In a secluded area near the capital of Nova, eighteen months after the war with the demons had ended, a large research facility of the Nova Science Academy was preparing for a significant experiment.
"Heavy Matter Fusion Reactor, first trial run, commencing countdown..."
"One minute to start!"
In the control center of the research base, a male announcer was nervously watching the screen in front of him, continuously announcing updates. Around him, a large group of researchers and project managers for the Heavy Matter Fusion Reactor watched the screens displaying images of the reactor and its accompanying data with bated breath.
Their anxiety was palpable, each countdown number resonating with their pounding hearts. At the forefront of the crowd stood Zachary Thompson, a key figure in Nova's leadership responsible for scientific development. He knew the importance of the Heavy Matter Fusion Reactor for Nova's future.
Without the reactor, Nova's development would slow significantly. Without the ability to leave their planet, Nova could not become an interstellar civilization. The resources on Nova, though abundant, were finite. To progress to a higher civilization, they needed to explore beyond their home planet.
Zachary took a deep breath and sighed, thinking, "Why am I so nervous? Aiden already reported that his calculations indicated a high chance of success. Perhaps I'm just getting old, sighing over nothing."
"Heavy Matter Fusion Reactor, first trial run, commencing in thirty seconds..."
"High-energy electromagnetic accelerator activated, magnetic field stable..."
"High-energy particle stabilizer activated..."
"Ten seconds to the first trial run..."
"Five seconds..."
The entire control center held its breath.
"Four..."
"Three..."
"Two..."
"One..."
"Activate..."
As the countdown hit zero, the controlled heavy fusion device automatically began its operation. All eyes were glued to the screen as the reactor started up, and inside, countless heavy atoms began to fuse under the influence of a strong magnetic field. The energy released was also stabilized and directed outward.
At the base of the reactor, an energy collection device steadily received the output energy from the fusion process.
"The Heavy Matter Fusion Reactor is running stably, energy containment is stable, and energy collection is stable!" the announcer shouted excitedly, his face flushed with joy.
The people in the room felt a collective relief, some even starting to celebrate. However, the project leader quickly halted the premature celebrations with a loud warning.
"It's not time to celebrate yet. This is just the reactor running at low power for a few minutes, far from meeting our goals. What are you celebrating for?"
The brief commotion in the control center quickly died down, and the leader approached Zachary.
"Vice Director Thompson, the first trial run was a success, but this was just at minimum power. We've collected the data, and the reactor's condition is excellent. I request permission to proceed with a high-power test."
Zachary, immersed in the joy of the reactor's stable operation, initially didn't respond until his secretary reminded him. After the project leader repeated his request, Zachary fell into contemplation.
Should they proceed with the high-power test? The opportunity was tempting, but the risks were significant. Low-power testing had been successful, and with time, they could prepare thoroughly for high-power trials. However, the chance to save significant time in their development was hard to pass up.
Thinking of the leader's past words, Zachary decided. "How confident are you?" he asked the leader.
"Vice Director, I am fifty percent confident."
"Fifty percent..." Zachary muttered. The odds were too low. Yet, the urgency of Nova's situation weighed heavily on him. They needed every bit of time they could save.
"Leader, this is the challenge we must overcome. If we succeed, it will save Nova considerable time. Even with the high risk, it's worth it!"
With resolve, Zachary's hesitation disappeared. "Evacuate all personnel from the research base within ten minutes!" he ordered his secretary.
"Yes, sir!" The secretary immediately began organizing the evacuation.
Turning to the project leader, Zachary said, "You must evacuate as well."
"Vice Director, I must stay for the high-power test. Let the others leave, but I need to be here."
Seeing the determination in the project leader's eyes, Zachary relented. "Alright, but everyone else must evacuate. Only you and I will stay."
"Understood."
The project leader, Old Zhao, turned and shouted to the control room, "Everyone evacuate immediately!"