Miracle Card Shop: All My Cards Can Be Actualize

Chapter 103 Envy’s Alarm

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Descending once again through the shaft, the elevator carried them deeper into their destination. Within moments, an awe-inspiring sight unfolded before their eyes.

The underground city came into view, its vast expanse stretching as far as the eye could see. The ceiling, towering at a height of 200 meters, was high enough to build a high-rise building within the confines of this city-like underground base. What they witnessed resembled a bustling city on the surface, with one notable distinction—the ceiling radiated an artificial light, reminiscent of the sun, powered by magical artifacts.

As the elevator descended, they were immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of this subterranean metropolis. Traffic flowed along the streets, filled with people bustling to and fro. The city thrived with life, despite its smaller size compared to its surface counterpart. This underground haven served as a permanent residence for the dedicated individuals working within the base.

Cars traversed the roads, mingling with pedestrians who were either clad in mechanic jumpsuits, engrossed in their duties, or donning casual attire while enjoying the leisurely offerings of the entertainment district. Laughter and conversation filled the air, adding to the vivacity of the underground city.

Enhancing the sense of security, groups of Atlantean soldiers diligently patrolled the streets, their vigilant presence ensuring the protection and order within the city's confines.

Both Greed and Envy stood in awe-struck silence as they took in the sight before them. It was a scene that seemed straight out of a science fiction movie, yet here it was, unfolding in the real world. The underground city buzzed with activity, its vibrant energy mirroring that of its surface counterparts. The artificial lighting, indistinguishable from natural sunlight, bathed the surroundings in a warm and inviting glow.

The elevator came to a halt on the B3 floor, and as the doors opened, a vibrant street scene unfolded before the eyes of the Witch group. It resembled a bustling city on the surface, with people going about their daily lives. However, there was a noticeable difference—the population here was smaller, as it primarily consisted of those working within the base. Also, the base had recently opened, and there were still many positions waiting to be filled by additional workers.

"Welcome to my secret base and the main workshop of Astral Atelier," Daniel said, emphasizing the importance of their trust. "Now, do you understand why I need your trust the most? If everything you see were to be known outside, what do you think would happen?"

Upon hearing that, a realization dawned upon Greed. "So, that's why you asked me to obtain the judgment and conclusion about Lucien's case, where he used a magical artifact bomb disguised as mundane technology, from the court. It's because you aim to sell these technologies to the mundane world!" Greed looked at Daniel with a knowing smile.

"I must say, you're quite astute. You knew all along that no matter what, the court wouldn't punish Lucien for leaking the secret of the Curtained World to the masses. It would greatly affect the prestige of Grand Councilor Ashborn and his faction. And indirectly, it would grant you the court's approval to conduct your business!" Greed spoke about Daniel's plan.

While Greed was impressed by Daniel's cunning, Envy looked at him with a stern expression.

"You are playing with fire, Mr. Magitek. If your products were to be reverse-engineered by mundane people, your disguise would easily be exposed, and the existence of magic would no longer be a secret," she warned Daniel.

Upon hearing Envy's warning, he turned to Koyuki.

"Koyuki, could you take Sylvana to the shopping district to play and grab something to eat? I'll call you once I finish my business," Daniel said to his girlfriend, gently patting their mischievous daughter's head as she nestled in Koyuki's arms.

"Will you come with us, Papa?" Sylvana asked innocently.

"Of course, darling. Let Papa finish some work first, and he'll join you real quick," Daniel replied before bidding farewell to his girlfriend and daughter. He then turned his attention back to his guests.

"Now, let's get back to business. Miss Envy, you have no need to worry about our products being reverse engineered. Please follow me," Daniel reassured her. He led the group to the nearby parking lot and drove his electric car through the bustling streets towards the laboratory area of the cityscape.

Eventually, they arrived at their destination—a large white building that stood tall amidst the bustling city. Its sleek and futuristic design exuded a sense of innovation. As they entered the laboratory, they were greeted by a white hallway adorned with glass panels, allowing glimpses into various rooms filled with engineer, mechanist and researchers in bothe white coat and mechanic jumpsuit diligently engaged in their work.

The room they entered buzzed with activity, as researchers huddled around their workstations, engaged in collaborative discussions and idea-sharing. The air resonated with a symphony of sounds—a gentle hum of conversations, the rhythmic tapping of keyboards, and occasional beeps emitted by equipment.

On one of the tables, several smartphone cases lay open, revealing melted circuits. A mechanic and a scientist were engrossed in a conversation while attempting to open a sample smartphone case.

"It's cracked! You can open it!" the scientist, dressed in a white coat, exclaimed to the mechanic.

The mechanic swiftly grabbed his tools and unscrewed the case. As the screw was removed from its socket, a fleeting flash of light emanated from inside the case, followed by the faint smell of burnt circuits that wafted through the room.

"Ah... It failed once again," the mechanic uttered in disappointment.

Daniel, now drawing the attention of both the mechanic and the scientist, spoke up, "How is it?"

"Ah! Chairman!" the mechanic called out, acknowledging Daniel's position, and momentarily setting aside his work.

"I must say, Chairman, are you sure you're not just toying with us? I know the reward money for cracking and reverse engineering this phone will be hard to come by. If it weren't for the salary you pay us, I might think you're just spouting nonsense. We can't even find a way to safely open it without triggering the security failsafe inside the phone!" The mechanic's words carried a hint of playful banter.

"Do you think anyone will be able to crack it and reverse engineer it within 10 years?" Daniel asked once again.

This time, the scientist spoke up. "Mr. Daniel, I can assure you that even in twenty years, no one will be able to reverse engineer it. I am willing to stake my reputation on it. We've examined this phone extensively, and while it functions seamlessly with all existing programs and applications on the market, its internal structure and architecture, including the API, leave us baffled. 

Other than the standard tools you've provided. We don't even know how to communicate with it using the known cracking tools and methods. It's as if this phone speaks a language that doesn't exist in modern programming, yet it miraculously understands how to work with existing applications. Initially, I believed you had employed powerful encryption to prevent cracking, but the speed and performance of this smartphone suggest otherwise. I can only conclude that you must have invented an entirely new programming language or system specifically for this phone, which is why none of the known methods can crack it," the scientist explained, filled with awe and respect for Daniel's invention.

Daniel nodded, satisfied with the scientist's answer.

"If you're certain that you can't come up with a way to crack and reverse engineer it, then you and the rest of the team should brainstorm and explore alternative options. If no progress is made, we'll move on to another product. I'll establish a new department with updated technology for further testing," Daniel instructed.

"Yes, Chairman," the scientist acknowledged, returning to his work.

Daniel led the group out of the room and toward his office within the laboratory. As they walked, Greed and Envy marveled at the various wonders they encountered along the way. They witnessed the development of new artifacts and even glimpsed military technologies, such as the power armor Daniel had utilized during the raid on the Willow Family Estate.

They passed testing sites where the power of weapons was assessed. The sight was captivating, as bullets from what appeared to be heavy machine guns pierced through modern tank armor, and new aircraft engines were put to the test.

Observing Greed and Envy's interest in the testing site, Daniel began to explain.

"As you can see, I am personally responsible for key technologies. However, the derived technologies stemming from my key inventions are entrusted to my employees," Daniel explained.

Curious, Envy turned to Daniel and asked, "These employees you speak of, do they have knowledge of Atlantean artifact creation?" Her eyes revealed a mixture of alarm and wariness.

Noticing Envy's unease, Daniel couldn't comprehend the reason behind her alarm, but he decided to speak the truth.

"Indeed, they are aware, although their proficiency doesn't match mine," Daniel replied honestly.

Envy's expression shifted from astonishment to heightened concern. An entire underground military base filled with Atlantean war machines existed in the Tessia Kingdom, unbeknownst to the Hightower. It was a revelation that held both the potential for new threats and opportunities for the Hightower. Even in the secret realm where the elves and dwarves resided, the Hightower possessed means to track them. But the same could not be said to Daniel's secret base. This discovery posed an entirely different level of danger and possibilities.