The prototype made secretly to show to Macfle turned out to have performance discrepancies, but not in a bad way—its performance was unexpectedly exceptional.

“The clock speed alone already matches Beagle.”

Jung Ji-Won muttered with a hardened expression.

For the AP (application processor) to match the clock speed of the CPU, Beagle, was highly significant. While the AP is an integrated processing unit that includes functions like memory and graphics in addition to the central processing unit’s functions, Beagle specializes solely in computational fields.

If the latter, which specializes in various functions, exhibits computational performance comparable to the former, it indicates a remarkable feat.

Beagle’s performance was sufficient for use as a server CPU. However, due to its lack of threads and the fact that Macfle designed Beagle for personal computers, it was currently being used as a CPU for personal devices.

“Performance-wise, it could indeed work as a server CPU. But Macfle isn’t a CPU manufacturer, right?”

Macfle’s main products were personal mobile devices like Macfle phones, Macfle books, and Macfle pads. The company developed CPUs and APs specifically for use in its own products.

“You’ve created a monster and yet act so nonchalant about it.”

“Haha…”

Han Seo-Jin scratched his head. Truthfully, he wasn’t calm at all. He was just as astonished. However, he was unsure how to respond to Jung Ji-Won’s intense reaction.

“I can’t understand this.”

With a slightly distorted face, Jung Ji-Won murmured as if chewing over the situation.

“This is impossible.”

“…Why do you say that?”

“This incredible computational capability… It exceeds the limits of our company’s nano-process equipment. This isn’t a result that can come from mere optimization of design. Unless it was fabricated using next-generation process technology that’s a level higher.”

The CPU and AP chips were fundamentally different in size and manufacturing processes. The same existing equipment had been used for both.

Could such a stark performance difference even be “physically” possible?

‘Can a design, no matter how excellent, achieve something like this?’

From the perspective of Jung Ji-Won’s knowledge in physical chemistry and electronic engineering, it was utterly incomprehensible.

“Anyway, let’s finish testing it.”

“Yes, Team Leader.”

The two spent hours conducting tests. There was no doubt about its performance.

Its clock speed rivaled that of the best CPU, Beagle, and as an application processor, it outperformed Macfle’s latest AP in all aspects.

It consumed an exceptionally low amount of power, resulting in much lower-than-expected heat generation.

“It’s a monster no matter how you look at it.”

“Calling it a monster feels kind of strange.”

“You’re truly remarkable.”

Jung Ji-Won looked at Han Seo-Jin with awe-filled eyes. The unspoken gaze, full of reverence, made Seo-Jin look away awkwardly.

‘It’s not me; it’s the insight ability that’s remarkable.’

Knowing the truth, Han Seo-Jin felt burdened by being viewed as an unparalleled genius.

“Seo-Jin, by the way, what’s the principle behind this design?”

“Pardon?”

“I can’t wrap my head around it. Based on my knowledge of electronic engineering… This result is beyond reason. How can just a design surpass the physical limits of material, process, and power to this extent?”

“I just drew whatever came to mind. I followed my intuition and my hands.”

“…”

It felt like a voice was whispering, “See? It’s easy!” somewhere in the air.

After a moment of silence, Jung Ji-Won cautiously broached another topic.

“Do you think a deca-core would also be possible?”

“Deca-core?”

Han Seo-Jin was taken aback. Were they planning to cram that many cores into a 14mm chip?

“Isn’t that impossible with our current process equipment? Heck, is there even equipment capable of such a thing anywhere in the world? It’s not a general CPU but an AP—how can you fit ten cores into it?”

“Still, it’s worth a try. I’ll bring the basic design. Let’s see if you can do it. It’s too valuable to hand over to Macfle as it is.”

Would it even be physically feasible with the current nano-process technology?

Although doubtful, Seo-Jin couldn’t refuse when faced with Ji-Won’s serious expression.

“Alright, I’ll give it a shot.”

Ji-Won’s face lit up.

A few days later, in the evening, Ji-Won brought his initial design draft to Seo-Jin’s studio apartment. He insisted they avoid working on it at the company.

“It’s too risky to work on this at the company. There could be records left behind. This project is on a whole different level from revising Macfle’s AP chips. No amount of caution is too much.”

“That makes sense.”

“As semiconductor developers, we could be in trouble if the company claims ownership over the privately developed semiconductor.”

“There’s no problem with that, right?”

“Legally speaking, no. This wasn’t part of any company project, and it’s based on your independent ideas. Of course, if the company tries to make an unreasonable claim, it could be troublesome. But if this succeeds, we’ll have a strong case to counter them.”

Ji-Won then explained the draft design.

“The base is the A-3002 chip. It’s a previous-generation Macfle AP model that’s no longer in production. I’ve attempted to force a deca-core design into it. Basic error verification has been done, but given the forced integration, it’s unlikely to work properly.”

“Why use an old-generation model?”

“It’s discontinued. If needed, we can outright purchase the patent for it. Even at the most expensive estimate, it wouldn’t cost more than 10 billion won.”

Ji-Won spoke seriously.

“Let’s apply the design revision principles you used last time to this.”

“…You’re treating me like some all-purpose tool.”

“Let’s give it a try.”

Ji-Won was resolute, and though Seo-Jin grumbled, he began analyzing the design.

‘This is a complete mess.’

While the A-3002 chip design was outdated, it had been optimized in its own right. Forcing a server-level AP conversion with ten cores and various adjustments added by Ji-Won made it seem far from viable.

However, as Seo-Jin engaged his insight ability, pathways toward solving the problems and identifying solutions began to emerge.

‘This thing is riddled with issues.’

Grumbling, Seo-Jin started sketching over the 14mm chip design, magnified to the size of a stadium.

From behind, Ji-Won observed intently and asked,

“What’s the meaning of this circuit and that circuit?”

“Pardon?”

“I don’t see how they’re related to the logical bus.”

“Uh…”

Seo-Jin hesitated.

The knowledge of semiconductor engineering was there, but he was merely following the directions given by his “Insight.” However, after hearing Jung Ji-Won’s words and fully mobilizing his own knowledge, he felt something definitely “off.”

“…I’ll just finish the task first.”

“…”

Han Seo-Jin immersed himself in the work.

It took a full three days to modify the design.

This time, the modification process was a little different. Instead of blindly following his “Insight” as before, he created a backup file, marking the lines that felt incongruent.

“It’s done.”

The modifications were finally complete, but it wasn’t truly over.

Han Seo-Jin reviewed the backup file. In it, the “unfitting” circuits were marked in gold. Those golden lines were densely packed throughout the entire design.

It was as if the circuit layout drawn on a sheet as large as a soccer field was covered with patterns of Word font size 10 in a dense and random manner.

Han Seo-Jin stared intently at these irregular anomalies.

Bizarre patterns that could hardly be called letters. Yet, they evoked a strong sense of déjà vu.

‘Wait, could this be that from before?’

Suddenly, a tremendous shock swept over him.

When he had first discovered a method to cure cancer using his “Insight,” those strange characters had appeared. He remembered distinctly the words of the linguist from Korean University who had remarked that it seemed to belong to a realm beyond this world.

‘No, this is different.’

Although the patterns bore a striking resemblance to those earlier characters, they were not identical.

These weren’t even letters. They lacked any discernible rules or regularities. To anyone else, it would seem like meaningless scribbles.

But to Han Seo-Jin, something was clear.

He could see it.

The patterns, irregular and strange, held a sense of order and a massive flow of power within them.

Unconsciously, his lips parted.

“Kerrzllierp kaip ccer puallchcho chir vayne midd n zungl…”

Words with an unknown meaning, yet Han Seo-Jin pronounced them perfectly. They belonged to no language on Earth, instead wielding power from an entirely different dimension.

And the name of that power was…

“Aether.”

Han Seo-Jin stared blankly at the design.

He didn’t know what he had just uttered or what those densely packed symbols encoded within the circuit design meant.

“Aether… Aether…”

A powerful premonition surged through him like a tidal wave. It was almost instinctual, a realization that didn’t require explanation. Those symbols, akin to an incantation, contained the power to control something called “Aether.”

Han Seo-Jin decided what to call this creation.

“Aether Semiconductor.”

“…”

The Old Noble cautiously inquired, gazing at the haggard face of the king.

“Your Majesty, your visage appears deeply troubled. Did something ill befall you in the world of curses?”

“In the dream, I finally came to recognize the existence of Aether.”

“Is that so? Ah, how fortunate.”

The old noble rejoiced as though someone had returned from the dead. It was understandable.

Aether.

The fundamental force that existed everywhere, constituting dimensions at their core—a universal energy.

The magic of wizards, the divine power of priests—any force in the world, when traced back to its source, was composed of, controlled by, and operated through Aether.

Despite its incredible potential, it was also exceedingly difficult to manipulate. Only the most elite priests or wizards could wield it. Those below that level could handle magical power or divine power but could not directly control Aether itself.

“It seems possible to utilize ‘True Words’ in written form, at least for now.”

“Would it not be feasible in spoken form?”

“…Do not expect too much from a slave.”

“True Words” referred to spells capable of controlling Aether directly—the language of truth.

The old noble nodded as though this alone was sufficient.

“Even using it in written form is a significant achievement. Just being able to employ True Words provides some relief. It seems the day we overcome the curse is drawing nearer.”

“…No, it does not seem that way at all.”

“…Why do you say that, Your Majesty?”

“You also know this well. What is Aether? And what are True Words?”

“…Your Majesty, what exactly troubles you?”

High priests engraved True Words onto massive, precious gemstones to control large quantities of Aether. These pillars of Aether gemstones were used to secure bountiful harvests, prevent natural disasters, and even drive away plagues.

It was all for the pursuit of large-scale happiness and comfort, controlling and using Aether through True Words.

“And what are we doing with these incredible True Words gifted by the gods?”

“…”

“They’re engraving them onto the lowest-grade magic stones.”

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