The heavy blast door slowly closed behind them, temporarily sealing off the chilling malevolence from the digital depths of the deep isolation zone.
The crew, covered in gunpowder, exhaustion, and uncontrollable excitement, escorted the crucial 'trophy'—a cylindrical military-grade data storage unit violently ripped from the core array, its casing cold, its interfaces still flickering with faint isolation layer energy—back to the surface.
The last rays of the setting sun filtered through gaps in the workshop ceiling, intertwining with the cold internal lighting, creating an unreal sense of being in another world.
Osiris was already waiting in the center of the workshop.
When Maine solemnly placed the heavy and dangerous storage unit on a specially designed anti-interference workbench, Osiris' scarlet optical lenses instantly focused on it, as if to pierce it completely.
A slender probe tentacle, as if possessing a will of its own, subtly extended, carefully connecting to the storage unit's external detection interface.
After a brief data stream readout, Osiris emitted a low, satisfied, almost sigh-like hum, the sound emanating through his faceplate, carrying an undeniable ecstasy.
"Perfect... perfect! The isolation layer is intact, the internal structure is stable, and the energy signature is active and... unique!" His voice was filled with the excitement of discovering a priceless treasure. "Such a strong autonomous signal... it's simply too perfect! Maine, you've far exceeded expectations! This 'gift' is invaluable!"
He rarely used the word 'gift,' which showed his inner excitement. The servo-skull, Buddy, silently floated closer, also scanning the storage unit with extremely high priority, its mandibles slightly opening and closing, seemingly expressing equal astonishment.
Maine let out a sigh of relief, pulling a tired but proud smile, and the team members exchanged glances, a sense of relief from completing the mission evident in their eyes. Although the process was brutal, losing a valuable combat Servitor, the reward was clearly worth it.
"So, boss," Maine wiped the sweat and grease from his forehead, "about our previous agreement... our 'upgrade'?"
Osiris' attention seemed to shift slightly from the dangerous 'treasure'.
He turned to the Maine Team, his scarlet lenses sweeping over each person's battle-worn equipment and uncalmed physiological signals.
"The promise is naturally valid." His synthesized voice returned to its usual calm, but a hint of generosity could still be heard. "Based on your outstanding contributions this time, and the core research materials provided, I will offer one person in your team a complete, tailor-made enhancement modification plan service. A thorough, systematic upgrade from the underlying framework to the neural interface."
"One person?" Rebecca couldn't help but exclaim, her big green eyes wide. "Only one person? Can't everyone get a little something?"
"The integration of technical resources has its optimal solution, Rebecca," Osiris calmly explained, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "Dispersed, incomplete enhancements are a waste of valuable materials and energy. A complete, single-target modification offers an efficiency boost far beyond piecemeal repairs. This is the most efficient solution."
The workshop fell silent. The team members looked at each other, the sudden, exclusive grand prize making the atmosphere a bit subtle.
Maine, as the leader, was the first to break the silence: "Boss, what exactly do you mean by 'complete modification'? What does it require?"
Osiris brought up several complex blueprint outlines, light and shadow flowing across his dark red faceplate.
"It depends on who is chosen, and your future positioning," he explained. "For you, Maine, it's a deeper internal skeletal reinforcement and energy core replacement, significantly boosting power output and durability, at the cost of scarce high-strength alloys and miniature fusion battery cells."
"For Falco or Sasha, it's a top-tier information processing and neural protection implant suite, requiring the latest bio-chips and military-grade firewall hardware circulated on the black market."
"For Pilar or Rebecca, it's a deep integration of precision operation or heavy weapon platforms, also requiring specific models of servo systems and energy weapon components."
He paused, his optical lenses sweeping over everyone: "The acquisition of these top-tier hardware requires time, channels, and immense risk. It's beyond my current workshop's existing resources."
Everyone's gaze subconsciously turned to Dorio. Osiris' lenses also finally settled on her.
"However," his tone shifted, "Dorio's enhancement path is primarily based on biochemical excitation and regulation. Her foundation is the organic body itself, tempered through countless trials, rather than extensive metal implants."
A mechanical tentacle pointed to the subtly glowing agents in the workbench's refrigerated cabinet that he had previously prepared.
"For her 'complete modification,' the core lies in optimizing her metabolic system, strengthening muscle fibers, enhancing neural reflexes, and equipping her with more potent and low-side-effect new catalytic agents. Most of these... can be accomplished by procuring specific medicines and chemical raw materials, which I can synthesize and formulate here. There's no need to wait for hard-to-obtain top-tier cybernetic hardware."
Instantly, all eyes focused on Dorio.
She stood with her arms crossed, her bronze skin still stained with the marks of battle, her gaze sharp and complex.
Maine took a deep breath, looking at his teammates. Rebecca, though pouting a little unhappily, still nodded to Dorio; Pilar shrugged, indicating no objection; Falco pushed up his glasses, rationally stating this was currently the optimal choice; Sasha stood quietly in the shadows, nodding slightly.
Maine ultimately left the decision to Dorio herself: "Dorio, what do you say? This path... suits you."
Dorio's gaze swept over her teammates' faces one by one, finally settling on Osiris, and then on the alluringly glowing agents.
She had always pursued the purest strength, the strength to shatter obstacles with a single punch and protect her companions. More metal implants were not the ultimate form she desired.
"I accept." Her voice was steady and firm, without the slightest hesitation. "Tell me what I need to prepare, boss. I need to become stronger."
Osiris' scarlet lenses flickered slightly, seemingly approving of her decisiveness.
"Very good. I will provide the materials list and procurement channels later. Maine, ensure the resources are in place." He retracted his tentacles, redirecting his attention to the storage unit imprisoning the rogue AI, as if that were the center of his world.
"Now, if there's nothing else, do not disturb me. I need to begin the preliminary analysis of this... 'treasure'."
His tone carried the impatience of a researcher confronting an unknown mystery, having already temporarily put the Maine Team out of his mind.
The Maine team tacitly and slowly exited the workshop, leaving the space to the Tech-Priest immersed in his new discovery.
The sun completely sank below the horizon, leaving only the hum of instruments running in the workshop, and Osiris' almost inaudible excited whispers as he faced the dangerous storage unit.
Dorio clenched her fists, her eyes burning with a renewed anticipation for greater strength. And the demon from the old era they had brought back lay quietly on the workbench, waiting for its new master to break its seal.