The Mech Touch novel Chapter 3660

3660 /7079

Chapter 3660 Revised Terms

Ves and the Polymath grew significantly closer over the course of their discussion.

Her acknowledgement that they were 'related' in a professional manner along with Ves proving that he was not a filthy alien lover did not put them in the same camp, but they at least had more in common.

He didn't know what Star Designers were like and never imagined that one would be so friendly and approachable.

Of course, his identity and relations were a bit special so the Polymath might find it worth it to make an extra effort this time.

As much as Ves wanted to keep chatting with this friendly Star Designer who occasionally revealed high-level news as if they were random gossip, a person of her stature didn't have all day to chat with Journeyman.

"I cannot remain present here for an extended amount of time." She stated. "Let us discuss the proposal that you have initially offered to Mr. Armalon."

Ves blinked for a moment. It took several seconds for him to recall how he attracted so much attention from the MTA to begin with. Several months went by since he last worked on the Fearless Project.

"I offered an… exchange to him, yes." He carefully said. "If the MTA approves of my attempt to arm my mechs with larger and heavier luminar crystal rifles, I agreed to… contribute to the Association by sharing one of my latest and most useful innovations."

The Polymath smiled and slightly leaned forward. "Indeed. Your sense of duty is admirable, but I presume your application is not thoroughly tested as of yet, am I correct?"

"I've used on a couple of people and they are all fine. Ketis managed to become the first Journeyman who is also a Swordmaster due to the advantage that I bestowed. I am so confident in this invention that I have even applied it to myself and my immediate family."

"Those are reckless actions, but it appears this is your standard modus operandi."

"I do not always have a choice, Your Excellency." Ves gently pushed back. "Life outside the protective umbrella of the Mech Trade Association is much more perilous. I don't have the time and luxury to take it slow. Sometimes, I am already under threat and am desperate enough to require an immediate boost of power. Many of my successful innovations have gone on to tilt the balance and allowed me to survive numerous different crises."

"I am not adminishing you, Mr. Larkinson. I am only making an observation. However, outside of emergency situations, it is better to control the risks to a greater degree. There are good reasons why proper research projects can take years, decades or even centuries to conclude. You should consider my words."

This was quite an impactful message considering its source. The Polymath was famed as a research-mad Star Designer. She branched out in so many different fields but still managed to generate a huge amount of successful advances in every discipline!

Yet Ves did not give in to her advice. Her words may be appropriate in most cases, but he was not a nerd who holed himself up in one of the most secure research institutions in human space.

He had already embarked on a grand expedition and was just about to lead his clan into untamed space. How could he possibly apply proper research methodologies when mechs and aliens were attacking him left and right?

Ves wanted to move on from this topic.

"Does the MTA approve of my companion spirits?"

"Generally, no, and not because this invention of yours is untested." She stated. "Your qualifications as a psionic manipulator are highly dubious. The long-term consequences of your various creations are unknown. Rightfully speaking, it will take at least half a century of observation for us to obtain preliminary confidence in the safety of your companion spirits. Even then, we will never put our full trust in them if we are not able to break them down and reverse engineer their principles."

This was not good news to Ves. "This is the same way you treat alien technology like luminar crystal technology."

"Indeed." The Star Designer nodded. "I hope you can see the parallels here. The only technology that humanity is allowed to use in a widespread manner is technology that is fully understood and replicable."

"Doesn't that mean that innovations like mine can still be used at a smaller scale, Your Excellency? I mean, I understand why your Association holds this stance. You don't want alien technology to be used as a trojan horse for hostile entities. However, it should be fine if we only keep companion spirits to ourselves and maybe a few other people, right?"

"You are correct. We have held extensive discussions on this matter. To be honest, if Mr. Armalon himself did not indicate that he is eager to receive this augmentation, we would not allow you to apply it to any mecher. You are fortunate that he is willing to brave the risks and bear the consequences."

It sounded as if Jovy truly helped Ves out this time.

"I am grateful for his confidence in my work. I will not betray his trust."

The Polymath shook her head. "That is not enough, Mr. Larkinson. I not only need you to sign a secret contract, I also need you to make a more extensive promise to me. I do not want to leave open any possibility that you can manipulate, tamper or threaten a mech designer who may one day occupy a high position."

Her concerns were understandable. If Ves truly wanted to, he could turn the companion spirit he intended to bestow to Jovy into a trojan horse. With his spiritual engineering capabilities, he could think of several ways to accomplish this feat, hopefully without anyone growing wiser.

Ves would never do that, though. Not only would he be acting against the best interests of his clients, he also didn't screw over someone he considered a friend. Jovy had helped him out numerous times and it would be a profound betrayal if he sought to exploit the MTA Journeyman.

He just needed to convey his seriousness to the Polymath.

"I promise that if I bestow a companion spirit to Mr. Jovy Armalon, I will provide what we have agreed upon and nothing more. The companion spirit will belong solely to Mr. Armalon and I or anyone else will not possess any relations or means of spying or control with either of them. Regardless of what I can do to Jovy or his companion spirit, I will never exploit either of them to obtain confidential secrets related to the Mech Trade Association and its members in any way."