Chapter 1135: Sustainable Development, A Relaxed Environment

"Daiwei's research might lead to a more efficient method of energy storage, or perhaps it is the prototype for some kind of brand-new Strategic Weapon. But regardless of which it is, I feel it is very necessary to provide a greater degree of support for his subsequent related research."

"If you think it's feasible, then do as you say!"

After saying this, Niya looked at Xia Duo with curiosity again, "Anything else? I don't believe you came specifically to find me just for this matter!"

"I knew I couldn't hide it from you!"

Xia Duo's Permission Level in the Tower of Time is very high, and he can decide many things independently; compared to Niya, he is more like the leader of the Tower of Time.

But even if Xia Duo is the true leader, regarding some major matters, he still feels it is necessary to touch base with Niya first, such as the following matter:

"You have also seen Daiwei's energy consumption over the past few months; even among High Mages, it is on the higher side. Think about the others; unrestricted energy access will inevitably lead to a lot of waste."

"The Tower of Time does not yet have the capital to let people consume energy wantonly. Plus, this batch of New Apprentices will be promoted in large numbers soon, and the energy crisis will be even more severe then. I think we can implement an energy-limiting policy now."

"And then?" Niya asked.

"I think the first step could be to categorize energy consumption, mainly divided into Tower of Time infrastructure consumption and Tower of Time member consumption."

"And Tower of Time member consumption can be further subdivided into pure personal consumption, Research Lab consumption, and production consumption. Among these, production consumption mainly refers to the Magic Technician Department; the remaining personal consumption and Research Lab consumption are the main targets for energy limitation."

Subsequently, Xia Duo ordered the Tower Spirit to display the Tower of Time's energy consumption over the past six months in percentage form according to his classification.

The largest share was taken up by Tower of Time member personal consumption and Research Lab consumption, accounting for more than half of the total energy consumption.

Following that was the infrastructure consumption of such a complex and massive structure as the Tower of Time, accounting for nearly one-third.

The remaining miscellaneous items that were not classified only accounted for about one-tenth, which was about the same as the monthly surplus.

"In the past, the Tower of Time used fees to suppress members' use of infrastructure, such as the Spell Suppression Field in the Spell Laboratory and the Alchemy Array in the General Laboratory. But after the Tower of Time transformed and relaxed these restrictions, waste became inevitable. I roughly estimated that at least one-third of the Tower of Time member consumption is wasted."

"That much?"

Niya expressed great surprise at such a number, and she immediately asked: "If the energy limitation is implemented, how much improvement will there be?"

"Looking at it solely from the perspective of energy reserves, it could at least double the monthly surplus. Additionally, reducing the use of infrastructure can also extend the maintenance cycle of the Tower of Time; the income from this part should not be underestimated! More importantly—"

"What is it?"

"More importantly, this move perfects the internal order of the Tower of Time. In the long run, the impact is even greater!"

"Then how exactly do you plan to do it?"

How exactly to do it?

If Xia Duo only had a budding idea before coming to see Niya, then now, after giving Niya such an analysis, the ideas that were originally a bit vague in his mind gradually became clear.

He took out a piece of paper again, listed a few numbers on it, and then explained:

"I think 1000 Energy Points per month is already enough for a High Mage, then 500 for an Intermediate Mage, 300 for a Low-level Mage, and 100 for an Apprentice."

"Is this a pure personal usage quota, or does it include the Research Lab?"

"Pure personal usage quota, not including the Research Lab!"

Xia Duo continued to explain: "The Research Lab itself can be considered the Tower of Time's affirmation and support for an Intermediate Mage's research project. Depending on the importance of their research, the Tower of Time can provide different energy quota subsidies."

"Of course, this requires them to apply proactively. If they don't apply, even if they have established a Research Lab, they can only consume their personal quota."

"You doing this—" Niya frowned, appearing to be in deep thought.

Xia Duo was not in a hurry, waiting for Niya to think slowly. In the process of waiting, he could also happen to see what problems Niya had encountered in her research on the Communication Mythallar.

……

"I think it's feasible. Additionally, I think the monthly quota for Apprentices can be further subdivided. In reality, Level 1 and Level 2 Apprentices shouldn't need that much energy."

"……"

Xia Duo was about to turn the page, but hearing Niya say this, his hand subconsciously paused. What Niya said indeed made a lot of sense, but such overly subdivided tiered quotas reminded him of those wicked capitalists on Earth.

Using big data to formulate precise maximum charges that meet everyone's psychological limits is truly detestable.

Indeed, the number of Apprentices in the Tower of Time is the largest now, and their energy consumption is also the biggest share. Nearly a thousand people added together consume far more than those few High Mages.

But Xia Duo felt there was no need to calculate so precisely within the Tower of Time, insisting on pinning the monthly quota to everyone's minimum usage limit.

Is this a benefit for Tower of Time members? Or a shackle?

Energy limitation is to avoid waste and promote Sustainable Development, not to restrict the members of the Tower of Time.

If one wants to truly achieve "energy freedom," just cutting back is useless; one must open up new sources!

If there were infinite energy like the 【Mythallar】 now, Xia Duo would absolutely not limit anyone's energy consumption.

……

Seeing that Niya had already picked up a pen and started calculating on the paper, Xia Duo hurriedly reached out to block the paper and said:

"Forget about the Apprentices. Even if you subdivide the tiered quotas for them this time, what about when they are promoted later? Do we have to subdivide again, or should we subdivide for Low-level Mages and Intermediate Mages now too?"

"Why not?"

Facing Niya's puzzled gaze, Xia Duo asked back: "If you were an ordinary member of the Tower of Time now, would you be willing to see an energy quota that is exactly capped at your minimum consumption limit?"

"I wouldn't!" Niya answered subconsciously.

After saying this, she looked at Xia Duo thoughtfully, and instantly had a brand-new understanding of many of Xia Duo's past behaviors. At this moment, as if she had thought of something, she hurriedly asked:

"Is this also something you experienced in your hometown?"

"Something like that. A relaxed environment can promote innovation. If the material pressure is very high, and you only think about getting a little material or energy all day long, how much heart would you have left to think about researching Magic?"

Appropriate pressure can stimulate people to strive, but once it presses people until they can't breathe, then let alone striving, just being able to survive is a luxury.

Thinking of the rumors of "retirement" at 35 circulating within the company before he transmigrated, Xia Duo's mood suddenly became much heavier.

I wonder how much time has passed on Earth since I transmigrated? Has my hometown unified? Has it been rejuvenated? Has the Ziyou Wangguo been realized?

"Xia Duo—"

Niya's soft call brought Xia Duo's consciousness back to the present. Looking at Niya's concerned gaze, Xia Duo felt much better. He smiled and then said:

"I'm fine, the future will only get better!"