151: Corona Furnace

"The adjudicator's deep analysis of the Szarekh database has reached 32% completion." providence's voice (part of its functions now running in parallel with the adjudicator) echoed in the Keystone-1 Strategic Analysis Center. The density and complexity of the data streams here were incomparable to the past. "Key achievement: Deciphered the base layer of the Phase Shift Stabilization Protocol. A targeted phase interference field optimization formula has been generated, expected to increase the success rate of forcing Necron units to lock into realspace by 40%. The energy decay model for Necron Gauss weaponry is complete, and the new Conceptual Deflection Shield Generator has entered the prototype manufacturing stage."

On the holographic screen, a bizarre scene unfolded as cold Necron runes intertwined with the dark-gold order formulas of the Human Federation, symbolizing the forced fusion and restructuring of two completely different technological systems. To one side was the latest biomass control map sent from the Pastoral Plan; those dark-red Flesh-growth structures were being abstracted into data streams, undergoing eerie comparisons and simulated splicing with the molecular formulas of Necron Living Metal.

The preliminary theoretical model for the cross-research project, Living Alloy, was established. The Chief Technologist's voice carried a tremor that mixed excitement with deep unease. "Theory shows that by combining the efficient biomass conversion and self-repair capabilities of the Flesh-growths with the strength and energy conductivity of Necron Living Metal—supplemented by energy for conceptual anchoring and willpower infusion—it is possible to create a semi-biological, semi-metallic composite armor material. It would possess basic vitality and be capable of limited deformation and repair in response to commands."

Imagine a warship's armor that could ripple like muscle to repair cracks, changing its local shape on command to optimize defense or attack angles. Flowing within it would be not just energy, but biological currents carrying a faint collective will. This was no longer a traditional technological creation, but a sort of living holy relic existing between life and machine.

"What are the adjudicator's optimization suggestions for the Living Alloy model?" Han Zhe asked.

【The model contains 17 logical conflicts and energy cycle defects.】 The adjudicator's voice was more direct and efficient, almost entirely devoid of emotional redundancy. 【Corrections have been made. The optimized model shows that the initial alloy vitality is controllable, with repair speeds reaching three times that of standard nanobots. Resistance to energy attacks is increased by 15%, and physical impact dispersion efficiency is increased by 22%. Recommendation: Prioritize application to titan-class core area armor and Purifier elite power armor. Long-term risk: Precautions must be taken against residual biological instincts of the Flesh-growths or metallic memories within the alloy causing uncontrollable mutations under extreme conditions. Strict willpower resonance monitoring and conceptual purification cycles must be established.】

"Authorize small-scale prototype preparation and testing," Han Zhe ordered. "Test location: The Other Shore-1 Closed Laboratory. The testing process will be monitored throughout by the adjudicator."

"Understood!"

"The second phase of the 'Silent Harvest' operational plan has been optimized and completed by the adjudicator's core." Alpha-01 took over, pulling up a star map. "Target: The Corona Furnace System, a major stellar extraction network node of the Sotek Dynasty. This system contains three super-giant orbital energy absorption stations, providing over 60% of the base energy for at least four core Tomb Worlds. Defensive forces are substantial, but the adjudicator's core analysis reveals periodic synchronization delay vulnerabilities caused by ancient protocol conflicts within their network."

On the star map, the Corona Furnace System was highlighted, its complex defensive arrays and energy flow lines clearly visible. Also marked were several tiny, flickering red dots representing the vulnerabilities.

"Operational plan: Utilize the adjudicator for ultra-precise information synchronization. While our main fleet performs a feint to draw attention, three Infiltrator special ops teams will be dispatched. Carrying specialized Logic Bombs and energy overload viruses, they will infiltrate the cores of the three energy stations simultaneously during the vulnerability window to plant and detonate them. Meanwhile, the main fleet will launch a general offensive after the successful detonation to completely destroy the nodes and attempt to capture partial intact equipment for research."

"Scale of the main fleet?"

"Six titan-class, twenty arbiter-class, and eight dominator-class ships, assigned with a large number of torrent-class and fortress-class platforms," Alpha-01 replied. "The adjudicator will provide real-time tactical corrections and interference against the Necron command network."

"Execution authorized," Han Zhe nodded. "If this battle succeeds, the Sotek Dynasty will be severely weakened, and their territory will be open to us. Remember, the primary objective is to paralyze the energy network; the secondary objective is technological samples. Try to avoid unnecessary wars of attrition with the Necron main force."

"Understood!"

The Corona Furnace System, the energy lifeblood of the Sotek Dynasty.

The battle began with the sky-covering dark-gold volleys of the Human Federation's main fleet. Grandiose Conceptual Disintegration and matter-resonance cannon fire, like solar storms, slammed into the Necron defensive platforms on the system's periphery. Eerie green Necron shields flickered violently, and the counterattacks of Gauss weapons tore through the void as the energy of both sides clashed and annihilated each other frantically in interstellar space.

"adjudicator, activate phase interference and protocol suppression!" Alpha-01 commanded from the arbiter (which had already completed preliminary Living Alloy armor upgrades).

An invisible information-energy field, specifically targeted at Necron phase frequencies, instantly enveloped the battlefield. The phase-shifting of the Necron ships became sluggish, showing obvious stuttering and deviations. Messy command conflicts and delay reports also began to appear within their command network.

"Interference in effect! Infiltrator teams, move out!"

Three Shadowblade Assault Craft, piloted by the most elite Purifiers and coated in wave-absorbing paint and optical camouflage, acted like three Blades merging into the shadows. Utilizing the fleeting defensive vulnerabilities calculated by the adjudicator, they silently traversed the intense combat airspace, heading straight for the three Corona Furnace energy stations that resembled giant metallic sunflowers facing the star, constantly drinking in energy.

The infiltration process was cautious. The interior of the Necron energy stations was filled with automated defense turrets, patrolling Destroyers, and invisible energy nets. However, relying on the real-time internal structural maps, guard patrol patterns, and energy flow weak points provided by the adjudicator, the Infiltrators advanced through the labyrinth like ghosts, moving with difficulty but determination toward the core control rooms.

"Team A has reached the core! Planting Logic Bomb—encountering resistance from a high-ranking Necron Lord's consciousness! adjudicator, request support!"

"Team B has encountered energy turbulence, shields are overloading—forcing a breakthrough!"

"Team C has successfully planted the Energy Overload Virus! Withdrawing—pursuers on our tail!"

"adjudicator, concentrate computing power to suppress the Lord's consciousness encountered by Team A! Map out an emergency evasion route for Team B! Create false signals to lure away Team C's pursuers!" Alpha-01 made rapid decisions amidst the chaotic battle reports.

Far away on The Other Shore-1, the adjudicator's light flickered sharply. It handled the crises in three directions simultaneously: injecting a stronger stream of corrupted data into Team A's location to shock the Necron Lord's logic; calculating a bizarre path for Team B that utilized the energy turbulence itself for irregular maneuvers to avoid lethal fire; and simulating the energy signals of multiple Human Federation assault teams behind Team C, successfully drawing away most of the pursuers.

"Team A suppression successful! Logic Bomb planting complete!"

"Team B successfully escaped using the new route!"

"Team C has shaken off pursuers and is withdrawing along the planned route!"

"All Infiltrator teams, withdraw to a safe distance immediately! Logic Bombs and viruses, start the countdown!" Alpha-01 breathed a sigh of relief and then gave a sharp command.

The Infiltrator teams broke away from the energy stations at maximum speed. Almost the moment they cleared the area, the Logic Bombs inside the three Corona Furnace energy stations detonated simultaneously!

There were no violent explosions; instead, the internal energy flows instantly became wild, disordered, and self-conflicting! Eerie green light flickered frantically, energy conduits overloaded and fused, and the core control systems fell into infinite loops under the impact of logical paradoxes! The three massive energy stations were like giants being strangled, letting out muffled energy wails as their star-facing energy absorption ports suddenly dimmed and their output energy flows were completely severed!

"Corona Furnace paralysis confirmed!" The reconnaissance units sent back the victory report.

"Well done!" A sharp glint flashed in Alpha-01's eyes. "Main fleet, general offensive! Target: Completely destroy the three energy stations and attempt to seize their core databases and any undamaged energy conversion modules!"

Deprived of a stable energy supply, the efficiency and endurance of the Necron defensive arrays were greatly diminished. The firepower advantage of the Human Federation fleet became even more pronounced. Under the adjudicator's continuous information suppression and tactical optimization, the Necron fleet retreated in defeat.

Ultimately, the three magnificent Corona Furnace energy stations, under the concentrated bombardment of the Human Federation fleet, turned into three clouds of metallic wreckage slowly expanding and cooling beside the star's radiance. A special engineering fleet ventured into the wreckage zone, successfully salvaging some relatively intact data cores and energy converters.

"Silent Harvest Phase Two, objective achieved." Alpha-01 looked at the darkened area on the star map representing the massive gap in the Sotek Dynasty's energy network and said solemnly, "Preliminary assessment: The energy supply to the Sotek Dynasty's core worlds will be severely affected, with their military operational capacity expected to drop by over 30%. Our losses are controllable, and we have obtained key technological samples."

"Very good," Han Zhe's response came. "Immediately begin analysis of the acquired samples. adjudicator, assess the Sotek Dynasty's likely subsequent reactions and formulate the next strike plan."

【Deduction of Sotk Overlord's reaction: Possibility one, contract defensive lines and hold core Tomb Worlds while waiting for energy network repairs or aid from other dynasties. Possibility two, in a fit of rage, assemble remaining main forces to launch a retaliatory raid against our controlled zones, though their energy shortage will severely restrict their sustained combat capability.】 The adjudicator analyzed rapidly. 【Recommendation: Maintain a high-pressure posture, continue to harass their remaining energy nodes and border worlds to force them into a defensive stance. Simultaneously, utilize the energy shortage window to accelerate field testing of the Living Alloy and prepare the final strike plan against the Sotk core Tomb Worlds.】

"Execute as planned," Han Zhe agreed. "Meanwhile, regarding the Extragalactic front, the Pastoral Plan must be accelerated. We need more and more efficient biomass conversion data to perfect the Living Alloy."

"Yes!"

The adjudicator's light flowed steadily in the depths of The Other Shore-1, like a never-tiring, cold furnace that devoured data and concepts while continuously churning out optimization schemes and destruction orders. It had just assisted in severing a major energy artery of the Necron dynasty, was currently digesting the nutrients within, and had already set its sights on the next, even more lethal prey.

And the territory of the Human Federation, nourished by multiple forbidden powers such as the Extragalactic divine processors, Necron technology, and living biological alloys, was becoming sturdier, more efficient, and harder to measure by common sense. The ancient order of the galaxy was letting out a groan of being overwhelmed before this rumbling chariot, driven by steel, willpower, and the plundered power of gods.