Inside the command center, Zhao Min, Li Chengzhi, Wang Nian, Li Jian, and others had all arrived. Chen Mo stood on the central platform, while the researchers involved in the experiment were gathered below.
In the first four trials, data parameters had been continuously optimized. By the fourth experiment, the results were already nearing theoretical limits.
Now, they needed a breakthrough—one moment to cross the bottleneck. If they could break past a specific threshold, the plasma could sustain itself indefinitely, no longer constrained by time.
This was the fifth experiment—and possibly their chance.
The [Star Ring] parameters had reached their peak. If this trial failed, the system would need modifications to improve performance before attempting again.
Chen Mo pressed the start button.
The Star Ring activated. Fuel was injected. All systems were ready.
"Begin ignition countdown. 10… 9…"
The artificial intelligence's voice made several people unconsciously clench their fists. Silent prayers filled the room.
"3… 2… 1… Ignition."
In an instant, the toroidal field current dropped to zero. Inside the vacuum chamber, under the influence of the super-inductive current, helium atoms fused instantly into plasma.
"Ignition successful. Plasma temperature at 98.37 million degrees Celsius… Beginning deuterium-tritium fuel injection… Increasing plasma pressure… Heating plasma…"
The successful ignition drew a collective sigh of relief. All eyes locked onto the computer monitors.
Now came the real test. The first four experiments had achieved successful ignition, and each time the duration record had been extended—but the plasma had eventually gone out. All hopes rested on this fifth attempt.
The room fell silent. Every pair of eyes remained fixed on the screens.
Seconds ticked by. The plasma ran stably, breaking the previous record bit by bit. Their hearts pounded with every update.
The plasma temperature reached 120 million degrees Celsius. Continuous discharge had already surpassed 1,000 seconds—now at 1,032. Every passing second was pushing the boundary.
No one knew when—or if—the plasma would reach the tipping point and sustain itself.
"Data normal. Plasma stable."
"Plasma stable."
"Plasma stable."
Every ten seconds, the artificial intelligence repeated the phrase, echoing across the command center. The previous record of 1,042 seconds was already broken.
And still, the plasma burned on.
Everyone waited in quiet anticipation. Though they were merely watching screens, not one person felt bored or anxious. If anything, they hoped this moment would never end.
"Longitudinal magnetic field stable… Angular magnetic field stable…"
"Ion cyclotron heating system functioning normally. Ohmic heating system functioning normally."
"Pellet feeding system stable…"
"Plasma temperature now 135 million degrees Celsius. Plasma remains stable."
"First wall temperature at 2,208 degrees Celsius. Divertor system stable. Cooling system operating normally."
"[Star Ring] is stable."
Each report from the AI felt like music to their ears. Unconsciously, everyone smiled—Chen Mo included.
The plasma had now run continuously for over 1,800 seconds—more than half an hour. Not only was the fusion reaction stable, but the fuel consumption had also dropped by 30% compared to previous trials. That meant internal self-heating had been achieved and fuel efficiency had improved significantly.
They had broken through the critical threshold.
The fusion reaction was now self-sustaining. As long as fuel was provided, the plasma would continue to burn without going out.
Soon, a full hour passed. The plasma remained active, and all data remained perfectly stable.
Many researchers couldn't help glancing at Chen Mo, awaiting his conclusion. Some were visibly trembling, trying to contain their excitement.
After years of effort, they had finally achieved the breakthrough they dreamed of.
Chen Mo reviewed the real-time data on the Star Ring's operation. A smile gradually formed on his face.
The plasma wasn't extinguishing. That alone was proof enough—the experiment was a success.
His efforts had borne fruit.
Amid the hushed anticipation of everyone watching, Chen Mo stepped up to the microphone.
"I hereby announce: the fifth [Star Ring] experiment is a complete success. Congratulations."
Boom—
At that moment, the command center erupted into wild celebration.
Shouts, cheers, and thunderous applause filled the room. The joy of over forty researchers echoed louder than a crowd of hundreds.
Normally calm and composed, the team finally let loose.
"Success! Hahaha!"
"We did it!"
"Controlled nuclear fusion—success!"
On their seats, experts like Wang Nian and Li Jian—usually so composed—laughed, cried, and hugged each other with unrestrained emotion.
These were pioneers of China's plasma research. They had watched this technology grow from scratch to global leadership, and now—finally—to sustained plasma ignition.
No words could describe their feelings. It was like the day their ancestors detonated the first atomic bomb.
Only shouting, crying, and laughing could express the depth of their joy.
Chen Mo, too, was moved by the celebration. He joined in, smiling and applauding.
This moment had cost him so much.
Of all his achievements, developing the [Star Ring] was the most difficult. From the moment he decided to partner with the government, through negotiations, building the institute, and conducting the experiments—this project had demanded everything from him.
The technology involved was complex and vast. He'd had to unlock countless materials and production methods from the Technology Library just to make it work.
Li Chengzhi, watching the old academicians cry like children, simply applauded quietly.
"Congratulations," Zhao Min said, walking over with a bright smile. She hugged Chen Mo. "This moment… You're standing in the middle of history."
Her voice carried genuine pride. She had never seen Chen Mo like this.
Normally, he was calm and detached—as if worldly affairs couldn't touch him. But today, he finally showed emotion. And for good reason.
This wasn't just an experiment. This was a turning point in human history. And he was the one who made it happen.
"Thank you." Chen Mo patted her back and smiled.
Zhao Min released him a little reluctantly and chuckled. "So, what do you want to do now?"
"What I want most right now?" Chen Mo tilted his head, pretending to think. "A hot shower. Then… nothing. Just 'sleep in the nude' for once."
"Pfft—"
Zhao Min laughed and gave him a playful eye-roll.
The joyful atmosphere lingered in the command center. Many researchers had lost their voices from shouting, but they kept applauding, ignoring their reddened palms.
Outside the island, no one yet knew that a revolutionary new energy technology had just been born here—silently and without fanfare.