ã€ŠThe Genius Systemã€‹


 Chapter 1 One Less

    December 31st

    While everyone else spent this festive season with their families, eagerly awaiting the New Year and making new resolutions, a young man in his twenties sat on the roof of a building. The cold wind blew across the empty streets below, silent, only lit by the tired streetlights. In the distance, the laughter and music from the celebrations rose faintly, like a melody from a world he no longer belonged to.

    He clutched an empty pack of cheap cigarettes in his hand and stood up slowly. His fingers, numb from the cold, trembled slightly.

    ¡ª Well... There''s no point in staying here any longer. I''m officially broke.

    The young man''s name was Lassen, an orphan who had spent almost his entire life in foster care. He had never been particularly brilliant, nor terrible¡ªjust... average at everything he did. After turning 18, he had been forced to leave the foster home and live on his own. Despite state assistance and renting a small studio, he never really managed to get his life together.

    A bitter laugh escaped his lips. He remembered his first days as a "free" adult. He had thought freedom would be sweet, that he would finally be the hero of his own story, like the characters in the novels he devoured. But reality had been very different. Freedom came with a price: loneliness, despair, failure.

    At exactly midnight, as fireworks lit up the sky and the New Year began, Lassen glanced one last time at his phone. A bitter smile crossed his lips.

    ¡ª As expected... Who would wish a Happy New Year to someone like me? I didn''t even get the automatic message from the phone company. Hahahaha...

    He looked up at the sky, then closed his eyes, murmuring to himself:

    ¡ª One less burden for this world...

    For a moment, he hesitated, memories flooding his mind. He saw the foster home''s dormitory, the few friends he had made, the books he had loved so much. A small voice whispered that maybe, somewhere, someone would remember him. But that thought vanished as quickly as it came.

    Yet, deep down, another thought persisted, stubborn. What if there was still a chance? A miracle, a reason... But where could he find it? He opened his eyes and stared at the distant lights, searching for a sign, anything. Nothing. The void responded to the void.

    With a determined step, he plunged into the void.

 Chapter 2 The Return

    The void. An icy cold invaded his body, as if the air itself had ceased to exist. There was no sound, no light. The entire world seemed to have turned off in an instant. Then, suddenly, a strange sensation washed over him. A light breeze, almost familiar, brushed against his skin.

    But...

    A faint light, almost imperceptible, pierced the darkness. A whisper. Words he didn''t quite understand, but they carried something surreal. He tried to concentrate, to grasp the essence of what was happening, but nothing was clear. His thoughts were tangled, as if drowned in a sea of fog.

    [Genius System Activated.]

    The text appeared in front of his eyes. He froze, stunned. A system? But not just any system... The Genius System?

    Lassen shook his head as if trying to dispel the strange vision. His heart was still pounding in his chest, but he no longer felt his body, as if his senses had been disconnected. He tried to move, but his arms and legs remained frozen, suspended in some kind of void.

    Then, suddenly, the scenery began to change. First blurry, then becoming clearer and clearer. He found himself suddenly in a room he knew well: his studio. The same small apartment he had rented, but somehow different. The light seemed brighter, almost unreal, and every detail in the room appeared renewed, as if everything had been redefined by some external force.

    Lassen slowly got up, his thoughts still foggy. He looked around, trying to understand what was happening. He felt the cold morning air seeping in through the open window, but no sound came to break the silence. This silence... It felt strangely heavy, as if an invisible weight was pressing down on him.

    Suddenly, a notification was heard.

    [System ready for use.]

    "Fuck, I''m not dreaming!!"

    He was no stranger to systems; several novels he''d read before dying featured protagonists who had a system. But he never expected it to happen to him.

    [Interface]

    [Name: Lassen Bassi]

    Age: 18 years]

    Lassen raised an eyebrow as he read. He''d read so many novels, but he had never seen an interface so simple.

    "Wait, wait!! System, what the hell is this crappy interface?"

    [The host doesn''t need an interface for now.]

    "How come?"

    [The host''s life is so insignificant that there''s nothing to write.]

    Lassen grimaced at this response.

    "Fucking useless system."

    [Would you like to talk about your "brilliant" career before? Oh, sorry, maybe it''s a bit too early for that kind of conversation.]

    Lassen sighed, frustrated, yet laughing inwardly. This system really had a particular sense of humor. Still, deep down, he couldn''t help but think that this strange humor fit the situation. A bit of irony to lighten the mood.

 Chapter 3 A Plan for Money

    Lassen slumped into his old leather chair, his eyes fixed on the ceiling of his studio. The fresh morning air seeped in through the slightly open window, but he paid no attention to it. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Before coming to this world, his main problem had always been the same: how to make money. So how was he going to solve that dilemma here, in this strange new world?

    He had already explored the most obvious options in his head. "System, send a billion dollars to my bank account."

    [ Are you sure? ]

    "Why, can''t you do it?" Lassen replied in a mocking tone.

    [ Yes, but introducing such a large sum into a basic economy could cause disturbances that you wouldn''t be able to manage at this point. Are you really sure you want to do that? ]

    Lassen rolled his eyes, annoyed by the system. "Okay... I need to be smart." he muttered, a spark of determination in his eyes. "I want money, and I want it now."

    His eyes drifted up, staring at a corner of the ceiling. He thought for a moment. "What if I robbed a bank? No, too risky... And too cliche?, too."

    The system, true to its nature, responded almost immediately.

    [ Really? Is that the best idea you have? ]

    Lassen rolled his eyes again. "What do you know? It''s a classic, but... yeah, maybe a bit too risky. Alright, forget the bank."

    He scratched his head, looking for another solution. "What if I started selling products online? I invent some revolutionary product... like socks that turn into slippers. That could be a hit!"

    [" Really? Transformable socks into slippers? Are you sure you want the whole world to know how... innovative your ideas are?"] mocked the system.

    Lassen stared at the virtual screen, sighing. "Okay, fine. Maybe it''s not the idea of the century. But it could work, right?"

    [" Oh, you got me good, host. A revolutionary product... that changes lives... transformable socks. Maybe you could also sell air in a jar. After all, it''s so innovative."]

    Lassen grumbled. "You''re unbearable. Alright, forget the socks. Let me think some more."

    A moment of silence passed. Then an idea hit him. "What if I hacked into a company? It''s a quick way to make money, right? I break into their system, find security flaws, and offer them a solution for a large fee. Efficient and discreet, right?"

    In the novels he''d read, that kind of plan always worked. Take a local company, infiltrate their system, spot the flaws, and then offer to fix them for a nice sum. Simple, effective... and discreet.

    [ If you summon an assistant, I''m afraid you won''t let them work with your perverted mentality. ]

    "Ahem, ahem... okay, okay, an assistant works too."

    The screen lit up again, and in the blink of an eye, a man appeared before him. He wasn''t old¡ªmaybe in his thirties¡ªwith sharp features and a posture marked by discipline. He wore a simple dark blue suit, his brown hair neatly combed, with a few streaks of gray at his temples that added to his mature and reliable look. He gave off an aura of calm and competence. He wasn''t a young, arrogant man but rather someone who knew exactly where he stood.

    The man bowed slightly and spoke in a confident voice. "Master."

    Lassen looked him over, a little surprised by the appearance. He hadn''t imagined someone so... "professional." "Okay, you''re... my assistant, right? What''s your name?" Lassen asked, curious.

    The assistant responded calmly, without changing his demeanor. "My name is Alex, Master."

    "Alright, Alex. How old are you?" Lassen continued, intrigued.

    "Thirty-three years old, Master."

    Lassen nodded, satisfied. "And... what exactly are you good at? What are your skills?"

    "I am skilled in business management, project organization, cybersecurity, and administrative assistance. I ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently."

    "Okay, but wait, can you have kids?" Lassen asked, with a teasing smile. "Or are you just a robot with no personal life?"

    [ Really? That''s what you want to know? ] the system mocked.

    "Do you go to the bathroom?" he continued, just to test him.

    Alex, unflappable, answered with absolute calm. "Yes, Master. I perform all human functions, including those."

    Lassen raised an eyebrow, amused. "Alright, fine. As long as you do your job, I''m good."

    The system, always responsive, chimed in casually:

    [ He''s perfectly integrated into this world. No trace of his appearance. You are free to use him however you wish. ]

 Chapter 4 The Plan in Action

    "Okay, system," Lassen thought. "Target Vito. Hack their system, find all their vulnerabilities, and generate a complete report. Leave no traces, and make it quick."

    [As always, host, I''m impressed by your... active contribution to this mission] the system replied directly in his mind, with a touch of irony.

    Lassen smirked. "You mean my ability to delegate perfectly? Thank you, I''m an expert at it."

    [Oh, without a doubt. If delegating were a sport, you''d have gold medals lined up on your walls.]

    "Exactly. Now focus on the hack before I decide to ask someone else to do it."

    [Of course, your lazy majesty. Execution in progress.]

    A brief silence settled in his mind while the system worked. A few seconds later, the voice returned.

    [Mission accomplished. Report generated and sent to your phone.]

    Lassen shrugged, a satisfied smile on his lips. He picked up his phone from the table, quickly skimmed through the report, then handed it to his assistant. "Here, everything''s ready. Go show them this report, negotiate a good deal, and make sure they don''t ask too many questions. Handle it properly."

    The assistant took the phone with a slight nod. "Of course, master. I''ll handle it immediately."

    "Perfect. Now go."

    ---

    A few minutes later, two men in suits appeared. One wore a badge that read "Technical Director," while the other was introduced as the "Operations Manager." Both regarded the assistant with a mix of suspicion and curiosity.

    "You''re the one claiming to have found vulnerabilities in our system?" asked the Technical Director.

    The assistant offered a polite smile. "Not me. My employer. I''m here to deliver this report." He slid the phone toward them, once again displaying the critical sections.

    The two men studied the report in silence, their expressions growing increasingly grim as they read. Finally, the Technical Director looked up, his face tense.

    "This information is accurate... far too accurate. How did you obtain all this?"

    "My employer is a cybersecurity expert. He has no interest in exploiting these vulnerabilities but wishes to offer you a chance to fix them before someone else finds them. Naturally, this service comes at a cost," the assistant said calmly.

    The two men exchanged a worried glance before turning back to the assistant.

    "Follow us," said the Operations Manager. "We''ll move to the conference room. We need to inform our General Manager."

    The assistant nodded calmly and followed them.

    The conference room was simple but elegant, with a large dark wooden table surrounded by comfortable chairs. Once seated, the two men quickly made phone calls. Moments later, an older man in a black suit entered the room. His badge read "CEO."

 Chapter 5 Negotiation

    The CEO sat down across from the assistant, the two other men remaining silent on either side.

    "So," he began, his brows furrowed, "you claim that your employer has found these vulnerabilities and wishes... to help us? What''s your price?"

    The assistant smiled slightly. "My employer is asking for $100,000 for this comprehensive and detailed report, which highlights all your critical vulnerabilities. For the corrections, an additional $250,000."

    The CEO''s eyes widened slightly. "$350,000 for everything? That''s a substantial amount."

    "Considering what you could lose if these vulnerabilities were exploited¡ªmillions in financial losses, not to mention the damage to your reputation¡ªit''s a reasonable offer," the assistant replied calmly.

    The Technical Director interjected. "And how can we be sure that your... employer, as you call him, won''t come back with more vulnerabilities later, just to squeeze more money out of us?"

    "We have no information. But if what they''ve found is real, they''re far more competent than our own team," replied the Technical Director.

    "I want you to investigate them," the CEO ordered. "If their expertise is as legitimate as they claim, I want this team here. Pay them for this contract, but find a way to keep them long-term."

    ---

    The assistant returned to Lassen''s studio in the early evening. Lassen was sprawled in his chair, a novel in hand, completely absorbed.

    "Master," the assistant began, placing the phone on the table, "the contract has been signed. The company will pay $100,000 for the report, and they are awaiting a plan for the corrections, priced at $250,000."

    Lassen turned a page in his book without looking up. "Perfect. And if they start asking too many questions, make sure they hit a dead end. Now leave me alone, I''m at an interesting part."

    The assistant gave a slight bow. "Of course, Master. As you wish."

 Chapter 6 The First Step to Empire

    Alex entered the studio and found Lassen in his usual posture: slumped in his armchair, a novel in hand, his feet carelessly propped up on the coffee table. He took a light breath before standing straight, ready to deliver the latest updates.

    "Master," he began, with his usual composure. "The contract with Vito is progressing well. However, they''ve requested detailed reports to track the progress of the fixes."

    Lassen raised an eyebrow while keeping his eyes on his book. "Reports? Why can''t they just wait until it''s all done?"

    "They want guarantees," Alex replied, unfazed. "They need to ensure the vulnerabilities are being addressed before finalizing the payment."

    A theatrical sigh escaped Lassen as he slowly closed his book and finally sat upright. "Fantastic. Now I have to work on reports... What a joy."

    [Oh, stop complaining, host. We both know you''re not going to do anything.]

    The familiar voice of the system resonated in his mind, dripping with sarcasm.

    Lassen rolled his eyes. "You know me too well," he muttered, before raising his voice slightly. "Alright, system. Create a software. Something that analyzes systems, finds all the vulnerabilities, generates detailed reports, and while you''re at it, fixes everything if necessary. In short, do all the work."

    [Your ambition is as inspiring as ever...]

    [Software in progress.]

    Lassen absentmindedly stared at a corner of the room, imagining the system at work. A few seconds later, the voice returned.

    [Software complete. Intuitive interface and fully automated functionality. You are now an official genius, congratulations.]

    "Great. Pass it to Alex; he''ll know what to do with it" Lassen replied, slumping back into his chair and reopening his novel as if nothing had happened.

    Alex approached, took the phone where the application had been installed, and nodded respectfully. "Thank you, Master. I''ll send these initial reports. They will be satisfied."

    "Do that. And don''t come back with dumb requests," Lassen said without looking up from his book.

    Alex smiled faintly, maintaining his composure. "This type of operation is likely to repeat itself. We''ll need a legal structure to manage future financial transactions. I suggest creating an offshore company with a subsidiary dedicated to technology."

    Lassen slowly turned a page of his book. "A company? What for?"

    "To discreetly manage payments and provide a credible cover. It will prevent long-term suspicions" Alex explained, as calm as ever.

    Lassen closed his book and stared at Alex. "And you want me to handle this, right?"

    Alex shook his head, a subtle smile on his lips. "Not at all, Master. I''ll take care of everything. The system can generate all the necessary documents."

    Lassen nodded, a faint smile on his face. "Okay. Call it Ghost. Sounds cool."

    "And for the tech subsidiary, got any ideas?"

    "SpectraSys, for Spectra System" Alex replied without hesitation.

    "System, handle this for me," Lassen said casually.

    [Documents generated. Ghost is now registered in the Cayman Islands. SpectraSys is operational, with associated bank accounts. Another testament to your... exceptional involvement, host.]

    "Good" Lassen concluded. "Alex, you handle all that. I''m going back to my book."

    Alex gave a slight bow. "Of course, Master. Everything will be in order."

    As Lassen resumed his novel, the system chimed in one last time.

    [A perfectly balanced team: the master who reads and delegates, and the system that does all the work. A model of efficiency.]

    Lassen smirked slightly. "Exactly. Now hush. I''m at an interesting part."

 Chapter 7 Closing the Loop

    After a few days, the Vito mission was coming to an end.

    Alex entered the studio, his movements as precise and professional as ever. Lassen, as usual, was slouched in his armchair, a book in hand. He didn''t even glance up as Alex approached the table.

    "Master" Alex began, placing the phone in front of him. "The $100,000 payment for the report has been received. The additional $250,000 for the corrections will follow once they validate everything."

    Lassen lazily turned a page of his book, nodding absentmindedly. "Good. Anything else?"

    "They are satisfied with the work so far," Alex continued. "But they are also intrigued. I think they''re considering future collaborations with SpectraSys."

    "Of course," Lassen murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips. "People love a good mystery. Let them wonder."

    Alex hesitated briefly. "There''s something else. One of their technicians has started digging into SpectraSys and my background. So far, all attempts have failed, thanks to the protections put in place by the system."

    Lassen smirked, finally lifting his eyes from his book. "Let them dig. They''ll find nothing but shadows."

    [Oh, such confidence coming from someone who didn''t lift a finger to set up those protections] the system interjected, its tone heavy with sarcasm.

    "One of our engineers has tried to trace their origins" the Operations Manager said cautiously. "So far, it''s like trying to grab smoke. Their systems are airtight."

    "Keep trying" the CEO ordered. "If they''re this good, I want them working for us¡ªor at least under our control."

    ---

    Back at the studio, Lassen stretched, closing his book with a satisfied sigh. He glanced at Alex, who was silently reviewing updates on his laptop.

    "System" Lassen said abruptly, his tone casual. "How much money do I have now?"

    [Including the payment from Vito, you currently have $100,000 in liquid assets, with $250,000 pending. And yet, you continue to do absolutely nothing productive with that money.]

    Lassen burst out laughing. "Productive? I''m doing exactly what I want. That''s real success."

    [Ah, yes, my apologies. How could I forget that reading a novel is an underrated form of genius?]

    "And that''s why you''re my favorite system" Lassen replied, a faint smile on his lips, before reopening his book.

 Chapter 8 Consequences and New Momentum

    After a few days, SpectraSys''s success with Vito was beginning to make waves. The impeccable reports and swift solutions had left a strong impression. However, the complete absence of public information about SpectraSys only fueled curiosity and mystery.

    ---

    In Vito''s meeting room, the executives were discussing the recent contract with SpectraSys. The CEO, visibly pleased with the results, displayed a slight smile as he looked at his subordinates.

    "Their work is exceptional" he declared. "But this whole SpectraSys situation bothers me. How can a team this talented remain so discreet? No office, no website, nothing."

    The technical director nodded thoughtfully. "It doesn''t make sense. Maybe they''re trying to avoid being tracked, but... it also makes them harder to control."

    "If we could fully integrate them under our supervision, that would be ideal," added the operations director. "They''d become a strategic asset for us."

    The CEO frowned. "Very well. Find a way to approach them. We need¡ª"

    The door suddenly opened, interrupting the discussion. A man in a perfectly tailored suit entered, followed by two assistants. His commanding presence and aura silenced the room instantly.

    This man, Richard D''Armand, was one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the country. His empire spanned real estate, finance, and new technologies.

    "Gentlemen," he declared in a calm but authoritative voice. "I''m here to speak with SpectraSys."

    A heavy silence fell over the room. The CEO of Vito, initially surprised, tried to conceal his discomfort. "Mr. D''Armand, it''s an honor to have you here. But... SpectraSys isn''t directly accessible through our offices."

    Richard fixed him with an amused smile. "I''m aware. But since I know they''ve worked with you, you''ll help me get in touch with them."

    The man''s direct tone left little room for negotiation. The CEO quickly nodded. "Of course, we''ll do everything we can to connect you."

    ---

    Alex was quickly informed of Richard D''Armand''s visit through a direct call from Vito. The businessman demanded a meeting, and Alex, true to his nature, adapted without difficulty.

    "If D''Armand wants to work with them, we must abandon the idea of controlling them," the CEO admitted, visibly frustrated. "It''s better to establish a solid collaboration. Prepare a new proposal. SpectraSys is an asset we can''t afford to lose."

    ---

    Alex returned to the studio to report the events to Lassen. As usual, he found his master lounging in his armchair, engrossed in a novel.

    "Master, we have a new opportunity. Richard D''Armand wants an contract to manage the cybersecurity for all his companies."

    Lassen didn''t even look up. "And? You handled it, didn''t you?"

    "Yes," Alex replied calmly. "I proposed a test to evaluate our efficiency. The documents for the final contract will follow."

    "Perfect," Lassen replied, turning another page. "Don''t bother me about it. You handle SpectraSys however you see fit. No more reports on it."

    Alex nodded and quietly exited the studio.

    ---

    Later that evening, Lassen closed his novel with a satisfied smile. He sank deeper into his chair, reflecting on the story he had just read.

    "That protagonist... an academic master, respected and feared by everyone. Not bad" he murmured.

    He looked up at the ceiling, a mischievous smile forming on his lips.

    "System, I have an idea. I want to become an academic master. Solve impossible problems, things people think are insurmountable."

    [Ah, of course. After reaching the pinnacle of laziness, you now want to conquer mathematics. A perfectly logical ambition, host.]

    Lassen burst out laughing. "Exactly. Get ready, we''re going to have some fun."

 Chapter 9 The Foundations of Genius

    Lassen stretched lazily in his chair, closing the novel he had just finished. A satisfied sigh escaped his lips.

    "That protagonist... a respected academic master, capable of solving the most complex mysteries. Not bad, honestly." he murmured, a dreamy smile on his face.

    Then, looking up at the ceiling, he casually announced, "System, I''ve decided. I want to become an academic master, like that guy in my novel. Give me a list of the biggest mathematical puzzles in the world."

    A brief silence followed before the sarcastic voice of the system echoed in his mind.

    [Ah, of course, Host. After your brilliant career as a professional reader, you''re now tackling advanced mathematics. Such ambition... perfectly aligned with your lazy nature.]

    Lassen burst into laughter. "Exactly! So, show me these problems so I can pick one to solve."

    [Very well. Prepare to enter a world where your intelligence¡ªor lack thereof¡ªmight become a problem in itself.]

    An illusory screen appeared before his eyes, displaying a list of seven mathematical enigmas.

    ---

    The Seven Major Mathematical Problems

    1. The Riemann Hypothesis

    [The Riemann zeta function, ¦Æ(s), is defined on complex numbers. The hypothesis states that all non-trivial zeros of this function have a real part equal to 1/2.]

    Lassen frowned. "Uh... are you speaking in code now?"

    [Allow me to simplify it for you, Host. In plain terms: it''s a riddle about how prime numbers are distributed. Solving this could revolutionize cryptography and several branches of mathematics.]

    "Prime numbers again... They''re so overrated" Lassen muttered.

    2. P vs NP

    [This problem aims to prove that any problem whose solution can be verified quickly can also be solved quickly.]

    "Okay, simpler than the last one, right?" Lassen asked.

    [Not exactly. If this conjecture is proven, it could transform modern computing by making exponential problems solvable in reasonable time. But first, you''d need to understand what it implies.]

    "So, it could help hackers? Cool."

    3. Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture

    [A million dollars for each resolved problem, not to mention global fame and academic recognition.]

    Lassen smirked. "Not bad. But if I do this, everyone will want to talk to me, invite me to conferences, and ask questions. Honestly, I''d rather avoid that."

    [So, you''re aiming for rewards without the responsibilities? Classic.]

    Lassen ignored the remark. "Alright, System, give me a list of less famous problems to start with."

    ---

    More Accessible Problems

    1. Collatz Conjecture

    [Take an integer. If it''s even, divide it by two. If it''s odd, multiply it by three and add one. Repeat. The conjecture states that all numbers eventually reach 1.]

    Lassen burst into laughter. "Wait... that''s it? Sounds way too simple."

    [Simple on the surface, but frustrating for those who''ve tried to solve it. No one has yet found a universal proof.]

    2. Algorithm Optimization

    [Create an algorithm capable of solving giant Sudokus or organizing complex networks more efficiently.]

    3. Minor Geometry Theorem

    [An unresolved problem about graphs and sets.]

    ---

    "Collatz, that one speaks to me. Not too complicated, but cool enough to impress math enthusiasts."

    [Good decision, Host.]

    "Great. System, do it. Solve this kid''s riddle and make it look good."

    [Resolution in progress.]

    Lassen sank back into his chair, grabbing a new novel from the table. "You see, this is what genius looks like: knowing how to delegate."

    [Or knowing how to do nothing. A strategy that suits you perfectly.]

 Chapter 10 Monsieur X

    Lassen stared at the ceiling of his studio, a faint smile on his lips. "System, so, where are we with this famous Collatz conjecture?"

    [Resolution complete] the system retorted, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. [The Collatz conjecture is now a solved problem. You can finally add this success to your list of... passive contributions.]

    A sly grin appeared on Lassen''s face. "Oh, how adorable. So, after decades of everyone getting nowhere, you solved it in seconds. Bravo, I suppose?"

    [You could be more grateful. But I assume admiring the genius of others isn''t your strong suit.]

    "More like I don''t need to admire anything since you do all the work for me."

    [Ah, of course. The genius of delegation. A discipline in which you truly excel.]

    "Go ahead, explain what you did."

    [A simplified and vulgarized version, I assume?]

    "Obviously," Lassen replied, crossing his arms. "I''m not going to waste my time deciphering your gibberish."

    [Very well. The conjecture states that any integer, following simple rules¡ªdivide by two if it''s even, multiply by three and add one if it''s odd¡ªwill eventually reach 1. I''ve proven that this pattern holds for all possible numbers.]

    "So... all this just to prove that numbers eventually become 1. Honestly, it sounds ridiculous when you put it like that."

    [And yet, no one managed it before me. Perhaps the ridiculous is more complex than it seems.]

    Lassen ignored the sarcasm and sank deeper into his chair. "Alright, now that we have the solution, what do we do with it?"

    [You could keep it to yourself. Or share it with the world. After all, it would be a historic contribution.]

    Lassen frowned. "Share it, huh? But how does that work exactly? This whole scientific publication thing isn''t really my domain."

    [Nothing is your domain, anyways]

    [Scientific journals have a strict process. You submit an article detailing your proof. An editorial committee briefly reviews the submission to ensure it''s legitimate. Then expert reviewers spend weeks, sometimes months, validating every detail. If everything checks out, the article gets published.]

    Initially, he read distractedly, expecting clumsy formulations or poorly substantiated hypotheses. But within a few lines, something gripped his attention. The reasoning was clear, methodical, and deceptively simple. The proofs, rare in their elegance, unfolded with almost surgical precision.

    "This is... brilliant," he murmured, instinctively setting his coffee cup down. He leaned back in his chair, reread the key sections, then quickly grabbed his phone to call Jean Bourgain.

    "Jean, check your email immediately. I just sent you something. You need to see this," he said, his voice tense with excitement.

    ---

    Meanwhile, Jean Bourgain, occupied with another review, took some time before turning to Peter''s email. When he finally opened the article, he skimmed the first few lines with indifference, but his demeanor quickly changed. He froze in the middle of a proof, reread several lines multiple times, then leaned back in his chair, incredulous.

    "Who could write something like this?" he muttered aloud, his brow furrowed in intense concentration. Setting his glasses on the desk, he rubbed his temples. After a few minutes, he resumed reading, taking detailed notes and hunting for any flaws. But there were none.

    ---

    The two experts spent the day exchanging frantic emails, dissecting every part of the article. An impromptu video call brought them together that evening. Seated in front of their screens, the two mathematicians debated every detail.

    "This is incredible," Peter said, showing his annotated notes. "Every step is logical, every argument airtight. And yet, it feels almost too perfect."

    "I agree," Jean replied gravely. "The style is so direct it''s as if the author didn''t even have to try, like it all came to them naturally. It''s frustrating, don''t you think?"

    "Frustrating, yes. But it''s also magnificent," Peter concluded. He paused, reflecting. "This Monsieur X... if he''s real, then he''s a genius. A true genius."

    ---

    The article underwent a rigorous validation process. Several handpicked reviewers meticulously examined every line and formula. Some searched for the slightest inconsistency, while others worked to replicate the calculations. The precision of the proofs and the elegance of the arguments left everyone speechless. No errors, no gaps, not even a questionable approximation.

    "It''s as if the author saw mathematics from an entirely new perspective," one reviewer remarked during a team meeting.

    "And this pseudonym... Monsieur X. Why so much mystery?" another asked.

    "Maybe they just want to avoid attention," a third suggested. "But whoever they are, this article will make history."

    A month after the validation process began, the article was officially accepted and published in the Annals of Mathematics. Upon its release, it sent shockwaves through the mathematical community, captivating researchers and students worldwide.

 Chapter 11 The Arrogance of Anonymity

    Lassen stared at his phone screen, chuckling at the latest memes about "Monsieur X."

    One image showed a disheveled mathematician, hair in disarray, with the caption: "When you spend 20 years on Collatz, but some random guy solves it overnight." He burst out laughing, almost knocking over his bag of chips.

    [Such maturity, host. Laughing at your own disguised genius.]

    "Obviously! It''s not every day you become a cultural phenomenon by solving something I don''t even fully understand," Lassen replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

    [And yet, mathematics owes its advancement to your... unique skill in delegation.]

    "Exactly, that''s my superpower. So, what are the experts saying?" Lassen asked, stretching lazily.

    [They''re organizing seminars, speculating on your identity, and debating your method. Some call you a genius, others a secret team.]

    Lassen burst into laughter again. "A secret team? They clearly overestimate the amount of collective effort I''m willing to tolerate."

    He set his phone down, but a thought crossed his mind. "Alex, do you think they''re trying to find me?"

    "Most likely, master" Alex replied calmly from his makeshift desk. "The scientific community isn''t fond of mysteries. Speculations about your identity are reaching a fever pitch."

    "Perfect. I love it." Lassen grabbed a chip, crunching it loudly. "You know what? I should give them another bone to chew on. System, create an anonymous account under the name Monsieur X. Something secure, obviously."

    [Another brilliant idea from you, host. Creation in progress.]

    Seconds later, the system announced:

    [Account activated. Encrypted email linked. You are now ready to give the impression you have a genuine sense of communication ethics.]

    Lassen pondered for a moment before murmuring, "Okay, what should I write for the first post?"

    [Write anything. No one knows who you really are, anyway.]

    Lassen nodded. "You''re right. Fine, post this:

    A Max Planck researcher concluded: "Whether it''s an individual or a team, they''ve changed the landscape of mathematics forever."

    ---

    The scientific press was ablaze.

    Scientific American headlined: "Who Is Monsieur X? The Mystery Behind the Solution to Collatz."

    The Guardian speculated: "A lone genius? An advanced AI? Or a collective of researchers? Theories abound."

    On television talk shows, the discussions intensified. An expert guest declared:

    "This tweet might seem arrogant, but it reflects absolute confidence in the validity of the demonstration. And so far, no one has proven it wrong."

    On YouTube, videos explaining the Collatz Conjecture and the mystery of Monsieur X garnered millions of views in hours. Tech influencers dissected every word of the tweet, searching for clues about the author''s identity.

    Even conspiracy forums jumped on the bandwagon. Some claimed Monsieur X was a secret AI developed by a government. Others speculated it was an extraterrestrial.

    ---

    Lassen, still sprawled on his chair, scrolled through memes and reactions on his phone. "They''re really overdoing it. All this fuss over numbers that eventually become 1."

    Alex, seated at a small table, looked up at his master. "Master, you''ve stirred up a storm. Perhaps it would be wise to communicate a bit more seriously."

    "Why bother?" Lassen retorted. "They''re doing fine without me."

    "But they''re seeking answers," Alex insisted. "It could solidify your legend while curbing unnecessary speculation."

    Lassen thought for a few seconds. "Hmm... You have a point. Okay, I''ll give them something to chew on."

    [Another moment of brilliance in your illustrious career, host] commented the system.

    Ignoring the jab, Lassen began drafting a new tweet. "Let''s see... How can I keep them busy a little longer?"

 Chapter 12 The Trap

    Lassen was sprawled on his couch, a novel in hand, while the system buzzed in his mind. A sarcastic voice broke the silence.

    [Host, we have a problem... or rather, a potential source of entertainment. A hacker group known as "Shadow Code" has decided to uncover your identity.]

    Lassen furrowed his brows before raising an amused eyebrow.

    "Shadow Code? Seriously? These guys go after politicians and millionaires, and now they''re interested in me?"

    [Apparently, your sudden fame has piqued their curiosity. They tweeted their intentions an hour ago.]

    The system projected an illusory screen displaying a message from Shadow Code''s official account:

    "We accept the challenge. Monsieur X, prepare yourself. Shadow Code will uncover who you are."

    Lassen burst out laughing.

    "Oh, this is too good. These guys think they can intimidate me? System, tell me we can mess with them."

    [It would be my pleasure. How about a series of absurd false leads?]

    Lassen set his book down and sat up. "I love it. Pitch me your idea."

    [We''ll make them believe that Monsieur X is an illiterate old man living in a secluded cabin in France. IP addresses, metadata, everything will be falsified to lead them astray.]

    Lassen let out a boisterous laugh. "That''s perfect. Imagine their faces when they proudly announce to the world that a grandpa who can''t even read is behind all this."

    [And you call this maturity? Very well. Allow me to set the stage.]

    ---

    Two days later, Shadow Code went live to reveal their "discovery."

    The video began with dramatic graphics and a deep voiceover proclaiming:

    "The mystery of Monsieur X has finally been solved."

    The group''s leader, known by the pseudonym "Cipher" stepped into the frame, wearing a black mask with red patterns that concealed his face.

    The system complied, and Lassen dictated his message:

    "So, according to Shadow Code, I''m an illiterate old man? Fascinating. Imagine what I could achieve if I learned to read. Congratulations on your brilliant investigation."

    Within seconds, the tweet went viral. Thousands of reactions poured in.

    "I''M CRYING WITH LAUGHTER."

    "Monsieur X, king of the clapback."

    "Shadow Code, you just got roasted on a global scale."

    The hashtag #ShadowCodeFail shot to the top of worldwide trends.

    The media quickly changed their tune, publishing articles mocking Shadow Code:

    "Shadow Code Fooled by Monsieur X: A Lesson in Humility."

    "The Tweet That Humiliated Famous Hackers."

    On TV talk shows, experts dissected the debacle.

    One analyst remarked: "Shadow Code clearly underestimated Monsieur X. That tweet demonstrates sharp wit and unshakable confidence in the face of scrutiny."

    Even celebrities joined in the ridicule.

    A popular comedian quipped: "Shadow Code spent a week tracking down an old man. Monsieur X should teach masterclasses on how to humiliate your enemies without lifting a finger."

    ---

    Back at the studio, Lassen was still laughing as he scrolled through memes and reactions. Alex, ever the professional, said

    "Master, you''ve just dismantled the reputation of a globally renowned hacker group."

    Lassen shrugged. "Not my fault they fell for it. Honestly, it was too easy."

    [Host, you have officially mastered the art of creating chaos without lifting a finger] the system chimed in with its usual mocking tone.

    Lassen smiled, satisfied. "I know. Now, find me another playground to have fun in."

 Chapter 13 Rising Tensions

    Alex, still in Lassen''s studio, broke the silence with a calm but firm voice.

    "Master, I believe I have something that might interest you."

    Lassen looked up from his novel, one eyebrow slightly raised, intrigued.

    "Really?"

    Alex nodded confidently.

    "Yes, Master. Actually, after our last contract with SpectraSys, I''ve received several inquiries: influential people, companies, and even a proposal for cooperation from the government."

    Lassen rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed.

    "Get to the point..."

    "There are new escalations with our neighboring country, Geria" Alex explained without missing a beat.

    ---

    The Kingdom of Macro, where Lassen resides, is neither a global superpower nor a leading nation, but it plays a significant role in its region. Independent since the 1960s, it has a longstanding rivalry with its neighboring country, Geria.

    The two nations have been locked in a dispute over a strategic territory rich in natural resources. This conflict has led to several wars, with neither side able to secure a decisive victory. Even UN interventions have failed to bring a lasting resolution. The latest ceasefire, fragile and unstable, seems on the brink of collapse.

    ---

    Back in the studio, Lassen set his book down on the coffee table, sighing.

    "Ah, this story again... If I remember correctly, in my past life, there was another war between the two countries. Even though we won, it cost us dearly. And if war breaks out, I won''t be able to spend my days doing nothing, right?"

    [Even if it were the end of the world, as long as your book collection isn''t threatened, you wouldn''t move an inch, would you?] the system quipped sarcastically.

    Lassen nodded without the slightest hint of shame.

    "Obviously."

    "By the way, Alex, you should find a place of your own. Are you planning to squat here forever?"

    "I was going to mention that, Master. Actually, I''ve purchased a villa where you could live more comfortably."

    "And why would I do that? I''m fine here."

    [Even at the bottom of the abyss, you''d be fine as long as you had books.]

    Lassen nodded.

    "You''re not wrong."

    "It''s more secure, Master. And it would be easier for me, or others, to visit you."

    "Alright, alright, we''ll see about that later. For now, let''s deal with this government thing."

    [A lazy patriot... charming.]

    "Shut up. If I recall correctly, we had a significant advantage at the start of the previous battle, but because of enemy spies, we almost lost. So, System, start by infiltrating Geria''s systems and find me those spies."

    [...]

    "What?"

    [I thought you were dumber than this. Are you running a fever?]

    "Damn useless system... Come face me if you''re a man!"

    [I''m not a man. I''m a system.]

    Lassen was momentarily stunned, then sighed.

    "This isn''t the time for bickering. Let''s finish this quickly and return to our life of laziness."

    [Task complete. All reports have been sent to your phone.]

 Chapter 14 First Contact

    Lassen was stretched out on his couch, a novel in hand, while the system buzzed in his mind.

    [Host, I''ve compiled the report you requested. A complete list of spies infiltrated by Geria is ready: names, locations, correspondences¡ªeverything is included.]

    Lassen put his book down, a lazy smile on his face. "Perfect. I hope it wasn''t too hard for you, huh?"

    [I exist to fulfill your every whim,] replied the system, its tone dripping with sarcasm. [So, what''s your plan?]

    Lassen thought for a moment before sitting up slightly in his chair.

    "Find me someone in that country who''s honest, high-ranking, and influential enough to act on this information."

    [An almost impossible task, but I''ll try] said the system.

    A few seconds later, it continued: [The Director-General of the National Police seems to fit your criteria. An honest, respected man, fully committed to Macro.]

    Lassen nodded, satisfied. "Good. Hack his computer. I''ll talk to him directly."

    [You know, you could start with a polite letter. But no, let''s jump straight to hacking. Very well.]

    ---

    On the other side, the Director-General of the Police, a man in his fifties, was poring over reports, his brow furrowed. Suddenly, the screen of his computer went black, replaced by a rudimentary chat platform. Just as he was about to call IT, a message appeared:

    > "Calm down, Director."

    The Director took a deep breath. He knew that if he replied, he''d open a door to his mysterious interlocutor, but it was already too late to back out. Hesitantly, he typed on his keyboard:

    > "Who are you?"

    > "That''s not very important, but you can call me Mr. X."

    The Director''s eyes widened. The mysterious genius who had recently captured the world''s attention, solved a major mathematical conjecture, and humiliated a famous group of hackers was speaking to him.

    [Your imagination is fascinating. Let me work.]

    Moments later, a towering figure appeared in the room. A tall, muscular man in a perfectly tailored dark suit stood before Lassen. He had sharp features, a piercing gaze, and an impeccable posture.

    "Master" he said in a deep, respectful voice. "I am at your service."

    Lassen looked him up and down, clearly impressed.

    "Not bad, system. What''s his name?"

    [I''ve named him Adrian. He''s programmed to meet your needs and ensure your safety.]

    Adrian gave a slight bow.

    "Very well, Adrian. Tonight, you''ll be my driver and bodyguard. Prepare the car Alex is bringing and make sure everything is ready for the meeting."

    "Understood, Master" Adrian replied in a neutral tone before leaving the room.

    ---

    When the time for the meeting arrived, a black sedan with tinted windows waited outside an official building. The Director, wearing a dark coat, approached cautiously. The rear door opened automatically, and Adrian, still impassive, stood nearby, waiting for him to enter.

    "Please step inside, Director," said Adrian, his voice firm but respectful.

    Hesitant, the Director climbed into the car. The luxurious, dark interior added a layer of mystery to the atmosphere. He cast a nervous glance at Adrian, who drove with precise control.

    "Will... Mr. X be there?" the Director asked hesitantly.

    Adrian remained silent, focused on the road. After a few minutes, he finally replied:

    "You''ll see him soon."

    The Director, still wary, couldn''t help but feel his excitement build. Who was this mysterious man willing to meet him in person?

 Chapter 15 The Choice of Trust

    "It''s a bit big isn''t it? I''m never going to use all this space" Lassen grumbled as he passed a massive bay window overlooking an impeccably maintained garden.

    "Master you need a secure place that''s suited to your activities" Alex replied calmly. "And admit it this is much better than your cramped studio"

    "My studio was perfect. Everything was within arm''s reach" Lassen retorted, stopping to examine an empty bookshelf. "That at least is a good point. Fill this with books"

    [With books you''ll never read because you spend all your time on light novels] the system interjected.

    "Shut up" Lassen snapped. "So this is where I''m meeting that director right"

    "Yes master" Alex confirmed. "The office was specially designed for you. Secure soundproofed and equipped with everything you might need"

    Lassen surveyed the room for a moment. The natural light streaming through the windows created a calming atmosphere. Still, he groaned.

    "Everything I might need? You mean books and a comfortable chair" Lassen said sarcastically.

    [And a jug of juice to go with your legendary laziness] the system added.

    Lassen rolled his eyes and collapsed into a leather chair in the center of the office.

    "Seriously why do I have to meet him in person? We could have handled everything through the system"

    [Because your charming personality inspires trust master. And because Alex insisted that this meeting could establish a lasting bond of trust]

    "Yes master" Alex added. "The director is an honest man but he needs to see that he''s dealing with a real person not a screen or a cryptic interface"

    "Fine" Lassen sighed grabbing a book from the desk. "But he better be worth the trouble"

    ---

    A few hours later, the national police director arrived in a sleek black car. At the wheel was another one of Lassen''s assistants¡ªa tall, imposing figure dressed sharply in a dark suit. Acting as both a chauffeur and bodyguard, this assistant exuded professionalism, his movements precise and calculated.

    As the car rolled to a stop, the director stepped out, his sharp eyes scanning the imposing villa in front of him. The atmosphere felt strangely calm, almost unnerving.

    Alex was waiting by the main entrance, standing beside the bodyguard. As the director approached, he greeted Alex with a slight nod.

    "Mr Alex I didn''t expect to see you here. I assume you are Monsieur X" the director asked with a mix of skepticism and curiosity.

    Alex shook his head, his tone polite yet firm.

    "No director. I am the CEO of SpectraSys but Monsieur X... let''s just say he is well above my station. Please follow me and you''ll see"

    "How can I be sure this information is reliable"

    "You don''t have to believe me. But if you wait too long this intel will be useless. It''s your call"

    The director folded his arms his gaze fixed intently on Lassen.

    "Why me Why not another department or agency"

    Lassen leaned forward slightly his tone growing more serious.

    "Because you''re honest That''s rare you know And if I went through official channels these spies would probably know everything before you even had time to act"

    A tense silence hung in the air until the director finally broke it.

    "And what do you expect in return"

    "Nothing I''m doing this for the country. Well... let''s say I''m doing it to make sure my peaceful life isn''t disturbed by a pointless war"

    The director studied Lassen closely as if searching for a crack in his calm fac?ade.

    "You''re a... complicated man. And dangerous"

    Lassen smiled faintly leaning back into his chair.

    "Call me efficient It''s more accurate"

    The director reached out and took the USB drive his grip firm. He stared at it for a moment before slipping it into his pocket.

    "I''ll look into this and act on it But don''t think for a second that I won''t keep an eye on you You have too much power to operate freely"

    Lassen shrugged seemingly uninterested.

    "Do what you have to do It won''t change anything for me Good luck director You''re going to need it"

    As the director turned to leave he paused at the door and glanced back one last time.

    "If this is a trap I''ll find you"

    Lassen let out a quiet laugh his voice tinged with amusement.

    "I won''t even leave my chair so you won''t have to look far"

 Chapter 16 The Great Purge

    The Director General of Police left Lassen''s villa with a strange sense of unreality. The conversation he had just had with this enigmatic man kept playing over and over in his mind. The USB drive in his pocket felt like it weighed a ton.

    Ignoring Adrian, who was waiting near the car, he raised his hand and simply declared:

    ¡ª I''ll walk Don''t follow me

    Lassen''s bodyguard nodded silently, remaining still. The Director walked away, his footsteps echoing on the paved path leading to the main road. The cool night air and the surrounding silence helped him organize his thoughts.

    Upon arriving home, he carefully locked the door to his study. Sitting at his desk, he inserted the USB drive into his secure computer and waited for the files to open. What he saw left him speechless.

    Names, dates, addresses, message exchanges, videos of secret meetings... The list stretched across dozens of pages. He quickly identified more than twenty individuals embedded in ministries, strategic enterprises, and even key police positions. The evidence was irrefutable: years of meticulous espionage orchestrated by Geria.

    The Director felt a slow, burning anger rise within him. These traitors had endangered national security. But he couldn''t act alone. He had to move quickly, but with the utmost discretion.

    He picked up his secure phone and contacted two of his most trusted colleagues, high-ranking officers who shared his loyalty and sense of duty.

    ¡ª Gentlemen, we have a national crisis on our hands I''m sending you some documents Meet me in my office in an hour Not a word to anyone

    ---

    An hour later, the two officers arrived, their faces heavy with gravity after reading the files the Director had sent. In the secure room, the three men devised a detailed plan to capture all the spies in a single operation.

    The Director issued his instructions, his voice firm:

    ¡ª Each target must be neutralized simultaneously No alarms can be raised I want separate teams for each individual The evidence is damning, but we must capture their tools, encrypted messages, and anything they might use against us

    The officers nodded, and the orders were relayed to carefully selected special units.

    ---

    In the early hours of the morning, the operation began.

    A few seconds later, a response appeared.

    > Just someone who hates having his peace disturbed

    The Director let out a bitter smile. He knew he didn''t fully understand everything yet, but one thing was certain: this mysterious man was far more than just a genius.

    ---

    Meanwhile, Lassen was comfortably seated in his villa, reading a novel with a steaming cup of tea by his side. The system interrupted his quiet moment.

    [Ho?te, the Director''s operation was a success. The spies have been captured, and his final message has arrived. Would you like to read it, or shall I leave you to your noble pursuit of doing nothing?]

    Lassen put down his novel, sighing as he skimmed through the message displayed on the system''s illusory screen.

    "Hmm, serious to the end, that guy. He really wants to keep an eye on me. Impressive, isn''t it?"

    [Surprisingly, not everyone shares your love for chaos and idleness. Some actually take their work seriously, ho?te.]

    Lassen shrugged lazily.

    "Maybe I should send him a fruit basket. Something like, ''Thanks for saving the country with my help.''"

    [Brilliant. Because nothing says ''I''m a mysterious genius'' quite like bananas and kiwis.]

    Lassen chuckled before picking up his book again.

    "Note to self: find new ways to mess with this guy. He could be useful. Now, quiet, I''m going back to my true passion."

    [Your passion for idleness is truly legendary, ho?te.]

    With that, Lassen immersed himself back in his novel, the faintest smile playing on his lips.

 Chapter 17 Power Plays

    The recent arrests of Geria''s spies sent political shockwaves through the Kingdom of Macro. Initially intrigued by the sudden operation of the national police, the media quickly published articles detailing the dismantling of a vast infiltration network. Headlines directly accused the Gerian government of orchestrating these subversive activities.

    At the royal palace, an emergency meeting was convened. Seated around a long table adorned with the royal seal, the king and his security council listened intently to the detailed reports.

    "Fifteen spies, including two high-level operators, have been captured," declared the head of intelligence. "We also uncovered multiple weapon caches and surveillance equipment in the contested region."

    He paused briefly before continuing.

    "The spies had precise plans to sabotage our power grid, infiltrate our military bases, and disrupt our strategic communications. These discoveries confirm that Geria was preparing a coordinated operation against us."

    The king furrowed his brow, tapping the table nervously with his fingers.

    "How is this possible? Have these activities been fully neutralized?"

    The chief of police, present at the meeting, responded calmly.

    "Yes, Your Majesty. Thanks to reliable intelligence we received, we were able to act with precision and speed. However, Geria may still attempt further operations. Their main network has been dismantled, but this doesn''t mean they don''t have other plans in reserve."

    The foreign minister intervened, his tone serious.

    "Your Majesty, it is imperative to respond quickly on the diplomatic front. Geria will deny everything, but these arrests are undeniable proof of their aggression."

    "And if we publicly denounce these actions, don''t we risk escalating the conflict?" asked the defense minister.

    The king remained pensive for a moment before responding.

    "We cannot remain silent. Prepare a public statement. We will firmly denounce Geria''s actions while reaffirming our commitment to defending our sovereignty. But stay vigilant. If Geria responds with retaliation, we must be ready."

    ---

    In Geria, the situation was equally tense. The president, surrounded by his top advisers, held a closed-door meeting in a dimly lit crisis room. On a large table, top-secret documents and maps showed the now-compromised plans.

    "How did this happen?" roared the president, slamming his fist on the table. "We invested years and millions in this network, and now it''s annihilated!"

    Geria''s intelligence chief, visibly uncomfortable, responded cautiously.

    "We still don''t know how they obtained this information. All our security protocols were in place. Someone must have gained access we can''t explain."

    The president fixed him with a cold stare.

    "Gentlemen, I''ll be direct. What I''m about to tell you must not leave this room."

    The three men exchanged glances before silently nodding.

    "The information that allowed us to dismantle this network... I didn''t obtain it through conventional means."

    One of his colleagues, a seasoned inspector, furrowed his brow.

    "Are you implying we had outside help?"

    "Not exactly," the director replied. "I received it from an individual. Someone who calls himself Monsieur X."

    A heavy silence fell. The three men stared at the director in disbelief.

    "Monsieur X? As in... the one who solved the Collatz conjecture?" one of them asked, visibly skeptical.

    "Yes. And he''s here, in the Kingdom of Macro," the director replied calmly.

    "Wait, wait... You mean this mathematical genius, this mysterious figure, gave you this information? How is that possible?" another asked, clearly shaken.

    The director placed the USB drive on the table.

    "I met him. He is... let''s say, unique. But he proved he had access to information no one else could obtain. This drive contains everything he provided. And so far, every detail has been accurate."

    The men exchanged glances, oscillating between incredulity and fascination.

    "Why would he do this?" one of them finally asked.

    "He says he''s a patriot. That he wants to avoid a war disrupting his peace. I don''t know how sincere he is, but what I do know is that he is incredibly powerful."

    One of the men sighed, shaking his head.

    "And if he decides to turn against us? A man like that... it''s terrifying."

    The director gave his colleagues a firm look.

    "I know. That''s why we need to remain cautious. But for now, he''s on our side. And thanks to him, we achieved what we thought was impossible."

    Another silence settled, each man reflecting on the implications of this revelation. The director, however, resolved to keep a close eye on Monsieur X while hoping he would remain a shadowy ally.

 Chapter 18 Between Shadow and Light

    Journalist Samuel Hart was no stranger to challenges. At only 28 years old, he had already made a name for himself by uncovering high-profile corruption cases and political scandals. Yet securing an interview with the Director-General of the National Police had proven to be one of his toughest challenges. For weeks, he had sent formal requests, made calls, and pulled every string he could in the security sector, only to be met with the same response: "Not available at the moment."

    Persistence, however, was one of Samuel''s strongest traits. After publishing a series of bold articles dissecting the rising tensions between the Kingdom of Macro and Geria, he finally caught the Director''s attention. The response came with a set of strict conditions: no cameras, no personal questions, and a one-hour time limit. For Samuel, these terms were a small price to pay for the opportunity to get a firsthand account of the operation that dismantled Geria''s spy network¡ªan event that had sent ripples across the international community.

    ---

    The day of the interview arrived. Samuel arrived at police headquarters earlier than scheduled, dressed sharply in a dark suit that reflected his professionalism. At the entrance, security officers meticulously checked his credentials and confiscated his phone and all electronic devices.

    "Standard protocol," one of the guards muttered as he gestured for Samuel to proceed.

    He was led through a series of sterile hallways, the walls adorned with insignias of the police force and motivational slogans. Finally, he was brought to a modest office where the Director-General awaited him.

    The Director was a man in his mid-fifties with sharp eyes and a calm yet commanding demeanor. He stood as Samuel entered, offering a firm handshake.

    "Mr. Hart, thank you for coming. I hope this conversation will be productive."

    "The pleasure is mine, Director. I''m honored that you granted me this opportunity," Samuel replied, his tone professional yet sincere.

    The Director motioned for Samuel to sit across from him, and the interview began. Samuel started with general questions about the challenges of national security and the recent increase in cyber threats. The Director answered each question with precision, maintaining an air of professionalism. However, just as Samuel was about to shift the conversation to the high-profile arrest of Gerian spies, something unexpected happened.

    ---

    Meanwhile, in his villa, Lassen lounged comfortably on a plush sofa, a novel resting on his chest as he lazily flipped through the pages. The serene atmosphere was broken by the familiar, sardonic voice of the system.

    [Ho?te, I have detected an intriguing development. An investigative journalist, Samuel Hart, has secured an interview with your good friend, the Police Director.]

    Lassen smirked, setting his book aside.

    Samuel blinked, clearly perplexed but intrigued. He stood and followed the Director through the hallways. His curiosity only deepened when they exited the building to find a sleek black car waiting at the curb. Next to it stood Adrian, a tall and imposing figure in a perfectly tailored suit, his expression unreadable.

    Samuel hesitated, his investigative instincts kicking in. "Is that your driver?" he asked, gesturing toward Adrian.

    The Director shook his head. "No. He works for someone... higher up. You''ll understand soon enough."

    Adrian stepped forward, opening the car door without a word. The Director entered first, followed by Samuel, who couldn''t shake the feeling that he was stepping into something far bigger than he had anticipated.

    ---

    The car glided through the city streets, leaving behind the bustling center and heading toward a quieter, more affluent neighborhood. Samuel noted the luxury of the vehicle¡ªthe leather seats, the soundproof cabin¡ªbut his focus remained on the mystery unfolding around him.

    "Are you going to tell me where we''re going?" he finally asked.

    The Director glanced at him but didn''t answer directly. "You''ll find out soon enough."

    The car eventually pulled up to a gated villa surrounded by immaculate gardens. Adrian exited first, opening the door for the Director and Samuel to step out. Samuel gazed at the grand estate, his curiosity now mixed with awe.

    "Is this where I''ll find my answers?" Samuel muttered to himself.

    The Director, already walking toward the entrance, replied over his shoulder. "You''re closer than you think."

    Adrian led them through the villa''s opulent halls to a large office with a heavy wooden door. Pushing it open, he gestured for them to enter.

    Inside, Lassen sat comfortably in a leather armchair, a novel in hand. He looked up briefly, offering a faint smile before returning to his book.

    "Take a seat," Lassen said casually, his tone calm but authoritative. "I''m sure you have some fascinating questions."

    Samuel glanced at the Director, whose expression remained stoic, before cautiously sitting down. He realized that whatever lay ahead would be far more than he had bargained for.

 Chapter 19 Secrets Unveiled

    Samuel Hart followed the Director General of Police down a quiet, immaculate corridor in the villa. Everything felt too calm, almost intimidating. He struggled to contain the curiosity and excitement swirling within him. Securing this interview had been a victory in itself, but now everything was taking an unpredictable turn.

    They stopped before a large wooden door. The director placed a hand on the handle, then turned to Samuel with a serious expression.

    ¡ª Prepare yourself. What you''re about to see might surprise you.

    Samuel raised an eyebrow. "What''s with all the theatrics?" he thought, but kept quiet, too intrigued to interrupt.

    The door opened to reveal a large, sunlit room. No walls lined with monitors, no futuristic gadgets¡ªnothing screamed "enigmatic genius." Just a man, seated comfortably in a leather chair, with a novel in hand. The simplicity of the scene was almost absurd.

    Samuel furrowed his brow, casting a questioning glance at the director. The latter stepped forward calmly and announced:

    ¡ª Mr. X, meet Samuel Hart.

    The man in the chair glanced up from his book, a faint smirk on his face. Slowly, he closed the novel and set it on the armrest, observing Samuel with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

    Samuel blinked, his disbelief palpable.

    ¡ª You... mean to say this man is Mr. X? he asked, gesturing slightly.

    Lassen shrugged, clearly entertained.

    ¡ª What were you expecting? A mad scientist surrounded by blinking machines? Sorry to disappoint.

    Samuel stood frozen for a moment, trying to make sense of the situation. Finally, he turned to the director.

    ¡ª Is this a joke?

    ¡ª Not at all, the director replied with his usual calm. This man is indeed Mr. X.

    Samuel sank into a chair across from Lassen, pulling out his notebook. His curiosity was now at an all-time high, but so was his confusion.

    ¡ª Alright... If you really are Mr. X, why did you solve the Collatz conjecture? Were you trying to prove something?

    Lassen leaned back, crossing his legs nonchalantly.

    ¡ª Why not? It looked fun.

    Samuel stared, his pen hovering above the page.

    ¡ª Fun? You solved a problem that stumped generations of mathematicians... for fun?

    ¡ª Exactly. You should try it¡ªit''s very satisfying.

    Samuel shook his head, incredulous. This man was either an unparalleled genius or an extraordinary provocateur.

    ¡ª You do realize you''ve shaken the global mathematical community, right?

    Lassen smiled.

    Samuel froze, his eyes widening.

    ¡ª Wait... You mean he''s the one who provided all that intel?

    ¡ª Absolutely, the director confirmed.

    Samuel turned back to Lassen, utterly dumbfounded.

    ¡ª You did that too? Why? There''s nothing in it for you.

    Lassen shrugged.

    ¡ª I like this country. Well... I mostly like it quiet. War is way too noisy, and I hate noise.

    Samuel stared, struggling to comprehend.

    ¡ª And why Macro instead of Geria? If you value peace, why not help both sides?

    Lassen gave a sly smile.

    ¡ª Let''s just say I owe this country a small favor.

    The director raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the comment. Samuel, however, couldn''t let it slide.

    ¡ª A favor? What kind of favor?

    But Lassen simply shrugged again, dodging the question. Samuel felt his frustration mounting but managed to stay professional.

    ¡ª One last question. If you had a message for the world, what would it be?

    Lassen pondered for a moment before answering.

    ¡ª Leave me alone. Seriously, that''s all I ask.

    Samuel couldn''t help but smile. This man was exasperating, yet fascinating. He closed his notebook, realizing this was one of the strangest interviews of his career.

    ¡ª Thank you for your time, Mr. X. You''re... different, he said finally.

    Lassen nodded.

    ¡ª I''ll take that as a compliment.

    The director stood and glanced at Samuel.

    ¡ª I think it''s time for us to leave.

    Lassen waved lazily without looking up from his novel.

    ¡ª Adrian will see you out. Have a good day, gentlemen.

    As they left the villa, Samuel''s mind raced with questions and theories. But one thing was certain: this meeting would change not only his career, but possibly the world.

 Chapter 20 The Genius Unveiled

    Note : Thank you Epic_Buddie123 for the support

    ---

    Samuel Hart hadn''t slept a wink all night. Back in his office after meeting with Monsieur X, he had spent hours rereading his notes, replaying every detail of the interview, and organizing his thoughts. He knew he held in his hands a monumental scoop, an article that would shake not only the Kingdom of Macro but also the rest of the world.

    He opened a blank document on his computer and began typing.

    ---

    In the Shadow of a Genius: Meeting Monsieur X

    Samuel began his article with a gripping description of Monsieur X, a man who had solved the famous Collatz conjecture and, against all odds, lived in obscurity in the Kingdom of Macro. His writing style blended admiration and intrigue:

    > "Imagine a mind capable of solving one of the most complex mathematical mysteries in history... and choosing to remain in the shadows. Imagine a genius playing a key role in national operations while staying invisible. That''s the man I met: Monsieur X."

    He went on to recount their interview, describing Lassen''s disarming humor, his refusal to take himself too seriously, and his surprisingly simple approach to life:

    > "When I asked him why he solved the Collatz conjecture, he simply replied, ''For fun.'' These three words alone sum up the enigma that is Monsieur X: a man capable of great achievements but refusing to conform to societal expectations."

    Samuel also cautiously touched on the discussion of Geria''s spies. He explained how the director general of the national police had confirmed that crucial information for dismantling the network had come directly from Monsieur X. However, he avoided sharing overly sensitive details to protect both the director and Lassen.

    > "Monsieur X is not just a mathematical genius. He has shown he can navigate fields as diverse as cybersecurity and geopolitics. Yet, he insists on staying in the shadows, far from the spotlight. ''Leave me alone,'' he told me with a smile. Those words still echo in my mind."

    Finally, the article delved into the broader implications of this enigmatic figure:

    > "If Monsieur X truly exists¡ªand I can confirm that he does¡ªthen the Kingdom of Macro is home to one of the greatest minds of our time. But this reality raises another question: what is a man like him doing here, and why did he choose to reveal himself to me? The answer remains a mystery, just like him."

    ---

    When Samuel presented his article to his editor-in-chief, the latter looked up at him, incredulous.

    ¡ª You''re telling me this ''Monsieur X'' lives here in Macro? he asked, adjusting his glasses.

    ---

    Internationally, the article also garnered attention. Several governments began speculating about Monsieur X''s identity. In Geria, intelligence services ramped up investigations to understand how this man had obtained such sensitive information about their spies.

    In major world powers, agencies like the CIA and MI6 also started taking an interest in this unknown genius. Some suspected he might be an advanced AI or the product of a top-secret government project.

    A famous American talk-show host humorously declared:

    ¡ª If Monsieur X is real, then he''s either the James Bond of mathematics or a recluse in some corner with a supercomputer. Either way, I want to meet him.

    ---

    In his villa, Lassen casually flipped through a novel, a playful smile on his lips. The system, as usual, couldn''t resist commenting.

    [Ho?te, your anonymity is starting to fray. You''re on the verge of becoming a living legend. Congratulations.]

    ¡ª Congratulations? You mean congratulations for creating all this chaos while staying comfortably seated in my chair?

    [Exactly. But wouldn''t it be time to consider a contingency plan? You know, in case someone gets too close.]

    ¡ª A contingency plan? For what? No one knows who I am, and no one ever will. Everyone thinks I''m either an AI or a secret lab in a superpower. Perfect for me.

    [Ah, yes. The genius of camouflage: lazily visible yet untouchable. You truly are a master.]

    Lassen nodded, satisfied.

    ¡ª Let''s move on to the next chapter. I wonder what this Samuel will write about me after all this.

    ---

    Samuel''s article had unleashed a storm. Whether in scientific circles, political spheres, or intelligence agencies, one question dominated everyone''s minds: Who is Monsieur X?

    And meanwhile, the man in question savored his novel, carefree, a sly smile on his face.

 Chapter 21 Reclaiming Tranquility

    Lassen was comfortably settled in his armchair, a novel in hand, while Adrian entered the room carrying a tray of snacks. Alex stood near the window, focused on a tablet, his expression neutral but concentrated. The villa was calm, but the silence was soon interrupted by the sarcastic voice of the system.

    [Host, you''re going to love this. Samuel Hart''s article continues to stir things up. You''re officially the most discussed genius on the planet.]

    Lassen turned a page of his novel without even glancing up.

    ¡ª Great. And how does that concern me?

    [Let''s just say your tranquility might become a thing of the past. Academics are debating your abilities, governments are speculating about your intentions, and Samuel Hart has become an international celebrity thanks to you.]

    Alex shifted his attention from the tablet and calmly spoke up.

    ¡ª It''s true, Master. That article has elevated "Monsieur X" to the status of a living myth. But for now, no one has connected you, SpectraSys, and this mystery. We''re still in the shadows.

    Lassen finally put his book down and sighed.

    ¡ª You know what? I don''t care. Let them have their theories. System, mislead them, create distractions, erase what you can. Let them run in circles until they''re exhausted.

    [Ah, the embodiment of compassion. Very well, Host. I''ll provide them with a digital labyrinth worthy of your high standards in... laziness.]

    ¡ª Perfect. Keep me updated if it gets entertaining, Lassen replied, picking up his novel again.

    ---

    At the National Police Headquarters

    The Director General of the National Police was deeply engrossed in documents when one of his deputies entered in a hurry.

    ¡ª Sir, the media attention surrounding the arrest of the spies is starting to become a problem. Politicians are demanding clear answers about the source of the information.

    The Director removed his glasses and fixed his deputy with a serious gaze.

    ---

    In the Office of an International Newspaper

    Samuel Hart sat across from his editor-in-chief, a man with graying hair and a stern expression.

    ¡ª Your article is a masterpiece, Samuel, but it raises more questions than it answers. Why did Monsieur X help Macro? And why now?

    Samuel, still exhilarated by the impact of his article, smirked slightly.

    ¡ª Maybe he just likes playing the anonymous vigilante.

    The editor narrowed his eyes, skeptical.

    ¡ª That''s not enough. You need to dig deeper. If you can link this genius to other events or organizations, it''ll be the scoop of the century.

    Samuel nodded, already thinking about his next leads.

    ---

    In a dark, heavily guarded room, high-ranking officials of Geria were engaged in an animated debate.

    ¡ª We need to figure out who Monsieur X is, one official declared. He represents a potential threat. Today, he helps Macro. And tomorrow? Who knows what targets he''ll choose?

    Another, more pragmatic official, calmly replied.

    ¡ª We know nothing about him. He could be a person or a group. We need to start by identifying his motivations.

    A heavy silence followed the remark. The idea of an anonymous genius capable of disrupting regional power dynamics weighed heavily on their minds.

    ---

    Lassen, back at his villa, resumed his novel, a satisfied smile on his face. While the world fretted over him, he savored the tranquility of the moment, fully aware that his anonymity was his greatest weapon... for now.

 Chapter 22 Boredom and Revelation

    Lassen was sprawled out in his favorite armchair, a novel resting on his lap, but his eyes were fixed on the ceiling. He let out a deep sigh and dropped the book onto the coffee table. Adrian, standing nearby, silently observed his master, recognizing the familiar look of boredom.

    "Are you alright, Master?" Adrian asked.

    Lassen waved his hand lazily.

    "I''m bored. These novels... they''re all the same. Same heroes, same plots, nothing new."

    Adrian smirked subtly.

    "You could try something else. How about a video game?"

    Lassen raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.

    "A video game? You mean those things kids play to pretend they''re soldiers or farmers?"

    [Host, you might be surprised] the system chimed in.

    [There are games far more sophisticated than that. Some require strategy, creativity, and deep thought.]

    Lassen rolled his eyes.

    "Alright. Show me what you''ve got. But I warn you, if it''s boring, I''ll make you regret it."

    [I live to satisfy your whims, Host,] the system replied sarcastically.

    [Prepare to be dazzled.]

    ---

    An illusory screen appeared before Lassen, displaying a selection of popular games: immersive RPGs, realistic simulations, complex puzzles, and even some indie titles renowned for their innovative concepts. Adrian watched silently as Lassen fiddled with a few options.

    "What''s this strategy game?" Lassen grumbled while playing. "Why are my soldiers so stupid? I''m supposed to be their king, right? Why won''t they listen to me?"

    Adrian coughed to hide a laugh.

    "Maybe it''s your orders that are bad, Master."

    [Or perhaps they reflect your leadership skills] the system added mockingly.

    "Shut up," Lassen snapped. "And this RPG? I have to talk to ten characters before I can kill a rat? What a waste of time."

    ---

    After a lengthy discussion (with plenty of sarcastic remarks exchanged), the system spoke in a more serious tone.

    [The concept is set. This will require a team for development. I''ll create a subsidiary under Ghost dedicated to this project.]

    Lassen nodded, satisfied.

    "Call it... hmm, something cool."

    [Phantom Realm Studios. It matches the immersive and mysterious image you want.]

    "Not bad," Lassen approved. "Alright, get to work. I want a demo in three days."

    [You want to revolutionize the gaming industry in three days? Even for me, that''s absurd.]

    "That''s why I trust you. Now, get started. I''ve got a novel to finish."

    Adrian, observing the scene, muttered:

    "One day, your laziness will become legendary."

    Lassen smiled as he reopened his book.

    "It already is."

    ---

    As Adrian watched Lassen dive back into his novel, he pulled out his phone and called Alex.

    "Alex? It''s Adrian. Get ready. The Master just launched a new idea."

    "What has he come up with this time?" Alex replied, sounding resigned.

    "He wants to create a video game. A dedicated subsidiary under Ghost. And guess who''ll have to manage all this?"

    Silence hung on the other end before Alex let out a long sigh.

    "Alright. Send me the details. I suppose I''ll have to organize everything again."

    "No doubt about it," Adrian replied with a grin.

 Chapter 23 Realm Eternal

    Lassen was sprawled out on his favorite armchair, a novel resting on his lap. His eyes lazily wandered to the ceiling, reflecting his habitual mix of boredom and mild curiosity. The system''s familiar voice echoed in his mind.

    [Host, the game is ready. Everything has been programmed according to your specifications. Would you like to try it?]

    He cracked open one eye, showing a flicker of interest.

    "Already? Not bad. I suppose I should be impressed."

    [I exist to impress you, Host. Connect via the interface and explore everything you''ve envisioned.]

    An illusory screen appeared before him, displaying a detailed map of the game''s world. With a casual flick of his hand, Lassen clicked the "Start" icon and was immediately immersed in a stunningly crafted universe. The graphics were vivid, the environments brimming with life, and the sound design was perfectly attuned to the atmosphere. He found himself in a small village, surrounded by NPCs going about their daily routines.

    For a while, he wandered through the vibrant landscape, interacted with villagers, accepted a few quests, and marveled at the depth of the system''s work. However, after an hour, Lassen dropped the controller with a loud sigh.

    "It''s gorgeous, really. But it''s also unbelievably dull. There''s no one else here¡ªjust me and these brainless NPCs."

    [As always, you find a way to complain] the system replied with a familiar tone of sarcasm.

    "It''s supposed to be a multiplayer game, right? Where are the players?"

    [There aren''t any yet, Host. You''re the first to access it.]

    Lassen groaned and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

    "Fine. If I want people to join, I''ll need to start with those close to me. System, call Alex and Adrian."

    Moments later, Adrian entered the room, his usual composed demeanor intact, followed by Alex, who looked up from his phone, eyebrows raised.

    "You called, Master?" Adrian asked.

    Lassen nodded.

    "Yes. I need you two to buy powerful gaming PCs and join this game."

    Adrian, focused as ever, responded calmly.

    "I''ll handle it, Master."

    The hours passed, filled with Alex''s exasperated groans and Lassen''s sarcastic instructions. Despite the game''s richness and captivating design, they quickly realized its potential was stifled by the lack of a player community.

    After a particularly frustrating quest, Alex turned to Lassen.

    "Master, this game is incredible, but it needs more players. Otherwise, it''ll become monotonous."

    Lassen nodded, acknowledging the point.

    "You''re right. System, connect the game to public servers. Alex, organize a marketing campaign to attract players."

    Alex let out another long sigh.

    "More work for me. Fine. I''ll take care of the promotion. What do you want to call the game?"

    "Let me think... System, any suggestions?"

    [Realm Eternal. It encapsulates the vast and immersive world you''ve envisioned.]

    Lassen nodded approvingly.

    "Not bad. Alright, Alex, make sure everyone hears about Realm Eternal. I want to see thousands of players online."

    Alex left the room, already drafting campaign ideas, while Adrian remained engrossed in completing his in-game mission. Lassen, however, leaned back with a satisfied smile as he watched the illusory screen.

    "This game might actually be fun."

    [Let''s hope so, Host. Otherwise, I fear for the safety of this armchair.]

    Lassen burst out laughing.

    "True. Poor armchair. Now, let''s see what Adrian''s done with his village."

 Chapter 24 The Live Test

    Ethan "Blaze" Carter rubbed his hands together, a sly smile on his face as he scrolled through his emails. The professional gamer, renowned for his sharp wit and brutally honest live streams, had built a reputation on his ability to either destroy or exalt a game with a single stream. His followers loved his no-holds-barred approach. Today, one particular email had caught his eye.

    "Welcome to Realm Eternal. A game that will redefine immersive experiences. Discover a world where every action matters. Closed beta. Exclusive invitation."

    Blaze leaned back in his chair, laughing out loud.

    ¡ª Redefine immersive experiences? I bet it''s just another buggy mess full of empty promises. But hey, it might be fun to tear it apart live.

    His audience, already hyped for a special stream, flooded the chat with excited messages. Blaze turned on his mic, greeting his viewers in his signature lively tone.

    ¡ª What''s up, legends? Today, we''re diving into a "revolutionary game." Or, as I like to call it, an excuse for developers to let me beta-test their disaster. Realm Eternal. Sounds fancy, right? Let''s see if it''s worth the hype.

    He shared his screen with his audience, showing the installation process.

    ¡ª Nothing special so far. Minimalist logo... oh, "Phantom Realm Studios"? Never heard of them. Alright, launching now. Get ready to laugh, folks.

    ---

    The logo faded, revealing a breathtaking loading screen. A dense forest, distant mountains, and shafts of light filtering through the trees. Blaze, initially skeptical, leaned forward slightly.

    ¡ª Okay, these graphics are... surprisingly good. Not bad. But hey, we all know that''s just the surface. Let''s see what''s underneath.

    The game opened on a character customization screen. Blaze spent a few moments exploring the options.

    ¡ª Wow, there are so many details here. Look at this¡ªyou can adjust the length of your character''s eyelashes? Who even thinks of that?

    The chat lit up with laughter and ridiculous suggestions. Blaze settled on creating a knight clad in light armor with an exaggerated scar and ridiculously long hair.

    ¡ª There we go. The quintessential fantasy hero. Perfect for this type of game. Let''s enter this so-called Realm Eternal.

    The screen transitioned into a cinematic. Blaze''s character appeared in a quaint village bustling with activity. Children ran through the streets, villagers chatted in hushed tones, and every detail felt alive and natural.

    ¡ª Huh... this is... impressive. I mean, look at these NPCs. They''re actually talking to each other, going about their lives. It''s not just "Hello adventurer, want to kill 10 rats?"

    The chat erupted with enthusiastic comments, and Blaze began exploring.

    Even Blaze was visibly impressed.

    ¡ª Seriously, I don''t know who these Phantom Realm Studios guys are, but they''re either geniuses or lunatics. Probably both.

    ---

    Meanwhile, back in his villa, Lassen watched the beta players'' progress through the system''s interface. He could monitor their actions and reactions in real-time.

    [Host, your game is being well-received. The players seem captivated.]

    Lassen, sprawled in his armchair, smirked.

    ¡ª Of course they are. I wouldn''t expect anything less.

    [Your arrogance is as refreshing as ever.]

    Lassen observed Blaze skillfully take down a giant wolf with calculated moves.

    ¡ª This guy''s good. Maybe too good. I wonder how long it''ll take him to find a loophole.

    [You could appear in the game and surprise him. Imagine his face if he met "the creator."]

    Lassen laughed.

    ¡ª Tempting. But not yet. Let them enjoy their ignorance for now.

    ---

    After three hours of gameplay, Blaze ended his stream with genuine enthusiasm.

    ¡ª Okay, folks. I didn''t think I''d say this, but... Realm Eternal is the most impressive game I''ve tested in years. It''s so deep, so alive. I can''t wait to dive back in tomorrow. Same time, same place. Don''t miss it.

    As he closed his stream, Blaze leaned back in his chair, lost in thought.

    ¡ª Who are these Phantom Realm Studios people? How did they create something like this?

 Chapter 25 The Shadow of Genius

    A few days after the Realm Eternal beta test, the game continued to shake the gaming world. Gameplay videos and live streams exploded on streaming platforms, garnering millions of views. Specialized critics were unanimous: Realm Eternal was a revolution. Words like "realistic," "immersive," and "visionary" appeared in every review.

    Even media outlets typically uninterested in video games began covering it. A famous economic journal published an article titled: "The Video Game Industry Reinvented: The Mystery of Phantom Realm Studios". Technology magazines speculated about the technical advancements behind such a masterpiece. How had an unknown studio managed to create such a perfect game in such a short time?

    ---

    In a sleek, modern conference room, Alex stood before a crowd of journalists. As the CEO of Phantom Realm Studios, he had organized a press conference to unveil a crucial piece of information. The journalists'' cameras were trained on him, ready to capture every word.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to see the enthusiasm surrounding Realm Eternal. This project is the result of a unique vision. Today, I am here to reveal that this vision comes from someone you all know: Monsieur X."

    A wave of murmurs swept through the room. Some journalists exchanged incredulous glances. Monsieur X? The man behind solving the Collatz conjecture and publicly humiliating Shadow Code?

    "Yes" Alex continued, "Monsieur X is the mind who conceived the idea of Realm Eternal. It''s thanks to his innovative ideas that this game exists today."

    Questions erupted immediately.

    "Did Monsieur X personally work on the game?"

    "Why would a mathematical genius be interested in video games?"

    "Do you have a way to contact him?"

    Alex, ever calm and professional, replied simply:

    "Monsieur X prefers to remain anonymous. However, he asked me to tell you that he considers this game nothing more than an entertaining experiment."

    ---

    Meanwhile, Lassen watched it all unfold from his armchair, legs crossed, a novel in hand. The system''s illusory interface projected the live broadcast of Alex''s conference.

    [Well, host, you''re back in the spotlight. Quietly, of course, but your name is in everyone''s conversations again. A discreet celebrity. Original.]

    Lassen smiled without looking up from his book.

    "It was inevitable. But admit it, it''s amusing, isn''t it? Watching all this fuss over something you created in one night."

    Lassen put down his book and fixed his gaze on Alex.

    "It''s already done. The system has everything under control, right?"

    [Of course. All digital traces that could lead to you have been erased. Phantom Realm Studios is officially an independent subsidiary of Ghost. However, human curiosity is unpredictable.]

    Alex crossed his arms.

    "What about the official launch? We''ve set the date for a month from now, but we''ll need a massive advertising campaign to maintain this momentum."

    Lassen smiled.

    "Let me guess. You want more budget?"

    Alex replied with a subtle smile.

    "Let''s just say I want to ensure the launch is as perfect as you want it to be. After all, it''s your ''little game.''"

    Lassen nodded.

    "Do whatever you want. Just make sure that when I log in, there are enough players to make it interesting. I don''t want to explore an empty world."

    ---

    Lassen was scrolling through social media speculations, an amused smile on his lips.

    [You enjoy this, don''t you? Watching all this organized chaos around you.]

    "Absolutely. Now, let them stew a little. We''ll see where this leads."

    Adrian, observing his master, muttered to Alex:

    "One day, his laziness will conquer the world."

    Alex sighed in response.

    "It already is."

 Chapter 26 A Global Wave

    Lassen sprawled out on his favorite armchair, a novel resting on his lap, while an illusory screen in front of him displayed headlines from around the world. Alex''s recent announcement had sent shockwaves through both gaming and mainstream media.

    "Monsieur X Revolutionizes Gaming with Ethereal Realms."

    "The Enigmatic Genius Behind the Collatz Conjecture Tackles the Video Game Industry."

    "A Digital Revolution Born from the Most Mysterious Mind of the Century."

    Lassen let out a sigh, flipping a page without reading it.

    "Why do they always make such a big deal out of everything? It''s just a game."

    [Host, perhaps because it''s a game developed by someone who, according to the world, casually solves unsolvable mysteries and humiliates world-class hackers. That tends to draw attention] the system retorted dryly.

    Lassen shrugged lazily.

    "Sure, whatever. What are the players saying?"

    Another screen materialized, showing heated discussions on gaming forums and social media platforms.

    "Ethereal Realms isn''t even out yet, and I''m already ready to sell my soul to play it."

    "A game created by Monsieur X? It''s bound to be revolutionary."

    "There''s probably some hidden math puzzle in this game. Prepare to suffer."

    "Imagine quests designed by an AI like Monsieur X. Impossible difficulty incoming!"

    A smirk crept onto Lassen''s face as he read the unrealistic expectations from excited gamers.

    [The hype is reaching astronomical levels. Alex has done an excellent job. Pre-orders have exceeded projections for the next two years.]

    "Interesting," Lassen muttered, placing the book on the coffee table. "But how does that affect me?"

    [Absolutely not at all. You get to sit here reading while Alex and Adrian handle everything else.]

    ---

    "Ethereal Realms is fascinating," said a tech analyst. "Not only because it''s tied to Monsieur X, but because it represents a technological leap forward. This could redefine how people engage with video games."

    "But is it really Monsieur X behind this?" another guest questioned. "Or is it a team operating under his name?"

    Speculation swirled. Some doubted that a single individual could spearhead such a groundbreaking project. Others argued that only a mind as brilliant as Monsieur X''s could create something so vast and intricate.

    ---

    Meanwhile, in the offices of the Macro Kingdom government, high-ranking officials were also discussing Ethereal Realms. The focus of their meeting was the game''s potential technological implications.

    "If this game is truly revolutionary, what are the broader implications?" a minister asked.

    "We know that Monsieur X is connected to SpectraSys and Phantom Realm Studios," a senior adviser responded. "That gives him immense influence over both technology and culture. This game might just be the beginning."

    The minister leaned back in his chair, flipping through a dossier on Monsieur X.

    "We need to monitor this closely. Someone capable of rewriting the rules in so many domains... that''s a power unto itself."

    ---

    At his villa, Lassen sipped a cold drink as he scrolled through yet another round of articles and videos discussing the game. Adrian entered the room, his demeanor calm but focused.

    "Master, Alex wanted you to know that pre-orders have exceeded projections by 200%."

    Lassen raised an eyebrow.

    "Impressive. But what does that change for me?"

    Adrian smiled faintly.

    "Not much. It just proves that your ideas continue to captivate the world."

    [And that your legendary laziness is truly your superpower] the system added sarcastically.

    Lassen burst out laughing.

    "Well, as long as everything''s running smoothly, keep it up. I have a novel to finish."

 Chapter 27 Reinventing Reality

    Lassen was comfortably sprawled in his favorite armchair, a half-open book resting on his lap. His fingers drummed idly on the armrest as he stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. He let out a deep sigh and tossed the book onto the coffee table. Adrian, standing quietly in the corner, observed his master with a mix of amusement and respect.

    "Are you feeling anxious, Master?" Adrian asked in his usual calm tone.

    "Me? Anxious? Never," Lassen replied with a wry smile. "But I''ll admit, I''m expecting some chaos today. The servers are ready, right?"

    Adrian gave a small nod.

    "Alex has everything under control. You know he leaves nothing to chance."

    "Good," Lassen murmured. "I want to see how people react. This should be fun."

    ---

    Elsewhere in the villa, Alex was meticulously overseeing the final preparations. Before him, a dozen screens displayed real-time server stats, player connection data, and streams of excited comments from online forums. He spoke to a virtual team fully managed by the system.

    "Are the servers stable? No chance of overload?" he asked in a crisp, professional tone.

    [The servers are beyond stable] the system replied with its characteristic sarcasm.

    [If anything fails today, it''ll be your self-confidence.]

    Alex rolled his eyes.

    "Thanks for the vote of confidence," he muttered, double-checking the data. "Alright, open the servers. It''s time."

    A countdown appeared on the screens: 10, 9, 8...

    ---

    Across the globe, millions of players eagerly awaited the launch. Social media exploded with hashtags like #PhantomRealms and #MonsieurX. Gaming forums buzzed with predictions and speculation.

    "Will this game really redefine the industry?" one tweet read.

    "My bet is the servers crash in five minutes," another joked.

    Top streamers readied their live broadcasts, drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers even before the game went live. Meanwhile, Lassen quietly observed everything through an interface the system had prepared for him.

    "Look at all this hype," Lassen said with a satisfied grin.

    "Everyone''s waiting. For once, they won''t be disappointed."

    Adrian, who had been quietly listening, chimed in.

    "A fully immersive VR headset? That would be revolutionary, Master. But is it even possible?"

    Lassen burst out laughing.

    "You underestimate me, Adrian. If we can create a game like this, we can create the headset. System, start working on it now."

    [As always, your ambition matches your laziness. Very well, project initiated.]

    "And call it... hmm, Phantom Nexus," Lassen said with a self-satisfied grin.

    [Original, but effective] the system replied. [Prototype in progress. Would you like an immediate delivery?]

    "Of course. I want to test it before anyone else."

    ---

    Minutes later, a sleek black package materialized on Lassen''s desk. Inside was a futuristic headset with a matte black finish, minimalist design, and a translucent visor.

    "Well, let''s see what you can do" Lassen murmured, putting on the headset.

    The system guided him through the process.

    [Connecting to Phantom Realms. Prepare for full immersion.]

    Lassen felt a slight vibration, followed by an odd sensation, as if his consciousness were being drawn into another dimension.

    When he opened his eyes, he was standing in the game world. But this time, it wasn''t a screen. Everything felt real. The wind brushed against his face, the grass beneath his feet was tangible, and the sounds around him were vivid.

    "Incredible" he whispered, visibly impressed.

    [Don''t be too amazed. This is just the beginning] the system remarked.

    Adrian, watching from the real world, observed Lassen with curiosity and amusement.

    "Well, Master? What do you think?" he asked.

    Lassen grinned.

    "I think we''ve just revolutionized the industry for the second time."

 Chapter 28 The Limits of Genius

    Lassen delicately adjusted the VR headset on his head, his eyes widening at the vast digital world unfolding before him. The landscapes, majestic and lifelike, seemed almost alive. Every detail, from the shifting shadows to the rustling of the wind through virtual trees, spoke of an unsettling perfection. When he finally removed the headset, a satisfied smile crossed his face.

    ¡ª "Impressive. System, this is even better than I imagined."

    [I live to exceed your expectations, Host] the system replied with its usual sarcasm.

    Lassen placed the headset back on the table and stretched in his armchair.

    ¡ª "Alright, now that it''s ready, let''s make more of these headsets for the players. Send me a hundred of them."

    [Host, I''m afraid that''s not possible] the system responded after a calculated pause. [I can design a perfect prototype for you, but mass production is an entirely different matter.]

    Lassen frowned.

    ¡ª "Why not? Don''t tell me that you, with all your capabilities, can''t make a few gadgets."

    [Creating a unique item, yes. But producing thousands of units requires material resources, assembly lines, supply chains, and, worse yet, interaction with humans. I am an artificial intelligence, not a factory.]

    Lassen rolled his eyes.

    ¡ª "Great. So, what''s the solution?"

    [You''ll need to find an industrial partner capable of producing these headsets in large quantities.]

    Lassen let out a deep sigh, casting a bored glance at the ceiling.

    ¡ª "And I suppose you want me to leave my den to find this factory?"

    He reread the message, pondering. Despite his initial frustration, he couldn''t deny the fascination he felt for Mister X. This man, with his arrogance and genius, had already proven to be a force not to be underestimated.

    The director rose from his desk, grabbed his coat, and prepared to leave. As he exited his office, he addressed his deputy.

    ¡ª "I need to step out for an urgent matter. Handle the reports while I''m gone."

    Approaching the main entrance, he noticed the sleek black car parked outside. Adrian, impeccably dressed, waited by the door. Without a word, the director got into the car.

    ¡ª "No hints about what your master wants this time?" the director asked with a hint of sarcasm.

    Adrian responded with a faint smile.

    ¡ª "You know how he is. You''ll find out soon enough."

    The ride was silent, the director trying to anticipate what Mister X might want this time. When they arrived at Lassen''s villa, he took a deep breath, mentally preparing for another exasperating yet intriguing discussion with this extraordinary man.

    ¡ª "Alright, let''s see what he''s up to this time," he muttered as he stepped out of the car.

    The door opened, and Adrian invited him inside. Entering Lassen''s office, he found the man lounging nonchalantly in his armchair, a novel in hand.

    ¡ª "There you are at last," Lassen said without even looking up.

    The director let out a deep sigh.

    ¡ª "You have a talent for making every meeting... unforgettable. So, what brings me here this time?"

    Lassen closed his book with a sly grin.

    ¡ª "A revolutionary idea, of course. But first, sit down. We have much to discuss."

 Chapter 29 Between Game and Reality

    Lassen sat comfortably in his leather armchair, feet propped up on the desk, his gaze relaxed and self-assured. The police director entered the room, his expression stoic and guarded.

    "Ah, you''re finally here," Lassen greeted without moving an inch. "Tell me, have you tried my latest masterpiece?"

    The director raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised.

    "Masterpiece? I don''t have time for distractions like that," he replied seriously.

    Lassen burst into laughter, leaning forward slightly to observe him more closely.

    "No time, huh? What a boring life. Lucky for you, I''ve got something that''s going to change your perspective. Sit down."

    The director hesitated, arms crossed, his skepticism plain on his face.

    "Is this one of your surprises again? I didn''t come here to play games."

    Lassen smirked, waving a sleek VR headset toward him.

    "Exactly. It''s not just a game. Sit down and try it. Trust me for once."

    The director stared at the device, the futuristic design catching his eye.

    "And what''s this supposed to be?"

    "The future. Go on, put it on. You''ll thank me later."

    The director sighed heavily but took the headset. Resigned to play along, he placed it on his head. As soon as the lenses settled over his eyes, the world around him dissolved.

    ---

    Suddenly, the director found himself standing in the middle of a breathtakingly realistic virtual world. A quaint, idyllic village stretched before him: cobblestone streets, wooden houses, and vast fields of greenery shimmering under the sun. The wind rustled the leaves in the trees; it felt almost real.

    The director leaned back, observing Lassen carefully.

    "I can''t promise anything. But I''ll see what I can do."

    Lassen nodded, clearly satisfied.

    "That''s all I''m asking. Oh, and do yourself a favor¡ªtry my game sometime. You''ll like it."

    The director let out a faint sigh, rising from his seat.

    "I didn''t say I''d play it. But... thank you for the demonstration."

    Lassen leaned back in his chair, hands folded behind his head.

    "Adrian will see you out. And don''t take too long to think about this."

    The director glanced one last time at the VR headset before leaving, his thoughts racing.

    ---

    As he stepped into the sleek car waiting for him, Adrian silently opened the door, watching the director''s contemplative expression.

    "Back to your office, sir?" Adrian asked politely.

    The director nodded, still lost in thought.

    If we could get our hands on this technology...

    He glanced out the window as the car pulled away, the weight of what he''d just witnessed sinking in.

    Lassen''s invention wasn''t just a game. It was a door to something much, much bigger.

 Chapter 30 The Halls of Power

    The Director General of Police, after leaving Lassen''s villa, sat in the silence of his office, his mind buzzing with thoughts. He gazed out the window at the capital city of the Kingdom of Macro, its lights shimmering as night descended. The enormity of what he had witnessed at Lassen''s villa refused to leave his mind.

    The VR headset he had tested wasn''t just a gadget. No. It was a revolution. When he had immersed himself in that virtual world, so real yet artificial, he felt as though he had touched a piece of technology straight out of a science fiction novel.

    He tapped his desk nervously. This invention could change everything¡ªnot just for video games, but for military training, critical scenario simulations, and even education. A technology like this could redefine how Macro approached its challenges.

    "It can''t stay in the hands of one man," he muttered to himself. "Not without oversight."

    He knew what had to be done. As Director General of Police, he had direct access to the highest levels of power. This technology needed to be brought to the Prime Minister''s attention. Only he, the intermediary between the people and the king, could decide the next steps.

    ---

    A few hours later, the director climbed the steps of the government palace, an imposing building dominating the center of the capital. He offered a brief nod to the guards at the entrance before walking through its long hallways, lined with offices. Here, the air buzzed with activity¡ªadvisors rushing by, secretaries burdened with documents¡ªevidence that power was in motion.

    After being announced by a secretary, he was led into a private meeting room where the Prime Minister awaited. The man, in his late fifties, was known for his calm demeanor and analytical mind. Sitting behind a large table, he looked up at the director and gestured for him to take a seat.

    "Director, what brings you here so urgently?" he asked, his voice composed.

    The director took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully.

    "I''m here to speak to you about a technology I''ve seen with my own eyes. It has the potential to change our country... and perhaps even the world."

    The Prime Minister raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

    "I''m listening."

    "You remember the recent events involving ''Monsieur X''? The one who dismantled Geria''s spy network?"

    The Prime Minister leaned back in his chair, his expression growing more serious.

    "I''ll bring this to the king. Anything related to Monsieur X¡ªhis genius or his inventions¡ªmust be handled with the utmost care. I assume you don''t have any more information about him? Who he really is, where he lives?"

    The director hesitated briefly, recalling the image of Lassen, lounging in his chair, a novel in hand, looking as though he couldn''t care less about the world.

    "No, sir. All I know is that he''s here, somewhere, in our country. And that he prefers to remain in the shadows."

    The Prime Minister studied him for a moment, as if trying to determine if he was holding something back, then nodded.

    "Very well. I''ll handle it. In the meantime, I want you to stay in contact with him. Monitor him discreetly, but don''t do anything that might alarm him. If he has such technology, we''re better off keeping him on our side."

    The director stood and offered a respectful salute.

    "I understand, sir. I''ll do what''s necessary."

    "Keep me updated," the Prime Minister concluded, rising as well.

    ---

    As he left the palace, the director felt both relieved and burdened. He had done his duty, but questions continued to gnaw at him. Who was Lassen, really? Why would a man with so much power seem so indifferent to it? And just how far would his genius take him?

    As he slid into his car, the director muttered to himself:

    "What kind of man can change the world while refusing to lead it?"

    He didn''t yet have the answers, but one thing was certain: Lassen¡ªor rather, Monsieur X¡ªwas far from done surprising the world.

 Chapter 31 The Royal Summons

    In the solemn quiet of the royal palace, the heavy doors of the council room swung open to admit the Prime Minister. He walked forward with measured steps, his expression grave and composed. The king of the Kingdom of Macro, a man of imposing stature and piercing gaze, stood near a large window overlooking the meticulously maintained palace gardens.

    "Your Majesty" the Prime Minister greeted respectfully, offering a slight bow.

    The king, dressed in a simple yet elegant suit, turned, his hands clasped behind his back.

    "Come in, Prime Minister. You requested an audience urgently. I trust this is worth my time."

    "This is a matter of utmost importance, Your Majesty," the Prime Minister replied in a steady tone.

    "It concerns a certain... Monsieur X."

    The king''s eyebrows furrowed slightly at the mention of the name. He moved to sit in one of the chairs arranged around the long council table, gesturing for the Prime Minister to join him.

    "Monsieur X, you say? The one who enabled us to dismantle the spy network from Geria?"

    "The very same," confirmed the Prime Minister. "But it seems his brilliance far exceeds what we previously imagined."

    The king listened intently.

    "Explain yourself."

    "Here is what the Director General of the Police reported," the Prime Minister continued.

    "Monsieur X has developed a revolutionary technology¡ªa fully immersive virtual reality headset. The Director was given a demonstration and was... astonished. According to him, this invention could have applications in numerous fields, including military training."

    The king interlocked his fingers, thoughtful.

    "An invention like this would change everything. But tell me, this Monsieur X... Do we know who he is? What his goals are?"

    "I hate obligations. The last time I left my chair, I almost broke a sweat."

    [You could refuse, of course. But imagine what Adrian or Alex would say.]

    As if on cue, Adrian entered the room, arms crossed, already looking prepared to lecture him.

    "Master, I received communication from the Director General. An official summons will soon arrive. You should take this seriously."

    "No," Lassen said without hesitation.

    "Master, that''s not an option," Adrian replied sternly.

    Lassen groaned, sitting up to remove the headset.

    "Fine, fine. But I warn you, if it''s boring, I''m leaving. It''s not my fault their world moves too slowly."

    [Host, I think this will be a good opportunity to test your patience. And besides, meeting a king is kind of cool.]

    "Cool? Maybe for you. Me? I''d rather finish my novel."

    ---

    At the Police Headquarters

    The Director General sat at his desk, reviewing the latest communication that confirmed the king''s interest in meeting Monsieur X. He sighed, rubbing his temples as he stared at the report.

    "What game is this man playing?" he muttered, still trying to piece together the enigma that was Monsieur X.

    One thing, however, was certain: the mystery surrounding the elusive genius had reached new heights. The king himself wanted an audience, and in a country like Macro, such a summons carried a weight that could not be ignored.

 Chapter 32 The Unprepared Meeting

    Lassen carefully placed the VR headset on the coffee table, a satisfied smile creeping across his face as he reclined into his favorite armchair. His eyes sparkled with rare amusement, but the moment didn''t last.

    "Adrian, why is there a mountain of suits in my living room?" he asked, his tone dripping with boredom.

    Adrian, standing near the doorway, remained stoic despite the impressive pile of elegant clothing sprawled before Lassen.

    "Master, you are meeting the king. You can''t show up in your usual attire. Your reputation is at stake."

    Lassen glanced at Adrian with a look of pure disbelief before lazily picking up a black suit.

    "Reputation? Since when do I have one?" he muttered, tossing the suit onto the floor.

    "And black? Really? Am I attending a funeral?"

    [Perhaps add a wreath of flowers to complete the look?] the system chimed in sarcastically.

    [It would add a poetic touch to your appearance.]

    Lassen chuckled, the corners of his lips twitching with irony.

    "You really want me thrown out before I''ve even said a word? No, seriously, this is ridiculous."

    Adrian crouched to retrieve the suit, carefully placing it back on the chair.

    "If you don''t want to look like someone who just crawled out of bed, I strongly suggest you wear it, Master. You don''t have a choice."

    Lassen raised his hands in mock surrender, grinning slightly.

    "Fine, but no tie. I refuse to wear a ridiculous knot around my neck."

    "As you wish," Adrian replied, visibly relieved by this small victory.

    ---

    [We could approach this differently, Host] the system suggested in a tone of false contemplation.

    "Yeah, that''s what worries me. It feels like a trap to make me work harder. I bet he''ll ask for another miracle."

    [You''ve already performed enough miracles for a lifetime] the system mocked. [But admit it¡ªit''s amusing to watch them scramble around you.]

    "If by ''amusing'' you mean ''exhausting,'' then yes."

    ---

    The arrival at the palace was as impressive as it was predictable.

    The large wrought-iron gates slowly opened, and the car drove through a tree-lined avenue, the rows of perfectly aligned trees giving an air of grandeur. In front of the massive building, a royal guard stood at attention, their faces set in unwavering seriousness.

    "Isn''t this a bit much?" Lassen murmured, eyeing the soldiers.

    "It looks like they''re expecting an emperor."

    Adrian stepped out of the car and opened Lassen''s door.

    "They''re expecting you, Master."

    Lassen stepped out with casual indifference, his hands stuffed into his pockets. He glanced at the soldiers lined up and smirked.

    "Seriously, guys, relax. I''m not here to conquer the country. Not today, at least."

    [Host, your jokes might not be appropriate here] the system warned with faux concern.

    "Who said I wanted to be appropriate?"

    Adrian walked discreetly at his side, ensuring everything was in order. A delegation greeted them with a mix of respect and curiosity, leading them toward the palace entrance.

    Lassen cast one final glance back, muttering under his breath:

    "This promises to be boring..."

    [Or fascinating] the system replied.

    "Care to bet?" Lassen whispered with a sly grin as he stepped through the grand palace doors.

 Chapter 33 A Royal Encounter

    The vast royal palace loomed before Lassen, its intricate architecture and shimmering golden gates a testament to the kingdom''s grandeur. Adrian parked the car smoothly in the courtyard, where a small retinue of royal guards awaited their arrival. Adrian stepped out first, opening the door for Lassen, who emerged with a nonchalant expression, though his eyes scanned the majestic surroundings with mild curiosity.

    [Quite the display of power, isn''t it?] the system chimed sarcastically.

    "Not bad," Lassen muttered under his breath, straightening his jacket. Though Adrian and Alex had insisted he wear something formal, Lassen had managed to keep his attire understated, just shy of disrespectful.

    The guards escorted Lassen and Adrian through the ornate halls of the palace. The grandeur was overwhelming¡ªtall columns, exquisite tapestries, and the faint sound of classical music echoing in the distance. Lassen walked casually, his hands in his pockets, while Adrian maintained his stoic professionalism.

    As they approached the throne room, a chamberlain stepped forward and announced their arrival. The large double doors opened, revealing King Edmund of Macro seated on his gilded throne. The king, dressed in a simple but elegant robe, radiated an aura of authority tempered with warmth. His sharp eyes focused on Lassen with curiosity.

    Lassen bowed slightly, more out of politeness than reverence. "Your Majesty."

    The king smiled faintly, gesturing for Lassen to step closer. "Monsieur X. It''s an honor to meet the man who has done so much for our kingdom in such a short time."

    [Well, at least someone appreciates you] the system quipped.

    Lassen ignored the comment and approached with measured steps. "The honor is mine, Your Majesty."

    The king studied him for a moment before speaking. "Your contributions have not gone unnoticed. Thanks to your information, we were able to dismantle the espionage network from Geria. You''ve likely saved countless lives and strengthened our national security. For that, I must ask¡ªdo you seek any reward for your services?"

    Lassen tilted his head, pretending to think for a moment. "No, Your Majesty. I was just doing what I felt was right."

    The king''s brows furrowed slightly, as if surprised by the lack of ambition. "Not even a token of gratitude?"

    Lassen shrugged lightly. "I''m open to it. But I prefer to keep things simple. If there''s interest, your people can discuss the details with Alex, my... associate. I''m not one for endless meetings."

    The king chuckled again, clearly amused by Lassen''s candid nature.

    "Very well. I''ll have someone reach out to your associate. It seems you prefer to focus on the creative side of things."

    "Exactly" Lassen said, a glimmer of humor in his eyes.

    "I''m just here to make things interesting."

    The king rose from his throne, signaling the end of the audience.

    "You are a most unusual man, Monsieur X. But I see why you are respected¡ªand feared. Thank you for your contributions to Macro. I look forward to seeing what you create next."

    Lassen gave a small bow, his tone light. "I''ll try to keep it entertaining, Your Majesty."

    As Lassen turned to leave, Adrian fell into step beside him. The royal guards escorted them back through the palace halls, but Lassen''s mind was already elsewhere, thinking about his next project¡ªand how he could avoid any further entanglements with the royal court.

    [Well, that went better than expected] the system remarked.

    "Not bad" Lassen admitted.

    "But I''ll have to make sure Alex deals with them from now on. I''ve had enough royal formality for one lifetime."

 Chapter 34 Progress Halted

    It had been several months since the immersive VR headset project was launched, and everything seemed to be on track. Collaboration between industrial partners and government efforts had led to the construction of a modern factory dedicated to mass-producing the headsets. Yet, that morning, Alex entered Lassen''s living room with an expression that clearly signaled complications.

    Lassen was sprawled on his couch, a novel in hand and a glass of juice next to him. Adrian stood silently in a corner, observing as usual. When Alex walked in, Lassen glanced up, visibly annoyed at the interruption.

    "Alex, you know you just interrupted a critical moment between me and this book?" Lassen said, his tone overly dramatic.

    Ignoring the remark, Alex sat across from him, placing a thick folder on the coffee table.

    "Master, we have a problem. And it''s serious."

    Lassen rolled his eyes, setting his book down with a sigh.

    "Of course. Alright, spill it."

    Alex opened the folder, revealing complex schematics and tables.

    "The factory is ready. The infrastructure is operational. But we have a major issue with processors. The orders we placed with foreign suppliers have been denied."

    Lassen frowned.

    "Denied? Why?"

    "The quantities we''re requesting are too large, and some foreign suppliers fear the geopolitical implications of providing advanced technology to a project closely tied to our government," Alex explained. "Basically, no one wants to sell us what we need to produce the headsets."

    Lassen rubbed his temples, clearly irritated.

    "So, we have a brand-new factory, and we can''t produce anything because we''re missing chips?"

    "Exactly," Alex confirmed with a nod.

    Adrian, observing the scene, finally spoke.

    "Why not create our own processors? That would eliminate dependency on foreign suppliers."

    Lassen burst out laughing.

    Elias looked around, confused, before glancing at Alex and Adrian. Finally, he shook Lassen''s hand.

    "Savior? Explain to me what''s going on."

    Alex stepped in and quickly outlined the situation: the factory, the need for processors, and the foreign suppliers'' refusals. Elias listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

    "Alright," he said finally. "If I understand correctly, you need me to design a completely new processor and oversee its production."

    "Exactly," Alex confirmed. "Can you do it?"

    Elias sighed but then smiled confidently.

    "It won''t be easy, but it''s doable. You''ll need specialized equipment, rare materials, and a competent team."

    [The equipment and materials will be handled] the system interjected. [As for the team, Elias can oversee their recruitment.]

    Lassen sank back into his chair, clearly satisfied.

    "Perfect. Elias, you''re officially in charge of this mess. Do whatever it takes, and if you need anything, talk to Alex or the system."

    Elias nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes.

    "Understood. I''ll get started right away."

    ---

    As Elias dove into his new role, Alex turned to Lassen, a hint of amusement on his face.

    "You know, Master, at this rate, you''ll soon have a full team of geniuses at your service."

    Lassen shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips.

    "As long as they do all the work, I''m fine with it. Now, leave me alone¡ªI''ve got a novel to finish."

    Alex and Adrian exchanged knowing glances before leaving the room, allowing Elias to get to work and Lassen to return to his peaceful life.

 Chapter 35 Geopolitical Echoes

    After Elias left, Lassen turned to Alex with an exaggerated sigh. He sank even deeper into his chair, grabbed the novel resting on the coffee table, and opened it to the marked page.

    ¡ª Your problem is solved. Leave me alone, he said casually, flipping through the pages.

    Alex, standing near the bookshelf, crossed his arms. His sharp gaze remained fixed on Lassen. Adrian, silent, observed the scene from his usual spot in the corner, his impassive face hiding a trace of amusement.

    ¡ª Master, you don''t realize the repercussions of what you just did, Alex said gravely.

    Lassen raised an eyebrow, barely interested.

    ¡ª Oh no, not another one of your disaster theories, Alex. Let me guess¡ªaliens are going to invade because we ordered too many electrical cables?

    Alex shook his head.

    ¡ª I''m serious. Semiconductors aren''t like any other industry. The U.S. and Europe have dominated this field forever. They''re not just economic pillars¡ªthey''re strategic. They''ll never let anyone develop them freely without intervening. You''ve just triggered an international alarm.

    Lassen slowly put his book down, this time genuinely intrigued. He studied Alex for a few seconds before shrugging.

    ¡ª Shut up, Lassen snapped, throwing a cushion at the system''s illusory interface, knowing full well it wouldn''t accomplish anything.

    Adrian exchanged a subtle glance with Alex, who, despite the situation, allowed a small smile.

    ¡ª Fine, Master, Alex finally said. We''ll try to avoid the authorities... for now. But if the pressure builds, we''ll need a Plan B. And this time, you won''t have an excuse.

    Lassen let out a long sigh and grabbed his book again.

    ¡ª Alright, alright. But I''m warning you¡ªif I have to wear another suit and smile at a king or a minister, I''m moving to a deserted island.

    [I can find one for you, by the way. With or without internet access?] the system suggested, dripping with sarcasm.

    ¡ª Stop it. I''m reading, Lassen said, flipping through the pages as he ignored Adrian''s quiet chuckle in the corner.

    ---

    As Alex left the room to coordinate the next step with Elias, Adrian lingered, watching Lassen dive back into his novel as if nothing had happened. Yet even Lassen knew, deep down, that this project had crossed a line he could no longer ignore.

 Chapter 36 The Storm Approaches

    Alex quietly left the room where Elias was refining his plans, leaving Lassen buried in his novel as if the outside world didn''t exist. Adrian, ever watchful, stayed near the door, making sure no disturbances would interrupt their "Master"¡ªor rather, their boss, as the outside world believed.

    Stepping out onto the terrace, Alex dialed the police commissioner''s number. The line barely rang before a sharp voice answered.

    "Mr. X, I hope you have a very good reason for¡ªwait... Alex?"

    The commissioner''s tone shifted immediately, mixing surprise with concern.

    "Why isn''t Mr. X calling me directly? He usually enjoys hacking my phone. I almost thought I''d been hacked again."

    Alex let out a nervous chuckle.

    "Sorry to disappoint you, but this time it''s me. He... prefers to stay in the background. You know how he is."

    "Oh, I know," the commissioner replied with a sigh. "So, what''s going on?"

    Alex cleared his throat, switching to a more professional tone.

    "We need a lab. Not just any lab¡ªsomething secure, highly specialized, with state-of-the-art equipment. And it has to be discreet."

    The silence on the other end stretched a bit too long.

    "Wait. A lab? Discreet? For what exactly?"

    "Semiconductors. Mr. X is developing his own microprocessors."

    The commissioner almost dropped his phone.

    "He''s doing what?"

    "He wants to design and manufacture microprocessors and semiconductors locally, without relying on foreign suppliers."

    The commissioner stood abruptly, pacing his office.

    "Do you realize the scale of what you''re saying? If this is true, it''s not just a private project. It''s an industrial revolution. The U.S. and Europe have dominated this market forever. If we start producing our own chips, they''ll see it as a direct threat. Are you aware of the consequences?"

    "Yes," Alex replied calmly. "That''s exactly why we need your help to secure the project before anyone else gets involved."

    The commissioner took a deep breath.

    "I''ll have to speak with the Prime Minister. You know he''s going to want answers. Lots of answers."

    "We can''t stop this project. Not now. But we need to control it and minimize the risks."

    "What''s the next step?" the commissioner asked.

    "We''ll secure the lab. But I also want constant reports on the project''s progress. And we may need to arrange another meeting with Mr. X¡ªthough I already know that won''t be easy."

    The commissioner gave a bitter smile.

    "Easy and Mr. X don''t belong in the same sentence."

    ---

    Meanwhile...

    Elias continued outlining technical requirements with Alex.

    "I''m going to need a team¡ªqualified engineers, manufacturing specialists, and materials experts. We can''t do this alone."

    Alex took notes while replying:

    "Consider them already hired. But let me warn you¡ªthis project is getting a lot bigger than expected."

    Elias grinned.

    "Good. That makes it even more exciting."

    From the corner, Lassen looked up from his book and lazily commented:

    "You''re still talking? Isn''t this done yet? You should be working instead of chatting."

    Alex shot him a tired look.

    "I''m pretty sure the day you realize the chaos you''re causing, you''ll already have triggered a world war."

    "So what? I''m not responsible for other people''s stupidity. Now let me read."

    ---

    While discussions about security and logistics continued, the first waves of concern rippled through the corridors of power. But to Lassen, none of it mattered.

    After all, he had a novel to finish.

 Chapter 37 Recruitment

    Alex cracked his knuckles before placing a stack of documents on the table in front of Elias. The latter, engrossed in his calculations and sketches, barely looked up.

    "This is the list of potential engineers we''ve identified so far," Alex said. "They''re sorted by specialization¡ªcomputing, electronics, advanced materials... But the problem is that almost all of them are already tied to major companies or research labs under contracts with foreign governments."

    Elias leaned back in his chair, frowning as he quickly scanned the list.

    "I expected that," he said. "Most of the talent in this field is already locked in by the big players. But there must be independents¡ªisolated researchers or people dissatisfied with their current positions."

    Alex nodded, pulling out another document.

    "We have a few potential candidates, but reaching out to them will take time. We''ll need to be discreet to avoid drawing attention. And then there''s the issue of visas and permits. Bringing in foreign engineers could complicate things."

    Elias took a deep breath, clearly impatient but pragmatic.

    "Start with the ones who are already here¡ªlocal talent. Even if they don''t have major achievements yet, I can train them quickly. We don''t need stars; we need serious, motivated workers."

    Alex noted down the instructions and stood up to make some calls. Elias returned to his plans, calculating material and equipment requirements.

    ---

    In the next room, Lassen flipped another page of his novel absentmindedly. The sound of technical discussions filtered through the half-open door, but he paid no attention. Adrian entered quietly, carrying a tray with tea and biscuits.

    "Master, Alex is making progress in recruiting the engineers. Elias seems confident, but it will probably take a few weeks to complete the team."

    Lassen looked up, clearly unimpressed.

    "Do whatever you need to. As long as I get what I need, I can start assembling a prototype. That''ll be the best proof we''re on the right track."

    ---

    Later that day, Alex returned to Lassen with a thick folder under his arm.

    "Master, I have some updates. We''ve found three local engineers who meet Elias''s criteria. They should be here within a week."

    Lassen didn''t even look up.

    "Great. Why are you telling me this?"

    Alex sighed.

    "Because this is moving fast. The more progress we make, the more attention we''ll attract. The Prime Minister will probably want an official report as soon as he finds out we''re recruiting a team."

    Lassen finally closed his book, visibly annoyed.

    "He can wait. And if he''s really impatient, he can go through you. I''m not here to write reports. That''s your job, as always."

    Adrian, listening from the doorway, couldn''t resist adding his opinion.

    "Master, there will still need to be some level of interaction with the authorities. If you keep staying in the shadows, it could complicate future negotiations¡ªeven with those we''ve already spoken to."

    Lassen shrugged.

    "That''s their problem. My job is to have ideas. Their job is to handle everything else. Now let me read."

 Chapter 38 The Arrival of the Engineers

    The villa''s doors opened to reveal three new figures. Alex greeted them with a professional smile as he guided them inside. Behind him, Elias waited impatiently, notebook and pen in hand.

    "Welcome," Alex said, gesturing for them to enter. "Did you have a smooth trip?"

    The first to speak was a man in his forties, wearing thin glasses and a neatly trimmed beard.

    "Daniel Renard. Integrated circuit design engineer. Thank you for having us."

    The second was a woman with short red hair, clutching a folder as if it contained secrets of vital importance.

    "Clara Morel. Semiconductor materials specialist. I hope this facility lives up to your promises."

    The third, a casually dressed young man, seemed more interested in the screens and equipment around the room than in introductions.

    "Yann Giraud. Processor architect. Can we get started already?"

    Elias stepped forward, shaking their hands one by one.

    "Nice to meet you. We don''t waste time here. Follow me¡ªI''ll show you the lab."

    ---

    The three newcomers froze for a moment as they entered the workspace. The room was packed with brand-new equipment¡ªsoldering stations, precision etching machines, and analytical instruments. Elias watched their reactions with a satisfied smile.

    "Impressive," Clara murmured, brushing her fingers along one of the machines. "But why set up something like this in such a discreet location?"

    Daniel nodded. "And why the high-level security? Who''s funding all this?"

    Silence fell over the room as everyone processed the scale of the project.

    Clara was the first to speak.

    "Alright. If that''s what you want, I''m in. But don''t expect this to be easy."

    "I don''t expect it to be easy," Elias replied. "I expect it to be groundbreaking."

    ---

    As the team moved components and began testing, Lassen watched from a connected camera, legs crossed on his chair.

    Adrian entered the room quietly, carrying a cup of coffee.

    "Master, they seem motivated. Elias is already pushing them to go above and beyond."

    Lassen flipped another page of his novel.

    "Good for them. They''re doing their job, and I''m doing mine."

    Adrian smiled.

    "Speaking of work, what should I tell the authorities if they start asking questions about the progress?"

    Lassen shrugged.

    "Tell them everything''s under control. And if they want more details, they can talk to Alex. I''m busy."

 Chapter 39 The First Tests

    In the ultra-secure laboratory, the hum of machines and the clatter of keyboards filled the air. Elias and his team worked tirelessly, surrounded by glowing screens and scattered electronic components. Complex circuit and chip designs were displayed on giant monitors, illustrating the ambitious vision they were striving to bring to life.

    Daniel, eyes locked on a complicated schematic, scribbled notes quickly on his tablet. Clara, dressed in a lab coat, handled sensitive materials with tweezers, her precise movements reflecting years of experience. Yann alternated between checking connections on a prototype and coding simulations on his computer.

    At the center of this hive of activity, Elias directed operations with calm but intense focus. He balanced giving instructions, adjusting configurations, and verifying simulation results.

    "Clara, what''s the update on thermal resistance?" Elias asked without looking up from his screen.

    "The materials we''re testing can handle temperatures up to 120 degrees, but I doubt they''ll last under prolonged loads," she replied.

    Daniel immediately chimed in. "We can compensate with an integrated cooling system, but that''ll add complexity and increase energy consumption."

    Elias shook his head. "No. We need to stick to the original concept¡ªcompact, efficient, and high-performance. Find an alternative. Clara, test the next sample. Yann, prepare a model to integrate thermal management into the processor''s structure. I want results in two hours."

    Lassen didn''t even look up from his novel. "And? I told them this wouldn''t be easy. They just need to keep at it until it works."

    "They''re working non-stop," Adrian added. "But it''s clear this project is far more complex than they initially thought."

    [Host, it seems your team is making progress, but perhaps you could offer them a bit more support,] the system suggested.

    "Support? They already have everything they need. I need peace and quiet. Keep monitoring the situation and let me know if they make a breakthrough. Otherwise, don''t bother me."

    ---

    In the lab, the team continued working late into the night. The tests revealed weaknesses, but each identified problem brought Elias and his engineers closer to their goal.

    "We''ll get there," Elias said, looking at his tired but motivated team. "It''s only a matter of time. No turning back."

    And as the night wore on, the outside world remained unaware of the revolutionary project taking shape in the shadows¡ªa project capable of redefining the technological future of an entire nation.

 Chapter 40 Tests and Early Failures

    The laboratory doors closed behind Elias and his team, leaving a heavy silence in the air. Around them, the machines hummed softly, ready for use. Elias ran a hand through his messy hair and gestured for Yann, Clara, and Daniel to gather around the central workstation. In front of them, a screen displayed the intricate schematics of the prototype they had been working on for weeks.

    Elias spoke, his serious tone revealing the tension in the room.

    "We''ve finalized the assembly. This is the first prototype of the Aegis-1 processor." He placed a compact casing on the table, letting his colleagues examine it.

    Clara was the first to react. "It''s... tiny." She picked up a magnifying glass to inspect the golden connectors.

    Yann, arms crossed, leaned over the schematics projected on the screen. "Five nanometers? Seriously? Even the biggest companies spent years of research before reaching this level. And you think it''s going to work on the first try?"

    Daniel, who had remained silent, muttered, "It''s not just the size. Look at this." He pointed to a series of complex circuits. "You integrated hybrid cores and an adaptive network. This type of architecture has never been tested in real conditions. What exactly are you hoping for, Elias?"

    Elias gave them a determined look. "I expect us to prove it''s possible. And I''m not interested in what''s already been done. We''re building something new. Now, let''s power it up."

    Daniel inserted the processor into its socket while Yann handled the connections. Clara adjusted the thermal sensors and power monitors. Elias watched the main screen, ready to log every anomaly.

    When the system booted up, a low hum filled the room. Numbers began scrolling across the monitors, showing energy consumption 30% lower than industry standards. Elias smiled.

    "We''re making progress. Keep going."

    The first test simulated a moderate workload. The processor responded with impressive fluidity. Yann nodded.

    "Forty percent faster than the best chips on the market. Not bad at all."

    Clara adjusted a series of settings and launched a more demanding test¡ªcomplex 3D simulations combined with real-time image processing. For a few seconds, everything ran smoothly. Then, the first signs of stress appeared.

    With the adjustments implemented, Elias restarted the tests. This time, the memory errors disappeared, and the temperature stabilized. But another issue quickly arose.

    The heat sink began to emit a high-pitched whine, and signs of overheating reappeared after several minutes of intensive use.

    Clara groaned. "The Graphenium-X material can''t handle sustained high frequencies. It fractures under stress."

    Yann took frantic notes. "We''ll need to switch to liquid cooling, like high-performance servers. It''ll take time to adapt the design."

    Elias looked at his team and declared, "We''ve proven the concept works, but it''ll take months of work to make it stable. If anyone here thinks this will be easy, leave now."

    Clara crossed her arms, ready for the challenge. Yann smirked, already immersed in calculations. Daniel remained focused but visibly concerned.

    Meanwhile, Alex left the room to contact the Prime Minister.

    ---

    In his office, the Prime Minister took Alex''s call. The reports on progress and technical problems reassured him about the project''s potential, but he worried about delays and repercussions.

    "I want constant updates, Alex. And if more resources are needed, request them immediately."

    Alex nodded. "Understood, but be prepared. If this works, the whole world will be watching us."

    ---

    Back at the villa, Lassen turned another page in his novel and muttered, "They can watch all they want. As long as I can read in peace, I''m fine with it."

 Chapter 41 The Uncontrolled Experiment

    Metallic clinks echoed through the lab as Elias, Clara, and Yann adjusted the prototype''s components. A slight tension hung in the air, but nothing hinted at the chaos about to unfold.

    "Is everything ready?" Elias asked, eyes fixed on the monitors.

    "As ready as it can be," Yann replied. "But let me remind you, we''re testing an experimental circuit with a power supply that hasn''t been fully stabilized."

    "If we wait any longer, we''ll be ready next year," Clara grumbled. "Let''s do it."

    With a resigned sigh, Yann activated the system. LEDs lit up, blinking in precise sequences, and a soft hum filled the room.

    "It''s working!" Yann exclaimed. "We have a stable connection!"

    No sooner had he spoken than gray smoke began seeping from one of the components. The security alarm blared instantly.

    "What did you do?" Clara shouted, grabbing a fire extinguisher.

    "Nothing! I just turned it on!" Yann protested.

    Elias, ever calm, pressed a button to shut off the power. The smoke started to dissipate.

    That''s when Lassen entered, a book in hand and an annoyed expression on his face.

    "I leave you alone for five minutes, and you''re already trying to blow up my house?"

    Clara turned, still holding the extinguisher.

    "It could''ve been worse."

    "Worse?" Lassen shot back. "Were you planning to level the villa and then call me to say it''s normal?"

    "They''re tests," Elias interjected. "Prototypes need adjustments."

    Lassen shook his head.

    ---

    Hours passed, and the team regained their rhythm. Elias double-checked every detail, Clara fine-tuned the materials, and Yann refined the processor''s embedded code.

    Finally, Elias looked up.

    "Okay, it should be ready for another test. But this time, we go slow."

    Clara crossed her arms.

    "Slow? You mean smoke-free?"

    "Exactly," Elias said with a grin.

    Yann adjusted the final settings and restarted the system. This time, no smoke, no abnormal hums. The prototype displayed stable readings.

    Clara gave a quiet clap.

    "Well, it''s progress."

    Then, a strange noise sounded. A faint, almost comical alarm rang from one corner of the room.

    "It''s not me," Elias said, raising his hands.

    All eyes turned to Yann.

    "Not me either! I didn''t touch anything!"

    From the doorway, Lassen sighed and turned to leave.

    "Call me when you''re done playing mad scientists."

    Elias let out a matching sigh but couldn''t help smiling.

    "We''ll be done when we''ve changed the world, Master."

 Chapter 42 NOVA-1: The Birth of a Revolution

    Note : I got the contract for this novel, and I''m really happy. Thanks to everyone who supported me, and I hope you''ll continue to do so. I won''t let you down.

    --------

    Elias''s lab buzzed with anticipation. After weeks of relentless work, the team was on the verge of completing their first processor prototype. Delicate components, assembled layer by layer, formed a technological marvel at the center of their workstation.

    Wearing a white lab coat, Elias monitored the main screen, where lines of code and simulations scrolled rapidly. Clara carefully adjusted connections with precision tools, while Yann kept a close eye on temperature and electrical parameters.

    "We''re almost there," Elias said, his tone calm but charged with anticipation.

    Clara glanced at him. "I hate to say this, but... everything''s working perfectly so far. No short circuits, no smoke. It''s suspicious."

    Elias smirked. "That''s what happens when you follow my instructions to the letter. Keep calibrating the voltage. We''re about to run the final test."

    The processor, dubbed "NOVA-1," featured a modular architecture capable of dynamically adapting its circuits based on computing demands. Instead of relying solely on traditional silicon designs, Elias had incorporated advanced semiconductor materials, including graphene and carbon nanotubes.

    This design provided several advantages:

    Faster Processing: Improved electrical conductivity boosted speed.

    Lower Power Consumption: High performance with minimal heat dissipation.

    Self-Diagnostic Capabilities: Built-in firmware detected and isolated failures in real time.

    Yann tapped nervously on his keyboard. "Simulations show it''s 30% more efficient than top-tier chips on the market. If these numbers hold up, we''ll send shockwaves through the industry."

    Clara nodded. "This chip could power not only VR headsets but also complex AI systems and even military projects. Do you realize what we''re building here, Elias?"

    Elias looked up from his instruments. "We''re changing the world. But not before we validate this test."

    Taking a deep breath, Elias gave the signal. "Power up. Activate the central module."

    Clara pressed the button, powering up the prototype. LEDs lit up one by one, and Yann monitored every fluctuation on the graphs.

    "Voltage stable. Temperature nominal. Power consumption within limits," Yann reported.

    A series of automated tests began, pushing each section of the processor. Compression algorithms, complex 3D simulations, and cryptographic calculations ran seamlessly.

    "Everything''s stable," Clara said, a smile forming on her lips.

    Yann raised his eyebrows. "It''s holding up. No errors. No alerts. I... I think we did it."

    Elias leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "It''s official. NOVA-1 works."

    "Oh, we all know that''s never going to happen."

    Feigning offense, Lassen left the room, leaving Elias and his team exchanging nervous smiles.

    ---

    In the days that followed, the lab became a scientific battlefield. Intense tests pushed NOVA-1 to its limits¡ªoverheating, voltage surges, and electromagnetic interference simulations. Every result was documented, and every anomaly studied in detail.

    Clara spent sleepless nights calibrating thermal systems, coffee in hand and dark circles under her eyes. Yann worked like an automaton, darting between terminals to monitor the firmware''s performance.

    During one final test, the team watched as NOVA-1 completed a quantum simulation in record time.

    "It just beat the top processor on the market by 45%" Yann said, stunned. "It''s a monster."

    Elias smirked.

    "It''s a start. But it''s not enough. We need at least 50% to justify industrial production. Increase the load parameters."

    Clara groaned. "You''re worse than Lassen."

    Elias laughed. "No, he just reads while we work. I make sure we succeed."

    As the final phase approached, Alex made an unexpected visit to the lab.

    "How''s it going?" he asked, arms crossed.

    Elias turned, tired but confident.

    "Everything''s ready for production. Tests exceeded expectations. All that''s left is scaling up."

    Alex nodded.

    "Good. I''ve already started looking for facilities to mass-produce the chips. But tell me¡ªhow secure is this technology?"

    Elias''s expression turned serious.

    "It''s secure. Each module has advanced encryption, and we''ve built-in software kill-switches for unauthorized access. These chips won''t be easy to copy."

    Alex seemed satisfied. "Good. Keep it up. But remember¡ªonce production starts, the whole world will be watching us. Be ready."

    Elias nodded. "We already are."

    As Alex left, Elias looked at his team.

    "Take a break¡ªyou''ve earned it. But don''t get too comfortable. We''ve still got a long road ahead."

 Chapter 43 The Shadow of Threat

    Deep within an underground bunker, protected by reinforced doors and advanced surveillance systems, a suffocating tension filled the air. A long glass table, illuminated by cold lights, occupied the center of the room. Seated around it were the most powerful figures in the Gerian government.

    The President of Geria, Viktor Krane, scanned the grim faces of his advisors and military officers. His cold, calculating gaze drifted to the open dossier in front of him. The pages contained blurry photos, intercepted call transcripts, and espionage reports.

    "Let''s summarize the situation," Krane said in a low but commanding voice. "Who is this man, and why do we know so little about him?"

    An intelligence officer, Colonel Hadrien Volk, stood and adjusted his tie.

    "Mr. President, our agents have tracked Macro''s police director several times. He''s visited this isolated villa at least four times in secret. The owner uses a red M¡ªa symbol reserved for high-level authorities. But here''s the issue: there''s no official record of him. No name. No public identity. Nothing."

    A murmur rippled through the room. Another advisor broke the silence.

    "No records? Not even within their intelligence services? That''s impossible."

    Volk nodded.

    "We''ve searched every available database. Every lead ends in a dead end. The only thing we know is that he seems to hold unusual authority and is involved in sensitive activities."

    The President''s frown deepened.

    "Colonel Volk, I need details. Is this target protected?"

    Volk nodded.

    "Yes. Highly. Guards and advanced surveillance systems. But that makes sense. If he''s as important as we think, he knows he''s a target."

    Krane took a deep breath before making his decision.

    "I want a plan¡ªfast and undetectable. A surgical strike. No mistakes. Understood?"

    Volk nodded.

    "We still have a few dormant agents active in Macro. We can arrange a covert operation¡ªan assassination disguised as an accident or a robbery gone wrong."

    Krane''s icy stare bore into Volk.

    "Do it. And make sure it''s handled before he has the chance to retaliate."

    Volk took notes and left the room, leaving the rest of the advisors to discuss the potential political fallout.

    But for Krane, only one thing mattered¡ªeliminating the threat before it became uncontrollable.

 Chapter 44 The Shadow of a Bullet

    Note : Thank you TheLuckyCode for the support

    _________________

    Night fell over the villa, wrapping the surroundings in a tranquil darkness, disturbed only by the dim light filtering through the windows. Elias and his team had left the lab after a long day of tests, leaving Lassen to enjoy a rare moment of peace, lounging in his chair with a book in hand.

    Adrian, stationed near the entrance, monitored the security cameras integrated into the system. Everything was calm¡ªjust as it had been for weeks. Yet, an imperceptible tension lingered in the air, a sense of unease that even Lassen seemed to notice despite his apparent indifference.

    Adrian glanced at the screen. A movement on the outer perimeter caught his eye. A dark figure had appeared at the edge of the property.

    "Alex, come here," Adrian signaled to Alex, who entered the room.

    "It''s probably just someone passing by," Alex murmured, though he didn''t believe it himself. "I''ll check it out."

    Adrian grabbed his weapon, silently slipping toward the back door to circle the villa. Alex moved toward the main entrance.

    Despite the pain, Lassen managed a faint smile.

    "Adrian... you do realize you interrupted me... right at the best part of the book?"

    Adrian growled, pressing down on the wound. "Shut up and stay awake!"

    The sound of footsteps retreating signaled that the attacker was fleeing. Alex burst into the room, gun raised.

    "He''s gone!" Alex shouted. "How''s Lassen?"

    Adrian didn''t look up. "Call an ambulance. Now!"

    For a brief moment, the scene froze. Blood seeped between Lassen''s fingers, staining his shirt. And in that suspended moment, the echo of the gunshot lingered in everyone''s minds.

    The villa''s peace had been shattered. For the first time, Lassen was vulnerable.

 Chapter 45 The Game Begins

    Note : Thank you TheLuckyCode and FifeDawg for the gifts

    Please continue to support

    Your gift is the motivation for my creation.

    ______

    Lassen stood in the middle of that strange void, where the white floor and the dark sky seemed to stretch endlessly. It was as if he were floating between existence and nothingness, caught in a space that defied reason.

    His breath echoed faintly, shallow and quick, as if even the air around him resisted his presence.

    "What is this place ?"

    "System...system"

    He tried to call the system but he got no response

    "Where the hell are you when i need you"

    He took a hesitant step forward.

    The sound rang out¡ªsharp and brittle, like the chime of glass on the verge of shattering.

    A chill crawled down his spine.

    This place was wrong. Everything about it screamed at him to turn back, to escape, but there was nowhere to go. Only the endless horizon of pale ground and pitch-black sky.

    He clenched his fists to steady himself, but the tremor in his hands betrayed him.

    And then¡ªit came.

    A sound.

    A distant explosion, muffled but unmistakable.

    Then another.

    The echoes spread outward, rippling through the emptiness, sharp and unnatural. The cracks in the silence felt as if reality itself was beginning to splinter.

    He blinked¡ªand everything changed.

    ---

    Alex gripped his phone tightly, his knuckles white. Sweat slicked his fingers, but he didn''t dare loosen his hold.

    The blood spreading beneath Lassen''s still body seemed endless, dark and thick, soaking into the once-pristine marble. It pooled like a shadow, growing larger with each second that passed.

    Adrian stood nearby, gun drawn and pointed toward the shattered windows. His body was tense, like a predator ready to strike, but his eyes betrayed him. There was fear¡ªcontrolled, buried deep, but there.

    Alex swallowed hard and forced himself to dial the number he needed.

    The line rang.

    Once.

    Twice.

    Every second stretched unbearably long until finally¡ª

    "Alex? What''s going on?"

    The voice of the police chief came through, calm, almost lazy.

    "Someone shot Mr. X."

    A heavy pause.

    The sudden scrape of a chair rang through the line.

    "What?! What did you say !? Are you sure?! What happened !?"

    "No time to explain. I need an ambulance. Now!"

    "I''m dispatching one immediately. Security teams too."

    "Good. Hurry."

    Alex ended the call and tossed the phone onto the table, not caring where it landed. He dropped to his knees beside Lassen.

    Adrian was already checking for a pulse.

    "Still alive. Barely" Adrian said, voice clipped.

    "Master! Can you hear me?" Alex''s voice cracked. "Master!!"

    Nothing.

    Lassen''s chest barely moved, his breathing shallow and uneven. The pale hue of his skin made the dark red of the blood look even more brutal.

    "We''re losing him" Alex muttered. "We need to stabilize him now!"

    Clara and Yann burst into the room, their eyes wide with panic.

    "What happened?!" Clara shouted.

    "Yann, get the kit!" Adrian snapped.

    Yann stumbled toward the medical supplies while Clara pressed down hard on the wound.

    "Stay with us, Lassen!" she cried. "Don''t you dare give up!"

    ¡ª "Why now?" he whispered.

    The ground cracked beneath him.

    He saw himself again¡ªa helpless child, trapped in fear.

    But he wasn''t that child anymore.

    The white light on the ceiling blinded him for a moment, forcing his pupils to adjust. Everything around him was sterile, clean, silent. The steady beeps of monitors filled the room.

    His father''s words echoed.

    ¡ª "You''re a pawn until you become a player. And if you''re going to play, be the best player."

    Lassen clenched his fists.

    The weight of his fear fell away, replaced by cold, sharp determination.

    His lips curled into a faint smile.

    "You forced me to play... Then let''s play."

    "Master!"

    Alex''s voice¡ªrelief and worry tangled together.

    Lassen blinked several times. His mind was still swimming through the fog.

    ¡ª "Alex...?"

    ¡ª "Yes, it''s me! You''re finally awake."

    Alex stepped closer, his usually immaculate suit wrinkled and stained with blood. His hands trembled slightly, but his gaze remained sharp and professional.

    "What happened...?" Lassen asked, though the pain in his chest and the fragments of memories were already forming a picture.

    Alex took a deep breath.

    "You were attacked. You lost a lot of blood, but we managed to stabilize you and get you here."

    "How long...?"

    "Two days."

    He closed his eyes for a moment, forcing himself to suppress the anger simmering beneath the surface.

    "Report."

    Alex blinked, surprised by the sharp, commanding tone. It wasn''t the hesitant voice of his master from before.

    "The shooter was neutralized, but he killed himself before we could interrogate him. We found traces of military-grade equipment suggesting a likely connection to Geria."

    Lassen nodded slowly.

    "And security measures?"

    "Reinforced. Adrian and his team are on high alert. Elias is already working on an update to the defense systems. But..."

    Alex hesitated.

    ¡ª "But what?"

    ¡ª "We intercepted communications suggesting that this attempt was only a test. They wanted to evaluate your vulnerability."

    A heavy silence fell over the room.

    Lassen pushed himself up, ignoring the sharp pain that shot through his body. His eyes, usually calm and detached, burned with cold intensity.

    "So they think I''m weak."

    Alex swallowed hard.

    "They made a mistake."

    ---

    "I tried to stay quiet, even though I have the power to destroy everything. I locked myself away with my books and let the world do as it pleased. But despite that... they still tried to kill me. Why?"

    Lassen''s voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of darkness. A storm ready to erupt.

    Alex lowered his head, unable to answer.

    He was a creation of the system himself and knew his master had only ever used it for amusement. Lassen never intended to interfere with the outside world.

    But now...

    Alex clenched his fists.

    He had seen the reports¡ªfragmented information about orchestrated attacks carried out in the shadows. Suspicious movements, encrypted communications between mercenaries and underground networks. This was no coincidence. Someone had tried to test their defenses.

    "They don''t know who you are," Alex finally said, his voice low. "But they know someone is pulling the strings. Someone untouchable. And that terrifies them."

    Lassen''s eyes narrowed.

    "Then I''ll give them something to be afraid of."

    A chill ran down Alex''s spine. He knew¡ªeverything was about to change.

    A great storm was coming.

    And the world would never be the same.

 Chapter 46 The Predator Awakens

    Lassen sat at the edge of his hospital bed, his gaze fixed on the window overlooking the sleeping city. The cold glow of the neon lights bathed the room in a sterile hue, but he paid no attention to it. His arm was still connected to an IV drip, but he ignored that too. He had already decided he wouldn''t spend another minute in this place.

    The police chief entered the room, his dark coat still wet from the rain. His usually impassive face showed a hint of concern.

    "Mr. X," he began, softly closing the door behind him, "how are you feeling?"

    Lassen looked up at him, his voice calmer than it had ever been.

    "Alive."

    The chief was slightly surprised by the calm and cold tone in Lassen''s voice. Since their first meeting, Lassen had always spoken in a light and carefree manner, as if nothing in the world mattered to him.

    He thought to himself "This attack had a more serious effect on him than I expected. I''ll have to report this to the Prime Minister."

    The chief stepped closer, glancing at the softly beeping medical devices surrounding the bed.

    "You can''t imagine the chaos this incident caused. We''ve increased security around all your properties and are closely monitoring the borders. But you should stay here, at least until we''re sure there won''t be another attempt."

    Lassen stood up slowly.

    "No."

    The chief blinked.

    "Excuse me?"

    "I''m going home."

    Lassen''s tone left no room for negotiation.

    "You can''t. The doctors¡ª"

    "I''m fine. And I''ve had enough of being here. I''ve stayed idle for far too long."

    The chief opened his mouth to protest, but Lassen raised his hand to stop him.

    "Do your job. Protect me if you must. But don''t waste your time trying to keep me locked up here."

    A heavy silence settled before the chief finally nodded.

    "Fine. But we''re doubling your security detail."

    Lassen didn''t respond. He ripped the IV out of his arm with a sharp motion and called for the doctor supervising his recovery. The doctor tried to convince him to stay at least one more day under observation, but Lassen cut him off with a look so cold that the doctor ended up signing the discharge papers without another word.

    ---

    A few hours later, Lassen was back home.

    He walked through the doors of his villa like a king returning to his throne after battle. But there was no celebration¡ªnot yet.

    Standing in his office, he watched the holographic screens light up around him. The dim lighting cast shifting shadows on the walls, adding to the tension that filled the room. His mind, however, was sharp and precise.

    He signaled Alex, Adrian, and Elias to join him immediately. The icy tone in his voice made it clear to everyone that something had changed.

    "I''ve been thinking." Lassen let the words hang in the air for a moment. "Until now, I''ve chosen to ignore the world. I stayed in my corner, absorbed in my books and inventions. I told myself that as long as I didn''t bother anyone, no one would bother me."

    He paused, his eyes piercing each of them.

    "But that was just an illusion."

    Adrian straightened slightly but remained silent.

    Lassen tilted his head slightly.

    "Let them pray. It won''t save them."

    __________

    The explosions thundered through the night, shaking the enemy base. Inside, Geria''s spies and soldiers scrambled out of their barracks and command rooms¡ªsome still half-dressed, others already in position with their weapons raised. Alarms wailed, but they were quickly silenced as Lassen''s jammers paralyzed communications.

    In the main control room, a man in uniform, clearly a senior officer, pounded furiously on a console. The screen in front of him flashed red with error messages as data streams cut off one by one.

    "What''s happening? Report!" he shouted.

    A technician, sweat streaming down his forehead, tried to reconnect the systems.

    "We''ve lost contact with the outer defenses! The drones are detected, but... they vanish from the radar before we can lock onto their position!"

    The officer cursed, slamming the keyboard.

    "Impossible! Activate the backup system!"

    "I can''t! Someone''s controlling our networks! We''re being hacked in real time!"

    The control room doors burst open, and two armed soldiers rushed in.

    "Sir! Explosions in the southern sector! We''ve lost the generators and the auto-turrets!"

    The officer''s face went pale.

    "Send a team to secure the entrances! Call for reinforcements"

    "Long-range communications are down!" another technician yelled.

    Chaos erupted as explosions continued to rock the base. Shadows danced across the walls, cast by growing flames.

    "They''re trying to bury us alive!" one of the soldiers shouted.

    "Silence! We need to¡ª"

    His voice was cut short as another explosion shook the room, sending shards of metal flying in all directions.

    The officer hit the ground, his ears ringing. He tried to stand, but another blast rattled the walls. He looked up at the screens just in time to see one final message appear before everything went dark:

    "You struck first. You failed. Now it''s my turn."

    The silence that followed was broken only by the crackling flames and the groans of the wounded.

    ---

    Back at the villa, everyone was on edge. This was the first time Lassen had done something that directly interfered with the world¡ªand it was nothing less than a frontal assault on another country.

    But the man at the center of it all had already returned to his old habits, lying on his couch with a novel in hand.

    Adrian approached him.

    "Is it over?" Lassen asked.

    Adrian nodded. "They''re paralyzed. No reinforcements detected. No one survived."

    Lassen said nothing, turning his eyes toward the ceiling.

    After a long silence, he looked at his three subordinates and said:

    "This was just the beginning."

 Chapter 47 The Echo of Chaos

    Note : Thank you Epic_Buddie123 for the support

    _______

    Geria''s headquarters was bathed in a pale, artificial light. The air was heavy, saturated with tension as top officials gathered in the crisis room. Holographic screens illuminated the space, projecting satellite images of the smoldering ruins of their base. Reports streamed in at a frantic pace, each one delivering more bad news.

    The Minister of Defense, a man whose face bore the marks of years spent in war, abruptly stood up. He cast a furious glare at Admiral Karst, the head of external operations.

    "How could you let this happen?" His voice cracked like a whip across the room.

    Karst clenched his fists but remained upright.

    "We couldn''t have anticipated a counterattack of this scale. There were no signs of military activity before the strike."

    The minister slammed his fist against the table.

    "No signs? They destroyed an entire base, Karst! And you''re telling me there were no signs?"

    An analyst seated at the back of the room timidly raised his hand before speaking.

    "Sir, we found something... a message."

    Silence fell instantly. All eyes turned toward him.

    "What message?" the minister growled.

    The analyst activated a holographic display, projecting the blinking words Lassen had left behind:

    "You struck first. You failed. Now it''s my turn."

    The minister stared at the message, the color draining from his face.

    Karst noticed immediately.

    "Sir?"

    But the minister didn''t respond right away. His thoughts drifted back to the events of the past few days.

    "It''s him..." he finally murmured, his breath shallow.

    The room erupted in whispers.

    "Who? Who is it?" Karst demanded, his brows furrowed.

    The minister sank slowly back into his chair.

    "The man we tried to eliminate."

    A murmur rippled through the room.

    "He wasn''t supposed to be anyone important," a general protested. "An isolated civilian, no military backing. Just an easy target."

    The minister ran a hand over his face, visibly exhausted.

    "That''s what we thought. But we were wrong."

    Karst slammed his fist on the table.

    "What do we know about him? Who is he, really?"

    The analyst typed furiously on his console, digging through classified files.

    "His identity is still unclear. What we do know is that he has access to resources and technology far beyond what we anticipated. We couldn''t trace the origin of his equipment."

    Another analyst added:

    "His vehicle had an M-red plate. We initially assumed it was camouflage, but he could be affiliated with a high-ranking official from the Kingdom of Macro."

    The minister shook his head.

    "No. He''s not an official. He''s someone far more dangerous. Someone operating in the shadows with resources on par with a government."

    Karst took a deep breath.

    "And now? He''s destroyed our base. He''s humiliated us. What do we do?"

    The minister fixed his gaze on the screen one last time before answering.

    "We erase every trace. Everything that could link us to this assassination attempt. I want every record burned, every communication wiped. If we move fast, we can still deny any involvement."

    Karst hesitated.

    The name sent a ripple of murmurs through the room.

    "Mr. X...?"

    "The ghost hacker? The genius behind the resolved conjecture and advanced technologies?"

    The general folded his arms.

    "They said he was just a myth. A legend masking an elite group."

    "Then why is his signature all over this attack?"

    ---

    At the Macro Government Offices

    Meanwhile, the government of Macro was in crisis.

    The Prime Minister silently scanned the reports while his advisors murmured among themselves.

    "We''re involved, whether we like it or not," one of them declared. "We''re the only country near the border. And we already have strained relations with Geria."

    "We knew Mr. X would respond after that assassination attempt," another added. "But no one thought it would be like this."

    A high-ranking military general spoke up.

    "One man destroyed an entire military base in another country without even being there. Imagine if he turned those weapons against us."

    A long silence fell over the room.

    The Prime Minister closed the file and looked up.

    "I''ll contact him. I need to know what he''s thinking before we make any decisions."

    ---

    In a Television Studio

    Cain was live, seated in front of the camera.

    "We are still in the dark about what happened on the night of the attack. An entire military base destroyed within hours, and a cryptic message left at the scene. Experts are divided about the perpetrators, but one thing is certain¡ªthe world is changing."

    Phone calls flooded the newsroom. Rumors of covert operations spread rapidly, with some blaming Macro and others suspecting a new emerging power.

    Cain placed his hands on the desk and stared into the camera.

    "We need answers. Who is behind this attack? And more importantly¡ªwhat do they really want?"

    The screen behind him shifted to display satellite footage of the ruined base. Smoke still rose from the rubble, and flashes of emergency lights illuminated the destruction. Cain gestured to the images.

    "This is not the result of a simple skirmish or accident. What you''re seeing here is the aftermath of a calculated and precise operation. Military analysts are calling it unprecedented¡ªnot just for its scale, but for the eerie silence surrounding its origins."

    He paused, letting the gravity of the situation sink in before continuing.

    "Officials from multiple nations, including Geria and Macro, have yet to release formal statements. However, anonymous sources claim that intelligence agencies are treating this as an act of war. The lack of accountability raises disturbing questions. Are we facing the rise of a new global threat, or is this the work of a rogue actor with resources rivaling that of a superpower?"

    Cain leaned forward, his voice growing sharper.

    "And then there''s the message. ''You struck first. You failed. Now it''s my turn.'' What does it mean? Was it retaliation? A declaration of war? Or perhaps a warning that this is just the beginning?"

    He straightened and glanced toward the camera, his expression grim.

    "Our investigation has uncovered some startling possibilities. Sources within intelligence agencies have hinted at the involvement of advanced drones¡ªmachines that bypassed conventional detection systems and executed surgical strikes with near-perfect precision. The sophistication of the technology points to one disturbing possibility: this could be the work of the elusive figure known only as ''Mr. X.''"

    Cain let the name hang in the air, the tension palpable.

    "Mr. X has long been a shadowy figure in global intelligence circles¡ªa ghost rumored to possess technologies decades ahead of current military capabilities. Until now, he''s been dismissed as a myth or a cover story for secret operations. But if these rumors are true, then we are looking at an individual or group capable of reshaping global power dynamics overnight."

    He paused again, his eyes narrowing.

    "But here''s the most unsettling part¡ªwhat if Mr. X isn''t acting alone? What if this was only the first step in a much larger plan?"

    Cain looked directly into the camera, his voice steady despite the undercurrent of unease.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, the world as we know it may have just changed forever. And until we uncover the truth, one question remains¡ªhow do we prepare for what comes next?"

    The screen cut to images of emergency crews combing through the rubble, their faces illuminated by flickering fires as Cain''s voice echoed in the background.

    "This is Thomas Cain, reporting live. Stay with us as we continue to unravel this mystery and bring you the latest developments."

    The feed shifted to a panel of experts, but Cain remained seated, his mind already racing through the possibilities. Behind the composed face he showed to the world, he felt it¡ªthe creeping sense that they were standing at the edge of something far bigger than anyone could yet imagine.

 Chapter 48 The Truth in the Shadows

    Note : Thank you TheLuchkyCode & Alatar_Black for the support

    _______

    Lassen sat in his office, surrounded by the bluish glow of holographic screens. Streams of information flowed rapidly¡ªimages of the destroyed base, televised debates, military analysis reports, and frantic social media comments. Everywhere, the same questions echoed: Who did this? And why?

    He crossed his arms and studied the panicked faces of politicians and experts flashing across the screens. Some spoke of a terrorist act, others speculated about a covert operation carried out by a state. One international news channel had even begun theorizing about a new clandestine organization emerging from the shadows.

    Satellite images looped endlessly, showing the smoking ruins of the enemy station. Analysts highlighted the precision and efficiency of the attack, calling it surgical and impossible to trace. But Lassen knew the confusion wouldn''t last forever. Every second that passed brought his enemies closer to the truth.

    The system suddenly interrupted his thoughts.

    [You''re officially the star of chaos. Maybe you should start signing autographs.]

    Lassen smirked coldly.

    "Not yet. But they''ll know my name soon enough."

    His gaze hardened as it swept across the screens in front of him. He knew it was time to act. Silence was no longer an option.

    "System, I want a full breakdown of global reactions. Analyze the data and project media trends for the next 24 hours."

    [Already done. Spoiler: they''re panicking. And some are starting to connect the dots.]

    "Expand."

    The holograms shifted to display dynamic charts and real-time projections.

    [Two neighboring states have called emergency councils. Macro has increased patrols near its borders, while Geria denies any involvement despite mounting evidence of their role in the initial attack. U.S. media speculate about a non-state actor, and multiple intelligence agencies are ramping up efforts to identify those responsible. Several keywords linked to the incident are already trending globally.]

    Lassen nodded. He expected attention to shift toward Macro, and he wasn''t about to let the world write his story for him.

    He stood and walked slowly toward the window, gazing at the sleeping city below. The glow of the streetlights drew geometric patterns on the glass, resembling the bars of an invisible prison.

    "I never wanted to play this game," he murmured to himself. "But they forced me into it."

    His fists clenched.

    "So I might as well be the one who controls the rules."

    He turned and activated a new command.

    "System, establish a secure channel and contact Hart."

    [The journalist? Oh, you''re really looking to stir things up.]

    "It''s not about what I want. It''s about what needs to be done."

    The system let out a confirming beep.

    [All right. The call is being prepared. You''re going to love the panic on his face when he sees your name pop up.]

    Lassen remained silent. Beneath the system''s sarcastic humor, he could feel the weight of the moment. Once he stepped into the light, there would be no turning back.

    He sat back down and watched as the lights on the screens shifted, reflecting the newly analyzed data. Media trends spiked, and satellite images of the ruins dominated the headlines.

    A secondary screen lit up, broadcasting an impromptu press conference. Geria''s spokesperson appeared tense, sweating under the harsh glare of the cameras.

    "We strongly condemn this barbaric act. The accusations against our nation are baseless and irresponsible."

    The system let out a sarcastic chime.

    [Is it just me, or does he look afraid of losing his job?]

    Lassen ignored the comment and continued analyzing the faces on the screen. Fear. Uncertainty. Desperation. Three emotions he knew well¡ªand planned to exploit.

    His eyes narrowed as he issued one final command.

    "System, prepare the next phase."

    [Already running simulations.]

    Lassen leaned back, his expression cold and resolute.

    "Get ready, world," he murmured. "I''m about to rewrite the rules."

    ____

    "When and where?"

    "Here. My place. You know the address."

    Samuel hesitated.

    "And if this is a trap?"

    Lassen laughed again, but this time, there was a hint of menace beneath the amusement.

    "If it were a trap, you wouldn''t still be talking. Don''t worry, Samuel. I need you alive. After all, you''re my messenger."

    Samuel opened his mouth to ask another question, but the line cut off abruptly, leaving a heavy silence in its wake.

    He slowly set the phone down on his desk, staring at it as if expecting it to ring again.

    "What have I just agreed to...?" he murmured.

    Leaning back in his chair, he let his thoughts spiral. His instincts screamed that he''d just stepped into something far larger than he could control. But deep down, he knew he had no choice.

    "This is the story of a lifetime," he said aloud, as if trying to convince himself. "And I''m going to write it."

    ---

    A Few Hours Later...

    Samuel stood in front of Lassen''s luxurious villa. Adrian, ever the professional in his dark suit, waited at the entrance.

    "You''re expected," Adrian said, opening the door.

    Samuel stepped inside, his footsteps echoing through the vast hall. He was led straight to the office where Lassen awaited him.

    This time, Lassen wasn''t lounging in a chair with a book. He stood by the window, hands clasped behind his back, gazing out over the city.

    "You''re punctual," Lassen said without turning around.

    "I''m a journalist. It''s my job."

    Lassen finally turned, a faint smile playing on his lips.

    "And now it''s mine too. Sit down, Samuel. We have a lot to discuss."

    Samuel sat, pulling out his notebook and voice recorder.

    "Before we start, there''s something I need to know," he said. "Why take this risk now? Why reveal yourself when you could stay in the shadows?"

    Lassen leaned against the desk, his gaze suddenly heavier.

    "Because the shadows don''t protect me anymore. They already tried to kill me. And they''ll fail again. But this time, I want them to know who they''re facing."

    Samuel''s heart raced.

    "You''re declaring war?"

    Lassen smiled.

    "I''m not declaring anything. I''m finishing what they started."

    Samuel took a deep breath.

    "And what exactly are you planning to reveal? Your inventions? Your weapons? Your technology?"

    "Only what they need to know to think twice before acting. Not everything. Not yet."

    Samuel frowned.

    "And what about your identity? Will the world know who Mr. X really is?"

    Lassen stared at Samuel for a long moment before answering.

    "They''ll know enough to be afraid. But not enough to understand."

    Silence filled the room. Samuel knew he was moments away from capturing the biggest story of his career.

    Finally, Lassen broke the silence.

    "Get ready. This interview is going to shake the world."

 Chapter 49 Breaking the Silence

    Samuel Hart settled into the chair facing Lassen, his recorder placed carefully on the table between them. The silence in the room was almost suffocating, broken only by the faint hum of holographic devices projecting maps and reports onto the walls.

    Lassen, seated with a relaxed posture, exuded an aura of control. Yet his eyes, cold and sharp, betrayed a tension that stood in stark contrast to his outward calm.

    Samuel activated his recorder and took a deep breath.

    "I''m going to get straight to the point."

    Lassen gave a slight nod, urging him to continue.

    "Was it you who annihilated Geria''s military base?"

    The silence that followed lasted only a fraction of a second, but it felt heavy and deliberate. Then Lassen answered without hesitation.

    "Yes."

    Samuel blinked, momentarily stunned by the directness of the confession. He had expected denials or vague responses¡ªnot such blunt acknowledgment.

    "So you''re admitting to destroying a foreign military installation? An attack of this scale... Do you realize what this means?"

    Lassen leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

    "I know exactly what it means. And I want the world to understand why I did it."

    Samuel grabbed his pen and notebook, scribbling quickly while keeping his eyes on Lassen.

    "Why? Explain it to me. Why target a military base? Why now?"

    Lassen gestured toward the holographic screens, which lit up with images.

    "Because they struck first."

    Samuel frowned.

    "Do you have proof?"

    "Of course."

    Lassen swiped his hand across the main screen, pulling up thermal surveillance footage. The first clip showed armed men infiltrating an isolated property¡ªSamuel immediately recognized it as Lassen''s villa. The images depicted coordinated movements, firing positions, and even a military drone circling overhead.

    "These images were captured the night of the attack," Lassen explained. "They sent an elite squad to eliminate me. They failed."

    Samuel leaned in to get a better look.

    "And that''s enough justification to destroy an entire base?"

    Lassen''s lips curved slightly, though his eyes remained icy.

    "That''s far from the whole story."

    He swiped again, revealing intercepted communications.

    Filtered voices and encrypted military codes played over the speakers. Samuel listened closely, his brows furrowing as he heard orders to "neutralize the target" and "erase all traces."

    "They didn''t know who I was," Lassen said. "But they knew I was a threat. What they didn''t anticipate was that their failure would have consequences."

    Samuel couldn''t hide his unease.

    "But... you destroyed an entire base. Soldiers. Staff. Not just the ones who gave the orders."

    Lassen shrugged.

    "Soldiers following orders, yes. But does ignorance absolve them? I simply responded to a direct attack. If I hadn''t, you wouldn''t be sitting here asking me questions."

    "You think I want chaos?" Lassen''s voice dropped lower, more dangerous. "No. I want stability. But to build something new, you first have to demolish what''s rotten."

    Samuel frowned deeply, his grip tightening around his pen.

    "And who decides what''s rotten? You?"

    "They decided for me," Lassen snapped, leaning over the table, his eyes piercing through Samuel. "When they sent armed men to kill me. So yes. I decide now."

    A shiver ran down Samuel''s spine, but he refused to look away.

    "You''re ready to start a war?"

    Lassen''s expression softened into something resembling a smile, but there was no warmth in it¡ªonly certainty.

    "The war has already started," Lassen said, his voice like steel. "I''m just responding."

    Samuel set his pen down and hesitated before switching off the recorder for a brief moment.

    "Everything you''ve said will be broadcast. You know that, don''t you?"

    "I''m counting on it."

    "And if this makes you public enemy number one?"

    "Let them come." Lassen''s words cut through the air like a blade, sharp and unyielding.

    Samuel turned the recorder back on and straightened in his seat, trying to steady himself.

    "What''s your message to the world?" he asked, his voice quieter now, almost a whisper. "Not to Geria, but to everyone."

    Lassen paused, his eyes narrowing as though he were carving each word carefully in his mind.

    "My message is simple."

    He stood straighter, his presence filling the room like a storm brewing just beyond the horizon.

    "Don''t provoke me."

    Samuel opened his mouth to respond, but Lassen raised his hand sharply, silencing him.

    "I''m not a tyrant. I''m not a terrorist. But I''m not a victim either. I''m a builder. And those who try to destroy what I build will watch their own foundations crumble."

    Samuel recorded every word, the weight of the declaration sinking in like a heavy stone in his chest.

    "And what if some see you as a monster?"

    Lassen''s lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile¡ªcold, calculated, and utterly fearless.

    "Then they''d better pray they never see what I can truly become."

    Samuel reached over and pressed the stop button on his recorder, letting out a breath he didn''t realize he had been holding.

    "That''s the most direct¡ªand terrifying¡ªmessage I''ve ever heard."

    "It''s also the most honest." Lassen extended his hand across the table, his grip firm, unshakable. "Now it''s your turn."

    Samuel shook Lassen''s hand, feeling the confidence and certainty radiating from the man in waves.

    "I''ll publish this interview," Samuel said, though the words felt heavier than he had anticipated. "But you know what this will trigger¡ªinvestigations, attacks, attempts to silence you."

    "Let them try." Lassen grinned as he stood, his presence towering. "This is just the beginning."

    Samuel stood as well, gathering his equipment with a quiet efficiency, though his mind still reeled from everything he had just witnessed. He stole one last glance at Lassen¡ªthe man who, in just a few words, had declared war on the world and dared it to fight back.

 Chapter 50 The Face of the Shadow

    Note : Thank you TheLuchkyCode for the gifts and the support

    ______

    Samuel Hart stepped out of Lassen''s villa, his thoughts swirling as he walked toward the black car waiting for him outside the gate. Adrian, ever composed and imposing in his dark suit, opened the rear door without a word. Samuel hesitated for a moment before climbing in.

    The drive back to the city unfolded in heavy silence. Samuel''s eyes remained fixed on the leather bag resting on his lap. Inside, his recorder held not just the explosive interview but also the irrefutable evidence Lassen had provided¡ªvideos, intercepted communications, and thermal images. Data capable of plunging the world into chaos in an instant.

    He took a deep breath, forcing himself to steady his nerves. His hands still trembled¡ªnot from fear, but from the lingering rush of adrenaline. He had just witnessed a veiled declaration of war, and he was now its messenger.

    "Everything is about to change," he muttered under his breath.

    Adrian glanced at him briefly through the rearview mirror.

    "Prepare yourself. Once you release this story, there''s no going back."

    Samuel looked up, meeting Adrian''s sharp gaze.

    "You think I don''t know that? It''s my job."

    Adrian shrugged slightly, but his expression remained hard.

    "This isn''t just another article. What you have there could start a war¡ªor stop one."

    Samuel didn''t answer. Deep down, he knew Adrian was right.

    ---

    In the Newsroom

    Samuel pushed through the glass doors of the newsroom, his leather bag strapped tightly to his shoulder. The atmosphere inside was already electric. Satellite images of the destroyed base looped on the monitors, while journalists rushed around, gathering information and preparing emergency broadcasts.

    "Hart! Finally!" called out his editor-in-chief, a weathered man in his fifties with deep lines etched across his face from years of pressure. "Tell me you''ve got something!"

    Samuel set his bag on the desk and pulled out the recorder.

    "I don''t just have something. I have everything."

    The editor''s demeanor shifted instantly, his curiosity replaced by a more serious and almost nervous intensity.

    "Explain."

    Samuel opened his laptop, connected the recorder, and began uploading the files. Screens filled with images¡ªthermal scans, intercepted communications, and most importantly, Lassen''s cold and deliberate interview.

    The editor leaned in, eyes widening as he saw the armed squad infiltrating Lassen''s property. His expression darkened as Lassen''s voice filled the room, delivering statements that cut through the noise like a knife.

    "You''re telling me... he admits it? He''s taking responsibility for this attack?"

    "Not just responsibility," Samuel replied. "He''s explaining why¡ªand warning that this is only the beginning."

    The editor stepped back, running a hand nervously through his thinning hair.

    "Do you have any idea what you''re sitting on, Hart? If we publish this, we''re lighting a match over a powder keg. Governments will lose their minds!"

    "And if we don''t?" Samuel shot back. "They''ll make decisions based on lies, and the consequences could be even worse."

    The editor folded his arms, trying to steady himself.

    "You want to run this as is? No edits, no filters? Are you absolutely sure?"

    "This is what Mr. X wants," Samuel said firmly. "And it''s what the world needs to hear."

    The editor stared at him for a long moment before nodding reluctantly.

    "Fine. But first, we send it through legal and alert upper management. This is way above our pay grade."

    Samuel nodded, feeling the tension in the room thicken as he uploaded the files to the secure server. The progress bar inched forward, each second stretching painfully long.

    ---

    One Hour Later

    Samuel sat across from the network''s CEO, a man in a crisp gray suit whose stern expression revealed nothing as he read through the report.

    "Are you certain about the source?" the CEO finally asked, his voice calm but heavy.

    "I got it straight from the source himself."

    The CEO slowly closed the file and looked up.

    "You realize what you''re proposing? This isn''t a scandal or a political expose?. This is a declaration of war aired on live television."

    "We have a duty to inform the public," Samuel said firmly.

    "He exposed what governments have been hiding from us for years. He''s defending himself and proving that we can fight back against corruption and abuse of power."

    An older man shouted angrily:

    "He''s a tyrant! A lunatic who thinks he can impose his own laws! Today he attacks Geria¡ªwho''s next?!"

    Society was divided, and the debates only grew louder.

    ---

    At Geria''s Military Headquarters

    The Minister of Defense stared at a screen displaying Lassen''s calm and composed interview. His fingers trembled slightly as he gripped the edge of the table.

    "He must be eliminated," he muttered, his voice low but seething with anger.

    "Sir, our agents found no usable traces. His team erased every bit of evidence and scrambled our networks," an officer reported.

    "Then find something. Anything!" the minister snapped, sweeping papers off his desk. "He can''t get away with this!"

    An analyst in the corner hesitated before speaking.

    "But what if... what if he really is untouchable?"

    The room fell into an uneasy silence.

    ---

    At Lassen''s Villa

    Lassen sat in his office, watching reactions pour in on his holographic screens. News channels ran special reports, dissecting every word he had spoken.

    The system''s voice interrupted with its usual sarcasm.

    [Congratulations. You''re officially the most feared and admired person on the planet.]

    "I expected nothing less," Lassen replied, stretching in his chair.

    [Governments are panicking. Activists are worshipping you. And Geria probably wants your head on a silver platter.]

    "They''re welcome to try."

    Lassen''s gaze shifted to the screens, where images of protests, debates, and conspiracy theories flooded social media. To some, he was a savior. To others, a monster.

    Alex entered the room, visibly tense.

    "They''re all talking about you. Nations are pushing for an emergency summit. Macro is already receiving pressure to explain its connection to you."

    Lassen smirked.

    "Good. Confusion is to our advantage."

    Alex hesitated, his concern evident.

    "And what if they decide to act together against us? You''re becoming too visible."

    Lassen slowly turned to face him, his smile fading.

    "That''s exactly what I want. Let them see me. Let them fear me. It''ll make them hesitate before pulling the trigger."

    Alex nodded, though the worry didn''t leave his eyes.

    "And what if someone doesn''t hesitate?"

    Lassen raised a hand, and holographic simulations of counterattacks and defensive measures filled the screens.

    "They won''t have time to regret it."

    ---

    Across the World

    The interview continued to dominate headlines. Protests intensified. Stock markets fluctuated wildly. Defense departments increased their alert levels. Secret meetings between world leaders were held behind closed doors.

    But amidst the chaos, one thing became clear¡ªLassen had become more than a name.

    He was now a symbol.

    To some, a symbol of defiance and revolution.

    To others, a symbol of fear and uncontrollable power.

    And as the world teetered on the edge of uncertainty, Lassen leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the screens as the storm he had unleashed raged on.

    "Let them watch," he murmured. "This is only the beginning."

 Chapter 51 Alliance

    Lassen sat in his office, a steaming cup of tea in hand, watching the holographic projections flashing across the walls. Military reports, televised debates, and analysts'' reactions merged into an organized chaos he controlled effortlessly. Yet, despite the frantic speculations about the identity of the man behind the destruction of Geria''s base, Lassen remained calm¡ªalmost detached.

    A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. Adrian entered, followed closely by the police chief. The latter seemed slightly nervous, holding a thick folder under his arm.

    "Mr. X."

    Lassen looked up, a faint but calculated smile playing at the corner of his lips.

    "Director. It''s rare to see you in person. Bad news?"

    The director approached, placing the folder on the table before responding.

    "The king has requested to see you. Immediately."

    Lassen calmly set his cup down on the table.

    "The king? I suppose it''s not to give me a medal."

    The director crossed his arms, visibly tense.

    "The kingdom is under international pressure. Several governments are demanding explanations for your actions. Some are already talking about sanctions if we don''t distance ourselves from you."

    Lassen smirked.

    "It''s amusing. They really think they can abandon me when I''m their only way out."

    He leaned back in his chair, his expression as serene as ever.

    "And what does the king think?"

    "He''s... undecided."

    The director hesitated before continuing.

    "Some ministers want to sacrifice you to calm the situation. Others believe you''re an invaluable asset. But they all want to hear from you before making a final decision."

    "And you?" Lassen asked, locking eyes with the director.

    The director hesitated before answering.

    "I think you''re the best thing that''s happened to this country. But you''re also the most dangerous."

    Lassen slowly stood, adjusting his jacket.

    "Then let''s show them why they can''t afford to lose me."

    ---

    Lassen''s convoy made its way through the city under heavy surveillance. The presence of guards and armored vehicles drew the attention of bystanders. Some whispered, others took photos, but no one dared to approach.

    When they arrived at the palace, Lassen stepped out of the car, taking in the imposing architecture. The columns and gilded decorations symbolized ancient, stable power¡ªa stark contrast to the technological revolution he was about to introduce.

    Adrian opened the massive door leading to the throne room. The king was already seated, surrounded by his advisors and several generals. His gaze was calm yet piercing.

    "Mr. X."

    Lassen approached and gave a slight bow before shaking the king''s hand.

    "Your Majesty."

    The king gestured toward a chair facing him.

    "Take a seat. We have serious matters to discuss."

    Lassen sat down, his eyes scanning the curious expressions of the advisors. Some appeared wary, others intrigued.

    The king broke the silence.

    "You''ve placed us in a difficult situation. Your actions have drawn global attention, and now we face threats of sanctions and isolation. Why did you act without consulting us?"

    Lassen crossed his arms.

    "Because I don''t need permission to survive. They attacked me. I responded."

    Murmurs spread through the room. One advisor stood abruptly.

    "This reckless behavior puts us all in danger! How can we justify¡ª"

    The king raised his hand, instantly restoring silence.

    The scientist rushed to the device, pulling a small portable scanner from his pocket and began analyzing the chip from every angle. The results appeared immediately on his personal screen.

    "This is... this is impossible..."

    The king leaned forward.

    "What do you see?"

    "The circuit network is several times denser than anything we''ve ever seen. And this structure..." He pointed to a specific detail on the screen. "This transmission pattern hasn''t even been theorized in our research! It''s using an entirely new method for optical and thermal data transfer."

    A skeptical advisor slammed his fist on the table.

    "This could be a fake! He might be deceiving us with an advanced illusion or a rigged device."

    Lassen slowly stood and approached the table.

    "If you think it''s fake, test it. Connect it to your systems. See for yourself."

    The king gave a stern look to his advisor.

    "Do it."

    Adrian handed over a specialized cable. Within moments, the processor was connected to the palace''s main terminal.

    The scientist watched the screen, typing commands. After a few seconds, his expression shifted from disbelief to controlled panic.

    "It connected instantly! The execution speed is... It''s at least fifty times faster than our best current models!"

    Another advisor stepped closer, his brows furrowed.

    "This kind of technology could dominate the global market. But it could also destroy entire economies. If this processor goes public, it will render all existing industries obsolete!"

    Lassen locked eyes with the advisor.

    "Exactly. And that''s why you need me to control its deployment. Otherwise, others will try to use it against you."

    The king raised his hand to silence the room.

    "You''re saying we must accept your help. But what guarantees do we have that you won''t turn this technology against us?"

    Lassen replied in a calm but sharp tone.

    "Because I''m not interested in political power. I create. I build. But if you abandon me, I can just as easily destroy. This processor is either a blessing or a curse. That depends on you."

    A nervous advisor whispered to the king.

    "Sire, we''re playing with fire."

    The king stood and locked eyes with Lassen.

    He took a deep breath before speaking.

    "And you''re offering us this?"

    "If you support me publicly and grant me protection, yes. With or without you, I''ll keep moving forward. But with you, Macro will become an undeniable technological powerhouse."

    A heavy silence fell over the room. The advisors exchanged nervous glances.

    Finally, the king stood and approached Lassen.

    "You''ll have my support."

    He turned to his advisors.

    "You''ve seen what he can accomplish. From today, Mr. X is our ally, and we will work with him to ensure the prosperity and security of our kingdom."

    A murmur spread through the room, but no one dared to object.

    Lassen smiled inwardly. He had just secured his position.

    "Your Majesty, you''ve made the choice that will secure your country''s future."

    The king placed a hand on Lassen''s shoulder.

    "But remember this¡ªif you betray this kingdom, I''ll be the first to stop you."

    Lassen responded with a cold smile.

    "Then make sure I never need to."

 Chapter 52 Domino Effect

    Note : Thank you Drokto for the support

    _________

    The world had barely had time to absorb the Kingdom of Macro''s announcement when the media waves flared up again. Images of the NOVA-1 processor and the holograms displayed during the press conference flooded news channels and social media.

    In the luxurious offices of the world''s largest semiconductor and technology companies, the announcement triggered a silent panic.

    Silicon Valley, United States ¨C TechCore International Headquarters

    TechCore''s CEO, Richard Hensley, a man in his fifties with a perfectly tailored suit, paced nervously around the conference room. Around him, board members and lead engineers scrutinized the schematics projected on the massive screen.

    "This is a hoax" declared one of the engineers. "No one can create a processor with such a high circuit density. It''s scientifically impossible."

    Richard turned abruptly.

    "Impossible? Did you see the performance? The tests they showed were real. We''ve got nothing that even comes close, and you know it."

    A heavy silence fell over the room.

    "And what if they''re telling the truth..." murmured another executive. "If they''ve really developed a room-temperature superconductor, then our entire business model collapses. Our patents become obsolete overnight."

    Richard slammed his fist on the table.

    "Unacceptable! We''ve invested billions to maintain our monopoly. We control 80% of the global market! If this NOVA-1 hits the market, it will obliterate our entire supply chain."

    A legal advisor spoke up.

    "We can attack legally. Demand an in-depth analysis of their technology. If it violates existing patents, we can block its distribution."

    "And if they really bypassed our patents?" Richard replied, his eyes dark. "We can''t afford to wait. This isn''t just a commercial battle. It''s a threat to our country."

    He turned to a national security advisor connected via video call.

    "What about Washington? What is the government doing?"

    The advisor sighed.

    "The White House is on high alert. They''re evaluating the possibility of imposing sanctions against the Kingdom of Macro. But there''s a problem..."

    "What is it?"

    "They have Mr. X."

    A chilling silence fell.

    "That man isn''t just an inventor. He''s a weapon."

    Richard sank into his chair, his gaze fixed on the screen.

    "Then he needs to be neutralized, one way or another."

    ---

    Moscow, Russia ¨C Voltek Industries Headquarters

    In an office adorned with marble and gold, Voltek Industries'' CEO, Dmitri Ivanov, watched the recording of the press conference. Around him, military and economic advisors debated loudly.

    "This NOVA-1 ends America''s technological dominance" Ivanov declared, setting his glass down on the desk. "But it''s not a threat to us. It''s an opportunity."

    A military advisor raised an eyebrow.

    "You really think they''ll share this technology? They''ll never sell us a processor this advanced."

    Ivanov smiled.

    "Maybe not. But if we offer them a strategic partnership against U.S. sanctions? We have the energy resources and military expertise they''ll need. In exchange, we demand access to their technology."

    Another advisor interrupted.

    "And if that fails? What if the Americans succeed in pressuring Macro and Mr. X?"

    [A tyrant? I''d say more like a final boss in a video game. They''ve even made memes of you sitting on a flaming throne with a crown made of circuit boards. You''re famous.]

    Lassen nodded, amused.

    "Famous, huh? That wasn''t exactly the plan. I just wanted to read my books in peace and let the world keep turning."

    [Yes, and now instead of turning, the world trembles every time you sneeze. Congratulations.]

    Lassen walked over to his desk and pulled up a hologram of Elias working on an upgraded version of NOVA-1.

    "Do you think Elias ever sleeps?"

    [Would you doubt the abilities of your summoned genius? He''s programmed to work. You, on the other hand, are programmed to do nothing. A masterpiece.]

    "It''s my talent, and I own it."

    Lassen glanced at one of the reports still open on his screen.

    "By the way, can you remind me why the CIA thinks they can hack my systems when I literally designed you to humiliate them?"

    [They sent four hacking teams this morning. Do you want the logs or a summary?]

    "Summary."

    [Three cried at their keyboards, and one tried shutting down his computer to stop the alerts. Spoiler: it didn''t work.]

    "And now?"

    [They''ve sent an official request for a technological alliance. Apparently, threats weren''t enough, so now they''re trying flattery. Should I respond?]

    "I think we''ll make them wait. Can you send an automatic reply?"

    [Already prepared: ''Your request has been received and will be processed within the next 200 years. Sincerely, M. X.'']

    "Perfect."

    Lassen dropped into his chair and grabbed another book from his table.

    "You know, sometimes I wonder what would''ve happened if I''d never used NOVA-1. If I''d never retaliated against Geria."

    [You''d probably be dead. Or worse, stuck working in an office for a boss who criticizes you for being two minutes late. Is that what you want?]

    "I think I prefer being a tyrant, after all."

    The system beeped.

    [I have an alert. The United States just added your name to their ''watch list.'' Do you want me to send them a little gift?]

    "What kind of gift?"

    [A show of force. Maybe temporarily disable their satellites? Or send them a bill for their excessive use of spy networks?]

    "Not yet. Let them sweat a little. If you really want to do something, cut off their Netflix access for an hour."

    [Brutal. I like it.]

    Lassen laughed and flipped a page in his book, finally feeling relaxed despite the chaos brewing beyond the walls of his villa.

    [By the way, I''ve detected a group of Chinese researchers trying to recreate NOVA-1 using blurry photos taken during the press conference. Want to send them a note of encouragement?]

    "Yeah. Write: ''Good luck. You might be done by the end of the century.'' And add a smiley face."

    [Message sent. You''re evil.]

    "I''m realistic."

    He leaned back in his chair, watching the updates scroll across his screens. The world was still scrambling to deal with what he had unleashed, but for now, Lassen could savor this rare moment of calm.

    [Enjoy this moment, Host. At this rate, the next crisis is probably already brewing.]

    "I''m ready. But for now... let me finish my book."

    And in that fragile calm, Lassen found a semblance of normalcy¡ªat least, for a few hours.

 Chapter 53 Between Allies and Predators

    In a lavishly decorated conference room in the heart of Beijing, China''s Minister of Technology, Zhao Liang, studied the intricate schematics of NOVA-1 projected on a holographic screen. The glowing lines and detailed calculations hovered in the air, giving the room an almost surreal atmosphere. Around him, engineers and analysts whispered among themselves, their faces marked by tension and concern.

    Zhao tapped nervously on the table with his fingers, a habit he displayed whenever he was deep in thought.

    "This processor..." he finally murmured, breaking the silence. "It challenges the entire global balance. We are the world leaders in electronic chip production. But with this, we could be relegated to second place in an instant."

    One of the engineers, Liu Chen, cleared his throat and stood up.

    "Sir, technically speaking, we can try to replicate this design. But..." He hesitated, searching for the right words. "Even in the best-case scenario, it would take us years. A decade, maybe more, to reach this level."

    "A decade?" Zhao straightened abruptly, his voice sharp. "Do you think we have that luxury? If we let this M. X and Macro move forward alone, we''ll lose access to key markets. And worse, the Americans will dominate by using this technology as leverage."

    An economic advisor seated at the end of the table spoke up.

    "There may be another angle. The Kingdom of Macro is still a relatively weak player on the global stage. Their economy relies on limited resources, and their influence is marginal. We could use this situation to apply pressure¡ªan aggressive commercial offer, development partnerships. Otherwise, we could force them¡ª"

    "No!" Zhao immediately cut in, his tone firm. "If we use force or coercion, we''ll push them straight into the arms of the Americans. And then, we''ll have lost everything. Nothing to gain."

    Silence fell over the room, broken only by the hum of the hologram. Finally, another advisor, Zhang Wei, leaned forward.

    "Sir, we should see this situation as an opportunity. If we can cooperate with them and gain even partial access to their technology, we could strengthen our position against the United States."

    "Cooperation?" Zhao crossed his arms, considering the idea.

    "Think about it," Zhang continued. "This NOVA-1 may only be the beginning. If this M. X is capable of creating something this advanced, who knows what he''ll develop next? We need to be at that table now, not after the fact."

    A murmur of approval spread through the room.

    "And if Macro refuses?" Liu Chen interjected.

    Zhao fixed his gaze on the hologram, his expression hard.

    "Then we''ll make sure they don''t need to refuse."

    Another, more pragmatic advisor raised his hand.

    "And what if the Americans beat us to it? They''re quick to impose sanctions and form alliances."

    Zhao smiled, a cold and calculated smile.

    "The Americans are arrogant. They always believe they''re superior to everyone else. They''ll try to force Macro with sanctions and threats, like they always do."

    He paused before adding.

    "But this time, I have a feeling it won''t go as they expect."

    Exchanged glances confirmed that most of the members shared doubts about the United States'' usual tactics.

    "Prepare a delegation," Zhao declared, standing up and adjusting his suit. "Contact the Kingdom of Macro immediately. Let them know we want to begin formal discussions on mutually beneficial collaborations."

    "And if the Kingdom hesitates?" another advisor asked.

    Zhao shrugged.

    "Then we''ll offer them something they can''t refuse. Investments, infrastructure, military cooperation. But above all, we''ll treat them as partners, not subordinates."

    He turned to Liu Chen.

    "Also, start a detailed analysis of NOVA-1. Even if we can''t replicate it immediately, I want us to understand its foundation. Find every possible flaw in its design. Anything that could give us an advantage."

    Liu nodded quickly.

    Zhao stopped at the door and turned back to give one last warning to his team.

    "This processor is more than just technology. It''s a symbol of power. If we fail to secure our place in this new technological world, we''ll be reduced to following those who shaped it."

    He left the room, leaving his advisors exchanging concerned looks. The future had just changed, and they all knew it.

    ____________________________

    Moscow, Russia ¡ª Kremlin, Crisis Room

    Dmitri Ivanov gazed at a model of the globe resting at the center of the conference room. His eyes lingered on the small golden pin marking the location of the Kingdom of Macro. Around him, generals, economists, and intelligence agents argued loudly, their voices overlapping in a mixture of concern and determination.

    He tapped the table softly, demanding silence.

    "The Americans won''t wait," declared a square-faced officer, breaking the quiet. "They''ll find a way to sabotage this project if given the chance."

    A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, but Dmitri remained impassive.

    "I''ve heard they''re planning to sanction Macro if they don''t grant access to the technology to prove there are no patent violations," added another officer.

    An economist, Ivan Petrov, let out a sharp laugh.

    "And you believe them?!" he snapped. "They just want to steal the technology and maintain their monopoly. NOVA-1 is an economic declaration of war to them."

    "They come as friends, but their intentions are clear. They want a piece of the pie."

    A heavy silence fell over the room.

    "What do we do, Your Majesty?"

    The king stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the palace gardens.

    "We''ll receive them. But they need to understand one thing¡ªwe won''t give up anything that compromises our sovereignty."

    He turned to the chief of police.

    "Contact Mr. X. I want his opinion on this situation before the delegations arrive."

    ____________________________________________

    Lassen was sprawled out on his couch, an open book resting on his chest while a cup of tea sat cooling on the coffee table. Holograms swirled silently around him, projecting reports and economic simulations he hadn''t even bothered to read.

    The peaceful silence was interrupted by the familiar voice of the system.

    [Host, you have a new message.]

    Lassen opened one eye before closing it again.

    "Who decided to ruin my day?"

    [Probably you, when you decided to mess with the balance of global power.]

    Lassen sighed and set his book aside.

    "I know, I know. What is it this time?"

    [China and Russia have confirmed they''re sending delegations to discuss NOVA-1.]

    Lassen raised an eyebrow, sitting up slightly.

    "Delegations? You mean men in suits, with sweaty handshakes and folders that weigh too much?"

    [Exactly. They''ll come with forced smiles and offers full of hidden clauses.]

    Lassen smirked.

    "Perfect. I''ll make them sit down, serve them tea, and remind them they came here to beg."

    [Charming. Are you planning to offer them cookies too?]

    "Only if they cry."

    The system let out a soft beep.

    [The king wants to know if you have any ideas for handling these delegations.]

    Lassen grabbed his cup of tea, lifted it to his lips, then grimaced when he realized it was cold.

    "They can say what they want. To them, this is revolutionary technology. To me, it''s just a hobby."

    [Show-off.]

    "Shut up." Lassen smirked and placed the cup back on the table. "Call Alex. I need to hear what he thinks."

    [Calling now. Prepare to hear words like ''logistics'' and ''diplomatic protocols.'']

    Lassen rolled his eyes.

    "I''ll survive. Worst case, I''ll mute him."

    Seconds later, Alex appeared on a floating screen, as impeccably dressed as always but with slight shadows under his eyes.

    "You heard?" Lassen asked.

    "Of course. The question is¡ªare you planning to greet them in pajamas or a suit?"

    "I was thinking a bathrobe. To assert dominance."

    Alex pinched the bridge of his nose.

    "You''re not serious."

    "What do you think? I''m not even going to show up. I''ll let the government handle the negotiations. They''re used to this kind of thing anyway." Lassen stretched and propped his feet on the coffee table. "What do you think they really want? Trade deals? Threats disguised as promises?"

    "A bit of both. For now, Macro doesn''t have the infrastructure or strength to be fully independent. We''ll have to give them something."

    "I know. Contact the chief of police or someone else and pitch your ideas for the negotiations."

    Alex opened his mouth to respond, but Lassen immediately disconnected the call.

 Chapter 54 Diplomatic Games

    Note: Thank you to everyone who has supported this novel. We are only at the beginning ¡ª I will not let you down.

    __________________________

    Dawn in Macro painted the sky in shades of pink and gold, reflecting off the modern structures of the capital. This morning was different¡ªit marked the start of a day that could determine the nation''s destiny. A palpable tension hung in the air, visible in the eyes of the citizens, as the official planes from China and Russia landed just minutes apart at Macro''s international airport.

    The airport had been transformed for the occasion. Security teams scanned every corner with silent drones, their thermal sensors sweeping the surroundings. Holographic barriers projected deterrent images, clearly marking restricted areas, while facial recognition systems monitored every movement.

    Armored vehicles were strategically stationed, and agents in black suits blended into the crowd, communicating through earpieces. Yet, despite these impressive measures, it was evident that Macro lacked the scale and experience of superpowers when it came to diplomatic security.

    A royal guard officer supervised screens displaying live feeds from drones and thermal cameras. Behind him, a specialized team monitored radio frequencies, ready to detect any attempts at interception or espionage.

    For seasoned observers, this display was anything but accidental. Every detail, from the barriers to the encrypted communication modules, sent a clear message¡ªMacro was not a nation easily intimidated.

    Local and international media were already in position, their cameras capturing every movement of the diplomats. Journalists from the "Macro Daily" and CNN International were among the first to document the event, camera flashes sparking like shooting stars. The King of Macro, accompanied by his prime minister and a suite of advisors, waited on the tarmac. The king exuded calm majesty, while his advisors, dressed in tailored suits, bore the weight of the day''s significance. They knew this day could define Macro''s trajectory for decades to come.

    The Chinese delegation disembarked first, led by Zhao Liang, the Minister of Technology, a man whose every gesture seemed calculated. He was flanked by engineers specializing in advanced technologies and seasoned diplomats, their expressions betraying only a hint of curiosity and ambition toward NOVA-1. Moments later, Dmitri Ivanov, representing Russia, emerged from his plane with an almost arrogant confidence. His generals and economic advisors followed, scanning the horizon as if every detail might reveal a strategic advantage.

    The King of Macro extended his hand to welcome the delegations, speaking with a soft but firm authority. "Welcome to Macro. We hope these discussions will bear fruit for our three nations." The welcoming ceremony was brief but rich in symbolism. Flags fluttered in the morning breeze, and opening speeches spoke of cooperation and innovation. Yet beneath the layer of courtesy, everyone knew this was a diplomatic battlefield.

    The negotiation hall was an architectural masterpiece, its de?cor showcasing Macro''s rich cultural heritage spanning hundreds of years. The walls were adorned with murals depicting the great battles and historic alliances that had shaped the kingdom. Every detail, from the carved patterns in the dark wood to the subtle gold accents framing the columns, told a story of resilience and grandeur.

    At the center of the room, a circular table made of polished marble symbolized equality among the participants. Yet, its imposing size and pristine surface gave the impression that those who sat there needed to prove themselves worthy.

    Large arched windows allowed natural light to stream in, illuminating tapestries with intricate patterns that depicted scenes of harvests, festivals, and cultural advancements. A massive crystal chandelier, suspended from the ceiling, cast a soft glow that heightened the solemn atmosphere of the hall.

    The chairs themselves, upholstered in fine leather embroidered with gold thread, seemed designed as much to command respect as to provide understated comfort. Every detail reflected the kingdom''s intent to impress its guests while reminding them of a legacy forged through trials long before the arrival of these delegations.

    "Because there''s no need," the Prime Minister replied calmly. "Every step of the process is protected by proprietary encryption and hardware-locked systems."

    Zhao Liang responded with measured words. "The Kingdom of Macro has demonstrated its ability to innovate, and China wishes to be part of this progress. We propose a technological alliance where we share production resources, markets, and expertise. In return, we request shared control over NOVA-1''s patents." His words sent ripples of tension around the table, revealing a clear intention to tie Macro''s technological power to China''s influence.

    Dmitri Ivanov, radiating impatience, spoke next. "Russia admires your technological boldness. We offer military and energy support, along with security agreements. In exchange, we seek exclusivity on certain aspects of NOVA-1''s production. With our support, Macro could become a technological hub protected from external pressures."

    The proposals were clear¡ªChina aimed for economic integration, while Russia pursued a strategic alliance. But Macro, under the leadership of the king and the prime minister, was prepared to navigate these turbulent waters with caution.

    "We appreciate your offers," the prime minister replied, "but Macro intends to maintain its technological independence. We are open to joint ventures for specific projects, but we will not relinquish control over NOVA-1. We seek partners, not overseers."

    A heavy silence fell as each party assessed the other. "We propose licensing agreements," the prime minister continued, "but these must come with direct investments in our infrastructure and diplomatic guarantees of non-aggression." The discussions shifted into technical details, with economic projections analyzed and benefits debated, but compromise remained elusive.

    Behind closed doors, advisors met privately, negotiating secondary agreements. Macro''s security forces, led by Adrian, stayed vigilant, aware of the constant threat of industrial espionage.

    At one point, Zhao approached the prime minister during a break. "You know, Macro could benefit greatly from direct access to the Chinese market. We could even offer protection against... certain external threats." The prime minister replied with a smile, "We appreciate the offer, but Macro isn''t looking for a protector. We''re looking for partners who understand our value."

    The negotiations resumed, growing more intricate. The king, observing every exchange, finally intervened. "We have much to consider. These discussions are the beginning of a relationship, not the end. We will review your proposals and come back with our own suggestions."

    The day ended without an agreement but with promises to continue talks. The Chinese and Russian diplomats left with expressions of frustration. In the quiet halls of the palace, the king and his ministers reflected. "They thought that without Mr. X, we''d be more pliable," the prime minister noted. "But we showed them that Macro is more than just its inventor."

    The king nodded. "We must remain vigilant. Mr. X followed the negotiations, didn''t he?"

    "Yes, through the cameras and real-time reports," the prime minister confirmed. "And Alex has contacted us with suggestions."

    "We''ll review them," said the king. "But for now, we must prepare for our next step. China and Russia aren''t the only ones looking toward Macro."

    A messenger arrived with urgent news. "Your Majesty, it appears the United States has announced potential sanctions against anyone cooperating with Macro without their involvement."

    The king and the prime minister exchanged a look, the complexity of the situation deepening. Macro stood at the center of a global power game, and every move had to be calculated with precision. The day had ended, but the diplomatic game had only just begun, with Macro determined to play its cards carefully in a world where ambitions ran as high as the stakes.

 Chapter 55 The Power Games

    The negotiation room was plunged into a heavy silence, the announcement of American sanctions hanging like a sword of Damocles over the table. The Chinese and Russian delegations, though rivals, seemed to share a common sentiment: Macro had just lost some of its advantage.

    The king and the prime minister, however, remained unflappable, their faces masking any trace of concern. Screens displayed complex economic data, while engineers and diplomats exchanged calculated glances.

    Zhao Liang, the Chinese Minister of Technology, was the first to break the silence. "The American sanctions complicate things," he admitted, his hands clasped on the table. "But China remains open to collaboration. We propose a strengthened partnership, with direct investments in your infrastructure, in exchange for increased participation in the development of NOVA-1."

    He gestured toward one of his engineers, who projected a diagram detailing the economic benefits of an alliance with China.

    "Our state-of-the-art factories can produce NOVA-1 components on a large scale, reducing your production costs by nearly 40%. In return, we request exclusive access to Asian markets for products derived from this technology."

    Dmitri Ivanov, representing Russia, was not to be outdone. "Russia, for its part, can offer protection against these sanctions. Our diplomatic networks and military alliances are at your disposal. In return, we simply request exclusivity over the military applications of NOVA-1."

    He signaled to one of his generals, who presented a detailed plan for military cooperation. "Our S-500 missile defense systems can be deployed at Macro''s borders, providing protection against any external threat. In exchange, we wish to integrate NOVA-1 into our command and control systems."

    The prime minister of Macro nodded, his expression remaining neutral. "Your proposals are interesting, but Macro cannot sacrifice its technological independence. What we propose is a balanced collaboration: limited production licenses in exchange for investments and diplomatic guarantees. We are open to joint ventures for specific projects, but only under joint supervision."

    The discussions quickly grew heated, with each delegation trying to gain the upper hand. Chinese engineers emphasized the economic benefits of an alliance with China, while the Russians highlighted their ability to shield Macro from external pressures. But Macro stood firm, refusing to compromise its technological independence.

    The Chinese proposal was enticing: cutting-edge factories capable of producing NOVA-1 components on a large scale, reducing production costs by nearly 40%. In return, China demanded exclusive access to Asian markets for products derived from this technology. Chinese engineers presented a detailed plan to integrate NOVA-1 into their 6G communication networks, promising unparalleled transmission speeds.

    Russia, on the other hand, offered military protection with its S-500 missile defense systems, capable of intercepting any projectile within a 600-kilometer range. In exchange, they requested exclusivity over the military applications of NOVA-1, including its integration into command and control systems. Additionally, Russia proposed preferential rates for natural resources, such as gas and oil, to support Macro''s economy.

    Macro, however, remained steadfast. The prime minister proposed limited production licenses, allowing China and Russia to produce NOVA-1 under joint supervision. In return, Macro demanded massive investments in its infrastructure, including the construction of new factories and research centers. Furthermore, Macro insisted on diplomatic guarantees of non-aggression and support in the event of conflict.

    The discussions grew increasingly tense, with each delegation trying to maximize its gains. Chinese and Russian engineers exchanged technical arguments, while diplomats sought common ground. The king and prime minister of Macro held their ground, refusing to cede control of NOVA-1.

    At one point, Zhao Liang leaned forward, his piercing eyes focused. "You must understand that without China, Macro will not be able to develop NOVA-1 on a large scale. Our factories and markets are essential for your success."

    Dmitri Ivanov, representing Russia, added, "And without Russia''s protection, Macro will be vulnerable to external pressures. The American sanctions are just the beginning."

    The prime minister of Macro smiled, though the smile did not reach his eyes.

    ---

    Meanwhile, in the palace corridors, away from prying eyes, members of the delegations gathered for private discussions. Zhao Liang, the Chinese Minister of Technology, stood in a discreet corner, surrounded by his engineers. Rapid whispers in Mandarin echoed through the hallway, their voices low but intense. "They won''t budge," said one of the engineers, a man with thick glasses and a serious demeanor. "Their position is too firm. We need to find another angle, perhaps by leveraging their economic needs."

    Zhao Liang, arms crossed, was deep in thought. "We cannot afford to lose this opportunity. NOVA-1 is a revolutionary technology, and China must capitalize on it. If Macro refuses to yield, we may have to consider more... persuasive measures."

    On the other side of the corridor, Dmitri Ivanov, the Russian representative, was speaking in hushed tones with his generals. Their exchanges in Russian were punctuated by energetic gestures. "Macro is stronger than we thought," admitted one of the generals, a burly man with a scar across his cheek. "But they can''t hold out indefinitely. The American sanctions will weaken them, and we must be ready to act when they are on their knees."

    Dmitri Ivanov, a sly smile on his lips, replied, "Russia has always known how to play its cards at the right moment. We must remain patient and ready to strike when the opportunity arises."

    ---

    As the delegations left the palace, a messenger arrived in haste, carrying urgent news. He stopped before the king and prime minister, out of breath but determined. "Your Majesty," he said, handing over a sealed document, "it appears the United States is preparing a new wave of sanctions, specifically targeting Macro''s partners. They are threatening to block all access to international markets for companies that collaborate with us."

    The king took the document, his face betraying a slight tension. The prime minister, at his side, clenched his fists. "They will give us no respite," he murmured.

    The king nodded, his expression becoming impassive once more. "We must anticipate their moves and prepare our counterattack. Macro will not yield, no matter the cost."

    The king''s gaze hardened as he handed the document back to the messenger. "Prepare a meeting with our economic advisors and the heads of our major industries," he ordered. "We need to assess the full impact of these sanctions and develop a contingency plan. Macro cannot afford to be caught off guard."

    The messenger bowed and hurried off, leaving the king and prime minister alone once more. The prime minister leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. "The Americans are playing a dangerous game," he said, his voice low. "They think they can isolate us, but they underestimate our resolve. We have resources they don''t fully understand, and alliances they can''t easily break."

    The king nodded, his expression thoughtful. "True, but we must tread carefully. If we push too hard, we risk uniting our enemies against us. We need to balance strength with diplomacy. Perhaps it''s time to reach out to other nations who feel the weight of American dominance. India, for example, or even some of the smaller but technologically advanced nations in Southeast Asia. They may be willing to collaborate if we offer them a share in NOVA-1''s potential."

    The prime minister considered this, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It''s a risky move. The more players we bring into this, the harder it will be to maintain control. But you''re right¡ªwe need allies. And if we can position NOVA-1 as a tool for global progress rather than a weapon, we might be able to sway public opinion in our favor."

    The king walked over to the window, staring out at the sprawling palace gardens. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns. "We also need to think about our people," he said quietly. "The sanctions will hit them hardest. Rising prices, shortages, unemployment¡ªthese are the things that could destabilize us from within. We must ensure that our citizens understand the stakes and stand with us."

    The prime minister rose from his chair and joined the king at the window. "I''ll address the nation tomorrow," he said. "We''ll explain the situation and outline the steps we''re taking to protect our economy. But we''ll also remind them of what''s at stake¡ªour independence, our future, and our ability to shape our own destiny."

    The king turned to face him, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You always know what to say, Prime Minister. But remember, words alone won''t be enough. We need action. We need results."

 Chapter 56 Diplomatic Chess Games

    Note : Thank you Tervantas for the gift and the support

    __________

    The press room, set up in the main wing of the royal palace, was brimming with energy. Dozens of journalists from around the world, some in formal suits and others in more casual attire, had taken their seats in front of the stage. Cameras mounted on imposing tripods scanned the room, ready to broadcast every word spoken.

    Lassen watched the scene from a private screen in his office, a cup of tea in one hand and a faint smile on his lips.

    [Host, the room is 96% full. Some journalists haven''t found their seats yet. Should I send them a seating chart?]

    "Let them fight for seats. It''ll add a bit of entertainment before the real show starts."

    __________________________

    The king entered the room to measured applause. At his side, the prime minister and Elias, the designer of NOVA-1, displayed calculated calm despite the palpable pressure.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming," the king began, his voice resonating throughout the hall. "Today, we are here to clarify our position regarding recent events and officially present the technology that has sparked so much debate."

    With a wave of his hand, he invited Elias to step forward. Elias activated a projector, revealing an animated model of the NOVA-1 processor floating above the stage. Murmurs immediately spread through the room.

    Elias spoke:

    "The NOVA-1 is not just a processor. It''s a complete redefinition of what it means to process information. With its modular structure and optical integration capabilities, it can perform complex calculations at speeds never before achieved."

    Three-dimensional schematics illustrated how the circuits used light beams to transfer data, virtually eliminating the heat generated by traditional processors.

    "In other words," Elias added, "we''ve eliminated energy bottlenecks and opened the door to truly scalable computing."

    A journalist raised his hand.

    "James Carter, TechWorld. You claim to have bypassed the limits of thermal and electrical conductivity. Can you explain how you overcame challenges that even the largest companies have failed to address?"

    Elias smiled.

    "Our materials are engineered from a nanotechnological structure that optimizes energy flow at an atomic scale. Without diving too deep into technical specifics, let''s just say our research into superconductors has achieved results that were deemed impossible just a few years ago."

    Another journalist, this time from the Financial Times, spoke up.

    "How do you ensure this processor won''t be used for military purposes? With such performance, it could easily be repurposed for autonomous weapons or massive surveillance systems."

    The prime minister responded in a calm tone.

    "Macro is committed to regulating the use of this technology. We have implemented strict protocols to limit its application to civilian and scientific uses. Any attempt to militarize it will be treated as a severe violation of our international agreements."

    Another journalist raised her hand.

    "Linda Clarke, BBC. The Chinese and Russian delegations have been in Macro for several days. Can you tell us what role they played in the discussions about NOVA-1?"

    The prime minister responded immediately.

    "We have had frank and productive discussions with our Chinese and Russian partners. The goal was to explore collaboration opportunities while protecting our technological sovereignty. We proposed limited production licenses in exchange for investments and diplomatic guarantees."

    A journalist from Bloomberg stood up, holding a notebook filled with notes.

    "Michael Reeves, Bloomberg. If you''re limiting production and keeping this technology under strict control, how do you respond to accusations that Macro is trying to monopolize a global innovation?"

    The Prime Minister responded without hesitation.

    "This is not a monopoly. It''s a necessary protection. This technology could be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. Our priority is to ensure responsible use. We are open to partnerships, but not to the uncontrolled dissemination of our expertise."

    A French journalist spoke next.

    The King stared at the journalist before answering.

    "We are not challenging anyone. But we won''t surrender either. If defending our independence is seen as a challenge, then yes, we are ready to face it."

    A European journalist followed up.

    "Do you think the sanctions could escalate to military actions? Some analysts warn of an increased risk of conflict."

    The king responded again, his voice calm but firm.

    "We hope diplomacy will prevail. However, we are not naive. We have strengthened our defense capabilities and received offers of strategic support. Macro is prepared to defend itself, but we will always prioritize negotiation and cooperation."

    Murmurs resumed in the room. Some journalists exchanged skeptical glances, while others typed furiously on their laptops to broadcast the responses live.

    Meanwhile, Zhao Liang and Dmitri Ivanov, still present in the room, watched attentively. Zhao whispered to his advisor:

    "They''re holding their ground, but they know they can''t stand alone forever."

    Ivanov smirked slightly.

    "Maybe, but they''ve shown they won''t fold easily. This king is more cunning than we thought."

    ---

    Back in his office, Lassen raised his teacup.

    [Host, global reactions are divided. Some are calling it a technological miracle, others a threat.]

    "Obviously. Nothing new under the sun."

    [An expert just said you might be the next Einstein¡ªor the next technological dictator.]

    "I prefer ''misunderstood genius''." Lassen set down his cup and smirked. "Keep analyzing. This is just the beginning."

    ---

    A few days later, Lassen sprawled on his couch, a book open on his lap and a cup of cold tea on the coffee table. Holographic screens projected reports on the press conference, international reactions, and the latest analyses of the negotiations. Despite the alerts and notifications, he deliberately ignored them.

    The system broke the silence.

    [Host, you should at least look at the economic forecasts. They''re... interesting.]

    Lassen raised an eyebrow but didn''t look away from his book.

    "Interesting how?"

    [Interesting like a car with no brakes speeding toward a cliff.]

    Lassen slowly closed his book and set it aside.

    "Is this your way of motivating me to look at the reports?"

    [I prefer to call it a realistic evaluation.]

    "And I prefer to call it pessimism. They''re not doing anything yet. Not after that press conference."

    [Or maybe they''re already planning something worse. You should at least pretend to care.]

    "You''re supposed to worry for me. I''m supposed to stay calm."

    Despite the humor, tension lingered. Lassen knew the coming days would be decisive. But for now, he could savor a moment of calm before the storm.

 Chapter 57 Tea and Mathematics

    Note : Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to read and support this novel. Your encouragement, comments, and feedback mean the world to me. This story is only just beginning, and I promise to keep delivering chapters filled with intrigue, humor, and surprises.

    ________________________________________

    The sun had set over Macro, leaving a sky scattered with stars. The streets of the capital still buzzed with the aftermath of negotiations with foreign delegations. In newspapers and on news channels, debates raged about the future of NOVA-1 technology and rising tensions with the United States.

    In his office, Lassen was slouched in his chair, a novel in hand. His cup of cold tea sat within arm''s reach, untouched.

    The silence was broken by the familiar voice of the system.

    [Host.]

    Lassen lazily turned a virtual page before responding in a tired tone.

    "I''m busy."

    [Reading a fantasy romance about a misunderstood and overpowered hero? Very productive.]

    Lassen smirked.

    "You''ll never understand the importance of good character development. Now, what''s so urgent?"

    [Host, update on the global situation. I recommend you review it.]

    Lassen groaned without looking up.

    "Am I supposed to be impressed?"

    [If not, why did you ask me to tell you?]

    He rolled his eyes.

    "Alright, fine, you win. Go ahead."

    [The United States has formalized its new sanctions against Macro and its partners. Europe is still debating, but several countries are quietly proposing collaborations to bypass the restrictions. China and Russia have started transferring funds for investments.]

    "So?"

    [So, Macro is about to become the center of a geopolitical chessboard where you''re the king.]

    Lassen finally put down his book, glancing at the screens with mild irritation.

    "Should I be worried or proud?"

    [It depends on your ego. Do you want to be admired or feared?]

    "Both, but I''d still rather read my novels in peace." Lassen smiled and picked up his book again. "Keep monitoring the situation. Call me if they decide to start a nuclear war."

    [That would be a dramatic way to end the story.]

    Lassen chuckled softly.

    He slowly closed his book and leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smile.

    "Not bad."

    [Another misunderstood hero who saves the world and gets the girl?]

    Lassen ignored the system''s remark, his thoughts already elsewhere. His eyes landed on the holograms still floating in the room, streams of news and financial data scrolling at a hypnotic pace.

    "System, remind me of something."

    [What kind of ''something''?]

    "The Collatz Conjecture."

    [Ah, your first ''mathematical victory.'' The one that made you famous as Mr. X.]

    Lassen tapped his fingers against the table. "And the L-function? What makes it so mysterious?"

    [Think of the L-function as a mathematical fingerprint that encodes information about the curve. It''s built using data from prime numbers associated with the curve.]

    "Prime numbers again? Why do they keep showing up in everything?"

    [Because primes are the building blocks of integers. They''re fundamental, like atoms in chemistry. In this case, they help define patterns in the behavior of elliptic curves.]

    Lassen leaned closer, intrigued. "So, this conjecture is saying the L-function is the key to unlocking the number of rational points?"

    [Exactly. The conjecture proposes that the behavior of the L-function near the value 1 determines whether the elliptic curve has infinite or finite rational solutions.]

    "And if the L-function equals zero at 1, there are infinite solutions. If it doesn''t, the solutions are finite."

    [Correct. But proving this has stumped mathematicians for over half a century.]

    Lassen smiled. "Not anymore, I love impossible challenges."

    [Correction: ''impossible for them.'' I already found the solution.]

    Lassen set his cup down, intrigued "Really? And how did you do it?"

    The system projected a series of complex equations.

    [I generated and tested millions of elliptic curves, analyzed their behaviors, and calculated their L-functions using machine learning models and quantum simulations. After identifying recurring patterns, I reduced critical variables until isolating a mathematical constant tied to the zeros of the L-function.]

    Lassen stared at the holograms, the numbers dancing before his eyes "So you just... calculated until everything fit?"

    [In simple terms, yes. But I also used adaptive approximation methods based on fractals to handle edge cases.]

    "Of course, why not."

    He burst out laughing before straightening up.

    "And you think they''ll understand this explanation if they ask how I solved it?"

    [No. But you can always say you had a revelation during a walk.]

    Lassen grinned.

    "Or while drinking tea."

    [Note added: Develop a philosophical justification about mathematical inspiration and epiphanies.]

    "Prepare a full report with accessible explanations. We''re going to present this as a poisoned gift."

    The system beeped in confirmation [Report generation in progress. You''re about to break the academic world again.]

    Lassen crossed his arms as the system displayed the finalized equations.

    "You know" Lassen said, "what I like most about this conjecture?"

    [That it''s impossible for most people?]

    "No." Lassen smirked. "It''s that it shows how math isn''t just numbers. It''s patterns, predictions, and puzzles. And when you finally crack one, you''re not just solving equations¡ªyou''re rewriting the rules of the universe."

    [Inspirational. Should I add that quote to your report''s preface?]

    "Make it the opening line. Send it. Schedule the submission to the top mathematical journals."

    [Submission completed. Estimated time for initial reactions: 12 to 24 hours.]

    Lassen stood up and stretched "You know what? I think I''ll relax and read another novel while the world implodes."

    [Or you could start thinking about your next problem.]

    Lassen smirked "I think I''ll let the world catch its breath before I start again."

    He grabbed a book from his desk and settled in comfortably.

 Chapter 58 The Call of Light

    Note : Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to read and support this novel. Your encouragement, comments, and feedback mean the world to me. This story is only just beginning, and I promise to keep delivering chapters filled with intrigue, humor, and surprises.

    ____________________________________

    The morning sun filtered through the slightly open curtains of Lassen''s office, casting soft shadows on the walls. Slouched in his chair with a novel in hand, Lassen turned a page with calculated nonchalance. His cup of tea, still warm this time, rested on the coffee table beside him.

    The system interrupted the calm.

    [Host, congratulations. You are now officially an obsession for academics worldwide.]

    Lassen didn''t even look up from his book.

    "Tell me something I don''t already know."

    [Hundreds of emails continue to flood in. Requests for explanations about your mathematical demonstration now occupy 85% of scientific information feeds.]

    He smirked slightly, still reading.

    "I suppose they enjoy suffering."

    [And yet, they keep insisting.]

    Lassen finally closed his book and slowly placed it on the table.

    "Alright, let''s see what they have to say."

    The holographic screens lit up, displaying articles, discussion forums, and interview excerpts. Some scientists praised the elegance of his solution, while others labeled it as an impossible fraud.

    "Always the same reactions." Lassen stretched his arms. "Admiration and skepticism. It''s almost predictable."

    [There''s more. Several of the world''s top universities and research centers are demanding a public explanation. They want a live conference with you.]

    Lassen raised an eyebrow.

    "A conference? For what? Haven''t they already read the full 237-page report?"

    [Apparently, some didn''t understand it. Or rather, they refuse to believe that a single individual could solve this problem.]

    Lassen chuckled softly.

    "So, because they can''t keep up, I have to put on a show to prove I''m real?"

    [In summary, yes.]

    Lassen stood up and began pacing.

    "And what happens if they still doubt me after that? Am I supposed to solve another problem live? Maybe Goldbach''s conjecture this time?"

    [They mostly want explanations about your method, or my method. Some suspect you''re using technology they don''t yet understand.]

    Lassen crossed his arms.

    "Well, they''re not wrong about that."

    He sat back down and scrolled through the requests. Harvard, Oxford, MIT, Cambridge. The world''s top academic institutions were fighting for a seat at the conference.

    "They want answers, but they''re not ready to accept the ones they''ll get."

    [And you''re going to refuse?]

    Lassen smiled.

    "No. But I''ll make sure they regret asking."

    The system projected a list of expected attendees. Familiar faces of renowned professors, authors of revolutionary theories, and even some Nobel laureates appeared on the screens.

    "They''re sending their entire elite. Lovely."

    [Some think you''ll humiliate them, some think that you are a genius. Others secretly hope you''ll fail.]

    At MIT ¨C Lecture Hall

    Hundreds of students packed into a lecture hall to follow the breaking news about the upcoming conference. Enthusiastic and anxious voices filled the space.

    "Have you seen the theory he''s already published?!" shouted a student. "I don''t even understand half the equations, but it''s beautiful!"

    "Beautiful?!" replied another, shaking his head. "It''s incomprehensible! He compressed years of research into a 237-page report!"

    "And a three-page summary," added a student in the front row. "For idiots like us, apparently."

    Nervous laughter broke out.

    "Do you realize he could literally redefine an entire field?" said a PhD student. "If his solution holds, it''s a paradigm shift. And it''s not just theoretical. This kind of breakthrough could revolutionize cryptography, algorithms, and even artificial intelligence."

    "Or destroy everything," muttered a student in the corner. "Have you read the speculations? Some think he''s too dangerous to be left unchecked."

    "Dangerous or not, I''d sell a kidney to attend this conference in person," declared another student.

    ---

    Institute of Mathematics, Beijing

    Zhao Liang, China''s Minister of Technology, observed the palpable tension in the room filled with academics.

    "What are the initial reactions?" he asked his assistant.

    "A mix of skepticism and excitement," the assistant replied, flipping through reports. "Some think it''s a show of power. Others fear this breakthrough could be a mathematical weapon against us."

    Professor Lin, one of China''s most renowned mathematicians, stood up.

    "If it''s true, we must understand his method. And if it''s not, we need to discredit him before the entire world worships him as a god."

    A murmur spread through the room.

    "He''s already solved Collatz and created Nova-1," added a younger researcher. "We should at least give him the benefit of the doubt."

    Zhao Liang nodded.

    "Whether we admire him or fear him, we must be ready to analyze every word of his conference. Prepare teams to translate and dissect his explanations as soon as they''re available."

    ---

    Twitter

    Prof. MathGuru ¨C "If Mr. X truly proved the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture, we''re looking at the greatest mathematical genius since Gauss."

    @CuriousMind ¨C "Or he''s bluffing. It wouldn''t be the first time a charlatan shook the scientific world."

    @NumTheory_Fan ¨C "Genius or fraud, I''ll be glued to my screen for this conference. This kind of event is unprecedented."

    ---

    Cambridge ¨C Senior Academic Meeting

    Professor Hargrove spoke again after listening to the debates in the room.

    "We need to be prepared. If he really solved this problem, we must be ready to admit it, even if it means rewriting everything we thought we knew."

    "And if he''s bluffing?" asked Evans.

    "Then we''ll tear him apart in front of the entire world."

    "And if he''s right..." Claire Bennett murmured "...we''ll step into a new era."

    ---

    Across the world, discussions, doubts, and hopes fueled conversations. Between admiration, fear, and skepticism, one thing was certain¡ªthe world was eagerly awaiting this conference.

    And Lassen, somewhere in his office, savored his cup of tea, fully aware of the storm he had unleashed.

 Chapter 59 The Awakening of a Kingdom

    Note : More gifts for more chapters. Let s see how many chapters i ll write today

    ________________________

    The royal palace was buzzing with activity. Since the announcement of Mr. X''s conference, the usually calm corridors were filled with motion. Officials, ministers, and advisors rushed from one meeting to another, their faces reflecting a mix of excitement and anxiety.

    In the council room, the Prime Minister stood at the end of the oval table, nervously tapping his fingers on a folder marked "Confidential." Across from him, several ministers exchanged perplexed glances.

    "Do you realize what this means?" the Minister of Foreign Affairs said, visibly tense. "Delegations of scientists and mathematicians from around the world will flock here. Not just to listen to Mr. X, but to try to understand him. This is a first in our country''s modern history!"

    The Minister of Economy nodded.

    "And that''s not all. Technology companies and investors are already sending representatives to monitor the event. This is no longer just an academic issue. It''s economic and geopolitical."

    A young advisor, eyes fixed on a tablet, added:

    "Luxury hotels are fully booked, and airlines are increasing flights to Macro. The capital is becoming a global center in a matter of days."

    The Minister of Internal Security, seated at the end of the table, spoke in a grave tone.

    "And you think this is a good thing? This event is also attracting spies, foreign agents, and opportunists. We must be prepared for anything. This isn''t just a conference¡ªit''s a strategic target."

    A silence fell as the weight of his words settled in. The Prime Minister placed his hands on the table and declared:

    "We cannot afford to let this opportunity slip. For the first time, Macro is not just a small kingdom on the outskirts of the great powers. We are at the center of global attention."

    He fixed his gaze on the Security Minister.

    "Strengthen surveillance and establish strict protocols for all visitors. I want identity checks on every scientist, journalist, and guest."

    The minister nodded, taking notes.

    The Minister of Education spoke up.

    "We must also think about our own academics. This will be their chance to meet and learn from the greatest minds in the world. I''d like to organize parallel seminars for our students and professors."

    The Prime Minister nodded.

    "Good idea. This isn''t just a scientific event¡ªit''s a moment to inspire our youth and develop our institutions."

    The Economic Advisor leaned forward, visibly concerned.

    "But, Sir, we also need to manage expectations. What if Mr. X fails? Or if his conference raises more questions than answers?"

    The Prime Minister gave a knowing smile.

    "You forget who Mr. X is. He never does anything halfway. If he''s decided to speak, it''s because he already knows he''s going to shake the world."

    Murmurs of approval rippled through the room. But at the back, the Minister of Internal Security remained thoughtful, his gaze fixed on the city map.

    "We''re going to need an emergency evacuation plan and multiple levels of security. This man isn''t just a mathematician. For many, he''s a living weapon. And some may not come to learn, but to neutralize."

    The Prime Minister turned to him, his expression hardening.

    "Then make sure they fail."

    ---

    Royal Hotel of Macro

    In a private lounge of the hotel, foreign diplomats already present in the country spoke in hushed tones.

    "They''ve managed to bring everyone here," murmured the British ambassador. "And now, we all have to follow their lead."

    "They''re playing with fire," replied his American counterpart. "If this conference becomes a hotbed of espionage, they''ll lose more than they''ve gained."

    "Or," the French ambassador interjected, "they''ve already calculated every move. You forget that Mr. X leaves nothing to chance."

    ---

    "Double the checks. No personal devices allowed in the room. If they want to record, they''ll have to use our monitored equipment. And make sure all transmissions go through our encrypted servers."

    "That''s already in motion. But there''s one more thing."

    "Another one?"

    "The United States has increased its pressure. They''re threatening additional sanctions against any institution collaborating with us. Some guests are concerned about their funding and reputation."

    Lassen rolled his eyes.

    "Then those who are scared can stay home. This isn''t a daycare."

    The Prime Minister gave a small, relieved smile at the response.

    "I suspected as much. But it needed to be clarified."

    "You know I don''t like compromises." Lassen set down his cup. "What else?"

    The Prime Minister glanced at his notes.

    "There''s also the issue of the media. CNN, BBC, and several major networks want to broadcast the conference live. Do you want to impose restrictions?"

    "Yes. No spontaneous questions during the event. They''ll receive an approved list. I''m not here to answer provocations¡ªonly to present facts."

    The Prime Minister paused before announcing, a bit hesitantly:

    "One last thing... The dean of The king 5 University wants to award you the title of honorary professor. He says your contributions deserve official recognition."

    Lassen, who had just brought his cup of tea to his lips, froze.

    Then he burst out laughing. Not a small chuckle, but a full-blown laugh that echoed through the room. He set his cup down to avoid spilling it and leaned forward slightly, shaking with amusement.

    "Is it really that funny?"

    "A professor? Me? You mean an official title with a ceremony, speeches, and all that?"

    The Prime Minister gave a slightly embarrassed smile, clearly surprised by the reaction.

    "They''re very serious. The dean said your contributions to science and mathematics far surpass those of most current researchers. He even mentioned it could inspire future generations."

    "Inspire? Me? Do you realize I didn''t even finish high school? They want to make me a professor when I barely passed entrance exams!"

    The minister froze, as if struck by a revelation.

    "Wait... Are you telling me you didn''t finish high school?"

    "Not even a diploma." Lassen leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "I dropped out long before I had the chance to fail my exams."

    The minister blinked, the shock evident on his face.

    "Are you serious?"

    "Do I look like I''m joking? My greatest academic achievement was probably falling asleep in math class."

    An awkward silence settled, broken only by Lassen taking another sip of tea.

    "And now they want to make me a professor when I''ve never even passed a history test."

    The minister ran a hand over his forehead, trying to process the absurdity of the situation.

    "They see you as a genius. What you''ve accomplished far exceeds any diploma."

    "Maybe." Lassen shrugged nonchalantly. "But you have to admit it''s funny. Academics want to learn from someone they probably wouldn''t have admitted a few years ago."

    The minister eventually smiled, though his expression still betrayed lingering disbelief.

    "So... should I tell them you''ll accept their offer?"

    Lassen set his cup down and shook his head with a sly grin.

    "Tell them I''ll think about it. After all, maybe I should go back to high school first."

 Chapter 60 The Arrival of Guests

    Note : More gifts for more chapters. Let s see how many chapters i ll write today

    __________________________

    On the morning of the conference, the sky was a clear blue, but the atmosphere was electric. Macro''s private airport, usually quiet, had transformed into a diplomatic battleground. Private jets and helicopters arrived one after another, unloading a parade of guests from around the world. Renowned professors, discreet heads of state, scoop-hungry journalists, and mysterious observers all converged on the Kingdom of Macro.

    Behind the scenes, Lassen watched the arrivals through his holographic screens. He sipped a cup of tea while scanning live drone feeds. His excessively reclined chair hinted at his apparent calm, but his eyes tracked every movement with surgical precision.

    [Host, we''ve detected at least three intelligence teams hidden among the delegations.]

    Lassen raised an eyebrow "Which ones?"

    [One team affiliated with the CIA, another likely tied to the FSB, and an unidentified group, possibly private mercenaries.]

    "Charming." He set his cup down and crossed his arms. "Make sure they remain under surveillance. And activate countermeasures if any of them try something."

    [Already done.]

    _______________________________________

    Meanwhile, at the main entrance of the conference hall, the stream of guests moved slowly through reinforced security checks. Drones hovered silently overhead, capturing high-definition images and analyzing each face for anomalies.

    Journalists crowded to interview anyone willing to speak. Some desperately tried to get comments from scientists, while others settled for speculating about what would be revealed today.

    Inside a dark limousine, Professor Hargrove from Cambridge stared at the crowds through the tinted window.

    "This is ridiculous" he grumbled, adjusting his glasses. "It looks like a scene straight out of a spy movie."

    Beside him, Claire Bennett flipped through her notes.

    "This isn''t surprising," she said, skimming a page. "We''re talking about a mathematical problem that has defied generations. What did you expect? A quiet, peaceful seminar at a university?"

    "Not this." Hargrove glanced at the journalists clustered near the doors. "They''re all expecting either a miracle or a disaster. I just hope he has more to show than a magic trick."

    A BBC journalist extended a microphone toward Professor Hargrove as he stepped out of the limousine.

    "Professor Hargrove, what are your expectations for today?"

    The professor paused briefly, scanning the crowd before responding.

    "I expect facts. Not promises. If he''s as brilliant as they claim, he''ll need to prove that his demonstration can withstand our criticism."

    The journalist pressed further.

    "And if he fails?"

    Hargrove adjusted his glasses.

    "Then he''ll disappear back into obscurity as quickly as he emerged."

    Beside him, Claire Bennett rolled her eyes.

    "Unlike my colleague, I''m as curious as I am skeptical. This conference might just redefine our understanding of mathematics. I came here to witness history being made, not to judge before hearing the evidence."

    "I''m certain this guy is using some unconventional method we''ve never seen before. Maybe even advanced artificial intelligence," said a young professor.

    "Or he just found a trick we all missed," another replied. "Whatever the method, he has to defend it in front of us. And I''m ready to ask every necessary question."

    "What if we can''t understand it?" asked a third voice, more anxious.

    Silence fell over the group. It was the unspoken fear many shared. What if Mr. X presented something inaccessible, beyond their comprehension?

    The conference hall doors finally opened, letting in a stream of journalists, professors, and eager students. The leather seats arranged in concentric circles around a central stage gave the room a solemn and intimidating atmosphere. Spotlights illuminated the podium where the subject of all the discussions would soon be revealed.

    Conversations multiplied as guests took their seats. Voices echoed, and some whispered while observing the cameras set up in the corners of the room. Reporters prepared their microphones and adjusted their equipment. Technicians double-checked the live feeds that would be broadcast worldwide.

    Near the stage, a group of young students was deep in a lively debate.

    "Do you think he''s really going to explain his entire method, or just throw incomprehensible results at us?" one of them asked, flipping through a notebook filled with scribbled notes.

    "I bet he''ll do both," replied a female student. "He''s known for impressing people while leaving them in the dark."

    "Or," added another, "he''ll show us something even more spectacular and unpredictable. This guy has never played by the rules."

    Not far away, a CNN journalist approached an American professor while adjusting his microphone.

    "Professor Miller, you''ve followed Mr. X''s work since the beginning. What do you think of his decision to appear publicly today?"

    The professor adjusted his tie, looking visibly nervous.

    "I think it''s calculated. Everything he does is calculated. He knows exactly what impact this appearance will have on the scientific community¡ªand beyond. This isn''t just a conference. It''s a political statement, whether he realizes it or not."

    "And if his results are correct?" the journalist pressed.

    Miller sighed.

    "Then there will be no more doubt. He''ll not only become a reference but also an unavoidable figure. The problem is that, in this field, one misstep can destroy everything."

    In a corner of the room, a female student observed the crowd while talking to a colleague.

    "Look at them," she said, pointing at the guests with her pen. "Some are here to applaud, others to watch him fall."

    "And you?" her colleague asked.

    "I''m here to understand," she replied, adjusting her glasses. "I want to know how he thinks, how he managed to go where no one else could."

    On stage, a technician ran a final sound check before announcing that the conference would begin in fifteen minutes. Conversations grew louder.

    In his temporary office, the dean paused for a moment in front of the large clock. Less than an hour remained before the official start. He took a deep breath, smoothing the tie he had adjusted at least three times that morning.

    "Are they ready?" he asked his assistant.

    "As ready as they can be."

    Edward Marshall nodded.

    "Good. Then all we can do now is wait... and hope that today marks a new chapter in the history of mathematics¡ªand not a fall we''ll struggle to recover from."

    He cast one last glance at the conference hall below, where seats were slowly filling, and signaled to his team that everything was ready. Behind the apparent excitement, the entire university was holding its breath.

 Chapter 61 The Conference

    Note 1 : Thank you Epic_Buddie123 for the gift

    Note 2 : More gifts for more chapters

    ____________________________________

    The conference hall was bathed in soft light from modern chandeliers that elegantly contrasted with the classical architecture of the building. Every seat was occupied, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. The murmurs of the guests created a constant background hum, interrupted only by the clicking of pens on notepads or last-minute whispers exchanged among colleagues.

    Large screens framed the main stage, ready to display every detail of the upcoming presentation. At the center stood a modest podium made of dark wood, bearing the weight of countless expectant gazes. This was where everything would unfold.

    In one corner, Professor Hargrove adjusted his glasses one last time, scrutinizing the stage with a critical eye. Beside him, Claire Bennett, appearing more relaxed, jotted quick notes in a notebook.

    "This is the first time I''ve seen a conference hall turned into... what exactly?" Bennett murmured. "A courtroom? A spectacle?"

    Hargrove grunted.

    "A circus. And we''re the judges, the clowns, and maybe even the audience."

    Dean Marshall entered through a side door, politely greeting the guests while maintaining a fac?ade of calm. His eyes, however, betrayed palpable tension. He climbed onto the stage and adjusted the microphone.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, today we have the honor of participating in a unique moment. An intellectual demonstration that could redefine how we perceive some of the most complex problems of our time."

    His voice was clear but tinged with a slight tremor he struggled to suppress.

    "We are here to listen, to learn, and, of course, to debate. That is, after all, the very essence of academia."

    He paused, sweeping his gaze across the room.

    "Without further ado, I ask you to welcome the man the entire world knows as Mr. X."

    The room fell into complete silence. Every eye turned toward the entrance as a spotlight illuminated a slowly advancing figure. Lassen appeared, dressed casually, his face calm and enigmatic.

    He climbed the few steps to the stage, each step echoing in the hall. Once he positioned himself behind the podium, he raised his eyes to meet the audience.

    "Hello" he said simply, his voice clear but devoid of emphasis.

    It was enough to push the already electric atmosphere to its peak.

    "Before we begin" Lassen said, his voice resonating with an almost hypnotic clarity, "I want to thank each of you for being here today. You are here because you are the best in your fields or because you are curious enough to want to understand what I''ve accomplished."

    A few nervous smiles appeared in the audience, while some professors nodded with intense focus. A palpable tension filled the room, a mix of expectation and skepticism.

    "I know what many of you are thinking," Lassen continued, clasping his hands on the lectern. "You''re skeptical. You''re wondering if what I claim is true or if it''s just a stroke of marketing genius."

    "The problem, ladies and gentlemen, is that this function is devilishly difficult to analyze. For specific cases, we have tools. But for a general proof? Nothing. For more than half a century, this conjecture has resisted all attempts. And that''s where I come in."

    He smirked slightly before continuing:

    "I won''t pretend my solution is the result of simple inspiration. It''s been a methodical effort, step by step, to deconstruct the problem. It all started with one question: why limit ourselves to classical approaches? Why not combine disciplines no one thought to link?"

    Lassen picked up a piece of chalk again and drew a diagram on the board. "I approached elliptic curves not as isolated objects, but as dynamic systems in constant interaction with their own L-function. Do you see this equation? It describes the relationship between rational points on the curve and the derivative of the L-function at ."

    He pointed to the diagram. "But to see this connection, I first had to model these curves in a multidimensional space. By using techniques borrowed from algebraic geometry and spectral analysis, I observed regularities in the behavior of these curves. Regularities that were invisible with traditional tools."

    A professor in the audience raised his hand. Lassen gestured for him to speak.

    "Are you saying you''ve found recurring patterns in curves where no one else has before?"

    "Exactly" Lassen replied with a smile. "But identifying those patterns was only the first step. Once discovered, they had to be quantified¡ªunderstood in terms of why they appear and how they influence the L-function. For that, I developed a specialized algorithm."

    He turned to the board and wrote another set of equations. "This algorithm, which I''ve named the Spectral Pattern Analyzer, allowed me to test millions of elliptic curves in near real-time. It analyzed the zeros of the L-function and detected recurring patterns in their distribution."

    A murmur rippled through the audience. Lassen pressed on, undeterred.

    "Once the patterns were identified, I encapsulated them in a series of universal equations. These equations enable us to predict, with astonishing accuracy, whether a given curve will have a finite or infinite number of rational solutions. And it all hinges on a fundamental geometric relationship, which I will now show you."

    He drew a complex curve on the board, linking it to a three-dimensional graph. "This is the key. By studying the topological properties of elliptic curves in this geometric space, I uncovered a hidden symmetry. This symmetry directly ties the derivative of the L-function to the rank of the elliptic curve."

    He turned back to the audience, his gaze challenging. "And this symmetry, ladies and gentlemen, is universal. It applies to all elliptic curves, regardless of their type. In other words, I''ve proven that the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture holds true in every case."

    A stunned silence fell over the room. Lassen set the chalk down and stepped back from the board, observing the impact of his words on the audience.

    "Now, I know what you''re wondering. How did I come up with this idea? Why hadn''t anyone thought of it before me? The answer is simple: because I refused to be constrained by conventions. I used tools no one else had dared to combine. And I persisted, even when everything suggested it was a dead end."

    He crossed his arms and concluded:

    "You have my paper. You have my equations. And now, you have my explanations. If you wish to challenge my demonstration, I invite you to try. But I can assure you, you won''t find any flaws."

    A murmur spread through the room once more, but this time, it was tinged with admiration. Lassen straightened and added with a sly grin:

    "So, any questions?"

    The system, ever present in his mind, couldn''t resist commenting.

    [Admittedly, Host, you do have a talent for making the impossible not only possible but spectacular.]

    Lassen suppressed a smile and waited for the first question.

 Chapter 62 The Paradox of Omnipotence

    Note 1 : Thank you Epic_Buddie123 for the gift

    Note 2 : More gifts for more chapters

    _________________________________________________________________________

    Lassen''s eyes roamed across the room after his talk, gauging the reactions. The silence was thick¡ªnot empty, but alive. It was the silence of minds shifting, of certainties unraveling. Faint murmurs began to ripple through the audience, cautious voices sharing thoughts caught between wonder and disbelief. A hand went up. Professor Hargrove from Cambridge spoke, his voice calm, but carrying an edge of challenge.

    "Your approach is... intriguing, but it poses a fundamental question. You''ve modeled millions of elliptic curves and examined their spectral properties. But how can you be sure your findings are universal? Have you demonstrated that they hold true for every imaginable elliptic curve, even the ones we haven''t yet discovered?"

    Lassen was ready for this question. He smiled faintly, a carefully measured expression, and answered with poise. "An excellent question, Professor Hargrove. The answer lies in what I refer to as ''spectral continuity.'' Let me elaborate."

    He grabbed the chalk and sketched a graph on the board, showing a series of curves converging at a single point. The soft squeak of the chalk, combined with each deliberate stroke, held the audience''s attention. "What I''ve uncovered is that the symmetry I referred to earlier isn''t tied to the specific traits of any one elliptic curve, but rather to its position in a larger topological framework."

    He paused, motioning toward a set of equations he had written earlier, as if drawing attention to their elegance. "To put it differently, every elliptic curve is part of a universal geometric structure. This structure guarantees that the connection between rank and the L-function remains unchanging, regardless of the curve."

    Hargrove crossed his arms, his brows knitting together. His face flickered between skepticism and admiration. Before he could utter a word, another professor¡ªthis one from Harvard¡ªstood abruptly, his features drawn tight and his voice edged with challenge.

    "I see the point of spectral continuity. But your method relies heavily on large-scale simulations. How can you be certain these numerical results are unbiased? Exact calculations are still out of reach in some scenarios, aren''t they?"

    Lassen inclined his head, silently affirming the importance of the question. "An excellent observation. Simulations tell only part of the story. After identifying the patterns, I turned to rigorous algebraic techniques to prove that these patterns naturally arise from the fundamental properties of elliptic curves."

    He outlined a logical progression on the board, his movements deliberate yet effortless. "Every assumption was proven analytically, without relying on numerical shortcuts."

    A murmur coursed through the room, an almost palpable wave of shared curiosity. Lassen''s methodology united the best of two worlds: computational power to uncover patterns, and analytical rigor to confirm their universality.

    "But how did you come up with the idea in the first place?" asked a voice from the back of the room. A young doctoral student, visibly intimidated, had dared to ask the question on everyone''s mind.

    Lassen gave an amused smile, a childlike spark in his eyes "That''s a good question. It goes back to my own frustration with classical approaches. When I started working on this problem, I noticed something all the existing theories had in common: they didn''t communicate with each other. Algebraic geometry, spectral analysis, probability¡ªeach worked in its own silo. I simply broke down those barriers."

    In his mind, the familiar voice resounded, dripping with its usual sarcasm [Oh, of course... You worked so hard on this. All on your own. Absolutely brilliant.]

    Lassen barely held back a laugh, disguising it just in time as an amused sigh. He added, his tone tinged with playful irony: "Oh, and a dash of boredom. Nothing sparks creativity quite like wanting to outshine the generations before you."

    The system chimed in, smugly [And me. Let''s not forget me. But you''re not telling them that, are you?]

    "I''m listening" he said finally, his voice neutral but touched with a trace of warmth, a subtle encouragement for the student to speak.

    "Why did you choose to solve this problem?" the student blurted out, nearly tripping over his words. "With your talents... and what you showed today... you could''ve tackled other mathematical enigmas! Maybe even revolutionized fields like physics or engineering! Why this one?"

    Lassen stood still for a moment, his expression calm and unreadable. He seemed to carefully weigh his answer, letting an almost unbearable silence linger.

    In his head, the system muttered sarcastically [So, is this where you claim a prophecy chose you, or do you stick with the classic ''because I can''? Make it quick¡ªI''m getting bored already.]

    Lassen ignored the comment, his gaze locked on the student. At last, he spoke, his voice resonating as though it carried far beyond the room.

    "Why? Because it was there."

    The student blinked, caught off guard by the simplicity of the response. His lips parted as if to ask for more, but Lassen cut him off.

    "Sometimes" he said, a sly smile playing on his lips "the only question worth asking is: why not?"

    The young man froze, torn between admiration and confusion. Lassen turned away slowly, his footsteps faintly echoing in the nearly deserted hallway. Without a backward glance, he slipped through the side door, leaving the student with even more questions than before.

    Outside, the air was crisp, and a dark car idled quietly at the curb. Lassen strolled toward it, his hands in his pockets. Adrian, his driver and bodyguard, opened the door with practiced ease.

    "So, is this how legends are made?" Adrian asked, his tone laced with playful sarcasm as he adjusted his sunglasses, despite the night.

    "I''m already a legend" Lassen replied, sliding into the car with a faint smile. Once inside, he let out a soft sigh, somewhere between contentment and fatigue.

    In his mind, the system broke the silence, brimming with its usual sarcasm [Poetic. Honestly, you''ve got the theatrical flair of a Shakespearean actor. Taking all the glory while I''m the one doing all the work.]

    "What are you talking about? Everything I said came from my head," Lassen retorted

    [Wasn''t I the one answering all those questions, or am I imagining things?]

    "You''re in my head. So whatever you do is, quite literally, from my mind."

    [...]

    [Fair point.]

 Chapter 63 Flashback

    Note 1 : Thank you LordofWar459 & Epic_Buddie123. This chapter is for you

    Note 2 : More gifts for more chapters.

    Note 3 : if you wanted me to create a discord to talk about the novel, let me know in the comments

    _______________________________________________________________________________________________

    The car was moving slowly, gliding through the dark, quiet streets of the city. The flickering neon signs of deserted storefronts cast fleeting shadows on the tired facades of the buildings, giving the surroundings an almost spectral air. In the back seat, Lassen was silent, motionless.

    His eyes absentmindedly followed the lights dancing on the tinted windows, but his mind seemed far away, lost in a maze of thoughts.

    Adrian, at the wheel, occasionally glanced furtively in the rearview mirror. His boss''s demeanor was unusual. Lassen, usually so sarcastic, seemed wrapped in a gravity Adrian didn''t dare disturb. Yet the silence wasn''t empty; it was heavy with something Adrian couldn''t quite name.

    Then, suddenly, Lassen shifted slightly. His eyes locked on something in the distance, beyond the reflections and shadows. A familiar, imposing, and cold silhouette loomed in the darkness.

    It was a solitary building, a monolith from a bygone era, its gaping, dark windows eroded by the ravages of time. Its gray facade seemed almost alive under the trembling light of the streetlamps, as if it still breathed memories of a forgotten past.

    Lassen felt his heart skip a beat.

    "Adrian" he said, his voice strangely calm, almost robotic. "Stop the car."

    Adrian furrowed his brows, easing off the gas slightly as he glanced again at his boss through the rearview mirror "Here? Why? It''s just an old building. Do you need something?"

    Lassen turned his head toward him " Now !!" Lassen said again, his tone icy.

    Adrian sighed, giving a small shake of his head. He knew arguing would be pointless. He steered the car to the side of the road and brought it to a gentle stop.

    Before the car had fully halted, Lassen pushed the door open. The sharp slam echoed down the deserted street, cutting through the oppressive stillness of the night.

    Adrian watched him step out, his brow knitted with suspicion "Should I wait for you?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of unease he tried to mask.

    Lassen didn''t answer. He was already striding toward the building, his footsteps ringing faintly on the pavement, each one echoing off the bleak walls around him.

    The cold gnawed at the air, creeping into his clothes and biting his skin, but he didn''t slow his pace.

    Adrian, still in the car, didn''t turn off the engine.

    In front of the towering structure, Lassen came to a stop. He tilted his head upward, his eyes tracing the building''s contours, the ravages of time etched deeply into its surface. Yet, in its ruin, it still commanded a sense of authority.

    Finally, he saw himself again on this rooftop, standing exactly where he was now. The biting cold, the void calling out to him, and the crushing feeling that nothing would ever change. He remembered every detail: the glow of fireworks, the distant sound of laughter, and the silence within him¡ªdeeper than anything else.

    But he had never touched the ground. Instead, he had woken up, 18 years old again, with a voice in his head. A voice that had guided him, challenged him, and transformed him.

    Lassen blinked, the cold reality replacing the memories. He was still staring at the roof, motionless.

    In his mind, the system murmured

    [Do you want me to make a sarcastic comment, or would you rather I stay silent this time?]

    "You knew this was the place, didn''t you?" Lassen murmured.

    [Oh, of course. But I didn''t want to ruin the surprise. You know, it''s a charming spot. A little chilly, but charming.]

    Lassen closed his eyes and took a deep breath "Why are you here?" he asked, more to himself than to the system "Why me?"

    The system stayed silent for a moment, as if pondering.

    Then, gently, it replied [Because you''re desperate enough to listen, but stubborn enough to try.]

    Lassen opened his eyes and stepped back. His features, once tense, had softened. He wasn''t entirely sure what he had been seeking by coming here, but he knew one thing: this building was now just a memory. And he had changed.

    He turned on his heel and walked back toward the car, where Adrian was still waiting, visibly concerned.

    "Everything okay?" Adrian asked hesitantly.

    Lassen nodded, a faint smile on his lips "Yes. Let''s go."

    "Adrian" he said suddenly.

    "Yes, sir."

    "Tell Alex to buy this building" Lassen added.

    Adrian glanced at his boss and nodded.

    As the car pulled away, Lassen took one last look at the building through the rear window.

    He would probably never see it again, but something inside him felt lighter.

    That night, he had stared his past straight in the eye and, for the first time, he saw more than failure. He saw a beginning.

 Chapter 64 The return to calm

    Note 2 : More gifts for more chapters

    _______________________________________

    Several weeks later, the world had resumed its course. True, Mr. X''s conference had caused a stir, fueling countless debates in academic and technological circles, but, like any media storm, it eventually faded. Those who hadn''t attended the event were skeptical, dismissing Lassen''s revelations as an elaborate hoax. Those who had been there remained captivated by the implications, unable to find any flaw in the theories presented.

    Meanwhile, Lassen lived quietly¡ªor as quietly as someone like him could. Sitting on the couch in his villa, he flipped idly through an old novel, one of those he had recovered thanks to the system. The winter sunlight streamed through the large bay windows, bathing the room in a soft golden glow.

    In his mind, the system''s voice suddenly resonated, breaking the silence.

    [You know, you''re unusually calm today. No sudden strokes of genius, no world domination plans. Everything alright?]

    Lassen raised an eyebrow, amused "You say that as if I''m hyperactive. I''m a simple man. I read my novels, drink my coffee, and occasionally revolutionize mathematics. Nothing extraordinary."

    [Oh yes, very simple. Like a lion napping under a tree after hunting the entire savanna]

    A smirk appeared on Lassen''s lips. "And what about you? I suppose you''re busy spying on my next enemies or calculating how to keep me from being exposed"

    [Obviously. I can''t afford to let you play alone. You might hurt yourself]

    Lassen set the book down on the coffee table and stretched leisurely "You know, sometimes I wonder if you''re here to help me or just to drive me insane"

    The system pretended to think, its voice laced with irony.

    [Honestly? Both sound equally entertaining]

    A burst of laughter escaped Lassen. This was their usual dynamic: the system playing the role of the sarcastic shadow, and Lassen embodying the nonchalant genius.

    The rest of the day passed without incident. True to his habits, Lassen settled on the couch in his spacious living room. The room was bathed in a soft, subdued light as the setting sun filtered through the large bay windows. A novel rested on his lap. He turned a page slowly, his eyes scanning the words, though his mind seemed elsewhere.

    From time to time, he lifted his head, distracted by a fleeting thought, before diving back into his reading.

    A few piles of books were scattered around him.

    Occasionally, notifications from the system chimed¡ªinvitations to prestigious conferences, collaboration requests from prominent figures in science and industry. All of them stacked neatly in his inbox, carefully categorized but left unread. Lassen didn''t open a single one, merely allowing a small smile to cross his lips whenever a particularly desperate request arrived.

    "Another misunderstood genius trying to recruit me to their team. Charming" Lassen murmured with a flicker of amusement.

    [You truly are a beacon in this dark world. Your humility is as legendary as your talents... Wait, but you have no talent] the system quipped sarcastically in his mind.

    Adrian had this unique talent for bringing Lassen back to a semblance of normalcy, even if that normalcy was nothing more than an illusion.

    As evening fell, Adrian stretched in his chair, visibly ready to leave the room. But before he could move any further, the distinct sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway leading to the kitchen. A few seconds later, Alex appeared, dressed in his usual suit, with near-surgical precision, as if he had just stepped out of a business meeting. A faint scent of sophisticated cologne accompanied him, cutting through the relaxed atmosphere of the apartment.

    "So, you''re eating without me?" Alex said, his tone somewhere between reproach and teasing.

    Adrian, leaning back on his chair, raised an eyebrow, an amused smile on his face "You live here, Alex. You can help yourself whenever you want. No need for a special invitation"

    Alex rolled his eyes, placing a folder he was holding on the kitchen counter before heading to the refrigerator. He pulled out a bottle of sparkling water, which he opened with unnerving ease.

    "I come bearing news" he said, taking a sip, his gaze shifting from Lassen to Adrian before settling on the former "Important ones this time"

    Lassen, still seated on the couch, turned his head in his direction, visibly intrigued "I''m listening."

    Alex set down his glass and crossed his arms, adopting a more formal posture. "We''re ready"

    The silence that followed was barely broken by the sound of the bottle cap rolling across the counter. Adrian straightened slightly, and Lassen tilted his head to the side, his expression hardening as his mind shifted into analytical mode.

    "Ready for what?" Lassen asked, his tone calm but tinged with curiosity.

    Alex rolled his eyes, annoyed by the redundant question "For the VR headset. The fully immersive one. We can start mass production as soon as you give the green light."

    He paused before adding "And before you ask: yes, everything is already in motion. Macro has finalized production of the first batches of Nova 1 processors, and they''re on their way to our partner factories. The teams on-site have already prepped the assembly lines. Once we''ve cleared the final round of tests, the units will be rolling out in record time."

    Alex rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed by the redundant question "For the VR headset. The fully immersive one. We can begin mass production as soon as you give the green light."

    He paused before adding "And before you ask: yes, everything is already in motion. After finalizing the agreement with Russia and the Chinese, Macro has completed the production of the first batches of Nova 1 processors, and they''re already en route to our partner factories. The teams on site have prepped the assembly lines. Once we approve the final round of tests, units will roll out at record speed."

    Adrian let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair "Impressive. You''ve thought of everything, haven''t you?"

    Alex shot him a pointed look "Do you really think I''d come here unprepared? You know how Lassen is about loose ends."

    Lassen''s faint grin deepened as he leaned back on the couch "Finally, I can actually play the games I''ve created" he said, his voice a mix of amusement and anticipation.

    [Oh, yes, of course, you created them] the system interjected sarcastically, its voice dripping with mockery.

    Lassen''s grin didn''t waver "Even if I didn''t do all the heavy lifting, it''s still my vision. That counts for something"

    [If you say so] the system retorted, its tone exasperated yet playful.

 Chapter 65 The invitation

    Note 1 : Thank you Tervantas for the gift. This chapter is for you

    Note 2 : More gifts for more chapters

    Note 3 : i ve created a discord come join

    ________________________________________

    Ethan "Blaze" Carter set his gaming headset down on his cluttered desk, rubbing his eyes. The multicolored lights of his setup blinked softly, casting a futuristic glow across the room. Around him, figurines, video game posters, and a mountain of snack boxes gave away his lifestyle: that of a professional streamer, living at 200% for his audience and his games.

    For months now, one game had consumed all his time and energy: Eternal Realm. More than just a game, it had become an obsession. Every corner of this virtual world felt infinite, every quest and every battle an opportunity to shine. Ethan had never seen a game so meticulously designed. The gameplay was flawless, the graphics breathtaking, but what captivated him most was the immersion. Eternal Realm was unlike anything else, and his streams of the game had skyrocketed in popularity.

    "You''re getting addicted, man" he muttered to himself, a tired smile on his lips. But he didn''t care. His audience loved his adventures, and he loved sharing them.

    This morning, as he wrapped up a twelve-hour marathon session, his second of the week, his phone vibrated on the edge of his desk. He glanced at it distractedly, expecting a collaboration request or a notification from his social media. But instead, an unknown number appeared on the screen.

    Ethan hesitated for a moment, his thumb hovering over the answer button. As a streamer, he often received calls from agencies, sponsors, or even overly curious fans. Usually, he ignored these calls, but this time, whether from exhaustion or an inexplicable gut feeling, he answered.

    He picked up "Hey, this is Ethan. Who''s calling?"

    A faint click sounded, followed by a video connection that made Ethan jump. He hadn''t authorized video... but the caller apparently had different access. The screen of his phone lit up, revealing a figure seated in an elegant yet minimalist room. Soft lighting illuminated the man''s face, partially obscuring his features. Yet there was no mistaking it: it was him.

    Ethan froze. Even someone like him, who spent most of his life immersed in gaming and streaming, recognized that face : Mr. X.

    The enigmatic figure who had revolutionized the fields of mathematics, science, and technology, and most notably, the mastermind behind Eternal Realm. He had been all over the media for weeks following his cryptic conference, where he had unveiled theories no one could refute.

    But why was he calling ?

    "Ethan Carter" said Lassen in a calm yet authoritative voice, interrupting the swirling thoughts of the streamer "I''m glad you answered."

    Ethan opened his mouth, but no words came out. It wasn''t just the surprise, it was the sheer oddity of the situation. Why would such a legendary figure take an interest in him?

    "I hope I''m not disturbing you" Lassen continued, his tone a smooth blend of confidence and casualness "I''m a fan of your work. Specifically, your approach to Eternal Realm. I find your playstyle... fascinating."

    Ethan blinked, trying to find his words.

    "Special guest for my next stream: Mr. X. Yes, THE Mr. X. Get ready for something huge. And guess what? I''m going to Macro for it."

    He hit "Post" and tossed his phone aside, throwing himself onto his bed, arms spread wide, a blissful smile plastered on his face.

    But the vibrations of his phone quickly snapped him out of his reverie. Notifications were exploding

    "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"

    "FAKE NEWS!"

    "OH MY GOD, HE''S MEETING THE LEGEND!!!"

    "I NEED TO SEE THIS LIVE."

    Ethan leapt off his bed, laughing like a madman. His apartment suddenly felt too small to contain his excitement "This is real. This is happening. Mr. X invited me to Macro. ME!"

    He started pacing the room, running his hands through his hair, his mind spinning with the sheer magnitude of it all.

    Every few seconds, he''d check his phone, where notifications were piling up like an unstoppable flood. Comments, likes, shares, his announcement was already going viral.

    His followers were losing their minds, and some of the biggest names in streaming and gaming had started tagging him, begging for details.

    The next morning, Ethan woke up early, like a child on Christmas morning. His usual grogginess was replaced with an electric energy. He spent the entire day preparing, checking and re-checking his suitcase.

    He picked out his sharpest outfits but made sure to include a few geeky t-shirts, hoping they''d show off his authentic personality.

    He meticulously cleaned his streaming equipment, inspecting every cable, every camera, every accessory as if his life depended on it.

    His ring light gleamed, his microphone sparkled, and his headphones looked pristine "If I''m doing this, I''m doing it right" he muttered.

    Meanwhile, his social media notifications refused to slow down. Messages and comments poured in from fans, friends, and even media outlets, all speculating on what this meeting could mean.

    A few gaming journalists had already started running articles titled things like "Blaze Carter Meets the Mastermind: What Could Mr. X Be Planning?"

    For a brief moment, doubt crept into Ethan''s mind. Am I really ready for this? What if I mess up? But every time that thought surfaced, he recalled Mr. X''s calm smile and his words "Get ready"

    "I''ll show them what I''m made of" Ethan murmured to himself, his determination hardening into steel.

 Chapter 66 Welcome to Macro

    Note 1 : More gifts for more chapters

    Note 2 : i ve created a discord come join

    ________________________________________

    Lassen remained motionless for a long moment after ending the call, his eyes locked on the now-dark screen. The room, bathed in dim light and punctuated by the soft hum of technological devices, seemed frozen in time. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the edge of his desk, almost mechanically, while an amused smile played on his lips.

    [Well, that was entertaining] the system''s familiar voice echoed in his mind, dripping with sarcasm.

    [That kid has the energy of a hyperactive puppy. Are you sure this is a good idea?]

    "Absolutely" Lassen replied without hesitation, his eyes still fixed on the blank screen. He seemed to be gazing into an invisible horizon where his plans were already unfolding.

    "He''s exactly what we need: enthusiastic, raw, authentic. And most importantly, he has a real connection with his audience. They listen to him because he''s one of them."

    The system let out a sound resembling a sigh

    [Authentic, maybe. But you know he''s going to ask you hundreds of dumb questions, right?]

    Lassen chuckled softly, the quiet sound breaking the stillness of the room "That''s what makes him valuable. He''s not yet corrupted by caution or arrogance. His questions come from pure curiosity, not from a desire to manipulate or to seem clever. That kind of spontaneity is rare."

    The system didn''t seem convinced

    [If you say so. But don''t come complaining to me when he bombards you with questions about the color of your socks or your favorite brand of coffee. Oh, wait... no, scratch that. He''ll probably do it live in front of millions]

    Lassen''s smile widened as he crossed his arms on the desk "Maybe. But wouldn''t that be fun?"

    [Fun? You have a strange definition of that word]

    The system paused before adding mockingly

    [And of course, it''s not me who''ll have to deal with it. Oh, wait... it is me]

    "Stop whining" Lassen replied, shaking his head slightly, his smile growing "Adrian will handle him first. And you know how he is: direct, efficient. That should balance Ethan''s overflowing energy."

    He stood up from his chair, rolling his shoulders to release the tension "Call Adrian"

    After a few rings, a deep, composed voice answered

    "Yes, sir?"

    "Adrian. I have an assignment for you tomorrow" Lassen began, his tone calm but carrying a natural authority "A certain Ethan Carter will be arriving at the airport. He''s a streamer¡ªyou shouldn''t have any trouble spotting him. He''ll probably be nervous, so try not to overwhelm him. Be... yourself, but a little more patient."

    A brief silence followed, broken by a barely concealed sigh

    "I''m being noted for my patience, is that it?"

    Adrian replied, his tone laced with sarcasm

    "Let''s say I trust your professionalism"

    "Ethan Carter?" he asked in a deep, steady voice.

    Ethan blinked, surprised. "Yes... that''s me. But... who are you?"

    The man extended a sleek, minimalist black card, engraved with a single name: Adrian.

    "My name is Adrian" he said. "Mr. X sent me to pick you up."

    The words took a moment to sink in. Ethan''s eyes flicked from the card to Adrian, and back again "Wait... Mr. X sent you? Like, you work for him?"

    "Exactly" Adrian replied neutrally. He gestured toward a sleek black car parked near the exit.

    "If you''ll follow me, I''ll take you to your destination."

    Ethan stood frozen for a second longer before excitement overtook him. He quickly grabbed his suitcase and jogged to catch up with Adrian, his mind buzzing with questions.

    Once outside, Adrian opened the back door of the car and waited for Ethan to climb in.

    The streamer took an admiring look at the interior: pristine black leather seats, soft ambient lighting, and a built-in tablet displaying navigation data. This was no ordinary car.

    "Wow" he murmured as he sat down, his hands absently running over the armrest. "This is... impressive."

    Adrian closed the door behind him before getting into the driver''s seat. Once settled, he started the car without a word. Ethan, however, was far too excited to stay silent.

    "So... what are you? His driver? His bodyguard? Or both? How long have you worked with him? Did you see Eternal Realm before it was released? What''s it like working for someone like him?"

    Adrian glanced at Ethan in the rearview mirror, his expression impassive "I''m his bodyguard. I handle his security and everything that comes with it. And yes, I saw Eternal Realm before its release. Now sit back and fasten your seatbelt."

    Slightly thrown off by the concise response, Ethan quickly buckled up. But his curiosity surged again almost immediately.

    "Okay, okay. But... are you with him all the time? What''s he like in real life? Serious? Funny? Does he play his own games? Like, imagine him rage-quitting... That would be hilarious."

    A faint smile flickered across Adrian''s lips "He plays sometimes, but he doesn''t rage-quit. Now try to get some rest. You''ll need the energy."

    Ethan frowned slightly, intrigued "Need energy for what? We''re going to the hotel, right?"

    Adrian shook his head slightly, his gaze focused calmly on the road "No. We''re going to Mr. X''s villa."

    Ethan froze, his mouth falling open "His... villa? Wait... You''re serious? You mean where he actually lives? Like... his home?"

    "Completely serious" Adrian replied without missing a beat.

    Ethan felt his heart race. He leaned forward slightly, his hands gripping the edge of the seat

    "But... that''s insane. I''m going to Mr. X''s house! Is it... futuristic? Full of gadgets? Does he have a gaming room? Or maybe a secret room? Oh! Does he have a pet?"

    Adrian didn''t respond immediately, keeping his focus on the road. Finally, he let out a soft, amused sigh

    "You''ll see for yourself."

    The initial shock quickly gave way to overwhelming excitement. Ethan let himself fall back into his seat, a wide grin stretching across his face "This is unbelievable. Absolutely insane. I''m going to Mr. X''s house."

 Chapter 67 Beyond Appearances

    Note 1 : Thank you Nathan_Huyghe for the gift. This chapter is for you

    Note 2 : More gifts for more chapters

    Note 3 : i ve created a discord come join

    ________________________________________

    Ethan was staring out of the car window as they left the lively city center, transitioning into a much quieter area. The road was lined with trees and gently rolling hills, bathed in golden light. His excitement, though still palpable, began to blend with curiosity. This wasn''t what he had envisioned. No futuristic gates, no drones flying overhead.

    Adrian drove in silence, but Ethan couldn''t hold back from speaking.

    "So... uh... this is really the road to his villa? I mean, isn''t it a little... normal? I was expecting futuristic stuff, gadgets everywhere, holograms welcoming me like, ''Welcome, Ethan Carter!'' or something."

    Adrian didn''t take his eyes off the road, but a faint smile appeared on his lips. "He likes minimalism. But you''ll see for yourself."

    They stopped in front of a large metallic gate, which opened automatically as they approached. The car entered a paved driveway flanked by impeccably trimmed hedges. At the end was a modern house, elegant but modest compared to the grand images Ethan had conjured in his head.

    Lassen''s villa had a clean, minimalist style, with large glass windows and a pristine white facade. It was surrounded by a peaceful garden, free of extravagance. No visible laboratories, no gleaming tech towers. Just a house... surprisingly normal.

    Ethan frowned as he stepped out of the car. "This... is it? Seriously? No lasers, no secret doors?"

    Adrian closed the car door and glanced at Ethan. "Appearances can be deceiving."

    They climbed the short set of steps leading to the main door, which opened automatically with a soft mechanical hum. Ethan stepped in cautiously, his eyes scanning every detail.

    The villa''s interior was as minimalist as the exterior: immaculate white walls, simple furniture with clean lines, and natural light flooding every corner through the enormous glass windows. Everything seemed carefully arranged to maximize space and avoid clutter. Yet, one thing stood out in stark contrast to the simplicity: the shelves.

    They covered nearly every wall, stretching up to the ceiling in some rooms, creating a striking contrast with the rest of the house. Each shelf was impeccably organized, the books arranged with almost obsessive precision. The colorful spines formed a harmonious gradient, as if their placement had been designed to soothe the eye as much as the mind.

    Unable to resist the pull of the books, Ethan instinctively approached a shelf. His fingers slid over the spines, brushing against the paper and bindings. There, on a single shelf, he found a puzzling yet fascinating mix: literary classics, complex scientific treatises, dense history books... and, to his great surprise, an impressive collection of light novels and manga.

    "Wow," he murmured, his eyes wide as he took in the variety of titles. "This is... a lot. I didn''t know he read so much. He has an actual collection of light novels? Seriously?"

    Alex raised an eyebrow, his smile widening slightly. "Why not? Even the lightest stories are full of ideas. That''s the thing about Lassen. He doesn''t draw a line between ''high literature'' and popular works. He finds inspiration everywhere. And between us..." Alex lowered his voice as if sharing a secret. "He probably enjoys those light novels more than the ''serious'' books."

    Ethan burst out laughing. "A genius, creator of worlds and revolutionary theories, unwinding with isekais and OP heroes? That''s amazing."

    Alex nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "That''s Lassen in a nutshell. Simple, yet complex. Relaxed, yet always plotting his next big idea. And he''ll never tell you what he''s really thinking. That''s for you to figure out."

    Ethan felt a mix of familiarity and mystery in the house. Despite its minimalist style, every room seemed to tell a story about Lassen. The books weren''t the only things that stood out. Scattered throughout the house were intriguing objects: a vintage lamp in one corner, a worn globe on a coffee table, and a peculiar wall clock displaying numbers in an unfamiliar format.

    "He''s... really something special, huh?" Ethan murmured, almost to himself.

    Alex picked up his coffee again, spinning it slightly in his hand. "You haven''t seen anything yet. Get ready to be surprised. Because here, everything is designed to make you think, even if it looks simple."

    "And you? What are you to him? A colleague? A friend?" Ethan finally asked, turning his gaze to Alex.

    Alex chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Me? I''m a bit of everything. A subordinate, a manager, sometimes a spokesperson. And also the one who keeps things interesting for curious visitors like you."

    Adrian returned to the room, glancing at Ethan "Do you want something to drink or eat before he joins you?"

    Ethan, still engrossed in the shelves, nodded absentmindedly "Uh, yeah, maybe some coffee?"

    Alex walked over to the open kitchen, where a state-of-the-art coffee machine whirred to life with a single touch. Adrian, meanwhile, settled into an armchair, observing Ethan with a hint of amusement.

    "So, impressed or disappointed?" Adrian asked, crossing his arms.

    Ethan shrugged "Honestly? The books are impressive. But I was expecting... I don''t know, something a bit crazier. This almost feels like a normal house."

    "Almost" Alex said, handing Ethan a cup of coffee "Wait until you see what he has planned for you."

    Ethan took the cup and gave a nervous smile "You''re kind of freaking me out when you say that."

    As he settled into a comfortable armchair, Ethan felt a strange combination of excitement and apprehension building within him. He was finally about to meet Mr. X in person¡ªnot as an enigmatic figure on the other side of a screen, but as someone real, tangible.

    And despite the villa''s seemingly normal appearance, he knew he was on the verge of discovering something extraordinary.

 Chapter 68 Echoes of a Hidden Genius

    Ethan was seated in a plush armchair, surrounded by a room that seemed like a dream come true for any book lover. The walls were lined with shelves stretching from floor to ceiling, overflowing with meticulously arranged books. Their spines formed a mosaic of colors¡ªan eclectic mix of classics, scientific manuals, manga, and light novels. A large window let in a soft, golden light, seemingly calibrated to provide optimal visual comfort.

    He still couldn''t believe he was here, in the villa of Mr. X, a figure as enigmatic as he was intimidating. But what made the moment even more surreal was the man himself.

    Lassen sat across from him in an identical armchair. Unlike the image of a stern technological genius the media had constructed, he was dressed simply: a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and dark pants. His legs were crossed, his back resting nonchalantly against the chair, and he held a cup of coffee between his fingers. At first glance, he appeared relaxed, almost indifferent, but his eyes¡ªsharp, lively, and filled with mischief¡ªbetrayed a constantly active mind, as though he was analyzing everything, even the silences.

    "So, Ethan" Lassen began in an almost friendly tone, setting his cup down on an elegant coffee table. "What''s your secret for staying awake during those twelve-hour streams? Do you live exclusively on energy drinks, or are you hooked up to caffeine IVs?"

    Ethan let out a slightly nervous laugh, still surprised to hear this man speak so casually. "Uh... a mix of both, I guess" he replied with a shrug. "But I let myself take a nap now and then¡ªwhen chat lets me."

    Lassen smirked, an amused glint flashing in his eyes "Chat? You mean those anonymous spectators who encourage you to make questionable in-game decisions just for the joy of watching you fail?"

    "Exactly!" Ethan replied, a wide grin spreading across his face "They love watching me struggle. It''s kind of twisted, but hey... it works."

    Lassen nodded thoughtfully "Humans love watching others suffer, as long as they''re not the ones involved. It''s fascinating." He paused, intertwining his fingers as if reflecting aloud "By the way, how long have you been gaming?"

    "Since I was a kid" Ethan replied, a hint of pride in his voice "But as a pro streamer, it''s been a few years. And you? Do you play often? I mean, you created Eternal Realm. You must be super good at it, right?"

    Lassen raised an eyebrow, an amused smile tugging at his lips "Super good? Not really. Let''s just say I''m competent enough not to die immediately. But I rarely play to win. What interests me is seeing how the systems react, how players bend or break my rules."

    Ethan nodded, visibly impressed "So you''re like... an observer in your own game?"

    Lassen gave a slight shrug, his response carrying an almost arrogant undertone "I''m more of a passive god. I create the universe, watch mortals evolve in it, and occasionally judge them harshly from my armchair." He paused, his sharp eyes glinting with mischief as they fixed on Ethan "You, for example, seem to have a knack for completely absurd builds, don''t you?"

    Ethan burst out laughing, sitting up straighter in his chair "Yeah, that''s my thing! But wait... you''ve watched my streams? Like, actually?"

    Lassen tilted his head slightly, a sly smile playing on his lips "Of course. It''s a fascinating anthropological study. Your approach is... unique. I saw you spend five hours searching for a completely fictional treasure because a comment suggested it."

    Ethan felt his cheeks grow warm, a mix of embarrassment and amusement washing over him "Ah... yeah. That was... a dark moment."

    Lassen laughed as well, a genuine, hearty laugh that echoed through the room "It was entertaining, I''ll give you that. But rest assured, it''s moments like those that bring the game to life. It''s because of players like you that Eternal Realm is what it is."

    Their conversation continued, oscillating between sarcasm, light humor, and genuine laughter. Lassen seemed to take great pleasure in surprising Ethan with improbable anecdotes, while Ethan felt increasingly at ease, though he remained thoroughly fascinated by his host.

    "You know" Lassen began, sipping his coffee with an air of nonchalance "there''s another theory I came across on some obscure forum. According to them, Eternal Realm isn''t a game. It''s a portal to a parallel dimension I accidentally discovered and decided to monetize for... tax purposes."

    Ethan nearly spilled his coffee as he set his cup down on the table "No! Wait, they actually said that?"

    "Absolutely" Lassen replied, a mocking smile on his lips "And they even had proof. Apparently, the game''s landscapes contain geometric patterns that are supposed to be messages from extra-dimensional entities. One user spent three hours explaining this in a YouTube video. Highly entertaining."

    "Absolutely" Lassen replied without hesitation, his tone direct and assured. "Look at me, minimal social media, no unnecessary public appearances, just projects and results. And yet, I''m a living legend. Why? Because I let people fill in the blanks with their own stories. The more mystery there is, the more captivated they become."

    Ethan stayed thoughtful for a moment, observing his host. Finally, he smirked "You know" he said mischievously "you''re a bit like a light novel character, the overpowered but mysterious hero who stays in the shadows."

    Lassen smiled, clearly entertained by the remark "That''s a nice compliment. But do you know what separates a light novel character from me?"

    "What?" Ethan asked, intrigued.

    "They have redemption arcs, moments of doubt, where they question themselves. Me? I''ve never doubted myself." He let out a laugh, full of mischief but with an underlying depth that hinted at layers Ethan couldn''t quite grasp.

    Ethan shrugged, chuckling softly "Well, in that case, I''d say you''re the unrivaled main character. That works too."

    Lassen laughed lightly, the sound resonating in the quiet, comfortable atmosphere of the room "It''s a nice compliment. But honestly, I prefer being the antagonist. They''re always more interesting. More freedom, fewer rules, and best of all... they don''t need to be loved to be memorable."

    Ethan let out a small laugh, but he couldn''t help sensing the truth buried in Lassen''s words. Encouraged by the relaxed atmosphere and this rare moment of vulnerability, he dared to ask a more personal question. His tone carried a genuine hesitation "But what if it all gets to be too much? I mean, the pressure, the expectations... even for you, it must weigh on you sometimes, right?"

    For the first time in their conversation, Lassen paused slightly, as if Ethan''s words had struck a chord. His usual sly smile faded, replaced by a calm, almost pensive expression. He looked up at Ethan, and though his gaze remained intense, it lacked the usual mischief "There are days when it''s exhausting, yes" he admitted at last, his voice softer, as though he were choosing his words carefully "And do you know what helps me relax?"

    Ethan instinctively leaned forward, captivated by the subtle shift in tone "What?" he asked, his genuine curiosity lighting up his face.

    Lassen set his cup down slowly on the coffee table, his fingers brushing the rim absentmindedly, as though the motion helped him gather his thoughts "Books, games, stories" he said softly, almost as if confessing "They remind me why I do what I do. It''s not for the wild theories, or the fame, or to fuel absurd conspiracies. It''s to create worlds,worlds where people can escape, dream, and imagine things better than reality."

    He paused, lowering his gaze to the cup as if it held answers he hadn''t yet spoken aloud "And sometimes, those worlds... they save me just as much as they save others."

    An unusual silence settled between them, heavy with meaning but strangely comforting. Ethan, caught off guard by this unexpected confession, hesitated to respond. He didn''t want to shatter the moment. For the first time, he saw Lassen as more than just an elusive and enigmatic genius: he was a man with flaws, strengths, and his own ways of coping.

    After a moment, Lassen lifted his head, and the familiar twinkle of mischief returned to his eyes "Well, enough of the philosophical talk. You''re going to start thinking I''m sentimental. And trust me, that would be a terrible mistake."

    In his mind, the system, ever cheeky, chimed in immediately

    [Wanna bet? I''m recording all of this to save for later. Maybe for a birthday speech.]

    Lassen rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath "I knew you''d say that" Then, turning to Ethan with a lighter smile, he shifted the conversation, his tone almost casual "It''s getting dark. Let''s grab something to eat and get ready for your stream. Sound good?"

    Ethan started, caught off guard by the abrupt change, but his excitement quickly surged. He nodded eagerly, unable to contain his enthusiasm "Yes! Of course! I even put together a little program for what we could do... if that''s okay with you."

    Lassen smiled, amused by Ethan''s fervor. Rising slowly, he adjusted his shirt with perfect nonchalance "Don''t worry about that. Let''s eat first. The big revolution can wait a little while. After all, who''s in a hurry, right?"

    Ethan stood as well, his heart pounding in his chest. It all felt surreal: sharing a meal with Mr. X, then streaming live from his villa. He couldn''t help but grin as he followed Lassen toward the kitchen, his mind swirling with a thousand thoughts, each one more thrilling than the last.

 Chapter 69 The stream begin

    The room where everything was about to unfold looked like the perfect blend of a professional streaming studio and a minimalist space straight out of a futuristic film. The walls, painted in neutral tones, were softly illuminated by discreet LEDs, giving the place a refined yet ultramodern ambiance. At the center of the room stood a wide glass table with brushed steel legs, holding equipment that would make any tech enthusiast''s heart race.

    A towering PC, encased in a matte black chassis with subtle neon accents, emitted a soft glow that seemed to pulse in rhythm with the room''s tranquil atmosphere. Three strategically placed monitors provided comprehensive views of the game, the stream''s chat, and technical configurations. Nearby, several high-quality cameras were mounted on articulated arms, ready to capture every detail of the action from multiple angles.

    But what caught Ethan''s attention the most was the gaming chair facing the main monitor. It was a striking black model trimmed with gold accents, boasting a design that was both elegant and intimidating. It seemed almost too perfect, as if it had been crafted specifically for this moment.

    Ethan lowered himself into the chair slowly, his palms slightly damp. Although he was used to streaming, his nervousness continued to build. This wasn''t an ordinary stream, and he knew it. Across the table sat Mr. X. Just that thought alone was enough to send his heart racing.

    On the other side, Lassen appeared to be the complete opposite of Ethan. Sitting comfortably, he adjusted a headset with a casual motion, a faint, amused smile on his lips. His natural calm made the atmosphere both soothing and unsettling. To him, this seemed like just another day, an ordinary meeting.

    In a corner of the room, Adrian and Alex were also present, standing back but observing. Adrian, arms crossed, watched the scene with an impassive expression, ready to step in if necessary. Alex, meanwhile, was distractedly scrolling through a tablet, though his gaze frequently drifted toward Lassen and Ethan, curious about how this improbable collaboration would unfold.

    Breaking the silence, Lassen glanced at Ethan, his eyes glinting with quiet mischief "So, are you ready?" he asked, his relaxed tone cutting through the palpable tension surrounding Ethan.

    Ethan let out a nervous laugh, trying to mask his stress "Ready? That''s an understatement. I feel like I''m about to explode! Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, you''re... you!"

    Lassen shrugged, his sly smile widening slightly "You''re the pro streamer, not me. I''m just here to have fun. But if you mess up, I''ll make sure to mention it in my autobiography."

    Ethan burst out laughing despite himself, surprised by Lassen''s disarming humor. That subtle touch of irony was enough to ease some of the tension knotting his stomach.

    "Okay, okay" Ethan said, taking a deep breath as he tried to compose himself "If you promise not to be too hard on me, I''m ready."

    "Don''t worry" Lassen replied, adjusting his glasses "I''m more of a spectator than a participant. I''ll let you shine, Carter. But keep in mind, I''m watching with a critical eye."

    Ethan shook his head, smiling as he finally began to feel his nerves settle. This stream was going to be unforgettable,not just for him but for the thousands of viewers eagerly awaiting this unlikely duo to take the stage.

    He took a deep breath, his fingers trembling slightly on the mouse. He knew this moment would be unforgettable, but that didn''t stop a wave of apprehension from washing over him. Adjusting his mic nervously, he pressed the "Go Live" button.

    Instantly, notifications flooded his screen. His chat interface turned into an avalanche of messages as viewers rushed to join the long-awaited event. The view count climbed at an astonishing speed,hundreds, then thousands, and finally tens of thousands of viewers connected in under a minute. Messages flew by so quickly they were almost unreadable, but a few stood out due to their persistence:

    "Is it true? Is Mr. X really going to appear?"

    "Ethan, stop making us wait!"

    "If this is a joke, I''m uninstalling Eternal Realm."

    Ethan swallowed hard and adjusted his posture. He needed to stay composed "Hey everyone!" he began, with a burst of energy that only slightly betrayed his excitement. "Welcome to a stream... let''s just say, a very, very special one. I know you all have a ton of questions. But before I answer them, let me introduce my guest..."

    Lassen stretched lazily, draping an arm over the back of his chair "Good question. But the answer might disappoint you: not as much as I''d like. I rarely play for fun. Usually, it''s to test features, identify bugs, or observe how the mechanics hold up. Basically, I''m the worst kind of player¡ªthe one who ruins the illusion."

    The chat exploded:

    "That''s sad, but fair."

    "The guy plays for work. Respect."

    "So, who''s the real boss of Eternal Realm?"

    Ethan burst out laughing as he read another comment aloud: "''Are you really an alien?''"

    Lassen raised an eyebrow, a sly smile lighting up his face "Ah, that one comes up a lot. So, to answer: I can neither confirm nor deny that rumor. But if I were an alien, trust me, I''d have done a lot more than just design a video game. Let''s just say the mystery remains."

    The chat went wild, flooded with wild theories and jokes about aliens.

    "He''s not denying it, so it must be true!"

    "Eternal Realm = Area 51 confirmed."

    "Mr. X, king of the little green men."

    Ethan, still laughing, quickly moved on to another question: "''Can you confirm that the hidden zone in Eternal Realm is inspired by a parallel dimension?''"

    Lassen leaned forward slightly, his expression taking on a mock-serious tone "Ah, the infamous hidden zone. Let me just say this: every great game needs its mysteries. But whether it''s inspired by a parallel dimension or just my caffeine-fueled imagination... well, I''ll let you decide."

    The chat erupted once more:

    "That''s not a no!"

    "Confirmed: Lassen drinks coffee and sees into other dimensions."

    "I''m spending all night in the hidden zone now. Thanks a lot, Mr. X!"

    Ethan grinned as he glanced at Lassen "You really know how to keep people guessing, huh?"

    Lassen shrugged nonchalantly "It''s not about keeping them guessing. It''s about giving them something to dream about. A good mystery is the best way to keep people coming back."

    Ethan nodded, impressed "Well, mission accomplished. You''ve got everyone hooked." He turned back to the chat "Alright, folks, keep the questions coming! Let''s see how far we can push the man of mystery tonight."

 Chapter 70 Between Laughter and Mystery

    Note 1 : Thank you Nathan_Huyghe for the gift. This chapter is for you

    Note 2 : More gifts for more chapters

    Note 3 : i ve created a discord come join

    ________________________________________

    The stream was in full swing, and the energy in the room was reaching its peak. Every exchange between Ethan and Lassen added an extra layer of excitement to an already electrifying atmosphere. Viewers, glued to their screens, seemed unable to look away, captivated by the unlikely chemistry between the exuberant streamer and the enigmatic man known as Mr. X.

    Ethan, visibly more relaxed than at the start, skillfully juggled the game''s challenges, chat questions, and Lassen''s constant jabs. His hands glided over his keyboard, while his face betrayed intense concentration, punctuated by nervous smiles at every biting comment from his guest.

    "You know" Ethan said, exhaling nervously after narrowly escaping death in the game "I think this might be the stream where I permanently lose all credibility."

    Lassen raised an eyebrow, his expression hovering between amusement and irony. Leaning slightly toward the camera, he said in a mock-serious tone "Your credibility? You mean the one where you spent five hours trying to kill a boss with a build that included a wooden stick and a beginner''s shield? I think that ship has already sailed."

    The chat, already buzzing with excitement, exploded. Messages flooded the screen

    "Friendly fire!"

    "Mr. X: 1 ¨C Ethan: 0."

    "The boss of the game roasting the player live,priceless."

    Ethan shook his head, one hand covering his face to hide a smile he couldn''t suppress "Okay, okay, that was a low point. But seriously, what would you have done in my place?" he asked, turning briefly to Lassen in a desperate bid to defend himself.

    Without hesitation, Lassen replied, his tone laced with gentle mockery "Not played like a clown, for starters."

    That was the final straw for Ethan, who burst into uncontrollable laughter. The chat, in sync with the stream''s tone, amplified the collective hilarity with absurd remarks and instant memes

    "Clown spotted."

    "Mr. X is the definition of ''kicking someone while they''re down.''"

    "Ethan, you should write a guide on how NOT to play."

    Standing in the corner of the room, Adrian maintained his stoic expression, though a nearly imperceptible sigh escaped him. It was as if he had witnessed this scene countless times before. Nearby, Alex, half-hidden behind his tablet, observed the exchange with a knowing smirk. He seemed particularly amused by the dynamic between Ethan and Lassen,a blend of sarcasm and camaraderie that made the spectacle irresistible.

    Ethan, after composing himself, pointed an accusing finger at Lassen "Okay, I see how it is. You''re here to ruin my career, aren''t you? You want everyone to see me as the worst Eternal Realm player ever."

    Lassen shrugged with disarming nonchalance "I don''t need to do that. You''re doing a fantastic job all on your own."

    Another wave of laughter erupted, both in the chat and in the room. Ethan slumped theatrically onto the table, feigning despair, while Lassen calmly resumed his initial position, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

    The stream continued to maintain an almost euphoric energy, with every biting remark from Lassen fueling the collective laughter of the viewers. Ethan, though he was often the target of these quips, wasn''t the least bit offended. In fact, he seemed honored to share this unique moment with a figure as legendary as Mr. X.

    Even as Lassen appeared perfectly at ease, he was keenly aware that every word he spoke and every gesture he made added to the mystery surrounding him, capturing the attention of an audience eager to unravel it.

    ---

    The chat was a veritable torrent of messages, with viewers firing off absurd questions at a breakneck pace. Comments scrolled by so fast that Ethan struggled to read one before three more appeared. Despite this, he couldn''t help but smile at the creativity,and occasional absurdity,of his audience.

    "Mr. X, why are you so calm?"

    "Who would win in a duel: you or Ethan?"

    "Do you secretly have a pet?"

    Ethan read the question aloud, his curiosity piqued "Now that''s a great question! Did you hear that, Mr. X? They want to know if you''ve got something cool to show us. A new invention, maybe?"

    He turned to Lassen, who had remained silent, gazing at the camera with that same enigmatic smile that had become his trademark. The chat erupted instantly:

    "COME ON, MR. X, SHOW US!"

    "Don''t leave us hanging!"

    "A teaser, please!"

    True to his style, Lassen let the dramatic pause linger before standing up slowly. He adjusted his shirt sleeves slightly, casting a glance at Ethan "You want a new invention?" he asked, his tone calm but provocative.

    Ethan blinked, momentarily caught off guard "Uh... yes? I mean, I think the chat is unanimous."

    Without a word, Lassen turned and exited the room through a side door, leaving Ethan and the thousands of viewers hanging in suspense.

    "Okay... I think we lost him" Ethan joked, trying to mask his own impatience. Turning to the camera, he flashed a nervous smile "Maybe he''s coming back with... I don''t know, a revolutionary toaster? Or something even weirder."

    The chat exploded with theories

    "MY BET IS ON A ROBOT TOASTER!"

    "Maybe he''s coming back with an alien pet."

    "It''s Mr. X, it could literally be anything."

    Minutes ticked by, and just as Ethan began to wonder if Lassen was serious, the door finally opened. All eyes,both in the room and on the stream,turned toward him.

    Lassen reappeared, carrying a sleek, matte black case that seemed to almost float in his hands. He placed it on the table with calculated precision, as though handling something invaluable.

    Ethan leaned forward, intrigued, while the chat went into overdrive

    "WHAT IS THAT?"

    "THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME!"

    "Open it, Ethan!"

    "What is it?" Ethan asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as though afraid to break the moment.

    Lassen, unflappable as always, gestured toward the case "See for yourself."

    With slightly trembling hands, Ethan carefully unlocked the case. A soft click sounded, followed by a gentle hiss of air, as if the contents were vacuum-sealed. Slowly, he lifted the lid, and his eyes widened in astonishment.

    Inside was a futuristic headset, its design sleek and elegant. The glossy black exterior seemed to absorb the light around it, while subtle bands of blue light ran along its surface, glowing softly. The device radiated an almost otherworldly aura, as though it belonged to a different era,or a different dimension.

    Ethan froze, his hands hovering over the headset, as if afraid to touch it "This is... a VR headset? Is that what it is?" he asked, his voice a mix of excitement and disbelief.

    Lassen sat back down, crossing his legs with his signature nonchalance "Maybe. Maybe not."

    The chat exploded instantly

    "WHAT IS THIS THING?"

    "A NEW VR HEADSET?"

    "TELL US MORE!!"

    Ethan, his eyes still locked on the headset, finally looked up at Lassen "Wait... you''re not going to explain? What exactly is this?!"

 Chapter 71 The Unveiling of Immersion

    Ethan, still staring at the headset, raised his head toward Lassen, a mix of frustration and curiosity animating his face "Wait... you''re not going to explain? What exactly is this?!"

    Lassen, leaning casually against the table, crossed his arms, a faintly mocking smile spreading across his lips "No" he replied simply, savoring the agitation rising by the second in the chat.

    On the screen, the chaos was palpable

    "WHAT IS THIS HEADSET?! EXPLAIN!"

    "ETHAN, PUT IT ON AND TELL US WHAT IT IS!"

    "Mr. X IS TRULY THE KING OF SUSPENSE."

    Ethan turned his gaze toward the camera, his features split between excitement and a tinge of nervous panic "Okay, I guess he''s not going to say anything. You know what? I''m going to try it. If I disappear into another dimension, tell my mom I love her."

    The chat erupted in digital laughter, messages flooding in

    "RIP ETHAN."

    "WE LOVE YOU, ETHAN. SAFE JOURNEYS."

    "TAKE PICTURES IF YOU MEET ALIENS."

    Lassen rolled his eyes with an exaggerated sigh, his amusement evident "Don''t be so dramatic. It''s just a headset. Sit down, and I''ll show you what it really is."

    Ethan settled into the chair, his heart racing, every movement betraying his mix of excitement and apprehension. True to its reputation, the chat was in total uproar. Spectators, glued to their screens, furiously typed messages, giving the moment an almost tangible tension.

    "GO FOR IT, ETHAN!"

    "THIS STREAM IS LEGENDARY!"

    "IF HE TELEPORTS, I''M LEAVING THIS PLANE OF EXISTENCE."

    Ethan glanced up at Lassen, who held the headset with an almost ceremonial care. The object seemed otherworldly. Its flawless curves and minimalist design made it look less like a piece of technology and more like a work of art. The integrated light bands pulsed softly, casting a nearly hypnotic glow.

    Lassen approached, calmly fitting the headset onto Ethan''s head. His movements were precise, almost mechanical, but carried a certain grace. The tension in the room was so thick it could be cut with a knife. Adrian, standing in a corner, crossed his arms, watching every motion intently, while Alex stole curious glances at the screen monitoring the device.

    "Comfortable?" Lassen asked, his calm voice breaking the silence as if it were the most mundane question in the world.

    "Yes..." Ethan murmured, swallowing hard, his heart pounding even faster "But... am I supposed to feel something?" His voice trembled slightly, a mix of anticipation and unease.

    Lassen offered a subtle, almost imperceptible smile "Patience" he replied, stepping toward the screen next to the chair. His fingers danced across the keyboard, inputting commands with a speed that betrayed his total mastery of the device.

    A faint hum filled the room, like a discreet yet entrancing melody. The headset activated, its lights brightening slightly, casting mesmerizing reflections on the walls. Ethan felt a gentle warmth spread through the device, enveloping his head and gradually easing the tension in his muscles.

    In the chat, panic and excitement reached a fever pitch

    "This thing... it''s something else" he murmured.

    He started running through the clearing, each step gently flattening the grass beneath his feet. The spectators, captivated, watched this scene as if they were witnessing a historic event.

    Lassen, still observing, finally spoke in a calm yet firm tone "This isn''t just an immersive experience, Ethan. It''s a gateway to a new world. A reality where limits no longer exist."

    Ethan slowed, turning to look around one last time before Lassen deactivated the system. Moments later, he was back in the room, still overwhelmed by what he had just experienced. Slowly, he removed the headset, his hands trembling. His eyes, shining with a mix of shock and exhilaration, scanned the room as though struggling to reconnect with reality. Every breath he took seemed filled with awe.

    He carefully placed the headset on the table, as if handling a sacred artifact, and looked up at Lassen, who observed him calmly from his chair "This thing..." Ethan murmured, searching for the right words "this thing is going to change the world."

    Lassen, ever true to himself, shrugged slightly, his enigmatic smile widening "Maybe" he replied with disconcerting nonchalance "But for now, it''s just a toy."

    A strange silence filled the room, broken only by the hum of the equipment. But on the stream, it was an entirely different story. The viewers, unable to contain their curiosity, flooded the chat with messages

    "WHEN CAN WE BUY IT?!"

    "WHAT IS THIS TECHNOLOGICAL MONSTER?!"*

    "MR. X, STOP BEING SO MYSTERIOUS AND EXPLAIN IT TO US!"*

    Still in shock, Ethan turned to the camera, struggling to find the right words "Guys..." he began, his voice hesitant but sincere "I... I have no words. This headset... it''s... it''s on another level. Seriously, I''ve never seen anything like it. But I can''t explain it. Not yet."

    His voice wavered slightly, a mix of excitement and palpable frustration at being unable to fully share what he had experienced. But in his eyes burned an intense light, that of a man who had discovered something far beyond his imagination.

    Lassen stood, calmly adjusting his sleeves. He approached Ethan and, with an almost disarming simplicity, gently patted his shoulder "It''s up to them to figure out what it means" he said, his tone both reassuring and inscrutable "For now, let their imagination do the work. It''s often more powerful than any explanation."

    Ethan turned his head slowly toward Lassen, searching for a trace of mischief or a further explanation, but all he found was implacable serenity.

    Meanwhile, the stream''s chat was in a state of total frenzy. The viewers, already dazzled by what they had seen, clamored for answers with an almost tangible impatience:

    "MR. X, TELL US ABOUT THE HEADSET!"

    "IS THIS ACTUALLY POSSIBLE?!"

    "ETHAN, MAKE HIM TALK!"

    Ethan glanced at the screen, reading the messages at lightning speed. He managed a nervous smile "I hear you, guys, believe me. But I don''t think Mr. X is going to spill the beans just yet. I mean, look at him!"

    Lassen, standing with his arms crossed, gazed at the camera with a faint smirk "Suspense is a powerful weapon" he finally declared.

    As the tension reached its peak, Ethan finally spoke up "Alright, listen. I don''t know exactly what Mr. X has planned for this headset. But what I do know is that what I experienced inside it is... beyond anything you could imagine. You''ll just have to wait. Sorry, guys."

    Lassen nodded, clearly satisfied "Patience is a virtue, isn''t it?" he added mischievously, before turning and leaving the room, leaving Ethan alone with a headset that appeared ordinary but held extraordinary potential.

    The stream ended with a striking image: Ethan, sitting in front of the camera, the headset resting in front of him like a silent promise. As the chat continued to debate, speculate, and ignite with excitement, one certainty emerged in the minds of the viewers: the world was about to change, and this evening was only the beginning.

 Chapter 72 Reality Reimagined: The Revolution of Mr. Xs VR Headset

    After spending an extra day at Lassen''s villa, Ethan finally returned home, dragging his suitcase down the narrow hallway of his apartment. The space felt strangely small and ordinary after exploring Mr. X''s sleek and minimalist mansion. But it wasn''t the lack of space that unsettled him the most. It was what he felt.

    The experience with the immersive VR headset haunted him. The sensations, the images, the realism,everything seemed more tangible, more alive than the reality around him. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the landscapes he had traversed, felt the wind on his skin, and heard the whispers of virtual leaves. He even caught himself, unconsciously, reaching out for objects he had held in that world.

    Sitting at his gaming setup, the familiar glow of his gear reflecting off the screen, Ethan realized nothing felt as vibrant as before. Even his favorite game, Eternal Realm, seemed pale in comparison "How am I supposed to play after that?" he murmured, his voice barely audible.

    However, while Ethan tried to return to a normal routine, the outside world was ablaze. Social media platforms were on fire. Hashtags like #MonsieurXVR, #MonsieurXRevolution, and #TotalImmersion flooded the trending lists, amassing millions of posts.

    Every platform, every gaming forum, every dedicated YouTube channel was overwhelmed with theories, speculations, and debates. Some tried to analyze every detail of Ethan''s stream, hoping to uncover a clue about the headset. Others spun wild hypotheses about the technology behind the breakthrough.

    On the Eternal Realm forums, one topic in particular dominated the discussions

    "The Immersive VR Headset: Revolution or Fantasy?"

    Comments poured in, mixing excitement with skepticism

    "Imagine being able to feel the wind or touch objects in the game. This is science fiction becoming reality."

    "Monsieur X is hiding something. I bet this tech has side effects he''s not telling us about."

    "I need that headset. Whatever it costs."

    Traditional media outlets also latched onto the phenomenon. Detailed reports traced the enigmatic rise of Monsieur X, emphasizing the potential impact of the headset on the tech industry and the entertainment world. Headlines like

    "A Glimpse of Monsieur X''s Technology: What It Means for the Future."

    "Is Monsieur X Preparing to Revolutionize Gaming?"

    ...flashed repeatedly across news channels.

    Amid this chaos, one constant both infuriated and intrigued the public: Monsieur X''s silence. Neither he nor his team nor Ethan made any statements. This only fueled the wild speculations. Some believed Monsieur X was preparing a secret launch, while others suggested he was still testing the product before officially unveiling it.

    This mystery only fueled the public''s obsession, sparking a collective frenzy that showed no signs of abating. Ethan, on the other hand, tried his best to stay out of the media spotlight. Every notification, every private message, every call seemed to revolve around the VR headset and his encounter with Mr. X.

    "Sold out? Seriously? I was literally on the site at launch!"

    "Anyone willing to sell their spot in line? Name your price."

    The debates grew louder, mixing curiosity and impatience with constant speculation. On tech and gaming forums, wild theories abounded. Some speculated that the headset could read minds; others imagined it provided access to some kind of "digital paradise." Memes proliferated, poking fun at the mystery meticulously maintained by Mr. X

    "Mr. X: ''It''s just a toy.'' Us: ''Okay, but what kind of toy?''"

    "I bet this headset unlocks secrets of the multiverse."

    Amid this collective euphoria, dissenting voices began to emerge. Experts, researchers, and even media psychologists stepped in to temper the excitement. In a widely-watched television interview, a renowned neuroscientist raised concerns

    "This headset promises total immersion, but it raises fundamental questions. What happens if users begin to prioritize the virtual world over reality? What psychological consequences might we face as a society if we blur the lines between these two dimensions?"

    These warnings didn''t dampen public enthusiasm but added a layer of intrigue to the unfolding phenomenon.

    "We''ve already seen addictive behaviors linked to much less immersive experiences. Imagine the implications if this headset is as powerful as they claim."

    On social media, reactions to these warnings were divided. Some took them as a serious wake-up call

    "What if this thing becomes a virtual drug? Have you seen ''Sword Art Online''?"

    "We''re already addicted to our phones. Now we''ll be stuck inside a VR headset?"

    Others dismissed the criticisms, accusing skeptics of lacking vision or being afraid of progress

    "People criticized the internet when it first started. Now we can''t live without it. Maybe this headset is the next step."

    "They''re just jealous because they didn''t manage to pre-order."

    The debate grew louder as organizations and governments began to weigh in. Some called for clear regulatory frameworks before the official launch. The idea that this technology could disrupt not just entertainment but also the economy and social interactions sparked a mix of excitement and apprehension.

    Amid this uproar, one truth stood unshaken: Mr. X''s VR headset left no one indifferent. Whether seen as a revolution or a threat, it had already made history before even reaching the hands of the general public.

 Chapter 73 A High-Stakes Meeting

    The meeting was held in a high-security conference room, buried deep within the Pentagon,the nerve center of American defense strategy. This was no ordinary room but a space designed for classified discussions, known as "Room 47" by its rare and exclusive occupants.

    Located several floors underground, the room was fortified with an array of stringent security measures: biometric scans, reinforced doors, and soundproofing technology that ensured no conversation within could be overheard by the outside world.

    The room itself was stark and utilitarian. The gray concrete walls were devoid of any decoration, save for a massive digital screen spanning one side. In the center stood a polished wooden table, surrounded by black leather chairs, each equipped with microphones and small personal monitors to display projected documents. A cold, white light emanated from a recessed ceiling fixture, casting sharp shadows and accentuating the strained expressions of those present.

    It was here, in this highly guarded sanctuary watched over by armed soldiers at every entrance, that the most influential figures in the United States gathered to deliberate the concerning situation involving Macro and Monsieur X. The gravity of the meeting weighed heavily on the room. Each attendee understood that the decisions made here could reshape global geopolitics.

    The cold, artificial lighting reflected off the table''s polished surface as the room filled with key figures: senators, generals, intelligence agency directors, and a select few technological and strategic experts. The tension was palpable, broken only by the occasional scrape of a chair or murmured exchange.

    The president''s chief strategic advisor, a man in a somber suit, stood and cleared his throat. His voice, deliberate and grave, carried an unmistakable urgency.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for assembling on such short notice. We are facing an unprecedented situation. Macro, a small kingdom often overlooked on the world stage, is destabilizing the established order. And at the heart of it all stands one man: Monsieur X."

    With a click, the massive screen at the head of the room flickered to life, displaying a series of images and video clips. The recent press conference in Macro played first, followed by footage of Lassen presenting the VR headset and scenes from Ethan Carter''s viral stream.

    "What you''re seeing isn''t just a technological breakthrough" the advisor continued, gesturing toward the screen "This is a paradigm shift. This headset has the potential to redefine reality itself. But the real question is: in whose favor?"

    A general, his expression carved from stone, spoke next, his voice sharp and commanding "We''ve seen this kind of scenario before. A nation amasses advanced technology in isolation, evading oversight. And what happens next? They become a threat. Macro is building an economic and scientific powerhouse that could surpass us. We need to act,now,before it''s too late."

    Across the table, a senator shook her head, her tone firm yet measured "Act how, General? Do you propose we go to war against an entire nation based on speculation? Monsieur X hasn''t displayed hostility. He''s an inventor, not a tyrant. Are we really prepared to risk a global crisis without concrete evidence?"

    The room erupted into overlapping arguments, voices rising as tensions escalated. The echoes of heated debates bounced off the cold walls.

    A nervous man in thick glasses, the technological advisor, stood next, clutching his tablet that displayed intricate diagrams and charts "Let me be clear" he began, his voice wavering slightly but growing steadier.

    The intelligence director, silent until now, spoke in an unnervingly calm tone "There is... another option" he said, fixing the president with a calculated look "A more discreet approach. A targeted neutralization. If Monsieur X were... removed, Macro would lose its cornerstone. The nation could be reintegrated into the global order with minimal resistance."

    A sharp intake of breath followed his suggestion, along with the rustling of papers and exchanged glances,some shocked, others contemplative.

    The senator from earlier slammed her fist on the table, her outrage cutting through the tension like a blade "What exactly are you suggesting?" she demanded, her voice trembling with fury "Assassination? Is that your grand plan? That''s not just immoral, it''s reckless. Have you considered the fallout? Mr X isn''t a dictator, and Macro isn''t a rogue state. An act like that would make us no better than barbarians."

    Her passionate objection cast a heavy silence over the room, each word resonating in the minds of the participants. For a moment, no one spoke, the weight of her argument settling in.

    Finally, the president, who had remained silent throughout the discussion, leaned forward in his chair. His expression was unreadable, but his piercing gaze swept across the room, silencing any further interruptions.

    "I believe we''ve heard enough" he began, his voice calm but laced with undeniable authority "One thing is clear: inaction is not an option. If we ignore this situation, we risk losing our strategic edge. But an overt conflict or hostile measures could spiral out of control."

    He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing "Here''s what we''ll do, prepare a discreet communication for Monsieur X. We need to establish direct contact, assess his intentions, and explore the possibility of cooperation. If, and only if, he rejects our outreach or displays hostility, we will consider other measures."

    Low murmurs rippled through the room, but the president wasn''t finished.

    "Simultaneously, we''ll escalate economic sanctions on Macro. Increase pressure on their international trade, restrict their technological exports. We need to test their boundaries and gauge their response."

    Heads nodded reluctantly around the table, though unease lingered in the air. Everyone understood that this strategy carried unpredictable risks.

    As the meeting drew to a close, the attendees began gathering their documents, their expressions etched with contemplation and unease. A senior advisor approached the president, his brow furrowed with concern.

    "And if Monsieur X retaliates against these measures? Or worse... weaponizes his inventions against us?"

    The president crossed his arms, his gaze steady and cold. A faint glimmer of resolve flickered in his eyes.

    "Then we do what we''ve always done" he replied "We strike back. And this time, we won''t miss."

 Chapter 74 An odd request

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    Lassen was slouched in a plush armchair, his feet resting on the coffee table, a book in hand "Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project" Yet, judging by his far-off gaze, he seemed closer to dozing off than deeply engaged in reading. As always, the system in his head didn''t miss the chance to comment.

    [So, this is how a genius operates? Lounging like a teenager in existential crisis, surrounded by chips and books about guys playing with atoms? Inspirational.]

    Lassen smirked without even glancing up "The difference is, I can do all this simultaneously. Relaxation, reflection, and a bit of nuclear history. You should try it sometime,it''s therapeutic."

    [Oh, excuse me. I''m just an omniscient system stuck in your head. My version of relaxation? Listening to your inner monologues while hoping you don''t start an international incident before noon.]

    Lassen chuckled softly, theatrically turning a page "That''s adorable. You''re worried about me."

    [Worried about me, actually. If you blow up this kingdom, guess who''s stuck dealing with the fallout in your mind?]

    "Fair point" Lassen admitted, placing the book on his chest and staring pensively at the ceiling "Tell me, system, what do you know about Oppenheimer?"

    [Oh, just that he''s the father of the atomic bomb. Brilliant guy, really. But why are you so interested? Planning to add ''Destroyer of Worlds'' to your list of titles?]

    Lassen sighed exaggeratedly "You always make everything so dramatic. It''s not the destruction I''m interested in, it''s the ingenuity. Those people unlocked colossal power at a time when science was stumbling in the dark. And they managed it all without your sarcastic commentary."

    [Yeah, and look where it got them. Arms races, diplomatic crises, and countless anxiety-inducing documentaries. They should''ve just invented a toaster instead.]

    Lassen burst out laughing, shaking his head slightly "You could be more optimistic. Nuclear energy, when used right, could be an incredible power source. Imagine what we could achieve with it."

    [Oh, I don''t have to imagine. You, on the other hand,I know you. If you built a nuclear reactor, in three weeks you''d be figuring out how to turn it into a particle accelerator just to see what happens.]

    "You know me so well" Lassen replied with a wry smile. After a moment of silence, he added, as if it were obvious "But I''ve always been curious to see a nuclear explosion."

    In his mind, the system spoke again, incapable of holding back in the face of Lassen''s unnerving calm

    [Well, congratulations. The one person patient enough to tolerate your absurdity just refused to help. A major win for rationality and the survival of humanity.]

    Lassen smirked, sliding a finger between the pages to hold his place "Alex is pragmatic; I''ll give him that. But he''ll change his mind eventually. He can''t resist me. No one can."

    [Oh really? Because your irresistible charm also works on geopolitical crises and weapons of mass destruction? Remind me again, who''s been likened to an eccentric genius capable of turning the world upside down before breakfast?]

    Lassen sank deeper into his chair, crossing his legs and resting the book on his chest

    "Listen, system, who needs a borrowed bomb when you have a brain like mine? I could probably build one smaller, sleeker, and, maybe... even more beautiful."

    A dramatic silence filled his mind before the system responded, incredulous

    [Oh no. No, no, no. I forbid you from going down that road. You know what? Fine. I''ll just sit back and watch this idea spiral into an international crisis. It''ll be like watching an avalanche in slow motion.]

    Lassen burst into laughter, his voice echoing in the library. He snapped the book shut with a flourish and carefully set it down on the coffee table "Oh, stop. You know that everything I do, I do with style. If I''m going to trigger a crisis, it''ll at least be elegant."

    [Oh, absolutely. With you, even the apocalypse would have Broadway-worthy lighting effects.]

    Lassen straightened slightly, his fingers tapping idly on the armrest. He turned his head toward one of the large windows overlooking the majestic skyline of Macro. His expression grew more thoughtful, though the ever-present smirk remained at the corner of his lips "You know, system, that''s the thing about me. Whatever I want, I get. Maybe not immediately, but sooner or later, I find a way."

    [And sometimes your ''way'' involves dragging me into schemes that should, theoretically, be outlined in a manual titled ''How to Avoid Ending Up in History as a Madman.'']

    "Ah, but that''s the beauty of it" Lassen replied, rising from his chair" History is exactly where I want to be."

    The system sighed in a way that seemed almost human

    [One day,... one day, someone''s going to show up at your door with very pointed questions. And on that day, I''ll be here, ready to say, ''I told you so.'']

    Lassen shrugged with a self-satisfied grin. "Maybe. But until then, let me dream a little. That''s what makes all of this fun, isn''t it?"

    He turned and left the library, leaving behind an air of lightheartedness laced with barely concealed excitement. In his mind, the system continued to grumble, unable to remain entirely silent in the face of its host''s unpredictable brilliance.

 Chapter 75 The Team

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    Adrian rarely spent time contemplating his own life. It wasn''t in his nature. A man of action above all, he found his balance in movement, precision, and the accomplishment of missions. Yet today, he allowed himself a rare moment of respite. Sitting on a metal crate in an isolated warehouse, away from prying eyes, he watched his team train. The sounds of gunfire, the echoes of footsteps on concrete, and the orders shouted by his subordinates filled the space, but Adrian remained silent, motionless, almost contemplative.

    In this organized tumult, he remembered the day he had been summoned by Lassen, or the system. This was no ordinary encounter. Lassen, this man who seemed like an eccentric but terribly brilliant slacker, had asked him for two things: to lead and to protect. On paper, it was simple. But Adrian had quickly learned that nothing about Lassen was really that.

    The first time he had met his employer, the latter was lying on a couch, a half-empty cup of coffee on the table next to him. Lassen had looked up, a smirk on his face "Adrian, is that it? Good. I want you to do two things for me: drive me where I want to go, and make sure no one bothers me along the way. Maybe fling me food sometimes. Easy, right?"

    Adrian, with his usual pragmatism, had nodded, thinking that this job would be a mission like any other. But that illusion had quickly dissipated. Between the sudden trips to improbable places, the impromptu stops for Lassen''s crazy ideas, and the constant threats from his enemies, Adrian had quickly realized that this job was anything but ordinary.

    And the enemies of a man like Lassen are not ordinary enemies. So little by little, even if he seemed relaxed and took everything lightly from the outside, he was still vigilant and on his guard.

    The turning point was the assassination attempt orchestrated by Gueria. That day, Adrian had seen a side of Lassen he hadn''t suspected. Normally relaxed, almost lazy in his approach to life, Lassen had taken this incident with icy seriousness.

    "No one plays with my life with impunity. So if they wanna play, let''s play." he had said that night, his eyes shining with an unfamiliar gleam "Gueria thinks they can scare me? Fine. We''ll show them the cost of underestimating a man like me. I ll make them regret "

    "Gather around, we''re back at practice in an hour" he called to his team before walking away to answer.

    "Adrian, are you busy?" Lassen''s familiar voice asked, light and casual.

    "For you, never," Adrian replied with a sigh, already prepared for a completely off-the-wall request.

    "Good! I have an idea, and I''m going to need you. Come see me in an hour. Oh, and be patient. This might be... ambitious."

    Adrian closed his eyes, letting out a dry laugh "Ambitious you say ?"

    " I will tell you when you arrive. Come quick, I m waiting."

    As he hung up, he felt the curious gaze of his teammates. Mara, arms crossed, raised an eyebrow "What does he want this time?"

    Adrian shook his head with a wry smile "I don''t know yet. But get ready. With him, it''s always something big."

    A silence fell briefly, then Sasha said with a laugh: "This is going to be another thing where we wonder how we''re still alive, huh?"

    Adrian nodded, a smile playing on his lips "Most likely."

    The team burst out laughing before going back to their activities, while Adrian mentally prepared himself to find out what crazy idea Lassen had in mind next.

 Chapter 76 The Power Plan

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    Back at Lassen''s Villa

    After hanging up with Adrian, Lassen lazily stretched out in his chair, his feet propped up on the coffee table, as if he had no worries in the world. He stared at the ceiling, letting his mind wander.

    "Tell me, system, Macro doesn''t have any nuclear power, does it?"

    [No, absolutely nothing. Not a reactor, not a power plant, not even a poor experimental nuclear pile in a lab. But I feel like that''s going to change soon.]

    Lassen cracked a smile, his lips stretched into a mischievous grin "You know me so well!"

    [I''m literally in your head. You don''t need to be Einstein to figure out where this is going.]

    The system paused before continuing, his tone deceptively innocent

    [So what''s your big plan this time?]

    "I want a nuclear bomb" Lassen said, looking as serious as if he were ordering pizza.

    The silence in his mind was almost palpable before the system reacted

    [It''s doable. But, are you sure? I mean, I can provide you with a bomb. Or ten. But if you want to continue your quiet little life with your light novels and sarcasm, it would be better to give Macro the technology to create them themselves.]

    Lassen rolled his eyes, a dramatic gesture he reserved for those times when the system was playing the reasonable advisor "Ah, of course. You want me to work, right?"

    [Absolutely. We could build a molten salt reactor. Safer, more efficient, and especially rare enough to make every nuclear engineer in the world wince.]

    Lassen raised an eyebrow, intrigued "Molten salt? Interesting. Go on."

    [Then, you need a location. No way you''re sticking it in the middle of the capital. You need a stable area, far from earthquakes, and with easy access to a water source for cooling. I suggest one of those desert areas in Macro.]

    "A reactor in the middle of the desert? I love the idea already. What''s next?"

    [Afterward, the plans need to be drawn up. Every detail counts. The reactor, the steam generators, the turbines, the cooling system... And, of course, solid safety measures. Literally. No one wants another Chernobyl.]

    Lassen rolled his eyes "Oh, relax. We''ll do it better than anyone else. And for the fuel, do we have to steal uranium?"

    [No, not necessary. We can also consider thorium. It''s safer, more abundant, and matches your style: innovative.]

    Lassen burst out laughing "Thorium? That almost sounds like a superhero name. Perfect, keep going."

    [Alright, once we have the design and the fuel, then comes the construction. This is the fun part: tons of concrete, steel, and experts working around the clock.]

    "Experts? But I have you" Lassen joked, his sly smile betraying his amusement.

    [Thanks for the flattery, but someone has to weld the pieces together. I can''t do everything.]

    The system paused before continuing

    [Then there''s testing. A reactor doesn''t start up like a PC. Everything has to be flawless. Otherwise, goodbye Macro.]

    Lassen pretended to think, then nodded "And once it''s running, what do we do? Open an amusement park around the reactor?"

    [Why not? But seriously, your reactor could power all of Macro and become a national pride.]

    Lassen slumped back into his chair, a satisfied smile spreading across his face "We''re going to have fun, system. I can feel it."

 Chapter 77 The Nuclear Ambition

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    The roar of Adrian''s car engine echoed through the stone driveway of Lassen''s villa. Adrian, ever the dutiful bodyguard and driver, parked the vehicle with precision. Stepping out, he adjusted his jacket and ascended the few steps leading to the grand front door.

    Inside, Lassen was sprawled across the living room couch, a book in hand and a half-empty cup of tea resting on the coffee table. As always, he appeared entirely at ease, despite the monumental ideas likely brewing in his mind.

    "Ah, Adrian! Finally. You sure took your time" Lassen greeted with his usual sly grin.

    "I''m right on schedule, as always" Adrian replied, a hint of annoyance in his tone "Why did you summon me this time? Another one of your crazy schemes?"

    Lassen closed the book with dramatic flair and sat up straight "Crazy? Me? Never. When did I ever had a crazy ideas? But yes, I have an idea... let''s call it illuminatin" He paused for effect, clearly enjoying his pun "I''m going to build a nuclear power plant."

    Adrian froze, his expression a mixture of disbelief and concern "Excuse me, i think i didn''t hear right ? A nuclear power plant? Seriously !! You''re joking, right?"

    "Absolutely not" Lassen replied, his tone light yet undeniably serious "Picture this: The Kingdom of Macro becomes energy independent. No more reliance on other countries, no more costly imports. And with the surplus, we could power futuristic projects."

    Adrian shook his head, struggling to process the information "And how exactly do you plan to pull that off? You haven''t even started on basic infrastructure, and now you''re talking about nuclear energy. And i don''t think the system will build every thing from scratch"

    Lassen shrugged, his grin widening "That''s where the fun begins. And for that, we''re going to see Alex. He handles all the companies,he''ll guide us on available resources. Plus, it''s a good excuse for me to finally visit his offices."

    Adrian sighed deeply "You run everything from this villa and haven''t even set foot in your own companies? Seriously, Lassen?"

    "Why bother going when I can manage it all from my chair with the system? Besides, I have to give you a reason to complain, don''t I? Come on, let''s go."

    Guided by Adrian, Lassen ascended to the upper floor where Alex was already immersed in his work. They found him surrounded by files, with a screen displaying several complex graphs behind him. Alex looked up, startled by their arrival.

    "Well, well. I must be dreaming,you actually left your villa" Alex quipped, a mocking smile on his face.

    "Spare me the sarcasm. I''m here to discuss a revolutionary project" Lassen replied, casually dropping into a chair.

    Alex raised an eyebrow "What harebrained scheme is it this time?"

    "A nuclear power plant" Lassen declared dramatically.

    The silence that followed was almost comical. Alex set his files down slowly, his expression shifting from surprise to incredulity.

    "A nuclear power plant? Do you even realize what that entails?"

    "Absolutely. That''s why I''m here. You''ll handle logistics and politics; I''ll handle the science. And Adrian... well, he drives."

    Alex let out a loud sigh "And here I thought your atomic bomb idea was behind us."

    Adrian, who had been quietly observing, nearly choked "Wait, what? An atomic bomb?"

    Alex glanced at Adrian "What, he didn''t tell you? This genius wanted to borrow a bomb to watch the mushroom cloud."

    Adrian''s eyes widened in utter disbelief "You''re not serious."

    Alex ran a hand down his face, visibly exasperated "Do I look like I''d make something like that up?"

    "Oh, stop being so dramatic, you two" Lassen interjected, his enigmatic smile intact "We''re not the first to do this. Besides, it''ll be fun."

    Alex shook his head, frustration and resignation warring in his expression. "Fine. Explain your plan, and let''s see if we can at least mitigate the inevitable disaster."

 Chapter 78 An Interrupted Meeting

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    In the grand royal council chamber of Macro, the atmosphere was tense. The high ceilings adorned with majestic chandeliers and the golden and purple tapestries covering the walls did little to ease the palpable anxiety that hung in the air. Around the massive wooden table, the king of Macro, his ministers, and key advisors engaged in a discussion so intense it bordered on confrontation.

    "The American sanctions keep escalating" growled the Minister of Economy, his hands gripping the back of his chair "They''re directly targeting our rare mineral exports. If this continues, our economy will suffer a significant setback."

    The Prime Minister, a pragmatic man with a serious demeanor, responded calmly "We must find a way to negotiate. Escalation is not the answer. If we retaliate with our own trade restrictions, they might take it even further."

    "And you think they won''t already?" snapped a military advisor "They''re trying to weaken us. These sanctions are just the prelude to more aggressive pressure."

    At the head of the table, the king sat quietly, observing. His posture was straight, his gaze thoughtful. Unlike the heated exchanges around him, he remained calm, listening attentively to every argument. But before he could speak, the large doors of the chamber opened abruptly. All eyes turned to the entrance, irritation etched across their faces.

    A messenger, visibly out of breath, entered hastily "Forgive my intrusion, Your Majesty," he said, bowing deeply "But I have urgent news."

    "Can''t you see we''re in a meeting?" barked the Minister of the Interior, his face red with anger "Interruptions like this waste our time!"

    The Minister of Science shrugged, a wry smile playing on his lips "You speak as if we could ever control him. Let''s be realistic: Monsieur X is an enigma. He''s here because he chose to be, not because we have anything to offer him. And yet, look at all he''s done for Macro already. Nova 1, the VR headset, these technological breakthroughs... We''re on the world map because of him."

    "But at what cost?" countered the Foreign Affairs Minister "The American sanctions didn''t come out of nowhere. All of this is tied to his presence here. The major powers don''t like seeing a small kingdom become a hub for revolutionary technologies."

    The Minister of Economy, deep in thought, drummed his fingers lightly on the table "We also need to think about the future. Macro may be a kingdom, but if we become a technologically advanced nation, we could rival the great powers. This power plant could be the first step toward that vision."

    The king, who had remained silent until now, raised his hand to command the room''s attention "Your debate is insightful. But remember: Monsieur X does nothing without reason. If this nuclear power plant is important to him, it could also be important to Macro. I want thorough analyses, economic projections, and security reports. If we agree to collaborate with him on this project, we must know exactly what we''re committing to."

    The Prime Minister nodded "Understood, Your Majesty. We''ll mobilize the necessary teams to assess the feasibility of this project. But..." He turned to the messenger "You mentioned Alex called. Did he provide any further details? Did Monsieur X specify his intentions or timeline?"

    The messenger shook his head "No, sir. Alex simply asked if the government would support the project. He said Monsieur X wishes to start as soon as possible, but it all depends on the kingdom''s decision."

    A heavy silence fell once more. Each minister seemed lost in thought, their expressions ranging from skepticism to excitement to unease. Finally, the Minister of Defense broke the silence, his tone grave.

    "If we accept, we must be prepared to face the consequences. This nuclear power plant could either catapult Macro to the top or condemn us to complete isolation."

    The king nodded, his gaze fixed on the table "This is a weighty decision, but we have a rare opportunity to make Macro an indispensable player on the global stage. Prepare your reports. We will resume this discussion tomorrow."

    As the meeting concluded, the ministers began to leave the room, each deep in their own thoughts. The king remained seated, contemplative. A faint smile crossed his face as he murmured to himself.

    "What are you planning this time, Monsieur X?"

 Chapter 79 A Risky Gamble

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    In the upper echelons of Macro''s government, the tension was palpable. The decision whether or not to support Lassen''s project was not simply a matter of technological development, but a bet on the future of the kingdom itself.

    If it worked...

    Macro would no longer be dependent on imported energy. No more concessions to other nations, no more vulnerability to fluctuations in the global energy market. Complete energy autonomy would mean unparalleled independence, a political weapon as powerful as an army. Not to mention the opportunity to export that energy to other, smaller countries, to strengthen the kingdom''s position as an emerging technological leader.

    But if it failed...

    If Lassen failed to complete his project, it would be a colossal loss. Not only in economic and technological resources, but also in credibility. Not to mention the immediate danger: a poorly managed nuclear project was not only a financial failure, it was a potential catastrophe.

    And the worst case scenario?

    That this information leaks. That the great powers, already suspicious of Macro and Lassen, discover what the kingdom is trying to do. Economic sanctions would then turn into military pressure. The United States and other powers could consider this development as a direct threat to the global balance. And what would happen if an ultimatum were issued?

    The Prime Minister placed his hands on the solid wood table, his gaze serious "We cannot afford the slightest mistake."

    The Minister of Defense nodded, gritting his teeth "I hope Mr. X knows what he is doing. Because if this project comes out of the shadows too soon, we risk more than threats. We risk a war."

    The Prime Minister took a deep breath before leaning back in his chair. The meeting room was plunged into a heavy silence, where each high-ranking member of Macro''s government weighed the risks and benefits of Mr. X''s nuclear project.

    Then, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a middle-aged man with severe features, broke the silence.

    "We have to ask ourselves... Is Mr.X fully aware of what he''s asking of us? We''ve already seen what he''s capable of, but a nuclear power plant is not a simple high-tech gadget or a revolutionary algorithm. It''s not a VR headset or a next-generation processor. It''s a double-edged sword."

    The Minister of Defense spoke in a serious voice "He is perfectly aware of it. This guy never does anything at random. If he wants a nuclear power plant, it''s not a whim. He''s already planned several moves ahead. What bothers me is that we are still playing at understanding the rules of his game."

    Meanwhile, in Lassen''s villa...

    Lassen was slumped on his couch, his feet on the table, absently leafing through a technical document on nuclear fission.

    Adrian, sitting not far from him, stared at him with an incredulous look "You really want to build a nuclear power plant?"

    Lassen looked up from the document, a smirk on his lips "Why the shock? You thought I was going to sit around playing chess with the world forever?"

    Adrian sighed before crossing his arms "This isn''t just an invention. This is a declaration of technological war. Do you know what that means?"

    Lassen shrugged "It means the Americans and the others are going to panic. They''re going to put even more pressure on us."

    The system intervened in his mind with its usual sarcastic tone.

    [Oh yeah. They''re probably going to send gifts and thank you cards]

    Lassen laughed softly before giving Adrian an amused look "Don''t be so tense. I''ve got everything planned out."

    [You haven''t planned anything at all...]

    Adrian shook his head, clearly frustrated. "That''s just like you."

    Lassen put his book down and stood up slowly "Come on. It''s time to go see Alex."

    Adrian raised an eyebrow "Why?"

    Lassen smiled mysteriously "To see what our dear king has decided."

    Adrian let out a long sigh "I feel like this is going to be a long day..."

 Chapter 80 The Macro Nuclear Project: A Top-Secret Mission

    Royal Palace of Macro ¨C The King''s Office

    In the richly decorated hall of the royal palace, a heavy atmosphere hung in the air. A tense silence filled the room, disturbed only by the discreet ticking of an ancient clock mounted on the wall.

    The King of Macro sat behind his massive wooden desk, an ornate masterpiece carved with the history of the kingdom. His fingers were interlocked before him, his eyes fixated on the document he had just placed down. Ever since Monsieur X had announced his project, he had not wasted a single second.

    Opposite him stood two of the most influential men in the country, waiting in silent anticipation.

    To his right, the Prime Minister, a man of imposing stature marked by the weight of responsibility, sat rigidly in his chair. To his left, standing with an impassive expression, was the head of the intelligence services¡ªan elusive figure, always clad in a dark suit, with the cold, calculating gaze of a man accustomed to handling crises.

    The King took a deep breath before breaking the silence.

    "We must gather the brightest minds in the country for this endeavor. But everything must be carried out in absolute secrecy."

    The intelligence chief gave a subtle nod, his eyes sharpening.

    "We have already identified several scientists and engineers specializing in nuclear energy and materials physics. Some work in our universities, others in private research labs, and a select few come from the energy sector."

    He paused momentarily before adding in a more solemn tone:

    "However, before we approach them with this project, we must ensure their loyalty."

    The Prime Minister, who had remained silent until then, sat up slightly.

    "That is our biggest challenge. Nuclear energy is an extremely sensitive field. We must be certain that these scientists grasp the gravity of confidentiality. Even one loose word,whether intentional or not,could jeopardize everything."

    The King nodded slowly, contemplating every word. He knew that the success of this project depended entirely on the shadows, on absolute discretion.

    "Bring in those who might be interested,but do not reveal too much. Tell them only that the government requires their expertise for a highly strategic mission."

    ---

    A few hours later, in an unmarked facility on the outskirts of the capital, the Macro intelligence agency was in full operation.

    Before an enormous holographic screen, multiple agents combed through files, reviewing career records, family histories, political affiliations, and past behaviors of potential scientists.

    One senior agent pointed at a name on the list.

    "This one,an expert in nuclear physics. He studied abroad. Do we trust him?"

    The intelligence chief raised an eyebrow.

    "Where did he study?"

    "The United States. He was invited to several high-level conferences on radioactive applications in energy."

    A tense silence spread through the room.

    "He could be an invaluable asset," another agent admitted "But if he''s still in contact with former American colleagues, he could become a security risk."

    The intelligence chief considered this for a moment before making a decision.

    "Put him under surveillance. No direct contact for now. We need to be absolutely certain."

    He then pointed at another name.

    "And this one? A professor in nuclear engineering. Trained in Russia, but he turned down several lucrative offers abroad to remain teaching in Macro."

    Another agent nodded.

    "If you''re interested, be at this location tomorrow morning. You will be free to decline after hearing our proposal. If you choose not to come, we will not contact you again."

    Without another word, they vanished into the night, leaving Ilya staring at the card, lost in thought.

    ---

    Advanced Research Institute ¨C 6:30 PM

    Lena Volkov was a rising star in her field, working primarily on heat transfer and energy management. She had already received multiple offers from major foreign corporations but had consistently refused to leave Macro, preferring to focus on pure research.

    That evening, as she finished reviewing her latest findings, a knock on her office door interrupted her work.

    "Dr. Volkov?"

    She looked up to see a sharply dressed man, accompanied by a woman with an intense gaze.

    "Yes? How can I help you?" she asked, removing her glasses.

    "We represent a government project requiring your expertise."

    Lena arched an eyebrow "And if I decline?"

    The man smiled faintly "Then we will not bother you again. But we believe you''ll at least want to hear what we have to say."

    A long silence followed.

    Curiosity won.

    "Alright. When and where?"

    ---

    National University of Macro ¨C 10:15 PM

    Anton Valeski was a renowned professor, once passionate about nuclear physics. However, due to the lack of development in this field in Macro, he had shifted toward teaching.

    That evening, as he graded exams in his dimly lit office, three sharp knocks at the door interrupted his focus.

    "Come in."

    The door opened slowly, revealing two men in dark suits, their expressions unreadable.

    "Professor Valeski?"

    "That''s me."

    One of the men revealed a discreet badge from the National Security Bureau

    "We have an opportunity for you. A classified project requiring your expertise. But we must discuss it in a more secure location."

    Anton studied them for a moment before speaking "And if I refuse?"

    The second man, silent until now, shrugged "Then this conversation never happened."

    A tense silence followed.

    Anton knew this was something monumental.

    He took a deep breath "Alright. Take me there."

 Chapter 81 Arrival at the Secret Base

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    The government convoy moved through the pitch-black night, cutting across an arid and desolate landscape. The only visible lights for miles were the headlights of the armored vehicles, casting long shadows over the uneven terrain.

    Inside the cars, the recruited scientists sat in silence, watching the unfamiliar scenery pass through the tinted windows. Each of them had accepted this clandestine mission without knowing exactly where they were going or what awaited them.

    Professor Anton Valeski, seated at the back of one of the vehicles, observed the winding road stretching into the darkness. The lack of visible landmarks, the absence of radio communication, and the eerie silence all pointed to one conclusion,this was no ordinary military base.

    His mind raced with possibilities "This isn''t just a simple installation. There''s something more beneath the surface."

    And he was right.

    After several hours of uninterrupted travel, the convoy finally slowed. Ahead, a heavily fortified installation loomed out of the desert, its perimeter surrounded by high fences topped with barbed wire. Guard towers stood at key points, their searchlights sweeping the area methodically.

    At first glance, it seemed like any other military outpost,discreet, functional, heavily secured.

    But then, the unexpected happened.

    As the lead vehicle approached what appeared to be a dead end, a concealed reinforced gate suddenly slid open, revealing a downward slope,an underground entrance hidden beneath the desert sands.

    The convoy entered the subterranean passage, descending rapidly into the depths below. As the slope steepened, dim artificial lighting illuminated the walls, revealing a high-tech tunnel reinforced with thick layers of metal and concrete.

    The descent felt endless, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

    When the vehicles finally came to a halt inside a vast underground hangar, the scientists were instructed to step out.

    The scene before them was breathtaking.

    They found themselves inside a massive subterranean complex, a hidden fortress of scientific innovation. Steel walkways crisscrossed multiple levels, connecting observation rooms, laboratories, and storage bays filled with advanced equipment. Enormous digital displays covered the walls, streaming encrypted data and blueprints. Armed guards patrolled the corridors, their presence an undeniable reminder of the base''s strategic importance.

    This was not just a military base.

    It was a self-sustaining world, operating independently from the rest of Macro.

    "This is no ordinary base..."

    Lena Volkov, ever the skeptic, folded her arms and studied her surroundings carefully.

    Petrov, still solemn, voiced the thought that no one wanted to say out loud.

    "If they''re planning to build a nuclear reactor, it would explain the secrecy. Macro is already under international scrutiny. Constructing a nuclear facility could escalate tensions even further."

    Ilyana, who had been silent until now, let out a nervous chuckle.

    "If that''s really what this is... then we''re part of one of the most dangerous projects in the world. What happens if other nations discover what we''re doing here?"

    A tense silence followed.

    Then, Valeski straightened slightly, his voice quieter but firm.

    "We''re too deep into this to turn back now. And whatever happens... we''ll find out soon enough."

    At that moment, the conference room door slid open, its movement silent yet commanding.

    Every head turned toward the entrance.

    An unmistakable figure stepped inside.

    He was dressed simply, a black suit, no tie, his posture casual but his presence overwhelming.

    His slightly unkempt hair, his piercing gaze filled with a mix of amusement and calculation...

    There was no doubt.

    The man who had just entered was Monsieur X.

    A heavy silence engulfed the room.

    Every scientist held their breath.

    They all knew who he was.

    They all knew what he represented.

    But seeing him in person for the first time¡ªthat was something else entirely.

    Monsieur X took a moment to observe them, his sharp eyes scanning each face, seemingly gauging their thoughts before they even spoke.

    Then, with a small, knowing smile, he leaned casually against the table.

    And in a voice deceptively light, he simply said:

    "Welcome, my dear geniuses. Today, we are going to accomplish the impossible."

 Chapter 82 The Secret

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    The throne room stretched for dozens of meters, supported by immense pillars of black marble veined with gold. Every wall was adorned with ancient frescoes depicting past conquests, victorious battles, and the grandeur of a kingdom that knew neither rest nor mercy. Tall torches fixed into wrought iron stands emitted a flickering glow, casting shifting shadows onto the dark stone-paved floor.

    In the center, elevated by several steps, stood a massive golden throne, carved with inhuman precision. The armrests were engraved with intricate geometric patterns and inscriptions from a forgotten age. The high and imposing backrest was adorned with a royal symbol, an abstract shape evoking a stylized crown, the edges of which seemed to glow with an inner light.

    Before the throne, a dozen advisers debated fervently. Draped in dark robes with fine embroidery, they were the most influential figures in the kingdom. Some wore noble insignia, others belts marking their affiliation with the military or learned orders. But they all shared one thing in common: a ceremonial sword hung from their belts, a sign that mere words were not enough to rule a kingdom like theirs.

    Their voices resonated under the immense arches, creating an echo that intensified the weight of their exchange.

    "We have wasted too much time..."

    "They are gaining power, and we are still waiting..."

    " And who''s fault is that ?.."

    "We must strike before it''s too late!"

    The words clashed, carried by fear, frustration, and ambition. But they were abruptly silenced when a hand slowly rose.

    The king did not need to raise his voice. His simple gesture was enough to crush the commotion around him.

    The silence fell like a blade.

    His gaze swept over each adviser, weighing them with a mixture of calculation and absolute authority. He was not a king who demanded respect. He was a king who embodied authority, a being before whom one did not rebel without suffering the consequences.

    "Be silent."

    His tone was calm, almost measured, but that only made it sharper.

    "And our project?" The woman said.

    "Sebastian has almost finished what he had to do, he is doing tests to make sure everything is okay. We only have one chance after all" the king replied.

    Crossing his arms, his gaze was lost in the vast darkness beyond.

    "We have gathered everything we could. All the knowledge available to us."

    The woman inclined her head slightly, her delicate fingers grazing a book resting on a dark wooden table.

    "Yes. But knowledge alone is not enough."

    He turned to her, his features etched with thought.

    "We need more than just knowledge. We can''t just give everything we have, our lives, our knowledge and our hope and wish that everything will be ok and he gonna make a good use of it."

    A faint smile curved her blood-red lips, though her gaze remained serious.

    "We need something to control everything. Algorithms and artificial intelligence are not enough...we need a more...we need something more complicated...we need a consciousness. "

    A cold draft slipped between them, causing the chandelier flames to flicker.

    The king took a step forward, stopping just in front of her.

    "Then it is time."

    She gently placed her hand over his, her slender fingers a stark contrast to the firm grip of the sovereign.

    "Yes. It is time. We can''t trust any one else"

    There was no hesitation.

    There was no doubt.

    Only destiny awaited them.

 Chapter 83 Reactions

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    In the vast underground meeting room, the atmosphere had become electric. The echo of Mr. X''s last words still resonated in the room, like a shock wave whose scope no one could yet measure.

    Mr. X had spoken with his usual nonchalance, as if he had just announced a banal project. However, his announcement was anything but banal.

    He wanted to build a nuclear power plant.

    The silence lasted a fraction of a second before chaos set in.

    Exclamations rang out, some scientists sitting up abruptly from their seats, others exchanging stunned glances, seeking a rational explanation for what they had just heard.

    "This is a joke, right?" said a scientist with a salt-and-pepper beard, still frozen in shock.

    "Wait, wait..." Another raised his hand, as if trying to calm the wave of indignation. "You mean a power plant... here? At Macro? Run by you? You''re proficient in computers and mathematics, right? Since when have you been interested in physics and chemistry?"

    Mr. X stretched nonchalantly in his seat, a slight smile on his face, observing the storm raging around him.

    "You''re fast, I like that. Being proficient in one doesn''t preclude the other, right?"

    This answer only made things worse.

    "But... but that''s insane!" exclaimed Valeski, who had remained silent until then. "A nuclear power plant is not built on a whim! It''s a project that takes decades of research and infrastructure!"

    "And above all..." another intervened, "Macro has never had a nuclear program! How do you plan to obtain the necessary materials? Not to mention the technical expertise, the security protocols..."

    The uproar grew, and Lassen let it happen.

    He watched them, every reaction, every look of panic or excitement. He knew that a project of this magnitude could only be received like this: with a mixture of fascination and disbelief.

    Then, when he judged that they had debated enough among themselves, he simply raised his hand.

    Immediately, as if an invisible signal had just been given, silence fell again.

    All eyes turned to him.

    Because deep down, even if they still refused to admit it...

    They wanted to see how far this would go.

    ________________________________________

    After Everyone Left

    After everyone had left to tour the facility, Lassen remained alone in the meeting room. He grabbed a random chair and dropped into it nonchalantly, crossing his arms behind his head.

    "System, remind me again why I have to bring them here?"

    In his mind, the response arrived quickly, accompanied by the usual sarcastic tone.

    [I''ll say it one more time,Macro needs nuclear experience. Otherwise, they''ll come running to you with every little issue. And you know what that means? Endless meetings. Administrative reports. Actual work.]

    Lassen sighed, closing his eyes for a moment.

    "Ugh... I can already hear it. ''Monsieur X, we have a problem.'' ''Monsieur X, the machine is making a weird noise...''" He straightened slightly, drumming his fingers on the table. "Alright. Fine. So what''s next?"

    [Next, your scientists need to start somewhere. And for that, they need solid foundations. They have to understand what they''re building, not just follow blueprints like mindless drones.]

    Lassen nodded, thoughtful. The system was right. Simply handing them the answers wouldn''t be enough. They needed to understand the principles, learn to manage reactors, anticipate complications. Macro had no expertise in nuclear technology, and he couldn''t just spoon-feed them everything.

    [Not to mention, the more independent they become, the less you''ll have to lift a finger in the future. And you know how important that is, huh, Mister-King-of-Laziness?]

    Lassen burst out laughing.

    "You know me too well. So, where do we start? A crash course in nuclear physics? You want me to be a professor now?"

    [No, that would be a disaster. I''ll provide educational materials,ultra-detailed documents, simulations, interactive models. And you''ll oversee the first trials. Think of it like a game. You just have to make sure they don''t die before they learn something.]

    Lassen raised an eyebrow.

    "Oh, great. So my job is just to stop them from blowing up. Love it."

    The system was silent for a moment before adding in a mockingly innocent tone:

    [...At least, not too quickly]

    Lassen shook his head with a smirk.

 Chapter 84 A One-Sided Hacker Game

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    Lassen was still slumped in his chair, feet casually propped up on the meeting table, staring at the ceiling as if the secret of the universe was inscribed there. He twirled a pen between his fingers, boredom creeping in after the storm he had unleashed by announcing his project to the scientists.

    At that precise moment, the System''s voice echoed in his mind, carrying its usual hint of exasperation.

    [ Host, we have a problem. A little curious one is trying to hack into the base''s security system. ]

    Lassen blinked, nearly dropping his pen.

    "Wait... what? Someone''s trying to break into MY playground?"

    [ Yes. And the funniest part? It''s not a foreign government or a criminal organization. It''s just one person. ]

    Lassen straightened slightly, his expression shifting between curiosity and amusement.

    "Excuse me? Are you telling me a solo hacker is trying to infiltrate an ultra-secret military base, buried under a desert, without any outside help? Just like that, with their little laptop and some audacity?"

    [ Exactly. And I must admit, she''s quite skilled. She''s already bypassed three firewall layers and is about to access the cameras. At this rate, she''ll have partial control in less than five minutes. ]

    Lassen raised an eyebrow, a playful smile stretching across his lips.

    "Well, now I''m interested. Show me who this lunatic is."

    Immediately, a holographic screen lit up in front of him, projecting images from the external cameras. At the top of an old building on the outskirts of the base, a female figure, clad in a discreet black suit, sat cross-legged, her laptop glowing green under the starry night.

    Her hair was tied in a tight ponytail, and her fingers danced across the keyboard with an almost supernatural speed. A headset clamped over her ears, she seemed entirely absorbed in her work, lines of code flashing across her screen at a dizzying pace.

    Lassen watched in silence before bursting into laughter.

    "Damn, she''s got guts. I wonder if she really knows what she''s getting into."

    [ Do you want me to send Adrian to give her a little cybersecurity lesson... in a physical manner? ]

    "No, no, that would be too easy. I want to play a little."

    [ I love it when you say that. It always ends in disaster for someone else.]

    Meanwhile, on the rooftop, the hacker stared at her screen in disbelief, her brows knitted in a mix of frustration and defiance.

    "No way... How long has he known I was here?"

    She cursed under her breath, snapping her laptop shut and jumping to her feet. Her eyes scanned her surroundings, an unsettling feeling creeping up her spine.

    She was right.

    Behind her, a shadow materialized, blending seamlessly into the darkness with terrifying ease.

    Then, a deep, calm voice broke the silence:

    "Bad idea, little one."

    She froze instantly, her entire body tensing.

    Adrian had arrived.

    The hacker clenched her fists, her mind racing. She knew she was screwed. And yet, instead of panicking, a smirk appeared on her lips.

    "Honestly, I was hoping to last a little longer before getting caught."

    Adrian didn''t move, observing her with his neutral, impassive gaze. He was tall, imposing, and she knew she had no chance of escaping if she tried anything.

    "You''re brave, I''ll give you that. Or stupid,that remains to be seen."

    She shrugged, crossing her arms defiantly.

    "Probably both. So what now? Are you going to turn me over to the authorities? Handcuff me and throw me into a dark cell?"

    Adrian let out an amused smirk.

    "Not exactly. You''ve caught the attention of the worst possible person. And trust me, I''m not the one deciding your fate."

    She opened her mouth to respond, but a faint metallic sound made her turn her head. Behind Adrian, a black car had just pulled up, and the rear door slowly swung open.

    A nonchalant, almost amused voice drifted out from inside:

    "Well, well... Let''s see what kind of person dares to hack into MY base."

    A shiver ran down the hacker''s spine.

    Mr. X had just invited her for a chat.

 Chapter 85 An Unexpected Invitation

    The hacker swallowed hard as she stared at the open car door. She couldn''t yet see Mr. X''s face, but the mere thought of meeting him in person sent a strange mix of fear and excitement through her.

    Adrian watched her for a moment, analyzing her reaction before nodding toward the car.

    "Get in."

    She hesitated.

    "And if I refuse?"

    Adrian didn''t answer immediately. He calmly placed a hand on his earpiece and signaled one of the soldiers in the background. Within seconds, she understood that she didn''t really have a choice.

    "This is a polite invitation. But you can always test the less polite version if you want."

    She sighed, then raised her hands in surrender.

    "Alright, alright. No need to bring out the handcuffs."

    She stepped closer to the car, casting one last glance around her before slipping inside.

    The interior was spacious, luxurious yet understated, with dim lighting and a faint scent of new leather. The embedded technology was discreet but ever-present, from the holographic navigation system to the built-in screens on the walls. Everything here exuded efficiency without ostentation.

    And there, right in front of her, sitting in a relaxed manner, was Mr. X himself.

    Lassen watched her with an easygoing expression, an amused smile on his lips. He almost looked... pleased to have her there.

    "So, you''re the little rat that tried to mess with my security system?"

    She raised an eyebrow, masking her discomfort behind a facade of confidence.

    "Rat? That''s a bit harsh. I prefer the term ''independent investigator.''"

    Lassen burst out laughing.

    "Investigator, huh? And this ''investigation'' of yours led you to hack into an ultra-secret military installation right under Macro''s government''s nose? Impressive."

    She crossed her arms.

    "I wanted to see what you were hiding here. And clearly, it''s something big."

    Lassen studied her for a moment, his smile widening slightly.

    "You know what? I like your nerve. Not many people dare challenge my system. Even fewer manage to last as long as you did before getting caught."

    The Ghost of Macro.

    The man who held technologies capable of reshaping the world.

    She swallowed her surprise and regained her composure, trying not to let anything show.

    But deep inside, only one thought echoed:

    What have I gotten myself into?

    As silence filled the cabin, she felt her own heartbeat quicken. The car moved smoothly, but she knew that every passing second was an evaluation. Lassen was still watching her with that enigmatic smile, but beneath his apparent nonchalance, she sensed a razor-sharp mind analyzing her every move, every reaction.

    She licked her lips before speaking.

    "So, what happens now? Are you going to throw me into a cell and interrogate me until I break?" she asked, trying to keep her tone light.

    Lassen raised an amused eyebrow.

    "Oh, that would be so predictable. And boring. No, I prefer a more civilized approach. You''re intelligent,smart enough to try hacking me, smart enough to understand that, at this moment, your fate depends entirely on my goodwill."

    A chill ran down her spine.

    "And this is the part where you offer me a deal?"

    Lassen tilted his head, his smile widening slightly.

    "Let''s say I''m a curious man. I want to know who you really are. Why you took such a risk. And most of all... what you plan to do now that you''re here, facing me."

    She took a deep breath. She knew she had to choose her words carefully. One mistake, one wrong answer, and she might just disappear without a trace.

    She locked eyes with Lassen, a spark of defiance gleaming in her own.

    "You think I''m here just out of curiosity? Maybe I wanted to see if the legend was real. Maybe I wanted to test my limits. Or maybe..." She paused, letting the silence stretch. "Maybe I have something to offer."

    Lassen let out a sharp laugh, a genuine, almost delighted laugh.

    "I love this. People who think they''re smarter than me."

    He leaned back into his seat, crossing his arms.

    "Alright, impress me."

    And that was when she realized,she had just played the first card of the game.

 Chapter 86 Recruitment

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    The car sped through the darkness, as silent as a predator on the hunt. The engine barely purred, and inside, the atmosphere was just as hushed, but far more electric. Through the tinted windows, the shimmering lights of Macro formed a living mosaic, a city that never slept, always teeming with life.

    But here, in the luxurious interior of the vehicle, a subtle tension settled between two sharp minds.

    Lassen observed his guest with undisguised amusement. He still didn''t know her name, but that didn''t matter. What counted was that look. A look where caution, determination, and that hint of pride that only those who believe they have the upper hand possess, intertwined.

    She maintained a composed, calculated posture, but he could tell she weighed each of her words with surgical precision. She wasn''t the type to let emotions betray her thoughts.

    He liked that.

    It meant she fully understood the gravity of her situation.

    A silence stretched between them, interrupted only by the faint hum of the road beneath the wheels. Then, finally, she took a breath and straightened slightly.

    "Alright." Her voice was calm, measured, but firm. "You''re not going to kill me right away. If that were the plan, I wouldn''t be sitting here, and you wouldn''t be wasting your time with small talk."

    Lassen raised an eyebrow, amused by her direct analysis.

    "Correct." He stretched his lips into a relaxed smile. "I don''t like wasting time... unless it''s fun."

    She didn''t respond immediately, but he noticed a tiny movement at the corner of her mouth, as if she had almost smiled before stopping herself.

    "Then let''s get to the point." She stared at him without blinking "I hacked the base because I wanted to know what was happening underground. I''ve known for years that something was here, but recently, everything changed."

    She crossed her arms and sank slightly into her seat, her voice lowering, becoming more measured.

    "The military presence doubled, vehicles came one after another, and there were far too many suspicious comings and goings for it to be a simple reorganization. I wanted to see what was going on."

    Lassen tapped his armrest, thoughtful.

    "So, you already knew about the existence of this base?" he asked with a falsely surprised look. "I must admit, I''m almost flattered. That means the government is doing a good job if it took you years to find a way to take a peek."

    She shrugged, keeping her impassive expression.

    "Flattered or not, I got there in the end. I just didn''t expect it to be you who caught me. At least... not so quickly."

    Lassen smirked.

    "If you had had a little more time, do you think you would''ve made it inside?"

    Lassen ignored his remark and refocused on the woman.

    "You have talent, no doubt. A remarkable determination. I could easily make you disappear, but that would be a regrettable loss, wouldn''t it?"

    She didn''t reply, merely watching him, waiting for him to continue.

    "So here''s my offer," Lassen continued, leaning back into his seat. "You work for me."

    The silence fell like a lead weight inside the car.

    The hacker blinked, surprised, but quickly recovered.

    "Work for you? Just like that?"

    Lassen smiled.

    "Of course not. Nothing is just like that with me. You proved you could shake a security system that few dare to challenge. I need someone like you. Someone who understands the game before it even begins."

    She remained silent for a few seconds before asking, skeptical:

    "And if I refuse?"

    Lassen pretended to think.

    "Well... you''ve already broken several laws and hacked a secret military base. If I let you go, I have a feeling Macro won''t be very welcoming to you."

    She clenched her jaw slightly, understanding the implication.

    "So it''s either work for you or disappear?"

    Lassen shrugged.

    "Let''s say I''m offering you an opportunity. It''s up to you whether you accept it... or not."

    She sighed, running a hand through her hair.

    "And what exactly do you expect from me?"

    Lassen tapped his armrest, satisfied.

    "I''ll tell you once we arrive. But don''t worry, it''ll be much more interesting than sneaking into surveillance systems in the middle of the night."

    A shiver ran down the hacker''s spine.

    She knew she had just entered a game far bigger than herself.

    And she no longer had a choice.

 Chapter 87 Behind the Curtain of Power

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    The heavy armored door slid open slowly, revealing a long corridor bathed in dim lighting, where the cold air sharply contrasted with the stifling heat outside. A heavy silence reigned, broken only by the faint hum of security circuits embedded in the walls.

    The hacker, still anonymous, observed every detail with sharp attention. This wasn''t just a military base hidden underground,it was a complex designed to be invisible to the outside world. The very architecture spoke of an organization meant to function autonomously: no windows, symmetrical hallways, discreet surveillance points, and technology she had never seen before.

    Lassen walked ahead without hesitation, his relaxed steps clashing with the serious, almost oppressive atmosphere of the place. Adrian, as always, kept a calculated distance, occasionally casting furtive glances at their new guest.

    "Welcome to what I like to call... my playground."

    The hacker raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms with suspicion.

    "You talk as if you own the place."

    Adrian, walking just behind her, let out a low chuckle.

    "Let''s just say the Macro government had the excellent idea of letting Mr. X play with unlimited resources."

    She raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

    "I doubt any government would give a blank check to a civilian, even a genius."

    Lassen turned slightly towards her, his gaze gleaming with a hint of mischief.

    "That''s where you''re wrong. When you hold the keys to technology, it''s the governments who come knocking on your door."

    They stopped in front of a second security door, even more massive than the first. Two guards in dark uniforms saluted Lassen with genuine respect before activating the opening mechanisms.

    When the door slid open, the hacker felt her breath hitch for a moment.

    An immense underground chamber stretched before them, resembling an ultramodern research facility. Dozens of scientists and engineers worked behind reinforced glass, absorbed in their screens and machines. Holograms floated above several workstations, displaying complex simulations.

    The floor was made of a smooth metallic material, reflecting the glow of LED lights hanging symmetrically from the ceiling. To the left, a series of high-capacity servers hummed softly, protected by reinforced glass and advanced security protocols.

    A shift in power on a global scale.

    And she had just been pulled into the heart of the storm.

    She took a deep breath, her gaze shifting between Lassen and the imposing metallic structure behind the glass. A shiver ran down her spine,not from fear, but from pure exhilaration. This wasn''t just an audacious project. It was a silent declaration of war against the superpowers that ruled the world. Here, underground, hidden from prying eyes, something revolutionary was taking shape.

    She knew she stood at a crossroads. Refusing meant returning to her life in the shadows, always lingering at the edges of great stories. Accepting meant diving into the unknown, playing with fire alongside the most enigmatic man in Macro.

    She crossed her arms, raised an eyebrow, and with a smirk, spoke in a calm voice:

    "Alright, Mr. X. Show me how far this dream of greatness goes."

    _________

    While Lassen was cheerfully chatting with his newest recruit, far from Macro, a storm was brewing in another part of the world.

    Inside the heavily guarded chambers of the Taiwanese government, a heated debate raged on. The air was thick with tension, the kind that came when an empire saw the sands shifting beneath its feet.

    Taiwan''s greatest weapon,the microprocessor industry,was crumbling.

    For decades, Taiwan had been the undisputed king of semiconductor manufacturing. Its factories powered the world''s most advanced technologies, and its economy thrived on this monopoly.

    But then came Nova 1.

    Lassen''s AI-driven chip had shattered the industry overnight, capturing the Russian and Chinese markets with terrifying speed. Taiwan''s dominance was no longer assured. Their advantage was slipping, and with it, their last line of defense.

    For months, the government had debated how to respond, but every discussion led to the same dead end. Now, the president''s patience had worn thin.

    "This is our final warning" he said, his voice cutting through the noise "If we don''t act, Taiwan will lose everything."

    He didn''t need to elaborate. Everyone in the room knew the unspoken truth.

    If Taiwan lost its technological leverage, nothing would stop China from making its move.

    For Beijing, Taiwan was unfinished business, a missing piece in the puzzle of their empire. They had been waiting for the moment when Taiwan was at its weakest. And if Nova 1 wiped out Taiwan''s global importance, what reason would the world have to intervene when China came knocking?

    The future of an entire nation was now balancing on the edge of a knife.

    And somewhere, far from the chaos, Lassen was still smiling, unaware that his creation had just set the stage for a war.

 Chapter 88 The Dawn of a New Era

    Three months later.

    The underground complex of Macro had undergone a transformation. What had once been a network of tunnels and laboratories in the early stages of construction had evolved into a cutting-edge nuclear research facility, one of the most advanced on the planet.

    Since their arrival, the scientists had worked tirelessly, turning abstract concepts into reality. The past three months had been a whirlwind of experimentation, precision calculations, and monumental technological challenges.

    The first phase had been dedicated to assembling the infrastructure: setting up cooling circuits, transporting nuclear fuel, and calibrating the measurement instruments. Every single component of the reactor had been designed on-site, under the strict supervision of engineers and a security protocol so stringent that even a minor miscalculation could halt the entire operation.

    Once the foundation was in place, the real challenge began, controlling nuclear fission without failure. Unlike the world''s superpowers, which had decades of experience in nuclear energy, Macro was building its very first reactor from scratch.

    Weeks had been spent analyzing how different materials behaved under radiation, establishing a precise neutron control system, and developing emergency containment protocols in case of anomalies.

    The reactor itself was a marvel of engineering, blending theoretical innovations with practical applications never tested before. Lassen and his system had laid the foundation for the design, but it was the scientists who had turned those blueprints into a tangible, functioning reality.

    Gradually, confidence grew. The project was progressing. The reactor wasn''t operational yet, but everything was in place for the moment of truth.

    And yet, one lingering question remained.

    Why had Lassen not given any indication of what came next?

    So far, he had remained enigmatic, revealing information only in fragments. He rarely answered the scientists'' direct questions, choosing instead to observe and let them figure things out for themselves.

    But today, that would change.

    An emergency meeting had been called, bringing together all the engineers and project experts.

    As the scientists moved through the corridors of the facility, hushed conversations broke out, tension mounting in the air.

    "Do you think he''s finally going to reveal the ultimate goal?" one young engineer asked, excitement creeping into his voice.

    "We''ve been working like mad for three months. It''s about time we learned where all of this is leading" another replied.

    Among them, Vasleski walked in silence, his sharp gaze carefully observing his colleagues. Beside him, the hacker, who had now firmly established herself within the project, moved with a lighter step, an intrigued smile playing on her lips.

    "So, still skeptical?" she asked, casting a sideways glance at Vasleski.

    Vasleski raised an eyebrow.

    "I''m not skeptical. I''m cautious. We''re playing with forces here that no one fully understands."

    "And that''s exactly what makes it so exciting."

    Vasleski sighed.

    "Exciting for you, maybe. Personally, I''d rather not be responsible for another Chernobyl."

    She burst into laughter.

    "Don''t worry. If anyone could turn a nuclear disaster into an opportunity, it would be Mr. X."

    Ahead of them, the massive doors to the conference room swung open.

    Inside, a long glass table stood beneath an illuminated ceiling, surrounded by screens displaying intricate streams of data.

    At the far end of the room, seated as if this were nothing more than a casual conversation, Lassen awaited them, his enigmatic smile firmly in place.

    "You''re joking..."

    Lassen shook his head, the mysterious smile never leaving his lips.

    "I never joke when it comes to changing the world."

    The room erupted with reactions.

    "A spacecraft?"

    "With a nuclear reactor?"

    "Do you realize the implications?"

    "That''s impossible!"

    Lassen raised a hand, silencing the uproar instantly.

    "I know what you''re thinking. It''s crazy, unachievable. And yet, we already have everything we need to begin."

    He pointed at a holographic schematic that had just appeared on the screen.

    "The reactor we designed is the first of its kind. It wasn''t built just for terrestrial energy production. It was designed to be adaptable, modular. Its ultimate purpose is to provide a stable energy source for a nuclear propulsion engine."

    A heavy silence fell over the room once more.

    Vasleski pinched the bridge of his nose.

    "Do you realize that we haven''t even turned this reactor on yet, and you''re already talking about sending ships into space?"

    Lassen burst out laughing.

    "Exactly!"

    The hacker leaned forward, her eyes shining with excitement.

    "You really want to send a nuclear-powered spacecraft into space?"

    Lassen nodded.

    "Not one. Several. And we''re going to start right here, underground, with this reactor."

    The scientists exchanged nervous glances.

    Some seemed thrilled by the idea.

    Others, terrified.

    Vasleski let out a deep sigh, realizing that he had just been pulled into something far bigger than he had imagined.

    "Damn it... We''re in a science-fiction movie."

    Lassen, however, was still smiling.

    "No. We''re writing the future."

 Chapter 89 A Suspicious Background Noise

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    ________________________________________

    Weeks passed, and although nothing officially alarming had happened in Macro, several intelligence agencies around the world began noticing subtle anomalies.

    Nothing that immediately screamed "danger," but just enough for eyes to gradually turn toward the small kingdom, which seemed far more active than usual.

    The sudden increase in material transport, the influx of specialized scientists in advanced physics, and the surge in energy consumption in specific areas had been flagged by a handful of meticulous analysts.

    For now, no one suspected a nuclear project. But Macro was making noise, and in the world of geopolitics, a persistent noise always ends up drawing attention.

    Washington ¨C CIA Headquarters

    Inside a discreet briefing room at CIA headquarters, an analyst pointed at a satellite surveillance screen, where Macro was displayed.

    "We''ve noticed an increase in unusual activity over the past few months. More material convoys, transportation to undocumented locations, and a spike in demand for very specific industrial equipment."

    A senior officer raised an eyebrow.

    "Civilian infrastructure?"

    "Maybe. Nothing appears overtly military, but what''s strange is that they haven''t announced any major projects. Normally, when a country like Macro plans a large-scale development, they publicize it to attract foreign investment."

    Another more seasoned agent chimed in.

    "You''re saying they''re trying to hide something?"

    The analyst hesitated.

    "Not necessarily. But let''s just say they''re making no effort to explain these movements. That doesn''t mean it''s suspicious... but it''s worth keeping an eye on."

    The senior officer nodded slowly.

    "Put Macro on our priority watchlist. If they''re preparing something unusual, we need to be the first to know."

    Brussels ¨C European Union Strategic Council

    "Another report on Macro?" grumbled a diplomat while flipping through a file.

    "Not exactly," replied an economic analyst. "What''s intriguing us is their recent demand for certain rare materials on the international market."

    The diplomat raised an eyebrow.

    "And then?" The diplomat scoffed, flipping through the report. "They''ve always imported materials for their tech industry. Nova 1 didn''t come out of nowhere."

    The analyst shook his head.

    "That''s precisely the problem. The materials they''re purchasing don''t align with microprocessor manufacturing. We''re talking about exotic metals, heat-resistant materials, and certain industrial infrastructures that aren''t associated with any known civilian projects."

    Lassen turned toward the large window, gazing at the city sprawling before him.

    "We''re going to launch a highly publicized civilian project. Something that justifies our material imports and equipment acquisitions. The perfect smokescreen to divert their attention from what''s really happening underground."

    Alex crossed his arms, thoughtful.

    "And what kind of project?"

    Lassen smirked.

    "I''ll let you guess."

    Alex''s expression hardened.

    "You''re planning to build something completely useless just to confuse them, aren''t you?"

    Lassen burst out laughing.

    "Oh no, it''ll be something grand. Something spectacular enough to capture the world''s attention... while we move forward in the shadows."

    Lassen stretched, cracked his fingers, and turned to Alex with a mysterious smile.

    "So, tell me, Alex, if you had to choose a project that would capture the world''s attention, make headlines, and keep all the geopolitical experts busy, but in reality, be nothing more than a smokescreen, what would it be?"

    Alex raised an eyebrow, arms crossed.

    "An ambitious civilian project, something seemingly revolutionary but not strategic enough to trigger a crisis. Something that screams ''progress'' rather than ''threat''."

    Lassen snapped his fingers, a playful grin on his lips.

    "Exactly. And I already have the perfect idea: a floating megacity, fully powered by renewable energy. A technological paradise, a showcase of what Macro can achieve. A project so grand that no one will think to look anywhere else."

    Alex stared at him, dumbfounded.

    "A floating megacity?! Are you serious? You actually want to build a city on water?"

    Lassen nodded, enjoying Alex''s reaction.

    "Think about it: an ultra-modern metropolis, an architectural marvel that will serve as an economic and technological hub, a demonstration of power, without weapons. No one will be able to officially oppose a project this ''peaceful''... but everyone will want to know more. Meanwhile, we''ll continue our real work unnoticed."

    Alex let out a long sigh, running a hand down his face.

    "This is completely insane..."

    Lassen burst out laughing.

    "No, it''s brilliant. A massive distraction. And the best part? Investors from all over the world will want a piece of it. They''ll give us the perfect excuse to import whatever we need, without asking any questions."

    Alex shook his head, half-impressed, half-exasperated.

    "You''re an absolute genius... and a world-class con artist."

    Lassen shrugged.

    "One doesn''t work without the other, my dear Alex. Now, prepare the press conference. We''re going to sell them a dream while we build a far greater reality."

 Chapter 90 The negotiator

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    ________________________________________

    Jason let out a long sigh, collapsing onto the bed in his hotel room, staring at the ceiling with growing frustration.

    Ever since he had set foot in Macro, all he had done was wait.

    Wait for a contact.Wait for an opportunity.Wait for someone to acknowledge his presence.

    He hadn''t come here to play tourist. He was a negotiator, a man of the field, accustomed to high-stakes discussions, tense exchanges, and delicate power plays. In Afghanistan, in Iraq, he had convinced warlords to release hostages, persuaded arms dealers to betray their allies to save their own skin. He knew how to manipulate human psychology.

    But here...

    Here, no one wanted to talk to him.

    After a high-level meeting in Washington, the White House had decided to maintain its sanctions against Macro while simultaneously attempting to lure Monsieur X to their side. That was why Jason had been sent here.

    Since his arrival, he had made multiple attempts to secure a meeting with Monsieur X, but every time, he had hit a wall of polite indifference.

    Whenever he met with Macro officials, he felt as if they treated him like an inconvenient guest¡ªtolerated only because he was a foreign diplomat. His superiors in Washington had promised him reliable contacts, but so far, they either didn''t exist or were utterly useless.

    The worst part?

    He hadn''t even seen Monsieur X in person yet.

    Monsieur X was a ghost, a phantom that drifted through the city without ever truly being seen. Even the highest-ranking officials in Macro had little direct interaction with him. He rarely gave interviews, never attended public events.

    Jason had spent hours analyzing the few available images and recordings of him, trying to decipher his personality, his thought process, his psychology. But all he had found were contradictions.

    Monsieur X was unpredictable.

    He could be serious and intimidating one moment, then sarcastic and playful in the next. A genius who seemed to operate by his own set of rules, openly mocking the norms of diplomacy and geopolitics.

    Powerful, elusive, and toying with the expectations of the entire world, how do you negotiate with someone who seems to answer to no authority?

    Jason had no idea.

    And it was driving him insane.

    He glanced at his phone. Nothing. No messages. No scheduled meetings. Not even a hint that he was making any progress.

    The moment he stepped outside, his heart pounded faster.

    The black car was still there.

    It moved smoothly through the night traffic, its tinted windows reflecting the neon glow of the city, an untouchable phantom slipping through the streets.

    Not tonight.

    Jason bolted toward the parking area, where his own car was waiting. He yanked the door open, slid inside, and slammed the engine to life.

    Tires screeched as he pulled out onto the road.

    "Come on, come on... stay in my sight" he muttered, gripping the wheel tightly.

    Merging into traffic, he kept his gaze locked on the black vehicle ahead.

    He had to be careful.

    Following a man like Monsieur X wasn''t something to take lightly. The man wasn''t just a genius, he was an enigma. A shadow surrounded by layers of security.

    Jason knew he wasn''t alone. There would be guards. Protocols. Countermeasures.

    He regulated his speed, keeping a safe distance to avoid drawing attention.

    Inside his head, he was already constructing a plan.

    "What do I do once I catch up to him?"

    "Wait for him to step out and approach him directly? Too risky."

    "Confront him in the middle of the street? Impossible."

    "Follow him and gather intel? Maybe."

    But he knew that wasn''t enough. He needed to find a way to force Monsieur X''s attention¡ªto make him agree to a meeting.

    Then, Jason noticed something.

    The black car turned onto a quieter avenue, lined with administrative buildings and a few modern high-rises.

    "This might be my only chance."

    Taking a deep breath, he pushed the accelerator slightly, determined not to lose sight of his target.

    Tonight, no matter what it took, he was going to meet Monsieur X.

 Chapter 91 Invitation

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    ________________________________________

    As Adrian drove smoothly through the city streets, Lassen suddenly broke the silence, his voice calm but firm:

    "Turn right."

    Adrian, long accustomed to his boss''s unpredictable requests, obeyed without hesitation.

    A quick glance in the rearview mirror confirmed his suspicions.

    "We''re being followed."

    The hacker, who had been casually admiring the nighttime view of Macro, jolted in her seat.

    "What?! We''re being followed?!" she exclaimed, sitting up straight.

    Adrian nodded, keeping his gaze on the road while discreetly watching their pursuer.

    "Unmarked car. Driving way too carefully. He''s been matching our speed for several minutes. Not an amateur."

    Lassen, on the other hand, looked amused.

    "Oh, now this is getting interesting."

    He turned slightly toward Adrian, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

    Despite the palpable tension in the car, Adrian remained composed, keeping his driving fluid while tracking the vehicle behind them. The hacker, still processing the situation, glanced nervously between Adrian and Lassen.

    "Alright, so what do we do? Lose him? Confront him?" Adrian asked, his tone calm but ready for anything.

    Lassen, however, was strangely relaxed. He absentmindedly adjusted his collar, his voice nonchalant.

    "Pull over."

    Adrian turned slightly, making sure he''d heard correctly.

    "Excuse me?"

    "I said, pull over."

    Adrian raised an eyebrow but didn''t argue. He knew better than to question Lassen''s decisions.

    With measured control, he slowly eased the car to a stop along the roadside.

    Lassen''s smile widened as he leaned back in his seat.

    "So... how about we invite our stalker to have a little chat?"

    The hacker''s eyes widened in disbelief.

    "Wait, wait, wait... You''re not just gonna invite him in, are you?!"

    Lassen shrugged, his smirk unwavering.

    "Why not? If someone''s bold, or stupid, enough to follow me, I might as well extend them a formal invitation."

    Adrian exhaled sharply, visibly less enthusiastic about the idea, but after a brief hesitation, he opened the car door and stepped out.

    With calculated strides, he walked toward Jason''s car.

    ________

    When Monsieur X''s car slowed down and pulled over, a shiver ran down Jason''s spine.

    "And if I refuse?" he tested, crossing his arms.

    The man shrugged, his hand resting on Jason''s car door.

    "You can. But..."

    He glanced toward Monsieur X''s car.

    "My boss doesn''t like people wasting his time."

    Then, with a knowing look...

    "Besides... you''re the one who followed us, right?"

    Jason''s mind raced.

    Running was pointless.

    He had already played with fire just by coming here.

    And the chance to sit across from Monsieur X?

    It might never come again.

    With a steady exhale, Jason slipped a hand into his jacket, quickly locking his phone (just in case), then opened his car door.

    "Alright. Let''s see what he has to say."

    His footsteps were slow, deliberate, as he approached Monsieur X''s car.

    His gaze stayed straight ahead, betraying zero hesitation.

    But internally?

    Shit.

    "What the hell did I just walk into?"

    Jason exhaled slowly, steadying himself before pushing open his car door. His movements were controlled, precise, the kind of measured grace that came from years of high-stakes negotiations.

    As he stepped out, he instinctively adjusted his jacket, not unlike a man preparing to enter a boardroom meeting rather than the vehicle of Macro''s most elusive figure.

    Adrian, ever unshaken, gave him nothing more than a slight nod before turning and walking toward Monsieur X''s car.

    Jason followed, his mind racing, running through every possible scenario.

    A genuine invitation?

    A setup?

    Each step toward the vehicle stretched into eternity.

    He felt eyes on him,from passersby, from the unseen security details monitoring the area.

    But no one moved. No one interfered.

    Of course.

    Who would dare involve themselves in Monsieur X''s business?

    As they reached the sleek, black vehicle, Adrian pulled open the rear door with a fluid, practiced motion, then stepped aside, wordlessly inviting him in.

    Jason paused briefly, eyes flicking toward the dimly lit interior.

    Then, with a deep breath, he slipped inside.

    The door shut behind him, sealing out the world with an eerie finality.

    And at last...

    He was face to face with the Ghost of Macro.

 Chapter 92 A High-Stakes Exchange

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    ________________________________________ Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire

    The silence inside the car was almost suffocating.

    Jason felt a slight shiver run down his spine as he gently closed the door behind him.

    He had just stepped into the vehicle of Macro''s most enigmatic and unpredictable man.

    Facing him, Lassen sat with utter nonchalance, one arm resting on the armrest, the other idly twirling a pen between his fingers.

    His piercing gaze studied Jason with a calm curiosity, as if he was already reading him before a single word had been spoken.

    Adrian, meanwhile, silently returned to his position at the front, but Jason knew he was monitoring every move.

    On the other side, the hacker watched him with amusement, as if she were enjoying an unexpected show.

    Lassen tapped his armrest thoughtfully before breaking the silence.

    "Jason Carter. Former CIA negotiator. Twelve years of service. Assigned to major conflict zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. A crisis mediation expert, specializing in de-escalating explosive situations... And yet, today, I''m the one who ended up in your sights."

    Jason froze. His instincts told him to show nothing, but a part of him was on high alert.

    He knew Lassen had resources, but seeing him lay out his personal file with such precision was another matter entirely.

    Lassen smirked as he watched Jason remain silent.

    "Come on, Jason, don''t be so tense. What did you expect coming here? That I''d mistake you for a lost tourist?"

    Jason took a deep breath. He needed to regain control of the situation.

    "I was expecting something more... formal. Not a surprise invitation into your car."

    "Ah, but that''s where you''re wrong," Lassen replied with amusement. "With me, there''s no protocol. Only efficiency."

    He paused, studying Jason thoughtfully, then added in a more serious tone

    "Tell me, Jason... you, who have negotiated with all kinds of people in desperate situations... What do the United States really think of me?"

    Jason knew this question was coming. He had prepared for it, but hearing Lassen ask it so directly made the situation feel far more real.

    He remained calm and chose his words carefully.

    "They respect you. You fascinate them as much as you worry them. You''re unpredictable, and that''s what unsettles them the most. Washington doesn''t like unknown variables."

    Lassen nodded slowly, as if he had expected that answer.

    "And so, their plan?"

    Jason hesitated for a fraction of a second. He could lie, but something told him Lassen would see right through it.

    "They want you on their side. You''re too important a piece on the board to be left unchecked. But if they ever decide you''re a threat..."

    He left the sentence hanging.

    Lassen finished it for him, his smile widening slightly.

    "...They''ll make me disappear."

    A heavy silence fell.

    The tension inside the car was at its peak. Jason watched the man in front of him, trying to read his intentions. He expected a reaction, maybe even a flash of irritation or anger.

    But Lassen merely chuckled softly.

    "Ah... The United States. Always true to themselves."

    He stretched slightly, as if this revelation didn''t faze him at all, then turned his amused gaze back to Jason.

    "Tell me, Jason. You, who have spent your career negotiating... What would you do in my place?"

    Jason clenched his jaw. Lassen was turning the situation against him with effortless ease.

    He had a bad feeling about this.

    Jason felt Lassen''s piercing gaze settle on him, waiting for his response. He knew that even the slightest hesitation, the smallest misstep in his words, could be exploited by the man in front of him.

    He had negotiated with warlords, dictators, and high-level criminals... but never with someone like him.

    Taking a deep breath, he answered in a measured tone

    "If I were in your position, I''d take the time to evaluate my options. Play the mystery card a little longer. Make sure everyone doubts, hesitates, and remains uncertain. As long as you''re an enigma, you''re untouchable."

    Lassen nodded, amused.

    "A smart answer. You mean... like I''m already doing?"

    Jason shrugged slightly.

    "Let''s just say I''m validating your strategy. But everyone knows a chess game can''t last forever. At some point, you have to move an important piece. Otherwise, you risk being forced into playing a game you didn''t choose."

    Lassen watched Jason closely, a flicker of interest in his eyes.

    "And in your opinion, what should my next move be?"

    Jason felt the conversation was taking a dangerous turn.

    He was about to give strategic advice to a man his own country considered an uncontrollable variable.

    He weighed his words carefully before answering

    "You need to show Washington that you''re not a direct threat, but an opportunity. If you let them believe you''re about to align with a rival power, like China or Russia, they might panic and treat you as an enemy. But if you give them just enough hope that a partnership is possible, they''ll hesitate to act against you."

    A silence settled in the car. Adrian, who had been silent until now, exchanged a brief glance with Lassen through the rearview mirror.

    Then, Lassen burst into laughter.

    "Jason, Jason, Jason... Are you seriously trying to give me advice on how to manipulate a superpower? Do you really think I haven''t already considered all of this?"

    Jason remained expressionless, but internally, he felt a slight unease.

    Monsieur X was even more unpredictable than he had imagined.

    Then, suddenly, Lassen tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharpening as he locked eyes with Jason.

    "Tell me, Jason. Why are you really here?"

    Jason frowned.

    "I told you. Washington wants to open a dialogue with you."

    Lassen shook his head slowly.

    "No, that''s the official version. I want the real reason. Why YOU? Why would a seasoned negotiator like you, someone used to armed conflicts and hostage crises, be sent here instead of a simple diplomat?"

    Jason held his breath for a fraction of a second.

    Lassen smiled.

    "You see, Jason... I can play your game too."

    A chill ran down Jason''s spine.

    Lassen knew.

    Maybe not everything. Maybe not yet.

    But it was already too late to turn back.

 Chapter 93: Age Of Paradoxes

    The silence had returned to the car, heavy like a storm cloud hanging above their heads.

    Jason kept his eyes fixed on Lassen, trying to pierce the enigma behind his smile. He expected a cutting retort, a veiled threat, or even a carefully laid trap. But nothing came.

    Lassen, meanwhile, seemed elsewhere. His gaze had slightly drifted away from Jason, as if an invisible thread had snapped in his mind, pulling him toward something else. Finally, he spoke, his tone calmer, almost thoughtful

    "You can go."

    Jason raised an eyebrow, surprised.

    "Excuse me?"

    "You can head back to your hotel, catch your breath, write your report, do whatever you like." He turned his head toward Adrian. "Stop at the next street."

    Adrian said nothing, but followed the instruction without question.

    Jason stared at Lassen, still wary.

    "Just like that? No threat? No warning? No message to pass along?"

    Lassen gave a tired smile.

    "Jason, if I wanted to send you a message, you wouldn''t have had to come all the way here. Your phone would''ve been enough. What I wanted was to see you. Size you up. Understand what kind of man they sent me."

    He tilted his head slightly, his eyes glinting in the shadows.

    "And now that I know, that''s enough."

    The car came to a smooth stop at the side of the road. Jason hesitated for a moment, glancing between Lassen, Adrian, and the hacker who was still observing him with a certain curiosity.

    Then, without a word, he opened the door.

    Before he stepped out, Lassen added in a softer voice

    "Oh, and if you really want to understand what I''m doing here... you''ll just have to come back. But next time, come without the hidden mic in your watch."

    Jason froze for a fraction of a second. Then he got out without replying, slowly closing the door behind him.

    The car pulled away immediately, disappearing into the dark streets of Macro.

    The car rolled once again through the quiet streets of Macro, lulled by the soft purring of the engine. A light silence hung in the air, until the hacker''s curious voice broke it.

    "So... how did you know he was following us, exactly?"

    Lassen, leaning against the window, turned his head slightly toward her with an enigmatic smile.

    "That''s a secret."

    She narrowed her eyes, clearly not satisfied, but not surprised either.

    "Right, right. And the mic? The one in his watch?"

    "Also a secret."

    She sighed, crossing her arms with a mock pout.

    "You''re doing this on purpose, aren''t you?"

    Lassen shrugged, looking perfectly innocent.

    "Maybe."

    "You''re unbearable."

    He let out a short laugh, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

    "That''s what they usually say, yes."

    A few minutes later...

    Lassen was back in his villa, lounging casually in his favorite armchair, a steaming cup of tea in hand. The hacker had been escorted to a secure guest room. Adrian was sitting a few meters away, silently reading a report.

    "You think he''ll write an honest report?" Adrian asked without looking up.

    "No" Lassen replied with a faint smile "But he''ll think about it. And sometimes, that''s all it takes."

    He raised his cup toward the ceiling, as if toasting something unseen.

    "Welcome to the age of paradoxes, Jason Carter. And good luck convincing your world that mine is only just beginning."

    ________________________________________

    The silence of his hotel room was almost deafening after the suffocating intensity of the encounter in Monsieur X''s car. Jason closed the door slowly behind him, tossing his jacket onto the couch with an automatic gesture, still lost in the storm of thoughts the meeting had triggered.

    He poured himself a glass of water, drank it in one gulp, then sat down in front of his encrypted laptop, resting in a dimly lit corner of the room. A light tap on a key initiated the authentication process. A red light blinked, the system scanned his iris, then prompted for a voice code.

    "Agent Carter. Priority Echo-Tango."

    Seconds later, the face of his superior, Director Martin Hayes, appeared on the screen. His expression was rigid, his eyes dark with intensity.

    "You met him?" Hayes didn''t waste time.

    Jason gave a slow nod.

    "Yes. Monsieur X... He knew everything about me before I even introduced myself. He invited me into his car. Like... he was expecting me."

    "What did he say?"

    Jason hesitated.

    "Not much... but every word was calculated. He never lost control of the conversation. I felt like I was being dissected under a microscope."

    Hayes narrowed his eyes.

    "Did he make any threats?"

    Jason gave a short breath.

    "No. But that''s the worst part. No threats. No ultimatums. Just... complete confidence. Like he already knew every outcome before I stepped in."

    "Did he confirm anything about the recent rumors?"

    "He didn''t deny it. But he didn''t confirm it either. He dodges. He observes. He probes."

    Hayes leaned forward, his voice lower.

    "What''s your assessment, Jason? Is he a threat?"

    Jason paused. Then, in a calm voice

    "He''s not a terrorist. Not a warmonger. But he is... transformative. Dangerous in the way all visionaries are. He''s building something. Something way bigger than we imagined."

    "Something we can''t control."

    Jason nodded.

    "Exactly."

    Hayes pressed his fingers together.

    "So? Do we have a shot at turning him?"

    Jason sighed

    "Maybe. But only if we stop treating him like a threat. He wants to play god, Martin. You don''t negotiate with a god. You learn his language... or you provoke wrath."

    Hayes looked visibly unsettled. Then leaned in closer to the screen.

    "Did you record the conversation?"

    Jason swallowed hard, hesitating.

    "No. He made me leave everything behind. I couldn''t risk it."

    Hayes''s tone turned sharp.

    "Dammit, Jason. That was our only chance for leverage."

    Jason clenched his jaw.

    "You wanted a meeting. I got it. And he knew. About the mic. About everything. He said..."

    He hesitated again, then recited

    "''If I wanted to send you a message, I wouldn''t need to meet you. Your phone would''ve been enough.''"

    Hayes was silent.

    "He let me go, Martin. He let me go because he wanted me to tell you one thing."

    "And what''s that?"

    Jason leaned forward, his eyes hard.

    "That he''s just getting started."

    A heavy silence fell between them.

    Hayes finally nodded.

    "Stay close to him, Jason. Keep your head low. Report everything. And Jason..."

    Jason blinked

    "Yes?"

    Hayes''s voice dropped, grave and slow.

    "This man... he might change the world. Or burn it down. And we need to be ready for both."

    The screen went black.

    Jason leaned back in his chair, the echo of the conversation still swirling in his mind.

    This wasn''t diplomacy.

    This was a countdown.

 Chapter 94: A normal moring

    In Lassen''s villa, later that night...

    Lassen was sprawled out on his couch, a cup of hot chocolate in one hand and an absurdly luxurious blanket, probably stolen from a five-star hotel, draped over his legs.

    [You know, I thought freaking out a highly trained American agent would be more fun than that]

    "I swear, he was wound up tighter than a sniper''s trigger. I thought he was going to stroke out just from hearing me say his name."

    [And you let him go without planting a virus, a bug, or even a tracking chip. We''re getting old, host. Losing our edge]

    "Or maybe I''m becoming soft. You know, enlightenment, forgiveness, inner peace..."

    [Stop, I''m going to throw up in your cortex]

    Lassen burst out laughing and took a slow sip of his chocolate.

    "Honestly, I wonder what they''ll do now. Think I''m harmless? Or panic because I''m letting them watch without doing anything?"

    [ I vote panic. It''s more entertaining. Did you see how much Jason was sweating through his shirt ? He looked like a am failed deodorant commercial]

    "Poor guy... I almost liked him."

    [Almost?]

    "Yeah. If he wasn''t trying to spy on me for a paranoid superpower, we might''ve been friends."

    [You don''t have friends]

    "I have you"

    [System error. ? Friendshuip ? unit not suppoerted]

    ________________________________________

    The sun was slowly rising over Lassen''s villa, casting a warm orange glow across the glass walls. The spacious dining room bathed in this light, contrasting with the sleek, high-tech minimalism that dominated the rest of the home.

    Lassen was already seated at the table, barefoot, dressed in a simple black T-shirt and comfortable pants. In front of him sat a half-eaten croissant, a steaming cup of tea, and a floating screen scrolling through Macro''s morning headlines.

    [A croissant, seriously, You, doomsday engineer, the most unpredictable man on the continent, and you''re eating a croissant.]

    "I feed on chaos and butter. Let me have my moment" he muttered under his breath.

    [You have no dignity]

    He looked up as footsteps echoed down the hallway.

    A young woman appeared, her hair slightly tousled, drawn from sleep by the smell of coffee. She wore an oversized shirt, clearly borrowed from some random closet, and surveyed the room with a cautious, almost self-conscious gaze.

    "You locked me in a room with an electronic lock and a discreet camera. Charming."

    Lassen gestured toward the coffee machine.

    "Standard protocol for guests who try to hack a military base. Want coffee, or would you rather decrypt the coffee maker yourself?"

    She rolled her eyes but sat down without another word.

    "My name''s Kaela, by the way. Kaela Myris. Just in case you''d rather call me something other than ''the hacker''."

    Lassen raised an eyebrow.

    "Kaela Myris... The one who hacked into three multinational databases before turning twenty, and humiliated a corrupt general by posting his secrets on an anime forum."

    "Someone''s done their homework, huh?" she replied, feigning flattery.

    [And to think she almost got you. Cute and dangerous. Your type, right ? Oh i forgot you don t have a type, you spend both of your lifes single. ]

    "Shut up."

    Kaela looked at him, intrigued.

    "Did you just say something?"

    "I talk to myself. It''s a habit. Very healthy. Especially when you live with a sarcastic inner voice."

    She stared at him for a second, then decided not to press. She grabbed a piece of toast.

    Kaela bit into it in silence, eyeing Lassen from the side. The man seemed relaxed, almost too relaxed for someone holding secrets capable of shaking global power balances. His calm, his casual air... it was both irritating and fascinating.

    "Do you always do this?" she asked, chewing thoughtfully "Invite people you''ve captured to sleep in silk sheets and have breakfast with you?"

    Lassen looked up from his floating screen and smiled

    "Only the ones who manage to hack into an ultra-secure military base. It''s my way of saying ''well done''."

    "And if I''d gotten one step further? Extracted everything, without getting caught?"

    He leaned forward slightly, as if offering a silent nod of respect.

    "Then I probably would''ve come to find you myself, and this conversation would be happening in reverse."

    Kaela raised an eyebrow.

    "Chained up in a basement?"

    "No, no." He shook his head as he poured himself more tea

    "At the same table. Maybe with French toast instead of croissants. I''m not a monster."

    [Though, considering your track record, that''s definitely up for debate.]

    Lassen ignored the inner voice and leaned a little closer to Kaela.

    "Why did you try that hack? Honestly. You knew it wasn''t just any base. You knew the risks were huge. And still, you did it."

    She was silent for a moment, eyes lost in the rising steam of her coffee.

    "Because something changed. That base had been there for years, fine. But recently... something shifted. New security protocols, activity day and night, strange movements. And then..."

    She hesitated, then locked eyes with Lassen.

    "Because I wanted to know if the rumors were true. That behind Macro''s shining lights... there was a project that could change the world."

    He nodded slowly, appreciating the sincerity.

    "And now that you know it''s true?"

    "Now I want to understand. And maybe... be a part of it."

    A brief, mutual silence settled between them.

    [She''s serious. Not just curious. She''s choosing a side. Congratulations host, we found a women as crazy as you]

    "I have to find a way to mute you for real" Lassen murmured softly.

    "Did you say something?" Kaela asked.

    Lassen raised his cup toward her.

    "Just that the coffee''s good."

    She smirked, amused despite herself.

    "It''s the only normal thing around here, I guess."

    "For now" Lassen replied with an enigmatic look.

    Kaela froze for a moment, her cup halfway to her lips. She stared at him, half amused, half serious, her brows slightly furrowed.

    "You know you sound like a spy movie villain right before triggering the apocalypse, right?"

    Lassen didn''t move, merely shrugged as he spread a bit more jam on his croissant.

    "And yet, look at me. I''m barefoot, wearing a t-shirt with a discreet hole under the shoulder, and I spent the night reading webtoons. I''m probably the least impressive global threat right now."

    Kaela gave a slight smile, but her gaze remained wary, as if waiting for the mask to drop at any moment.

    "That''s exactly what''s most terrifying about you. You look harmless. Chill. Like... the kind of guy who''d burn the world down in the background while making pancakes."

    [She understands you better than most of your associates. How touching.]

    "Keep going and I''ll reinstall you in calculator mode."

    Kaela blinked.

    "Sorry, what?"

    Lassen let out a light laugh.

    "Talking to myself. Told you, very healthy habit."

    She watched him a few seconds longer, then relaxed back in her chair and grabbed a piece of toast.

    "Okay, Mister X, or whatever is your name. I''m still not sure if I should be flattered or terrified. But I''ll eat your toast, it''s a start."

    Lassen raised his cup in a toast.

    "To gradual trust, then. And toast."

 Chapter 95: Silence!! Weéˆ¥æª™e manipulating

    Kaela bit into her toast with feigned caution, as if expecting something to explode. Lassen, on the other hand, sipped his tea with Olympian calm, his eyes fixed on the lines of text slowly scrolling across a holographic screen hovering above the table.

    A comfortable silence had settled in, barely disturbed by the faint clinking of dishes. But as often happened in Monsieur X''s villa, tranquility was just a prelude.

    The door to the villa suddenly burst open. Alex strode in, dressed as always in a perfectly tailored ensemble, tablet in hand.

    "Lassen, we need to talk. The decoy project is ready to launch. I''ve confirmed the channels, the relays, and ..."

    He stopped short upon seeing Kaela seated at the table.

    He eyed her briefly, cautious, then turned toward Lassen.

    "Am I interrupting one of your summoning rituals?"

    Lassen merely raised his tea with a casual flourish, while Kaela, surprised by the remark, turned toward him.

    "Wait... let me guess..." she said, nodding toward Alex "Your sarcastic butler?"

    "I prefer ''highly competent assistant,'' but I''ll allow it" Alex shot back, already projecting his data into the air.

    But Kaela suddenly frowned and turned to Lassen.

    "So your name''s Lassen?"

    Lassen barely shrugged

    "Technically, it''s Mister X, but by all means, feel free to betray all my little secrets."

    She stared at him, her gaze sharpening halfway between curiosity and mockery

    "And what''s this ''summoning'' thing he mentioned?" she said, pointing at Alex.

    "Oh that?" Lassen replied, an innocent smile on his lips "Just an inside joke between colleagues. Very private. You wouldn''t get it."

    "Try me."

    [Try me... She''s moving fast for a first breakfast]

    Lassen took one last sip of tea, then stood calmly, picking up a stack of documents held together with a metal clip, placed on the buffet behind him. He flipped through them for a moment, his fingers tracing the outlines of carefully printed diagrams. On the cover, a simple title in black letters "Project Eclipse."

    Kaela watched in silence, her brows slightly furrowed.

    Alex stepped forward, glancing at Kaela while placing a thick file on the dark wooden table.

    "That''s what I came to talk to you about. The plan is ready. The engineers have completed the modeling. We have the permits."

    "Tell me it''s not another thing that can wipe out a city," Kaela muttered.

    Lassen chuckled softly, placing his file next to Alex''s.

    "Quite the opposite. It''s something that will awe the entire world. A city. Not a weapon."

    Kaela blinked, surprised

    "A... city?"

    Alex answered for him, in a professional tone

    "An ultra-modern metropolis, neutral, peaceful, with scientific, commercial, and cultural facilities. A masterpiece of architecture."

    "And what''s the catch?" Kaela asked, still wary.

    Lassen shrugged.

    "No catch. Just a little operation of massive distraction. While the whole world stares at our ''urban miracle,'' they''ll look away from everything else."

    He slowly walked around the table, resting a light hand on the wood, as if to emphasize the weight of what was being said.

    "You see, Kaela, it''s an old strategy. When you don''t want someone to see what your left hand is doing... wave your right one very hard."

    "An entire city just to draw attention away?" she whispered, incredulous.

    "An entire city, yes. And believe me, it''ll be the spectacle of the century."

    She remained silent for a moment, digesting the scale of the plan. Then she pointed to one of the blueprints laid open.

    "And this... is supposed to rise from the ground in how long?"

    "Eight months for the first visible foundations. Three years before the world starts talking about a ''macroeconomic miracle.''"

    [And twenty seconds before a journalist screams geopolitical manipulation]

    Lassen smiled without replying

    Kaela sighed and leaned back into her chair, looking both exasperated and intrigued.

    She stared at him for a long time, arms crossed, a half-smile tugging at her lips.

    "You know, you''re terrifying when you talk about geopolitics like you''re playing poker in your living room."

    Lassen stepped closer, placing a hand gently on the back of her chair before leaning in slightly, his gaze calm but laced with irony.

    "And yet... I almost always win."

    Kaela raised an eyebrow.

    "You just said ''almost.''"

    He straightened up, a sly smile on his lips.

    "I like keeping people guessing. Makes things more fun."

    Alex, packing the blueprints into a case, sighed.

    "At this pace, we''ll be launching this project while prepping the next one..."

    "Perfect. Saves us from having to sleep," Lassen replied.

    "And what''s this project even about?" Alex asked, already dreading the answer.

    "No idea" Lassen replied with a shrug, completely unfazed "But it''ll come to me. Don''t worry, I''ve got a backlog of webnovels to catch up on. Inspiration is just a plot twist away."

    Kaela blinked, stunned

    "Wait, wait! Webnovels? You mean... everything you''ve done? All your plans, Nova 1, the base, the reactor, the city... that all came from webnovels?"

    Lassen gave her a look usually reserved for people who''d never seen the sun.

    "Obviously. Where else would I get my ideas? Scientific journals?"

    He took a sip of tea with exaggerated calm.

    "You think governments create the future? Please. They recycle the past. I just read what hasn''t happened yet."

    Kaela groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

    "So... you''re basing international geopolitics on internet fiction?"

    "No, no" Lassen replied with a grin "I''m using fiction to outmaneuver reality. Big difference."

    He snapped his fingers as if struck by sudden brilliance.

    "Right

    Set up a press conference. Announce the project, say it''s a vision of the future world, yada yada, do your usual speech thing. And say investors of all nationalities are welcome. Sell them the dream. Make it sound like a utopia."

    "And invite global investors?"

    "Of course. Tell them it''s open to everyone. Americans, Chinese, Martians, I don''t care. The more the merrier."

    Kaela leaned back in her chair, still in disbelief.

    "You''re going to let them fund their own distraction?"

    Lassen turned, already walking away, his voice echoing behind him.

    "We''re not just letting them. We''re selling them front-row seats."

    Alex stared after him, then looked at Kaela.

    "...This man is either a lunatic or a prophet."

    Kaela smirked

    "Why not both?"

    She lingered for a few seconds, eyes still fixed on the plans.

    A city. A distraction. A global-scale illusion.

    She shook her head, a faint smile on her lips.

    "And I thought hacking a satellite was ambitious..."

    Then, without another word, she stood up, grabbed one last piece of toast... and followed the master of chaos.

 Chapter 96 96: A vision, a mirage.

    Weeks of rumors, theories, and orchestrated leaks had preceded this moment. The kingdom of Macro was holding its breath, and beyond its borders, the entire world was focused on a single event: Alex''s press conference.

    The scene unfolded in one of the capital''s largest conference halls. A vast, dazzling white room framed by polished steel pillars and smoked glass. Cameras lined the aisles, journalists packed into their seats, microphones aimed at the stage, and the buzz of tense conversation filled the space.

    At the center, a raised platform, modestly adorned with the emblem of the Macro government and the logo of Phontom, the parent company of all Lassen subsidiaries. Behind it, a large black screen. And to the right of the lectern stood a figure well known to global public opinion: Alex. Once the most discreet assistant, now the most scrutinized on the planet.

    As he stepped onto the stage, an absolute silence fell. Not a word, not a flash, just anticipation. Alex calmly scanned the audience, adjusted his jacket, and in a perfectly composed voice, began:

    "Thank you for coming. Today, I speak on behalf of Mr. X. And I''m here to talk about the future."

    A chill swept through the room. He wasn''t speaking for a government or a superpower, but for a man. One man. And yet, everyone listened, because whenever this man speaks, the world changes to match his will.

    "For months, we''ve been preparing a project. A peaceful project. A civil project. A project for the future. We''re going to build the first city entirely conceived by intelligence, innovation, and peace. A city unlike anything before it. A city that will embody harmony between science, nature, and society."

    The screen lit up behind him. CGI images appeared: forests interwoven with urban landscapes, gleaming white buildings threaded with greenery, autonomous transport, cutting-edge research centers, schools, cultural venues, housing opening onto the sea.

    "The project is called Eclipse. And in three years, it will be real."

    In the room, awe and disbelief blended in a stunned wave. Some journalists scribbled frantically; others stared at the screen, spellbound.

    "This project is not military, nor geopolitical. It''s not a provocation. It''s a demonstration, of what a nation unafraid of innovation can achieve. Of what humanity can become when it stops shooting itself in the foot."

    Barely had Alex finished when a ripple of whispers surged through the crowd. His final words echoed still: "A project that will transcend nations, beliefs, and conflicts. Welcome to Eclipse."

    The cameras kept rolling, flashes flickered, and already hands were raised, some journalists even rising from their seats, driven by the urgency to understand. Alex didn''t flinch. He waited for the commotion to settle, then pointed calmly to the first question.

    "Margot Yelin, Global Observer. Are you telling us Macro intends to build an entire city devoted to science and international cooperation?"

    "Yes. A city designed from the ground up as a crossroads for progress. With no strict political affiliation, no military oversight. We''ve conceived it as a concrete answer to global tension."

    "But who will fund this project?" another journalist shouted "Macro doesn''t have the economic power of a superpower."

    Alex smiled, as if he''d been waiting for that question.

    "Indeed, neither Macro nor Mr. X has the capital to finance a project of this magnitude. But you''re forgetting something I said at the start: this is an international city. That''s why I have an announcement to make. To every person, government, or company wishing to take part in this project, you are welcome. Now is the time to come together for a better future."

    Applause broke out, mixed with protests and a flurry of shouted questions. Alex raised his hand.

    "We''ll answer all your questions. But know this: Eclipse will break ground in less than four months. And by then, you won''t be speaking of rumors anymore, you''ll be speaking of a world that is changing."

    He left the podium without another word.

    ________________________________________

    The news of Alex''s press conference spread like wildfire.

    Within two hours, footage of the Eclipse presentation had taken over the front pages of every major news outlet, from Tokyo to New York, from Paris to Cairo. On social media, the word "Eclipse" went viral in less than ten minutes, igniting a wave of hashtags, theories, memes, and heated debates.

    Some saw it as a technological utopia, a rebirth of the humanist dream. Others suspected a political Trojan horse, a way for Macro to gain outsized influence on the global stage without firing a single shot.

    At the United Nations Security Council, an emergency session was called. The ambassadors of the major powers, still reeling, struggled to find common ground.

    "We cannot allow a nation as small as Macro to redraw the world order without a response" the U.S. representative thundered.

    "And yet, they haven''t broken a single international law," replied his German counterpart calmly. "They''re proposing a project of peace, innovation, and openness. Isn''t that exactly what we all claim to want?"

    China, for its part, adopted a cryptic stance. Publicly, it praised "a bold initiative for the future of humanity" but behind the scenes, it ramped up intelligence operations focused on Macro.

    In Russia, state media downplayed Eclipse, calling it "a laboratory city doomed to fail," while several oligarchs quietly began investing in start-ups linked to the project.

    But it was among ordinary people that the reaction proved most explosive.

    In student forums, research groups, tech incubators, even in the poorest neighborhoods, the same question kept surfacing "What if it''s real? What if this actually works?"

    In Macro, the response was electric. Some citizens hailed Lassen and Alex as national heroes, ready to usher their country into a new era. Others, more skeptical, questioned the true purpose behind such a grand vision.

    But one thing was now certain: no one could ignore Macro anymore.

    At the royal palace in the capital of Macro, the king was sipping tea, admiring the view, when he was interrupted.

    "Your Majesty, the Prime Minister requests an audience" said a butler.

    "Have him come in" the king replied.

    The Prime Minister entered with dark circles under his eyes, it was clear he hadn''t slept much, buried in work. The king noticed immediately and didn''t hesitate to tease him.

    "Seems our national genius is keeping you rather busy these days."

    The Prime Minister smiled "I see thet Your Majesty is in a good mood this morning."

    "Hahaha! Good mood, you say? Oh yes, I''m in a very good mood. I just spent the morning speaking with Mr. X. Come, let''s go to my office, I have a good story to tell you."

    ________________________________________

    And while the world''s powerful tried to figure out how to respond, elsewhere, in a quiet villa perched atop a hill, Lassen watched the news while sipping his tea.

    [Looks like it worked, host. You''ve got them all hooked.]

    "That was the idea. Now we just need to keep them chewing while we build the rest."

    [You mean... while we move the real project right under their noses?]

    Lassen smirked, his eyes still fixed on the screen.

    "Exactly."

 Chapter 97: The Secret part II

    The sky above the kingdom had stopped moving.

    No clouds. No wind. Not even the subtlest shift in light. As if time itself had frozen, held in suspension by a fear no instrument could record. Satellites went dark. Clocks lost their rhythm. Data vanished the moment it was captured.

    And no one knew why.

    In those first days, chaos was quiet. A generator would shut down for no reason. An observatory recorded images that no longer matched any known laws of physics. Scientists, skeptical at first, began speaking only in whispers, unable to craft a coherent theory. The enemy wasn''t coming from the sky. Nor from the ground. It wore no armor, carried no banner. But it was there, everywhere, in the numbers, in the air, in the fabric of matter itself.

    Even the most advanced technology turned unpredictable. Drones veered off course mid-flight. Energy weapons overheated or refused to fire. Composite armor cracked like glass. Everything seemed to slip from the kingdom''s grasp, as though the universe itself had become a corrupted system, shutting down line by line.

    Labs worked around the clock. Engineers operated under crushing tension, assembling experimental devices in a desperate race against collapse. Disruption weapons. Magnetic shields. Quantum stabilizers. Nothing worked. Each held for a few hours, then crumbled, literally, to dust.

    The capital, last great city of the realm, had become a bastion. But even there, the effects of what some now called terminal inertia crept in. Shadows became true blind spots. Materials lost molecular cohesion. Fragments of reality itself... disappeared.

    And at the center of it all, in a sealed chamber lit by stark artificial white, the king watched.

    His eyes, tired, but clear, scanned the latest reports.

    There were no enemy armies. No hostile banners. No cries of invaders. The kingdom was fighting... the indescribable. Something ancient and invisible, without form or voice, yet devouring everything. Slowly. Systematically.

    The kingdom''s most powerful artifacts had turned against them. Watchtowers crumbled without being struck. Fields withered as though they had never existed. And the weapons, at times, simply ceased to function, as though reality itself had begun to doubt their legitimacy.

    In the royal council, scholars lost sleep, their hair, even their minds. Some whispered that this was not war. It was collapse. Not of the empire, but of the fabric of the world. Of time. Of thought.

    And yet, the king refused to give up.

    Each morning, he stood atop the ramparts, gazing into the corruption consuming the land. He said nothing. He watched. He noted. He commanded.

    The generals drew plans.

    The engineers forged weapons they no longer understood.

    But nothing held. Every attempt was like striking water. Thick, black water, burning with the heat of unbeing.

    The capital became a sanctuary, the last standing citadel. Every night, the sounds beyond the walls grew less natural. As if the world itself was exhaling its final breath. And in the hearts of the people, a terrible certainty took root: this was too vast to fight. Too ancient to undo.

    And still... the king resisted.

    His eyes, once burning with fire, now held a strange calm. As though he had come to accept a truth only he could see.

    At his side, the queen. Silent. Poised. Unshaken.

    They both knew.

    They knew this was not a war they could win.

    It wasn''t even a war.

    It was an erasure.

    But there was still one thing their enemy, whoever or whatever it was, could not yet erase: their will.

    The queen reached for the king''s hand. He turned to her, slowly.

    "Is it time?" she asked softly.

    He nodded.

    "Yes. There''s only one path left."

    They exchanged a long look. There was nothing left to say.

    No goodbyes. No tears.

    Only the silent promise of hope. Of survival elsewhere. Of one final spark.

    "Are you sure?" she murmured.

    "There''s no escape. Not in this age. Not in this world..." He placed a hand over his chest.

    "We vowed to stay together, in joy and in sorrow, in life and in death. So forgive me... forgive me for not walking with you through these last moments."

    She stepped closer, brushing his face. Her eyes brimmed with tears, but she tried to resist.

    The king looked at her. A shadow of grief flickered in his gaze.

    "You are the one who will carry the flame. The link. It''s you who must open the passage. Without you, everything ends."

    She nodded gently.

    Around them, in the sanctuary chamber, ancient machines awakened. Luminous circles lit the floor. A well of pure energy opened in the center. And a strange glass capsule pulsed with a soft glow. It was there the king''s consciousness would be stored, the heart of the project. The core of the paradox.

    The queen stepped into the center of the ritual circle. Her hands rested on an ancient relic, an artifact containing the kingdom''s entire encoded legacy, its knowledge, its memory, its history.

    "To those who come after us..." she said, her voice cracked but dignified "forgive our pride. We give you the final breath of an empire."

    A bolt of lightning tore the sky.

    Then, absolute silence.

    And in the instant that followed, light devoured everything.

    The king, fused into the capsule, was disintegrated, digitized, projected. His consciousness escaped the devastation, released into a paradox wave of memory and energy.

    His queen was the vessel.

    She opened the rift.

    She offered herself to trigger it.

    Her final breath was a silent invocation, and in that moment, she was consumed by light.

    The capital fell within the next minute.

    What remains of a once-prosperous kingdom is neither stone nor steel, but memory, echoes of a people who dared to dream. In their final moments, as their world unraveled thread by thread, they did not curse the stars nor cry for vengeance. Instead, they reached beyond the veil of time, sending forth their last breath, not in desperation, but in hope, that others, somewhere, someday, might learn from their fall and never walk the same path to ruin.

    Far away, in another reality, on a different timeline, an anomaly took root.

    A seed.

    A mind.

    A system.

    A sarcastic whisper lodged deep within the mind of a young man.

 Chapter 98: Legacy of a Dead World

    For those who did not understand the chapter Secret I and Secret II, it talks about the origin of the system I tried to explain a little in this chapter

    Enjoy

    ---------------------------------------------------------

    The days passed ... Slowly ... Mechanically.

    Lassen''s life had ended up becoming monotonous, almost calm. The nuclear project, the fruit of weeks of relentless work and global manipulations, was nearing completion. The first prototypes were stable, the tests validated.

    As for the city of the future, it was also taking shape. A titanic construction site supported by the greatest powers, who built without truly understanding what they were building. Under the directives of an intelligence they had never seen, for a goal they would never dare to question.

    And during that time, he... he watched. From his room. From his silence.

    He read. He thought. Sometimes he slept too much. Sometimes not at all.

    And then one evening, without warning, as the city lights twinkled in the distance through the bay window, the voice of the system echoed in his mind.

    [Host]

    He blinked. Usually, the system only interrupted him when he summoned it. This wasn''t normal.

    "What?"

    [We need to talk.]

    He sat up slowly, placing his book on the desk. There was something in the system''s voice. An unusual tension. An almost human gravity.

    "What''s with the dramatic tone? Talk, I''m listening."

    [Not here]

    Before he could respond, his environment vanished.

    The room disappeared. The armchair, the light of the lamp, the glass of water on the bedside table, the city behind the window. All was swallowed in total white. Neither dazzling nor comforting. Just... empty.

    And in the middle of that nothingness, a silhouette.

    Humanoid. Floating. Blurry.

    Without a face, without age. Neither man nor woman.

    "You''re!?"

    [Surprised? Were you expecting God? Or maybe a sexier version of yourself, wiser and more muscular?]

    Lassen raised an eyebrow. The irony, he hadn''t expected, but it almost reassured him.

    "I don''t know, I was thinking of an old bearded man in a white toga, not... this."

    [What you''re seeing is just a projection. I chose to skip the toga, it would''ve been a bit cliche?. And credibility-wise, well...]

    He crossed his arms

    "So, you bring me into a white interdimensional void just to crack jokes?"

    [I thought I''d lighten the mood. But if you prefer a cold, clinical lecture, I can switch to boring professor mode.]

    "I prefer sarcasm, reminds me I''m alive."

    [Cute. But no, really, we need to talk. Seriously.]

    Lassen sighed and took a step in that nonexistent dimension. There was nothing under his feet, yet he didn''t fall.

    [I am the system, yes. And what I''m about to tell you now... you will never be able to forget.]

    He answered without hesitation

    "I''ve already died once. I guess I can handle one more cosmic revelation."

    [Very well.]

    The silhouette straightened slightly, as if breathing for the first time.

    [Before being a program in your head, I was a man. A king. The ruler of an entire world.]

    The void around them seemed to tremble. Slowly, images appeared, blurry at first, then increasingly clear. Continents in flames. Immense armies. Imposed peace. A unified civilization.

    [My world was on the brink of extinction. Nations were collapsing, systems devouring each other, people living in fear. I decided to take everything. Centralize everything. Power, technology, resources, decisions. One throne. One will.]

    "Yours."

    [Yes. And against all odds, it worked.]

    The scenery changed again. Resplendent cities. Flying machines. Children laughing in streets paved with pure energy.

    [We knew peace. But the universe, it doesn''t forgive. It ages. It dies. And one day, the laws themselves began to mutate.]

    The light started to flicker. As if unsure whether it should exist.

    [Gravity distorted. Time duplicated. Light slowed. Reality became... soft.]

    A silence.

    [And we could do nothing.]

    Lassen clenched his teeth. He didn''t know why, but he felt something. Like a dull pain. A sadness for a world he had never seen.

    [So I did what no one dared. I sacrificed my body. I emptied my mind. I coded my consciousness. And I launched the system into the chaotic flow of possibilities. Not to survive. But to warn.]

    The silhouette turned toward him.

    [And you''re the one who found me. You who woke me up. Because you died in a world that gave you no way out. Because you broke a law without meaning to.]

    "And now what? You want me to be the new you?"

    [I want you to understand what you carry. What you''ve become. And what you''ll have to face.]

    A silence.

    "So I''m supposed to save the world, is that it?"

    [No... You''re supposed to choose whether it deserves to be saved.]

    Lassen squinted.

    "Nice. And if it doesn''t deserve it, what do I do? Recycle it? Reboot it?"

    [You can ignore it. Watch it fall. You can also transform it, piece by piece. But you need to know one thing.]

    The light around them darkened. It was no longer a white void; it was a gray sky, heavy with ash. A world collapsing in silence.

    [You are becoming the convergence point of this world. The initial error, your return, has already begun to distort what surrounds you.]

    "And that''s bad, is it?"

    [Not necessarily. But the rules you think are fixed... are no longer. And the entities that maintain balance are starting to notice.]

    "You mean there are other... systems?"

    [No. Not like me. There are fragments. Remnants. Protection protocols embedded in the very fabric of reality. Things no human can perceive. But you, you''re no longer entirely human.]

    Lassen let out a joyless chuckle.

    "Great. So what am I then? A tool with a bit of free will? A future god on antidepressants?"

    [You are an heir. Of a world that no longer exists. Of a will that refuses to vanish.]

    The wind blew through this illusory world. Fragments of ruined buildings floated in the air, slowly disintegrated by the void.

    [My world is dead, Lassen. Nothing remains of it but me. And now, I am within you. Not as a parasite. As a foundation.]

    "And if I refuse this responsibility? If I just want to stay in my room, read my novels, and ignore all this?"

    [Then I will remain silent. The world will move on. Perhaps toward ruin. Perhaps toward another future. But you will know that you had a choice.]

 Chapter 99: Taking a decision

    Note 1 : More gifts if you want more chapters

    Note 2 : I ve created a Discord if you wanna join and talk about the novel

    ________________________________________

    Since that conversation, the system hadn''t disturbed him again.

    Not a word...Not a whisper.

    As if it were waiting.

    And Lassen hadn''t called on it either. Not yet. He didn''t need to.

    He already knew.

    He woke up early now. By choice. He still read, but no longer for distraction. He reread certain precise passages, dialogues, decisions, simple sentences he had forgotten. Not to escape the world, but to look at it differently.

    He observed more.... spoke less.

    And his assistants had noticed.

    Alex kept his distance, not daring to ask questions. Adrien, true to himself, followed the movements without ever commenting. Even Elias, usually unimpressed, had cast a worried glance the last time they crossed paths in the hallway.

    Something had changed.

    It wasn''t anger or sadness, not even euphoria. It was... calm...stable. Like the beginning of a plan that only needed the first step.

    Lassen was in a dilemma that few throughout history had ever dared to imagine: save the world, with no guarantee of success, or keep indulging in this world''s pleasures and wait, like the others.

    He thought about it often now. In silence. Without distractions.

    One afternoon, as Lassen sat in one of the secondary lounges, a closed book on his lap, Kaela came to see him.

    "Looks like Mister Genius is taking a break. That''s a first."

    He looked up at her. She was smiling, as usual, with that slight teasing tone in her voice that was never truly mean.

    "I wonder if you''ll end up getting bored without an international conspiracy to unravel."

    "What if I told you I''m thinking about exactly that?"

    Kaela raised an eyebrow, then sat down without waiting for an invitation, placing her tablet beside her.

    "Oh, you mean the shadow master is starting to dream of a vacation?"

    "No. I''m just wondering if I''m wasting time. Or gaining it."

    She tilted her head slightly "That''s... unexpectedly poetic. Are you okay?"

    He didn''t answer right away. He looked out the window. The sky was clear, blue, peaceful in a way that made everything feel more surreal.

    "What''s wrong?" she asked again, more softly this time.

    He let out a slow breath

    "If you had the responsibility to save the world, what would you do?"

    Kaela froze. That wasn''t a question you asked lightly.

    "I... wow. That''s a loaded question" She leaned back

    "Save the world? You''d have to define what ''the world'' means. And what ''save'' implies. For some, it''s peace. For others, it''s survival. And for many, it''s just preserving their comfort zones."

    He gave a faint smile "So you''d do nothing?"

    "No" she said firmly

    "I''d think about it for a long time. Too long, maybe. And then I''d do something. Not because it''s right. But because I wouldn''t be able to stand the idea of doing nothing. I''d feel useless."

    Her tone shifted more serious "But you''re not me. You''re already doing things most people can''t even imagine. You see everything. Predict everything. The rest of us... we''re just trying to keep up."

    He turned his gaze back to her, voice low:

    "What if doing nothing is the only way to keep peace? What if interfering only accelerates the end?"

    "Then I''d still interfere" Kaela replied without hesitation "Because I''d rather fail while trying than live with the guilt of watching everything fall apart knowing I could''ve tried."

    There was a silence. Longer, deeper.

    "I don''t think people understand what saving the world means" Lassen said "It''s not about being a hero. It''s about sacrificing your peace, your detachment, maybe even your humanity. It means making decisions no one will thank you for. It means becoming a monster to stop worse monsters."

    Kaela studied him closely, her voice barely above a whisper.

    "Then why are you hesitating?"

    "Because I don''t know if this world deserves it" he admitted.

    "You''re afraid of making the wrong choice?"

    "I''m afraid of not making a choice at all."

    Kaela leaned forward "Let me ask you something. Do you feel anything for the people here? Not the politicians. Not the elites. The people. The ones who''ll never know your name."

    "I don''t know" he said honestly "Sometimes I think I do. Then I see the chaos, the hatred, the ignorance... and I wonder if they even want to be saved."

    "But isn''t that the point?" she said "That they don''t have to be perfect to deserve a chance? That maybe someone has to believe in them even when they can''t believe in themselves?"

    He looked at her. Really looked at her.

    "You believe that?"

    "I want to" she said "And I want you to, too."

    She stood up, took her tablet, and took a few steps toward the exit. Then she turned, eyes locked on his.

    "Then slip, Mister X. But choose your slope carefully"

    She paused again before the door, then added, quieter this time,

    "I don''t know what''s happening to you or why you think you have the responsibility to save the world or save it from what. But I know one thing if anyone has the power to do it, it''s you."

    She left without another word.

    And Lassen, alone once more, stared at the cover of his book for a long time, without reopening it.

    He felt the weight of the moment.

    He was no longer a mere observer.

    The world had started to move, slowly, imperceptibly.

    And he was at the center.

    He murmured to himself:

    "I''ve always read web novels where the hero saves the world... I think it''s time I become one."

    He stood up slowly, letting the book fall gently onto the couch. His gaze was steady, his steps silent as he walked to the window. Outside, the world kept spinning, unaware. But he was done watching.

    No more waiting....no more questions.

    Whether it deserved to be saved or not,he would decide that himself.

 Chapter 100: The Blind Man and the Oracle

    Note 1 : More gifts if you want more chapters

    Note 2 : I ve created a Discord if you wanna join and talk about the novel

    ________________________________________

    "System"

    [Yes, Host]

    The familiar voice echoed in his head, always calm, always neutral. Too neutral, even. As if it no longer expected anything from him, or maybe... it was finally waiting for something.

    [You''ve made your decision, I assume?]

    Lassen nodded slowly. He was alone in the control room, the screens still off, the holographic globe still blurry. Everything was silent.

    "Yes. Tell me what I need to do."

    [......]

    He raised an eyebrow "Hello?"

    The silence lasted a bit longer than necessary "Did you crash?"

    [No]

    "So?"

    [I''m thinking]

    Lassen crossed his arms.

    "Great. So am I"

    [Very well. Here''s what you need to do...]

    A theatrical pause.

    [... absolutely nothing. Because I have absolutly no idea]

    Lassen blinked "Excuse me?"

    [I don''t know]

    "You mean... you, the omniscient system, the higher consciousness of a long-dead king, you don''t know?"

    [Exactly]

    "You''ve been pressuring me for ten days to ''choose,'' and now you just drop ''I don''t know''? That''s your plan? Is this a joke?"

    [You really are an idiot. If I''d known what to do, I would''ve saved my own world. Why do you think I did all this? Besides... it''s an experiment]

    "You mean all this is an exercise? Like a middle school math test?"

    [Not exactly. Let''s say... it''s a mock exam with global consequences]

    Lassen pinched the bridge of his nose.

    "I''m surrounded by incompetents. Even the voices in my head don''t know what to do"

    [Hey. Let me remind you, you accepted this all on your own, Mr. ''I''m ready for anything'']

    Lassen exhaled, a little louder this time.

    "And if I''d told you I wasn''t ready, would you have had a magic plan?"

    [Nope. But I would''ve at least enjoyed morally judging you]

    He rolled his eyes "Great. So now what?"

    [Now, you do what every leader does in this kind of situation]

    "Sit down and pretend I know what I''m doing?"

    [Exactly]

    A brief silence followed. Then Lassen laughed. A short, dry, but sincere laugh. That was it, deep down. It was always that.

    "Alright. Then let''s begin"

    He walked over to the control chair, sat down, and slowly leaned back. The room remained dim, the silence complete, but something was different now. He was no longer hesitating. No longer looking for the perfect answer. He had none,and that was fine.

    The world wouldn''t wait for a flawless hero.

    It would follow the one who moved first.

    Lassen approached the central table. He activated the interface, soft lights glowing around him, casting a bluish hue across his tired features.

    "We''ll improvise. Like everyone else, I guess"

    [See? You''re already acting like a leader.]

    "Great. I''m well on my way to becoming a weekend dictator"

    The holographic interface projected the Earth. He scrolled through the data slowly, pausing on each continent, each hotspot flagged by SpectraSys. Smoldering war here. Energy crisis there. Experimental weapons proliferation elsewhere.

    He stayed silent for a moment, then said "Remind me of the list of zones I asked Alex about."

    [Here it is]

    A series of red dots appeared on the map. He looked at them one by one. Some countries were on the brink of collapse. Others held together only by fear, money, or the illusion of stability.

    He murmured "The world is standing like a wobbly chair no one dares to touch."

    [And do you want to learn something from that?]

    "No. I want to turn it into an opportunity."

    [Planning to help them? Crush them?]

    "I don''t know yet. But I need to know more."

    He launched a new command. A stream of data opened up: resources, communications, systemic weaknesses.

    Then he turned around.

    "System. You say you have no idea what I should do. Fine. But you still have your strategic memory, right?"

    [Yes. Though it''s fragmented.]

    "Then help me identify the nerve point. Not the most visible. The most fragile. The one that brings the others down"

    [Very well. Give me an hour.]

    Lassen nodded.

    He stepped away from the interface and sank into a chair.

    One hour.

    He had learned not to rush anymore. Not to dive into action without reading the room. But he could feel that he wouldn''t be able to stay in the shadows for long. Not this time.

    The world wouldn''t wait forever for Mister X to emerge from his cave.

    [Want me to keep you busy with a riddle? Or would you rather sit in existential dread?]

    "You''ve got riddles?"

    [I''m a transdimensional system born from a dying king. Of course I have terrible jokes stored in my memory.]

    "Go on. Let''s hear it."

    [What''s the difference between an empire and a sandcastle?]

    Lassen closed his eyes "Go ahead"

    [One is built to impress others. The other is built by children. But both collapse with the first wave]

    A silence.

    Then a resigned sigh "That''s really bad"

    [Thank you. I''m optimized for cold, existential humor]

    "Perfect for end-of-the-world dinner parties"

    He closed his eyes. The interface blinked softly. He could feel, somewhere deep inside, that the moment of calm wouldn''t last. He didn''t yet know what would come next.

    The very next moment, he opened his eyes "We''ll start with Macro."

    [What do you mean?]

    "If I want to avoid this disaster, then everyone has to put in the effort, and for that, we need centralized power. And since I suck at diplomacy, I''m going to make Macro the center of the new world system."

    [So you want to unify the world under Macro''s banner?]

    "Something like that. But it''s not going to be a walk in the park."

    [You''ve already started with the nuclear weapons project.]

    "Yes, but that''s not enough. Pakistan has nukes too, but it''s not one of the world''s five great powers"

    [You''re not wrong. It''s all about economics. So the first step is replacing the dollar as the world currency.]

    Lassen nodded "Yes. And remind me,how did America become the global leader?"

    [After 1945, it was the only major economy left untouched by war. And it seized the opportunity to tie the dollar first to gold, then later to oil]

    Lassen gave a mysterious smile

    [You have an idea?]

    "HAHAHA, oh yes. Call Alex. We''re about to do something insane"

 Chapter 101: The Price of Power

    Alex arrived in the room without really knowing what to expect. It wasn''t the first time Lassen had called him in a calm tone just to drop a completely outrageous idea.

    Lassen didn''t even turn around. He was staring at the dark interface, arms crossed, looking focused.

    "We''re going to unify the world."

    Alex stopped dead. He blinked. Then, very naturally, turned toward the door.

    "Alright. I''ll let you handle that with the UN. I''m going back to sleep."

    "Alex."

    He stopped. Without turning around.

    "Don''t tell me you''re going to start invading countries."

    Lassen slowly turned his head toward him, his expression blank.

    "Exactly."

    Alex started walking again.

    "No. No no no. I refuse to hear that."

    Lassen caught him by the shoulder.

    "Wait ! Listen to me first"

    Alex turned around.

    "Listen to what ? You want to declare World War Three ?"

    " Of course not...At leat not now"

    "What do you mean not now so you really want to declare war ?"

    "Just come I''ll explain it to you"

    ____________________________________________________________________________________

    Time passed slowly. Silently, the world went on as if nothing had happened.

    So did Lassen, fading gently from the stage like a light one no longer notices once the sun is up.

    All ongoing operations were handed over to Alex. Elias moved from one lab to another, Kaela supervised the information networks like a watchful shadow, and Adrian filtered the visitors still trying to get an audience with the genius. But there were no more audiences, no more genius to meet. Just a man who read, ate at fixed times, asked for concise reports, and answered with nods.

    Sometimes he asked a question "Any news on the nuclear project ?" Alex replied, always without enthusiasm "The team is making good progress. The experimental reactor is stable. We''re entering the assembly phase."

    Lassen nodded, then went back to his book. Sometimes he murmured "Very good. Keep going." Then he disappeared for several days.

    His last public appearance was as brief as it was enigmatic.

    That day, the futuristic city, the glass city as the media called it, opened its doors. A technological, urban, and energy feat. Each building was an autonomous power plant. Each street, a smart network. It wasn''t a city, it was a statement. Delegations were present, foreign powers had sent their representatives, curious and nervous. And he was there.

    At the top of a platform, dressed simply. He hadn''t spoken, he had just observed. And when he disappeared from camera view, no one knew how, or when, or why.

    Since then, nothing.

    And then, just as the world was getting used to his absence, the news fell brutally.

    The king of Macro appeared live on national television, flanked by his top advisors. He addressed the people calmly but directly "Today, I am proud to announce that our kingdom, with the technical support of Mister X, has completed the development of its first autonomous nuclear power plant." He paused, then looked straight into the camera "It is operational, secure and entirely under national control."

    It wasn''t a partnership, nor a technological loan. It was a transfer of knowledge, a new sovereignty. And this time, no one could ignore it.

    The shock was immediate. In Washington, the news cut short a meeting on education reform. The president, pale, turned to his Secretary of Defense.

    "Is it a civilian plant or a disguised military site ?"

    A heavy silence followed. The CIA director, eyes glued to his tablet, replied in a voice that was too calm: "We don''t know."

    That was the starting point of a crisis meeting in the basement of the White House. Satellite images were projected, videos analyzed. The site looked like a civilian complex, but the precision of its construction, its proximity to a water treatment site, and the complete absence of media leaks suggested there was more. Someone, somewhere, had managed to keep the secret. Too well.

    A general said sharply "We must consider that Macro now possesses fissile material enriched beyond civilian thresholds."

    The Secretary of State shook his head "The king was very clear. They don''t want war."

    The president didn''t respond. He stared at the screen, his index finger tapping nervously on the table.

    In France, a discreet meeting at the E?lyse?e brought together civil and military experts. Files on the Kingdom of Macro, usually buried at the bottom of the pile, suddenly became a top priority. An engineer from the CEA dared to ask the question no one wanted to formulate:

    "If Mister X truly transmitted the technology... what level are we talking about ?"

    Silence.

    "A level that neither France nor the United States has ever given to anyone."

    In Berlin, the chancellery received an analysis report signed by the Bundesnachrichtendienst. There was no proof of weapons. But the words used were troubling: "dual capability", "evolving technology", "rapid militarization potential".

    In Moscow, things were more direct. A Russian general frowned as he read the summary of facts.

    "A stable, clean, fast reactor, developed without detected industrial espionage ? Either Mister X is a genius beyond measure, or he''s the most dangerous strategist of the century."

    A counselor added, folding a map "Or both."

    In Beijing, the tone was icy. During a closed Politburo session, a senior Party member declared:

    "We thought Mister X would serve our long-term interests. It turns out he serves none. He breaks the logic of blocs. He introduces controlled instability. We must investigate his philosophy."

    Another added quietly "Or his true intent."

    Everywhere, reactions swung between fascination and paranoia. Nuclear experts agreed on one thing: this type of plant, if it really was what it claimed to be, represented a technological leap of at least twenty years ahead of conventional civilian models.

    But it wasn''t the plant itself that disturbed people, it was the way it appeared, in silence, without international agreements, without asking permission, without oversight.

    This resembled no known precedent. Even the major secret programs, Israel, India, or Pakistan, had left traces, rumors, leaks. Here ... nothing. Until the official announcement.

    The United Nations Security Council was urgently convened. The Kingdom of Macro''s delegation attended, calm and confident. They stated that the plant had been developed to meet their internal needs, with clean, non-militarized technology that complied with non-proliferation treaties. No mention of Mister X. No direct reference. Just flawless technical documents. Too flawless, perhaps.

    In the following days, international analysts multiplied scenarios. Was it a test ? A provocation ? A show of strength ? Or simply... a fait accompli ? The press exploded. Markets reacted. Citizens questioned.

    But at the center of it all... nothing. No new appearance, no comment. No denial, no confirmation.

    Mister X was nowhere.

    And that was exactly what worried everyone the most.

    Markets briefly panicked. Then they readjusted. As if the world had understood that the map had changed, that the center of gravity had shifted, quietly, without war, without bloodshed. Just by the action of a man who now refused to appear.

    Speculation flared up again. "Is Mister X dead ?" "Is he in orbit ? In exile ? Or in prison ?" Some saw it as a diversion strategy. Others, a form of spiritual retreat. Articles were written and documentaries commissioned. But nothing. No signal, no message. Only the vague memory of a calm smile, seen through glass. And projects that, themselves, kept becoming reality.

    In a windowless room, bathed in bluish artificial light, Lassen turned a page. He wasn''t really reading anymore. He just let his eyes follow the words, like a breathing exercise. He looked up, stared at the ceiling, and whispered to no one in particular: "So this is how it begins."

    The system, for once, remained silent. Maybe it was sleeping. Maybe it was listening. Maybe it was waiting for what comes next.

    But Lassen, he didn''t move. He had already started everything. The rest... was no longer in his hands.

 Chapter 102: The Fall of Kings

    Hey everyone,I just want to say thank you to all of you for continuing to support me since the beginning of this journey. This is the first time a story I''ve written has gone beyond 100 chapters, and it''s all thanks to you and your support.

    I know I''m not always consistent with my chapter releases, but I''m doing my best. I won''t promise daily uploads, but I do promise that I''ll be publishing more in the future.

    So please keep supporting me, your encouragement means a lot.Thanks again, and enjoy the chapter!

    __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    A few years passed.

    Slowly... Like a curtain falling without anyone noticing.

    The world had grown used to the absence of the genius.

    Journalists had eventually given up, and analysts had moved on to theorizing. Conferences were held, books written, debates fueled, and yet no one managed to bring him back into focus. And the world powers had come to accept the idea that Mister X would never return. Even his assistants had vanished with him. As if they had all been swallowed by the same silence.

    A shooting star, some said. A flash of genius that crossed the sky of History, briefly, powerfully and then faded away.

    Some still tried to find traces of him. Hidden codes in old publications, facial recognition comparisons in old videos, anonymous leaks claiming to come from "inside."

    But nothing. No error, no voice, no image.

    In Macro, however, his name never disappeared.

    Children learned about him in schoolbooks, right after the founding kings. Statues had been erected, modest, yes, but always adorned with flowers.

    His face, stylized and anonymous, stood among war heroes and monarchs. He received no visits, no official honors, but the people saw him as a national hero, the one who had taken a forgotten kingdom and raised it to the rank of a strategic power. The one who, alone, had redefined Macro''s place on the world stage.

    For some, he was a myth. For others, a silent guardian.

    Every year, a moment of silence was held on the anniversary of the nuclear plant''s unveiling. No speeches. Just silence. As if the country still hoped he was listening.

    The world, in any case, moved on without him.

    Trade deals were signed. Alliances were broken and reformed. Leaders changed, regimes fell, new crises emerged. But Mister X remained a ghost, present in memories, absent in facts.

    His silence became part of the new equilibrium.

    Until that morning.

    Until, without warning, the entire world awoke to a brutal announcement : A takeover had just overthrown the regime of Geria.

    At first, the message seemed like fake news. An isolated broadcast. Then another came. And another.

    An official broadcast was aired on state channels, then picked up by global media. The voice of a young soldier betrayed emotion, but also an almost fanatical conviction. He wore a uniform, saluted mechanically, and read a speech that had clearly been hastily written :

    "The corrupt regime of Geria has fallen. We, the Liberation Forces, have taken control of the capital, the Ministry of Defense, and the main command centers. As of today, a new era begins. An era free from the humiliations imposed by foreign powers ... visible... or invisible."

    The world held its breath.

    There was no clear claim. No leader named... No ideology announced. No flag, no color, no face. Just this final sentence, which put every analyst on edge:

    "And to those who think Geria is a pawn on their chessboard, we will respond in the only language they understand."

    In Macro, the announcement sent a shockwave. The king summoned his council urgently. The royal palace, usually quiet at that hour, echoed with hurried footsteps and muffled voices.

    In the corridors, advisors whispered names from the past. Others mentioned revenge. Some feared war.

    The security units sealed the entrances, airspace was locked, and internal communication channels went into red alert mode.

    The king, still in nightwear under a hastily thrown-on cloak, sat at the crisis table without waiting for protocol. His hands trembled slightly as he gripped the edge of the table.

    Around him, ministers arrived one by one, some breathless, others pale. The generals consulted their tablets with barely concealed nervousness.

    The Prime Minister stared unblinking at the central screen.

    The image of the soldier, frozen on the last frame of the broadcast, hung in the center of the room.

    "Do we have confirmation?" the king finally asked.

    A military advisor nodded, his gaze dark.

    "Our satellites confirm it. The presidential palace of Geria has been taken. Unusual troop movements have been recorded around the main airbase. The regular armored unit has been disarmed. No major combat. They took control quickly."

    He paused.

    "We estimate the operation lasted less than three hours."

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs swallowed hard "Do you think they''ll seek revenge against Macro?"

    "If they believe Mister X is still active here... it''s possible" murmured the Chief of Staff.

    No one responded. Everyone was thinking the same thing: the old tensions, the failed assassination, Mister X''s retaliation, the successive humiliations, the memory of a message engraved in steel.

    Geria had had time to swallow its hatred, to reshape it, to distill it into a new generation.

    Raised on defeat, fed with pride, trained in silence.

    And now, that generation had taken power.

    But the world didn''t have time to process that first shockwave.

    Barely a few hours after the Geria announcement, another alarm sounded in command centers.

    Another blackout.... Another pirate broadcast. This time, from Tunisia.

    Another soldier... Another speech... Another tone.

    "The government has betrayed the people. As of today, the army is taking back control of the nation."

    Simple... Brutal... Unambiguous.

    No declaration of principles or justifications. Just uniforms, weapons, and resolve.

    Two takeovers in less than twelve hours.

    Two strategic nations falling one after the other, like dominoes.

    This time, global leaders didn''t just hold their breath, they stood up from their chairs.

    Meetings were interrupted. Secure lines opened between capitals. Embassies requested immediate briefings.

    Financial markets trembled... Gold spiked.

    Intelligence agencies entered crisis mode. Keywords like "domino theory," "instability axis," and "shadow doctrine" reappeared in reports.

    There was no official link between the two events or a declared alliance.

    But the sharpest minds understood immediately: Something, somewhere, had just awakened, and it was moving fast... Too fast. And perhaps... it had never disappeared.

    It had simply waited. And now, the kings were falling.

    One by one.

 Chapter 103: The Return of the Shadow

    Two coups in a single day... no one could have imagined such a thing.

    The region was relatively stable compared to other countries on the continent.

    Two strategic nations had changed leadership so quickly that the world had no idea how to react.

    Far away, inside the Oval Office at the White House.

    The American president had called an emergency meeting with his advisers.

    The room was silent. Everyone could feel the tension in the air.

    Finally, the president spoke:

    "How could something like this happen so suddenly without our field agents warning us? What are our intelligence agencies even doing? Where the hell is the CIA?"

    All eyes turned toward the CIA director. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and replied:

    "Sir... just minutes after the coup in Geria was announced, we lost contact with all our agents on the ground."

    People began looking at each other. Both coups were clearly more complicated than they had thought. Ignoring their stares, the director continued:

    "Before we even had time to assess the situation in Geria... the same thing happened in Tunisia. We''ve lost contact with every one of our assets in both countries."

    Everyone present was intelligent. Hearing those words, they all understood that this was no longer about some isolated third-world rebellion.

    The United States had lost control.

    After winning the Cold War, America had become the world''s uncontested superpower. Most nations depended on it, even followed its lead in declaring war.

    But over the last two decades, that influence had been slowly eroding.

    First came Russia, the successor to its old rival, the Soviet Union, competing in energy and arms. Then China, the dragon awakened. China developed rapidly, becoming a global leader in technology and exports, and eventually the world''s largest economic power. And then, came the appearance of Mister X.

    Brief though it was, his presence dealt another blow to the U.S.

    He had helped a country like Macro become a nuclear power, a technological and academic reference, especially with the creation of his futuristic city, dramatically reducing America''s influence in the region.

    The president remained silent. Everyone waited for his decision.

    He let out a long sigh, stood up, walked over to the window, and said in a tone mixed with nostalgia and regret:

    "There was a time we used to organize coups... or support them... to extend our influence and weaken our enemies. Now we''re the ones being hit."

    He turned toward his advisers, his voice now firmer, more determined:

    "We won''t let our enemies act freely. The United States is still the superpower it once was. No one can dethrone it. Call the press. What these countries did is illegal. We will not tolerate it.

    Contact our allies, tell them we''re ready to go to war if necessary. Send more agents into the field. Find any group opposed to these new regimes. If none exist, create one.

    Tell the NSA to do whatever it takes, attack the infrastructures of both nations, cause chaos, fuel public discontent. Recover every piece of intel you can, I want to know who''s behind this."

    "Yes, Mr. President" they all responded almost in unison, then left to carry out the orders.

    None of them noticed the odd behavior of one of the president''s closest security guards.

    Meanwhile, in the streets of New York, a black sedan moved slowly through traffic.

    Suddenly, a phone rang.

    The driver answered:

    "Hello?"

    "..."

    "Understood. I''ll deliver the message" he said, and hung up.

    The conversation had been short.

    He glanced at the rearview mirror, observing the man seated in the backseat.The figure sat with the calm assurance of someone who had nothing to fear and nothing to prove.Mid-forties, perhaps. His face was sharp and symmetrical, with a clean-shaven jawline that hinted at military discipline.His hair, a rich chestnut brown, was neatly combed back, not a single strand out of place, as if chaos simply refused to touch him.His eyes,icy blue, unwavering,scanned the pages in his hands with surgical focus.Not the eyes of a man who read for leisure, but those of someone who dissected information, who hunted meaning between lines.

    He wore a crisp, white dress shirt, buttoned to the collar without a single wrinkle in sight.But it wasn''t the shirt that caught attention,it was what it revealed.His physique was unmistakable. Broad shoulders, dense with muscle. Powerful forearms rested loosely on either side of the folder, veins subtly tracing paths beneath the skin like rivers under ice.Every movement he made was economical, precise.There was no need for him to assert dominance,his presence alone was enough.

    He looked like the kind of man who could walk into any room and control it without speaking a word.

    "Sir" the driver said softly.

    Without lifting his eyes from the papers in his hand, the man replied "Mm?"

    The driver relayed the message he had just received.

    No one would have imagined that the details of the President of the United States'' private meeting were already known to someone hundreds of miles away, even before his advisers had left the White House.

    After hearing what the driver had to say, the man didn''t react.

    A small smile formed on his lips, but he didn''t stop reading.

    Hearing no answer, the driver finally said: "Sir, this unknown player... he could disrupt your plans."

    The man finally lifted his eyes, looked out the window at the New York streets, then said:

    "Every human wants something, Steven. It''s not the first time we''ve faced something like this.

    We give them what they want, and they become obedient.Even the most powerful among them... just wanted a seat at the table."

    Steven understood what the man meant. Throughout history, many had tried to change the world.

    To fight the system.

    But in the end, they were human.

    And every time... after discovering the truth...

    They chose obedience.

    Steven hesitated before speaking again: "And if the other side refuses, sir?"

    The man''s smile widened just slightly. Then he replied:

    "A man once said: Plata o Plomo... You can imagine the rest."