Professor Wang remained in stunned silence for a minute or two.
He abruptly burst into laughter.
His hands clapped in approval.
"That's fantastic! That's splendid!
"I see two scientific research breakthroughs in a row that transcend eras. This is truly unexpected.
"Forget about the alloy. I never imagined someone would succeed in exploring space conversion technology. We've found a true genius!
"As anticipated, being alive is far better!
"We can ascertain that our nation leads the world in scientific research and technology!"
After stating this, Professor Wang began coughing violently.
"Sir, are you alright?"
Sun Liang hastened forward while gently patting Professor Wang's back.
Professor Wang waved his hand. "I'm just overjoyed. I got a little too excited. Hehehe…"
His eyes remained fixated on the live broadcast screen while brimming with anticipation.
He hoped the Desert Eagle would astonish him, just as Xia Zixin had foretold!
While he had already foreseen the young girl's honesty and the impending successful experiment, he yearned to witness it firsthand.
Too many scientific marvels lay within her family's repertoire. With numerous era-defying research advancements, there was no motive for her to fabricate.
However, Professor Wang still yearned for visual confirmation.
Only by witnessing the spectacle could he find true solace!
Both Saa and Captain Zhao listened in on Professor Wang's interaction.
"Professor Wang, are you alright?" Saa inquired with concern.
"I'm well. Let the experiment commence!
"Now that we're on the training grounds, let's not waste another moment!"
Professor Wang was now akin to a teenager with a newfound toy.
Captain Zhao nodded. "Very well, I'll start!"
Xia Zixin gestured towards the adjacent control panel. "Mr. Zhao, you can set the target's distance and dimensions here!"
Captain Zhao inhaled deeply while proceeding to the designated location.
Despite this being a training session, his nerves prickled slightly.
After all, this weapon was still dangerous up close.
Furthermore, this Desert Eagle was not exactly the original.
Though Professor Wang had extolled its miraculous nature, he had only observed through a lens.
Should the unthinkable occur, the chamber's explosion would entail significant problems.
After inhaling several times, Captain Zhao adjusted the target to a distance of 100 meters.
This mirrored the Desert Eagle's effective range.
Although rumors hinted at someone using an extended barrel to fell an elk 200 meters away, such accounts remained unproven and speculative.
Captain Zhao, his grip firm, adopted a textbook shooting stance.
"Preparing to fire. Cover your ears!"
Saa and Mrs. Wang instinctively shielded their ears and took steps back from Captain Zhao.
However, Xia Zixin waved dismissively. "Don't worry. The gun is quieter than firecrackers. It's almost inaudible."
Nearly inaudible?
Unbelievable!
Saa quickly covered Xia Zixin's ears while simultaneously shielding his own by hunching his shoulders.
Xia Zixin cheekily stuck her tongue out.
Saa bore a smile more akin to a grimace as he awaited Captain Zhao's shot.
Captain Zhao's gaze remained riveted on the target.
With unwavering resolve, he squeezed the trigger.
Contrary to expectations of a deafening blast, the bullet emerged soundlessly from the barrel.
"Phew!"
Instantly, a faint thud resonated from the target—the impact of a bullet hitting its mark.
Captain Zhao blinked while gazing at the Desert Eagle in disbelief.
Saa cautiously unsealed his tightly-shut eyes while peering at Captain Zhao with bemusement.
"Captain Zhao, what's the delay?"
Professor Wang, too, shared the sentiment.
"Captain Zhao, right?
"Why the hesitation? Does aiming necessitate such duration?
"I'm on the verge of a cardiac episode from anxiety. Are you trying to prepare a meal?!"
The subdued sound of the bullet's impact remained nearly imperceptible. Apart from Captain Zhao who was fixated on the task, no others had perceived it.
Moreover, even if they had detected it, they wouldn't have concerned themselves.
After all, if the gunshot hadn't occurred, how could the bullet have hit?
However, only Xia Zixin bore a grin while proclaiming, "Haven't you noticed?"
"Mr. Zhao already fired. He hit the bullseye!"
The viewers were equally puzzled by this revelation.
"You fired?!"
"How's that possible? I even make a sound when I fire, yet this gun made no noise at all?!"
"Enlighten us on your method of firing…"
"Captain Zhao must be jesting with Saa and the rest. How could there be no gunshot when he fires?"
"Captain Zhao is perhaps teasing Professor Wang due to some lingering vexation."
"Hurry and fire. I'm in dire need of a restroom visit after this shot!"
Captain Zhao, however, glanced around in confusion.
"Xia Zixin is correct!
"This gun is genuinely silent. I've already fired and struck the target!"
Professor Wang was brimming with enthusiasm as he unleashed a profanity.
"Do you think this I'm deranged?!
"Who would believe such absurdities?
"When did you fire? I heard naught, and my ears aren't ornaments!"
Captain Zhao felt at a loss.
He turned to Saa and Mrs. Wang. "Did neither of you witness my shot?"
"I saw nothing…" Mrs. Wang shook her head.
"I had my eyes shut just now…" Saaa shook his head.
"Moreover, our viewers did not catch anything. If a gunshot had occurred, however faint, they would undoubtedly have felt it!"
Captain Zhao grappled with a burgeoning headache.
This was quite a conundrum. Even if a standard pistol were equipped with a suppressor, it would still generate notable noise. Yet, upon firing this weapon, those in proximity perceived nothing!
Furthermore, the recoil had been entirely absent.
Had he not discharged the gun himself, he might not have sensed the shot.
He could not deny that it was just as Xia Zixin had advertised. It was steadfast, precise, and merciless, and completely devoid of sound. It could dispatch enemies with untraceable precision!
Even so, a firearm remained a weapon.
It was safe in the hands of law enforcement, perilous in those of malevolent actors.
The potential harm was vast if it fell into the wrong hands.
After exhaling deeply, Captain Zhao abstained from explanation. Instead, he approached the camera and methodically unloading the bullets from the magazine, one by one.
Seven bullets had been chambered mere moments ago.
Now, only six remained.
Professor Wang, upon witnessing these developments, inhaled sharply.
"It's true. It's been fired…"