Chapter 2: The Nuclear Reactor Project

He Xingzhou digested the words of the Quantum AI and said, "According to you, accomplishing so many things in such a short time is almost impossible! By the time my own abilities develop to the point of entering space and building a Dyson sphere, the solar system will likely have already been destroyed."

The Quantum AI replied, "You must find a way yourself. This is a test of your capabilities."

This put He Xingzhou in a difficult position. Even with a "cheat code," a few decades would at most allow him to run an international tech company. But to build a Dyson sphere and a planet-destroying cannon, ten companies wouldn't be enough, and there simply wasn't enough time!

"If I really want to achieve something so grand... perhaps only by relying on the power of the state, with the whole nation acting in unison, could it be possible!" He Xingzhou thought. "Should I report this to the government? Only by gathering the nation's strength to develop weapons, build defense bases, and explore space can there be even a glimmer of hope."

At present, it seemed this was the only way to meet his goals in the shortest time possible. But then another problem arose: how could he make the entire nation believe him? Tell everyone directly that the Earth would be devoured by the Zerg and face an apocalypse? He would only be treated as a clown. As a poor student without power or influence, no one would believe a word he said.

The Quantum AI suggested, "Master, you can conduct an experiment to issue a warning to your country. As long as you find a mutated creature carrying Zerg genes and stimulate it with nuclear energy, it will activate its Zerg genes more quickly and become a true Zerg. By that time, some people should believe you."

"Mutated creatures are easy enough to find; people sell them online," He Xingzhou noted. He had searched before and seen fishermen selling mutated fish they had caught.

"But how do I get nuclear energy? Where would I find nuclear energy, and enough to conduct an experiment?"

The Quantum AI remained silent. He Xingzhou thought for a moment, and an idea flashed through his mind: "Quantum AI, can a small nuclear reactor achieve this?"

"Yes," the Quantum AI replied. "Zerg genes only need the stimulation of nuclear energy. It does not require continuous input, so this can achieve your goal."

He Xingzhou grew excited. "I understand! I can build a miniature nuclear reactor to stimulate a mutated creature, make its Zerg characteristics manifest, and then report it to the state to request their help!"

As a physics student, He Xingzhou had a general understanding of how to build a nuclear reactor. He certainly didn't mean the high-difficulty reactors used for commercial power generation, but rather an experimental miniature fission reactor. The Quantum AI immediately displayed information from the technology tree, including details on a miniature nuclear fission reactor. He Xingzhou had studied this in textbooks, but the information in the technology tree was far more comprehensive. It even showed the unlocking conditions: "Requires one unit of energy."

"How much is one unit of energy?" He Xingzhou asked.

"Roughly the power consumption of a modern factory for 24 hours," the Quantum AI said.

He Xingzhou was speechless. Where would he get that much energy? Even if he paid for it, he couldn't afford it.

"I currently possess three units of energy, which I can provide for you to unlock technology. You will need to provide energy for the rest," the Quantum AI said.

"That's not bad, a starter bonus," He Xingzhou said, his brow relaxing. To verify the Quantum AI's capabilities, he chose to unlock the "Miniature Nuclear Fission Reactor" technology immediately. A stream of information flooded into his brain, and he began to memorize and absorb the knowledge.

It was like a sudden epiphany. He Xingzhou fully grasped the knowledge of the miniature nuclear fission reactor. An inexplicable confidence grew within him: if he were given the materials, he could build a nuclear fission reactor himself!

"Alright, let's start with the nuclear reactor!" He Xingzhou decided. He wanted to verify the Quantum AI's claims. Compared to an apocalyptic world, he preferred living in a peaceful era. For that, he was willing to take action.

He Xingzhou began to consider his next steps. According to the regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the National Nuclear Safety Administration, one must apply to the Nuclear Safety Administration when conducting experiments related to nuclear energy. This was a bit difficult, but fortunately, his university was a national key institution that already had a nuclear physics research laboratory. If he could get a professor to sign off on the experiment, confirming it was harmless, he should be able to get approval. To do this, he needed to draft a detailed experimental plan.

Besides that, there was the issue of the test site and materials. He Xingzhou decided to start with the experimental plan. Just as he began writing, his three roommates returned from the study hall.

"There was a girl at the study hall today, gorgeous! Those legs, she was like a spider spirit! I regret not asking for her WeChat!" The first to enter was Zhang Yang, a tall, thin student.

"Forget it, even if you had another chance, you wouldn't have the guts," said Wang Jiahao, another roommate wearing glasses.

"Alright, internships are coming up soon, we should think about where to apply," said the last roommate, Feng Tao. All three were physics students like He Xingzhou.

"What internship? I'm planning to take the postgraduate entrance exam," Zhang Yang said.

"Me too. It's hard for college graduates to find jobs now, better to pursue a master's," Wang Jiahao agreed.

"Damn, you guys are both taking the exam, you're making me nervous," Feng Tao said, feeling hesitant. "But I also think it might be better to start working early."

The three chatted for a while before noticing He Xingzhou quietly typing something on his computer.

"Old He, what are you writing?" Wang Jiahao leaned over and immediately saw the title of the experimental plan.

"'Application Report for Miniature Nuclear Fission Experiment'?" Seeing this, Wang Jiahao was stunned, and then an expression of disbelief appeared on his face. He exclaimed in surprise, "You're going to build a nuclear reactor?"

"What?" Zhang Yang and Feng Tao crowded around. Seeing the title, they couldn't help but complain, "Holy crap, what is this?"

He Xingzhou didn't stop typing. "I plan to build a miniature nuclear reactor myself, so I'm drafting an application."

The three stared with wide eyes. Wang Jiahao even twisted his own ear in exaggeration, shouting, "Did I hear that right? You want to build a nuclear reactor? Don't joke around, okay?"

"Yeah, is that something we can actually make?" Zhang Yang added.

"Good heavens, I'm speechless! We come back from the study hall, and our roommate claims he's going to build a nuclear reactor!" Feng Tao exclaimed. "Did I walk into the wrong dorm?"

"It wouldn't matter which dorm you walked into," Wang Jiahao said. "If you can find any student dorm in the country where someone is building a nuclear reactor, I'll call you 'Dad' on the spot!"

"True, you won't find one," Feng Tao nodded.

He Xingzhou continued typing. His roommates had initially just been teasing, but seeing his serious expression, they were confused. "Old He, you aren't serious, are you?"

"Of course I'm serious," He Xingzhou said. "I plan to make this my graduation project. If the experiment goes well, I can write my thesis based on it."

"Uh? You're playing for real?" The three looked at each other, still unable to believe it. Even if it was miniature, it was still a nuclear reactor!

The three crowded around to take a look. "It actually looks like it makes sense!" Wang Jiahao said in surprise.

"Damn, I realize I can't even understand it!" Feng Tao complained. "Has the gap between me and a top student become this huge?"

"Regardless of whether this experiment can be done, the application material is written quite well," Zhang Yang commented.

"Guys, go do whatever you need to do," He Xingzhou said. "I can't write with you all hovering over me."

"Alright, alright!" Wang Jiahao laughed. "You go ahead and study your nuclear reactor; I'm heading to Summoner's Rift!"

"I'm going to chat with my girlfriend."

"I'm going to take a nap." The three went back to their own business, but they would glance at He Xingzhou from time to time. Seeing how serious he was, they all found it incredible.

They even discussed it in their professional group chat.

Wang Jiahao: "(Photo) Shocked, I'm questioning reality. I'm in the dorm, just got off my bike, and I find my roommate wants to build a nuclear reactor."

Zhou Xiaoqin: "Isn't that He Xingzhou? Must be a joke, building a nuclear reactor! Are you guys talking about a game?"

Feng Tao: "Not a game, it's real! I saw it with my own eyes, He Xingzhou is writing an experimental application!"

Zhang Yang: "Yep, we asked him, and he said he's using it as his graduation project. I was stunned on the spot!"

Zhou Xiaoqin: "Is it real? How would he think of building a nuclear reactor? Even if we are physics students, there's no way we have the capability to build a reactor to prove ourselves!"

Li Wei: "??? Did He Xingzhou have some sort of breakdown?"

Ma Zhengming: "666! He actually wants to build a nuclear reactor. A for effort, but I have to say, it's a complete waste of time. Knowing the principle of nuclear fission and actually building one are two completely different things."

"Yeah, could he be imitating that famous American physics prodigy who built a nuclear reactor in his youth?" the students in the group began to discuss.

"Is that something you can just imitate? Those are the most brilliant, genius people in the world!"

"Regardless, his idea is bold. As his classmates, we shouldn't mock him—of course, I also think it's impossible to pull off."

The students debated endlessly. Since students were always bored, any fresh news spread quickly. Because He Xingzhou was busy writing his application, he didn't notice any of this.

The next day, ten minutes before the atomic physics class, He Xingzhou arrived at the classroom. As soon as he walked in, he noticed something was off. Someone shouted, "He Xingzhou is here," and every student in the large lecture hall turned their heads to look at him.

"?" He Xingzhou was confused. What was going on? Was there something on his face? Was his shirt on backwards?