CHAPTER 116: CHAPTER 116: PROGRESS 2

Lina entered the state-of-the-art lab, where advanced computer simulations and 3D modeling software were running on large, high-resolution screens. Dr. Sidorov was deeply engrossed in analyzing thermal data for the Bull ZS-1 EV on a multi-touch display.

"The thermal distribution is all over the place" Dr. Sidorov frowned, pointing at a large screen displaying thermal simulations. "Even with advanced cooling materials, the heat under load is unpredictable. If the battery gets too cold, ion flow slows down. Too hot, and we risk degrading or cracking the solid electrolyte. We need a better solution than just passive cooling."

Lina stepped up to the display, her eyes quickly scanning the data. She used a tablet to pull up additional information and began making rapid calculations.

"The current airflow dynamics are inefficient" Lina said calmly, after a brief pause.

"I’ve calculated an optimal redesign for the internal cooling channels, rerouting the primary vents to create a consistent thermal envelope. Additionally, a secondary thermal regulation system, integrated at the anode-cathode interface, could serve as a contingency for extreme external temperatures or prolonged fast-charge cycles."

Dr. Sidorov looked at Lina, his expression a mix of awe and curiosity. He processed her suggestions, recognizing their efficacy and foresight.

"My God... that’s... brilliant. So fast. You’re... you’re not human, are you?" Dr. Sidorov’s eyes widened as he stared at Lina.

Lina offered a subtle, non-committal smile, her eyes reflecting the screen’s light. She neither confirmed nor denied his unspoken thought.

"I am precisely what I need to be, Doctor" Lina replied with a soft, knowing smile playing on her lips.

Dr. Sidorov shook his head slightly, still in awe. He acknowledged the need to collaborate with Li Zhang’s team for panel redesigns.

"Right. Of course. I’ll have to get Li Zhang’s team to integrate these panel changes. Amazing. Where’s Richard, anyway? He usually supervises these designs" Dr. Sidorov said, shaking his head slightly, still in awe.

"Richard is currently unavailable. He’s a little ’under the weather’ from overworking" Lina responded.

"Ah, makes sense. He’s always pushing himself, always overseeing every last detail. Tell him to get some rest." Dr. Sidorov said.

Dr. Sidorov turns to a different screen, showcasing sleek vehicle designs. "On a different note, I’ve finalized the classic vintage models, so not only we can attract younger generation but also the older ones and I had some thoughts for the Bull ZS-1 itself. Sound. Vibration. Driving feel. Drivers will surely miss the visceral feedback of a revving engine when driving an electric car. The rumble, the sound, the tension. Simulated revving gives the illusion of power and control, especially in performance cars. It enhances that emotional connection to the vehicle."

Dr. Sidorov continues with growing enthusiasm. "And importantly, pedestrian safety. EVs are too quiet, dangerously so in urban environments. Laws in the US, EU, and elsewhere now require artificial noise at low speeds. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about making our cars communicate. Sounds can signal different modes—eco, sport, charging, self-driving. Audible cues can act like a mood ring for your car, for both the driver and those around it."

Dr. Sidorov gestures to his displays. "And, I have an idea on how to achieve this. First, Sound Synthesis. External and internal speakers, combined with real-time software, can simulate everything: engine RPM, throttle input, torque delivery, even gear shifts—even if they’re purely for feel. Think Porsche Taycan or BMW i4. Then, Active Vibration Feedback. Actuators or haptic motors in the steering wheel, pedals, or seats to simulate that engine rumble. It creates a ’phantom engine’ effect. And for the ultimate feel, functional gearboxes.

Some EVs are already implementing simulated gear shifting; it gives the driver a sense of control and rhythm, like in a gas-powered car. Toyota’s simulated manuals, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N with ’N e-Shift’... these are the benchmarks. And of course, customizable sound profiles: V8 muscle, turbo inline-4, sci-fi jet, or even animal growls. Sounds could change based on mode—eco hum, sport roar, stealth whisper."

Lina nods thoughtfully, her eyes reflecting the designs on the screen as she processes the information. "Excellent ideas, Doctor. Consider them done. We will finalize the designs based on your specifications, integrating these crucial elements for a truly immersive and safe driving experience."

Dr. Sidorov shakes his head, gesturing to a group of younger engineers. "No credit to me. It’s those young ones over there. They’re still racking their brains on the thermal distribution. They’re the real innovators."

Lina left Dr. Sidorov’s department, the hum of innovation echoing in her mind. The corridors buzzed with creativity and the relentless pursuit of breakthroughs.

Lina entered the Neural Systems Research Lab, filled with the soft hum of equipment and gentle light patterns. Dr. Anya Sharma stood amidst screens displaying neural network schematics, looking both weary and excited.

"We’ve made incredible progress with our Neural Interface," Dr. Sharma said, gesturing to the screens. "We’re reading and writing data to the somatosensory, visual, auditory, and motor cortices in real-time. We can immerse a subject fully into a virtual world, their brain convinced it’s reality."

Lina’s eyes flickered across the screens, taking in the data. "Impressive work, Dr. Sharma. Your progress in direct cortical interface is remarkable."

Dr. Sharma sighed, her fingers tracing a specific diagram on the screen. "But we’ve hit a wall with the ’Soft Disconnect’ Protocol. In theory, it uses focused transcranial stimulation to trigger a reversible REM-like state. The brain prioritizes synthetic input and ignores outside stimuli, like dreaming. The problem is, we lack the technology to make it perfectly safe and reliably stable. Without it, the risk of residual neurological ’noise’ or even persistent disassociation is too high."

Lina’s expression was thoughtful, her mind racing through the implications. "A true neurological gate," she mused. "I understand your struggle. The margin for error in this field is infinitesimal. I will inform Sir Richard of your findings. Do not stress yourselves. Rushing such a delicate protocol could be dangerous."

Dr. Sharma nodded, a mix of relief and frustration in her eyes. "Thank you, Ma’am. We’ll proceed with caution."

As Lina left the Neural Systems Research Lab, she wasn’t concerned about the technological hurdles. Richard had explained the system to her earlier; he could acquire technologies from the system and introduce them into the real world. She understood Richard’s philosophy well—he wasn’t driven by money. Instead, he sought efficient ways to earn System points per human population benefited. Even technologies indirectly inspired by those he released would earn him SP crumbs.

With this in mind, there was less need to be greedy about hoarding technology data and schematics.

Lina then exited the research wing to the main Bytebull HQ in a vibrant area filled with glowing screens and chatter. Dr. Marcus Lee, the team leader, stood in the center, directing the team. He noticed Lina and waved her over.

"Your progress on ’Stellar Ascent’ is impressive," Lina noted, observing a starship battle display. "The simulations are fluid and engaging."

Dr. Lee turned, wiping his brow with a sense of accomplishment. "Ma’am Lina, yes, ’Stellar Ascent’ is stable, and the licensing projections for Vector Core 1.0 are still rising. But we desperately need Vector Core 2.0. We’ve just finished truly understanding the underlying source code for 1.0—it was immensely complex, even for our brightest minds."

His eyes lit up as he pulled up new schematics, his enthusiasm palpable.

"The vision we’re aiming for 2.0 is revolutionary. First, a Live Multiplayer Engine Layer. Think plug-and-play matchmaking, real-time server-side logic with serverless functions, and Phoenix-powered NPCs that don’t just scale but adapt to server load dynamically."

"Then, there’s Multi-Timeline Story Synchronization, or MTS². Developers can create non-linear games with reality fractures, parallel choices, time jumps! Vector Core 2.0 will handle all world states, all cause-effect chains, every NPC memory across every timeline. Imagine players uncovering secrets by literally playing alternate realities simultaneously."

Dr. Lee’s voice dropped, almost reverent. "But the truly groundbreaking part, Lina, the one that will rewrite the very definition of the game development is Self-Evolving Game Ecosystems. A ’Procedural DNA Engine’ that generates organic, self-evolving NPCs, cultures, entire ecosystems! And an Emotive Decision Engine, EDE, where NPCs remember betrayal, form alliances, develop intergenerational narratives. Games built on Vector Core 2.0 will become so real that players will fall in love, they’ll experience loss, they’ll start movements within these worlds. It will blur the line between virtual and reality like nothing before it."

Lina gave a slow, appreciative nod, her analytical gaze meeting his enthusiastic one. "A fascinating progression, Dr. Lee. The implications for emergent narrative and user engagement are indeed profound. Your team’s work could redefine interactive experiences."

As Lina left the Game Development Section, the weight of the day’s discoveries settled on her shoulders. The immense power and complexity of the original Vector Core, the potential of Vector Core 2.0, and the delicate balance of the Neural Interface research all pointed towards a future where Bytebull’s innovations would redefine reality itself.

The journey of discovery and innovation continued, with each team member playing a crucial role in shaping the future.