The supercomputer tirelessly processed and synthesized the data set by Su Xun. Surrounding him, a host of professors and researchers each clutched notebooks, diligently jotting down notes on the computations being generated.
"So he simplified and cut costs by eliminating the electrolyte membrane, thereby vastly improving the conversion efficiency from chemical energy to electrical energy!"
Professor Zhang's face radiated excitement as he feverishly scribbled notes, marveling aloud, "Remarkable—I can't believe I never thought of this. Such a design is truly brilliant!"
Teacher Liang was equally astonished, stroking his chin thoughtfully as he scrutinized the intricate internal structure of the button-type plasma battery displayed on the screen.
"He managed to eliminate all ineffective energy conversions and repeatedly enhanced the energy from arc discharges—astonishing! If it were me, I'd need at least a square meter of battery panels to generate this amount of power!"
It was not only these two who were awestruck; everyone present was deeply impressed by Su Xun's ingenious design. After all, access to this laboratory was not granted to ordinary individuals, and upon reviewing the blueprints and resulting data, all were unanimously convinced.
Even Wang Xin's young assistants, initially skeptical, were left in admiration upon seeing the button-type plasma battery on the screen.
"This was his creation? Unbelievable!"
"Weren't we just saying he's a spoiled heir, a playboy?"
"And you thought he'd be kicked out before even stepping foot in the institute!"
"Well, he hasn't been tested yet."
"Test or no test, with this button-type plasma battery design, he's already made his mark as a rising elite researcher at Hualing."
At this, Wang Xin spoke up, "Indeed, this button-type plasma battery marks a revolutionary leap in plasma technology. It heralds unimaginable transformations. But who exactly is this Su Xun?"
He glanced toward the composed figure of Su Xun nearby, curiosity deepening within him.
Su Xun's swift revision of Professor Zhang's flawed design stemmed from his clear-minded analysis, supplemented by his prior mastery of plasma battery schematics.
His motivation for modifying the button-type plasma battery design was primarily strategic—to divert attention, thereby facilitating the seamless integration of Nikola's AI into the supercomputer.
Unbeknownst to these onlookers, Su Xun had, over six months prior, already developed the button-type plasma battery through his system. It was precisely this battery that powered his plasma rifle in the Iron Man armor.
It must be understood that plasma weaponry can amplify the energy generated by plasma batteries by hundreds or thousands of times, condensing it into concentrated plasma projectiles.
Against such weaponry, the button-type plasma battery seemed but a mere trifle.
Su Xun was unsurprised by the admiration around him, for the black technologies he wielded far surpassed the current scientific advancements of this world.
Just then, Nikola's voice came through the Bluetooth earpiece: "Integration complete. Successfully embedded into all network terminals of Z City University. Data synchronized with the university's servers."
Satisfied, Su Xun bent down calmly to remove the hard drive containing Nikola's data, slipping it casually into his pocket.
While others remained engrossed in studying the button-type plasma battery, none noticed his discreet action—except for Chen Jin and Zhuang Yan, who exchanged knowing glances yet silently chose to ignore it.
In Chen Jin's eyes, Su Xun was already a genius; the hard drive was likely a mere auxiliary device for data correction.
Zhuang Yan suspected Su Xun was downloading the battery's initial data, which was only natural given the design's origin.
"Young man, you're Su Xun, correct?"
At that moment, Professor Ma turned around, his face alight with excitement.
Somewhat portly with small eyes, his beaming expression bore a hint of awkwardness reminiscent of the mythic Zhu Bajie meeting Chang'e.
"Yes, I am Su Xun."
"Well done! Your design has ushered us into a new era in plasma battery research!"
"A new era, huh?" Su Xun mused silently. Once he unveiled his designs for colossal warships and mechas, they would truly comprehend the meaning of cutting-edge technology.
"Excellent!" Professor Ma continued, glancing toward Chen Jin. "Unpretentious yet composed—such steadiness is rare among the youth nowadays. By the way, you look quite young. How old are you?"
"Almost eighteen."
So young!
Su Xun's age sparked murmurs among the crowd. Many had joined Hualing at thirteen or fourteen, yet even approaching thirty, none had produced anything like this button-type plasma battery.
Fang Min glanced at Su Xun, the earlier notion of him as a frivolous heir vanishing entirely. She even reproached herself for having entertained such thoughts.
"Boundless potential, truly boundless!"
Upon hearing Su Xun's age, Professor Ma grew even more exhilarated, turning to Chen Jin with admiration, "This young man is extraordinary!"
"Indeed, remarkable," Chen Jin muttered inwardly. If only you knew he is the Iron Man, and that the blueprints for the Iron Suit came from him—what expressions you would wear!
Just then, Su Xun spoke up, "Isn't there supposed to be testing? Let's get started."
He was unwilling to squander any more time here; the sooner the tests were complete and he was admitted into the institute, the sooner he could resume developing his cutting-edge technology. Perhaps by tomorrow, the aliens would appear in the city, and the monstrous beasts of the Pacific would be making landfall along the coast.
"Testing?"
At Su Xun's words, the professors exchanged glances before erupting into hearty laughter.
Su Xun thought to himself, Are these people mad?
Professor Ma composed himself and said, "No need. This is the best result we could hope for. I believe everyone here will agree to your entry into Hualing. From today onward, we are colleagues."
"Alright then," Su Xun thought, he had assumed admission required examinations—turns out he had been specially recruited outright.
"Old Ma, am I not right? This kid definitely meets your standards. The one I recommended isn't bad, huh?"
Chen Jin proudly patted Professor Ma on the shoulder.
Ma responded with an enthusiastic affirmation.
"Very well. The person and the blueprints, I have delivered both to Hualing. Don't forget the arrangement we discussed earlier. I have other matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave."
Zhuang Yan had already informed Chen Jin more than once that trouble was brewing near the chasm of the insectoid invasion; Guo Ning awaited his report.
"General, the armor can certainly be manufactured eventually, but the energy issue still needs…"
Before Professor Ma could finish, Chen Jin interrupted sharply, "You'll solve it soon enough. We have a military order on this. Alright, I'm off. Await your good news."
He might as well have added, I gave you the Iron Suit designer—fail and you're done for!
Without waiting for a reply, Chen Jin strode over to Su Xun. "Keep up the good work. Contact me anytime if anything comes up."
He then handed Su Xun a card.
"Thanks," Su Xun accepted it without hesitation, glanced at the phone number, and tucked it into his pocket.
Once Chen Jin departed, the previously elated Professor Ma suddenly wilted like a frostbitten eggplant. "Sigh, cold nuclear fusion technology isn't so easy to develop. This will be a real challenge."
Fang Min inquired, "Old Ma, how much time did he give us to develop it?"
"Submit the first batch in ten days."
Gasps echoed through the room. Everyone had seen the blueprints for the Iron Suit; its energy core was the most perplexing and critical component.
Though they possessed the designs, it did not mean they could master the technology merely by looking at the schematics. Numerous experiments would be necessary—especially without a clear mind to guide them.
As the group's faces clouded with worry, Su Xun spoke again, "May I take a look at the blueprints?"