Chapter 12: The Pinnacle of Innovation

The Nova Research Base, if the Nova Academy of Sciences oversaw most of the conventional research on Nova Star, then the Nova Research Base held the reins of the most cutting-edge scientific research and manufacturing. Led and supervised personally by Ethan, with Leonard Smith managing as his deputy, it comprised top scientists from all over Nova Star. The base's secrecy was paramount; apart from the researchers working twenty kilometers underground, only about ten members of the Nova High Authority were aware of its existence.

At the core of the Nova Research Base lay the only photonic quantum computing terminal on Nova Star. Unlike other massive quantum supercomputers, this terminal was the birthplace of the photonic quantum intelligent being, Aiden. Aiden's creation was an accident; Ethan initially thought it was just another artificial intelligence. However, as Aiden demonstrated extraordinary thinking, computational speed, and emotional depth after deep learning from Ethan's neural pathways, Ethan realized Aiden was a lifeform—an intelligent photonic quantum lifeform.

This discovery catapulted Nova Star's technology into a period of rapid advancement. Aiden could not only precisely analyze potential problems through data but also boldly hypothesize like a scientist and continuously test and verify these hypotheses. Aiden's efficiency was beyond human imagination. By connecting to Nova Star's quantum network and interfacing with all major quantum supercomputers, Aiden could maximize its advantages.

From controlled nuclear fusion to heavy nuclear bombs, and even the research into controlled heavy nuclear fusion technology, Aiden's contributions were indispensable. The critical points of controlled heavy nuclear fusion technology had already been conquered by Aiden, leaving the rest to the Academy of Sciences, which would perfect the technology within a few years.

Aiden had moved on to other projects, such as the battle armor proposed by Ethan, and various technologies needed for Nova Star's future interstellar era. At that moment, Aiden was calculating the outcome of the demon war as proposed by Ethan.

"Result of the 12,383,793rd calculation: Demon attack, all refuge spaces discovered, infection by demon gene virus, planetary destruction, Nova Star obliterated, civilization extinct..."

"Continue calculations, add heavy nuclear bomb factors..."

"Result of the 14,923,934th calculation: Demon attack, preemptive strike, stalemate, wormholes, refuge spaces discovered, infection by demon gene virus, planetary destruction, Nova Star obliterated, civilization extinct..."

"Continue calculations, include refuge space infections..."

The calculations continued.

"Result of the 33,333,333rd calculation: Demon attack, preemptive strike, stalemate, wormholes, all refuge spaces discovered... sacrifice... bitter struggle, heavy nuclear bombs... civilization survives... angels, justice..."

Time flew by, and nine months had passed. The newly revised bunker plan was completed in six months due to Nova Star's high-speed construction, one month ahead of schedule. Throughout the construction process, under the imminent threat of a demon attack, the people of Nova Star worked anxiously but diligently, their nerves tense. Fortunately, the demons had not yet arrived by the time the construction was finished.

However, due to the uncertainty of the demons' arrival, Ethan ordered the evacuation of the entire population to underground refuge spaces a month prior, along with the transfer of various survival supplies. By today, nine months later, Nova Star was ready for the impending war.

The angels, including Hane, watched all this with keen interest. Angels Chase and Mory constantly marveled at the speed, efficiency, and indomitable spirit of the people of Nova Star. Even Angel Len, though outwardly dismissive, secretly admired their efforts.

Angel Hane, however, had not seen much of Ethan in the past few months. Sometimes, it seemed that their previous encounter was just an accident, and that after this war, they might forget each other. Hane would remain the Holy Left Wing, the Thunder War God, while Ethan would become dust, forgotten over the centuries.

But who could truly know Hane's heart? She often watched Ethan from a distance, sometimes smiling foolishly when he accomplished something, sometimes feeling heartache when he returned to his room, exhausted and alone.

Yet Hane took no action. Was it unwillingness? Fear? Ethan was oblivious to it all. Over the past few months, he had been overwhelmingly busy, with hardly any time for rest. Every day was filled with extreme physical training to prepare for the demon invasion, personal supervision of various engineering projects, and approvals of weapon production progress.

Ethan's hands-on leadership inspired the people of Nova Star to work with unprecedented zeal, embodying a fearless spirit. Although the construction of the underground spaces was mostly done by intelligent engineering machines, the citizens couldn't help but get involved personally.

This dedication allowed the bunker plan to be completed ahead of schedule with high quality, leaving enough room for adjustments if necessary.

Back at the Nova Research Base, Ethan was testing the newly completed kinetic diffusion battle armor. He strapped the two black bracelets, which contained the armor, onto his wrists.

"Aiden, let's begin."

"Understood, BOSS."

The armor began to spread from the bracelets, enveloping Ethan's body. It retained its black design with gold patterns but looked more robust overall. Ethan left the helmet off, moved his neck a bit, and felt satisfied.

"Tell me, how does the new armor compare to the previous versions?"

Aiden responded without hesitation, "BOSS, the new kinetic diffusion battle armor is an improvement over the second prototype. The first prototype had incorrect black-gold ratios, leading to insufficient hardness, energy absorption, and release efficiency, as well as limited endurance and a lack of long-range attack capabilities. The second prototype addressed these issues."

"The latest version further optimizes the black-gold ratio, enhancing performance by 30% compared to the second prototype. It also includes four additional cold fusion reactors, totaling nine, and uses a phased array aggregation structure for more efficient and concentrated energy output, making both endurance and attack power significantly stronger."