Chapter 54: Space Folding Device

All great engineering feats in history start with a solid theoretical foundation. To create a device that manipulates strings—the fundamental building blocks of existence—one must first understand what they are. Strings are linear quantities of energy, capable of vibrating at fixed frequencies. These vibrations give rise to elementary particles and, consequently, the physical universe.

Having mastered the principles of string theory, Adam began the construction of his space folding device. Using gravitons to manipulate gravity, he could indirectly control space, achieving the desired folding effect.

It took half a month of relentless work. The components were manufactured by Skynet and assembled with robotic precision. The cost of production was astronomical. If not for the resources harvested from his Mars mining mechs, the Wayne Group might have gone bankrupt funding the project.

But the results were worth it.

“Crystal resonance sequence, atomic manipulation unit, high-energy ion beam device…” Adam muttered, scrolling through the inventory list.

“Skynet, can the lifespan of these devices meet the project’s requirements?” Adam asked, his gaze fixed on the details before him.

“They will suffice, Master,” Skynet replied. “However, due to limitations in material strength and fatigue resistance, some components will require frequent replacement. Stronger synthetic materials are necessary for long-term use.”

Adam nodded, though his calm demeanor belied the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. The materials available on Earth were inadequate compared to the technological marvels described in the system’s blueprints. He envied the tools of advanced civilizations—planetary forges powered by star cores, floating mining vessels extracting minerals from entire asteroids.

Shaking off his envy, Adam moved forward with the equipment he had. He sent the components to the automated assembly plant, which worked tirelessly to piece them together. By the time he finished dinner, the device—a four-meter-tall silver-white ring resembling a donut—was ready.

“Test it,” Adam commanded, stepping into the control room as the massive ring was placed in his lab.

Drones scanned the machine with precise beams of light.

“Inspection complete,” Skynet reported. “Assembly is perfect. No interruptions in pathways detected.”

“Good. Begin power transfer.” Adam watched as thick power cables were connected to the device. “Engage the reactor at full capacity and prepare the secondary reactor as a backup.”

The lab’s main reactor roared to life, its current ionizing the air and creating a faint ozone scent. The room buzzed with anticipation as energy surged into the device.

Blue light flickered along the ring’s edges, joined by concentric red patterns that pulsed rhythmically. Slowly, the center of the ring shimmered, bending light into an otherworldly distortion.

Adam’s eyes lit up with excitement. The device had successfully warped space.

“Skynet, monitor physical constants and energy fluctuations. Begin testing with small objects,” Adam instructed.

A robotic arm carefully placed a metallic object into the distortion. It slipped through the shimmering space, emerging on the other side as a shrunken, cube-like version of itself.

Adam grinned. “It works. Skynet, record the data and adjust the spatial folding ratio. Prepare to test with living subjects.”

The next test involved a rabbit, which was gently lowered into the space distortion. The results were catastrophic. The rabbit’s body was severed cleanly, with the portion entering the distortion disintegrating into elementary particles.

“Record this,” Adam said grimly. “Spatial folding is lethal to organic matter. Investigate high-energy vibration frequencies for potential stabilization. Also, note the possibility of repurposing this device as a weapon.”

The data collection continued. Once the tests were complete, Adam gave the order to shut down the device.

“Skynet, assess energy consumption.”

“The reactor core has been fully depleted. Replacement is required,” Skynet replied.

Adam’s jaw tightened. The device had drained the reactor, which could otherwise power Gotham City for an entire month.

As the lab quieted, Adam leaned back, reflecting on the monumental energy costs. While the space folding device worked as designed, its operational demands were unsustainable with current technology.

“How do magicians do it?” Adam muttered, thinking about the Ancient One and her disciples. They folded space effortlessly with a flick of the wrist, requiring no reactors or massive energy reserves.

“Magicians cheat,” he grumbled, a flicker of jealousy crossing his face. “They chant a few words and change the world. Meanwhile, we scientists have to bend over backward, building massive reactors and devices just to achieve the same effect.”

The thought lingered as Adam stared at the dormant device. Technology had its limits, and for now, he would have to work within them.

“Skynet,” Adam said, standing up. “Begin planning for stronger reactors and better materials. If we can’t match magicians in simplicity, we’ll outpace them with scale.”

“Yes, Master,” Skynet replied.

With that, Adam returned to his desk, ready to push science further, no matter the cost.