Chapter 19

"Based on the pill you provided, Dr. List and I have analyzed several properties. However, we have only been able to successfully convert and produce two types: one for restoring stamina and one for resisting hunger. Using the analyzed properties, we found substitute materials in our experiments and developed these two new pills."

As Dr. Smith explained, he handed a box to Leo.

Leo took the box, which contained two pills—one blue and one green.

"What are their effects?"

"Through testing, the blue stamina restoration pill can instantly restore half the stamina of a normal adult male after exhaustion. It can be taken again after a three-hour interval. The effect varies; the stronger the person, the less effective it is, and the weaker the person, the more effective it is. However, stronger individuals can take it more frequently, while weaker individuals need a longer interval," Dr. Smith said, pointing to the blue pill.

Leo nodded.

"So, for strong fitness enthusiasts, this might not restore half their stamina, maybe only a third or a quarter, but they can take it again in less than three hours. For weaker individuals like the elderly or children, it might fully restore their stamina but requires five to six hours before another dose. Is that correct?"

"Exactly. We will continue to test and provide a detailed and comprehensive data sheet," Dr. Smith replied, picking up the green pill. "The green pill, which resists hunger, allows a normal adult male to go without food for a day. Up to three pills can be taken at once. Similar to the blue pill, there will be slight differences based on the user's body type."

"Excellent. What are the production costs for these pills?"

Leo closed the box and placed it on the table.

The cost of the pills would determine the profitability of selling them. If the costs were too high, production wouldn't be feasible.

Dr. Smith raised his head proudly.

"Don't worry about that. If the costs were too high, I wouldn't say the experiment was successful. The average production cost for the blue pill is only 1 Solon, and the green pill costs even less, just half a Solon."

"That's great, even cheaper than the previous pills!"

Hearing the cost, Leo smiled. Solon was the currency of Sokovia, roughly equivalent to two dollar. Previously, the cost of producing each powerful pill was five Solons.

But the powerful pill was marketed as a high-end product, selling for a thousand Solons per pill, generating significant profit.

A thousand per pill might seem expensive, but the world never lacks wealthy individuals willing to spend for vitality and health. Even middle-class individuals could occasionally afford to buy a few.

It was the two hundredfold profit margin of the powerful pill that elevated Li's Group from a third-tier to a first-tier company.

"The powerful pill's ingredients are of much higher quality because it can increase physical strength with long-term use. The blue and green pills are only temporarily effective, so they use much cheaper ingredients," Dr. Smith explained.

"The blue pill can be sold alongside the powerful pill, priced at 500 Solons. The green pill will be sold at a low price of just one Solon, mainly to quickly boost Li's Group's reputation," Leo said, looking at the two pills on the table.

The blue pill would continue to target the high-end market, promoting vitality and endurance, appealing to middle-aged and older executives.

The green hunger-resistance pill would be priced low since it wasn't wartime and most people weren't struggling to eat. Its purpose was more charitable, to enhance his image as a philanthropist.

Don't underestimate this reputation. If he maintained an excellent public image, the government would think twice before acting against him.

One Solon for a pill that could stave off hunger for a day could save many impoverished lives. If the volume was high enough, it could still turn a profit, as low-income individuals might occasionally use such pills to save money.

The details would be handled by Jack, the head of marketing and sales. The idea was set, but it was best to leave the specifics to professionals.

"Thank you for your hard work, Dr. Smith. If you need anything, you can contact Uncle Li. The Hydra organization that kidnapped you is vast, and until we deal with them, you cannot leave the base for safety reasons."

Based on Dr. List's confession, the Hydra leader wanting the powerful pill formula was John Garrett, a high-ranking Hydra agent and an influential S.H.I.E.L.D. Level 8 agent.

With the Sokovia base destroyed, Hydra would surely investigate. If Smith, initially captured at the base, was found safely working at Li's Group, Hydra agents would soon come knocking again.

So, three days after the base explosion, Leo reported Smith's disappearance to the Sokovia police and made a show of using all his connections to find him, creating the illusion of being unaware of Hydra's involvement.

Of course, John Garrett would still come after the formula, but at least Leo would appear as a mere businessman. Plus, only Garrett's faction within Hydra wanted the formula, not the entire organization.

"I understand. If not for your rescue, I'd probably be dead by now. Besides, I quite enjoy researching without interruptions," Dr. Smith said, waving his hand, clearly unconcerned about not being able to go out.

"Please also keep an eye on Dr. List to ensure he doesn't cause trouble," Leo added as Dr. Smith prepared to leave.

Dr. List had been coerced into joining and couldn't be trusted completely. Unlike S.H.I.E.L.D., Leo had no plans to integrate him like Zola. List had no freedom and wasn't considered a trusted member, just a prisoner with better living conditions because of his research value.

Maybe, when Dr. List was no longer useful or a threat, Leo would consider releasing him.