Osiris' metallic body moved steadily forward in the shadow of the knight mecha, his servo systems emitting a subtle whirring sound.
Though he appeared small before these steel giants, the energy fluctuations emanating from him and his crimson optical lenses caused all the knights' sensors to flash warning signals.
"Welcome to this dimension, labeled 'Cyberpunk,'" Osiris' synthesized voice echoed calmly through the hall. "The location you are currently in is my primary research base in this world."
As his words fell, the hatches of the four knight mechas opened in succession.
Maenna Astoria was the first to emerge from the cockpit of the Nemesis-type knight mecha, descending steadily along the gangway to the ground.
He removed his helmet, his golden hair strikingly prominent under the laboratory lights.
Margaret, Maria, and Sophia also disembarked from their respective mechas, taking their positions behind Maenna.
The four knights, in perfect unison, struck their left chests with their right fists, producing a crisp metallic clang.
"Lord Archmagos," Maenna's voice was steady and resonant, "the Astoria Family knights await your command."
"We shall serve with utmost dedication," Margaret immediately added.
Maria nodded slightly: "We wish to share your burdens."
Sophia maintained a standard stance: "Ready at any time."
Osiris' gaze swept over the four knights, and he nodded slightly, signaling them to lower their saluting arms.
"Based on initial observations, the fundamental laws of physics in this dimension are largely consistent with the world we are familiar with," his voice maintained the steady tone characteristic of the Adeptus Mechanicus. "However, their technology tree is distinctly skewed towards biomechanical fusion and digital consciousness, with very limited space exploration capabilities."
His optical lenses scanned each knight in turn: "This dimension is currently jointly controlled by several mega-corporations, with clear social stratification and highly concentrated resources. Your primary task is to adapt to this world's environmental parameters as quickly as possible and familiarize yourselves with the basic procedures of interdimensional combat."
"There are two main purposes for summoning you here," Osiris' synthesized voice was steady and clear. "First, through practical exercises in this relatively controllable environment, the entire knight squad will master the essentials of interdimensional operations.
Second, your very existence will serve as an effective deterrent to the various factions in this world."
His mechanical finger lightly tapped the Night City map displayed on the holographic projection: "The simultaneous appearance of four knight mechas on the battlefield will completely alter the balance of power in this world.
When necessary, you will need to display sufficient strength to make everyone understand the cost of challenging us."
"Remember, you are not just warriors; you are symbols of order. Through the display of force, we will ensure the stability of the research environment while accumulating experience for future interdimensional operations."
Osiris paused briefly, allowing the knights to digest this information, then continued: "In addition to your regular duties in this world, you must also prepare for future interdimensional exploration. In formal exploration missions, your responsibilities will not be limited to direct combat."
His optical lenses swept over the four knights: "The powerful defensive capabilities and mobility of the knight mecha enable it to provide reliable security for reconnaissance teams. When exploration teams encounter high-intensity threats that they cannot handle independently, you will be their staunchest support."
"At the same time, your very existence will serve as an effective deterrent to potential hostile forces in unknown worlds. This deterrent will ensure that my research activities can proceed in a relatively stable environment, creating the necessary conditions for interdimensional exploration."
These words stirred a ripple in the hearts of Maenna and the others.
Interdimensional exploration? Missions to unknown worlds?
This far exceeded their initial expectation of a simple mission to "assist an Adeptus Mechanicus Lord Archmagos."
Amidst their shock, an irrepressible sense of mission surged within them.
For the Astoria Family, who upheld the Way of the Knight, participating in such a grand endeavor was undoubtedly the highest honor.
Compared to dealing with trivial border conflicts and political infighting in Kazimierz, such a mission was clearly more meaningful.
After a brief silence, Maenna Astoria's steady voice broke the quiet: "Lord Archmagos, the path you have shown us truly exceeds our initial imagination."
He looked around at his family members, seeing the sparkle in Margaret's eyes, Maria's tightly clenched fists, and Sophia's slight nod.
"The Astoria Family accepts this mission," Maenna's voice was firm and clear. "We shall be your guardians on the path of exploration. Any information regarding your research and discoveries, without your permission, we will never disclose a single bit."
"I swear on my knight's honor," Margaret immediately added.
"And I as well," Maria's voice, though soft, was equally firm.
Sophia concisely added: "The Astoria Family's word is its bond."
The four knights once again saluted with their hands over their chests. Behind this simple gesture lay a solemn promise made by a knight family through bloodline and honor. For them, such an oath was more profound than any elaborate rhetoric.
Osiris nodded slightly, the focal length of his optical lenses subtly shifting. He watched the four knights, and the tone of his synthesized voice seemed a little softer than usual: "Your loyalty has been recorded. Welcome to this interdimensional exploration."
He turned to the maintenance team nearby, giving specific instructions: "For the next two weeks, you need to complete environmental adaptation training. Gravity parameters, atmospheric composition, and background radiation levels all have subtle differences from our baseline values.
The Relic Maintenance Team must prioritize establishing temporary maintenance stations to ensure all mechas are always in optimal condition."
"The Servitor team has already prepared a temporary camp for everyone," he motioned for the waiting Servitor to come forward. "The living quarters are equipped with basic facilities; if you have any special requests, you can state them directly."
As the orders were issued, the entire teleportation hall immediately resumed its operational state. The Relic Maintenance personnel began to methodically direct the Servitors to transport supplies, and the attendant mechas deployed security in designated areas according to the pre-arranged plan. The four knight mechas, under Maenna's command, moved steadily to the docking area on the side of the hall, their mechanical feet making rhythmic sounds on the ground.
Osiris stood in place, watching the knights begin their work.
His mechanical finger gently tapped on the control panel, bringing up the environmental adaptation training schedule.
Watching the maintenance personnel skillfully begin their inspection work, he added: "If you encounter any technical difficulties, you can directly contact the Thinkers in the laboratory; we possess the most comprehensive technical support in this dimension."
After saying this, he turned and walked towards the main control center.
Before leaving, he paused for a moment, looking back at the busy crowd, a subtle hint of satisfaction flashing in his optical lenses.
The arrival of the Astoria Family had indeed advanced his plans to a new stage, and now, he needed to make thorough preparations for the upcoming operations.