Chapter 52: The Path Forward

"And the key point is, aside from the Void Universe Engine housing the highest technology of demons regarding space and wormholes, the technical data on Skyblade Seven is not the highest technology of angels either!"

Ethan paused here, allowing the people below to digest his words before continuing.

"If Nova wants to surpass them in the future, it means that we must forge our own path!"

"While we can't surpass them on their own path, who said we have to follow the same road as angels and demons to exceed them?"

"Therefore, these data, though important to us, are not essential!"

"We will only learn from them, not imitate them!"

"Taking the best and integrating it to create a path unique to Nova is our goal for the future!"

Hearing this, Lightson nodded and said, "Yes, even if we obtained this advanced knowledge, creating something from it in a short time is unrealistic! The Supreme Leader is right!"

"What about Aiden?"

Ethan continued, "Aiden... Lightson, do you remember Project 117 from the Academy over a decade ago?"

"Project 117?" Lightson quickly searched his memory and suddenly exclaimed, "Project 117? Wasn't that the project that was mysteriously canceled?"

Ethan nodded. "Yes, Lightson!"

"But it wasn't canceled; it was transferred. All data and personnel from Project 117 were moved underground, forming the foundation of the current top-secret Nova Laboratory!"

"And the reason for this transfer was the emergence of Aiden!"

Ethan's revelation shocked Lightson immensely. The 117 Project was personally approved by him, and the personnel were handpicked by him.

The project's goal was to study the combination of quantum computing and artificial intelligence!

"Now it all makes sense! The reason for the transfer was the birth of Aiden, a true artificial intelligence!"

"But, Leader, the transfer of Project 117 dealt a massive blow to the Academy's quantum computing and AI research. It took years for the Academy to resume this field of study!"

Ethan smiled and shook his head. "Lightson, there's no need to lament. In the future, Aiden will fully support Nova's development!"

"Furthermore, the top-secret Nova Laboratory will merge with the Academy, pooling all our strength and wisdom!"

Lightson was invigorated by these words. He had only heard of the Nova Laboratory from Zachary occasionally, but whenever he inquired, Zachary would only say it was the highest secret of Nova and couldn't be disclosed!

The more he was kept in the dark, the more curious he became!

Lightson, considering himself a top figure in Nova's scientific research, had lived for over five hundred years, contributing significantly to every step from cold weapons to the dawn of space exploration. Yet, even he couldn't know about the Nova Laboratory!

Now he finally understood: the Nova Laboratory was controlled and researched by Aiden, and all of Nova's cutting-edge technology was initially simulated by Aiden before being handed to the Academy. Aiden completed the most challenging parts, leaving the rest to the Academy...

Hearing Ethan's plan to merge the Nova Laboratory and the Academy, Lightson excitedly stood up and exclaimed, "I understand, Leader!"

"The entire Academy will never let Nova and its people down!"

Ethan nodded in satisfaction, signaling Lightson to sit down.

"Alright, Aiden, please continue!"

"Yes, Supreme Leader," Aiden nodded and continued.

"Everyone, the first matter has been addressed."

"Now, onto the second matter. Please take a look!"

Aiden waved his right hand, and a holographic screen appeared in the Nova Hall, clearly visible from every position!

The screen displayed Nova and its three moons. Along the equatorial orbit, a series of metallic rings formed, larger in circumference than Nova's natural rings.

Numerous starships traveled between Nova, the rings, and the moons.

"This is the second matter and the development goal for Nova in the coming decades!"

"The Nova Celestial Defense Plan!"

The hall fell silent as everyone awaited Aiden's explanation.

"This plan integrates some technologies from the Skyblade database and the Void Universe Engine with our current capabilities to create a plan for Nova's defense and development!"

"The plan comprises three main parts!"

"First: The Stellar Ring Defense Project!"

"Second: The Nova Particle Accelerator!"

"Third: The Nova Satellite Construction Project!"

"Firstly, the Stellar Ring Defense Project!"

"The heavy matter nuclear fusion reactor was successfully tested yesterday and will soon be operational!"

"The accompanying starship project has long been completed, awaiting the reactor's debut. With the reactor's energy output and the latest propulsion technology, our starships can break Nova's gravity and venture into space!"

"The Stellar Ring Defense Project aims to defend against potential future threats!"

"I have detailed implementation plans for this project!"

"First, we need to build numerous space elevators at the equator for transporting construction materials!"

"Previously, this was impossible because we couldn't escape Nova's gravity to reach outer space!"

"But now we can!"

"As for materials, don't worry; Nova's materials can withstand its gravity's pressure!"

"The only concern is the threat of meteors, but our starships will handle that!"

"Once the space elevators are built, the Stellar Ring Defense Project will commence, requiring a lot of time but no significant technical challenges!"

"The construction will be entirely handled by autonomous systems and engineering robots. The newly formed quantum matrix network will ensure precise control with negligible error, though supervision is still necessary!"

"The second project, the Nova Particle Accelerator, involves building a high-energy particle accelerator around Nova!"

"This project primarily supports Nova's future scientific and technological advancements!"

"This plan can begin once the Stellar Ring Defense Project reaches five percent completion, posing minimal risk!"

"Again, it will be constructed by autonomous systems and engineering robots!"

This detailed plan left the audience in awe, their imaginations racing with the possibilities of Nova's future.