Ch 13- Environment friendly
Alex sat in the dimly lit office, the Air conditioner on the wall humming softly. He sipped from his random mug of coffee, the flavor "Coconut Hazelnut Mocha"—a flavor he didn't enjoy but didn't entirely hate. His desk was cluttered with files and reports, each demanding attention, but his eyes kept drifting toward the small monitor displaying Eyehive's latest scan results.
The recruits had returned from their homes earlier in the day. Their time away had been uneventful—no rogue powered beings, no creature attacks, not even a malfunctioning drone. Routine was good. Boring, even. He tried to tell himself that.
He tapped the side of the tablet connected to Eyehive. A soft pulse of data flowed in. The Bee Drones had travelled exactly two kilometers before they began circling back. They had exceeded the operating radius of the Box Hive. Its signal couldn't reach that far.
Alex leaned back, eyes narrowing in thought. "So that's the limit," he murmured.
He would need to summon an item to increase the Box Hive's signal range. Something stable. Something powerful. And something that wouldn't drain him dry.
He closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his thoughts. The room smelled of coffee and worn paper. The air was heavy with static from the equipment. He reached toward the summoning scroll and whispered, "One that bridges distance. One that strengthens the swarm."
The faint glow of summoning energy began to flicker around his hand. A seed materialized, floating gently down into his palm. It was metallic green, with silver veins running across its shell.His mindcube scanned and gave the details.
[ItemAcquired:NeurosporeSeed]
Classification: Growth-type Surveillance Node
Description: When planted, this seed grows into a main neural tree. From the main tree, sub-trees sprout at designated intervals. Each sub-tree maintains a psychic and data connection to the main core, creating an extended network capable of transmitting and receiving signals over great distances.
Effect: Extends surveillance range by 10 kilometers. Each sub-tree acts as a signal repeater and can house Eyehive drones for silent observation.
Warning: Drawing too much mental power during planting may lead to temporary disorientation.
Alex opened his eyes, the glowing seed pulsing softly in his palm.
He looked at the seed, hesitated, then walked down to Yurei's office and handed her a report. She scanned it silently, then looked up at him with a raised brow.
"Why did you summon such a thing? Don't tell me you're trying to keep tabs on government employees," she joked.
Alex chuckled. "No, just the recruits. Weren't we suspicious of them?"
Yurei sighed. "I forgot to tell you. Agents are already monitoring them. You don't need to go that far. But—this is useful." Her gaze sharpened. "The Mayor's been working with scientists and engineers to design a sustainable surveillance network. This seed could be perfect."
She led Alex to the Mayor's office. The Mayor, a short but boisterous man, immediately showed interest.
"This is brilliant. But people might panic if they think we're spying on them," he said. "We'll need to... rebrand it."
Alex nodded. "I might have an idea."
Back in his office, he placed the Neurospore Seed on the grid table and focused again. He whispered, "One that purifies, one that brings life."
A second seed materialized, golden-brown with soft green etchings.
[Item Acquired: Verdant Filter Seed]
Classification: Environmental Purification Node
Description: When planted, this seed grows into a tree capable of purifying air within a wide radius, filtering harmful substances and releasing fresh oxygen.
Effect: Improves air quality across a 5-kilometer radius. Also reduces pollution-related fatigue among nearby individuals.
Alex merged both seeds using his grid table. The room spun slightly as his energy drained, and he collapsed to one knee. Bliss immediately rushed over and placed a paw on his chest, healing him slowly.
When he looked up, the newly merged item floated above the grid, glowing softly.
[Item Acquired: Verdant Neuro-Core]
Classification: Hybrid Growth Node
Description: A tree that acts both as a surveillance hub and an environmental purifier. Sub-trees grow outward to maintain psychic link and signal relay, while also improving air quality and releasing bio-fertilizing spores.
Effect: 10-kilometer surveillance relay + 5-kilometer air purification. Spores can be collected and replanted. Enhances both visibility and vitality.
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The next day, the Mayor hosted a large public event in the city plaza. A fake description of the tree was presented, emphasizing its environmental benefits. "This tree will change our air quality for the better," he proclaimed to the crowd. "It is a symbol of growth, renewal, and science-led progress!"
Alex and other government-employed mental energy users stood nearby. They poured their focus into the Verdant Neuro-Core as it was planted in the heart of the plaza. The crowd gasped as the tree grew rapidly, branches stretching skyward, lush leaves unfurling in a spiral pattern.
Almost immediately, the air felt fresher, cleaner. The wind carried a light, crisp scent that seemed to invigorate everyone.
Then, round fruits bloomed from the branches. Within minutes, they ripened and burst, releasing shimmering spores into the air. Heroes and government workers were already prepared; they moved quickly, collecting the spores in containment units.
The Mayor gave a long, impassioned speech about protecting the planet and using science for the common good. Cameras rolled, citizens clapped, and the narrative was set.
Municipal workers began the process of distributing the spores to other parts of the city, selecting ideal locations for future trees. All the while, only a few in the crowd knew the truth.
Alex stood beneath the shade of the tree, hand resting on Bliss's head. He watched the children play and the air shimmer with faint energy. A part of him still felt wary—but for now, this was good.
Time to keep building.
___
Far from the cheering crowd and glowing speeches, in a silent underground chamber dimly lit by bio-lamps, the Boss watched the ceremony unfold on a screen.
He leaned back in his chair, swirling a glass of dark liquid.
"Hmph… planting trees now, are we?" he muttered, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Clean air, public goodwill, hero participation… they're playing the long game. Smart."
He paused, tilting his head as the camera zoomed in on the Mayor shaking hands with Alex.
"This city's coming alive again. But they don't realize... all their efforts, their trees, their systems—they're just making my future kingdom more sustainable."
He chuckled, voice low and cold.
"Let them build. Let them clean the air and inspire the people. Eventually, all this will belong to me."
[End of Chapter 13]