Lassen delicately adjusted the VR headset on his head, his eyes widening at the vast digital world unfolding before him. The landscapes, majestic and lifelike, seemed almost alive. Every detail, from the shifting shadows to the rustling of the wind through virtual trees, spoke of an unsettling perfection. When he finally removed the headset, a satisfied smile crossed his face.

    — "Impressive. System, this is even better than I imagined."

    [I live to exceed your expectations, Host] the system replied with its usual sarcasm.

    Lassen placed the headset back on the table and stretched in his armchair.

    — "Alright, now that it''s ready, let''s make more of these headsets for the players. Send me a hundred of them."

    [Host, I''m afraid that''s not possible] the system responded after a calculated pause. [I can design a perfect prototype for you, but mass production is an entirely different matter.]

    Lassen frowned.

    — "Why not? Don''t tell me that you, with all your capabilities, can''t make a few gadgets."

    [Creating a unique item, yes. But producing thousands of units requires material resources, assembly lines, supply chains, and, worse yet, interaction with humans. I am an artificial intelligence, not a factory.]

    Lassen rolled his eyes.

    — "Great. So, what''s the solution?"

    [You''ll need to find an industrial partner capable of producing these headsets in large quantities.]

    Lassen let out a deep sigh, casting a bored glance at the ceiling.

    — "And I suppose you want me to leave my den to find this factory?"

    He reread the message, pondering. Despite his initial frustration, he couldn''t deny the fascination he felt for Mister X. This man, with his arrogance and genius, had already proven to be a force not to be underestimated.

    The director rose from his desk, grabbed his coat, and prepared to leave. As he exited his office, he addressed his deputy.

    — "I need to step out for an urgent matter. Handle the reports while I''m gone."

    Approaching the main entrance, he noticed the sleek black car parked outside. Adrian, impeccably dressed, waited by the door. Without a word, the director got into the car.

    — "No hints about what your master wants this time?" the director asked with a hint of sarcasm.

    Adrian responded with a faint smile.

    — "You know how he is. You''ll find out soon enough."

    The ride was silent, the director trying to anticipate what Mister X might want this time. When they arrived at Lassen''s villa, he took a deep breath, mentally preparing for another exasperating yet intriguing discussion with this extraordinary man.

    — "Alright, let''s see what he''s up to this time," he muttered as he stepped out of the car.

    The door opened, and Adrian invited him inside. Entering Lassen''s office, he found the man lounging nonchalantly in his armchair, a novel in hand.

    — "There you are at last," Lassen said without even looking up.

    The director let out a deep sigh.

    — "You have a talent for making every meeting... unforgettable. So, what brings me here this time?"

    Lassen closed his book with a sly grin.

    — "A revolutionary idea, of course. But first, sit down. We have much to discuss."