Only I Walk Alone

Although the experiment faced setbacks, it was far from a fruitless endeavor. Earth’s scientists had, at the very least, gained insight into manipulating gravity—a monumental step forward.

Currently, the scientists are repeating the experiment that previously failed, aiming to reverse the phenomenon of being repelled by the planet’s gravity. Living in a state of gravity repulsion, even basic needs like eating, drinking, and sleeping present significant challenges, necessitating ventures into the weightlessness of outer space.

Using robots for experimentation, the scientists hypothesize that repeating the initial experiment—a concept of negating a negative to produce a positive—should restore normalcy. However, cautious of unforeseen outcomes, they’re conducting trials with robots first, ensuring their own safety before personally undergoing the experiment.

Preparations for the new trial are extensive, especially since the electromagnetic generators were lost to outer space. New instruments and a fortified experimental facility are in construction, learning from the previous trial’s missteps. After ten days of diligent work, a new experimental site was established, and the initial robot-controlled experiment succeeded, with the robots sticking to the ceiling due to the inversion of gravity.

Following the successful first trial, a second experiment was swiftly conducted. Mirroring the previous steps, the robots once again experienced gravity inversion, then a return to normal gravitational attraction.

The scientists discovered a pattern: their formula, though not capable of altering the other three fundamental forces, could indeed invert gravity. Essentially, they were on the brink of developing a prototype for an anti-gravity device.

Having mastered this formula, the scientists first addressed their personal plight of inverted gravity. Living with gravity turned upside down was far from convenient, as basic daily activities required the zero-gravity conditions of space.

With this issue resolved, research into anti-gravity devices and jump engines began. Understanding how to manipulate gravity through electromagnetic forces opened the door to altering gravitational pull and thus, compressing space—a crucial step towards developing jump engines.

However, this ambition faces significant hurdles, primarily the challenge of energy. Despite mastering 16-path fusion, the generated electricity falls short of the requirements for space compression.

Their immediate focus is on developing anti-gravity devices and jump engines, alongside advancing beyond 16-path fusion, propelling them into the interstellar era.

No longer constrained by the need for breakthrough opportunities, Earth’s scientists are now accumulating technological advancements. They bear three pivotal tasks: developing anti-gravity devices, creating jump engines, and achieving beyond 60-path fusion technology. Overcoming these challenges will officially usher Earth’s civilization into the interstellar age.

Wu Ge, in the strategic command center, reviews the ten closest star systems to the Solar System, ranging from 4.3 to 10.9 light-years away. Without existing star paths linking these systems, Earth must first invent jump engines for exploration.

Focused on these ten star systems, Wu Ge understands that for a civilization to flourish in the cosmos, expansion for population, resources, and territory is essential.

Wu Ge declares, “Within a hundred years, we must develop jump engines and surpass 60-path fusion technology. Then, Earth will set its sights on the nearest Proxima Centauri system.”

Proxima Centauri, part of a trinary star system, offers a unique opportunity for studying such celestial configurations. The presence of habitable or resource-rich planets is a secondary concern to the scientific potential of controlling this system.

The development and exploration of technology are inextricably linked. The strength and technological advancements of Country Y, for example, were due to their relentless exploration and quest to understand the unknown, thereby learning to elevate their technological capabilities from nature.

However, once Earth’s exploration reached a plateau, technological advancement slowed significantly. It wasn’t until venturing into space, encountering new realms, that technology began to rapidly advance again.

This illustrates the importance of expansion.

Following Wu Ge’s century-long deadline, countless scientists embarked on a frenzied quest for technological breakthroughs. Azhen, who first conceived of the fifth force, received the Nebula Award. Though her theory led to the mastery of only a fraction of the unified field equation, it nonetheless represented a significant leap in Earth’s technological capabilities.

Moreover, scientists could further explore other fundamental forces based on this formula. Despite Azhen’s inability to contribute further insights after her initial groundbreaking idea, her achievement was monumental. Even if she lived off the glory of the Nebula Award without producing further achievements, her name would occasionally resurface, sometimes attributed to luck.

But in this world, isn’t everyone’s success partly due to luck?

As time swiftly passed, the 50th year of the century-long timeline saw the development of anti-gravity devices. By the 75th year, jump engines were researched and installed on all warships, allowing them to reach speeds of one-fifth the speed of light. Fusion technology advanced to the 55th path.

The difficulty and energy yield of each additional path of fusion increase exponentially. Surpassing 60 paths of fusion would provide sufficient energy for interstellar travel.

In the 650th year since humanity’s abduction, the 59th path of fusion was successfully developed, bringing Earth’s civilization on the verge of interstellar navigation. At that moment, Xiao Chao issued a level one alert: “Level one warning! Level one warning! An unidentified flying object detected by the extraterrestrial probe!”

Wu Ge ordered, “Dispatch a fleet to intercept immediately and send a warning in the universal language of space to the other party.”

Before Xiao Chao could issue the warning, the other party’s message was received first. After decrypting the message, an intriguing statement emerged from the translator:

“Home, I have returned.”