The experts on the evaluation team weren't so much amazed by the mini-missile itself. With the right schematics and machining precision, Northrop Grumman's technological capabilities could produce something like this without much trouble. The true shock came from the new high-explosive formula Castle had "created" himself.
This explosive, with just fifteen grams, could match the power of two kilograms of TNT—an unprecedented ratio that shattered the team's understanding of explosives. In an era where all-carbon-based explosives were already groundbreaking, this high-explosive compound left experts, lifelong veterans in weapons development, feeling awestruck and questioning their life's work. And the fact that this came from a novelist and part-time weapons designer left them at a loss for words.
Castle's explosive formula, something from Tony Stark's arsenal of superweapons, was true cutting-edge technology. Imagine the impact if this high-explosive compound passed testing and entered military applications. Even standard missiles would see a significant increase in range and destructive power. If applied to Castle's Jericho missile design—a cluster warhead already known for its extensive impact—the results would be terrifying. The idea of an explosive with the destructive power of two thousand grams for every fifteen was enough to send chills down the spines of these experts.
The reality that a writer had independently developed something chemical experts and munitions manufacturers couldn't was the real crux of the matter.
This was why Northrop had rushed a team to New York as soon as Castle's success with the mini-missile was confirmed. The missile was a bonus; this novel high-explosive, potentially capable of advancing weaponry by leaps and bounds, was the real prize Northrop valued.
Castle, of course, knew the immense value of his so-called "new high-explosive," but as he'd mentioned before, he didn't particularly care. His mind held countless such technologies, many of which were similarly groundbreaking. Stark Industries, in the Marvel universe, was a powerhouse, a military industrial giant, largely due to Tony Stark's endless supply of inventions and inspirations. As a result, Stark Industries consistently dominated the arms industry.
The system had restricted Castle from accessing knowledge related to the arc reactor and Iron Man suits, but for some reason, his "Mechanical Proficiency" reward had included an array of weapon designs and ideas. That's how he'd created the Jericho missile and the SHIELD-inspired Quinjet-style drone so effortlessly.
Castle could have replicated even more impressive weapons, but it wasn't necessary yet. He preferred to build his reputation gradually, cultivating the perception that he was a true master of weapons design, misled only briefly by his detour into detective novels. Otherwise, he could have rolled out something like Stark's sonic cannon, which he designed for General Ross to capture the Hulk.
Castle knew these technologies would shake the world, but it wasn't time yet. The Northrop experts were already astounded by just the first technology his lab had produced, and once his high-explosive compound gained fame, he knew he would become a hot commodity for the insatiable military contractors of the nation.
After an explanation from the lead expert, the senior vice president at Northrop understood that the formula for this high-explosive was indeed a goldmine. But, this time, he doubted Northrop could acquire exclusive rights as they had with the drone's semi-intelligent flight control system. Northrop was rising quickly and couldn't offer more stock as they had before to secure this valuable formula.
Knowing this, the senior VP promptly reported back to headquarters, receiving word from the higher-ups that they would, in fact, be willing to part with a small portion of stock if it meant exclusive rights to Castle's high-explosive formula. Armed with this green light, he returned to Castle, hoping that as a stakeholder in Northrop, Castle would favor them.
Surprisingly, Castle declined. He wasn't foolish; this high-explosive formula would attract major players beyond Northrop, especially giants in the chemical industry like DuPont. Castle was already eyeing DuPont as a strategic partner. DuPont might be ruthless, even allegedly involved in blowing up competitor factories, but in Castle's view, a well-prepared capitalist could handle them. So, giving Northrop exclusive rights wasn't an option.
Additionally, Castle already held four percent of Northrop's stock—a significant private holding—and saw no reason to increase it. Owning over five percent would require public disclosure, and he preferred to keep a low profile. He offered Northrop the mini-missile schematics and manufacturing rights but only licensed the high-explosive formula to them for use rather than exclusive rights.
What followed was a protracted negotiation. Northrop, understanding they couldn't monopolize the formula, accepted the arrangement. Castle was transparent about his intention to license the formula to DuPont, a company much larger than Northrop. After weighing Castle's stake in their company and the immense scale of DuPont, Northrop reluctantly agreed.
In the end, Northrop obtained Castle's "Ex-Wife" mini-missile technology and, more importantly, the usage rights to the high-explosive formula. In exchange, Castle received a large technology transfer fee, which took a week to finalize. Without Moz's help, the contract's fine print nearly drained him, but with a generous budget, he brought in a trusted legal firm to help iron out the terms.
With that settled, Castle turned his attention to DuPont.
Through Northrop's senior VP, he'd already notified DuPont of the explosive's basic parameters. DuPont, unsurprisingly, showed keen interest. Castle used the VP as a bridge to add a layer of protection; DuPont's reputation for ruthlessness made him cautious. For a company infamous for destroying competitors by extreme means, Castle wanted the backing of Northrop to avoid any reckless moves on DuPont's part. Having a respected ally handle initial introductions was a necessary precaution.
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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