Hendrik and the senior executives of the Tower of Babel convened a meeting to deliberate on the future trajectory of the Tower of Babel.
The sudden convening of this meeting was...
Of course, due to the unexpected directive from their major supporter, demanding a clear, ten-year development strategy to be outlined in today's meeting.
Despite the abruptness of this request, it was entirely reasonable for Ansel, as an investor and supporter, to make such a demand. Consequently, Hendrik and his colleagues did not dwell on it; instead, they embarked on the meeting with great enthusiasm and anticipation.
"Beyond the realm of crafting new alchemical tools and artifacts... we should cast our gaze more broadly towards education," Ronger proposed, interlacing his fingers.
"The empire is still teeming with low-tier extraordinary beings who, in their quest for resources and knowledge, find themselves in servitude to the nobility and more powerful extraordinary beings... This not only constitutes a waste but also predisposes them to potentially misguided paths."
"Recruiting more low-tier extraordinary beings, then? That would mean reallocating a significant number of personnel from research and development to teaching. Since Lord Ansel wants achievement from Babel, we should emphasize on practical designing and developing." Someone objected, frowning. Indeed, the objection was valid.
Ronger massaged his temples, unable to refute, and could only express resignedly, "But I believe Lord Ansel is not so short-sighted. A better era requires the support of more talents, and he surely understands this principle..."
"On the contrary, I believe it's more crucial to continue pioneering the forefront of Etheric theory," a man, appearing seasoned and composed, argued passionately, waving his hands.
"As Ronger mentioned, our authority in the academic world has grown significantly... We should venture into new frontiers, new domains. Isn't Ravenna's data system a prime example? The entire sorcerer domain is in frenzy over this unparalleled innovation!"
"The Tower of Babel lacks neither passion nor creativity! We are fully capable of establishing a new industrial system, an energy system, and even..."
"No, no, no, Barnes, you're thinking too far ahead, too impractically. I side with Michkov; to ensure Lord Ansel's continued support, our focus must indeed remain on tangible development. We must ensure that we can present something that dazzles Ansel in each cycle..."
The discussion within the meeting room grew increasingly fervent, with everyone voicing their opinions—loud, calm, passionate voices filled the room. This cacophony, though potentially headache-inducing, was observed by Hendrik with unparalleled calm and joy. After more than a decade of arduous journey, he had never felt so relaxed.
"Why not try everything?"
Ravenna, clutching the doorknob, spoke with a hoarse voice.
"About the future development of the Tower of Babel... Ravenna, what's wrong with you?" Ronger responded, already noticing that Ravenna was in an unusual state, and stood up with concern: "You seem very—"
"Don't come any closer!"
The straight doorknob was crushed in the hands of miss puppet, who stared intently at Ronger, then swept her chillingly cold gaze over everyone present, finally fixing her eyes... on Hendrik.
"The future... of the Tower of Babel."
She murmured softly, the dim purple of her trembling eyes revealing an emotion close to collapse, which gave Ronger a very bad feeling.
"Then tell me, Hendrik."
Ravenna's voice, cold and detached, became hoarse and shaky: "Tell me, what do you think the Tower of Babel should be like?"
"Ravenna, what exactly—"
"Tell me!"
Miss puppet's exceedingly unusual state caused the majority of those in the meeting room to stand up, their eyes filled with confusion and puzzlement as they watched the Tower of Babel's top genius standing at the door.
Hendrik, too, was at a loss, unsure of how to comfort Ravenna. He could only helplessly respond, "I envision developing the Tower of Babel across multiple domains: education, theory, and practical production... With Lord Ansel's assistance, we are capable of achieving this."
"And then?" Wood chips creaked in Ravenna's hands, her usually emotionless face now somewhat distorted.
"Then, of course, is to... realize the dreams of us all, of our mentor, of your grandfather."
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