main control panel, and countless data streams began to rapidly pass by the edge of his optical lens: "Based on the outstanding results of this mission, all participating members will receive corresponding resource quotas and technical access privilege upgrades."
Now, you can go and rest.
His attention was clearly mostly focused on the preliminary analysis of the two precious samples, but he still added at the end: "Your achievements have been recorded."
The team members looked at each other, exhausted, but a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction after completing the mission filled the air.
They successfully traversed dimensions, navigated the bizarre time loop, defeated a powerful enemy, and brought back a valuable sample that the Magos needed, one that could potentially alter their understanding.
For the members of Maine's team, this was another mission executed perfectly, and Osiris' approval was the highest affirmation of their efforts.
As Osiris became engrossed in his research, Maine signaled to the team members to disband and rest.
——
In the Death World Base, Osiris' voice rang out in the solemn hall, announcing the commendation of Maine's team for their dimensional exploration mission.
"Based on your outstanding performance in this dimensional exploration mission, the following rewards are hereby awarded." Beside Osiris' massive mechanical body, a servo-controlled robotic arm held up a material inventory data panel that shimmered with a faint light.
"First, based on your understanding of the value of circulation in the world, each member of the team will be granted one ton of high-purity gold."
Although gold is primarily regarded as a high-performance industrial raw material in Osiris' forging world system, he clearly understands what this wealth means in Night City, which is familiar to Maine's team, and even in the entire cyberpunk world—it is an astronomical figure that can change one's destiny.
"Second, the authorized technical apprentice 'Alex' will comprehensively modify and customize the existing equipment according to each of your specific needs."
At the same time, the Forging Temple will grant you access to specific armories, providing you with new equipment that meets their specifications.
"Third," Osiris' optical lens turned to David and Lucy, "David Martinez, Lucy, you have passed the practical test. From this day forward, you are officially members of the Dimensional Exploration Team."
He looked at Lucy: "Lucy, given your potential in mechanical manipulation and intelligent control technology, you are granted control of a 'Volax' type hunting intelligent control Titan."
Data about this Titan was transmitted to Lucy's personal terminal: the Vorax type, a hunting unit created on Mars during the pre-Imperial era, specializing in search and destruction missions to exterminate runaway machines, wipe out mutated beasts, and reduce excess population.
These combat automation units are known for their particularly predatory and ferocious control core imprints—so much so that such beastly instincts slumber within their mechanical bodies that a large number of mandatory overwrite instructions must be hardcoded into their programs to prevent these tireless hunting machines from degenerating into savage traitors indistinguishable from their prey.
These predatory robots are equipped with pairs of rotary cannons and hook-shaped powered blades.
They resemble stealthy insect-like machines, rich in detail, from the trailing ammunition chains to the piston structures on their deadly limbs, and can assume a variety of combat postures.
Each Volac also has a powerful lightning cannon mounted on its upper armor.
Then, Osiris turned to David: "David Martinez, I am granting you a set of standard genetic analysis equipment and allowing you access to the basic biotechnological theories related to it."
Finally, he addressed the entire group: "You have all been granted the corresponding level of access to the knowledge base, which allows you to learn new skills and theories."
After the awards were announced, the team members, while maintaining their discipline, couldn't help but show excitement in their eyes.
Rebecca was already whispering with Pilar about what new gadgets to add to her plasma cannon; Dorio, on the other hand, was thinking about how to further enhance her gauntlets.
Maine, representing the team, solemnly replied, "Thank you for your generosity, Magos. We will make good use of these resources to prepare for future exploration missions."
The squad then entered a post-war rest period.
The members maintained their equipment, adjusted their physical condition, and began planning how to use the rewards they received to improve themselves.
Lucy eagerly awaits receiving her powerful Volax Titan, which harbors predatory instincts, while David is immersed in the new realm of knowledge brought about by the sophisticated genetic analysis equipment.
The resources and knowledge that forged the world opened a crack in the door for them, and they were ready to explore the vast world beyond.