The next morning, the workshop was a flurry of activity. Mina arrived with a large duffel bag slung over her shoulder, filled with tools, components, and a laptop covered in stickers. She whistled as she looked around the space, her sharp eyes taking in every detail.
"Nice setup," she said, dropping her bag onto a workbench. "Rustic, but it'll do."
"It's functional," Haruto replied, slightly defensive.
Mina grinned. "Relax, Haruto. I like it. Has character."
As the day progressed, Mina quickly proved why Haruto had sought her out. She dove into the project with enthusiasm, dissecting the current prototype and pointing out areas for improvement.
"This connector is outdated," she said, holding up a small piece of hardware. "It's limiting the crystal's energy flow. We'll need to replace it with something more efficient."
"I've been making do with what I have," Haruto said, crossing his arms.
"Well, now you've got me," Mina replied, tossing him a newer connector from her bag. "Let's upgrade."
Haruto couldn't help but smile. Despite her bluntness, Mina's expertise was undeniable. Together, they worked on refining the crystal's design, experimenting with different materials and configurations.
Meanwhile, Aiko had set up a makeshift office in a corner of the workshop. Her laptop was surrounded by stacks of papers and a steaming cup of green tea. She was busy drafting proposals, reaching out to contacts, and researching potential investors.
"We need to present this as more than just an idea," Aiko said during a brief break. "Investors need to see the value—not just in the technology, but in the team behind it."
Over the next few weeks, the workshop became a second home for the team. Late nights were filled with the hum of machinery and the soft glow of the crystal as it came to life, if only for brief moments.
One evening, as they tested a new iteration, the crystal emitted a steady hum. Its golden light filled the workshop, casting warm, flickering shadows on the walls.
"It's holding," Haruto said, his voice filled with awe.
Mina grinned, giving Haruto a playful punch on the arm. "Told you we'd get there."
Aiko, watching from her desk, allowed herself a small smile. "This is just the beginning," she said quietly.
But the team knew they couldn't celebrate yet. The next step was critical: convincing others to believe in their vision.
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