Chapter46: The Great Leap Forward

"Everyone evacuate immediately!"

With Old Zhao's shout, the alarm echoed through the entire research base. The facility quickly shifted into emergency evacuation mode. Many researchers and staff were initially confused, but their training kicked in as they began to evacuate, albeit slowly.

A broadcast rang out throughout the base. "All personnel must evacuate the research base within ten minutes. This is not a drill! Repeat, this is not a drill!"

After the broadcast repeated three times, a sense of urgency swept through everyone. Understanding that something significant was happening, they quickened their pace towards the exits.

In the control center, after Old Zhao's evacuation order, the tension was palpable. A young man approached him, saying, "Teacher, I won't leave. Controlled heavy fusion is my dream, and we're on the brink of success. I can't leave now, and you need someone to record the data."

Old Zhao's face hardened. "Starfire, do you understand how dangerous the upcoming high-power test is? There's only a fifty percent chance of success! What use is it for you to stay? The reactor is controlled by intelligent programs, and the data will be automatically recorded. Why stay?"

"I'm old, but you are young. If we fail, you'll be needed to continue the work on the Heavy Matter Fusion Reactor!"

Before Old Zhao could finish, Starfire interrupted him. "Teacher, you don't need to convince me. The Holy Leader said we must face whatever lies ahead bravely. This is what I must face. Let the others go; we don't need so many people here."

With a determined look, Starfire turned to the control panel and began preparing for the high-power test. Old Zhao, exasperated, considered physically dragging him away but knew Starfire's stubbornness and physical strength made that futile.

Turning to the others, Old Zhao commanded, "Why are you still here? Evacuate immediately! Nova needs you. You are the foundation of the Heavy Matter Fusion Reactor project. This is not cowardice; it's for Nova's future!"

The other researchers exchanged glances, then bowed to Old Zhao and began their evacuation.

Zachary Thompson approached Starfire. "Son, you shouldn't stay. I've heard of you. You're young and already a project researcher. Nova's future development needs you, not your sacrifice here."

Starfire looked at Zachary with firm resolve. "Vice Director, I've been with the Heavy Matter Fusion Reactor project from the start. I know every piece of data intimately, even more than my teacher. This high-power test is crucial, and I can't miss it. The sooner we complete this reactor, the sooner Nova can explore the universe and prepare for the return of the Demon King."

Hatred flashed in Starfire's eyes, driven by the loss of his parents, relatives, and friends among the ninety million casualties.

Zachary remained silent, understanding Starfire's determination.

Ten minutes later, the base was nearly empty. Zachary's secretary returned after completing the evacuation. Old Zhao and Starfire were deep in preparation for the high-power test.

"Old Zhao, Starfire, begin the test," Zachary commanded.

"Yes, sir," Old Zhao and Starfire responded in unison.

"Starfire, the reactor has been running stably at low power for several minutes. Check the component wear status."

"Switching to high-power mode in three minutes."

"Yes, sir!"

"All components are functioning well, wear is below expected levels. Switching to high-power mode in three minutes."

Starfire, multitasking as both operator and announcer, reported the data. Old Zhao, not minding the unprofessional broadcast, shouted an approving "Good!"

Zachary watched, feeling a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

Time passed quickly.

"Switching all components to high-power mode."

Starfire adjusted the controls, and Old Zhao turned to Zachary. "Vice Director, we're proceeding with the high-power test."

"I believe we will succeed," Zachary responded firmly.

With a nod, Old Zhao gave the order to Starfire. "Begin!"

"Heavy Matter Fusion Reactor, first high-power test, countdown one minute..."

"High-energy electromagnetic accelerator operating, magnetic field stable..."

"High-energy particle stabilizer operating..."

"Heavy Matter Fusion Reactor, first high-power test, countdown thirty seconds..."

"Heavy Matter Fusion Reactor, first high-power test, countdown five seconds..."

Zachary and Old Zhao felt their hearts in their throats, barely able to breathe, while Starfire continued the countdown with steady nerves.

"Four... Three... Two... One... Start!"

Starfire pressed the control switch, and the screen showed a dramatic change. The reactor, initially emitting a faint glow, suddenly burst with a blinding blue light but remained stable.

"Quick, monitor the data!" Old Zhao shouted.

Starfire immediately began checking the readings. "Energy output is rapidly increasing, currently at fifteen times the low-power output... Component loads are rising quickly but within expected limits..."

"Good, let it run to maximum capacity!"

"Yes, sir!"

Shortly after...

"The reactor's energy output has reached maximum capacity, a thousand times the low-power output... Component loads are stable, forty-five percent below maximum capacity..."

"Teacher... does this mean we succeeded?"

Old Zhao, staring at the screen, could hardly believe it. "It seems so... But we need to keep it running to be sure..."

Twenty minutes later...

"Teacher, we did it!" Starfire shouted excitedly. The reactor had been running stably for over twenty minutes without any issues, and the component loads had not changed.

Old Zhao, snapping out of his shock, turned to Zachary, tears in his eyes. "Vice Director, we succeeded. We've mastered Heavy Matter Fusion technology. Nova can now reach for the stars!"

Overcome with emotion, Old Zhao began to cry. Zachary, witnessing this, finally felt his heart lighten.

"Yes, Nova can now soar into the universe..."