After the disaster was averted, the train had to stop at the nearest military station for the land-based technical team to conduct comprehensive repairs. News of the incident and the miraculous "rescue" by a high school student was quickly reported to the highest levels.
Of course, to avoid causing panic and to protect technological secrets, the story released to the public was simply that "the train experienced a technical malfunction that was promptly resolved by the onboard engineering team." But internally, the name Lam Minh once again caused a shockwave.
The chief engineer wrote a detailed report, describing the entire process of how Lam Minh had diagnosed and repaired the fault in such an extraordinary manner. This report was sent directly to General Khang and the Military Research Institute.
After reading it, General Khang sat silently in his office for a long time, then burst out laughing. "This kid... just how many more hidden talents are you hiding? The chief engineer of an entire railway fleet has to call you master."
Professor Lan Anh, on the other hand, became even more confident in her decision. She immediately called To Quyen. "Quyen, you and Lam Minh continue your journey to Hanoi. Everything here will be taken care of. Remember to take good care of our 'expert'."
Meanwhile, on the train, Lam Minh once again became the center of attention. The scientists, all top minds, now looked at him with the reverence of a student looking at a teacher. They surrounded him, asking all sorts of difficult questions about mechanics, physics, energy...
Lam Minh could only smile wryly, once again having to use all the knowledge of a combat engineer from his past life and his "BS-ing" skills from this life to answer.
"Mr. Lam Minh, in your opinion, is the application of a swirling magnetic field to create an energy shield feasible?"
"Expert Lam, what do you think about optimizing the performance of a mini jet engine by changing the alloy of the combustion chamber?"
"Ah... this... I 'guess'..." Lam Minh began his familiar refrain.
Quynh Nhu sat in a corner, pouting as she watched the scene. "So fake! It's obvious he knows everything, but he just loves to pretend to be humble." But in her heart, she felt a growing curiosity and admiration. Strength, martial arts, and now even science and engineering... was there any field this guy didn't know?
After a day of repairs, the train resumed its journey. The rest of the trip went smoothly. Finally, they arrived in Hanoi.
The old capital of Vietnam appeared before them, possessing an ancient and contemplative beauty, completely different from the modern hustle and bustle of Sai Gon City. Although the war had devastated many places, the central area, especially the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, had been preserved almost intact thanks to special defense systems. This place was not just a city, but a symbol of history and national spirit.
The delegation was arranged to rest at a military guesthouse near the city center.
"Tomorrow we will start working at the Center for Historical Research," Professor Lan Anh announced. "Today, everyone is free to rest and explore the city."
To Quyen immediately turned to Lam Minh. "Lam Minh, shall we go for a walk? I want to see Hoan Kiem Lake."
"Great idea!" Quynh Nhu appeared from nowhere, linking her arms through both of theirs. "Three's a party! I heard Trang Tien ice cream is delicious, let's go try it!"
Lam Minh sighed. He knew there was no escaping this tag-along. And so, the trio set off together again.
It was autumn in Hanoi, the weather was cool and the air was fresh. They strolled through the moss-covered ancient streets, admiring the red-tiled roofs and old-fashioned window frames. The feeling was strangely peaceful.
Finally, they arrived at Hoan Kiem Lake.
The lake's surface was a clear, tranquil blue, like a giant mirror reflecting the ancient Turtle Tower standing majestically in the middle. The crimson, curved The Huc Bridge led to the Ngoc Son Temple. The scenery was as beautiful as a watercolor painting.
"It's so beautiful..." To Quyen whispered.
Even someone as energetic as Quynh Nhu fell silent, captivated by the solemn beauty of the place.
Only Lam Minh was different. As he approached the edge of the lake, the Primary Core in his body suddenly vibrated strangely. He could feel, from deep at the bottom of the lake, an extremely ancient and powerful, yet gentle, aura.
This aura did not belong to a Madakaros. It carried a majesty, a fierce life force of a creature that had existed for thousands of years of history.
This is it! Lam Minh was shaken to his core. In my past life, I heard whispers about it. A secret at the bottom of Hoan Kiem Lake. So it was real!
He focused his spiritual sense, trying to probe deeper.
"Hey, what are you spacing out for?" Quynh Nhu nudged him. "You look so dumb with that blank face. Let's go get some ice cream!"
Lam Minh was startled and withdrew his spiritual sense. "Ah... yeah, let's go."
He glanced back at the calm surface of the lake, a hard-to-read glint in his eyes. He knew this trip to Hanoi would not be just a simple business trip.
There was an earth-shattering secret sleeping beneath those waters. And it seemed to have some kind of connection to him.