Chapter 386

Basically, a copy of Albedo's work will be kept, while the rest will be handed over to Takumi.

The information he compiled will be sent to the car factory to begin production.

The new generation of cars will be manufactured in due time and then gradually released to the market.

By now, the first-generation car has been discontinued.

Currently, only remaining inventory is being sold.

Sales representatives have informed potential buyers that the second-generation car will soon be available, leading many to hold off on purchasing a vehicle.

However, once the new model is released, many will likely opt to purchase the first-generation car instead, as the second-generation model is significantly more expensive and beyond the reach of ordinary consumers.

Takumi hadn't given this much thought.

After receiving the new car blueprints from Albedo, Takumi left immediately.

As always, he diligently archived the design plans.

With the blueprints in hand, Takumi returned to the General Affairs Department and stored them properly.

Later that night, Ningguang arrived unexpectedly.

"You're here?" Takumi greeted her. "Just in time, I have something to ask you."

Ningguang sat down before replying.

"You want to ask about the Layered Rock Abyss, right?"

Takumi nodded. "That's right. What exactly are you planning to do there?"

This was what puzzled him the most.

Hearing his inquiry, Ningguang smiled. "No need to keep it a secret. I plan to build a road through the Layered Rock Abyss, leading all the way to Sumeru."

Takumi was stunned.

"You want to build a road through the abyss to reach Sumeru?"

"That's a massive project. Are you sure about this?"

He was surprised. The political landscape of Sumeru was likely different from Liyue's. Would they even approve of such an endeavor?

"For now, we're just constructing the road. Discussions with Sumeru can come later," Ningguang explained. "First, we need to clear out the monsters in the Layered Rock Abyss. I've already had numerous Geo Slimes captured and placed there."

"Some of the abandoned mines will be repurposed as waste disposal sites."

"Geo Slimes are capable of breaking down trash and turning it into rock, so in time, those mines will be filled again."

The decision to build the road through the abyss was partly for this reason.

Some of the caverns needed to be filled, as they couldn't be left in their current state.

The Layered Rock Abyss had been heavily mined for resources, which was why Ningguang wanted to construct a highway along its edge.

It would serve both as a waste management solution and as a trade route to Sumeru.

Otherwise, why invest so much Mora in road construction?

Clearing the monsters from the abyss was a prerequisite for this undertaking.

The costs would be enormous.

Takumi understood Ningguang's objectives and nodded.

"That makes sense. Building a road to Sumeru would be beneficial."

"By passing through the Dansha Cliffs, it could lead directly to Port Ormos. That would make an excellent trade route."

However, the terrain of the Layered Rock Abyss posed significant challenges.

"Isn't it difficult to construct a road through the abyss? There are a lot of sheer drops and unstable ground."

Takumi recalled the precarious terrain he had seen before and couldn't help but voice his concerns.

Ningguang nodded in agreement.

"That's why I came to see you."

"I need Klee's help."

"She can use her bombs to clear away certain obstacles so we can build the road."

Takumi was taken aback.

"You want Klee to help?"

"That does make sense, but you'll have to talk to Captain Jean about it."

"Klee has spent a lot of time in Liyue, but she's still a Mondstadt citizen."

Takumi found the situation amusing.

Ever since Klee came to Liyue, she had only returned to Mondstadt once.

She had completely embraced life in Liyue and didn't seem eager to leave.

She now considered herself a Liyuean through and through.

So, consulting Captain Jean was necessary.

Ningguang nodded. "I've already spoken to Jean."

"I even sent her some compensation."

"Besides, Liyue Bank has now established a branch in Mondstadt."

"If you have time, you should visit Mondstadt."

"Jean is quite interested in the systems we've implemented."

"Mondstadt lacks the infrastructure to create such systems on their own, so they're looking to us for assistance."

"If you go, you can help tailor the systems to fit Mondstadt's needs."

Takumi considered her words and nodded.

"That shouldn't be a problem."

"Mondstadt has many skilled alchemists—perhaps they can be trained in programming."

"Our books on programming will sell well there."

A new idea struck Takumi—Mondstadt could become a hub for programming education.

The network infrastructure was already in place, but there was a significant shortage of programmers.

However, Mondstadt was different.

Alchemy was well-developed there, and alchemists could easily transition into programming.

Takumi had always believed that alchemists could learn programming quickly.

He shared his idea with Ningguang, who didn't object.

"Do as you see fit."

"You handle these matters, and I'll provide my support."

Takumi nodded. "Alright."

"I'll visit Mondstadt soon and discuss this with Captain Jean."

"As for Klee, I'll talk to her later."

"Once she's ready, she can head to the Layered Rock Abyss."

Takumi made the decision without hesitation.

"Alright."

"Have Klee meet me at Liyue Harbor."

"I'll have Ganyu take her there."

"Or better yet, I'll take her there myself."

"I'll stay in Guili Plains for a few more days first."

Ningguang changed her plans mid-conversation.

She decided to take some time to relax in Guili Plains before proceeding further.