Maine rubbed the prominent scar on his chin and replied in a deep voice, "Understood, Boss. We will follow the rules."
The others also nodded, and the atmosphere became even more solemn.
They realized that this was not only a physical transformation but also a journey deep into the core of an alien civilization, full of unknown rules and potential dangers.
"You have one day to handle your personal affairs in this world and make the necessary arrangements," Osiris gave his final instructions. "Tomorrow at this time, gather here. Dismissed."
Everyone gradually left the laboratory, the atmosphere visibly relaxing, but the topic of discussion had completely shifted to the upcoming Forge World and the unknown modifications.
Jackie put his arm around Valerie's shoulder and excitedly gestured, "Do you think we should bring all the remaining gold bricks? What if prices are high there? Or... hey, do you think there are any alien specialties we can trade back?"
His mind was always on business.
Valerie shook her head helplessly, "You're thinking too much. We can't carry such a large amount of gold with us. As for the Forge World... Boss said to follow the rules, so don't get any crooked ideas."
Maine rubbed the scar on his chin and told his crew, "Did you all hear that? One day to sort out your private matters, say goodbye to those you know, and don't leave any loose ends. This time... we might be gone for a long time."
Rebecca, however, was in high spirits: "Nova! Now there's something to play with! I wonder what their armory is like!" Her pursuit of power was simple and direct.
David looked nervously at Lucy: "Lucy, I..." He wanted to say something but didn't know how to start. Lucy looked at him, her eyes a little softer than usual, and gently nodded: "Be careful." These simple three words reassured David.
Morris was the last to leave, walking silently towards the exit as if merging into the shadows.
Silence returned to the Workshop.
Osiris turned to the main console, his optical lens locking onto the dimensional teleporter.
Osiris turned to the main console, his optical lens locking onto the dimensional teleporter. He needed to perform the final energy calibration and coordinate confirmation for this multi-person, cross-dimensional teleportation. Target: Death World Base, Ancient Ruins Main Teleportation Zone.
In the upper observation corridor, Margaret and Maria also turned and left.
"Adeptus Mechanicus standard modifications..." Margaret whispered, "That will completely change them."
Maria interjected, "I hope they can bear that power, and the... responsibility that comes with it."
They knew the depth of Adeptus Mechanicus modifications and the potential cost involved.
---
One day passed in a flash.
When everyone gathered in the laboratory again, the atmosphere was even more solemn than yesterday.
Each person carried a simple bag, their faces a mix of determination, apprehension, and awe of the unknown.
Morris was still the first to arrive, standing silently to the side.
Valerie and Jackie stood together, Jackie uncharacteristically quiet.
Maine's crew was all present, fully equipped, like soldiers about to embark on an alien battlefield.
David stood beside Lucy, his gaze firm.
Osiris' massive body had moved to the center of the laboratory, where the enlarged core components of the dimensional teleporter emitted a faint blue light, and complex energy circuits inscribed a huge teleportation array on the ground.
"Stand within the teleportation marker area," Osiris' command came.
Everyone took a deep breath and stepped into the glowing rune circle as instructed. Morris stood silently beside Osiris.
"Activating coordinates: Death World Base, Ancient Ruins Main Teleportation Zone," Osiris' synthesized voice was still clear amidst the energy roar.
The massive instrument emitted a deafening roar, the faint blue light in the core area suddenly became blindingly bright, and energy surged wildly within the circular structure, forming a light vortex that seemed to devour everything.
Space began to violently warp, and the scene within the laboratory became bizarre and fragmented.
The massive instrument emitted a deafening roar, the faint blue light in the core area suddenly became blindingly bright, and energy surged wildly within the circular structure, forming a light vortex that seemed to devour everything. Space began to violently warp, and the scene within the laboratory became bizarre and fragmented.
A faint energy field rose from the teleportation array, enveloping everyone like an invisible fluid—this was a protective mechanism provided by the large-scale teleportation gate designed by Osiris based on the principles of the dimensional teleporter.
A strong sense of weightlessness and being torn apart instantly struck! This was completely different from the smooth passage when Osiris previously traveled with the teleporter.
Under the buffering of the energy field, the intense spatial tearing sensation was significantly offset, but the vibration of bones, the churning of internal organs, and the sensation of consciousness being pulled between reality and void still existed.
"Ugh!" Jackie let out a suppressed groan, his veins bulging slightly on his forehead.
Valerie gritted her teeth, her face slightly pale, standing firm with strong willpower and partial support from her power armor.
Maine, Dorio, and others maintained their balance with their reinforced bodies, but their metal joints emitted faint groans, and their expressions were tense from discomfort.
David felt the world spinning, a strong nausea rising in his throat, and only Lucy's timely support prevented him from collapsing to the ground. Lucy herself was also enduring discomfort, but she pressed her lips together, her eyes focused on the distorted light and shadows ahead.
Morris' body swayed slightly, but her modifications were deeper, and having experienced it once before, her condition was relatively stable under the buffering of the energy field.
After an unknown period, perhaps only a few seconds, perhaps an eternity, the uncomfortable tearing sensation suddenly vanished.
The light receded like a tide, and everyone's senses, like scattered puzzle pieces, gradually returned.
They found themselves in a huge, ancient cave made of cooled lava.
Underfoot was a metal teleportation platform inscribed with unknown patterns, and the air was mixed with holy oil, ancient rock dust, and a faint smell of ozone—this was the familiar scent of this Death World to Osiris.
The interior of the cave had been extensively modified.
The natural rock walls were smoothly cut and covered with thick adamantium composite armor plates, etched with continuous binary prayers and cogitator holy symbols.
Thick energy conduits were laid along the rock walls, emitting a low, steady hum.
Skitarii Corps soldiers in deep red robes patrolled in the shadows, the cogitator holy symbols on their armor faintly visible under the cold light. The air was mixed with holy oil, ancient rock dust, and a faint smell of ozone—this was the unique scent of the Death World.
"Coordinates confirmed: Death World, Ruins Main Teleportation Zone," Osiris' synthesized voice echoed through the cave.
The severe teleportation after-effects made Jackie dry heave, while Valerie suppressed her discomfort and stood firm.
Maine and the others maintained their balance with their reinforced bodies, their metal joints emitting faint groans. David's face was pale, and he only managed not to collapse to the ground thanks to Lucy's support.
They had arrived—at Osiris' research outpost established in the ancient ruins of the Death World. This was not the final destination, but a necessary stepping stone to Forge World Neksum.