Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 59  Side Quest Part 1: Increasing Mastery Points

User Interface: n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

User: Michael Reyes.

Occupation: Student.

[Mastery]

Physics: Level 4

1210/1500 points

Chemistry: Level 0

0/100

Biology: Level 0

0/100

Mathematics: Level 4

1400/1500

Astronomy: Level 0

0/100

Meteorology: Level 4

1450/1500

Oceanography: Level 0

0/100

Environmental Science: Level 4

1300/1500

Geology: Level 0 0/100

Computer Science: Level 4

1200/1500

[Current System Points: 60,050.] Michael checked his status once again, truly. There are core sciences that he needed to level up. Geology, Oceanography, Astronomy, Biology, and Chemistry. He wanted them to be at least level 3. But to do so, he'll have to read tons of books and do research on those areas.

Speaking of research, he checked the website of an academic journal where he had passed his ten theses about AI and renewable energy. The moment he logged in to the website, the screen loaded to reveal an overflowing inbox, notifications piling up with each passing second. Michael's cursor hovered momentarily before he clicked on the mailbox icon, revealing an array of unread messages that seemed to stretch endlessly down the page.

The subject lines varied, but a common thread connected them all: his work on AI and renewable energy. Universities from around the globe, some of which he recognized as leading institutions in technology and environmental science, had taken an interest in his research.

One email from a well-known European university praised the innovative approach and thorough analysis presented in his papers. They expressed keen interest in discussing potential collaboration opportunities and invited him to speak at an upcoming conference focused on sustainable technology.

Another message, this time from a prestigious university in the United States, inquired about the possibility of him joining their research team for a project that aimed to integrate AI with solar energy systems to increase efficiency and reduce costs. They mentioned that his work had caught the eye of several faculty members who were eager to explore ways to incorporate his ideas into their research.

"What the heck?" Michael couldn't believe his eyes. Just over a research, and there were offers already from institutions looking to tap into his expertise. The realization dawned on him that his work, which he had often considered just a stepping stone in his broader journey toward building his company, had garnered international attention.

He scrolled through more emails, each offering words of admiration for his research and propositions that ranged from guest lectureships to full-scale collaborative projects. Some universities even hinted at scholarship opportunities for further study or research positions within their departments, eager to have someone of his caliber contribute to their academic community.

As he sifted through the emails, he found several invitations to publish additional papers in other reputable journals, requests for interviews from tech and science publications, and even preliminary offers for book deals based on his research. "This is getting out of hand," Michael could only chuckle. He doesn't honestly know how to react. Well, this may be the time when he has to consider his academic opportunities. Given that in the coming months, his business would start operations, he might not be able to focus on his studies. But he wanted to finish his degree because he swore to his mother that he'd graduate no matter what. Among all the universities that reached out, one particularly caught his eye: the University of Cambridge. The email from Cambridge wasn't just flattering; it was an outright invitation to join a collaborative research project that aligned closely with his work on AI and renewable energy. They were offering him access to resources and minds that could significantly advance his research, potentially even his business.

The thought of working with one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world was enticing. The opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and access cutting-edge technology and facilities could propel his work into new realms of innovation.

After much consideration, Michael decided to respond specifically to the University of Cambridge. He crafted a careful reply, expressing his deep appreciation for their offer and his genuine interest in learning more about the collaborative project. He explained his current situation, emphasizing his commitment to launching his renewable energy company but also his desire to continue contributing to academic research.

Once sent, he leaned back to his chair. He'd expect a reply from them in a day or two. For now, he focused on looking at online articles for Geology, Oceanography, Astronomy, Biology, and Chemistry. Fortunately, there are a lot of online resources available, ranging from academic journals, and university lecture series, to specialized educational platforms offering in-depth courses on these subjects. Michael began compiling a list of resources, prioritizing those that offered the most comprehensive coverage and were recognized by the academic community, because they yielded the most points. Then he started reading those resources, and he could see his core sciences gaining mastery points as he absorbed its content. He read until midnight, and he checked his system status.

User Interface:

1210/1500 points

Chemistry: Level 1

100/300

Biology: Level 1

100/300

Mathematics: Level 4

1400/1500

Astronomy: Level 1

100/300

Meteorology: Level 4

1450/1500

Oceanography: Level 1

100/300

Environmental Science: Level 4

1300/1500

Geology: Level 1

100/300

Computer Science: Level 4

1200/1500

"Perfectly balanced, as all things should be," Michael muttered under his breath. He'd continue reading those articles tomorrow, increasing their level to level three.

As he was about to take his sleep and continue it tomorrow. There was a knock on the door. Michael knew it was his mom, so he simply called.

"What is it, mom?" "I want to ask you something, is it okay to enter your room?" Myra said.

"It's open mom, you can enter anytime," Michael said.

With his permission, Myra entered, a hopeful look on her face.

"Michael…it's nearing New Year, is there something you'd want to eat? I'll buy you anything."

Myra's question caught Michael off guard, momentarily shifting his focus from his academic and entrepreneurial pursuits to something as mundane yet comforting as a home-cooked meal. He paused, considering her offer, realizing how long it had been since he'd thought about anything other than his research, business, and now, his sudden academic fame.

"Mom, honestly, anything you cook will be great. As long as there are fried chicken, spring rolls, noodles, cakes…" Michael trailed off, glancing around his room. "Mom, I didn't get you anything this Christmas right?"

"It's okay, you were busy preparing for that evaluation of your invention," Myra replied reassuringly. "No… that won't do Mom. Oh…I think I know where to go tomorrow."

"You'll leave again?" Myra asked.

Michael nodded. "I'll buy you a present, Mom, something that you so deserve."