The Genius System-Chapter 64: The return to calm

Note 2 : More gifts for more chapters

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Several weeks later, the world had resumed its course. True, Mr. X’s conference had caused a stir, fueling countless debates in academic and technological circles, but, like any media storm, it eventually faded. Those who hadn’t attended the event were skeptical, dismissing Lassen’s revelations as an elaborate hoax. Those who had been there remained captivated by the implications, unable to find any flaw in the theories presented.

Meanwhile, Lassen lived quietly—or as quietly as someone like him could. Sitting on the couch in his villa, he flipped idly through an old novel, one of those he had recovered thanks to the system. The winter sunlight streamed through the large bay windows, bathing the room in a soft golden glow.

In his mind, the system’s voice suddenly resonated, breaking the silence.

[You know, you’re unusually calm today. No sudden strokes of genius, no world domination plans. Everything alright?]

Lassen raised an eyebrow, amused "You say that as if I’m hyperactive. I’m a simple man. I read my novels, drink my coffee, and occasionally revolutionize mathematics. Nothing extraordinary."

[Oh yes, very simple. Like a lion napping under a tree after hunting the entire savanna]

A smirk appeared on Lassen’s lips. "And what about you? I suppose you’re busy spying on my next enemies or calculating how to keep me from being exposed"

[Obviously. I can’t afford to let you play alone. You might hurt yourself]

Lassen set the book down on the coffee table and stretched leisurely "You know, sometimes I wonder if you’re here to help me or just to drive me insane"

The system pretended to think, its voice laced with irony.

[Honestly? Both sound equally entertaining]

A burst of laughter escaped Lassen. This was their usual dynamic: the system playing the role of the sarcastic shadow, and Lassen embodying the nonchalant genius.

The rest of the day passed without incident. True to his habits, Lassen settled on the couch in his spacious living room. The room was bathed in a soft, subdued light as the setting sun filtered through the large bay windows. A novel rested on his lap. He turned a page slowly, his eyes scanning the words, though his mind seemed elsewhere.

From time to time, he lifted his head, distracted by a fleeting thought, before diving back into his reading.

A few piles of books were scattered around him.

Occasionally, notifications from the system chimed—invitations to prestigious conferences, collaboration requests from prominent figures in science and industry. All of them stacked neatly in his inbox, carefully categorized but left unread. Lassen didn’t open a single one, merely allowing a small smile to cross his lips whenever a particularly desperate request arrived.

"Another misunderstood genius trying to recruit me to their team. Charming" Lassen murmured with a flicker of amusement.

[You truly are a beacon in this dark world. Your humility is as legendary as your talents… Wait, but you have no talent] the system quipped sarcastically in his mind.

"You’ve seen the messages?" Lassen replied, smirking.

[I’ve mostly noticed that you carefully ignore everyone who could make your life a little more interesting. Are you sure you’re not secretly antisocial?]

Lassen burst out laughing "I’m selective, there’s a difference."

[Selective? Funny, that sounds a lot like systematic rejection]

The system paused for a moment before adding [Well, as long as Alex handles it all, we’re fine. That poor man is a saint]

Lassen didn’t respond, but his smile lingered for a moment, a sign of shared amusement.

By dinner time, the calm of the villa was interrupted by a familiar sound: the door opening without a knock. Adrian walked in, his steps confident and his demeanor casual, a takeout box in one hand and his phone in the other.

"You know, one day I’m going to start billing you for these deliveries" he joked, setting the box down on the kitchen counter. The spicy aroma of the food quickly filled the room, bringing a welcome warmth.

Lassen looked up from his screen and stretched as he stood "You could at least pretend you’re doing this out of kindness " he said, approaching.

Adrian shrugged as he opened the box "Kindness? For you? Keep dreaming" he shot back with a smirk.

Lassen sank into a chair, observing his subordinate with quiet curiosity. Adrian always seemed in motion, as if staying still was an impossible task for him. He grabbed a piece of bread, casually handing one to Lassen without ceremony.

"Hope you’re hungry. You’ve spent the whole day reading again, haven’t you?" Adrian asked, picking up a piece of chicken.

Lassen raised an eyebrow "And if I have? Is that a crime?"

"No, but it’s concerning" Adrian replied with a grin "How can someone like you seem so relaxed while juggling things that go beyond the understanding of mere mortals? Seriously, it baffles me"

"Maybe because I’m good at what I do" Lassen said, grabbing a bite with nonchalance, his tone both teasing and enigmatic.

Adrian shook his head, laughing softly "Yeah, stop pretending. You’re good at acting like you’re doing the work when the system does everything for you"

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[Finally, someone who understands me...] the system quipped.

Lassen almost choked laughing but settled for a smile "I’m just a simple man with simple passions"

"So simple you probably have a plan to change the world again" Adrian replied sarcastically.

"That depends on what the hero in the next novel I’m reading decides to do" Lassen said with a shrug.

The two men continued their meal in a relaxed atmosphere, punctuated by jokes and lighthearted remarks. They seemed more like old friends than a master and his subordinate.

Adrian had this unique talent for bringing Lassen back to a semblance of normalcy, even if that normalcy was nothing more than an illusion.

As evening fell, Adrian stretched in his chair, visibly ready to leave the room. But before he could move any further, the distinct sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway leading to the kitchen. A few seconds later, Alex appeared, dressed in his usual suit, with near-surgical precision, as if he had just stepped out of a business meeting. A faint scent of sophisticated cologne accompanied him, cutting through the relaxed atmosphere of the apartment.

"So, you’re eating without me?" Alex said, his tone somewhere between reproach and teasing.

Adrian, leaning back on his chair, raised an eyebrow, an amused smile on his face "You live here, Alex. You can help yourself whenever you want. No need for a special invitation"

Alex rolled his eyes, placing a folder he was holding on the kitchen counter before heading to the refrigerator. He pulled out a bottle of sparkling water, which he opened with unnerving ease.

"I come bearing news" he said, taking a sip, his gaze shifting from Lassen to Adrian before settling on the former "Important ones this time"

Lassen, still seated on the couch, turned his head in his direction, visibly intrigued "I’m listening."

Alex set down his glass and crossed his arms, adopting a more formal posture. "We’re ready"

The silence that followed was barely broken by the sound of the bottle cap rolling across the counter. Adrian straightened slightly, and Lassen tilted his head to the side, his expression hardening as his mind shifted into analytical mode.

"Ready for what?" Lassen asked, his tone calm but tinged with curiosity.

Alex rolled his eyes, annoyed by the redundant question "For the VR headset. The fully immersive one. We can start mass production as soon as you give the green light."

He paused before adding "And before you ask: yes, everything is already in motion. Macro has finalized production of the first batches of Nova 1 processors, and they’re on their way to our partner factories. The teams on-site have already prepped the assembly lines. Once we’ve cleared the final round of tests, the units will be rolling out in record time."

Alex rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed by the redundant question "For the VR headset. The fully immersive one. We can begin mass production as soon as you give the green light."

He paused before adding "And before you ask: yes, everything is already in motion. After finalizing the agreement with Russia and the Chinese, Macro has completed the production of the first batches of Nova 1 processors, and they’re already en route to our partner factories. The teams on site have prepped the assembly lines. Once we approve the final round of tests, units will roll out at record speed."

Adrian let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair "Impressive. You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?"

Alex shot him a pointed look "Do you really think I’d come here unprepared? You know how Lassen is about loose ends."

Lassen’s faint grin deepened as he leaned back on the couch "Finally, I can actually play the games I’ve created" he said, his voice a mix of amusement and anticipation.

[Oh, yes, of course, you created them] the system interjected sarcastically, its voice dripping with mockery.

Lassen’s grin didn’t waver "Even if I didn’t do all the heavy lifting, it’s still my vision. That counts for something"

[If you say so] the system retorted, its tone exasperated yet playful.