Killer Bee looked at the excited audience and continued, "Such physical enhancement serums typically sell for 1 to 2 billion dollars."
"But this time, we're not asking for money—no cash at all."
The crowd, who initially felt discouraged by the astronomical price, suddenly lit up with hopeful eyes when they heard that no money was required.
Killer Bee went on, "We're accepting trades instead. Items with mystical powers or anything of the supernatural sort can be traded."
"Whether it's rumored magic wands, witch cloaks, or objects emitting unknown energies, they're all fair game."
"Items with historical significance, even legendary objects like the 'Dagger of the Reaper,' may be used as trade if you have them. Bring anything that fits these descriptions to the Cloud Village's exchange center in New York."
"If we confirm that your item meets our standards, you'll receive a vial of the enhancement serum in return."
Hearing this, everyone's mind began to race. They might not have rare mystical artifacts, but older relics with historical significance were still possible to find.
After delivering these words, Killer Bee didn't linger on stage and quickly left.
…
Elsewhere-
At a press conference-
After demonstrating the effects of the enhancement serum, Cee from the Cloud Village officially announced the product's distribution methods.
Meanwhile, Venom was urging Eddie in his head, "We have to get one of these! It'll boost our power significantly."
Eddie picked up the microphone and asked, "Mr. Cee, why did you choose not to take cash and only trade for other items?"
Cee looked at Eddie and replied:
"From the Battle of New York to the alien invasion in London, the world has become increasingly unpredictable."
"We want ordinary people to have the means to protect themselves from danger, to have a fighting chance against evildoers, and to help as many people as possible achieve their superhero dreams."
"That's why we opted for a trade-based system to allow more people a chance."
Eddie sat down, intending to broadcast this response widely.
Cee then looked at a CBA reporter, giving them a chance to ask a question.
The CBA reporter stood up and said, "Mr. Cee, to my knowledge, you haven't obtained clinical trial approvals or sales permits. Isn't it illegal to sell such substances?"
Hearing this, everyone turned to look at the reporter, thinking he was out of line.
Cee smiled and replied, "No, we have the required permits."
"We've also partnered with SHIELD globally, and this product has been thoroughly vetted for safety with no side effects."
"As for the price, it's 1 billion dollars if my memory serves right."
"Of course, for ordinary people, that amount is unreachable, but in a trade system, you have a sliver of hope."
"If someone with limited means manages to obtain one of these, I'm sure there would be buyers willing to pay that much for it."
"After all, this is something money alone cannot buy."
The reporters were shocked, realizing that a single vial of this serum was worth as much as a billion dollars and even then it is almost impossible to find.
"All right, let's take one last question."
"You there, second row, third seat from the left," Cee said, pointing to a blonde woman.
The woman stood up, introduced herself as a Global Times reporter, and asked, "Mr. Cee, what if a criminal manages to get their hands on your enhancement serum?"
Cee shook his head and said, "The enhancement serum is like a knife—some people use it to cook, while others use it to harm."
"In itself, it's a beneficial and helpful item. As for the risk of a supervillain arising, agencies like SHIELD is prepared to deal with such individuals. I believe this won't be a problem."
"The three questions have been answered; today's press conference ends here."
With that, Cee turned and left the venue, heading to the resting area at the back.
There, S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Sitwell greeted him with a somewhat resigned expression, saying, "Mr. Cee, you really gave us a tough challenge here."
Cee waved it off, "All the other ninja villages are selling physical enhancement serums; I'm just publicizing it."
"Of course, we'd also be happy to see S.H.I.E.L.D. come to make a purchase."
Sitwell nodded, replying, "We will."
"I believe it won't be long before we come to procure a batch."
Cee extended his hand, "Looking forward to our next transaction."
After shaking hands with Sitwell, Cee left the room with Karui.
…
Following Justin Bieber's concert and Cee's press conference, the topic of Cloud Village ninjas and physical enhancement serums quickly shot to the top of social media's trending topics.
Even the dark web was abuzz with discussions about the serum.
This marked the first time since Iron Man's appearance that someone was selling such an item to the public.
…
At the Pentagon-
As a three-star general, Ross opened the discussion, "Gentlemen, what are your thoughts on Cloud Village's public sale of the physical enhancement serum?"
One of the generals spoke up, "This type of strategic resource shouldn't be available to civilians; it should be acquired by the military."
Ross shook his head, "From what I've learned, it's not only Cloud Village. Konoha, Sound Village, and Sand Village are also selling enhancement serums; Cloud Village is just the first to go public."
"Stopping them from selling it will be very challenging."
"It's not just their strength but also external pressure."
Especially those older capitalists—now that they know the enhancement serum is harmless and can enable them to live out their natural lifespan, many will likely seek to obtain a dose by any means necessary.
The exact human lifespan limit, whether it's 125 years or 167 years, is still debated.
But whatever the age may be, most of these individuals can't be sure they'll reach it, with many unlikely to live to 100.
This group would never allow the government to shut down this sales channel.
They may have accepted it when they didn't know, but now that they do, they won't let any policy block access to it succeed.