Chen Mo's calm voice instantly doused the room's excitement like cold water on a flame.
Was he... dissatisfied?
The plasma reached nearly 90 million degrees Celsius and sustained discharge for close to 500 seconds—an experimental milestone they had dreamed of for years. Yet from his tone, it was as if this result didn't meet expectations.
They had just accomplished what most could never achieve in a lifetime of research.
"Academician Chen, you're preparing for the second experiment already?" Wan Yuanzhen asked in disbelief.
"Yes," Chen Mo replied with a nod.
"Is there an issue with the experiment? Or some optimization problem with the device?" Wan pressed.
The usual process would be to review the data, optimize the reactor design, and prepare for the next test. Each stage took time, often weeks or even months.
And yet Chen Mo was pushing forward immediately?
"I'll take care of the experimental issues and device optimization myself. What I need from you is preparation. Once I finish processing the data, I'll initiate the next test," Chen Mo said.
He was confident. The [Star Ring] device, in its current state, was capable of achieving controlled nuclear fusion. None of the system parameters had reached their true limits. With proper tuning and adjustment, the next test might even succeed outright.
The researchers exchanged looks, unsure whether to feel awe or intimidation.
But none of them objected.
The first [Star Ring] experiment had already won them over. Chen Mo's understanding of controlled nuclear fusion had clearly surpassed them all.
Designing and constructing the [Star Ring] in such a short time—then pulling off a first experiment that eclipsed decades of effort—proved he was operating on a different level entirely.
"Academician Wan, inform the Academy that we'll need more than 500 grams of deuterium-tritium fuel delivered. We might be running several tests in quick succession," Chen Mo said.
"Understood." Wan nodded without hesitation. He was already fully convinced by Chen Mo's capabilities.
"Well then, let's all start preparing for the next stage. Once [Star Ring] achieves full success, I'll personally celebrate with everyone." Chen Mo bid them farewell and left the command center with Zhao Min and Li Chengzhi.
"Nearly 90 million degrees, and sustained plasma for 495.43 seconds?" Wang Nian shot up from his seat the moment he heard the news over the phone. His voice was filled with disbelief. "Are you absolutely sure about that?"
"Confirmed. Li Jian and Old Guo were both on site. If you don't believe me, ask them directly. Old Guo wants to join the [Star Ring] project now," Wan Yuanzhen replied, clearly still riding a wave of excitement.
"You're kidding."
Guo Changming was a leading materials expert specializing in divertor technology. He'd headed major materials projects for fusion reactors before. Li Jian was the director of the 'Super Ring' experiment, which until now was the nation's primary hope for progress in fusion energy.
And now even they were moving over to Chen Mo's project?
"Can you send me a copy of the experimental data?" Wang Nian asked.
"No can do. I don't have permission. You'll need approval from Academician Chen—and he's not likely to agree."
One of the terms of the collaboration had been strict data control. Anyone not officially part of the [Star Ring] project couldn't access internal data. Not even the Academy of Sciences had blanket clearance. Only those who joined the research team and received authorization for their specific project areas could view the related information.
This had been part of the original talent acquisition strategy—strict control in exchange for breakthrough access.
At the time, it had seemed unnecessary. Who could've predicted that Chen Mo would advance the tech so far, so fast?
"…Alright." Wang Nian sighed with frustration. No wonder Old Guo wanted in. With results like this, anyone would be tempted.
"What did you call for, then? Need support?" he asked.
"The experiment's done, but Academician Chen doesn't seem satisfied," Wan replied.
"He's not satisfied? What does he want—ascension?" Wang Nian practically jumped out of his chair.
The Physics Institute had spent decades chasing this goal, with the best minds in the country and even some foreign experts. And now this young man achieved a result far beyond anything they had… and wasn't happy with it?
"Don't say that," Wan chuckled. "He might have the ability to ascend. Give him a little more time and he'll probably be juggling suns."
Wang Nian: "…"
"Academician Wan is prepping for the second experiment. Li Jian and Old Guo are staying to help for now. Do you want to come over?"
"Absolutely. What do you need me to do?" Wang Nian asked immediately. He was ready to drop everything. Missing out on witnessing the next experiment firsthand would be unforgivable.
"One more thing—[Star Ring] might run multiple tests. Chen Mo requested 500 grams of deuterium-tritium fuel as backup."
"I'll contact the Academy and arrange for the Nuclear Industry Group to send it immediately," Wang Nian said without hesitation.
After hanging up, he swiftly packed his documents into a secure briefcase, locked up the rest, and left the office. He didn't doubt the report for a second. There was no reason for Wan Yuanzhen to fabricate it—nor could he fake the presence of Li Jian and Old Guo.
At this point, nothing was more important than nuclear fusion.
If the experiment succeeded, the Academy of Sciences would benefit massively. After all, Huaxia's Nuclear Energy Group had already partnered with Army Ant Corporation in a joint venture approved by the State Council.
And this was only the first experiment. With a plasma temperature near 90 million degrees and a stable run of 495 seconds, it had already set a new world record.
What about the second? The third? Or the fourth?
At this rate, they could shatter expectations every time.
Right now, this was the closest humanity had ever come to achieving controlled nuclear fusion. Success was within reach. Just imagining what Wan Yuanzhen and the others had witnessed was enough to make Wang Nian's blood boil with anticipation.