Chapter 144: Copying the Curvature Engine

"Distance?"

Zhou Shaoqing's voice was steady, but his eyes became sharp.

"Based on the arrival time differences of the signal on various deep-space probes, we have roughly determined its source direction, and its distance from us is about 1.3 light-years,"

"and it is approaching the Solar System at superluminal speed, with an estimated arrival time of around five months."

Another staff member, looking at the data on the screen, said in surprise.

"What did you say? Superluminal?"

Those words unsettled Zhou Shaoqing and the others.

"Yes, Minister, this must be a probe from a civilization that has mastered superluminal technology; we have discovered a genuine alien civilization!"

At this distance, even for Yanhuang Guo's interstellar fleet, which still relies on nuclear fusion propulsion, it would take decades to reach it at their maximum speed.

"Minister, this is already a very dangerous signal. If the other side is a benevolent civilization, that's one thing, but if it is highly aggressive,"

"once war breaks out, our warships' speed will be completely inadequate, leaving us only passive defense."

At that moment, Chief of Staff Fang Yong, standing beside Zhou Shaoqing, spoke up.

"According to my analysis, the latter scenario is more likely; we must report this news immediately."

After Fang Yong finished speaking, the entire hall grew solemn.

Their proud interstellar fleet, faced with an absolute speed disadvantage, would be unable to move a single step.

"You're right; superluminal travel is the hallmark of a true interstellar civilization, otherwise even leaving one's own home system is difficult."

Zhou Shaoqing nodded in agreement, his face showing no hint of color.

Without further delay, the message was quickly reported to Luo Rui Xiang.

After reviewing all the analysis results and Zhou Shaoqing's proposal, Zhang Yunfeng frowned tightly:

"The Ministry of National Defense suggests we develop an FTL warship as soon as possible, but that seems rather difficult!"

"Although we claim to have made some progress with curvature engines, building one would still take at least two years, and we don't have that much time."

Luo Lao said nothing, merely watching Qin Hao; he knew Qin Hao must have a solution.

Qin Hao nodded, without any hesitation:

"There is, of course, a solution. The ultra‑advanced one is out of reach, but we can copy a curvature engine; my remaining energy is just enough."

After speaking, he thought for a moment and immediately communicated with the system steward in his mind.

"System steward, to copy the curvature engine from Star Trek, how much energy is required?"

【Based on the host's Energy Points, only the first-generation curvature engine from Star Trek can be copied, requiring five hundred energy units per unit.】

The system's prompt tone sounded.

Five hundred energy units per unit—that price is indeed steep.

He now has only 1,021 energy units left in his account, enough for just two units.

Moreover, recharging via a Tokamak device to add a thousand energy units would take nearly a month even with continuous 24‑hour operation,

and if his rest periods are excluded, it could take even longer,

staying in such an energy environment for extended periods might also cause mental fatigue or other issues.

However, the technology and physical sample are urgently needed as references now, so Qin Hao intends to copy two units for the scientists.

"That's the situation; when are we going to the Central Academy of Sciences?"

Qin Hao stated the curvature engine's cost and his plan.

"No time to lose; let's go there right now!"

Luo Lao immediately gave the final decision.

Inside the Central Academy of Sciences.

With Qin Hao's copy confirmation, the empty research chamber

Two curvature engines instantly materialized.

Overall they are cylindrical, roughly 40 meters long, with width and height in the 10–20 meter range.

The engine surfaces are covered with dense energy conduits and intricate structures, exuding an extreme sense of technology.

Luo Lao, Zhang Yunfeng, and Cheng Haitang couldn't help but gather around.

Academician Qian Bowen's eyes sparkled with brilliance.

"Is this a curvature engine?" Zhang Yunfeng exclaimed, looking at the two massive machines.

"Exactly! This is a curvature engine, capable of enabling our warships to achieve superluminal travel."

Qin Hao explained.

"Next, our scientists will reverse‑engineer it and, on that basis, construct our own curvature warships."

Luo Lao stared intensely at the two engines; he knew this was another leap for Yanhuang Civilization, and also a safeguard against the looming threat of alien civilizations.

"Alright! Academician Qian, we'll leave this to you; hope you can master all the technology quickly."

Luo Lao looked at Qian Bowen earnestly.

"Don't worry! Rote Commissioner. With the physical sample and technical data, plus our own research results, we should soon complete the mission."

Academician Qian replied with confidence.

After giving the instructions, Luo Lao and the others left the academy.

Thus, the reverse engineering began.

Because of the widespread NZT48 drug, all core scientists were in an unprecedented 'superbrain' state,

their thought speed and analytical ability had surpassed human limits.

When the disassembly diagram of the curvature engine appeared before them, countless scientists' eyes lit up, a frenzy and excitement akin to beholding the most perfect artwork.

"This... what an exquisite design! It's sheer genius!"

A technician trembled as they exclaimed.

"How is this even possible? An energy constraint field, this kind of spatial folding algorithm..."

Another young scholar, face flushed with excitement, gestured wildly at the dense parameters on the data screen.

The effect of NZT48 was perfectly demonstrated at this moment.

Under normal circumstances, a technical problem that might take decades to solve appears, before these "superhuman" brains, as merely a series of slightly more complex puzzles.

They rushed into the analysis work, with countless parallel threads firing simultaneously in their minds; even the speed of a quantum computer seemed sluggish before them.

They needed little verbal communication; a glance, a derivation of a formula, was enough to instantly grasp each other's thinking and then continue developing it.

……

"The effect of ZNT48 is indeed powerful."

Zhang Yunfeng laughed and shook his head, his tone full of admiration.

"Yeah, in just over ten days, they've already mastered eighty percent of the theoretical framework."

Old Luo took a light sip of tea, a relaxed smile appearing on his face.

I personally estimate that within two months we can finish manufacturing the first domestically produced warp engine.

This speed is practically a miracle!

This means that Yanhuang Guo will, in a very short time, overcome its speed disadvantage and truly possess the ability to freely navigate the vast interstellar space.

In the days ahead, the entirety of Yanhuang Guo continues to operate busily and orderly on the surface; the Blue Moon Economic Circle thrives, and the Martian terraforming proceeds vigorously.

But behind the scenes, a technological revolution concerning the survival of civilization is advancing rapidly.

A brand-new mega-sized shipyard is being constructed in near-Earth orbit, with large quantities of third-generation meteorite alloy high-strength composite materials being transported to space.

Everything is being prepared for the birth of the first domestically produced warp warship.