Ethan sat back on his work desk, relaxed as he listened to the ongoing meeting at Google.
Amelia might've tried everything possible to prevent him from entering their systems — a clean laptop, no recording device and a room with no tech.
But she made one mistake, the laptop she downloaded his software on was connected to Google's wifi and that was all he needed.
Ethan took a bite of his lunch as he listened in on the ongoing meeting, a large grin was on his face the entire time.
Everything was going exactly as he anticipated, even the doubt raised by some of the board members was within his expectations.
"If even one of these vulnerabilities is exploited, it could cost us hundreds of millions…"
Ethan chuckled softly as Amelia's voice rang through his laptop's speakers. 'Smart girl'
The meeting continued as Ethan leaned back further and clasped his hands behind his head, enjoying the sound of the coperate big wigs try to decide whether or not to pay him.
Then he heard it.
"Prepare a counter-offer. Start at four million. But if he doesn't budge, give him what he asked for."
"That's check," he whispered to himself, his grin getting larger.
But then came something unexpected.
"If possible, get this OmniTech person on our side."
Ethan raised a brow. Although it was unexpected, this wasn't bad by any means.
In fact, it was really good. Not that he wanted to work for Google but due to the fact that this'll make them accept a deal for sentinel much easier.
"By the way system," Ethan sat up straight "shouldn't the mission be considered completed by now?"
The criteria was for him to select a field, create a prototype or an actual product and make sure it's ready for use or sale.
As far as he knew, Ethan had completed all those steps with Sentinel.
The system's holographic interface popped up with an answer, [but it is].
"Eh?" Ethan blinked.
[The mission was completed after you used Sentinel to scan Google's systems] the text on the holographic screen changed.
"Then why didn't I get a notification," Ethan asked with a frown "or the rewards."
But that's when he noticed a small almost unnoticeable icon blinking at the edge of his vision.
"That's weird," he muttered "I could've sworn that wasn't previously there."
[....]
Focusing on it, another window popped open, with the notification:
[Congratulations on completing the introductory mission, would you like to collect your rewards?]
"System, did you just put that icon there?" Ethan asked, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.
The holographic interface responded almost instantly.
[Negative. The icon was always visible.]
Ethan raised a brow. "Bull. I would've noticed a blinking light in the corner of my vision."
[User error.]
"…Excuse me?"
[Perceptual oversight on the user's part is not the system's responsibility.]
Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're blaming me?"
[Yes]
"Damn you," he said before sighing "forget it, just give me the rewards."
[Rewards granted: Tech Development Interface unlocked, +5% boost added to Cyber security and Hacking, 50% initial funding bonus added to your account.]
As soon as the system finished granting the rewards, Ethan was hit by a wave of headache which caused him to stumble, but unlike the first time, he didn't pass out.
Gritting his teeth, he endured until the headache passed before he stood back upright.
"You know," Ethan let out a groan, "you could warn me before doing that."
[Warning: Pain tolerance threshold exceeded by 15%. Side effects include minor disorientation, elevated cognitive activity, and short-term fatigue.]
"Gee, thanks for the heads-up—after the fact," Ethan muttered, massaging his temples.
The pain was already fading, leaving behind a new set of information on Cyber security and hacking.
"So this is what 67% proficiency feels like" he muttered.
Even with just a five percent increase in proficiency, he could feel the difference it made.
Ignoring that, he brought up the [Tech Development Interface] before asking the system, "what does this do?"
[The Tech Development Interface (TDI): A comprehensive creation module designed to assist the user in developing, simulating, refining, and launching technological innovations.]
A dark-blue holographic grid expanded before Ethan, forming a 3D interface with various segmented panels. It looked like something pulled straight out of a futuristic sci-fi movie.
Four main categories blinked into view:
Idea Incubator
Prototype Hub
Simulation Chamber
Ethan's brows rose. "Okay… this looks pretty cool."
He extended his hand in attempt to to touch it and to his surprise, it really was interactive.
Holograms were nothing new to him since he created quite a few himself, but none could respond to touch without the aid of any external equipment.
[Would you like a guided tutorial?]
"No. I think I'll poke around a bit," he said, dragging the first panel [Idea Incubator] into focus.
It opened a digital sketchpad mixed with a mind-map system. Boxes and branches allowed Ethan to plot out a concept step by step: from core functionality to even its modular features, materials.
"So I can start from a vague idea and this thing helps build it into a product?"
[Affirmative. You may input verbal, visual, or written cues. The interface will assist in building a feasible tech blueprint.]
"Huh… alright," Ethan muttered, thinking up an experimental product, just for fun.
He tapped on the sketchpad and said aloud, "Alright, let's see… a boost that increases reaction time by stimulating neural signals—basically an instant reflex enhancer."
The interface lit up.
[Analyzing concept… estimated category: Bio-Tech/Neuro-Enhancement. Scanning internal knowledge base for relevant components.]
The system took a couple of minutes to scan before a result was revealed.
[Not enough knowledge and proficiency in this field to create a working product] the system informed, [please increase your proficiency.]
"I see," Ethan said "so this also relies on my and proficiency."
He leaned back again, folding his arms as he stared at the floating interface. "Makes sense. Can't expect to pull genius-level neurotech out of thin air."
[Correct. However, you may store the concept for future development.]
A small [Save Idea] prompt appeared. Ethan tapped it, and the sketch folded into a neat little cube before vanishing into a panel labeled [Archived Concepts.]
"Alright, we'll perform more tests later" he said before dismissing the hologram and focusing back on his laptop.
A second later, the interface of CryptCall automatically opened, flashing a notification across his screen:
Meeting Request From Amelia Rhodes.
"It's time to earn some money," he said before accepting the request.