66: The Genuine Business-Minded Lynn
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There seemed to be a moment of silence in the atmosphere.
Surprise continued to flicker in King T'Chaka's eyes, lingering long before he hesitated to utter, "Mr. Lynn, wouldn't you want to.. conduct the trade first and settling the payment afterward?"
"How could that be!"
Lynn said to him with a strange expression. "Given that this is a transaction, it's only natural that one pays for the goods received. I've come to purchase vibranium, not to commit theft. How could I possibly not pay?"
He spoke righteously, ruling out any inclination toward subduing the people of Wakanda.
Could it be they lack funds? Or are they unable to settle their bills?
"As I mentioned earlier, my visit aims to foster technological exchange between Wakanda and mutants..."
Lynn said solemnly, "Since vibranium serves as Wakanda's technological cornerstone, it stands to reason that mutants should also display their technological prowess. So long as Wakanda also procures our wares, wouldn't I stand to gain wealth?"
Boy, oh boy! In the eyes of the Wakandans, he's pulling a fast one!
The mutant king before them desires to pocket Wakanda's money, and then utilize that very money to acquire Wakanda's vibranium.
In theory, it's plausible, yet the hitch lies in... Wakanda's technology outclasses all other nations globally. What can mutants possibly offer Wakanda for purchase? Is this individual attempting brute force trading?
This line of thought irked the young Black Panther once again. In his perspective, Lynn was obviously still relying on his strength to rob in brazenness.
And his expression transformed on the spot. However, even before he could voice his opinion, Lynn was already unveiling his merchandise.
Specks of light twinkled, revealing small glass vials containing variously colored liquids, along with a palm-sized straw figure that appeared haphazardly crafted.
"These are magical potions."
As Lynn spoke, he moved his right hand's fingers ever so slightly, causing a diminutive glass vial to levitate before King T'Chaka. Within, the liquid was translucent, intermittently emitting sparks of radiance.
"The Healing Potion rapidly restores injuries and physical vitality."
"The Mental Potion bestows mental clarity, enabling undisturbed concentration and insulation from external distractions."
"The Physical Potion enhances stamina; a mere sip significantly elevates the threshold of exhaustion."
"The Berserk Potion substantially augments strength, speed, and reflexes. Even if you drink it when you are seriously injured, you can instantly liven up. Of course, after the effect of the potion ends, there will be some side effects."
"Frost potion, as the name suggests, after drinking it, the body will be in a state of low temperature resistance. In some scenarios, it is very effective."
Lynn talked eloquently, detailing the effects of over the magical potions in a single breath.
As a Magus, he's capable of concocting magical potions and crafting magical artifacts. All the potions he presented at this moment are low-level concoctions without exceptions.
However, he refrained from disclosing that he'd randomly assembled these during the ten years of extreme boredom.
On the contrary, in his description, the effect of these potions can be called bursting.
And truthfully, even as rudimentary magical potions, their capabilities exceed standard technology. In this sense, they parallel Wakanda's vibranium technology.
"The mutants have developed a magical civilization?"
King T'Chaka, naturally ignorant of this, was left sgocked in Lynn's wake. The description he offered evoked a tremor in his mind, evoking a sense of terror he'd never fathomed.
Civilization is the soul of a group and the foundation of a country.
Although Wakanda exists in seclusion, he possesses a clear comprehension that the term "mutant" has forever referred to those awakened to the X-gene, united only by their shared superpowers but not by blood ties, culture, or heritage.
Technically speaking, they're not even a collective. Yet now... They're developing a civilization?!!
It's crucial to note that the mentality of a reigning king fundamentally differs from that of the masses. While the likes of Black Panther and others discerned that these potions appeared to wield considerable power, King T'Chaka perceived something different from them...
He finally grasped that Lynn, who dared to identify himself as the mutant king, does so with merit.
Regardless of the current situation, the young man standing before him possesses the capacity to join the mutants as a cohesive force. Furthermore, he appears to have sown the seeds of a civilization within the mutant ranks! A magical civilization, completely distinct from Earth's contemporary technological civilization.
What manner of assurance does he possess? What foresight? !
"Are these... magical potions... truly as effective as claimed?"
At long last, King T'Chaka's stance shifted. He now regarded this unexpected negotiation as an equal exchange.
No longer owing it to Lynn's overwhelming might... Rather, it was because he discerned the same regal mentality resonating within Lynn's being.
In simpler terms, he perceives Lynn as a king in image, a man harboring the potential to build a nation amidst the mutant collective.
"Effectiveness can be ascertained through trial."
Lynn conveyed this statement, simultaneously extending an air of solemnity and magnanimity.
Lynn smiled.
With a casual wave, he conjured a few wind blades that sliced a few minor wounds onto a member of the royal guard standing beside the Black Panther, causing blood to trickle.
The Wakandan woman was remarkably composed and endured the unexpected injury without a word. Just as she was about to speak up, she witnessed the appearance of the healing potion before her.
As if manipulated by an unseen force, the glass bottle automatically uncorked, and its contents shot forth. Before she could react, the liquid had already entered her mouth.
In the blink of an eye... the Wakandans witnessed her wounds rapidly clotting and healing.
One after another, eyes underwent subtle transformations.
It wasn't awe. Wakanda's vibranium technology harbored formidable medical capabilities, able to mend even the gravest injuries quickly (as depicted in the movies).
Yet, that always entailed being treated within a medical facility. Contrastingly, the presented healing potion was portable and supremely convenient.
For Wakandan warriors, this proved undeniably valuable..It might not appear exceedingly valuable... But it had undeniably earned eligibility to trade with Wakanda!
With this realization, the talents of Wakanda ultimately discerned that Lynn's proposed exchange of technological accomplishments wasn't about exploiting Wakanda. As the experiment persisted, they found themselves inadvertently falling in line with Lynn's rhythm.
The magical potions he produced were meticulously tailored:
Mental Potion, catering to research-oriented talents;
Physical Potion, bolstering the endurance of mountain tribe miners;
Berserk Potion, empowering Wakandan warriors on the battlefield;
Frost Potion, enabling adaptation to frigid climates;
Each subsequent magical potion proved applicable to Wakanda. Gradually, the disdain that Black Panther and others had harbored gave way to curiosity surrounding these magical potions.
And as Lynn showcased his final product, that glimmer of curiosity seamlessly transformed into unwavering resolve!
"This here is a magical artifact, a straw dummy."
Under Lynn's control, the rudimentary straw figure adhered to the guard's body. In the next moment, an arrow formed of ice materialized and impaled her throat...
Before the Wakandans had time to be shocked, they saw a ray of light suddenly flashed by the stand-in straw dummy, and the next moment, the member of the guard appeared three meters away.
The one pierced by the ice arrow was merely a straw dummy.
The item's effect was precisely as its name implied: capable of saving lives in dire moments.
"Sold!"
At this juncture, virtually every Wakandan looked instinctively to King T'Chaka. Though no words were spoken, the consensus gleamed in each person's eyes.
The Black Panther shared this sentiment. A magical item capable of saving lives during crucial moments was worth far more than any number of magical potions.
Indeed, it surpassed Wakanda's vibranium technology.
King T'Chaka's expression displayed a measure of exhilaration. He believed unwaveringly that, while the people of Wakanda were fearless fighters, death should always be held at bay...
Who wouldn't yearn for an opportunity to safeguard their life?
Given Wakanda's wealth, surely all royal family members, high-ranking tribespeople, and even the elite guard members could be equipped with one?
Members of the royal family might even possess several extras. Certainly, the right to trade this item had to rest with the royal family.
Amidst all eyes trained upon him, King T'Chaka didn't disappoint his subjects. Looking at Lynn, he declared with pride, "Mr. Lynn, let's set aside discussion of these magical potions. Concerning just this stand-in dummy... what's the price per unit?"
"Ten thousand dollars."
Lynn grinned, echoing the price he'd assigned to vibranium.
With an arid tone, King T'Chaka inquired, "Provide me with a hundred first!"
"King T'Chaka lacks a sense of humor, I see?"
Lynn regarded him with bemusement. "This here is a life-saving magical item. How could there be so many available? Even if there were, how could one possibly acquire such an item for a mere ten thousand dollars? A paltry one million could preserve the lives of a hundred!"
"Are Wakanda's warriors worth so little?"
T'Chaka hesitated for a moment.
The excitement of the Black Panther and others froxe suddenly. It appeared they'd just made the same assertion. Yet, this time it emerged from Lynn's mouth.
This was somewhat ironic.
However, King T'Chaka wasn't disturbed. "It's doesn't matter. Regardless of the quantity of stand-ins you can offer, Mr. Lynn, and irrespective of your asking price... we want it in Wakanda!"
Evidently, Wakanda's riches imbued him with immense confidence.
Nevertheless, Lynn shook his head.
"While vibranium finds its greatest utility in forging weaponry and equipment, it's beneficial to possess the stand-in dummy. It's also not a necessity. In fact, I was unaware that Wakanda possessed vibranium on Earth..."
His expression grew earnest, gravely serious. "However, my stand-in dummy is a life-saving device for critical moments. Worldwide, it's a one-of-a-kind treasure. Its value exceeds that of vibranium by a considerable margin. Thus..."
"I must charge more!"
Wakandans shared another fleeting moment of astonishment, before Lynn proffered his actual offer.
"Only vibranium transactions are accepted. Fifty kilograms of vibranium per unit of the stand-in dummy. Transactions will transpire every three months, with a maximum of three units per transaction!"
Lynn said this with utmost seriousness. Despite the almost negligible costs of his magical potions and the utter absence of costs for the stand-in dummy—despite the transitory nature of its efficacy, rendering it useless upon expiry—there's a fundamental principle...
But… Wakanda... If you want to buy the dummies.... You have to add money!.
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