Chapter 553: A Plane That Takes Off Vertically?!

First Chairman Koriakin's face was livid. After listening to the reports from the group of scientists, he nearly tore the documents on the table to shreds: "Are you telling me that Long Country's technology has already surpassed us by thirty years? That country that was still relying on our aid just a few years ago?"

Academy of Sciences President Kravchenko responded cautiously: "According to our analysis, the situation may be even worse than this. Certain characteristics displayed by 'Kunpeng' completely exceed the explanatory range of our existing scientific theories. This is not just a technological gap, but a fracture at the cognitive level."

"Then formulate new theories!" Koriakin roared, "We have the world's most outstanding scientists!"

"Theories require a foundation, Comrade First Chairman." Kravchenko said calmly, "Without sufficient observational data and experimental evidence, we cannot establish a reliable theoretical system. Furthermore, scientific breakthroughs often require time, and require space for free exploration..."

Koriakin's fist slammed heavily onto the table: "Time? Freedom? Do you think we have these luxuries? Long Country has already taken a step ahead of us! If we do not catch up quickly, the world landscape will change completely!"

A heavy atmosphere permeated the conference room. The scientists exchanged helpless glances, while the Military Representative looked grave, his fingers tapping the table uneasily.

"We need more intelligence." KGB Chairman Andeluobofu finally spoke, "No matter how Long Country obtained this technology, they must have left behind some traces. I suggest launching the 'Hongchenchenxi' project, concentrating all our intelligence resources to infiltrate Long Country's scientific research institutions and search for the technical secrets of 'Kunpeng'."

Koriakin nodded slowly: "Approved. At the same time, mobilize all available scientists to form a specialized research team to overcome these technical difficulties day and night. I want to see substantial progress within a year!"

"A year?" Kravchenko couldn't help but exclaim, "Comrade First Chairman, even the Manhattan Project took several years..."

"That is because they were not facing a life-or-death crisis!" Koriakin interrupted sternly, "If Long Country truly has mastered this technology and weaponized it... can you imagine the consequences?"

The conference room fell into a deathly silence. Everyone was imagining that terrifying scene—how the Long Country military, equipped with 'Kunpeng' technology, would completely alter the global military balance.

Just as the two great powers were mired in panic, in a certain sea area, the Star-Spangled Country destroyer "Freedom" was cautiously tracking the reappearance of "Kunpeng." This time, the mysterious giant beast seemed to be in a good mood, cruising on the sea surface at a speed of about 30 knots in a posture that was almost like a "leisurely stroll," just like a strong person deliberately slowing their pace to give the weak a chance to admire their style.

On the bridge of "Freedom," Captain Major Paike gripped his high-magnification binoculars tightly, staring fixedly at the silver-gray behemoth ahead. After the previous "Lightning acceleration" incident, the Star-Spangled Country Navy had maintained extreme vigilance toward "Kunpeng" and had established a strict safety distance protocol—always maintain a distance of at least 10 nautical miles and be prepared for emergency evasive maneuvers at any time.

"What is it doing?" Major Paike muttered to himself, "Just... wandering around?"

The Communication Officer suddenly exclaimed: "Captain! 'Kunpeng' has changed course! It is moving toward us!"

"Stay calm!" Paike ordered sternly, "Maintain current course and speed; do not make any movements that could be seen as a provocation. Radar and sonar, operate at full power; record every detail!"

As "Kunpeng" approached, the atmosphere on the bridge grew increasingly tense. Even experienced naval officers could not hide their inner unease when facing this existence that transcended common sense.

"Distance 9 nautical miles... 8 nautical miles..." The Radar Operator's voice trembled slightly, "It seems to be decelerating... now maintaining about 25 knots."

"What is it trying to do?" Major Paike frowned, "All weapon systems, remain on standby, but do not lock onto the target! Repeat, do not lock onto the target!"

Just at this moment, an astonishing change occurred.

"Captain!" the observer screamed, "On 'Kunpeng'... something is moving!"

Major Paike immediately aimed his binoculars at "Kunpeng." He saw that in the center of the deck on the back of that massive platform, a huge piece of armor plating slid open silently and smoothly to both sides, revealing a deep, black "wellhead."

"My God..." Paike muttered, "Is it... an aircraft carrier?"

But he quickly realized that this was not an ordinary carrier deck. There was no obvious takeoff runway, no catapult, and none of the facilities essential to a conventional carrier. It looked more like a... vertical lift shaft?

"Everyone, record!" Paike ordered, his voice distorted by shock, "Cameras, radar, all equipment, operate at full power!"

No sooner had he spoken than an even more incredible sight appeared—a silver-gray fighter jet with a streamlined and peculiar shape, accompanied by a low and powerful engine roar, rose vertically and steadily from the "wellhead" as if supported by an invisible giant hand!

Everyone on the bridge held their breath, staring dumbfounded at this scene. No taxiing, no catapult, no auxiliary devices of any kind; the fighter jet just hovered quietly a few meters above the back of "Kunpeng," violating all aviation common sense!

"This... this is impossible!" the Weapons Officer said in disbelief, "A vertically taking-off fighter jet? This violates all aerodynamic principles!"

Major Paike was completely speechless. His brain desperately tried to understand the scene before him, only to find that his cognitive framework had completely collapsed. As an experienced naval officer, he was well-versed in all existing military equipment, whether it was the Star-Spangled Country's own or that of their opponents. But the fighter jet before him, from its appearance to its performance, was just so... alien.

"It... it has no conventional air intakes..." the observer reported tremblingly, "The wing configuration is completely different... and... it can actually hover vertically!"

Just as everyone was shocked, the cockpit canopy of that fighter jet slowly opened. A figure stood up and actually made a clear waving gesture toward the direction of "Freedom"!

This scene was like a heavy punch, striking the hearts of all the observers. It was not a mechanical failure, nor an accidental phenomenon, but a carefully planned display—Long Country not only wanted the Star-Spangled Country to see their advanced technology, but also wanted them to understand that this was a conscious display of power!

Before Major Paike could recover from the shock, an even more suffocating scene occurred—the fighter jet's cockpit canopy closed again, and the engine sound suddenly increased by eight octaves, turning into a piercing shriek. The next second, it erupted with a terrifying thrust at an almost vertical angle, turning into a silver Lightning that pierced the firmament and vanished into the clouds in an instant!