Chapter 42: Data Deluge

Words : 1481 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Before direct engagement begins, a barrage of micro-missiles and a flood of bullets will first inflict damage on the opposing side. Until shield technology becomes practically feasible, micro-missiles and conventional bullets, due to their difficulty in interception and low cost, will remain the most widely used weapons on the battlefield. This conclusion was derived from countless simulations performed using Xiao Yu’s immense computational capabilities. Xiao Yu conducted large-scale simulations for the inevitable interstellar war, exploring tens of thousands of different strategies. From these, the most economical and efficient approach was chosen: using conventional weapons as the main combat force, high-energy laser cannons as advanced firepower, micro laser guns for primary defense, and high-yield nuclear bombs as the ultimate weapon. Xiao Yu wasn’t sure whether the enemy had reached similar conclusions. However, since they were also a civilization, it was certain that they had their share of brilliant minds. Their understanding of war might lead them to adopt similar tactics, potentially resulting in a strategy convergent with Xiao Yu’s. Even if the opponent employed similar methods, including the initial wave of micro-missiles and bullets, Xiao Yu had prepared countermeasures. He had secretly developed a laser defense system capable of intercepting micro-missiles and conventional bullets. Though untested in actual combat, its effectiveness remained uncertain. Half an hour later, the two sides were 100,000 kilometers apart. At this range, if the enemy used tactics similar to Xiao Yu’s, he would soon face a storm of micro-missiles and bullets. “Never place your hopes for victory on the enemy’s incompetence,” Xiao Yu muttered to himself. “The opposing side is an entire civilization. While it surely falls short of me, it cannot be underestimated. Now, let’s see—deploy the giant flash grenades!” That’s right, giant flash grenades. Specifically designed by Xiao Yu for illumination in space, these grenades, powered by fusion engines, could light up areas spanning tens of thousands of kilometers. Xiao Yu had determined that the enemy was a civilization adapted to darkness—creatures akin to bats, thriving in the dark and finding visible light unnecessary. The intense brightness of the giant flash grenades could disrupt them while providing illumination for his forces. Three massive projectiles launched from The Tianyuan’s missile bays, heading toward their designated positions. Thirty seconds later, they detonated simultaneously, turning the expanse of space into a bright field resembling three small suns, illuminating tens of thousands of kilometers around them. Xiao Yu observed a slight disturbance in the formation of the alien fleet tens of thousands of kilometers away. His excitement surged. This confirmed that the giant flash grenades had a tangible effect on the enemy. Additionally, the light from the grenades enabled Xiao Yu’s optical equipment to detect an incoming torrent of bullets, hurtling toward him at incredible speed. In ten seconds, this barrage would collide directly with his fleet. “As expected, underestimating the enemy is a mistake. They’ve mastered similar combat techniques, though it seems they lack micro-missiles,” Xiao Yu mused. These space bullets differed significantly from terrestrial ones. For one, their small size enabled extraordinarily high speeds—reaching at least 5,000 kilometers per second! A single bullet hitting a weak spot on a spacecraft could potentially destroy its engine, rendering it inoperable. “Fortunately, I was prepared!” Xiao Yu immediately issued a command: “Activate the laser defense system!” The so-called laser defense system was not an energy shield; Xiao Yu’s technology had not yet advanced to that level. It was a countermeasure derived from his simulation of enemy strategies involving bullets and micro-missiles. This system relied on an array of low-power laser cannons installed on the spacecraft to intercept incoming bullets and missiles before they could strike. Even the giant flash grenades were considered a component of the laser defense system. The logic was simple: in the void of space, the minuscule bullets would typically evade detection. However, with a powerful light source reflecting off them, Xiao Yu could track their trajectories and destroy them with laser cannons. The incoming barrage of bullets was estimated to number in the tens of millions! Xiao Yu’s fleet consisted of over 600 spacecraft, equipped with tens of thousands of low-power laser cannons. “Let me show you what human wisdom, combined with immense computational power, can achieve!” Xiao Yu thought proudly. Instantly, his vast computational resources roared to life. The central computer’s utilization surged to 95%. Within moments, the trajectories of the tens of millions of bullets he had observed were calculated. Bullets that posed no threat to his fleet were ignored, while those on a collision course with his ships were intercepted by Xiao Yu’s control of the micro laser guns. Simultaneously calculating the trajectories of millions of bullets, operating tens of thousands of micro laser guns, and managing over 600 spacecraft—all while keeping a vigilant eye on the enemy’s movements—required an astronomical amount of computational power. But this torrent of data was fully absorbed and processed by Xiao Yu. In an instant, countless beams of high-energy lasers, invisible to the naked eye, crisscrossed through the void of space. The laser gun turrets swiveled rapidly, locking onto bullets traveling at 5,000 kilometers per second and obliterating them without mercy. Due to the tiny size of the bullets, even the micro laser guns required only a fraction of a second to vaporize each one. In just ten seconds, Xiao Yu showcased awe-inspiring precision. Every bullet’s trajectory, every laser gun’s aim, and even the smallest evasive maneuvers of each spacecraft were seamlessly integrated into the battle. Not a single moment was wasted, nor an ounce of energy squandered. The coordination between the fleet’s tens of thousands of laser guns reached an extraordinary level of harmony. No bullet was targeted by multiple guns simultaneously, nor was any bullet left unnoticed. Occasionally, a ship in the rear would aim its laser gun toward another ship, which would maneuver away at the last moment, evading not only the laser but also an incoming bullet. The deflected bullet would then be destroyed by the laser. The fleet of over 600 spacecraft and tens of thousands of laser guns performed a dazzling display in the vastness of space, leaving anyone watching in stunned admiration. This torrent of bullets was neutralized by Xiao Yu within ten seconds. Out of the tens of millions of bullets, only ten Village-Class spacecraft were destroyed, and a few dozen others sustained minor damage. This outcome was due to the sheer volume of bullets and the limited number of laser guns—hardware limitations that couldn’t be overcome. To have sustained so little damage from such a massive assault was a feat Xiao Yu took great pride in. After dealing with the bullet barrage, Xiao Yu activated the high-power laser cannons to launch a counterattack. At the same time, he carefully observed his own barrage of bullets as they closed in on the enemy fleet. According to his calculations, his micro-missiles and bullet storm would reach the enemy in three seconds. He was curious about their defensive measures. Would they, like him, employ micro laser guns for defense? Even if the enemy had a laser defense system, Xiao Yu was confident it would be far less efficient than his own. The reason was simple: Xiao Yu’s entire fleet was essentially an extension of himself, controlled with perfect coordination. The enemy’s fleet, by contrast, was undoubtedly operated manually. No matter how well-trained their personnel were, they couldn’t match Xiao Yu’s level of efficiency. This disparity was insurmountable. “Three... two... one...” Xiao Yu silently counted down. “Zero.” In the distance, tens of thousands of kilometers away, countless brilliant explosions lit up the void. Xiao Yu knew these bursts of light were caused by his high-speed bullets colliding with enemy spacecraft. At such velocities, the energy carried by each bullet far exceeded that of a hand grenade. While one or two bullets might be absorbed by the enemy ship’s sturdy hull, the sheer volume of projectiles was overwhelming. The relentless barrage would inevitably penetrate and destroy the ships. As the bullet storm ravaged the enemy fleet, the micro-missiles arrived as well. Though slower than the bullets, these missiles packed high-explosive warheads, delivering significantly more destructive power. A single micro-missile was as potent as several hundred bullets. The once-orderly enemy formation began to descend into chaos. Laser beams started appearing among their ships, attempting to intercept the incoming bullets. However, their clumsy maneuvers brought a smirk to Xiao Yu’s face. Not only were their interception efforts inefficient, but their lasers often missed the bullets and instead struck their own ships. Watching the disarray among the enemy, Xiao Yu targeted them with his high-power laser cannons. “Let’s turn up the heat...” Xiao Yu thought, issuing the command to fire without hesitation. Hundreds of powerful laser beams shot across the void, traversing tens of thousands of kilometers to strike the alien ships.

Chapter 42: Data Deluge

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