The same theory often leads to different applied technologies. A cosmic-level civilization does not mean omniscience and omnipotence. Just as the Three Universal Civilizations have not mastered each other's unique technologies, the diversity of civilizations also ensures the diversity of their technology trees.
Han Xiao was very familiar with the special technology displayed by the Kunde people. It was a technology called spacetime shearing, which came from a branch of spacetime theory.
Spacetime technology is advanced, but not rare. The Three Universal Civilizations and even the major star cluster-level civilizations all possess some level of it. Even in the superpower system of magicians, there are spacetime magics, such as Lagi's "The World".
However, Space-Time Shearing also has its own unique features.
The specific principles were not revealed by the Three Universal Civilizations of his previous life. Han Xiao only knew the general idea. This kind of Space-Time Shearing seemed to be a kind of ability to travel through time and space, but it was also very different.
In Han Xiao's view, the Kunde Race fleet's repeated restorations were due to their use of Space-Time Shearing to freeze the fleet in the state before it was destroyed. No matter how many times it was destroyed, it could restore itself to its previous state, just like the legendary invincible save/load technique.
The fleet's frame-skipping movement is another function of Space-Time Shearing. First, a behavioral trend is set as a parameter, and a realistic simulation is carried out to construct a spacetime model of the entire behavior from start to finish. Then, the continuity of spacetime is broken, and the coherent behavioral model is divided into individual time points. To put it simply, it turns the behavior of "I want to do something" into a movie, and each time point is a frame.
Next, it extracts this segment of the pre-defined action's timeline, locks its own spacetime within it, severing the past and future, existing only in the "present" of this timeline. It will jump between multiple time points in this action model, omitting the intermediate movement process, making it look like frame skipping. Because there is no process, the Imperial fleet's conventional attacks cannot stop the Kunde Race fleet's actions.
To summarize, it's like becoming a high-ping warrior, advancing in a stuttering manner; even if you hit me, you've only hit me from the previous frame.
This technology has unique uses in many areas, but it is not without side effects. The spacetime axis of the main universe is a vast and incalculable interconnected system. No matter which point experiences abnormal changes, it will eventually be corrected by itself, just like a taut chain.
For example, various spells that slow down or stop time will quickly correct the altered spacetime in the covered area after the spell's effect ends, restoring the spacetime coefficient to normal. Only the altered state of matter will remain; the spacetime axis itself will not be affected.
The aftereffect of Time Shearing is that after the continuity of spacetime is broken, the spacetime axis begins to correct itself.
These objects, whose frames are skipped, have had their existence altered due to the forced distortion of their spacetime properties. They are essentially half a projection and will undergo an accelerating collapse on both the spacetime and matter levels.
Once caught up by the corrective force of the timeline, all points in time in the entire behavioral model collapse in a chain reaction. The entire timeline of the pre-defined behavior disappears, and their existence is erased, like a burst bubble, as if they had never existed in this world.
They fix themselves on a timeline, and after completing the preset goals of their behavioral model, they will automatically perish. Originally, the timeline is an Infinite extending straight line, but they have cut a segment from this line and jumped from the timeline onto the segment. Their lives are then reduced to the process of this segment from its starting point to its end.
This means that by using this technology, the fleet had already been declared "dead" and turned into a ghost that could disappear at any moment.
"I remember that when the Three Universal Civilizations of my previous life used this technology, they equipped themselves with a large number of spacetime stabilizing anchors and many auxiliary devices, which greatly delayed the arrival of the collapse. If the Empire obtained this technology from the Kunde Race, then with the Empire's technology, it would have improved it over several versions. Therefore, based on these two reasons, the Spacetime Shearing Technology currently in the hands of the Kunde Race should only be the crudest 1.0 version, with more severe side effects, and it is also easier to counter."
Han Xiao's expression shifted slightly as he pondered for a moment.
The attack by natives during the exploration would normally have only caused trouble for the empire, but now, ironically, the empire has gained a very good spoils of war.
It's unclear whether the smugglers who secretly delivered the technology to the natives knew that the Kunde Race possessed this technology... It's probably doubtful. Although the smugglers assessed the Kunde Race's strength before delivering the technology, Space-Time Shearing is undoubtedly a highly confidential technology of the Kunde Race, and it wouldn't be so easy to discover.
Smuggling Shattered World is similar to a suicide mission; supercluster or star cluster-level civilizations wouldn't send Calamity Grade on such missions, and smugglers wouldn't have many people on them.
"If they didn't know, they would have suffered a huge loss. They tried to hinder the empire, but instead gave it a treasure."
Han Xiao chuckled inwardly.
Meanwhile, Tarrokov's side didn't rest either, quickly making deployments.
As a seasoned senior officer, Tarrokov had seen it all. Although he didn't know the technical principles of Space-Time Shearing, the alarm indicated a problem with time and space, so he would use the appropriate means. The Empire's resources were sufficient to deal with all kinds of emergencies.
Soon, an Imperial fleet stationed on Lighthouse Star set off, equipped with numerous devices to counter spacetime distortions and carrying a large group of mages proficient in spacetime magic, to intercept the Kunde Race fleet that was exhibiting rampant frame-jumping.
Conventional attacks are ineffective, but spacetime abilities can have some impact on the Kunde Race fleet.
After the second Imperial fleet entered the fray, the situation quickly changed. Various spacetime spells and devices caused the Kunde Race fleet to move slower and slower with each frame jump, while the white noise flashing on the surface of the Kunde Race fleet became more intense, indicating that the collapse was accelerating.
Everyone calmly observed the battle from the command center.
After this confrontation lasted for some time, about an hour's journey from Lighthouse Star, the Kunde Race fleet, after its final disappearance, did not reappear. Instead, a surging torrent of energy exploded out of thin air, spreading far and wide throughout the universe.
There were no dramatic scenes of casualties; the Kunde Race fleet simply vanished into thin air, as if erased by an eraser, collapsing and releasing enormous energy. Nothing else remained.
In the universe, even annihilation is fleeting, but these people must have felt quite tragic when they made their decision. Knowing they were going to die, they still wanted to give the empire a good beating... This thought flashed through Han Xiao's mind, and he shook his head.
"Resolved?" Tarrokov leaned on the table, somewhat uncertain.
"Commander-in-Chief, the time-space coefficients have returned to normal, the detection radar shows no abnormalities, and no enemy has been detected."
"Hmm... it might be a side effect of the enemy's technology; it's probably not perfect yet. Don't let your guard down until you're certain the enemy has been completely eliminated. Continue scanning the surrounding area. Also, activate the planetary shield on Lighthouse Star, and keep all emergency escape routes open. If the enemy suddenly appears around the planet, make sure we can evacuate quickly."
Tarrokov quickly made the arrangements, but because he didn't know much about the enemy, he dared not let his guard down and remained on high alert.
Han Xiao knew the enemy was already dead. He narrowed his eyes and thought to himself, "In my past life, the Empire also obtained this technology from the Kunde Race, but I had no news of it. This proves that the Empire implemented very strict secrecy measures and probably wouldn't allow allies to exchange for this technology... Hmm, so to obtain the Spacetime Shearing Technology, I'll have to do it myself."
Having come across such a remarkable and unique technology, Han Xiao became interested.
Fortunately, the Empire is still unaware of the principles behind Space-Time Shearing, so I can take advantage of their lack of attention and make a quick buck.
They themselves might not need it, but in certain situations, members of the Black Star Army might find it useful. Moreover, this thing can be used not only by their own people but also by their enemies.
Han Xiao wondered if the Space-Time Amber and Space-Time Shearing could be combined, and what kind of effect it would produce... He was a little curious.
Deep within the Light Dust Star Cluster, a massive Kunde Race fleet is slowly moving through space.
In the conference room of the main ship sat a group of high-ranking officials, including the leader of the Kunde Race.
Upon discovering that the Crimson Dynasty was clearly heading towards their territory, the high command decisively left their home planet and moved with the fleet.
Since most of their people had already been evacuated, temporarily abandoning the colony they had built over the years became a strategic Choice they didn't need to hesitate about.
"Yelu's fleet has lost contact; the raid has failed."
"Were they all killed in action?"
"Uncertain; Spacetime Shearing Device likely was used."
"So, even Spacetime Shearing Technology can't deal with the Crimson Dynasty...?"
As a high-ranking military official began to report on the situation, everyone present became serious.
The Kunde Race leader remained silent for a long while, then slowly said, "Let's adopt the Scorched Earth Plan."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expression... changed slightly.
They devised many battle plans, with the Scorched Earth Plan being a last resort, originally intended to be used only when defeat was inevitable. However, they did not expect their leader to be so radical, launching such a large-scale operation right from the start.
Upon closer reflection, it becomes clear that even the high-ranking officials present lacked confidence in the war. The main reason they remained to fight was their unwillingness to surrender their homeland to the invaders without resistance, nor did they want the Crimson Dynasty to occupy their homeland without paying any price.
The Scorched Earth Plan involves using the Infinite expanding nature of Primal Psionic Energy to continuously catalyze and destroy multiple star systems, including the Old Home, so that the Empire gains nothing before retreating to catch up with their departing people.
However, destroying one's own old home is ultimately difficult to accept psychologically.
After glancing around and seeing that no one spoke, the Kunde Race leader said in a deep voice:
"Since no one objects, let's begin the preparations. As for the approaching Crimson Dynasty forces... send out a fleet to intercept them, entangle the enemy, and buy them as much time as possible, slowly letting them enter our territory and the Scorched Earth Plan blockade area..."
The crowd was heavy-hearted; once their homes were destroyed, there was no turning back.
The Scorched Earth Plan requires time to be laid out and catalyzed, and it requires sending fleets to engage the Empire head-on, which means that many of our fellow soldiers will die on the front lines.
Several days after the raid on Lighthouse Star, fighting finally broke out on the front lines, with more Kunde Race fleets appearing and engaging in combat with the various Imperial legions that had penetrated deep into the Light Dust Star Cluster.
The legions under Tenny's command are also encountering more and more enemies.
There was no shortage of opportunities to fight, but what frustrated Han Xiao was that Tenny was too damn good at fighting. Under his command and coordination, the fleet's tactical coordination was extremely smooth, and they could easily defeat all the enemies they encountered. They could easily end the battle from a distance, and there were very few opportunities to engage in boarding combat.
Moreover, Tenny was consciously protecting the members of the Black Star Army, which made things even more difficult. After running with the army for nearly a month, Nero hadn't even touched the little hands of the Kunde Race's mantis shrimp.
If this continues, Han Xiao will be tempted to use virtual intrusion to launch the next wave of enemies and remotely control the Kunde Race to attack Tenny.
Fortunately, Tenny didn't let Han Xiao extend his clutches so quickly. In another encounter, the Black Star Army finally took on the task of boarding action.
Nero finally experienced his first time.