273 Space Race Part 4

Ace was looking at a 30-meter long space shuttle and it would obviously use something similar to a rocket launch system, unlike his electromagnetic catapult which is understandable for him.

The space shuttle was not meant for combat and their aim here was only to bring people in outer space for their research. It seems that it was not even meant to land on the moon like what he was trying to do and their only aim was probably an orbital spaceflight or some sort. 

He also noticed that the two clans had spent a lot on the material used to build the shuttle. 

Veda kindly listed all the materials used to build the vessel and he was surprised to see that those materials were almost similar to the outer layer he used on his spaceship.

They've used similar enchanted steel but because he added his own enchantment, there was only a few difference in the result. 

'Wait, did they took notice of my work because I recently monopolized these resources?' 

It wasn't hard to believe if that was indeed the case. However, he no longer cared about it since he already made preparations on his own. Even if they still caused more troubles on him, he would surely deal them with a heavy hand this time. 

[ Their Space Shuttle Launch will happen twelve days from now. It will be within the land owned by the Vermont clan not too far from the capital. Are you interested? You can come to the party. ]

"Even if I am... I'm not invited..."

[ I can sort that out for you... ]

"Err... No, I'll just use my time to work on my things here."

[ Fine. ] 

"Well, I also wanted to ask if you're fine with this hastened revelation of our project... I mean, the reason why I'm making these spacecraft was due to your suggestion and sponsorship to start the production. Do you have any opinions?"

[ It's fine. Sooner or later, this land may even be a battlefield. At that time, all secrets will be revealed. The money I own would no longer have value. It would be better to put it into use. In any case, you have to ensure that you still have enough resources to create an army protecting this continent or even just this country. Just in case we really failed to keep them from coming here. ]

Ace paused for a moment after hearing that. He clearly remembers that Veda was against the idea of making this land a battlefield as much as it could. 

It was when he previously suggested utilizing the magicians in this land to fight against the empire. Veda gave a different suggestion on that as it seems that it was protecting something on this land.

However, right now, it looks like this Artificial Intelligence had different plans at the moment. It seems that it already accepted that this land will truly be in chaos when the empire descended here.

"Of course. I won't leave this place unprotected. I have my family here." 

Veda then disconnected to Avalon without waiting for Ace's reply. 

Haa~

Ace took a deep breath as he reset his mind. He now had to focus on his upcoming event where he would have to deal with the players. 

As he was about to ask something to Avalon, he received a message from Yumi saying that she already settled all the necessary permits he needed on all of his projects. He tried to clarify about it and was glad to know that he can now create Steel Knights or Mech Frames legally and his spaceship was also included...

"Great! Avalon, how's the invitation to the players."

[ A notification about the event has been sent to every player in this country. ]

"Send them to everyone even if they're not here in Zairus."

[ Affirmative. ] 

[ Sending notification... 30%... 72%... 100% ] 

"Good... Now, I need your help with the selection process..."

Wallace has been planning this for a long time ever since he started making the virtual reality simulation pod. He needed people to fight against the empire and not just an artificial intelligence fighting for the planet. 

Using the A.I. has its advantages in many ways like during the battle, their calculation, their swift and decisive actions can be easily be accomplished through their help, however, once the power was cut out, they will stop working. Once an advanced technology that interrupts their connectivity or something like a powerful EMP activated from a distance, then they will be useless. 

He couldn't put all his hope with a single Avalon while the empire possesses more of this Avalon. He had to believe with the people or the magicians on what they could do.

He believes that they would accomplish more if they worked together instead of just relying on the decisions made by Artificial Intelligence.

Their planning took a bit more time and while this was happening, the gamers in different countries were astounded by the announcement made the game's creator. 

Hilda and her group just finished a mission that would reward them a piece of the broken stele that would allow them to learn a Secret Art. 

"Oh, this is part 2 of 5 broken pieces of a stele..."

"Do you think that it will really give us a Secret Art?"

Shirley asked as she was feeling doubtful about this. Secret Arts were treasures that were monopolized by the six powerful clans together by the government and a few private organizations like the Cloud Hawk Manor. 

"If it did... Then, Traceless Hands was really something else." Escanor muttered as he was truly impressed by this man. Everything about this virtual world was giving them a surprise. 

They have learned many things here that they could never imagine learning inside the academy. Learning how to fly an aircraft with 3x or even 6x the speed of sound, learning how to pilot a Steel Knight, learning how to operate advanced weapons that may probably exist in the near future, and others were something they never imagined that they will experience when they purchase this VR Pod. 

Of course, they were not aware that information about Secret Arts and Sealed Mana Artifacts was only a level 2 information inside Veda. Wallace was someone who had access to all levels so it was easy for him to give rewards like these as long as they deserve it. 

"Whoa... Look at this, I have a message from the system..." Ray suddenly exclaimed after getting a message. 

"We also received a message... This..."

[ Are you enjoying the game? How about we take it to another level? ] 

[ Do you want to pilot a real Steel Knight? Do you want to operate a real Particle Beam Cannon? Do you want to command a real transatmospheric battleship and sail around the world or maybe even out of this world? Or are you already satisfied playing in a virtual world? ] 

[ Well, if you wanted more... Maybe it's about time for you to meet this game's creator. ]