Rebirth of the Super Battleship-Chapter 106: The Grand Unified Theory!

Deuterium, also known as heavy hydrogen, is an isotope of hydrogen. At this stage, deuterium is the primary fuel for Xiao Yu’s fusion engines.

The Modifier spoke nonchalantly, as if the task assigned to Xiao Yu was utterly insignificant—like an elephant instructing an ant to move a grain of dust by one centimeter.

A doubt surfaced in Xiao Yu’s mind: “Why does such an advanced civilization need deuterium? Surely they aren’t still using fusion as an energy source?”

However, this question lasted only a moment before the Modifier’s next words captured Xiao Yu’s full attention.

“If you can complete this task, although I am limited by the regulations of our civilization and cannot offer you significant assistance, I can give you some trivial gadgets—for example, equations that unify the four fundamental forces.”

The Modifier’s tone remained indifferent, as if providing equations that unify the four fundamental forces was as insignificant as a breadcrumb.

But Xiao Yu immediately became alert.

As someone who had already stepped into the realm of a Level 3 civilization, Xiao Yu was well aware of the immense value of equations that unify the four fundamental forces.

The theory that unifies the four fundamental forces, which Xiao Yu referred to as the Grand Unified Theory, is foundational.

Devices like the Force Field Generator and Gravity Bomb were manufactured under the framework of the Grand Unified Theory. Even technologies like anti-gravity and constructing a strong nuclear force shell for the Droplet have traces of the Grand Unified Theory.

From this, it’s evident that the Grand Unified Theory is a fundamental theory indispensable to advanced civilizations.

Mastery of the Grand Unified Theory is the most critical distinction between a Level 3 and a Level 4 civilization. Most importantly, Level 4 civilizations possess faster-than-light travel technology! This implies that solutions to faster-than-light travel likely lie within the Grand Unified Theory.

What this means for Xiao Yu is self-evident.

“I… I would be honored to serve you. However, I only have one ship here, and it’s a small one. I wonder if you could wait for a while. I can dispatch a fleet from the Aquila One star system to come here, so that we can complete your task.”

“Is that so?” The Modifier paused briefly. “I’m not sure my interest can last that long. Please hurry; it’s best not to exceed fifty years. When you’ve completed the task, you can notify me via radio signal.”

After saying this, the Modifier disappeared without a trace. In Xiao Yu’s observation instruments, only countless robots continued to busy themselves on the surface of the white dwarf.

The entire event felt like a dream.

“The Grand Unified Theory… the Grand Unified Theory…” Xiao Yu murmured to himself. After briefly collecting his thoughts, he immediately gathered the several hundred Luka scientists for a meeting.

“You all know what transpired. The purpose of this meeting is not to discuss whether we should accept this task, but to discuss how to complete it more quickly and efficiently, and to infer information about this unknown civilization. Alright, everyone, please share your thoughts.”

Under Xiao Yu’s leadership, the meeting’s tone was set from the beginning.

This unknown civilization had shown sufficient sincerity, and the reward was tempting enough.

An elderly Luka scientist exclaimed loudly, “Master, we should pause the development of new technologies, as well as the construction of the large particle collider around Aquila One and the new spacecraft. Halt all non-essential projects and allocate all core resources to this task. The Grand Unified Theory! Once we grasp this theory, it’s as if we’ve already stepped halfway into a Level 4 civilization. By deriving enough subsidiary theories and theorems, advancing to a Level 4 civilization will become inevitable!”

The Grand Unified Theory, along with relativity and quantum theory, belongs to foundational theories. Within this framework, there are numerous derived theories and theorems. For example, by deriving the equations of relativity, one can obtain special solutions related to black holes. Quantum theory includes Schrödinger’s cat equation and Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, which predicts the Pauli exclusion principle underlying the existence of dense celestial bodies like white dwarfs and neutron stars. There’s also the Chandrasekhar limit that defines the maximum mass of a white dwarf, and the Oppenheimer limit for neutron stars, among many others.

Similarly, the Grand Unified Theory would inevitably have numerous derived theories and theorems. By deriving these equations, Xiao Yu could obtain the manufacturing methods for the Force Field Generator and Gravity Bomb, acquire faster-than-light travel technology, and even glimpse related technologies like anti-gravity and the strong nuclear force shell.

After the elderly Luka scientist finished speaking, a younger Luka scientist shouted, “Master, I request to accompany the fleet on this mission. Even if I die after witnessing such a miracle, it would be worth it!”

“I want to go too! Master, we should conduct an on-site detailed observation of this white dwarf. Perhaps we can glean some advanced technologies from it!”

Xiao Yu forced a bitter smile and said, “Let’s drop the suggestion about accompanying the fleet. I cannot allow this to happen. Near the white dwarf, the radiation levels are extremely intense. Even with specialized shielding and protective technology, only instruments can withstand it. If you went, you would certainly die.”

During this time, Xiao Yu had witnessed the enthusiasm and dedication displayed by the Luka scientists. Having grown fond of them, he could not allow them to die in vain.

“Master, do you not understand the significance of witnessing such a miracle? Compared to that, what does life even matter?” one Luka scientist shouted.

An elderly Luka scientist stood up, his face deeply lined with age. He bowed deeply before speaking. “You all are still young, with at least a few hundred years of life ahead of you. I, however, am at the end of my life. My mind has stagnated, and I can no longer contribute to my reputation. I hereby request to accompany the fleet. Let me dedicate what little remains of my life to the esteemed God’s Emissary.”

Xiao Yu knew this elderly Luka scientist was the oldest and most knowledgeable among them. Over the years, he had nurtured dozens of Luka scientists, at least a sixth of the three hundred present were his students.

Moved by his loyalty and scientific zeal, Xiao Yu nonetheless firmly rejected the proposal. “I will not allow you to die in vain. This matter is closed,” Xiao Yu declared resolutely.

The order was given, and the discussion ended.

“Is it possible that this is all a deception?” Amid the overwhelming support, a faint voice of dissent emerged. Xiao Yu turned to see a nervous young Luka scientist standing and slowly speaking. “Let me clarify—I have no evidence. This is just a hypothesis for everyone to consider.”

Xiao Yu’s heart tightened as he instructed, “Go on.”

In previous meetings, Xiao Yu had not noticed this young scientist, indicating that he had only recently gained the qualifications to attend such high-level discussions. It was his first time participating.

The Luka scientist bowed toward Xiao Yu before continuing. “Up to this point, all the actions of this civilization can be interpreted as benevolent. But what if we consider them from a purely malicious perspective?”

“Is it possible that this civilization’s display of technological strength is merely to awe us? That their promises are designed to entice us, their casual demeanor intended to mislead us? What if their true objective is just the one hundred million tons of deuterium?”

“I was shocked to realize that their actions, while explainable through goodwill, are also perfectly consistent with malicious intent. I don’t know if this is mere coincidence, so I decided to share my thoughts for everyone’s consideration.”

The young Luka scientist finished and sat down. A brief silence followed before murmurs of discussion arose.

Another Luka scientist stood up and retorted, “I disagree with your theory. There are several contradictions in your argument. First, the white dwarf’s companion star transfers mass to it at a rate of 17 million tons per second. If they needed deuterium, why would they ask us? Second, this unknown civilization clearly possesses spatial broadcasting technology, which cannot be faked. They have no reason to construct such an elaborate ruse just for one hundred million tons of deuterium. Third, their ability to operate on the white dwarf’s surface demonstrates their immense strength. Don’t you think using brute force would be far simpler than resorting to deception?”

The young Luka scientist lowered his head in shame, visibly uneasy.

Xiao Yu addressed him reassuringly, “It’s good to have differing opinions. Right or wrong, at least you’ve provided a perspective for everyone to consider. You did well.”

The young Luka scientist looked at Xiao Yu with astonishment, and tears welled up in his eyes.

“Master, thank you for your encouragement. I will dedicate myself to learning and contribute to our technological progress, I will be forever loyal to you!”

Xiao Yu smiled faintly but said nothing.

The meeting resumed, and after an hour of intense discussion, a plan of action was finalized.

Xiao Yu reviewed the plan and said, “Now… is there anyone still opposed? If not, then it’s settled. Suspend all non-essential projects, focus all resources on manufacturing the necessary collection equipment, and prepare to depart for Aquila Two!”

[T/N: Just wanted to quickly point out that the luka people will be using master and emissary interchangeably. They will be using emissary mostly when it relates to their great god etc.]