Chapter 61: Urgent Request
Keon’s consciousness, anchored in the one-millimeter core that served as the nexus of the twelve-inch collective spider, analyzed the experimental results. The structural limit of the collective form… twelve inches… was clearly defined by the current capacity of the integrated GT Field Generator to maintain atomic-level synchronization across the entire mass.
‘The limitation is not in the material or the processing power, but in the physical connection density,’ Keon calculated. The dual-ring geometry, while elegant and efficient, only allowed each Nano Main Frame to connect optimally with two other frames in a linear pair, resulting in a relatively sparse structural lattice within the mass.
His cold, non-mathematical satisfaction at the successful swarm fabrication immediately shifted to the logical need for optimization. He began running trillions of concurrent simulations, searching for a superior physical form that would maximize internal connectivity and, by extension, the stability radius of the aggregated structure.
The solution materialized instantly within his core: a Dodecahedron Shaped Nano Main Frame.
The concept was based on a solid geometric shape with twelve pentagonal faces. By transforming the dual-ring spider into this complex, multi-sided geometric unit, each Nano Main Frame could facilitate connections on all twelve of its sides. To ensure seamless structural integrity, he would utilize his Adaptive Synthesis talent to materialize artificial connection points… a system of miniature hook-and-nook bindings… on every face. This design would allow a single nano frame to connect with twelve other nano frames simultaneously, a significant increase from the previous pair-based connectivity.
Furthermore, he planned to use the integrated GT Field not just for propulsion but to actively concrete the connections, locking the aggregated units together in a structure of near-perfect rigidity.
Keon internally registered the only drawback: controlling a structure with such a high degree of connectivity and geometric complexity would require a vast increase in synchronization processing, potentially ten or even a hundred times the load of the simpler dual-ring geometry.
‘I don’t think it will be hard for me to control this new form… the weakness of processing power requirements is not a weakness for me.’
He immediately dismissed the computational flaw. The UMPU X2 chip in his core, connected to the collective capacity of his Neural Nexus Network, rendered processing limits obsolete. Moreover, every single Nano Main Frame he fabricated for the swarm would contain its own UMPU X2 chip, providing an exponential, distributed computational foundation for the complex control algorithm.
‘The Dodecahedron shape is the optimized pathway for exponential aggregation and structural integrity,’ Keon concluded, a flicker of pure mechanical purpose preceding the action.
Just as he was about to issue the command for the new blueprint creation and structural transformation, a silent, external notification broke the profound silence of his concentration.
The conversation system panel, overlaying his URS feed, flashing with a notification:
Keon internally registered a flicker of surprise at the source and the urgent tone of the message, which bypassed all standard filters and pinged directly into his core consciousness.
[Universe 5757]
“Trosso here… I need urgent help, I have reached a dead end.”
Before Keon could formulate a reply, a second message instantly followed.
“I unexpectedly offended a Dark Race Tribe, they are hunting us now. Their current leader is a Tier 3 Dark Mage. A lot of my companions died, some ran away. If you can provide assistance and help me survive this ordeal. In return, I will complete any future, unconditional requests from you. Please, I can't die yet.”
Keon observed the messages with a thoughtful flicker in his core. The proposition was immediately calculated: the danger… a Tier 3 Dark Mage… was a substantial challenge, but the promise of an unconditional request from Trosso, a being with high strategic value for his future magic path, made the decision absolute.
‘Trosso’s continued presence and stability are a strategic asset for my magic path, I haven’t explored this field yet. Even if he doesn’t keep his promise of unconditional request… sending my forces in his universe is an opportunity for me to create a backup plan.’ Keon determined and then, instantly formulated a precise reply, transmitting it back across the inter-universal network.
[Universe 8888888888]
“Assistance will be provided. I will immediately provide you with force. The deployment will be a set of drones capable of executing a limited Tier 3 strike. But, I can only send ten units for now… to initiate transfer, immediately create a deal and exchange the ten units for any ten objects currently in your possession.”
…
Meanwhile, on the other side, Universe 5757,
Trosso… a reptilian humanoid with leathery, dark-yellow skin and anxious yellow vertical pupils moved restlessly within the cave. His heavy, lizard-like feet padded silently on the damp stone floor. The cave, a natural crevice in the harsh, black rock of the Dark Continent, was barely large enough to house his tall, slender frame.
He occasionally patted the uneven walls, a nervous tic. His focus, however, was fixed on the cave’s narrow entrance, beyond which the oppressive yellow sun rays beat down on the endless black mountain range.
Outside, countless small whirlwinds of sand appeared out of thin air and transformed into pupils 'sand eyes' because of his sand based talent… These sand eyes periodically observed the surroundings, spinning rapidly for a few heartbeats before scattering back into the loose granules.
Trosso’s yellow, golden-patterned lizard tail swept a nervous arc across the ground behind him, flicking sand, as his attention remained glued to the system panel projected within his vision. He had sent the distress call; now he waited for the response that would decide his and his remaining companions’ fate.
The moment Keon’s reply materialized, Trosso’s pupils contracted to pinpricks. The promise of immediate assistance was a profound relief, but the subsequent detail made his breath hitch: "ten units… capable of executing a limited Tier 3 strike."
A low hiss of surprise escaped his thin lips. He hadn't expected this silent friend in another universe to possess deployable assets capable of Tier 3 engagement. Keon was far more formidable than Trosso had initially expected.
“Still, he decided to help me with such force… Looks like I can trust him in the future.”
An expression of gratefulness and relieved excitement displaced the anxiety on his lizard-like face. He quickly scanned his surroundings, assessing what he had to offer for the required exchange.
The cave held the meager remnants of their hurried camp: a damp pile of dark, magnetic metal scraps in one corner, the curse metal he exchanged with Keon before; a crude stone shelf holding only four worn, brittle books; a primitive lamp and a simple stove; a few pieces of cured meat and some animal skins, which held no value.
His gaze lingered on a cluster of crystals on the shelf: a handful of blue, about hundreds of green crystals, and easily thousands of yellow crystals. A quiet sigh escaped him, a sound of bitter realization.
"Wealth really does attract disaster," he muttered, his deep voice grating slightly. The magic crystals… Tier 1 Yellow, Tier 2 Green, and the rare Tier 3 Blue… were the only objects of significant value. On this harsh, isolated Dark Continent, even the lowest yellow-level crystals were exponentially more valuable and sought after compared to the Golden Continent he had born into and left. The dark race tribe is hunting him for his wealth, nothing else.
He quickly composed his return message, a logical exchange forming in his mind.
[Universe 5757]
“Thank you… Thank you… Please accept these items for now. They are the most valuable assets I currently possess.”
Trosso replied and then he initiated the deal by consigning the items in his possession, instantly all the items in front of him disappeared, including half magic crystals and half meat and beast skins. Then he waited for Keon to complete the deal.
…