Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Magos Kurnos

Behind the steel gate lay a labyrinth of towering machinery and intricate instruments. Complex pipelines connected to massive cultivation columns, each as tall as three men. The lighting here was equally dim, with yellowish spotlights casting long shadows behind the equipment. Some of the liquid in the culture dishes and chambers emitted a faint glow.

Fu Qinghai noticed that the placement of these massive machines and pipelines seemed haphazard, as if they had been hastily moved onto the ship.

Ogotai led Fu Qinghai through the shadows of one enormous machine after another until they reached a wide metal workbench. Above it, a white, shadowless light shone down, illuminating a small figure standing before the bench.

This figure, cloaked in deep red robes, appeared frail and diminutive compared to the massive workbench. Even Ogotai, seated in his wheelchair, towered over him by a shoulder. Yet, as Ogotai approached, he bowed slightly and spoke respectfully.

"Magos Kurnos."

The small figure turned, revealing a wrinkled, age-spotted face. His right eye was a mechanical implant that glowed faintly green. He glanced coldly at Ogotai and Fu Qinghai, his voice dry and raspy, like the grinding of rusted gears.

"What is it, Captain Ogotai?"

Fu Qinghai maintained a calm expression, but inwardly, he was struggling to suppress the storm raging in the sea of thoughts from his Iron Man-esque electronic soul.

From the moment he saw the two towering robots at the door, and as he passed by one complex machine after another, the sea of thoughts in his mind had been churning. One inspiration after another bubbled up. Fu Qinghai was naturally a man of insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge, and now, with the enhancement of his mental sea, this desire was even more urgent.

Ogotai spoke softly, "Magos, I hope you can help this boy become an Astartes."

The robed figure didn't seem surprised by the request. He turned to Fu Qinghai and said calmly: "Open your mouth."

Fu Qinghai obediently opened his mouth, as if having his tonsils checked by a doctor.

Magos Kurnos' green mechanical eye shifted slightly.

"He's about seventeen by human dental age. You know the optimal age for the procedure. He's a bit old," Kurnos said.

Fu Qinghai thought to himself: 'You could've just asked me. Back on Earth, only horse traders check teeth...'

Ogotai replied, "I know, but I believe these are not insurmountable problems for you."

Kurnos turned back to his workbench, two slender, delicate mechanical arms extending from beneath his robes. He continued tinkering as he spoke, "Indeed, it's not a big issue. Take him for training. Bring me one of your Legion's gene-seeds, and I'll cultivate the organs before the surgery."

Seeing that Kurnos had returned to his work, Ogotai hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

"Magos, as you can see, our Legion's numbers are dwindling. I believe Locke is a rare talent. I have high hopes for him. I hope... I hope you can ensure the highest possible success rate."

Kurnos paused his work and turned to Ogotai. From beneath his hood came a dry, raspy laugh. "What, Ogotai? Do you think I'm on the same level as those clumsy Apothecaries in your Legion?"

Ogotai quickly replied, "I don't mean to question your abilities. I just mean... every recruit is crucial to us now."

Kurnos turned back to his workbench. "Enough. I understand. Take him for your White Scars training. I'll handle the rest."

Ogotai bowed again. "Thank you, Magos."

On the way back, Fu Qinghai couldn't help but ask: "Who is he?"

"Kurnos Anastasio. Genetor, High Priest of the Mechanicum, Magos Biologis, Xenobiologist." Ogotai listed off a string of titles.

"Is he connected to your special mission?" Fu Qinghai asked perceptively.

Ogotai looked at Fu Qinghai expressionlessly. "I'll tell you that after you become one of us. Along with all those other foolish questions of yours."

Fu Qinghai chuckled dryly. It seemed Ogotai was still holding a grudge over being questioned earlier.

A Genetor was a Tech-Priest specializing in biology and genetics within the Mechanicum. The title of Magos Biologis indicated his rank and expertise. A Genetor of this level was a significant figure even on their home Forge World. In terms of strategic value, everyone on this frigate combined—ship included—wasn't worth as much as Kurnos alone.

The deep red of his robes was a famous color in the galaxy—Mars Red. It was the signature hue of the Mechanicum.

But the Mechanicum was the Mechanicum, and the Astartes Legions were the Astartes Legions. No matter how impressive Kurnos was, he wasn't Ogotai's direct superior. Ogotai could have treated him formally, but he had chosen to humble himself for Fu Qinghai's sake.

Thinking of this, Fu Qinghai couldn't help but glance at Ogotai with gratitude. This burly, hot-tempered man had actually been quite kind to him.

The process of transforming a human into a Space Marine was referred to as "ascension" within the Legions. This term alone revealed much about how many Space Marines viewed baseline humans—they considered themselves a higher form of life.

This view wasn't without merit. Aside from their immense strength, agility, reflexes, and regenerative abilities, their near-immortality alone set them apart from ordinary humans.

Space Marines aged, but there had yet to be a recorded case of a Space Marine dying of old age. They only died in battle.

The optimal age for Space Marine transformation was twelve, but this wasn't a hard rule. Many famous figures had undergone the procedure as adults. For example, Qin Xa, the captain of the Keshig and right-hand man of Jaghatai Khan, and Targutai Yesugei, the Chief Librarian and second-in-command of the White Scars, had both undergone the transformation as adults. This didn't stop them from becoming some of the most powerful Space Marines.

There were even more extreme cases, such as Kor Phaeron, the foster father of Lorgar, Primarch of the Word Bearers. He was an elderly man when he underwent the transformation, yet through a series of surgeries, bionic implants, and special drugs, he became a warrior rivaling a Space Marine.

If the Tech-Priests willed it, nothing was impossible.

However, most Space Marine ascensions had to consider cost. The procedures were usually performed by the Legion's Apothecaries, who were also responsible for harvesting gene-seeds from fallen brothers. These Apothecaries' surgeries had a certain failure rate. Those who failed either died or were left permanently disabled.

The latter wasn't too bad, given the advanced state of bionic prosthetics. Failed aspirants could still serve as regular crew members.

But in most cases, failure meant death.

This was why Ogotai had emphasized the success rate to Kurnos. The ship didn't have many suitable young males to spare for the procedure. Fu Qinghai was the only candidate.

***

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