Chapter 59: Awakening the Ether Artery
Tian Heng and his small team wasted no time upon their return to the Glimmering Ether Cave. The shimmering rods and coils of the "Silvartz" conductive alloy they had produced in the manufacturing unit represented their hope of ending their reliance on temporary and dangerous energy solutions.
The task was clear: remove the temporary repairs and damaged components remaining in the Ether Regulation Node, install the new parts crafted from the alternative alloy with precise care, execute the full calibration protocol they had decrypted, and perhaps even apply some simple upgrades indicated by the complete schematics.
"Elara," Tian Heng began assigning tasks, his cold voice slicing through the hum of the surrounding crystals. "I want you to monitor the internal energy readings of the node closely via the secondary control panel we set up. Any deviation from the expected sequence, alert me immediately."
"Faela," he turned to the dark elven woman. "Your task is to monitor the surrounding energy field directly. Use your senses to warn us of any unstable energy build-up or potential external interference during the delicate repair process."
"Lilith, you're our last line of defense. Secure our immediate perimeter against any physical threats, and be ready to form an energy shield if needed."
The three nodded, taking their positions. Elara began manipulating the symbols on a small control panel attached to the node, while Faela closed her eyes, the shadows around her dimming as she concentrated, and Lilith stood like a rock, her crimson eyes scanning the cave's darkness with vigilance.
Tian Heng began working on the heart of the node himself. Using the precise tools he had salvaged (and a few basic ones crafted in the manufacturing unit as a preliminary test), he started carefully removing the temporary wiring and the burnt-out original components that they hadn't been able to remove before. The process required the precision of a neurosurgeon. He used his ice ether (now at the "Core Maker" level) to cool certain connections to prevent sparks and to apply precise, controlled pressure to free stuck parts.
Then he began installing the new components made from the Silvartz alloy. They fit much better than the temporary alternatives. During installation, he decided to apply a simple upgrade indicated by the schematics: adding a small energy storage capacitor (salvaged from the deactivated guardian and cleaned and prepared by Elara) as an additional regulator to absorb any minor fluctuations in the flow. It was an extra step, but it could greatly improve the system's stability.
The process of installation and ether welding was the most delicate. Tian Heng guided thin, sharp strands of his ice ether to create clean, strong connections between the new components and the remaining functional circuits. His hands were as steady as stone, and his golden eyes were entirely focused, his mental energy entirely dedicated to controlling the cold, powerful flow of ether with exacting precision.
"The energy level in the sub-capacitor is stable," Elara reported calmly.
"The surrounding field is calm… but there's a deep hum growing inside the node," Faela added, her eyes still closed.
"That's normal. We're reconnecting the main arteries," Tian Heng responded without looking up. "Prepare for calibration."
After finishing the installation of all the new components and applying the simple upgrade, the decisive moment arrived: the final calibration using the full Builder protocol. This was the step that would determine the success or failure of the entire operation.
Tian Heng stood before the main control panel of the node. He took a deep breath, then began inputting a long and complex sequence of commands and symbols in the Builder language, while simultaneously channeling a precise and modified stream of his ice ether directly into the heart of the node via the calibration port.
The node responded immediately. Internal lights began to glow in intricate patterns, and the deep hum shifted to a steady, powerful resonance. Tian Heng felt immense resistance from the node's systems as they adapted to the new energy and replacement components, but he used his strength as a "Core Maker" and his precise control to enforce the protocol and guide the energy along the correct paths.
[Core, monitor the node's response to the full calibration protocol [Alpha-7 Program for calibrating Ether Nodes of Class 4/5]. Confirm stability of the resulting ether field and the efficiency of regulation.]
Long, tense moments passed, with the node glowing and humming violently under the influence of the calibration process. Faela used her shadows to absorb some of the small energy leaks at the edges, while Lilith remained fully alert.
Then, suddenly, everything stabilized. The intense glow softened to a strong, steady sky-blue light. The node's hum became deep and rhythmic, like the heartbeat of a giant and powerful heart. The energy leaks stopped.
[Calibration successful at 99.8%! Ether Regulation Node (Model 4B - Partially Upgraded) is now operating at full capacity and stability. Current regulation efficiency: 97.5%. Ready to transfer high-capacity, stable energy to the central core on demand.] The core's report was clear and efficient.
They had succeeded! The main energy artery had been successfully repaired and upgraded!
Tian Heng looked at the node, which now pulsed with a calm, confident power. A cold sense of satisfaction washed over him. They had overcome an immense engineering challenge.
"Open the gate," he ordered the core calmly. "Begin transferring energy at the maximum stable capacity that the channels and the core can handle."
Everyone felt an immediate change in the atmosphere of the cave. Huge quantities of pure ether were drawn from the surrounding crystals towards the node, then directed in a massive, controlled current through the main channel towards the central core. There was no violence or instability, just a massive, steady flow of pure energy.
Tian Heng watched the central core's energy gauge in his mind as it rapidly increased this time: [High-capacity, stable energy flow received. Central core energy level: 15.5%... 20%... 25%... 30%... 35%... Currently stable at 42.8% and continuing to rise slowly toward optimal operational capacity (estimated 50-60%). All subsystems are operating at peak efficiency. Energy reserve is increasing rapidly.]
Finally! Abundant, stable energy! This changes everything.
Tian Heng turned toward his companions. Lilith had instinctively knelt again in reverence to the immense power flowing from the node and her master controlling it. Elara was staring at the readings in awe, her mouth slightly open. Faela stood with her arms crossed, but her violet eyes were gleaming with intense interest as she observed the working node.
Tian Heng stood before them, and before the node, which now represented the beating heart of the power for his emerging kingdom. He looked at the glowing crystals, at the power now flowing under his command. Then he spoke in a quiet voice, but one that echoed with absolute force and cold grandeur:
"This is the true pulse of power. I awakened it from its slumber, and I alone control it now. This vault... this world... they will all learn to bow to my will in due time."