Chapter 55: The Flood of Ancient Knowledge
As the ether regulation node continued its steady hum, feeding the distant central core with a constant stream of pure energy and maintaining the critical 15% energy level, Tian Heng remained deeply immersed in a state of absolute mental focus. This was no mere passive reception of data; his sharp mind, now enhanced by the fully operational secondary systems of the core, was sorting, indexing, and analyzing the massive flood of information that poured from the three data panels that had been fully decrypted at last.
Hours passed in this state, still as a statue of ice with golden eyes closed, while Lilith stood beside him like a loyal guardian, unwavering. Ilara and Faila kept watch over the node, exchanging cautious glances, both awed and somewhat fearful of the intensity of mental energy emanating from Tian Heng.
The knowledge he had gained was invaluable, far exceeding his initial expectations:
Builder Language and Principles: This was no longer just partial keys, but a complete technical lexicon for the Builder's intricate rune-based language, with explanations of its basic grammar and its applications in describing energy circuits and advanced materials. Additionally, the data unveiled the foundational principles of their etheric engineering, their theories on manipulating energy fields, and the materials science that allowed them to construct structures like the vault—and even some of the logical and programming fundamentals that powered the core itself. He had now gained the ability to understand and, at least technically, speak the language of this ancient place.
The "Frozen Star Forging Method" (Complete Version): This was no longer a mere set of preliminary principles. He had received the full technique, including advanced stages that detailed how to nurture the "star seed" in the dantian to reach the "Frozen Core" stage (a hallmark of the "Core Maker" level in this path), and how to use this core to generate and precisely control the icy ether, applying it in both complex defensive and offensive techniques, with even hints on how this pure, cold energy could affect the spirit to reach the level of "Ether Spirit." This was his clear path toward immense personal power.
Advanced Engineering Schematics: This section was the largest. It included:
Detailed schematics for three different ether condensers (including the prototype 2.0 he had built) with explanations of their ideal materials and varying efficiencies.
Complete repair schematics for the ether regulation node they had partially fixed, and more importantly, schematics for upgrading it to a more efficient and stable model.
Full details on the core manufacturing unit (Level 1), including a comprehensive list of its production capabilities, the raw materials it could process, and its advanced operating interface. Even more exciting, he found partial schematics for second- and third-level manufacturing units capable of handling rarer, more complex materials.
Complete repair and operational protocols for the water purification unit (Level 6), including methods for dealing with calcification and activating catalysts using materials that could be manufactured in the Level 1 unit.
Schematics for the vault's basic infrastructure: secondary power distribution networks, modular lighting systems, basic environmental controllers, and even designs for simple etheric defensive towers that could be installed at entrances or sensitive points.
Schematics for basic medical devices (simple bioscanners, focused injection tools) and a basic nutrient synthesizer capable of producing nutrient paste from simple organic materials and etheric energy—this could solve their ongoing food supply problem!
Vault Network Map (Expanded and Detailed): The map he had previously obtained was merely the tip of the iceberg. The new data revealed a much more detailed map of several neighboring sectors to the central hall and southern sector, showing precise locations for:
Dormant modules: Material analysis labs, a small medical clinic, a basic training hall with simulation systems, and even an entrance to what was labeled as the "deep warehouse" (its contents or condition were unknown, and it was classified as a hazardous area).
Rich deposits of raw materials (iron, copper, quartz, and some unidentified minerals) that could be accessed through specific maintenance tunnels.
Areas clearly marked with old warning signs indicating "Severe Structural Instability," "Unknown Energetic Contamination," or "Potential Hostile Biological Activity."
Fragmented historical and contextual records: He also found snippets of old operational logs or personal diaries from the Builder era. They weren't complete, but they hinted that this particular vault complex was likely an advanced research center focused on the study of ether in its various forms and its biological and engineering applications. There were vague references to a "failed experiment" or "containment accident" that preceded the great catastrophe that led to their civilization's downfall, and hints about their interactions with "conscious energy entities" and "other races" that were never fully identified. The logs made no direct mention of the Builders themselves or the dragon-like entities they had merged with.
It took several more hours for Tian Heng to sift through, organize, and index this vast store of new knowledge in his mind and the core's memory. When he finally opened his golden eyes, they shone with a new depth and intellectual brilliance added to their mysterious power.
He immediately began applying what he had learned. Mentally practicing the basics of the Builder's language, he felt his understanding of the symbols and interfaces around him jump exponentially. He reviewed the advanced portions of the "Frozen Star Forging Method" and now clearly understood the precise steps required to break through the bottleneck and form the "Frozen Core" at the "Core Maker" level.
His plan for the future was now clearer and more ambitious than ever:
Master the Frozen Star Technique: Reach the "Core Maker" level as quickly as possible using the complete technique.
Activate the Factory: Return to the manufacturing unit, supply it with continuous power (using the condensed ether or a temporary link from the repaired node), and immediately begin producing the perfect alloy for a permanent repair of the regulation node, advanced ether condensers, and spare parts for the purification unit.
Repair and Upgrade the Node: Return to the ether regulation node, repair it fully with the perfect alloy, and possibly upgrade it to increase energy transfer efficiency and stability.
Activate Essential Facilities: Fully activate the water purification unit, then the medical clinic and nutrient synthesizer to secure high-quality basics for survival.
Expand and Secure: Use the new maps to explore neighboring sectors, secure raw material sources, and activate basic defensive systems.
Tian Heng looked toward his followers, who were silently awaiting his orders. He had now acquired the knowledge, and with a stable power source (though still needing permanent node repairs), the era of groping in the dark and desperate experimentation was over. It was now time for true construction, for transforming this forgotten ruin into the core of his future power.
"Ilara," he said in a calm voice that carried a new authority, "immediately begin translating the full operational logs of the manufacturing unit and the specifications for the raw materials needed for the perfect alloy. Faila, I want you to study these etheric defense system schematics with me. Lilith, we're starting intensive training on the advanced stages of the Frozen Star technique."