Chapter 404: Advancements

Words : 1302 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

Chapter 404: Advancements The list went on. What started with the first successfully refined pill in the hands of someone other than Luca was followed by a string of other achievements. The first dome, which had been externally completed, was finally outfitted with the interior mechanisms and ready for initial testing. No one had expected it to be done that fast. Not even Ollie, who had to be revived with cold lemon tea as he trudged to get this done. Then, in perfect timing, the research team confirmed something wild: the synthesis of their in-house biofilters was also successful and at a price lower than they initially quoted. Now, obviously, that part alone caused minor chaos in the nursery division. Several startled staff members rushed to double-check if they had enough germinating plants to support the system’s test phase and made sure to prepare them all for the updated schedule. But in all this, Luca was very surprised because he had expected a few more days for it, and while he knew they would likely finish faster, he didn’t expect this kind of development. Well, apparently, that was the power of a craving and several determined stomachs, as the others also reported other achievements in different fields. Even more shocking, reports of achievements came in from every division, including the security department. This was especially strange because the department had always been efficient, but never...dramatic. In fact, it was one department that had always liked keeping quiet because no news was good news. But not today. Turns out, it was time to let everyone know about their current project, which was in partnership with Jax and his father. This was actually the brainchild of Xavier, who recommended this after the incident where D-29 interfered with the Manor’s AI. It was initially a long shot, and at first, they weren’t sure how to convince such an eccentric tech mogul to work on the security of the new facility until Jax said that it shouldn’t be hard, provided his father gets to have an interesting competitor. Now, this didn’t really make sense to anyone in the security department until Xavier decided to get the assistance of one little system that had been bribed with a cartload of vintage "research material." The job was actually very easy for the spectators, as D-29 had been asked to infiltrate the Taylors’ security system remotely. However, this time, D-29 had learned to ask for a written guarantee that it would not get punished for doing this. But surprisingly, instead of getting punished, the hired help even got a job offer from the tech mogul who thought he had been competing with a genius hacker. Apparently, D-29, who had been asked to do a symbolic prodding, didn’t exactly understand that and went on a full assault, which resulted in the offer that didn’t get rejected right away. Xavier raised a brow at this, but the little system only replied, "I will consult my boss. My schedule may be full." Jax, on the other hand, asked about this Boss, which got him an answer that impressed many of the security personnel. "The Host, of course. And if there is money to be earned, then I must also earn my keep for the family," replied the mecha who was earlier moonlighting as a genius hacker. But when the tech mogul just laughed at the entire exchange, the security staff realized what Jax meant. It seemed like he only ever accepted contracts that interested or inspired him. And just like that, the security team, who never expected to taste the fabled pizza, ended up landing a contract with the Taylors and an extra slice to boot. As for D-29, the now-revered little system got its vintage research materials as well as the respect of a few important personnel. Meanwhile, the Duchess and her division were facing something no one expected, as there was a sudden spike in the number of people who were finally able to materialize and maintain their spiritual energy. It was like a wave, as even those who were just at rank-C bordering on rank-B managed to do what had long been limited to the upper B ranks and above. They may not have advanced yet, but when the people who long thought they had plateaued suddenly managed to materialize their spiritual energy, they were revitalized. See, even old dogs could learn new tricks! Then came the rumors, and what had started as a proud experience became the baseline as a lot of people went nuts to learn. And now those lucky personnel were here, not even walking towards their Young Lord, but hobbling or crawling towards their well-deserved reward. The heir obviously worried about them, repeatedly asking if they needed help. But despite their state, it was really hard to say anything because they had the biggest smiles on their faces. It was pain, but to each their own, as this was their paved path to pizza. However, the mechanics were not to be left behind as they arrived with wide grins and tired eyes as they came bearing reports. Test results, progress logs, and draft schematics, which were all tied to the materials training program that Luca had them take. It was meant to prepare them for the mecha upgrades that he and Ollie had been itching for. But none of it could be done on the scale they needed if no one else would be capable of making or maintaining the future mechas. So they had to start with the people. Honestly, it was overwhelming. Especially for their supposed master mechanic, an old grumbly man who hadn’t opened a manual in years because there really was no need to. He’d been reluctant at first, but the moment he saw the list of review materials alone, the hesitant man who would usually say he needed a cane, rushed in by himself as if he’d been 30 years younger all of a sudden. Everyone found it odd, but then they saw it and understood why. Because only an idiot wouldn’t know just how valuable this knowledge was, and they were encouraged to learn all of it for free. Free. It wasn’t just tutorials. It was custom-generated modules that adapted to each person’s comprehension level—genius-level personalized training courtesy of someone’s blood, sweat, and CP. But then with this sheer genius came the difficulty. It was as if they were starting from scratch. And if one blonde had been privy to their suffering, he would’ve likely cried with them. At least they weren’t being fed spiritual water! However, things took a turn after they heard about this "notable contribution" list. Suddenly, it was as if they were back in their academy days, cramming and studying like their lives depended on it. But passing wasn’t notable enough, and so the mechanics submitted a full list of materials they believed could be swapped out. Materials that once had to be produced with metals were being replaced with better-suited materials based on the purpose of a particular mecha. And it wasn’t all theoretical because these were the same mechanics who had long seen what their pilots usually needed and the parts that usually took the most beatings. This was their offering, which was gladly received by the excited heir who thanked them for their contribution. Now, on the side, one older brother was caught muttering: "...We really shouldn’t sleep tonight." Kyle turned. "What?" Killian looked guilty. "We ate two slices each." "And?" "You realize we hadn’t even finished the new contract yet," he said, sighing as he looked at everyone. "It feels like cheating." It probably was, and so the adjutant who felt like he really needed to stop having a conscience again decided to burn the midnight oil. Ah. Dammit!

Chapter 404: Advancements

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