章 140: Chapter 140: The Specific Radiation Rod, and Farewells
Yan Xia had been at the Zero Institute for a long time. During his stay, he didn't assume the role of an institute director but worked as an ordinary researcher. He had been reprimanded numerous times, and if it weren't for his connections, he might have been fired long ago.
After 38 years of keeping up with the Federation's biological technology, Yan Xia decided it was time to leave the Zero Institute.
"Yan Xia, are you really leaving?"
A Lelala researcher, Dukasisili, had been friends with Yan Xia for over 20 years. Dukasisili had a very long name, and Yan Xia never bothered to learn his surname as it was too long.
The Lelala species generally had over a dozen surnames, a formal name, a nickname, and an alias, totaling over two hundred characters. Sometimes, they didn't even know their full names, but thankfully, with advanced technology, they could access their identities with a simple finger swipe.
"Yes, the Zero Institute is not the right place for me. There's too much talent here."
"My abilities still fall short of the true geniuses here."
"I'll be heading to the Capital Star System's Mozi Academy to become a professor and nurture the pillars of our Federal Civilization."
Teaching was Yan Xia's forte.
While the institute focused on practical research, Yan Xia could enrich his theoretical knowledge at the academy.
Dukasisili was a bit downcast. As Yan Xia's best friend, he was saddened by the prospect of their imminent separation, which would likely be permanent.
The Capital Star System was 131 light-years from Sirius, and even with the Federation's ship speeds, the journey would take over 1200 years. Dukasisili didn't have that kind of lifespan.
"I hate how short my lifespan is," Dukasisili lamented. "I have so much left to accomplish, and a long journey like this means enduring the pain of losing loved ones."
Dukasisili was a citizen who resented the current system.
In the Federal Civilization, there were multiple races, and the shortest-lived among them had a maximum lifespan of only 76 years.
What could one achieve in 76 years in the vastness of the universe?
"It's true," Yan Xia agreed. "As the star domains expand, the lifespans of ordinary citizens are becoming too short."
"I've heard that the Federation will gradually lift the lifespan limits for citizens, doubling the lifespan of the general population." Yan Xia spoke as he packed his belongings, ready to depart.
This decision, he knew, was within his power. In the Federal Civilization, all races had a uniform lifespan of 182 years, which was indeed too short. Even a sightseeing trip could take several decades.
"Really?" Dukasisili believed Yan Xia without a doubt.
He was aware of Yan Xia's connections and believed he had access to reliable information.
"This is just a signal they're sending. Moreover, all technical officers will be eligible for parasitic implantation, effectively extending their lifespans. Higher-ranked scholars will receive more generous benefits."
Yan Xia's words left Dukasisili with the impression that he was very certain about this information.
As Yan Xia finished packing, he looked at Dukasisili. It was another farewell, and while he felt a pang of sadness, he had experienced too much to show it.
"Well, I must be going."
"Perhaps we'll meet again. Take care, Dukasisili."
Dukasisili handed Yan Xia a test tube as a parting gift.
"This is one of my creations. It's just an ordinary creature, but it holds great significance for me."
"I hope you'll remember me."
Yan Xia accepted the test tube, which contained a biological specimen designated as 'kls-827-zz+'. Its unique features were at the genetic level, making it a boric-based life form. Creating this life form was akin to solving a complex exam question, and only those who could do so were considered to have truly crossed the threshold of genetics.
"Of course, I rarely forget my friends."
Yan Xia also presented Dukasisili with a gift—a small metal rod, about the size of a toothpick.
"I hope you won't have to use it."
Dukasisili was taken aback by the metal rod. "This is too precious!"
The rod was called a "Specific Radiation Rod." Its outer shell was a protective device, and only a few dozen atoms were involved in the reaction. Once the shell was damaged, it would release a special radiation. This radiation, programmed to be extremely powerful, could destroy everything within a 200-kilometer radius.
The "Specific Radiation Rod" was not a military weapon, but a limited number were provided to explorers. On the market, it was priced at 5000 energy coins, but it was virtually unavailable at that price. In reality, the cost was several times higher.
Its high price was primarily due to the word "specific."
The radiation rod came with a set of codes that, when installed on a quark machine, allowed the internal quark machine to eliminate the specially programmed radiation.
In other words, the radiation was extremely powerful but completely safe for the user. The code could be shared and used by teams, much like how a microwave oven couldn't heat metal.
Only a quark machine could recognize this code, meaning only Federal life forms could use the code for protection. Other alien life forms were not compatible.
"The value of a gift lies not in its price but in the sentiment behind it," Yan Xia said.
Dukasisili thought to himself, 'Isn't this the same as saying that it's the thought that counts, but your gift is also very valuable?'
"Well, I must be going now."
Without further ado, Yan Xia departed.
His destination was Shuiwei 1, a star located 140 light-years from the solar system, far beyond the Federal Civilization's star domain.
Ella's original destination was actually the Galaxy Hub Star, only 70 light-years from the solar system, half the distance to Shuiwei 1. However, she ultimately chose Shuiwei 1 because it was far enough from the Federal Civilization.
Currently, the Federal Civilization had two enemies: the Olive Branch Civilization and the Silk Civilization. Ella's decision was a cautious one, aimed at avoiding a potential catastrophe.
While this decision caused some inconvenience, it was far better than facing destruction.
As Dukasisili had anticipated, the journey was incredibly long.
However, Yan Xia's vessel was not the Kunlun, which remained in the Federal star domain. Instead, he boarded a custom-made ship.
This ship, modified with the latest technology and without the need to decelerate, could utilize the destination's device for slowing down. As a result, it could travel faster than a sightseeing ship, reaching speeds of 36,250 km/s. The estimated time of arrival was 1001 years, significantly faster than a battleship.
Yan Xia boarded the ship and set off on his journey.
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