Codename Prometheus

The laboratory was steeped in anticipation, the air thick with the weight of what was about to unfold. Scientists and engineers stood motionless, their gazes locked onto the electromagnetic rifle, now sealed inside a reinforced transport case. This was the culmination of years of research, countless simulations, and unrelenting refinement. Now, it was time for the ultimate test.

Elias, the architect of this groundbreaking weapon, studied the case with an intensity that belied his calm demeanor. Every calculation, every parameter had been scrutinized, but this was the first time theory had been rendered into tangible form. The outcome of this trial would determine the success or failure of his life's work.

Professors Caldwell and Linford stood nearby, exchanging glances. Both had been involved in high-level research for years, yet even they recognized the magnitude of what they were witnessing. This wasn't just another weapons prototype; this was a shift in military doctrine itself.

Caldwell finally broke the silence. "Elias, your design has taken form. All that remains is proving its capabilities."

Elias nodded, his voice steady. "Once we test it, we'll know whether it meets expectations."

Linford stepped forward. "If it performs even half as well as your models predict, we will be standing at the forefront of a technological revolution."

Around them, the research team remained silent, their focus unbroken. They were some of the finest minds in their respective disciplines, yet none had envisioned a weapon like this before. It was not just the engineering—it was the holistic fusion of electrodynamics, material science, and ballistics in a way never before attempted.

Outside the walls of this laboratory, the world remained unaware of the seismic shift taking place.The individuals present were the only ones who knew of this breakthrough.

The implications of this secrecy were profound. No patents had been filed, no external validation sought. The academy—and by extension, the military—would be the first to grasp the significance of this innovation. The rifle existed only in this lab, its capabilities known only to those who had built it.

Caldwell studied Elias, an edge of admiration in his expression. "Do you fully comprehend what you have created here?"

Elias remained silent, his eyes still on the case, mentally reviewing every function and potential failure point. Finally, he responded, "We'll know once it's fired."

Linford inclined his head. "We need a secure test range. The reinforced ballistic facility behind the primary research wing should suffice."

Caldwell exhaled before speaking again. "I'll inform Admiral Vance. Someone of his rank should witness this firsthand. If it succeeds, we need immediate authorization to move forward."

Without hesitation, Caldwell activated a secure communication line. A few rings later, the admiral's voice answered.

"Caldwell? This better be important."

"I can't discuss this over comms. Come to the lab immediately. It's something you need to see."

There was a pause before Vance responded. "Understood. I'm on my way."

Caldwell turned to Elias. "You have ten minutes before he arrives. Ensure everything is in order."

Elias performed a final check of the case, verifying the biometric security protocols. Only those with the highest clearance would be able to access it. This was more than an experiment; it was a redefinition of warfare itself. The question was not if it would work, but how dramatically it would exceed expectations.

As the team moved toward the testing facility, murmurs rippled through the academy. Few knew exactly what was happening, but the movement of high-ranking scientists and military officials together was a rare and unmistakable sign that something significant was underway.

Cadets and junior officers instinctively quieted as the procession passed. Conversations slowed, replaced by speculation. Those familiar with academy operations understood that when figures like Caldwell and Linford were involved, whatever was happening would alter the status quo.

Elias emerged at the forefront, the transport case secure in his grasp. He was flanked by Caldwell, Linford, and the lead engineers. As they approached the test range, those watching sensed, Whatever was inside that case—it was the cause of whatever this was.

The rifle was carefully removed from its case and mounted onto a reinforced testing rig. The engineers meticulously verified power connections and energy stabilization mechanisms.

Caldwell turned to Elias. "This is your creation. You should be the one to fire the first shot."

Elias stepped forward and initiated the system startup. The capacitors engaged, a soft hum filling the test chamber. Energy levels stabilized, and diagnostic lights signaled optimal performance.

Linford examined the readings. "Power output is within tolerance levels. No fluctuations detected."

Caldwell nodded. "Proceed."

Elias calibrated the targeting system. The first test target—a reinforced composite plate rated for high-caliber ballistics—was locked into place. He exhaled slowly, then engaged the trigger.

A high-pitched electromagnetic discharge cracked through the air. The projectile accelerated to hypersonic speeds, striking the target instantaneously and creating a loud boom. A sharp metallic resonance echoed as the reinforced barrier wasn't just pierced—it was obliterated.

A stunned silence followed.

Current firearms, even the most powerful sniper rifles, shoot bullets at supersonic speeds (e.g., the .50 BMG round reaches ~900–1,200 m/s). Hypersonic speeds are Mach 5+ (~1,715 m/s or more), which is far beyond modern gunpowder-based weapons.

Current sniper rifles, like the Barrett M82 (.50 BMG) or CheyTac M200 (.408), can pierce armor but don't outright obliterate reinforced plates designed for anti-ballistic protection. Hypersonic kinetic projectiles, on the other hand, can vaporize materials upon impact due to their extreme energy transfer.

Before today, for such a result, it would require megajoules of energy and massive capacitors. The Closest Equivalent would be the U.S. Navy Rail-gun (Prototype) which Fires 7.5 kg projectiles at Mach 7 (~2,400 m/s) but requires 25 megawatts of power and is as big as a building.

Linford scanned the diagnostics. "Energy output stable. No unintended fluctuations."

Professor Liang analyzed the impact data. "This exceeds every theoretical projection. We're not just at expected levels—we're operating beyond them." They said while everyone couldn't help to have a grin on their face.

Caldwell turned to Elias, a rare note of satisfaction in his voice. "Congratulations. You've just rewritten military warfare forever."

Elias remained shocked with a creepy smile on his face, his eyes still on the shattered target. "This is only the first step. The real work begins now."

As preparations for extended testing commenced, Admiral Vance arrived, taking in the scene. His gaze swept from the obliterated target to Elias.

"I assume a full report is waiting for me. But I don't need data to know what I just saw."

As they saw him, everybody stood at attention.

Caldwell nodded. "Sir, we may have just redefined combat as we know it." he said after the Admiral waved his hand and everyone moved again.

Vance studied Elias for a long moment before speaking. "From this moment on, everything changes. Are you prepared for that?"

Elias met his gaze without hesitation. "If I wasn't, I wouldn't have built it."

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