40: Resource Exploration

The final piece of debris from the abandoned escape pod was swallowed by the refining core's eerie blue light, transforming into 1850 resource points that flowed into the base's lifeblood. The sounds of dismantling had fallen silent, yet an afterglow of termination and rebirth seemed to echo above the platform. Han Zhe stood at the command center's observation port, his gaze sweeping over the now-empty area before turning toward the distance—at the massive Fusion Reactor, "Spark," and the deep darkness beyond the perimeter.

The energy upgrade was the most pressing hurdle at hand. The massive amount of resources required for Project "Blaze," especially the synthesis of new energy crystals, stood before him like an impassable mountain peak. However, the resource replenishment from dismantling the escape pod and the report of the beta batch's stable gestation within the "Hive" allowed Han Zhe's anxious mind to settle slightly. The path of development was, by nature, a process of constantly solving problems.

"keystone, report the latest progress on the reverse engineering of the new energy crystals. Where exactly are the difficulties?" Han Zhe returned to the console and called up the relevant data streams.

"Analysis of the 'Cold Fusion' battery samples shows that its core is a highly ordered 'Carbon-Nitrogen-Rare Metal' composite lattice structure. It achieves a controlled nuclear fusion reaction at low ambient temperatures through an unknown catalytic process, releasing energy smoothly and efficiently with minimal byproducts," keystone's electronic voice carried the specific frequency it used when analyzing data. "The difficulty lies in replicating this unique lattice arrangement and the precise composition and mechanism of the catalyst. We have attempted seventeen synthesis paths, but none have formed a stable structure, or the energy output was extremely low and unstable. It is speculated that we are missing key environmental energy field regulation parameters or a specific 'psionic' resonance step (the sample battery casing has faint, dissipated remnants of a psionic seal)."

Psionics again? Han Zhe's brow furrowed. Psionics was one of the most mysterious and dangerous forces in this universe, directly involving the Warp. Although his system had obtained some information on psionic suppression and manipulation from the stc fragments, it was mostly about "shielding" and "refracting" rather than active "guidance" and "construction." Using Psionics as a catalyst for precision energy synthesis? The risk was too high, and the controllability was too low.

"Is there any possibility of bypassing the psionic step? For example, using our existing high-energy magnetic fields or 'Information Turbulence Field' technology to simulate that specific energy environment?" Han Zhe proposed an alternative line of thought. Since it couldn't be perfectly replicated, he would try to achieve a similar effect with existing technology.

"Proposal generated: Attempt to use partial field regulation functions of the 'Basic Global Shield Field Generator,' combined with high-intensity controlled magnetic fields generated by the 'Spark' reactor, to simulate the sample crystal's formation environment at a microscopic level. This plan requires precise adjustments to the shield field generator; the risk lies in potentially interfering with its normal shielding functions, and the energy consumption is immense. Estimated success rate: 25%."

25%... It was worth a try. It was better than being stuck here.

"Execution approved. On the premise of ensuring the base's basic shielding functions are not fundamentally affected, allocate a portion of computing power and energy to conduct simulation experiments. Simultaneously, continue to attempt chemical/physical synthesis paths that do not involve Psionics; proceed with both lines in parallel," Han Zhe decided. Resources were precious, but he couldn't stop progress for fear of risks.

"Command confirmed. Initiating energy crystal synthesis simulation experiments. Allocating resources and computing power."

While the energy upgrade was being tackled, the base's other core mission—the cultivation of cloned soldiers—was progressing steadily. Inside the "Hive" center, the indicator lights for the twenty cultivation tanks of the beta batch flickered steadily, showing the vigorous growth of life within. Alpha Squad had fully recovered; in fact, due to the combat data from their first mission and optimized training modules, their combat effectiveness had significantly improved. They were now not only performing routine shooting and tactical drills but were also beginning to attempt squad-level multi-target coordinated attacks and emergency evacuation drills within complex battlefield simulations designed by the keystone adjutant.

Watching the surveillance footage of four sets of cmc armor weaving through simulated ruins, providing cover, and accurately sniping moving targets, the sense of having a real "army" grew stronger in Han Zhe's heart. They were no longer simple, programmed units; they were beginning to show the early signs of tactical thinking. Although this thinking was largely derived from instilled data and real-time tactical suggestions from keystone, it was a positive start nonetheless.

However, a mature army could not rely solely on four (and in the future, twenty-four) infantrymen. He needed more branches of service and a more complete system.

"keystone, based on our existing technical reserves (cmc armor, gauss rifle principles, Magnetic Rail Assisted Lasers, Individual Missiles) and the technical inspiration from energy crystals and engine components obtained from the 'Megastructure Debris Mountain,' design a blueprint for the next stage of army unit development. Prioritize: long-range fire support units (self-propelled artillery or missile launchers), reconnaissance and assault units (higher mobility), and possible light armored vehicles. No need for detailed blueprints yet; give me the conceptual directions and main technical bottlenecks first."

"Command confirmed. Performing conceptual expansion analysis for army units..."

【Long-Range Fire Support Concepts:

· Self-Propelled Railgun Platform: Scale up Gauss Weaponry principles for use on a vehicle platform, firing ultra-high-speed kinetic projectiles. Long range, strong armor penetration. Bottlenecks: Energy supply (requires miniaturized high-energy reactors or supercapacitors), recoil buffering, fire control system precision.

· Multiple Rocket/Missile Launcher Vehicle: Use a universal launcher capable of mixing different types of ammunition (high-explosive, armor-piercing, submunitions, etc.). Bottlenecks: Ammunition guidance technology (simple inertial/laser guidance), rapid reloading systems, battlefield target allocation, and data links.

【High-Mobility Reconnaissance/Assault Concepts:

· Light Hover Assault Vehicle: Utilize anti-gravity technology (needs to be reverse-engineered from engine components) or powerful tracked/wheeled propulsion. Emphasizes high speed and terrain passability, equipped with light weaponry. Bottlenecks: Anti-gravity technology or efficient compact power systems, balance between protection and firepower.

· Individual Assault Armor (Advanced CMC): Enhance mobility based on the CMC-1B (add jump packs or short-range flight modules), equipped with higher rate-of-fire assault weapons. Bottlenecks: Energy and control systems for jump/flight modules, aerial posture stability.

【Light Armored Vehicle Concepts:

· Armored Personnel Carrier: Provide mobility and basic protection for infantry. Bottlenecks: Troop compartment design, balance between defense and speed, compatibility interfaces with cmc armor.

· Light Tank: A balance point for firepower, mobility, and protection. Bottlenecks: Main gun selection (railgun or high-power laser), sighting systems, overall layout optimization.

【Universal Bottlenecks: Miniaturized efficient energy cores for vehicles, more advanced composite material armor (upgraded version of tao steel), reliable walking/hover mechanisms, integrated vehicular electronics and fire control systems.】

As the list of concepts and bottlenecks rolled out, Han Zhe felt both a surge of excitement and immense pressure. The appearance of every new unit meant a series of breakthroughs in related technologies and a massive investment of resources. This was far more complex than just building a few sets of cmc armor and rifles.

But this was the necessary path. Solitary infantry, even if well-equipped, were easily targeted and worn down on a modern (or rather, future) battlefield. He needed three-dimensional striking power.

"Record these concepts as a medium-to-long-term plan for army development. Currently, prioritize ensuring the completion of the 'Blaze' energy upgrade and the beta batch cloning project. Afterward, concentrate resources to first overcome the two most universal bottlenecks: 'miniaturized efficient energy cores for vehicles' and 'more advanced composite material armor'," Han Zhe set the priorities. One step at a time.

"Concepts archived. Research priorities set."

Having handled the army development strategy, Han Zhe's thoughts involuntarily drifted toward that grander and more distant plan—the mobilization modification of the "ark." The terrifying requirement of twenty thousand resource points was like a mountain. Relying solely on the collection stations and SCVs to pick up trash in the debris belt would take forever.

He needed new, more efficient ways to acquire resources. Or... a new "mine."

"Has the Pioneer squad's recent exploration found any new debris clusters or suspected asteroids with large-scale mining value?" Han Zhe asked keystone.

"Exploration led by pioneer-01 is ongoing. Recently, a high-density metallic meteorite belt was discovered on the other side of the debris belt (opposite to the direction of the 'Megastructure Debris Mountain'), but it is scattered, and mining efficiency may not be higher than existing sites. Additionally, during passive scanning at a greater distance (over twenty kilometers), a faint signal suspected to be a high-purity ice crystal (water) accumulation was captured, but the signal was fleeting and could not be precisely located."

Ice! Water! This was vital for sustaining life and certain industrial processes! Although the base's current water recycling system could still manage, as the scale expanded in the future, more sources would definitely be needed.

"Mark the general direction of that suspected ice crystal signal. While ensuring existing exploration missions are maintained, have pioneer-01 attempt a cautious extended scan toward that area to find a more definitive signal. Exercise caution and remain hidden," Han Zhe instructed. Water was the source of life and also an important resource (hydrogen and oxygen can be obtained through decomposition).

"Command relayed."