Chapter 38

The room was somewhat dim, with a single light bulb hanging from the ceiling. A gust of wind blew through, causing the light to swing continuously, making the already dim light even more indistinct. Unlike the cluttered, oil-stained, and tool-strewn workshop that the Cleaner had imagined, the room was very tidy. It was so neat that the Cleaner could hardly believe it was his own doghouse.

On the left side of the room, a row of computers was set up, not just one but about six in total. Each screen displayed different content: some showed constantly scrolling data, others detailed analyses of materials, and still others showed various combinations of images.

At the far end of the six computers, near the back wall of the room, sat a young man in his mid-twenties. He stared intently at the computer screen, wearing a clean white lab coat, with neatly combed hair and no stench of neglect. The light from the computer screen, combined with the swaying light, cast a pale but clear reflection on his face. The first impression he gave was that of a friendly next-door boy, though not the outgoing type, but rather someone a bit introverted and reserved. However, his gaze on the computer screen was very focused, and a confident smile played on his lips, a smile that reflected his deep confidence in his field of expertise.

"Let me introduce you to Wrench. This is the Cleaner, who provided your design. He will also supply the materials for future experiments. He's our big boss," said Peach Eyes, breaking the room's tranquility as he entered.

"Ah, I'm coming." The young man called Wrench reluctantly glanced at the screen one more time, then turned around and walked up to Li Feng, extending his hand. He looked a bit reserved, and although he was facing the Cleaner, his eyes were unfocused, as he kept glancing sideways at the computer screen.

"Hello, I'm the Cleaner. From now on, we'll be comrades in the same trench," the Cleaner said, patting Wrench's shoulder. Sometimes, mutual trust and appreciation between people don't require much time; a single glance or first impression can suffice. The Cleaner liked Wrench's focused gaze, so he recognized Wrench's worth.

"Um, hello," Wrench finally looked at the Cleaner when he patted his shoulder, gave a shy smile, and then quickly returned to his computer, focusing on the screen.

"Are all the experiments just simulations on the computer?" The Cleaner seemed to understand something about the experiments Peach Eyes had mentioned.

"The basic simulations are all done on the computer. Remember the data we stole last time? Most of it was basic data, but because it was fundamental, the early material data was very detailed. I created a simulation system and input this data. This way, Wrench can retrieve the necessary material data during experiments, combine them, and the computer will simulate the resulting material information, saving a lot of experimental materials."

"That does save a lot. However, the computer's simulations are just theoretical. To use them in reality, practical testing is still necessary. Where does Wrench conduct his experiments?" The Cleaner looked around the room, which had no experimental equipment, and asked with some confusion.

"Mechanics have their own experimental machinery, which is a skill. Material synthesis, decomposition, and manufacturing can all be done directly with this skill, without the need for a large laboratory and various instruments. However, this is why we need detailed material information; otherwise, some instruments would still be necessary. But in the early stages, no one can afford those things. So our experiments have a significant advantage, at least in the early stages, no one can replicate them," Peach Eyes said proudly.

Indeed, such direct and advanced experiments in the early stages are something few, if any, individuals or organizations can replicate. Not to mention the expensive experimental instruments, which players can't afford, and the detailed material data, which can't be obtained quickly. Therefore, Wrench, who has all the basic material information, has a significant advantage in conducting these experiments.

"It looks like we'll make money. Let me know what materials you need, and I'll go get them." Seeing everything filled with hope, the Cleaner's face showed a smile. Building and striving from nothing is what the Cleaner misses the most, as his military career was built step by step.

"I'm not sure what specific materials are needed; you should ask Wrench," Peach Eyes shrugged irresponsibly.

"Living materials. Boar tusks, wolf teeth, various animal hides, and blood." Wrench, who was focused on the computer, seemed naturally sensitive to the materials needed for his experiments. He heard the Cleaner ask about the materials, while filtering out other information.

"Oh, can you explain why you need biological materials?" The Cleaner asked curiously. Mechanical experiments should involve various metals, so Wrench's need for biological materials intrigued him.

"Well... it's like this. Talkative Brother said we lack funds, so we need to save on early experiments and quickly launch new products to make money. The second-generation energy furnace has a high power output, generating a lot of heat in a short time. The melting points of current metals are too low compared to this short-term heat, so the energy furnace would need to cool down frequently to avoid melting.

Do you know lard? The lard we eat in real life. Lard melts at high temperatures and solidifies at low temperatures. So I thought, we could divide the energy furnace into two parts, separated by an insulating layer to prevent heat transfer. One part of the energy furnace would work, and when it overheats, the other part would take over. With a rapid cooling system, this could significantly extend the working time of the energy furnace.

The solidification and melting of liquids are processes of heat dissipation and absorption. Combining this with the physical principles of solidification and melting, the energy furnace can directly match the various components of the current mechs. After all, the metals used in current mechs are too low-grade. According to this design, not only would the energy furnace melt, but the entire mech would melt due to overheating. However, with this modification, the efficiency of the energy furnace would be somewhat reduced," Wrench said, his eyes shining, but his expression turned slightly dissatisfied at the end.

Solving one problem but weakening the original efficiency of the energy furnace, while meeting the quick-use requirement, was not an ideal outcome in Wrench's view. After all, this practical solution, which could be used immediately after testing, would result in a subpar product, something no mechanic would want, especially not after investing so much effort.

Wrench's words made the Cleaner's eyes flash with insight. The Cleaner had already recognized Wrench's worth, but Wrench's detailed explanation fully confirmed his capabilities. After all, the Cleaner had only had the design for a few hours.

In just a few hours, Wrench could understand the basics and, based on Peach Eyes' requirements, propose such a modification plan. This was not something an ordinary person could do, especially since it involved the energy furnace, the core component of a mech, which is not something that can be modified casually.

"According to your idea, how much would the efficiency of the energy furnace increase?" The Cleaner took a deep breath. Although he was not very familiar with these experiments, he recognized Wrench's top-tier abilities.

"Up to 1.5 times the current efficiency. It could be even higher, and even the two furnaces combined could exceed the original design's power. However, the issue is the excessive heat generated in a short time, which current metals and wiring cannot withstand, causing them to melt. 1.5 times is the limit that the current metals and wiring used in mechs can handle."

"1.5 times? That's a great result. Don't be upset. At least you've made a genius modification that can be used now, something that would otherwise take a long time to develop." Seeing Wrench seem a bit unhappy, the Cleaner encouraged him.

"Really?" Wrench's eyes suddenly brightened at the praise.

"Of course, it's natural to strive for perfection. But perfect things aren't always practical. The results of experiments need to be used. What's the point of advanced experiments that can't be used? Invest, test, use, profit, and reinvest for more testing; that's a good cycle," the Cleaner said firmly. Wrench looked thoughtful.

"Where did you find such a gem?" Seeing Wrench seem to understand something and then return to his work, the Cleaner asked Peach Eyes with some admiration. Wrench was indeed a gem, a big one.

"I found him on the street." Peach Eyes replied, but seeing the Cleaner's disbelief, he raised his voice, "I really found him on the street. When I logged in, I was looking for a mechanic to make a unique psychic equipment. I asked many mechanics, and he gave me the most practical advice."

Hearing that Peach Eyes said making the weapon look like an abacus was unique, and that this idea came from Wrench, the Cleaner's gaze became a bit strange as he looked at Wrench. This shy, honest-looking young man seemed to have a more abstract and profound understanding of uniqueness.