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In the upper echelons of Macro's governnt, the tension was palpable. The decision whether or not to support Lassen's project was not simply a matter of technological developnt, but a bet on the future of the kingdom itself.
If it worked…
Macro would no longer be dependent on imported energy. No more concessions to other nations, no more vulnerability to fluctuations in the global energy market. Complete energy autonomy would an unparalleled independence, a political weapon as powerful as an army. Not to ntion the opportunity to export that energy to other, smaller countries, to strengthen the kingdom's position as an erging technological leader.
But if it failed…
If Lassen failed to complete his project, it would be a colossal loss. Not only in economic and technological resources, but also in credibility. Not to ntion the imdiate danger: a poorly managed nuclear project was not only a financial failure, it was a potential catastrophe.
And the worst case scenario?
That this information leaks. That the great powers, already suspicious of Macro and Lassen, discover what the kingdom is trying to do. Economic sanctions would then turn into military pressure. The United States and other powers could consider this developnt as a direct threat to the global balance. And what would happen if an ultimatum were issued?
The Pri Minister placed his hands on the solid wood table, his gaze serious "We cannot afford the slightest mistake."
The Minister of Defense nodded, gritting his teeth "I hope Mr. X knows what he is doing. Because if this project cos out of the shadows too soon, we risk more than threats. We risk a war."
The Pri Minister took a deep breath before leaning back in his chair. The eting room was plunged into a heavy silence, where each high-ranking mber of Macro's governnt weighed the risks and benefits of Mr. X's nuclear project.
Then, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a middle-aged man with severe features, broke the silence.
"We have to ask ourselves... Is Mr.X fully aware of what he's asking of us? We've already seen what he's capable of, but a nuclear power plant is not a simple high-tech gadget or a revolutionary algorithm. It's not a VR headset or a next-generation processor. It's a double-edged sword."
The Minister of Defense spoke in a serious voice "He is perfectly aware of it. This guy never does anything at random. If he wants a nuclear power plant, it's not a whim. He's already planned several moves ahead. What bothers is that we are still playing at understanding the rules of his ga."
The Pri Minister crossed his fingers in front of him, thinking.
"Mr. X has never asked for anything. Until now, he has always acted independently. Even Nova 1, which put Macro at the center of technological innovation, was a project he had absolute control over. But now... now, he is directly asking for our support. This is not nothing."
The king, who had been silent for several minutes, finally raised his hand, and imdiately, the entire room quieted down "I want a direct answer. How much ti do we have before this project becos impossible to hide from the rest of the world?"
The Minister of Defense answered without hesitation "Three months, maybe less. As soon as we start importing materials and building infrastructure, it will be impossible to hide this from foreign intelligence services."
The king nodded before adding "Then we have three months to successfully secure this company. That ans if we move forward, we have to lock everything down. No docunts are to be leaked. No employees are to speak. No information is to leave Macro without my personal authorization."
His tone was cold, sharp as a blade.
"We are making this bet not because we are following Mister X blindly, but because we want to secure the future of our country. If we succeed, Macro will never again be vulnerable to foreign decisions. If we fail... then this kingdom will disappear under the pressure of the superpowers."
A heavy silence fell.
The Pri Minister took a deep breath before nodding "Then we will do it."
The Minister of Defense gritted his teeth.
"Mr. X must not underestimate the stakes. I hope he knows that he is putting our country at stake with this idea."
The king showed a discreet smile "Mr. X never underestimates anything. He is playing a ga of which we are only seeing the beginning."
The Minister of Economy, silent until then, sighed deeply before adding in a weary voice.
"And we... we are betting everything we have on him."
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anwhile, in Lassen's villa...
Lassen was slumped on his couch, his feet on the table, absently leafing through a technical docunt on nuclear fission.
Adrian, sitting not far from him, stared at him with an incredulous look "You really want to build a nuclear power plant?"
Lassen looked up from the docunt, a smirk on his lips "Why the shock? You thought I was going to sit around playing chess with the world forever?"
Adrian sighed before crossing his arms "This isn't just an invention. This is a declaration of technological war. Do you know what that ans?"
Lassen shrugged "It ans the Aricans and the others are going to panic. They're going to put even more pressure on us."
The system intervened in his mind with its usual sarcastic tone.
[Oh yeah. They're probably going to send gifts and thank you cards]
Lassen laughed softly before giving Adrian an amused look "Don't be so tense. I've got everything planned out."
[You haven't planned anything at all...]
Adrian shook his head, clearly frustrated. "That's just like you."
Lassen put his book down and stood up slowly "Co on. It's ti to go see Alex."
Adrian raised an eyebrow "Why?"
Lassen smiled mysteriously "To see what our dear king has decided."
Adrian let out a long sigh "I feel like this is going to be a long day..."
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