127. The Next Step

One Month Later — Earth, Bald Eagle Nation

One month had passed since Pioneers from various nations had begun being directed to search for Vanadium on Savannah Island.

In one of Bald Eagle Nation’s industrial districts, a production facility that had previously been nothing more than a building surrounded by machinery was now beginning operations.

The sound of machinery echoed from inside the building.

Along one of the production lines, newly arrived Vanadium material was being processed together with other components. Production was still small. Even compared to market demand, the amount being produced remained extremely limited.

However, they had already proven one thing.

They could make it.

A government staff member stood in front of a screen displaying the production report.

“Initial production is underway.”

President Ethan, who was in the room, looked at the figures displayed.

“What’s the capacity?”

“Still small. Far below Garuda’s production capacity.”

Ethan nodded.

“That’s fine. The important thing is that we have the product.”

The staff member then displayed another report.

“Vanadium supplies are also beginning to stabilize. Our Pioneers have successfully shipped raw materials from the Pioneer world. Several allied nations have also begun helping.”

“Good.”

Ethan walked toward the screen. It displayed data showing Vanadium shipments continuing to increase over time.

At first, they had only had a sample. Then they successfully reverse-engineered it. After that, their biggest problem had been the raw material.

Now that problem was also beginning to be resolved. Although the supply was still insufficient for mass production due to the Mechanical Ankylosauruses, the foundation of their industry had already been established.

“If our production is still small, don’t force the volume immediately,” Ethan said. “Improve the quality and efficiency first.”

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“Yes, Mr. President.”

Ethan then looked at the market report.

Garuda’s Vanadium batteries had begun gaining a foothold in the international market. Several companies from neutral nations had even begun trading with Garuda again after its economic situation improved.

Ethan did not look pleased by the development.

“We’re already one step behind.”

He fell silent for a moment.

“Don’t let it become two.”

The staff member beside him understood what he meant.

“What’s the next target?”

Ethan nodded.

“We expand.”

He pointed toward the production report.

“We don’t need to be merely a raw-material supplier. We need a product that can compete directly with Garuda’s.”

“Vanadium batteries?”

“Yes.”

Ethan stared at the screen displaying the logo of Bald Eagle’s energy industry.

“If Garuda can sell Vanadium batteries to the world, so will we.”

He then added,

“Develop a competing product. Find companies that can become production and distribution partners. Don’t rely solely on the domestic market.”

The staff member immediately began taking notes.

“That way, we can start taking their market share.”

Ethan nodded.

“Not just taking it. We need to show that Garuda isn’t the only nation capable of producing this technology.”

Pioneer World — Night

One month later, night had fallen over the Pioneer world.

On a private island, the light from several lamps illuminated the open area near Rangga’s residence.

That night should have been no different from any other.

However, some time earlier, Rangga had sent a message to all the Garuda Pioneers.

His message was brief.

Rangga:

Come to my island tonight, everyone. There’s something I want to tell you.

There was no further explanation, but that was precisely why the Garuda group immediately became lively.

Andre:

What is it?

Fajar:

Did you find some new technology again?

Rian:

Why does everyone have to come?

Rangga didn't answer, and Siska even sent him a private message.

Bang, what is it?

Still no answer.

Eventually, one by one, ships began arriving.

Fajar arrived first with several other Pioneers. Andre followed. Rian and several other Garuda members soon began filling the area as well.

Not long afterward, Siska arrived and stepped off her ship, looking around.

“Where is he?”

Andre pointed toward the house.

“He’s the one who invited us. He should be the one greeting us.”

Fajar laughed.

“Maybe he forgot about it himself.”

“Could be.”

Several people began sitting down and chatting while they waited. Deri eventually arrived as well.

Seeing how many people had gathered, he furrowed his brow.

“Rangga hasn't explained anything yet?”

“Not yet, Mayor,” Andre replied.

Deri let out a small sigh.

“Then let's wait.”

A few minutes later, the door to Rangga’s house opened, and Rangga stepped outside. He paused for a moment when he saw that nearly everyone he had invited had gathered.

His eyes swept across the crowd.

“Wow... you guys actually all came.”

Andre immediately called out.

“Of course! You said everyone should come!”

“I thought some people might be too lazy.”

Fajar called out from the back.

“You’re the one who made us curious, Bang.”

Rangga chuckled.

“Yeah, yeah.”

He walked toward the center of the crowd. The atmosphere gradually became quieter, and Siska crossed her arms over her chest.

“So, what did you actually want to tell us?”

Rangga didn't answer immediately. He simply smiled.

“Relax.”

Then he looked at all the Garuda Pioneers gathered on his private island that night.

“There’s something I want to tell you guys.”

Several people immediately exchanged glances, and Andre raised an eyebrow.

“What?”

Rangga was still smiling.

“That’s why I told everyone to come.”

That night, everyone's attention finally turned toward him.