Chapter 41: The Sharp Blade of Words

For Qin Mo, immersing himself in research and creation was the greatest form of enjoyment. His hands moved swiftly across the data panel, recording the knowledge he had gained, while his eyes calculated how best to apply it. Each day he spent researching dimensional corridor technology was the same, filled with repetition but also joy. The only exception to this routine was learning from the Mimic how the Star Gods communicated with one another.

Information was transmitted through the magnetic fields of stars. No matter where the two parties were, they could communicate anytime, anywhere, as long as both were willing.

"How's your power recovery going? Can you come to save me?"

"You don't actually think I gave you the full theory of dimensional technology, do you? I'm just a fragment with limited memories. Even if I were whole, I wouldn't be a Star God like you."

"I remember you had a close relationship with a Star God who excelled at technology, but I've forgotten who. Otherwise, I could tell you the name, and you could seek them out directly. Right now, you're basically starting from scratch."

"When do you plan on leaving the depths of the Hive?"

"..."

The Mimic talked incessantly, perhaps because it was naturally loquacious, or perhaps it had finally found someone to talk to. If it weren't for the occasional useful information on dimensional technology, Qin Mo would have severed the communication long ago.

"Why do you always verify the knowledge I give you before using it? Are you wary of me?"

"Shut up." Qin Mo snapped impatiently, silencing the Mimic immediately.

In the ensuing silence, he continued his research, losing track of time until he noticed that the Mimic had gone quiet. Only then did he realize he had subconsciously cut the communication. When he had the desire to communicate again, the Mimic's voice returned.

"So, what do you plan to do once you master dimensional technology? Go to Earth and spread the Dimensional Engine among those psychic apes?"

This question halted Qin Mo's work, making him realize he had never considered the next step. If it were during the Great Crusade or before the Emperor took his place on the Golden Throne, he would have sought out the Emperor and handed him the Dimensional Engine. His human instincts made it hard for him not to want to help his kind escape the grasp of the Warp, which would be beneficial for both the species and the material universe.

But the problem was, the Emperor was now half-dead, immobile, and surrounded by the Custodes and the might of the Imperial Palace, preventing anyone from approaching him. Promoting the Dimensional Engine under such circumstances seemed impossible. Should he rely on the High Lords of Terra to push the technology forward? What a joke.

"Humanity has never lacked creativity. For the Imperium, the challenge isn't developing new technology, but disseminating and utilizing it," Qin Mo said to the Mimic.

"I don't understand. If dimensional technology can replace Warp travel, why wouldn't humanity immediately adopt it? By the same token, why would the Necrons reject immortality?"

"You wouldn't understand. When the Star Gods first encountered the Necrons, the Warp hadn't yet become the cesspool it is today. Imagine you're not a Star God but a mortal, and you know that the power of the Chaos Gods seeps into every corner of existence. You'd have to question whether your own inspiration is a trap laid by the Ruinous Powers. Would you still trust a technology with unknown origins?"

"How pitiful. What's the point of humanity continuing to exist under such conditions? They might as well just face extinction."

"Well, you're a broken shard, and I don't see you rushing to end yourself. In fact, aren't you trying to ingratiate yourself with me in hopes I'll someday help you deal with the Necrons?"

"..."

Qin Mo's words sliced through the conversation like a knife, leaving the Mimic silent for a long time before it spoke again.

"If the consciousness of the Forger wasn't replaced by yours and instead coexisted with you, you two would get along famously. You both wield words like a blade."

"Heh." Qin Mo chuckled and returned to his research, leaving the conversation behind.

...

In the depths of the Hive, time seemed nonexistent. It wasn't until Gray awoke one morning and noticed his now-long beard in the mirror that he realized nearly a hundred days had passed since Qin Mo had secluded himself in his research. During these days, Gray had carried out the same monotonous routine—hunting down insurgents alongside An Ruida, fighting until exhaustion claimed him, only to wake and repeat the process again.

"An Ruida, are you awake?" Gray asked through his communicator.

"Awake and ready to go," came An Ruida's voice.

"Is Grot still unable to join combat operations?" Gray asked as he wandered into the living room and took a sip of water.

"Still can't. The Commander ordered him to guard the fortress before starting his research."

"The Commander doesn't need guarding. I bet Grot's being punished for something."

"Who knows. I'm gearing up, ending communication."

As An Ruida cut the call, Gray walked to the window and looked out over the city. As the Commander's bodyguard, he had been given a residence in New Kato, a unit on the twentieth floor of a high-rise near the city center. The speed at which the logistics machinery had constructed the city was astonishing. Most of it was already complete, with everything but the outermost defenses operational.

Far in the distance, he could see the machines gathering to print new buildings, while closer to him, citizens bustled through the streets, sending their children to school before heading to work at the armories and barracks. On the outer walls of the city's central tower, scenes of the planetary defense forces battling alien insurgents played continuously. Drones, flashing red and blue lights, patrolled every corner of the city, ensuring that no place became a lawless zone.

This daily observation was Gray's only entertainment. He took pleasure in watching the city evolve, knowing it would soon stand in stark contrast to the ruins he had once laid to waste in battle.

After watching for a while, Gray spotted a drone transport in the distance, with An Ruida standing at the open hatch, helmet in hand, looking at him with a resigned expression.

"On my way," Gray called out as he quickly donned his power armor and leaped from the window onto the transport.

As usual, the two began their day's work.

"Where are we headed today?" Gray asked as he ran diagnostics on his armor.

"Seven hundred kilometers north of the city. A woman just reported that her husband went missing while exploring ancient ruins. The military has a drill today, so it's up to us to handle it."

"Alright then, let's move out."