Jing Mingqiu quickly recited the system's introduction to small, single-soldier mechs, and then adopted an attitude of exasperation, concluding.
"Single-soldier mechs should be a universal piece of equipment, comprehensively enhancing a soldier's various attributes, rather than a madly packed, expensive toy."
This barrage of blunt theory left Feng Weiguo stunned.
Fortunately, he was self-aware enough to know he wasn't cut out for research, and he quickly steered the conversation toward the professionals.
"Mingqiu, I'm only responsible for coordination, and I don't really understand what you're saying. The specific design ideas were decided by Academicians Zhong Nian and Song Shiyan. You can communicate your thoughts directly with them."
"The two academicians have long admired you. Previously, to avoid suspicion and prevent foreign forces from targeting you, we never arranged for you to meet. Now that they are the chief designers of the combat mechs, they are being interviewed by reporters."
"As the founder of the new mech structure, it's only natural for you to visit them while you're here. It won't attract too much attention."
Jing Mingqiu didn't want the country to waste national resources on trivial matters, so he readily agreed.
"Oh, right," Feng Weiguo added halfway there, "To ensure your safety, we've rehearsed a scene beforehand. You don't need to feel any psychological burden; just respond according to your genuine thoughts."
"I understand."
After receiving Jing Mingqiu's consent, Feng Weiguo directly led him to the central elevated platform and found the two academicians being interviewed by reporters.
"Academician Zhong, Academician Song, allow me to introduce you," Feng Weiguo stepped back half a pace, "This is classmate Jing Mingqiu, the inventor of the new mech structure."
Academician Zhong Nian quickly glanced at Jing Mingqiu, then stepped forward and extended his hand, his tone tinged with emotion: "I've been at the school for almost a month, and this is our first meeting."
Song Shiyan added, "We've wanted to meet you for a long time, to see what the young man who invented the new mech structure looks like?"
"It's a pity! The laboratory was just established, and we were busy with matters. Moreover, others told us you had a heavy academic load and were busy making new mechs in the lab, so we didn't want to disturb you."
Unlike the photos of the academicians that Jing Mingqiu had seen before, this was the first time Jing Mingqiu was meeting these two academicians. He paused for a moment before stepping forward and shaking their hands.
"I'm not sure if this new one I made counts as a mech. It can't be worn, and it can only be controlled by a mobile phone. In essence, it's more like a remote-controlled toy."
"It's good to broaden your horizons. Young people should try different things."
After praising Jing Mingqiu in front of everyone, the two academicians, like elders caring for their juniors, asked a series of questions.
"How are you settling in at school? Are there any places you're not used to? Is the equipment in the laboratory sufficient? What problems have you encountered in your experiments recently? Have you considered changing your major? Join the mechanical engineering department, and we'll mentor you..."
Jing Mingqiu wasn't familiar with the two academicians at all. Their enthusiasm made him somewhat flustered.
After answering their questions with a slight stammer, Jing Mingqiu, before they could speak again, concisely repeated what he had just said to Feng Weiguo.
The two academicians squinted and listened carefully to Jing Mingqiu's suggestions before exchanging a knowing glance.
Then, Academician Song Shiyan stood up first.
"Classmate Mingqiu, your idea is good, but there's a problem! Unlike civilian auxiliary mechs, military mechs have higher output power, and ordinary soldiers' physiques are insufficient to withstand it. Only selected special forces soldiers can use them."
"It's like a top-tier fighter jet; during its flight, the pilot needs to withstand nine times the acceleration of gravity, which only professionally trained athletes can endure."
Zhong Nian followed suit and stood up, "If the power is reduced, the mech's value will be greatly diminished. This is no longer the era of infantry charges. In all-around, three-dimensional warfare, mechs undertake special operations missions."
"But..."
Jing Mingqiu was about to mention gene agents that could improve soldiers' physiques when Academician Song Shiyan forcefully interrupted him.
"Classmate Mingqiu, I understand your concern for the country's defense, but mechs are really not suitable for mass deployment. Mechs are not a panacea that can instantly enhance the user's physical fitness."
"There are two more exercises coming up. After you watch them, you'll understand why I say this."
Jing Mingqiu understood the implied meaning behind Academician Song Shiyan's words, realizing they intended to set up the West. He decisively chose to cooperate, deliberately adopting a defiant demeanor.
"Alright! I'd like to see if such powerful mechs are actually useful in large-scale combat!"
The exercises continued. In the subsequent small-scale positional battles and large-scale joint operations, the role of mechs became increasingly insignificant.
Especially in large-scale joint operations involving multiple branches, mechs were slower than aircraft, less defensive than tanks, and less firepower than artillery.
Although, one-on-one against infantry, mechs had an overwhelming advantage, facing three-dimensional attacks from aircraft, tanks, and artillery, even with high-specification alloys, they still couldn't withstand it.
In the end, they were reduced to heaps of scrap metal.
Although they ultimately lost, the mechs' powerful propulsion systems still left a deep impression on everyone.
After the exercises concluded, Jing Mingqiu, with a show of unyielding defiance, stormed off. The reporters from various countries also eagerly returned to their companies to publish the entire course of the exercises.
Soon, discussions about the Dragon Country's new mechs erupted across the globe.
Dragon Country netizens: "When did our country's technological level become so good? Wasn't it said before that our technology was always suppressed? Even the world's number one superpower, the United States of America, can't produce this kind of sci-fi mech!"
United States netizens: "Invincible, capable of traveling thousands of miles, this mech is so cool. Why wasn't there a clip of the mech refueling during the exercises? Could it be that this mech doesn't run on fuel?"
Dragon Country netizens: "Idiot! These combat mechs are tightly sealed with no exhaust ports, so they must be electric motors! I didn't expect our country's electric motors to have reached this level. I wonder when they'll be available for civilian use. Fuel prices are getting more and more expensive..."
As the mechs were destroyed in the artillery fire, the focus of everyone's discussion unconsciously shifted from the electric motors. Meanwhile, Smith Lun and Allenz Keys, who were on vacation, received orders from the President of the United States.
They were instructed to immediately find a way to assassinate the designer of the Dragon Country's mech propulsion system, completely disrupt their mech research plan, and prevent the widespread use of electric motors, which would ultimately impact the United States' oil hegemony...