At present, Xiao Yu’s understanding of space technology was still fragmented and disorganized; he lacked a systematic and comprehensive grasp. As for what kind of state of existence this small universe was in, Xiao Yu remained unclear.
“First of all, we can confirm one thing,” Xiao Yu began, “on the Four-Dimensional scale, the distance between this small universe and our greater universe is not far. Back when we were still in the greater universe, we observed the unusual wobble in that star’s orbit, this supports that conclusion.”
“Yes,” Luka Three added, “existing scientific theories, along with the results of our observations while we were hiding inside the semi-Four-Dimensional body of Taihao during the information storm, prove that gravitons can propagate across the fourth dimension. And they also obey the same physical laws as in our three-dimensional world, namely, the greater the distance, the weaker the gravitational pull; the closer, the stronger. I speculate that between our greater universe and this small universe, there likely exists some kind of linkage mechanism, that mechanism is gravity. I believe this small universe is being drawn by the gravitational force of the greater universe, executing circular motion on a Four-Dimensional level around the greater universe.”
“Circular motion on a Four-Dimensional level…” Xiao Yu fell into silent thought after hearing Luka Three’s theory.
“There’s a flaw in that explanation.” a scientist from the Science and Technology Division interjected. “Take a look at this.”
The scientist issued a few commands to their computer terminal. On the conference table, a three-dimensional animated hologram appeared.
In the image were two pieces of white paper, one large, one small.
“The large sheet represents the greater universe,” the scientist said, pointing to it. “The smaller sheet represents the small universe we’re currently in. Now, this two-dimensional small universe is orbiting the two-dimensional greater universe in a circular motion within three-dimensional space.”
With another command from the scientist, the small sheet of paper in the projection began to move, circling around the large one in rotation.
“Yes, exactly like that.” Luka Three nodded lightly. “That’s what I meant. In this system, gravity serves as the link, the greater universe tugging at the small universe, preventing it from escaping.”The scientist shook their head. “But within this system, there’s one point of contradiction. No, not quite a contradiction, but rather something you may have overlooked, Lord Three.”
“Oh?” Xiao Yu responded with a single syllable of interest.
The scientist gave Xiao Yu a respectful bow. “As everyone can see, this two-dimensional small universe is orbiting the two-dimensional greater universe in three-dimensional circular motion. But… did anyone notice the trajectory of that small universe’s motion?”
“Trajectory?” Xiao Yu was puzzled for a moment, but then quickly understood. “I see. Even though this two-dimensional small universe is moving in a circular path in three-dimensional space, its motion trajectory isn’t purely three-dimensional. It’s simultaneously moving along length and width, the two dimensions it already possessed, as well as now along the third dimension, height.”
“Yes, that’s exactly the point I wanted to make.” the scientist said. “The movement along the third dimension merely adds an additional degree, but it doesn’t eliminate the original two dimensions. Now, we can extrapolate from this question, If a two-dimensional small universe maintains its motion in length and width while executing circular movement in a higher dimension, then… everyone, please look.”
Unnoticed by Xiao Yu, the scientist’s explanation had now captured the full attention of everyone present. Xiao Yu could see that in the meeting room, more and more scientists were leaning in, whispering and discussing related ideas among themselves.
Pointing to the hologram, the scientist continued, “There’s one more detail to keep in mind, the two-dimensional greater universe shouldn’t be this small. In reality, it ought to be much larger.”
As they spoke, the scientist issued another command. In the projection, the larger sheet of paper representing the greater universe began to rapidly expand, until it reached three meters across, filling the entire visualization field.
Luka Three nodded slightly. “I understand now.”
“I understand now as well.” Xiao Yu nodded. “You’re saying that for this small universe to orbit the greater universe, its orbital radius cannot exceed the radius of the greater universe. Therefore, during its motion, it must intersect with the greater universe, that is, pass through it. Hmm… over the course of one orbital cycle, it would pass through the greater universe twice.”
“Yes, exactly.” the scientist replied, issuing a command to animate the simulation further. The small piece of paper representing the small universe continued orbiting the larger one. This was circular motion on a three-dimensional level. Xiao Yu saw the small paper slowly approach the greater universe, pass through it, emerge on the other side, reach the apogee, then begin approaching once more, repeating the process endlessly.
A cycle that continued eternally, never ceasing.
“I speculate that the three-dimensional small universe we’re currently in is undergoing this same type of circular motion.” the scientist explained. “Our small universe moves through four dimensions: length, width, height, and the fourth dimension. It too passes through the greater universe. It also has an apogee.”
“That’s easy to understand.” Xiao Yu said. “In fact, through calculation, we can estimate our distance from the greater universe, that is, our current distance from the apogee. Based on the motion trajectory of that star we observed, the small universe’s apogee is approximately 14.3 billion kilometers from the greater universe. Hmm… according to the trajectory, right now, our distance is probably just under 5 billion kilometers. But this distance is in the fourth dimension. So how do we cross that fourth-dimensional gap?”
It was like the analogy of two two-dimensional worlds, represented by two sheets of paper, one centimeter apart. But that one centimeter is a three-dimensional gap. How would a two-dimensional lifeform living on one of those sheets cross it?
It was a deeply vexing question.
“We don’t have the ability to move through the fourth dimension.” a scientist said, shaking their head. “I believe we can eliminate the idea of directly crossing into the greater universe through the fourth dimension. The information left by the Trolor Civilization stated that the space weapon is the key to escaping this small universe, and it’s clear that the space weapon has little to do with the fourth dimension. So our discussion needs to remain focused on the space weapon.”
“Yes,” another scientist agreed. “Even the Taihao Civilization didn’t possess the ability to move through the fourth dimension, let alone us.”
The discussion hit a roadblock from the outset, and for a while, the atmosphere in the meeting room grew heavy.
“First of all.” Xiao Yu began slowly, “the method we used to escape the Four-Dimensional barrier created by the Taihao Civilization can’t be applied here. The environments are different. The Klein bottle can’t connect two unrelated three-dimensional worlds. The approach of crossing the fourth dimension directly is also unfeasible. Senya, do you have any suggestions?”
The scientist who had just offered insight and inspired many present was named Senya. Senya was also an outstanding scientist and had given Xiao Yu valuable inspiration on many occasions.
Senya pondered for a moment and slowly shook their head. “I don’t have a specific, actionable method. I only think that, since our small universe intersects with the greater universe, maybe we can explore that concept further. When the small and greater universes converge, perhaps some unusual phenomena will occur. Those phenomena might offer a way to help us escape this small universe…”
“Senya’s idea is sound, and the reasoning is basically logical.” Luka Three interjected. “But as a scientist, I cannot accept any conclusion not supported by empirical observation. No matter how rigorous the logic, a hypothesis is still only a hypothesis, isn’t it? My recommendation is that we find a way to either verify or falsify this hypothesis. Without a definitive conclusion, everything we build upon it is a castle in the sky, meaningless.”
As Luka Three spoke, Senya immediately stopped and respectfully watched him speak in silence.
Xiao Yu keenly noticed a bit of tension rising between the two. The development brought a faint smile to his lips.
Senya and Luka Three were both natural science specialists within the Science and Technology Division, but they hailed from different civilizations. Luka Three was undisputedly the authority in this domain. Yet today, Senya’s performance had stolen the spotlight, challenging Luka Three’s authority to some extent.
“To hold onto the position of Chief Scientist in the Science and Technology Division… it’s never easy. Once you take that seat, you’re bound to be challenged by other brilliant minds.” Xiao Yu mused inwardly.
He had always welcomed healthy competition like this. He let them fight it out, it didn’t matter, because he held the final say.
“Senya’s deduction is very rigorous, but Luka Three’s point is also valid. This hypothesis must be tested before we can take any further steps.” Xiao Yu thought, and then said aloud, “What Luka Three said is reasonable. So then, do you have a method to verify this hypothesis?”