A new city had risen from the ruins, and it was thriving.

Shen Cong and the Automotive Lab team had completed the hybrid drive system integration — the new electric motors produced a maximum of 850 horsepower, roughly half the uprated diesel engines' 1,500 horsepower, but the combined hybrid output peaked at 1,900 horsepower with automatic load distribution reducing waste.

Not quite capable of serious off-road climbing in its current state. But meaningfully stronger, and more efficient.

The numbers worked out as follows. Full fuel tank: 2,800 liters aboard, plus 3,400 liters in the supply room — at 1.2 kilometers per liter under 50-ton empty weight, that was 7,440 kilometers of range. Full battery charge: 1,100 kilowatt-hours at 1.4 kilometers per kilowatt-hour, adding 1,540 kilometers. Combined maximum range on smooth roads, empty: approximately 8,980 kilometers — enough to cover nearly half of China's circumference.

Against the reality of destroyed roads requiring constant dozer blade work, that dropped significantly. Against Great Vajra's current loaded weight of over 150 tons, it dropped further. Practical operational range: approximately 3,000 kilometers under realistic conditions.

But with the Wings of Light running continuously — charging while stopped, electric drive during ordinary travel, diesel reserved for heavy demand — the fuel anxiety that had been sitting in the back of his planning dissolved considerably.

The aviation fuel problem won't have a solution for a long time. Which means the turbofan stays stored here. Great Vajra stays road-bound. Unavoidable for now.

He pulled out the Grease container for final pre-departure maintenance.

Li Aiping arrived shortly after.

She served as the official communication channel between Shen Cong and camp leadership — a role that had become increasingly formalized. "Colonel Hu, the leadership asked me to pass along the results of today's meeting."

"Go ahead." He kept working.

"The meeting confirmed the date: the day after tomorrow, November 21st, as the founding date of the new city. The name will be New Hefei — in memory of the original Hefei. New Hefei will maintain military administration. The Anhui Provincial Garrison forces will be reorganized as the New Hefei Defense…