"Haha! Who says it can't be done? We did it! We really did it! Hahaha…"
At the University of Tokyo's Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, cheers erupted wildly inside one of the labs.
Murakami Shuizu was trembling with excitement as he stared at the interface of the AI program running on the screen.
For over a month, they'd been struggling—trying every possible method—to embed the unique Chinese-character-based intelligent programming code into their existing AI framework. They had failed again and again.
Some in the team had even begun to doubt whether the two systems were truly compatible.
But now, as the World Artificial Intelligence Conference was underway… they had finally succeeded.
This breakthrough meant a huge leap forward. If their plan worked as intended, their team's AI could potentially surpass the capabilities of the Marching Ant Corporation and even those developed by Huaxia's own research institutes.
They could already imagine the global reaction when their results went public. Fame, fortune, and recognition—it was all within reach.
"Begin machine learning immediately," Murakami ordered, regaining his composure.
Machine learning would be the next critical step. All major AIs had that capability—self-improving through data and iteration. The strength of an AI's learning ability would determine just how far it could go.
"Here?" Chen Mo peered out of the helicopter's window at the sprawling base below.
Nestled deep in the mountains, the facility seemed completely isolated. To Chen Mo, it looked no different than an average military installation—low-rise buildings, training fields, shooting ranges, a few greenhouses scattered around. Nothing flashy.
"Yes. This base is codenamed 007—also known as the Seventh District," Li Chengzhi said beside him. "But among the researchers here, it has another name: 'The Future Battlefield.'"
"The Future Battlefield?" Chen Mo raised an eyebrow at the nickname.
Li Chengzhi nodded. "That's what the R&D folks call it. This base is dedicated to developing advanced single-soldier combat systems. They're researching the next generation of weapons for future warfare—it's one of the country's most advanced tech bases."
As the chopper landed and they disembarked, two middle-aged men were already waiting for them at the tarmac.
Upon seeing Chen Mo, both men visibly brightened. Chen Mo was already a legend—known both in civilian circles and among tech professionals. The Marching Ant system, carbon crystal materials, cutting-edge AI, seismographs, robotics… one invention after another had made him a recognized giant in the field.
"Comrade Chen Mo, welcome," the bespectacled man said warmly as he shook Chen Mo's hand.
Chen Mo responded politely.
"This is Director Cao Qinghua," Li Chengzhi introduced. "He oversees all R&D activities here at the base."
"Director Cao, pleasure to meet you," Chen Mo nodded.
"And this is Chief Engineer Yang Qun—an expert in both electronics and mechanical systems. He's the project lead for our 'Steel Warrior Program.'"
"Long admired your work," Yang Qun said, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Although this base was isolated, Yang Qun was no stranger to global developments. He followed the latest journals and tech news religiously. Chen Mo's name was impossible to miss.
"Let's go inside and talk," Cao Qinghua said, leading the group toward the research workshop.
The facility was expansive and well-organized. Divided into multiple areas, technicians in blue uniforms were working on various machines—some were assembling parts, others were debugging.
Before long, they reached a testing zone where a two-meter-tall mechanical frame stood like a statue.
Any enthusiast would immediately recognize it: a powered mechanical exoskeleton, designed for single-soldier combat in future battlefields.
Its sci-fi appearance resembled a robotic suit of armor, with jointed limbs, support rigs, a pair of compact barrels mounted behind, reinforced metal plates, and a deadpan sensor "head" attached on top.
"This," Yang Qun began proudly, "is the focus of our current project—an individual combat mechanical exoskeleton system."
He gestured at the machine. "Interestingly, this project was partially inspired by your company's Enchanting series robot. We borrowed some of its unique design concepts, which helped us get the framework working."
"For instance, the joint configuration in this exoskeleton system was adapted from the Enchanting robot's design. We re-engineered it to suit exoskeletal mechanics. Multiple embedded sensors manage the micro-hydraulic systems, allowing seamless interaction between the wearer and the suit—virtually eliminating movement lag."
"We use a lightweight carbon-aluminum alloy to keep weight down. If deployed, this suit could drastically improve a soldier's load-bearing capability, reducing fatigue and enhancing endurance."
Yang pointed toward a test field where a technician was trying on the exoskeleton.
Chen Mo nodded in approval. "This is essentially a robotic framework—just worn by a human."
"But it's still not complete, is it? Where's the bottleneck?" he asked.
"Our goal is to make it an intelligent exoskeleton," Yang explained. "Right now, it's just an enhanced mobility system—a glorified strength booster. But in future combat, smart systems and autonomous robots will dominate. We want this suit to operate with or without a human inside."
"That means you're missing a true intelligent core," Chen Mo concluded.
Yang nodded immediately.
"What's its current battery life?"
"Top speed is 20 km/h, and it can operate continuously for five hours," Yang replied. "We're using your company's carbon crystal battery tech, but even with that, this is our ceiling."
"Five hours? That's not exactly viable for prolonged engagements," Chen Mo frowned. "And charging mid-battle isn't exactly feasible."
"True," Li Chengzhi agreed. "But this isn't meant for long marches. If used tactically—say, as an infiltration team or fire-support unit—it could decisively change a battle's outcome. With intelligence added, they can operate like unmanned tanks—taking point, engaging threats, or covering a retreat."
"They're ideal for urban warfare and defensive ops—especially when minimizing human casualties is a priority," Yang added. "But without intelligence, they're just expensive exosuits."
"The Academy of Sciences is currently focused on upgrading Xia Wei's AI, which is being adapted to assist scientific research," Li Chengzhi said. "This project wasn't originally scheduled for AI integration, but with the rapid evolution of tech, we had to revise our goals. The current team just doesn't have the AI capability."
"So you dragged me here to help out as a 'consultant,' huh?" Chen Mo grinned.
Li Chengzhi just laughed.
"I can help rework the AI core, but I won't be staying here long. I can't keep customizing code for every tweak you make," Chen Mo said.
Yang Qun looked worried. "That's a problem. Each adjustment needs to be tested and refined. Without you around…"
"I'll lend you a team," Chen Mo offered.
"Lend… a team?"
"I'll build a general-purpose smart core that meets your base parameters," Chen Mo explained. "Then I'll assign one of my AI development teams to assist on-site. They'll fine-tune the core as needed."
"That could work," Li Chengzhi nodded. "I'll report it up. Shouldn't be a problem."
"But I'm not sending them as unpaid interns," Chen Mo warned.
Li Chengzhi laughed. "Don't worry. We'll compensate them properly."
"Just don't get any ideas about poaching them," Chen Mo said dryly.
With the support plan locked in, Chen Mo took a quick tour of the Seventh District, though he couldn't visit restricted zones. Beyond the exoskeleton workshop, there wasn't much else to see.
When they returned to the original base, Chen Mo brought up another topic.
"Brother Li, remember the last time you mentioned 'that department' needing special research and attention?"
"Of course. You asking about that now?" Li Chengzhi replied.
"The timing's right." Chen Mo pulled a portable hard drive from his bag and handed it over.
"What's this?"
"Simulation and preliminary data from a controlled nuclear fusion experiment. Pass it to the Institute of Plasma Physics under the Academy of Sciences."
Li Chengzhi's hand froze mid-air.
"The… Plasma Physics Institute?"
His pupils shrank as he accepted the drive—like it weighed a ton.
"And this contains…?" he asked, throat dry.
"Partial simulation data of a controllable fusion system," Chen Mo replied.
Li Chengzhi gasped sharply.