[ Light blue light scanned across the entire map model. After three seconds, Jarvis completed the scan and reconstructed the entire model. ]
[ Tony jerked his hands upward, and the digital map of the entire template hovered under his control. The pale-blue map floated in the air, allowing Tony to manipulate it freely. He rotated the model toward a larger open space. ]
[ "How many buildings in total?" ]
[ Jarvis asked: "Including the Belgian muffin stand?" ]
[ "I just want a count. Show me." Tony flicked the model sharply, and the structures realigned with a snap. He approached the central globe model: "What does this look like?" ]
[ Jarvis replied: "It resembles an atom." ]
[ "The nucleus should be here." Tony extended his hand and said, "Highlight the main globe." ]
"This is incredible."
"The modeling precision is phenomenal!"
"Atom?"
"So exciting! Something monumental is about to happen!"
[ His fingers moved in circles, hands pulled, and the central globe detached into focus. Tony blinked: "Clear away the irrelevant details." ]
[ "What are you trying to do, sir?" ]
[ Tony waved, erasing clutter: "I want to discover... correction, I want to rediscover a new element." ]
[ "Remove landscapes, bushes, trees, parking lots, entrances, exits." Tony flicked elements away and continued: "Use the gazebo framework to represent protons and neutrons." ]
[ Under Jarvis' control, the virtual model self-assembled according to Tony's instructions. Structures converged toward the globe, forming an unusual atomic configuration. After a moment, a stable, pale-blue atomic model appeared in midair. Tony raised his hands, and the atomic model expanded infinitely. It was like floating in a pale-blue starry sky, immersed in atomic microstructures.]
[ Tony rotated in his chair: "Even after 20 years, you're still taking me to school?" ]
[ He smiled broadly and clapped; the light arrays coalesced into a ball in his palm. A glowing blue sphere shimmered at his fingertips. ]
[ Jarvis said: "This new element could theoretically replace the palladium you use, but it cannot be synthesized with current methods." ]
A stream of 23 million viewers, at that moment, the comments went silent. Every viewer stared at the pale-blue element in awe. New element!
Inside the Administration Office, silence reigned. The director and expert group fixed their gaze on the glowing sphere. Renowned scientists were dumbfounded. They couldn't comprehend what they were witnessing. Their understanding of the world was shattered, and time seemed to pause for countless observers.
A roar of astonishment erupted:
"New element!"
"A completely new element!"
"Incredible! Is this even possible?!"
"The key to the future! No wonder Tony's father emphasized this!"
"Your father will always be your father!"
"Tony's equipment is mind-blowing!"
"Tony is saved!"
"Everything is carbon-based, yet you push so far?"
"Decades ago, new elements were hypothesized, but technology limited their discovery."
Many experts recovered gradually.
"Honestly, I never expected a new element!"
"The periodic table seemed complete, 118 confirmed elements. And now this?"
"The atomic structure in his hand is unique!"
"New element! This is a historic breakthrough!"
"Look! Hurry! Terra may still have traces of it!"
"Today, the periodic table gains a new element!"
Excitement surged. Elements reveal the secrets of matter, so the "key to the future" label was no exaggeration.
"I'm thrilled! I can hardly contain myself."
"If it can replace palladium, its energy applications will be revolutionary!"
"Powerful, non-toxic! Incredible!"
"Director! I must find this element first!"
Discovering a new element had immense significance. In nuclear physics, a new double-filled stable core region could emerge. This supported shell-model theory, nuclear structure studies, and decay property analysis.
In chemistry, heavier atoms induce relativistic effects. These changes element properties and their placement on the periodic table.
Atomic physics could gain unprecedented insights into electronic structures. If its half-life approaches Terra's age, natural occurrence is possible, aiding astrophysics.
Even one such element could reshape the Federation's technological future. Otherwise, humanity would not have sought rare elements for centuries.
The chief exhaled deeply. He believed this new element could transform the Federation, yet unease lingered. The sight of the whale unsettled him, especially with a new element emerging.
A troubling thought arose: For the Federation, no prior information exists on such an element. The so-called "key to the future" could have been intentionally withheld or erased. Why reveal it now? Force? Security concerns? The director's head ached from overthinking as he ignored the experts' warnings.
Previously, Tony had brought massive equipment into the studio, which excited viewers who watched intently. Viewers had already exceeded 30 million.