This, however, was a reality that technological progress had to face.
What Su Wu could do was to maintain a balance between productivity and technological advancement, avoiding the unnecessary production of excess mechanical devices from the same generation.
"Truly, the troubles of the fortunate," Su Wu commented to himself.
With that, he returned to his research.
Thanks to the breakthrough in the **Energy Equation**, many related practical technologies could now be rapidly developed. After completing the solid-state battery, Su Wu moved on to the next challenge: reverse-engineering the only electromagnetic weapon he had, the **electromagnetic sniper rifle** on the micro-mecha.
In less than an hour, he successfully replicated a stripped-down version: a **small electromagnetic gun** and an **electromagnetic rifle**.
The small electromagnetic gun had the same killing power as a handgun, with an effective range of just 50 meters. However, it could fire at a rate several times faster than a regular rifle, achieving a rate of 20 shots per second. Its magazine could hold 200 electromagnetic rounds.
The bullets for the electromagnetic guns were made from a cheap special alloy, with a price similar to that of steel, far simpler and cheaper than conventional rifle ammunition. The cost was almost negligible.
The small electromagnetic gun could replace standard rifles and become the primary weapon for combat drone swarms. Although it had a significantly reduced range compared to regular rifles, it could carry 2000 rounds of ammunition and fire at a much higher rate. There was no sound or recoil when firing, and this made its overall combat effectiveness several times greater, particularly in narrow environments.
A fast courier drone equipped with the small electromagnetic gun could lock down a large area, transforming into a deadly firepower fortress.
As for the electromagnetic rifle, while its killing power was comparable to a regular rifle, its larger size made it unsuitable for drones to carry. However, it was ideal for replacing the weapons mounted on **machine dogs** and **spider robots**. The benefits included a much faster firing rate, higher ammunition capacity, and lower operational costs. In a battlefield, a full sweep with an electromagnetic rifle could cost no more than a few kilograms of steel.
Next, Su Wu focused on the **exoskeleton armor**. Although many designs had been proposed in the past, it was only with the breakthrough in solid-state battery technology that the armor's weight could be reduced to a practical level, making it truly useful.
Su Wu made only minor adjustments to the original design, mainly adjusting the ratio of the solid-state battery inside the armor, completing its development.
Beyond weapons, Su Wu also developed a **scanning rapid drying technology**, based on the **Energy Equation**, capable of quickly drying wet items in bulk without causing damage. Of course, this technology consumed a considerable amount of energy and was better suited for high-value items like finished metals. For items like coal, it was less efficient, and traditional rotary dryers would be more practical.
Nevertheless, this technology saved Su Wu a lot of hassle, improving the efficiency of material transport and production.
"Speaking of which, there's a lot more wet coal being recovered now."
"We really need a few dryers."
"The only problem is finding the space. The shelter is getting cramped."
With plans for a steel mill and additional factories for daily supplies at **Jingyuan Shelter**, as well as expanding the **Farmhouse Shelter**'s production workshops, space for drying equipment was becoming scarce. This was one of the drawbacks of underground shelters—space was always limited. As soon as a little industrial development occurred, there was no room left to expand.
Perhaps only large shelters built in sprawling underground caves, stretching for dozens or even hundreds of kilometers, could maintain industrial capabilities at scale.
After spending the afternoon unlocking the simpler technologies associated with the **Energy Equation**, Su Wu's spirituality, once abundant with hundreds of points, was now completely depleted.
Next, he would have to wait until the **Manufacturing Center** became available and begin slowly delivering the newly designed technology products.
This would undoubtedly be a long process.
In the evening, with a rare moment of free time, Su Wu decided not to handle any shelter-related matters. Instead, he went to the **5th underground level** garden to relax for a while.
After over a month of work, the **Chen Xin sisters** had done an excellent job with the garden. The once-planned fountains and water pools were now fully constructed. Clear underground water cascaded from the hands of a statue of a girl with a flower crown, making a pleasant sound as it fell into the pool below.
Su Wu sat on a bench beside the fountain. Around him, flowers swayed gently in a simulated breeze. The air was filled with a sweet floral scent that made his mood lighten.
"I brought some pastries, roasted meat, and fruits."
"Would you like to eat here?" asked **Chen Yue**, wearing a light cream-colored skirt, as she sat next to him. She placed the wooden basket on her lap and turned to Su Wu with a playful yet shy look, as the golden light of the setting sun cast a warm glow on her, giving her an air of tranquility.
"Just some roasted meat for me," Su Wu replied, feeling a bit hungry.
Chen Yue nodded. She carefully unwrapped a foil-wrapped piece of roasted meat from the basket. It was still sizzling with oil, hot to the touch. She gently blew on it, letting the heat subside before handing it to Su Wu.
Su Wu took a bite and found it tender and juicy, just the way he liked it.
"Did you cook this?"
"Mm-hmm," Chen Yue replied with a gentle nod, nervously watching Su Wu's reaction. "I followed my sister's steps but adjusted the seasonings a little. I think it tastes better this way."
Su Wu turned and noticed the earnest, expectant look on her face. This girl had clearly started to view him as her romantic partner. His heart stirred, and his voice softened slightly.
"I think you're right," he said with a smile.
(End of Chapter)