Chapter 761 — The Truth of Project Zero
Blade of Dawn · Page 2 of 4
Small relay devices could only keep two magic nets running at minimum power; to enable the full-power transmission of energy and information across the net, one had to build larger hub towers or hub stations. When the Southern Region's magic net was first built, Gao Yang had relied on the lingering prestige of the Unification War, carrying out large-scale population transfers, city mergers, and military administration of the border regions, and only thus had he brought the magic net to "net" form in a short time. But now the whole empire had been unified, the nation had left the state of war, and the empire's territory was far larger than the Southern Region had been—so similar methods could of course no longer be used; and even if one wished to use them, they would require considerable adjustment.
On that foundation, he could only proceed step by step, waiting for this vast project to be slowly completed.
"At present, apart from the Southern Region's main hub, only the main hub of the Eastern Spirit Plain has been successfully started up," Hedy said. "The Great Tree of Solin helped us bring the Eastern Plain's hub online ahead of schedule. As for the rest—the main hub of the Western Spirit Plain, the Western Region's main hub, the Northern Region's main hub, and the main hub of San Sunil—all have halted for the winter."
"...It is just as well, really. With the works ordered one after another, there is a chance to uncover hidden problems, so that the nation's magic net need not suffer too great a loss," Gao Yang said, half in comfort and half in sincerity. "Do keep an eye on the news coming from the Great Tree of Solin. The experience gathered there should be of great help to our construction once spring comes next year."
Hedy bowed her head and accepted the charge: "Yes, Ancestor."
Then she glanced quickly at Gao Cen, confirmed that all the documents and reports had been handed over, and stepped back half a pace: "If there is nothing else, then I will return to my office first—there are still several reports waiting for my review."
Gao Yang was about to sink into thought, and hearing this, felt there was no problem, so he nodded. But no sooner had he nodded than Hedy had already left the room with great speed.
Whether it was an illusion or not, Gao Yang even fancied that the instant Hedy stepped out of the study she trailed an afterimage...
"It seems the pressure of work is still great of late," Gao Yang could not help stroking his chin, speaking softly with a sense of realization. "I really must find someone for her who can share the burden..."
Hardly had his words fallen when amber began to precipitate bit by bit out of the air beside him: "Do you truly not know why she has been avoiding you lately?"
Gao Yang shot the half-elf a glance: "Can an old man not have even this much pleasure?"
As he spoke, he suddenly felt layer upon layer of ripples rising from the depths of his mind, and a special identification marker sent out a call within his consciousness.
"Daniel is looking for me—it seems rather urgent," he said at once, turning to Amber. "Keep watch here."
Amber was taken aback for a moment, then waved a hand: "Oh, I know the drill..."
Hardly had she spoken when Gao Yang had already settled into the broad high-backed chair and entered the state of mental connection.
Looking at Gao Yang, whose eyes had already closed, Amber could not help knitting her brows. After a brief silence she began to murmur to herself with a touch of emotion: "Alas... a man like you will probably work himself to death in this life too... Is there no separating you from 'dying of exhaustion'?"
Chaotic, flickering lights and shadows spread across his field of vision, and Gao Yang could still vaguely hear Amber's low muttering at the edge of his hearing, but he paid it little mind.
The scene before his eyes gradually steadied.