Chapter 72: Finalizing Gains, Deal With The Authorities , Soaring Market Value.
The device was a marvel of engineering, combining the principles of quantum mechanics, tachyonic physics, dark energy manipulation, and multidimensional technology. However, to bring it to its full potential, it required an energy source unlike anything found in the three-dimensional realm—a unique blend of speed force energy, dark energy, and tachyonic particles. Ethan was determined to create this energy, despite the risks.
"Helios," Ethan called, his voice echoing in the quiet lab. "Log this as the beginning of Project Flux: Phase Two. We're creating an energy source to power the Quantum Time Pad."
"Log initiated, sir," Helios replied. "Proceed when ready."
Ethan's first task was to extract a fragment of speed force energy. The speed force was a cosmic phenomenon beyond conventional understanding, tied to the very fabric of motion and time. To harvest it, Ethan needed to carefully interact with its sole human manifestation: The Flash.
Using the Quantum Time Pad, Ethan tracked The Flash's energy signature across the city. He studied the speedster from a safe distance, noting the trails of residual energy left in his wake. When The Flash engaged in a particularly intense run, Ethan activated his Tachyon Condenser, a specialized device designed to isolate and capture fragments of speed force energy from these trails.
The condenser used a series of quantum entanglement fields to stabilize the energy as it was pulled in. Ethan worked with extreme caution, ensuring the condenser didn't overload or disrupt The Flash's connection to the speed force. After hours of adjustments, he successfully harvested a small but potent sliver of speed force energy, which he sealed in a quantum-locked containment unit.
The next step was to synthesize dark energy, the mysterious force responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe. Ethan activated his dark energy collider, a massive device in the lower levels of his lab. The collider used high-energy particle collisions to simulate the extreme conditions of the early universe, generating bursts of dark energy in the process.
As the collider roared to life, Ethan monitored the magnetic fields and cryogenic systems that stabilized the dark energy. The energy was volatile, with a tendency to decay rapidly, but Ethan infused it with a stream of tachyonic particles to slow its decay and stabilize it. The dark energy was then funneled into a containment vessel made of a meta-alloy transmuted by the Echobox, ensuring no leakage occurred.
Tachyonic particles, faster-than-light entities, were essential for bridging the properties of speed force energy and dark energy. Ethan used a derivative of his Transdimensional Communication Device (TCD) to create a tachyon generator.
The generator created controlled quantum entanglement fields within a vacuum chamber, manipulating virtual particles into a tachyonic state. These particles were incredibly unstable, but Ethan used a series of synchronized magnetic fields to funnel them into a containment chamber. Each batch of tachyonic particles was carefully monitored to ensure purity and stability.
The fusion of these three energies—speed force, dark energy, and tachyonic particles—was the most delicate part of the process. Each energy operated on different principles and frequencies, making their coexistence a challenge. To achieve this, Ethan designed the Quantum Flux Stabilizer, a device capable of creating an artificial quantum lattice.
Inside the stabilizer, Ethan began the fusion process:
The dark energy served as the stabilizing base, its expansive properties forming a containment matrix.
Tachyonic particles were introduced into the matrix, their temporal properties binding with the dark energy and forming a semi-stable lattice.
Finally, the speed force energy was injected. Its vibrational properties harmonized with the tachyonic lattice, completing the fusion process.
The stabilizer emitted a low, resonant hum as it balanced the energies. Ethan monitored every parameter, ensuring no fluctuations threatened the stability of the quantum lattice. After several tense hours, the energies fused into a unified quantum state, glowing with an ethereal light.
Ethan transferred the fused energy into a specialized containment vessel designed to prevent leakage or degradation. The vessel was crafted from a unique alloy infused with quantum-locked particles, making it impervious to external forces. A magnetic containment field added an extra layer of security, ensuring the energy remained stable.
Ethan stood back as the containment vessel was sealed. The energy inside pulsed rhythmically, a testament to its immense power. Helios confirmed the stability of the energy, marking the completion of the process.
Ethan sat down, exhausted but exhilarated. He had done it—created an energy source that existed beyond the limitations of the three-dimensional universe. This energy was the key to unlocking the full potential of the Quantum Time Pad, enabling it to manipulate time and space in ways that defied imagination.
He gazed at the containment vessel, knowing the power it held. The energy wasn't just a tool; it was a symbol of his ingenuity and determination. With this, he had taken another step toward transcending the limitations of his universe.
But Ethan also understood the responsibility that came with such power.
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It has been an epec couple of months, no one knew how powerful he had become, but while research and increasing his knowledge had been fulfilling, but staring at the wall of his lab has been duanting.
"All work no play makes jack a dull boy" Ethan quotes.
Ethan stepped out of his workshop and took in the city skyline from his penthouse balcony. The months he had spent buried in his projects had been some of the most productive of his life, but they had also left him disconnected from the outside world. The crisp air was a stark contrast to the controlled environment of his lab, and it reminded him of the balance he needed to maintain between his ambition and his human side. His company, Aether Corp, had grown significantly in his absence, thanks to the release of the Predator Exoskeleton Suits. The world had been changing while he was holed up, and it was time to re-engage.
The next day, Ethan decided to visit his office, a rare occasion given his preference for working behind the scenes. The Aether Corp headquarters, a sleek and towering skyscraper, was a symbol of modern innovation. As he entered the lobby, employees paused and murmured, surprised to see their elusive CEO in person. His reputation as a visionary was matched only by his tendency to disappear for weeks or months at a time.
Claire Richmond, his secretary and trusted confidante, was waiting for him as the elevator doors opened to the top floor. She was dressed impeccably, her sharp gray suit matching her no-nonsense demeanor. Her expression, however, carried a mix of relief and frustration.
"Good morning, Mr. Harper," she said, walking beside him as they headed toward his office. "It's good to see you back, but you've been off the grid for months. I was beginning to think I'd have to send a search party."
Ethan smiled faintly, appreciating her candor. "You know me, Claire. When I'm focused, I lose track of time."
Claire gave him a pointed look as they entered his expansive office, its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. "Well, while you were 'focused,' Aether Corp has been making waves. The military has approved a purchase of 50 Predator Exoskeleton Suits. That's a $2.5 billion deal, Ethan. And that's not all. They're open to discussing a long-term partnership."
Ethan's brow arched as he took the tablet she handed him, skimming through the details of the contract. The Predator Exoskeleton Suits were a revolutionary product, capable of turning ordinary soldiers into near-invincible warriors. Each suit was equipped with adaptive armor, and energy redistribution systems, allowing it to withstand extreme environments and even minor EMP attacks. But the true value of this deal wasn't the money—it was the access to the military's classified projects and restricted materials.
"That's excellent news," Ethan said, setting the tablet down. "I'll handle the negotiations myself. A partnership with the military could solidify Aether Corp's position as a leader in defense technology."
Later that afternoon, Ethan sat across from Colonel Marcus Tate in the conference room. The Colonel was a pragmatic man, his demeanor exuding the no-nonsense attitude of someone who had seen his fair share of war. A holographic display in the center of the table showed a simulation of the Predator Suit in action, taking on various combat scenarios with unparalleled efficiency.
"These suits are remarkable," Colonel Tate admitted, his voice tinged with admiration. "But let's get down to brass tacks. What do you want in return for this partnership?"
Ethan leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady. "Aether Corp will provide exclusive upgrades, maintenance, and next-gen iterations of the suit. In return, I want guaranteed funding for R&D, access to restricted materials, and the ability to consult on classified projects. I don't just want to sell you technology, Colonel—I want to shape the future with you."