From Flit and others' perspective, the [Zero System] was an extremely powerful system. Though it was a double-edged sword that could harm both enemy and user, in the right hands, it would undoubtedly become the most terrifying weapon for annihilating foes!
But in Yang Hui's view, the [Zero System] was dispensable, even more harmful than beneficial.
The drawbacks of the [Zero System] weren't just that it could turn those with weak wills into fools. Its sole objective was victory in battle—even allies could be sacrificed if it meant achieving that goal. This was unacceptable to Yang Hui.
A competent commander shouldn't treat comrades and subordinates as sacrificial offerings for victory, but should strive to win wars while ensuring as many survive as possible.
Moreover, veteran ace pilots could already predict the optimal response for any situation. Even special abilities like [X-Rounder] and [New Human] possessed certain precognitive sensing capabilities.
Thus, Yang Hui truly saw little value in the [Zero System].
The final significant acquisition was the [Mobile Dole System]—an unmanned MS developed by OZ. Controlled entirely by computers, these units could exhibit exceptional combat performance and execute system commands with precision far surpassing human-piloted MS, with reaction speeds several times faster. Some models could even incorporate data from elite pilots' maneuvers, enabling the Mobile Suits to move as if operated by those aces.
However, since MDs strictly followed programmed instructions, they fundamentally lacked adaptability to changing battlefield conditions.
This technology was similarly a mixed bag—dispensable yet with merits. Still, it held slightly more importance than the [Zero System] because it imposed no operator restrictions and offered greater research potential.
The [Mobile Dole System] represented foundational programming for artificial intelligence AI. Currently limited to scripted computer operations, its constraints were significant. But further development could yield true intelligent AI—unmanned units equipped with such AI would become formidable assets. (Mephis: Hmm? Am I getting siblings?)
Furthermore, Prometheus Fortress had already cataloged these three key technologies. While the [Zero System] remained a unique specialty without derivative branches, both Gundarium Alloy and the [Mobile Dole System] had extension technologies—except...
"Mephis, what's this about? Why are the tech tree options showing question marks?"
Indeed, unlike other technologies where unlit options appeared grayed-out but still visible in outline, the extension technologies for Gundarium Alloy and the [Mobile Dole System] displayed only unclickable question marks.
[These technologies' extensions don't exist in the Gundam W universe. They're linked to other worlds. To unlock them, you must visit the corresponding worlds. Alternatively, the Commander could conduct independent research for Prometheus Fortress to catalog.]
"Understood."
Yang Hui couldn't guess what the [Mobile Dole System] might extend into, but he had theories about Gundarium Alloy's derivative technologies—undoubtedly referring to UC era advancements like Gundarium Alloy Alpha and Gundarium Alloy Gamma.
High hardness, strong heat resistance, excellent corrosion resistance, and radiation insulation—these make it the perfect material for MS armor.
Judging from the research institute's tech tree, the Gundarium Alloy from the Gundam W universe should be inferior in performance to Luna Titanium Alloy, also known as Gundarium Alloy Alpha. Well, the future looks promising!
"Let's head to the lab first to unlock the Original Solar Furnace," Yang Hui said. He had already mastered all the theoretical knowledge about the Original Solar Furnace, so researching and unlocking it wouldn't be difficult. This approach could save two-thirds of the resources.
The Lv.5 research institute had five laboratories. The first was the MS Research Lab, dedicated to studying various MS technologies. The second was the Warship Research Lab, focused on warship technologies. The third lab had originally been vacant since there were no specialized projects requiring it, but now it was assigned to Durandal as the exclusive research facility for genetic factors.
There were still two vacant labs left. Yang Hui planned to designate one as the dedicated AI research lab, extending studies on the Mobile Dole System. The other would serve as the exclusive research facility for superweapons. While superweapons were best avoided if possible, no one could ignore their significance.
Forget about sheer destructive power—just take the Gundam SEED universe as an example. If Genesis were aimed directly at Earth, and without the presence of Yang Hui and his team—or protagonists like Kira and Athrun—would the Earth Alliance even stand a chance?
Of course, the superweapons mentioned here weren't limited to nuclear arms like Genesis. The Lagrange 1 Fortress Cannon from Gundam AGE, Requiem from Gundam SEED, Moonlight Butterfly from Gundam D, and even the Beam Saber from the UC era—all fell under the category of superweapons.
Even if these weapons weren't used, their deterrent power alone played a crucial role.
Arriving at the first lab, Yang Hui found the top researchers from the Gundam AGE world gathered there, working fervently—or rather, arguing.
"I told you this wouldn't work! Why won't you listen!?"
"Hmph! Practice reveals the truth. How would we know if we don't try?"
"Try? Try and we die! Thankfully, we're in the Prometheus Fortress research institute with complete isolation. Otherwise, we'd have been blown sky-high along with this lab!"
"I... I considered that before—"
"Considered my foot! You were just reckless!"
"But didn't you all agree to this project too? Now that it's failed, you're just playing armchair general and shifting blame?"
"Yes, we agreed! Researching the maximum threshold and stable operation of nuclear engines is worthwhile. But did you have to rush it? Pushing past the threshold in one go—what were you thinking? Turning the engine into a bomb?"
...
Well, it was more like a heated debate. It seemed a project had failed, and now they were too busy arguing to notice someone had entered the lab.
"Ahem."
"Huh? Yang Hui! You're here!" Madonna and the others, who had been at their wits' end, immediately pulled Yang Hui over, sandwiching him between the two factions. "You settle this! Who's right!?"
"That's right! Judge for us, Lord Yang Hui!"
"Uh..." Yang Hui's lips twitched. Although he had already pieced together the entire incident from overhearing the arguments, he was still an outsider here. Being dragged into mediating before he could even confirm the details was like being thrown into the fire.
But then inspiration struck—he knew exactly how to handle this. That's right, redirect their attention!
"Let's set aside those minor issues for now. There's more important work to be done."
"Hmm?" came the collective response.
Indeed, Yang Hui's authority still carried weight. As fellow researchers, they could debate projects as equals, but when he spoke as the commander of Prometheus Fortress—their superior—no one dared continue arguing. They all held their breath, waiting for his next words.
"Has everyone mastered the foundational theories of the Original Solar Furnace and GN Particles?"
"We have," they chorused.
Though they'd only been at Prometheus Fortress for less than half a month, every researcher present was a top-tier scientist. Mastering textbook-level foundational theories in that time was no challenge at all.
"Good. Switch out the equipment. We're beginning construction of the Original Solar Furnace."
"Really?!" The group erupted in excitement. As scientists, after studying the theories behind the Original Solar Furnace and GN Particles, not one of them had remained unmoved. This was an invention that transcended eras. The only problem had been insufficient resources—even if they could build it, the technology couldn't be archived by the institute, preventing deeper research into the furnace and particles.
But Yang Hui's decision to restart the project now meant the Original Solar Furnace technology had met the archiving conditions. A physical prototype would soon be right before their eyes.
"Yeah."
"Fantastic!"
"Hurry, hurry! Reset the experimental environment for the Original Solar Furnace!"
"Who left this heavy crane here? It's in the way! Move it now!"
"That was you!"
"Uh... sorry, sorry. I forgot. I'll cancel it right away."
"Setting up the hypergravity environment... damn it, this isn't my specialty. Who knows how? Get it done fast!"
"I'll do it! I specifically studied this for the Original Solar Furnace and GN Particles—"
"Amateurs, step aside! Do you think resources grow on trees?!"
"Actually, they kind of do—since you can't buy them with money anyway..."
"I'll handle it. Uncle Madonna, assist me." Watching the researchers burn with enthusiasm yet descend into chaos, Yang Hui had no choice but to take charge himself. After all, he was the one who understood the Original Solar Furnace and GN Particles best.
"Got it! Just give the orders!"
Though it was a shame they wouldn't see the Original Solar Furnace take shape under their own hands, there was no helping it. They simply weren't specialized enough.
Under Yang Hui's direction, the production environment for the Original Solar Furnace was soon prepared, transforming the entire first laboratory.
"This is incredibly efficient!"
Durandal, another researcher, marveled at the seamless reconstruction of the lab's environment. His amazement quickly turned to delight.
With just a thought, one could arrange their laboratory exactly as they desired, instantly obtain the most advanced research equipment, and enjoy perfect protective measures. This was undoubtedly every scientist's dream laboratory.
"Prometheus Fortress is truly a miraculous place, isn't it?" Creuset chuckled lightly.
"Indeed."
Both Durandal and Creuset possessed exceptionally strong mental fortitude, yet even they couldn't help but marvel at the various novel and incomprehensible phenomena they witnessed, growing increasingly excited about their future life here.
"It's about to begin."
"Mm."
Yang Hui and the others had completed all preparatory work. The researchers held their breath, watching intently as Yang Hui operated. Countless emerald-green particles filled the entire laboratory as a small luminous sphere appeared.
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