Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 54 Oath of Allegiance
Chen Yu's mechanical tentacles unconsciously traced a complex trajectory in the air, as if outlining a grand blueprint.

“To complete the mission, you must undergo a complete transformation. It’s not just about a few new weapons or simple cybernetic adjustments, but a thorough, customized overhaul from the underlying framework to your tactical thinking. Only by completing all of this will you have even a sliver of... possibility of completing the mission.” The prospect he described was both alluring and filled with unknown fear.

A complete transformation? After that, were they still themselves?

These words plunged Mann into an even deeper dilemma.

On one side is Sasha, his teammate with whom he has shared life and death, whom he cannot bear to watch die; on the other side is the task of leading the entire team, these partners whom he considers family, into an unknown and extremely dangerous situation, where they may even lose the independence and freedom they have been struggling to maintain.

His fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, and the muscles on his rugged face were tense, as if he were having an internal struggle. Dorothy stood silently beside him; she could feel the stiffness in Mann's body and understood his inner turmoil.

Falco pushed up his sunglasses, his eyes behind the lenses flashing with calculation and weighing.

Pila nervously rubbed her hands, glanced at Mann, then at Sasha on the medical bed, and finally lowered her head.

Just then, Rebecca's voice rang out again, breaking the heavy atmosphere with her characteristic, reckless arrogance: "Damn it! What's there to hesitate about! Mann! Sasha is our family! What's wrong with selling our lives for our family?!"

She abruptly turned to Chen Yu, her green prosthetic eye fixed on him as if trying to imprint him into her soul. "Red-robed boss! I, Rebecca, keep my word! As long as you save Sasha, my life is yours! You tell me to go east, I'll never go west; you tell me to attack the company, I'll never back down! Let's fucking get to him!"

Her statement was simple, direct, and powerful, stemming from the most basic sense of loyalty on the streets. For her, the safety of her family was more important than abstract concepts like freedom and future risks.

Rebecca's almost reckless statement was like a key, instantly unlocking the shackles in Mann's heart.

He looked around—Dorio's gaze was steady, and she nodded slightly to him, expressing her support for Rebecca's decision; Falco pushed up his glasses, silent but resolute; even Pira, who was always afraid of death, swallowed hard, shrank his neck, but did not voice his opposition.

They are a unit, and the safety of their family is above all else, including his unwavering commitment to "freedom."

He saw the same determination in his companions' eyes; they were willing to gamble their future for Sasha.

Mann exhaled a long, deep breath, as if releasing all the struggles and worries in his chest.

He raised his head, his gaze hardening once more, meeting Chen Yu's unfathomable optical lens. His voice was deep and resolute, carrying a sense of resolute acceptance after a heavy burden had been lifted: "Alright, boss... you win. As long as you can help Sasha..."

I, Mann, on behalf of the 'Fringe Walker' squad, pledge my allegiance to you. From this day forward, we will fight and die for you.

As he said those words, he felt a strange sense of relief, as if he had been relieved of the heavy burden of supporting the team alone for so long. But a shadow of gloom also quietly settled over his heart—where were they headed?

Chen Yu seemed to have anticipated this outcome.

He nodded slightly, the crimson light flashing steadily, revealing little joy, only the calm of a "deal concluded": "A wise choice. Your loyalty will be exchanged for Sasha's life, and... the path to greater power. This deal is fair."

For him, this was just the beginning of a plan, another integration of resources and strength.

“So, boss,” Mann pressed on, needing to know what they were about to face, “can you tell us now what exactly this mission that requires us to risk our lives and freedom to complete?” Rebecca also perked up her ears, guessing, “Is it to steal Arasaka’s or some military technology treasure? Like that underground base last time?”

Upon hearing this, Chen Yu let out a short, almost mocking sound, the sound coming through his mask with undisguised contempt.

"Steal company stuff? Hmph, are those 'junk' products they developed based on superficial understanding and short-sighted profit-seeking really worth my going to great lengths to assemble a special team to steal?" His contempt was genuine, stemming from the vast difference in technological levels and cognitive dimensions between the two worlds.

In his eyes, the technology of the cyberpunk world is mostly primitive and crude design and utilitarian application, lacking a deep understanding of the underlying laws of the universe.

While the technology in the Warhammer world may appear crude and primitive, its actual technological sophistication is... you could think of it as a vertebrate that hasn't yet evolved into a monkey looking at a spaceship that has already ventured into space.

“My goal is far beyond what any material wealth in this world can measure.” Chen Yu’s tone remained calm, but the implication within it sent a chill down the spines of Mann and the others. “It involves a field that your current knowledge structure cannot comprehend. Knowing the details too early will not benefit you at all; it will only increase unnecessary psychological burdens and risks.”

He wasn't trying to mystify things; his judgment was based on facts.

Explaining the horrors of the multiverse, dimensional travel, and even the Warhammer universe to them would only create confusion and fear, and would not be helpful for the mission.

He abruptly changed the subject, drawing everyone's attention back to reality: "Now, your primary task is to survive and become stronger. Focus on improving your own strength."

Modifications, training, familiarizing yourself with new equipment and tactics... that's the only thing you need to focus on right now.

He glanced at Sasha, whose vital signs were weak, on the medical bed, and continued, "As for Sasha's matter, I will keep pushing forward, but you need to understand that hacking into the Black Wall is not a simple matter. Although it is just a piece of cake for me, it still takes time to do it."

My time is extremely valuable, and I need to carve out time from my existing work schedule specifically for this, which is a huge investment of resources for me.

Chen Yu turned to Mann, his tone regaining its businesslike calm: "Although you have sworn allegiance, it doesn't mean I will provide everything unconditionally. Weapons, equipment, special materials needed for modification surgery... these still require 'payment'."

Of course, as my direct subordinates, you will receive insider pricing, far cheaper than before. Furthermore, you will have priority access to my workshop's facilities and resources.

Rebecca muttered to herself, "Damn, I thought I could get something for nothing by clinging to someone powerful..."

But she didn't show much dissatisfaction on her face.

Having grown up on the streets, she knew better than anyone that there's no such thing as a free lunch.

If Chen Yu really provides everything for free, it means that the price they have to pay might be even more terrifying, perhaps even their souls or their ultimate exploitation value.

This transparent pricing system actually makes her feel more "real".

(End of this chapter)