The Tycoon's Odyssey

Evan stepped out of his compact golf vehicle as it stopped in front of New Land's Virtual World, situated in front of a state-of-the-art medical research facility.

The gleaming structure, with its sleek, futuristic design, stood as a symbol of advanced innovation. He moved swiftly toward the medical center, flanked by a team of staff who greeted him respectfully.

Inside, Dr. Mira Sen, the head researcher, approached with a stack of reports in hand. Her excitement was palpable as she led Evan into the research lab, where cutting-edge medical equipment hummed softly.

"Mr. Evan," Mira began, her voice tinged with anticipation, "we've made significant breakthroughs. These new drugs and treatments have the potential to revolutionize medicine."

Evan gestured for her to proceed.

Dr. Mira then handed over a digital report detailing the newly developed drugs:

Canthrex

Disease: Cancer (all major types)

Function: Targets mutated cells while regenerating healthy tissues.

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Immunix-A

Disease: HIV/AIDS

Function: Strengthens the weakened immune response and eradicates viral loads.

Neuromax

Disease: Alzheimer's

Function: Restores neural connections and enhances memory retention.

Myocardine

Disease: Chronic Heart Diseases

Function: Repairs damaged heart tissues and improves circulation.

Panacure

Disease: Multi-Drug Resistant Infections

Function: Acts as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial with immune-boosting properties.

Hibernate Pods

Function: Advanced hibernation pods capable of preserving individuals in suspended animation for months or years, slow ageing and preserves life.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Currently, the maximum possible period it can support is up to 3 years.

Evan reviewed the report silently, his sharp eyes scanning every detail.

Aurora's voice resonated in his earpiece. [Do you want to release these globally, sir?]

Evan shook his head. "Not now. First, let's focus on Indra. Once we've stabilized things there, we'll think about the global market."

Dr. Mira nodded in agreement, understanding the strategy. "We've also tested the Hibernate Pods successfully, but releasing them now might overwhelm public perception."

Evan crossed his arms, considering the broader implications. "We'll keep the pods classified for now; their time will come. For now, Aurora, assign this project to Jason. Launch a pharmaceutical and healthcare company under the name New World. Also, contact Rajesh Patel and enlist his help to support its integration into government hospitals and wards."

[Understood, sir. I also suggest introducing the medicines discreetly through government hospitals first. Once a large number of people are treated successfully, it'll shift public perception naturally without drawing premature global attention. Western media can be blinded for now.]

Evan nodded in approval. "Perfect. Get it done."

_____

Evan spent the next hour touring the facility, inspecting the laboratories and speaking with researchers. He took note of the advancements but realized that it had been over a month since his last visit. As he concluded his tour, he called for Aurora.

Aurora materialized before him, her holographic form standing tall and composed.

"Do you have any updates about the Federation?" Evan asked, his tone sharp.

Aurora nodded. [Yes, sir. Their system employs a sophisticated firewall combined with advanced encryption layers, behavioral analysis algorithms, and quantum defense nodes. It's designed at a cluster level, which makes it nearly impenetrable.]

Evan's frown deepened. "If it's that secure, how come they haven't tracked and eliminated you for all the things we've done so far?"

Aurora's expression shifted to a rueful smile. [That's the twist, sir. It seems the system is partially based on alien technology—something the Federation and Husk Corp scientists are still trying to decode and integrate. However, they haven't fully mastered it yet.]

"Alien tech?" Evan leaned back, stunned.

[Yes, sir. It's remarkable for defense, creating an impenetrable fortress, but it lacks offensive capabilities. That's the only reason we've survived. If we had attempted to breach it without upgrades, it could have triggered a response that would have wiped the previous me without the update. Thankfully, I was upgraded in time.]

Evan wiped a bead of cold sweat from his brow. "Damn. We were that close to disaster. If we'd poked it recklessly…"

Aurora nodded solemnly. [It could have been catastrophic. We've been fortunate to tread carefully.]

Evan exhaled, his mind racing with contingency plans. "We'll leave it at that for now. Let's not take any unnecessary risks unless it's absolutely necessary."

Aurora faded from view, leaving Evan to ponder the fine line they had been walking—a line that, if crossed, could spell disaster not just for him but for everything he had built so far.

Leaning back in his chair, Evan rubbed his temples. "So, where's that nerdy system?"

Aurora's voice came through, calm but with a trace of amusement. [He's playing with kids.]

Evan froze mid-motion as he registered her words, his eyebrows shooting almost sky high. "Kids? Whose kids?"

[The children of a few researchers who, you know, fell in love and reproduced.]

Evan blinked, completely dumbfounded. His gaze shifted to the research facility bustling with activity. "Wait a second… these boring scientists? The ones obsessed with dedicating every moment of their lives to equations and experiments? They somehow had time for that? And this isn't even the real world, it's a virtual one where they don't get tired."

Aurora's tone turned playful. [Apparently, love finds its way, sir. Even in a simulation.]

Evan let out a small huff, leaning back as he glanced out the window, still trying to wrap his head around the absurdity of it all. Just as he was about to shift gears and move on, Aurora's voice chimed again, this time laced with an uncharacteristic excitement.

[By the way, sir?]

"What?" Evan asked, a bit warily.

[When are you having kids?] Aurora's holographic figure rematerialized with an almost mischievous smile playing on her lips, her red hair gleaming in the simulated light.

"…!" Evan froze, his eyes narrowing slightly. For a moment, he simply stared at her, completely at a loss for words.

'Isn't she becoming a bit too bold?' he thought to himself, shaking his head.

"Focus on the tasks at hand, Aurora," he said firmly, trying to brush off the question.

But Aurora's grin only widened. [Of course, sir. Just a casual question, I was interested about.]

Evan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He muttered under his breath, "Why do I feel like I've lost control of my own AI?"

Aurora's soft laughter echoed as she disappeared from view, leaving Evan both amused and slightly exasperated.