After a group of dancers performed an energetic opening routine to warm up the crowd, the product launch officially began.
Rhodes leaned toward Tony, a smirk on his face. "As expected of your friend. You share the same tastes."
Tony waved dismissively. "This is just the beginning. When I hold my expo next time, it'll be even more spectacular. At least three waves of dancers like this."
Pepper Potts, sitting nearby, remained diplomatically silent at their commentary. Tony's preferences were well-documented.
The stage lights dimmed. A massive holographic capsule appeared on the screen, its design distinct from a standard pill capsule. As the button on the universal capsule pressed, a white explosion pattern filled the display.
The smoke cleared, revealing a large monocle device on screen.
A spotlight cut through the darkness, illuminating Smith Doyle as he walked onto stage carrying a scouter. Behind him, the display screen showed the device from multiple angles: front, back, left, and right.
"Welcome everyone to Universal Capsule Company's first product launch."
Applause filled the theatre. Smith waited patiently for it to subside.
Tony studied the monocle device Smith carried with growing curiosity. A single-lens gadget couldn't be a weapon, so what function justified inviting this particular crowd?
As the applause faded, Smith began his presentation. "Universal Capsule Company's first product: the Scouter."
The screen behind him displayed a 360-degree rotating view of the device.
"That's the single-lens device I'm wearing. As for why it's called a scouter, let me explain its primary function."
He gestured to the screen. "The scouter can lock onto targets and detect combat capability, determining a person's power level through numerical analysis. Now, please watch a demonstration video."
The screen flickered to life. An actor dressed as a field agent wore a scouter on his head, scanning a distant target. A targeting reticle appeared on the monocle lens, and the number 5 materialized in the upper right corner.
"Command, target individual shows a power level of 5. No significant threat."
A voice crackled from a command vehicle. "Continue searching for dangerous targets."
The agent scanned multiple individuals. Numbers appeared rapidly: 5.1, 6.2, 5.0, 4.3, 3.5. Then suddenly, a reading of 15 flashed on screen.
"Report, special individual detected. Power level reading of 15."
The command voice responded immediately. "Lock target and verify identity."
The video ended. Smith continued, "The scouter has two primary functions. First, measuring an individual's combat capability. Second, supporting remote communication. Two scouters can communicate seamlessly from any corner of the world."
The global communication range was all that remained after Bulma had simplified the original design. Frieza's army had used scouters with interstellar communication capabilities, which was frankly absurd for Earth's current needs.
The audience stirred at Smith's words. They'd been puzzling over the combat power readings, but the communication capability caught everyone off guard.
"Some of you may not fully understand what power level means. Let me provide context."
Smith gestured to the screen. "According to Universal Capsule Company's research, a healthy adult registers approximately 5 points. Due to individual differences, expect fluctuations of about 1 point either direction."
He paused for emphasis. "The limit for an ordinary person, as measured by power level, is 7 points. Some exceptional individuals approach 8."
Smith beckoned to a nearby staff member. "Let me demonstrate."
He activated the scouter, scanning the staff member. The number 5 appeared on both his lens and the massive screen behind him. Smith called up several different people, conducting quick scans. The audience watched the data fluctuate, noting the variations remained relatively small.
"Alright, time for questions. I'm sure you have many." Smith smiled, surveying the crowd.
A reporter's hand shot up immediately. Smith pointed at him. "Someone get this reporter a microphone."
Once equipped, the reporter spoke. "Mr. Smith, what's the basis for these power level readings?"
The question hit the core issue, exactly what everyone wanted to know.
"The scouter's data represents total bioenergy based on human standards."
Smith crossed his arms. "In simpler terms, the higher a person's bioenergy, the stronger their combat capability. Of course, after breaking through normal human limits, a 1.3 times advantage in power level creates an overwhelming combat superiority."
Another reporter stood. "Mr. Smith, why specifically after breaking human limits?"
Smith nodded, anticipating the question. "Before breaking human limits, skills, mentality, and basic weaponry create variables in combat outcomes between individuals with similar power levels. Technical proficiency matters more at lower levels."
A third reporter called out. "Mr. Smith, very few people reach human limits, let alone exceed them. Does your product actually have a viable market?"
Smith smiled but didn't answer immediately. Instead, his gaze swept across Nick Fury, General Ross, and the CIA and FBI representatives in attendance.
The reporters might not understand, but these people knew better. Earth wasn't populated exclusively by ordinary humans. Special individuals existed. And Ross's super soldier program had reached a critical phase.
"This product's target customers aren't ordinary civilians."
Smith's tone grew more serious. "There are many individuals who have reached or are approaching human limits."
He turned toward the wings. "John, come here a moment."
John Wick walked onto stage. Smith activated the scouter, scanning him. The number 7.5 appeared on the massive screen.
Those with intelligence on Smith's organization recognized John Wick immediately. They hadn't expected the legendary assassin to be so close to theoretical human limits.