Chapter 360: Test Explosion Over There

Williams's expression became even gloomier: "This is our stake, isn't it? A high-stakes gamble with only a fifty-fifty chance of winning."

The Intelligence Officer did not answer. In such a desperate situation, a 50% success rate was already the best possible outcome.

Meanwhile, the leader of Di Guo was holding a secret meeting with the diplomatic representative of Polar Bear Country.

"I must confirm again," the leader looked straight into the eyes of the Polar Bear representative, "once we use that weapon, what is your stance?"

The Polar Bear representative was expressionless: "As I said, we will not publicly support it, nor will we intervene. But I must warn you, this is a dangerous path. Once the Mushroom Threshold is broken, the consequences will be unpredictable."

The leader gave a bitter smile: "Do you think I don't know that? But Long Country's technological development speed is too fast; their Li Mingyuan is practically a magician, constantly conjuring up new weapons. If we don't take extreme measures, within five years, Long Country will become the dominant power in this region. Isn't that a threat to you?"

The Polar Bear representative was silent for a moment: "We... understand your situation. But please remember, a Mushroom Strike must be strictly limited to military targets. If it causes large-scale civilian casualties, we will be forced to re-evaluate our stance."

"Of course," the leader nodded, "our targets are only two: the Long Country Frontline Command and Li Mingyuan's military industrial base."

……

At the Long Country military industrial base, the atmosphere was tense to the extreme.

"The final parameter calibration has been completed, and all system connections are normal." Dean He reported to the high-level officials in the conference room with a grave expression.

"Theoretically speaking, our Mushroom egg is ready."

"Theoretically?" The Director of the Military Department frowned, "Dean He, I need certainty, not 'theoretically'."

Dean He wiped the sweat from his forehead, "Reporting to the Director of the Military Department, according to standard procedures, a Mushroom egg requires a live-fire test to confirm the reliability and actual power of the design. But now..."

"But now Di Guo has already issued an ultimatum, time is tight, and there is simply no time for standard test procedures." Minister Zhang took over the conversation, his brows locked in a frown.

The conference room suddenly fell into silence, the air seemingly solidified.

"Damn it, this is truly a dilemma." The Director of the Military Department irritably lit a cigarette and took a deep drag, "If we don't test it, we have no confidence; if we do test it, we're afraid of alerting the enemy and provoking Di Guo to strike first."

Li Mingyuan had been sitting silently in the corner, listening to everyone's discussion. His eyes were bloodshot; he hadn't slept in three days, but his brain was exceptionally clear. The technology the system gave him made him fully confident in the performance of the Mushroom egg, but he also understood that the military's concerns were not without reason.

"Ahem." Li Mingyuan cleared his throat and stood up.

Everyone's gaze immediately focused on him.

"Everyone, I have a proposal." Li Mingyuan walked to the map and pointed to a blue area, "We can conduct the test explosion here."

"This is... the high seas between Taiji Tiger and Sakura?" Minister Zhang widened his eyes, "Chief Engineer Li, you mean..."

"That's right," Li Mingyuan nodded, his eyes flashing with a firm light, "we will use our existing long-range Missile system, equipped with a Mushroom egg warhead, to conduct the test explosion on these high seas. This will not only verify the power but also demonstrate our strength to Di Guo, forming a powerful deterrent."

The conference room instantly erupted.

"This is too risky!" A general stood up to object, "If the test fails, wouldn't that be embarrassing in front of the whole world?"

"Even if it succeeds, doesn't this amount to announcing to the whole world that we have a Mushroom egg? The international pressure will be immense." Another Military Representative said worriedly.

"Compared to international pressure, I am more worried about Di Guo's reaction." The Director of the Military Department said in a deep voice, "If our test provokes Di Guo, will they act like a cornered dog and immediately launch a Mushroom Strike against us?"

Li Mingyuan looked around at these worried faces and suddenly smiled: "Everyone, do you think we have a choice right now?"

He pointed to the intelligence briefing, "Di Guo has already prepared two Mushroom eggs, and the targets are our Frontline Command and this military industrial base. They could launch an attack at any time. Rather than sitting and waiting for death, it is better to strike first!"

"But what if the test fails?" A general pressed.

Li Mingyuan looked straight into his eyes: "I have confidence in our technology. The Mushroom egg has been repeatedly verified from theoretical design to various parameters, and the success rate is extremely high. Furthermore, even if it fails, at least it can give Di Guo a warning—we also have this technology, and their Mushroom Strike will face the same retaliation."

Minister Zhang pondered for a moment and turned to Dean He: "Dean He, from a technical perspective, what is the probability of a successful test?"

Dean He straightened his back: "According to our theoretical calculations and simulation tests, the success rate is over 95%. However..."

"However, without a live-fire test, there is always a risk." Li Mingyuan finished for him, "I understand this. But time is tight now, and we have no other choice."

The conference room fell into silence again, with everyone weighing the pros and cons and contemplating the consequences of this bold decision.

The Director of the Military Department finally stood up, his gaze firm: "I agree with Chief Engineer Li's proposal. Facing Di Guo's Mushroom threat, we cannot retreat. If the test succeeds, it will completely change the war situation; if it fails... then at least we will know what still needs to be improved."

Minister Zhang took a deep breath: "This is a historic decision. I propose a vote."

The voting result was unexpectedly unanimous—passed by a full vote! Everyone realized that in the face of a life-or-death juncture, only by deterring the enemy with the force of Thunder could they defend national security.

"Good, it's decided." Minister Zhang made the final call, "Immediately initiate the sea test plan, codenamed 'Shuguang Operation'."

After the meeting ended, Li Mingyuan was called aside by the Director of the Military Department.

"Chief Engineer Li, are you really sure?" The Director of the Military Department stared into Li Mingyuan's eyes, his voice low.

Li Mingyuan did not answer immediately, but took out a cigarette and lit one for himself and the Director of the Military Department. Taking a deep drag, he slowly exhaled a smoke ring: "To be honest, there is no hundred-percent certainty. But I know that if we do nothing, the only thing waiting for us is a dead end."

The Director of the Military Department patted his shoulder: "I believe in you, and the people of the whole country believe in you. Go, give Di Guo an unforgettable lesson!"

Walking out of the conference room, the system's notification sound suddenly rang in Li Mingyuan's mind:

【Mission: Complete the Mushroom egg test explosion】

【Reward: Rocket Propulsion Technology Upgrade, Insight Value +5000】

"Holy crap, is this too coincidental?" Li Mingyuan muttered to himself, "The system is trying to lead me toward the stars and the sea."