Smith continued:
"Let me give everyone a new perspective. In fact, the Power Level Detector can also serve as a screening tool for super soldiers."
"Not everyone with high bio-energy has properly developed their potential."
"But with the Power Level Detector, it becomes easy to identify soldiers with exceptional latent power—those who can be cultivated to their full potential."
Hearing this, the eyes of personnel from various departments lit up. The device measured biological energy, and before breaking through human limits, higher bio-energy meant greater potential. With training, that potential could be converted into actual combat ability.
And those with high potential were more likely to surpass the human limit.
For General Ross, it meant those high-potential candidates could be ideal subjects for the Super Soldier Program—with higher chances of success.
While others took the information calmly, Nick Fury was startled. One thought crossed his mind: if the device measured biological energy, then Skrulls would definitely register higher than regular humans—maybe even above the human threshold—due to their unique physiology.
He couldn't imagine Skrulls having less bio-energy than humans.
And if this tech went mainstream, wouldn't that mean the Skrulls would be exposed?
At that moment, Tony asked:
"It only works on living beings?"
Smith nodded.
"That's right. It works solely on biological entities—it can also detect large animals."
"But your suit, or any weapons, aren't included in that."
Hearing it only worked on living beings, Tony smiled. That meant no one could figure out his true combat strength. His lips curled up slightly as he said:
"Smith, check my power level."
Without hesitation, Smith locked onto Tony in the crowd.
"4.5."
The moment the number appeared, the whole room froze—wasn't that below average? Even a healthy adult should be a 5.0. Did this mean Tony's physical condition was worse than normal?
A chuckle rippled through the audience.
Rhodes quipped:
"Tony, you might want to cut back a little. No more cover girls. Time to hit the gym."
Tony looked dazed. How could his body be below average?
Smith glanced at Tony's chest—then Tony realized. The arc reactor was constantly damaging his body. The fact that he still registered 4.5 was only because his previous physical foundation was strong. If it were someone else, the reading would probably be around 3.
Smith almost wanted to say: "You're not even worth being called weak."
Then General Ross asked:
"Smith, this gadget you developed is quite interesting. What's the price?"
It was clear Ross was interested. The detector could be used for selecting soldiers and identifying unusual individuals.
Ross already had knowledge of superhumans—and was spearheading the Super Soldier Program.
Smith responded:
"Three million USD."
Ross didn't find the price too steep, especially considering the long-distance comms feature. If it truly allowed seamless global communication, then the price was actually quite reasonable. What he really wanted to know was whether the tech could be transferred to other devices.
"Not too bad. I'll order ten units for testing. If it works well, the military will increase orders."
Smith wasn't surprised. Ten might not be a large number, but it was a great start.
"Fox, take note."
With Ross placing an order, the rest of the departments followed suit. Because of the need for testing, unfamiliarity with the tech, and limited budgets, most ordered only five to ten units. Rhodes, despite representing the deep-pocketed Air Force, only bought one—for internal discussions.
Even Tony Stark, just to show support, ordered ten units. Other defense contractors were interested in the tech, ordering three units each for research.
In a short span, 200 units of the Power Level Detector had been sold—bringing in a whopping 600 million dollars.
Then Nick Fury spoke up:
"How many units do you have left? If not many, S.H.I.E.L.D. will take them all."
Everyone present was stunned—no one expected Fury to go all in like that.
Fury's real aim was to prevent the technology from spreading. He wanted to lock down the supply chain, then negotiate with Smith to limit distribution—perhaps making it exclusive.
But even with that goal in mind, mass deployment at 3 million per unit was too costly.
Smith smiled upon hearing Fury's words:
"We've stocked 30,000 units for the initial batch. Are you sure you want them all, Director Fury?"
"If there's enough demand, we can go full production—30,000 units per month or more is doable."
Fury was instantly frozen in place.
He had assumed Smith hadn't entered full-scale production. But 30,000 units were already sitting in inventory?
That was 30 billion dollars.
S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't have that kind of money. If he dared spend it, he'd probably be removed from office the next day. People would immediately accuse him of corruption and backroom deals.
And Smith had 30,000 units? Was he not worried about oversupply?
Cough, cough
"I spoke too loudly. I'll take 30 units to support the launch."
90 million was much easier to squeeze from other budgets.
When Fury scaled back from 'taking everything' to just 30, the whole room burst into laughter—making Fury's already dark face even darker.
Then a reporter asked a question many were curious about. While 3 million was no small sum for the average person, for the wealthy, it was still within reach.
"Mr. Smith, is the Power Level Detector a military-grade product only, or will it also be available to the public?"
Fury looked at Smith, clearly eager to hear the answer.
"The Power Level Detector will be sold worldwide, to individuals and organizations alike."
"If you want it and have the money, you can buy it."
Hearing this, Fury frowned slightly. At that price, it wouldn't spread quickly, but it was still a concern. He figured he'd need to talk to Smith after the event to discuss possible restrictions.
At the same time, he thought to himself: With so many people here, surely Smith wouldn't try anything against the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.… right?
…
(End of Chapter)
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