Chapter 2961: Web of Communication |
"This is can rid of one of our greatest probelms," Emperor Rael realized. "This is exactly what we need."
The other leaders gathered around the table nodded in agreement. One of the most frustrating thing for all of them was the thorough destruction of international communication through human civilization. What was once a convenient technological system and framework upon which much of modern civilization had rested upon was now a thing of the past that they would reminisce over.
In the Era of Darkness, especially, they truly needed communication more than ever. Being able to relay intelligence, data, and instructions would allow the best tactics and strategies to proliferate across humanity. This would allow them to adaptively evolve to the new intelligence of the Beast Incursion and counter the communication advantage that the Elder Tree gave to the Beast Incursion. "What I'm especially keen about is how quickly we can get these systems into the air," Emperor Rael remarked, turning towards the Esoterist with a inquisitive expression. "I presume that if you have chosen to reveal this technology, then you have already confirmed its viability and utility, yes?"
The Esoterist grinned. "I have done more than just that, dear Emperor of Harmony. I have already launched several satellites across into the sky to outer space and, with the help of my dear friend the Astromind, I have successfully gotten them in place, ready to function."
A wave of impressed reactions washed over the leaders gathered around the table. "They're already functional? But from the sounds of it, do we not need certain kinds of infrastructure on the ground to be able to utilize these satellites?"
"This is the part with good news and not-so-good news," the Esoterist replied as he waved his hand, causing the projection of the standard comms artifact to emerge mid-air. "The good news is that the existing infrastructure for communication can be adapted to work with the satellite technology. The bad news, however, is the fact that it will take some time and some manufacturing capital to convert all the communication infrastructure to be compatible with satellites."
This gave pause to the enthusiasm of the various leaders around the table. Emperor Rael narrowed his eyes. "How long will a complete transformation take?"
The Esoterist shrugged. "A year, give or take."
The air grew heavier. The Britannian Prime Minister fell into thought. "A year is a long time under the current situation. The strategic outlook has deteriorated enough to the point that we need immediate solutions to begin working against this young elder tree that has positioned itself against human civilization."
"Don't worry about that," the Esoterist shook his head. "I said the complete transformation would take a year, but you will be able to use the satellites soon enough from the very moment you convert a part of your communication infrastructures per the designs that I will transmit to you. Ah, it won't be for free, of course."
The leaders around the table stiffened at the sheer shamelessness of the Esoterist. Even the Ecologer couldn't help but shake her head at the greedy nature of her colleague and fellow Sage.
The man just shrugged with a smug grin. "What, you want the satellites or not?"
The Emperor of Harmony heaved a sigh. "Name your price."
He turned towards Emperor Rael with a pointed gaze.
"I want the World Bridge technology."
His tone was intense.
His grin widened. "I can't believe you developed that marvelous piece of technology by yourself. Kudos. I will give you credit for making a breakthrough in wormhole tech before me."
The Emperor of Harmony allowed himself a proud smile. "Do not underestimate the Kandrian Empire." his rich tone was powerful. "We may not be as technologically developed as the Esocline Federation, but we are still a force to be reckoned with."
The World Bridge Project was one of the many research endeavors that had commenced in the Kandrian Empire in secret after they had gained a myriad of treasures from the depths of the Beast Domain with the help of the Elder Tree, the friendly one. They had gained powerful resources that were not easy to deploy.
It had taken fifteen years of research and development for the Kandrian Empire to develop the World Bridge.
The other leaders gazed at the Emperor of Harmony with a strange mix of trust and wariness.
The fact that the Kandrian Empire could invade any of their nations at any point it wanted was truly terrifying. It meant that none of the nations around the world were truly safe from the Kandrian Empire's reach and power. And if they activated in a way that the Kandrian Empire disapproved of, then it was scary to think about how the Kandrian Empire could react.
Thankfully, however, the one on the throne of the Kandrian Empire was none other than the Emperor of Harmony, whose first application of the World Bridge technology was to save the Sekigahara Confederate from complete destruction. Thus, whatever misgivings or compunctions the world had with the Kandrian Empire possessing such a scary weapon were largely outweighed by the Emperor of Harmony's impeccable leadership and trustworthiness.
"If that's the case," the Emperor of Harmony replied. "I will need more than just the supply of satellites. I will need all the research and development you have made in this field. The entirety of the underlying science and principles, the engineering, and the launch. Everything. You will also have to surrender full control of the satellites to the Kandrian Empire. Otherwise, you can forget about getting your hands on our World Bridge technology."
The Esoterist grimaced. "You sure drive a hard bargain. But yes, I accept that offer. Just give me the technology as soon as possible."
The Emperor of Harmony nodded. "In that case, let us restore the web of communication of human civilization as fast as possible."
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