Under a delicate, moss-green light, the floor-to-ceiling windows of the room were awash in luminescence. Gazing downwards from the vast ring of stars, Barbarus looked like a gleaming emerald gem.
The expansive room was now cluttered with cables and various parts. Numerous tiny, jet-black components were organized neatly across the floor. Every so often, servos hanging from the ceiling would reach out and precisely pick up a part.
At the center of the room, amid the circle of components, stood a black obelisk.
In front of it, Hades, dressed in the simple attire of a tech-sergeant, showcased his bulging muscles. On the back of his utility vest, a menacing mechanical skull emblem was prominently displayed.
A craftsman's backpack hung on his back, with a plasma cutter protruding, emitting a soft blue flame.
For a while, the room was silent, save for the subtle sounds emanating from Hades, who was engrossed in his repairs.
After an indeterminate time, Hades paused his work. Scratching his chin contemplatively, he stared at the obelisk before him.
He could manage a basic repair. The reckless handling earlier had merely scorched some circuits. By replacing the cables, in theory, the Black Stone Obelisk should be rebootable.
All he needed was to activate its anti-spiritual energy field. As for its other functions, Hades didn't need them right now.
However, the material of these cables was peculiar, resembling a kind of malleable crystal with an exceptional affinity to spiritual energy. Hades had scoured the materials vault but couldn't find anything similar.
Left with no choice, he resorted to the tedious method of trial and error. After multiple attempts, he finally found a material that could conduct energy, albeit not as effectively as the original.
Hades pondered. If he could find the right materials, perhaps he could craft a budget version of the obelisk.
Decided, he thought of sourcing some Black Stone.
Stretching after long hours of mechanical work, Hades felt rejuvenated.
He was about to contact Jin to prepare some food and inform the sages to test the obelisk's power on Barbarus, but the scent of food interrupted his thoughts.
A familiar aroma wafted to him.
Little Herila, with an expectant look, awaited his reaction. Ever since Hades brought her and her brother to the star ring, they felt like they'd entered paradise.
Hades took a bite of the noodles Little Herila offered. The awful taste and strange flavor overwhelmed him.
"Why do such traditions even form in such places?" Hades thought, almost in tears.
"How is it, Big Brother Hades?" Herila asked with shining eyes.
"It's... unique. You have a talent for cooking," Hades forced a smile, trying to encourage her.
Just as Little Herila was about to ask more, Jin's timely arrival saved him.
"Herila, you must respect adults!" Jin reprimanded, whisking her away with a mechanical arm.
Jin felt a strange sense of contentment around the children, especially with the anti-spiritual energy they emitted.
Secretly, Jin had grown fond of the children, understanding their personalities. Herila was straightforward and outgoing, while Hade was more sensitive and introspective.
"Master, the sages replied. They can accompany you to Barbarus tomorrow," Jin reported, handing Hades a bowl of standard Death Guard porridge.
Hades thanked Jin with a glance, enjoying the porridge while discussing the Death Guard's ongoing affairs.
With the enrollment for the Death Guard recruitment nearing its conclusion, the first round of selection would soon begin.