After returning to the upper hive, Emrys still felt his heart pounding.
In fact, on the way back, he had carefully reasoned through everything again in his mind.
The result was that no matter how he thought about it, it was full of peculiarities; although there was no definite evidence, all indications suggested that he might have guessed wrong from the very beginning!
It wasn't some dormant Necron Tomb world at all, but rather had been in an 'active' state from start to finish!
Especially the phrase 'can contact a mysterious Necron' in the 'Traveler' system's prompt, which made Emrys' blood run cold.
"Please don't let it be the King of Collectibles Trazyn. Please"
Emrys hurriedly made the Aquila sign, praying devoutly to the Emperor.
There was a reason for his fear.
Actually, the true name of the King of Collectibles is Trazyn the Infinite, a Necron, ruler of the Tomb world Solemnace, who proclaimed himself a protector of history, artifacts, and events in the Milky Way Galaxy.
His Solemnace Museum houses countless priceless technologies and artifacts, as well as historical segments preserved in stasis fields.
As the saying goes, there are only misspoken names, not mistaken nicknames, and Trazyn being dubbed 'Old Rogue' and 'King of Collectibles' offers a glimpse into his character.
This includes Trazyn attempting to steal Imotekh the Stormlord's staff, tricking the Ultramarines into believing he was Guilliman's friend, collecting an Ork Warboss and the Deathwatch squad hunting them, stealing Guilliman's pillow, and raiding the Emperor's Children Legion's gene-seed transport ship, among other things.
Such incidents are almost too numerous to count.
If there was anyone in the entire Warhammer Universe Emrys feared the most, Trazyn would definitely be in the top five!
Anyone targeted by this guy had a high probability of ending up as a 'collection' in his museum, and Emrys certainly didn't want to become an 'artifact'.
He didn't want to stay in this cursed place, Roselle, for another day.
"Lord Emrys, you don't look well. Should I find an apothecary for you?"
Elsa looked at him with some concern, asking softly.
"No need, I'm going to rest. Don't let anyone disturb me."
Emrys took a deep breath, temporarily suppressing his restless emotions, and slowly said, "Remember, anyone. Without my permission, no matter what happens, no one is allowed into this room."
Although Elsa couldn't understand this command, she still expressed her obedience and then slowly exited the room.
He decided to resolve the matters on Roselle as soon as possible, and after getting what he needed from Rosales, he would immediately escape this cursed place!
"It's time to check on the xenomorph universe," Emrys had been concerned about the research progress in the xenomorph universe.
This was related to a major trump card of his future, so naturally, he had to pay more attention.
"Traveler, traverse to the 'Alien universe'." He softly called out to the system in the room, and with a flash of faint light, he vanished.
Because of adjusting the time ratio using the 'Traveler' system.
And encountering Khorne's Warband and Chaos invasions in the Warhammer Universe, he had been delayed by various trivial matters for about a month and a half in total.
So, when he returned to the 'xenomorph universe' again, checking the 'Lord of the world's' navigation log, he confirmed the timeline was one year and two months later.
Emrys sat in the cockpit, reviewing the messages sent by Viggs and Weyland over the past year or so.
It must be said that due to his appearance, the entire xenomorph universe's landscape had undergone earth-shattering changes, completely deviating from its original trajectory.
Firstly, Peter Weyland, who should have run out of lifespan, gained a longer life, allowing him to fully dedicate his attention to work. He quickly regained control of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation with decisive action and officially reached a friendly mutual assistance agreement with Viggs , the representative of Paradise world.
Research on 'Aliens' and 'black water' was also steadily progressing.
In the most recent message, Emrys finally saw hope: Peter and Viggs , working together, had created a brand new 'xenomorph' lifeform.
"It wasn't easy, but they finally pulled it off."
Emrys' lips curved upwards; they had finally managed to create the 'xenomorph'.
According to the data, the embryonic stage of this xenomorph was named 'Facehugger'.
The 'xenomorph' in its Facehugger form can parasitize any lifeform and can be born from the host within a few hours.
Its growth rate is beyond imagination, completely defying the law of conservation of energy. It only requires minimal nutritional supply to grow into a 'mature' xenomorph. In this form, the 'xenomorph' possesses extremely strong environmental adaptability and will have some characteristics of its host, depending on the host it parasitizes.
Its blood is highly corrosive, it harbors extreme malice towards all life, and it possesses the purest, most excellent slaughter ability!
In tests, Peter specifically chose narrow terrain suitable for the 'xenomorph' to operate, and the result was that a forty-person mercenary team was completely slaughtered by the xenomorph.
However, if fighting in more open terrain, the 'xenomorph' would expose its flaws; its carapace's defense could not withstand kinetic firearms, but its performance was still impressive. Under extremely unequal conditions, the xenomorph still killed several mercenaries!
Of course, Viggs' suggestion was that in the future, specialized biological carapaces could be implanted into the 'xenomorph' lifeforms.
This way, the 'xenomorph's' survival rate could be increased, and even when used on the front lines, it could still possess considerable lethality!
"Hmm, once I can control the Aliens, should I consider capturing some Chaos Space Marines?" Emrys stared at the research data, a sudden thought striking him: "Having Aliens parasitize Space Marines, just thinking about it is exciting. Maybe it could give me some surprises."
Currently, their research on the 'xenomorph' is basically stuck on how to control the xenomorph.
Although the 'xenomorph' conceived by 'black water' has great potential for growth, it is difficult to control. Even with Engineer technology, Viggs still cannot effectively control it.
To put it simply, the current 'xenomorph' is a double-edged sword.
When deployed, it doesn't distinguish between friend and foe, making it easy to kill enemies but also easy to harm oneself. Therefore, both agreed that the 'xenomorph' was still a failure.
It was tasteless to eat, yet a pity to discard. This describes the 'xenomorph' at its current stage.
Emrys rubbed his jaw, pondering for a moment: "It seems it's not impossible. This thing poses some risks when thrown into Warhammer, but there's no need to worry about other Worlds."
Moreover, as long as the numbers are controlled, there's no need to worry too much about an xenomorph infestation.
"Lord of the world, navigate to LV-223."
While contemplating, Emrys activated the cockpit. Amidst the vast projected star map, he locked onto that solitary Paradise world.
Coincidentally, after the Weyland-Yutani Corporation and Viggs reached an agreement, they established a research base on world LV-223, where they first met, completely transforming that world into a specialized 'xenomorph' ecological research facility. The two of them were also there.
The Lord of the world emerged from the asteroid belt, and after a brief glide, its FTL engine activated, instantly pulling out a dazzling stream of light.
Several days later, on world LV-223, a space station in orbit suddenly detected an unknown energy source.
Although the signal energy source had never been seen before, it was recorded in Weyland-Yutani Corporation's programs with the highest security classification, requiring immediate reporting upon discovery.
In the laboratory, Peter, who was focused on researching 'xenomorph' embryos, immediately put down all his work after receiving the news.
He strictly ordered everyone to stay put, then solemnly changed into a suit, waiting meticulously at the orbital docking port. The Weyland employees had never seen their boss act so formally before, and they all speculated about the identity of the person piloting the Engineer spacecraft.
Soon, the Lord of the world docked at the space station, and their orbits successfully connected.
As the heavy airlock opened, Peter stepped forward with small, hurried steps, bowing his head respectfully. This old man, who controlled the vast Weyland-Yutani Corporation, now resembled a humble servant.
This scene immediately made the company's employees and researchers widen their eyes in astonishment.
Emrys walked out of the corridor, looking at Peter, who was extremely humble and submissive, and couldn't help but praise him in his heart.
He truly deserved to be the great man who founded Weyland-Yutani; this ability to adapt and be flexible alone surpassed many others.
"Welcome back, lord."
Peter took a step forward, bowing low and making a welcoming gesture.
"Long time no see, Peter. You look well."
Emrys asked casually. Peter, after his lifespan extension, indeed seemed more energetic than before.
"This is all thanks to you, lord."
Peter lowered his posture, led Emrys to an office, dismissed all other personnel, and then obediently stood by.
Emrys sat in the chair, a gentle smile on his lips, his eyes fixed on Peter, and chuckled, "I received your message. It's excellent."
Since being trained by Elsa, there was a hint of grace, generosity, and innate nobility in his every gesture.
And after the baptism of blood and fire, it even caused a flicker of blood red to appear in his eyes inadvertently, enough to inspire fear.
Peter, noticing Emrys' change in demeanor, became even more respectful, and without waiting for Emrys to ask, he was the first to apologize: "I am very sorry, lord, the research you entrusted to us has currently hit a bottleneck, but please give us some more time. I believe we will overcome it very soon."
The 'bottleneck' he referred to was naturally the defect that the 'xenomorph' lifeform could not yet be effectively controlled.
"It's alright. In just a year's time, you've done your best."
Emrys did not blame Peter. Constant suppression and scolding could not improve efficiency; a suitable 'sweetener' was better.
Besides, the areas where he needed Peter to function were not limited to xenomorph research, so he naturally wouldn't be too harsh.
"Thank you for your understanding, lord."
Peter, who had been somewhat nervous, immediately breathed a sigh of relief. He was afraid that if the research wasn't completed, his life-extension serum would also be gone.
"Time is tight this time, so I'll keep it short."
Emrys didn't want to waste time, so he went straight to the point: "I need a special android human and ten xenomorph embryo eggs."
The xenomorph egg's embryonic function is significant; despite its current 'flaws,' it remains a formidable 'weapon.'
Although in the Warhammer Universe, the current 'xenomorph' cannot play a major role; even the gangs of the Underhive could probably kill it.
But it is undeniable that the xenomorph has extremely excellent growth potential, which is what Emrys values most.
As for the androids, that was for another consideration.
Constantly traveling between various Worlds, when facing all kinds of dangers, there must be a tool that can help him explore these dangers.
And the androids developed by Weyland happen to meet this need.
Firstly, strictly speaking, androids are not life; they are merely bio-humans with the ability to think and can be placed in a private room.
This way, Emrys can be freed; for example, if a dangerous area needs to be explored in the future, the android can be sent, which also provides a safeguard for himself.
What, are androids also people?
No, no, no. From the perspective of subsequent series developed by Weyland, androids are not truly people; they are merely tools.
Therefore, there is no need to have any psychological burden.
Regarding Emrys' request, Peter was very smart and did not ask for the reason, only cautiously reminded him: "sir the current 'xenomorph' lifeform holds extreme hostility towards any creature. You need to be extremely careful about this."
Why build a space station on LV-223?
The reason is simple: during a certain study of the 'xenomorph' lifeform, a researcher made an operational error and was parasitized.
The rest was simple; the research department quickly established on the surface of LV-223 was completely overrun by the xenomorph. If Viggs had not led the Space Jockeys of the Engineer race to timely control the disaster of the xenomorph spread on LV-223, perhaps the entire world would have fallen by now.
Therefore, after that incident, Peter built a space station in space and moved the research from the ground to space.
And the scope of 'xenomorph' research was strictly limited to the lowest level, so that in the event of an accident, the lower level of the station could be separated and directly crashed.
The LV-223 ground research institute was not completely abandoned but was converted into an observation center, specifically for cultivating and domesticating 'xenomorph' lifeforms.
"You don't have to worry about that."
Emrys waved his hand. The xenomorph might be a threat to humans.
However, in front of an Eta-level psyker, the difficulty of crushing an xenomorph is no harder than crushing an ant.
"Sir may I trouble you to ask what the purpose of the android you need is?" As if to avoid suspicion, after asking this question, Peter specifically added: "I have no other meaning, sir; it's just that only according to your needs can I better customize the android you require."
He understood too well that Emrys liked this kind of Weyland, sensible and thoughtful, so he smiled and said: "For exploration, dealing with various unknown dangers, traps, environments, etc. Do you have any suggestions?"
Peter thought for a few seconds, and an idea popped into his head: "Sir I can implant the Engineer's bio-armor for you. This way, it can make up for the android's shortcomings, and at the same time, it can bear risks and attacks for you when necessary. What do you think?"
"Good, do as you say."
Emrys nodded, gladly accepting this suggestion.
"Manufacturing the android and cultivating the biological core will take about two days." Peter said cautiously: "Sir during this time, would you like to go to LV-233 to have a look? We have set up an xenomorph breeding and training center there."
"Sounds a bit like a 'zoo'?" Emrys raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued.
"In a sense, it is indeed a 'zoo'."
Peter replied with a smile: "We realized that it is difficult to change the xenomorph at the genetic level, so we plan to use domestication to make the xenomorph iterate, thereby achieving this goal."
"Okay, then let's go see."
Anyway, it would take two days, so Emrys didn't mind visiting the so-called 'xenomorph zoo.'
After piloting a small spaceship to world LV-223, Emrys immediately saw the 'big head' with the unique architectural style of the Engineers: "Is this the zoo inside?"
The researcher responsible for reception cautiously replied: "Yes, sir. Because 'xenomorph' is an extremely dangerous lifeform, we entrusted the Engineers to build a special breeding park here. Currently, the Aliens inside have already bred to the third generation."
A breeding park, huh. Emrys looked at the bizarre building, and a thought suddenly popped into his head.
Isn't this a modified version of Jurassic Crisis, xenomorph Crisis?
I really don't know if, after further breeding, there will come a day when Weyland will turn the xenomorph into a large theme park and sell tickets.
Moreover, the entire world's ecological environment of LV-223 has also been re-engineered by the Weyland Corporation.
The sightseeing process was novel at first, but then became a bit dull.
But one thing is worth mentioning: in order to explore the diversity of the xenomorph, Weyland specifically transported various creatures from Earth to provide for xenomorph embryo parasitism.
Ultimately, two categories of species were born, considered among the more excellent ones.
One type was the 'Hunter Type,' which possessed explosive sprint speed after parasitizing large felines like cheetahs.
The other type was the 'Hound Type,' which possessed excellent endurance and tracking abilities after parasitizing large canines.
Both had different advantages and were bred separately in the park for optimized iteration. The most original xenomorph species, after several iterations and a special genetic mutation, even produced a super-large xenomorph, but Emrys was rather disappointed that it was not an xenomorph Queen.
After staying for two days, his android was completed.
The moment Peter led the android into the room, Emrys couldn't help but show a look of surprise.
If he hadn't been sure that this was the xenomorph universe, he would have even wondered if he was in Warhammer.
The android's height was about two and a half meters, almost like an iron tower, with perfect muscle lines like ancient Greek sculptures. Just from its formidable physique, it already had a few Shadows of an Astartes; the only difference was that no modifications were implanted.
"Please allow me to formally introduce you."
Peter, beaming, said with great pride: "This is the android model 'Hercules' that I specially developed for you. It combines the highest technological achievements of Weyland-Yutani and can fully serve for complex tasks such as exploration and assault, and its physical quality is five times that of ordinary humans!"
The 'Hercules' model android could completely serve as a degraded Astartes!
Emrys was very satisfied with the android Peter had specially designed for him. With such a guardian deity, the risks of exploring other Worlds in the future would be greatly reduced.
After finishing his journey through the Alien universe, Emrys returned to his room.
The time he spent there wasn't long, so only a few hours had passed.
Gazing at the ten carefully selected alien embryo containers in his private space, along with the unactivated 'Hercules' type android human, Emrys was suddenly filled with confidence for his exploration of the next world.
"I refuse to believe it. Unless you throw me into Catachan, I'll raise the difficulty of the next world one way or another!"
Full of confidence, Emrys looked down at the 'Traveler' system.
[Traveler: Emrys]
[Race: Human]
[Occupation: Rogue Trader]
[Remaining Energy: 5000 units]
[Remaining Source Power: 500 units]
[Main world: Warhammer M41.999]
[Anchor Worlds: Marvel Cinematic universe - 99999, Alien universe]
[world Authority Level: LV2]
[Time Flow Rate: 1-10]
[Current Status: Can travel to the next world]
The travel function had actually finished its cooldown a long time ago, but due to being too busy recently, it had been temporarily put aside.
He planned to deal with everything here, and then, before leaving Roselle, he could make one more trip.
Time quickly arrived at the appointed day.
After his classes for the day, Emrys told Elsa to stay at the castle and went alone to the abandoned foundry.
He was already a bit impatient. Not long after entering, he saw Rosales, who had been waiting for a long time.
Clearly, Rosales had been busy for several days modifying the Valkyrie gunship for him. Even his mechanical body couldn't hide the visible fatigue.
If he were in a forge world, he naturally wouldn't have to do the modifications himself; he would have plenty of servitors to command.
But on Roselle, Rosales didn't have that many servitors to command, so he had to painstakingly do it himself, barely managing to complete the modifications for him within the agreed time.
"Come with me."
Rosales' voice carried a deep, bone-weary fatigue.
It seemed even a Mechanicus Priest couldn't escape 996 overtime. Emrys grumbled inwardly, then followed him deeper into the foundry.
After taking the large elevator to the lowest level, Emrys immediately saw the Valkyrie he had been longing for.
Parked in the open space, with Hellfire missiles mounted on its wings and two turbine engines on top, shaped like a falcon with outstretched wings—it was a Valkyrie gunship filled with an imposing and rugged style!
Although from its appearance, the Valkyrie didn't look like a product of future sci-fi, but rather more like a world War II-era fighter jet.
But the technology of the Warhammer Universe is characterized by looking ancient, yet being utterly baffling in practice.
Specific data is as follows:
Vengeance-class Valkyrie gunship, net weight 13 tons, length 18.5 meters, wingspan 16.9 meters, height 4.8 meters.
Its power plant is an afterburning vectored-thrust turbofan engine, with a maximum speed of 1100 KM/hour, approximately Mach 0.98, and an operational range of 2000 KM within the atmosphere!
Its main weapons are three multi-barreled laser cannons installed on the fuselage, with a full ammunition load of 1,500 rounds, powered by two large energy cells.
Its secondary weapons are Hellfire missiles, with six mounted under each wing, each one a cluster incendiary bomb with an extremely wide coverage area!
"I've given you the goods."
Rosales, unable to hide his exhaustion, said, "I've already informed the Fabricator-General about your trade. There should be news very soon. I'm going to the Vigil Star now, and I'll contact you when I have news."
"Thank you for your hard work, esteemed Master Rosales."
Emrys was overjoyed; with this item, he undoubtedly had another layer of security!
After a brief chat, Rosales took his leave. He had stayed on Roselle for too long and needed to rush to the Vigil Star as soon as possible.
As for this foundry, the things inside were no longer useful, so it was naturally abandoned.
"Tsk, that saves me the hustle of having to drag it back for a show."
Watching Rosales leave, Emrys was naturally quite happy, directly storing the massive Valkyrie gunship into his private space.
Upon returning to the planetary governor's mansion, Elsa had already been waiting for a long time.
"Welcome back, lord Emrys," Elsa said slowly, a faint glimmer in her cold eyes. "Do you need me to prepare dinner for you now?"
"Wait."
Emrys shook his head, strolling in the courtyard.
Elsa didn't understand his meaning but could only follow beside him. The two walked slowly in the courtyard, which was replanted with flowers and plants.
Emrys stopped and suddenly asked, with a knowing look, "Elsa, who do you pledge allegiance to?"
The sudden question made Elsa think she had done something wrong. She hastily knelt on one knee and said in a solemn tone, "Lord Emrys, I swear on my life, under the Emperor's witness, I will forever pledge allegiance to you alone!"
"Then, what if I have something I need you to keep from Grandpa?" Emrys looked at Elsa, who was kneeling on one knee, and asked again meaningfully.
This matter concerned whether he could trust Elsa in the future.
"From the moment I began serving you, I will only pledge allegiance to you alone," Elsa answered quickly, without the slightest hesitation. "No matter what you wish to do, I will faithfully carry out all your commands, even if it goes against Master Arthur's orders."
When she was assigned to Emrys' side, Arthur had specifically instructed her.
No matter what happened, her Master and the object of her allegiance was, and only ever would be, Merlin Emrys!
Emrys was very satisfied with Elsa's answer, but he knew that trust wasn't built in a day, so he said, "I need to go do something very important and will temporarily leave hive capital for about half a month. I hope you can help me keep it a secret."
"You're leaving for half a month?"
Elsa was a bit surprised, biting her lip, seemingly very conflicted. "Begging your pardon, lord Emrys, it's still very dangerous outside. For you to leave alone for half a month, this..."
"Didn't you just say you would obey my commands unconditionally?"
Emrys teased her with her own words. "Don't worry, there won't be any problems. Just help me keep it a secret for half a month, and I'll explain the reason to you later, how about that?"
Finally, Elsa had no choice but to reluctantly compromise: "Alright, lord Emrys, but... I can only try my best to help you hide it. If Master Arthur comes, I..."
"Don't worry, if really comes, just tell him directly."
Emrys knew she would be in a difficult position, so he said, "I'll be back in half a month at the latest. During this time, I'm counting on you, Elsa."
Finally, the biggest problem was solved!
After becoming a Rogue Trader, Emrys' biggest limitation was how to 'disappear' legitimately.
After all, he couldn't explain the origin of the Traveler System to Arthur.
After reassuring Elsa, Emrys got ready and quietly left the planetary governor's mansion. Only after he was out of hive capital and confirmed no one was around did he finally relax.
"System, travel!"