As far as Duanmu Huai was concerned, what he cared about most right now was the current situation on that planet.
The Tyranids had already landed, but the battle was far from over. According to reports sent back by the Reconnaissance Fleet, the Tyranids were currently locked in fierce combat with the Greenskins on the planet. The Necrons, meanwhile, had occupied advantageous terrain and were stirring up trouble as well. As for the Chaos Fleet, it seemed unwilling to provoke the Tyranids and had retreated far away into the Eye of Terror.
Aside from checking on the latest developments in the battle every day, Duanmu Huai also went to Maria's side to observe the progress there. After all, the most important task at present was completing the Aetheric Engine. To accomplish that, Duanmu Huai's best idea was to divide the Aetheric Engine into several modules, like assembling a model. Once the limbs and other components had been put together, final assembly would be much easier.
Of course, the person happiest about Duanmu Huai's plan being delayed was Maria. Manufacturing and equipping the Aetheric Engine was a massive undertaking, and even a tiny component required a great deal of time to complete. Even with the puppets and Servitors working around the clock without rest, it was no easy task.
"So, how much longer do we need?"
"I'd say at least a year, Inquisitor Lord."
Maria stared at Duanmu Huai before her.
"You should understand very well that manufacturing the Aetheric Engine is a major project, and we have never tested it before. To be honest, I'm not certain that even if we assemble it successfully, we'll actually be able to activate and use it. I still stand by my opinion. I think we should first find somewhere to conduct a small,