Bab 49: Access to the Magical World
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"Little guy, be quiet," Ivan transmitted directly to the young star whale's mind using his mental power.
This was the moment when Ivan's mental power communication with the creature came to fruition. The young star whale perceived the message in its mind, though it couldn't comprehend it, it understood the intent. The roaring ceased, and the creature turned its gaze towards Ivan.
Even in its infancy, the Star whale displayed an unexplainable fondness for Ivan. It stared at him with an inexplicable intimacy.
Although the young Star whale was just born, its several hundred meters in size made it a colossal entity. In comparison, it was minuscule compared to Ivan, not even the size of one of his eyes. However, despite its imposing size, the star whale exhibited childlike behaviors, blinking its large, endearing eyes. Its body remained unsteady, and it appeared content as if it wanted to offer Ivan a bow.
Ivan couldn't help but feel speechless about the creature's actions. While its actions were cute, the proportion between its size and behavior was rather incongruous. If it continued such actions, it would exhaust Ivan. Ivan signaled for it to stop.
Ivan had studied information aboard the spaceship and had some knowledge about star whales. While they were still in their egg stage, they absorbed light, accumulating energy. In a few decades, their growth could reach lengths exceeding 10,000 meters. Thereafter, their growth rate slowed, marking their juvenile stage. During their magical year, star whales would absorb energy from light once more, a process that spanned tens of thousands of years. Once they reached a limit, they underwent a second phase of growth, entering the mature stage. At this point, their tails could extend to over 20,000 meters. Following this, they remained in this state for an extended period, potentially hundreds of thousands or even millions of years, until they shifted from prosperity to decline, entering the twilight of their lives.
While Ivan possessed the ability to absorb energy, allowing him to extend his lifespan, he doubted whether he could survive for tens of thousands of years. Consequently, he might not witness the transition of a star whale to maturity in his lifetime.
Under Ivan's guidance, the young star whale engaged in various actions, displaying great enthusiasm and curiosity, typical of a newly born creature. It surveyed the surroundings, floating and slowly swimming, instinctively controlling gravity within its vicinity.
During this exploration, the young star whale seemed to detect something, causing its body to sway. Ivan's potent mental power instantly discerned a shift in the magnetic field on the young star whale, which resulted in the thickening of the fog enveloping Skull Island.
Intrigued, Ivan sought to understand the reason for this change. Since Star whales used light as their energy source and the island was originally shrouded in fog, blocking sunlight, the intensified fog raised questions. Did the young star whale dislike the sun?
Ivan soon grasped the situation. Under his mental power's influence, he recognized that the mist was different; rather than blocking sunlight, it actively absorbed it. After filtering, it transformed into pure light energy, which it provided to the star whale. This revelation left Ivan pleasantly surprised.
The Star whale's abilities didn't end there. It had an additional surprise in store. Suddenly, the Red Queen's voice reached Ivan's ears. "Dr. Ivan, there has been a recent change in the foggy area. I couldn't detect it. Previously, the fog displayed a chameleon-like camouflage effect. If it weren't for our special connection, I wouldn't have been able to locate your whereabouts."
Ivan exhibited a look of astonishment. The spacecraft was equipped with advanced technology, functioning as a super satellite. If it couldn't locate Skull Island, then the satellites developed by various countries on Earth in the future would likely be ineffective. This ensured the secrecy of Skull Island. Furthermore, as the star whale matured, it could potentially tow Skull Island, transforming it into a stealthy super aircraft carrier.
Ivan recognized the significance of the Star whale. Over the next six months, he divided his time between Skull Island, where he interacted with the young star whale, and the occasional visit to his father. Notably, Ivan transported the unborn child, still in the fetal stage and reliant on a cultivation tank, to the island for ease of care.
By this time, the Skull Island base had been established robustly, with formidable defenses in place. Advanced weapons and a laser cannon were incorporated into the base's infrastructure, and the laser cannon was installed on a high tower within the base. Moreover, Ivan instructed the Red Queen to create a sub-program for complete control over the base.
Ivan's efforts were bearing fruit. After half a year of communication and training, the young Star whale had grown obedient to Ivan's commands, allowing him to orchestrate various actions. Ivan found immense satisfaction in the experience, recognizing his talent as an excellent animal trainer.
One day, Kerry arrived on the island to report to Ivan, who had been playing the role of an idle shopkeeper, choosing to remain on the island and forego external travels. Kerry was well aware of the Red Devil's ability to transport Ivan, ensuring his safety on the island, so Kerry himself didn't have to endure strenuous journeys.
During their conversation:
"Master Ivan, the procurement of Vibranium in Wakanda is proceeding smoothly. We've established initial trust, but the King of Wakanda recently made a request, hoping to obtain some technology from us."
Ivan responded cheerfully, "Ah, it seems the king is quite astute. That's excellent; I appreciate collaborating with intelligent individuals. I agree to his request."
Kerry, however, was somewhat reluctant. "Master, why did you agree so readily? Shouldn't we take advantage of this situation to gain an upper hand? If we show them the benefits, they may make further concessions in the future, giving us more control."
Ivan posed a counter-question: "Why should we control them? We are entering into a partnership, a trade. Naturally, it should be based on principles of fairness and equity. They are mining Vibranium and exchanging it with us for what they need, which is entirely reasonable."
"But Vibranium, and metals like it, are of paramount importance. You understand their significance, and they can be considered strategic materials. Are you comfortable allowing them to remain in the hands of less advanced countries like Wakanda? It might be more prudent to seize control directly."
Ivan sighed, recognizing that while Kerry was intelligent, he couldn't grasp the bigger picture. Kerry's perspective was limited because he was immersed in the game.
"You know the unique properties of this metal, which implies that other countries will eventually recognize its value. If we forcibly take control of Wakanda, it will inevitably lead to the early exposure of Vibranium, increasing its appeal and drawing powerful nations to interfere by force. Do you believe we can handle an international conflict?"
Kerry conceded, "No, we can't."
At this point, Kerry also recognized his mistake. In reality, Ivan's approach was the most rational one. He had already initiated trade with Wakanda and established a foundation of trust. As long as this trust was maintained, a continuous supply of Vibranium, or "shock gold," was ensured. For Ivan, any issue that could be resolved with money wasn't a real problem.
"They want certain technologies, so we can use this to exchange for more Vibranium," Ivan added. "Even without our involvement, Wakanda could negotiate with other parties. Don't underestimate them just because they may appear technologically backward; they hold a substantial wealth resource in Vibranium. With Vibranium, they will inevitably become one of the most developed nations."
Kerry fully comprehended the situation now. Previously, he had oversimplified things, fixating on immediate gains and neglecting to consider the consequences. He almost jeopardized the entire endeavor.
"Master Ivan, I understand. Thank you for your guidance. I won't repeat the same mistake in the future."
"Just remember, and be more vigilant in the future. Is there anything else to report?" Kerry was one of Ivan's most trusted individuals, and he didn't wish to be too severe, so he let the matter pass.
After some thought, Kerry added, "Master, you mentioned your intention to study magical knowledge at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the UK. As you predicted, the UK's obsession with nuclear weapons is astounding. Upon learning of your willingness to exchange nuclear weapons research materials, they agreed without hesitation. However, do you think we might be at a disadvantage? Nuclear weapons are currently the most powerful weapons in the world."
Ivan smiled and shook his head, saying, "It's not a disadvantage at all. It's precisely because nuclear weapons are the most powerful and destructive weapons that they are only suitable as a deterrent. In actual warfare, the consequences are too grave. The radiation effects would render thousands of square miles uninhabitable for a century. The UK will inevitably research nuclear weapons sooner or later. I've merely accelerated the process and secured some advantages for myself. Why wouldn't I do it?"
"Well, even though I don't fully grasp it, I trust that Mr. Ivan is making the right choice," Kerry replied. "The British government has prioritized nuclear weapons, with even the British royal family personally negotiating with the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They have offered considerable incentives to allow you to study at the magical school and access all materials in the library. However..."
"But what?" Ivan interrupted. "If you have something to say, don't hesitate."
"However, I've heard that the wizards at the school are rather discontent with your unrestricted access to the library materials," Kerry cautiously mentioned. "They might attempt something in secret. I think it would be best not to take unnecessary risks. After all, wizards possess peculiar abilities, and we are on their turf. If something does occur, we won't be able to provide support. So..."
"Alright!" Ivan waved his hand to cut Kerry off. "You need to have faith in me. If you're concerned about self-preservation, no one in this world can match my abilities. Even if all the wizards from the magical school were to besiege me, I'm confident I'd leave unscathed. Place your trust in me."
Kerry decided to withhold any further reservations. He knew he couldn't persuade Ivan to change his mind, so he simply let the matter be.
Status Power Mingguan
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Power 
-- Power
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