Exploring Technology in a Wizard World-Chapter 1441 - 1439: It’s Time

The passage paved with full metal, as soon as Richard entered, a large group of people ran to welcome him.

Leading them was Emerson, followed half a step behind by Wizard Nora and other members of the experiment team, along with several assistants from the command hall.

Emerson saw Richard and immediately asked, "Lord Richard, did the plan succeed?"

"It succeeded, Mr. Emerson." Richard nodded in response, "Next, you can proceed to test according to the plan, mainly to clarify the various attributes of the High Spirit and carry out some practical expansions. Of course, pay attention to the approach during the research; don’t be too violent, don’t be too direct... After all, this captured High Spirit is at most in a cooperative relationship with us. If we stimulate him too much, it might lead to some unforeseen trouble."

"But, in our previously formulated plan, there are some tests that must be violent and direct, what should we do about those?" Emerson frowned, raising the issue.

"Then try to postpone these tests, and disguise them somehow at that time... For example, present multiple test options in front of the High Spirit and let him choose himself, while the specific content of the tests remains unchanged.

Also, find a way to let the High Spirit passively damage our equipment, and tell him that due to equipment malfunction, subsequent tests will have some negative impacts, all caused by himself.

In short, this High Spirit, in terms of contact with us humans, should still have enough room for growth. As long as we disguise cleverly, he should be unable to detect it for the time being."

"Alright." The others showed various expressions, while Emerson nodded thoughtfully, then raised his head and asked, "And in terms of time? Is it the complete ten days as planned?"

"This time we will have roughly a month."

Emerson’s eyes lit up: "In that case, besides the planned research, we can also conduct some additional studies."

"Indeed, but first, we must complete the planned research, especially the ’Project Nine’, don’t forget that, Mr. Emerson." Richard reminded.

Hearing this, Emerson pursed his lips, seeming somewhat displeased: "Lord Richard, I maintain my previous opinion—’Project Nine’ will consume a substantial amount of time, and I really can’t see its significance. It’s better to remove it from the plan sequence and allocate the precious time to other projects."

Richard adjusted his expression and said solemnly: "Mr. Emerson, I’ve heard your opinion more than once, but I will say the same thing—let’s temporarily keep the opinion and proceed with ’Project Nine’. Alright, that’s it."

"Yes." Emerson nodded begrudgingly, turning with a large group of people to exit the passage, heading towards the Heavenly Pit to take over the sealed High Spirit for research.

Richard looked towards the distance in the passage, seeing Moli approaching quickly, as if she wanted to report something.

"Let me guess, is it about the reception area over there?" Richard stepped closer to Moli, raised an eyebrow, and asked.

"Don’t guess, it is," Moli responded, "That Honored Duke finally couldn’t resist, came directly, stubbornly refusing to leave, demanding a reply from you."

"A reply? What does he want to discuss with me?"

"It’s not him who wants to talk with you, but the Alliance Emperor who wants to talk with you."

"Alliance Emperor? The Alliance Emperor would leave Shaya?"

"Of course, the Alliance Emperor wouldn’t leave Shaya to come here, so the Honored Duke is inviting you to go to Shaya, to personally recount the matters concerning the Judgment Court before the Emperor, providing an account to the entire Alliance—that’s the true intention of his visit to Shalin. Speaking of which, in the end, they wanted to wait until seeing you to say something, and I made them wait for half an hour, thinking through the situation, then they told me everything."

"I see."

"What’s your intention then?" Moli asked seriously, "Now we know the Alliance’s attitude, it seems like they want to reconcile, but are reluctant to lose face. So shall we continue to ignore them, agree to their request, or directly expel the Honored Duke from our borders, breaking with the Alliance?"

"Let’s agree with them. If the Alliance truly wants to reconcile, I don’t mind going to Shaya." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"Alright." Moli nodded then asked, "Specifically when? Half a month? A month? Two months?"

"Within a month," Richard thought for a moment, "Once I’ve dealt with some matters on hand, I can go to Shaya. This way, if Shaya truly wants reconciliation, they also have time to prepare."

"Okay, I’ll go reply to him like this." Moli didn’t stay long, as busy as she was, after acquiring the necessary information, she quickly turned and left, given she still had many administrative affairs in Shalin to handle.

Moli strode away, and Richard gazed at her departing figure, his thoughts somewhat unfocused as he murmured to himself: "Shaya... It’s been over three years since I last left Shaya, it’s about time to go back and see what it looks like now, besides... things I didn’t acquire over three years ago, should all be collected now..."

A noise of chaotic footsteps sounded, as Emerson’s group returned from the Heavenly Pit with the sealed High Spirit.

Richard refocused his thoughts, glanced at Emerson walking at the front, and added, "Oh, Mr. Emerson, remember to submit the results to the 361 Institute after completing ’Project Nine’."

"361 Institute?" Emerson’s eyes slightly widened, showing evident displeasure. He belonged to the 362 Institute, just by hearing the serial number, it was clear that the 361 Institute was in a competitive relationship with him.

Indeed, the 361 Institute and his 362 Institute had numerous conflicts in funding allocation, resource distribution, and personnel distribution, which made him extremely incompatible with the Supervisor of the 361 Institute, mutually disliking one another. He was already dissatisfied with ’Project Nine’, and now hearing that he needed to coordinate with the 361 Institute, his face became gloomy.

About to say something, Richard interrupted him first: "I know, you have opinions again. But keep all opinions reserved; it’s a task with high priority that must be completed in coordination with the 361 Institute. Once you finish, the rest is the responsibility of the 361 Institute. If the 361 Institute fails, I’ll deduct 30% from their next quarter’s funds and transfer it to your 362 Institute."

Emerson blinked and spoke: "What if our 362 Institute fails, will 30% of our funds also be deducted and transferred to the 361 Institute?"

"You can understand it that way."

Emerson’s eyes widened, revealing a somewhat excited expression, and said: "In that case, Lord Richard, I suggest we increase the stakes, using 73.5% of next quarter’s funds as a wager."

"Oh? Why is it 73.5%?"

"Because, according to my calculations, it’s the minimum limit of funds for the 362 Institute to barely maintain operations if we lose the bet, though personally, I won’t lose."

Richard smiled: "Mr. Emerson, although you don’t admit it, you are indeed the most stable gambler among all the Wizards."

"No, I’m merely using my intellect to strive for the greatest benefit."

"Alright, then it’s decided."

"Okay, let’s go with that."

...