The voice on the other end was hesitant but intrigued. "Are you serious? This isn't some theoretical nonsense?"
"Far from it," Ramayah assured. "This is real. I have someone who has experienced it. We can exploit this in ways you've never imagined. I'll need your support to secure the necessary resources and to manage... unforeseen complications."
The conversation continued, Ramayah outlining his vision. He would maintain the facade of academic research to keep Chance on board, leveraging his firsthand experience with time travel. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, he would build an empire based on the manipulation of time itself.
As he hung up the phone, Ramayah felt a surge of exhilaration. The ethical concerns that plagued Chance were mere obstacles to be navigated. In the world of business, ethics were a luxury few could afford. He had always believed that true power lay in the ability to shape reality, and now, with the means to control time, he was on the brink of achieving that power.
In the following days, Ramayah's demeanor towards Chance softened. He presented himself as a mentor, genuinely interested in the young man's experiences and insights. He asked detailed questions about the Ming Dynasty, the mechanics of the time machine, and the potential risks involved. All the while, he was plotting, weaving a web of deceit that Chance would never suspect.
Chance, for his part, was cautious but hopeful. He couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered after their conversation, but he convinced himself that Professor Ramayah was genuinely interested in using the time machine for good. He continued his work, meticulously documenting his theories and experiments, unaware that his findings were being siphoned off to Ramayah's clandestine contacts.
Ramayah's plan progressed smoothly. He secured funding from shadowy investors, promising them unprecedented access to the power of time manipulation. He began to assemble a team of scientists and engineers, carefully selecting those who shared his disregard for ethical boundaries. The lab was expanded, new equipment brought in, all under the pretense of advancing their research.
As weeks turned into months, the first practical applications of the time machine were tested. Small, controlled experiments showed promise, and Ramayah's confidence grew. He kept Chance occupied with technical challenges and theoretical explorations, ensuring that the young man remained blissfully unaware of the broader machinations at play.
One evening, as the lab buzzed with activity, Ramayah stood in his office, overlooking the bustling scientists below. His phone buzzed with a new message—a confirmation that the first major investor meeting was scheduled. He allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction. Everything was falling into place.
He turned his gaze to the photograph on his desk—a group picture from a conference years ago, before his ambitions had taken this dark turn. In the center, he stood with his mentor, a man who had once embodied the principles of academic integrity. Ramayah scoffed at the memory. Integrity was for those who lacked the vision to see beyond the immediate.
The door to his office opened, and Chance walked in, holding a stack of research papers. "Professor, I've made some progress on the stabilization protocols. I think we might be able to minimize the risks even further."
Ramayah nodded, hiding his true thoughts behind a mask of encouragement. "Excellent work, Chance. Your insights are invaluable. Together, we will achieve greatness."
As Chance left the office, Ramayah's smile faded, replaced by a look of steely determination. He had no intention of sharing that greatness. The young man was a means to an end, a tool to be used until his usefulness expired. Ramayah's vision was clear: he would control time itself, and through it, the world.
The professor turned back to his plans, his mind already racing ahead to the next steps. He would continue to build his empire in the shadows, manipulating events to his favor. And when the time was right, he would reveal his hand, leaving the world stunned by the power he wielded.
In the quiet of his office, Ramayah felt a surge of anticipation. The future was his to shape, and he would stop at nothing to ensure that his name would be remembered for centuries to come—not as a mere professor, but as a master of time.
The organization behind the professor is powerful and terrifying, and at this very moment, they're plotting something big.