Although Su Xun had made improvements to the energy core of the Iron Battle Armor, he remained uncertain about the situation at the Abyss and thus refrained from hastily launching an expedition. He decided to wait for further information before taking action.
In the days that followed, Su Xun immersed himself in assisting Professor Zhang's team with the development of a button-sized plasma battery. Life became rather uneventful, save for the occasional interruption from the mischievous "little witch" who frequently ambushed him in the cafeteria, bringing some lighthearted joy to his otherwise routine days.
At present, in the plasma battery research lab, the team was conducting the final safety assessments on the prototype.
The development of the button-type plasma battery had reached its final phase. The team was subjecting the prototype to a battery of tests. Once it passed them all, the newly enhanced high-energy model would be ready for production.
"Everyone, prepare yourselves. We're about to begin testing," called out a tall, middle-aged man who looked to be in his forties or fifties. He was Wang Shui, Professor Zhang Lin's deputy.
A few days earlier, Professor Zhang had been reassigned to assist with the Iron Battle Armor project, leaving Wang Shui in charge of the lab.
Just as the team was about to initiate the test, Su Xun—holding the design schematics—suddenly spoke up, "Wait!"
His voice cut through the room, halting everyone in place.
"There's a potential flaw in the safety mechanism," Su Xun said. "We should halt the testing and reassess."
"What's wrong?"
"Su Xun told us to wait."
"But didn't Engineer Wang just tell us to take our positions?"
"He says there's a problem?"
"What kind of problem?"
"He claims there's a safety risk."
"But the safety protocol was personally reviewed by Engineer Wang. How could there be a problem? Let's move—time is tight."
"Alright, back to it. Let's get ready."
The group hesitated briefly but quickly resumed their tasks.
Frowning, Su Xun strode toward Wang Shui. "There's a serious safety risk," he insisted. "It won't pass the final test."
Wang Shui paused for a moment before replying with a polite smile. "Su Xun, I know you've significantly improved the energy output of this battery. I acknowledge your potential. But the safety measures are under my direct supervision—there's no issue."
"I ran calculations while reviewing the schematics," Su Xun replied. "The parameters for the arc discharge buffer are incorrect. It won't effectively neutralize the electromagnetic fluctuations."
"You ran the numbers once and believe that's enough to spot a flaw?"
"Yes."
"You're that certain?"
"There is definitely a problem."
"But you weren't involved in the safety evaluation. How could you be so sure?" Wang Shui's tone sharpened. If a mere glance could reveal flaws in their system, what was the point of all their testing?
"But—"
"That aspect has no issues," Wang Shui interrupted, tone resolute. Without waiting for Su Xun to respond, he added, "Your role is voltage regulation during the experiment. Please take your station."
Though troubled, Su Xun said no more. He knew the redesigned plasma battery possessed immense energy. If the buffer device failed, even a minor impact could cause an explosion powerful enough to obliterate the entire lab.
Given Wang Shui's unwavering stance, Su Xun reluctantly returned to the control console.
By now, the team had taken their positions.
Wang Shui cast a glance at Su Xun, then addressed the group. "Comrades, once we pass this final test, our mission is complete! Dinner's on me tonight!"
"Great!" the team responded in unison, faces lit with the joy of impending success—except for Su Xun, who remained deep in thought.
With a wave of Wang Shui's hand, the test began. "Commence safety testing!"
The plasma battery on the lab bench powered on, and the team followed protocol, initiating the test sequence step by step.
"Testing initiated!"
"Charging sequence ready."
"Charging complete."
"Water-resistance test passed."
"Radiation shielding test passed!"
"Electromagnetic energy storage: passed!"
One by one, the safety tests proceeded without a hitch. A flicker of pride flashed in Wang Shui's eyes as he shot a glance at Su Xun. Inwardly, he scoffed, You think you can spot a design flaw just by glancing at the schematics? This kid's letting his imagination run wild. Arrogance like that will get him nowhere. I'll have a word with him once we wrap up.
"Prepare for collision test!"
The final safety test was about to commence. Su Xun frowned slightly, resting his hand on the control lever and adjusting the arc discharge voltage as instructed.
"Su Xun, voltage is too low!"
The observer signaled to him urgently.
Hearing this, Su Xun slowly increased the voltage during the test, gradually pushing the control lever forward.
"Too slow, Su Xun—raise the voltage more quickly!" another technician urged.
It was the last step in the process, and everyone was growing impatient. Watching Su Xun's measured pace, complaints began to ripple through the lab:
"What's with him? Did he skip lunch?"
"Don't tell me he's scared to push it?"
"Well, it's his first hands-on task—probably nervous."
"At this rate, we'll hit max voltage after sunset."
Even Wang Shui began to grow restless. Stepping down from the main monitoring station, he marched toward Su Xun. "What's going on? Is the lever stuck? Why so slow?"
But Su Xun didn't respond. His full attention was fixed on the button-sized plasma battery undergoing the test.
As Wang Shui reached his side and was about to seize the lever himself, he heard Su Xun murmur softly, "No more than one additional volt."
A moment later, Su Xun nudged the control lever ever so slightly forward.
Click.
For reasons he couldn't explain, Wang Shui's heart suddenly lurched.
At that very instant, a technician's alarmed voice rang out:
"Something's wrong!"
Wang Shui spun around toward the test platform. The plasma battery was crackling violently, discharging arcs of electricity—it was moments from detonation.
"Abort the test!" he shouted.
"Yes, sir!"
"Collision test aborted!"
Though the sequence was halted, the battery had already begun to spark dangerously. There was no stopping the chain reaction now. A collective gasp swept through the room.
As the testing rig powered down, Su Xun calmly pulled the lever all the way back, cutting off the arc voltage in an instant.
Pfft!
A crack split the battery. A wisp of white smoke escaped, but the feared explosion never came.
"Thank God…"
Wang Shui wiped the cold sweat from his brow. The voltage had remained low—any higher, and the consequences would have been catastrophic. Remembering how he had dismissed Su Xun earlier, his face flushed with shame. Arrogant? The arrogant one wasn't him—it was me.
Embarrassed, he muttered, "I'll go draft the report. We'll resume testing tomorrow," and quickly left the room.
The moment he was gone, the others swarmed around Su Xun.
"Engineer Su, that was brilliant! We should've re-evaluated it from the start!"
"Thank goodness you raised the voltage so gradually—any faster and we'd be stardust right now!"
"We owe you one, Su. Next time, let's use a reinforced testing chamber. This was way too close!"
"Su Xun, you're incredible. You spotted what none of the senior engineers saw—just from analyzing the schematics!"
"Seriously, your brain is like a supercomputer."
"You may be young, but you've already surpassed all of us!"
"A once-in-a-generation genius!"
The entire development team was in awe.
Su Xun simply responded with a quiet, modest smile.