After the brief conversation between Envy and Vlad concluded, Daniel turned his attention towards Matsudaira and gestured towards Atlanteus.
"Mr. Matsudaira, allow me to introduce you. This is my teacher, Atlanteus. He's the one who taught me how to create Atlantean Artifacts. Everything you've seen since you entered this base falls within his area of expertise, and he's also a great leader himself," Daniel said, a warm smile on his face.
"You're giving me too much credit, lad," Atlanteus replied humbly.
"Oh! It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Atlanteus!" Matsudaira bowed traditionally, the Japanese gesture of respect. His experience had taught him to recognize that the elderly man before him was far from ordinary. There was an air of seasoned experience about him, as if he had been a war veteran or had personally lived through the most turbulent and bloodied periods of history during the 300-year average lifespan of a mage.
"Mr. Matsudaira, my teacher will be the one accompanying you to protect Koyuki and oversee my interests in Japan. I've granted him full autonomy, whether it's to create artifacts or build anything as per your requests. He's at your service, provided your requests are reasonable. In return, I expect you to afford him the respect he deserves and allow him to establish a communication array between my base and the location you designate," Daniel stated with a serious tone, then continued.
"I anticipate that my teacher will be able to set up the communication within a week of his arrival in Japan. The frequency of regular updates will be once a day at best and once a week at worst. If communication is severed for over a week, I will personally visit you, accompanied by some backup, in case any issues arise and prevent my teacher from reaching out to me. Do we understand each other?" Daniel inquired, a hint of a warning present in his tone.
"If that's all, then yes, Lord Emberweave. I assure you of my compliance," Matsudaira agreed, as the conditions were well within his authority and the simple act of respecting the old man and facilitating the communication array were manageable tasks.
—
After promptly executing Daniel's instructions, his team carefully maneuvered Koyuki's stasis pod out of the medical center and into the expansive hangar. Within this impressive space, an engineering marvel awaited them: the VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft. Its exterior boasted an arresting fusion of futuristic aesthetics and robust design, seamlessly blending sleek lines with sturdy architecture. This amalgamation of form and function concealed a host of remarkable capabilities that exceeded the confines of traditional interceptor planes.
Yet the VTOL's innovations extended beyond its appearance. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, its camouflage capabilities were nothing short of extraordinary, rendering it almost imperceptible to radar and the naked eye alike. This revolutionary feature granted the aircraft unparalleled stealth and the ability to seamlessly assimilate into its surroundings, a strategic advantage invaluable for covert operations.
What truly set the VTOL apart, however, was its extraordinary carrying capacity, capable of accommodating over 400 tonnes with ease. This feat of engineering was complemented by its ability to take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for lengthy runways or conventional airstrips.
As the stasis pod was securely loaded onto the VTOL, Matsudaira's group stood by in a mixture of astonishment and surprise. The introduction of the VTOL left them in awe, a testament to the advanced technology Daniel had unveiled before them. The fact that Daniel's esteemed teacher would accompany them on their journey to Japan, piloting this extraordinary aircraft, added an even deeper layer of astonishment.
Following this brief introduction, Daniel approached Matsudaira with purpose, preparing to ascend the VTOL's platform for their journey to Japan.
"Mr. Matsudaira, my teacher will be the one accompanying you to Japan and piloting this VTOL. Consider this aircraft a gift, along with any artifacts my teacher creates for you. If you see fit, you can explore the possibility of reverse engineering the VTOL.
However, I request that you seek my permission and conduct it under my teacher's supervision. This gesture reflects my sincere intentions towards the Tokugawa Shogunate. I ask only for your commitment not to betray my trust, ensuring the safety of Koyuki and honoring our agreements," Daniel conveyed with genuine sincerity and emphasis.
"Yes, Lord Emberweave, I will strive to uphold these conditions to the best of my ability. Should any unforeseen circumstances arise, I will ensure to communicate them to your teacher for your consideration," Matsudaira affirmed, his commitment resonating with honesty.
His sense of honor barred him from resorting to falsehoods. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the future, he could only promise to make his utmost effort in maintaining the commitments they had established.
Daniel's gratitude shone through his demeanor as he replied, his smile reflecting his appreciation. "Thank you very much, Mr. Matsudaira."
Once all preparations were in place and the fuel had been thoroughly checked by the hangar employees, Atlanteus exchanged a nod with Daniel, signifying his readiness.
"Don't worry, lad. I'll bring your wife back once she's healed," Atlanteus assured with a reassuring smile before boarding the VTOL to assume control.
As the hangar cleared of all personnel, Daniel and his team retreated to a safe distance, positioning themselves in the designated secure zone. The moment was tense, hearts heavy with anticipation, as the VTOL's engines roared to life. The colossal wings bore the weight of the aircraft as it ascended, propelling its hulking form into the sky. The hangar's doors swung open to grant the VTOL its path to the heavens.
Daniel's gaze remained steadfast, tracking the aircraft's ascent until it melded with the sky's expanse. Hope intermingled with his apprehension, his thoughts consumed by the fervent wish for his wife's swift recovery and safe return from her prolonged slumber.
— 3 Days later —
Sloth, one of the Seven Deadly Sin Witches, stands as the youngest among them, recently reaching the age of 22. Her life has transformed into the embodiment of her fantasies. She luxuriates in the ability to indulge in uninterrupted slumber for more than 18 hours a day without a hint of wage deduction.
Not to mention, she revels in a staggering 90 days of paid vacation and the liberty to drift into a doze whenever she encounters a tedious topic or an insufferable fool—although such individuals are rare, mostly confined within the confines of the Hightower. None of the scholars knowledgeable about Atlantean Artifact creation in Atlanteus base exhibit such traits.
This existence is nothing short of paradise! To add to her delight, she can savor a diverse array of dishes and venture outdoors while still lost in her reverie. The individuals from the Veneziale gang have taken on the task of catering to her every need during her bouts of somnolence. When she finally awakens, she finds herself in the very restaurant she may have contemplated visiting.
For Sloth, this is the epitome of utopia! Additionally, she even receives compensation from Greed, who has already departed for the USA. This leaves her here, free to relish her newfound freedom and explore the world at her own leisure, all the while evading interactions with the imbeciles laboring within Greed's research facility. Ahhhhhh, indeed, this is the life she had always dreamed of!
Sloth, currently humming a tune from an anime song she finds intriguing, makes her way to the Astral Tech Company. Her purpose is to enhance some products that Daniel plans to release on the market by the end of the month. Alongside this responsibility, she must also ensure the safety and integrity of the fail-safe protocols within the power plant. This plant, set to officially commence operations next week, serves as a testament to Daniel's resilience against the avaricious individuals who attempted to obstruct his entry into the electricity production market.
In a moment of drowsiness, Sloth finds herself briefly dozing off in her wheelchair. Remarkably, her chair continues to navigate itself toward the research facility within the headquarters. As she indulges in her impromptu nap, an unfamiliar voice suddenly resonates from behind her.
"Who allowed a child into this area?"
"Huh…?" Sloth gradually awakens, her eyes fluttering open as she sluggishly turns her gaze toward the source of the voice.
Before her stood Aryan Sharma, a young man in his late twenties, radiating a captivating handsomeness that immediately caught Sloth's attention. His Indian heritage was unmistakable, adding a unique charm to his appearance.
With sharply defined features and a confident demeanor, Aryan exuded an air of self-assuredness that set him apart. Every move seemed calculated, every gesture demanding attention. His dark hair was meticulously styled, framing his face and accentuating his striking features.
As Sloth's eyes rested on him, she couldn't help but wonder about this newcomer. Who was this enigmatic figure with such a commanding aura? The fact that Daniel had appointed him as the CEO of Astral Tech Company spoke volumes about his capabilities. Aryan Sharma's reputation as a genius businessman, renowned for his acute business acumen, financial expertise, and ability to predict future trends, preceded him.
However, all of this information didn't find its way into Sloth's memory, as her interests lay solely in her friends and inventions. Anything beyond that held no appeal, and she had no intention of wasting her precious sleep to remember these details.
To Sloth, Aryan was no different from a side character in a movie, someone who existed on the periphery of her world, neither intriguing nor noteworthy enough to be remembered.
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