Another Energetic Day for the Astartes!

How could a lazy bum like Fu Qinghai ever bother to study for a postgraduate entrance exam?

Laziness and the thirst for knowledge are not mutually exclusive.

A person's laziness sometimes stems from their personality, and sometimes from their physical energy levels.

However, Fu Qinghai, having completed the surgical transformation into an Astartes, had first and foremost eliminated the possibility of fatigue or insufficient energy.

It left him feeling energetic and eager to learn every single day.

Once he confirmed his apprenticeship under Master Kunto to study as a Techmarine, Fu Qinghai's schedule became even more packed; in addition to his daily training and military studies, he added the study of technologies unique to the Warhammer 40K universe.

Before Fu Qinghai had even been accepted as a student by Master Kunto, he had already quietly crammed a great deal of basic theoretical knowledge about the Warhammer 40K universe in the frigate's small library, focusing primarily on cosmic physics. He built the framework of the Warhammer 40K worldview in his mind, from what the Warp was to what a Geller Field did, cramming it all in.

After all, the body arranged by the reincarnation world—Locke, a youth from the underhive—was, by the definitions of the Imperium of Man, practically illiterate.

As mentioned before, the Tony Stark electronic soul backup was not exactly the same as another Iron Man. Although this thing had copied a portion of Iron Man's memories, its essence was an electronic brain rather than a human one. It possessed both the flaws of an electronic brain and advantages that far exceeded a human brain, especially in terms of memory capacity.

Based on the characteristics of the electronic brain, his reading speed was comparable to a scanner, and his memory and comprehension differed from a traditional human brain; he quickly grasped the settings of this universe.

With basic physical theory under his belt, he could begin the prerequisite subjects for engineering—materials science, energy dynamics, and so on.

Materials science, especially the rare natural materials unique to the Warhammer 40K universe—Adamantium—as well as the advanced composite materials of the Imperium—Ceramite and Plasteel.

As for energy dynamics, Promethium, the most basic and common liquid fuel of the Imperium, was already very familiar to Fu Qinghai—or rather, Locke. He focused his studies on fusion nuclear power and other technologies that were practically commonplace in the Warhammer 40K world.

Training cage.

Covered in scars, Fu Qinghai sat cross-legged in the center of the training cage, his upper body bare, wearing only a pair of athletic shorts. He was completely relaxed, eyes slightly closed, silently meditating and regulating his breathing according to the method taught by Ogedei.

Even without the life-support systems of power armor, the physique of an Astartes alone was sufficient to repair these seemingly shocking superficial wounds.

Outside the training cage, Ogedei and Albuslang were whispering to each other.

Ogedei looked at Fu Qinghai, who was meditating quietly in the cage, tilted his head, covered his mouth, and whispered:

"Albus, what do you think of Locke?"

"He is a cunning warrior." Albuslang delivered his verdict first.

"I like him very much. He is very smart and is someone who truly fights with his brain. He is not constrained by any specific technique or school; he can be bold and unrestrained or strike from an unexpected angle. Furthermore, he doesn't pursue some bullshit aesthetic like those narcissists among the Emperor's Children. This kid values results. To defeat me, he can intentionally take a few light hits, feign a retreat, or fake an injury—he thinks of everything."

The corners of Ogedei's mouth twitched. Albuslang's description made him feel that this wasn't intelligence, but shamelessness.

However, Albuslang's evaluation of him was quite high. Techniques have their limits; finding one's own path is the fundamental pursuit of a warrior, and Fu Qinghai seemed to have shown signs of this from the very beginning.

Another nine standard Terra months passed.

Nine months of silent voyaging—if it were the old Fu Qinghai, he might have been bored to death, but for the crew who had adapted to long-term space travel, it wasn't particularly difficult to endure.

In the bottom deck, inside Kunto's laboratory.

Fu Qinghai was once again covered in wires and sensors, sitting on a metal crate.

On the screen of the workbench to the side, Master Kunto, draped in dark red robes, was silently watching the readings flickering on the display.

Kunto was analyzing Fu Qinghai's physical data, and Fu Qinghai was not idle either; he quietly opened his attribute panel in his mind.

[Name: Fu Qinghai (True Name)

Reincarnation ID: 60731920

Race: Astartes (Biochemically Modified Human)

Height: 249cm

Weight: 301kg

Ability: Tony Stark Electronic Backup (Completion 17%) Bound to Brain Domain

Reincarnation Equipment: None

Assimilation Points: 990

World Anchor: X1

Reincarnation Life: X2]

Compared to nine months ago, he had grown a little taller, and his weight had increased as well.

The various superhuman organs in his body had been developing continuously over these nine months, and only now could they be considered to have truly grown into their complete form.

Master Kunto's hoarse voice rang out: "There are no problems showing up on my end. How do you feel yourself?"

"Me? I feel great every day, full of energy."

Kunto gave a raspy laugh. "That is your adrenaline urging you to enter combat as soon as possible. That day will not be too far off, little Locke. Think about why Ogedei chose you. Becoming a superior being that transcends mortals does not come without a price."

After a pause, Kunto continued: "Dying on the battlefield is the fate of all Astartes. I just hope you don't die too quickly, so I can observe you for a while longer."

"Even if you must eventually die, don't die in a pathetic way. After all, you are a work of Kunto Anastasio. Try to die in a blaze of glory; don't let the common rabble question my standards."

"Return to your squad; they should have everything ready for you."

Master Kunto, you certainly have a way with words, your mouth is just dripping with honey... Fu Qinghai muttered to himself, can't I just live a mediocre life rather than dying a glorious one?

He had heard that Ogedei and the others were preparing something for themselves and was about to press for details, but seeing Kunto wave his hand, seemingly with no intention of explaining, Fu Qinghai decided not to ask further.

After rising and nodding to Master Kunto in greeting, he turned and left.

The bridge of the frigate Dagger.

The bridge was unusually lively today; many who were rarely seen here had gathered.

They seemed to have been waiting for some time, waiting for the arrival of Fu Qinghai.

The captain of the Dagger, Conrad Adenauer, a middle-aged man with a black, bushy beard who was always in uniform, stood exactly where he belonged on the bridge.

The highest military commander of the ship, the representative of the Astartes, a Captain of the White Scars Falcon Brotherhood, and an old acquaintance of Fu Qinghai, Ogedei Mangnut.

Aside from Ogedei, the remaining six Astartes, including Talal and Albuslang, were all present on the bridge.

This was rare.

Over the past nine months of living together, Fu Qinghai had become familiar with his brothers in the company. He raised his arm to his chest to salute them, and the Astartes, standing in a row and watching him, returned the military salute with equal courtesy.

There was one more person: a tall, thin young man with messy flaxen hair, pale skin, and a smattering of freckles.

His eyes and forehead were tightly wrapped in layers of white cloth, yet he seemed unaffected, "looking" toward Fu Qinghai as the others did.

The moment he was "stared" at, Fu Qinghai felt his heart skip a beat.

So this is what it feels like to be watched by a psyker... Fu Qinghai thought to himself.

He was the Navigator of the frigate Dagger, Marco Van Riel, of the bloodline of one of the Navigator houses within the Imperium.

Navigators, a special type of psyker, grow a third eye on their forehead when their psychic abilities mature. This eye is usually kept closed and covered to prevent mortals from accidentally meeting its gaze, which would send them into a state of panic and terror.

Fu Qinghai nodded in greeting to the Navigator, Marco.

The other man returned a subtle nod; he was not as cold or unapproachable as the rumors about psykers suggested.

Astropaths are usually blind, but Navigators are not. Van Riel likely kept his eyes covered simply to sharpen the sensitivity of the third eye on his forehead, Fu Qinghai guessed.

"Alright, little Locke, come over here." Ogedei's gravelly, booming voice rang out; it was clear he was in a good mood today.

He gestured for Fu Qinghai to come before him. As he looked over the tall, young Astartes, Ogedei's eyes were filled with satisfaction.

The warriors of the White Scars believe in the existence of killing intent. In Ogedei's eyes, after this long period of training, Fu Qinghai was beginning to show his edge, gradually developing a sense of "spirit" and "presence."

"Today is the day of your formal Ascension, the day you become one of us. I have arranged a simple ceremony for you," Ogedei explained.

"I believe you know everyone present, so I won't bother with introductions. Oh, right, this is Van Riel, Marco blah-blah-blah Van Riel—I can't remember the middle names—our Navigator, from the noble... er, House Riel of the Terra European lowlands."

Ogedei's tone carried a hint of mockery, and he turned to ask Marco, "My description is accurate, is it not, Navigator?"

The pale-faced young man did not react much to Ogedei's obvious teasing; he simply shook his head faintly and said, "It is accurate, Lord Ogedei."

Fu Qinghai, of course, knew why Ogedei was putting on this show. The White Scars warriors were desperate to return to the Solar System to complete their mission and participate in the subsequent war against the traitors. Currently, because they could not perform a Warp Jump, they were crawling through the vast universe at sub-light speeds. At this rate, even without considering fuel and supplies, by the time they reached the Solar System, the war between the traitors and loyalists would have long been decided.

The reason the frigate could not perform a Warp Jump was that the Navigator was affected by the violent Warp storms and could not find suitable nodes or paths within the Warp.

Given Ogedei's personality, it was only natural for him to give Van Riel a hard time.

Judging by Van Riel's reaction, he seemed long accustomed to it.

"Ahem." Talal gave a light cough, signaling Ogedei to return to the main point.

Ogedei understood. He turned to face the group and said, "Today is the day little Locke officially ascends to become a glorious and great White Scar. I have invited you all to witness this moment. Given the special circumstances of wartime, we lack the complex rituals of the monastery; we shall keep everything simple."

With that, Ogedei turned to face Fu Qinghai and spoke in a loud, clear voice:

"Today, you depart from the ranks of mortals to become the Emperor's closest kin—an Astartes—and a warrior of the Khan's most powerful force—the Ordu of Jaghatai. In the days to come, when you gallop across the star-seas of the universe, proclaiming the Truth of the Imperium, reclaiming the homeworld of humanity, and trampling the skulls of your enemies, do not forget this day! Do not forget the vows you have made today!"

"This is not the Quanzhou Monastery, so face the direction of holy Terra, kneel on one knee, and follow me in your oath..."

Fu Qinghai did as he was told.

After the oath-taking concluded, Fu Qinghai stood up, and Ogedei said to him:

"From this day forward, you must sever ties with your past self. Cast aside your old name. You shall become someone entirely new. Give yourself a name in the style of Chogoris; it will help you integrate into the Legion."

Ogedei had mentioned this to him before, and Fu Qinghai had long since prepared his answer.

Fu Qinghai declared loudly, "Qingshan. My name shall be Qingshan."

He had never liked the name Locke, which consisted of three overly simplistic letters.

And the name "Qingshan" reminded him of a web novel he had read over a decade ago in his previous life on Earth—the very first web novel he had ever read—whose characters and roles remained vivid in his memory to this day.

"Very good, a fine name." Ogedei patted Fu Qinghai's shoulder approvingly. "It reminds me of Lushan, a powerful warrior from the Brotherhood of Dawn."

Next, Ogedei handed over a small bowl of thick, black liquid and said, "This is a potent poison I asked Master Kunto to concoct for me. Dip your blade into it, then carve your own scar onto your face, and the Ascension Rite will be complete."

Fu Qinghai solemnly took the small bowl of poison.

The reason for using a potent poison was that an Astartes' body had such powerful regenerative capabilities that ordinary blade wounds would not leave a scar, and the pigments used for mortal tattoos would not leave a mark on an Astartes' skin. Thus, they had to use corrosive poison to maintain the traditional customs of the Chogoris warriors.

A normal Astartes Ascension Rite is an internal affair for the Legion, usually witnessed only by the company, with no need for outsiders. Fu Qinghai suspected that the reason Ogedei insisted on holding this ceremony on the bridge was for the same reason as before—

The process by which Fu Qinghai became an Astartes did not follow standard procedure.

By doing this, Ogedei was making a grand, public statement to everyone on the ship: I, Ogedei, am acting with complete integrity and transparency.

PS: The word "Ordu" originally means a palace tent or court; in a broader sense, it can be understood as a military unit. It is a term used by nomadic peoples such as the Turks, Mongols, and Khitans. In official Warhammer 40K novels, it is an internal term for White Scars Astartes, roughly equivalent to "soldier" or "warrior," representing the appropriation of steppe cultural terms by British writers.