Rebirth of the Super Battleship-Chapter 105: The Modifier
This was a scene beyond Xiao Yu’s imagination. The gravity on the surface of a white dwarf was incomprehensibly immense, roughly tens of millions of times stronger than Earth’s. In such an environment, no structure known to humanity could remain intact. Even the material constituting the white dwarf could not be viewed through the lens of ordinary matter.
On a white dwarf, matter could only exist in its elemental form, that is, as single atoms. For instance, on Earth, oxygen exists as oxygen molecules, represented as O2. However, on a white dwarf, only individual oxygen atoms exist—oxygen molecules cannot form.
Atoms consist of nuclei and electrons, with vast spaces between them. If an atom were likened to a grand theater, the nucleus would be the size of a basketball, while the electrons would move freely within the surrounding emptiness.
In white dwarf material, however, the distance between the nucleus and electrons is greatly compressed. Under such pressure, the electrons truly become “clouds,” enveloping the nucleus.
The material of a white dwarf is supported by electron degeneracy pressure, as described by the Pauli exclusion principle. However, electron degeneracy pressure has its limits, which also determine the maximum mass of a white dwarf. If its mass exceeds 1.44 times that of the Sun, electron degeneracy pressure can no longer counteract gravitational collapse. The white dwarf would then undergo a Type 1a supernova explosion, collapsing into a neutron star, which is supported by neutron degeneracy pressure.
White dwarfs and neutron stars exhibit certain counterintuitive properties. For instance, their mass and volume are inversely proportional: the larger their volume, the lower their mass, and vice versa.
Simply put, a white dwarf is an extreme celestial body. With Xiao Yu’s current technology, his spaceship would be torn apart by tidal forces if it approached a white dwarf. Even the latest models constructed from advanced materials could not survive, let alone land on its surface.
If Xiao Yu’s ship came too close, tidal forces from the intense gravitational gradients would first stretch the ship into a long, spiral form, eventually crashing it into the white dwarf. During this process, all molecular structures would be destroyed, reducing the matter to its most basic atomic state. The outcome would be unequivocal destruction.
Yet, Xiao Yu observed that this unknown presence not only landed on the surface of the white dwarf but was also conducting some form of engineering.
Xiao Yu received these images and promptly transmitted them to the New Homeland and Base Two, allowing the several hundred Luka scientists to view them together. The result was collective shock; the scientists, along with Xiao Yu, were utterly stunned.
A cacophony of astonishment erupted.
“This—this is impossible! How can anything maintain a molecular structure on the surface of a white dwarf?”
“Is this a miracle? My god! How advanced must a civilization be to achieve this?”
“Could this civilization be Level 6?”
Amid the overwhelming clamor, a few elderly Luka scientists fainted from the shock.
The images were so terrifying and so far beyond the limits of biological cognition that even the most daring Luka scientists could not have imagined such a scene.
In the ensuing silence, Xiao Yu received another message from the unknown presence.
“As you can see, we are modifying this white dwarf.” The message seemed to carry a tone of “pride.”
“This… this…” Xiao Yu’s thoughts momentarily froze.
“You don’t need to worry about the intense electromagnetic interference here. You only need to send your message using a standard radio signal strength, and I will be able to receive it,” the unknown entity added.
“I… what should I call you? And what… what are you doing?” Xiao Yu, his mind trembling, sent the question.
He heard a hearty laugh. “Allow me to introduce myself. I come from a great civilization. Our civilization requires a white dwarf to serve as an interstellar fortress. After screening 100,000 white dwarfs, we selected this one for modification. I am the overseer of this project. You may call me the Modifier. I have been working here for over 500,000 years. Currently, 65% of the modifications are complete. In a few hundred thousand more years, my work will be finished.”
“A white dwarf… an interstellar fortress?” Xiao Yu felt his brain on the verge of crashing.
“Indeed, to construct a formidable interstellar fleet and safeguard our civilization, we require a white dwarf fortress,” the Modifier replied.
“Then… why did you summon me here? Is there something you need?” Xiao Yu asked.
“As you know, working on a project for 500,000 years can become quite tedious. I also need to find ways to entertain myself. You are the first civilization to arrive here in half a million years, so I don’t mind giving you a small benefit,” the Modifier explained.
“First in half a million years?” Xiao Yu, amidst his shock and excitement, managed to retain a bit of clarity in his thoughts.
Hearing this, doubts arose in Xiao Yu’s mind, though he kept them to himself.
“Luka Two once mentioned that 370,000 years ago, a fleet from a Level 4 civilization passed through this area, and the entire population of that civilization experienced terrifying mutations. This area is also classified as a Level 2 Moderate Danger Zone. Hmm… And judging by this miracle, this civilization must at least be a Level 5 civilization, if not a Level 6 civilization,” Xiao Yu silently deduced.
“You are truly a magnificent being, and your civilization is undoubtedly extraordinary,” Xiao Yu thought as he composed a message filled with admiration and awe to send.
The Modifier laughed heartily. “Do you have any questions? Feel free to ask. However, I will not answer specific technological inquiries. If you wish to receive benefits from me, you’ll need to pass a few minor tests.”
“Why did you choose this white dwarf? This star has a companion and is rapidly accreting material from it. Won’t such a volatile companion star interfere with your work?” Xiao Yu voiced his curiosity.
From Luka Two, Xiao Yu knew that the renowned Sweeper Civilization of the galaxy possessed a Neutron War Star. Compared to a Neutron War Star, a white dwarf fortress seemed a plausible choice. Previously, Xiao Yu had no concept of the manufacturing process behind such devastating weapons, so this was an opportunity he naturally seized. Even without specific technological details, understanding a general concept would significantly benefit his scientific knowledge.
“A good question, befitting your status as a Level 3 civilization,” the Modifier responded. “Now let me ask you: why do you think we chose it?”
Xiao Yu began to ponder.
“Stellar… companion… could it be energy? Is the companion star the energy source for your project?” Xiao Yu cautiously ventured a guess, though even he found it hard to believe. The idea was simply too audacious.
“Smart. You show potential,” the Modifier said with a laugh. “We specifically selected this white dwarf, which is extremely close to its companion star, for a reason. Yes, you are correct—it’s for energy. This white dwarf accretes approximately 17 million tons of material from its companion star every second. This material undergoes repeated refinement, ultimately being entirely converted into energy. This energy powers our modification project.”
Xiao Yu was once again stunned.
What an incredible feat! This was the pinnacle of cosmic engineering—harnessing and manipulating celestial phenomena as if playing with mere toys.
As one of the most extreme celestial bodies in the universe, the white dwarf, terrifying in its very existence, was merely an object to be modified by this civilization. Its volatile companion star served as nothing more than an energy base.
This spoke volumes about their unimaginable technological prowess.
“Is this what it means to be a highly advanced civilization?” Xiao Yu wondered in astonishment, suddenly realizing how laughable his own caution seemed.
Xiao Yu’s most powerful weapon, the Gravity Bomb from the Luka fleet’s Level 4 civilization arsenal, paled in comparison. Even the strongest Gravity Bomb could only generate gravity up to 10,000 times Earth’s gravity within a cubic meter. In contrast, the white dwarf’s gravity reached tens of millions of times Earth’s gravity.
The two were simply incomparable.
This unknown civilization could effortlessly endure the white dwarf’s gravity—how could they possibly fear a Level 4 civilization’s weapon?
In the face of such a civilization, Xiao Yu was utterly defenseless. The Modifier could crush him as easily as stepping on an ant. And as for having any ulterior motives toward him? The very notion was absurd. Would an elephant plot against an ant? Would an ant need to harbor caution against an elephant?
In this moment, Xiao Yu felt completely humbled.
“You are truly a magnificent being. Witnessing such a godlike engineering feat is my great fortune. I would be honored to assist you in any way I can. What test would you have me undergo?” Xiao Yu asked respectfully.
“Hmm…” The Modifier paused, seemingly contemplating the matter. “Given your current technological capabilities, there isn’t much you can do to help me. However, I do wish to find a reason to grant you a small benefit. Let’s do this: within this binary star system, there is a gas giant. Collect one hundred million tons of deuterium from it for me.”
