Chapter 447: Warriors of the Future
Ryo led the three of them through the intricate metal corridors, eventually returning to his temporary residence on Mars.
Although this residence, located within the annexes of the Adeptus Mechanicus headquarters, was simple, it was equipped with a comprehensive security system.
The heavy alloy doors slowly opened after identity verification, revealing the neat and orderly space inside.
The interior of the residence was divided into several functional areas.
The main area housed data analysis terminals and communication equipment, with multiple screens embedded in the walls displaying different surveillance feeds.
Four servo-skulls automatically took their positions, hovering near the entrances, exits, and main equipment. Their scanners continuously monitored the surrounding environmental parameters.
"Now you can explain," Ryo's synthesized voice echoed in the room. His mechanical body turned toward the Eldar Ranger. "Starting with you, Illyndiel."
Illyndiel secured her spear back on her back and removed her helmet.
Her face was elegant and angular, her eyes shining with a non-human luster.
"I was directly commissioned by the Seer Council of Ulthwé. Specifically, I am following the instructions of the eldest Farseer, Eldrad Ulthran."
She brought up a star map projection on the residence's main screen, marked with complex Eldar runes.
"The Farseer foresaw an impending disturbance in fate. Among countless possible futures, one timeline has become exceptionally clear because of your research." She tapped lightly, and Ryo's image appeared on the star map.
"The Dark Eldar have also observed this variable," Illyndiel continued. "To them, the changes you bring will completely shake their position in the galaxy. The rulers of Commorragh will stop at nothing to eliminate you."
Ryo's optical lenses flickered slightly. "Why would a Farseer protect a human?"
"Because your research affects not only humanity but also the survival of the Eldar," Illyndiel's tone remained calm. "In certain futures, you will become the key to the continuation of our race."
At this moment, the Black Templar Space Marine removed his helmet.
A resolute human face was revealed. His left eye was replaced by a mechanical bionic eye, and a scar ran from his forehead down to his jaw.
"I am Reid, a High Knight of the Black Templars Chapter's 'Eternal Crusade' fleet." His voice was deep and powerful. "This is Catherine, belonging to the Sisters of Battle forces, reorganized from the Sisters of Silence."
Catherine also released her helmet locks, revealing short silver hair and a weather-beaten face. "We come from the Imperial year 782.M41." Her words were concise and direct. "During a crusade against Chaos, Brother Reid and I were swept into a warp storm."
"We were indeed wary of this Eldar at first." Reid's voice transmitted through his helmet's speakers, carrying the resolute tone characteristic of the Black Templars. "Shortly after we emerged from the warp, Illyndiel was waiting on our planned route. She showed us the visions foreseen by the Farseer, which included the exact characteristics of our warship and our time of arrival."
Catherine continued the explanation: "She showed us images of the pursuing Dark Eldar and clearly pointed out that their target was to assassinate a Magos of the Mechanicus who is crucial to the future of humanity. After careful discussion, we decided to temporarily put aside our prejudice against xenos and prioritize dealing with this clear threat."
Illyndiel added calmly: "I understand humanity's doubts about our race. But the trajectory of fate foreseen by the Farseer shows that only through this cooperation can we avoid the worst possible future."
Ryo processed this information. "How do you prove you are from the future?"
Reid took a step forward and opened the interface panel on the chest of his power armor. "My armor's cogitator has recorded the complete voyage logs, including the anomalous time readings when we exited the warp. You can review the data records within."
He brought up a display interface where complex navigational data scrolled.
"These records include the combat directives of the Black Templars High Marshal during the M41 era, as well as some parameters of the gene-seed improvement technology you will promote in the future."
Catherine also offered her data interface: "My power armor contains relevant combat information regarding the 12th Black Crusade, which should not exist in this era, as the 1st Black Crusade won't happen for another seven hundred years."
Ryo connected the data interfaces to his own system.
After a rapid scan, his processing core confirmed the authenticity of this information.
Especially the technical details regarding the gene-seed improvements, which highly aligned with his ongoing research but were much more perfected.
"I temporarily accept your story," Ryo disconnected the data link. "But what is your plan next?"
Reid put his helmet back on. "We must seek an audience with Primarch Rogal Dorn. As Imperial warriors from the future, we have a duty to report everything we know to him."
"And also to warn him of impending threats," Catherine added. "Including the War of the Beast, and the Black Crusades."
Illyndiel watched the exchange quietly. "My mission is not yet complete. The Ulthwé Farseer instructed me to continue protecting Magos Ryo until the divergence point of fate stabilizes."
Ryo pulled up the residence's security surveillance feeds, confirming everything was normal in the perimeter areas.
"I can arrange for you to travel to Terra. However..." His optical lenses focused on Reid. "Your physique is abnormally massive. Even among Space Marines, it is very rare."
Reid stood up straight, his power armor emitting a faint servo hum. "This is the standard physique of the new era's Space Marines. After you promoted the gene-seed optimization technology, the success rate of Chapter initiate augmentation significantly increased, and physical capabilities were comprehensively enhanced."
"Specific parameters?" Ryo asked.
"Average height of 2.8 meters, foundational strength increased by forty percent, and neural reaction speed increased by twenty-five percent," Reid answered. "More importantly, the new generation of warriors has significantly enhanced resistance to the warp, and their psychic potential has also moderately increased."
Ryo's mechanical fingers gently tapped the console surface. "I need to conduct a comprehensive physiological examination on you. These data are crucial to my current research."
"I understand your request," Reid nodded. "But before that, I must first complete my report to the Primarch. This is my priority duty as an Imperial warrior."
Catherine checked the energy readings on her melta gun. "Our travel through time and space was not accidental. The Emperor's will may have played a part in it."
The residence's surveillance system showed everything was normal outside, with no abnormal activities detected.
After confirming it was secure, Ryo said, "In that case, we should immediately begin arranging the trip to Terra. However, you will need to hide your identities for now, because as far as this era is concerned, you do not exist."
(End of Chapter)