Chapter 99 - 98 The Secret of the Research Lab (Part 2)

Words : 1219 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 99: Chapter 98 The Secret of the Research Lab (Part 2) The door opened, and Ling Chen followed closely behind Qin Lan in his wheelchair, striding into the room. Immediately, a metallic skeleton placed in the center of the room appeared in Ling Chen’s sight. The surface of the metal skeleton was a silver-gray color, and the material it was made from was unknown. In the center was a core circuit board, which still had its protective cover uninstalled, leaving the chips and wires exposed. From the center of the circuit board, metallic rods extended on both the left and the right, each about two fingers in width. At the middle and end of each metal rod, there was a round fixing device. Apart from the sides, there were also two metal supports beneath the circuit board, each about one meter long, and in the middle of the supports were two movable devices that could rotate back and forth. At this moment, Ling Chen finally realized what Nanrong Wanqing’s research was about. Internationally, this type of metal skeleton goes by one general term, called Mechanical Exoskeleton, and can also be referred to as exoskeleton armor. Such exoskeleton armor can be worn on the body, providing protection and additional power to enhance physical functions, such as allowing individuals with leg disabilities to walk freely. Seeing Nanrong Wanqing sitting in her wheelchair, how could Ling Chen not understand the purpose behind her research? It was nothing more than her desire to regain the ability to walk. Facing Ling Chen’s gaze, Nanrong Wanqing said, "Now you know what this research lab is working on." Ling Chen nodded, "Chairman, if I may ask, the existence of exoskeleton armor is no secret in the world and has been reported in the news. Why would those people be interested in your research?" Qin Lan took over the conversation and counter-questioned, "Mr. Ling, how much do you know about exoskeleton armor?" "Not much, I’ve never been involved in this field." "There are many researchers around the world who study exoskeleton armor, including the military powers. The exoskeleton armor can not only allow disabled individuals to regain mobility but can also enhance various physical capabilities. To give a simple example, a person’s limit might be running ten kilometers, but with exoskeleton armor, they could run twenty or thirty kilometers without feeling fatigued. Not only that, exoskeleton armor can significantly increase a person’s abilities, such as jumping power and strength. Our country began the secret research of exoskeleton armor ten years ago, hoping to use it to enhance soldiers’ combat abilities and survival skills." Qin Lan paused slightly at this point and then continued, "While exoskeleton armor is powerful, it also has many limitations. The exoskeleton armor is mainly powered by electricity; the greater the usage intensity, the more electricity it consumes. In fact, many countries internationally have already developed working models of exoskeleton armor but have not been able to utilize them in the military domain. One reason is the unresolved issue of electricity consumption. The electric energy storage device cannot be too large, otherwise, it would increase the armor’s weight and cause inconvenience in movement. To my knowledge, the current exoskeleton armors internationally can only operate for one to two hours on their internal power supply when disconnected from an external power source. This is not enough time for soldiers in field combat." "Moreover, existing exoskeleton armors are too complicated and cumbersome, making them very troublesome to use and having very poor stealth as anyone can easily spot them. Because of these two reasons, exoskeleton armor has been unable to be applied in the military domain for a long time." After listening to Qin Lan’s explanation, Ling Chen had a general understanding of exoskeleton armor. "Miss Qin, could it be that you have already overcome these two major obstacles?" Qin Lan nodded, her eyes exuding an undeniable pride, "After years of research, we have successfully solved the material issues of the Exoskeleton armor. What you see now is the first completed product developed by us, made from a composite metal. It is a special metal created based on an alloy, not only convenient to carry but also extremely hard. It doesn’t feel too burdensome to wear, even without electrical power. We have conducted several tests, wearing this set of Exoskeleton armor under our clothes and walking on the streets without anyone noticing. Its concealment is very good." "As for its power system, our scientific researchers have found a solution and are currently testing it. Once successful, this Exoskeleton armor can operate autonomously for ten hours. Just these two points alone make this set of Exoskeleton armor sufficiently viable for military use." "Qin Lan, show him the test data of this armor." Upon Nanrong Wanqing’s command, Qin Lan took out a document from her portfolio and handed it to Ling Chen. Ling Chen casually flipped to the first page and his gaze froze, his face showing incredible astonishment. The power of the Exoskeleton armor was vividly demonstrated in these data. Speed increased threefold, jumping power fourfold, strength enhanced fivefold. Ignoring everything else, just these three pieces of data alone were enough to reflect its might. As a former member of the Ghost Squad, Ling Chen knew all too well what this meant. If this Exoskeleton armor became widespread in the military, it would be enough to change the status of special forces soldiers worldwide. The so-called king of soldiers, the elite special forces, would be nothing but dross in front of this Exoskeleton armor, not worth mentioning. Unconsciously, Ling Chen felt his palms starting to sweat. At this moment, he finally understood why those people would go to such lengths to obtain this Exoskeleton armor. Closing the document, he looked up at Qin Lan and said, "Miss Qin, may I have a word with you in private?" Qin Lan glanced at Nanrong Wanqing, and seeing her nod, she immediately left the room, leaving just the two of them. "Chairwoman, do you realize what this Exoskeleton armor signifies?" When Ling Chen asked this, there was a rare seriousness in his eyes. "I know. The development of these events was beyond my expectations. Initially, I just wanted to research a lightweight Mechanical Exoskeleton so that I could regain the ability to walk, but the research achievements over these years have far exceeded my imagination. It wasn’t until I saw these test data that I realized what a terrifying thing I had created. A year ago, to avoid letting outsiders know about these studies, I strengthened the security of the research lab and signed confidentiality agreements with all the scientific staff. Until I decide how to deal with this Exoskeleton armor, no one is allowed to leak any information." "Still, someone got wind of it. Could there be a mole in the research lab?" "I don’t know." Nanrong Wanqing shook her head gently, "If it weren’t for that person at Yulong Mansion mentioning the research lab, I would still be unaware that its secrets had been leaked." "How many people in the research lab know about the existence of this set of Exoskeleton armor?" "That’s a question for Qin Lan. The research lab has always been under her charge. You can ask her anything you want to know."

Chapter 99 - 98 The Secret of the Research Lab (Part 2)

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