254: Integration Testing and the First Call of "Hope"

The "tacit understanding" with the star core was initially established, and the "Flowing Silver Web" was also gradually entering its prime state. The next task was to integrate these independently Breakthrough technical modules with the massive hull and complex internal System of "hope" for testing. This was one of the most critical and dangerous stages in the construction process.

Inside the massive dock, the main frame of "hope" had already been assembled, its silver-gray hull shimmering with a cold luster under the base's simulated "starlight." Inside, the intricate pipes, circuits, and cabins had begun to take shape, resembling a mobile city of metal.

The first large-scale integration test was chosen to be held in the starship's power and energy hub. This was the core of the future "star core engine" and main energy lines, as well as the area where the "Flowing Silver" neural network was most dense.

Test Content: Simulate the activation of partial energy lines, verify the stability of energy transmission, and test the "Flowing Silver" network's ability for real-time monitoring and fine-tuning of energy fluctuations.

Before the control console, Senior Brother Li, Senior Brother Zhang, Xiao Wu, and Wen Youyi had solemn expressions. Zhao Iron Pillar led a combat team on the perimeter for security, while Mu Wanqing, Wang Wu, and others stood by at emergency posts, ready to respond to any accidents.

"Begin injecting basic energy, activate secondary energy circuits 1 through 3," Senior Brother Li issued the command.

The operator carefully injected the extremely weak energy flow, guided from the main star core, into the preset circuits. The runes on the energy circuits lit up one by one, emitting a low hum.

"Energy flow stable, transmission efficiency at ninety-eight percent, meeting expectations," Senior Brother Zhang stared intently at the data screen.

"Activate the 'Flowing Silver' network monitoring for the corresponding area," Xiao Wu pressed a specially made control rune stone.

The network, composed of "star pattern gold" filaments and Flowing Silver liquid spread near the energy circuits, instantly became active! Countless tiny silver points of light flowed through the network as if they possessed life. On the control console, a three-dimensional energy flow map formed by real-time feedback from "Flowing Silver" appeared clearly, accurate down to the energy intensity and temperature changes of every small branch!

"Monitoring network is operating normally! Feedback is precise!" Xiao Wu reported excitedly.

"Very good. Now, simulate a one percent energy leakage at node G-7 of the circuit," Senior Brother Li gave the command for a simulated failure.

Almost the instant the failure was simulated, node g-7 on the monitoring map was immediately marked in light red! At nearly the same time, the nearby "Flowing Silver" network, like a shark scenting blood, rapidly converged toward that node! The silver liquid permeated into the circuit's gaps, quickly forming a temporary energy barrier and directing the leaking energy to the backup circuit—the entire process took less than three breaths!

"Autonomous repair complete! Energy loss reduced to below five ten-thousandths!" Xiao Wu's voice carried an unbelievable excitement. "They... they really did it! Ten times faster than our preset emergency procedures!"

A low cheer erupted in the control room! This meant that in future voyages, many minor faults wouldn't even need to be discovered by the crew; the "Flowing Silver" network could handle them autonomously and rapidly!

"Don't relax! Proceed to the next test: simulate an energy overload impact to test the buffering and coordination capabilities of the 'Flowing Silver' network!" Although Wen Youyi was also excited, he remained calm.

The tests proceeded one by one, with the simulated failures becoming increasingly complex. Energy turbulence, local short circuits, and even structural deformations caused by simulated small impacts... The "Flowing Silver" network demonstrated astonishing adaptability and collaborative ability. They could not only monitor and repair but also autonomously coordinate energy distribution across different areas based on overall energy balance, and even slightly squirm like muscle during structural deformation to attempt physical "support" and "resetting"!

Of course, the testing wasn't all smooth sailing. During one simulation of a massive energy impact, the "Flowing Silver" network in one area almost started fighting itself due to "disagreement in processing opinions" (manifesting as silver liquids pushing and colliding with each other), causing temporary energy loss of control in that area; fortunately, the backup mechanical System intervened in time. Post-event analysis showed it was because the "decision coding" designed by Xiao Wu had a logical conflict under those extreme conditions and needed further optimization.

On another occasion, a few particularly "curious" "Flowing Silver" individuals, while performing monitoring tasks, developed a strong interest in a newly laid "star pattern gold" circuit emitting enticing energy fluctuations and tried to "study" it (which was actually licking and wrapping around it), nearly causing signal interference; they were discovered in time by Xiao Wu and severely "reprimanded" (by transmitting dissatisfaction through specific energy fluctuations).

These minor episodes filled the testing process with tension and laughter, but they also exposed that the "Flowing Silver" intelligent System was still immature and required more refined "codes of conduct" and "learning mechanisms."

Overall, the first large-scale integration test achieved success far beyond expectations! The combination of the "Flowing Silver" neural network and the starship's basic System demonstrated unparalleled potential and reliability. This wasn't just adding another intelligent control System; it was imbuing "hope" with a kind of newborn, collective "sense of life."

When the testing ended and all Systems were smoothly shut down, everyone stood beside the gradually quieting, gargantuan hull with surging emotions.

"It... seems to have really 'come alive'." Mu Wanqing gently caressed the cold hull, as if she could feel the rhythm of the silver network's flow.

"It's still far from it," Wen Youyi smiled, though his eyes were full of the light of hope. "The engine hasn't been installed, the ecological dome hasn't been built, and weapon defenses are nowhere to be seen... but at least, we've heard its 'first cry'."

This "cry" meant that the path they designed was feasible, and that "hope" was no longer just a pile of cold metal and blueprints, but a starry miracle being gestated and grown!

The road ahead is still long, but the first step has been firmly taken.

(End of Chapter)