Cataclysmic Era: I can unlock the tech tree

Everything was completed in just a few dozen seconds.

In less than a minute, under Zero's control, the Human Alliance fleet completed the transition from a semi-dormant state to a level one alert state!

In fact, most of the academicians in the laboratory had not yet shaken off the joy of the successful curvature experiment.

What's this called?

I'm in a lab, and you're telling me we've been invaded by aliens?

"Zero, what's going on?!"

Lu Yongchang's expression changed drastically, and he shouted, "Why did you order the fleet to enter a state of high alert without authorization?!"

"Professor, the 30th observation starship has been confirmed to be out of contact."

A slightly stiff, synthesized electronic voice responded: "Based on the information transmitted back by various detectors, it can be basically confirmed that the 30th observation-type starship has been attacked by an unknown force."

Lu Yongchang hurriedly asked, "Where did the attack originate?!"

"unknown."

"Attack method?"

"unknown."

Lü Yongchang clenched his fists tightly.

This series of "unknowns" made him feel a deep sense of powerlessness once again.

Is this the work of a more advanced civilization?

Humanity's experiences over the past few centuries immediately led him to this direction.

Not only him, but almost all the academicians present looked grim.

"Zero, release the footage of the 30th probe starship being attacked," Lu Yongchang ordered in a heavy tone.

As soon as the words were spoken, the image in the holographic projection changed instantly.

The moment the countdown ended, [Curvature One] successfully detached from its curvature state and appeared in the center of the camera.

In the far corner of the image, half of the 30th probe-type starship is shown.

One second, two seconds...

When the time reached the third second, the surface of the 30th probe starship suddenly emitted an extremely dazzling white light, as if it had been attacked!

The white light quickly dimmed.

However, the 30th probe starship disappeared from the screen.

The replay ends here.

This bizarre scene shocked everyone in the laboratory.

Standing next to Lü Yongchang, He Bilin looked extremely solemn and turned to whisper, "Professor, what do you think? Are they the cleaners... or the pastoralists?"

Lu Yongchang didn't speak; his face was tense as he stared intently at the holographic projection in front of him.

Based on the information currently available to the Academy of Sciences, a civilization capable of silently wiping out a small starship under the surveillance of countless probes is probably not much weaker than [Hua].

Such a powerful and advanced civilization, at least in human perception, should belong to one of two factions: the Cleaners or the Pastoralists.

Time slips away, bit by bit.

In the holographic projection, [Curvature One] rested silently in the vast and desolate interstellar space.

Inside Curvature One, mice, gorillas, and a host of other experimental animals lived peacefully in their respective spaces, just as they always had.

They are unaware that they are currently the only group of beings in all of human history to have exceeded the speed of light!

Of course, even if they knew, they wouldn't have much to say about such a historic moment.

"drop!"

With a crisp sound, Zero began feeding the experimental organisms according to the preset program.

The interior of Curvature One gradually became lively.

"It seems that, at least our curvature experiment was a success."

"【Warprise One】successfully entered and safely exited warp drive, during which the organism suffered no significant damage or impact, and the quantum communication compensation scheme was also verified..."

Looking at the lively experimental animals, Lü Yongchang murmured, "All of this, the price we paid was just a probe-type starship..."

"Wait!" His eyes flickered slightly, as if he had realized something. "Just a reconnaissance starship? Why didn't the advanced civilization that launched the attack directly destroy our [Warp One]?"

"Or, perhaps it's because..." Fang Xu hesitated, his voice lacking confidence, "...perhaps it's to give us a warning?"

"No, no, no, it doesn't look like it."

Lu Yongchang's originally heavy gaze suddenly brightened.

He rubbed his hands together vigorously, quickly organizing his thoughts: "Think about it, since we left Earth, when has human civilization ever encountered such a benevolent civilization?"

"Even the Nus civilization showed considerable malice from the very beginning."

"You mean..." Fang Xu's eyes also revealed a hint of hope, "...that there's a problem with the experiment?"

"Yes!" Lü Yongchang said decisively, "Definitely!"

"During warp drive, some phenomenon must have occurred that we haven't yet discovered!"

"Zero, continue replaying the footage of the reconnaissance starship being attacked!"

……

"..."

Laboratory One.

"Hiss..." Fang Xu gasped, raising his hand to rub his aching temples. "Professor, have you noticed anything wrong?"

"This is already..."

Fang Xu turned his head and glanced at the holographic projection on the side. After confirming it, he said again, "This is the 798th time it's been replayed."

"Wait, wait a little longer!" Lü Yongchang raised his index finger, gesturing for silence, a faint glint in his eyes. "I think I understand the reason behind this!"

Fang Xu: "???"

"What the heck?"

"What the hell..." Lu Yongchang glanced at Fang Xu with some displeasure, "Why are you making such a fuss? Can't you be a little more composed?"

"No." Fang Xu swallowed hard, looking at Lü Yongchang with a shocked expression. "You understand the reason behind this just by looking at this thing?"

"Are you sure you're not just guessing?"

Lu Yongchang twitched the corners of his mouth, revealing a smile with a hint of sarcasm.

That's you.

"Sometimes you have to admit that there is a gap between us."

Fang Xu: "...???"