Adamantium Combat Suit

Gao Yi wasn't worried about the medical gun or the nanites inside it being reverse-engineered.

Though the technology within the medical gun was impressive, what truly made it powerful was Gao Yi himself, combined with the equipment produced by the system's Barracks—neither could be missing. If the Adeptus Mechanicus actually cracked and copied the tech, this medical gun would just be an ordinary piece of technology.

Not just in effect, but efficiency would take a massive hit. Only medical guns produced by the Barracks or those in the hands of Medics summoned by Gao Yi could retain the in-game effects.

"I'm giving you a sample with these results. Whether you can research it or replicate it with the same effect is none of my business. If you can't, that just means your skills aren't up to par."

After personally experiencing the miracle of the medical beam, Osti immediately grew interested in this technology. Though Machine Spirits existed, he had never seen tech that could repair both flesh and metal simultaneously with such speed.

"What do you need, Rogue Trader?"

"I need a Cruiser, any model will do."

"A Cruiser? Impossible. Every Cruiser is a precious asset of the Explorer Fleet!"

"I'm sure you know how valuable this technology is. A Cruiser isn't too much to ask!"

"Impossible. Even in the Explorer Fleet, Cruisers aren't casually traded. Perhaps we could swap it for two Frigates. If you're willing, the Adeptus Mechanicus can compensate you elsewhere—we can upgrade those Frigates with stronger Void Shields, engines, and Lances, and reinforce their armor plating. If you need ship ammunition, we'll provide it free of charge in the future."

After some back-and-forth with Osti, Gao Yi knew this was the best deal he could get for now. If he could directly provide the principles behind the tech, Osti might have agreed without hesitation. But he could only offer a sample—he didn't know the theory himself.

"Fine, but I need some other resources too."

"Resources? What kind?"

"Can you show me a list of what you can trade?"

Hearing this, Osti immediately searched his memory storage. The Servitor Skull lurking nearby projected a holographic display. All the mineral resources within his authority to trade were listed.

"These are all the mineral resources I'm authorized to trade. Once you pick what you want, I'll convert them into a reasonable quantity for the deal."

Gao Yi examined them closely. Plasteel, Adamantium, Phosphor, Promethium, Adamantium—mostly common minerals and energy resources widely used across the Imperium. He'd learned from Veil that the Dynasty had mining resource points, but since they couldn't even return to the Capital World, those minerals couldn't just fly over.

Gao Yi wanted to trade for a large amount of Adamantium, but after hearing Osti's conversion rates, he immediately gave up. The stuff had low output but high demand—hard to refine, yet used heavily in ship keels, rams, and armor. Even for the Adeptus Mechanicus, it was a tightly controlled resource. He thought about the corn on Terra—the Power Armour worn by the Emperor's Adeptus Custodes was made of Auramite, stronger than Adamantium, and the terrifying part was how finely it was worked. But Gao Yi had never seen anyone process Adamantium to such a degree.

After more haggling, Gao Yi settled on a tiny amount of Adamantium, plus large quantities of Adamantium and Plasteel. Plasteel would go into producing Combat Suits for trade, while the tougher Adamantium would arm his own soldiers. The small amount of Adamantium would be used to forge his personal Combat Suit and gear for his most trusted warriors. If the Barracks' production rules held, even Adamantium could be processed.

Both sides agreed on the trade terms.

"Rogue Trader, the Adeptus Mechanicus transport ships will soon deliver your requested materials to the dock. The warships will also arrive shortly. Please send someone to receive them."

"Magos Osti, samples of the CMC-400, CMC-660, and C-14 will be delivered with your transport ships. Keep this medical gun for now."

Osti picked up the case with a mechanical tentacle. He didn't want to stay a moment longer—he was eager to return to his Forge Workshop and study the item thoroughly.

After seeing Osti off, Gao Yi looked at the cargo list. "This Adamantium is enough for five Combat Suits. The Adamantium can arm ten companies of Rangers. The cheapest Plasteel should keep production running at full capacity for days."

Looking at the two deals he'd made today, Gao Yi had completely resolved the most pressing issues.

"Veil! Get some food and drink—time to celebrate!"

The Adeptus Mechanicus was impressively efficient. The Explorer Fleet was arguably their largest organization here, bypassing the lengthy approvals of the Departmento Munitorum or the Administratum to directly allocate their own resources.

Once the goods were exchanged, Gao Yi couldn't wait to board a shuttle back to the Golden Ram. The ship's repairs were progressing rapidly—hundreds of SCVs worked across the vessel. At their pace, the Golden Ram's repairs would be done in about ten days, leaving the remaining half-month for the Adeptus Mechanicus Frigates.

To Gao Yi's surprise, a group of tech-priests and engineers led by Pavian were chanting hymns to the Omnissiah around the SCVs. They lit sacred incense, trying to attract and appease the Machine Spirit. The priests and engineers aboard had begun to deify the SCVs, seeing them as a miracle of the Omnissiah and calling them Holy Machines.

From Veil's report, he learned that a new branch of the Machine Cult faith was slowly emerging among these priests.

Hearing of Gao Yi's arrival, Pavian set aside all his work and waited for him in the Forge Workshop.

"Great Captain, the Omnissiah be with you. I hear you wish to forge new Combat Suits? Allow me to complete this sacred step."

"Then I'll leave it to you, Pavian."

"It is my honor!"

As the Adamantium was delivered to the barracks by the Servitors, the barracks immediately began operations.

This production run was much slower—after a full three hours, a set of CMC-400 Combat Suits crafted from Adamantium was presented before everyone.

Gazing at the gleaming golden Combat Suit before him, Gao Yi was nearly blinded by the shine.

Pavian was stunned once again... He felt as though he had perpetually underestimated the STC before him.

He eagerly transported the armor to the testing grounds to verify its durability.

The Laspistol, C-14, Chainsword, Autocannon, flamethrower, and even the Grenade Launcher could barely inflict significant damage on it.

As long as the wearer could withstand the impact force, the strength of this Adamantium armor was practically maxed out.

"If I put this on now, wouldn't my physical and magical resistance be maxed out? Is this Combat Suit's value comparable to that of an Adeptus Custodes' armor, worth an entire planet? Not a planet—a Hive City would do. But there's one downside: this shiny gold is way too flashy. Pavian, have the paint on this Combat Suit changed to black!"

Gao Yi still adhered to the principle of not showing off too much in the early stages of development. If news of casually producing Adamantium Combat Suits got out now...

In just a few days, Gao Yi and his Dynasty would likely be completely wiped out.