After the Archmagos Vox left, two clear task paths existed simultaneously in Osiris' processor.
First, immediately return to Neksum and take over the large casting complex, named "The Anvil of Resilience" No. 7, which has just been acquired, reactivating it and bringing it under direct control; second, continue to focus on existing research projects and infrastructure development at the Death World base.
His core logic yielded the optimal solution with almost no redundant trade-offs.
Acquiring a ready-made, fully-equipped large-scale forging plant is indeed a crucial step in improving its material foundation in the long run.
However, personally going to Neksum to invest a lot of time and energy in managing a massive industrial system means that he will be forced to temporarily put aside the more promising core projects on the Death World side—in-depth research on the Genesis Particle, the advancement of the "Cloning" project, the formation of the Iron Guard Force, and the ongoing preparations for dimensional exploration.
The long-term value of these projects far exceeds the immediate prospect of operating a factory located in another's sovereign galaxy.
Ownership is key, but direct management is not necessary at present.
Osiris made a decision quickly.
He summoned the apprentice who was the most consistent in administration and basic engineering, numbered Logis-7.
"The ownership documents for 'The Resilient Anvil' No. 7 have been transferred to your data board." Osiris' synthesized voice was flat, issuing the direct command, "Your mission is to go to Neksum, represent me to complete the formal transfer of authority, and oversee the initial restart process of the complex."
Prioritize the restoration of basic metal smelting and standard parts production lines. All decisions must adhere to pre-established management protocols, and significant matters must be reported via encrypted communication channels.
"Yes, Your Excellency." Logis-7 calmly accepted the mission, showing no excitement or unease at being entrusted with such an important task, and immediately began planning the itinerary.
Osiris then reinvested the vast majority of his computing resources and attention into the world of death.
He pulled up detailed geological scans of the base and surrounding area, the distribution of energy veins, and the coverage of the orbital defense network.
This remote, unnoticed world of death is showing increasing strategic value in his eyes.
Its location is secluded, it has a stable and constantly strengthening base, its orbital defense system is taking shape, and its surface is garrisoned by loyal Guardians and the growing Iron Guard forces, with the Steelhound Titan Order's "Hunter" company serving as a strategic deterrent.
More importantly, this is the perfect place for him to conduct forbidden research and test cross-dimensional technologies, free from the direct surveillance of Mars or other forged worlds.
The long-term significance of gradually transforming and building this place into a fully functional and highly autonomous base that belongs entirely to him is far greater than owning a factory in Neksum.
That factory could serve as a supply node for resources and conventional equipment, but this was his true foundation, the prototype of a "casting world" that might be born in the future and belong solely to him.
His mechanical tentacles swept across the holographic map, marking several potential expansion areas: plains that could be used to deploy more mobile furnaces, mountains suitable for digging deep warehouses and shelters, and the canyon experimental zone that needed further reinforcement of its protective boundaries.
Instead of immediately launching large-scale civil engineering projects, he first optimized the existing resource allocation.
The newly arrived mobile furnaces were prioritized for connection to the energy network to begin trial production of base metals, providing immediate support for the base's routine maintenance and spare parts for the Iron Guard.
At the same time, he instructed the engineering unit to begin ground leveling and infrastructure pre-laying in preparation for future expansion.
Everything is proceeding smoothly.
Like a patient architect, Osiris was no longer content with just an outpost, but began to systematically build a solid fortress that could operate independently, develop on its own, and support his exploration of the endless sea of knowledge.
While Osiris focused on building the foundation of the Death World, the promotion and application of warp drive technology on the level of Holy Terra was steadily advancing according to the framework set by Roger Dorn.
The Mars Orbital Shipyard, once a focal point of debate, is now dominated by unprecedented production efficiency.
Driven by the new technological order and the will of Terra, the first fully-fledged Crescent-class cruisers have been completed and moved out of the shipyard, marking the Imperial Navy's entry into a new era of faster-than-light travel.
Among the newly launched ships, three specially enhanced "Crescent-class" strike cruiser variants were given priority for assignment to the Black Templar Order.
This arrangement is both an acknowledgment of Sigismund and his warriors' timely support during the previous crisis and a reflection of the Primarch's high regard for this expeditionary fleet, hoping that its powerful mobility will further enhance its strike range and efficiency.
Sigismund received direct instructions from the Holy Terra.
Dorn instructed him that, to ensure the absolute safety of Magos Osiris and his research base, and as a demonstration of the Empire's continued focus on this critical region, the Black Templars must dispatch at least one full-strength company to be permanently stationed in that remote world of death.
Along with this military transfer order arrived an appointment document personally signed by Roger Dorn and stamped with the seal of the Imperial Supreme Command.
The document, in concise and unequivocal official language, declares that, based on recognition of the outstanding contributions of the Magos Osiris and the practical need to ensure the safety and independence of his research projects, the sector designated XG-733 (the galaxy where Osiris' current Death World is located) is hereby permanently allocated as the private property of Osiris and his legal heirs.
All resource extraction rights, construction rights, and defense rights within this star system belong to Osiris, and its legal status is equivalent to that of a knightly world directly under the Empire or a specific forging world enclave.
This appointment legally binds Osiris to this remote star system.
From then on, in the empire's official records, this place was no longer a deserted world of death, but "Osiris' territory".
Sigismund had no objection to this.
He quickly selected a company from the Black Templar's expeditionary fleet known for its resilience and positional defense.
The company members, carrying the necessary heavy equipment and supplies to sustain long-term deployment, boarded the three brand-new Crescent-class strike cruisers.
Led by ships from the Black Templar, a small fleet sailed toward the star system where the Death World was located.
When the three sharply styled Crescent-class cruisers, painted with the Black Templar emblem, and their accompanying transport ships finished their voyage and appeared in the Death World orbit, the base's sensor array immediately picked up the signal and identified them.
Osiris received a communication request.
Sigismund's resolute face appeared on the communications screen, with the bridge of one of the Crescent-class ships in the background.
"Magos Osiris," Sigismund's voice was as direct as ever, "By order of the Primarch Dorne, the Black Templar 'Fortress' Company will establish a permanent garrison here. This is a copy of the appointment document."
He transferred the relevant file data package over.
Osiris quickly glanced at the documents.
He was not surprised to acquire legal ownership of this star system; it was an inevitable result of his strength and value, and it coincided with his plan to build this place into his private base.
The garrison of the Black Temple is a double-edged sword: on the one hand, the permanent presence of an Astartes company will greatly enhance the area's defenses and create a powerful strategic deterrent; on the other hand, it also means that its activities will always be under the watchful eye of the Empire.
"The document has been confirmed." Osiris' synthesized voice remained calm and composed. "Welcome to the Black Templar's presence. The base will provide the necessary orbital berths and surface communication access. The specific location of the base can be determined jointly by your company commander and my Guardian Corps commander, Marshal Anvil-7."
"Alright." Sigismund nodded. "Company commander Hector will be in charge of the specific defenses here. He will coordinate directly with you."
Communication ended.
Osiris' processor updated the state of the Death World.
It is now not only his experimental base and the prototype of the future forging world, but also a private territory recognized by Imperial law, and has an Astartes company as its official garrison.
He pulled up the star map and looked at the point of light that represented his territory.
Power and responsibility always go hand in hand.
Ownership of this star system brings greater autonomy, but it also means that he needs to assume corresponding obligations for defense and development.
The presence of the Black Templar, while providing protection, also delineated an invisible boundary.