After connecting the machine to the power supply, Evan wasted no time and promptly powered it up. Initially, the machine remained silent, showing no signs of activity. But despite this, Evan remained calm, knowing that the machine needed time to initialize.
The energy container inserted into the machine began to emit a faint glow and gradually, the stored energy started flowing into the machine's circuits, illuminating every path it encountered. As the energy saturated the system, the glow grew brighter, ensuring all connected components had immediate access to the power they needed.
Once the energy circuits were fully charged, the central conversion unit activated, linking the machine to its computer network. The quantum computing chip, which had been upgraded with the integration medium, sprang to life and began running system diagnostics, checking all moving parts to ensure proper functionality.
The machine emitted a deep, resonant hum, similar to that of a slumbering dragon awakening. It was a sound of power and precision as the diagnostics were completed and the system prepared for its first test.
Suddenly, a "Ding!" echoed through the room, catching Evan's attention.
Then, a blue screen appeared before him, presenting a system prompt.
[Congratulations. The system commends you for achieving a feat that surpasses the technological capabilities of your world with minimal assistance. In recognition of this accomplishment, the system offers you a reward deemed beneficial to your current situation. Would you like to accept the reward? {YES} {NO}]
Evan's eyes widened with excitement.
"This is incredible," he muttered, delighted by the system's acknowledgement.
Curious, Aurora asked, [What's happening?]
"The system is offering me a reward for successfully building the printer," Evan explained, sharing the details of the prompt with her.
[What's the reward?] Aurora asked, her anticipation evident.
"It didn't specify," Evan replied, "but it promised something useful for my current situation."
Evan approached the machine, opened it, and retrieved the finished product.
"It's beautiful," he marveled. The product was flawless, without any imperfection, and displayed an unprecedented level of precision.
Aurora provided the detailed report: [The printer can assemble approximately 1,200,000,000,000,000,000,000 atoms per hour. It's capable of printing a one-cubic-metre block of aluminum within that time frame.]
Evan inquired, "What limits its speed?"
[The quantum computing chip's capacity is the limiting factor,] Aurora explained. [It can handle up to 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 atoms per second, but the speed decreases with different atom types due to specific instructions required.]
The limiting factor was the quantum computing chip itself, which managed calculations for atom placement and controled the printing process. Although the chip's current theoretical speed was limited to about 1 sextillion atoms per second, in fact, it could practically print 15 billion atoms per second, and this speed decreased with different types of atoms depending on varying instructions.
Evan remarked, "With this printer, we can accomplish anything as long as we have the necessary materials. Our next step is to print new, larger quantum chips and upgrade your quantum computer into a full quantum server."
Aurora, excited about the upgrade, asked eagerly, [So, what reward did the system grant you?]
Her curiosity was palpable as she awaited Evan's response.
"It's something for you."
[For me?] Aurora repeated in surprise.
"In a way, it's a sort of data that can be embedded in your code, enabling it to evolve like a DNA mechanism. It could also help you in other ways."
[Are you redeeming it now?]
"No, not yet. I am certain that if I give this to you now, you would only be focused on this and it's too big a leap, so you can't focus anywhere else for the time being. So, let's store it for the future."