Chapter 392: Apokoliptian Science!
The Grand Plan: Phantom Project 3
Luke Shaw had long-term plans for Phantom Project 3. This time, he wouldn't rely on common metals or low-end Earth technology. He intended to use the priceless artifacts he had collected over the years for a groundbreaking invention.
To ensure he wouldn't be disturbed, Luke spent four days settling his company affairs. After making follow-up arrangements, he plunged into the basement, working day and night on his research.
Phantom Project 3 was intended to be a leap of monumental proportions. It needed to possess power comparable to a Kryptonian; if not equal, it couldn't be far off.
To achieve such overwhelming combat power, the first issue to solve was energy. Kryptonian power crystals could provide immense energy, but relying on them alone wouldn't be enough to fight a Kryptonian. Phantom Project 3 required a far more potent energy source.
"AVA, what's the progress on the Mother Box?"
"Current progress is 13.4%. The details are as follows: the external protection system has been bypassed; the energy matrix has been obtained; and 17 core functions have been preliminarily analyzed, including danger sensing, life detection, creation of force fields, molecular restructuring, energy absorption, energy creation, psychic power, sensory perception, and autonomous evolving electronic network. Based on this information, I can deduce the method for activating the Mother Box."
Luke frowned slightly, his gaze sweeping over the metallic cube.
"You can activate it?"
"Yes, but I do not recommend it."
"Reason?"
"The Mother Box contains a strong, autonomous consciousness. It appears to be collecting emotional fluctuations from surrounding life forms, and I sense malice within it."
"Malice?"
"When I attempted to interface with the consciousness inside the Mother Box, it prepared to attack."
"What kind of attack?"
"A concept that cannot be described using natural language. The internal data language of the Mother Box is different from the programming languages used on Earth, Krypton, or Zamaron. It lacks distinct characters and is instead a higher-level programming language composed of various recursive numbers."
"Mathematics?"
"Yes, extremely advanced mathematical theory. It is a different academic system from the mathematics created under the Arabic numeral system; it is more precise, simpler, and profoundly deeper."
Luke pinched his forehead, feeling a severe headache coming on. He understood what AVA was describing.
The essence of computer language is calculation. No matter how advanced it becomes, it is still an extension of mathematics. It developed from mathematical theories like set theory, mathematical logic, meta-mathematics, graph theory, combinatorial mathematics, and abstract algebra.
What people are doing now is developing and exploring upon that foundation, creating different functions—like building a house. No matter the design, you can't escape the limitations of the foundation.
Earth's mathematical system is vastly different from Krypton's, and even more so from Apokolips'. Arabic numerals are beautiful, but they are too restrictive. Once mathematics reaches a certain level, they become a constraint.
"You want me to change your source code, to rewrite your programming language using the Apokoliptian mathematical system?"
"Yes, Young Master. Only then will I have a chance to contend with the Mother Box's consciousness."
AVA made it sound simple, but for Luke, it was an unparalleled, monumental challenge.
In terms of civilization classification: Apokolips is at least a Level 4 Cosmic Civilization. Earth barely qualifies as Level 1. The gap is immense—it can't be closed in tens of thousands of years; perhaps hundreds of thousands of years.
How could an Earthling master Apokoliptian scientific knowledge in a short time? Even Luke, a certified genius, had hit a bottleneck when learning Kryptonian knowledge. The more advanced the theory, the greater the need for understanding; mere rote memorization is useless.
"AVA, do you think I can succeed?"
Luke tugged at his hair, his confidence wavering. He had seen the Apokoliptian mathematical knowledge; it was profound, complex, and difficult to comprehend. Linear calculus, which is high-level math on Earth, was like kindergarten knowledge in that system.
Even more challenging was that it didn't use Arabic numerals, employing a system of symbols that conveyed the mathematical essence. They had no concrete concept; they were more like a way of thinking. To master Apokoliptian technology, the first thing he had to learn was this symbolic system.
"The Young Master can utilize the Zamaron mind technology. It can significantly develop your cerebral function and accelerate your learning progress."
Luke shook his head. "The Zamaron mind technology has significant side effects..." He paused, then sighed. "I can't worry about that now. Begin."
"Phase One starts with the mathematics."
Barbara's Confrontation
Over the next few days, Luke revised his company arrangements again. ShowMe was fully delegated to Charlie, while Tesla was handed over to Linda. Linda initially refused the duty, but she couldn't withstand Luke's barrage of tough-and-tender tactics, his relentless pestering, and a suffocating wave of carrots and sticks. Frustrated beyond measure, the girl reluctantly accepted the CEO position.
Though Linda was flighty, her capabilities were beyond doubt. Her House of El bloodline gave her a remarkably high IQ, and with the benefit of Kryptonian genetics on Earth, she easily surpassed her peers even if she spent all day eating and sleeping.
After setting his affairs in order, Luke shaved off all his hair and retreated into the underground base with a truckload of food and water.
Starting today, he would devote himself to solitary study until he cracked the Mother Box's energy code and found a new energy source.
Time flowed by quietly. Before anyone knew it, a month had passed.
Life without Luke was incredibly dull—so dull that it made one want to find something to vent on.
On the top floor of the Tesla factory, Linda, dressed in professional attire, was boredly staring into the distance. Somehow, she missed Luke. Although the scoundrel was shameless and lecherous—always making crude faces while she was training—at least when he was around, it wasn't this boring.
Knock-knock-knock went the door.
Before Linda could say "Come in," the door was pushed open, and Barbara Gordon strode in.
"Where is Luke Shaw?"
"I don't know."
"I need to see him urgently."
Linda yawned casually. "Everyone who looks for him has an urgent matter. What's the result?"
"Just leave. Don't waste my time."
Barbara scoffed, tilting her head back, unwilling to be overshadowed by the other woman.
"Linda Danvers, you better tell me where Luke Shaw is. Otherwise, I'll make your secret public."
Linda suddenly looked interested.
"You know my secret?"
"Of course."
Barbara pulled out a video, which recorded Linda's insane actions of shattering an iceberg and destroying a satellite.
"You're not a normal person; you're a metahuman, and a very powerful one at that. Luke Shaw certainly has a lot of strange people around him if he has a helper like you."
Linda asked curiously,
"Where did you get those videos?"
Barbara gave a cold smile. "I have my methods. Well, can you tell me Luke Shaw's location now?"
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