CHAPTER 809: CHAPTER 809: OUR NAMES WILL BE ENGRAVED ON THIS ETERNAL MONUMENT

Watching the old friend disembark from the open hatch, Chu Guang extended his right hand with the same smiling face.

"Pleasure to meet you! Mr. Li, it’s been a long time!"

Standing before him was Li Changkong, the manager from the Ideal Group’s Construction Department.

As one of the representatives sent by the Corporate Aid Alliance to the City of Dawn, Chu Guang hadn’t seen him for a while since the end of the war in Luo Xia Province.

For a long period, foreign relations between the Council and the Alliance were handled by staff from the Comprehensive Management Department and Yi Chuan from the Overseas Business Department.

This time, Li Changkong’s visit to the Southern sea area did not represent the Corporate Council but instead the oldest of the five major groups, the "King of Infrastructure"—Ideal Group.

The foundational infrastructure of Ideal City was exclusively crafted by Ideal Group back then. As for transitioning to property and operations services, those occurred after Ideal City was completed.

The purpose of Li Changkong’s visit this time was naturally to conduct a field investigation of the "Orbital-free Space Elevator" project proposed by the Alliance at the Sticky Community meeting.

Maintaining the operation of Ideal City requires massive energy expenditure, and this task happens to fall within the business domain of Ideal Group.

If they can reopen a stable passage from the surface to outer space, or even restore the Earth-Moon flights that have been suspended for two centuries, it would undoubtedly address the potential risk of energy depletion that Ideal City may face in the future.

This is precisely why Ideal Group has shown extraordinary interest since the Alliance proposed this plan.

Upon hearing that the Alliance had partnered with the South Sea Union to conduct site selection work in the Southern sea area, the chairman of Ideal Group immediately sent an application to the Alliance’s ambassador stationed in Ideal City, Shu Yu, for a field inspection in the Southern sea area.

Seeing the magnates of Ideal City so interested in his plans, Chu Guang was naturally delighted and immediately had Shu Yu approve their application, even personally boarding the Conch Submarine Carrier to welcome him.

Standing on that sturdy steel deck, Li Changkong surveyed his surroundings, his surprised eyes half filled with shock and half with admiration.

Unbelievable.

The settlement that once had nothing but hope has now completed such an incredible project!

Though Ideal City is situated on the coast and is also developing ocean resources, it is not particularly outstanding in shipbuilding technology, at least not as brilliant as their aviation equipment.

This situation is understandable.

After all, during the Prosperity Epoch, the development focus of the United Human continually shifted towards outer space, and the logistics and manufacturing industries on the surface moved more or less towards the four major industrial areas near the space elevator.

Under this major trend, the market share of orbital and aerial transportation saw significant growth, whereas maritime shipping actually stagnated or even contracted.

In addition, the policies adopted by the United Human to protect the marine ecosystem limited the development of ocean resources, resulting in essentially no major advancements in human civilization’s maritime technology for over a century during the Prosperity Epoch, with the industry’s ecology largely remaining as it was in the early days of the Prosperity Epoch.

Even if some ships have made advancements in materials and power sources, they were mostly passively driven forward by other high-growth industries.

Ideal City, to a great extent, inherited the attributes of the Human Alliance Era, though they did not stubbornly continue the environmental policies of that era, their investment in ocean equipment was far less than in other fields.

Not one of the five major groups treats marine engineering and navigation equipment manufacturing as its main business.

This is exactly why Li Changkong was so shocked.

Although Chu Guang considered the strategic significance of the "Overlord" transport plane to be much greater than the Conch Submarine Carrier, to Li Changkong, it was the opposite.

This is much more astonishing than the Alliance’s aircraft!

"It’s really surprising... a mobile airfield that can dive, did you design this?"

Seeing Li Changkong’s exaggerated expression, Chu Guang laughed heartily and said.

"I’m flattered to be credited, but to be precise, this is a work we completed together with the people of the South Sea Union."

It’s indeed touching to think about it.

There was a time when he saw the enterprise’s Pioneer with the same astonished expression.

Now, both sides have exchanged positions, and it’s the Alliance’s manufacturing that amazes the enterprises.

"It’s unbelievable..."

Gazing at the smooth deck below and then looking at the towering bridge, Li Changkong still couldn’t calm his astonishment, gazing at Chu Guang with bewilderment.

"Our ships gather barnacles and oysters after a few months at sea. How do you keep those things off your decks?"

This wasn’t a secret worth hiding, so Chu Guang explained it in a casual tone.

"The Mind Interference Device is not only effective at repelling Variants but also works on some troublesome bivalve creatures."

Li Changkong’s face showed an expression of sudden realization.

"So that’s how it is."

Though he’s not a specialist, this alternative approach indeed has some substance.

"There’s even more unbelievable stuff ahead," Chu Guang smiled faintly and continued, "Come with me, I’ll show you inside the ship."

With those words, he took the lead and, accompanied by his Guards, led Li Changkong and his group to the direction of the bridge.

The entrance to the ship’s cabin was just below the bridge. The group stood on the elevator, and with a slight movement, they soon descended into the submarine’s interior.

Inside the spacious area, more than twenty of the Alliance’s carrier-based aircraft were arranged in a longitudinal row.

There were vertical take-off and landing transport aircraft like the Viper, as well as fixed-wing planes such as "Lightning" and "Thunder," and even "Cloud Dragonfly" flapping machines imported from Ideal City.

The electromagnetic catapult rail was directly linked to the hatch door, which rose up from the front, connecting a straight main guide rail with multiple branch guide rails connected to the fixed-wing carrier-based aircraft.

In the event of combat, the Conch Submarine Carrier can promptly launch all the aviation equipment stored inside upon surfacing, forming an aerial attack squadron in a very short time, and use the exterior deck runway to provide a transitional platform for land-based aviation units.

Apart from those aviation gears, the ammunition reserves inside the submarine carrier were equally impressive.

The missile racks beside the guide rail were crammed full of missiles of various models.

From a numerical perspective, with the current ammunition reserves of this submarine carrier, it’s more than sufficient to meet the consumption of three battles!

And that’s not all. In the dome interlayer of that spacious space, there are folded "King Crab" amphibious engineering armors poised and ready.

When not in use, they quietly stay on the charging piles, idling.

Once a deployment order is issued, they can instantly be hoisted by the mechanical arms fixed on the rails and placed on the inner deck, and then deployed through special buffer channels for combat.

From the moment he entered the cabin, Li Changkong was deeply shocked.

This is practically a mobile sea fortress!

And one that can dive at any time!

However, what Chu Guang wanted to show him wasn’t how abundant the Alliance’s supplies were but something else entirely. So, he took the reluctant Li Changkong straight to the observation cabin at the front of the submarine.

On their way to the observation cabin, Li Changkong seemed to finally remember why he came here, looking at Chu Guang walking beside him and asked.

"By the way, how’s your site selection work going? Is it going smoothly?"

Chu Guang replied with a smile.

"Site selection was last week’s task. We’re now in the experiment verification stage."

Li Changkong looked at him in surprise and said in astonishment.

"The site selection is complete? So fast?"

He originally thought the Alliance would wait until discussions at the Sticky Community conference had results, at least securing some investment before starting the next phase. Yet, the project had already progressed to the experiment verification stage.

That’s unbelievable efficiency!

Not at all surprised by Li Changkong’s astonishment, Chu Guang paused at the door of the observation cabin, glanced out of the wide panoramic window, and continued.

"We believe this unprecedented non-orbital elevator project won’t yield results through discussion alone; only by trying can we know if it works."

Regardless of whether or not they receive support from the Sticky Community in the end, the Alliance will push the project forward according to plan.

It’s not only because of the "celestial beings" threat but also because the future of human civilization lies there.

Inheriting the legacy of the United Human is not enough to escape the Wasteland.

To truly end the Wasteland Era and keep the spark of civilization burning, the Alliance must address the numerous issues left from the Human Alliance Era.

Rebuilding the space elevator is just one part of his plan, and there is no better time than now to undertake this task.

Of course, whether or not anyone supports him, he’ll continue his work, but if he can secure some "investment," that would certainly be beneficial.

After all, in such a century-defining project, whether viewed from a political perspective or the perspective of collective wisdom, the more concentrated power there is, the higher the probability of success.

Suppressing his surprise, Li Changkong composed himself, looked at Chu Guang, and continued to ask.

"I agree with your view. But...from a practical standpoint, how do you plan to solve the problem of debris floating in orbit? It’s an astronomical quantity of wreckage, and if this issue isn’t resolved, it’s not just the space elevator; even launching spacecraft up there is a problem."

Corporate entities have tried launching spacecraft into outer space, but nearly all become part of the debris after surpassing low Earth orbit.

It’s not just about the debris.

There are also long-dormant automated defense systems patrolling the orbit that can identify foreign intruders.

Although companies have cracked a few orbital weapons, they’re still a drop in the ocean compared to the astronomical quantity of wreckage.

Rather than focusing on whether the "non-orbital elevator" concept can be realized, he’s more concerned about this more practical issue.

Not surprised by Li Changkong’s question, Chu Guang fluently replied.

"We’ve already considered the issue you mentioned. We’re considering using a ’gravity well’ to clear orbital debris."

"Gravity well?" Li Changkong furrowed his brow slightly, showing a confused expression.

Chu Guang continued.

"The gravity well I’m referring to isn’t a natural gravitational well but an artificial one. Simply put, it’s about using graviton manipulation technology to interfere with Earth’s gravitational field, creating a ’well’-shaped graviton channel in specific regions, guiding orbital debris to actively fall into our designated area."

Li Changkong stared at Chu Guang in bewilderment before finally speaking.

"Is that even possible?"

He had never heard of such a thing!

Embarrassed, Chu Guang chuckled and said.

"We’re actually still in the conceptual stage, just like with the ’non-orbital elevator,’ and there’s likely considerable difficulty in actualizing it. After all, our mastery of graviton-related technology is too limited, and the only ’prototype’ we have was seized from the Army."

Even during the Prosperity Epoch, graviton-related technology was on the cutting edge, though its application scenarios were numerous.

For instance, the most classic FTL engines, hyperspace passages between massive celestial bodies, anti-gravity technology, and even deflection shield technology, are all achieved through graviton manipulation.

Though the Alliance’s manufacturing level has risen to a new tier with the help of the manufacturing center on Floor B7, it’s only reached the point of being able to create deflection shields. Replicating the "escort ship’s core" on the Iron Heart would still be challenging, let alone interfering with large celestial body gravitational fields—comparable to "forbidden curse level magic."

Honestly, when the expedition team experts proposed this concept, he couldn’t help but question whether those experts had lost their minds.

Before this, Chu Guang was more inclined toward a suggestion from a forum—a bit of a whimsical idea—

That is, launching a number of rockets into low Earth orbit, where they’d drop large nets that float like kites, catching whatever debris they can. Rockets would periodically be launched to retrieve whatever was caught, gradually bringing debris down to Earth.

The method proposed by the expedition team experts, while sounding more convenient than this "filling the sea" method, had theoretical parts that were difficult for him to understand.

Hesitant as he was, Chu Guang ultimately refrained from making the mistake of an outsider directing insiders, and left the verification to the expedition team’s experts.

The initial opinion provided by Yin Fang is "The technology has the feasibility of being realized, but the difficulty in achieving it will be enormous," and overall, this possibility was not directly ruled out.

Li Changkong was evidently stunned by this wild idea, remaining silent for a long time before awkwardly smiling and saying.

"This... really goes beyond my knowledge scope, I probably need to go back and consult with professors at Yunjian University. But it’s really unexpected that you even considered such special methods, it seems Mr. Chu Guang truly sees great potential in outer space development."

Chu Guang smiled faintly and said.

"Of course, I believe the significance behind it should not need me to tell you."

Li Changkong sighed and said.

"That’s easy to say, but our board of directors is actually more focused on the interests right under our feet."

Chu Guang continued in a gentle tone.

"Focusing on the interests under your feet is not bad, walking the road right underfoot can lead you further, but in my view, you have actually developed the land underfoot quite well. Since that’s the case, why not expand your ambition a little? You clearly have this capability, why be limited by a small Ideal City."

Upon hearing this statement, Li Changkong’s eyebrow couldn’t help but twitch.

"Is Ideal City small?"

He felt this guy was somewhat inflated.

Though he admits that City of Dawn has developed well, trying to compare it to Ideal City would be far too arrogant.

Yet Chu seemed undaunted and recklessly continued.

"Small, and not only you guys, including our Alliance, even the Army spanning half a continent, compared to territories during the Human Alliance Era, is a drop in the ocean. If you ask me, you can certainly make your business bigger, for instance... establishing a branch of Ideal City 5 light-years away?"

Li Changkong was stunned, and even seemed to forget his previous displeasure.

"...Five light-years away?"

"Absolutely."

Chu Guang nodded slightly, continuing in a gentle tone.

"Beyond South Gate Two... isn’t there coordinates for a new world on your colony ship core? After we deal with the trouble on this planet, we will sooner or later continue the unfinished business from before."

Li Changkong chuckled and said.

"Such things are way too distant."

Chu Guang shook his head and said.

"Actually, it’s not that far, we can completely start preparing for that day now. I imagine your fathers turned back not to leave their descendants eternally trapped on this hopeless planet; they must have believed there is new hope here, believing you will once again set forth, hence they returned without hesitation."

It’s actually somewhat inappropriate for him to say this, as after all, those people are ancestors of Ideal City, not his ancestors.

But Chu Guang didn’t know why, when talking about this story about those people, although his heart was filled with admiration, there wasn’t a single feeling of reverence, and he very easily slipped into their perspective, thinking from their standpoint.

This is somewhat presumptuous.

Yet he naturally said these words.

Perhaps because he is an outsider.

When mentioning that part of history, it’s like he’s narrating an ordinary story, as if describing the storyline of the Game.

Li Changkong gazed at him, only after a while faintly smiling and saying.

"... Maybe."

Residents of Ideal City were actually not shy about others mentioning or commenting on their ancestors, unlike the Army, which was so sensitive.

However, that indifferent expression clearly showed that he hadn’t taken Chu Guang’s ambition to heart.

But what Li Changkong did not know was that the speech that didn’t stir any ripples in his heart inadvertently planted a seed.

The engineering machines of Ideal Group have indeed sat in the warehouse for too long, so long that the devices are almost rusting.

Once, Ideal Group created unbelievable miracles on the Wasteland, but now they can only do patch repairs based on predecessors’ foundation.

Even as a construction department manager, he had not missed longing for the wonders completed by predecessors two centuries ago.

Chu Guang’s words touched his heart.

The initial reason for the Pioneer Colony Ship to turn back was surely not to leave their descendants always mildew on this planet.

They must have believed in their descendants picking up their unfinished mission someday in the future, hence they decided to turn back without hesitation to save the people who had hope.

Thinking about it this way...

The enticing disease floating 5 light-years away, indeed smells pretty good.

"I am very interested in your proposal, but... might I see something tangible?" Following Chu Guang’s gaze, Li Changkong cast his view outside the panoramic windows, gazing at the boundless sea level continuing to say, "Is the surprise you mentioned really just this Sea Snail?"

Before coming here, he had a phone call with Chu Guang, and Chu Guang had promised on the phone he would give him a surprise when receiving him.

He had been looking forward to it since, especially just now learning the Alliance had already progressed the project to experimental verification phase.

However, standing in this observation cabin, he couldn’t see anything.

Though this Sea Snail in engineering terms appeared impressive, he certainly didn’t specifically visit to understand Alliance’s sea power.

Perhaps the Corporate Council might be interested, but it ultimately had nothing to do with his trip purpose.

"Of course not. As for the surprise I mentioned, you’ll soon find out." Chu Guang smiled mysteriously, then looked at the captain at his side, giving an order, "Prepare to dive!"

Upon receiving Chu Guang’s order, the captain immediately stood up straight and saluted crisply.

"Yes!"

The captain, who received the order, took down the intercom hanging on his shoulder and issued the command with a resounding voice.

"Submerge the entire ship!"

At the same time the order was given, the majestic steel hull pushed away the waves in circles and slowly sank beneath the sea surface.

Watching the panoramic window submerge into the sea, Li Changkong suddenly remembered that his plane was still on the tarmac. He quickly turned to Chu Guang and said.

"My plane—"

"Don’t worry," knowing what he was concerned about, Chu Guang gave him a reassuring look, "We’ve already brought your plane inside."

The tarmac itself was a lift platform. When they stepped onto the elevator earlier, the transport plane, resembling a "Viper," sank into the hangar along with them.

Hearing this, Li Changkong finally felt relieved and turned his gaze outside the panoramic window.

At this moment, the scene before his eyes left him stunned.

In the depths of the vast blue, arcs of flickering light danced beneath the ocean’s surface like "sprites."

A towering alloy structure was surrounded at its center by countless flashing "sprites," and metal structures extending outward gradually took shape in the shimmer.

With his eyes wide open in astonishment, Li Changkong was about to ask Chu Guang standing beside him what was happening when the latter seemed to sense his amazement and waved at the captain nearby.

The captain immediately understood and ordered his men to turn on the submarine’s forward searchlight.

As the milky white beam of light illuminated the dark space, Li Changkong finally saw clearly what those flickering sprites were.

He saw mechanical bodies shaped like manta rays flapping their large pectoral fins, surrounding a construction site under construction.

The flickering light emanated from the low-temperature arc welding devices on their heads.

Under the shimmer of the arc, metal pipes and plates were quickly welded to the pre-installed metal framework.

Around that metal framework, many crab-shaped mechanical bodies were busy, replacing those "manta rays" in completing more delicate work.

"...Those devilfish-looking things are called electric rays, underwater automatic welding drones we developed not long ago. I forgot which company produced them. The crabs, on the other hand, are ’Crab Styles’ we improved based on ’Buprestis’ engineering armor, you, in engineering, should have heard of them."

Li Changkong nodded blankly, then sincerely exclaimed a moment later.

"Impressive."

Although companies don’t lack innovation, the terrifying speed of innovation in the Alliance truly opened his eyes.

This development speed is simply too fast!

Even rolling a snowball can’t describe such speed!

Although part of the credit goes to enterprises, everything here is clearly unrelated to the companies at this moment, entirely created by the united refuge residents and wasteland wanderers.

He felt not only disbelief but more so genuine admiration.

These people are truly extraordinary.

In the past two centuries, everything Ideal City did was merely repeating the Prosperity Epoch without taking a step further.

However, a Survivor Alliance, which has just been born a few years ago, dared to challenge peaks they never dared to dream of — constructing a new tower reaching the sky that even the Prosperity Epoch never owned!

No wonder the council held them in such high regard!

With these torchbearers leading the way, even the lazy residents of Ideal City would be compelled to move forward.

Including himself—

That is exactly why he stands here!

Gazing at the man before him, Li Changkong suddenly saw a possibility he had never imagined.

If it were him, perhaps there’s truly hope to end this wasteland!

"...Before coming here, I actually had some doubts, not limited to hesitations about whether it’s too early at this time to rebuild the space elevator."

Pausing slightly, Li Changkong looked at Chu Guang, continuing earnestly.

"But after seeing all these, I only feel ashamed for my prior doubts."

"Calculating the value of this project by return on investment is simply an insult to it; this is a project that can open a new era!"

"As you said, if we truly can rebuild the bridge between the surface and space, who knows, we might really reclaim the entire territory of the Human Alliance Era one day."

"The names of Ideal City citizens should be on this magnificent monument, please, use our strength too!"

Those impassioned words almost made Chu Guang feel embarrassed, nearly blushing from embarrassment.

However, he’s quite a veteran now and has long developed a wall-like face.

Gazing into those sincere eyes, Chu Guang solemnly clasped Li Changkong’s offered right hand, shaking it firmly.

"I must say thank you to you on behalf of all the survivors united and uniting!"

"Thank you for joining us!"

"I assure you, our names will be engraved on this eternal monument!"