Koala interrupted with a mischievous grin, eager to share some gossip with Olivia.
"Sister Olivia, you weren't here last night, so you don't know," she teased. "Mansherry's voice was so loud that the whole floor could hear it! If I hadn't just bought some noise-isolating earmuffs, I probably wouldn't have gotten any sleep."
She punctuated her statement with an exaggerated yawn, as if to prove she wasn't making it up.
In the past, Olivia would have been the most enthusiastic about such gossip, likely driving the conversation and teasing Koala mercilessly. But with Marine representatives arriving any moment to finalize their computer transaction, she really wasn't in the mood.
"I swear, you girls are too relaxed," Olivia sighed, straightening her business attire. "Come on, 'Three, Six, Seven'! Perk up for me! This money isn't just for my pocket—you all get a share!"
Olivia was about to launch into a motivational speech to focus their attention when Violet suddenly gasped, her expression shifting as she activated her ability.
Violet closed her eyes, "looking" in a specific direction with her Devil Fruit powers. A small smile played across her lips.
"They're here," she announced calmly. "Now you can rest assured."
Almost the moment she finished speaking, they heard footsteps outside. A marine soldier appeared at the entrance, standing at attention.
"Vice Admiral Luffy! Rear Admiral Kujaku! Captain Kalifa!" he announced with a salute.
"Ah, hello. How are the preparations coming along?" Luffy said
"Yes sir! Everything is ready, please be assured!"
"Good. Carry on with your duties. We'll head inside."
After this brief exchange, Luffy and his two companions entered through the main gate. Koala and Violet greeted them with warm smiles, waving casually.
"Good afternoon," they called in unison.
Olivia rushed to Luffy, her nervousness evident in her hurried steps.
"Why are you only arriving now? I was about to call you!" she complained.
Without waiting for an explanation, she immediately launched into her report:
"Recently, with the construction of new production lines, computer production has increased steadily. I've prepared 10,000 Tier 2 computers for this deal with the Marines. I also worked through the night to create prototypes of other grade computers, but time was too short for proper testing. Mass production of those models will take much longer."
As she spoke, Olivia pulled a detailed list from her coat pocket. The document outlined specifications for six tiers of computers along with their estimated manufacturing costs.
Tier 1: As the entry-level computer, its primary function was to popularize the concept of computing technology across the Four Blues. Its manufacturing cost had been compressed to the extreme—less than 10,000 Berries per unit in mass production. However, compared to its selling price of 50,000 to 150,000 Berries, this range actually yielded the smallest profit margin.
Tier 2: This was the model already in mass production. With several new production lines opened and raw materials purchased in bulk, the cost had dropped to around 28,000 Berries per unit. Compared to its selling price of 300,000 Berries, this manufacturing cost was incredibly attractive.
Tier 3: With current technology, the difference between Tier 3 and Tier 2 wasn't substantial. Most of the internal components were identical, with changes primarily made to the exterior design. The cost was controlled within 40,000 Berries, but the price was an impressive 800,000 to 1 million Berries.
Tier 4: The situation with this tier was similar to Tier 3. However, Olivia had made every effort to incorporate more advanced configurations, with major improvements to ergonomics—including peripherals such as mouse, keyboard, and game controllers. The cost had increased to just over 70,000 Berries. This model could be slightly modified according to customer requirements, but even so, the starting price of 2 million Berries made these production costs seem utterly insignificant.
As for Tiers 5 and 6, the costs for these models were impossible to calculate precisely. From these tiers onward, computers were fully customized to the buyer's specifications. Wealthy clients might opt to plate their computers with gold or embed them with thousands of diamonds. Even more extravagant luxury features weren't out of the question. The costs were completely incalculable.
Luffy only needed to understand one thing: he would definitely make a fortune.
Looking at the list with satisfaction, tiny sparks dancing between his fingers as he handled the paper, Luffy asked casually:
"What about that buyer working for the Celestial Dragons? Have you shown him the merchandise? What did he say?"
"That guy has been staying at my hotel since he arrived," Olivia replied with a smirk. "I hear he's been playing games day and night without putting down the controller."
As she spoke, Olivia proudly puffed out her modest chest. Perhaps in terms of computer hardware and other technologies, her expertise fell far short of Dr. Vegapunk's. But when it came to capturing the hearts of users and developing engaging, addictive games—even the brilliant Vegapunk couldn't match her.
The explosive popularity of computers across the Grand Line wasn't primarily due to their utility. Most people purchased them for the games installed on them. Only a small fraction of users paid attention to the search engines, academic forums, and other practical applications included in the software package.
It could be said that Olivia had played a vital role in the widespread adoption of computer technology throughout the world. Where Vegapunk provided the technological foundation, Olivia had made them irresistible to the average person.
Luffy nodded, electricity crackling across his shoulders as he smiled.