Chapter 54: The Artery of Life Beats Again
After dispatching the rock-worms and securing the cave once more, there was no time for a prolonged rest. They quickly cleaned the work area of monster remnants and metallic dust. Then, under Tian Heng's meticulous supervision, Ilara conducted a final diagnostic check of the partially repaired ether regulation node, connecting it to the central core using the control panel.
[Core, confirm the stability of the regulation node after repairs. Estimate the current safe flow capacity based on the replacement components and temporary connections.]
The response came moments later after analysis: [Stability of the node's core circuit confirmed. Replacement components are operating within expected tolerance. No critical energy leaks detected. The estimated safe flow capacity currently allows continuous transfer equivalent to raising the central core's energy level by 0.8% to 1.2% per minute. It is advised to begin operation at a low rate and gradually increase while continuously monitoring heat and stability.]
This was excellent news. The temporary fix using the replacement alloy and fragmented knowledge was enough to run the node at a rate that could reach their target of 15% in just a few minutes, provided everything went smoothly.
"Prepare yourselves," Tian Heng said, his voice as calm as ever but carrying a new weight of authority and confidence. "We'll begin the first stable energy transfer to the central core."
He assigned the final roles: "Ilara, monitor the node readings here and inform me of any sudden changes in temperature or energy flow. Faila, use your senses to monitor the main energy conduit leading outward from here—any abnormal vibrations or energy leaks along the path, report them immediately. Lilith, with me."
Tian Heng stood before the now-stable control panel. He took a deep breath, focused his mind, and began entering the command sequence in the Builder's language, which he now understood better than before, to activate the controlled transfer process.
The node responded immediately. Its deep hum rose, and the crystals attached to it glowed with an even brighter, more intense blue. Everyone could feel an immense current of pure ether being drawn from the surrounding crystals, organized and directed through the thick metal conduits, and disappearing into the main energy channel leading deep into the rock, toward the central core a hundred meters away. There were no violent electrical arcs this time, only the sensation of immense power flowing in disciplined harmony.
At the same time, Tian Heng monitored the state of the distant central core through his mental link, watching as the energy indicator steadily rose, much faster than ever before.
[Stable energy flow received through the southern main conduit. Central core energy level: 10.5%... 10.8%... 11.2%... 11.7%... initial transfer efficiency: 88% (excellent considering distance and temporary repairs). The core's subsystems are responding positively to the stable flow...]
The scene was surreal and peaceful compared to the chaos before. Only the hum of the node, the glow of the crystals, and the energy indicator steadily climbing in Tian Heng's mind.
"Everything is stable here," Ilara said quietly, her eyes fixed on the panel readings. "The path is clear so far," added Faila, her violet eyes closed as she sensed the energy flow through the rocks.
[12.4%... 13.1%... 13.8%... 14.5%...]
They were getting closer. Tian Heng intensified his focus, ready to stabilize the flow at their target.
[14.9%... 15.0%... energy threshold reached! Maintaining stability at 15.0%... operational threshold for secondary functions and advanced decryption reached. Continuous energy consumption from the transfer is equivalent to 1.1 units/minute. Previous core subsystem stress levels are rapidly decreasing.]
They had succeeded! The target had been reached, and most importantly, the flow was stabilized! They had finally created a steady, powerful energy bridge between the richest source of ether and the heart of the vault. Tian Heng felt the central core itself seem more "alive" and active through the mental link, like a giant machine awakening from a long slumber.
He allowed himself a cold, satisfied smile. A critical goal had been achieved.
"Ilara, Faila, continue with the close monitoring of the node and path. Any changes, inform me immediately," Tian Heng said, then closed his eyes for a moment—not for rest, but to direct all his remaining focus toward the central core and the precious data panels.
[Core! Energy level is stable at 15%. Begin full decryption of all three recovered data panels immediately. Priority: highest. I want all available information.]
He felt an immediate response from the core, and a new stream of complex data began flowing into his mind. But this time, the flow was more organized and stable, thanks to the sufficient energy for processing. More detailed schematics, longer texts in the Builder's language, historical records, advanced scientific and technical principles... the true gates of knowledge for the Origin Vault were finally opening before him.