Mage Adam

Adam had his sights set on pushing the development of the communicator. It wasn't the only reason he returned, but it was definitely one of the big ones.

But he wasn't interested in making the communicator a simple phone-like device from Earth. That kind of tech could easily lead to people getting hooked on it, and he wasn't trying to create a bunch of tech addicts. 

Sure, some mages might find the entertainment side appealing, but they had enough discipline to not let it consume them.

No, Adam had bigger plans. He saw the communicator as a stepping stone to more advanced and impactful technology.

Like smart chips, for example.

Or even better---an all-purpose artificial intelligence system.

These weren't just daydreams either. The Mage World had the industrial backbone to support projects like chips and AI. The only reason it hadn't happened yet was because no one had ever thought to move in that direction.

But Adam wasn't like the others. He was once a supercomputer, after all. Now that he had the means, he couldn't wait to see how introducing chips and intelligent systems would reshape the Mage World.

The idea of changing an already powerful world was a challenge that thrilled him. Watching it evolve, knowing his work played a role, was what drove him.

Victor shared in that excitement. It wasn't just him, though. Everyone at Mordo Tower had been riding high for decades, including the transdimensional mages.

Adam's research projects had gained traction, and several were now hitting the market with impressive success. 

While some at the tower enjoyed the flood of Ether crystals into their accounts, most were more focused on the prestige and influence Mordo Tower was gaining across the Tower Network.

Unlike Adam, most of the mages were tied to Mordo and the transdimensional mage through long-term contracts. Barring any major surprises, they'd spend their lives at the tower, their personal growth and success directly linked to the tower's future.

Take Mordo, for instance. Once a minor player in the Rex Consortium, he was now a top contender. Meanwhile, Monte Carlo, who had always been his tough rival, couldn't keep up anymore. 

Mordo Mage Academy now boasted the widest recruitment net in the region. And the tower's mages? They were enjoying the best monthly pay around.

Even the joint lab had seen major changes. With their newfound wealth, Mordo had bought a massive plot of land in Meyer City and built an enormous factory stretching over 1.5 square kilometers.

Victor grinned as he embraced Adam. "Already a level-four mage? At this rate, you'll surpass me very soon," he said, his voice filled with emotion. 

It was hard to believe that the once frail apprentice who seemed so insignificant had now risen to stand as his equal. And Adam's last couple of missions? Huge. The latest one had even captured the attention of the entire Mage World.

Adam, ever humble, smiled softly. "I couldn't have done it without your help, and of course, the support from the Tower Master back at the academy."

Victor shook his head, brushing off the compliment as he guided Adam deeper into the factory. 

"That's nothing," he said. "Your smarts and talent made this all possible. Look at this factory, this entire industry. The Tower Master and I talk about it all the time. Who would've guessed that those projects we barely paid attention to would end up bringing in so much?"

As they walked, Adam noticed the curious stares from the apprentices they passed. They were clearly wondering who this special guest was, important enough for the dean to personally give him a tour. 

Some of the mages recognized Adam, nodding in respect as they passed by.

Victor continued, "The communicator's popularity has really taken off, especially in the Fifth Tower. Even other Towers have started placing orders."

Adam wasn't surprised. He'd already seen several of the Explorers using it.

"The communicator's gone through three rounds of upgrades since we first introduced it," Victor explained. "It's good, but everyone agrees there's room for more. We've brainstormed a few ideas, but nothing's stuck."

"What kind of ideas?" Adam asked.

"Mostly tweaks to the design or small feature additions."

Adam knew immediately that these adjustments wouldn't make a significant impact. It reminded him of the evolution from basic phones to smartphones. The game-changer wasn't just better hardware; it was the addition of processors and operating systems that transformed the way phones were used.

The same principle applies here. If the communicator was going to become essential in the Mage World, it needed a processor, an operating system, and it had to be sleeker and more user-friendly.

Victor looked at Adam with expectation. "We think you'll have the solution. That's why, when we heard you were back in the Mage World, we reached out to you right away. The Tower Master is already waiting for you inside."

Adam raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected Mordo to meet him in person. Even though he'd crossed paths with several transdimensional mages recently, Mordo still held a unique significance as the first transdimensional mage Adam had ever worked with closely.

...

Seeing Mordo again, Adam no longer felt the same overwhelming pressure he did as an apprentice. Mordo's form was now clear and distinct, not the vague, intimidating figure Adam used to perceive.

The one thing that hadn't changed was the ever-present apple in Mordo's hand. It was as if the fruit had become a permanent fixture, one that would never be completely eaten.

Despite the shift in status, Mordo seemed unfazed by Adam's rise in power. As Adam stepped into the room, Mordo stood and greeted him warmly. "Mage Adam, it's a pleasure to see you again. I believe this is our first meeting as equals."

Adam, still respectful, gave a slight bow. "The pleasure is mine, sir."

Mordo waved it off, changing the environment around them with a casual flick of his hand, and gestured for Adam to sit. "In terms of rank, we're almost on the same level here, so there's no need for formalities. The reason I asked you here is because I need your expertise."

He handed Adam a thick report. "Take a look at the data, and we'll talk."

Without hesitation, Adam flipped through the pages. He owned a 40% share of the industry, so it was only natural he should be up to speed. 

The report detailed not just market insights but also the research progress made by the mages over the last few years. Nothing in the report came as a surprise to him---the foundation was solid, but what they lacked was a spark of creativity, a fresh leap in their thinking.

After closing the report, Adam looked up at Mordo. "I have some ideas, but they involve developing a new product, something that's almost completely different from the communicator we have now. So before we go any further, there are a few things we should clear up first."