Chapter 51: The Spark of Creation
The quartet stood in front of the massive, silent Basic Manufacturing Unit. The machine was a manifestation of neglect and forgotten time, covered in dust and rust, with its mechanical arms halted at strange angles like the limbs of a skeletal metal frame. But Tian Heng did not see it as mere junk; he saw it as the key to the next phase of his plan.
"Ilara," he said calmly, "carefully clean the main control panel and Delta-7 power port. Faila, scan the surroundings of the machine for any dormant defensive mechanisms or unusual power sources that might not have appeared in the scan."
As the two elves carefully set to work, Tian Heng took out one of the isolated boxes containing the precious condensed aether they had collected. The amount (around 68 units) was barely enough for a single attempt, and he had to be very precise. Lilith remained by his side, a silent and loyal shield.
A few minutes later, Faila returned. "There are no obvious traps or direct signs of hostile energy, but there's a low hum coming from below, perhaps the machine's internal power reactor."
Ilara finished cleaning the control panel and the power port, revealing a pale metallic surface and geometric symbols in the Builders' language.
Tian Heng called up the activation protocol, which he had decoded from the data slate in his mind. The core [...] displayed it clearly before him. It required connecting an external power source, entering a specific sequence of symbols on the panel, and finally, providing a stable power flow at 11% of the central core capacity for several minutes to initiate the primary systems and the miniaturized manufacturing reactor.
"Get ready," he said calmly.
With patience and precision, he used the aetheric resonator as an interface to connect the condensed aether container to the Delta-7 power port. Then he moved to the control panel. His white fingers moved quickly and accurately over the now-glowing symbols, entering the complex activation sequence he had learned. It was not just a series of random presses, but rather like playing an ancient melody in the language of machines. The panel responded, more symbols lighting up, and a small screen displayed preliminary diagnostic data in the Builders' language, which the core immediately translated into his mind.
Now came the hardest part: providing the continuous, stable power flow. Tian Heng closed his eyes for a moment and focused on the cold, pure aether of the Frozen Star Forging Style, which he had now mastered to a high level, at the Ether Collector - Peak. He did not use the dark dragon energy; this task required absolute precision and control, which the aether could provide.
He extended his hand towards the resonator connected to the condensed aether container and began directing a steady, controlled flow of energy toward the machine's port. The resonator glowed with a soft, steady icy blue light. The manufacturing unit began to vibrate gently, emitting a low mechanical hum that gradually grew louder and more regular. Internal lights deep within the machine flickered on, and some gears and joints moved slowly, like a beast awakening from a deep slumber.
Tian Heng monitored the energy consumption indicator on the panel (translated by the core) and the power flow from the condensed aether, maintaining the delicate balance at the required 11%. It was a task that demanded intense focus—any excess could damage the old machine, and any deficiency could cause the activation to fail.
[Activating primary systems... Checking diagnostic circuits... Minor errors detected in secondary motor connection for arm 3 (can be bypassed)... Requested power at 11%... Initiating mini-manufacturing reactor heating... Temperature rising normally...] The core translated the ongoing status reports.
This tense situation continued for several minutes. The condensed aether supply began to drop noticeably. Tian Heng could feel cold beads of sweat forming on his forehead beneath his hood, despite the surrounding chill. Ilara, Faila, and Lilith all kept their eyes fixed on him and the machine, each holding their breath in their own way.
Suddenly, the machine's hum changed, growing stronger and more stable. The flickering lights ceased and remained steady. The large mechanical arms moved fully, then stopped in a ready position. A new, clear message appeared on the main control panel's screen.
[Basic Manufacturing Unit (Tier 1) successfully activated. Systems are stable in standby mode. Internal energy reserve: 5% (recharging slowly from micro-reactor). Ready to receive manufacturing orders and raw materials.]
They succeeded! A faint hum of relief passed between the two elves. Even Faila allowed herself a brief, cold smile. Lilith took a step closer to Tian Heng, her eyes shining with pride.
But Tian Heng didn't stop to celebrate. He immediately took advantage of the machine's stability. Using the control panel and the Builders' language symbols that he now understood better, he uploaded the recipe for the "Alternative Ether-Conductive Alloy" that he had extracted from the node repair logs, then ordered the machine to process the silver wires they had salvaged from the Guardian and some quartz powder collected by Lyra.
[Manufacturing order: Produce 0.5 kg of 'Silver-Quartz Ether-Conductive Alloy' using the input materials [materials list]. Priority: Medium.]
The machine began its work. One of its mechanical arms moved slowly, taking the raw materials from the input port and transferring them into the internal processing chamber, where a faint orange glow emanated, accompanied by grinding and melting sounds. The process was slow and unrefined compared to what it should have been in its golden age, but it was working.
About half an hour later, a small, shiny metallic rod in bluish-silver color emerged from the output port.
[Manufacturing complete. Produced 0.5 kg of alternative alloy. Quality analysis: Meets minimum specifications (estimated conductivity efficiency 65%).]
Tian Heng picked up the small, slightly warm metallic rod. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. They had just created the base material needed to repair the ether regulation node. They had just opened the door to truly repairing and advancing the Origin Vault.
He looked at the machine, which had now entered a quiet cooling cycle. Then he looked at his followers. They had made a giant leap forward. They now had the ability to create and manufacture, not just survive and explore.
"Ilara, Faila, begin studying the node repair protocols in detail using this alloy and the new data. Lilith, come with me. We'll return to the Crystal Cave soon to begin the repair process."