Chapter Seventy-Two

That afternoon, as Peter had promised to take Ifeanyi to a restaurant for the second phase of the video shoot, he brought Stella and Magnus along For Ifeanyi's team, he presented a card, encouraging them to dine at a restaurant of their choice and celebrate in the evening. Once the second shoot was completed, Ifeanyi would join them to mark their shared success.

The restaurant exuded a warm, traditional charm, with the rich aroma of isiewu wafting through the air. Peter, Stella, Ifeanyi, and Magnus gathered around a polished wooden table, their laughter mingling with the gentle strains of highlife music. On the table was an array of delicacies—steaming isiewu garnished with uziza leaves, chilled palm wine served in traditional clay cups, delicious snail kebabs, plates of peppered goat meat, abacha garnished with ugba, kpomo, or fried fish, savoury ukwa, small mortars filled with nkwobi, and roasted goat meat. For Stella, who was pregnant, there was a special orange juice, accompanied by a hearty bowl of ofe eju and akpu, along with a vegetable salad. Together, it all made for a truly inviting and beautiful feast.

The decor featured woven raffia mats, clay pots, and colourful patterns on the walls, evoking a culturally rich and inviting atmosphere. A camera crew discreetly captured the moment, ensuring every detail of the engaging discussion would later be shared online.

Peter, seated at the centre of the table, enjoyed a mouthful of isiewu before speaking. He turned to Ifeanyi with a curious and conversational tone. 'Ifeanyi,' he began, 'what stops someone from using this app to bother celebrities? If anyone can call anyone, wouldn't that become a nightmare?'

Ifeanyi leaned forward, his tone calm yet assured. 'That's a great question, sir. The Nightengale Link has built-in privacy settings to give users full control. For instance, Richie—or any user—can activate Selective Access. It's like having a virtual doorman—approving or blocking specific callers and even requiring new ones to send a request before they can call.'

'Smart,' Stella said, swirling her orange juice thoughtfully. 'So Richie doesn't have to worry about random fans clogging his line? He could allow just his staff, close friends, or family?'

'Exactly,' Ifeanyi affirmed. 'Celebrities can even set a passcode for their close contacts. That way, only people who have it can get through.'

Magnus leaned in, intrigued. 'What about notifications? Wouldn't they still buzz every time someone tries?'

Ifeanyi smiled. 'We thought of that too. Notifications from unapproved contacts are muted. If Richie sets his profile to private, unknown users wouldn't even see his name. Instead, they'd get a message saying, 'This user isn't available.' Simple, right?'

Magnus gave an impressed nod, while Peter wiped his hands on a napkin. 'This is impressive, Ifeanyi. But what about professional scenarios? Let's say a doctor is consulting with a patient. Wouldn't a life-sized hologram be essential for that?'

'Absolutely, sir,' Ifeanyi replied, his enthusiasm evident. 'The Nightengale Link adapts to the user's environment. For doctors, it can project life-sized holograms on smart screens or AR glasses. They can examine a patient—or even 3D scans—with precision.'

Peter leaned back, brow furrowed in thought. 'But imagine a doctor in a hospital, juggling a tablet and an X-ray. How would they manage a hologram call on top of that?'

Ifeanyi tapped his tablet, demonstrating. 'The system pairs with nearby devices automatically. A hands-free mode lets the doctor keep their focus while the hologram appears on a wall-mounted screen or AR glasses. No interruptions.'

'Interesting,' Magnus said, gesturing with his spoon. 'And what if they're working remotely… can they still collaborate in real time?'

'Yes,' Ifeanyi replied. 'Doctors can connect from anywhere and share visuals in real time, annotating as they go. It's like they're in the same room, no matter the distance.'

Stella's eyes lit up. 'So, whether a doctor's in a hospital or travelling, they can still work efficiently?'

'Exactly,' Ifeanyi affirmed. 'The system adapts to any setup, whether it's a hospital-grade monitor or portable AR glasses. It's flexible, intuitive, and built for modern professionals.'

Stella leaned in, curious. 'Ifeanyi, what's next for the Nightengale Link? This can't be the end of the story.'

Ifeanyi smiled. 'You're right, Stella. While AR is already part of the Nightengale Link, we're working on expanding its capabilities alongside VR. We're also adding universal language support… every language from every corner of the globe. Plus, we're integrating touch feedback. Imagine shaking hands during a hologram call or feeling the texture of a fabric in a remote demo.'

Peter leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. 'Wait, so when you say 'remote demo,' you mean something like this… where someone can show off a product, but instead of just seeing it on a screen, you can actually feel it? Like feeling the texture of a fabric or how a chair feels, even though you're not in the same room?'

Ifeanyi nodded. 'Exactly! It's all about creating a truly immersive experience, even when you're miles apart.'

Magnus whistled softly. 'That's bold. But if anyone can do it, it's your team.'

Peter chuckled. 'With features like that, I bet you've also sorted out battery life, right?'

Ifeanyi smiled, understanding the need for clarity. 'Of course. Let me explain it better: The Nightengale Link is built with a special feature called smart power management, which helps save battery while still providing excellent performance. For regular video calls, like what you might use on a daily basis, the app is very battery-friendly. It uses very little power, so you won't have to worry about your phone's battery draining quickly during a simple call. Now, for more advanced features, like hologram calls—such as the one with Richie—the app requires more power because it's handling complex graphics and 3D images. But even for these demanding tasks, the app is designed to adjust how much power it uses. While it still gives you the best experience, it minimises battery consumption so you can enjoy holograms without worrying about running out of battery too fast. The app works best with powerful devices or when plugged into a charger, but even if you're not plugged in, it is engineered to reduce battery drain as much as possible. In other words, Nightengale Link can handle both ordinary video calls and hologram calls, ensuring you can enjoy advanced features without constantly looking for a charger. So whether you're making a quick video call or experiencing a stunning hologram, you don't have to be constantly concerned about your phone or device dying in the middle of it.'

'That's good to hear,' Peter said, satisfied. 'No one wants a great app that drains their battery too quickly.' He paused, then raised an eyebrow. 'But hey, what about chatting? You can do more than just video calls, right? Maybe some people don't always want to talk, or they're in a busy place. Can they chat on Nightengale Link too?'

Ifeanyi grinned. 'Ah, great question, boss. Yes, absolutely. Nightengale Link lets you chat with others, even in the middle of a busy moment or when you don't want to make a call. If you can't talk or are in a loud place, you can simply send messages. It works just like a normal texting app. And, if you want to, you can switch to a video call or even a hologram call whenever you're ready. It's all about flexibility—so you can choose what works best for you.'

Peter raised an eyebrow, looking a little more intrigued. 'But what if you're in a really noisy area? Like a market or a crowded street? Can you still hear the person clearly during a call?'

Ifeanyi smiled. 'Great follow-up, sir. One of the best features of Nightengale Link is its ability to adjust to different environments. Even in a noisy setting, the app uses a combination of advanced noise-cancelling technology and smart audio filters to ensure you can hear the person clearly. It isolates the voice from surrounding sounds, so no matter how loud it gets, you'll still catch every word. This is all part of making communication as seamless as possible, no matter where you are. So whether you're on a busy street or in a crowded room, you'll hear the conversation just as clearly as if you were sitting in a quiet room.'

Peter nodded with approval. 'Now that's something people will really appreciate.'

Magnus remembered something and asked, 'Ifeanyi, yesterday, I heard you talking about quantum technology being integrated into Nightengale Link. Can you tell us more about that? How does it work?'

Ifeanyi laughed, shaking his head. 'Didn't know you were eavesdropping during our team conversation,' he teased, and everyone burst into laughter. 'Yes, Magnus, what you heard is true.' He straightened in his chair, leaning slightly forward as he continued. 'What makes Nightengale Link special is that it uses a hybrid quantum-neutrino communication system. But here's the interesting part—it still works with the normal data that people buy to run their devices.'

Peter raised an eyebrow. 'So, it's not entirely reliant on quantum tech?'

'Exactly,' Ifeanyi confirmed, taking a bite of peppered goat meat from his plate, his mouth still full as he spoke. He swallowed before continuing, 'For users who prefer to stick with traditional data, the app fully supports that. But the quantum communication takes things to the next level. It's based on quantum entanglement, allowing two devices to remain 'paired' and communicate instantly, no matter the distance. This means you're not limited by data networks like cell towers or satellites.'

Stella chimed in, 'But if I'm using quantum, can I switch back to normal data if needed?'

'Absolutely,' Ifeanyi replied, nodding. 'Nightengale Link is designed to be flexible. Users can toggle between quantum-neutrino communication and normal data depending on what works best for them at any moment.'

Magnus was intrigued. 'So, someone who runs out of data can still rely on the quantum system?'

'Exactly,' Ifeanyi said. 'And for high-bandwidth activities like streaming or sending large files, the app can leverage a data augmentation layer, using traditional networks in a minimal way to enhance the experience. This gives people the freedom to choose how they want to connect.'

'What happens if the quantum communication is blocked or interfered with?' Stella asked.

'Great question, Stella,' Ifeanyi replied. 'For situations where quantum pairing might temporarily fail due to interference, like during cosmic events, the system switches to neutrino-based transmission. Neutrinos are tiny particles that can pass through almost anything—mountains, oceans, even the Earth's core. They're perfect for getting around regular obstacles.'

Stella blinked in disbelief. 'Wait, so you're telling me you can send signals through the Earth?'

'Exactly,' Ifeanyi said. 'While neutrino communication is a little slower than quantum communication, it still bypasses most data infrastructures. It allows communication even in remote locations where traditional networks would struggle.'

Magnus leaned back in his chair, taking in the information. 'That's incredible. So what if someone needs to do high-bandwidth activities, like streaming videos or sharing large files? Does this system handle that?'

'That's where the Data Augmentation Layer comes in,' Ifeanyi explained. 'It's like giving the app an extra boost. It uses existing signals, like Wi-Fi or satellite networks, to improve its performance while using very little data. Think of it as borrowing energy and signals to work better without being completely dependent on them.'

Peter raised an eyebrow. 'So, you're saying that people can stream and share big files with almost no data usage?'

'Exactly,' Ifeanyi replied. 'It's perfect for users who need high-resolution visuals or need to transmit large amounts of data, without relying heavily on traditional data subscriptions.'

Magnus smiled widely. 'You've really thought of everything, haven't you? But what about cost? How does this work for the average user?'

Ifeanyi nodded, ready to explain. 'One of the best parts of the Nightengale Link is its flexibility. The app is designed to cater to everyone, providing users with the freedom to choose the option that suits their needs best. Think of it as a toolbox with multiple features: traditional data for regular browsing, quantum-entangled communication for instant and secure connections, and neutrino-based transmission for extreme environments.' He smiled. 'Quantum communication, for example, is like a magical thread connecting two points instantly, regardless of the distance. The best part? Quantum connectivity requires just a one-time payment, granting global access with no hidden fees. Regular data is fully supported for those who prefer it, and eco-conscious users will appreciate the system's use of ambient energy, reducing its carbon footprint. It's affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.'

Stella tilted her head, intrigued. 'Does it actually work anywhere? Even underground or in remote areas?'

'Absolutely,' Ifeanyi affirmed. 'Underwater, deep in mountains, remote wilderness—wherever you are, the Nightengale Link keeps you connected. Think of it like a guiding star—you can always rely on it, no matter the conditions.'

Stella's eyes widened. 'Have you tested it?'

Ifeanyi smiled, pulling out his tablet. He showed videos of underwater calls, holographic chats in the wilderness, and video conferences from mountaintops. 'Every scenario. It's flawless.'

Magnus laughed. 'Mars Corporation is definitely on another level.'

Ifeanyi grinned. 'It's not just about the future,' he said, his eyes gleaming with conviction. 'It's about how the present pushes boundaries—a leap that takes us into the future. No other app combines quantum tech, tactile holograms, and traditional usability quite like the Nightengale Link.'

Magnus looked at him, shaking his head in amazement. 'I can't wait to see where this goes next. Mars Corporation is simply the best.'

The group chuckled, and Stella added with a grin, 'Maybe I should call my fiancé who is underwater—he'd love this.'

Peter laughed. 'But I am right here with you,' Peter said, drawing more laughter.

'Yes, you're always here with me,' Stella replied warmly, lifting her clay cup in an impromptu toast. 'To the future of communication!'

Peter raised his cup to join her. 'To Nightengale Link, as beautiful and limitless as the song of a nightingale, soaring to new heights.'

Their cups clinked together with those of the others, the room filling with laughter and lively conversation. The camera crew captured every detail—from the animated discussions to the heartfelt toasts—ensuring that this celebration would be as memorable as the innovative technology it honoured.

As they wrapped up the meal, Peter turned to the camera, his smile radiating confidence. 'This is more than an app. The Nightengale Link is a bridge… a way to connect, collaborate, and create without limits. Mars Corporation has more to offer. Stay tuned.'

In the evening of the same day, Ifeanyi went to a posh restaurant with his team to celebrate their victory with a large spread of food and delicious wine. The table was laden with vibrant dishes: hot, delicious jollof rice, tender grilled chicken of different sizes, and bowls of rich, savoury traditional soups, accompanied by pounded yam, akpu, semovita, and garri. The air was filled with the sound of clinking glasses and cheerful conversation as everyone dug in, enjoying the feast.

'Tonight is for celebrating what we've built,' Ifeanyi said, raising his glass. 'To the future!'

The team toasted together, their faces glowing with satisfaction. They had all worked hard to bring Nightengale Link to life, and this moment was theirs to savour. Laughter filled the room as they shared stories and dreams, enjoying not just the food, but the deep sense of accomplishment that came with their success.