Captivated by the Ruler of the Underworld
Chapter 142 The 201 Research Institute

Chisholm Island.

In the tech headquarters, a hundred computers chirped in unison, their screens awash with data codes. The world's top tech experts were gathered here, their assembly rivaling that of an international hacker summit. Recently, Flame Dragon's primary mission has been to pinpoint the location of Unbounded Peak.

But their success was elusive.

IP addresses they tracked were constantly shifting, some even bouncing between hemispheres, a clear sign that not just one, but multiple elite hackers were shielding Unbounded Peak's true location.

One silver lining, though each tracked address shared a common clue: the sea.

Vincent relayed this vital lead to Sylvester Gomez.

Gomez scowled at Vincent's message. "Keep searching," he grumbled, determined not to believe that a place like Unbounded Peak could remain concealed forever...

For over fifty years, the 203 In Pliar Armaments Research Institute has been at the forefront of the region's key scientific endeavors, yielding remarkable results. Its fields span broad horizons, including aerial vehicle design, control simulation, optoelectronics, precision mechanics, image processing, aircraft power engineering, aerodynamics, non-metallic materials, and beyond-over twenty disciplines paired with state-of-the-art equipment.

The Institute was also at the core of the Starks' industrial empire. Under the tenure of the Senior Mr. Gomez, the key focus was on aerial combat jets.

Now, under Sylvester Gomez, the emphasis shifted toward submarine exploration and stealth maritime combat weaponry, including cloaked long-range battleships.

Clutching the blueprints for a stealth naval battle cruiser, Nate approached his superior. "Sir," he began, his voice laced with urgency, "this is the fruit of a year's work by our core team. However, to push ahead with technological upgrades, I'm afraid we'll struggle with the materials."

For a naval battle cruiser, achieving invisibility required certain non-negotiables: adaptation to the marine environment and, crucially, resistance to salt corrosion-an obstacle their technology struggled to surmount, given In Pliar's shortage of necessary alloys.

Sylvester Gomez glanced over the blueprints and the list of required materials. "True, we're not overflowing with resources in Pliar, but if we're short on materials, we find them, no matter the cost." Nightwin could only nod in agreement.

Although Armament Research Institute 203 was a cornerstone of the Stark enterprises, Nightwin had rarely seen his boss take such a keen interest. Sometimes, his boss wouldn't even visit for a whole year.

But recently, the boss had shown up several times, his attention even surpassing that given to the Flame Dragon.

Nightwin didn't understand why his boss had suddenly become so invested in maritime warfare vessels, but he didn't dare ask questions-only followed orders.

After all, fulfilling the master's requests was their utmost duty-they would listen and do their best.

...

On the way back from the institute, Mildred Gomez received a message from the Auss City Casino. "Sir, Auss City Casino has introduced some new attractions and would be honored by your presence to boost morale. Also, the upcoming Champion Gambler Tournament is about to start. Invitations have been sent out, and city officials will be attending. Will you be there?"

Sylvester closed his eyes and upon hearing the news, rubbed his temples. "Hmm."

The Portuguese Casino, privately owned by Sylvester Gomez, was not on the stock market, but calling it a gold mine was no exaggeration. Sylvester took considerable interest in it.

It was the world's largest casino, and the annual Champion Gambler Tournament was a spotlight-stealing event.