Chapter 52: The Return to Repair the Artery
With the first gleaming rod of the alternative ether-conductive alloy in his hands, Tian Heng wasted no time. The Basic Manufacturing Unit was now operational, albeit slowly, producing more of the crucial material they needed. The next, more important goal was clear: return to the Crystal Cave and repair the damaged ether regulation node. This repair was the key to achieving a true, sustainable energy flow from their richest source to the heart of the vault.
"Prepare for the journey," Tian Heng announced to the team in the manufacturing hall (Lilith, Faila, and Ilara). "Ilara, the central core will need continuous access to the repair and calibration protocols we've deciphered, so you'll accompany us. Your detailed knowledge of the data is essential." Ilara nodded silently, her dull eyes betraying no emotion.
"Faila," he continued, looking at the dark elf, "your ability to sense and stabilize erratic energy flows may be crucial during the delicate repair and calibration process of the node. Your presence is necessary." Faila raised an eyebrow, but didn't protest; perhaps she was interested in witnessing the Builders' repair technique up close.
"Lilith, as always, you'll stay by my side," he added. Lilith nodded with a satisfied smile.
They quickly prepared. Tian Heng took all the alternative alloy produced so far, along with the precise tools they had salvaged, a small container of condensed aether for backup energy or to power the tools if needed, and of course, the data slates containing vital information. They left the Basic Manufacturing Unit running, closed the hall behind them, and then the quartet set off, retracing their path through the tunnel network towards the southern sector where the Crystal Cave lay.
This return journey was different. It wasn't just a trip back; it was a mission with a specific, critical engineering goal. Tian Heng constantly reviewed the complex steps of the repair and calibration protocol in his mind, imagining the process, and anticipating potential difficulties. Ilara walked in silence, her mind also reviewing the technical data. Faila was watching the tunnels in her own way, sensing any subtle shifts in shadows or energy flows. Lilith was her vigilant shield.
Finally, they arrived at the Crystal Cave once again. The place was as quiet and sparkling as they had left it, and the main entrance was still sealed by the rockslide they had caused. They entered through the secret side passage. There were no signs of intruders or disturbances. The rudimentary capacitors they had left running before the Oakhaven journey had long since stopped working after exhausting their internal energy or accumulating their meager output.
Tian Heng immediately headed toward the damaged ether regulation node—the large metal panel and thick rods embedded in the cave wall, which now bore visible signs of overload and electrical arcing from his battle with the Guardian.
"Ilara, start by analyzing the visible damage and comparing it with the diagnostic records we obtained. Identify the components that need immediate replacement using the alternative alloy," Tian Heng ordered.
"Faila, scan the energy field surrounding the node carefully. I want to know if there are any remaining energy leaks or hidden structural weaknesses that might affect the repair process."
"Lilith, secure the work area. I don't want any interruptions."
The team began to work like a finely tuned machine (though composed of strange and mismatched parts). Ilara began to examine the node closely, using the core [...] to display the schematics and compare the symbols, pointing out the burned-out wires and corroded connections that needed to be replaced with the new alloy. Faila moved around the node, her violet eyes half-closed, muttering strange words as she sensed the hidden energy flows with her hands, feeling the air around her.
Tian Heng took out the gleaming rods of the alternative alloy and the precise tools. The repair process would be complex, requiring extreme precision and great control over the energy involved. Even with the protocols and knowledge he had obtained, and with the "Core Maker" being the ideal requirement for calibration, he now had to attempt it with his current level as an "Ether Collector - Peak," enhanced by his dragon-like power.
This was a pivotal step. Successfully repairing this node meant unlocking a massive and stable flow of pure aether into the central core, which would speed up everything—activating other units, granting full access to the data, and even enhancing his personal training. Failure, however, could result in permanently damaging the node, or even triggering another catastrophic energy event, setting him back to nearly square one in his quest for a reliable power source.