Chapter 5 Research Center
After passing through two checkpoints and scanning her identity badge again, Kaixi presented her pass and finally stepped into the research area
Dressed in a white robe, Kaixi was overjoyed upon seeing Lin Yilan and unexpectedly rushed over to give her a hug
Ilan, although I understand your character, I must remind you to remain calm and not to scream
Gazing at the small figure for a long time, Kaixi sniffed. "I didn't expect Jasmine to get married so early. I wonder if that guy treats her well; he doesn't seem impressive, and he's not tall either. They really look mismatched together."
She tried to recall. "High-frequency energy conversion? You've been researching this? I remember your major in school seemed to..."
The artist is very meticulous, depicting in fine detail a small portrait slightly larger than a palm. The charming bride smiles sweetly surrounded by her family, her hand adorned with embroidered lace long gloves holding a shiny silver knife. Together with the handsome groom, they cut through the layers of the cake, creating a dreamlike scene adorned with fresh flowers and silver candles
Kaixi handed over a small golden triangular badge, "Do not place it on your lapel; guards without identification will open fire, and triggering an alert would be troublesome"
Kathy descended with her spiral staircase, giving directions all the way down. She could not absorb anything, as the imposing giant machines captured all her attention, and it took her a long time to regain her senses
Pushing open the door reveals a vast space
Lin Yilan habitually glanced around, secretly astonished, as the stern guards seemed to be protecting not the research area, but rather the imperial majesty's sleeping quarters
The silver-gray door gradually opened, and she was too stunned to respond, completely taken aback
Is it merely the utilization of crystals? Then why be so mysterious
The unmistakable favoritism of an older brother made Lin Yilan unable to suppress her laughter. "Kaixi, they are quite a match."
"This is all the fault of that damned mentor." Kexi sighed in deep frustration, her thoughts wandering. "They told me the environment was first-rate and the salary generous, and in a moment of confusion, I filled out the application, only to be stuck in this hellish place, unable to move. You know the ridiculous rules here; not to mention going home, I can't even get out of the research center's gate! When my family sends me things, they have to go through multiple inspections, and most of it gets swallowed up by those damned military police! It's worse than being in prison..."
The structure of the Xiwa Base resembles a halved egg, with tens of thousands of soldiers forming the most tightly secured perimeter, serving both protective and isolating functions; at its core lies the Xiwa Research Center, which harbors the empire's most advanced technology. The inner and outer domains exist independently, with no interaction between them, and lower-ranking soldiers are even unaware of the existence of the research center. From this perspective, it is difficult to discern whether the establishment of the base is intended for the fortified city of Xiwa or for the research center.
Questions followed one after another, and Yilan smiled slightly. "My rank is Major"
"What! So soon?" Kai Xi expressed her deep sadness. "Is Jasmine beautiful? Was the wedding grand? My parents..."
The endless questioning ceased when a small image was presented before Kaixi.
The friend, who was once quite bookish, has become so enthusiastic; it seems they have indeed been cooped up for too long. Lin Yilan smiled and accepted the other person's incoherent expressions, and after a while, Kaixi finally remembered the key point.
Jasmine asked me to convey a message, saying that the groom ate your portion of the cake, and it tasted very good. Lin Yilan faithfully relayed this. She also mentioned that the brother's gift is a must and will be given to you when you return
Mumbling indistinctly for a few moments, Kai Xi's eyes turned red, while Lin Yi Lan pretended not to notice and began admiring the decorations on the wall
Lin Yilan was astonished by the detailed explanation
Kai Xi felt quite pleased with this. "The conditions at the Xiuwa Research Center are the best in the country, even surpassing those of the capital."
The research center belongs to a highly classified area, heavily guarded, and subordinate soldiers have no authority to enter. The epaulet of the old friend before me is merely that of a private, and there is no reason for him to appear in the reception area of the research center. "Moreover, how could you be a soldier? I remember..."
Kathy smiled, her hands tucked into the pockets of her white robe, as she introduced various machines, glossing over complex technical terms with clarity and conciseness
"Major? But your shoulder insignia..."
Xiuwa is quite special. With a mysterious smile, Kaixi revealed the key point. Here, we produce an essential substance for research—a rare high-frequency energy crystal, which is very unique. A small piece can release enormous energy, but its composition is extremely unstable, making long-distance transportation difficult. We are currently trying to find a safe way to utilize it
The spacious hall is magnificent and grand, with statues of saints atop colossal stone pillars. Luxurious chandeliers twinkle like a cluster of stars, and the towering dome is adorned with scenes of creation from mythology. Clouds swirl, the sea roils, and continents rise from the waves, while the gods witness the splendid brilliance of the new century from the clouds
A couple of days ago, I returned to the capital, just in time for your sister's wedding
She took it and fastened it, saying, "So strict, what exactly are you all researching"
My father ordered me to undergo training at the grassroots level, forbidding me from using any titles, yet the transferred resume retained my rank. She pulled out a chain from inside her clothing, on which an oval metal badge was embedded with different colored gemstones according to rank. "Fortunately, entry was approved based on the identity badge." Just earlier, the security guard at the entrance nearly had his eyes pop out.
What is this device
The ceiling light cast a soft glow, illuminating a massive machine that stood several stories high, resembling a colossal beast forged from steel plates and screws. The iron-gray body was covered with various gauges and dials of unclear purpose, emitting a faint luminescence. Thick cables hung down from the machine, winding like a giant python. At the center of the machine was a grid-like silver framework, encased in a complete crystal cover, which housed a fist-sized crystal. Its pure blue color resembled a frozen sea, flickering with unstable light, alternating between brightness and dimness, casting a hazy light blue hue on the crystal cover. Two slender probes were fixed at either end of the crystal, regulating the output of energy, while the machine emitted a characteristic buzzing sound, indicating that it was operational.
This is already quite astonishing She understood Kaixi's concerns and had no intention of continuing to pry
Kexi stopped in front of a door and cleared his throat in a deliberately mysterious manner
Ilan, although the principles of energy harvesting technology are complex, the research has been remarkably successful and is nearly mature. The effectiveness it generates is sufficient to cause a dramatic change in the empire, yet due to the orders of the parliament and certain interests, it cannot be put into application. Regarding confidentiality, I can only share a very small part with you. The Xiuwa base is of utmost importance in the eyes of His Majesty the Emperor and the parliament, precisely because of the various research conducted at the center. Here lies the future of the Xier Kingdom—no, it should be the future of all humanity.
Reluctantly looking again and again, Kaixi finally remembered that there was another person in front of her. "Thank you, if it were sent over, it might take a few months, Ilan, you are always so considerate"
"What makes you want to be a soldier?" Kaisi found it utterly incomprehensible. "What on earth is your father thinking?"
We are studying the same type of crystal, but the methods of utilization differ. We frequently exchange data to facilitate the next phase of research, and after several years, I am more than capable of being a competent interpreter. " Kaisi's gaze turned towards the crystal in the center of the machine, its blue light flickering, filled with longing and a sigh.
What is the reason? The turmoil in Xiewa City has a long history. Concentrating the empire's top elites in a city rife with chaos is by no means a wise decision
Visiting the most mysterious research center of the base? Lin Yilan was momentarily taken aback, feeling a vague sense of curiosity.
From the vantage point, looking down, more than ten researchers dressed in white robes, like Kaixi, are focused on their work, calibrating various unheard-of machines and meticulously recording experimental data. Dozens of screens flicker with images, casting a mesmerizing cool hue.
"Ilan." Kexi rarely encounters old friends, and feels somewhat reluctant to part. "Today happens to be a day off, so I will take you to the center for a visit. In the future, when you return to the capital, it will allow my family to understand a bit. You are also aware of the parts that need to be kept confidential, so it should not be a problem."
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Lin Yilan prepared to take her leave
Kaixi looked at her with pity. "It seems that after all my talking, you haven't remembered anything. This is understandable; everyone is the same when they first step in."
As Kai Xiuyue grew increasingly agitated, Lin Yilan listened sympathetically to the complaints for quite some time before finding an opportunity to interject.
Do not say that I, back in the day, could choose my own place based on my graduation scores, how could it come to this?
No, although this is enough to surprise you, I have researched further—" Kaisi hesitated, not without regret. "In fact, what I participated in is not here; the level there is higher, and the management is stricter. If possible, I truly wish I could show you; that is the ultimate challenge humanity can face.
These instruments measure the most stable frequency of the crystal, attempting to find a method to avoid energy flow disruption and collapse while protecting the physical structure. Adjusting stability is the most challenging task; once this type of crystal begins to output energy, it cannot even come into contact with air. Its value is extraordinarily high, but the difficulty of control is also significant
Kathy, since this is not the department you are responsible for, how could you be so informed
"Kathy, is this really the research center? The council is quite generous with you all," Lin Yilan exclaimed in surprise. "I now understand why you came here."
Dear Ilan, the energy of this crystal can be applied in multiple areas, far beyond your imagination. " Kaisi walked through the spacious corridor, nodding to each researcher she encountered, " The council has its reasons for keeping this a secret.
Oh my, I thought I would never see my old friend again in this lifetime. How did you get in