Chapter 135: One Step Closer
Where does Michael stay? Well, most of the time, he stayed in the office because it has a bed and everything he needs. However, recently Michael rented a place in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). It's a penthouse on the top floor, granting him access to the best view of the BGC skyline.
This new residence was not just about luxury for Michael; it was a strategic move. The penthouse served as a private sanctuary where he could unwind after a hectic day and also entertain business associates and potential partners in a more personal and impressive setting.
The spacious living area, with floor-to-ceiling windows, offered a panoramic view of the city, turning the bustling urban landscape into a backdrop for his new home.
The penthouse was tastefully furnished, combining modern aesthetics with comfort. The open-plan kitchen was equipped with the latest appliances, where he could cook dishes.
In the master bedroom, a king-sized bed faced the skyline, and an en-suite bathroom featured a large soaking tub and a state-of-the-art shower system, providing a spa-like experience. Michael had ensured that the technology in the penthouse was top-notch, with smart home systems controlling lighting, temperature, and security, all accessible from his phone or tablet.
The office space within the penthouse was designed to be functional yet inspiring. It housed a large desk, ergonomic chair, and shelves filled with books and awards, reflecting Michael's achievements and interests. High-speed internet and advanced communication tools were installed, enabling him to work efficiently and stay connected with his team from PSE at all times.
The rooftop terrace was another highlight, offering a private outdoor space with a garden, seating area, and a Jacuzzi. It was perfect for moments of reflection or hosting intimate events under the stars.
But Michael is not in his penthouse to enjoy all the luxuries, he is there because he needs privacy for what he is about to do, and that is going to the Virtual World.
Michael hadn't been in the Virtual World for so many months. Now, he is planning on entering to check the electric bus that he had received from the system a long time ago.
Entering the Virtual World, Michael found himself in a vast endless space. His inventory popped up and there he pulled out the blueprint of the Electric Bus.
The moment he pulled that blueprint out, a schematic overlay appeared before him. He moved it far away from him until he got the perfect view of the bus, and as soon as he got it on the right spot, Michael confirmed it and suddenly, the schematic of the bus turned into a reality.
In the Virtual World, as the schematic of the electric bus materialized, a holographic interface popped up in front of Michael, displaying the specifications and features of the vehicle, labeled as a 2040 model.
The electric bus dubbed the "EcoRider 2040," boasted advanced specifications that were a significant leap beyond the electric vehicles of 2024. The bus was powered by next-generation solid-state batteries, offering a range of 800 kilometers on a single charge, with a charging time of less than 30 minutes, thanks to ultra-fast charging technology.
The exterior design of the EcoRider 2040 was streamlined for aerodynamic efficiency, featuring active materials that could change shape to minimize air resistance. The windows were made of smart glass that could adjust transparency and tint to optimize natural light and maintain internal temperature without compromising privacy.
Internally, the bus offered modular seating that could be reconfigured for different uses, from high-capacity commuter setups to luxurious private lounge settings. Each seat was equipped with personal entertainment systems, wireless charging pads, and augmented reality windows that could display information about the surroundings or offer immersive entertainment options.
The bus was also equipped with advanced autonomous driving technology, capable of navigating complex urban environments safely. It had 360-degree sensors and cameras integrated with artificial intelligence to analyze and respond to traffic conditions, pedestrian movements, and potential hazards.
Environmental sustainability was a core aspect of the EcoRider 2040's design. The bus not only used electric power but also had solar panels integrated into its roof to supplement energy needs. Additionally, it featured an advanced air purification system that absorbed CO2 and pollutants from the outside air, providing clean and fresh air to the passengers inside.
For the driver and operational staff, the bus had a central control system with touch-screen panels and voice command capabilities, providing real-time data on the bus's performance, route navigation, and energy consumption.
"Shit this is too advanced," Michael commented. He wondered if he could release it to the public. It would look like a concept or model car to the eye of the people.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves. If he is serious about starting a transportation business, then he must learn how to mass produce this bus. The first is to have variants. The first will be the buses and the second is the minibus. The second thing is to redesign the bus in order to fit it in the said variants. Third is how they are produced.
Fortunately, the blueprint for electric buses also has the manufacturing tools and equipment needed to manufacture one, the raw materials can be bought from the system shop until raw materials can be sourced from the real world.
So Michael got to work. After an intensive session in the Virtual World, Michael managed to conceptualize two main variants of the EcoRider 2040: a full-sized electric bus for mass transit and a smaller minibus designed for more localized or private transport services.
Both models maintained the core features of the original design, such as the solid-state batteries, smart glass windows, and autonomous driving capabilities, but were adapted to fit their respective sizes and intended uses.
Now to release it to the real world, Michael exited the Virtual World and sat at his sleek, modern desk and powered up his laptop. His immediate task was to find a suitable location for the transport terminals that would serve as the hubs for his new fleet of EcoRider 2040 electric buses.
As he browsed through various real estate listings and urban development plans, Michael focused on strategic locations that could maximize the accessibility and efficiency of his transport service. He looked for sites in high-traffic urban areas with easy access to major roads and public transportation networks.
These terminals would need to accommodate the charging stations, maintenance facilities, and passenger amenities necessary for the operation of his futuristic fleet.
He found one, and it's in Cubao, which is basically a place in the Philippines where people commonly dubbed the center of the QC because every road leads to it. Now for the factories. Michael realized that establishing a factory for the production of the EcoRider 2040 electric buses was the next critical step.
He needed a location that could support large-scale manufacturing operations with space for assembly lines, storage for raw materials, and testing facilities. The factory also had to be in an area with good logistics capabilities, allowing for easy transport of the finished buses to the terminals and other distribution points.
Michael decided on a site located in an industrial zone near Calamba, Laguna. This area was chosen for its proximity to major transportation routes, availability of skilled labor, and supportive local government policies for manufacturing and technology businesses.
With that done, Michael is one step closer to realizing his transportation company enterprise.