Chapter 221: Our Trump Card

The successful synthesis of "photon crystal" injected a shot of adrenaline into the entire Human Federal.

With this computing core, the upgrade of the fleet command system was fully rolled out.

Military factories ran at unprecedented speed, and one refitted warship after another sailed out of the shipyards, their nervous systems completely renewed.

However, the assistance from the Star Sea Divine Sect's technical advisors also became increasingly deep.

They were no longer satisfied with merely providing theoretical guidance; instead, they frequently applied for entry into the Federal core laboratories under the guise of "technical exchange".

They were kind, patient, and erudite,

always offering enlightening suggestions at the most critical moments, helping human scientists overcome difficulties.

This "goodwill" made many unaware researchers feel affection for them, even a hint of reverence.

But all personnel who had direct contact with them were under the strict surveillance of Qin Hao and the Special Operations Department.

"Report! Target A37 researcher shows abnormal synchronous mental fluctuations, matching over 3% with the faith force field of Technical Advisor Holy Light Seven."

"Immediately execute Class B isolation plan, cut off all physical connections with the outside, and initiate mental purification procedure."

"Report! Under the prayer of Guide Holy Light Nine, the energy output efficiency of the C12 area energy resonance reactor has steadily increased by 0.5%, but its energy fluctuations contain trace faith memes."

"Order all personnel in the area to evacuate, seal the lab, and have Qin Hao handle it personally."

Similar reports appear daily on the encrypted channel of Old Luo and Qin Hao.

This is a war without visible smoke.

Federal high‑levels walk a tightrope every day.

They must use the enemy's technology while guarding against infiltration, leaving everyone feeling exhausted.

"We can't go on like this."

At a core meeting, Zhou Shaoqing said solemnly,

"We are too passive; they are like termites, we can only watch them nibble away at our dam while we can only passively patch it."

"We need a trump card that can truly deter them, making them dare not act rashly."

Everyone's eyes turned to Qin Hao.

Qin Hao said calmly, "Our trump card has always existed; it's just not mature yet."

He pulled up the latest design blueprints of the Giant Spirit.

"Currently, our space technology remains at the application level—space cutting and space folding are merely uses of existing space rules."

"But a true third‑level civilization has already begun to alter space rules."

"That's why our Giant Spirit struggles when facing the Silicon‑based Union's cleaners."

"We need a genuine technological leap."

Qin Hao's gaze swept over everyone present: "Our own space weapon."

Zhou Shaoqing immediately asked, "What's the specific plan? What do we need to develop?"

"Large‑scale space tremor device."

Qin Hao uttered a term.

"A weapon that can instantly disturb spatial stability within an area."

"It cannot cause direct physical damage, but it can instantly disable the enemy's spatial shields and spatial jump engines, forcing them to rely only on conventional navigation."

"Plus a high‑density space defense net that folds and twists space into a maze; any enemy entering will lose direction, even be torn apart by space itself."

These ideas made the attending generals' blood boil.

"This is the true combat style of a third‑level civilization!"

"I already have the theoretical model," Qin Hao said.

"During my seclusion, my insight into the rule of force allowed me to deduce how these weapons work."

"But turning theory into reality requires massive computation and experimentation."

"Although Academician Qian Bowen's team is excellent, their knowledge base remains within the second‑level civilization range."

"Having them handle this project would take at least five years, maybe longer."

"We don't have that much time."

"What should we do?"

Wang Hongbin frowned.

"Then I'll do it!" Qin Hao replied simply and directly.

"I will personally lead this project, imparting my understanding directly to the Academy of Sciences' top team,

letting them skip theoretical study and go straight into design and manufacturing."

"This..."

Academician Qian Bowen's projection showed shock and a hint of hesitation on his face: "This... won't it be a bit like pulling up seedlings to help them grow?"

"In the face of life and death, all this can be broken."

Qin Hao's tone left no room for doubt: "From today on, I am the chief responsible for the Academy of Sciences' space weapon project."

This decision was utterly crazy, yet it gave everyone a sense of reassurance.

With Qin Hao personally taking charge, this trump card will surely succeed!

Just as the Federal high‑levels were pouring all their energy into developing this new trump card,

an urgent report from the Federal Intelligence Department doused the high spirits with cold water.

"Special envoy!" Intelligence Department Head Kong Jie's face was unusually grim.

"The unmanned detector squadron we sent to scout near the Star Sea Divine Sect's sphere of influence has lost contact."

"Before losing contact, their last transmitted information showed they had been locked onto by a detection net we cannot comprehend, covering the entire star field."

"According to our analysis, the enemy must have already detected us."

But they never exposed it; they just quietly watched our detector operating on their turf.

This news caused a cold sweat to break out on Luo Lao's back.

They are watching the show.

Watching the monkey show.

This feeling of being toyed with in the palm of their hand made everyone feel deep helplessness and vigilance.

This bunch of charlatans from the Star Sea Divine Sect—what exactly do they want?

"They discovered us long ago, but deliberately chose not to expose us."

In Luo Lao's office, several people's faces looked grim.

Zhang Yunfeng, Zhang Xianzhong, Zhou Shaoqing, and Qin Hao were all present; several people gathered around the holographic star map, watching the red dot that marked the detector's last known position, remaining silent for a long time.

"What does this indicate?"

Zhou Shaoqing was the first to break the silence: "This shows that from the very beginning, they never regarded us as equal allies."

In their eyes, we might be a group with some utilitarian value, but ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth—mere natives.

"They enjoy this feeling of looking down on us, watching us act cleverly."

Zhang Xianzhong's analysis was then more calm:

"This is both a warning and a probe. They are telling us that all our little moves are under their control."

At the same time, they want to see what reaction we will have after realizing we have been exposed.

"Will we panic, fly into a rage out of embarrassment, or… continue to play dumb?"