The Genius System-Chapter 56: Diplomatic Chess Games

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The press room, set up in the main wing of the royal palace, was brimming with energy. Dozens of journalists from around the world, some in formal suits and others in more casual attire, had taken their seats in front of the stage. Cameras mounted on imposing tripods scanned the room, ready to broadcast every word spoken.

Lassen watched the scene from a private screen in his office, a cup of tea in one hand and a faint smile on his lips.

[Host, the room is 96% full. Some journalists haven’t found their seats yet. Should I send them a seating chart?]

"Let them fight for seats. It’ll add a bit of entertainment before the real show starts."

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The king entered the room to measured applause. At his side, the prime minister and Elias, the designer of NOVA-1, displayed calculated calm despite the palpable pressure.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming," the king began, his voice resonating throughout the hall. "Today, we are here to clarify our position regarding recent events and officially present the technology that has sparked so much debate."

With a wave of his hand, he invited Elias to step forward. Elias activated a projector, revealing an animated model of the NOVA-1 processor floating above the stage. Murmurs immediately spread through the room.

Elias spoke:

"The NOVA-1 is not just a processor. It’s a complete redefinition of what it means to process information. With its modular structure and optical integration capabilities, it can perform complex calculations at speeds never before achieved."

Three-dimensional schematics illustrated how the circuits used light beams to transfer data, virtually eliminating the heat generated by traditional processors.

"In other words," Elias added, "we’ve eliminated energy bottlenecks and opened the door to truly scalable computing."

A journalist raised his hand.

"James Carter, TechWorld. You claim to have bypassed the limits of thermal and electrical conductivity. Can you explain how you overcame challenges that even the largest companies have failed to address?"

Elias smiled.

"Our materials are engineered from a nanotechnological structure that optimizes energy flow at an atomic scale. Without diving too deep into technical specifics, let’s just say our research into superconductors has achieved results that were deemed impossible just a few years ago."

Another journalist, this time from the Financial Times, spoke up.

"How do you ensure this processor won’t be used for military purposes? With such performance, it could easily be repurposed for autonomous weapons or massive surveillance systems."

The prime minister responded in a calm tone.

"Macro is committed to regulating the use of this technology. We have implemented strict protocols to limit its application to civilian and scientific uses. Any attempt to militarize it will be treated as a severe violation of our international agreements."

Another journalist raised her hand.

"Linda Clarke, BBC. The Chinese and Russian delegations have been in Macro for several days. Can you tell us what role they played in the discussions about NOVA-1?"

The prime minister responded immediately.

"We have had frank and productive discussions with our Chinese and Russian partners. The goal was to explore collaboration opportunities while protecting our technological sovereignty. We proposed limited production licenses in exchange for investments and diplomatic guarantees."

A journalist from Bloomberg stood up, holding a notebook filled with notes.

"Michael Reeves, Bloomberg. If you’re limiting production and keeping this technology under strict control, how do you respond to accusations that Macro is trying to monopolize a global innovation?"

The Prime Minister responded without hesitation.

"This is not a monopoly. It’s a necessary protection. This technology could be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. Our priority is to ensure responsible use. We are open to partnerships, but not to the uncontrolled dissemination of our expertise."

A French journalist spoke next.

"Isabelle Durant, Le Monde. Have you considered forming alliances with other smaller nations to share this technology and counter the pressure from superpowers?"

The King replied with a measured smile.

"We are considering all options. However, any alliance will be based on shared values and mutual respect, not fear or coercion."

A journalist from Al Jazeera raised his hand.

"Karim Haddad, Al Jazeera. With growing regional tensions, some voices suggest Macro could become a center for technological espionage. How do you respond to such accusations?"

The Prime Minister shrugged slightly.

"These are speculations. Macro has never aimed to become a clandestine player. We innovate for progress, not for manipulation or surveillance."

The journalist pressed further.

"Were there any major disagreements during these negotiations?"

"Of course. That’s inevitable in talks of this scale. Each nation has its interests, and we have ours. What’s important is that these disagreements were handled in a spirit of mutual respect."

Another journalist, this time from The New York Times, spoke up.

"How do you respond to critics who claim Macro risks becoming too dependent on China or Russia through these agreements?"

The king spoke for the first time since the questioning began.

"Macro is not looking to become dependent on anyone. Our agreements are designed to preserve our independence while enabling strategic collaborations. We’ve imposed clear conditions and negotiated from a position of strength. We remain the masters of our technology."

The tone grew more tense when a journalist from CNN raised his hand.

"Jonathan Miller, CNN. The United States has announced new sanctions against any company or nation collaborating with Macro. Do you believe these measures could economically isolate your country?"

The prime minister smiled slightly.

"Macro is not alone in this fight. We have partners ready to invest and work with us despite the threats. Moreover, we have taken steps to strengthen our economic resilience against any attempts at isolation."

A German journalist spoke next.

"Clara Weiss, Der Spiegel. If U.S. sanctions intensify, isn’t Macro at risk of losing access to Western markets? Can your technology survive without their support?"

The Prime Minister smiled slightly.

"We anticipated this scenario. NOVA-1 was not designed to rely on existing infrastructures. Our supply chain is being diversified to reduce this vulnerability."

A Korean journalist raised his hand.

"Min-Soo Park, Korea Times. Have you received offers to purchase NOVA-1, and are you considering selling this technology directly to private companies?"

The King responded.

"We have received numerous offers, some exceeding expectations. But NOVA-1 is not a consumer product. It is a strategic breakthrough, and it will be treated as such."

A Canadian journalist added.

"David Hughes, CBC. You mentioned strict controls to prevent militarization. But how can you guarantee that one of your partners won’t exploit this technology for military purposes?"

The Prime Minister replied calmly.

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"Every signed agreement will include strict monitoring and transparency clauses. Any violation will result in severe penalties and the cancellation of partnerships."

Another American journalist stood up abruptly.

"Eric Monroe, Fox News. Are you saying that Macro is prepared to defy global superpowers if they demand full access to this technology?"

The King stared at the journalist before answering.

"We are not challenging anyone. But we won’t surrender either. If defending our independence is seen as a challenge, then yes, we are ready to face it."

A European journalist followed up.

"Do you think the sanctions could escalate to military actions? Some analysts warn of an increased risk of conflict."

The king responded again, his voice calm but firm.

"We hope diplomacy will prevail. However, we are not naive. We have strengthened our defense capabilities and received offers of strategic support. Macro is prepared to defend itself, but we will always prioritize negotiation and cooperation."

Murmurs resumed in the room. Some journalists exchanged skeptical glances, while others typed furiously on their laptops to broadcast the responses live.

Meanwhile, Zhao Liang and Dmitri Ivanov, still present in the room, watched attentively. Zhao whispered to his advisor:

"They’re holding their ground, but they know they can’t stand alone forever."

Ivanov smirked slightly.

"Maybe, but they’ve shown they won’t fold easily. This king is more cunning than we thought."

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Back in his office, Lassen raised his teacup.

[Host, global reactions are divided. Some are calling it a technological miracle, others a threat.]

"Obviously. Nothing new under the sun."

[An expert just said you might be the next Einstein—or the next technological dictator.]

"I prefer ’misunderstood genius’." Lassen set down his cup and smirked. "Keep analyzing. This is just the beginning."

---

A few days later, Lassen sprawled on his couch, a book open on his lap and a cup of cold tea on the coffee table. Holographic screens projected reports on the press conference, international reactions, and the latest analyses of the negotiations. Despite the alerts and notifications, he deliberately ignored them.

The system broke the silence.

[Host, you should at least look at the economic forecasts. They’re... interesting.]

Lassen raised an eyebrow but didn’t look away from his book.

"Interesting how?"

[Interesting like a car with no brakes speeding toward a cliff.]

Lassen slowly closed his book and set it aside.

"Is this your way of motivating me to look at the reports?"

[I prefer to call it a realistic evaluation.]

"And I prefer to call it pessimism. They’re not doing anything yet. Not after that press conference."

[Or maybe they’re already planning something worse. You should at least pretend to care.]

"You’re supposed to worry for me. I’m supposed to stay calm."

Despite the humor, tension lingered. Lassen knew the coming days would be decisive. But for now, he could savor a moment of calm before the storm.