Let's reach 100 Powerstones for an extra chapter
***
Ryuuichi, having been back at the factory for over a month, observed the burgeoning success of his endeavors. The contract with Iron Ridge had catalyzed significant development for both Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company and the Antares Mercenary Group. The abandoned meteorite mining factories, once symbols of decay, were rapidly transforming into hubs of innovation and production, with two of the three already successfully refitted within the span of a month.
The Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company's production line had more than doubled, necessitating the recruitment of new employees to manage the increased workload. Similarly, the new base for the Antares Mercenary Group was now fully operational, providing a strategic advantage for their expanding operations.
Inside the special workshop of the first factory, meticulous work was underway in the manufacture of the armor required for the Gundam. Ryuuichi, drawing upon his extensive knowledge from his previous life, understood the importance of the armor's composition. In his past life, the armor used for Gundam was called Gundanium Alloy, or sometimes Lunar Titanium Alloy, but in this alternate world, such an alloy did not exist.
Undeterred by this absence, Ryuuichi embraced the challenge, guided by the adage, "Poverty leads to change, and change leads to success." By combining several non-Earth mineral metals and subjecting them to a complex refining process, a new alloy was synthesized. The resulting material possessed performance characteristics comparable to the Gundanium Alloy described in his data, and in certain aspects, such as toughness and defensive capabilities, it proved to be even superior.
Despite its novel composition, Ryuuichi chose to honor his past life by bestowing upon this newly developed alloy the name Gundanium Alloy. The Original Gundam, originally designated RX-78-2, served as the foundation for Ryuuichi's ambitions. He was now preparing to develop the RX-78-4 and RX-78-5, along with their associated equipment, as derivative models of the Original Gundam. Ryuuichi directly named the Gundam MS currently under development Original Gundam Unit 4 and Original Gundam Unit 5.
Ryuuichi's unconventional naming scheme perplexed many of his employees. The earliest developed Original Gundam could logically be designated Unit 1, but the whereabouts of Unit 2 and Unit 3 remained a mystery. Furthermore, why had Ryuuichi chosen to skip directly to developing Unit 4 and Unit 5?
Ryuuichi addressed these questions with a clear and concise explanation. "The primary reason," he stated, "is that when I designed Unit 2 and Unit 3, they exhibited a high degree of overlap with Original Gundam Unit 1 in terms of design and functionality. This rendered their development largely unnecessary. Unit 4 and Unit 5, on the other hand, not only feature new equipment but also boast significantly stronger overall performance compared to Original Gundam Unit 1."
Standing in the special workshop, Ryuuichi watched with a sense of quiet satisfaction as the robotic arms diligently manufactured Unit 4 and Unit 5. The rhythmic whirring and precise movements of the machines filled the air, a testament to the seamless integration of technology and human ingenuity.
"Ryuu, you're here admiring your masterpiece, huh?" Hayato's voice cut through the mechanical hum, and Ryuuichi turned to see his friend approaching.
"Is the commissioned work complete?" Ryuuichi asked, his gaze shifting from the robotic arms to Hayato.
"It's all done," Hayato replied. "We're back for rest and recuperation."
"How's the Original Gundam I gave you?" Ryuuichi inquired, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"It's an excellent MS," Hayato acknowledged. "I didn't expect you, old friend, to also create some external equipment for the Original Gundam."
"That's to make sure you can handle things with ease on the battlefield," Ryuuichi explained, "and more importantly, to increase your survival rate."
Kenji arrived at the scene, carrying a data tablet, which he handed to Ryuuichi. "Boss, I have the report you requested."
After reviewing the data, Ryuuichi looked up at Kenji. "Commander-in-Chief, as long as you handle the subsequent matters without mistakes or ulterior motives, I will not interfere."
"Yes, Boss," Kenji affirmed.
"One more thing, Commander-in-Chief," Ryuuichi added, "please select two excellent and loyal MS Pilots."
Kenji understood the implications of Ryuuichi's request. "Boss, I will arrange it immediately." He saluted crisply and departed to fulfill his orders.
Hayato turned to Ryuuichi, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Ryuu, I heard that these two Gundams currently under development don't have core fighters. Why did you cancel this technology that could increase an MS Pilot's survival rate?"
"If I were to keep the core fighters," Ryuuichi explained, "the performance of Unit 4 and Unit 5 would be too similar to the Original Gundam. For that reason, I had no choice but to cancel the core fighters. However, to increase the Pilot's survival rate, I also designed an escape pod."
Hayato chuckled softly. "It truly is a case of 'you can't have your cake and eat it too.'"
Just then, Ryuuichi's phone rang, interrupting their conversation. He retrieved it from his pocket and saw that Severine was calling.
"Severine, is there something you need me for?" Ryuuichi asked.
"It's like this, Boss," Severine replied. "Several countries have taken an interest in the flank escort frigates you developed and want to procure them in large quantities from you."
"Tell them that the flank escort frigates are not for sale at the moment," Ryuuichi instructed.
"Alright, Boss," Severine acknowledged. "There's one more thing I need to report to you. Recently, a company called Kaneshiro's Armaments Enterprise contacted us, wanting to buy out our company at a high price."
Ryuuichi's expression hardened slightly. "Tell them we're not selling, not even one percent of the shares."
Severine then proceeded to provide Ryuuichi with an update on the Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company's current operations. Since the production line for the GM MS had been expanded, various factions and organizations were clamoring to purchase them. After deducting the eight GM MS sold to Iron Ridge each month, and with the new factory now operational, they could produce 40 GM MS per month.
The GM MS's performance on the battlefield over the past year had garnered high praise from numerous factions and organizations. When Iron Ridge deployed a small number of GM MS in combat several months ago, during conflicts with hostile nations in disputed border areas, the GM MS performed exceptionally well, inflicting significant losses on enemy forces.
Iron Ridge had actually been procuring a small number of GM MS much earlier. Several months ago, when conflicts between nations erupted, they deployed the GM MS, and relying on a small number of these units, they gained numerous tactical advantages. This was why, over the past month or so, Iron Ridge offered a series of favorable terms to the Skywing Armaments Manufacturing Company, seeking to acquire more GM MS in order to gain greater battlefield advantages in future conflicts.
Numerous military magazines had also dedicated entire issues to introducing the GM MS. Some articles even suggested that the emergence of the GM MS might relegate fighter jets from primary combat assets to auxiliary combat assets on the battlefield. This, in turn, drew the attention of many factions, including numerous countries, to the GM MS.
In terms of manufacturing cost, a complete set of GM MS cost 30 million in universal space currency. The original selling price was 45 million, but after the GM MS demonstrated its excellent performance on the battlefield, its price was greatly inflated. It was rumored to be selling for 200 million universal space currency on the black market.
Severine had initially adjusted the original selling price to 60 million, but as soon as the units were listed online, all 40 GM MS available for sale were snatched up within a single second. Severine was stunned by this display of demand.
After reporting other matters to Ryuuichi, Severine broached the subject of the GM MS sales strategy. "How do you want to change the sales strategy?" Ryuuichi inquired.
"Boss, my suggestion is this," Severine replied. "Conduct a one-day online bidding process. After the bidding period ends, the top 50 bidders with the highest offers will win."
"That's a very good suggestion," Ryuuichi said. "Proceed as you described."
After Ryuuichi ended the call, Hayato quipped, "Ryuu, your GM MS is so valuable now, with everyone scrambling to buy it at high prices. For this, you have to thank our Antares Mercenary Group brothers for making its name known. Remember to give us a bigger share when you distribute bonuses for the New Year."
"Sure," Ryuuichi responded, his tone devoid of irony.
Hayato almost choked on his own spit. He hadn't expected his old friend to take his jest seriously.
"Actually, I also want to give more incentive bonuses to the employees," Ryuuichi clarified. "Since we're making so much now, it's fine to share some."
Director Takeo rushed into the special workshop, his face flushed with excitement. "Boss, the Martial Combat Armor you designed and developed has been completed."
"Good," Ryuuichi said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I'll go take a look now."
***
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