64: Chapter 64 The Fourth Gift of "Patriot X": The Quantum Cornerstone
'Hidden Dragon' Base, Network Information Center.
A heavy anxiety filled the air. Although the 'Network Disconnect' emergency plan had been executed, temporarily stabilizing the power grid's core, everyone knew it was only a temporary measure. Without the intelligent scheduling of the 'Weaving Net' AI, the power grid's efficiency was greatly reduced, and unstable power supply continued in some areas. More importantly, the opponent's 'Shadow Demon' virus was like a venomous snake lurking in the darkness, ready to find new vulnerabilities and make a comeback at any time. Conventional defense methods seemed to have hit their ceiling, and a sense of powerlessness quietly spread.
Su Xiaowan stared intently at the data streams on the screen that were still constantly attempting to penetrate the isolation boundaries, her brows furrowed. She knew Lin Mo was trying to find a way, but this time, the enemy and their attack methods exceeded all their previous experience.
Just then, the indicator light on the console representing the highest-priority encrypted channel suddenly lit up like the dawn piercing through the haze, emitting a familiar and reassuringly unique hum!
“It's ‘Patriot X’!” Su Xiaowan's spirits lifted. She practically lunged at the console, her hands flying as she began to operate the decryption program. This time, the other party's encryption method seemed to have changed subtly again, carrying an indescribably deeper and more profound aura, yet the decryption 'key' was still cleverly hidden within, guiding her.
When the outer encryption was stripped away and she saw the titles of the attachments, Su Xiaowan's breath instantly hitched!
Attachment 1: "Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Network Architecture Design and Core Component Fabrication Guide Based on Solid-State Single-Photon Sources"
Attachment 2: "Superconducting Quantum Bit Logic Gate Design Fundamentals and Preliminary Exploration of Error Correction Models"
“Quan... Quantum?” Su Xiaowan's voice trembled with disbelief. Although she wasn't an expert in quantum physics, she knew exactly what those two words represented! This was technology from an entirely different dimension!
She immediately transmitted the decrypted files urgently to Elder Chen and all relevant physicists and cryptographers within the base.
A moment later, Elder Chen's encrypted communication came through, his voice sounding incoherent due to extreme excitement: “Xiao Wan! Is... is this real?! Quantum Key Distribution! Superconducting Quantum Bits! My god! ‘Patriot X’... he just sent the very keystones to the future!”
Meanwhile, the team of quantum information experts temporarily assembled at the base was also plunged into massive shock.
A white-haired titan of quantum physics held the printed materials, his hands shaking uncontrollably, his eyes wide behind his glasses: “This... this design for the solid-state single-photon source... its efficiency and lifespan... completely subverts existing technology! And this QKD network architecture, it cleverly solves the problems of channel loss and synchronization; this... this is simply art!”
Another young professor specializing in quantum computing stared intently at the “Superconducting Quantum Bit Logic Gate Design,” muttering to himself: “Logic gate fidelity... error correction models... this isn't just a blueprint anymore, it's practically a step-by-step technical textbook! Following this line of thought, it's entirely possible for us to manufacture a practical prototype with dozens or even hundreds of qubits in the short term!”
They knew better than anyone the value of the materials in their hands. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) could ensure absolute communication security based on physical principles; any eavesdropping attempt would be detected, which would completely end all existing network eavesdropping and attacks! And Superconducting Quantum Bits were the core of building future quantum computers; once realized, all current classical encryption systems would be rendered useless before them!
This wasn't a patch for the existing defense system; this was a fundamental redefinition of the standards for information security!
Elder Chen suppressed the wild joy in his heart and immediately issued orders: “Highest secrecy level! Organize our forces immediately to tackle the fabrication of key QKD network components and prototype assembly! we must build the first absolutely secure quantum communication trunk line at the fastest possible speed, first to safeguard the core control channel of the ‘Golden Crow’ power grid!”
He looked at the calm signature of “Patriot X” on the screen, his heart filled with indescribable gratitude and awe. At Dragon Country's most critical moments, he always managed to send the most crucial technology, and each time it was more advanced and more subversive than the last!
“‘Ghost Protocol’? ‘Shadow Demon’ virus?” A cold arc formed at the corner of Elder Chen's mouth. “Before a true quantum barrier, you monsters based on classical physics are nothing more than a laughable sideshow!”
Inside the Pretty Country's Cyber Warfare Command, the attackers were still confused and frustrated by the Dragon Country power grid's “turtle” tactics. They had no idea that an “absolutely secure net” based on entirely new physical rules—one they couldn't even understand, let alone detect—was being woven at incredible speed in Dragon Country's laboratories.
The fourth gift from “Patriot X” brought not just the key to solving the current crisis, but the very Quantum Keystone to opening the door to the next information age.