20: Chapter 20 The Whole Country is in an Uproar!
"Hidden Dragon" Base, Theory Verification Center.
If the previous breakthrough in materials science was like lighting a spark, then the arrival of these two sets of technical data, "ion propulsion" and "controlled nuclear fusion," was akin to dousing a raging fire with a barrel of high-octane fuel!
The entire center was in a complete frenzy!
The experts of the energy group crowded around that "Golden Crow" Conceptual Design, arguing until they were red in the face. Several white-haired academicians were so excited they nearly suffered heart attacks on the spot. Even after medical staff rushed to give them heart-saving pills, they still clutched the printed draft drawings tightly, refusing to let go.
"This magnetic field configuration... it's bold and imaginative! But the calculation results show that the plasma confinement stability far exceeds that of a Tokamak!"
"Look at this ignition scheme! It bypasses traditional high-energy laser inertial confinement and utilizes the resonance effect... this line of thinking is simply inconceivable!"
"If the theory holds, we can not only achieve controlled nuclear fusion but even do it in one go—achieving miniaturization and modularization! This... this is directly leaping across an entire era!"
On the other side, the experts of the power group were infatuated with the "sky patrol" Ion Thruster.
"The estimated specific impulse is more than ten times that of the most advanced ion electric propulsion currently in existence! What does this mean? It means our probes can fly further and faster! The deep space voyage time for manned spacecraft can be shortened several times over!"
"The structure is so exquisite, and the key component materials... wait, these material requirements seem to match the lc-1 composite material derivative provided by 'Patriot X' earlier!"
"He planned it all out long ago! Materials are the foundation, energy is the core, and power is the extension! This is an entire integrated system!"
Amidst the frenetic atmosphere, Old Chen stood before the command console, watching the experts below who seemed as if they had been injected with adrenaline, tears streaming down his aged face. His hand holding the encrypted communicator trembled slightly as he reported to the Supreme Command Headquarters far away in the capital:
"...Yes, Chief! Preliminary theoretical verification shows the direction is correct and the principle is feasible! Repeat, the direction is correct and the principle is feasible! What 'Patriot X' sent is a complete technical system sufficient for us to achieve overtaking on a curve—no, it's overtaking by changing lanes—in the fields of energy and aerospace!"
There was a brief silence on the other end of the communicator, followed by a voice that could not hide its excitement but remained steady: "Old Chen, thank you for your hard work! Also, thank that invisible 'comrade' on my behalf! The Supreme Council has already made a resolution:"
"First, immediately mobilize all top forces in relevant fields nationwide to establish two top-secret engineering groups, 'Golden Crow' and 'sky patrol,' with you in overall charge. Spare no effort and tackle the key problems with everything we have!"
"Second, national strategic resources will be unconditionally tilted toward these two major projects! Give them people if they want people, money if they want money, and supplies if they want supplies!"
"Third, elevate the protection and search for 'Patriot X' to the highest strategic priority! Comrade Long Zhantian!"
"Here!" Long Zhantian stood at attention and responded.
"I authorize you to use all necessary means to ensure the absolute safety of 'Patriot X' and his technical sources. If necessary, you may act first and report later!"
"Understood! I guarantee the mission will be completed!"
The order was like a high-pitched movement, instantly spreading to every corner of the base. All personnel involved in the "Chasing Light Project" felt a surge of unprecedented pride and sense of mission in their hearts. They knew clearly that what they were participating in was a great cause that would completely rewrite the fate of the Dragon Kingdom and even change the course of human civilization!
Meanwhile, in a city rental apartment, Lin Mo, who had just finished sending the email and consumed a large amount of mental energy, was leaning back in his chair, resting tiredly. The system interface quietly refreshed:
"[Phased contribution assessment improved. Points reward +500. New permission unlocked: Points can be advanced to exchange for emergency supplies.]"
Looking at the skyrocketing points and the new permission, a gratified smile appeared on Lin Mo's weary face. He could feel that the bond of trust between himself and that massive national machine was becoming stronger and stronger with each technical 'gift.'
"It's not enough..." he whispered to himself, his gaze turning toward the azure sky outside the window. "It needs to be even faster."
What he didn't know was that at this moment, at the CIA headquarters in the Pretty Country, James Craig had just been rebuked by his superior for being so slow to react to the Dragon Kingdom's recent 'abnormal calm.' A more insidious storm of investigation targeting the Dragon Kingdom's technological field was quietly taking shape.
The Dragon Kingdom seethed because of him, and the fangs hidden in the darkness were also about to reveal themselves because of him.