The MergeShipping network scaled like wildfire.
But with global exposure came risk.
Kai stood at the center of the new logistics hub, where crates of MergeTilapia and MergeTomatoes flowed into smart trucks without a human in sight.
MergeCore chimed.
"Security breach detected. Two unauthorized drones scanned MergeSkyDrop deployment zone."
Kai's eyes narrowed.
"Not another one."
He opened the MergeDefense menu.
[MERGE: Satellite Grid + Surveillance AI + MergePulse Emitters]
= Tier 3 MergePerimeter Defense]
Traits:
Drone Identification & Neutralization System (DINS)
MergeHeat Signature Cloaking
Real-time breach reporting
Within minutes, a low hum passed across the sky.
Two unknown drones blinked red, their systems fried mid-air. They dropped harmlessly onto Kai's private land and were collected for parts.
Kai didn't celebrate.
He upgraded immediately.
[MERGE: Private Security + Combat AI + AutoArmor Network]
= Tier 4 MergeGuards]
The guards weren't people.
They were silent, armored silhouettes—powered by solar and bio-syn cores, stationed around every high-value point.
No logos. No talk. Just presence.
MergeCore processed the threat:
"Multiple competitors escalating espionage. Recommending blacklisted access control."
"Do it."
Meanwhile, rumors spread.
A major seafood brand claimed Kai's MergeCaviar came from cloned genes. Another meat supplier accused him of using banned enhancers.
Kai didn't reply.
He sent MergeLaw packets through his proxy law firm—patents, lab tests, traceability chains.
By the time they responded, MergeMart stock was gone again.
To further protect his empire, Kai established:
[MERGE: Legal Firm + MergeAI Compliance Suite]
= MergeLegal: Tier 3 Enforcement Protocols]
It handled:
International contracts
Regulatory approvals
Clone-breach audits
Kai walked the perimeter later that night, his boots crunching on the merged gravel—its texture engineered to reduce noise but still trigger pressure sensors.
He passed the MergeGuards without a word. Their heads turned as he moved, silently recognizing his biometric imprint.
Beyond the storage facility, MergeCore opened a new overlay in his contact lens.
"Security efficiency: 94%. Surveillance latency: 0.6s. All zones stable."
Kai glanced toward the ocean. The MergeHauler SEEDWIND blinked in the harbor, unloading saltwater MergeLobster bound for three different countries.
His empire now moved across land, sea, and air. But that wasn't enough.
He tapped the panel at his side.
"Begin MergeOrbit program."
"Confirming satellite deployment tier?"
"Tier 2 for now. Surveillance net only. Merge with low-atmo drones."
"Confirmed. MergeOrbit initiated. ETA: 7 days."
That would give him a bird's eye view of everything.
Any threats. Any buyers. Any move against his farm—he'd see it before it happened.
He moved back inside as MergeCore piped one last update.
"MergeMilk under review by major defense medical division for protein retention and performance benefits."
"Projected contract value?"
"Preliminary bid: $65 million. Military-grade supply level."
Kai didn't react. He just nodded.
"Run full background checks. And prepare to supply only through MergeShipping."
In Washington D.C., behind closed doors, a three-star general put down a tablet showing Kai's farm layout.
"We either buy him out or get in line. This kid isn't building a farm. He's building infrastructure."
Back on the farm, Kai stood in front of the cryo-vault again.
"No one touches the originals."
He placed his palm on the lock.
MergeSecurity sealed tighter.
No duplicates. No leaks.
He wasn't farming food anymore.
He was farming power.
Profit Summary
MergeSecurity Contracts: +$3,100,000
Legal Settlements Won: +$2,200,000
MergeLaw Licensing: +$1,800,000
Expenses:
MergePerimeter + MergeGuards: –$2,900,000
MergeLegal Infrastructure: –$1,500,000
Counter-Espionage Initiatives: –$1,000,000
Net Profit: $1,700,000
Kai's Total Net Worth: $819,143,000