Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 136: The Public Appearance of the EcoRider

January 5th, 2026.

Michael had secured all the bases he needed for his transportation enterprise. He announced a week ago on his Facebook page of the SolaraTech Corporation that he is launching a new transportation company and that they are welcome to meet to showcase the minibus and bus that will soon take to the streets of Quezon City.

In Cubao, the terminal was hastily yet carefully refurbished to make it feel to the attendees that they are entering the future, with sleek designs and state-of-the-art technology integrated throughout the space.

The terminal now featured digital displays showing real-time schedules and routes, interactive kiosks for easy ticketing, and an array of charging stations for electronic devices, highlighting the eco-friendly nature of the EcoRider buses.

Upon entering the terminal, guests were greeted by an impressive display of the EcoRider minibus and bus, both gleaming under the bright, energy-efficient LED lighting. The vehicles' sleek, aerodynamic shapes and futuristic design elements drew admiring glances and curious looks from the crowd, sparking conversations about the potential impact on the city's transportation landscape.

Michael was inside the administration office of the terminal. He was adorned in a smart, business-casual attire with Juliet helping him with his tie.

"Sir…where did you build those buses?"

"It's classified, Juliet. You don't have to know about its origin, the only thing that matters is that they are present here and they'll be the flagship of our transportation company," Michael replied, not wanting her to give a hint that those buses came from the technological system.

"I see," Juliet said with a curt nod. "Anyways, reporters from the GMA, ABS-CBN, News 5, and others have arrived at the terminal to get special coverage of the launch. They are all eager to interview you about the EcoRider and the future plans for Reyes Transportation Co."

Michael gave a brief nod, his expression composed yet filled with a sense of purpose. "Let them wait a bit longer. I want to make sure everything is perfect before we go public. We are not just launching a transportation line; we are setting a new standard for the entire industry."

Juliet checked her tablet, ensuring that all logistics for the event were in place, from the setup of the presentation area to the coordination of the guest list and media representatives. "Everything is ready, sir. The presentation will go live in thirty minutes, and the buses are prepped for the demo ride afterward."

Michael glanced out of the window, observing the growing crowd and the media setting up their equipment. He took a deep breath, centering himself on the task ahead. "This is it, Juliet. The moment we've been working towards. It's time to show them what SolaraTech and Reyes Transportation Co. can bring to the future of urban mobility."

With a final check in the mirror, Michael stepped out of the administration office, followed by Juliet. They made their way to the main presentation area, where a large crowd of attendees, including government officials, business leaders, environmental activists, and curious locals, awaited his address.

As soon as they made their appearance, there were cheers and clapping from the crowd as if they just saw a celebrity. Michael simply waved back as he climbed up the erected platform with a podium.

Once Michael reached the podium, the crowd quieted down. He looked out at the audience and prepared his speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow citizens," Michael began. "Today, I would like to introduce to you, EcoRider Bus and Minibus."

He extended his arms towards the screens behind him, where detailed images and specifications of the EcoRider Bus and Minibus were displayed.

"The EcoRider Bus," he continued, "is not just a vehicle but a statement of futuristic, sustainable urban travel. It spans 12 meters in length, 2.5 meters in width, and stands 3.2 meters tall. With a seating capacity of up to 60 passengers and space for standing commuters, it is designed to cater to high-volume routes efficiently."

Michael then shifted the focus to the EcoRider Minibus. "The Minibus, on the other hand, is more compact, perfect for navigating narrow city streets and serving less populated routes. It measures 8 meters in length, 2.2 meters in width, and 2.8 meters in height, with a seating capacity for 25 people, providing a cozy yet spacious environment for passengers."

He detailed the internal features, "Both variants are equipped with ergonomic seating, climate control systems, and accessibility features ensuring comfort and convenience for all passengers. The interiors are designed with high-quality materials that are both durable and environmentally friendly.

Moreover, every seat comes with its personal entertainment system and wireless charging pads, making the journey enjoyable and productive."

"Technology-wise," Michael elaborated, "our buses are equipped with state-of-the-art autonomous driving systems, allowing for safe and efficient operation. The integrated AI optimizes routes in real-time, reducing travel time and enhancing the passenger experience.

Furthermore, both the bus and minibus are powered by advanced solid-state batteries, providing long-range capabilities and rapid recharge times."

He paused, allowing the information to sink in, then concluded, "In essence, the EcoRider Bus and Minibus represent the pinnacle of modern transportation solutions, combining luxury, efficiency, and sustainability. They are not just vehicles; they are a promise for a cleaner, greener, and more connected future."

The audience erupted into applause, clearly impressed by the advanced specifications and thoughtful design of the EcoRider vehicles.

"Please, enjoy the food and you can check the vehicle inside and out. We will have guided tours explaining every feature, and later, a live demonstration where you can experience the ride yourself," Michael added, signaling the staff to commence the interactive sessions.

As he stepped down from the podium, a swarm of reporters and guests surged forward.

"Mr. Reyes! Mr. Reyes!"

Michael sighed, knowing that this was going to be the hardest part of all events, that is answering questions from the journalist.

"Okay, let's start with ABS, what's your question?"

"Mr. Reyes, is the vehicle displayed made by a foreign automobile company?"

"What made you say that? Of course, it's built by our automobile company that is still getting its permit and license. Do you just assume that every futuristic tech had to be invented outside of the country? Because we are in the Philippines?"

The ABS reporter seemed slightly taken aback by Michael's response but nodded, accepting his answer. The next question came from a journalist from GMA, who took a more technical angle.

"Mr. Reyes, it's known that solid-state batteries, despite their potential, have faced significant challenges in terms of longevity, cost, and temperature sensitivity in the past. How did SolaraTech overcome these obstacles to implement them in the EcoRider models?"

Michael leaned forward, ready to dive into the technicalities. "That's an excellent question, and I'm glad you asked. You see our engineers at SolaraTech have developed a breakthrough in solid-state battery technology that addresses these concerns head-on.

Firstly, we've integrated a nano-layered interface within the battery structure, significantly reducing the dendrite formation that traditionally limited the lifespan of solid-state batteries. This has dramatically improved their longevity and reliability."

He continued, "As for the cost, our breakthrough in manufacturing techniques, specifically the use of scalable, 3D-printed battery components, has reduced production costs by over 40%. This makes them not only more efficient but also more economically viable."

"Regarding temperature sensitivity, our solid-state batteries are equipped with an advanced thermal management system. It utilizes a combination of liquid cooling and phase change materials that efficiently dissipate heat, ensuring optimal performance across a wide range of temperatures.

Furthermore, this system is powered by the bus's own energy recuperation systems, making it highly energy-efficient."

"Basically, we've turned the disadvantages of solid-state batteries into strengths, making them the ideal power source for our EcoRider buses," Michael concluded.

The journalist nodded, impressed by the detailed explanation. The crowd murmured appreciatively.

"So how much is the unit going to cost?"

"It will be approximately 12 million PHP per unit," Michael answered. "Though of course, we are going to prove to the streets first the effectiveness of our bus before selling it to third parties. Meaning, it will be exclusive only to the Reyes Transportation Company."