Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 36 Mission Rewards
The heavy blast-proof door slowly closed behind me, temporarily isolating me from the chilling malice emanating from the depths of the digital world within the deep isolation zone.

Covered in gunpowder smoke, exhausted, and bursting with barely suppressed excitement, Mann's team escorted the crucial "trophy"—a cylindrical, military-grade data storage device violently dismantled from the core array, its casing cold and its interface still faintly glowing with the energy of the isolation layer—back to the ground.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the gaps in the workshop's roof, intertwining with the cold lights inside, creating an unreal, otherworldly feeling.

Chen Yu was already waiting in the center of the workshop.

When Mann solemnly placed the heavy and dangerous memory on the specially designed anti-interference workbench, Chen Yu's pair of scarlet optical lenses instantly focused on it, as if trying to see through it completely.

A slender probe tentacles, as if possessing their own consciousness, quietly extended and carefully connected to the external detection interface of the memory.

After a brief data stream read, Chen Yu let out a deep, satisfied, almost sighing hum, the sound coming through the mask with an undeniable ecstasy.

“Perfect…perfect! The isolation layer is intact, the internal structure is stable, and the energy signature is active and…unique!” His voice was filled with the excitement of discovering a priceless treasure. “Such a strong signal of autonomy…it’s simply perfect! Mann, you’ve far exceeded expectations! This ‘gift’ is priceless!”

He rarely used the word "gift," which shows how excited he was. The servo skull "old friend" silently hovered closer, scanning the memory with the same high priority, its jaw slightly opening and closing, seemingly expressing the same amazement.

Mann breathed a sigh of relief, forcing a tired but proud smile. The team members exchanged glances, their eyes revealing the ease of completing the mission. Although the process was brutal, resulting in the loss of a valuable fighter jet, the reward was clearly worthwhile.

“So, boss,” Mann wiped the sweat and grease from his brow, “about the previous agreement… our ‘upgrade’?”

Chen Yu's attention seemed to have just shifted slightly away from that dangerous "treasure".

He turned to Mann's team, the crimson lens sweeping over each of them, their equipment more worn after the fierce battle and their still-soothing physiological signals.

“The promise is valid.” His synthesized voice regained its usual calmness, but a hint of generosity could still be heard. “Based on your outstanding contributions and the core research materials you provided, I will provide one person from your team with a complete, tailor-made enhancement and modification program. From the underlying framework to the neural interface, a thorough systemic upgrade will be carried out.”

"One person?" Rebecca couldn't help but exclaim, her big green eyes widening. "Only one person? Can't we share?"

“There is an optimal solution for integrating technological resources, Rebecca,” Chen Yu explained calmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “Scattered, incomplete reinforcement is a waste of precious materials and energy. A complete transformation focused on a single objective is far more effective than piecemeal repairs. This is the most efficient solution.”

The workshop fell silent. The team members exchanged glances, the atmosphere becoming somewhat awkward as this unexpected grand prize, meant for only one person, was awarded.

As the leader, Mann broke the silence first: "Boss, what exactly do you mean by 'complete transformation'? What's required?"

Chen Yu pulled up several complex blueprint outlines, and light and shadow flowed across his dark red visor.

"It depends on who you choose and your future positioning," he explained. "For you, Mann, it's a deeper internal skeletal reinforcement and energy core replacement, which will greatly improve power output and durability. The price is that it requires scarce high-strength alloys and micro fusion battery units."

"For Falco or Sasha, it is a top-of-the-line information processing and neuroprotection implant kit, which requires the latest biochips and military-grade firewall hardware available on the black market."

"For the Pira or Rebecca, it is a deep integration of precision operation or heavy weapon platforms, which also requires specific models of servo systems and energy weapon components."

He paused briefly, his lens sweeping across the crowd: "Acquiring this top-tier hardware requires time, channels, and enormous risks. It's beyond the capabilities of my workshop's current resources." Everyone's gaze instinctively turned to Dorio. Chen Yu's lens ultimately focused on her.

“However,” he changed his tone, “Dorio’s enhancement pathway is mainly based on biochemical stimulation and regulation. Her foundation is the organic body itself, which has been tempered and refined, rather than a large amount of metal implantation.”

A mechanical tentacle pointed to the faintly glowing potions he had previously prepared in the refrigerated cabinet on the workbench.

"Her 'complete transformation' focuses on optimizing her metabolic system, strengthening muscle fibers, enhancing nerve reflexes, and equipping her with a new type of catalytic agent that is more potent and has fewer side effects. Most of these... can be accomplished here by procuring specific drugs and compound raw materials. There is no need to wait for top-tier prosthetic hardware that is difficult to obtain."

In an instant, all eyes were on Dorio.

She crossed her arms, her bronze skin still stained with the marks of battle, her eyes sharp and complex.

Mann took a deep breath and looked at his teammates. Rebecca pouted, a little unwilling, but still nodded to Dorio; Pila shrank back, indicating that she had no objection; Falco pushed up his glasses, rationally stating that this was the best option at present; Sasha stood quietly in the shadows, nodding slightly.

Mann ultimately left the decision to Dorio: "Dorio, what do you say? This path... is right for you."

Dorothy's gaze swept across her teammates' faces one by one, finally settling on Chen Yu, and then she looked at the potions that were shimmering with an alluring glow.

She has always pursued the purest form of power—the power to shatter obstacles with a single punch and protect her companions. More metal implants are not the ultimate form she desires.

“I accept.” Her voice was calm and firm, without the slightest hesitation. “Tell me what I need to prepare, boss. I need to become stronger.”

Chen Yu's scarlet lens flickered slightly, seemingly in appreciation of her decisiveness.

“Very good. I will provide the materials list and procurement channels later. Mann, make sure the resources are in place.” He withdrew his tentacles and turned his attention back to the memory that imprisoned the stray AI, as if that were the center of his world.

"Now, if there's nothing else, don't bother me. I need to start the initial analysis of this... 'baby'."

His tone carried the eagerness of a researcher facing the unknown mysteries, and he had already temporarily put Mann's team out of his mind.

Mann's team slowly and discreetly withdrew from the workshop, leaving the space to the mechanical priest, who was engrossed in his new discovery.

As the sun sank completely below the horizon, only the hum of the running instruments and Chen Yu's barely audible whispers of excitement as he faced the dangerous memory device remained in the workshop.

Dorio clenched her fists, her eyes burning with a renewed anticipation for greater power. The demon they had brought back from the old era lay quietly on the workbench, awaiting its new master to break its seal.

　Thanks to Warhammer Brotherhood, True Fairy, GT Ambition, and steamwarning for their donations.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)