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After witnessing some of New Eridu's technological marvels with Grace, Ignis returned to his residence in a daze.
Lieutenant Roland packaged the video footage and technical data and sent it to his superiors. Within minutes, Koleda received a phone call placing an order from the Defense Force.
After all, the sheer power of this new weapon was eye-catching, and its ability to fire fifteen rounds in thirty seconds was extremely tempting. Honestly, if it weren't for the impossibility of miniaturization, Ignis himself would have wanted one.
Grace had explained that generating plasma by laser-ionizing hydrogen required immense power. Even with all three engines of the Leviathan Dreadnought running, it could barely supply enough energy; during firing, it couldn't move at all.
In other words, to maintain mobile firing capability, a unit equipped with this weapon would need at least four ether hybrid engines. Its size would inevitably be large, and the cost wouldn't be cheap.
Not to mention the comfort of the crew—but given the power of this rapid-fire plasma cannon, making some sacrifices was entirely worthwhile.
It was like the Leman Russ Vanquisher: to mount the plasma cannon, some energy conduits and cooling systems were exposed outside the turret. Yet the immense destructive power of its main plasma gun proved that sacrificing a little protection for overwhelming firepower was an excellent trade-off.
Especially when integrated among standard Leman Russ battle tanks, a sudden plasma blast could deliver a shocking surprise to the Empire's enemies.
Moreover, New Eridu had an advantage far surpassing the Warhammer universe: robotics technology was highly advanced. If needed, machines could operate it instead of humans, even letting Bangboo handle the weapon entirely, eliminating the vulnerabilities of flesh and blood.
With an intelligent core making autonomous decisions… mounting this weapon on such a platform…
That's practically a Mechanicus Onager Dunecrawler!
But according to Grace, the intelligent engineering machines' engines weren't strong enough. To mount this weapon, the power systems would need to be upgraded significantly.
Ignis couldn't help imagining Grace, in her red robes, wielding a gear-laden halberd, commanding three upgraded intelligent machines as they tore through Symbiotic Ethereal Swarms…
Hah, and they say she's not the Omnissiah's own daughter!
After Roland finished his call, his attitude softened, even seeming deliberately conciliatory. It was clear the Defense Force now had a decent understanding of Ignis and his group—a kind of capable but cooperative party.
Ignis himself didn't have a bad impression of the Defense Force. The members he had met were competent and responsible soldiers.
Especially Soldier 11: though initially an opponent, she had performed her mission flawlessly. The second encounter against Razor also proved her skill and courage.
She coordinated well with Anby during combat—though the two seemed to have some friction, having even clashed on first meeting—and she did not hold back.
As Ignis mused over this, his phone rang. The caller was Von Lycaon.
Busy man… if he's calling, it must be important.
"Lord Ignis, my employer has learned of your outstanding performance against the miscreants at the Saint Love Behavioral Correction School and wishes to provide some assistance."
The Wolf Thiren was straightforward, skipping the usual formalities. His employer?
Victoria Housekeeping had a sterling reputation among New Eridu's wealthy elite. No doubt the employer was immensely influential. Offering assistance? A moment of magnanimity? Or was this just entertainment—a high-stakes gladiatorial match to sponsor?
"Lord Ignis, please trust that we harbor no ill intent. This is purely out of admiration and respect for you and your companions."
Ignis's silence made Lycaon unusually flustered, the usually composed butler seeming a bit anxious.
"Have you heard rumors?" The Salamander asked, noticing his unease.
"My master is aware of the feats of you and your companions," Lycaon continued. "They believe your efforts have greatly contributed to New Eridu's safety and deserve recognition."
It sounded like flattery, but as Lycaon had mentioned, Zhu Yuan had distributed recordings of their Public Security operations to various New Eridu departments. It was likely that all levels of government were now aware of these three "outsiders" and their capabilities.
Furthermore, just hours earlier, Lieutenant Roland had submitted plasma weapon data and a live demonstration. In the eyes of the New Eridu government, these three and their allies had become a force to be reckoned with.
As a proxy for the upper class, Lycaon approaching Ignis and his team was understandable.
But how should Ignis respond? He wasn't sure. He didn't fully grasp the city's political landscape and didn't want to deal with these complications.
Before eliminating the forces of Slaanesh, he had no interest in negotiating with local government. But after witnessing the Defense Force and Public Security in action, he realized even mortals could be remarkably resilient.
At least those like Zhu Yuan, Qingyi, and Soldier 11 had strong enough wills not to be corrupted by the Chaos gods. Even Sinera was eventually defeated thanks to these mortals' efforts.
Though some of those actions were opportunistic, to claim a kill from three Space Marines—including the veteran Leviathan Dreadnought—was no small feat.
"Please don't misunderstand. Our employer harbors no ill intent," Lycaon added, a little embarrassed by Ignis's silence. "This is simply a gift."
"Then your employer has no demands? Technology transfer? Training support? Some problem they want us to handle?" Ignis asked calmly. "Surely not entirely selfless."
"I understand your concern," the Wolf Thiren said sincerely. "You may suspect this gift hides ulterior motives, a test of sorts. But my master assures you, it is only a reward for your efforts in safeguarding New Eridu."
"They have analyzed the risks, understood your sacrifices. This is truly just a reward."
"In my master's words: I cannot offer medals or honors, but I can at least ask what you require."
Ignis had already guessed Lycaon's role. The butler of Victoria Housekeeping served the upper class but had intimate knowledge of military radios, photographed Gotthardt's defensive constructions, and provided intelligence support freely.
Clearly, powerful figures backed him, likely with close ties to the city's enforcement agencies.
Ignis knew New Eridu had three enforcement branches: the Defense Force, Public Security, and the HAND. Each had overlapping authority. The Salamander had built some contacts in the Defense Force and influence in Public Security, but knew almost nothing about the HAND.
Though operating in Hollows, his primary goal was combating Chaos; dealing with Hollows themselves wasn't a priority.
Technically, I am a Hollow Investigative Association agent, so there's some indirect connection…
Lycaon noticed Ignis's silence and sighed. This giant's caution was impressive—most would eagerly accept a gift from New Eridu's upper class. Privilege, wealth, anything within reach—but Ignis wasn't interested in such things.
This is going to be a tricky report…
Lycaon decided to be straightforward.
"I heard you ordered a custom motorcycle from Markus 'Lightning' Red," he began. "Its specifications and manufacturing are complex."
"If permitted, I would like to assist in completing this special motorcycle as a token of gratitude."
"All technical, financial, and documentation matters will be handled. You needn't worry."
Truthfully, Ignis felt tempted. Marcos had mentioned that the specifications were demanding, a burden for his team. Now someone was offering to handle everything, even paperwork, delivering it ready-made.
New Eridu license plates are tough to get anyway…
"Do you see?" Lycaon asked, noticing the Salamander's sharp intake of breath.
"Alright. But you must tell me, what exactly do you want? I never trust unconditional gifts." Ignis decided to accept the sugar-coated offer.
"We do have a request." Lycaon inhaled deeply, completing the first step of his mission. Once the gift was accepted, the rest would be easier to negotiate.
"We need you and your companions to participate in the 'Slash-and-Burn' operation."
"Slash-and-Burn?"
"The HAND and Defense Force plan to study the Symbiotic Ethereal Swarm: 'Nineveh' in Hollow Zero. Your combat capabilities will ensure the mission's success," Lycaon explained. "Detailed information will be sent after this call."
Nineveh? Ignis remembered his first entry into Hollow Zero with Phaethon, encountering Defense Force members turned Ethereal by withering disease. Phaethon had explained just how dangerous this massive Ethereal was.
Clearly, New Eridu wanted their combat ability applied to Hollow Zero.
Reducing Hollow size would expand the city's territory—a critical issue for the last city in this world.
Moreover, this involved the HAND, potentially forging alliances with powerful departments. The HAND was reportedly open to skilled Proxies and Hollow Raiders, even recruiting them.
Maybe we could even find a stable role for the Cunning Hares… though Nicole might not like that.
"I can participate personally, but the other two—you'll have to negotiate with them yourself." Ignis could only represent himself; Lycaon had to approach the other two Space Marines directly.
"Having your support is already something to celebrate. We trust your combat skills are comparable to the HAND's elite, and with your companions, you may match a Void Hunter," Lycaon flattered quickly.
"Additionally, I have one more task for the Cunning Hares."
A business opportunity? Nicole would likely be pleased.
"Do you want me there to test my actual combat abilities?" Ignis asked directly.
"Yes, it's good that you understand. To ensure proper recording, the Defense Force will provide you and your companions with the latest model Bangboo."
"Given your special status, the appearance can be customized. Just contact me with your ideas, and we'll complete the modification quickly."
Bangboo? The Cunning Hares already had Amillion, but refusing would worry the Defense Force.
Looks like I'll have to accept…
For design, the Salamander's gaze fell on a nearby power armor unit.
A small, combat-capable Bangboo might actually be interesting.
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