Crossing Orb: Newtype Commander

He saw a completely different orbital elevator.

It wasn't a carbon nanotube cable, but a material he'd never seen before—a composite structure of E-carbon fiber and GN particles, hundreds of times stronger than carbon nanotubes. The climber wasn't electromagnetically driven, but propelled by GN particles, reaching speeds ten times faster than conventional designs. The space station wasn't a simple counterweight, but a complete orbital factory equipped with a solar power system and a GN particle generator.

He saw a complete set of design drawings—the design drawings for a rail elevator from the 00th century.

No, it wasn't just the orbital elevator. He saw an entire energy network—GN particles could be transported from the ground to space via the orbital elevator, forming an energy supply system covering the entire Earth sphere. With this system, Orb would no longer rely on fossil fuels or nuclear energy, but would have a completely new, clean, and nearly limitless energy source.

These technical details quickly unfolded in his mind, forming a complete system.

Char closed his eyes, trying to calm the shock in his heart.

He got it.

The construction of rail elevators serves as a perfect cover for driving a technological revolution. He can't directly present a complete theory of Minovsky particles or GN particles—that would arouse too much suspicion. But if it's "new materials, new energy sources, and new technologies developed for the construction of rail elevators," then it makes perfect sense.

Within the framework of the orbital elevator, he can gradually "unlock" those technologies that are ahead of their time—first having Erica Simmons and Dawn Corporation verify the feasibility of E-carbon fiber, then gradually introducing the basic theory of GN particles, and finally achieving a real technological leap.

The rail elevator is not only Orb's future, but also the stage for him to drive change.

"Brother, are you alright?" Cagalli's voice came from beside him, tinged with worry. "You look so pale."

"It's nothing." Xia opened her eyes and smiled. "My brother was just thinking about something."

His gaze returned to the front, fixed on the magnificent orbital elevator animation on the screen.

A new plan took shape in his mind.

Following the inauguration ceremony, Uzmi hosted a reception in the banquet hall of the parliament building.

Representatives from the five major families, high-ranking officers of the National Defense Force, the technical head of the Dawn Society, diplomatic envoys from various countries stationed in Ob... all the dignitaries gathered together. The champagne tower shimmered with golden light under the lights, and waiters carried trays through the crowd.

Char changed into a formal suit and stood in a corner of the banquet hall, holding a glass of juice. He disliked these occasions—too much pretense, too much insincerity. But as Uzumi's adopted son, he had to attend.

Cagalli has been taken home by the nanny to rest. A three-year-old child shouldn't stay in such a place for too long.

"You're Uzumi's adopted son?"

A voice came from behind.

Char turned around and saw a girl who looked to be about seventeen years old.

She was tall and slender, wearing a deep purple evening gown, her long, black hair cascading over her shoulders, highlighting her fair skin. Her features were exquisite and aloof, but most striking were her eyes—deep red eyes, exactly like Xia's.

Lund Mina Sahaq.

The eldest daughter of the Sahak family, and the future head of the family, attended the inauguration ceremony at the age of seventeen to congratulate Uzmi on behalf of the Sahak family. This was unusual in Ob's social circles—usually, her father would be present for such an occasion.

But Char knew about the Sahak family's situation. Mina's father was in poor health and had gradually handed over family affairs to his precocious daughter.

"Miss Londo Mina Sahak," Xia said with a slight bow, "I've heard so much about you."

Mina took a step closer, her red eyes scrutinizing Xia with interest.

"You know me?"

"The eldest daughter of the Sahak family, she took over the family affairs at the age of seventeen and has considerable influence in both the political and business circles of Orb," Char said calmly. "Moreover, your red eyes are a distinctive feature of the Sahak family, making you easy to recognize."

Mina's lips curled up slightly.

"Interesting," she said. "How old are you this year?"

Thirteen years old.

"To have such eloquence and presence at thirteen years old," Mina said thoughtfully, looking at him. "No wonder Uncle Uzumi adopted you. You're no ordinary person."

"I'm just an ordinary person," Xia said. "I've just experienced some things and matured a little earlier than others."

Mina gently shook her head: "No, you're not ordinary. Your eyes... I've seen many people, but I've never seen eyes like yours. That's not the look a thirteen-year-old boy should have."

Xia didn't answer, but just stared back at her silently.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds.

Mina was the first to look away, chuckling lightly, "Interesting. Char Langlad Ashar, I'll remember you."

"It is my honor, Miss Sahak."

"Just call me Mina." The girl picked up her glass, took a small sip, and said, "'Miss Sahak' is too formal for this occasion."

"Mina." Xia readily agreed.

Mina nodded and turned to look at Uzumi in the center of the banquet hall. Uzumi was talking with some foreign envoys, his expression calm and his aura powerful.

“Your father… was a remarkable man,” Mina said. “The orbital elevator project was very ambitious.”

"Ambition needs to be supported by strength," Xia said.

Do you think Orb has that kind of power?

"Not now, but it can be." Char's tone was calm yet firm. "The key lies in the choice. If Orb chooses to be content with the status quo, then the orbital elevator is just empty talk. But if Orb chooses to go all out, then nothing is impossible."

Mina turned her head and looked at Char again.

"You're very eloquent," she said. "But what I'm more interested in is what you yourself intend to do? You don't just want to be Uzmi's adopted son and get a minor position in Obu politics, do you?"

"I intend to do what needs to be done," Xia said.

Mina stared at him for a long time.

"You're a dangerous person," she finally said, her tone carrying a hint of inexplicable emotion. "But dangerous people are often also interesting people."

"I will take this as a compliment."

"Whatever you say." Mina put down her glass, turned to leave, and said, "Char Langlad Ashar, we'll meet again."

"I look forward to that day."

Mina took a few steps, then suddenly stopped and looked back at him.

"If you need the Sahak family's help," she said, her voice so low that only two people could hear, "you can come to me."

After saying that, she walked away without looking back, her deep purple skirt drawing an elegant arc under the light.

Xia watched her retreating figure, lost in thought.

The Sahak family—one of the five major families of Orb—controls vast military and industrial resources. Mina Sahak's initiative in extending an olive branch—what does this signify? Is it her personal interest? Or is it a political consideration by the Sahak family?

In any case, this is an important signal.

On the political chessboard of Orb, the relationships between the five major families are intricately intertwined. While the Asha family represents the leaders, many policies cannot be implemented without the support of the other families. Mina's proactive overtures may be the starting point for future cooperation.

Char raised his juice glass and gently gestured in the direction Mina had gone.

"We will definitely meet again," he whispered.

After the inauguration ceremony and reception, Char stood alone on the balcony of Athha's mansion, gazing at the starry sky.

The night sky was dotted with stars, and a sea breeze blew in from afar, carrying a faint salty scent. The lights of Orb stretched out beneath my feet like a galaxy on the ground.

He was reflecting on everything that had happened that day.

Uzumi's inaugural address, the announcement of the orbital elevator project, the unlocked 00th-era technology data in his mind, and Mina Sahak's eyes, which were as deep red as his own.

Everything began.

From this day forward, he is no longer the young observer traveling the world, but a member of the Obu political arena. He will use his skills, wisdom, and strength to help this country become stronger and protect those who deserve it.

But this road is destined to be bumpy.

Blue Cosmos, Patrick Sara, ambitious members of the Earth Alliance, radicals of PLANT… countless enemies will stand against him. Even more terrifying is the memory in his mind—the Moonlight Butterfly, the end of civilization—constantly reminding him that if he goes astray, if he allows technology to cross a certain critical point, human civilization may face a devastating purge.

"I can't rush it," he told himself. "Take it one step at a time."

He took a deep breath, turned around, and walked back into his room.

On the desk lay a blank document.

He sat down, picked up his pen, and wrote on the first line:

Orb Rail Elevator Construction Plan - Technology Roadmap (Draft)

He's about to start working.

CE58 has come to an end.

But the story has only just begun.