Mage Adam

Adam was about to turn basic communicators into smart communicators and even add smart computer chips, making them high-end products. In this case, the industrial base would just be background noise---something anyone could manage. 

This meant the Rex Consortium wouldn\'t be as critical anymore, and Adam didn\'t need to give them such a large share that would cut into his own profits.

The Rex Consortium had done well, and Adam knew pushing them aside like this might seem ungrateful. However, business is business, and letting personal feelings get involved would only invite trouble.

When Mordo heard about the completely new product, he had a feeling about what Adam was going to say. He sat up straight and said, "Go on."

Adam explained, "The research direction is clear. I can basically finish it on my own. The new product will have a core, and the external parts won\'t matter as much. That means the current profit-sharing model no longer works." 

Adam wasn\'t exaggerating. The toughest parts of the new communicator would be the processor and the operating system. Adam felt sure he could write the operating system himself, and for the processor, he believed the Original Flames could handle it.

"What are you suggesting?" Mordo asked.

"There are two options," Adam said bluntly. "First, we redistribute the shares. Second, I leave and go independent." 

Adam wasn\'t holding back, and he didn\'t need to. As long as he had the knowledge, he could always find partners to create wealth together.

Even if no one believed in the project, it didn\'t matter---his personal income was enough to fund it. He was sure that once the product was made, it would be quickly accepted by the mages.

Besides, things had changed. Adam had reached level four and was preparing to advance further. As a mage of the Tower, it didn\'t make sense for him to stay tied to a consortium. If he really needed a partner, the Tower would be the best choice.

Mordo and Victor exchanged a glance and stayed quiet for a moment. They had seen this coming. As Adam\'s power grew, the roles of Mordo Tower and the Rex Consortium in this industry would shrink---after all, the intellectual property belonged to Adam, and their contract was set to end in a few years.

If Adam were still weak, the consortium\'s influence and ability to promote the product would be valuable. They just hadn\'t expected Adam\'s strength and authority to rise so fast. Even if he pulled out now, many others would still be eager to work with him.

Mordo struggled to speak, but Victor didn\'t hold back. "You know, the Tower Master is part of the consortium. Even though the deal is between you and Mordo Tower, much of the Tower Masters\' shares have already been given up. Over the years, the Tower Master\'s influence has grown a bit, but it\'s still not enough to control the whole consortium. Getting them to give up their shares and redistribute them would be really tough."

Victor said it would be tough, but everyone knew it was almost impossible---no one willingly gives up what they already have.

Victor continued, "We have a lot of faith in your research skills, and we\'re sure you can create a better communicator. But not everyone will see it that way. Plus, the current communicator\'s sales are rising every day, and the profits are already significant."

Adam stayed quiet, as he had already made up his mind. He wasn\'t going to change his decision over reasons that didn\'t concern him. The ball was in Mordo Tower and the Rex Consortium\'s court.

Mordo spoke up, "There are still three years left on the contract. I\'ll share your thoughts with the other transdimensional mages in the consortium, but honestly, I think the chances of them agreeing are slim."

Adam nodded and stood up, seeing no point in dragging the conversation out. It was clear that this decision wasn\'t Mordo\'s alone. 

In fact, Adam had another idea---Mordo Tower could bypass the consortium and work directly with him. It might cause them some short-term losses, but in the long run, the benefits would far outweigh what they were making now.

Even if Mordo Tower didn\'t choose to trust him, Adam was willing to grant them licensing rights for his earlier patents. That would still provide a steady income. He wasn\'t worried about the older communicators competing with the new ones---he knew how quickly basic phones became obsolete once smartphones took over on Earth.

As Victor walked Adam to the door, he sighed and said, "We don\'t have much choice. You\'re a mage of the Tower, but we\'re different. We need to stick together to secure more resources. Without a guarantee, no one would risk leaving the group."

Adam asked a question that had been on his mind for a while, "Why didn\'t you join the Tower?"

Victor shrugged and gave a simple answer, "For freedom."

"But I\'ve never felt restricted in my freedom," Adam replied, confused.

"That\'s because you\'re an Explorer, and a genius. The Tower treats mages like you differently. For most ordinary mages, you have to give something before you can get something, and that doesn\'t always feel good."

Adam couldn\'t fully grasp it, but he understood that people had different goals in life.

He personally enjoyed the missions the Tower offered, especially the plane conquests where he encountered different races and civilizations. For him, that was the real purpose of gaining strength. What was the point of transcendent power if all you wanted was peace and freedom?

They walked in silence until they reached the door. Victor patted Adam on the shoulder and said, "No matter what happens, we\'ll always be thankful for what you\'ve shared with us. I hope your decision doesn\'t affect our friendship."

Adam nodded. "Don\'t worry, sir."

The respectful word of "sir" made Adam\'s willingness clear. Victor smiled, feeling reassured. Just as he was about to leave, something came to mind. "I remember, back at the academy, you were close with Elliot, right? He\'s in Meyer City now. I think he\'d be happy to see you."

Hearing Elliot\'s name brought a smile to Adam\'s face. To be honest, Elliot was his only real friend. 

Adam quickly asked, "Where is he? How can I reach him?"

Victor handed Adam a number. "That\'s his communicator number. He\'s staying with Mage Rex, getting ready for the war trials."