At the highest floor of Aegis Tower, the main headquarters of Aegis Industries, the atmosphere within the chairman's office was silent and cool, with only the lights of the megalopolis Aerysia shining through the giant armored glass window.
President Sylvester Polaris turned from the view outside, his sharp gaze softening slightly as he looked at his only daughter, who was waiting.
"It's been a while since you've visited me here, Zaria," he greeted her, his voice tinged with warmth. "I suppose you've taken after your mother's love for travel. I hear her diplomatic vessel has just left the Asphodel Reach."
"I have important business to attend to, father," Zaria replied directly, getting straight to the point. "I need a planet... Aegis Terra-03 Null."
Sylvester raised an eyebrow. "An entire planet... that old, worthless mining world... What could you possibly need it for?" His voice returned to its usual, stern business-like tone.
"The secret project I mentioned to you before, father," Zaria answered. "The one you said you wanted to see the 'potential results' of for yourself."
"And where are these results?"
Zaria smirked. She immediately projected a three-dimensional hologram into the air... It wasn't just a two-dimensional blueprint, but a complex and unprecedented model of energy flow. Even if it wasn't the complete blueprint, its potential shone so brightly that even a non-expert could feel it.
"This is..." Sylvester murmured softly, his eyes wide with amazement. "A new form of energy technology..." He quickly pressed a button on his desk. "Dr. Aris, come to my office. Immediately."
After his most trusted research team had remotely analyzed the preliminary data and confirmed its "potential to revolutionize the energy industry" with a panicked voice, Sylvester ended the call, his face filled with awe.
"Okay... I believe you now. It truly is something immense," he said, waving for the research team to disconnect. "So... what does Aegis Industries do with this dangerous thing next?"
That was when Zaria played her most important card.
"Father... Zen and I... and another friend of his named Karess... we've decided... we're going to start our own company."
Silence instantly enveloped the office. Sylvester's excited expression shifted to one of stern seriousness. "Zaria... do you know what you're saying?"
"I know very well," she replied without wavering.
"Why a new company? Wouldn't it be better as a subsidiary of Aegis? I can provide full support, and it would be much safer."
"That's precisely what I want to avoid, father... Even as a subsidiary, it would still have the 'Aegis' name attached. It would immediately draw eyes from all factions. But if it's a small, unknown company, with Zen as the lead... we become a dark horse. It gives us the time and freedom to develop without any pressure."
Sylvester was silent for a long time. He nodded, accepting her reasoning. "And... this other friend of Zen's you mentioned. I've never heard of him. Who is he?"
"His name is Karess. He's been Zen's close friend for a long time," Zaria said, projecting a few blueprint sections that Karess had designed. "And he's the only one we need to build this. He has a skill in creating complex and delicate things that is second to none."
"Someone with that level of talent, why have I never heard of him? If he's that good, why not invite him to design our new line of warships?" Sylvester asked, puzzled.
Zaria laughed softly. "Hehe, about that... you'll have to ask him yourself, father. I'd rather not get involved... but it will be a long time before he can travel here from Virelya."
The President of Aegis Industries leaned back in his chair. He looked at his daughter, who had now grown into a woman with a sharpness of mind that exceeded his expectations. He smiled... a proud smile.
"You... you take after your mother completely... Bold, decisive, never afraid of anything," he said, before his gaze turned sharp again. "Alright... since you've decided... I will approve it."
He pointed at Zaria, his eyes still holding a stern gaze. "I will transfer the ownership of Aegis Terra-03 Null to you personally... but! Every progress report... I must be the first to know. And when this thing is finished... I want to see it with my own eyes."