Chapter 154: Establishment of New Department



Vincent left the saloon and walked toward the command center, the taste of whiskey lingering on his tongue. He had been preoccupied with the recent events on Akarios Island, but the conversation with Harper had brought clarity to what needed to be done. Their forces were strong, their strategies sound, but they faced threats that conventional weapons couldn't always handle. The magical barriers and abilities of their enemies continued to give them an edge, one that Vincent could no longer ignore.

He entered the command center, nodding to the guards stationed at the entrance. Inside, the atmosphere was tense. Officers worked diligently at their stations, poring over maps, reports, and intelligence data. Vincent moved to his office, closing the door behind him as he approached his desk.

Vincent sat down and contemplated. Their current arsenal was formidable, but it was designed to counter conventional threats-infantry, tanks, aircraft. When faced with magic, their weapons lost effectiveness. They needed a solution that could bridge this gap, something that could neutralize the mystical defenses they encountered.

He tapped his fingers on the desk, thinking through the possibilities. An R&D department was the logical step forward. They needed specialized teams focused on developing new technologies that could counter magical barriers and enhance their offensive capabilities. Weapons, armor, countermeasures-everything had to be re-evaluated and improved upon. Vincent pressed a button on his desk intercom. "Get Colonel Brandt to my office. I need to discuss a new directive."

"Yes, sir," came the immediate response.

He released the button and leaned forward, grabbing a notepad from the edge of the desk. With a pen in hand, he began outlining his thoughts. The R&D department needed to have a clear mandate: to develop and implement technologies specifically designed to counter magical threats. This included studying enemy magic, understanding its mechanics, and finding ways to disrupt or nullify its effects. They would also need to create weapons capable of piercing magical defenses, making their forces more effective on the battlefield.

A knock on the door broke his concentration. "Enter," Vincent called.

Colonel Brandt walked in, his expression serious. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

Vincent gestured for him to take a seat. "We're starting an R&D department. Effective

immediately. The recent events have made it clear that we need to counter the magical threats we face. Our current arsenal isn't enough."

Brandt nodded, his face showing a hint of relief. "I agree, sir. Our forces have been struggling against these magical barriers and abilities. We need a more advanced approach."

"Exactly," Vincent replied. "This department will focus on developing new technologies to neutralize magic. We need specialists-scientists and engineers. We can't afford to ignore any avenue of research."

Brandt leaned forward slightly. "Do you have anyone in mind to lead this department?"

"—I can summon officials from my system," Vincent continued, his eyes narrowing with focus. "The military system has provisions for specialists, engineers, and researchers who can tackle problems beyond conventional warfare. They have the expertise we need, and they're prepared for this kind of challenge."

Colonel Brandt straightened. Vincent's system was a tool of immense power, capable of summoning not just troops and equipment but individuals of exceptional skill tailored to the needs of his command. Brandt knew this was a decisive move. If Vincent was using the system to this extent, it meant he was fully committed to overcoming their magical shortcomings. "Understood, sir," Brandt replied. "However, I have a question. Why you called me here sir? It's not like I am going to be part of the R&D team," Brandt finished, his voice trailing off. He seemed hesitant, unsure of his place in this new directive.

Vincent leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. "You're not here to be part of the R&D team, Colonel. You're here because I need someone I trust to oversee the integration of this new department into our existing command structure."

Brandt's eyebrows rose slightly. "Oversee, sir?"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Yes," Vincent confirmed. "The R&D department will work on projects that could drastically change how we engage the enemy. That kind of work needs oversight to ensure it aligns with our strategic goals. I need someone who understands both the battlefield and the intricacies of command to liaise between R&D and our operational units."

Brandt nodded slowly as he processed Vincent's words. "I see. You'll want progress updates, operational assessments, and coordination to ensure new technologies are field-ready." "Exactly," Vincent replied. "This is a pivotal shift for us. If we are to counter magical threats effectively, every new piece of technology must be integrated seamlessly into our tactics and strategies. You will be my eyes and ears within the department. Ensure they stay on task, and that what they develop is both practical and effective for our forces."

Vincent was shocked momentarily to see that there are roles in magic. He haven't seen those titles before. Could it be from leveling up? The higher the level, the higher the caliber of personnel the system could provide. Vincent had reached new thresholds in the system, unlocking access to specialists who could handle the complexities of magic. He quickly regained his composure, realizing the potential this held for their operations. With these experts, they had a real chance at countering the magical threats that had been plaguing their

forces.

He focused on Professor Linnaea Fairweather's profile first. Her expertise in merging technology with magic made her a prime candidate to lead the R&D department. If anyone could bridge the gap between their technology and the mystical defenses of their enemies, it

would be her.

[Summon Professor Linnaea Fairweather?]

[Cost: 20,000 gold coins.]

"Confirm," Vincent commanded mentally.

A bright light filled his office briefly, and in an instant, a magic circle appeared on the ground glowing with an intricate array of runes and symbols. Within moments, Professor Linnaea Fairweather materialized in the center of the circle. She was tall, with an air of confidence that came from years of expertise. Her eyes immediately swept across the room, taking in her surroundings before locking onto Vincent.

"Professor Fairweather," Vincent began, standing up from his desk, "you have been summoned to lead our newly established R&D department. Your mission is clear: develop technologies and strategies capable of countering magical threats. Our conventional weapons have proven insufficient against the enemy's magical defenses."

She nodded, her expression serious. "I understand the task at hand, Commander. We will need to assess the magical threats in detail to devise effective countermeasures. I assume I have full access to all resources and personnel required?"

"You do," Vincent confirmed. "You'll be working alongside specialists I am summoning shortly. Colonel Brandt will oversee the integration of your department's work with our current forces. Your priority is to find vulnerabilities in enemy magic and exploit them."

"Very well," she replied.

Vincent gestured towards the door. "Sector 7 has been prepared for your operations. Start by conducting a thorough analysis of our recent encounters with enemy magic. Identify patterns, weaknesses, and potential points of exploitation. We'll need results quickly."

Professor Fairweather gave a brief nod of acknowledgment before making her way out of the office. As she departed, Vincent turned his focus back to the system interface. He needed to complete the team that would form the core of this new department. Next on his list was Dr. Elias Hawke, the weapons engineer known for his innovative designs and ability to integrate

new technologies into existing arsenals.

[Summon Dr. Elias Hawke?]

[Cost: 15,000 gold coins.]

"Confirm," Vincent commanded.

Another bright light filled the office, and soon a figure emerged from the magic circle. Dr.

Elias Hawke stood before Vincent, a man of medium build with sharp eyes that hinted at a relentless curiosity and drive.

And the summoning process went on and on.