"I say, do you people always live in a place like this?"
Angel covered her nose and mouth. The environment of the Underhive far exceeded her imagination; it could no longer be described as merely harsh—it was a literal hell.
"Don't be so picky. Under the Boss's years of renovation, things here have improved significantly. Without our efforts, it would only be worse."
"You must have the worst Underhive imaginable."
"Don't make me laugh, Princess. All Underhives are like this. In fact, our situation is considered among the best."
Elia had grown weary of this pampered young lady. Although Angel didn't openly complain about her treatment, she constantly displayed her pathetic lack of awareness. She seemed to be a devout believer in the God-陽Emperor, genuinely believing the ecclesiastical nonsense about equality, unity, and brotherly love.
How could such a person be the daughter of an Inquisitor who killed without blinking and cared nothing for human life?
Yuki hadn't had much energy to look after this woman lately, and Eleven had long since closed his mouth, choosing to ignore her entirely.
"Elia, have you and your brother always been like this?"
"My sister and I have been this way since birth. Stop being so noisy!"
Ilya had reached his limit as well, but Angel showed no sign of stopping.
"But, this could be solved with a simple surgery, couldn't it? Ilya seems to have his own life support system; you'd only need to install a mechanical set on the lower body..."
Elia interrupted her.
"Princess, have you considered that if this were truly easy, what would have stopped us from undergoing such a modification? We had no money and no power. By the time we survived to this point in this deformed state, it was already too late. Please try to empathize with us Underhivers—though I know that's asking a lot."
Angel started to say something, but after a moment of thought, she remained silent. After a few minutes, she spoke again.
"The Underhive is so terrible. Don't the people in the Mid-hive and Spire care?"
"They don't. Why would they?"
"Because we are all subjects of the God-Emperor..."
"You really believe that stuff, don't you?"
This sentence choked the words out of Angel. She looked around, then at Elia, falling into a state of confusion. Finally, she became quiet.
In truth, the siblings had wondered if it would be better to be separated through surgery. Elia's body had stopped growing, but Ilya was still maturing, and Elia's frame was beginning to fail under the strain. According to the Tech-Priest of the Dark Mechanicum who lived in the depths of the Underhive, Elia's internal organs were already twisted and compressed due to their condition. In another ten years, total organ failure was a certainty.
"Boss, that girl is too difficult to handle."
"A princess experiencing life—it's normal. Also, Elia, regarding the matter you two asked me about... regarding your future."
Yuki looked up and spoke seriously. "I respect your choice. This is your life, and your future."
"We know, Boss."
After bidding Yuki farewell, Elia made up her mind. She told her brother, "Ilya, we've asked several times. Your death rate is sixty percent. I cannot gamble on a forty percent chance. We are one, and we have been since birth. I don't plan on changing that."
Ilya didn't speak. He just looked at his sister's hair as he always did. Then, he spoke.
"Sister, don't you want to see my face directly? Not through mirrors or equipment, but with your own eyes."
"No, Ilya. I am satisfied as I am. I know you are there, right behind me..."
She drifted off to sleep. Eleven caught her, supporting her weight. Ilya sighed and thanked Eleven.
"Thank you so much. I really didn't expect you to help."
"The God-Emperor instructs us that great sacrifice is worthy of respect."
"Don't say such ominous things. I still have a chance of survival."
Eleven said nothing more. Ilya's subordinates carried the siblings away.
The depths of the Underhive often harbored all sorts of extraordinary beings—the Fallen Angel Hermit, Genestealers, Chaos cultists, and members of the Dark Mechanicum.
The Adeptus Mechanicus is a vital part of the Imperium, worshipping technology and machinery, viewing the Omnissiah as the object of their faith. However, differing interpretations of the Omnissiah gave rise to various sects. Those who worshipped Chaos and harbored hatred for the Emperor were branded as heretics by the orthodox Cult Mechanicus, collectively known as the Dark Mechanicum.
The Dark Mechanicum Priest secluded on Planet Ender was relatively neutral. His workshop was filled with various components and iron creations, guarded by three Servitors at the entrance. About ninety percent of his body had been augmented, most of which occurred after he broke away from the Cult Mechanicus. Now, he looked like a massive iron monster.
"You have arrived?"
The message was conveyed through a translator. Years ago, this priest could only speak in binary. He explained that a software error caused by his own augmentations had led to the glitch.
"Yes, Magos. As I mentioned before, I wish to be separated from my sister."
"And your sister's opinion? I do not wish for her to retaliate after the surgery is concluded."
"She won't. I have left a final testament."
"No. Human emotions are always foolish and filled with variables. I will not take that risk, unless..."
"Unless what?"
"Unless you provide me with some new technology. I know the Yuki Gang has dug up quite a few good things lately."
Ilya's expression turned displeased, but such a request was expected. He handed over a data slate, which the priest inserted into his own body.
"Hmm, very well. So be it. Have your people leave; I shall begin the surgery immediately."
The Magos was satisfied. He was always thus—as long as the benefit was sufficient to aid his research, anything could be negotiated. Although he didn't specialize in biological modification, compared to the absurd doctors in the Underhive, he was like a divine healer. He even had the kindness to administer anesthesia to patients before surgery; in truth, his level of service was unparalleled here.
"Hmm, this physiological situation is much more complex than I imagined."
The Magos took up his tools and began to work.
Five hours later, a fierce battle broke out at the hidden entrance of the Magos's laboratory. The priest pulled up the surveillance footage, a sense of confusion appearing in his sole remaining eye.
"Why would the Adeptus Arbites suddenly come to the Underhive?"