NOVEL NEXT Chapter 225: Vanko Industries
Facing Smith Dole's direct question about results, Ivan Vanko had already prepared his pitch on the way over.
"We form a joint company. I want it to be called Vanko Industries, focusing on energy and war machines."
"You provide the funding, I provide the technology. I'll need a lab for future research and product upgrades."
"As for war machines, I don't recommend wearable armor. The small arc reactor uses palladium, and long-term use will cause palladium poisoning in the wearer."
"My idea is unmanned units — AI or remote-controlled."
"As for shares, I want 50%. And I want a fair fight with Tony Stark, to prove something for my family."
Ivan laid out his vision and demands. Smith thought for a moment before replying,
"Too much. I can only give you 35%."
"As for the company's direction, I have better ideas and a plan."
"And your sparring match with Tony Stark won't be a problem here."
Hearing that Smith was only offering 35%, Ivan fell silent. Compared to other capitalists, there might not be a better deal. Even with his tech, his identity made it unlikely anyone else would offer him such terms.
But Smith was different. From the Dragon Ball incident to the superhero property damage insurance, Ivan had grown to respect him, believing he was a man of his word.
"Fine. I agree."
"But I'll only handle the technology. Management is yours. And make my name known quickly — arrange the fight with Tony."
Smith wasn't surprised. Ivan's talents lay in engineering, not management.
"Fox, John Wick, come in."
At Smith's call through the intercom, the conference room doors opened and the two men entered.
"Fox, set up a subsidiary under Capsule Corporation. Registered capital: 1 billion dollars. Mr. Ivan Vanko here will invest technology for a 35% stake."
"The main business: clean energy and intelligent robots — household companion-type robots."
Ivan frowned.
"No sales of war machines?"
Smith shook his head.
"Selling war machines isn't the best move. But with our AI Daidai, turning them into companion robots will make it easier to enter every household."
"As for the size, think like this —" Smith sketched the outline of a large, round robot. "The arc reactor core goes in the center of the belly. That way, even if someone hugs it, they're still over half a meter from the core's radiation zone."
He pointed at Ivan.
"Of course, you can use your dividends to upgrade your own armor. Maybe you'll be the third superhero to catch the public's eye."
Smith had little faith in Colonel Rhodes. Since Tony had already solved his palladium poisoning issue, he wouldn't let Rhodes take another suit. There'd be no repeat of the "swap."
The idea of becoming the third superhero made Ivan's eyes light up. Competing with the Stark family wasn't just about founding Vanko Industries — it was also about matching Iron Man's public image.
"John Wick, get Mr. Vanko settled in the base. Give him a guest room, a change of clothes, and explain the League of Assassins' mission and history. Then tell me his decision."
Ivan was puzzled. What was the League of Assassins? Why did he need to know its history and mission? And what choice was he expected to make?
John nodded.
"Understood, boss."
Smith added,
"Handle it quickly. I want to know before I head to Monaco for the race — so I can decide if he's coming along."
John turned to Ivan.
"Take off the armor. I'll take you to your room. We need to have a serious talk."
Ivan nodded. The League of Assassins clearly wasn't simple. After removing his armor, he followed John out of the conference room.
As they left, Fox asked,
"The thing on his chest — it looked just like Tony's."
Smith nodded.
"Same origin. But its output is weaker than Tony's arc reactor. Still, it's a world-shaking device."
"Better to keep it here and present it to the world in a controlled way, than let it run wild out there."
Fox frowned.
"That'll put you in conflict with Tony's company. And you're his second-largest shareholder after him."
Smith shrugged.
"I'm saving him from a big headache. He'll thank me later."
"I hear the antitrust bureau is gearing up to go after him. Vanko Industries could solve that problem."
Fox nodded.
"As long as you're sure. I just don't want it hurting your friendship."
Smith smiled.
"I'll handle it carefully."
…
Elsewhere.
John Wick brought Ivan to a guest room and called in a tailor to measure him for a custom suit.
When the tailor left, Ivan sat on the sofa and said to John,
"Now, tell me about this League of Assassins."
John's expression turned serious. He began explaining the League's rituals and principles — how it had once followed the 'Sacred Loom' to eliminate anyone destined to harm human society in the future, even if they were just a child now.
But since Smith Dole — the God — had joined the League, the rules had changed: no more killing before a crime was committed. Now they confirmed the crime first, then executed judgment.
And he told Ivan about the Dragon Balls, sacred relics of the League.
(End of Chapter)
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