Chapter 15: Preparing to Improve NZT-48

Walter sat on the newly added sofa in the office, staring at the vending machine in the distance.

"Enough. Just complete more commissions, save up more points, and you'll be able to exchange for the Vigor you want," Edward said impatiently.

"But boss! Can't you lend me some points in advance?"

"No, the rules don't allow it."

"Okay…."

Seeing Walter looking dejected, Edward took out the bottle of NZT-48 and tossed it toward Walter, "Here, take this."

Walter took it and asked curiously, "What's this, boss?"

"This is NZT-48, a new type of drug. But this drug will unlock every nerve junction in your body, giving you a photographic memory and superintelligence. It can even allow you to learn a language you've never studied before in just one day and master it completely."

"Isn't this is considered a drug?" Walter asked in surprise.

"Don't rush and let me finish. If that were its only effect, I wouldn't call it a drug. NZT-48 is time-limited, lasting about twelve hours, varying with individual physiology. It has an addictive nature—well, not exactly addiction, but once you experience its effects, you'll never want to go back to normal."

"If you use NZT-48 for a long time and suddenly stop, you'll experience severe headaches, vomiting, dizziness, and find significant memory gaps. These are its side effects. This jar contains the only remaining NZT-48 in the world. Now, you have two choices: first, take NZT-48, quickly learn a vast amount of biological knowledge, and then use that knowledge to improve NZT-48 into a version without side effects. If you succeed, I'll reward you with a thousand points."

"The second choice is to pretend this doesn't exist and slowly complete commissions to earn points."

"Whatever you choose, I won't blame you. But remember, if you choose the first option and can't improve NZT-48, you'll be dependent on it for life. So choose carefully," Edward said seriously.

"I choose the first option!"

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure, boss. I trust my own intelligence. Actually, I once aimed to earn a PhD in biology, but due to some international issues in my country, no research team was willing to accept me. That's why I didn't get the degree. My biological knowledge is on par with any other biology PhDs."

"Is that so? Then go find Old Jack and ask him to transform the second floor into a lab. Once everything is ready, then you can take it, understood?"

"Understood, boss. I'll be very careful, given it's about my own safety."

"Good, as long as you understand. Go find Old Jack now."

Walter then rode Edward's old motorcycle to Old Jack's general store, while Edward stayed in the office.

Suddenly, the door opened and Richard poked his head in.

"Richard, what brings you here?"

"Hehe~ Brother Ed, I came to invite Tom and Jerry to play at my house. Is that okay?"

Just as Edward was about to speak, Tom and Jerry immediately ran up to him, crossing their hands in front of them, pleading with him.

"I will allow it, but remember, you can't be reckless at someone else's house, understood?"

The two little ones quickly nodded, indicating they would behave. Edward knew their personalities but had no choice but to hope they wouldn't cause too much trouble.

Richard then took the two little ones back to the house next door. After informing Vanessa, they went straight to the specially built entertainment room where they happily played games. Vanessa also came in during their playtime to bring them snacks and drinks. Seeing Richard so happy, Vanessa felt relieved and smiled.

Meanwhile, Walter arrived at Old Jack's general store again. However, his timing seemed off, as he opened the door to find a group of tough-looking men covered in tattoos inside.

Walter gulped and said, "Uh, so many people here, maybe I should come back later."

As he turned to leave, a burly man blocked his way and gently pushed him back into the store.

Old Jack emerged and said, "If I were you guys, I wouldn't lay a hand on this kid."

"Who is he?"

"Ed's employee. You know Ed, right? He's known for being quite protective."

Hearing the name "Ed," the tough guys seemed to remember something. They quickly moved aside, creating a path for Walter despite the crowded space. Walter didn't hesitate and walked straight to Jack.

"You're here. What do you need this time?"

"Uh, Mr. Jack, shouldn't you serve them first?" Walter glanced at the tough guys.

"No need, they've already made their purchases and are just waiting for their goods."

Walter nodded and began listing the items he needed. Initially, Old Jack could follow, but as Walter's list grew, he had to take out paper and pen to jot everything down.

When Walter finished, Old Jack frowned and said, "What you're asking for isn't cheap. It'll cost millions of dollars. I don't think your boss has that much money."

"Wah! Does it really cost that much? Let me check with the boss…" Walter said with a bitter smile.

The tough guys were all stunned upon hearing the million-dollar estimate.

"Boss, I asked Mr. Jack, and these devices will touch at least a billion dollars. Do we have that kind of money?" Walter asked cautiously.

After a moment, Walter looked up at Jack and asked, "Mr. Jack, would equivalent antiques or gold and silver jewelry do?"

"Of course, but as far as I know, your boss doesn't have such things."

"The boss says he will have them soon. If that's acceptable, please start preparing."

"Okay then, many of these machines will take some time to gather, about a week. In a week, I'll need to see a deposit, got it?"

"Don't worry, Mr. Jack. When has my boss ever bite your back?"

"Never bit but actually munch my whole ass. Want me to list them all?" Jack replied grumpily.

"Uh, no need for that..." Walter said awkwardly.

Walter then left the general store and returned to the office. As he pushed open the door, he saw Edward stroking a crystal skull. The skull wasn't human because it was too elongated.

"Boss, where are we going to find those antiques and gold and silver jewelry?"

"That's a secret. But before we head out, we need some external assistance," Edward said with a mysterious smile.