Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin recently stated that mainstream Layer 2 networks have reached Stage 1 (limited training rounds), and the next focus will be to achieve the "fast withdrawal" feature. This goal is even more important than sprinting to Stage 2 (no training rounds). There are profound considerations behind this strategic decision: the speed of withdrawals directly affects liquidity costs. If the native withdrawal time can be compressed to under 1 hour in the short term, with a mid-term goal of reducing it to 12 seconds, it will greatly consolidate Ethereum L1's position as the "default platform for asset issuance."

To achieve this goal, the Ethereum ecosystem needs to gradually move away from the currently widely used Optimistic proof mechanism, as its withdrawal waiting time of several days has become an efficiency bottleneck. With the rapid development of technology, the 2-of-3 combination scheme of zero-knowledge proof (ZK), optimistic rollup (OP), and trusted execution environment (TEE) has achieved a good balance between security, speed, and cost, providing a technical foundation for the realization of fast withdrawal functionality.

What is even more exciting is that the ultimate goal of Ethereum is to achieve native asset transfers across L2 networks through the L1 layer in "seconds-level transfers," nearly eliminating delays. The logic of this grand blueprint is clear and powerful: first, address the efficiency issues to reduce the operational costs of the ecosystem, then utilize new technologies to iterate and replace old solutions, and finally, open up the channels for the circulation of L2 assets.

If Ethereum can successfully achieve these goals, the user experience of Layer 2 will see a qualitative leap, potentially triggering a transformation in the way the entire industry operates. This series of initiatives can be seen as a strategic layout for reshaping the blockchain ecosystem, and if successfully implemented, will greatly enhance the ability of the Ethereum L1 network to cope with various challenges.

With these developments, the industry is filled with expectations for the future of Ethereum. Observers are closely monitoring the progress of these plans, as they may have a profound impact on the entire cryptocurrency and blockchain space. This technological innovation in the Ethereum ecosystem is not only aimed at enhancing its own competitiveness but may also redefine the operational model of decentralized finance.