Chapter 52: Second Dimension

After settling Dr. Connors into his new role, Adam felt a weight lift from his shoulders. With that major task handled, he could finally return to his scientific pursuits.

The encounter with the mysterious white coat in the desert had provided Adam with invaluable gains: a variant of Extremis and a blueprint for a single-dimensional energy manipulator, cryptically called the “Supreme Lord of the Rings.”

Despite its grandiose name, this wasn’t a ring from a mythical tale like The Lord of the Rings. Instead, it was a high-tech device, deceptively small and disguised as a ring, capable of manipulating energy to drastically lower temperatures. With its output, the device could even approach absolute zero—an almost unattainable concept in modern physics.

The explanation lay in the source of its energy: sub-dimensional realms.

The Marvel-DC hybrid universe didn’t exist in isolation. Between its layers was an enigmatic, sub-dimensional plane comprised entirely of a single type of energy. Known as “calendrical energy,” this force was inherently unstable, hostile to life, and capable of altering physical constants in the primary universe. In simpler terms, it achieved effects that bordered on magic through technological means.

Every time Adam studied such technology, he couldn’t help but marvel at its sophistication. It was proof that science, at its peak, was indistinguishable from magic.

“Skynet,” Adam called, “create a new project folder. Label it top secret: Sub-Dimensional Energy Manipulation Device.”

He paused, his mind racing. “Order the necessary materials from the Wayne Group’s supply network, and start preparing to build a small atomic collider.”

The process he envisioned was no less ambitious than Tony Stark’s creation of a new element in his basement. By using a high-energy particle collider, Adam planned to bombard core materials, altering their molecular structure to create entirely new elements.

“It’s unfortunate we can’t use the Large Hadron Collider,” Adam muttered with a sigh. The massive facility in Western Europe, stretching for tens of kilometers, was booked solid with research agendas for decades. Even with the Wayne family’s influence, bypassing those schedules was impossible—and using such a public facility would jeopardize secrecy.

Settling for the next best option, Adam decided to construct his own compact collider. It wouldn’t match the power of its larger counterpart but would suffice for his current needs.

“Skynet, build a three-dimensional model for the project,” Adam instructed. “Prepare a simulated space-folding device as well.”

The energy manipulator required auxiliary systems to bridge the sub-dimensional realm with the main universe. These systems added to the device’s size, necessitating advanced miniaturization using space-folding technology.

The space-folding device, which manipulated gravitational fields to distort space, was a technological marvel in its own right. If scaled up, it could theoretically create a weapon capable of altering planetary trajectories—a tool capable of destroying stars. However, such an endeavor required resources far beyond what Earth could provide.

“Skynet, report on the status of the Mars mining base,” Adam asked, shifting focus.

“Master, the base has initiated preliminary operations as of three days ago,” Skynet replied.

Adam nodded in satisfaction. Earth’s resources were insufficient for his growing ambitions, but Mars offered untapped potential. The automated mining base he had established, managed by a Skynet subprogram, was a crucial step in ensuring the materials he needed for advanced technologies.

“Good. Expand operations as needed,” Adam instructed.

His gaze turned to the future. “Prepare plans for building large-scale manufacturing facilities. Secure farmland in the southern suburbs of Gotham to establish a factory complex.”

Innovation required infrastructure. The sub-dimensional energy manipulator alone had tens of millions of parts, rivaling the complexity of a space shuttle. Without a robust industrial base, manufacturing such intricate devices was impossible.

“Ah, if only we had access to a planetary forge,” Adam lamented. “Instead, we’re stuck with a mere 10,000-ton casting press.”

The disparity in technology gnawed at him. Advanced blueprints from the system often felt like instructions for building a smartphone in a medieval workshop. Despite the limitations, Adam pressed on, knowing he could still achieve remarkable results with Earth’s resources.

After finalizing his designs, Adam uploaded the project data into Skynet’s database. Using Skynet’s computational power, he refined the models and even introduced improvements based on his understanding.

The final drafts were soon completed. All that remained was the manufacturing process—creating the device’s core in the lab and assembling the rest in the factory.

“Skynet,” Adam said with a determined smile, “it’s time to start building.”