"No one is really calling huh?" Michael muttered under his breath as he worked through all of the things that needed his attention. Ever since the sessful extraction of Dr. Vinueva, the kidnappers never called him again. As if they magically disappeared.


    What''s that, they suddenly lose interest and are no longermitted to stealing his technology. Or perhaps, the mission waspromised to the point continuing would risk too much for them. It was an unusual silence, one that Michael didn''t trust. His thoughts were interrupted by a notification on his phone.


    Needing a break from the endless cycle of security reports and emails, he picked up the device and tapped on the YouTube app. A live news channel popped up at the top of his feed, broadcasting an urgent situation.


    The headline shed on the screen: "Tension Esctes in West Philippine Sea as Philippine Coast Guard Vessel Attacked by Chinese Coast Guard with Water Cannons." The journalist on-screen detailed the confrontation, noting that the Philippine vessel was conducting a routine patrol when it was harassed and forcefully driven away from its own territorial waters.


    Michael watched intently, his brow furrowing. The geopolitical tensions in the region were not new to him, after all, it has been happening for the past few years. It''s just back and forth between these nations, but the directness of this particr incident seemed to signal a more aggressive stance than usual.


    He considered the implications for regional stability and how they might affect his own business interests, especially with the increasing need for secure transportation routes for his technology and materials in Southeast Asia.


    "We really have to build up our navy," said the Admiral of the Philippine Navy in an interview clip that followed the report. "Our sovereignty is non-negotiable, and we need the capability to ensure it is respected."


    "But the Philippines is the one barring itself from building itself a naval fleet," asked the journalist present in a press conference. "ording to thew, the government only allowed reputable shipbuildingpany that has a track record of delivering quality naval vessels to secure contracts.


    This has created a catch-22 situation where new domestic shipbuilders struggle to enter the market because they cannot obtain government contracts without a track record, and they can''t build a track record without first securing contracts."


    The official at the press conference acknowledged the dilemma. "It''s a significant challenge," he admitted. "Reforms are being discussed to potentially allow new entrants more opportunities to prove themselves in smaller projects. We understand the need to bolster our domestic capabilities and are actively looking for ways to facilitate this."


    Michael found this aspect of the discussion particrly interesting. The issue mirrored many of the challenges he faced in his own industry, where establishing credibility without prior opportunities could stifle innovation and growth.


    He hated the fact that the Philippine government had to import naval warships from other countries, which helped that country instead of strengthening its own local industries.


    "Why not start your own shipbuilding industry?" whispered his consciousness.


    "No…" Michael shook off those tempting thoughts. It''s too risky to start another enterprise. Though he''d want one in the future, he doesn''t want to risk his life and his currentpany''s stability on such arge new venture.


    Suddenly, the Technological System''s notification system popped up.


    [Congrattions onpleting the mission. Dominating the Market!]


    [Rewards: 200,000 System Points]


    [Points are now transferred to your ount.]


    Michael blinked, unsure why he was seeing that notification so suddenly. Did he really dominate the market in sr panels?


    Curious, Michael called Juliet over the telephone.


    "Juliet, can you check our current market on sr panels globally?" Michael asked, trying to understand the source of the notification.


    "Sure, Mr. Reyes, give me a moment," Juliet responded. A few minutester, she returned with the information. "ording to thetest reports, our market share has significantly increased. Our sales have surged, especially in regions where energy sustainability has be a priority. It seems like our recent innovations and the reliability of our products have finally paid off."


    "That''s good to hear. I haven''t really kept track of our sr panel market share, but this is nevertheless great news for me," Michael said before hanging up the phone. With the surge of system points, he can now afford more futuristic technology.


    However—he had forgotten that he is still watching the news on YouTube.


    "As tensions continue to rise in the West Philippine Sea, experts warn that such incidents could escte into more severe conflicts," the journalist said gravely. The screen split to show a map highlighting disputed areas, and the potential hotspots for further confrontations.


    "The United States assured the Philippines of its support following the incident, reiterating itsmitment to freedom of navigation in the region," the journalist continued, as footage of U.S. Navy ships patrolling the area yed.


    It''s always been like that. The US and China ying geopolitical games, each asserting their might and influence. But now, with direct engagement such as this, the risk of esction into actual conflict bes more palpable.


    The footage shifted to expert panels discussing the potential for military esction.


    "If tensions continue to build, there''s a real risk that a minor incident could spark arger conflict, turning the Philippines into a powder keg," one military analystmented. "And let''s not forget about Taiwan. Which is why we must arm ourselves for a potential conflict because we can''t depend on the US and her allies alone to safeguard our interests," the analyst emphasized.


    He argued that the Philippines must enhance its own military capabilities to maintain a bnce of power in the region and ensure its national security independently.


    "Yeah right," Michael said, feeling an urge to join the defense industry because he wants to help his country to develop its own capabilities. But first, he''d focus on his current industry. Renewable energy, medicine, and transportation. Once they are big enough, he''d venture to another industry.


    As he was about to settle with that decision, the Technological System notification popped up again.


    [New Mission: Entertainment]@@novelbin@@


    [Thepanies that you have built focused so much on saving the people and the. Why not start apany based on entertainment? People need to take a break and rx after all. Create a video gamepany that will lead the industry. Let your creativity bring new experiences to people around the world.]


    [Rewards: 100,000 System Points upon sessful establishment and release of your first game. Additional points for innovation and yer engagement.]


    Michael stared at the screen, momentarily stunned by the sudden shift in the system''s directives. From medical technologies and renewable energy to video games—it was an unexpected pivot, but not unwee. Yeah, perhapster, defense industry.