With a collective, almost involuntary tap, the three CEOs accepted the impossible connection. Their screens shifted, not to a one-on-one, but to a quad-split display. In one quadrant, the familiar, unsettling mask of the Seer. In the other three, the startled, disoriented faces of Kim Joon-ho, Evelyn Reed, and Chen Guang staring back at each other.
A flicker of surprise, then confusion, crossed Kim Joon-ho's features. Luminar? NexTronic? What is this? Why are they here?
Evelyn Reed's eyes narrowed, recognizing the other corporate titans. He's assembling us. A select few.
Chen Guang's face remained impassive, but his mind raced, instantly grasping the implications: this wasn't just a threat to them individually, but a forced consortium, a global conscription of corporate power.
The Seer's modulated voice filled their speakers, calm and resonant, cutting through the stunned silence. His masked gaze seemed to encompass all three of them simultaneously.
"You should know about me," the Seer began, his words devoid of inflection, yet carrying an undeniable weight.
A flash of incredulity, almost ironic amusement, passed through Evelyn Reed's mind. Know about you? The entire planet just witnessed your debut, you raised an island and detonated a nuclear weapon.
Kim Joon-ho felt a chill; the statement wasn't a question or a literal introduction, but a chilling assertion of his already undeniable global presence.
He means we should understand the depth of his power, the new reality he has created, Chen Guang thought, a grim acceptance settling in. The Seer wasn't asking for recognition; he was demanding absolute comprehension of his authority.
The Seer's modulated voice resonated with chilling clarity, a voice that had just dictated the future of the world. It bypassed their speakers and seemed to speak directly into their minds.
"To Kim Joon-ho, Evelyn Reed, and Chen Guang," the Seer began, his masked gaze encompassing all three. "As I stated in my global broadcast, I would select the necessary companies to produce the hardware vital for humanity's communication and survival."
The screen's quadrant featuring the Seer's mask seemed to settle, its presence filling the digital space.
"Your respective companies—AudioCraft Innovations, Luminar Devices, and NexTronic Corp.—have been identified as key partners in this transition. Your unique capabilities in consumer electronics and advanced manufacturing are now essential assets for the collective path forward."
His tone shifted, becoming more direct, yet still seeking engagement rather than just issuing a mandate.
"The next critical phase requires the rapid mass production of the Babel Protocol translation hardware. These lightweight, intuitive earbuds will enable universal, real-time language comprehension, a fundamental step towards global unity and efficient crisis management."
The Seer paused, then continued, his voice softening imperceptibly, a hint of genuine inquiry.
"We understand the monumental scale of this task, and the unprecedented nature of this request. My resources, including the HOPE AI, are vast and dedicated to this singular objective. I am here to understand your immediate requirements. What are the challenges you foresee? What specific resources, materials, logistical support, or technical assistance will your companies need to meet these objectives efficiently and without delay? How can we best facilitate your immediate ramp-up of production?"
The three CEOs, who had braced for a cold, unyielding command, were left in a new state of stunned silence. This was not the tyrannical demand they expected, but a direct, almost consultative approach.
They had witnessed his terrible power, yet he was asking for their input, offering assistance. The implication, though unstated, was clear: this would happen, but he was willing to support their efforts to make it so. The ball was now in their court, not to defy, but to respond with their needs.
The three CEOs—Kim Joon-ho, Evelyn Reed, and Chen Guang—were still processing the sheer magnitude of the Seer's demand when his voice, calm and unyielding, continued, addressing the core of the challenge.
"Your immediate concern, I anticipate, will be the economic viability and global accessibility of these Babel Protocol devices," the Seer stated, his voice resonating with an almost prophetic understanding. "My most crucial requirement is that these earbuds are accessible to every single person on this planet, regardless of their economic standing."
The masked figure's image seemed to sharpen, its presence filling the screen.
"Therefore, your companies will manufacture and distribute these devices at their precise manufacturing cost. Every additional expense beyond the factory gate – including your normal profit margins, research and development costs, testing, marketing, and distribution to every retail outlet and distribution point across the world – will be covered by my resources. Your companies' singular focus will be on efficient production and ensuring unparalleled global availability."
He continued, laying out an offer that was as astonishing as it was audacious.
"To assist you in achieving maximum efficiency and unparalleled cost reduction, my HOPE AI will be directly integrated with your R&D departments and production lines. HOPE will provide real-time data analysis, optimize supply chains, identify sustainable material sourcing, and streamline manufacturing processes to ensure the lowest possible per-unit cost, while maintaining the highest quality. Consider it an unparalleled, dedicated consultancy to accelerate your innovation."
The Seer paused, then concluded, his voice inviting their direct engagement.
"This is a global imperative, and your expertise is critical. We seek a partnership, not a burden. Now, I ask each of you: considering these terms and the assistance offered, what more help do you require? What are your immediate concerns, or the specific challenges you foresee that require my intervention?"
The silence that followed was different now. It was no longer the stunned, helpless quiet of people facing an unstoppable force, but the charged quiet of powerful minds grappling with an utterly unprecedented proposition.
No profit, but no risk. Complete autonomy lost, but insurmountable technological and financial backing gained.
Kim Joon-ho looked from the Seer's mask to Evelyn Reed's image, then to Chen Guang's. A flicker of bewildered understanding passed between them. This wasn't a hostile takeover; it was a benevolent, yet absolute, conscription.
Evelyn Reed was the first to speak, her voice hesitant but clear.
"Mr. Seer... with all due respect, while the financial model is... comprehensive, intellectual property. Are these schematics proprietary? Will Luminar's existing patents be overridden in this process?"
Chen Guang, ever pragmatic, followed.
"The scale you describe for global distribution is immense. Even with NexTronic's infrastructure, reaching every corner of the world's retail chains will require unprecedented logistical coordination. What level of customs and import/export facilitation will be provided? Will national governments be compelled to cooperate fully?"
Kim Joon-ho, his initial shock giving way to technical considerations, added,
"And the raw materials. To produce billions of units rapidly, without environmental compromise, will require vast, uninterrupted access to rare earth minerals and specialized components. How will the global supply chain for these resources be secured and accelerated?"
The Seer's mask remained impassive, but his voice, when it answered, was calm and ready, as if these questions were precisely what he had anticipated.
"Excellent questions. I will address each of them."