The Creators: From Night City

Page 498

The emergence of each faction is not without reason, but rather an inevitable product of a specific era, a corresponding trend of thought that arose in response to the environment at that time.

The core idea of ​​conservatives can be summarized as: "What is old is best, and any change is heresy."

This is mainly because the painful experience of the Iron Man Rebellion has instilled the danger of 'innovation' deep into the human spirit.

In the dark ages of technology, humanity lost most of its technological knowledge. Operators no longer understood how the machines they maintained worked. They could only rely on fixed rituals and prayers based on empirical summaries to perform habitual operations. Because they did not understand the underlying principles, arbitrarily modifying a circuit or code could cause the entire system to crash, the machine spirit to become enraged, or even trigger unpredictable disasters.

For a long time, the safest and most "devout" approach has been to strictly follow ancient methods.

Coupled with a touch of ignorance, a great deal of religious and political maneuvering considerations, and a rigid, conservative, and innovation-resistant mechanical cult conservatives emerged.

As the birthplace and stronghold of the Mechanicus, Mars naturally has an exceptionally large number of conservative sages.

Within the "Logical Context" data network, the "Council of Eight," which actually holds the key to Mars' fate, is currently in operation.

"We must curb these cancerous growths of knowledge; they are like foul-smelling bacteria, polluting the sacred planet Mars," Foundry Director Xantho Victoris solemnly declared.

Kupta van Meg, the exploration director in charge of dispatching and managing the "Science Priest Explorers" to send expedition fleets to unknown star systems in search of lost technologies (especially STC), expressed his opposition.

"You cannot deny that this could be a gift from Om Messiah, and the 'Machine Soul Theory' has been proven to be true and effective."

"Do not mention this blasphemous term in the sacred network. Its mere existence is a blasphemy against 'Om Messiah,' let alone any grace it bestows."

Casting Director Xantho Victoris scanned the entire council with his blurred metallic face, only to find the atmosphere quite subtle.

The Grand Sage Kibor Halberd, who oversees the Mechanicus's vast information network, data archives, and communication systems, and is responsible for the collection, classification, and "purification" of knowledge, is an extreme conservative, but he has no intention of expressing any opinion at this moment.

'This is not normal!' Massive amounts of analytical data surged through the core of Xanthor Victoris's analysis.

Soon, she came to a chilling answer.

"Have you come into contact with these heretical teachings? Have you turned your backs on Om Messiah?!"

Focusing on the research and development of mechanical modification technology, exploring the "path of sublimation" of uploading human consciousness into machinery, and pursuing the ultimate mechanical ascension, the Grand Sage's ideas were already very radical, and he immediately refuted them.

“Kshanto Victoris, it seems you haven’t even verified this knowledge before being blindly opposed by those in power. I believe it is your lust for power that has led you to abandon the sacred path of the Om Messiah.”

LOL, do you think these shrewd sages wouldn't know whether this thing is useful or not, or how good it is?

Fortunately, Ingmar Voss, the general counsel in charge of the mechanical repair order's internal law enforcement and judicial bodies, who was responsible for hunting down technical heretics and protecting the purity of the order's doctrine, offered his support.

"This is heresy!"

"This is a blasphemous act of chaos!"

"Indiscriminate opposition is also a blasphemy against Om Messiah. Have you ever considered that this is a true divine grace?"

The conservatives and the progressives argued endlessly.

"Enough!" said Usaka C. Far, the forging commissioner, interrupting the heated debate between conservatives and progressives.

The fermentation of knowledge has reached the proper stage, and it is time to 'pay homage'.

"Om Messiah has descended upon the world." Usaka C. Far's words nearly brought everyone present to their knees.

"The Theory of Machine Souls is His gift, and I have long seen His radiance."

“I know you may have many questions waiting to be answered, and 'Om Messiah' is ready to meet you at any time.”

"He is on Mars right now. Come and worship, come and bear witness!"

A set of data coordinates was released to everyone, and in the silence, the image of the forging sage Xanthor Victoris was the first to shatter.

She logged off.

Then came the others, and the entire data space quickly returned to darkness, leaving only Usaka C. Far.

"O Om Messiah, may this be the right thing to do..."

"Inevitably correct"

Jiang Bing's voice descended from the sky above the data space, and golden flames rained down from the heavens, thus appearing before the Sage of Rulers.

Unbeknownst to many, Jiang Bing, the "God of All Machines," had already infiltrated the "Internet" on Mars.

“Great sage, without a doubt, we are the right side, and can only be the right side.”

“As you know, war is coming. Faced with the chaotic tide that will inevitably sweep across the galaxy, the Human Empire needs the power of the entire Mechanicus. Anyone who stands in the way will become a ‘necessary sacrifice.’” Jiang Bing said these words with absolute certainty.

Yesterday, a troop of imperial guards suddenly and secretly visited, bringing with them the Emperor's decree.

The Empire's psionic network received a communication that Chaos Warmaster Abaddon had assembled an army that had set out from the Eye of Terror and was sweeping across the galaxy like locusts. The Far East and Stormy regions had already been attacked by the enemy, and by the date of the message, dozens of planets had been enslaved and destroyed.

The war, which should have occurred in M41.999, was brought forward.

Clearly, the forces of chaos also have 'experts' who sensed something different from the flow of time and took countermeasures.

The waters of the Milky Way are being stirred up; the era of taking advantage of troubled waters has arrived!

Chapter 1012 You've Been Summoned by the Emperor

The Astartes are not soldiers in law, but monks, as can be seen from their daily schedules.

For most warbands, the "normal days without war" are extremely precious and short-lived, and are known as the "intermission".

According to the daily schedule in the Astartes Codex, the Astartes would wake up promptly at 4 a.m. and begin a busy but mundane training routine.

The numerous and varied training programs occupy most of their time, making their daily routine as monotonous as that of ascetic monks.

Every morning, afternoon, and evening, most battle groups would conduct three almost self-torture-like training sessions.

These training exercises include individual combat skills, squad tactical drills, shooting practice, and extreme environment adaptation drills…

In addition, they also have to personally maintain and sanctify their weapons and equipment, meditate and pray three times a day, eat, and learn new knowledge (such as alien biology, chaos tactics, and knowledge of galactic star maps).

Although rare, some chapters may have some personal time for Astartes monks to allocate for cultivating personal hobbies.

Aside from some research and analysis on aliens and practical training, Deathwatch is basically no different from a regular warband.

The edge of the solar system, beyond the Kuiper Belt, beyond Pluto's orbit.

Nibiru Point Observation Point, Deathwatch Headquarters.

This is a giant artificial asteroid whose interior has been completely hollowed out and transformed into an enormous base.

Its location is extremely secretive, shrouded in a powerful interference field around the clock, and it maintains a high degree of secrecy in its political affairs. To the vast majority of forces within the solar system, it simply does not exist.

This is the nerve center and origin of the entire Deathwatch organization.

The cold metal cabin was filled with the pungent smell of burning sacred incense. In the prayer room, dozens of Astartes monks were prostrate in their daily evening prayers and meditations.

"Pizz!"

The heavy hatch suddenly swung open, and a watchman burst into the prayer room.

The priest was the first to stop praying to the God-Emperor and turn to look at his fellow warrior who had become an uninvited guest.

He knew that the other party must have something important to do, otherwise they wouldn't have chosen to disturb him at such an important time.

"Brother Titus, please come with me."

Without explanation, the visitor simply gave the order.

Without hesitation, Titus looked up at the priest, and after receiving his approval, he got up and left.

The two walked along the metal corridor, bypassing the alien extermination training ground and the armory, heading towards the 'Black Shield Ring'.

"Commander, is there a mission?"

“Someone wants to see you, Brother Titus,” the Death Watch commander explained briefly, then remained silent and continued on his way.

Soon, we arrived at our destination.

The 'Black Shield Ring' is a highly confidential area, normally used exclusively for matters related to the 'Black Shield'. This conference room is equipped with the highest level of security equipment.

When Titus arrived, he was surprised to find that two members of the Watchtower Council were present. Of course, the main figures were the two tall, imposing figures in the room.

The golden armor was etched with the imperial double-headed eagle pattern, and the two Imperial Guards were even armed, maintaining a fully armed state inside the Deathwatch headquarters.

They clearly came with a very important secret mission.

When Titus arrived, the two guards immediately verified his identity with the members of the Watchtower Council. Then, everyone present except the guards withdrew without hesitation, leaving only Titus alone.

This action made his heart skip a beat; it seemed this matter was quite serious.

Facing Titus, a guard suddenly removed his helmet, revealing a resolute face beneath.

"Titus, formerly the captain of the Ultramarines' 2nd Company 'Avengers,' was accused by a member of the Ultramarines' intelligence agency named Prodinus of possibly being corrupted by Chaos or possessing heretical powers after the victory in the battle against the Orks in Glaria. He was subsequently arrested by the Inquisition, stripped of his position as Ultramarines captain, and taken back to Terra for interrogation and investigation."

The Imperial Guard had clearly conducted a very detailed investigation into Titus's background before their arrival.

Faced with the doubts, Titus remained resolute and unwavering in his retort: ​​"My loyalty to the Emperor will never waver."

"The court has proven your innocence, and we have no doubt about it. We have come here simply to deliver the Emperor's decree," the Imperial Guard said earnestly.

"By the Emperor!"

Just as Titus was about to respond, the guards waved him off, signaling him to pay attention.

"The following content is top secret of the Empire. Brother Titus, from this moment on, you will be under our full surveillance. Any sign of betrayal will result in immediate 'extermination'."

The stern warning from the Imperial Guard sent a chill down Titus's spine, and he immediately thought of the 'lord' he had escorted not long ago.

Since that mission ended, their entire Deathwatch squad has been brought here to live a life ostensibly for rest and recuperation, but in reality, it's a form of house arrest.

"The Emperor will entrust you with a matter of great importance concerning the survival of the human empire, Brother Titus," the words of the Imperial Guard pulled Titus back from his chaotic thoughts.

"The Emperor's thirteenth son, your genetic master, Robert Guilliman, is about to face the threat of Chaos, and the Empire and the Lord will need his power in the days to come."

Startled, Titus jerked his head up, while another guard immediately drew his weapon and went on high alert.

He believed that if he made the slightest move, the crackling kinetic halberd would immediately come at him.

"Is this true?" Titus had no time to pay attention to the other party's threat; the safety of the Primarch was firmly on his mind.

"Are you questioning the Emperor's judgment, cultivator?" the Imperial Guard immediately demanded.

"May the Emperor forgive my recklessness," Titus said, realizing his mistake and immediately apologizing.

The Imperial Guards did not dwell on this, but continued to read the orders to him.

“From this moment forward, you are unconditionally summoned by the Emperor, Brother Titus. We will depart immediately to escort you to your destination.”

True to their word, the Imperial Guards didn't even give Titus time to prepare or explain the mission. They simply escorted him onto their ships like prisoners and sailed directly into the Star Sea.

The completely sealed cabin was utterly silent. Titus sat in his seat, his thoughts churning, countless ideas arising and vanishing.

He thought of the first half of his life: the brutal Astartes selection, the painful and lengthy surgical modifications, training, war, slaughter, war, slander, war, atonement.

After life's slideshow went back and forth twice, the shuttle ship finally came to a stop.

Titus continued to emerge from the hatch like a prisoner being escorted, and then, unsurprisingly, he saw the 'Emperor's Eye' again—Valerios.

The other party was clearly waiting for him here. After bringing Titus here, the two guards seemed to have completed their mission. After a brief handover, they returned to the ship without looking back and sailed away.

“We meet again, Brother Titus,” the old guard greeted with a grin.

Chapter 1013 Strange Team Composition

Titus found everything strange, especially the composition of the 'Squad to Save Primarch Robert Guilliman' that he was currently in.

Let's see who's involved in this operation!

Dominius Belisarius Caul, a massive Mechanicus archsage, was the main force on this mission, providing his Ark spaceship as the means of transportation and his armed forces as escorts.

His presence provided the main armed protection and technical support for this mission, so his presence was justified.

Valerius, former member of the Imperial Guard and now the 'Emperor's Eye', undoubtedly represents the Emperor's will here, so his existence is justified.

He couldn't quite understand the other people.

A female "Iron Woman" named "Lily" has a near-perfectly cute appearance. Her cute image is so rigid that it seems as if she has been blessed by Slaanesh. Of course, although she looks extremely talkative, she feels as cold as an absolute machine.

She claims to be an emissary of Om Messiah, responsible for providing the technical support bestowed by Om Messiah. Neither the Great Sage Caul nor the Emperor's Eye have denied this claim, and Titus naturally would not rashly express any doubt.

So, up to this point, everything is still relatively normal.

But how do you explain the other man, who was hunched over, leaning on a cane, with gray hair, and exuding an aura of coldness and death?

His demeanor was strikingly similar to that of a Chaos Wizard who spent his days manipulating corpses and souls and associated with malevolent Chaos magic. Titus's keen senses could even detect the 'stench' of necromancy permeating the area around him, a stench born of the manipulation of corpses and souls.

But this evil wizard who called himself Rasmar claimed to be a physician specializing in flesh and soul, and that he was even the main force in this rescue operation, responsible for treating Robert Guilliman's fatal wounds.

This stark contrast made Titus extremely uncomfortable.