Chapter 219

Max sat at the head of the table in PowerGen's boardroom, feeling the weight of his role as the acting CEO. Though he'd been with PowerGen for years, he still felt an intense pressure sitting in the position he held—especially as he prepared to unveil groundbreaking tech that would undoubtedly change the company's future, and maybe even the world's.

Around him sat the board: sharp minds, some of the best in the business, each one responsible for steering PowerGen into uncharted waters. A low hum of anticipation filled the air, and as Max prepared to begin, he felt grateful that none of them sensed the true force behind this innovation—a hidden influence only he understood, even if he couldn't explain it.

"Thank you all for being here," Max started, his voice calm but charged with purpose. "Today, we'll go over the next phase for PowerGen. I'll be honest—what we're about to discuss goes beyond anything you might expect. I'm talking about advancements that will position us as an undeniable leader in energy and tech."

He paused, then gestured to the screen in front of them, which displayed holograms of sleek, compact nuclear reactors, mini-powered suits, and a vast virtual reality network.

A hushed silence fell as the executives and tech heads took it all in.

"Are these…are we saying we're capable of this now?" Sheila, head of product development, asked, her eyes wide as she took in the projections.

"Not only are we capable, but we're ready to implement," Max confirmed, maintaining an even tone. "These reactors, these suits, and this VR network—they're real, and they've been rigorously tested. It's no longer a question of if, but when we roll them out."

A murmur spread through the group, and several people exchanged stunned glances.

Peter, one of PowerGen's more cautious strategists, raised a hand. "I have to ask—what's driving this push? These advancements…they're unprecedented. Are we truly prepared to manage the potential backlash or the regulatory challenges?"

Max nodded, prepared for this line of questioning. "We're not charging forward recklessly. Every move has been mapped out, every risk accounted for. Our reactors, for instance, are designed to meet international standards. They'll be efficient, safe, and revolutionary."

Tom, a senior director in logistics, shook his head in awe. "Max, this is huge. But the virtual reality network—is that really feasible? The technology alone would require a level of integration we haven't tackled before."

Max met his gaze, unwavering. "Not only is it feasible; it's functional. This VR network will be an immersive space, pushing the boundaries of how people interact, work, and play. Users will experience a world that blends reality and imagination with near-complete freedom, though certain limitations have been built in to ensure a safe user experience."

Sheila leaned forward, eyes alight with curiosity. "Limitations? What kind of limitations?"

"The network won't allow for unrestricted exploration in every area of scientific knowledge," Max explained. "Specifically, anything related to cosmic energy will be restricted. Our engineers have put boundaries in place to keep the experience as secure as possible while still allowing immense freedom for creativity and exploration."

Tom frowned, still processing everything. "It sounds like we're about to change the fabric of society, Max. Do we even know what we're stepping into?"

Max nodded, his voice steady. "PowerGen was built to change the world, and now we have the tools to make that happen. But our success depends on each of you embracing this future."

The executives around the table sat in varying states of astonishment, and Sheila finally spoke, shaking her head. "I can't believe we're this far along. I never imagined…are we really prepared to make such a leap?"

"We are," Max answered firmly. "The tech is there. The resources are there. And each of you has the expertise to see this through."

With a deep breath, Max moved on to task assignments. "Sheila, you'll oversee the development and rollout of the VR network. Every detail needs to be flawless. I'm talking seamless integration, a smooth user experience, and world-class security. We launch in one month."

Sheila's eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and nerves. "I'll get right on it."

"Tom," Max continued, turning to the logistics head. "You're going to handle the distribution and setup of our compact reactors. We need everything in place by next quarter, and that means seamless logistics and compliance with every regulation."

Tom nodded. "Understood, Max."

As Max moved through the room, assigning each task with precision, he felt a quiet pride—a sense of gratitude toward the unseen force driving PowerGen forward. The pressure was immense, but so was the potential. And as the meeting drew to a close, he saw the resolve and excitement on each face.

PowerGen was ready.