Chapter 9 – Trial by Fire

On the main stage of the Convention Center, Elías Mendoza, CEO of Neotex Norte, and Eduardo Jun Pérez, regional director of Autobock USA, faced each other with the tension typical of a world final.

Both stood firm. Serene on the outside. Convinced of the superiority of their respective products.

The competition moderator was Sergio Zárate, president of the National Association of Assistive Technology. Dressed in a dark suit, he held the microphone with the confidence of a veteran presenter.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this decisive moment at the National Technology Exhibition for People with Disabilities," he said in a clear voice. "Today, we are facing a direct duel between two market titans."

"On one side, we have Autobock USA, represented by Mr. Eduardo Jun Pérez, a global leader in high-end prosthetics, a benchmark of innovation and reliability."

—And on the other, the young and promising entrepreneur Elías Mendoza, from Neotex Norte, a national firm that has burst into the industry with a radically new approach.

—Will this be a historic leap for the Mexican industry? Or a passing illusion?

—Let's look at the facts.

Sergio pressed a button on his remote control and the giant screen lit up.

—Each company will present its best prosthesis, which will be evaluated on four criteria: design, functionality, energy autonomy, and neurological response. Afterward, the technical jury and the audience will decide.

—Let's start with Autobock.

Eduardo Jun took the microphone with an arrogant smile and brought out his flagship model: the XY441.

—Here it is, —he said, raising the silver-plated metal arm, shiny and refined. —The symbol of modern prosthetic engineering.

The audience murmured in approval. The design was elegant, futuristic, almost artistic.

"This beauty," Eduardo added, "responds to neural commands, can lift objects with millimeter precision, and represents the best of American technology."

A video was projected on the screen: a patient using the XY441 to pick up a sheet of paper from a table, moving his fingers with brain control. The action, although effective, had a slight delay of about two seconds.

When Elías's turn came, the room fell silent.

"Our model is called Águila V1," he said, pulling out a striking-looking prosthetic arm. "At first glance… it doesn't look like a prosthesis."

The audience was stunned.

The arm was identical to a real human's: color, texture, proportions, joints. It even had tiny simulated hairs on the bionic skin.

"We designed this so that people with disabilities can feel part of the world again," Elías continued. "Without awkward glances. Without stigma."

His video was projected.

A patient controlled the Eagle V1 arm wirelessly, without delay. He used chopsticks to pick up grains of rice. He threaded a needle without error. He scratched his cheek and adjusted his glasses.

The audience erupted in applause.

Eduardo Jun, somewhat tense, intervened:

"Appearances aren't everything! What matters is internal performance."

"Our prosthesis uses wireless charging technology. A single charge gives it ten days of continuous use, with a lifespan of ten years."

Elías responded unfazed:

"Our Eagle V1 doesn't need to be charged. It's powered by human bioelectricity. Once installed, it becomes part of the body."

"And its lifespan... can exceed 30 years without maintenance."

The murmurs intensified.

Eduardo Jun frowned.

"And the side effects!" he shouted. "No one knows if your technology causes allergies or rejection."

Elías smiled.

"Not only does it not cause allergies. Our prosthesis can eliminate phantom limb pain, one of the most devastating conditions for amputees."

Total silence.

Everyone present knew what that meant. Phantom limb pain was one of the most agonizing challenges for patients. And until now, no technology in the world had solved it.

The tension in the room was palpable. The moderator, Sergio Zárate, stepped forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen... I think there's nothing more to add."

"Based on the visual, technical, and clinical evidence, and with the support of the technical jury..."

"The technology presented by Neotex Norte surpasses Autobock's in every way."

The room erupted in cheers.

The audience held up red signs with the Neotex logo. A sea of ​​color filled the auditorium.

Eduardo Jun looked down, speechless.

Elías Mendoza had won.

But just when everyone thought the event was over, Eduardo shouted, beside himself:

"Impossible! This can't be true!"

His voice echoed across the stage like a last desperate attempt to cling to his authority.

But it was too late.

I had lost the duel, the bet, and my credibility.

And Neotex Norte… had just made history.