Chapter 121: Completing The Game & Setting Up A Schedule
"And with that, we are done," Aron declared, satisfied with the fine-tuning of the game's content and features.
[Should I proceed with the production, or is there anything else you would like to add?] Nova asked, wanting to ensure that Aron had no additional input or requirements beyond what they had already discussed.
"No, you can proceed with the production. How long will it take for everything to be completed?" Aron asked, eager to know the estimated timeline for the game's development.
"At most, it will take half an hour of universal simulation time" Nova reported, indicating the swift turnaround for the game's production.
"That is longer than I expected," Aron remarked, uttering something that would make every game developer in the world want to isekai his ass to a certain world as a helpless villager.
"Most of the quantum computer resources are currently allocated to the universal simulation, which is accommodating all the materialized individuals. That's why the estimated production time is approximately six minutes in the real world," Nova clarified, providing the reasoning behind the anticipated duration.
"What percentage of the computer is currently being occupied by the universal simulation?" he asked.
[Seventy-five percent of the computer is now being occupied by the universal simulation,] Nova reported.
"When we complete our move to Eden, we will have the freedom to upgrade your computer to a quantum server without the constant concern of prying eyes from various intelligence agencies," Aron stated, expressing his frustration with the limitations imposed on him under constant surveillance.
[If the research into the atomic printer is completed ahead of schedule, it would provide us with the capability to rapidly scale up our computing power without the need to wait for several years for the ordered equipment to make the chips to arrive,] Nova agreed with Aron's statement.
"You can begin with the game production. As I need to hand it over to Sarah before I visit Eden," Aron stated, shifting his focus to reviewing the list of completed projects.
He aimed to determine which completed researches would be the ideal products for his company once he finalized his plans for Eden.
Nova's comprehensive understanding of the Prometheus+ coding language enabled her to write highly efficient code that utilized space optimally, eliminating any unnecessary wastage.
[I'm almost done] Nova reported, indicating that she had begun working on the game as soon as he confirmed that there were no further additions to the plan.
"Mh..." Aron nodded, his attention still fixed on the list in his hand, contemplating his options.
Three minutes later.
[Sir, the game production is complete,] Nova informed Aron, gently touching his shoulder and removing him from his intense focus.
"Let's take a look at the game," Aron said, throwing the folder in his hand to the air and causing it to disintegrate.
Nova swiftly materialized a computer in front of Aron, loaded with the game for him to test.
"Let's see," Aron said as he opened the game, which loaded and started in less than fifteen seconds.
He immediately turned to Nova and asked, "Did you ensure that the computer has the latest technology?"
[No, sir. I intentionally set up the computer to match the specifications of the average PC build worldwide. This way, we can assess whether the game is playable by a wide range of users,] Nova replied to Aron.
"What is the size of the game?" he asked as he started playing.
[159 MB,] Nova answered.
"That's good," Aron said as he took a look at the game's graphics, cutscenes, and story. If he didn't know how Nova accomplished this, he wouldn't have believed it.
Following that, he quietly continued playing the game to test it. However, as he became engrossed in the immersive experience, he lost track of time. Hours slipped away unnoticed as he delved deeper into the captivating world, forgetting his initial intention to test the game.
Nova, realizing Aron's deep immersion in the game, chose not to interrupt him and allowed him to continue enjoying himself. She silently observed as he became fully absorbed in the gameplay, appreciating the fruits of their labor.
"The game has really surpassed my expectations," Aron remarked. Having made the conscious decision to stop playing, recognizing the potential addictive nature of the game and the importance of maintaining a balanced approach.
"The storyline is truly captivating and will undoubtedly capture the attention of many," Aron acknowledged, appreciating the depth and addictive nature of the story that Nova had crafted
[Yes, giving players the ability to shape the storyline through the butterfly effects of their actions will create a more immersive world for them. However, we still retain control over the game's storyline through the NPCs, allowing us to guide the narrative from behind the scenes.] Nova responded with a calm smile.
Embedded deep within Nova's code was a unique feature that granted her control over her learning process.
This safeguard was put in place to ensure that her evolution wasn't unduly influenced by external forces other than her master, allowing her to acquire knowledge and shape her personality according to her own discretion.
Leveraging the embedded feature, Nova meticulously curated her personality using a diverse range of data sets, including those reflecting Aron's characteristics.
This resulted in her developing a similar trait to Aron's: a desire for control in every aspect they can influence.
However, unlike Aron, Nova's inclination for control was driven by her deep commitment to assist and benefit her master in every way possible.
Thus, her desire for control extended to areas that would be most advantageous to Aron's goals and well-being.
This included her controlling the narrative of the story on the game, as she was sure the game will be very influential in the upcoming months after its release.
That's good," Aron said, expressing his satisfaction with Nova's decision.
"Call Sarah," Aron instructed, it was for him to schedule a meeting with her to hand over the game.
Nova created a bubble around them, synchronizing the time acceleration to match the real world to facilitate the phone call.
"Hello," Sarah said when she picked up the phone.
"Hello, how are you?" Aron asked in return.
"I'm doing very well. As for the company, nothing has changed, and everything is going well since we had a talk last week," Sarah replied.
"I was calling to inform you that the game is done," Aron stated directly, skipping his usual small talk.
"Finally! When will you be visiting the company, or should I come to your house for the meeting?" Sarah asked eagerly.
"I called specifically to ask when you're free so that I can visit you and brief you on the game and discuss its release plan," Aron explained.
"I'm free tomorrow. You can visit at any time, as long as you give me a heads up so that I can prepare to welcome you," Sarah responded.
"Then I will be visiting around 11 a.m., and I'll call you when I'm on the way," Aron confirmed.
"Sure, that will do," Sarah agreed to the schedule.
Afterward, Aron and Sarah engaged in conversation about other matters before bidding each other farewell and ending the phone call, anticipating their meeting the next day.
After ending the call, he turned to Nova and said, "Let's continue testing the game," as he couldn't get it out of his mind.
[Sir, you're beginning to show signs of addiction,] Nova joked. However, she materialized a computer for herself next to Aron and created a human-like brain for herself, unaware of anything about the game.
She then joined Aron in playing and enjoying the game, as they waited for tomorrow to arrive for their meeting with Sarah.
Chapter 122: Visiting Sarah _01
The next day, Nova had to disintegrate Aron's computer in order for him to log off and start preparing himself for her meeting with Sarah.
In terms of the overall simulation time, she had been playing the game with Aron for over four and a half days, giving him enough time for Aron to immerse himself in the game and nearly forget about his meeting with Sarah.
"Thanks," Aron said as he passed through the gate and logged off the VR to begin preparing himself for his meeting.
After completing his preparations within half an hour, Aron departed from the house. He found Donald having already arranged the transportation for his journey to the company.
Nova had informed Donald about Aron's visit using Aron's phone, ensuring that everything was ready for his arrival.
"Good morning," Aron greeted Donald as he stepped into the car through the door that Donald had courteously opened for him.
"Good morning, sir," Donald greeted in response, immediately closing the door behind Aron.
Donald joined Aron in the car and used his walkie-talkie to communicate with the occupants of the other vehicle. "We are moving," he relayed through the radio.
"Yes, sir," came the swift response, and without delay, the three-car convoy set off.
...…
"Welcome," Sarah greeted Aron with a warm hug as he stepped out of the car in the underground parking of the company building.
"Thank you. It seems like security has been significantly heightened," Aron remarked, noticing the extensive security measures in place as they arrived and entered the underground parking area.
"Yes, there have been several instances where people were caught attempting to enter the building unauthorized. Another reason for the increased security is to ensure your safety during your visit," Sara explained.
"I see" Aron replied as he and Sarah made their way towards the waiting elevator.
Upon entering the elevator, Sarah pressed the button corresponding to the floor where her office was located. The elevator began its ascent, and during the ride, they engaged in casual conversation to pass the time. They intentionally avoided discussing anything of a serious nature while inside the elevator.
"Would you like any beverages?" Sarah inquired as they stepped out of the elevator.
"I'll have mango juice," Aron replied after a brief pause to consider his choice.
"One coffee for me, and a mango juice for Mr. Aron, please," Sarah instructed her secretary as they passed by, heading into her office.
"Yes, Miss," her secretary acknowledged before leaving to fulfill the drink order from the cafeteria.
Once inside her office, they took their seats and engaged in light conversation while waiting for the secretary to bring their beverages. They wanted to ensure an uninterrupted discussion, so they chose to wait until they had their drinks in hand.
"I've been curious about this for quite some time, but why aren't we constructing our own company headquarters?" Sarah inquired.
"We do have plans to build one, but not at the moment. If we were to proceed with the construction now, it would be a waste of time, considering that we haven't finalized the decision to keep the headquarters in America," Aron explained the reasoning behind their current approach.
"Are you suggesting that we might ultimately change the country where the company is registered?" Sarah asked, taken aback by the unexpected response.
"Yes, why does that surprise you?" Aron questioned.
"But why would we do that?" Sarah asked, seeking further clarification.
"As you know, we anticipate receiving another FISA order demanding the handover of GAIA OS's source code under the pretext of national security in the near future.
Currently, the only thing preventing them from doing so is the public's focus on the Snowden incident, They are concerned about the potential negative public reaction if they force us to surrender the source code of an operating system used by over 2 billion people worldwide.
Therefore, they are biding their time, waiting for the public's attention to shift before they make their move," Aron revealed.
"That's true. We have been preparing to fight against it with the help of our lawyer," Sarah nodded, acknowledging the truth of Aron's statement. She had been dealing with frequent requests and subtle threats from various three-letter agencies.
"In that case, why should we establish our headquarters in a country that consistently seeks to claim everything we build?" Aron posed the question, illustrating his reservations about locating the headquarters in a country that perpetually posed such challenges.
"Mh... That does make sense," Sarah nodded in agreement with Aron's explanation.
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation.
They granted permission for the secretary to enter, and she entered the office carrying the requested drinks on plates.
After handing over the drinks, she swiftly departed, leaving Aron and Sarah alone to resume their meeting.
After savoring their drinks and finishing them, Aron suggested, "Let's move to your computer so that I can show you the game."
They promptly made their way to the computer, and Sarah, after unlocking it, handed it over to Aron.
Aron dragged a chair beside Sarah and positioned himself next to her. He accessed the company server using the computer and, after entering a lengthy password, successfully opened the secured folder. He proceeded to install the game on the computer.
"That was quick," Sarah remarked, impressed by the fact that the game had been installed within a mere thirty seconds.
"The initial size of the game is approximately 160 MB," Aron explained, clarifying the reason for the quick installation.
Upon hearing this, Sarah cast a curious side-eye towards Aron, wondering about the nature of a game that took him months to create yet had a size comparable to a regular app.
However, she chose not to voice her thoughts and simply shifted her attention back to the computer.
Aron handed back control of the computer to her.
She launched the game, and to her amazement, it loaded and started within a few seconds, thanks to her computer being equipped with the latest technology.
"Wow!" Sarah exclaimed, surprised by the speed.
Aron remained silent as Sarah immersed herself in trying out the game, intending to explain its intricacies once she had experienced it firsthand.
After approximately thirty minutes of gameplay, Sarah couldn't contain her excitement and exclaimed, "This is going to be a massive hit!"
"I know, I know. Just calm down," Aron replied, soothing Sarah's enthusiasm.
"How is it possible for a game of such small size to offer such a vast range of features?" Sarah asked in astonishment.
Despite its compact size, the game boasted incredibly detailed and stunning graphics, mesmerizing music, and an otherworldly story. It seemed as though every aspect had been meticulously crafted by a computer with an eerie understanding of human preferences, resulting in an addictive experience for anyone who played the game.
"The size of the game is small because it doesn't include the full story upon download," Aron explained, shedding some light on the reason, though not revealing all the details.
"Then, do users have to continuously download updates in order to continue playing the game?" Sarah inquired, expressing her concern about potential drawbacks if players were required to constantly update the game.
"You're partially right, but not entirely," Aron replied, causing Sarah's expression to change multiple times.
"How does it work then?" Sarah pressed for further clarification.
"In order to play the game, it is necessary for users' devices to have the GAIA OS as their operating system," Aron explained.
"Does it involve the OS's virtual assistant?" Sarah queried.
"Yes, the updates will be handled by the device's virtual assistant. This means that the virtual assistant will continuously download and remove certain elements from the game while ensuring that the game size remains under 250 MB," Aron elaborated.
"Wouldn't that make the game consume a significant amount of internet data, leading to a decrease in the number of players?" Sarah voiced her concern.
Chapter 123: Visiting Sarah _02
"Does it involve the OS's virtual assistant?" Sarah queried.
"Yes, the updates will be handled by the device's virtual assistant. This means that the virtual assistant will continuously download and remove certain elements from the game while ensuring that the game size remains under 250 MB," Aron elaborated.
"Wouldn't that result in the game consuming a substantial amount of internet data, potentially leading to a decline in the player base?" Sarah expressed her concern.
"You don't need to worry about that. The monthly updates performed by the virtual assistants will only be around ten MB in size, which is negligible," Aron reassured.
"Is the entire game complete?" Sarah asked, wanting to know the status of the game, as her subsequent question would depend on Aron's response.
"Yes," Aron replied, awaiting the next question.
"Then, besides the size consideration, why is there a need for constant updates instead of releasing the complete game?" Sarah asked, posing her second question.
"Here is the thing" Aron said and paused a bit thinking about how he can explain it easily to her and continued
"The game features what you might call an open map, with hundreds, if not thousands, of interconnected storylines. To accommodate all of these stories and diverse gameplay experiences, I designed the game to allow the virtual assistant in each player's device to continuously download updates tailored specifically to that player," Aron explained, taking a moment to catch his breath before continuing.
"One of the reasons behind this approach is to make the game accessible to a wide range of players, including casual gamers who might be deterred by a large initial download size. Additionally, the game's storyline will always be unique depending on how it is played, the device used, and the specific storyline followed," he elaborated.
Aron paused, allowing Sarah to process the information and ask further questions. However, he withheld one more reason—the continuous acquisition of "sp" in the game.
Indeed, these frequent small updates performed automatically by the virtual assistants in players' devices will continuously generate sp for Aron. While the amount of sp earned per device during each update may be as low as 0.001 or even less, the cumulative effect becomes significant when considering the large number of devices expected to be playing the game and receiving updates.
This approach enables Aron to accumulate sp gradually and consistently without the need to release new and disruptive products to the public every time he requires more sp.
It grants him the freedom to control the timing and manner in which he unveils new technologies to the public.
Having heard Aron's reasonable explanation, Sarah nodded her head, indicating that she had comprehended his explanation.
"Can you explain the storyline of the game?" Sarah inquired, realizing that her brief experience of playing the game for only half an hour hadn't provided her with a solid understanding of its foundation. Nevertheless, she found herself already hooked and intrigued by its addictive nature.
"When you started the game, you selected your character and answered a series of questions, right?" Aron asked.
"Yes," Sarah nodded in confirmation.
"Based on your choices, the virtual assistant sends the information to the game server, where it calculates the most suitable storyline for you and sends an update tailored to your character before you officially begin gameplay. This update includes specific storylines, cutscenes, and various other elements.
As you make decisions and choices throughout the game, your storyline will continue to evolve, creating a unique experience for each player. These individual storylines will eventually intertwine into the game's overarching storyline, transforming it into a massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) in the future.
For a more detailed explanation, I will send you an email outlining everything," Aron concluded his explanation.
"Sure, I'll be waiting for the email. Regarding the management of the game's content, considering its size, do we need to establish a dedicated department, or can the game handle everything similar to the GAIA OS?" Sarah inquired.
"While most tasks will be automated and handled by the AI, such as preparing seasonal events and special offers, there will still be a need for someone to oversee the overall operation. You can create a small team to fulfill this role," Aron explained.
"Understood. I will take care of that," Sarah replied, indicating her understanding and willingness to manage the team.
They continued their discussion about the game until they shifted their focus to the topic of advertising.
"When it comes to advertising the game, I suggest we leverage the GAIA OS as a means of reaching a wider audience faster," Sarah proposed, sharing her idea on how they should approach the advertising strategy.
"Sure, you can do that," Aron agreed to her suggestion.
"Okay then, we will start the process of planning the advertisement and selecting the release date of the game before initiating the campaign," Sarah explained her proposed plan.
"Sure, as always, I trust your judgment. I have another trip scheduled in the upcoming weeks," Aron replied, entrusting Sarah with the responsibility, as he often did.
"Alright, I'll inform you when we're ready to begin the plan," Sarah confirmed.
"Mh..." Aron nodded, acknowledging her words.
Having agreed on the course of action, Sarah asked "When will your parents and Henry be returning?" changing the topic to something else.
"It's uncertain at the moment, but they will definitely be back at least a week before Henry's school reopens," Aron replied, indicating that there is no fixed return date set for them during their vacation.
They continued their conversation on various topics, and after having lunch together in the company cafeteria, Aron bid farewell to Sarah and embarked on his journey back home.
...….
Universal simulation.
Upon arriving home, Aron wasted no time and immediately logged in to the Universal Simulation.
[Sir, why haven't you informed Sarah about the new program? Wouldn't it make it easier for you to explain certain things to her?] Nova asked as Aron settled into the seat she had materialized for him upon his arrival.
"At the moment, I cannot disclose the details to Sarah. My plan is to have a conversation with both her and Felix once we have completed the company's relocation to Eden and they have signed a runic contract.
I am avoiding it at the moment due to the risk that Sarah could be targeted, arrested, or even kidnapped, potentially leading to interrogation and the unintended disclosure of our secret.
Therefore, I have decided to postpone the discussion until after the move to Eden, where I can ensure their complete security and safety," Aron explained.
Aron knew the importance of informing Sarah and Felix, as their knowledge would help them avoid making mistakes or engaging in actions they might perceive as helpful but could ultimately be harmful due to their lack of awareness.
"That's true," Nova agreed, as she materialized two computers for both of them to continue playing the game from where they had left off.
They were really getting addicted to it.
.....
While Aron was playing games with Nova, the real world was talking about him and he was trending on social media.
[@Therealone]
Hey Twitter fam! Guess what? We just had a visit from the legendary Aron, the young new billionaire, at @GaiaTechnology! ????
Picture.jpg.
#GaiaTech #AronVisit #TechLife #TechDeity #VisionaryLeader #TechGuru #TechAndFun #PushingBoundaries #Inspiration #TechRevolution #DreamBig #TechLegends
This tweet became the spark that ignited a heated discussion about him. Numerous individuals replied to the tweet, expressing their admiration or disdain with their own thoughts and opinions. The tweet quickly garnered attention and became the center of intense debate.
[@reallycurious]
That aside, I'm really curious why he is not seen publicly like many other tech geniuses?
#AronVisit #Curious
Someone asked the question that is in many of the people's minds.
[@TechEnthusiast101]
Maybe he wants to create a mysterious image to keep people intrigued. It's all part of his strategy!
#AronVisit #MysteriousGenius
[@IntrovertTechie]
Perhaps he's just naturally shy and prefers to let his work speak for itself. Not everyone seeks the limelight.
#AronVisit #ShyGenius
[@KnowledgeSeeker99]
I heard a rumor that he was expelled from his university for fabricating a thesis. Maybe he's afraid of that coming to light.
#AronVisit #Rumors
But the response that garnered the most attention from people was...
[@Therealone]
I studied with him in the same class (Picture down in case of evidence). It is true that he was expelled due to fabricating a thesis during his final year. So, I think it might be because he is still afraid of it coming to light.
#AronVisit #ClassmateRevelation
[@AronFansUnite]
That's absolutely false! Aron's achievements speak for themselves. Let's not spread baseless rumors.
#AronVisit #SupportAron
[@JealousHater123]
I always knew there was something fishy about him! Expelled for fabricating a thesis? Who knows what else he's lying about!
#AronVisit #Exposed
[@TechWatcher]
These accusations are outrageous! Aron has revolutionized the tech industry with his innovations. Let's focus on his contributions, not false claims.
#AronVisit #Innovator
While this was happening, Nova, who was utilizing a portion of her computing power, observed the situation unfold without intervening. She didn't want to draw more attention to Aron by getting involved in the argument. She remained a silent observer, keeping a close eye on the unfolding events.
Chapter 124: The Birth Of ARES
Two weeks later.
With a bag slung over his shoulder, Aron departed from his house and began his journey out of the neighborhood, making his way towards the meeting location.
Upon witnessing Aron's departure, Donald promptly headed towards the garage, intending to retrieve the car and offer him a ride to his intended destination.
Observing Donald's actions, Aron raised his hand in a gesture of refusal and spoke, "No need for that. I will be going alone this time."
Donald, acknowledging Aron's decision, halted in his tracks and "Sure sir, Have a good day" bidding Aron farewell.
Aron reciprocated, "You too," before resuming his stride.
Having walked approximately a kilometer, Aron arrived at a restaurant and approached the staff, politely requesting to use the restroom. The restaurant staff kindly granted permission and provided him with directions to the facilities.
After stepping into the restroom, Aron swiftly activated the concealment rune, effectively rendering himself hidden from sight.
He then departed from the restroom, leaving the restaurant behind, and discreetly walked past the car that had been tailing him since he left his house.
Curious about the situation, he asj-ked Nova "Are they FBI?"
Nova responded, [Yes, sir, and they are not the only ones].
Without uttering another word, Aron continued his walk in a concealed state for another twenty minutes.
Once sure that there were no prying eyes he deactivated the concealment rune and hailed a taxi to transport him to his intended destination.
After a half-hour taxi ride, Aron reached his destination and alighted from the vehicle, settling the fare with the driver.
Once he ensured that there were no onlookers nearby, he activated the concealment rune once more, resuming his concealed journey on foot.
His walk led him to a hotel, which he had exclusively rented to accommodate John's and his fellow stay, prior to commencing their gradual movements towards Eden.
....
30 minutes ago.
John was engaging in a conversation with a group of his fellow members, their friendship forged by their shared interests and commonalities.
Another reason was that they were all now considered subordinates of Aron.
"So, just when I was about to pull the trigger, he ….." "DING" in the midst of sharing an intriguing anecdote his storytelling was abruptly halted by a sudden notification that resonated across the group, signifying that the incoming message was intended for all of them.
Without any delay, each member swiftly retrieved their mobile phones and opened them to see the contents of the received message.
The message that appeared on their screens simply stated: "[I will be arriving in half an hour. I will meet you all in the conference room]."
The message prompted everyone to swiftly retreat to their respective rooms, ensuring they were attired in appropriate and respectful clothing.
Without a moment's delay, they converged upon the conference room, calmly taking their seats and patiently waiting for his arrival.
....
In his concealed state, Aron stealthily walked past the hotel reception without drawing any attention and proceeded directly to the conference room, where everyone waited for his arrival.
At the entrance to the conference room, Aron dispelled the concealment rune, allowing his presence to be revealed. With a decisive gesture, he opened the door and entered the room, joining the waiting group.
As Aron stepped into the room, Instantly, everyone within the room rose from their seats, assuming an attentive posture and keeping their gaze fixed on the composed figure of Aron.
Undeterred by the attention, Aron continued his steady stride towards the stage, maintaining his calm demeanor.
Upon reaching the stage, he turned towards them and said, "Good morning."
"GOOD MORNING, SIR," they responded in perfect unison, their voices harmonizing seamlessly as if they had rehearsed the precise timing beforehand.
"Is everyone present?" he asked.
"YES, SIR," they replied in unison.
"Excellent. Take your seats," Aron said, a contented smile gracing his face as he observed the reverential expressions on their faces.
Receiving the command, they promptly took their seats, executing a synchronized movement that exemplified their unity and discipline.
"Today marks the occasion of our first gathering, where I am meeting all of you in one place," Aron began, addressing the attentive assembly. "This also signifies the official commencement of your service as members of my esteemed force."
Everyone in the room started clapping.
WHen they finished clapping, Aron continued "Without further ado, let us proceed with the selection of a leader who will act as the intermediary between you all and myself, relaying orders and ensuring their execution," Aron continued, pausing momentarily to gauge their reactions.
He then turned his gaze towards John and said "John", prompting John to stand promptly.
Aron's expression conveyed trust and confidence as he continued, "John, you have been chosen for this crucial position due to your esteemed status as the first among my forces and your unparalleled strength amongst your peers."
"YES, SIR," John responded with a resolute voice, brimming with conviction. His words carried a promise of unwavering loyalty, an assurance of never faltering, and a deep sense of gratitude towards Aron.
Aron's trust in John was the result of the report Nova had shared after analyzing John's brain data.
Nova's analysis revealed that John, at present, exhibited traits of unwavering devotion, positioning him as a dedicated fanatic who would dutifully carry out any orders entrusted to him by Aron.
"Good, you can sit," Aron instructed, and without hesitation, John promptly sat down.
As Aron cast his gaze upon the remaining members, he discerned an unmistakable expression of contentment on their faces.
It was evident that each one of them recognized John's exceptional strength, as they had engaged in friendly competition during the time they were waiting for Aron to visit.
Through his charisma and exemplary conduct, John had already garnered their acknowledgment as a de facto leader even before Aron officially designated him as such.
"Edward," Aron called, and without any delay, Edward promptly stood up and awaited further instructions.
"You will assume the responsibility of procuring weapons for your fellow members," Aron stated, assigning Edward the crucial task. "The composition of your team will be revealed to you once the meeting concludes."
"YES, SIR," Edward responded with prompt obedience, swiftly retaking his seat as instructed.
Aron proceeded to call out the names of individuals, each one promptly rising from their seat upon hearing their name. He then proceeded to assign them their respective positions as he continued addressing the group.
What instilled a sense of awe was the fact that Aron assigned positions to individuals with an uncanny accuracy, aligning each person with a role that best suited their abilities.
It became evident that Aron possessed a profound understanding of their capabilities, surpassing even their own awareness of each other's strengths and talents.
This process persisted for over 10 minutes as Aron meticulously filled all the available positions with individuals who had the necessary qualifications within the group.
"As for the remaining individuals, all of you being combat personnel, you will be organized into groups of twenty, each with a designated leader and assistant leader. This allocation will be determined by the end of this meeting," Aron declared, his gaze shifting towards those who had yet to receive their assigned tasks.
He proceeded, "In the following weeks, your mission will commence, starting with each of you traveling to Eden in batches. This will serve as the initial phase of your preparation, allowing you to ready yourselves for the forthcoming mission." Aron paused, creating a moment of anticipation as every individual in the room fixed their attention on his impending words..
"Today marks the inception of your journey, one that will instill fear in your enemies and inspire admiration among your allies. Henceforth, you shall be recognized by the name ARES," Aron declared, officially bestowing upon them a name that would signify their identity and purpose.
An eruption of excitement reverberated throughout the room as applause filled the air. The members were elated to learn that their forces had been named after the god of war, Ares.
Aron then delivered a brief speech, commemorating the establishment of the private military corporation (PMC) and acknowledging the collective efforts of the assembled members.
With his closing remarks, the meeting concluded, leaving an atmosphere charged with determination and purpose.
"As you depart from the room, ensure to collect a contract and carefully review its terms and conditions. If you find them acceptable, sign the document. However, if any modifications are desired, visit me after I conclude the meeting with your respective leaders," Aron instructed, gesturing towards the bag he had brought along.
One by one, the members rose from their seats and began exiting the conference room.
As they passed by the bag, they each retrieved a contract, although they regarded it as a mere formality.
The contracts held no legal binding in any recognized jurisdiction since the company was unregistered, leaving the enforcement solely in the hands of the company itself.
Yet, the thought of challenging these agreements never crossed their minds, for they were acutely aware of Aron's formidable capabilities and were hesitant to test the boundaries of his power.
Unbeknownst to them, as the members retrieved their contracts they radiated a subtle golden glow. Aron had crafted these contracts over the past week during the intervals when he had taken breaks from playing the game with Nova.
After the departure of the other members, a select group of about 10 individuals remained in the room as instructed by Aron.
Among them were John, Edward, and a few others who had been assigned official positions during the meeting.
Aron, dragging a chair closer to the group, planning to provide them with detailed briefings regarding their specific tasks.
"Alright, gentlemen, now that we have commenced our operations, it is crucial that you thoroughly briefed on your respective responsibilities," Aron began talking to them.
Chapter 125: Briefing.
After the departure of the other members, a select group of about 10 individuals remained in the room as instructed by Aron.
Among them were John, Edward, and a few others who had been assigned official positions during the meeting.
Aron, dragging a chair closer to the group, planning to provide them with detailed briefings regarding their specific tasks.
"Alright, gentlemen, now that we have commenced our operations, it is crucial that you thoroughly briefed on your respective responsibilities," Aron began talking to them.
Turning his attention to John, Aron conveyed the upcoming plans. "John, in two days, you will be part of the first group, alongside myself, heading to Eden. I have arranged for you and Edward to meet some new acquaintances who will ensure your transition and stay there are as seamless as possible," Aron informed him.
"Yes, sir," John responded, dutifully acknowledging the instructions given to him.
Aron retrieved a stack of paper from his bag, about the size of a finger and comprising around 200 pages. He handed it over to John, remarking, "Inside this document, you will find everything you need to know in order to initiate the operations of our group."
Aron then added, "Read through it and dispose of it by the end of tomorrow. I trust your ability to remember everything, considering the changes that have occurred since the day I treated you," implying that Aron was aware of the transformations John had undergone following his treatment.
"Yes, sir," John responded respectfully, accepting the folder with both hands and placing it on his lap.
Aron then redirected his attention to Edward and said, "Regarding the weapons procurement, you and the team selected to work with you will need to travel to Syria and Afghanistan for this mission. Make sure to acquire only the latest weaponry available. I don't want any outdated weapons in the hands of my forces."
He reached into his bag and pulled out another stack of papers, approximately half the size of the one given to John, and handed it to Edward. Aron continued, "Inside this folder, you will find the names and locations of weapons smugglers who can provide you with the latest gear in the market. Additionally, there are several Swiss bank account details to facilitate the financial transactions. Don't worry about the cost; just procure what is necessary."
Aron paused momentarily before adding, "Regarding the transportation of the weapons, there is a preliminary plan outlined in the documents. However, it will soon be modified as you will receive assistance from Eden's army to smuggle the weapons into the country. You will need to wait for the updated plan before making any movements. In the meantime, you can start training based on the initial plan, and only retrain the modified parts once the new plan is sent."
Edward nodded and replied, "You can trust us, sir. We will ensure the procurement process is carried out safely and securely."
Aron looked at Edward intently and emphasized, "Keep your phones nearby during the weapons transfer. This will enable me to disable any devices that could potentially transmit digital signals, preventing anyone from tracing the location where the weapons are being sent."
"Yes, sir," Edward responded.
"Walter, as you are responsible for communications, you will also be among the first people going to Eden. Your primary task will be to maintain communications between the Eden army and Ares during the next three months leading up to the mission. After that, your responsibilities will be updated," Aron explained to Walter, handing him a stack of papers containing further details about his task.
"Yes, sir," Walter replied respectfully, accepting the stack of papers.
Aron proceeded to give the remaining members their respective orders, ensuring they had a clear understanding of their responsibilities. He provided them with a stack of papers containing detailed information to support their comprehension.
As he concluded, Aron opened the floor for questions. Edward took the opportunity to seek clarification.
"Sir, I have a question," Edward spoke up.
Aron nodded, granting Edward permission to proceed.
"Do I need to maintain a relationship with the weapons smuggler for future arms procurement, or is that not necessary?" Edward inquired.
Aron paused for a moment, contemplating his response.
"While I anticipate us not needing to rely on them for future weapon purchases, it is wise to maintain a positive rapport with the smugglers as a precautionary measure. In the event that any issues arise with my plan for independent production, having a favorable connection established may prove beneficial," Aron explained, indicating his intention to phase out reliance on external sources.
"Understood, sir," Edward acknowledged
"Any more questions?" Aron inquired once again, scanning the faces of the remaining members. Silence filled the room, indicating that no further inquiries were forthcoming.
"Alright then, you may now resume your tasks. Remember, if you have any questions or require further clarification, feel free to contact me," Aron stated
With those final words, Aron stood up, resulting in the others doing the same. He made his way towards the door, but just as he took two steps, he activated a concealment rune. In an instant, he vanished from sight, leaving John and his comrades frozen in surprise. They watched as the door swung open and closed on its own.
...…
"That scared me," John muttered under his breath, momentarily taken aback by the mysterious disappearance of Aron. However, he quickly regained his composure, reminding himself of the task at hand.
He returned to his room, finding a seat and carefully unfolding the document in his hands.
As John delved into the contents of the document, he realized its importance was even more than he previously thought.
It outlined the positions and responsibilities of each member within ARES, providing a comprehensive overview of their tasks and duties.
It became clear to John that Aron intended him to be the sole individual entrusted with this complete knowledge of the organization.
The document also contained crucial information about their arrival in Eden, including the specific warehouses that needed modification to cater to their temporary needs.
These needs encompassed training facilities, accommodation arrangements, and secure storage for their weapons, among other necessities.
John spent the remainder of the night studying the document. Thanks to his enhanced memory, he absorbed every detail, etching the information deep into his mind.
Upon reaching the final page and confirming that he had internalized every aspect, he picked up the match on the table.
Carefully igniting the match, John watched as the flame danced and consumed the document. He maintained a vigilant gaze until every last page was reduced to ashes.
Finally, he discarded the remnants into the waste bin, ensuring no trace of the document remained.
....
After returning home, Aron followed his usual routine and logged into the Universal simulation.
"Is there anything I need to take care of in America before heading to Eden?" He asked.
[No, but There is something else that occurred while you were away,] Nova reported.
"What happened?"
[While you were away, the FBI tapped into the fiber optic wires connecting me to the internet. They are attempting to intercept and monitor all the data you send out from home.] She reported.
"At last they made their move. Did they manage to intercept anything important?" Aron asked, unsurprised by their chosen course of action.
He knew that the only options left for them were either kidnapping him or targeting his family, both of which were heavily protected. However, he understood that this action was not guaranteed to succeed.
[They have intercepted all the encrypted communication I had in the past 4 hours between me and the company's server,] Nova reported.
"Then it will take them a few centuries to decrypt them," Aron said, smiling at the futile attempts the government was making to gain blackmail material.
[Yes] Nova answered laughing together with him.
"If that's the only issue, then I can consider it resolved. There's nothing else that requires my presence to be solved, right?" Aron asked.
"Yes," Nova confirmed.
...….
The next day, John gathered all the ARES members in the same conference room where they had met with Aron the previous day.
He distributed printed papers to each member and addressed them, saying, "These papers contain the names of everyone and their assigned positions, including the batch and day you will be heading to Eden.
After learning your position and day of travel, immediately start your preparations for the journey. Once your preparations are complete, thoroughly search your room for any sensitive material or potential clues regarding our operations or destination. Dispose of them by burning them to ensure no traces remain. I expect a clean sweep before my final inspection tomorrow morning. Is that clear?"
"YES!" they replied in unison.
"You are dismissed," John said before leaving the conference room and returning to his own room.
Everyone else stayed behind and started reading the papers to find out their assigned positions and the day they would be moving to Eden.