Pretending to be a genius starts with the civilization advancement assessment.

Chapter 82 'The Source Sea' and Triumph
When Nie Chang heard Lin Yi's speculation about the possible existence of equipment for manufacturing source energy crystals, his heart was struck as if by a heavy hammer, and he was deeply shaken.

The official authorities certainly received them, and not just one.

He still vividly remembers how excited the entire upper echelon was when they first discovered the "Source Sea Type I Crystal Maker"—which could extract free source energy from the surrounding environment and compress and solidify it into a standard source energy crystal.

However, reality that followed quickly poured cold water on their enthusiasm.

The actual working efficiency of the 'Source Sea' Type I is outrageously low. Even after operating 24 hours a day without interruption, it can only produce one lowest-level Level 1 Source Energy Crystal after deducting its own operating needs.

The initial excitement quickly cooled, replaced by deep disappointment.

They once thought that the machine might have been designed with a "slow and steady" approach, requiring a large number of machines to achieve a considerable total production capacity.

Alternatively, the 'Source Sea' Type I is too low-level, and the production will only see a significant increase when Type II or Type III are acquired later.

Only now, upon hearing Lin Yi reveal the truth about the "extreme scarcity of Blue Star's energy resources," did Nie Changcai feel as if he had been enlightened.

It turns out that the machine wasn't useless; rather, even a skilled cook can't make a meal without rice!

This crystallizer is not an inefficient assembly line device at all; it is a "money printing machine" that may be highly efficient under normal energy conditions.

Its low yield is purely because this godforsaken place, Earth, simply doesn't have enough "rice" for it to cook.

Having figured this out, Nie Chang broke out in a cold sweat, which was then replaced by immense excitement.

what does this mean?
This means that once combined with the "Vortex Type 1" in the crystal in Lin Yi's hand, a high-concentration source energy environment can be artificially created. Then, the value of the "Source Sea" Type I, which has been ignored by everyone and piled up in the research institute's warehouse and managed by only one or two people, will undergo a dramatic change.

It will become a true strategic core, the heart of humanity's energy system.

He took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed his turbulent emotions.

Looking at Lin Yi, whose gaze was calm, Nie Chang felt that with the other party's strength, contributions, and the foresight he was showing at this moment, he was fully qualified to know most of the secrets.

After all, during wartime, many things can be done flexibly, and there is no need to be overly bound by secrecy regulations.

A bitter smile, a mixture of embarrassment and realization, appeared on his face as he frankly stated, "Major Lin, your idea is not just speculation, but a fact. We have already acquired more than one piece of equipment called the 'Yuanhai' Type I crystal manufacturing machine."

He briefly explained its meager production capacity and previous misunderstandings, concluding with the感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex feeling of mixed emotions, including regret and a sense of loss), "Now it seems that it wasn't that it was useless, but rather that we had been keeping it in a state of 'starvation'."

"It and the energy condenser in your hand are probably the core system that truly complements each other."

Then, as if he had thought of something, Nie Chang's expression turned serious, and he said to Lin Yi in a very formal manner:

"Major Lin, there is one more thing I need to tell you."

"According to the operational regulations of this 'Dawn Project,' all combat spoils, including crystals dropped by the Abyss Beasts and crystals generated after the nests dissipate, will be distributed as spoils of collective combat after the battle, after being uniformly evaluated and registered by the command headquarters."

"As for the crystal produced from the Black Flame Abyss Tiger you killed alone, and this seven-colored crystal."

Nie Chang looked into Lin Yi's eyes, his tone tinged with apology and caution, "What are your thoughts?"

Lin Yi understood Nie Chang's subtext and the awkwardness and apology in his words.

This came as no surprise to him.

He was certainly aware of the rule of centralized distribution of spoils of war, which was the foundation for maintaining military discipline and fairness, and he never thought of making an exception for himself.

Moreover, this seven-colored crystal "vortex type I" is indeed not very meaningful to an individual.

It requires setup and maintenance, and affects only an area, making it far less convenient and direct for individual cultivation than the Source Energy Crystal. As for the white gold-patterned crystal dropped by the Black Flame Abyss Tiger, the contents might be good, but...
Lin Yi's lips curved into a barely perceptible smile.

He believed that if the contents were truly beneficial to him at this stage, given his current value and the official attitude, the crystal would most likely eventually return to him as a "reward," "allocation," or something else.

Therefore, Lin Yi did not hesitate and stated directly, "Commander Nie, I am also a soldier. This is also a military operation, so everything will naturally be handled according to military regulations. I have no objection to the regulations on handing over the spoils of war for unified distribution, and I will resolutely obey them."

Upon hearing this, Nie Chang felt a surge of heartfelt affirmation and satisfaction.

Such comrades are truly rare; they possess great strength yet adhere to discipline, and they achieve remarkable feats without becoming arrogant.

"Okay, thank you for your understanding and support, Major Lin!"

Nie Chang nodded emphatically, then said, "Major Lin, I must excuse myself for a moment. The analysis you just provided regarding the scarcity of energy and the compatibility of the equipment, as well as the existence of this 'Vortex-1', is of utmost importance. I must report it to the Supreme Command immediately."

Then, his gaze turned to the seven-colored crystal in his hand, and his tone became extremely serious.

"As for this crystal, its circumstances are special and its significance is immense, far exceeding the scope of ordinary spoils of war. For absolute safety, it will bypass all other procedures and I will personally safeguard it and bring it back directly. What do you think?"

Lin Yi naturally understood that it was no exaggeration to call this thing a "national treasure," and that no amount of caution was too much.

He immediately nodded, "That's how it should be, I have no objection."

Nie Chang carefully placed the crystal close to his body, nodded solemnly to Lin Yi again, then turned around and strode towards the command vehicle, his steps hurried yet unusually steady.

The next steps involved cleaning up the battlefield, tallying casualties, collecting spoils of war, recovering usable supplies, and organizing the troop withdrawal.

When the convoy carrying the victorious army returned to the Helu City settlement, it received an unimaginably warm welcome from the residents who had already received the news.

The gates of the settlement were already wide open, and residents lined both sides of the road, eagerly awaiting their arrival.

They waved whatever they could find on the spot, their faces beaming with excited elation.

Cheers, shouts of approval, and applause erupted. Children were lifted high above their parents' heads, eager to catch a glimpse of the warriors who had defeated the monster.

The volunteers had already prepared clean drinking water and simple food, which they warmly handed to each returning soldier.

The entire settlement was immersed in an atmosphere of hope.

This victory not only destroyed a nest, but also greatly boosted the morale and confidence of all the survivors.

This means that one day, everyone will be able to return home!

However, amidst this sea of ​​celebration, one small team quietly broke away from the group.

The three special operations teams did not participate in the triumphant return ceremony.

They received the highest priority order directly from Nie Chang.

The squad members, escorting the solemn-looking Nie Chang, quickly boarded a Night Owl armed helicopter with a camera that recorded the entire battle of Operation Dawn and Lin Yi's recent explanation videos.

At the same time, four other Night Owls quickly took off and closely guarded both sides.

With propellers whipping up huge gusts of air and creating a lot of noise, and under the curious and puzzled gazes of countless people, this small fleet of aircraft did not stop for a moment. It quickly gained altitude, adjusted its direction, and sped off towards the north.

Besides the news of victory, they carried with them the seeds of hope for the future of the entire civilization.

(End of this chapter)