Chapter 120: A Highly Profitable Industry

Lacey’s words made Renoli, Kyle, and the Seer’s eyes flash with realization. They had only considered the difference in personal strength compared to the power of the Iron Battle Armor, neglecting the impact that such an armored army’s weaponry could have in decisive large-scale wars.

This understanding immediately deepened their respect for Tony. With his intellect, it was inevitable that he would develop a wealth of advanced technologies in the future. Not only could he provide the Void Cult with a steady stream of funding and establish various facilities, but Tony’s technology would undoubtedly become a trump card for the cult.

While individual strength could influence many battles, in large-scale wars, unless one’s power far exceeded limits, the impact remained limited. That was when technology would dominate the battlefield, unleashing firepower coverage.

Considering Tony’s current limited strength and lack of combat experience, it was clear they needed to protect him carefully to avoid any mishaps that might jeopardize this valuable asset.

As they conversed, Tony had already installed gravity devices on sixteen space fighters, commencing test flights to evaluate their performance. During this process, Tony gathered a wealth of useful data, filling him with joy. Those around him admired him utterly, seeing the potential: if Tony could produce a set of equipment that perfectly aided new members of the Void Cult to overcome their initial vulnerabilities, it would be a tremendous boon. Though not yet feasible, as the Seer had predicted, it would become possible in time.

Representatives from sixteen major companies, after testing the technology, each signed contracts worth a hundred million. They planned to conduct small-scale trials for a year, and if no issues arose, they would place further orders. They also inquired about the Iron Battle Armor but, upon learning it wouldn’t be sold, were disappointed yet unsurprised.

Tony Stark’s ability to create such advanced mechanical armor was a testament to his brilliance. Future opportunities for collaboration and purchase of his other technologies remained open. Each paid a fifty million deposit before departing.

This influx immediately brought in eight hundred million, though Tony understood that he hadn’t truly earned it yet.

“Miss Sonia, I’ll have Jarvis send you the factory blueprints and the list of required equipment tonight,” Tony said. “Once the factory is built, I’ll need your help recruiting personnel so we can begin construction.”

He transferred seven hundred ninety-eight million to Sonia, keeping five million for his own expenses.

“I’ll maximize the efficient use of these funds,” she replied. “We should be able to start construction within a month.”

Sonia nodded and provided a concrete timeline.

“I trust you completely with this,” Tony said with a smile. “Now, go ahead and get busy.”

With that, he swiftly soared toward his laboratory. Having scanned a vast amount of data on space fighters, he could begin studying and designing his own spacecraft in advance.

Sonia watched Tony Stark leave, glanced at the Void Cult members still gathered, then departed herself. She was eager to report this good news to Mr. Kassadin. As for the five million Tony had left her, she didn’t pay it much mind. Previously, Tony had no way to earn money and had to apply for funding for everything. Although Kassadin would usually approve, Tony had no secrets because every expense had to be requested. Now, with eight hundred million arriving, it made sense to leave five million on hand.

“Eight hundred million? Just like that?” some Void Cult members murmured among themselves, overhearing Tony’s conversation clearly. “Is money really that easy to make? How high would a pile of eight hundred million be? I wouldn’t know—I’ve never even seen a hundred million.”

As Tony and Sonia departed, the members began discussing.

“Sure enough, the way to make big money is to start a business.”

“Tony Stark’s rapid success owes much to his brilliant mind.”

“That’s why Lord Kassadin was willing to fund his research.”

“Do you have such a mind? Starting a business requires ability.”

“No…”

“Then that settles it.”

Some members envied Tony fiercely as they dispersed, noting that though they hadn’t heard everything, they had seen Sonia, Lord Kassadin’s steward, occasionally conversing with Tony. This time, she had appeared with him, clearly helping to recruit those who came for the survey.

It was easy for them to see that Lord Kassadin supported Tony’s gravity device research in this transaction. Even without using his own strength, Tony’s technology alone inspired some members of the Void Cult. Without a gifted mind, they resolved to push themselves to evolve further.

***

Elsewhere, Sonia returned to the villa and reported the transaction to Harvey.

“How soon after the factory completion can we fulfill the first batch of orders?” Harvey asked.

“The seven hundred ninety-five million will be used to purchase a small island. We’ll build the factory and simultaneously train workers to operate the equipment,” she explained. “According to Tony Stark’s estimates, production will take about four months. The client will then transfer full payment.”

“As long as we establish Tony Stark’s name, more orders should follow, so we’ll need to increase the number of factories.”

“Conservatively, after taxes and profit sharing with Tony Stark, annual revenue will reach at least three billion within a year.”

Sonia outlined the timeline for turning a profit and the need for further investment.

High technology was an extremely lucrative industry, especially since Tony’s research targeted common devices applicable to various space fighters and warships.

But entering the high-tech industry was no easy feat. Tony Stark, a genius, had only spent five months developing this technology, yet the funds to purchase equipment and materials had already reached over eight hundred million. Hiring an elite team would have cost even more.

Now that Tony had succeeded, as long as he updated and iterated the gravity device to maintain high performance and low costs, there would be no shortage of buyers in this interstellar age for centuries to come.

Even if, centuries later, some planet suddenly developed revolutionary space travel technology, older generation warships wouldn’t be discarded immediately. After all, the universe was vast, and not every civilization could afford to replace their fleets overnight.

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