Departure Preparations

EVO was finally ready.

After weeks of relentless testing, debugging, and refining, the AI stood at peak performance. The system no longer second-guessed itself too much, nor did it blindly accept data. It struck a near-perfect balance—precise, adaptable, and eerily self-aware. As the final tests ran smoothly, the warehouse felt different. The exhaustion, stress, and countless nights of uncertainty were still there, but something new had settled in: a sense of accomplishment.

Elliot stretched his arms and cracked his neck. "Well, we did it. EVO is running at max efficiency. And with—" he checked the clock "—six days left until LA, we actually finished ahead of schedule."

Marcus grinned. "Ahead of schedule? I don't think I've ever heard you say that before."

Esterio exhaled and leaned back in his chair. "It's done. We're done. For now."

Marcus checked the travel itinerary. "Alright, I booked our flights for March 13th. Gives us two days to settle in before the competition starts on the 15th. I also arranged a hotel near the event center."

Elliot shot him a look. "Wow, look at you. Planning ahead."

Marcus smirked. "Hey, someone's gotta make sure we don't sleep in an airport."

With EVO finalized, it was time to pack up. The warehouse had served them well, but soon, they'd be leaving it behind. Boxes were stacked, cables coiled, and hard drives carefully secured for transport. Every piece of equipment was double-checked—one mistake, one corrupted file, and everything they had worked for could fall apart.

The process took longer than expected, but it gave them time to reflect. Over the last few weeks, they had transformed from a group of determined students into something more—a team that had built something revolutionary. The excitement was there, but so was the pressure. LA wasn't just another city. It was the stage where they would prove themselves.

As they loaded the last of their essentials into cases, Marcus checked his phone. "Before we go, there's one last thing we need to do."

Esterio raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"

Marcus pocketed his phone. "Meet my dad."

Elliot blinked. "Wait, your dad? The one who got us this warehouse?"

"Yeah," Marcus nodded. "We should thank him before we leave. He didn't have to help us, but he did."

Esterio nodded. "Alright. Let's go."

Marcus' father, Jonathan Langford, was a man of quiet integrity. Unlike the high-powered investors they had imagined, he was warm, approachable, and had a sharp, observant nature. When they arrived at his office, he greeted them with a firm handshake and a knowing smile.

"So, you're the ones my son has been working with." His voice was steady, his handshake firm. "Marcus has told me plenty about EVO. I wanted to meet you all in person before you head to LA."

Esterio nodded. "We just wanted to thank you. The warehouse—it made all of this possible."

Jonathan chuckled. "You don't have to thank me. I only gave you a place to work. You're the ones who put in the real effort. From what I hear, you've built something remarkable."

Elliot shifted awkwardly. "Still, most people wouldn't just offer up a space like that. You didn't even know us."

Jonathan smiled. "Marcus believed in you. That was enough for me. I've been around long enough to recognize potential. I didn't invest in a project—I invested in people. And from what I see, that was the right choice."

Marcus crossed his arms. "Told you he wasn't all business."

Jonathan laughed. "Marcus likes to act like I'm some corporate overlord. Truth is, I just believe that people should help each other when they can. The world moves forward when people take chances on those who are willing to do the work."

Esterio appreciated the words. They weren't empty or rehearsed—Jonathan Langford was sincere.

Jonathan leaned forward slightly. "Now, I know Hyperion's competition is tough, but let me give you some advice—stay focused. Hyperion isn't just looking for the best AI. They're looking for something more. You'll see once you get there."

Elliot frowned. "You make it sound like we're stepping into something bigger than just a tech contest."

Jonathan smiled faintly. "Let's just say, competitions like this aren't just about who wins. Keep your eyes open."

Esterio exchanged glances with Marcus and Elliot before nodding. "Thanks. We'll keep that in mind."

Jonathan stood up and shook their hands. "Good luck in LA. I have a feeling you're going to surprise a lot of people."

As they stepped out of the office, the air felt different. Jonathan's words lingered in their minds, a subtle reminder that Hyperion's competition wasn't as simple as it seemed.

Marcus clapped his hands together. "Alright, we've got six days left before we fly out. We tie up any loose ends, pack whatever's left, and then—LA."

Elliot grinned. "Can't believe it's actually happening. We're really doing this."

Esterio looked up at the skyline, feeling the weight of everything they had worked for. "Yeah. And we're ready."

They walked back toward the warehouse, knowing that the next time they'd be in a lab, it would be on the biggest stage of their lives.