35: Cradle of Life

The successful test of the "anvil-01" prototype was like throwing a scorching Mars into the base's silent iron torrent. Wearing that two-meter-tall gray-blue armor, feeling the solid touch of the imitation tao steel and the surging power provided by the servo motors, Han Zhe felt a certain degree of "safety" for the first time in this universe. This safety was no longer derived solely from concealment and reinforced walls, but from the power he controlled—power sufficient to destroy threats.

However, when he stepped out of the "anvil-01" and faced the empty command center and the few silently patrolling "Sentinel" robots on the platform, the excitement brought by that power was quickly replaced by a new, deeper sense of loneliness and a feeling of hitting a bottleneck.

No matter how strong a suit of cmc armor is, it is still just a single soldier. No matter how powerful a gauss rifle is, it still needs someone to use it. The base is expanding, resources are accumulating, and technology is breaking through, but the most core and fundamental element—people—remained only him.

He had no subordinates, no companions, and not even anyone to talk to (the system's cold electronic voice and the mechanical responses of the SCVs clearly didn't count). All the planning, decision-making, construction, and even future battles weighed on his shoulders alone. He was the Commander, the engineer, the researcher, the only soldier, and the only... human.

Pioneer SCVs could be built, and "Sentinels" could patrol, and more cmc armor could be armed in the future, but who would pilot them? Who would form squads and execute tactics? Who would make real-time judgments on a complex battlefield? Who would fill the positions in the base's operation that required flexibility and creativity?

The system could provide blueprints, manufacture machinery, and even simulate training programs, but it could not create intelligent, autonomous organic life out of thin air. At least, not in its current state.

Han Zhe stood before the holographic star map in the command center, his gaze sweeping over his small, shielded iron territory before looking toward the deep, distant darkness that might hide countless dangers. He needed an army—a true army composed of humans (or humanoid intelligent life) capable of understanding commands, executing complex tasks, and thinking and collaborating independently when necessary.

Cloning.

This thought, like a bolt of lightning through the dark, suddenly illuminated his mind.

In the Warhammer universe, cloning technology was not a fantasy. Certain xenos races (like the Tau Empire's Kroot? No, Kroot reproduce quickly, they aren't clones), or certain dark technologies (like some daemon factories of Chaos, or certain lost human technologies), could potentially involve it. His own system came from a highly advanced civilization capable of cross-universe transmission; could its database really lack sections on life sciences and... genetic engineering?

He recalled the system's initial, massive tech tree that covered all aspects. Although most of it was lost or locked during the crossing and subsequent damage, did the fragmented information on life support, medicine, and even... biomass conversion protocols (he shuddered, remembering the necessary operations in the escape pod) point toward some possibility?

"System," Han Zhe's voice rang out in the silent command room, carrying a hint of testing and irrepressible longing, "retrieve all information fragments in the database related to 'life sciences', 'genetic engineering', 'cloning technology', and 'organism cultivation', regardless of their completeness."

The system remained silent for a few seconds, seemingly performing a deep search within the vast and broken sea of data. The data stream on the light screen became slow and complex.

【Searching... Keyword matching... Number of related entries found: 47. Integrity assessment: Generally extremely low (0.01%-3%).】

【Main Categories:】

· Basic Life Support and Medical (Partially available, already integrated into the base life support system and cmc armor).

· Organic Matter Decomposition and Energy/Matter Extraction Protocol (Partially in use).

· Basic Gene Mapping Structural Analysis (Theoretical, extremely incomplete).

· Standard Human (Pan-human sub-species) Basic Gene Template (Severely damaged, missing key coding and telomere stability information).

· Somatic Cell Cloning Induction and Early Embryo Development Regulation (Conceptual, no specific technical parameters).

· Rapid Growth and Memory/Skill Imprinting Technology (Mentioned, no implementation method).

· Warning: Technologies involving the creation of life and genetic manipulation carry extremely high ethical risks and unpredictable consequences. The system's original protocols have strict restrictions on the application of related technologies (some restriction modules are damaged).】

It exists! Although it's heavily fragmented, the direction is there! The basic gene template (even if damaged), the concept of cloning induction, the mention of rapid growth and memory imprinting... it's just like the "basic reinforced infantry platform" blueprint back then; though it's only fragments, it points the way!

Han Zhe's heart began to pound wildly. Ethical risks? In the face of the absolute need for survival and building power, those moral frameworks from the old Earth seemed so pale and distant. Unpredictable consequences? Any application of new technology carries risk; the key lies in control and guidance. System restrictions? The damaged restriction modules gave him exactly the room he needed to operate.

"System, based on the information fragments we have, and..." He paused, his gaze becoming sharp, "using my own genes as a template (I am currently the only accessible, relatively 'standard' human genetic sample compatible with the system), attempt to construct a feasible plan for 'Standard Combat Personnel Clone Cultivation'. Goal: Cultivate individuals who are physiologically healthy, possess standard human physical and intellectual foundations, have stable genes, and... preferably can quickly acquire basic military skills and loyalty through some means. How many resources do we need? What new facilities are required? What is the estimated success rate?"

This was an extremely bold, even crazy proposal. But Han Zhe had no other choice. He needed people, he needed an army, and this was the most likely way he could think of to achieve that under current conditions.

The system once again fell into a long silence and calculation. The data stream on the light screen refreshed frantically, with various complex biological models, gene sequence simulations, nutritional requirement calculations, and equipment requirement lists constantly flashing and disappearing.

After a full ten minutes, the system's voice finally rang out again, more solemn than ever before, even carrying a hint of... something like "weighing" the options.

【Plan deduction complete. Based on the host gene samples (scanned and recorded), existing life science fragments, the refining core's matter reorganization capabilities, and the fusion reactor's abundant energy, the 'Rapid Cloning and Basic Training Protocol (Alpha Version)' has been designed.】

【Core Process:】

1. Build dedicated facility: 'cradle of life' Cloning and Cultivation Center. Requires integration of: Sterile environment maintenance, gene editing and cell culture tanks, artificial womb and fetal development monitoring systems, rapid growth nutrient solution synthesis and circulation, and preliminary neural stimulation and memory encoding equipment.

2. Gene Template: Use the host's genes as the primary blueprint, performing limited optimization (eliminating known hereditary defects, standardizing certain physiological parameters), and implanting basic loyalty and obedience psychological suggestion coding (derived from existing fragments of psychology and neuroscience, effects are unstable).

3. Cultivation Process: In the 'cradle of life', starting from the embryonic stage, use accelerated growth technology (stimulating cell division and differentiation through specific nutrient solutions and energy fields) to compress the natural growth cycle to approximately 90 standard days (about three months). During this period, synchronize basic sensory stimulation and conditioned reflex training.

4. 'Birth' and Preliminary Activation: Once the cultivated body reaches physiological maturity (roughly equivalent to an 18-22 year old standard human), perform 'Awakening'. Conduct a mandatory data package infusion of basic military skills (such as weapon operation, squad tactics, battlefield discipline, etc.) via neural interface (efficiency and compatibility unknown). Simultaneously, load preset loyalty protocols and identity recognition (recognizing themselves as 'soldiers' produced by the base, with the host as the supreme Commander).

5. Follow-up: Clones must undergo actual adaptability training to integrate the imprinted skills and to evaluate their psychological stability and independent combat capabilities.】

【Requirements and Risks:】

· Resource Requirements: Extremely high. Building the 'cradle of life' center requires 5,000 resource points and 20 units of energy, taking 15 standard hours. Within a single clone's cultivation cycle (90 days), continuous consumption of special nutrient solution and energy totals approximately 300 resource points per unit.

· Technical Risks: Extremely high. Genetic optimization may fail or produce unknown mutations. Rapid growth may lead to physiological or psychological defects. Memory/skill imprinting may lead to cognitive confusion, mental breakdown, or distorted loyalty. There is a risk of clones awakening independent consciousness.

· Ethical Risks: Highest. Creating life and subjecting it to programmed settings touches upon forbidden realms regarding the essence of life and free will.

· Success Rate Estimate (producing 'usable' combat personnel): Based on current data, optimistic estimates do not exceed 30%.】

Five thousand resource points! Twenty units of energy! A three-month cycle! And additional consumption for each single clone! With a success rate of less than one-third!

The cost was suffocatingly high.

But what would be produced were "people" in the true sense, potentially possessing the ability to act and think independently! They would be "soldiers" who could pilot cmc armor, operate gauss rifles, and form tactical squads!

Han Zhe's fingers unconsciously tapped against the edge of the console, making a crisp sound. He looked at the resource monitoring interface: thanks to the continuous work of the automated collection stations and SCVs, his resource points had recovered and stabilized at around ten thousand. Energy was even more abundant. He could afford the cost of at least one attempt.

As for the risks... genetic mutations, psychological breakdowns, loyalty issues, and even the potential birth of unexpected monsters or traitors... he was aware of all of them. But compared to being alone forever, facing the endless malice of this universe, he would rather take this risk.

He needed companions, even if they were manufactured ones. He needed an army, even if its success rate and loyalty were questionable.

"Build the 'cradle of life' center." Han Zhe's voice was low and firm, without a hint of hesitation. "Site it... behind the Barracks, at a sufficient distance from the main living areas and the reactor, and establish independent isolation and security measures. Resource points, energy—provide full supply."

【Command finalized. Initiating the 'cradle of life' Cloning and Cultivation Center construction protocol. Resource points deducted: 5,000. Energy output: 20 units. Construction location confirmed. Estimated completion time: 15 standard hours. Warning: This operation will irreversibly change the nature of the base and the responsibilities and risks borne by the host.】

"I know." Han Zhe closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "Begin."

The massive construction plan was initiated once more. This was even more complex and precise than building a fusion reactor. Large amounts of special, bio-compatible materials were synthesized, precise life-support equipment was manufactured, the requirements for constructing a sterile environment were extremely high, and the equipment involving genetic manipulation and neural stimulation required unprecedented precision.

Three SCVs and the automated mechanical arms within the Barracks were all committed to this project. In a corner of the platform, a white building with rounder lines and a surface covered in a special coating—looking completely out of place in the surrounding iron environment—began to rise. Its interior was divided into multiple functional zones: a gene editing room, a cultivation area, a development monitoring center, and finally, an "Awakening Room".

Han Zhe monitored the entire construction process, his heart filled with indescribable and complex emotions. There was trepidation toward the unknown, expectation for potential success, and a deep sense of absurdity and weight, as if he were playing the role of a "Creator."

Fifteen hours later, the "cradle of life" center was completed. It stood there quietly, its white shell looking somewhat piercing under the platform lights; behind its tightly closed doors lay an unknown territory that would determine his future direction.

"System, prepare to extract my genetic sample. Initiate the first clone cultivation sequence. Follow the 'Alpha Version' protocol. Target quantity..." Han Zhe grit his teeth, "Cultivate four units first. Simultaneously, begin preparing the corresponding basic military skill data packages and loyalty protocols."

【Command confirmed. Genetic sample collection complete. Initiating clone cultivation sequence: Alpha-01 to Alpha-04. Synthesizing nutrient solution... Initializing culture tanks... Embryo induction beginning... Loading rapid growth program... Estimated maturity: 90 standard days from now.】

【Compiling military skill data packages... Basic weapon operation (covering laser rifles, gauss rifles, and melee combat), individual tactical movements, squad coordination essentials, battlefield survival rules...】

【Constructing Loyalty Protocol framework: Core command—obey the host (Han Zhe) as the supreme Commander; defending the base is the highest mission; clones are comrades-in-arms to one another; identity recognition: base-manufactured soldiers (serial number system).】

As the command was issued, soft lighting simulating natural sunlight lit up inside the "cradle of life". Complex instruments began to hum, transparent nutrient solution began to circulate in the culture tanks, and tiny embryos, initially just clusters of cells, were implanted. Under the stimulation of energy fields and special nutrition, they began to divide and grow at a speed that defied natural laws... Through the monitoring screen, Han Zhe watched the outlines of those tiny lives gradually taking shape in the culture medium. A strange feeling flooded his heart—inside there were four "people" based on his genes, rapidly "growing."

He left the monitoring station and walked to the observation port of the command center. Outside, the starry sky remained as it was, and the shielding field operated silently. On the platform, "Sentinels" patrolled, SCVs were busy, and the collection stations roared.

Everything was the same as before, yet it all felt completely different.

He turned and looked toward the Barracks, toward the quietly parked "anvil-01". In ninety days, there would no longer be only cold machinery and a lone Commander here.

There would be soldiers here.

He would possess his first army that belonged to him, even if its origins were peculiar and its future uncertain.

And with the birth of this army, his role would also take a decisive step from a survivor struggling to exist and an engineer buried in construction toward truly becoming a "Commander," a "Lord."

The path ahead would surely be more complex and more bloody, but it might also be... much broader.

Han Zhe clenched his fists, his eyes reflecting the cold starlight outside the window while also burning with the scorching yet cold wildfire belonging to a creator and a conqueror.

Life had been conceived within the cradle of steel.

War may well accelerate its arrival because of the birth of this life.