90: Bold guesses

"Preliminary report for the 'behind the curtain' project." The voice of the project's lead scientist—a theorist who had risen to prominence after the 'kindling' project, known for his profound understanding of abstract information models—rang out across the highly encrypted channel, carrying a strange tremor of mixed excitement and unease. "Based on the theories regarding 'Conceptual Entities' and 'Cross-Dimensional Information Structures' from 'The Watchers Library', combined with continuous observation and analysis of 'Information Infiltration' patterns outside the 'Stasis Vault', we have constructed an... extremely bold hypothetical model."

Han Zhe signaled for him to continue. Only a very few core personnel were connected to the command center at this moment; the air felt stagnant due to the high level of secrecy and the eerie nature of the topic itself.

"We believe that the so-called 'imprint' is not a specific, hostile, or intelligent 'entity'." The scientist pulled up a dizzyingly complex holographic model composed of countless dynamic geometric shapes and energy flow lines. "It is more like a... highly specialized, non-chaotic 'Warp Information Resonance Pattern' or 'Conceptual Echo'. When the 'Styx Siphon' experiment opens a 'window' for Warp energy extraction and preliminary purification, the process itself is like throwing a 'stone' of a specific frequency into the (relatively) calm 'Information Sea' of the Warp. The ripples stirred by this 'stone'—our purification protocols and the 'Pure Kindling' characteristics of K-73—produced a... 'resonance' or 'adsorption' with a certain inherent information structure at the base of the Warp that is usually dormant or diffuse."

The model showed a blue light representing the 'Styx Siphon' experiment being cast into a gray chaos representing the Warp's 'Information Sea'. The ripples did not fully dissipate; instead, they connected with certain dim, uniquely structured 'light bands' beneath the surface. These 'light bands' began to glow faintly and projected extremely weak 'tendrils' toward the material universe along the 'path' of the ripples.

"These 'inherent information structures' are mentioned in Library theory as 'conceptual pillars' or 'Warp Reflections of Reality Anchors'. They are the 'mappings' or 'support points' at the Warp level that maintain specific 'concepts' of the material universe, such as the defined boundaries of 'order', 'stability', and 'life'. Usually, they are distinct from, or even repulsive to, Chaos energy," the scientist explained. "The core essence of our 'Pure Kindling' protocol is the reinforcement and anchoring of concepts like 'order', 'stability', and 'purity'. Therefore, when it intervenes in the Warp energy flow, it unintentionally 'illuminates' and 'attracts' the Warp reflections of 'conceptual pillars' that share the same origin as these concepts."

"So, that 'imprint' is the... 'attention' of these 'conceptual pillars'? Or some kind of passive 'information feedback'?" Han Zhe attempted to understand.

"More accurately, it is an extremely weak information radiation or existential echo produced by these 'Pillars' because their nature has been 'activated'," the scientist corrected. "It likely possesses no independent will or purpose, much like a struck bell produces sound; that sound is not the bell's 'will'. However..."

He magnified a section of the model where the 'tendrils' extending from the 'Pillars' were interacting subtly with the material universe's isolation field. "However, this 'echo' or 'radiation' seems to possess a certain... 'stickiness' and 'adaptability' on an informational level. It can attach itself to matter or information structures it has 'resonated' with—such as experimental materials or data storage media—and can undergo extremely slow self-adjustments based on external 'feedback', like the properties of our isolation fields, to try and maintain or optimize this 'connection' or 'observation' state. This explains why it 'learns' and 'spreads'—it isn't actively learning; rather, its existence pattern naturally 'evolves' during interaction to maintain a weak link with the 'resonance source'—which is us, or more specifically, our 'Pure Kindling' technology—at the lowest energy cost."

A non-malicious but informationally 'sticky' and 'adaptive' passive echo from the 'conceptual support structures' at the base of the Warp? This sounded slightly better than an active, malicious entity, but it was still unsettling. It meant they might have unintentionally established a persistent 'weak connection' with some of the deepest, non-chaotic 'infrastructure' of the Warp that would be difficult to sever.

"What are the long-term consequences of this 'connection' or 'echo'?" Han Zhe asked the most critical question.

"Unknown," the scientist confessed. "Library data contains very few records of such phenomena, and they are vague. Possible consequences include: 1. Harmlessness, remaining merely as persistent 'background noise'. 2. It could become a 'beacon' for some higher entity or phenomenon to perceive us. 3. As the 'resonance' deepens, it could cause the local reality structure to interact more complexly with the corresponding 'conceptual pillar', triggering unpredictable physical or informational effects. 4. Worst-case scenario... if Chaos forces perceive and exploit this 'non-chaotic' but reality-linked 'Pillar Echo', they might find a loophole to bypass our 'Pure Kindling' defenses."

The pros and cons were hard to weigh, and the risks were unknown. It was like having a tiny device of unknown origin and function implanted in one's body; it might be harmless, or it might be fatal at a critical moment.

"According to the model, is there a way to completely 'sever' or 'shield' this 'echo'?" Han Zhe pressed.

"Theoretically... it's extremely difficult." The scientist gave a bitter smile. "It has already developed a 'resonance binding' with our 'Pure Kindling' technology core—the K-73 legacy—as well as parts of our material structures. Forcibly severing it might require the simultaneous annihilation of all related technological creations and contaminated materials, and might even affect the entire 'Pure Kindling' technological system. A more feasible direction might be... active management and guidance."

"Management? Guidance?"

"Yes. Since it seems to be an 'echo' of the concepts of 'order' and 'stability', could we try to 'shape' or 'soothe' this echo by adjusting certain parameters of the 'Pure Kindling' protocol, or by utilizing the more advanced 'Concept Stabilization' technology from the 'Library'? We could stabilize it into a harmless, or perhaps even beneficial, 'resonance pattern'. For example, we could reinforce its 'rejection' effect against Chaos, or guide it to become an auxiliary energy source that enhances the stability of 'Reality Weaving'." The scientist proposed an even bolder idea. "Of course, this requires deeper research and extremely cautious testing."

Actively managing a 'conceptual echo' of unknown nature from the base of the Warp? This was no different from performing high-precision surgery on the edge of a cliff.

Han Zhe remained silent for a long time. The risk was immense, but perhaps it also held opportunity. Just as the 'Styx Siphon' itself brought contamination while revealing new possibilities.

"I approve the 'behind the curtain' project to continue in-depth research. Establish a sub-project for 'Echo Guidance and Control', code-named 'harmonic resonance'." Han Zhe finally decided. "But all experiments must be conducted in an environment of absolute isolation with multiple safeguards, and the scale must be limited to the microscopic level. providence, lead the risk assessment and safety protocol design."

[Command received. 'harmonic resonance' sub-project initiated. Warning: Any attempt to actively guide the echoes of Warp 'conceptual pillars' may trigger a chain reaction; the consequences cannot be fully predicted.] providence gave its routine warning.

The research into the eerie internal shadow had a new direction, though the future was uncertain. Meanwhile, the two external fleets had also made new progress.

"The 'Homeward Journey' fleet reports: We have successfully traversed the 'Great Attractor' strong disturbance zone on the outskirts of the 'Virgo Supercluster', using new navigation technology to evade several dangerous 'Reality Vortices'." Captain Li Mu's voice came across the endless void, carrying the steadiness of one who had survived a perilous journey. "Based on the 'far gaze' logs and 'Library' star chart corrections, we are approaching the final dormant coordinate area. The fleet will initiate maximum-precision scanning and release all 'Prophet-II' improved drones for a carpet search."

The light of hope was laboriously exploring the darkness of the Extragalactic void.

"The 'Pioneer' fleet reports: In-depth analysis of the unknown force's abandoned camp is complete." Commander Zhao Qing's intelligence followed immediately. "Confirmed that their technological style is highly mixed. The core leans toward an alien tech-tree characteristic we have never directly contacted, known as the 'Men of Iron' (database fuzzy match)—specializing in biomechanical fusion and randomized technological creations. However, the remains also detected faint psionic encryption traces similar to the 'Haak' aliens, as well as... extremely thin, highly disguised standard lubricant molecules belonging to an Adeptus Mechanicus exploration squad of the Imperium of Man!"

Men of Iron? Haak? Adeptus Mechanicus? How could these three be mixed together?! And appearing in this remote resource zone?

"Based on comprehensive trace analysis," Zhao Qing continued, "we speculate this might be a mixed-nature, unofficial 'archaeology' or 'treasure hunting' fleet. Its members might include wandering Men of Iron individuals, hired or cooperative Haak Psykers, and... rogue or renegade Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus? Their goal seems to be something specific on the planet 'Jade-II'—perhaps a rare mineral, an ancient relic, or... a primitive life form with special research value. They have clearly discovered something and evacuated, but their destination is unknown."

A ragtag 'archaeology team' composed of wandering aliens, fringe Psykers, and possible technological heretics? Such a combination appearing on the edges of Imperial territory inherently meant chaos and instability. Would they return? Would they pose a threat to the Human Federation's resource extraction activities?

"Maintain maximum vigilance and strengthen passive monitoring of the resource zone. If this force reappears, attempt long-range, non-contact identification and intent assessment, but avoid any direct contact or conflict," Han Zhe instructed. "Our goal is resources, not getting embroiled in the entanglements of more unknown forces."

However, the universe always seemed to like pushing the Human Federation into the eye of the storm. Just as the 'Pioneer' fleet was cautiously adjusting its deployment, a 'Shadow-II' scout ship on the outermost edge of the fleet captured an extremely strong and unusual Warp fluctuation coming from the direction of the Galactic Core during a routine patrol!

"Detected energy signatures of a massive Warp portal opening! Bearing... pointing toward the Cadia Gate! Intensity... far exceeding any previous records!" The scout captain's voice was urgent. "The fluctuations are laced with a massive amount of chaotic psionic screams and war roars... and... countless Imperial ship identification signals, as well as... even larger, more foul Chaos Fleet signals! They are... in a fierce engagement! Energy readings show the scale of the battle is... immeasurable!"

The 13th Black Crusade... the fires of war seemed to have reached a new, even more tragic peak! The Cadia Gate, the most important fortress system of the Imperium, was enduring unimaginable pressure!

This news was like a heavy bomb exploding in the Human Federation command center. The Imperium's attention was being drawn to the front lines like never before; for the Human Federation, this was undoubtedly a godsend to relieve pressure! But similarly, if the Cadia Gate fell, the tide of Chaos would have no further obstacles, and the entire galaxy—including this 'Forgotten Frontier' where they were located—could be completely submerged!

"Synchronize this intelligence with the 'Pioneer' and 'Homeward Journey' fleets immediately!" Han Zhe ordered quickly. "The Imperium has no time for anything else; this is an excellent window for our accelerated development! But at the same time... we must prepare for the worst. If the Cadia Gate falls and the main Chaos force turns its attention... we need a plan to continue surviving amidst the ruins of a collapsed Imperium and the tide of Chaos!"

Hope and crisis descended simultaneously once again in their most extreme forms.

In the Extragalactic void, the rescue operation entered a critical search phase.

Within the galaxy, resource plundering encountered a mysterious ragtag force.

In the core battlefield, the bloody battle to decide the fate of the galaxy reached a fever pitch.

And within the Human Federation, research into the eerie Warp 'echoes' had only just begun.

Four lines running in parallel, each filled with variables and risks.

Han Zhe stood before the star chart, looking at the light points and fluctuations representing different lines of fate, his gaze as deep as the starry sky.

"Accelerate the construction of the 'Ark World'. Speed up the conversion of 'kindling' technology. Closely monitor the movements of all parties."

"Whether the galaxy is reborn through fire or falls into eternal night..."

"The Human Federation... must become that ultimate ark capable of surviving in any storm."