After deploying the nun chess pieces, Luka didn't project his consciousness into the box as before.
He tested a new control mode.
The servoskull projected text, updating his orders' outcomes:
"Sage Olivia received grape seedlings and seeds, cultivating them per instructions. She established Rostov II's first grape plantation in a suitable valley."
"The planetary governor visited the state church. The state bishop, pleased, granted favor."
"The Holy Rose Sisters' arrival thrilled the bishop. He supported their settlement and offered to request monastery construction permission from the sector bishop."
"The sector bishop approved the Sisters' settlement, providing fifty weapons, equipment, and an Exorcist chariot."
"With the sector bishop's permission and local state religion support, monastery preparations are complete. Factions disagree on location. Should the Governor-General choose?"
Options appeared. Luka asked, "What's the difference?"
"State Religion suggests a city monastery to display its majesty, spread the Emperor's faith, and inspire devotion."
"Palace Minister Rachel recommends outside the city for military training suitability."
"Treasurer Ochumelov warns of Rostov II's poor finances, suggesting using existing state church buildings."
"Note: Ochumelov's suggestion may offend the state religion, straining relations with the Governor-General."
Luka recalled the box's warning: his choices impact the world.
"Wrong choice, serious consequences?" Luka mused, recalling he requested a financial report. "Only a day here, but time flows differently on Rostov II?"
"Global mode time flow ratio is 1:100, adjustable between 1:1 and 1:1000," the servoskull replied.
"What about possession mode? What's Rostov II's current time? If the Great Rift hasn't opened, can I influence the Battle of Cadia?" Luka asked urgently.
Rostov II, in the Solar Segmentum, is less affected by the Great Rift.
"Catching the Battle of Cadia would be ideal to summon Primarchs and confront Abaddon," Luka thought.
"Rostov II's time is 970.M41, thirty years before the Thirteenth Black Crusade," the servoskull answered.
"Damn, why this time!" Luka groaned, realizing Old Man Huang's novice task was tough.
In 999.M41, Abaddon's Thirteenth Crusade destroys Cadia, unleashing Warp energy from the Eye of Terror, forming the Great Rift that splits the galaxy.
The Imperium divides into the Holy Territory and the Dark Side, connected only by the Alert Star.
That year, Primarch Roboute Guilliman returns, launching the Indomitus Crusade to save the Imperium.
With thirty years until 999.M41, Rostov II can still access free food from agricultural worlds.
If Luka can't develop Rostov II in time, his galactic ambitions are doomed; survival post-Rift will be his focus.
Luka took a deep breath. Thirty years is long in 3k but short in 40k—not enough for Space Marine training.
"To influence Cadia's Battle in 999.M41, I need a strong army or level four authority within thirty years. Otherwise, I can't intervene or save Rostov II," Luka realized.
Rostov II's ten planetary defense regiments can't withstand the Great Rift's Chaos Demons and Cultists.
"Main quest activated: Develop Rostov II maximally within 30 years."
"Objective: Strengthen Rostov II's military to counter post-Great Rift threats."
"You know the crisis nears. Prepare within thirty years. Failure means losing time-travel ability."
"If you fail, Rostov II will cease to exist."