Chapter 522 |
If this were Earth, the current generation of particle accelerators and colliders would already be sufficient to detect the existence of most microscopic particles. But here, research had stopped at protons and neutrons.
Adam asked, “Haven’t you applied for a more advanced particle accelerator?”
Julius replied with a bitter smile, “Of course we have. The institute spends a massive amount of resources every ten years trying to upgrade, but it’s still not enough. Every time we think success is within reach, we find ourselves falling short — whether in energy levels or velocity.”
“Then where is the problem?”
Julius answered, “The magic arrays used for acceleration have already been refined to the pinnacle. If used independently, those arrays could annihilate most existing formations with a single strike. So the issue shouldn’t be there.”
The magic array serving as the foundation of the accelerator was based on Adam’s electromagnetic array. After examining the data, Adam realized its immense power — even with his current ability, setting up such an array in the rune void would be difficult. Any material launched by this array, even an iron spike, could destroy a world if it didn’t disintegrate mid-flight. Moreover, the accelerators contained not only electromagnetic arrays but also complex high-grade arrays from other magical branches.
“Then perhaps the issue lies in the material composition of the accelerator itself?”
Julius nodded. “That’s what I’ve been thinking. But what could possibly serve as a superior material? The latest model was personally commissioned by Lord Prometheus, crafted by True Spirit Mages from the Seventh Holy Tower, using the highest-grade materials known to the Mage World.”
Adam grew interested and asked Julius to show him.
The underground space was divided into two levels — the upper level held the Ultra-Large Positron-Electron Collider, while the lower housed the Super Synchrotron Accelerator.
The researchers didn’t even look up when Adam and Julius arrived; to them, nothing was more important than the instruments before them and the data in their hands.
Through his personal chip, Julius explained, “The materials used here far surpass those of the Holy Tower grade. Each centimeter represents an unimaginable density of Aether. The energy cost of each activation is terrifying — if not for the Mage Council’s breakthroughs in Aether chain-fission technology reducing energy pressure, we could never afford this research. Even so, there are still voices calling to halt the project temporarily. Thankfully, Lord Prometheus and several others have firmly stood in support.”
Adam carefully observed the two massive devices. They didn’t look magical at all — instead, they exuded a sense of high science fiction. The collider was slightly smaller, while the accelerator stretched for nearly fifty kilometers in circumference.
To be honest, these devices had already surpassed the limits of what Earth’s technology could produce. Theoretically, splitting protons and neutrons shouldn’t be an issue — but in practice, it was still far from possible here.
Adam pondered for a while, then said, “I’ve thought of three possible solutions.”
Julius stared at him in surprise. “Three?”
Adam nodded, then shook his head. “Yes — but they’re all only theoretical.”
He didn’t hide it and continued, “First, after Lord Nehem became a True Spirit Mage, he gained the ability to manipulate Dark Realm matter. In terms of substance level, Dark Realm matter surpasses any naturally occurring matter in the outer void. The problem is, I don’t know if he can process it to meet our needs.”
Earlier, during their conversations, Nehem had admitted he was merely a transporter of Dark Realm materials.
“Second, the Immortal Civilization of the Cataclysm Zone possesses a unique refining method, distinct from our magical constructs. If we could merge the two systems — forge the accelerator as an artifact — perhaps we could generate greater kinetic energy.”
However, Wanxiang clearly lacked the experience to refine such a complex device. Adam wasn’t sure she could succeed. More importantly, the accelerator’s confidentiality level was far too high for her to access.
Julius, who knew of both Nehem and Wanxiang, made a mental note and quickly asked, “And the last method?”
“Have you ever considered accelerating two worlds… and letting them collide?”
Julius looked at Adam in shock — then a sharp gleam flashed in his eyes.
———
Adam placed great importance on Julius’s research. It was one of the key milestones he had planned for his own path.
He had originally thought he’d have to study everything from scratch, but Julius’s progress was a pleasant surprise, saving him tremendous time.
Once Julius completed his research on the Strong Nuclear Force, not only would he have a chance to become a True Spirit Mage through that knowledge, but Adam might also benefit, gaining evolutionary insight.
A few days later, Adam returned to the Source Space once again — this time to meet Croft and Prometheus.
“Letting Wanxiang participate isn’t suitable for now,” Prometheus began. “She hasn’t earned enough trust yet, and we lack the ability to convert materials superior to Holy Tower-grade into usable Immortal Civilization refining components. As for Nehem, you know his limits — but he can be kept as a first backup option. If Dark Realm matter can be decomposed and recombined, it would not only advance particle research but also greatly benefit our material sciences.”
Croft was more of a bystander. Her ascension had been tied to the Plane Sacrifice and Mage Net, and she had grown stronger through the overall advancement of the Mage World, no longer needing to pursue other areas. Prometheus, on the other hand, had always been closely involved with the Institute, shielding it from political resistance.
“So,” Prometheus concluded, “the most feasible plan right now is the World Collision Experiment.”
It sounded absurd — yet, in the mouths of True Spirit Mages, it had become the simplest approach. After all, there were countless worlds floating in the Aetheric Void. Selecting two suitable ones and slightly modifying them wasn’t beyond reach.
“But there are still several problems,” he continued. “First, our artificially created blank worlds can’t meet the requirements. Natural worlds are complex in composition — how do you plan to extract the data you need amid the near-infinite physical and energetic reactions at the moment of collision? Second, even a single particle beam requires a collider tens of kilometers in diameter. How long a track — and how much starting energy — would it take to accelerate two worlds?”
Adam frowned deeply. These two issues, at their core, were still problems of resources and energy consumption. If success were guaranteed, it would be worth it. But at this stage, they were still in the testing phase — and the resources needed to sustain such an experiment would far exceed the combined reserves of two entire planes, not to mention conducting multiple trials.