Chapter 365: Launch!

"But what if... they really have succeeded?" a young analyst asked cautiously.

The Intelligence Officer glanced at him: "Then that would mean our intelligence system has failed completely. However, taking a step back, even if they truly have the theoretical foundation, there is still a long road from theory to practical application. I bet this test explosion will most likely end in failure."

"Or," the Director of the Military Intelligence Department said with a gloomy face, "this is simply a political stunt. Long Country might just be trying to stall for time, making us hesitate and afraid to use our own Mushroom Eggs."

"Regardless," the Chief Intelligence Officer concluded, "we need to closely monitor this so-called 'test explosion.' If it is a bluff, we will expose their lies; if there is any real progress, we must also obtain intelligence at the first opportunity and adjust our strategic plans."

The atmosphere in the conference room was gloomy and tense; everyone realized that developments in the coming days could completely change the course of this war, or even the landscape of the entire world.

At the Di Guo Presidential Palace, the President was standing alone in front of the window, gazing at the night sky in the distance.

His heart was filled with unease and doubt. Had Long Country really mastered Modan Jishu?

……

At this very moment, far away at the Long Country military industrial base, Li Mingyuan pressed the launch preparation button.

"Attention everyone, 'Shuguang Operation' is officially initiated, please take your positions!" His voice spread throughout the entire base via the broadcast.

Li Mingyuan walked into the command center, where the large screen displayed the missile launch readiness status.

His eyes were bloodshot, but his spirit was exceptionally excited. He had waited too long for this moment.

"Triangulation radio guidance system is ready, three guidance aircraft have entered the designated airspace," the communications officer reported loudly.

"Rocket Engine preheating complete, fuel injection normal."

"Missile control system self-check complete, everything is normal."

A series of reports sounded one after another; Li Mingyuan's gaze was locked on the central countdown display screen.

"Chief Engineer Li, are you sure this will really succeed?" Dean He asked in a low voice, his face full of worry.

Li Mingyuan revealed a mysterious smile, "Rest assured, Dean He, I have confidence in my design."

"Mushroom Egg warhead final inspection complete, Safety Interlock System working normally," Lao Liu reported.

"Navigation system precision calibration complete, error is less than 50 meters."

Li Mingyuan took a deep breath and turned to the launch button in front of the command console, "Attention all personnel, the missile launch procedure is about to start, countdown, ten, nine, eight..."

At the same time, the intelligence systems of various countries began to operate frantically.

"Emergency intelligence! Abnormal activity detected at the Long Country military base, suspected preparation of a launch device!" a Beijixiong Guo intelligence agent reported urgently to their superior.

"Satellite monitoring detected abnormal energy fluctuations in the eastern coastal region of Long Country, judged to be signs of Rocket Engine preheating!" the Di Guo intelligence officer's voice trembled.

The Yinghua Guo Defense Agency held an emergency meeting, "According to the latest intelligence returned by our reconnaissance aircraft, Long Country is indeed conducting some kind of launch preparation, which may be related to the previously announced Mushroom Egg test explosion!"

Inside the Taiji Tiger Presidential Palace, President Li Chengye placed his teacup heavily on the table, "Are they really going to take action? Will this trigger a larger-scale war?"

Di Guo urgently mobilized all available reconnaissance resources; three high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft were ordered to fly toward the vicinity of the designated test explosion sea area, but to maintain a safe distance.

"For God's sake, make sure to take clear photos!" the intelligence director roared into the communicator, "I need to know for sure if Long Country really has the capability to complete a Mushroom Egg test explosion!"

Media outlets of Di Guo's allies began issuing warnings, "Emergency notice: An explosion of unknown scale may occur in the high seas area between Taiji Tiger and Yinghua Guo; coastal residents are requested to prepare for evacuation and stay at least 50 kilometers away from the coastline!"

This news triggered small-scale panic in the coastal areas, and people began packing simple luggage to move inland.

"I heard Long Country is going to test a Mushroom Egg, is this true?"

"Who knows, but it's better to believe it than not. If that thing explodes, the coast won't be safe."

After receiving the intelligence, the Di Guo President immediately convened an emergency meeting.

"Damn it, they really are going to take action!" Defense Secretary Harrison cursed, "We must take action immediately!"

"I suggest deploying the Pacific Fleet to intercept their missile!" Admiral Stewart proposed.

The President pondered for a moment, "Once the missile is airborne, interception is extremely difficult. Furthermore, we cannot be certain if it is truly carrying a Mushroom Egg warhead. If it really is, the consequences of it detonating near the coast would be unimaginable."

"But we cannot sit by and watch Long Country become the third Mushroom power!" Harrison said excitedly.

The President tapped the table, "We can try to intercept it during the initial launch phase. Dispatch anti-aircraft ships to attempt an interception during the missile's boost phase."

The Military acted quickly, mobilizing three destroyers located near the sea area to prepare for the interception operation.

"Once the target is airborne, lock on and fire the interceptor missile immediately," the fleet commander received the order, his expression grave.

Media outlets from various countries also began emergency broadcasts:

"This is Di Guo Broadcasting Company special news; according to reliable sources, Long Country is about to conduct a Mushroom Egg test explosion in the high seas area between Taiji Tiger and Yinghua Guo. Although most experts express doubt as to whether Long Country has truly mastered Modan Jishu, this action will undoubtedly have a major impact on regional security..."

"Beijixiong International Radio reports that Long Country is suspected to be preparing for a Mushroom Egg test explosion, a move that has drawn widespread attention from the international community. A spokesperson for the Beijixiong Wajiaobu stated that they hope all parties will remain calm and avoid further escalation of the situation..."

The world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for that moment to arrive.

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

"Launch countdown, three, two, one, ignition!"

As Li Mingyuan pressed the launch button, amidst a huge roar, the Rocket Engine spewed orange-red flames, and the missile slowly lifted off, then accelerated rapidly, piercing straight into the firmament.

"Launch successful! Missile is airborne normally!" the communications officer reported excitedly.

A burst of cheers erupted in the command center, but Li Mingyuan remained calm, "Now is not the time to celebrate; track the missile status and ensure all systems are operating normally."

"Report, the missile has entered the predetermined trajectory, speed is normal, attitude is stable."

"Three guidance aircraft have established signal connection, radio guidance system is operating normally."

Li Mingyuan stared intently at the flight trajectory map on the large screen; the missile was flying along the predetermined route, with about ten minutes of flight time remaining until the target sea area.

Just then, the communications officer suddenly shouted: "Alarm! Detected Di Guo ship-borne Radar scanning our missile! They may be preparing to intercept!"