Chapter 236: The Impending Crisis

[January 8th, 2028]

At the Golden Topper, headquarters of the Reyes Corporation. Michael kept himself updated about the people's comments on his newly released VR system. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the immersive experience and advanced technology.

Bridget entered his office, carrying a stack of reports. "Michael, the initial sales data is in," she said, handing him the top sheet. "We've sold out our first batch of VR units, and pre-orders for the next batch are through the roof."

Michael glanced at the report, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "That's great news, Bridget. How's the production line handling the demand?"

"We're ramping up production, but it's going to be a challenge to keep up," Bridget replied. "We're working on expanding our manufacturing capabilities to meet the demand."

Just as Michael was about to respond, Juliet walked in with a concerned expression.

"Michael, you need to see this," she said, handing him a tablet.

Michael took the tablet and scanned the headlines. VirtuReal Innovations released a statement, claiming that the Reyes VR system was almost identical to their prototype. They suggested that Reyes Corporation might have infringed on their technology.

Michael's expression hardened. "VirtuReal Innovations? What is this company?"

"I have done my research," Juliet spoke. "According to my findings, they are a start-up company based in California. They started in 2018 with the goal of developing cutting-edge VR and AR technology. They were relatively unknown until a year ago when Viktor Gravsen, a major investor, poured significant funds into their operation. More recently, Elena Skies invested heavily in the company."

Michael frowned. "Viktor Gravsen and Elena Skies? Those two are Giants...and Elena Skies? I thought we wouldn't cross paths again but look at where we are now," Michael muttered, his expression darkening. "First the issues with Aegis Pharmaceuticals, and now this."

Juliet nodded. "It seems like they're trying to leverage their influence to create a problem for us. But it won't be a problem right, Mr. Reyes? I mean there's no way their prototype would be so similar to yours."

"Are there any schematics, any references that they used to back up their claims?" Michael asked.

"There is, do you want me to pull them up for you?" Juliet offered, ready to access the files on her tablet.

The original inventor of the VR technology was VirtuReal Innovations in 2044. He is aware that the products that he is selling to the market are from the future but most of them are far ahead of time. He always made sure that the company that invented the original existed. He didn't dig deeper for the VR.

"This is going to be a huge calamity," he muttered to himself, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him.

He had to think quickly. His initial reaction was to cover his tracks and find a way to discredit VirtuReal's claims, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized that this approach could backfire disastrously.

No, he might be overthinking it. The year is still 2028, and VirtuReal Innovations doesn't have a finished product yet. Although the framework was the same, he had the final and working product, which gave him an advantage. However, he needed to tread carefully.

"Shit...shit...shit!"

This was the first time Michael felt vulnerable like he got caught cheating on an exam and his grades hung in the balance. He couldn't afford to make any rash decisions that could expose him.

"Am I getting too careless right now?" Michael asked himself. Elena would be too happy to confront him after what he did to her during the issue of the Aegis Pharmaceutical debacle.

His thoughts were interrupted by a ping from his computer. An email notification flashed on the screen. It was from Elena Skies.

Michael clicked on the email, his heart pounding. The subject line read: "Immediate Response Required."

[Dear Michael,

I'm sure you've seen the statement from VirtuReal Innovations. Our team has worked tirelessly to bring cutting-edge VR technology to the market, and we find it deeply concerning that your system bears such a striking resemblance to our prototype.

We demand an immediate response to these allegations. Failure to address this issue promptly will leave us no choice but to pursue all available legal remedies.

Best regards,

Elena Skies]

And now she is getting bolder.