Chapter 7: Assembling the First Team
By the time I finished everything, I glanced at the computer clock—it was already close to noon. My next class was starting at 1 PM, so I quickly finished my lunch before heading to my college. I rushed toward the classroom, making it just in time for the lecture.
Today's subject: Principles of Communication.
I smirked as I listened to the professor go over the basics. While the concepts being taught were relevant today, I knew that once I developed a quantum network, traditional communication principles would become obsolete. With that in mind, I leaned back in my seat and decided to take a quick nap. I could feel some of my classmates glancing at me, but I ignored them. Eventually, my professor noticed.
"Zero, if you're going to sleep in my class, at least make sure you understand the topic," the professor said sternly.
I lazily opened one eye and stretched. "Professor, no offense, but the principles we're studying now will be irrelevant in the future. The moment quantum networks become widespread, classical communication will be rendered obsolete. Data will no longer be transmitted in bits but in qubits, allowing instantaneous transmission across vast distances without the constraints of signal degradation."
The classroom fell silent. My professor adjusted his glasses and nodded. "That... is an interesting point. It seems you've done your research. Still, until that future arrives, these principles remain the foundation of modern communication."
"Fair enough," I said with a grin before leaning back again. The lecture continued without further interruptions.
After class ended at 6 PM, I met up with my close friends—Renz, Cris, and Ced. We walked together out of the campus, casually talking until I decided to bring up something important.
"Hey, do you guys have any jobs or plans right now?" I asked.
Cris raised an eyebrow. "Why? You offering something?"
"Yeah, actually," I said with a smirk. "I'm expanding my company, and I need reliable people. You guys are the first on my list. Interested?"
Renz looked at me skeptically. "You? Running a company? Since when? I mean, no offense, Zero, but I know your financial situation. You weren't exactly a millionaire yesterday."
Ced nodded. "Yeah, seriously, where's this coming from? You suddenly winning the lottery or something?"
I burst into laughter. "Hah! If only! But no, nothing like that. A lot happened in the past few days. I can't explain everything right now, but trust me, it's all legit. And before you even ask—no, I didn't sell my organs, and I'm not dealing drugs."
Cris smirked. "Alright, you got our curiosity. But what's the pay like?"
I pulled out my phone, opened my banking app, and showed them the balance.
Their jaws dropped.
"Holy—!" Ced's eyes nearly popped out. "Where the hell did you get that kind of money?!"
"See? This is what you get the moment you join me," I said, crossing my arms smugly.
Renz shook his head in disbelief. "Alright, I'm in. I don't know what kind of crazy business you're running, but count me in."
Cris nodded. "Same here. If you're serious about this, I won't miss out."
Ced grinned. "Well, if the boys are in, I'm in too. Just don't get us involved in anything illegal."
"Relax, everything's above board," I assured them. "Welcome to the team."
Later that night, I returned home and checked in with JARVIS.
"JARVIS, what's the progress on our projects?"
"Sir, the modifications to the HALO suits have been completed. All units are now powered by the Arc Reactor and enhanced with advanced kinetic shielding. Additionally, I have completed the purchase negotiations for Starfall Island. Ownership confirmation is expected within 48 hours."
"Good. And the recruitment dossiers?"
"The shortlisted candidates have been compiled based on your parameters. A detailed report has been sent to your personal device."
"Excellent work, JARVIS. Get some rest. Oh wait, you don't need it."
"If I could laugh, sir, I would."
//BZZT BZZT//
My alarm blared at 3 AM. Groaning, I got up and went straight to breakfast. Once I was done eating, I completed my daily mission.
-Congratulations on completing the daily mission!-
+1 to all attributes, +1 Extraction Point
I quickly pulled up my profile:
Profile:
Name: Zero Celestia
Age: 24
Strength: 4→ 5 (10)
Wisdom: 8 → 9 (10)
Agility: 4 → 5 (10)
Vitality: 4 → 5 (10)
Charm: 4 → 5 (10)
Luck: 5
Extraction Points: 2
As I stared into the mirror, I noticed the transformation. My once fat physique was now lean and muscular—my body had undergone a drastic improvement in just a few days.
"Damn, having a system really is something else," I muttered.
More than just the physical changes, I could feel my mind sharpening. With my wisdom increasing, my perception felt limitless, absorbing information like a sponge without feeling overwhelmed.
Snapping out of my self-admiration, I turned to JARVIS. "Is the plane ready?"
"Yes, sir. The aircraft has been prepared for your departure. All logistics are in place."
"Alright, let's get this done."
I packed my luggage and headed to the airport. The private jet was sleek, modern, and clearly designed for luxury and efficiency.
Nine hours later, I arrived in New Zealand at around 6 PM. Stepping out of the airport, I hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address to my company's local branch.
The driver, an older man with a thick Kiwi accent, glanced at me through the rearview mirror. "That's a top-tier place, mate. You work there?"
I smirked. "Something like that."
"Lucky you. That company's got a solid reputation. Heard they're into some cutting-edge tech."
"Yeah, we're working on some big things," I replied, amused by his curiosity.
"Wouldn't mind seeing what you lot are up to. Folks say you're going to change the world."
I chuckled. "Maybe sooner than they think."
The rest of the drive continued with small talk until we finally arrived at my destination. I paid the driver, stepped out, and took a deep breath.
Tomorrow, the real work would begin. It was time to recruit the right people and build the foundation for my empire.
End of Chapter 7.