Chapter 175: A New Era—We Must Be the Ones to Define It!

7:00 AM, inside the Number One Conference Room of the Longyin Research Institute.

The large screen displayed the encrypted document just received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The cabinet of Eagle Country had finally signed the post-war agreement, but after the third item, "Handover of Historical Archives," and the fourth item, "Armament Restrictions," clauses.

It was marked in parentheses: "Right of interpretation reserved; specific implementation details to be confirmed after review by the parliamentary special committee."

"Right of interpretation reserved?" Wang Hao sneered.

"These bastards still want to play word games with us?"

Feng Yan swiped his tablet, pulling up the official reply draft from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Our reply is very direct: the right to interpret the agreement's clauses belongs jointly to both signing parties."

"But if there is a significant deviation between your interpretation and the facts or the original intent of the text, we have the right to unilaterally enforce the clauses based on the facts."

"Including the use of all necessary means to ensure the implementation of the clauses."

"To translate," Chen Guang adjusted his glasses.

"It means: you can interpret it, but we don't accept it. If you dare to interpret it recklessly, we will go and take it ourselves."

Low laughter erupted in the conference room.

"The first batch of reparations from the White Elephant and Eagle Country arrived yesterday." Li Yang pulled up the financial briefing.

"For the three billion in mineral compensation from the White Elephant, the first batch of lithium ore is already on its way to the port."

"On the Eagle Country side, they have also lifted seventeen technical export restrictions to China, including some components for EUV lithography machines."

"Lithography machines?" Wang Hao's eyes lit up. "Does that mean making chips will be cheaper for me in the future?"

"It's to unbind our domestic chip factories," Feng Yan explained.

"But more importantly, they are beginning to admit that the technical blockade has failed."

Zhao Kaiyuan added: "The test data for the 'Xuanming' micro-reactor is also out; the volume has been shrunk to the size of a car engine."

"Yet the output power can reach eighty percent of the prototype, enough for the 'Jing'an-3'."

"'Jing'an-3'?" Wang Hao was curious.

"Brother Li, did you come up with something new again?"

Li Yang pulled up the design drawing on his tablet: "It's not something new, it's the next generation."

"Based on plateau combat data, the leg joint structure has been optimized, and vector thruster nozzles have been added."

"It can fly short distances within the atmosphere and transform into a small spacecraft in a space environment."

On the screen, a streamlined humanoid mech slowly rotated, with openable thruster nozzles on its shoulders, back, and soles.

"Holy crap!" Wang Hao leaned in to look. "A real-life Transformer?"

"Not that exaggerated." Li Yang zoomed in on the joint details.

"It's mainly to cope with multi-environment combat. Plateaus, plains, oceans, near-Earth space... we can't build a new mech every time we go to a new place."

Chen Guang continued the report: "The integration progress of the 'Torch Dragon' quantum computing module is at forty percent."

"The theoretical computing power is increased by over a thousand times, but all algorithms need to be rewritten."

"The current 'Torch Dragon' is already approaching the limit of traditional computing when processing three-line battlefield data."

"A thousand times?" Wang Hao gasped.

"Then in the future, Guangzi, will you be able to monitor the whole world simultaneously?"

"Theoretically, yes." Chen Guang was very calm.

"But what's more important is the speed of decision-making. If there is another conflict, the time from detection to analysis to decision to execution can be compressed to one percent of what it is now."

The conference room was quiet for a few seconds.

Feng Yan looked around at everyone: "This is what we are going to discuss today—what we need to do and what we should do in the next three months."

He pulled up a schedule and projected it onto the large screen:

【Longyin Research Institute Next-Generation Technical System Upgrade Plan (Draft)】

Phase 1: 1-3 months

"Kuafu-2" aerospace missile full-system test (Wang Hao's team)

"Jing'an-3" prototype design freeze, start component manufacturing (Li Yang's team + Zhao Gong's team)

Preliminary integration of quantum computing prototype with "Torch Dragon-2" (Chen Guang's team)

"Xuanming-Micro" reactor production line setup (Zhao Kaiyuan's team)

Phase 2: 4-6 months

Formulation of a normalized patrol system plan for near-Earth space (All members)

Feasibility study for deep-sea base construction (Li Yang's team + Chen Guang's team)

Formulation of technical standards for civilian mechs (Li Yang's team + Legal Department)

Phase 3: 7-12 months

Establish a complete near-Earth space defense/strike system

Launch preliminary design of "Guanghan Palace" lunar outpost

Complete the global promotion plan for "Longyin" technical standards

"This... is a bit intense." Wang Hao looked at the schedule.

"We have to go to the sky and into the sea within a year?"

"It's not that we want to be this urgent." Feng Yan pulled up the international intelligence summary.

"It's that our opponents won't wait for us to continue developing."

The screen displayed the military movements of various countries over the past week:

Eagle Country (Japan): Since the cabinet signed the agreement, right-wing groups have organized large-scale protests, burning the Longguo flag and demanding the government "strike back hard." Voices of the "Jade Shatter Faction" have even appeared within the Self-Defense Forces, but they are being suppressed by the top brass.

White Elephant: Reparations and resource handovers have triggered domestic economic turmoil; opposition parties have seized the opportunity to attack, and the Prime Minister's approval rating has fallen by 15 percentage points. The military is divided, with some young officers believing "this grudge must be avenged."

Eagle Country (USA): Lifting some technical bans has triggered fierce debate domestically, with hawkish lawmakers calling it "kneeling to Longguo." But there is support from Silicon Valley and Wall Street, as they have their eyes on the markets Longguo is about to open.

Even more noteworthy is the European direction: multiple countries have suddenly increased R&D investment in "humanoid combat platforms," with budget increases generally over 300%. Intelligence shows that a pan-European mech project called "Project Ares" has been secretly launched.

"They are already learning from us," Li Yang said.

"Not entirely learning." Chen Guang pulled up a technical analysis.

"The roadmap released by Project Ares shows that they have skipped the exoskeleton stage and are aiming directly at heavy mechs."

"But the three major bottlenecks of materials, energy, and control have not been solved—unless..."

"Unless someone provides them with key technology," Feng Yan took over.

"Intelligence shows that the frequency of activities of the remnants of the 'Confluence' organization in Europe has increased fivefold in the past two weeks."

"They specialize in being technical intermediaries, packaging materials from Country A, energy from Country B, and control algorithms from Country C to sell to Country D."

Wang Hao scratched his head: "Isn't that just a middleman in the tech world?"

"More dangerous than a middleman." Chen Guang pulled up a file.

"'Confluence' sold the Furry Bear's submarine anechoic tile technology to the White Elephant three years ago, and sold the Eagle Country's stealth coating formula to the Eagle Country (Japan)."

"They don't produce technology, they only do technical 'hybridization,' spawning many 'monster equipment' that do not conform to conventional development paths."

Zhao Gong puffed on his pipe and said slowly: "Back when we were in the factory, this was what we feared most."

"Pieced together, it looks like it has high parameters, but in actual use, it's full of problems."

"But it cannot be denied that it can indeed form combat effectiveness in the short term."

"So our time window is very short," Feng Yan concluded.

"While they are still piecing together the first generation, we must solidify the second-generation technology and set the design philosophy for the third generation."

"By the time they barely manage to produce usable mechs, we will have completely mastered the rules of the game for the entire battlefield."

Tasks were quickly assigned.

After the meeting, Wang Hao hooked his arm around Chen Guang's shoulder as they walked to the cafeteria: "Guangzi, when will your quantum computing be done?"

"I want to build a fully automated missile production line; the current computing power isn't enough to simulate assembly line optimization."

"I can give you a beta version in three months," Chen Guang thought for a moment.

"But you have to standardize the missile design parameters first; there are too many messy custom parts, the AI can't learn."

"Oh, that's not messy, that's personalized customization!"

"Personalized to the point where the circuit board routing of every missile is different?"

"... That's called craftsmanship!"

The two argued as they entered the cafeteria.

At breakfast time, the research institute was filled with the aroma of steamed buns, fried dough sticks, and soy milk.

Feng Yan sat by the window with his tray, and Li Yang soon followed.

"Brother Feng, I have a concern about the space transformation mechanism of the 'Jing'an-3'." Li Yang opened his tablet and pulled up the stress simulation diagram.

"There is a twelve-second transition period from humanoid to spaceship form."

"During these twelve seconds, the structural strength of the mech will drop to thirty percent of its normal value, which is a deadly vulnerable period."

"Will the battlefield environment give you twelve seconds to transform?"

"No. So I'm thinking of two plans: one is to shorten the transformation time, aiming to complete it within three seconds; the second is to add a temporary shield specifically to cover the transformation period." Li Yang paused.

"But the shield requires extra energy, which will squeeze the quota of the weapon system."

Feng Yan took a sip of soy milk: "Ask Chen Guang if his quantum computing can calculate the optimal transformation path in real-time once it's online?"

"Maybe it doesn't need twelve seconds; if the movement trajectory of every joint is optimized, maybe five seconds will be enough."

Li Yang's eyes lit up: "That's right... we can use AI to predict the battlefield situation, start transforming in advance, or choose the safest time."

"Also, don't just think about transforming yourself." Feng Yan pointed to the "Dragon Rider" guards training on the test field outside the window.

"Think about coordinated combat. When one mech is transforming, can other mechs provide cover? Can the 'Insect Legion' create smoke or interference? Just like in a game, throw a smoke grenade first!"

"Systematization." Li Yang nodded, "I understand."

At this moment, Zhao Kaiyuan brought his tray over and sat down, his expression a bit excited: "Brother Feng, the production line plan for the micro-reactor has been approved!"

"The state has given three old nuclear power plant renovation indicators; the equipment will enter the site next week, and it will be put into production within three months."

"What about the output?"

"Initially twenty units per month, enough to equip ten 'Jing'an-3's or forty 'Iron Wolf's." Zhao Kaiyuan lowered his voice.

"There's also good news: the principle verification for the civilian version of the 'Xuanming-2' reactor has passed; the output power is enough to supply electricity for a small town of 100,000 people for a whole year, and the volume is only the size of a shipping container."

Feng Yan's chopsticks stopped: "What about safety?"

"Fusion reaction, no risk of chain reaction, stops as soon as it's shut down."

"The radiation shielding uses 'Dark Crystal' derivative materials; laboratory tests show that the radiation dose received by standing next to the reactor for a year is equivalent to eating ten bananas."

Wang Hao happened to come over and laughed when he heard this: "Bananas? Then if I eat bananas every day, have I already mutated?"

"You mutated long ago." Chen Guang sat down behind him.

"Normal people wouldn't think of painting missiles pink."

"That's called a deterrent color, okay! Psychologically, pink can reduce the enemy's aggressiveness!"

"And then attract more firepower?"

"..."

Breakfast ended in noise.

Feng Yan looked at this group of young people—no, they weren't really young anymore: Li Yang was thirty-one, Chen Guang twenty-nine, Wang Hao twenty-eight, and Zhao Kaiyuan thirty-two.

But the light in their eyes was the same as when they first met in the old warehouse.

The difference was that the light back then was a pure love for technology.

Now, there was more responsibility, more weight, and more commitment to the homeland behind them.

9:00 AM, test field.

The "Kuafu-2" No. 2 test missile was undergoing its final pre-launch check.

This was one of the first batch of mass-produced models about to be commissioned.

The missile body was fifteen meters long, painted dark gray, with only a circle of red dragon patterns on the tail.

The four foldable solar panels on the back had been retracted, waiting to be deployed after ascending.

Wang Hao, wearing white work clothes, climbed up and down under the launch rack, personally checking every interface.

"Fueling complete!"

"Navigation system self-check passed!"

"Fusion reactor preheating... eighty percent... ninety... one hundred percent, stable!"

"Launch ready!"

In the command center, Feng Yan stood in front of the large screen, with all members of the research institute behind him.

Including the logistics masters, the cafeteria chefs, and the cleaning aunties.

Everyone was allowed to watch this launch.

This was not a secret mission, but a display of strength.

The launch command was confirmed layer by layer through the "Torch Dragon" system and finally transmitted to Wang Hao's headset.

"Launch countdown: ten, nine, eight..."

Wang Hao retreated behind the safety line and looked up at the missile.

"Three, two, one—ignition!"

A pale blue ion stream sprayed from the tail of the "Kuafu-2," and the missile slowly left the launch rack, accelerated, and climbed.

Ten seconds later, it had become a bright spot of light in the night sky, continuing to rise, breaking through the clouds, and finally disappearing into the atmosphere.

The large screen switched to a satellite perspective: the missile deployed its solar panels at an altitude of thirty kilometers, the ion thrusters started at full power, and the speed soared from Mach 5 to Mach 10, Mach 15...

"Mach 20!" the data clerk reported, "Stable acceleration!"

The trajectory line on the screen shot straight into the sky, then suddenly turned at an altitude of eighty kilometers and began to fly around the Earth.

"Entering scheduled orbit." Chen Guang's voice came from the communication channel, "'Torch Dragon' has taken over control, starting orbital maintenance test."

Everyone held their breath and watched the screen.

The orbital altitude was 120 kilometers, and the speed was stable at Mach 20.

The missile flew around the Earth like a precise pendulum along the calculated orbit.

"Show us its capabilities," Feng Yan said.

"Understood." Chen Guang entered the command.

The trajectory on the screen suddenly changed: the missile made a sharp turn, then performed three consecutive orbital maneuvers, drawing a complex three-dimensional polygon, and finally returned to the original orbit.

Throughout the process, the speed fluctuation was less than one percent.

"This is the combat mode of the 'Kuafu-2'." Wang Hao explained into the microphone, his voice filled with irrepressible pride.

"The trajectory of traditional ballistic missiles is a predictable parabola. But the 'Kuafu-2' can change orbit arbitrarily outside the atmosphere; you have no idea where it will fly next."

"What about endurance?" someone asked.

"Theoretically infinite." Zhao Kaiyuan took over.

"The fusion reactor provides energy, and the solar panels assist. As long as it doesn't perform extreme maneuvers, it can fly around the Earth for several years."

The command center was silent.

Several years.

Infinite orbital changes.

Mach 20.

Everyone knew what these three phrases combined meant.

"Alright, return to base," Feng Yan said.

The missile began to decelerate, lowered its orbital altitude, and re-entered the atmosphere.

This time it did not return directly to the base, but deliberately grazed 50 kilometers above the Eagle Country (Japan) islands.

At this altitude, people on the ground could see a bright trail streaking across the sky with the naked eye.

Of course, this was calculated in advance and would not cause any actual threat.

But it sent a message: this time I just flew over your head, this time it was passing by, next time it might not be.

The missile finally landed steadily on the base's vertical recovery platform, with a landing error of only 0.3 meters.

The whole venue erupted in warm applause.

Wang Hao ran back to the command center from the test field, sweating profusely but with a bright smile: "How about it? My work, is it awesome or not?"

"Awesome!" everyone shouted in unison.

"Extra meal tonight!" Feng Yan announced, "The cafeteria master said, roast whole lamb tonight, all you can eat!"

The cheers grew louder.

At 7:00 PM, the cafeteria really set out three roasted whole lambs, along with crates of drinks.

Wang Hao held a lamb leg in one hand and a microphone in the other, jumping onto the table:

"Comrades! Friends! Family! Today, we witnessed history! 'Kuafu-2', Brother Hao worked on it for three years, and today it finally succeeded!"

"In the future, whoever dares to act up, we'll send them a package, Mach 20, free shipping to their door!"

The crowd below laughed. 【180】 Chen Guang whispered to Li Yang in the corner: "Every time he gives a speech, he lowers the classiness by three levels."

Chen Guang whispered to Li Yang in the corner, "Every time he gives a speech, he manages to lower the classiness by three levels."

Li Yang's mouth curled up: "But everyone loves to listen."

Feng Yan did not join the revelry; he walked to the window with his drink.

He remembered three years ago, that afternoon of slacking off by watching short videos.

Remembered Li Yang's dilapidated warehouse, Chen Guang's university dormitory, Wang Hao's firework factory, Zhao Gong's old family compound, and Zhao Kaiyuan's startup company with only five people.

Back then, who could have imagined today?

The communicator vibrated; it was a message from Lei Jindong:

"Today's 'Kuafu-2' launch, embassies from seventeen countries sent inquiry letters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has replied uniformly: routine aerospace test, not targeting any country."

"On the Eagle Country (Japan) side, they protested that we 'deliberately flew over their airspace.' We replied: that is international airspace, and the aircraft is fully controllable, causing no damage."

"The Eagle Country (USA) Department of Defense issued a statement saying it will accelerate the R&D of 'hypersonic weapons.' But think tank reports show that their existing technical route has a theoretical limit of only half that of the 'Kuafu-2'."

"Also, on the White Elephant side, the first batch of lithium ore has arrived at the port."

"Quality inspection reports show that the purity is two percentage points higher than the contract requirement; I guess they are afraid we will find fault."

Feng Yan finished reading one by one and replied: "Received. Tell the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, next time they ask, just say we are testing a space logistics system, and we may launch a global one-hour delivery service in the future."

Lei Jindong replied with a big laughing emoji.

Closing the communicator, Feng Yan looked further out the window.

In the night sky, there were stars, the moon, and the "Kuafu-2" flying in orbit that could not be seen with the naked eye.

And between those stars, in the deeper darkness, new challenges were already brewing.

The technical hybridization of the "Confluence" organization, Europe's "Project Ares," the unwilling counterattack of Eagle Country (USA), the secret stalling of Eagle Country (Japan), the brewing revenge sentiment within the White Elephant...

And the further future: lunar bases, Mars exploration, deep space navigation.

"Brother Feng, what are you thinking about?" Wang Hao came over and handed him a skewer of lamb.

"If you don't eat it, it'll be gone. I almost got into a fight with Xiao Zhang from the logistics team just for the last lamb kidney."

Feng Yan took the lamb skewer and took a bite; it was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

"Thinking about the future," he said.

"The future? In the future, of course, we will build bigger missiles, fiercer mechs, and plant our Longguo flag all over the solar system!" Wang Hao was high-spirited.

"And then?"

"And then..." Wang Hao was stunned.

"Then it's time to retire. By then, I'll go back to my hometown and open a missile-themed amusement park, tickets 180, half price for kids, it's definitely going to be a hit."

Feng Yan laughed.

Yeah, and then what.

Technology will iterate, wars will end, and the era will move forward.

But some things will not change: the original intention of this group of people gathering together, the lights in those late-night laboratories, the persistence of failing and starting over, the simple wish to make the country better.

"There will be that day," Feng Yan said.

"But not yet."

He walked back to the center of the cafeteria and clapped his hands.

The noise gradually subsided, and everyone looked over.

"Celebration is over for today," Feng Yan said.

"Starting tomorrow, new tasks."

"Same old rules: Li Yang's team handles the design of 'Jing'an-3', Chen Guang's team integrates quantum computing with 'Torch Dragon', Wang Hao's team prepares for the mass production of 'Kuafu-2', and Zhao Gong's team and Zhao Kaiyuan's team set up the micro-reactor production line."

"Everyone has seen the schedule; it's tight. But we must do it."

He paused, his eyes sweeping over every face:

"Because this time, we are not chasing anyone, nor are we guarding against anyone."

"We are defining—what the future should look like."

"And this matter can only be done by us, Longguo."

The cafeteria was quiet for a moment, and then erupted in warm response:

"Understood!"

"Just do it!"

"Longyin is awesome!"