Core

After a few playful punches, she suddenly opened her arms and wrapped them around him, burying her burning cheeks in Su Ming's neck. The two nestled together in the Tranquility, their breaths mingling only.

"Will you miss me?" Zijin's muffled voice came from his collar.

The upgrade and modification of the Pansy has been completed, and it will depart early tomorrow morning. Due to the White Bone Mark, at least one of Su Ming and Zijin must accompany them in order to mobilize the Magic Power of the White Bone Fortress for combat.

Zijin will be accompanying the ship on this mission, which means that the two will be acting separately for the first time since Su Ming transmigrated to this other world.

"More than missing you, I'm worried." Su Ming pulled his arms closer, his palms pressed against the girl's back. "To be honest, I was quite scared this time with such a big commotion."

The plan to defeat the Divine Covenant Faction has long been in place, but war is fraught with danger and unpredictability. Planning and scheming will always be accompanied by uncertainty.

If the Divine Covenant Faction hadn't been an enemy that needed to be eliminated, Su Ming wouldn't have been so resolute in choosing the strategy of meeting them head-on!

****

Later, Su Ming connected with Earth.

The newly established experimental site is ready. Led by Sangzi, Miao Xin passed through layers of protective doors and headed to the core area.

This time, the scene was different from usual: all staff members were wrapped in protective suits, and the activity area was divided into staggered sections by lead partitions.

Miao Xin's gaze swept over the eye-catching yellow trefoil logo above, and she whistled.

"Hey! Hey!" she quickly said, "You guys aren't planning on doing that thing today, are you?"

"Why not?" Su Ming asked. "Unlocking radioactive materials will significantly reduce the difficulty of the upcoming battles."

Even miniaturized nuclear bombs can have an explosive yield equivalent to tens of thousands of tons of TNT, a level that conventional weapons cannot reach.

The price is worth paying compared to the effect it can achieve.

"[Then what about the radiation leakage caused by the transmission and reconstruction process?]" Miao Xin asked.

[I don't know.] Su Ming shrugged. [So today's first step is just to try it out with a dose of 1 milligram to verify its feasibility.]

In the Taya Plane, Su Ming had already found some uranium ore, one of which was ground into an extremely fine powder and placed in front of him. At this moment, he himself was also wearing radiation protection equipment, and multiple radiation monitoring instruments were arranged around the experimental table to monitor the entire process of this "summoning" of radioactive material.

The two quickly entered the inner experimental chamber, which was filled with cables and probes for recording data. A nimble engineering robot carried a suitcase into the core area, opened it, and took out a Rubik's Cube-sized container, placing it in the center of the experimental table.

It contains 1 milligram of 10% pure carbon dioxide powder.

"There's nothing to be nervous about." Sangzi walked straight forward, dressed only in a light white dust suit, looking out of place among the bulky protective suits around her. "The sample size is very small, the actual radiation level is negligible."

Su Ming looked at her unusual attire with surprise.

"Don't look at me like that, I really can't get nervous," Sangzi said casually. "It's just this much, at most 0.1 microsieverts per hour." She further explained, "It's even lower than the natural background radiation we experience in daily life."

"So that means it's similar to sunbathing?" Su Ming asked.

"No, no, it's nowhere near as strong as sunbathing," Sangzi corrected Su Ming's understanding. "I'm talking about background radiation. If it's radiation from sunlight, the intensity is probably more than a thousand times that."

"I feel like my overly cautious manner makes me look particularly foolish," Su Ming sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"You're not one of us habitual offenders," Sangzi joked. "We deal with all sorts of radioactive isotopes year-round; after so much exposure, we naturally become 'demystified'."

"I have a question," Miao Xin suddenly interjected, pointing to the small sample container on the experimental table. "Look, Su Ming is transmitting the order of matter. In the past, the matter itself remained. That is to say, the uranium atoms in those uranium ores from the other world will gather together."

She paused, her tone tinged with doubt, "Then the uranium sample here will disintegrate into powder, isn't that still uranium-235—what's the difference?"

Even a uranium-235 sample with shattered crystals is still uranium-235; it just needs to be sintered once more.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing Miao Xin's words, both Sangzi and Su Ming sighed in unison.

"That's exactly what we were worried about—not putting in any effort at all," Sangzi said, but didn't continue the topic. She looked at Su Ming, "Shall we begin?"

"Aren't you going to move aside first?" Su Ming manipulated the Little Spiky Head's skeletal arm, making a wrist-rubbing motion.

"It doesn't matter." Sangzi stood there with her arms crossed. "Just consider it as spending a second in the sun with you."

Su Ming said no more and activated "Summoning of All Things". Due to its extremely small scale, the space only rippled slightly, and the teleportation was completed.

Inside the sealed container, the uranium dioxide crystals disintegrated into finer dust; at the same time, some tiny particles in the uranium ore powder from the Taya Plane were drawn up and aggregated into a small clump of blackish-gray microcrystals that shimmered with a cold ceramic light.

The process was so easy that Su Ming felt a sense of foreboding. He immediately placed the newly formed microcrystal sample into the radiation measuring instrument. The data that appeared on the screen confirmed his fears.

He repeated the experiment twice, and the results were exactly the same.

****

The group moved to the conference room to conduct post-experiment analysis.

"Consistent with theoretical deductions, the 'transmission' of uranium dioxide's order was successful," Sangzi concluded. "However, what was transmitted was merely the uranium dioxide crystal structure. The abundance of uranium-235 isotopes in the reconstructed entity from another world did not increase as a result."

At the cost of the uranium sample's crystal structure collapsing on Earth, all that was gained in this other world was a handful of ordinary uranium dioxide crystals.

These phenomena are actually completely consistent with the consistent manifestations of "the Summoning of All Things".

Although we've been in this other world for so long, and the technology, both materials and techniques, are usable here, a significant inconsistency has been discovered when technology advances to the realm of high-energy physics: there is a systematic deviation in the natural abundance ratio of isotopes on both sides.

Taking iron, the most common element, as an example, the natural abundance of iron isotope 54 in the Earth's iron isotopes is about 5.8%.

They are extremely similar in nature and indistinguishable in everyday applications, so no one would pay attention to this difference.

However, the iron in the Taya Plane has an abundance of only 3.2% for the isotope iron-54. This indicates that the two planets experienced different paths during their galaxy formation and long evolutionary process.

Or rather, it would be strange if these things were completely identical!

Currently, this difference has little impact on Su Ming's conventional industry, at most causing the density of steel products in the otherworld to be slightly higher than that on Earth.

But problems arose once they ventured into the field of nuclear physics.

In the natural uranium deposits of the Taya Plane, the abundance of the key axial-235 isotope is about three parts per thousand, only half that on Earth.

But what's even more critical is that Su Ming's "Summoning of All Things" doesn't distinguish between isotopes. What he "summons" and reassembles in the other world is just uranium dioxide crystals with an abundance as low as three parts per thousand—which is completely meaningless!

"It seems that if we want nuclear weapons, we still can't avoid the traditional path of centrifugal enrichment of uranium-235 in another world," Sangzi said, her brows slightly furrowed. "But with the industrial base you've established in the Taya Plane, obtaining weapons-grade (93.5%) uranium-235 is far too difficult."

Separating and purifying the extremely rare uranium-235 isotope from uranium-238, which is almost identical in nature, requires a large, precise, and energy-intensive cascade centrifuge system to operate repeatedly. The time cost and resource investment are far beyond what can be sustained in the short term.

Another type of nuclear fuel, plutonium-239, is relatively simple to produce, but it is almost non-existent in nature and can only be generated by converting uranium fuel through long-term irradiation in a nuclear reactor.

"We still have to follow this route," Su Ming said firmly. "The uranium source has been found in the Taya Plane, with an initial exploration grade of about 0.1%. As for the abundance of uranium-235, my initial goal is to reach 4%."

This concentration requirement significantly reduces the technical difficulty of achieving it.

"4%?" Sangzi was somewhat puzzled. "That figure is far from the requirements for nuclear weapons; it's only enough for nuclear power plants to generate electricity."

"My first step is to build a small modular nuclear reactor, designed with a power output of approximately 200,000 kilowatts," Su Ming explained. "The primary purpose is to provide energy support for future high-intensity land-based mobile warfare and meet the deployment requirements of energy-intensive weapons."

High-end weapons on the technological side are almost inseparable from electricity. Only when electricity is supplied can combat effectiveness reach that area.

Although we can't participate in this campaign against the Divine Covenant Faction, it's still necessary to plan ahead and stockpile core technologies.

"If we have to go to the polar regions to launch a satellite, this thing can also provide power!" Jisu's eyes lit up as he immediately thought of its potential applications.

"That's right!" Su Ming nodded. "This is the second key target."

With the route determined, the task of designing the technical route for achieving axis condensation in another world fell on the shoulders of the Jisu team.

There's no rush to build the reactor; once the raw material issue is resolved, there are readily available commercial nuclear power equipment.

****

Everyone dispersed to continue their busy work. Su Ming was about to cut off the communication when Jin Rongjia raised his hand to stop him.

"What's wrong? Are you under a lot of pressure lately?" Jin Rongjia asked bluntly.

"Yes, somewhat." Su Ming sighed wearily, "The enemy is so strong, the scale of the war is getting larger and larger, and yet we have no choice but to fight!"

There is absolutely no possibility of reconciliation Final Bone Mad Machines and the Divine Covenant Faction. And to make matters worse, they are not the only enemies. The Goblin Clan have been dealt with, but there are still the Naga Clan and that inexplicable Plundering Clock.

Su Ming's choice was to first destroy the Divine Covenant Faction and break the deadlock!

"The enemy's underhanded tactics have never stopped—assassinations, provocations, surprise attacks, bombing of hydroelectric power stations—" Su Ming continued, "Although we've won all the way, this is putting us at a disadvantage!"

"Actually, this situation is reasonable," Jin Rongjia said. "During this period, we have developed our base areas and our strength has expanded rapidly. In terms of the overall strategic situation, we are the ones who truly hold the initiative."

"But when the time comes, we still have to act," Su Ming said firmly. "Otherwise, the enemy will only keep launching the next plan of sabotage and destruction. We can't always think about waiting for the conditions to be completely ripe and then not actively create them; the right opportunity will never come!"

Jin Rongjia nodded knowingly, a smile appearing on his lips. "So you're all very clear on the theory, but when it comes to execution, you still feel immense pressure?"

"Is that so strange?" Su Ming asked.

"Of course it's normal. We're all flesh and blood; it's human nature." Jin Rongjia's voice was gentle. "So that's why you're pushing forward with the nuclear weapons program, trying to give your side another trump card?"

"Yes." Su Ming didn't deny it, tapping the screen with his finger, projecting the simplified Crystal Dragon drawing he had previously sketched onto the table. "Take the crisis of the super dragon, for example. If the enemy can get the first one, there's no guarantee they won't get a second one."

Thirdly, we have azurite and Vermilion Bow to use this time, but we may not have such advantageous terrain and battlefield conditions next time!

Predicting the enemy's possible future attack methods is not always possible. However, preventing what has already occurred is a must!

"Then—" Jin Rongjia suddenly changed the subject, "What if this ultimate weapon you've placed so much hope in suddenly malfunctions and is cracked by the enemy?"

"?" Su Ming was clearly taken aback. "Nuclear weapons—how could they fail?!" he murmured.

This problem was outside the scope of Su Ming's expectations.

"Don't misunderstand, this is just an instinctive assumption in tactical simulations," Jin Rongjia explained. "A weapon can be a powerful asset, but it can't be the only savior. If such an extreme situation really occurs, and then we encounter an attack by a super Crystal Dragon, what is your contingency plan?"

Su Ming fell into a brief moment of contemplation. "A sufficiently large conventional firepower cluster can also overwhelm the enemy!" His thoughts gradually became clearer. "We can also develop continuous rod weapons for targeting giant targets, using supersonic circumferential saw blades generated by explosions to create widespread fracture damage and destroy the target's structural integrity!"

When facing super enemies as massive as mountains, traditional point-kill weapons do indeed feel as powerless as stabbing someone with a needle.

However, if a coverage-based area-of-effect damage mechanism is used instead, the Super Crystal Dragon's massive size will become a fatal weakness from which it cannot escape.

"Look!" Jin Rongjia clapped lightly, a smile of approval on his face. "Isn't this a great idea? The greatness of industrial power lies in its tenacious adaptability and its infinite potential for exponential expansion. If one path is blocked, there will always be a new breakthrough, a new solution, an endless stream."

He raised his voice, "We don't have any ultimate weapons, because the industrial system itself is one!"

Su Ming pondered Jin Rongjia's meaning for a moment, "Productivity and manufacturing capacity are the foundation of all power?"

"Nuclear weapons are merely a powerful fruit that has grown on the tree of industrialization," Jin Rongjia nodded affirmatively. "With this tree, our strength will be inexhaustible."

"I think I understand what you mean." Su Ming reached out and bumped fists with Jin Rongjia using his bone claws. "If it can be resolved with nuclear pacification, then nuclear pacification will be used. If it refuses to be obediently pacified with nuclear pacification, then we'll crush it!"

"That's right!" Jin Rongjia laughed loudly, "That's the kind of domineering spirit and confidence we need to face all challenges!"

****

When Su Ming opened his eyes, the morning light had not yet penetrated the sky, and only a thin veil of pale blue light shone through the window.

Most workshops in the Ruby Industrial District remained silent, with only streetlights and warning lights casting their glow. The logistics area, however, was fully awake, with the steam rising from breakfast and the faint sounds of kitchen utensils clattering.

The soft rustling of clothes came from inside the room. Su Ming turned his head and saw Zijin folding the last few pieces of clothing into a suitcase.

This simply furnished dormitory, which was originally just a corner to stay in at night, is now filled with each other's presence, and a touch of tacit understanding and anticipation.

Their work hours are often out of sync. If Su Ming comes back first, he'll use the air fryer to make a crispy fried chicken leg or something similar as a late-night snack.

If Zijin returns first, she will tidy up the room a little and then quietly read a book.

This subtle warmth and coziness of waiting for each other sometimes made Su Ming feel unreal.

However, after this morning, this routine will be separated from us by distance for quite some time.

Zijin quickly closed the suitcase lid. Su Ming had intended to get up to see her off, but Zijin pressed him back onto the bed.

"Okay, I know you stayed up late last night." She gently brushed his slightly disheveled hair with her fingertips. "Stay home and behave yourself, okay?"

After a brief moment of tenderness, Zijin picked up her suitcase, waved to Su Ming, turned around, and pushed open the door to leave.

****

Su Ming thought he wouldn't be able to sleep, but when he opened his eyes again, the sun was already high in the sky.

He hurried into the office, only to find everything perfectly organized.

Everyone was busy with their own tasks, and two stacks of documents lay quietly on Su Ming's desk. One stack, which was slightly thinner, required his personal approval, while the others needed to be reported to him.

Su Ming quickly finished processing the documents and then issued an order to the mining department to mine thousands of tons of uranium ore. The specific execution was handled by designated personnel, and any obstacles encountered would be addressed through cooperation with other departments. If all else failed, the matter would be reported to him.

Having a moment of free time, Su Ming took out his phone, only to find that Zijin was offline.

"The Pansy set sail this morning," Ainuobia told Su Ming. "It's now out of the communication network's coverage area."

Su Ming had no choice but to put down his phone, then sorted out his to-do list and found that there was indeed one thing that needed to be done immediately.

He walked out of the office and found Miao Xin controlling the Skeleton Pig, fighting fiercely with Ruixiuli, their movements quite skillful, with dust flying everywhere.

"Time to get to work." Su Ming interrupted loudly, while simultaneously raising his hand to summon the guard's giant dragon.

Ruixiuli finished his stance and casually picked up the white bone sword leaning against the side. Miao Xin was clearly not satisfied and her eyes had already begun searching for her next sparring partner.

Su Ming grabbed the Skeleton Pig by the neck, "I'm talking about you."

"Hey! You don't even spare dead people?" Miao Xin protested loudly.

"Talking about 'humanity' with a necromancer?" Su Ming tossed Miao Xin onto the dragon's back like a sack of potatoes, then jumped on himself. "Get to work, or I'll feed you to the Quail!"

((o))/----