Chapter 244: Squad Nearl
Joric's metal body moved steadily forward in the shadows of the Knight suits, his servo systems emitting a faint whirring sound.
Although he appeared small before these steel giants, the energy fluctuations radiating from his body and those crimson optical lenses triggered warning signals on all the Knights' sensors.
"Welcome to the dimension marked as 'Cyberpunk'." Joric's synthesized voice rang out steadily in the hall. "The location you are currently in is my primary research base in this world."
As his voice fell, the hatches of the four Knight suits opened in succession.
Młynar Nearl was the first to step out of the Nemesis (Preceptor) cockpit, walking steadily down the gantry to the ground.
He removed his helmet, his golden hair appearing particularly striking under the laboratory lights.
Margaret, Maria, and Zofia also descended from their respective mechs one after another, taking their places behind Młynar.
The four Knights moved in unison, striking their right fists against their left chests, producing a crisp metallic impact sound.
"Magos," Młynar's voice was steady and powerful, "The Knights of House Nearl await your dispatch."
"We shall dedicate our utmost efforts," Margaret followed immediately.
Maria nodded slightly. "Willing to share your burdens."
Zofia maintained a standard stance. "Ready on standby."
Joric's gaze swept over the four Knights, nodding slightly to signal them to lower their saluting arms.
"According to preliminary observations, the basic physical laws of this dimension are consistent with the world we know," his voice maintained the steady tone characteristic of the Adeptus Mechanicus. "However, their technology tree leans significantly toward bio-mechanical fusion and digital consciousness, while space exploration capabilities are quite limited."
His optical lenses scanned each Knight in turn. "This dimension is currently jointly controlled by several mega-corporations. Social stratification is distinct, and resources are highly concentrated. Your primary task is to adapt to the environmental parameters of this world as quickly as possible and familiarize yourselves with the basic procedures of cross-dimensional combat."
"There are two main purposes for drafting you here," Joric's synthesized voice was steady and clear. "First, to allow the entire Knight squad to master the essentials of cross-dimensional operations through live combat drills in this relatively controllable environment.
"Second, your very existence constitutes an effective deterrence against the various factions of this world."
His mechanical finger tapped lightly on the holographic map of Night City being displayed. "The simultaneous appearance of four Knight suits on the battlefield will thoroughly alter the balance of force in this world.
"When necessary, you need to display enough power to make everyone understand the cost of challenging us."
"Remember, you are not just warriors, but symbols of order. Through the display of force, we will ensure the stability of the research environment while accumulating experience for future cross-dimensional operations."
Joric paused briefly to let the Knights digest this information, then continued. "Besides routine missions in this world, you also need to prepare for future cross-dimensional exploration. In formal exploration missions, your responsibilities will not be limited to frontal combat."
His optical lenses swept over the four Knights. "The powerful protection and mobility of Knight suits allow them to provide reliable security guarantees for scout squads. When exploration teams encounter high-intensity threats they cannot handle independently, you will be their most solid shield."
"At the same time, your presence itself can form an effective deterrence against potential hostile forces in unknown worlds. This deterrence will ensure my research activities can proceed in a relatively stable environment, creating necessary conditions for cross-dimensional exploration."
These words stirred waves in the hearts of Młynar and the others.
Cross-dimensional exploration? Missions to unknown worlds?
This far exceeded their initial expectation of a simple mission to "support an Adeptus Mechanicus Magos."
Amidst the shock, an irrepressible sense of mission surged in their hearts.
For House Nearl, which upheld the way of the Knight, participating in such a grand cause was undoubtedly a supreme honor.
Compared to dealing with those trivial border conflicts and political strife in Kazimierz, such a mission was obviously far more meaningful.
After a brief silence, Młynar Nearl's steady voice broke the quiet. "Lord Sage, the path you have shown us indeed exceeds our initial imagination."
He looked around at his family members, seeing the light flashing in Margaret's eyes, Maria's clenched fists, and Zofia's slightly nodding posture.
"House Nearl accepts this mission," Młynar's voice was firm and clear. "We shall become your guardians on the path of exploration. Regarding any information about your research and discoveries, without your permission, we will never leak a single word to the outside world."
"I swear by my Knight's honor," Margaret said immediately.
"As do I," Maria's voice was soft but equally firm.
Zofia added concisely, "House Nearl honors its words."
The four Knights saluted with hands to their chests once again. Behind this simple action was a solemn promise made by a Knight House with its bloodline and honor. For them, such an oath was more solemn than any flowery rhetoric.
Joric nodded slightly, the focus of his optical lenses shifting minutely. He looked at the four Knights, and the tone of his synthesized voice seemed to soften slightly compared to usual. "Your loyalty has been recorded. Welcome to this cross-dimensional exploration."
He turned to the Sacristan maintenance team nearby to issue specific deployments. "For the next two weeks, you need to complete adaptation training for the local environment. Gravity parameters, atmospheric composition, and background radiation levels all have slight differences from our baseline values.
"The Sacristan team must prioritize establishing a temporary maintenance station to ensure all mechs are in optimal condition at all times."
"The Servitor group has already prepared temporary quarters for everyone." He gestured for the standing-by Servitors to come forward. "The living area is equipped with basic facilities. If there are special needs, you may raise them directly."
As the orders were issued, the entire portal hall immediately resumed operational status. Sacristans began methodically directing Servitors to move supplies, and Armigers deployed guards in designated areas according to the preset plan. The four Knight suits, under Młynar's command, moved steadily to the docking bay on the side of the hall, their mechanical feet making rhythmic sounds on the ground.
Joric stood in place, watching the Knights begin their work.
His mechanical fingers tapped lightly on the console, pulling up the schedule for environmental adaptation training.
Watching the Sacristans skillfully begin their inspection work, he added, "If you encounter any technical difficulties, you can directly contact the laboratory's Cogitators. We possess the most comprehensive technical support in this dimension."
Only after saying this did he turn and walk toward the main control center.
Before leaving, he paused for a moment, looking back at the busy crowd. A trace of imperceptible satisfaction flashed through his optical lenses.
The arrival of House Nearl had indeed pushed his plan to a new stage, and now, he needed to make foolproof preparations for the upcoming operations.
(End of Chapter)