The Genius System-Chapter 88: The Dawn of a New Era

Three months later.

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The underground complex of Macro had undergone a transformation. What had once been a network of tunnels and laboratories in the early stages of construction had evolved into a cutting-edge nuclear research facility, one of the most advanced on the planet.

Since their arrival, the scientists had worked tirelessly, turning abstract concepts into reality. The past three months had been a whirlwind of experimentation, precision calculations, and monumental technological challenges.

The first phase had been dedicated to assembling the infrastructure: setting up cooling circuits, transporting nuclear fuel, and calibrating the measurement instruments. Every single component of the reactor had been designed on-site, under the strict supervision of engineers and a security protocol so stringent that even a minor miscalculation could halt the entire operation.

Once the foundation was in place, the real challenge began, controlling nuclear fission without failure. Unlike the world’s superpowers, which had decades of experience in nuclear energy, Macro was building its very first reactor from scratch.

Weeks had been spent analyzing how different materials behaved under radiation, establishing a precise neutron control system, and developing emergency containment protocols in case of anomalies.

The reactor itself was a marvel of engineering, blending theoretical innovations with practical applications never tested before. Lassen and his system had laid the foundation for the design, but it was the scientists who had turned those blueprints into a tangible, functioning reality.

Gradually, confidence grew. The project was progressing. The reactor wasn’t operational yet, but everything was in place for the moment of truth.

And yet, one lingering question remained.

Why had Lassen not given any indication of what came next?

So far, he had remained enigmatic, revealing information only in fragments. He rarely answered the scientists’ direct questions, choosing instead to observe and let them figure things out for themselves.

But today, that would change.

An emergency meeting had been called, bringing together all the engineers and project experts.

As the scientists moved through the corridors of the facility, hushed conversations broke out, tension mounting in the air.

"Do you think he’s finally going to reveal the ultimate goal?" one young engineer asked, excitement creeping into his voice.

"We’ve been working like mad for three months. It’s about time we learned where all of this is leading" another replied.

Among them, Vasleski walked in silence, his sharp gaze carefully observing his colleagues. Beside him, the hacker, who had now firmly established herself within the project, moved with a lighter step, an intrigued smile playing on her lips.

"So, still skeptical?" she asked, casting a sideways glance at Vasleski.

Vasleski raised an eyebrow.

"I’m not skeptical. I’m cautious. We’re playing with forces here that no one fully understands."

"And that’s exactly what makes it so exciting."

Vasleski sighed.

"Exciting for you, maybe. Personally, I’d rather not be responsible for another Chernobyl."

She burst into laughter.

"Don’t worry. If anyone could turn a nuclear disaster into an opportunity, it would be Mr. X."

Ahead of them, the massive doors to the conference room swung open.

Inside, a long glass table stood beneath an illuminated ceiling, surrounded by screens displaying intricate streams of data.

At the far end of the room, seated as if this were nothing more than a casual conversation, Lassen awaited them, his enigmatic smile firmly in place.

The time for revelations had arrived.

The conference room was steeped in anticipatory silence. Every scientist and engineer present had their eyes locked onto Lassen, some with impatience, others with a hint of apprehension. After three months of relentless work, they were finally going to learn what Mr. X had in mind.

Lassen, true to himself, had settled into his chair with casual ease, one leg crossed over the other, a steaming cup of coffee placed in front of him. His gaze swept across the audience with amusement, savoring every second of suspense.

Adrian, meanwhile, stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed. He had known Lassen for far too long to be surprised by his theatrics.

The hacker, seated not far from Vasleski, was discreetly glancing around. She wasn’t a scientist, but she could sense the tension in the air. She knew Lassen was about to drop a bombshell—hopefully only figuratively.

Finally, after taking a slow sip of coffee, Lassen raised his eyes to his audience.

"So, my dear geniuses, it’s time to answer the question that’s been burning in your minds for weeks."

He set his cup down and leaned back into his chair.

"Why are we building this nuclear reactor?"

A chill ran through the room. Everyone knew that the answer to this question would determine the future of Macro.

Lassen let the theatrical pause linger before continuing.

"Many of you have likely assumed that we simply want to produce energy, to secure Macro’s energy independence. And that is… partly true."

His smile widened.

"But that is merely a tiny fraction of the equation."

A murmur of unease spread through the crowd. Vasleski furrowed his brow.

"Then tell us, Mr. X. What’s the other part?"

Lassen raised an amused brow.

"You really love grand speeches, don’t you?"

He slowly stood up, pacing around the table.

"Alright, let’s cut to the chase."

With a simple gesture, he pointed toward one of the screens behind him.

Instantly, a series of images appeared: topographic maps, complex schematics, energy simulations.

"What we are building here is not just a reactor. It’s a foundation. A first step toward an era where Macro will no longer be just an isolated nation on the world stage. This reactor, my friends, is the key to something far greater."

He paused, letting the silence stretch before finally dropping the bombshell:

"We are going to create the first generation of nuclear-powered spacecraft."

A visible shockwave rippled through the room.

Some burst out laughing, thinking it was a joke. Others were too stunned to react.

Vasleski, however, locked eyes with Lassen, his expression unreadable.

"You’re joking…"

Lassen shook his head, the mysterious smile never leaving his lips.

"I never joke when it comes to changing the world."

The room erupted with reactions.

"A spacecraft?"

"With a nuclear reactor?"

"Do you realize the implications?"

"That’s impossible!"

Lassen raised a hand, silencing the uproar instantly.

"I know what you’re thinking. It’s crazy, unachievable. And yet, we already have everything we need to begin."

He pointed at a holographic schematic that had just appeared on the screen.

"The reactor we designed is the first of its kind. It wasn’t built just for terrestrial energy production. It was designed to be adaptable, modular. Its ultimate purpose is to provide a stable energy source for a nuclear propulsion engine."

A heavy silence fell over the room once more.

Vasleski pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Do you realize that we haven’t even turned this reactor on yet, and you’re already talking about sending ships into space?"

Lassen burst out laughing.

"Exactly!"

The hacker leaned forward, her eyes shining with excitement.

"You really want to send a nuclear-powered spacecraft into space?"

Lassen nodded.

"Not one. Several. And we’re going to start right here, underground, with this reactor."

The scientists exchanged nervous glances.

Some seemed thrilled by the idea.

Others, terrified.

Vasleski let out a deep sigh, realizing that he had just been pulled into something far bigger than he had imagined.

"Damn it… We’re in a science-fiction movie."

Lassen, however, was still smiling.

"No. We’re writing the future."