Chapter 24: 72-Hour Countdown
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The eyes of the world are fixed on the high-stakes battle between the Shen Group and the Abyss Consortium. With only 72 hours remaining on the countdown for Project Obsidian, this is more than just a struggle for dominance in new energy technology; it is a contest that will dictate the future of the globe.
Xu Yunchuan knows that there is no turning back from this fight.
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Global Conference: Emergency Mobilization
In the Shen Group’s global conference room, representatives from the member nations of the New Energy Alliance have gathered, their gazes locked on the central screen.
Zhao Ming stands before the display, pointing to a map. "According to our intelligence, the core experimental base for Project Obsidian is located at Research Station Zero in the Sahara Desert. In 72 hours, they will conduct a full-scale activation test of their high-capacity nuclear fusion battery."
Shen Qingwan adds, "If the test succeeds, they will possess technology capable of monopolizing global energy, posing an immeasurable threat to global military security."
"What is our objective?" a representative from a European new energy firm asks.
"To sabotage their experiment, buy time, and expose their conspiracy," Xu Yunchuan says, rising to his feet with a cold, resolute tone. "This is not a mere business rivalry; it is a war for the future."
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Division of Labor
Plan One: The War of Public Opinion
Shen Qingwan is tasked with contacting major global media outlets to expose the Abyss Consortium’s Project Obsidian, aiming to garner international support. The goal is to highlight the safety risks inherent in the consortium’s technology and spark a global wave of skepticism.
Plan Two: Technical Breaching
Zhao Ming leads the technical team in an attempt to remotely infiltrate and disrupt the core control systems of Project Obsidian. If a breach is impossible, they will seek an opportunity to trigger the system's self-destruct mechanism at the final moment.
Plan Three: Raid Operation
Xu Yunchuan will personally lead a team to infiltrate Research Station Zero, locate the core experimental apparatus, and destroy it. The mission objective: prevent the successful activation of Project Obsidian.
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The Media Storm
Major global media outlets begin exposing the inside story of Project Obsidian, revealing the massive risks and safety hazards lurking behind it.
"New Energy or Destruction? The Secret Plot Behind Project Obsidian"
"Secrets Deep in the Sahara: The Last Desperation of Energy Hegemony"
"The Abyss Consortium—The Dark Force Hidden Behind Global Capital"
In an instant, public outcry erupts. Nations across the world begin pressuring the Abyss Consortium, demanding they halt the experiment.
However, the Abyss Consortium issues a defiant statement:
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"Project Obsidian is the inevitable path of the human energy revolution. We will not be swayed by rumors."
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Technical Warfare
Zhao Ming’s team has launched a high-intensity offensive on the technical front. They are attempting to remotely infiltrate the core system via satellite networks, but the Abyss Consortium’s defensive architecture is exceptionally tight.
"Their firewalls are layered with encryption, and they even have artificial intelligence monitoring in real-time," the technical lead says, wiping sweat from his brow. "If we continue the assault, our IP addresses could be traced back."
Zhao Ming says calmly, "Do not get bogged down in a protracted fight. We only need to find one vulnerability; that will be enough."
Suddenly, a technician discovers a backup data channel hidden within the server.
"This is their emergency escape route. If we can seize control, we can trigger the system’s self-destruct mechanism!" the technician says excitedly.
"Establish a connection immediately, but do not alert them," Zhao Ming orders.
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Desert Infiltration
Deep in the vast desert, the team led by Xu Yunchuan and Ling Yun approaches Research Station Zero. Wearing desert camouflage and equipped with state-of-the-art electronic jamming devices, they bypass multiple security checkpoints.
Ling Yun whispers, "We are three kilometers from the target, but there are infrared scanners and drone patrols ahead."
"Activate the jammer," Xu Yunchuan commands coolly.
The device emits a low-frequency signal, successfully masking their presence from the surrounding detection equipment. The team pushes forward, finally reaching the perimeter of Research Station Zero as night falls.
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The Truth Inside
They slip quietly into the research station, only to discover that it houses not just scientific equipment, but a large contingent of armed soldiers. Clearly, the Abyss Consortium has long since transformed this place into a military fortress.
Inside the underground laboratory, Xu Yunchuan sees the core apparatus of Project Obsidian—a massive nuclear fusion battery controller, surrounded by intricate piping and a dense web of sensors.
"Time is running out," Ling Yun says. "We must act now."
Just as they prepare to plant the jamming device, a voice rings out from behind them.
"Xu Yunchuan, you finally arrived."
They turn to see a middle-aged man in a suit standing at the console.
"I am Kane, the Chief Executive of the Abyss Consortium."
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The Standoff
Kane stares coldly at Xu Yunchuan, a smile of certain victory playing on his lips.
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"Did you think you could stop us? Project Obsidian has reached its final phase. Any attempt at sabotage is futile."
"Your technology is not yet mature," Xu Yunchuan says in a low voice. "This is not just the pillaging of a market; it is gambling with the future of humanity."
Kane scoffs, "The future has always been in the hands of the few. You are far too naive."
Ling Yun grips his weapon, ready to strike at any moment.
Kane continues, "But I will give you one chance, Xu Yunchuan. Join us. Become a partner in Project Obsidian. I can provide you and your group with unimaginable wealth."
"Wealth?" Xu Yunchuan sneers. "My goal has never been money; it is to change the world."
Kane’s expression shifts. He raises a hand, signaling his soldiers to surround them.
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The Countdown Continues
Meanwhile, Zhao Ming’s team has successfully infiltrated the backup channel and is nearing the trigger point for the self-destruct mechanism.
"Just ten more minutes and we can trigger the self-destruct!" the technician shouts.
But at that moment, Kane commands: "Activate the emergency lockdown protocol. Sever all external connections."
A red alert flashes on the screens of Zhao Ming’s team; the self-destruct program is forcibly frozen.
Time: 00:10:00 remaining.
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The Desperate Breakout
Gunfire erupts suddenly. Ling Yun and the team provide cover as Xu Yunchuan rushes toward the console.
Kane laughs coldly as he activates the controller: "Look, Xu Yunchuan! Project Obsidian will completely change this world, and you—you can stop nothing!"
Amidst a hail of bullets, Xu Yunchuan lunges at the controller. An alarm echoes through the entire laboratory:
"System Exception! System Exception! Self-destruct sequence initiated!"
Time: 00:05:00 remaining.
Next Chapter: The Ultimate Showdown
The countdown for the laboratory’s self-destruct sequence enters its final stage.
Kane’s true plan comes to light.
The final fate of the world’s new energy future is about to be revealed!
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