Birth Of The Crafts-God-Chapter 334: Lerman’s Thoughts

Lucas invited Lerman over for a meeting at the recreational building located at the centre of the team's circuit. Although it was called a recreational building, it was more like a restaurant with an open air area at the top.

The duo met on the first (ground) floor and didn't waste any time going into the details.

"What did you call me over for?" Lerman asked as he stared at Lucas.

The young man before him could be described as somewhat problematic. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

On one hand, he was a genius unlike anyone Leeman had ever seen. Lerman himself was a genius too, but he couldn't even hold a candle to Lucas. And this was despite the fact that Lerman was a peak sixth level Apertures Opening stage stellar practitioner and a peak Tier 1 Elite vestige-smith. Lucas' only downside was his lack of stellar energy.

But aside from his genius personality, Lucas was also a grand schemer of plots. From the very first time he crossed paths with Orvel Feurd, Lucas began planning the man's downfall. In the end, he didn't just take down Orvel, but his accomplices, while seizing their positions for himself. Whether intentional or unintentional, this result made Lerman wary of Lucas.

Hence, although it might seem like a simple meeting, Lerman was wondering what Lucas had planned underneath the surface.

"No need to be so uptight. I'm not after your soul or anything." Lucas said, seemingly discerning Lerman's inner thoughts.

"I just need help with something. If I recall, the team always makes two copies of any racing shuttle. One is used on the track while the other is a backup and used by the backup driver for practice. I need both vehicles."

It was standard for a racing team to have two of the same model of a racing shuttle. This was in case of emergencies where one might have been damaged or unrepairable, but they still needed to compete in the race. As such, the second was always on stand by and in top shape, ready to be brought out onto the track.

"That's easy. With your authority, you should have been able to do it without me." Lerman stared at Lucas with a suspicious look in his face.

He might be the head of the Vehicle Manufacturing department thereby giving him control over the racing shuttles, but his authority didn't exceed that of the head of Designs and Energy department, which was currently Lucas.

"Indeed. So, I need your help for another thing." Lucas smiled at him.

"As you know, my department currently lacks manpower so I need to outsource working hands. But why do that, when the team still has some functioning departments?"

Although a bit hesitant, Lerman still went on to ask.

"...what do you need?"

"A racing shuttle. And I need it to be built in record time; 8 hours. It should be able to handle the Destroyer. You've already gone through the specs and data, so you should know exactly what I want." Lucas laid out his mind.

Lerman stared at him as if he was looking at a mad man.

To be honest, making a racing shuttle in ten hours wasn't difficult with the Vehicle Manufacturing department's workforce and resources. However, making one that could handle the Destroyer —Lucas' self-developed engine that beat the original L2.13o— in eight hours was absurd. And this was with Lerman already being informed about the performance of the engine.

Seeing his expression, Lucas added,

"If it's hard, you can just duplicate the Viper and make the necessary improvements. That shouldn't be a problem."

Lerman calmed down at the suggestion.

Indeed, it wasn't an issue to duplicate the Viper in eight hours. For emergencies, the team already had the duplicate parts of the vehicle prepped and ready for use in storage. It was usually under the joint supervision and control of both the On-site unit department head and Vehicle Manufacturing department head. Lerman could use his authority to take those parts and assemble them into a new Viper. Also, if one thinks about it, the Destroyer was an engine designed to work with the Viper. Even if Lerman was to make extra adjustments to the new shuttle, he wouldn't need to do much.

"Ten hours. Eight hours is a stretch." Lerman said.

"Deal." Lucas smirked.

"If that's all, I'll be leaving." Lerman stood up.

"You won't be asking me why I'm doing this or even for a reward?" Lucas was slightly surprised.

Lerman paused before staring at Lucas.

"Although it isn't obvious, morale isn't good right now. Three departments just got cleared two weeks ago; not enough time has gone by for everyone to recover. To make matters worse, our performance in the league has dropped and might worsen in the remaining races. It might not be obvious yet, but some are considering quitting since their job is looking unstable and the ratings are worsening. The introduction of a somewhat tyrannical majority shareholder who has a massive influence over the chairwoman is also a factor in this."

Lucas' lips twitched at that comment, but he didn't know what to say. Indeed, while he might have done those actions to protect himself and his interests, Lucas might have appeared tyrannical. What's more, Vienna did seem to consider him more than others; at least from a third-party viewpoint even though she was just repaying a favour.

Interrupting Lucas' thoughts was Lerman's continuation.

"However, from what I know, you might be many things but you're definitely not stupid. I know that you still have the team's interest in mind as it affects yours as well. So, whatever you plan on doing is definitely good for the team. Since that is so, I'll already be profiting in the end."

This time around, it was Lucas' turn to scrutinise Lerman with intent.

"Whatever rocks your boat." Lucas shrugged.

Lerman nodded and proceeded to exit the building, leaving behind Lucas all by himself. However, this didn't last long as Lucas received a message on his communicator. It was from Helnord, informing him that the preparations had been completed and Mason was waiting.

"This is going to be a long twenty hours."

Lucas stood up and sighed.