However, this surge in performance was not without its cost.
To support more powerful output, the reactor continuously operated at higher power, causing the overall energy radiation level of the machine to climb to a dangerous degree.
Drivers exposed to this environment for extended periods, even with the cockpit's initial isolation, would inevitably accumulate radiation damage in their bodily tissues, ultimately leading to irreversible health deterioration.
In the logic of the Tech-Priests, this was an acceptable 'necessary cost' paid for powerful combat capabilities.
As for the neural interface version, they regarded it as a platform with even greater potential.
They completely modularized its architecture, developing over a dozen interchangeable functional components.
From configurations that enhanced stealth and reconnaissance, to those focused on area suppression and equipped with additional heavy weapons, to configurations that extremely enhanced close-combat capabilities... each configuration was deeply optimized for a specific tactical role, but consequently sacrificed versatility.
Reports of these modifications and 'optimizations,' along with detailed performance test data, were regularly compiled and transmitted via encrypted data links to Osiris' cogitator array at the Death World Base.
Osiris, in between processing other data, browsed these updates from Neksum.
He looked at the significantly improved but health-risk-accompanied performance parameters of the standard operating version, and the varied, highly specialized configuration schemes of the neural interface version, his optical lens-covered thought core calmly analyzing.
He clearly realized that this was a typical pattern of Adeptus Mechanicus technological development.
The pursuit of extreme performance and specialization often came with a disregard for the safety and comfort of the user (who, in their eyes, might be closer to a part of the system).
They perfectly enhanced the 'weapon' attribute of the iron guard, but might have deviated from his original intention of creating 'equipment' that could improve the overall survival and combat effectiveness of mortal warriors.
He did not immediately issue instructions to intervene.
For now, these modifications indeed improved immediate combat power, and Inquisitor Kairas might be even more satisfied with this more aggressive version.
He needed to weigh the pros and cons, assessing the actual value and long-term impact of these 'optimizations' in a broader battlefield environment.
He archived this data, marking it as 'under observation.'
Currently, his more important energy must be focused on the genesis particle.
But he knew that the final decision-making power regarding the development direction of the iron guard must remain in his own hands.
— —
Osiris was indeed not worried about losing control over the 'iron guard' project.
Fabricator-Captain Vox's assurance was one factor, but a deeper, more solid bond lay in the immense value he could continuously provide to Neksum, far exceeding the 'iron guard' project itself.
He held many technological treasures obtained from the Star Trek world; whether it was the replicators that subverted matter, the Warp Drive that enabled faster-than-light travel, or the almost miraculous genesis particle he was currently researching, any one of them had the potential to make Neksum Forge World leap to become a core Adeptus Mechanicus force capable of rivaling Mars.
However, the impact of these technologies was too great; exposing them too early without sufficient personal strength and faction network would be akin to inviting disaster.
Therefore, Osiris adopted a more cautious strategy.
He meticulously organized and disguised a portion of the fundamental technologies parsed from the Star Trek data, related to material science, energy transmission, and basic logical operations, which could directly benefit the 'iron guard' project.
He packaged it as a seemingly incomplete but invaluable 'ancient STC template fragment,' then dispatched someone to send it back to Neksum, directly to Archmagos Vox.
This disguised 'technological gift' was just right.
It demonstrated Osiris' 'ability' and 'luck' in continuously excavating ancient technological treasures, bringing tangible technological improvements and benefits to Neksum, without being too astonishing and attracting excessive attention.
More importantly, it was a silent reminder and a display of power.
When Archmagos Vox received this data package and initially understood the revolutionary basic technological improvements it contained for him, he immediately grasped Osiris' subtext: cooperation could bring endless benefits, but leadership must be clear.
Thus, a strictly worded directive, personally signed by Archmagos Vox, was issued to the Tech-Priest team responsible for the 'iron guard' project.
The directive did not completely negate their 'optimization' work but clearly emphasized that any major changes to the project, especially adjustments involving core design concepts and safety baselines, must undergo more stringent evaluation and must not deviate too far from the basic technical framework set by Magos Osiris.
The directive required the team, while pursuing performance improvements, to re-evaluate and control the impact of energy radiation on the driver, ensuring the 'sustainable usability' of the equipment.
This breeze from the top of the Forge World was enough to make those Tech-Priests, keen on pushing the iron guard to extreme aggressiveness, temporarily curb their sharp edges and re-examine their 'optimization' direction.
They might not understand why the perfect manifestation of technology should be 'restricted,' but they understood the consequences of disobeying a clear directive from the Archmagos.
When Osiris received the briefing on Neksum's latest directive at the Death World, he simply calmly confirmed receipt.
All of this was within his expectation and control.
He once again focused his attention back on the canyon experimental data before him.
Compared to the minor technical adjustments within the Forge World, he was more concerned about where these lives, stubbornly evolving in the Death World under the continuous influence of the genesis particle, would ultimately go.
True power always originated from the exploration and mastery of deeper, more fundamental rules.
— —
However, Osiris' plan to dedicate all his energy to genesis particle research was interrupted by a communication request from the orbital monitoring station.
The identity of the visitor forced him to temporarily put down his experiments—Sigismund, First Captain of the Imperial Fists.
When Sigismund's figure appeared through a holographic projection in Osiris' laboratory, Osiris noticed some changes.
His iconic yellow power armor was gone, replaced by solemn black livery, with a new Maltese cross, symbolizing a new beginning, etched on his shoulder pads.
Although the projection could not fully convey the aura, the palpable heaviness and sorrow condensed between Sigismund's brows were clearly visible.
The bitter fruit of the Legion's division had clearly made this warrior, known for his resilience, feel an unbearable sense of oppression.
However, Sigismund was not here to vent his frustrations.
He dispensed with unnecessary pleasantries, cutting straight to the chase as directly as he wielded his power sword.