This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 348: Walk on Others’ Paths, Leaving No Paths for Them

Chapter 348: Chapter 348: Walk on Others’ Paths, Leaving No Paths for Them

Ye Wei had no idea.

As he lamented how awesome the "big shots" were, at that very moment, these same "big shots" were hardly any calmer than he was.

"There’s always a bigger mountain, there’s always someone better..."

"Indeed, I have to admit it."

"Ah... it feels like the past decade of experiments was all for nothing."

Huake Academy, Institute for Materials Technology and Engineering.

In Academician Liu Yiping’s office.

The researchers sitting in front of the desk, each one holding a mobile phone, were scrolling with a thoughtful expression, swiping up with their thumbs.

The events of the past few days felt like a dream to them.

Up until a week ago, they were so busy they wished they could split into two.

Now, however, everyone had suddenly become idle and even had time to browse social media.

It wasn’t just them.

This was also the current state for the vast majority of the project groups engaged in similar research.

The emergence of the 404 artificial SEI film had an impact on the entire industry that could be described as "game-changing."

A thousand charge-discharge cycles with virtually no loss in capacity!

Not a single dendritic lithium structure could be seen on the anode!

The results were so shocking that they suspected for a while that there was a malfunction in the experimental equipment.

Only after more and more repeated experiments yielded the same results did they start to gradually believe that it wasn’t their eyes or the equipment that were faulty, but the world itself was too real...

Maybe there really are geniuses in this world.

Even without participating in the research system, even without any interaction or discussion with peers, they could silently come up with extraordinary research results.

"... Today’s news really has no substance, I’ve been scrolling through social media for almost two hours, and haven’t found a single useful clue."

The doctoral student wearing glasses couldn’t help but complain.

His name was Lin Shengyu, a student of Academician Liu Yiping, who had been exploring the future of lithium batteries with Old Liu since his master’s degree.

"Still searching for that ’cooperation unit’?" A fellow student teased with a smile.

"Yes," Lin Shengyu nodded, counter-questioning, "Aren’t you curious?"

"Curious, of course, but what’s the use of just being curious? We don’t even know who the cooperation unit is, how do you expect others to know?" the fellow student chuckled.

It was indeed embarrassing.

The entire internet was heatedly discussing that mysterious cooperating unit, yet they themselves, caught in the middle of it, had no idea who it was.

Another fellow student also chimed in.

"Give it up. If Old Liu isn’t willing to talk, what do you think those journalists could possibly know?"

Lin Shengyu remained silent, his eyes still fixed firmly on his phone screen, clearly not convinced.

The students beside him had already started discussing other topics.

"Now that the lithium dendrite issue is resolved, what should we research next?"

"Cathode materials? Electrolytes? Separators?"

"I don’t know. We’ll have to wait for Old Liu to return to decide."

"Speaking of which, where is Old Liu? Haven’t seen him these past few days."

"Considering the big developments in the field, he’s probably at a meeting."

Just because the lithium dendrite problem was solved didn’t mean they had nothing left to do.

In fact, there were still a pile of tasks waiting for them.

As bottlenecks were broken, the transition of lithium anode batteries from the laboratory to everyday life had become a possibility, and a whole new technological path lay before everyone.

What to use for the cathode?

What to use for the electrolyte?

What to research and how to research it... all these questions and more needed further discussion.

The technology was changing not just the industry, but also them as researchers.

Only those at the forefront had the right to decide how to pave the way to the future.

They used to be the followers.

Now, the initiative to choose the path forward lay in their hands.

They would determine the future of the new energy industry, and the whole world was waiting for their answer.

But despite that, one question still lingered in everyone’s minds.

That artificial SEI film...

Where did it come from?

...

"Old Liu has been quite busy these days."

"Hahaha, isn’t that for certain! With such a big event in the lithium battery industry, if he doesn’t take charge, we surely can’t trouble our distant friends to do so."

"Academician Liu Yiping still adheres too strongly to principles, he won’t even let his name be associated."

"There is reason in his actions, after all, any secret is temporary, the matter cannot be kept secret forever, it will eventually be made public."

In another part of the same world, the same matter was being discussed.

The people sitting in the office all had dark circles under their eyes, but each face displayed distinct excitement and joy.

In fact, on the issue of "alien civilization," the higher-ups had issued instructions for cautious observation, but there were always controversies regarding certain details.

For instance, the "Enlightenment Faction" believed that the alien civilization was enlightening human civilization through "Game," a cultural form comprehensible to them, ultimately leading humanity towards the stars.

On the other hand, the "Intervention Faction" believed that the alien civilization was trying to meddle in human affairs, influencing the historical process of human civilization with their own will, to achieve unspeakable aims.

The two viewpoints were actually quite similar.

The difference merely lay in, one being above neutral, the other below.

Of course, aside from the mainstream viewpoints, there were also some fringe views like the "Jungle Faction" and the "Breeding Faction."

However, as the discussion had not evolved into a society-wide debate, the controversies were still dominated by "Enlightenment" and "Intervention."

The people in the task force were mostly from the "Enlightenment Faction," not just because some of them had participated in that game, but also because they were consistently updating the game’s versions.

This breakthrough in lithium battery technology related not only to the national energy strategy and the safety of energy use but also allowed the "Enlightenment Faction" to have more say in alien civilization affairs.

"I’ve actually been pondering a question," the man in the police uniform suddenly spoke.

"What question?" the square-faced man asked with a smile.

The man in the police uniform slowly said, "I work in criminal investigation, and I might pay more attention to a suspect’s motive... I really can’t understand for what reason they would help us."

"Perhaps to let the ’Enlightenment Faction’s’ opinions become mainstream within our ranks?" the man with glasses joked.

The square-faced man pondered for a moment and replied,

"I wouldn’t rule out that possibility, but I feel it’s not the main purpose."

"What do you think is the main purpose?" The old man cast a curious look at him.

Being the only one in the office to have received a beta testing qualification for "Wasteland OL," he was probably the most authoritative on "Wasteland OL" among everyone there.

"We’ve discussed this issue a long time ago; the alien civilization possibly wants to bring us some kind of revelation through cultural forms we can understand,"

The man in the green shirt’s expression gradually became serious.

"Are you referring to... a third world war?"

The atmosphere in the office grew tense upon hearing the term "third world war."

In fact, before the "Enlightenment Faction" became influential, there were quite a few supporters of the "Premonition Faction." This faction believed that the alien civilization was revealing to them the human future three hundred years later.

However, predicting the future, with its mystic undertones and lacking scientific basis, never gained the upper hand.

The square-faced man shook his head.

"That should not be it. I think rather than predicting a war, they may be more inclined to show that in a fourth major war, we would fight with club sticks... Isn’t this what our players do in the game?"

After cracking a joke to lighten the mood, he paused and then continued speaking.

"Earth has over seven billion people and more than two hundred countries and regions. Even if we ignore the different voices within each country, our civilization can still produce over two hundred distinct voices. If I were an alien civilization’s diplomat, I would probably go insane."

"Before advancing to the galaxy, we should form a unified community of shared destiny. We can have different opinions internally, but when facing external civilizations, we must ensure our voices are unified."

"The enlightenment I understand, technological support is just one means of ’Enlightenment,’ not the ultimate goal. Maybe ’they’ hope to help us achieve a civilizational union through this method."

Everyone in the office instinctively looked at each other.

The old man slightly frowned.

"This interpretation is quite interesting... If it’s really as you say, then the significance of this matter is extraordinary."

"It’s just a hypothesis. Our official interactions with ’them’ have not yet begun; all our speculations are just our unilateral interpretations, and all the assumptions we are making now are merely precautionary."

After a brief pause, the square-faced man continued with a serious expression.

"Regarding this issue, I’ve already communicated with my superiors. We will soon establish a separate Scientific Development Foundation, responsible for technology induction-related matters."

"This includes establishing a ’Silver Coin’ reserve and a regular purchasing mechanism, setting rules for technology induction, guiding social forces to take initiative, and actively participating in this proposition beneficial for both the country and the people."

"No matter what choices we ultimately make, we only have one thing to do: maintain our advantages!"

Acting on an emergency basis once or twice is permissible, but it cannot be the norm, as continuous benefit transfers will only create a massive and lethargic Leviathan, seeding trouble for the future. Moreover, keeping secrets is one way to maintain a technological advantage, but true advantages are never sustained by secrecy alone.

These words might be unpleasant, but they are lessons from history.

As rulemakers, they needed to ensure the rules were as perfect as possible, minimizing the space for power rent-seeking, ensuring the personal safety of those players who introduced technology to the community, and strictly preventing a few malicious individuals from undermining the community’s interests and image by exploiting their power, status, and specious doctrines to fulfill their personal desires, even channeling benefits abroad.

"Fortunately, I’ve noticed a special company recently appeared in Shanghai whose business scope exactly matches our area of interest."

"That certainly sounds like a good start."

"You mean that... Cattle something company?" said the old man with some regret. "I’ve heard of them, but it’s a pity they only do intermediary services."

If a part of the players with outstanding capabilities could actively repurchase technology, that would be ideal.

In that case, they wouldn’t need to make things so complicated—just send a few "certificates of merit" to the company and let the local people judge for themselves. That would directly resolve the matter.

Short of people?

Short of land?

Short of money?

For a company that truly holds "core technologies," are these even issues?

A loan of one hundred billion plus an order of two hundred billion, even if you tied a dog to the chairman’s seat, as long as it sits properly, it could still soar to the sky.

A vast reserve of talent and complete industrial support—the societal scarcity has never been about a few pieces of paper or a string of digits, but the "actual soil that can be irrigated."

"There’s nothing to regret, specialization is key, and people’s energy is limited. They’ve chosen what they’re better at, and I support them," said the square-faced man with a smile.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the office nodded in agreement, showing their approval.

No wonder he’s a man recognized by an extraterrestrial civilization and obtained the beta testing qualification!

His words indeed had substance!

At that moment, a bespectacled colleague, suddenly curious, asked.

"Speaking of which, how are you doing in the game? What level have you reached?"

Many were curious about this and turned their eyes toward the square-faced man.

Faced with his colleagues’ gazes, the square-faced man’s expression became a bit complicated, and he coughed.

"Didn’t I say, specialization is key..."

"People’s energy is limited."

...

Waste World.

At the south entrance of Lihu Wetland Park, ten fully armed players had assembled.

Apart from Old White and Fang Chang leading the team, the other eight players were elite members of the Burning Corps, each with T3 and even T2 capabilities.

They were not only well-equipped but had also experienced the ordeals of war numerous times and had rich experience in wasteland warfare and urban combat.

Before the gathering, they had been briefed by Old White about the mission, and everyone’s face bore an eager expression.

Surveying the well-equipped and high-spirited players, Chu Guang nodded in approval.

Not bad.

For once, the pre-game animation showed everyone actually dressed properly.

"Xiao Qi, take a picture for them."

A spirited voice came from beside him.

"Okay!"

While Xiao Qi took the opportunity to photograph the players, Chu Guang organized his thoughts for a moment and slowly started speaking.

"I salute you, warriors of the Alliance, for your brave charge has allowed us to end the war so swiftly."

"Now, as the chaos from the north has settled, the Alliance needs time to recuperate. For the sake of long-lasting prosperity and stability, and for those who have survived, I need you to represent the Alliance and bring friendship and peace to our neighbors."

"Remember, on this trip, you represent the entire Alliance."

"How our neighbors perceive their relationship with us will depend on your every word and action."

Players’ individual actions are hard to control.

However, when players form a collective, they naturally look out for the gameplay experience of others in the group and consciously regulate themselves and their peers.

As the player-specific cutscene concluded, Chu Guang turned to Old Luka and added one final piece of advice.

"Be sure to stay safe on the road."

"Don’t worry, sir, I will keep your instructions in mind. But please take care of yourself—don’t overwork. Even the most important work is not as important as your health." Old Luka’s face wore a sincere expression as he spoke.

It wasn’t flattery or mere politeness, but rather a sincere statement from the heart.

While others might not be fully aware of what the Manager had done for the Alliance, Luka, as an executor of orders, knew very well how much effort Chu Guang had put into this Alliance.

From the start of the Northern Expedition until now, except for resting briefly during the Triumph ceremony, he had hardly taken a day off.

If possible, Luka genuinely hoped that the Manager would consider his own well-being a bit more.

Looking at the elderly man who was still worried about him before departure, Chu Guang smiled and nodded.

"My health is fine, don’t worry about me... Let’s set off, the sooner we leave, the sooner we’ll return."

"Yes."

Luka placed his right fist over his left chest in a respectful salute and then led several accompanying personnel, following the players towards the south.

As he watched the team leave, Charlie, standing beside Chu Guang, suddenly spoke up.

"This journey, I’m afraid, won’t be peaceful."

Although he didn’t agree with such flag-setting behavior, Chu Guang still responded.

"What’s your opinion."

Old Charlie proceeded cautiously,

"Although the factory owners in Giant Stone City are reluctant to engage in direct conflict with us, it’s clear they don’t want the authorities to get too close to us."

Most of the merchants who came to invest in the New Alliance were either traders from Giant Stone City or owners of small to medium-sized factories experiencing difficulties.

The commodities they produced in the New Alliance significantly undercut the vested interests of those large factories and business associations in Giant Stone City.

Chu Guang was very aware of these matters and knew he had been quite cunning in trade matters,

For instance, through administrative intervention, he controlled the exchange rate between silver coins and chips at 2:1, intentionally increasing the profit from exports.

Furthermore, he dumped low-value-added light industrial products and used the "Awakeners Mercenaries," keen on doing missions, to plunder chips from Giant Stone City, using the foreign exchange earned to buy second-hand equipment from local factories and hire engineers and workers, thus upgrading his own industries.

A prime example was the KV-1 Exoskeleton.

Although this device was a product from the Giant Stone City Military Factory, currently, more than half of the KV-1 Exoskeletons in Southern River Province were produced by the New Alliance’s List Factory.

Another example was the New Alliance’s LD-47 assault rifle, which not only encroached on the market share of the "Hornet" assault rifle in Southern River Province but even found its way back onto the shelves of weapon stores in Giant Stone City.

Now in Giant Stone City, aside from those traders and mercenaries who seized historical opportunities and made a fortune from the rise of the New Alliance, almost no factory owner had a good impression of them.

Chu Guang even dared to assert,

As long as Mr. Hauser threw in a few provocative words on the radio, it wouldn’t be long before even the ordinary citizens of Giant Stone City would start complaining that residents of the New Alliance were stealing their job opportunities.

"...You mean, they might take action along the way?" After hearing Old Charlie’s words, Chu Guang said thoughtfully.

"We can’t rule out that possibility, though it’s a crude method," Old Charlie replied earnestly, "Giant Stone City is never short of mercenaries, and most of those factory owners and business association leaders have their own private armies. Kidnapping or hijacking would undoubtedly be the most direct methods if they wish to obstruct the treaty signing."

Chu Guang nodded seriously.

"I’ll have my soldiers be more vigilant."

Even though this journey was fraught with risks, the task still needed to be done.

After seeing off Luka, Chu Guang returned alone to the shelter and proceeded to the viewing room on floor B4, continuing to refine the New Alliance’s reform plan and Heaven’s Beta0.3 version.

Just then, Xiao Qi, sitting on the table, suddenly spoke up.

"Master, there’s been new progress on that matter you’re interested in."

Chu Guang, hands on the keyboard, asked subconsciously,

"Which matter?"

"The 10G of data you asked me to translate for you!"

Hearing this, Chu Guang’s face finally showed a flash of realization.

He had been busy with domestic affairs in recent days and hadn’t paid much attention to news from the real world.

"Have they already developed that lithium battery?"

That quick?

Xiao Qi nodded, speaking happily,

"Yes! And it even made the news! Should I open the silver coin trading platform?"

Looking at the webpage on the computer screen, Chu Guang pondered for a moment and then spoke.

"Open it."

Originally, he had planned to launch it next month, synchronized with the release of Beta0.3, but the pace of developments on the other side had surprised him.

Thinking this, Chu Guang’s expression showed a bit of regret.

It’s a pity that "closed beta qualification" slots were running low.

Otherwise, taking advantage of this wave, he could have harvested another large batch of hard-working "little leeks"...