Chapter 17: The King of The World
In the year 10639 of the Milishial Calendar, an unprecedented phenomenon occurred: the People's Republic of China was transported to the magical world of Novus Orbis. This world, dominated by civilizations reliant on magic, found itself grappling with the sudden appearance of a technologically advanced nation. China materialized near the Second Civilization Area, a region where the Federation of the Commune of Mu reigned as the foremost superpower. Unlike other nations, Mu had discovered the usefulness of science, integrating machinery and scientific principles into their society, which gave them a significant edge over their magically-dependent neighbors.
By 10641, the island Kingdom of Irnetia, fearing Chinese expansionism, sought protection from the the Federation of the Commune of Mu. Mu's People's Parliament, divided on the issue of waging war against China, decided on a less confrontational approach: they invited China's Vice Premier, Ding Xuexiang, to visit La Landon, Mu's largest military base in the west. The aim was to deter Chinese aggression by showcasing Mu's military might.
Technology officer Myrus was assigned the critical task of impressing the Chinese delegation. Upon arriving at the east side of the airport's parking apron, he encountered a large crowd of maintenance workers, aircraft development heads, air traffic controllers, and other base personnel, all eager to witness the unprecedented event.
Pushing through the throng, Myrus's eyes fell upon an extraordinary sight—a massive, black steel box-like aircraft that the Chinese envoys had used to reach the airport. The aircraft hovered above the ground, much like Mu's helicopters, but with a striking difference: it had four rotors.
"What technology…!"
The complexity of managing aerodynamic lift and balance for four rotors was far greater than that for a single rotor. The rotors needed precise coordination to ensure stable flight in both vertical and horizontal modes. The airframe had to withstand the substantial forces generated by the rotors, as well as the transitions between flight modes, demanding advanced materials and engineering to handle the stress and vibrations. The tilt mechanisms for the four rotors required perfect synchronization to ensure smooth transitions between vertical and horizontal flight. Any discrepancy could lead to instability. This transition system added significant mechanical complexity, increasing the potential for failure and necessitating rigorous maintenance.
Despite its heavy appearance, the aircraft seemed capable of carrying 40 to 50 people, while maintaining a size suitable for ship transportation. Even with additional weight, it could generate the necessary lift to get off the ground. The Chinese had created a marvel of engineering—the ZT-90 Quad TiltRotor, designed for operations like an invasion of Taiwan. With a cargo capacity roughly equivalent to the C-130 Hercules, it could cruise at 250 knots and land at unimproved sites vertically like a helicopter.
Myrus stood in shock, mesmerized by the Chinese Quad TiltRotor aircraft. It was a technological marvel, seemingly impossible to build with Mu's indigenous engines, which lacked the necessary horsepower and advanced materials. The Chinese were clearly ahead in engine technology, posing a significant threat to Mu's technological superiority.
However, Mu still had significant advantages. Their 300-meter tall skyscrapers showcased their architectural prowess. Their fighter technology, with aircraft capable of speeds over 800 km/h, demonstrated their aerial superiority. Mu's pilots were among the best trained in the world. Their naval technology, epitomized by the state-of-the-art 80,000-ton battleship La Kasami, underscored their dominance at sea. These factors combined meant that Mu still had a fighting chance against the Chinese threat.
"We have to… Somehow…" Myrus muttered, his mind racing with the implications of the Chinese advancements. The situation was dire, but Mu's technological edge in other areas provided a glimmer of hope.
As Myrus pondered the implications of this technological marvel, he felt a hand on his shoulder. It was General Radon, the base commander, his stern face softened by a rare smile. "Impressive, isn't it? But remember, we have our strengths too."
Myrus nodded, still unable to take his eyes off the aircraft. "Yes, General. But this… this is beyond what we thought possible."
"True," Radon agreed. "But it also means we can learn. If they can build something like this, then so can we. Our engineers are the best in the world. We just need to adapt."
The Chinese envoys were already prepared to set out. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across La Landon base. Myrus, with his keen eyes, noted their expressions—calm, confident, perhaps even a touch arrogant.
"Well, since you are probably exhausted from the long journey, I will set aside our real tour for tomorrow. Today will just be a tour of La Landon base, and then after that, I will take you to your hotel in the capital."
Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang nodded curtly, his face betraying little emotion. "That sounds acceptable. Lead the way."
Myrus led the envoys to the air force's runway, where no fewer than 500 Super Spitfire air superiority fighters were parked in neat rows. Each gleaming in the fading light, they were a testament to Mu's engineering prowess.
"This iron dragon is a mechanical aircraft we in our nation call a 'warplane,'" Myrus began, his voice brimming with pride. "This warplane is our latest fighter model, the Super Spitfire. Its top speed is 880 km/h, equal to a storm dragon, and mounted in front are two 30mm autocannons. Mounted on the wings are eight 203mm radio-guided rockets. It can also carry two 500kg-bombs. In terms of combat capabilities, it is the equal of a storm dragon."
Myrus finished his explanation with confidence, expecting to see awe or at least interest on the faces of the Chinese delegation. Instead, he saw something quite different. Ding Xuexiang, with a faint smirk, looked at the Spitfire as though it were a relic from a bygone era.
"It looks like a more armored Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star," Ding remarked with a dismissive wave of his hand. "An interesting design, but quite... retro."
The other envoys chuckled, nodding in agreement. One of them, a younger engineer named Zhang Wei, added, "The retro feel is absolutely great! They even did it justice with the shine and straight wings."
Myrus was taken aback. Retro? How could they see Mu's premier, state-of-the-art fighter as anything less than a marvel of modern technology? He had expected admiration, even envy, not this casual dismissal.
"What do you mean by that?" Myrus asked, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice.
Ding Xuexiang turned to face him, his expression one of condescension. "Your Super Spitfire is impressive, certainly. But it reminds us of aircraft from our world's mid-20th century. We have moved beyond such designs. Our fighters, like the J-20, are stealth-capable, with advanced avionics, supercruise capabilities, and cutting-edge weaponry. This—" he gestured towards the Spitfire "—while formidable, seems outdated in comparison."
Myrus felt a flush of frustration. "Outdated? This aircraft can hold its own against the fiercest magical creatures in our world. Its speed, firepower, and durability are unmatched."
"Perhaps in your world," Ding replied smoothly. "But in ours, technology has advanced significantly. We have drones, stealth bombers, hypersonic missiles. What you see as cutting-edge, we see as a step back."
The words stung. Myrus had always taken great pride in Mu's technological achievements, and to hear them belittled so casually was a blow. He looked around at the rows of fighters, symbols of his nation's strength, and wondered how they could seem so insignificant to these outsiders.
"Let me assure you," Myrus said, his voice tight with barely contained anger, "that Mu is not a nation to be underestimated. Our technology may differ from yours, but it is no less effective."
Ding Xuexiang raised an eyebrow, a slight smile playing at his lips. "We shall see. But for now, let us continue with the tour."
The rest of the tour passed in a blur for Myrus. He showed the Chinese delegation the base's various facilities, the maintenance hangars, the pilot training simulators, and the control towers. Each demonstration was met with polite, but detached, interest. The Chinese envoys took notes, asked questions, but there was always an air of superiority about them, a sense that they were indulging the backward technology of a lesser nation. When they visited the hangars showcasing Mu's latest bombers, Ding barely glanced at them before making a snide remark about their resemblance to outdated models from Earth's mid-20th century.
By the time they reached the end of the tour, Myrus was seething inside. The arrogance of the Chinese delegation was infuriating. He had hoped to impress them, to show them that Mu was a force to be reckoned with. Instead, he felt as though they had looked down on everything they had seen.
As they reached the terminal where the vehicles waited to take the envoys to their hotel, Ding Xuexiang turned to Myrus. "Thank you for the tour, Officer Myrus. It has been... enlightening."
Myrus forced a smile. "The pleasure is ours, Vice Premier. I hope you enjoy your stay in our capital."
"We shall see," Ding replied, his tone implying that he expected little. He turned and walked towards the waiting cars, his entourage following close behind.
As the vehicles drove off, Myrus stood on the tarmac, watching them go. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The Chinese had not been impressed, but they had not seen everything. Tomorrow, he would show them more—Mu's skyscrapers, its naval power, its advanced scientific research facilities. He would make them see that Mu was not to be dismissed so easily.
With renewed determination, Myrus turned back towards the base. There was much to prepare for tomorrow. The Chinese might be arrogant, but Mu would rise to the challenge. They had always thrived on adversity, and this would be no different.
The night was falling as Myrus walked back to his office, the lights of La Landon base flickering on around him. The air was cool, and he took a deep breath, letting the calmness of the evening soothe his frayed nerves. He had work to do, and he would not let the arrogance of a few foreign envoys undermine his confidence in Mu's strength and potential.
Tomorrow would be another day, and Mu would stand tall.
As Myrus memories of the recent Paganda conflict flashed through his mind. He recalled the magical photographs taken during the skirmish, particularly of the Chinese Type 55 destroyer. The ship was much shorter than La Kasami, Mu's state-of-the-art battleship, and had only two cannons mounted in a rotating turret at the front. Those cannons appeared to be 150mm or maybe 155mm at most. In stark contrast, La Kasami boasted a main battery of triple 46cm guns in four gun turrets, totaling twelve colossal cannons. The destructive power of a cannon is proportional to the cube of its caliber. In a pure, one-on-one fight, Myrus was certain they would win, assuming no unexpected outcomes.
This time, he was undoubtedly proud of their nation.
Brimming with confidence, Myrus decided to show the Chinese envoys the pride of Mu's navy. He led them to the port where La Kasami was docked, standing majestically against the backdrop of the setting sun.
"Look! It's a real battleship!" one of the envoys exclaimed. "It seems to be a hybrid between the American Montana-class battleship and the Japanese Yamato class battleship! Ahh… Battleships are without a doubt a man's romance!"
Myrus couldn't help but smile at the remark.
La Kasami was indeed a marvel of engineering. The ship stretched over 300 meters in length, its steel hull gleaming in the twilight. The 12 massive 46cm guns were housed in heavily armored turrets, each capable of delivering devastating firepower. The ship's superstructure towered above the deck, bristling with 155mm secondary armaments and 40mm anti-aircraft batteries. Advanced radar and communication arrays topped the structure, giving the battleship a distinctly modern appearance despite its traditional design.
The ship's sides were lined with numerous 155mm secondary batteries, each capable of engaging both sea and air targets. La Kasami's hull was a marvel of modern naval architecture, designed to withstand and deflect the fiercest of attacks. Below deck, the battleship was powered by an advanced propulsion system that could push it to speeds of over 33 knots, a remarkable feat for a vessel of its size and weight.
"Magnificent, isn't she?" Myrus said, pride evident in his voice. "La Kasami is the pinnacle of our naval engineering. A true symbol of Mu's strength and ingenuity."
Ding Xuexiang stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied the battleship. "Impressive," he said, though his tone was less than enthusiastic. "But battleships… they are a relic of the past."
Myrus frowned. "A relic? This ship can unleash a barrage of firepower unlike any other. Its armor can withstand even the heaviest attacks. In a direct confrontation, La Kasami would dominate any adversary except for the Milishial."
Ding Xuexiang chuckled, a sound devoid of warmth. "Your pride in your battleship is understandable, Myrus. It is indeed a formidable vessel. But the concept of the battleship is outdated. Modern naval warfare has moved beyond such behemoths."
"What do you mean?" Myrus asked, his irritation growing.
Ding gestured toward La Kasami with a dismissive wave. "In our world, the focus has shifted to aircraft carriers, submarines, and missile destroyers. Battleships, with their heavy armor and massive guns, are vulnerable to long-range missile attacks, torpedoes, and air strikes. They are expensive to build and maintain, and their role in naval strategy has diminished."
Myrus bristled. "This ship is not just about firepower. It is a symbol of our national pride and engineering prowess. It represents our ability to defend our shores and project power across the seas."
"And yet, it is a symbol of a bygone era," Ding countered. "In a modern naval battle, agility, stealth, and versatility are key. Our Type 55 destroyers, for example, may be smaller, but they are equipped with advanced missile systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and superior radar technology. They can engage targets at much greater distances with pinpoint accuracy."
Myrus felt his frustration mounting. "You underestimate the power of La Kasami. Its guns can obliterate targets with a single salvo. Its armor can withstand the heaviest bombardments. And its presence alone is a deterrent to any would-be aggressor."
Ding's smile was condescending. "Perhaps in a direct confrontation, your battleship would indeed be formidable. But modern warfare is rarely about direct confrontations. It is about striking from a distance, using precision and speed to outmaneuver and outgun the enemy. Your battleship, for all its might, is a lumbering giant in a battlefield that favors the swift and the nimble."
Myrus clenched his fists, struggling to keep his composure. The arrogance of the Chinese delegation was infuriating. They dismissed Mu's greatest achievements as relics, relics of a past era. But he knew the truth. He knew the power of La Kasami and what it represented.
"You may believe what you wish," Myrus said, his voice steady despite his anger. "But La Kasami is a testament to our strength and resilience. It is a reminder that we will not be easily defeated."
Ding's smile widened. "We shall see, Officer Myrus. We shall see."
The tour continued, but the mood had shifted. Myrus showed them the ship's various systems, the advanced fire control, the state-of-the-art radar, and the intricate engineering that powered the battleship. Yet, throughout it all, Ding Xuexiang and his delegation remained unimpressed, their expressions a mix of boredom and mild interest.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the port, Myrus felt a sense of defiance rising within him. The Chinese might have their advanced technology and modern strategies, but Mu had its pride, its strength, and its determination. They would not be so easily dismissed.
When the tour finally ended, and the delegation was escorted to their vehicles, Myrus stood on the dock, watching them leave. The air was cool, the night settling in around him. He looked back at La Kasami, the battleship's silhouette a dark shadow against the evening sky. It was a symbol of their past, yes, but also of their future.
Tomorrow, he would show them more—Mu's advanced research facilities, their thriving cities, their unyielding spirit. The Chinese might be arrogant, but they had not seen everything. Myrus was determined to prove that Mu was not a nation to be underestimated.
With renewed resolve, he turned and walked back towards the base. There was much to prepare for tomorrow. The challenge was clear, and Myrus was ready to meet it head-on. Mu would rise to the occasion, as it always had, and show the world that they were a force to be reckoned with.
The night deepened, and the lights of La Landon base glowed brightly in the darkness. Myrus took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill his lungs. The Chinese had given him much to think about, but they had also ignited a fire within him. He would not let their arrogance overshadow Mu's achievements.
Tomorrow would be another day, and Mu would stand tall.
The morning sun cast a golden hue over La Landon base as Myrus prepared for the third day of the Chinese delegation's visit. Determined to demonstrate Mu's prowess, he decided to take the Chinese delegation to Mu's most advanced computer center and introduce them to their latest invention.
The air buzzed with anticipation as Myrus escorted the delegation to the gleaming facility. As they approached the computer center, the building's sleek, modern architecture stood as a testament to Mu's dedication to progress and innovation.
"Welcome to our National Computational Research Facility," Myrus announced with pride. "Today, you'll see the pinnacle of our technological achievements—the MSC 7090."
The delegation followed Myrus into the facility, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. Inside, the MSC 7090 stood prominently, surrounded by a team of scientists and engineers. The hum of the machine filled the room, and the air was thick with the scent of ozone and metal.
"The MSC 7090 was introduced in 10639 as part of our 700/7000 series of scientific computers," Myrus began, gesturing to the impressive machine. "It was Mu's first commercially available transistorized computer, replacing the vacuum tube technology used in its predecessors. This transition to transistors significantly increased reliability and performance while reducing power consumption and heat generation."
He continued, listing the technical specifications with evident pride. "The MSC 7090 utilizes transistorized technology, which makes it more reliable and faster. It has a clock speed of approximately 500 kHz, magnetic core memory with a capacity of 32,768 36-bit words—about 144 kilobytes—and is capable of performing approximately 100,000 floating-point operations per second, or 100 kiloflops. It includes an enhanced instruction set for both scientific and commercial applications and uses punched cards, magnetic tapes, and line printers for I/O operations."
Myrus paused, expecting to see admiration on the faces of the Chinese envoys. Instead, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the high-tech facility.
"This is the best mechanical computer in the world," Myrus stated, his tone defensive.
Ding Xuexiang wiped a tear from his eye, still chuckling. "I'm sorry, Myrus. It's just... your pride is commendable, but your computer is hopelessly outdated."
Myrus bristled at the condescension. "Outdated? The MSC 7090 is a marvel of modern engineering. It represents a significant leap forward for us."
Ding Xuexiang shook his head, his smile almost pitying. "Let me show you what real modern technology looks like."
With a flourish, Ding produced an iPad from his briefcase. The device's screen flickered to life, displaying images and specifications of China's most powerful supercomputer.
"This," Ding said, his voice dripping with superiority, "is New Frontier, located at National Supercomputing Center of Tianjin. It represents the cutting edge of supercomputing technology in China. New Frontier is part of our Exascale Computing Project, designed to deliver systems capable of at least one exaflop—10^18 floating-point operations per second. It is a critical resource for solving the most complex scientific problems, from climate modeling to molecular dynamics."
He continued, listing Frontier's specifications with a sense of triumph. "New Frontier's clock speeds vary across its processors but typically range in the GHz domain. It has several petabytes of high-bandwidth memory and exceeds one exaflop of processing power. Its architecture utilizes AMD EPYC CPUs and AMD Radeon Instinct GPUs, connected through high-speed interconnects. For I/O, Frontier employs high-speed storage solutions, including non-volatile memory express (NVMe) technology, providing vast and rapid data access."
Myrus felt a surge of frustration. The gap between their technologies was staggering. He looked at the MSC 7090, a machine he had once considered the pinnacle of achievement, and now it seemed almost primitive compared to New Frontier.
"Your supercomputer is indeed impressive," Myrus admitted, struggling to keep his composure. "But our MSC 7090 represents a significant advancement for us. It is a crucial tool for our scientific community."
Ding Xuexiang's smile widened. "I understand that your nation is proud of its achievements, Myrus. But you must see that you are playing catch-up. While you are advancing from vacuum tubes to transistors, we are already exploring the limits of quantum computing."
Myrus clenched his fists, his pride wounded. "We may be behind in some areas, but we are making strides. Our progress may seem slow to you, but it is progress nonetheless."
Ding's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Progress, yes. But at this rate, it will take decades for you to catch up to where we are now. And by then, we will have moved even further ahead."
Myrus felt a pang of anger and helplessness. The Chinese delegation's arrogance was infuriating. They dismissed Mu's achievements as trivial, relics of a bygone era. But he knew the truth. He knew the dedication and hard work that had gone into creating the MSC 7090.
"We will not be underestimated," Myrus said firmly. "Our advancements may seem small to you, but they are monumental for us. We will continue to innovate, to push the boundaries of what is possible."
Ding Xuexiang nodded, his expression unreadable. "I hope you do, Myrus. For your sake and for the future of your nation."
The tour of the computer center continued, but the mood was somber. Myrus showed them the various systems and applications of the MSC 7090, but the Chinese delegation's interest was clearly waning. They asked few questions, their earlier enthusiasm replaced by a detached indifference.
As they moved through the facility, one of the engineers switched on a large color TV mounted on the wall. The screen flickered to life, displaying the vivid logo of Milishial Channel 10. Myrus paused, curious to see what the broadcast might reveal.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the newscaster announced, "we interrupt our regular programming to bring you breaking news from the Holy Milishial Empire. Today, the Empire proudly unveils its latest technological marvel: the Imperial Thinking Machine Model 1031, a magic supercomputer based on advanced Mana tube technology."
The camera cut to a sleek, futuristic facility where a group of Milishial engineers and scientists stood proudly beside an enormous, otherworldly machine. The supercomputer's design was an elegant blend of arcane artistry and cutting-edge technology, with intricate glowing runes etched into its surface, pulsating with an ethereal blue light.
"The Imperial Thinking Machine Model 1031 is capable of achieving an astounding 100 zettaflops," the newscaster continued. "This represents a quantum leap in computational power, allowing the Milishial Empire to solve problems previously thought insurmountable."
Myrus and the Chinese delegation watched in stunned silence. Even Ding Xuexiang, who had been so confident moments ago, looked visibly shaken. He knew all too well that as Moore's law nears its natural limits, traditional mechanical supercomputing would face significant physical challenges in moving from exascale to zettascale systems. The notion of achieving 100 zettaflops seemed almost fantastical.
In 2018, Chinese scientists had predicted that the first zettascale system might be assembled between 2035 and 2050. This forecast seemed plausible, considering it had taken 12 years to progress from terascale (10^12) to petascale (10^15) systems and another 14 years to move to exascale (10^18) computers. Yet here were the Milishials, decades ahead of those predictions, flaunting a machine 100,000 times more powerful than China's New Frontier.
The camera panned over the Imperial Thinking Machine, capturing the intricate details of its design. "This supercomputer consumes a fraction of the energy compared to traditional systems and operates at unprecedented speeds. It is a testament to the Milishial Empire's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible."
Ding Xuexiang's face had turned pale. He understood the implications of this revelation. The energy consumption for reaching zettascale performance with conventional technology was enormous, and the Chinese supercomputing community had only begun to grapple with these challenges. Yet the Holy Milishial Empire had leapfrogged over these obstacles with their magical technology.
"We now turn to our correspondent at the unveiling ceremony," the newscaster said, and the scene shifted to an enthusiastic reporter standing next to one of the lead engineers.
"This is a game-changer," the engineer said. "With the Imperial Thinking Machine Model 1031, we can process data and run simulations at speeds never before imagined. From climate modeling to molecular dynamics, the potential applications are limitless."
Myrus felt a mix of awe and dismay. While he had been proud of the MSC 7090, this magical supercomputer from Milishial seemed almost like something out of a science fiction dream. The gap between Mu's achievements and those of the Milishial Empire was staggering.
"Truly, those damn elves are the only ones who can threaten Chinese supremacy in this world," Ding Xuexiang muttered under his breath, barely audible to Myrus. It was a rare admission of vulnerability from the otherwise confident Chinese Vice Premier.
"We will not be outdone," declared the Chinese officials. "We will push the boundaries of our technology and achieve zettascale performance. Our nation's future depends on it."
With that, the Chinese delegation departed, leaving Myrus to reflect on the day's events. The visit had not gone as he had hoped, but it had opened his eyes to the vast potential and challenges that lay ahead. Mu had a long road to travel, but with determination and innovation, they could carve out their place in the future of technological advancement. They might be playing catch-up now, but they would not be left behind forever. The world was changing rapidly, and Mu had to adapt and innovate to remain relevant in this ever-evolving landscape.
As the news of the Milishial Empire's computing superiority spread, it caused a ripple of shock and concern throughout the Chinese scientific community. In response, China's National University of Defense Technology proposed an ambitious plan to create a zettascale system within ten years, setting forth the following metrics:
Power consumption: 100 MW
Power efficiency: 10 teraflops/watt
Peak performance per node: 10 petaflops
Communication bandwidth between nodes: 1.6 terabits/second
I/O bandwidth: 10 to 100 petabytes/second
Storage capacity: 1.0 zettabyte
Floor space: 1000 square meters