173: Chapter 173 Establishes the Birthplace of Cutting-Edge Technology—The National Research Institute

Once the Moscow Agreement was signed, global public opinion fermented rapidly.

Unlike the previous military footage, which was reeking of gunpowder, the evaluations from mainstream global media this time were surprisingly positive.

Reuters commented: "This is very likely the fastest-ending border conflict since the beginning of the new century. The Cyber Freedom Republic has exchanged an indisputable swift victory for a peace agreement focused on long-term development. This provides a new template of 'strength + cooperation' for resolving regional disputes."

Al Jazeera, however, focused more on its impact within Africa: "Khartoum has exchanged a small-scale military defeat for much-needed external investment and infrastructure aid, and has gained a golden opportunity to weaken local armed forces. For the current Sudan government, this deal means losing face but winning substance. This is undoubtedly a brilliant political exchange."

Global public opinion almost unanimously defined this brief war as a "border skirmish" and praised both sides for returning to the negotiating table with high efficiency. The mediating roles of China and Russia were also widely recognized and viewed as responsible actions for stabilizing the regional situation.

Amidst the chorus of praise for "peace and development," there was only one place where the atmosphere was completely different, depressingly stifling.

Washington, Langley. In the analysis room of the CIA's Africa Division, smoke swirled, and everyone's faces were livid.

"Did we lose?" a young analyst muttered, his voice unusually clear in the quiet room.

"No, we didn't lose." His supervisor slammed a report onto the table and growled, "The Sudan government sent troops according to our script, and the Cyber Republic fought back; this was clearly the situation we wanted to see! But... but why did it turn out like this?"

Indeed, this outcome was more infuriating than losing outright.

After all the busy work—fanning the flames, providing intelligence, promising support—the conflict ended within a day. Sudan was not only not dragged into the quagmire of war but instead took the opportunity to secure a huge investment deal from the Cyber Freedom Republic, and China and Russia even got to shine as "peacemakers."

The United States' situation was exactly like a bully who went to great lengths to get others to fight, only for the two parties to not fight, shake hands, sign a big project, and leave him out in the cold.

They didn't gain anything and instead became a laughingstock.

"Boss, the Pentagon is asking about the technical analysis report on that armored unit and the micro-missiles..."

"Tell them we're still analyzing it!" the supervisor waved his hand irritably. "We haven't even figured out what brand of tires they're using!"

Just as the outside world was changing rapidly, Lin Zhou, the core of the event, had his attention on another matter.

At the same time Qin Yue signed the agreement in Moscow, a new notification popped up on his system panel.

[Achievement Unlocked: First Battlefield]

[Achievement Description: You have defended national sovereignty through force for the first time and achieved victory. This is an important milestone, proving that technology is the primary combat force.]

[Achievement Reward: Reward has been issued to the system warehouse — Full set of blueprints and manufacturing technology for "Light Deflection Technology."]

[Technical Description: This technology generates a layer of controllable metamaterial on the surface of an object, capable of guiding electromagnetic waves (including visible light, radar waves, etc.) around the object, thereby achieving theoretical perfect invisibility.]

Another piece of black technology!

But looking at this technology that any military power would crave, Lin Zhou felt no joy. He leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the desk rhythmically, his brows knit together.

A thorny problem was placed before him.

He had too much black technology in his hands right now.

The "Desert Transformation Technology" (the atmospheric water generator is one of its applications) that could completely change the world's agricultural landscape; the "Gene Repair Technology" that could subvert modern medicine and make terminal illnesses a thing of the past; plus the newly acquired "Light Deflection Technology" that could make all radar and reconnaissance satellites blind.

Any one of these three things, if released alone, would completely subvert the existing world order.

But the problem is, how can these technologies appear in this world "reasonably"?

He couldn't just announce to the world that these were all gifts from the system in his head, right?

He had to find a legal, scientific, and acceptable "origin" for these technologies that transcended the era.

An idea slowly took shape in his mind.

He needed a "cradle," an institution that could continuously "give birth" to these miracles and convert them into national strength.

Thinking of this, Lin Zhou made up his mind. He pressed the communicator.

"Notify the technical department to prepare for a global live broadcast, starting in five minutes."

...

That night, at nine o'clock Beijing time.

The Cyber Freedom Republic's official account simultaneously started an unannounced live broadcast on major global social media and video platforms.

In the live broadcast room, Lin Zhou's figure appeared. Behind him was a simple study background, without any gorgeous decorations, yet it made tens of millions of people around the world stop what they were doing and stare intently at the screen.

"Good evening, friends who are following the Cyber Freedom Republic."

Lin Zhou spoke, his voice spreading across the globe through the microphone, unhurried and steady.

"Just today, we signed a peace agreement with Sudan, and the flames of war have been extinguished. But as I said before, peace is not the end, but the starting point for construction. In order to create a better future for this country and for this world, I have decided to do something more important than winning a war."

He paused, looked directly into the camera, and announced clearly:

"Today, I hereby officially announce: The Cyber Freedom Republic will devote all its national strength to establish the highest national scientific research institution — the 'National Research Institute'!"

"The purpose of the institute is to explore the boundaries of science, challenge the ultimate problems facing humanity, and find answers for the future development of all mankind. We will open our doors to all aspiring people from around the world; regardless of your nationality, skin color, or professional background, as long as you possess the passion and talent to change the world, this is your stage! We will provide the most competitive salary and the freest research environment in the world, with no restrictions on disciplines!"

As soon as his voice fell, the barrage in the live broadcast room erupted, filling the entire screen!

"Holy crap! Tech tree climbing immediately after founding the country? I give this move full marks!"

"Excellent benefits, no restrictions on disciplines! This is poaching talent from the whole world!"

"Lord, I graduated in civil engineering. Do you think I can go lay bricks?"

Lin Zhou saw the reaction in the barrage, smiled, and then announced even more shocking news.

"A great hall requires a great design. Here, I am calling for architectural design proposals for the National Research Institute from around the world. The final selected proposal will receive a prize of one million US dollars!"

One million US dollars!

The scrolling speed of the barrage was so fast that the words couldn't be seen. Countless netizens immediately recalled the topic of "building wonders" that everyone had been discussing heatedly before.

"It's here, it's here! The wonder we talked about is finally here!"

"Don't stop me, I'm going to design a real-life Stark Tower!"

"One million US dollars! This is the ultimate quest for us gamers!"

"How about building the institute like the Tower of Babel? A scientific sanctuary that reaches the sky!"

Looking at the enthusiastic discussion scrolling on the screen, Lin Zhou's plan had already half succeeded.

The establishment of the National Research Institute would surely set off a wave of discussion about technology and the future on a global scale, and it had also laid the perfect stage for his future technology "releases."

As the live broadcast neared its end, the smile on his face faded, and his tone became solemn.

"Finally, I will announce my personal schedule. Tomorrow, I will head to the northwest of China to attend a press conference."

He said to the camera, word by word:

"A conference that I believe is enough to change the world."