As night deepened, in an abandoned parts warehouse on the outskirts of Ronker Town, only a few rays of moonlight pierced through the cracks in the broken roof, casting dappled patterns of light on the dusty ground.
The air was filled with the smell of rusty metal and deteriorating engine oil.
Osiris arrived at the agreed time and conducted a thorough security check on the warehouse, confirming that there were no surveillance devices or unexpected visitors.
He stood silently in the shadows, his massive mechanical body blending into the surrounding darkness, with only the occasional faint red light flashing from the optical lens.
A small door on the side of the warehouse made a slight noise, and Elias appeared in the doorway.
He wrapped his protective suit tighter, cautiously looking around with barely concealed tension on his face. Upon seeing Osiris, he visibly relaxed and quickly walked over.
"No one's following you, is they?" Osiris' voice was exceptionally clear in the empty warehouse.
"No, I went around in circles before I got here." Elias' voice was a little hurried, and his breathing was slightly disordered. "You said you had something important to tell me in person."
"The plan has been finalized." Osiris didn't waste time on pleasantries. "Your role is crucial; it directly affects the success or failure of the operation, and also whether you can leave here alive."
Elias swallowed hard, nodded, his eyes showing both fear and a hint of determination: "What do I need to do?"
Osiris took out his own servo skull.
Once activated, the servo skull projects a simplified diagram of the underground structure of Ronker Town, highlighting several locations with flashing red dots: "This is an action map generated based on the information you provided, combined with other data."
You have two main tasks, both of which must be executed at the same time the attack begins.
He pointed to one of the red dots, located in the middle layer of the underground structure.
"This is the main energy distribution node K-7. It is responsible for delivering the 'core's' energy to most of the defensive turrets on the east and north sides. Your first task is to cause physical damage to this node."
Elias leaned closer to examine it, his brow furrowed.
"K-7 node… I know where it is. The security isn't too tight, but I need a proper reason to get in, and the sabotage itself could trigger a local alarm."
"So timing is crucial," Osiris explained. "Thirty seconds before the attack begins, you will receive an encrypted signal. After receiving the signal, you have twenty seconds to reach the node location."
You must complete the sabotage as soon as the attack officially begins. The overall chaos will mask the localized alarms.
He switched the display to show another marker.
"The second task is here—Central Control Substation B-12. According to your description, this is the secondary confirmation node for the self-destruct command."
Elias' face grew even paler.
"B-12... There's a dedicated line there that connects directly to the leader's office. If the self-destruct command is activated, this is where secondary verification is performed."
"Your task is to disrupt this verification process," Osiris said, staring at him. "You don't need to completely block it, just create enough delay. Even gaining ten to twenty seconds will be enough to change the situation."
As he spoke, Osiris took out a thin metal sheet slightly larger than a fingernail, with no markings on its surface.
"This is a miniature jammer. It can be activated by attaching it to any metal surface inside the B-12 control console. It will release electromagnetic pulses at a specific frequency to interfere with data transmission, but will not trigger regular electronic countermeasures alarms."
Elias carefully took the jammer, his fingers trembling slightly.
"If...if we're discovered..."
"Therefore you must carefully choose the timing and location." Osiris' tone remained calm. "The chaos at the start of the attack is your best cover. Everyone's attention will be drawn to the external situation."
He put away the monitor and fixed his gaze on Elias' face.
"Remember the order of operations: First, destroy node K-7 to disable the external defenses; then immediately proceed to B-12 to install the jammer. Both tasks must be completed within three minutes. After that, your task is to protect yourself and wait for backup."
Elias took a deep breath and carefully put the jammer away.
"I understand. But… can you really guarantee that you can control the core before the self-destruct program is activated?"
"This is the assault team's top priority." Osiris did not answer his question directly. "You just need to focus on your part. Your successful operation will buy them valuable time."
A brief silence fell over the warehouse, with only the faint sound of condensation dripping from the pipes in the distance echoing in the empty space.
Elias was clearly having a fierce internal struggle; fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He subconsciously rubbed the jammer he had just put away, as if trying to confirm the weight of the reality before him through this action.
"After it's done," he finally spoke again, his voice even drier than before, as if each word was being squeezed out of his throat with great effort, "can you really cure me? And guarantee my future in the Cult of Mechanics?"
"This is part of the agreement." Osiris' answer was calm and certain, without any hesitation. "Your contributions will determine your future position. The Mechanical Engineering Cult values valuable technical talent, and your skills and the loyalty you have demonstrated in this operation will earn you the position and resources you deserve."
This promise seemed to give Elias his final resolve.
He straightened up, and the hesitation in his eyes was gradually replaced by a resolute determination.
"I will complete the mission. No matter what happens."
Over the next hour, Osiris explained in detail the specific steps of the operation, including how Elias should explain where he was at what time, how to deal with various emergencies, and which safe point to go to for rendezvous after the mission was completed.
They checked every step repeatedly to ensure Elias fully understood his mission, and even simulated several possible contingency plans and solutions.
Once the last detail was confirmed, Osiris gave a final instruction: "From now on, maintain normalcy and do not arouse any suspicion. Wait for the signal; it will be the only instruction for you to begin your operation."
Elias nodded, wrapped his protective suit tighter around himself, as if to tightly encapsulate the resolve he had just gained, and then silently left the warehouse, his figure quickly disappearing into the darkness outside the door.
Osiris remained where he was, his optical lens fixed on the direction Elias had disappeared in, while the processor began simulating various possible unexpected situations and corresponding solutions.
This young man's determination seemed firm enough, but in a life-or-death situation, anyone could waver.
He had to be fully prepared to ensure that even if things changed on Elias' side, there would still be alternative plans to be implemented.
In the silent warehouse, only the almost inaudible low-frequency hum of his internal cooling system could be heard.