Chapter 215: Beautiful Diamond

The success of the prototype 【Void Energy Spectrum Resonance Probe】 was like a massive bomb dropped in the field of deep space exploration, its significance far exceeding the Project Team's original expectations. When the spectral interference pattern data, marking the successful capture of "time-space echo," was presented to Qin Feng as a top-secret briefing, his focus did not rest solely on the breakthrough in detection technology.

His gaze settled on the feedback data from the probe's calibration scan—a minor Kuiper Belt object (designated KT-735) located 0.5 light-years from "New Era."

In that region long assumed to be a cold, lifeless mass of rock and ice, the probe's spectral map revealed, alongside the expected characteristic peaks of silicates and water ice, an extremely faint but distinctly marked energy Imprint.

The material structure corresponding to that Imprint… was a highly ordered arrangement of carbon crystals.

In simple terms, it was diamond.

And according to the density and structural integrity analysis from the Harmonic Resonance feedback, the diamond hidden within KT-735—regardless of volume, purity, or crystalline perfection—far surpassed any natural or artificial diamond known on Earth. Its internal lattice structure, formed under extreme pressure, even exhibited unusual physical properties, demonstrating extraordinary stability and amplification effects toward specific energy fields.

"Beautiful diamond…" Qin Feng's fingertip lightly tapped the data report, murmuring softly, a glint of interest flashing in his eyes.

This was not driven by greed for gemstone value; at his current level, worldly wealth had long lost meaning. What he valued was the potential industrial application of this special diamond, especially in high-energy physics and precision manufacturing.

For example, the insulating and focusing medium for the Deep Space Mothership's core energy transmission lines, the excitation lenses for next-generation high-power energy weapons, even the key material for further miniaturization and sensitivity enhancement of the 【Void Energy Spectrum Resonance Probe】's own receiver unit—this naturally formed, structurally perfect diamond could be the irreplaceable optimal choice.

Earth's diamond reserves are limited and their quality insufficient to meet such stringent demands. Yet this "star" located 0.5 light-years away might harbor strategic resources sufficient to support "New Era"'s advanced technological development for decades to come.

"Resource survey" and "acquisition"—these two words naturally surfaced in Qin Feng's mind.

He immediately summoned Evans from the Deep Space Exploration Department and the head of the Engineering Department.

"KT-735," Qin Feng displayed the annotated data segment to the two, "there's what we need."

Evans, studying the unique spectral signature, immediately understood Qin Feng's intent, his face lighting up with excitement: "Mr. Qin, you mean… extraterrestrial mining?"

"It's survey and sample collection," Qin Feng corrected. "First, we must confirm its reserves and mining feasibility. 0.5 light-years is not close, but with our current technology, it is not insurmountable."

The Engineering Department head focused on practical concerns: "Sir, this means we must design and build an unmanned probe capable of interstellar flight, with long-range survey and small-scale sampling capabilities. This imposes extreme demands on propulsion, navigation, communication, and sampling machinery."

"Technology is not the issue," Qin Feng said firmly. "Based on our existing fusion propulsion and the navigation assistance of the 【Void Energy Spectrum Resonance Probe】, constructing an unmanned probe capable of sub-light cruise is feasible. Upgrade the sampling robotic arm and sample preservation technology using experience from Deep Sea and polar exploration equipment."

His consciousness reconnected to the 【Super Technology】 database and quickly filtered out a mature design scheme named 【Stardust-class Deep Space Autonomous Explorer】. The probe employed efficient fusion-pulse propulsion, carried a miniaturized Harmonic Resonance Probe as its core navigation and survey unit, was equipped with a multi-functional robotic arm and drilling sampling system, and possessed strong autonomous decision-making and long-range communication capabilities.

"I will provide you with the design scheme," Qin Feng told the two heads. "Your task is to complete the construction and testing of the explorer in the shortest possible time. Target: KT-735. Mission: Confirm the distribution and reserves of the internal special diamond deposit, and return at least 100 kilograms of raw ore samples."

"Yes, Sir!" Both replied in unison, their eyes ablaze with challenge. To actively extend humanity's reach for the first time to a celestial body 0.5 light-years away for resource exploration—this was undoubtedly a historic feat!

The industrial machinery of "New Era" roared back to life. Under Qin Feng's blueprint guidance, dedicated production lines were established to manufacture the explorer's specialized low-temperature-resistant alloy hull, high-specific-impulse fusion engines, superconducting energy cores, and precision sampling systems.

Three months later, a fifteen-meter-long, silver-shuttle-shaped 【Stardust-class Deep Space Autonomous Explorer】 was assembled in low Earth orbit, silently hovering against the black backdrop of space, reflecting distant starlight.

Its name was designated—【Pioneer One】.

The launch command was issued personally by Qin Feng.

As a faint blue tailfire ignited silently in the vacuum, 【Pioneer One】 detached from its berth and began accelerating, steadily heading toward the edge of the Solar System, toward the distant celestial body named KT-735.

Over the coming years, it would cruise at sub-light speed, traversing the vast interstellar space, ultimately reaching its destination to carry out humanity's first-ever on-site survey of extraterrestrial mineral resources.

In the control center, Qin Feng watched the light dot representing 【Pioneer One】 gradually recede into the Star Sea.

He was not concerned about the long journey or the unknown risks. 【Pioneer One】 possessed sufficient autonomy and redundant design to handle most scenarios.

What he anticipated was years hence, when this "beautiful diamond" was successfully returned, bringing another leap forward to "New Era"'s technological tree.

The boundary of resources had been shattered.

"New Era"'s gaze no longer satisfied itself with gazing at the stars—it now actively planned how to Drain nourishment from those distant stars to strengthen itself.

This small step was a firm stride toward the Star Sea.