CHAPTER 19

"Through the pill you provided, Dr. Liszt and I have analyzed several characteristics, but only two of them can be replicated and developed. One is to restore physical strength, and the other is to resist hunger.

Based on these two analyzed traits, we conducted experiments to find alternative substances and have successfully developed two new pills."

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

Carl opened the box to find two pills—one blue, one green.

"What's the general effect?"

"After testing, the blue pill is a new physical strength recovery pill. It allows a normal adult male to recover half of their stamina instantly after exhaustion, and it can be taken again after a three-hour interval.

The stronger the individual's body, the less effective the pill—but the shorter the interval between doses. Conversely, the weaker the body, the stronger the effect, but the interval between doses increases."

Dr. Smith pointed to the blue pill as he explained.

Carl nodded:

"So for strong individuals, like trained assassins or soldiers, the pill might only recover a third or a quarter of their stamina, but they can retake it sooner—while weaker people like the elderly or children might fully recover from one dose, but need to wait longer. That about right?"

"Exactly. We'll continue testing to compile a comprehensive data sheet," said Dr. Smith, picking up the green pill.

"This one's an anti-hunger pill. A healthy adult can take one and go a full day without food. A person can take up to three pills at a time, though, again, body size and condition will cause slight differences in effect."

"Very good. What's the approximate cost to produce these pills?"

Carl closed the box and placed it on the table.

The production cost would directly impact future profit. If it was too high to make a margin, there'd be no point in mass-producing them.

Dr. Smith proudly lifted his chin:

"No worries there. If the cost was high, I wouldn't call it a successful breakthrough. The average production cost of the blue pill is just 1 Sauron, and the green one is even cheaper—half a Sauron."

"Excellent, that's much lower than the cost of the Power Pill!"

Carl's expression lit up with a smile.

Sauron was the local Sokovian currency—roughly equivalent to one yuan in China or 1 dime in US. The Power Pill had a production cost of five Saurons.

However, the Power Pill was positioned as a high-end product, sold for as much as 1,000 Saurons per unit, bringing in incredible profit margins.

One might think a 1,000 yuan pill or 140 dollar pill was overpriced, but the world never lacked wealthy people willing to spend for physical rejuvenation and vitality. Even some from the middle class would occasionally buy one or two.

This 200x profit margin was what elevated the Carl Group from a third-rate company to a first-class enterprise.

"The Power Pill has long-term body-enhancing effects, and its ingredients are significantly superior. The blue and green pills only provide temporary boosts, so their ingredient profile is much simpler."

Dr. Smith summarized it neatly.

"The blue pill can be marketed as a companion to the Power Pill and priced at around 500 Saurons or 70 dollars, while the green anti-hunger pill will sell cheaply—just 1 Sauron or 1 dime. The goal isn't high profit for that one, but rapid brand recognition for the Carl Group."

Looking at the two small pills on the table, Carl already had a plan in mind.

The Power Pill and the blue stamina pill would continue to follow a high-end strategy. The Power Pill had long-lasting effects, making it especially appealing to middle-aged and elderly corporate executives.

As for the green Pill, there was no need to sell it at a high price—this wasn't a time of war, and most people's living standards were decent. Hunger wasn't a widespread issue.

The true value of the green pill was for those truly living in poverty. Selling it at a low price would serve as an act of charity and also help further solidify Carl's image as a philanthropist.

Don't underestimate the value of a good public persona—with the public's support, even the government would have to think twice before trying to move against him.

One Sauron to feed someone for a day—just think how many lives could be improved.

And once the sales volume scaled up, there'd still be some profit. Many lower-income families would likely use the green pill occasionally to save on food costs.

The specific marketing strategy would be left to Jack, who was in charge of publicity and sales. Carl had the vision, but trusted professionals to execute the details.

"Thank you, Dr. Smith. If you need anything, contact Uncle Li. The Hydra group that kidnapped you is huge. Until I've dealt with them, you'll need to remain in the base for your own safety."

Based on Dr. Lister's confession, the one who wanted the Power Pill formula was a Hydra leader named John Garrett, an eighth-level S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.

After Carl destroyed the Hydra base in Sokovia, he knew they would investigate. If Dr. Smith suddenly reappeared and continued working at the Carl Group, it would be a clear red flag.

So, three days after the attack, Carl filed a missing person report with Sokovia's police and made it seem like he was pulling every string to locate Dr. Smith—creating the illusion of ignorance regarding Hydra's involvement.

Of course, if John Garrett really wanted the Power Pill, Carl knew he'd eventually become a target, but at least he'd still appear as just a wealthy businessman in Garrett's eyes.

More importantly, it wasn't all of Hydra that wanted the formula—only Garrett's faction.

"I understand," Dr. Smith replied with a calm wave of his hand. "If you hadn't come for me, I'd probably be dead already. And honestly, I enjoy working in peace without distractions."

Before Dr. Smith could leave, Carl added another reminder:

"Please keep an eye on Dr. Lister for me—just in case he causes trouble."

Dr. Lister had been forcibly recruited, so Carl assumed there was lingering resentment. Precaution was necessary.

But unlike S.H.I.E.L.D., Carl had no intention of turning Lister into a second Zola. Lister didn't have freedom under Carl's rule, but he also wasn't mistreated—his living conditions and meals were better than most prisoners.

Maybe someday, when Lister was no longer useful or a threat, Carl would consider letting him go.