Chapter 342: Hyperlight Flight and the Solar Gamble

“Hyperlight flight?” Ning Shuangshuang asked in astonishment. “Can a level 4 civilization really achieve it? Isn’t light speed the ultimate limit? Is science fiction turning into reality?”

“Oh, no. The hyperlight effect isn’t because something actually exceeds light speed. It uses space-folding acceleration to create a warp bubble that envelopes the ship or fleet, making it appear to travel faster than light as it jumps from point A to B.”

Du Qiu briefly explained the basic principles behind hyperlight flight.

Blinking her large eyes, Ning Shuangshuang asked, “Since you understand the theory, when can we build a hyperlight warship?”

Taking her hand, Du Qiu said, “Understanding the theory is one thing, but applying it in practice presents two major challenges. One is the force field control device needed to create a warp bubble by folding space.”

“And the other, of course, is energy. The amount required for space folding is astronomical.”

“With our current scientific level, neither obstacle has been overcome.”

Ning Shuangshuang shot a sidelong glance at Du Qiu, silently wondering why he always grabbed her hand.

“Du Qiu, if that alien civilization truly had hyperlight flight, they would have already invaded the Solar System rather than hovering three light years away and sending a scout ship disguised as a meteor for recon.”

Du Qiu patted his forehead and replied, “You’re right. With a level 4 civilization, they could have stormed straight into the Solar System.”

Then he paused, adding, “But perhaps our Solar System is unique; maybe they have reservations, which is why they sent a meteor-like scout first.”

“Unique?” Ning Shuangshuang asked, clearly puzzled.

“Yes,” Du Qiu continued. “We discovered a signal filter left by the Pleiades Civilization on Mars. We suspect that when the Pleiades Civilization departed, they established a signal shield around our Solar System.”

Observing the cautious behavior of this alien race, he added, “It seems they might also have measures to block other civilizations from prying into our affairs.”

“Perhaps that’s why even a level 4 fleet dares not act recklessly—especially if the Pleiades Civilization could actually be level 5.”

At this, Du Qiu’s expression darkened. “This is bad. Could it be that the alien fleet outside the Solar System sees our system as a treasure trove of level 5 relics?”

Ning Shuangshuang listened to his theory and, noticing his worried look, reassured him, “Du Qiu, don’t scare yourself. What if they’re just a level 3 fleet?”

“If you’re worried, the Heavenly Realm has almost completed its power conversion. You can order it to leave the Solar System immediately,” he suggested.

“Regardless of whether they’re level 4 or not, we should flee as far as possible. And if those left behind manage to fend them off, the Heavenly Realm can always return for you.”

Du Qiu nodded slowly at Ning Shuangshuang. “You’re right. I need you to immediately lead the Heavenly Realm in executing the evacuation plan!”

Before his seclusion, he had already prepared an evacuation plan. Now, everything was set for it to be executed.

Almost instantly, Ning Shuangshuang objected, “No—you take the Heavenly Realm. I’ll stay behind to command the defense. You’re the technological genius of our company; with you here, we can rapidly advance our tech.”

Du Qiu shook his head. “You’re mistaken. To effectively counter the enemy, I must complete three crucial technological breakthroughs as quickly as possible.”

“Without me here, it would be nearly impossible to fully develop those technologies, leaving us unable to block the enemy’s advance. The Heavenly Realm might not escape.”

Seeing her attempt to persuade him, Du Qiu firmly grasped her arm. “Shuangshuang, now isn’t the time for argument. Listen to me and execute the Heavenly Realm evacuation immediately!”

“I’ll relocate the command center to Mars and hold off the invaders, buying you enough time to escape,” he added.

He continued, “Remember, you carry the legacy of the Blue Star Civilization. Forgive me for entrusting such a heavy burden to you.”

“Really, is it only you who can complete these breakthrough technologies?”

“Yes. If it weren’t so, I would have evacuated with you!”

Staring at Du Qiu’s resolute face, Ning Shuangshuang was at a loss for words. His meaning was clear: only by achieving these breakthroughs can they hope to repel the alien threat.

“Alright, but promise me—once you finish developing these technologies, you must evacuate too. I’ll wait for you to catch up!”

In Ning Shuangshuang’s eyes, Du Qiu was indispensable to humanity’s technological future.

Understanding her concern, Du Qiu nodded. “Don’t worry. I value my life. Once I complete the defense setup, I’ll evacuate everyone who can be saved, and let Artificial Intelligence Stardust handle the defense.”

“Alright, I’ll start the evacuation immediately,” she replied.

Ning Shuangshuang then glared at Du Qiu and added, “Du Qiu, you’d better not lie to me!”

Laughing, Du Qiu pulled her into a warm hug. “Of course I won’t. I still have to marry you!”

Ning Shuangshuang rested her head on Du Qiu’s shoulder, unaware of the fleeting pain in his eyes.

“I’ll always wait for you!”

Next, while Ning Shuangshuang set off to finalize evacuation preparations, Du Qiu gathered Director Hao and others to quickly present the design of a new main battle warship.

Time was running out; he couldn’t let the design team figure it out on their own any longer. Du Qiu needed to finalize the blueprints, and have AI Stardust commence full-speed production.

As for the most powerful weapon and the new nuclear fusion energy system, their development will proceed in parallel rather than sequentially.

Several testing phases were skipped. In this dire moment for our civilization, as long as the warship is produced, it goes straight into battle.

Once he briefed Director Hao and his team, Du Qiu immediately selected a group to head to the Mars Base.

Director Hao and his team, however, didn’t need to stay behind, as the Heavenly Realm’s speed of 3000 km per second meant it would take about 16 days to exit the Solar System.

Current Dream Technology’s Quantum Communication, aided by relay satellites within the Solar System, ensures communication. But once you leave beyond 10 astronomical units, real-time contact can no longer be guaranteed.

In fact, with the Heavenly Realm’s speed, truly escaping the Oort Cloud would take nearly 100 years.

This is the tragedy of a lower-level civilization. For civilizations at level 3 or below, interstellar travel between solar systems takes centuries.

Thus, Du Qiu concluded that the alien fleet outside the Solar System is most likely at least at the peak of a level 3 civilization.

This deduction was reinforced by the fact that the white spot is situated precisely at the midpoint between the Solar System and the Barnard’s Star system. It’s highly likely that the alien fleet embarked from Barnard’s Star system and paused there.

Had it been otherwise, Du Qiu would be certain they were a level 4 civilization or higher—capable of hyperlight flight and truly distant in origin.

Even a peak level 3 civilization is beyond the current capabilities of Dream Technology. Our preparations are woefully incomplete—we haven’t even formed a proper space fleet.

If given even a year, or even six months, our robust robotic production could assemble a sizable fleet to engage in space naval tactics and wear down the enemy.

Moreover, if they are a level 4 civilization, they could potentially reach the Solar System in as little as three months.

Three months—we’d barely manage a skirmish.

Du Qiu knew this was a do-or-die battle. He had to stay behind to ensure that approximately 100 main battle ships could be built and organized within three months.

At this moment, no one at Dream Technology possessed more interstellar war experience than he did.

Du Qiu had studied countless naval battle records from the commanders’ database. Although those clashes were among higher civilizations, they still offered valuable insights.

The Heavenly Realm’s spaceport was abuzz as planetary buses continuously flew in from Earth, landing to transport evacuees.

Du Qiu, along with a select group, prepared to depart aboard a transport ship, while Ning Shuangshuang busied herself with the evacuation of the Heavenly Realm and did not come to see him off—in fact, she might have even feared it.

“Boss, I want to stay with you!” Liu Yaofeng called out, rushing over upon hearing the news.

Du Qiu replied, “Don’t cause trouble. Hurry and coordinate with your sister-in-law to prepare the Heavenly Realm’s evacuation. Only once you’re in the safe escape zone can I safely leave and join you.”

“Ah, Boss, you…”