Chapter 730: Recruit Testing
The company captain of the Crimson Fists then asked, "What is the efficiency of instilling combat instincts and tactical literacy? The report mentions the use of enhanced memory implantation and simulation training."
"Basic tactical command sets, standard Imperial threat identification patterns, and squad coordination protocols were efficiently implanted via neural links during the late stages of cultivation. But this is merely the foundation," Ryo explained. "True combat instincts and adaptability still need to be honed in subsequent practical training and real combat. The assessment will include tests on stress responses and foundational aspects of tactical execution."
The representatives' questions were professional and hit the mark, while Ryo's answers were data-driven, rigorous, and direct.
There were not too many pleasantries or emotional fluctuations during the exchange; it felt more like a pure technical and military briefing.
Sigismund stood to the side, occasionally supplementing or confirming details regarding the alignment with the training standards of the Imperial Fists.
After the initial Q&A session concluded, Ryo led the group to the core observation area.
Below the massive circular observation walkway was a specially reinforced, multi-purpose assessment field.
The forty test subjects, having just completed their final activation and changed into basic training uniforms, were already lined up on one side of the field.
They were tall and robustly built. Their eyes carried the unique sharpness of recruits mixed with a trace of implanted resolve, silently waiting for orders.
The representatives from the various successor chapters stood before the observation windows, their gazes like torches, as if evaluating a batch of newly manufactured precision weapons.
They were not merely looking at these individuals, but scrutinizing whether Ryo's technology could deliver on its promises and become a reliable source of new blood for the various chapters under the Imperial Fists.
Sigismund looked at Ryo and gave a slight nod.
Ryo issued a command into his communicator: "Second batch of test subjects, final adaptability assessment, begin."
The lighting in the assessment field shifted into a mode simulating various battlefield environments.
Amidst a low hum of energy, the testing officially commenced.
The first event was the extreme physiological load test.
The test subjects were divided into groups and placed into specially made environmental simulation pods.
The gravity inside the pods changed abruptly, instantly switching from twice standard gravity to near-weightlessness, accompanied simultaneously by high-intensity noise, strobe lighting, and violent temperature fluctuations.
Sensors closely monitored each subject's heart rate, blood pressure, neuro-electrical signals, hormone levels, and muscle control stability.
On the observation walkway, the successor chapter representatives intently watched the data screens and the footage from inside the pods.
"Gravity adaptation switching speed is 0.3 seconds faster than the standard data."
"Adrenaline and noradrenaline secretion curves are stable; no uncontrolled peaks observed."
"Core body temperature maintenance capability is excellent; heat loss rate during the low-temperature phase is lower than expected."
The Apothecaries exchanged their observations in low voices.
These basic physiological indicators might seem ordinary, but they were the foundation for Astartes warriors to survive and fight in the extremely harsh environments of the universe.
Ryo's technology did indeed seem to possess unique merits in strengthening this foundational resilience.
Immediately following was the neural reaction and coordination test.
The test subjects were placed within a holographic projection field littered with moving targets and complex obstacles.
Without using weapons, relying solely on their reflexes and bodily control, they had to evade or touch targets of specific colors while avoiding obstacles.
The speed and appearance patterns of the targets constantly changed, and the layout of the obstacles dynamically adjusted.
"Visual information processing speed, excellent."
"Coordination between the cerebellum and vestibular system is generally higher than average."
"That individual designated B-15, his movement adjustment efficiency is particularly outstanding when dealing with sudden multiple interferences."
The Astartes officers responsible for training among the representatives saw the intricacies.
This type of test evaluated not only speed but, more importantly, the efficiency of filtering, decision-making, and physical execution amidst complex information streams.
Good performance meant that in the future, when receiving tactical data link information and dealing with complex battlefield situations, these recruits might possess faster adaptation speeds and lower error rates.
The third event entered into the basic combat capability assessment.
The test subjects were equipped with training power armor (simplified version) and bolter simulators unloaded with live ammunition.
Their opponents were program-controlled combat servitors, simulating the tactical movements of Orks, Chaos Traitors, and certain xenos infantry.
The assessment field was partitioned into several small tactical zones. The test subjects operated in temporarily designated squad formations.
"Squad A, advancing with cross-cover; formation remains stable."
"Squad B, encountering a simulated flank ambush; reorganization speed is acceptable, but firepower distribution is slightly hesitant."
"Individual combat skills show a solid foundation, but they lack the 'killing intent' forged in real combat and the versatility to adapt on the spot."
The captains evaluated.
What they saw were qualified materials that had undergone efficient indoctrination and basic training, possessing the excellent physiological and skill foundations to become Astartes warriors, but they were still a long way from being true battlefield veterans.
This was within expectations and was a process every recruit had to experience.
During the assessment process, a few minor episodes also occurred.
One test subject lost his balance during high-load mobile shooting due to the simulated power armor joint adjustments not being fully synchronized, but he quickly supported himself with his arm, adjusted his center of gravity, and completed his simulated shot at the target before falling.
Another squad experienced a brief moment of chaotic communication during an encounter in complex terrain, but quickly restored coordination under pre-set backup commands.
These minor issues were all recorded in detail.
They were not failures; rather, they provided precious data regarding the degree of technological integration, the effectiveness of the training protocols, and individual variances.
The final event was a test of willpower and loyalty under stress.
This was not a simple Q and A, but rather the recitation of specific combat litanies and simulations of tactical choices conducted under high-intensity sensory interference and unsettling psychic background noise.
Amidst the interference of distorted visual illusions and blasphemous whispers, the test subjects needed to maintain mental focus and make judgments aligning with Imperial loyalty and Astartes creeds.
All test subjects persevered and completed this test. Although some sounded slightly strained while reciting the litanies, and others took a bit longer to think when faced with simulated moral dilemmas, ultimately, no breakdowns or severe deviations occurred.
This proved that the foundational loyalty indoctrination and mental fortification were effective.
The entire assessment process lasted for several standard hours.
When the final test concluded and the test subjects lined up once more, they carried exhaustion on their bodies, but their eyes remained resolute.
The representatives on the observation walkway fell into a brief silence, each digesting the data and footage they had seen.
Then, they began exchanging opinions in low voices with their colleagues beside them, sometimes pointing at a certain data screen, sometimes looking at a particular individual on the field who had performed exceptionally well.
Sigismund turned to Ryo. "Data collection is complete. We need time for internal deliberation and preliminary evaluation."
"Acceptable," Ryo replied. "All raw assessment data and real-time monitoring records have been opened to authorized access ports. The test subjects will return to the temporary holding area to rest and await the final resolution."
He knew that the true assessment was only just beginning.
These experienced, discerning Astartes from the various successor chapters would use their own standards to weigh whether these products were truly worthy of being accepted, and whether Ryo's technology was worthy of being promoted within their chapters.