At that moment, Smith continued speaking:
"I'd like to give everyone a new perspective—the combat power detector can also serve as a screening tool for super soldiers."
"Not everyone with abundant bio-energy has necessarily tapped into their full potential."
"But with this detector, we can easily identify the individuals with the highest potential among the soldiers and give them proper training."
Hearing Smith Dole's words, the various department representatives lit up. Since the device measures bio-energy, and higher levels of it usually indicate greater potential (as long as the person hasn't broken through their human limits), it meant that the detector could help pinpoint who was worth cultivating.
Those with high potential had a better chance of breaking past their limits under training.
For General Ross, this meant he could use the detector to identify ideal candidates for the Super Soldier program—people whose chances of success would be much higher due to their natural potential.
Unlike others who seemed calm, Nick Fury was shocked internally. He quickly realized a problem—if this device measured bio-energy, then Skrulls would almost certainly show much higher readings than normal humans, even beyond human limits, because of their unique abilities.
And there's no way he could believe Skrulls would score lower than ordinary humans.
If this technology became widely used... wouldn't the Skrulls be instantly exposed?
At that moment, Tony chimed in:
"So it only works on living organisms?"
Smith Dole nodded.
"Correct. It only reacts to biological beings. Large animals can also be detected."
"But things like your suit or any weaponry? They don't count."
Hearing that it only worked on living organisms, Tony smiled. That meant no one could use this thing to determine his real combat strength. With a faint smirk, he said:
"Smith, go ahead—tell me what my power level is."
Smith didn't hesitate. He locked onto Tony in the room.
"4.5."
The moment that number came up, the entire room paused. Wasn't that... lower than the average person?
Soon after, amused smiles spread across everyone's faces.
Rhodey chuckled from the side:
"Tony, maybe it's time you toned things down. No more cover girls—you might wanna start working out."
Tony was left stunned. His physique wasn't bad—how could he be weaker than an average person?
Smith looked at Tony's chest, and Tony quickly caught on. The detector measured biological energy, and the arc reactor in his chest had been gradually deteriorating his body.
The only reason Tony even scored a 4.5 was because he used to be in top physical condition. If it had been someone else, the number might've been as low as 3.
But Smith resisted the urge to tell Tony outright: "You're even weaker than a wet paper bag right now."
General Ross spoke up:
"Smith, this little device of yours is interesting. How much does it cost?"
Clearly, the general was intrigued. The detector could be used to select soldiers or even assess certain 'special individuals.'
He had some knowledge of superpowered beings—and he was working on building his own super soldier force.
Smith replied without hesitation:
"Three million U.S. dollars per unit."
Ross didn't find the price too high. However, he thought the remote communication function needed testing. If the device really could provide seamless global communication, then the price would be more than reasonable. He also wondered whether that technology could be transferred to other gear.
"Price is fine. Let's start with 10 units for testing. If it works well, the military will expand the order."
Smith wasn't surprised by this. It wasn't a huge number, but it was a promising start.
"Fox, take note of that order."
Once Ross placed his order, the other departments followed suit. Due to the need for testing, budget limitations, and uncertainty over the product, each department ordered about 5–10 units.
Colonel Rhodes of the Air Force, despite representing one of the richest branches, only bought one unit—just to test the waters.
Even Tony Stark, just to show support, ordered 10 units.
Military contractors present were especially curious about the technology behind the device. Each company placed orders for three units for research purposes.
In just a short time, 200 detectors were sold—totaling $600 million.
That's when Nick Fury spoke:
"How many more units do you have? If it's not too many, S.H.I.E.L.D. will buy out the rest."
Everyone turned to him in surprise—they hadn't expected such boldness from Fury.
In truth, Fury didn't want the technology leaking out. He planned to monopolize production and later negotiate with Smith to restrict sales, possibly turning it into an exclusive product for S.H.I.E.L.D.
Besides, if the device were mass-produced, $3 million apiece was still way too high.
Smith grinned inwardly and said with a smile:
"We've got 30,000 units in initial stock. Are you sure you want them all, Director Fury?"
"If needed, we can increase production to 30,000 per month—or more."
Fury was frozen in place.
He'd assumed the product wasn't mass-produced yet. To hear that they already had 30,000 units in stock?
That would cost $30 billion! S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't have that kind of discretionary budget.
If he tried to push that amount through, it'd look like outright corruption. People would definitely think he was colluding with Smith.
And what kind of madman pre-manufactures 30,000 units? Was Smith not afraid of losing money?
Fury gave an awkward cough.
"Ahem... I may have spoken a little too boldly. We'll take 30 units—for support."
Squeezing $90 million out of the budget was doable.
When people saw Fury go from "buying them all" to just 30 units, laughter broke out across the room. Fury's already dark expression turned even darker.
A reporter then raised a practical question. While $3 million was too much for ordinary citizens, it wasn't exactly out of reach for the super-rich.
"Mr. Smith, is the combat power detector a military-only product, or will it be available to the public as well?"
Fury immediately looked to Smith, curious about his answer.
"The detector will be sold globally—to individuals and organizations alike."
"As long as you have the money, you can buy one."
Fury's frown deepened. Still, the high price tag meant mass adoption wouldn't happen anytime soon. But he made a mental note: after this event, a serious conversation with Smith was in order.
He also thought privately, There are a lot of people here today... but as S.H.I.E.L.D. Director, surely he won't try anything against me.