I gestured at the hologram, highlighting the key components of the propulsion system. "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present the Quantum Thrust Engine, the culmination of years of research and innovation. With this technology, we have the potential to revolutionize interstellar travel."
The holographic projection revealed a sleek, compact design, a marvel of engineering. I pointed at the core module, which housed the revolutionary quantum engine. "This is where the magic happens. The quantum engine harnesses the power of quantum entanglement, allowing for near-instantaneous propulsion across vast distances."
Julia leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "But how does it work, Markus?"
I smiled, eager to explain the intricacies of our creation. "The Quantum Thrust Engine utilizes a network of entangled particles. By manipulating their quantum states, we can create a propulsion field that warps the fabric of space-time, effectively generating a localized wormhole."
Richard's eyes widened in amazement. "So, it creates a shortcut through space, allowing us to bypass the limitations of traditional propulsion methods?"
"Exactly," I replied, nodding. "By creating a stable wormhole, we can propel our spacecraft through these shortcuts, significantly reducing travel time. It's as if we're folding the fabric of space, bringing the destination closer to us."
Kaito chimed in, his voice filled with awe. "But what about energy requirements? Creating and maintaining a wormhole sounds immensely power-intensive."
I tapped a few commands on the holographic interface, and a graph materialized, showcasing the energy consumption curve. "Excellent question, Kaito. The Quantum Thrust Engine is designed to maximize energy efficiency. By utilizing advanced superconductors and innovative energy recapture systems, we can harness and recycle a significant portion of the energy expended during the propulsion process. It minimizes the strain on our power sources."
Julia examined the graph, her brows furrowed in concentration. "And what about navigational accuracy? Moving through wormholes sounds like it could be quite disorienting."
I nodded, appreciating her concern. "You're right, Julia. Precise navigation is crucial for safe interstellar travel. That's why our system incorporates a sophisticated quantum navigation module. It constantly recalibrates our position in real-time, compensating for any spatial distortions encountered during the transit. It ensures we arrive at our intended destination with pinpoint accuracy."
The team exchanged impressed glances, the magnitude of our achievement sinking in. We had created a propulsion system that pushed the boundaries of what was deemed possible. It was a blend of science and imagination, a testament to our collective ingenuity.
As we delved deeper into the technical aspects, discussing engine stability, propulsion speeds, and anticipated travel times, the holographic display pulsated with an aura of possibility. We were on the cusp of opening up a new era of space exploration, where the cosmos would become our playground.
With each passing moment, our confidence grew, fueled by the realization that the Quantum Thrust Engine could indeed make interstellar travel a reality. The stars beckoned to us, and we were determined to answer their call.
Little did we know that our revolutionary technology would soon propel me into a world beyond our wildest imaginations—a realm where magic and swords awaited our arrival.
The media caught wind of our project, and soon our laboratory was flooded with journalists eager to report on the groundbreaking work we were doing. Interviews, press conferences, and public appearances became a regular part of our routine. The world was captivated by the prospect of exploring new frontiers, and we became the faces of this scientific revolution.
Amidst the whirlwind of excitement, I found solace in the quiet moments of reflection. I would often retreat to my office, poring over scientific journals and theories, seeking inspiration from the brilliant minds that came before me. I knew that the path we were treading was uncharted, and I was determined to learn from the past to shape a better future.
One evening, as the sun set and cast a warm glow through the windows of my office, I received an unexpected email. The subject line read, "A Message from the Unknown." Intrigued, I clicked on it, and a mysterious voiced message appeared as an AVI video file on my screen after I downloaded the attached file which I had scanned with Anti-Virus in advance with no hits.
However, the figure appearing on screen is blurred out by some mosaic-like obstructions :
"Dr. Markus Farrell, your achievements have not gone unnoticed. We have been watching your progress with great interest. We have a proposition for you."
Curiosity gripped me, and I read on. The video message continued, detailing a phenomenon beyond my wildest imagination—a gateway to another world, a realm of magic and swords. It spoke of a kingdom in dire need, a cruel empire threatening to conquer and enslave its people. And it concluded with an offer—to transport me to this other world, where my knowledge of science and technology could make a difference.
That first message read like this :
Stolen novel; please report.
"My name is Amelia, First Princess and Acting Queen of the Kingdom of Elsaria. In our land, magic exists as granted to those adept in it by the gods, and people focus on sharpening their skills with a sword too for those not having talent for magic. What I'm about to convey now is extremely important for me, and also to you, eventually. Please do heed my words. In our current day of Year 452 of the White Dragon Era, our small kingdom of Elsaria, located in the northernmost region of the Cervalean continent, faces a grave threat to our existence as an independent nation. Just a month ago, the Empire of Valstrovar, known for its extreme cruelty to those that resist their invasion, and also notorious for the harsh living conditions imposed on the areas its military occupies, directed at ethnicities of people it deems to be "too dangerous", has just sent a large army to subjugate and perhaps even enslave our people and kingdom if they ultimately succeed. Please, Dr. Markus. We know that you are a great scientist from your world as I've been told by our most exalted Goddess of Light, Lundbrea. So can't you please lend your skills as an expert in your field of science and engineering so that technology may be used for the defense of our nation? Please reply via this electronic....messaging system? as Goddess Lundbrea told me, if you agree to our plea......That is...all....Please"
At the end of the video, radio-like interruptions and noise frequented the video screen until it finally ended. A mix of skepticism and excitement coursed through me. Could this be a prank or a delusion? But as I read further, the details were too intricate, too specific to dismiss as mere fiction. A surge of determination welled up within me. If this was real, an opportunity to apply my expertise in a world beyond my own, then I couldn't let it slip away.
"Mama, what should I do......."
I'd like to reveal all the things the email had told me to her, but I can't bear the thought of her ridiculing me for taking this too seriously.
After weeks of hiding the fact of receiving this message from Mama and my work team colleagues, finally I made a decision.
With a mix of trepidation and excitement, I made my decision. I would accept this proposition and venture into the unknown. The chance to apply my knowledge and skills in a realm of magic and swords was too enticing to resist. Our groundbreaking technology had opened the doors to new possibilities, and I have already entrusted all of my available knowledge concerning the Quantum Thrust propulsion engine to my capable and quick-learning team.
Therefore, I want to be of help! A princess from a faraway land on another realm is requesting for my assistance. What man would I be if I hadn't answered her desperate call for help ? So I replied back to her via email to her address, "[email protected]" with this brief message of agreement.
"Yes, let me be of help. What should I do to go to your kingdom and help your people push back the Valstrovarians?"
Great! Now all that's left is to tell Mama everything. About what I had seen and heard from the video's contents, and what I had decided.
As I prepared to tell the truth to Mama this night, suddenly it happened.
On that evening while I was just going to the carpark in my Center for Interstellar Flight Research and Development building, I felt a surge of energy enveloping me, a disorienting sensation of being pulled through space and time. Colors swirled around me, and the carpark surroundings vanished from sight.
The swirling vortex of the portal carried me through the ethereal void, leaving me breathless and disoriented. As the kaleidoscope of colors gradually faded, I found myself standing in a lush meadow, surrounded by towering trees and vibrant flowers. The air was alive with the sweet scent of nature, a stark contrast to the dank and dead carpark I had left behind.
"So this is Elsaria".
That's the only words I can mutter at that time, as I stood there astounded and speechless at the marvel of the beautiful meadows and trees that all seem to blend together in perfect harmony as part of one large garden.
"Welcome, our savior, our one and only hope."
As I stood there in awe, breathless at the amazing spectacle of greenery and vivid flowers, a warm but resolutely steadfast-sounding voice echoed through my rear, reaching my eardrums in a sensation of pure comfort and reassurance.
( So this is "her" voice...?)
I turned around, and words can't express how extremely beautiful and astonishing the fair maiden in front of me looked like, with her astonishingly striking and glistening lightly-hued golden blonde hair tied back around her head like a crown jewel full of regal appearance and authority.
Her hugely wide blue eyes and thin and small pink lips belie her actual age, as I'm sure she is not as young as she looks, as her proportions and height seems quite tall for me ( I'm 182 cm myself ).
Perhaps she just has a....babyface, but one with a mix of both sheer beauty and commanding looks...?
Anyway, I thought her kingdom is under existential threat of destruction and cruel occupation at the hands of the....Valstrovar Empire..? (I have a good memory so I'm sure I got the name correct as the video I've seen before had subtitles politely prepared for my reference and memorization) .....
But seeing her as she is now, you almost can never tell whether she really feels a severe pressure and weight on her shoulders trying to struggle against impossible odds.
(I don't want to believe that she'd lie to me....Perhaps the Empire's invasion hasn't reached this place...which I assume is the capital city's nearest surroundings on a geographical scale?)
"Come follow me to my castle, Dr. Markus Farrell. This is the Kingdom of Elsaria, and I am its acting ruler, First Princess Amelia Elsaria."
With an air of confidence and commanding presence, my inner thoughts were interrupted by her clear and assertive voice as she presented a serious and compelling stare that pierces into my soul, but yet wrapped up in a cleverly-presented warm aura to me, as she guided me with her hand to follow her.
"A...Amelia, you are the princess..here?"
I was so awestruck by her beauty, and the absolutely ephemeral and surreal nature of her very fair complexion and dominating presence.
(She almost looks like the typical elven beauties we see in a "A Ring for the Lords" series of fantasy books I used to read as a child, written by the bestselling author N.R.R Voldien...)
"Indeed I am, Dr. Markus. Now, come and take my hand as I guide you to my castle just back there. I purposefully summoned you on this garden, the "Royal Field of Kindred Souls", so that I can acclimate you to the strange beasts that populate this land too and the magic we use to slay them"
At any rate, I have never seen such a woman before in my life as most of the people I've met never look as stunningly captivating as her, so the only words I can say to answer back, is this,
"Please do take my hand, princess. I agreed to help you and your kingdom, so show me the way and let me aid your cause"
Resolutely and calmly, I presented my utmost sincerity and determination to assist her people, by extending my own hand to grasp at hers.
Cold, white and soft, are the three words I can best describe her hand, which seems fitting considering the climate of this area, which is quite cold compared to the States, as I can feel the chill in my bones and skin just by standing here.
(The cold is also what's urging me to hope Amelia would take me into her castle ASAP. It's really starting to freeze me from the innards...hahaha..)
At that time, little did I know that my scientific mind would be put to the test, as the huge scale of the Imperial forces is beyond what I had imagined back home......