Buzz, buzz, buzz. The machine immediately began to operate.

Everyone’s gaze gathered on the same spot. They wanted to see if this person called Zhang Yuan had such great skills!

Before they realized it, the sound of the machine slowly ceased. The screen on the machine lit up, and the test score immediately appeared on it.

Beep beep…

The test was complete.

The defense score for the improved version was 54 points, while the score for the ninth generation was 58 points.

The result displayed was beyond some people’s expectations. Meanwhile, Xu Wuyue and Professor Liu found it reasonable.

Their standard armor had already been forged into the ninth-generation combat suit, and the product was now on the verge of perfection. During this period, so many research institutes and academicians had worked together, so how could they not have thought of other alternatives?

They ended up with the current choice, which was the most suitable, after excluding all kinds of materials.

Before an individual’s strength rose to a certain level, changing the materials would only cause the problem to develop beyond control.

‘It actually failed!’

Wu Mo was shocked. He thought that Zhang Yuan had followed his line of thought and forged one of the most advanced products. He did not expect to be overthinking.

“How could this be?!”

Zhang Yuan, who was standing in front of everyone, suddenly had a horrid expression on his face. He stared at the screen in disbelief, and his pupils constricted.

He had put in a lot of effort to make this combat suit. The two arrays were nested together, adding a lot of independent space to the suit. The constant energy and the combat suit’s design had cost him too much. He never thought that he would lose so completely in the simplest defense!

Wei Lan shook his head in disappointment. The team member standing before him had been too arrogant. The young man thought that he had learned innovative technology, but in reality, he was just an ordinary person with limited knowledge.

The armor did not even have a defense layer. One could only say that he had been too idealistic!

He had treated the warriors’ lives as a joke and a tool to show off his skills.

“We cannot be flexible with the defense indicator. It mustn’t be lower than that of the ninth-generation combat suit. Therefore, your work does not pass the test!”

His voice was cold as he spoke, and his eyes were filled with murderous intent as he stared at Zhang Yuan. It was obvious that he was angry.

“I-I’m sorry,” Zhang Yuan said subconsciously.

It was almost difficult for him to breathe while the leader stared at him. Shame, anger, regret, and all kinds of negative emotions surged into his heart.

He was too ashamed to stay there any longer. Even though the others had worse designs on the surface, at least, they easily passed the first stage. In contrast, he had failed the segment in an extremely laughable manner.

The thought of it turned his face red. Right after he spoke, he ran out of the test field.

Seeing his figure disappear outside the door, Feng Qi and Lai Hua exchanged glances in dismay.

Wu Mo tilted his head and looked outside. His gaze was a little absent-minded as if his mind was occupied.

“This is simply unbelievable. Minister Wei, once the test is over, I’ll definitely give him a good lecture. I’ll make sure that he has a good attitude and understands discipline in the Research Department.”

Academician Xu shook his head helplessly and promised with a serious expression.

“Let’s not talk about that first. Finish the test,” Wei Lan held his forehead and said slowly.

“Yes, Sir. Next, Wu Mo.”

Professor Liu picked up the name list and read out the last person’s name.

At that moment, everyone on the test field was looking at Wu Mo.

However, Wu Mo had a frown, and his head was lowered as though he was thinking about something.

Earlier, Minister Wei’s words had given Wu Mo some inspiration.

He realized that his work was not perfect. There was clearly another area that could be optimized; he could make his armor’s appearance more beautiful.

He only used light blue starry camouflage fabric, and he never modified its appearance.

Earlier on, it never occurred to him that the armor would be used on the battlefield and he had to pay attention to its appearance. Now that he understood the principle, he no longer had time to modify it.

Right then, the perfectionist in him was stirring again. He wanted to take the equipment to the forging space and modify it again.

“Wu Mo… it’s your turn.”

Feng Qi, who was standing at the side, noticed that Wu Mo was standing still, so he immediately shook his arm.

Wu Mo suddenly snapped back to reality. He raised his head and discovered that everyone was looking at him. He was a little nervous, so he blurted out, “How about… we don’t look at it this time… There are still some parts of my work that aren’t perfect.”

He responded subconsciously and looked a little embarrassed.

After all, he had waited for about 20 minutes, and the others were still looking at him expectantly. He felt that he had let them down by ending things in such a hasty manner.

When the people around heard Wu Mo’s words, they were instantly dumbfounded.

How could he insist on not taking his work out for a test?

The person sitting in the head seat was an official, a person of authority from the headquarters.

Even academicians and professors had to respect him, so how could he obey Wu Mo?

“Wu Mo, what are you talking about? We’re already here and you still want to back out? Isn’t all the hard work you’ve put in for so many days worth it?”

Feng Qi immediately tried to dissuade him.

“Hey… I don’t have any objections if you want to back out, but I don’t think the three high officials will agree, so hurry up and take your armor out.”

Lai Hua felt a little helpless. It was almost over, so why would Wu Mo still play the game of quitting?

On the other hand, Chu Qingyan’s expression was calm. In his eyes, he was already the victor. Regardless of whether Wu Mo participated in the test or not, he had already achieved his goal.

His would definitely be the only plan that would be accepted.

Although his armor might not necessarily become the tenth-generation combat suit, the leaders had already seen what he could do. His development in the future would be promising.

Academician Xu sat in his seat with a slight frown. Wu Mo was a talent recruited by the fifth Research Department. If Wu Mo did not even dare to participate in the test, what would happen to him?

Professor Liu found it a little strange too. He had dedicated decades of his youth to the fifth division, but this was his first time seeing a researcher back out at the last minute.

On the other hand, Wei Lan was still sitting in his seat. He had no interest in a graduate student who did not even dare to show his work.

‘Wu Mo, what’s wrong with you? You looked so confident when you accepted the project back then. Why are you being cowardly now? Don’t blame me for losing respect for you!’ Zhou Ning protested internally as she stood by.

She stared at Wu Mo, feeling a little frustrated.

“Tsk Tsk… Wu Mo, although you’re the youngest on our team, if you don’t even have this little bit of courage, I think you shouldn’t have accepted the task back then.”

Lai Hua grinned, his expression carrying a trace of contempt.

Right then, everyone had different reactions as they looked at Wu Mo.

Feng Qi only felt that it was a pity to give up now.

As for Lai Hua, it did not matter. He had already been eliminated, but at least he had the courage to participate and not dawdle like Wu Mo.

Meanwhile, Chu Qingyan was standing at the side, discussing with Professor Liu. His hard work on his new project had finally been appreciated, so naturally, he was happy.

He did not care about Wu Mo at all. Wu Mo was too young, and his strength was average. He was not qualified to be his opponent.