Jessie''s eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously? That''s amazing!"


    "Well, the Tech Institute is packed with geniuses. Designing a robot like that is just another day at the office for them," Linden said with a shrug.


    "So, if they''re diving into intelligent systems, why create a separate division for artificial life systems? Shouldn''t they be more experienced by now?" Jessie wondered aloud, scratching her head.


    Kason shook his head thoughtfully. "Beats me. But there is a difference, you know? The biological data needed for artificial life systems is insanelyplex."


    Mirabe was listening, tapping her fingers lightly on her knee as she gazed out the car window. "The life system builds on the intelligent system but takes it a step further. It integrates human thought, pretty much making a clone of aplete person. That kind of massive project needs more than just a bunch of engineers."


    No research is a one-person show; it takes a team effort across different fields to make it work.


    Jessie, sitting right in front of Mirabe, swiveled around, resting her arms on the back of the seat. "I''ve always thought you knew a lot about artificial life systems, right?"


    Ever since their research team came together, Mirabe''s knack for steering discussions had shown her deep understanding. You couldn''t sketch out a system framework so quickly without it.


    Jessie''s voice wasn''t loud, but it carried through the car. As her question hung in the air, Calvin, sitting up front, perked up, eager to hear Mirabe''s response.


    Since the whole Meg incident, Calvin''s feelings about Mirabe were tangled. She was supposed to be in his department, but he had pushed her out. Her extraordinary talent was something the department hadn''t seen in years.


    It was a real shame to have lost someone like that... Calvin pushed down his frustration, ncing at the rearview mirror, waiting for Mirabe to speak.


    Mirabe met Jessie''s confident gaze and blinked. "Anyone can do it, if they just dive into some good books."


    Jessie raised an eyebrow. "Stop pulling my leg."


    Mirabe sighed, a small smile ying on her lips. "Honestly, I don''t have many hobbies. I just love reading."


    At this, Zane, sitting up front, turned and smirked at Mirabe. "Oh really? I''ve got


    a stack of materials. Don''t forget to grab them from meter."


    Caught in her own web, Mirabe''s confident fa?ade cracked for a second. "Oh,e on..."


    Jessie burst outughing at Mirabe''s flustered look.


    Zane chuckled to himself, turning back around. "Knew it, thought she could handle it."


    Calvin watched the group from the front seat, especially noting Zane''s smug expression, and felt a twinge of irritation. It seemed like Zane was showing off right in front of him.


    Tired of it, Calvin averted his eyes, ignoring the rearview mirror.


    Before long, the car cruised smoothly into the Tech Institute, parking in the designated spot. The group climbed out.


    Hank, the project lead for this branch at the Tech Institute, was already waiting. He gave a quick nce over Zane and Mirabe''s group, raising an eyebrow at the sight of two women, then rxed.


    Not recognizing Zane, Hank''s gaze settled on the school''s external affairs head and Calvin. He nodded politely. "Dr. King, Mr. Calvin."