"Here is our documentation of the plant growth rates for a whole month we've researched for this project."

The hanging white screen displays a video originally from the meeting room's computer. Rio is showing time-lapse documentation about how the combination of cambium plants and moss could cover the growing concrete media in just one month. The participants, who consisted of three people, listened quietly until the video was over.

"Thus, what you've seen is a brief view of the result of my proposal. Now, I will prove it to you to fully support the theory used in the concrete-strengthening concept."

Rio stood in front of the three gentlemen —Mr. Rudi, Mr. Wira and Mr. Hendra. They occasionally reread the proposal before closing it to observe the prototype Rio has brought upon it entirely. Rita, who has always stayed by Rio's side, served two growth mediums on the table—both have the same dimension. The only difference is one is covered with greenery while the others are not.

Rio put a hammer on the table. "Please, gentlemen. You can try to break it using this."

The three participants exchanged glances before Mr. Wira stood up from his seat. He looks closely at the two growth media and swings the hammer three times at the plantless concrete. A few seconds later, it broke into pieces.

He is trying to do the same with the other medium covered in greenery—three hits on the miniature construction. However, after the third blow, there were no cracks whatsoever.

"…wow."

Mr. Rudi and Mr. Hendra are having a closer look. Mr. Wira tried to hit a few more times again before the growth medium finally collapsed. How the mini construction collapsed was also not as messy compared to other mediums.

"I think this prototype is eligible enough to serve as supporting evidence for my proposal," Rio concluded carefully.

Mr. Wira looked at Rio in disbelief. "What can I say? This is incredible. Rio, your prototype definitely makes us confused. It feels like you have presented something very original. I can't recall if we have something like this before, but, the media would be excited if they know about this."

"Can't agree more. Usually, it's very possible for plants to damage buildings or any concrete structures since they made gaps for them to grow. But strengthening the concrete as the plants enveloped it on their grasps… that's something I've never encountered before," said Mr. Hendra while closely observing the genetically-engineered plants.

"Still, the evidence is in front of you all, sir. Mr. Wira has proven it himself to see how the growth medium covered by the plants takes more several hard hits before the construction collapses," Rio added.

The three middle-aged men were speechless for a few more minutes. So, Rio tried to confirm once again.

"So, does my proposal got accepted?"

Mr. Wira glances once more at his other co-workers as Mr. Rudi and Mr. Hendra nod firmly. There was nothing more they could doubt on this matter.

"Congratulation, Rio, you've proven your idea greatly. We will take your proposal to our program which will improve the city's infrastructure. But first, we will have more study about it so our local budget can truly support it. From now on, you'll be busy dealing with the legal issues for using your engineered seeds along with our vendors' meetings," Mr. Wira answered while patting Rio's shoulder.

"Ah! Thank you very much, Mr. Wira!"

"No problem. Thanks for the hard work so far, Rio."

The applause came from the other participants for those who had worked hard until this moment. Mr. Rudi did not forget to give Rio a light high-five while laughing with satisfaction. The meeting was soon dismissed, with Mr. Wira and Mr. Hendra leaving the room.

"Good job, Rio. Perhaps you can slow down on your overtime. Soon, you have to prepare yourself to meet with the water company since they're our partner who usually handles the dam management."

"Thank you. Of course, sir. I'll do my best."

"Then again, your engineered-seeds makes me think that those stuff are not actually coming from this era. You're so amazing that you can use that to improve this town's infrastructure, hahaha!"

Rio grins awkwardly while Rita gets goosebumps upon hearing that. Indeed, those genetically-engineered seeds can only be produced because of the future technology they've brought to this era. Thanks to the records of the past, no one will suspect that and accept that invention simply as a creative solution to a problem.

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When those three men were nowhere to be seen, Rio gave a high-five to Rita while jumping with joy.

"We did it, Rita! It worked well!"

"Y-Yes. Congratulation for your proposal!"

"Our hard work was finally paid off!"

Someone is knocking on the door that caught those two's attention. Valerie also comes with his usual smugness and notices how his two comrades hold each other's hands.

"Congrats, you lovebirds. Here, a small gift," Valerie gave a pack of chicken skin snacks with a delicious smelling seasoning.

"Much appreciated. I feel hungry all of sudden when I smell it," said Rio while tasting the snack before giving it to Rita.

"So, it's been decided already? Since you guys are so happy while holding hands like that?" Valerie asked again with his unsettling smile.

Rio choked while awkwardly letting Rita's hand go. At the same time, Rita herself is looking away.

"What do you mean by that, huh?" Rio tried to dodge.

"Yeah, sure. You'll get an Oscar for that act. Well, sadly there's something urgent to talk for, thus your celebration will be postponed for a bit. Hear me out."

Rita and Rio exchanged glances.

In short, the three of them arrived at Rio's place in the greenhouse. Valerie played the emergency message while Rio and Rita received the same message since they turned off the ring during the previous presentation.

Those three were focused on the projection screen floating in front of them. Rio can't help to wonder what kind of urgent situation will occur to them.

"Greetings, volunteers from the future. I'm Sato, Mr. Davide's assistant, the head of the future police department. With this message, we want to raise awareness regardless our urgent situation."

He is someone they had met in Mr. Davide's room way back then. His face is quite severe and tense—only Sato, who was on the screen, while his superior is nowhere to be seen.

"The Tantoris City's police building was attacked last night. Local media have reported it because the building is one of the city's important infrastructure. Our investigation says that the building has been hit by a laser cannon, a weapon commonly used in our timeline," reported Sato calmly.

"How did that weapon is here?" Rio asked incredulously.

"It's easy to think that Johann brought it here. While I was listening to this report, I instantly remembered Arisa has told us about that person," Valerie commented.

"That's right… the volunteers like us have no means to bring that kind of weapon. Perhaps, the police division got their hands on it, but even so, they're still using this era's weapon for protective purposes. So, it makes sense that it has something to do with Johann," Rita chimed in.

Sato continued, "Regarding the casualties, we can safely report that no one died in this incident. It happened when the majority of the police officers from the future were working overtime at the office. It's evident that this attack was aimed only at people from the future. Regarding Mr. Davide's condition, he was harmed and is currently being treated at a local hospital.

On the one hand, we also received reports that the condition of the records of the past of some volunteers was deteriorating. There is no relevant evidence yet on whether this attack also affected the existing state of the record of the past. Thus, we will continue to investigate this matter.

We want all volunteers, especially those in Tantoris City, to stay alert and immediately report anything suspicious. Thank you."

The finished video report left a bitter taste in Rio's mouth. Their existence in the past is no longer safe anymore because there are people out there trying to mess up the record of the past, an essential aspect needed for this project to succeed.

"No wonder Mr. Rudi seemed to have realized that our ideas shouldn't exist in this era... Maybe it was also caused by the deteriorating records of the past?" Rio guessed

"That might be the case. If we don't do something about this, it could be serious. People will be more aware that there are people who shouldn't be at this timeline," said Valerie uncomfortably.

"Is there anything we can do?" Rita is starting to get anxious.

Rio and Valerie shrug.

"I think we'd better stick to our routine without causing any suspicion. Definitely don't let your guard down with," Valerie replied.

"That's how it is. I'm agree with Valerie," Rio added.

"Alright, that's it for now! It's time for me to go back to my desk. How about you, Rio?" asked the blonde guy while he checked the wall clock.

"I do the same. After all, my experiments has been successful and my proposal will go to the next step necessary. Still, I have to tidy up this room first."

"Okay. See you in our room, Rio. Until we meet again, Rita."

Valerie left the room while waving his hand. Rio will pack up some things since he has occupied this place for a whole month.

"Like I said earlier, our documentation is over so I will return to my previous place."

"I understand. However, we still have a lot to do, right?" Rita confirmed again.

"I guess so. When my proposal has been approved as an official program, it doesn't mean our work is finished. We will start to prepare everything so that this idea is truly realized. For the sake of this planet's future, this contribution is necessary." Rio replied confidently, "our two divisions will continue to be in touch because your geneticaly-engineered plants and seeds are the crucial part of my proposal, Rita."

"Sure. After all, 90% of my division's job description is to support any volunteer missions in this office. So, both from me personally and from the Forestry Division itself will fully support your program, Rio," said the girl to ensure everything.

Rio smiled slightly at Rita's positive response. He took his pocket and handed Rita something in his hand—a mini terrarium.

"This is my thanks after everything you've done from the beginning. I know it's not much. But, thank you very much for your support, Rita."

She looks at the greenery stuffed in the small bottle and chuckles. "This terrarium is cute. Thanks for the gift, Rio. I will definitely take care of it."

Rio takes his cell phone, which is vibrating. When he is done reading the text, Rio claps his hands once and says goodbye to Rita.

"Mr. Rudi has called me for a survey of the city dam. We're just getting started."

"Go for it, Rio."

Rita waved lightly as her close friend went away. When Rio has disappeared, Rita looks once again at the small gift he had given her.

She couldn't help but smile wide for the next few minutes.