The Genius System

Alex quietly left the room where Elias was refining his plans, leaving Lassen buried in his novel as if the outside world didn't exist. Adrian, ever watchful, stayed near the door, making sure no disturbances would interrupt their "Master"—or rather, their boss, as the outside world believed.

Stepping out onto the terrace, Alex dialed the police commissioner's number. The line barely rang before a sharp voice answered.

"Mr. X, I hope you have a very good reason for—wait… Alex?"

The commissioner's tone shifted immediately, mixing surprise with concern.

"Why isn't Mr. X calling me directly? He usually enjoys hacking my phone. I almost thought I'd been hacked again."

Alex let out a nervous chuckle.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but this time it's me. He… prefers to stay in the background. You know how he is."

"Oh, I know," the commissioner replied with a sigh. "So, what's going on?"

Alex cleared his throat, switching to a more professional tone.

"We need a lab. Not just any lab—something secure, highly specialized, with state-of-the-art equipment. And it has to be discreet."

The silence on the other end stretched a bit too long.

"Wait. A lab? Discreet? For what exactly?"

"Semiconductors. Mr. X is developing his own microprocessors."

The commissioner almost dropped his phone.

"He's doing what?"

"He wants to design and manufacture microprocessors and semiconductors locally, without relying on foreign suppliers."

The commissioner stood abruptly, pacing his office.

"Do you realize the scale of what you're saying? If this is true, it's not just a private project. It's an industrial revolution. The U.S. and Europe have dominated this market forever. If we start producing our own chips, they'll see it as a direct threat. Are you aware of the consequences?"

"Yes," Alex replied calmly. "That's exactly why we need your help to secure the project before anyone else gets involved."

The commissioner took a deep breath.

"I'll have to speak with the Prime Minister. You know he's going to want answers. Lots of answers."

"I know. And I suggest you prepare your arguments because Mr. X categorically refuses to leave his house."

"Of course he does." The commissioner groaned. "Fine. I'll set up a meeting with the Prime Minister and call you once it's done. But Alex… tell me one thing."

"Yes?"

"Does Mr. X even understand what he's setting into motion?"

Alex glanced at the living room window, where Lassen was peacefully reading his novel.

"Not really. And the worst part is—he doesn't care."

---

At the Prime Minister's Office

The police commissioner burst into the Prime Minister's office, a folder under his arm and a tense expression on his face.

"You again?" the Prime Minister remarked upon seeing him enter. "You know, every time you show up, I feel like a crisis is about to hit us."

"This time, it's bigger than anything we've faced so far, sir."

Intrigued, the Prime Minister set his pen down and leaned back in his chair.

"Go ahead."

"Mr. X is developing microprocessors and semiconductors."

A heavy silence filled the room.

"You're joking."

"Not at all. And Alex confirmed they've already started. They're asking for a secure lab to develop the technology."

The Prime Minister slowly stood up, staring at a distant point as if processing the implications.

"Do you understand what this means? If we succeed, Macro could become technologically independent. But it also means we'll draw attention from global powers."

"Exactly, sir. And Mr. X either has no idea—or doesn't care at all—about the geopolitical implications of what he's doing."

The Prime Minister ran a hand down his face, weighing the options.

"We can't stop this project. Not now. But we need to control it and minimize the risks."

"What's the next step?" the commissioner asked.

"We'll secure the lab. But I also want constant reports on the project's progress. And we may need to arrange another meeting with Mr. X—though I already know that won't be easy."

The commissioner gave a bitter smile.

"Easy and Mr. X don't belong in the same sentence."

---

Meanwhile…

Elias continued outlining technical requirements with Alex.

"I'm going to need a team—qualified engineers, manufacturing specialists, and materials experts. We can't do this alone."

Alex took notes while replying:

"Consider them already hired. But let me warn you—this project is getting a lot bigger than expected."

Elias grinned.

"Good. That makes it even more exciting."

From the corner, Lassen looked up from his book and lazily commented:

"You're still talking? Isn't this done yet? You should be working instead of chatting."

Alex shot him a tired look.

"I'm pretty sure the day you realize the chaos you're causing, you'll already have triggered a world war."

"So what? I'm not responsible for other people's stupidity. Now let me read."

---

While discussions about security and logistics continued, the first waves of concern rippled through the corridors of power. But to Lassen, none of it mattered.

After all, he had a novel to finish.