ELDARYA

Anomaly analysis.

(This chapter takes place before the previous one and serves to explain the problems with the portal and how possible solutions arose).

Date: June 17, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Dimensional Research Laboratory of the Arcane Science Institute.

The laboratory was in a frenzy of activity. There was no sunlight, even though it was the afternoon. The room was semi-lit by the bluish lights from the portal in the center and the screens of the devices. The central room, filled with arcane instruments and holographic screens floating in the air, had its main focus on the dimensional portal in the center. It emitted a pulsating and irregular glow, with its edges fragmenting into multiple beams like sharp blades of light. Every time something was sent through the portal, it came back in pieces or simply disappeared. A team of specialists gathered around, including Ezarel and Huang Chu, renowned alchemists from the institute, surrounded by other scientists, all debating possible solutions.

— These fluctuations in the dimensional energy field keep intensifying — murmured Huang Chu, her eyes fixed on the data scrolling across the holographic screen in front of her. — The level of fragmentation is exceeding the tolerable limit. If we attempt another incursion without a concrete solution, anything crossing through will be shredded.

Ezarel, gazing at the portal, was deep in thought.

— The problem is evident. The dimensional field is collapsing under its own energetic entropy. We are dealing with a quantum phase distortion, which creates destructive interference. The question is how to stabilize it without causing continuous dispersion of matter when crossing through it.

One of the younger scientists, reviewing some previous hypotheses, interrupted with a suggestion.

— What if we try modulating the dimensional energy flow with periodic pulses? We could reduce interference frequencies by combining stabilization resonances with the ambient maana flows.

Ezarel looked at him with a hint of exasperation.

— Periodic pulses aren’t enough. The portal operates on a multidimensional frequency that doesn't align with normal maana stabilization metrics. If we only adjust the pulses, we’re not addressing the source of the instability, just masking its effects.

Huang Chu nodded, deepening her analysis.

— The issue lies in the dimensional matrix itself. In previous experiments, the energy fields began fluctuating as the portal expanded its anchorage into multiple dimensions simultaneously. Even if we applied regulating pulses, the internal entropy of the dimensional field would continue to generate variations. We need something that contains this energy without overloading the system.

A third scientist then proposed:

— We could try creating a magnetic containment field around the portal. It would act like an electromagnetic barrier that could prevent uncontrolled energy from spreading, temporarily stabilizing the flow.

Ezarel reflected, but quickly dismissed the idea.

— A magnetic field can, at most, act as a surface containment. But the fundamental problem remains. The portal needs to be powered by a constant and stable energy source. If magnetic fields conflict with dimensional energies, we could generate even more dangerous fluctuations.

Another scientist, more experienced, raised a new hypothesis.

— What about using maana condensers in parallel? If we manage to modulate arcane energy at a constant rate, perhaps we can compensate for the portal's imbalances. If we overload the matrix with enough energy, we might neutralize the fragmentation effect.

Huang Chu shook her head, already calculating the probabilities.

— Maana condensers are effective in small stabilizations, but we’re dealing with a large-scale dimensional anomaly. The amount of energy needed to sustain a safe crossing is exponentially higher than any maana condensation system could handle.

— Besides — Ezarel interjected — condensers don't have the capacity to manage the energy overload in a linear way. They would be susceptible to immediate overloads and collapses, not to mention the additional risk of further destabilizing the portal.

The room went silent for a few moments as the scientists mentally reviewed their approaches. Every proposal seemed to fail at a critical point, and the pressure was mounting. Huang Chu was consulting records of previous experiments, observing patterns in search of some hidden clue.

— Previous experiments showed that with each attempt to stabilize with smaller energy sources, the distortion only increased — she said, her voice heavy with concern. — We are dealing with a systemic failure in the dimensional fabric itself.

It was then that Ezarel, with a spark of inspiration, spoke:

— The answer lies in the scale. We've tried to regulate, contain, modulate… But what we really need is an energy source powerful enough for the portal to stabilize itself, without the need for intermediate stopgaps. The problem isn’t just adjustment; it’s magnitude.

The team fell silent for a moment, absorbing the suggestion.

— If we’re talking about magnitude — one of the scientists began, hesitantly — we could consider something like… a fusion reactor? Fusion generates colossal amounts of energy, and theoretically, we could adapt that energy to power the portal directly.

Ezarel raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

— A fusion reactor? Not a bad idea, but we would need an incredibly precise energy modulation system. Fusion releases energy in a raw, continuous way. We need to ensure that energy is filtered and adjusted to the proper dimensional frequencies.

Huang Chu, now immersed in calculations, added:

— Fusion reactors can be modified to generate more uniform energy flows. However, we’ll need to adapt our dimensional control system to ensure the portal receives this energy in a stable and constant manner. If there isn’t a precise balance between the amount of energy supplied and the portal’s absorption, we could generate an energy explosion instead of stabilizing it.

Ezarel, now fully focused, crossed his arms and looked at the portal.

— This means we’ll need to work on two fronts: first, modify the fusion reactor to adapt the energy to the portal. Second, adjust the dimensional matrix so that it can absorb the energy without collapsing.

One of the scientists, still concerned, asked:

— But what about the fragmentation? How do we prevent anything that crosses from being disintegrated?

— If we stabilize the energy flow — Huang Chu said — the dimensional field around the portal will normalize. Fragmentation is a result of the energy instability. If we solve that, the crossing will be safe.

A scientist commented:

— We have a fusion reactor available that might be sufficient. It’s much more practical considering we won’t need to build one, which would take months. The O.B.E.A. has the world’s largest fusion reactor. However, we would have to go to the Nevada Desert, USA, as that’s where the reactor is located.