Chapter 215: New Product Launch
At the Stark Industries Expo.
Smith Dole and Tony Stark had returned to the audience, while the person now on stage was none other than the Capsule Corporation's chief scientist, Bulma.
Behind Bulma, the large screen displayed the Capsule Corporation logo. She began her speech:
"I'm very happy to be here today, invited by Mr. Tony Stark to participate in this Expo, and to be the first company to showcase our products on this grand stage."
"In the past year, our scouter devices have taken the world by storm, earning the trust and support of many — from the military and government agencies to private enterprises and wealthy individuals."
"In response to feedback from our customers, we're proud to introduce the second-generation scouter."
"Compared to the first generation, the new scouter has a power level detection limit of 500."
Gasps rose from the ordinary civilians in the crowd. Most of them had never even met someone with a power level of 20, and now they were hearing that some people exceeded the old 150 limit.
The implication was clear — there were people within the government or military whose power levels surpassed 150. Were the true elites really all in the hands of the state?
In the audience, General Ross nodded in satisfaction upon hearing about the tripled detection range. That should be enough.
Blonsky muttered under his breath,
"I wonder what my power level would be after transforming."
Ross, cigar in his mouth but unlit, replied,
"Buy one and test it, then you'll know."
"Actually, I'm more curious about Smith Dole's power level."
Ross's gaze shifted to Smith, who was chatting and laughing with Tony.
Elsewhere, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Coulson was also in attendance. Before the Expo began, he had learned that Capsule Corporation would unveil two products, one of which was the scouter. Truthfully, S.H.I.E.L.D. still didn't have anyone with a power level over 150.
But he could guess who had pushed for the upgrade — Ross. After all, Ross had witnessed the Hulk, Abomination, and Smith Dole at full power.
As murmurs spread through the crowd, Bulma continued:
"In addition to the increased detection limit, we've added video recording capabilities. Whenever the wearer chooses, the scouter can begin recording to capture whatever they wish to preserve."
"The scouter is also linked to satellite terminals and databases, allowing instant uploads to the cloud for easy future access."
The audience was impressed, especially military and special agency personnel. With these features, spotting a special individual would allow them to record and upload instantly, giving their support teams immediate access for data analysis.
Bulma's presentation ended to a round of applause.
Clap, clap, clap.
Then she announced the price: 4.99 million USD — an increase of 1.99 million over the first generation. Clearly, this version was aimed at militaries, intelligence agencies, and organizations like S.H.I.E.L.D., rather than the general public.
Tony looked at Bulma on stage and chuckled to Smith,
"You finally released the second-gen model. Don't forget to send me the custom module I ordered."
"And really, you let Bulma up there? Not worried someone will poach her?"
Smith smiled.
"You're coming to my place later anyway — you can take her yourself if you want. Besides, Bulma's almost 18. It's time she stepped into the spotlight."
Bulma continued,
"At our last product launch, our chairman, Smith Dole, said that Capsule Corporation's mission is to change the way households live, making life more convenient for everyone."
"Today, we bring you something new."
A spotlight shifted to the side of the stage, revealing a large object under a black cover. As a mechanical arm pulled the cover away, a hovering car appeared before the audience.
Tony blinked in disbelief.
"You actually made this?"
"My dad once tried in this direction, but after failing, he gave up."
Indeed, at a past Expo, Howard Stark had unveiled a hover car — only for it to crash into scrap metal seconds later.
Bulma pressed on:
"A hover car can effectively reduce road congestion by shifting traffic flow into the air."
"It has no wheels. The higher it hovers, the faster it goes — the opposite of conventional cars."
She then detailed its specifications — power system, flight altitude, safety measures — and finally sat inside to give a live demonstration.
The crowd watched as the car zipped overhead at incredible speed, faster than traditional cars, more convenient and safer than a small helicopter.
The reveal electrified the venue. Unlike the scouter, which appealed more to governments and agencies, this was something ordinary people had long dreamed of from fiction — now made real. And it wasn't a concept image, but a working prototype.
Bulma revealed the steep price: 10 million USD. Orders were being accepted now, with plans for a cheaper mass-production model later.
Tony immediately placed an order. Oracle's CEO, Elon Musk, and other wealthy attendees followed suit, with 300 cars pre-ordered on the spot.
Thanks to the live broadcast, Capsule Corporation went viral again — even more so than when the scouter debuted. Men everywhere wanted the hover car, though its price kept most at bay.
Still, the wealthy were ecstatic. Another status symbol had been born. Capsule Corporation's phones rang nonstop, especially from Middle Eastern billionaires who saw the hover car as perfect for their desert terrain.
The military and other agencies took notice too — in hover mode, mountains, swamps, and even the ocean would no longer be obstacles. It could be the ultimate all-terrain combat vehicle. Several military leaders exchanged glances, silently agreeing to bring Capsule Corporation into their weapons development network.
(End of Chapter)
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