The Mech Touch novel Chapter 1595

Chapter 1595 Home Invader

After an odd question-and-answer, Ves waved his subordinates forward in order to conduct an examination.

Though Ves was pretty convinced that Dr. Lupo was a genuine exobiologist, he still wanted to be sure.

"This guy is a real piece of work." Gavin quietly muttered. "Didn't you notice that he talked more about cooking than actual science?"

"It's actually mixed." Ves corrected. "Dr. Lupo appears to base his research on developing recipes. I'm actually intrigued with what he attempts to achieve."

"He's crazy! How can he possibly develop a recipe that can improve someone's genetic aptitude? I've never heard of such a thing!"

Ves agreed with Gavin's assessment. No one had ever succeeded in altering someone's genetic aptitude for mech piloting. If the best researchers of the MTA failed to make any breakthroughs, then how could a mere exobiologist from the galactic rim do any better?

Nonetheless, Ves did not look down on Dr. Lupo for that reason. Having an impossible ambition was very admirable in his eyes.

Just like many mech designers, Lupo wanted to change the galaxy with his dream. His was just a lot more difficult to achieve than other ambitions.

As Ves watched Lupo undergo various tests, he thought back on his meeting with Old Man Terrence.

Both of them wanted to unlock humanity's potential in similar ways. They both focused their research on finding a way to make genetic aptitude less restrictive.

Old Man Terrence wanted to make genetic aptitude irrelevant by developing a neural interface that worked with norms.

Dr. Lupo wanted to give norms the opportunity to become mech pilots by improving their genetic aptitude through a special diet.

No matter how unrealistic these dreams sounded, Ves regarded them as noble callings.

Even if it was almost certain that they would fail, there was always a chance of success. Just one ambitious dreamer had to succeed in order to make an incalculable contribution to humanity.

Enabling norms to pilot mechs would definitely transform human society by giving everyone access to mechs.

While some people might argue that allowing more people to pilot mechs was a very bad thing, Ves did not think so. As a mech designer, he welcomed any attempt at expanding the market for mechs.

The more people became capable of piloting mechs, the more mechs he'd be able to sell!

As for what all of these enthusiastic norms would do with their destructive toys, that wasn't his problem.

"It seems like Dr. Lupo is doing fairly well in the tests." Ves remarked.

From how deftly the exobiologist completed the tests and how satisfied the examiners behaved, Lupo must be a real talent for his age.

That was good. This trip wouldn't have been for nothing.

Of course, there were still some issues.

"I don't know, Ves. Dr. Lupo's attitude isn't very stable. He kind of reminds me of you sometimes."

Ves smiled sardonically. "That's not necessarily a bad thing, Benny. I think he's merely.. eccentric."

To be honest, Ves held some of the same misgivings. He could see the touch of crazy in Dr. Lupo's words and expressions. The refugee scientist was clearly passionate in his research to the point of obsessing over it night and day.

To Ves, it was akin to encountering a shadow of Dr. Jutland. The mere thought of it sent a shudder through his body.

However, as someone who was very passionate about his own work, Ves knew that these types of people were often brilliant. Perhaps they might not be able to fulfill their dreams, but they were definitely capable enough to make other great accomplishments.

Ves would not easily let such a person go.

The only issue that really worried him was loyalty. Their brief meeting did not allow Ves to get a good grip on Lupo's commitment to working for him. It sounded as if the refugee just saw Ves as a source of funding.

That could be good or bad.

If Dr. Lupo only cared about his research, then he wouldn't have any other needs other than sufficient funding.

Since Ves happened to be good at making money, he could easily keep this talented exobiologist in line.

The downside was that other people could easily poach Lupo away by offering even more money.

Other than that, there might be more to Dr. Lupo than what he appeared on the surface. Ves would not entrust his life to the man until he thoroughly vetted the exobiologist's loyalties.

For now, Ves just wanted to secure this man quickly and bring him over to the LMC before others cast their eyes to the doctor.

"What do you think, Lucky?" Ves asked the cat perched on his shoulder.

"Meow."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?"

"Meow."

"Did Gloriana spoil you rotten with her exotics or something?"

"Meow!"

Ves regretted asking for Lucky's opinion.

Time passed by as Lupo demonstrated his breadth and depth of knowledge through various means. Two hours later, Ves received the results. He quickly perused them and nodded in satisfaction.

"While he's not capable of performing implant surgery, his foundation and intellect is quite good for an exobiologist."

Though Ves wasn't versed in the biotech sciences, he inferred that with Lupo's broad knowledge, it wouldn't be much of a stretch for him to get his foot in the door.

Unfortunately, it would probably take years of focused study before Lupo became a qualified implant surgeon. Ves couldn't wait that long.

The sooner he installed the Archimedes Rubal in his mind, the sooner he could go back to acquiring new Sub-Skills.

"Dr. Lupo isn't quite what I sought for." Ves concluded with a touch of disappointment. "He's still useful in many other ways, though. I think I can already make an early start in forming my exobeast reserve."

Since his adventure on Felixia, Ves had soured at the thought of tracking down exobeasts with spiritual potential in person.

Rather than getting involved in a life-and-death battle against a powerful exobeast, Ves would rather buy them from the market or hire others to capture them in the wild.

With an exobiologist like Lupo in charge, Ves would be assured the creatures wouldn't die before it was time for him to harvest their spiritualities.

Of course, all of this required a lot of setup. Lupo would have to hire caretakers and exobeast handlers to keep the dangerous lifeforms under control.

Once the doctor returned from the test, Ves made his offer.

"Interesting." Lupo fell into thought. "What is the purpose of this nature reserve? Why do you keep these animals around?"

"For research and inspiration." Ves blandly replied. "Due to my specialty, I can gain a lot if I observe various powerful organic lifeforms. I can gain even more inspiration if I witness their final moment. The mechs I design are partially inspired by these magnificent creatures."

"So... you don't need their meat?"