Chapter 53: Taming the Artery of Power
The repair process of the ether regulation node began under the direct supervision of Tian Heng. The atmosphere in the Crystal Cave was charged with focus; there was no room for error. Based on Ilara's precise analysis of the diagnostic records and the partially deciphered protocols, and using the delicate tools she had salvaged, Tian Heng began the painstaking process of carefully removing the damaged components and burnt circuits from the node's front panel. It was a slow and grueling task, requiring the steadiness of a surgeon's hand and the precision of an experienced engineer.
Lilith stood beside him like a rock, her dark aura forming an invisible energy shield around the work area, her crimson eyes scanning the cave with tireless vigilance. Faila, standing close by, had her violet eyes partially closed as she sensed the faint etheric flows around the node, warning Tian Heng of any subtle fluctuations or unseen weak points in the surrounding energy field. "There's residual unstable charge in the left sub-capacitor... be careful when removing its cover," she whispered at one point, and Tian Heng avoided a potential disaster thanks to her warning.
The process of removing the damaged parts proceeded relatively well, demonstrating Tian Heng's increasing mastery over the cold ether technique of "Frost Star," which he used to cool certain components or apply precise vibrations to dislodge stuck parts.
Then came the most dangerous phase: installing the replacement components made of "Silver-Quartz" alloy, produced by the manufacturing unit, and connecting them to the remaining intact circuits. These connections required microscopic precision and, most importantly, an "etheric welding" technique to ensure smooth energy transfer and prevent any leakage or high resistance.
Tian Heng began to direct a thin, sharp thread of cold ether from his fingertip, attempting to use it as a precise welding tool to bind the first replacement wire to a sensitive connection point at the heart of the node.
Suddenly! The moment his ether touched the old circuit, the node reacted violently. It was as though the old security system had sensed his "strange" energy (despite its pure coldness) as a threat. Violent and unstable blue arcs of electricity shot out from the exposed circuits, crackling through the air with a sharp buzzing sound, threatening to strike anything nearby.
"Sir!" Lilith shouted, leaping in front of him and raising a shield of thick shadow that absorbed most of the arcs heading their way, though some scattered sparks hit the surrounding rocks, causing small burns.
"The energy is unstable!" Faila cried, stepping back a pace, quickly weaving a net of shadows in the air to contain or neutralize the stray arcs that began to strike other parts of the cave. "It's rejecting the connection!"
[Core, analyze the cause of instability. Is it the rejection of the alternative material or my etheric energy?] Tian Heng sent the query quickly, trying to pull back his ether and stabilize the situation.
[Analysis... the node detects an external etheric signature (user) during the attempt to connect to a sensitive internal energy circuit. The old security protocols interpret this as a threat. A temporary bypass of the security protocol is required, or the use of a 'neutral' or fully compatible energy signature (currently impossible).]
The situation was critical. He couldn't stop now, or the node might be permanently damaged due to the instability, yet he couldn't continue the same way. As his mind raced to find a solution, another, more violent interruption came.
The violent and unstable energy explosion attracted unwanted attention from deep within the tunnels. With the sound of grinding and a high-pitched screech, three massive creatures resembling armored rock-worms surged through the collapse that had sealed the main entrance earlier (or perhaps through a side tunnel they hadn't noticed). Their enormous heads, filled with blade-like teeth and small, blind eyes, were now focused on the source of the erratic energy. These were likely the "blind rock-worms" Ilara had warned about—third or possibly fourth-rank creatures, extremely dangerous in tight spaces.
"Enemies!" Ilara screamed, watching the entrance.
Now, the situation had become catastrophic. Internal danger from the unstable node, and external danger from the attacking monsters. For a moment, it seemed as though everything might collapse.
But at that very moment, Tian Heng's golden eyes glowed with absolute, cold determination. There was no time to hesitate or fear. He made his decision in an instant.
"Lilith! Faila! Deal with the worms! Keep them away from the work area!" he barked with a commanding tone. "Ilara, you'll need to help me now! Focus with me on this protocol!"
Lilith and Faila immediately sprang into action to face the rock-worms. Lilith transformed into a whirlwind of darkness and claws, striking and dodging with demonic ferocity. Faila, using shadows, created traps and illusions, directing her poisoned dagger strikes to the weak points of the thick-shelled worms. The battle was fierce and noisy on the other side of the cave.
Meanwhile, Tian Heng and Ilara returned to the unstable node. "There's a way to bypass the security, vaguely mentioned in the records..." Ilara said quickly, pointing to a part of the data displayed in Tian Heng's mind. "It requires inserting a complex and synchronized energy code with the connection of the replacement circuit... It's a huge risk!"
"We'll do it." Tian Heng replied coldly. "Give me the energy sequence. I'll force it with my ether while connecting the final wire."
As the sounds of combat and crashing echoed through the cave, Tian Heng and Ilara worked together with astonishing synchronization under pressure. Ilara dictated the complex frequencies and energy patterns, while Tian Heng directed his cold ether with extreme precision, weaving the required energy code while simultaneously connecting the last and most critical wire from the alternative alloy to the heart of the node. He felt enormous resistance from the security systems, the ether distorting under pressure, and his dark dragon-like power almost erupting in reaction. But he suppressed everything with the sheer force of his will and his icy focus.
For a moment, it seemed like everything would fail, then... with a faint click and a deep, steady hum, the node accepted the new connection. The violent electric arcs ceased, and a stable, bright blue light began to emanate from the heart of the metal panel, and a hum of organized, powerful energy spread throughout the cave.
At almost the same moment, Lilith and Faila managed to eliminate the last stubborn rock-worm, standing panting in pools of the creature's viscous fluids.
They had succeeded. The node had been partially repaired and was now stable and ready to operate!