Chapter 2 - 2 2 Nuclear Reactor Plan

He Xingzhou pondered the words of the Quantum Light Computer. He said, “According to what you’re saying, accomplishing so many tasks in a short time is almost impossible!” “With my personal abilities, by the time I develop them enough to enter space and build a Dyson Sphere, the entire Solar System might already be destroyed.” Quantum Light Computer, “That is something you will need to figure out for yourself; it’s also a test of your capabilities.” *This really troubled He Xingzhou.* In just a few decades time, even with all the resources, at most, he could only start an international tech company. But to build a Dyson Sphere and a Planet Destruction Cannon, even starting ten companies wouldn’t suffice, and there simply wasn’t enough time! “If I truly want to achieve something so grand...maybe only a national effort would do, a country mobilized in unity, and maybe there’s a chance!” He Xingzhou thought. “Should I report this matter to the nation? Gathering the nation’s power, developing weapons, constructing defense bases, exploring space, only then might there be a slim chance.” *At present, it seemed like this was the only way to accomplish his goals in the shortest time possible.* But another issue lay before He Xingzhou, how could he make the entire nation believe him? Directly telling the nation’s people that Earth would be devoured by the Zerg, heralding the apocalypse? That would just make him a laughing stock. He, a poor student with no power or influence, whatever he said would never be believed. The Quantum Light Computer suggested, “Master, you could conduct an experiment to warn your country’s people. As long as you find a mutant creature carrying the Zerg gene and stimulate it with nuclear energy, it will quickly activate the Zerg gene, becoming a true Zerg.” “By then, people should believe your words.” “Mutant creatures shouldn’t be a problem. They’re even sold online.” He Xingzhou had checked before, some fishermen sold the mutant fish they caught online. “Where would I get nuclear energy? How would I use it for an experiment?” The Quantum Light Computer stayed silent for a moment. He Xingzhou thought for a while, and an idea suddenly appeared in his mind. He inquired, “Quantum Light Computer, could a small nuclear reactor achieve this purpose?” Quantum Light Computer, “Yes, the Zerg gene just needs nuclear energy stimulation. It doesn’t necessarily require continuous nuclear input, which would also achieve the purpose.” He Xingzhou immediately became excited. He said, “I got it! I can build a Miniature Nuclear Fission Reactor, stimulate the mutant creatures, reveal their Zerg characteristics, and then report it to the nation, requesting their help!” He Xingzhou himself was a physics student, with a general understanding of how to build a nuclear reactor. Of course, he didn’t plan to build the kind of highly complex, commercially viable nuclear reactor. Instead, he aimed for an experimental Miniature Nuclear Fission Reactor. The Quantum Light Computer immediately displayed the information about nuclear technology from the tech tree for him, including the information about the Miniature Nuclear Fission Reactor. He had already studied this stuff in textbooks, but the information on the tech tree was more comprehensive. It also displayed the unlocking conditions, “Requires one unit of energy.” “How much is one unit of energy?” He Xingzhou asked. “Approximately the electricity consumed by a modern factory running 24 hours,” the Quantum Light Computer replied. He Xingzhou was speechless; how could he have so much energy? Even if he bought it, it wouldn’t be enough money. “I, as the Quantum Light Computer, still possess three units of energy, which can be provided to you to unlock technology. The rest of the technology will require you to provide energy,” the Quantum Light Computer stated. “This isn’t bad, there’s even a newbie’s package.” He Xingzhou smiled, and to verify the Quantum Light Computer’s capabilities, he chose to unlock the Miniature Nuclear Fission Reactor technology immediately. A stream of information flowed into He Xingzhou’s mind. This knowledge was being memorized and absorbed by him. Just like a sudden enlightenment, He Xingzhou had fully grasped the knowledge of a Miniature Nuclear Fission Reactor, and an inexplicable confidence formed in his heart. As long as he had the materials, he could build a Nuclear Fission Reactor himself! “Alright, let’s start with the nuclear reactor!” He Xingzhou decided, wanting to verify the words of the Quantum Light Computer as well. Compared to a world of apocalypse, He Xingzhou preferred to live in a time of peace. For this, he was willing to take action. He Xingzhou began contemplating his next steps. According to the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the National Nuclear Safety Bureau, an application must be submitted to the Nuclear Safety Bureau when conducting nuclear-related experiments. This was a bit challenging, but fortunately, the Science and Technology University was a key national university, with its own nuclear physics research laboratory. If he could get the signature of a laboratory professor confirming that his experiment was harmless, he might get approval. For this, he needed to craft a detailed experimental plan. Additionally, there were issues with the testing site and materials. He Xingzhou decided to start with the experimental plan, and as he thought about it, he began to write while his three dormitory mates returned from the study room. “There was a girl in the study room today, she was gorgeous, and those legs, like a Spider Demon! I regret not asking her for her contact information!” said Zhang Yang, a tall and slim student who entered first. “Yeah, right. Even if you had another chance, you wouldn’t dare,” said another bespectacled roommate, Wang Jiahao, as he walked in. “Come on, it’s almost internship time; everyone’s still thinking about where to find an internship!” the last roommate, Feng Tao, said. The three were also physics students, like He Xingzhou. “Internship what? I’m planning to go to grad school,” Zhang Yang said. “Me too. It’s hard for college students to find a job now, better to go to grad school!” Wang Jiahao agreed. “Oh man, you guys are going for grad school, now I’m feeling anxious,” Feng Tao said hesitantly, “but then again, I feel like starting work early might be better.” The three chatted for a bit, then noticed He Xingzhou sitting quietly, writing something on his computer. “He, what are you writing?” Wang Jiahao leaned over to look, catching the title of the experimental plan at a glance. “‘Application Report on the Experiment of a Miniature Nuclear Fission Reactor’?” Seeing this, Wang Jiahao was first taken aback, then showed an incredulous expression on his face. He exclaimed, “You’re going to make a nuclear reactor?” “What?” Zhang Yang and Feng Tao came over too, and upon seeing the title, they couldn’t help but comment, “Holy crap, what are you writing?” He Xingzhou continued typing without stopping, explaining, “I plan to build a Miniature Nuclear Reactor myself, so I’m preparing an application.” The three of them widened their eyes at the same time as Wang Jiahao exaggerated and twisted his own ear, shouting, “Did I hear that right? You’re going to make a nuclear reactor? Quit joking!” “Yeah, is that something we can actually make?” Zhang Yang followed up. “Good gracious, I’m really impressed! I come back from studying and find my roommate claiming he’s going to build a nuclear reactor!” Feng Tao said. “I must have walked into the wrong dorm, right?” “It wouldn’t matter which dorm you go to!” Wang Jiahao said. “Can you find any student dormitory throughout the nation where someone’s building a nuclear reactor? If so, I’ll call you dad on the spot!” “Indeed, you won’t find any,” Feng Tao nodded. As He Xingzhou continued typing, the roommates initially jested a bit, then, seeing his serious expression, they asked, “He, you’re serious about this, aren’t you?” “Of course I’m serious,” He Xingzhou said. “I’m planning to make this my graduation project; if the experiment turns out well, I can write my graduation thesis myself.” “Huh? You’re really doing it?” The three exchanged glances, still in disbelief. Even a miniature one was still a nuclear reactor! The three of them huddled around, observing for a few moments. “It actually looks like it’s the real deal!” Wang Jiahao said in amazement. “Wow, I can’t believe I don’t understand it!” Feng Tao commented, “Is the gap between me and the top students this wide already?” “Regardless of whether this experiment can be done, this application material is written pretty well,” Zhang Yang remarked. “Guys, why don’t you go ahead with your own stuff,” He Xingzhou said. “I can’t write with you all watching me here.” “Alright, alright!” Wang Jiahao chuckled. “Keep on researching your nuclear reactor; I’m heading to the Summoners Rift.” “I’m off to chat with my girlfriend.” “I’m going to take a nap.” The three of them found their own things to do but kept glancing at He Xingzhou ever so often, feeling incredulous. They even discussed it in their professional chat group. Wang Jiahao: “(photo) Shocked, I’m rethinking life. I’m in the dormitory, just got off my bike, and suddenly discovered my roommate is going to build a nuclear reactor.” Zhou Xiaoqin: “Isn’t that He Xingzhou? He must be joking, building a nuclear reactor! Are you talking about some game?” Feng Tao: “Not a game, it’s true! I saw it with my own eyes; he’s writing the experiment application material!” Zhang Yang: “Exactly, we just asked him, and he said he’s making it his graduation design project. I was completely baffled!” Zhou Xiaoqin: “Really? How did he think of building a nuclear reactor? Even though we’re physics students, it doesn’t mean we have the capability to make a nuclear reactor to prove ourselves!” Li Wei: “??? Has He Xingzhou been affected by something?” Ma Zhengming: “666! Planning to build a nuclear reactor, admirable courage. But I must say, it’s a complete waste of time. Knowing the principle of nuclear fission and actually making one are two completely different things.” “Yeah, hasn’t he seen those young physics hotshots in the UK who made their own nuclear reactors? Is he trying to imitate that?” classmates started discussing in the professional group. “Can that kind of thing be mimicked? Those are the most awesome, most genius people in the world!” “No matter what, his idea is quite bold. As classmates, we shouldn’t make fun of him—though I doubt it’s truly feasible.” Classmates were chatting endlessly, and the students in school were idle, so anything new spread quickly. Since He Xingzhou was seriously writing the application material, he didn’t pay attention to these things. The next day, ten minutes before the atomic physics class began, He Xingzhou arrived in the classroom early. Today, upon entering the classroom, he immediately sensed something was off. Someone called out, “He Xingzhou is here,” and then every student in the lecture hall turned their heads at once, looking at him. “?” He Xingzhou was perplexed. What was going on? Was there something on his face? Or was his shirt on backward?