When Nie Chang heard Lin Yi's speculation about the possible existence of equipment for manufacturing Source Energy Crystal, his heart was struck as if by a heavy hammer, and he was deeply shaken.
The official authorities have certainly received them, and not just one.
He still vividly remembers how excited the entire upper echelon was when they first discovered the [" Source Sea " Type I crystal generator] – which could extract free source energy from the surrounding environment and compress and solidify it into a standard Source Energy Crystal.
However, reality that followed quickly poured cold water on their hopes.
The actual working efficiency of the " Source Sea " Type I is outrageously low. Running 24 hours a day without interruption, after deducting its own operating needs, it can only produce one lowest-level Level 1 Source Energy Crystal Body.
The initial excitement quickly cooled, replaced by deep disappointment.
They once thought that the machine might have been designed with a "slow and steady" approach, requiring a large number of machines to achieve a considerable total production capacity.
Alternatively, the " Source Sea " Type I is too low-level, and the production will only see a significant increase when Type II or Type III are acquired later.
Only now, upon hearing Lin Yi reveal the truth about the "extreme scarcity of energy on Blue Star," did Nie Chang feel as if he had been struck by lightning.
It turns out the machine wasn't useless; it was just that even a skilled cook can't make a meal without ingredients!
This crystallizer is not some inefficient assembly line device at all; it is a "money printing machine" that could be highly efficient under normal energy conditions.
Its low yield is purely because this godforsaken place, Blue Star, simply doesn't have enough "rice" for it to cook.
Having figured this out, Nie Chang broke out in a cold sweat, which was then replaced by immense excitement.
What does this mean?
This means that once combined with the "Vortex Type 1" in the crystal in Lin Yi's hand, a high-concentration source energy environment can be artificially created. Then, the value of the " Source Sea " Type I, which has been ignored by everyone and piled up in the Scientific Research Institute's warehouse and managed by only one or two people, will undergo a dramatic change.
It will become a true strategic core, the heart of humanity's energy system.
He took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed his turbulent emotions.
Looking at Lin Yi, whose gaze was calm, Nie Chang felt that with the other party's strength, contributions, and the foresight he was showing at this moment, he was fully qualified to know most of the secrets.
After all, during wartime, many things can be done flexibly, and there's no need to be overly strict about secrecy regulations.
A bitter smile, tinged with realization, appeared on his face as he frankly stated, " Major Lin, your idea isn't just speculation, it's a fact. We have already acquired more than one ' Source Sea ' Type I crystal manufacturing machine."
He briefly explained its poor production capacity and previous misunderstandings, and finally said with emotion, "Now it seems that it is not that it is useless, but that we have been keeping it in a "hungry" state."
"It, along with the energy condenser in your hand, is probably the truly complementary core system."
Then, as if remembering something, Nie Chang's expression turned serious, and he said to Lin Yi in a very formal tone:
" Major Lin, there's one more thing I need to tell you."
"According to the operational regulations of this ' Dawn Plan,' all combat spoils, including crystals dropped by Abyssal Beast and crystals generated after the nests dissipate, will be treated as collective combat trophies and will be uniformly assessed, registered, and distributed by the command headquarters after the battle."
"As for the crystal produced from the Black Flame Abyssal Tiger you killed alone, and this seven-colored crystal."
Nie Chang looked into Lin Yi's eyes, his tone tinged with apology and caution, "What are your thoughts?"
Lin Yi understood Nie Chang's subtext and the awkwardness and apology in his words.
He was not surprised at all.
He was certainly aware of the rule of centralized distribution of spoils of war, which was the foundation for maintaining military discipline and fairness, and he never considered seeking special treatment.
Moreover, this seven-colored crystal " Vortex Type I doesn't really have much significance for an individual.
It requires setup and maintenance, and affects only a region, making it far less convenient and direct for individual cultivation than the Source Energy Crystal.
The white Gold-Veined Crystal dropped by the Black Flame Abyssal Tiger might contain some valuable items, but...
Lin Yi's lips curved into a barely perceptible smile.
He believed that if the contents were truly beneficial to him at this stage, given his current value and the official attitude, the crystal would most likely eventually return to him as a "reward," "allocation," or something else.
Therefore, Lin Yi did not hesitate and stated directly, "Commander Nie, I am also a soldier, and this is also a military operation. Everything will naturally be handled according to military regulations. I have no objection to the regulations for the unified distribution of spoils of war, and I will resolutely obey."
Upon hearing this, Nie Chang felt a surge of heartfelt affirmation and satisfaction.
A comrade who is powerful yet disciplined, and who has made great achievements yet is not arrogant, is truly rare.
"Okay, thank you for your understanding and support, Major Lin!"
Nie Chang nodded emphatically, then said, " Major Lin, please excuse me for a moment. The analysis you just provided regarding the scarcity of energy resources and the compatibility of the equipment, as well as the existence of this 'Vortex-1' missile, is extremely important. I must report it to the Supreme Command immediately."
Then, his gaze turned to the seven-colored crystal in his hand, and his tone became extremely serious.
"As for this crystal, its circumstances are special and its significance is immense, far exceeding the scope of ordinary spoils of war. For absolute security, it will bypass all other channels and I will personally safeguard it and bring it back directly. What do you think?"
Lin Yi naturally understood that it was no exaggeration to call this thing a "national treasure," and that no amount of caution was too much.
He nodded immediately, "That's how it should be, I have no objection."
Nie Chang carefully placed the crystal close to his body, nodded solemnly to Lin Yi again, then turned around and strode towards the command vehicle, his steps hurried yet unusually steady.
The next steps involved cleaning up the battlefield, tallying casualties, collecting spoils of war, recovering usable supplies, and organizing the troop withdrawal.
When the convoy, laden with the victorious troops, returned to the Helu City Settlement, it received an unexpectedly warm welcome from the residents who had already received the news.
The gates of the settlement were already wide open, and residents lined both sides of the road, eagerly awaiting their arrival.
They waved whatever they could find on the spot, their faces beaming with excited elation.
Cheers, shouts of approval, and applause filled the air. Children were lifted high above their Parents, eager to catch a glimpse of the warriors who had defeated the monster.
The volunteers had already prepared clean drinking water and simple food, which they warmly handed to each returning soldier.
The entire settlement was immersed in an atmosphere of hope.
This victory not only destroyed a nest, but also greatly boosted the morale and confidence of all the survivors.
This means that one day, everyone will be able to return home!
However, amidst this sea of celebration, one small team quietly broke away from the group.
The three special operations teams did not participate in the triumphant return ceremony.
They received the highest priority order directly from Nie Chang.
The squad members, escorting the solemn-looking Nie Chang, quickly boarded a Night Owl Armed Helicopter carrying a camera that recorded the entire battle of " Dawn " and Lin Yi's recent explanation videos.
At the same time, four other Night Owl quickly took off and closely guarded both sides.
With propellers whipping up huge gusts of air and creating a great deal of noise, and under the curious and puzzled gazes of countless people, this small fleet of aircraft did not stop for a moment. It quickly gained altitude, adjusted its direction, and sped off towards the north.
They carried not only news of victory, but also seeds of hope for the future of the entire civilization.