The initial distortion manifests as a localized compression of the chronometric stream. Prior to the standardization protocols, this phase was characterized by unpredictable fluctuations, often registering as 'echoes' - residual temporal signatures from events occurring millennia prior. These echoes were not merely historical data; they exhibited a disconcerting subjective quality, sometimes inducing flashes of sensory input from those events. The degree of distortion was inversely proportional to the observer's 'temporal sensitivity' – individuals with a naturally higher sensitivity experienced more pronounced effects, including disorientation and, in rare cases, brief temporal displacement. The measurement of this phase utilizes the 'Kryllometer,' a device calibrated to the fluctuations in the quantum foam, reporting deviations in the fundamental constants of time and space. Initial readings consistently indicated a shift of approximately 0.787 Planck units per second, a value deemed 'anomalous' by the original research team. The Kryllometer data suggests a recurring pattern, a 'rhythmic pulse' embedded within the distortion, potentially indicative of a larger, cyclical temporal phenomenon.
Following Phase I, the observed distortions began to coalesce around a central point - the 'Nexus'. This Nexus isn’t a physical location, but rather a convergence of resonant frequencies within the altered temporal field. It’s theorized that the Nexus acts as an amplifier, channeling the initial distortion into a more focused, controllable stream. During this phase, the oncometric readings become significantly more complex, exhibiting a fractal-like structure. The 'Oncometric Signature' – a complex waveform representing the temporal field's stability – shifts from a chaotic, irregular pattern to a pulsating, almost musical sequence. The key to controlling this phase lies in manipulating the ‘Harmonic Matrices’ – intricate algorithms designed to synchronize the oncometric readings with the Nexus. Deviation from these matrices results in a cascading effect, leading to unpredictable temporal anomalies. Current research focuses on identifying the underlying mathematical structure of the Harmonic Matrices, hypothesizing that it’s based on a previously unknown form of prime number sequence. Preliminary analysis suggests a connection to the Mandelbrot set, but with a significantly higher dimensionality.
With the Nexus stabilized and the Harmonic Matrices refined, Phase III represents the culmination of the oncometric process – the controlled extraction of usable chronal energy. This process isn't about simply measuring time; it’s about *harnessing* its flow. The extracted energy manifests as a 'Chronal Resonance' – a state of heightened temporal sensitivity within a localized area. This resonance can be used to accelerate or decelerate processes, theoretically allowing for rapid material growth, accelerated healing, or even, as the more radical theorists suggest, temporal duplication. However, prolonged exposure to the Chronal Resonance degrades the structural integrity of matter, leading to a process known as ‘Chronal Decay.’ This decay isn’t simply a matter of aging; it’s a fundamental unraveling of the object’s temporal fabric. The measurement of the extracted energy relies on the ‘Chronolytics’ – devices capable of detecting minute fluctuations in the temporal stream. The current extraction rate is limited to 0.0037 Planck units per second, considered a sustainable yield, but the potential for significantly higher rates remains a subject of intense research. Initial observations have revealed a curious side effect: prolonged exposure to the Chronal Resonance induces a state of ‘temporal déjà vu’ – an overwhelming sense of familiarity with events that have not yet occurred.