Chapter 25 - High-dimensional printing device

Ellara led the exploration team deeper into the ruins. The interior of the Holy Empire's structure was a marvel of sleek metallic curves and glowing runes etched into the walls — they pulsed faintly as the team moved, reacting as if aware of their presence. "These symbols…" Kirah paused, reaching out to touch the wall. "They're nearly identical to the interface on *The Nameless*." Ellara nodded, her hand resting lightly on the grip of her sidearm. "Stay alert. Energy readings here are highly unstable." As they turned a corner, the group entered a vast circular chamber. At its center stood an enormous device — composed of several floating metal rings encircling a luminous core. "This is…" Kirah rushed forward, his data pad flashing erratic readings. "Captain, this appears to be some kind of manufacturing system!" Ellara approached cautiously. Beside the device, a control console projected holographic blueprints of dozens of warships — from small reconnaissance craft to massive dreadnoughts. "A high-dimensional fabrication unit," Kirah said, his voice trembling with excitement. "Based on these readings, it can directly convert energy into matter, constructing entire ships based on the input designs!" Ellara frowned. "If the Holy Empire possessed such advanced technology… why would they abandon it here?" Before anyone could answer, the machine suddenly activated. The metal rings began spinning, emitting a deep hum. A beam of light shot into the center of the chamber, slowly forming the outline of a small vessel. "Back!" Ellara barked instantly, and the team scrambled to a safe distance. Within five minutes, a brand-new reconnaissance ship materialized before them. Its hull shimmered, then solidified into physical form. Kirah shook his head in disbelief. "This… this completely defies current manufacturing principles. No raw materials, no docks — just energy and a blueprint…" Ellara fell silent for a moment, then realization dawned. "Kirah, can you access the system? See if it contains the schematics for *The Nameless*." Kirah sprang into action, linking his data pad to the console. Moments later, his eyes widened. "Not only *Nameless*… there's a complete database of the entire Holy Empire fleet! However…" His expression darkened. "The system requires a special authorization key to fabricate large-scale vessels." Ellara tapped her comm-link. "Technical team, transmit all findings back to *The Nameless*. And…" She glanced at the newly printed scout ship. "Send someone to inspect this vessel — see if it's operational." Suddenly, a violent tremor shook the ruins. The runes along the walls flared red with warning. "Captain!" came an urgent call through the comms. "Dimensional fluctuations are intensifying! The rifts around *Steel Dove* are spreading!" Ellara and Kirah exchanged a glance before sprinting toward the exit. "Kirah, download every schematic you can get — especially those for smaller ships!" "Already on it!" he panted, struggling to keep up. "But Captain… if we master this technology…" "I know." Ellara paused at a corridor junction, glancing back at the incredible device behind them. "It could shift the balance of power across the entire galaxy. Which is exactly why…" Her voice hardened. "We must ensure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands." As they burst out of the ruins, the sight stole their breath. The very fabric of the Elam System seemed to be unraveling. Shattered celestial bodies twisted unnaturally in space. Most alarming of all, the *Steel Dove* was now fully engulfed by eerie blue dimensional rifts. "*Nameless*, prepare for immediate rescue operations!" Ellara leapt aboard the shuttle. "Kirah, among the downloaded schematics — is there any device that could stabilize space locally?" Kirah scanned his data pad, then brightened. "Yes! The Holy Empire called it a '**dimensional anchor**' — a device capable of temporarily stabilizing local spatial fields!" "Can we print it?" "It'll take about three hours… and consume a massive amount of energy." Ellara clenched her jaw, staring at the *Steel Dove*, barely visible through the chaotic rifts. "Then begin production. In the meantime, we'll try reaching them the old-fashioned way." As the shuttle lifted off, Kirah asked, "Captain… if we truly mastered this technology… what would you do with it?" Ellara gazed out at the warped starfield, her voice quiet but firm. "Not to build more warships, Kirah. But to rebuild the homes destroyed by war." She turned to him, eyes resolute. "After all, the best weapon… is one we never have to use again." Kirah smiled faintly, pushing his glasses up. "That's why you're the commander, and I'm just a tech officer." The shuttle streaked across the fractured void, heading toward the trapped *Steel Dove*. Behind them, *The Nameless* began channeling energy into the ancient fabrication system — awakening a forgotten technology after millennia of silence. This time, however, it would serve a purpose far different from its original design.