66 65: Understanding The Rules, Although Not Completely
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Undoubtedly, Wakanda's cutting-edge technology owes its existence to vibranium and the derived technology from it.
Without vibranium, it would have remained a primitive and uncivilized tribe.
Due to this, Wakanda places the utmost importance on vibranium, or rather, it clings possessively to it.
King T'Chaka was polite to Lynn until the very last moment, but the moment he heard the term "Vibranium," his expression immediately changed.
Yet he refrained from an outright refusal.
Faced with an enigmatic mutant like Lynn, regardless of his anger, he retained a basic level of rationality.
"Mr. Lynn wishes to purchase Vibranium?"
He furrowed his brows, pondered for a moment, and then nodded. "Although Wakanda lives in seclusion, it maintains limited trade relations with the external world. The market price of vibranium is $10,000 per gram. I can make the decision to sell you some."
Evidently, he intended to trade some vibranium for Lynn's goodwill. However, he didn't anticipate Lynn's reaction.
Upon hearing this, Lynn burst into genuine laughter.
"$10,000 is the price on the black market, isn't it? King T'Chaka, you're being rather dishonest."
Ignoring T'Chaka's gaze, he muttered to himself, "To my understanding, Wakanda's primary income stems from vibranium sales. Nevertheless, over the years, you've tightly controlled exports, resulting in an extreme scarcity of vibranium in the world outside... Scarcity often drives up prices; it's a commonplace occurrence... But is the exorbitant price truly a reflection of its inherent value? It's not just about its scarcity; it's about your stockpiling."
Lynn eloquently spoke, hitting the nail on the head.
As the sole exotic metal capable of absorbing kinetic energy, vibranium is undeniably precious. But it shouldn't be preposterously expensive. The global supply of vibranium... isn't that limited, after all.
"Mr. Lynn, I hope you understand that vibranium is a gift from the Panther God to Wakanda. It holds irreplaceable significance for our nation, hence it's been sparingly sold..."
T'Chaka sensed Lynn's discontent and his frown deepened. "In commercial transactions, the seller sets the price. If the buyer finds it unacceptable, they're free not to make the purchase... Is that not fair?"
"That's precisely the issue!"
Lynn's smile persisted as he glanced across the assembly of Wakandans. "When was vibranium bestowed upon Wakanda by the Panther God? As far as I know, it merely crashed onto Earth from outer space many years ago. It's essentially a meteorite. It's an extraterrestrial object, yet if it lands within your borders, it suddenly becomes yours?"
As these words left his lips, a shiver ran down T'Chaka's spine.
Only then did he realize that the uninvited guest before him possessed an exceptional understanding of both Wakanda and vibranium.
Even the genesis of vibranium was laid bare!
"Of course, vibranium belongs to us..."
T'Challa, the Black Panther standing behind, couldn't help but interject. Lynn cut him off promptly.
"Furthermore, when the meteorite crashed, all five of your tribes vied to claim it as their own, even waging a protracted war over it. Ultimately, due to the appearance of the first generation of Black Panther, they vanquished the other four tribes and secured control over this vibranium mine..."
A trace of undisguised sarcasm danced on the corners of Lynn's mouth. "So, if I destroy you, can I also assert ownership?"
Before the king of Wakanda, he openly broached the topic of dismantling the country. The faces of the Wakandans underwent a dramatic shift once again!
No matter how fearful King T'Chaka was in his heart, he couldn't help but emit a cold snort. "Should mutants invade Wakanda, they shall find naught but death and blood in their path!"
Lynn brushed off the threat. "If I openly seize it, do you genuinely believe you can thwart me?"
A disdainful gaze swept over the assembly.
All who locked eyes with him were involuntarily reminded of the immensely formidable meteor storm from a few minutes prior. Their faces swiftly paled.
Yet, they harbored no fear; instead, they tightened their grips on their weapons. Some people even took up weapons and aimed at Lynn in a panic.
"Drop your weapons!"
King T'Chaka promptly intervened, directing a look at Lynn that brimmed with complication. "Mr. Lynn arrived here with no malice towards Wakanda, evident by his overt approach. However, your negotiating style is undeniably aggressive."
Precisely!. Lynn was bargaining.
And King T'Chaka clearly recognized it.
"I have approached with sincerity; we're simply squandering each other's time."
Lynn rubbed his hands together, as though a massive fireball might erupt any moment. "So, let's skip this nonsensical chatter. Mutants have desired to acquire vibranium in substantial quantities for a while now, King T'Chaka... give me a favorable price."
"Long term... in large quantities..."
T'Chaka's pupils contracted slightly.
Undoubtedly, he's hesitant about selling vibranium in significant amounts. If Lynn were to attempt a seizure, he'd lead the army without hesitation, ready to battle Lynn to the end.
Yet, Lynn is being quite civil, merely expressing his intention to make purchases.
In this context, he's merely a buyer, not an enemy. Naturally, there's no need for Wakanda to engage in conflict.
However, this buyer isn't strictly adhering to conventions. The recent meteor storm was, without a doubt, a form of coercion aimed at Wakanda...
T'Chaka couldn't help but release a deep sigh.
From the outset, he knew that every move and word Lynn made was laying the groundwork for this negotiation. This has certainly placed him in a rather disadvantageous position.
Faced with such a person who discusses rules but leaves room for interpretation, he's uncertain whether the formidable mutant before him would genuinely trigger another meteorite strike if Wakanda turns down the offer, resulting in a catastrophic outcome.
After all... Fighting him off proved futile. Yielding to the deal isn't without its reservations either..It's a helpless dilemma.
"Five thousand dollars per gram!"
After extended contemplation, King T'Chaka reached a decision: "Let's cultivate goodwill with the mutants in Wakanda and hope our alliance persists!"
Indeed, the price has been halved.
Observing Lynn's peculiar expression, T'Chaka's heart trembled, and he hastily added, "Considering the sporadic nature of your purchases, the quantities are relatively small, and mining costs are high. This is already a highly favorable rate."
This outcome was beyond his expectations.
Lynn, without making a counteroffer, simply nodded in agreement. "It's a deal! 100 kilograms monthly, that amounts to 500 million..."
Before he could finish, King T'Chaka's lips twitched again.
As per Wakanda's records, the vibranium shield possessed by the renowned American team in the past weighed merely 5.44 kilograms and was also infused with the original Edelman alloy.
How many shields could 100 kilograms of vibranium produce?
And to be supplied every month? Wakanda has its mines but can't sustain extraction at this rate.
"50 kilograms!"
King T'Chaka swiftly interjected, initiating another round of negotiations: "And it must be transacted every three months!"
This would total 200 kilograms per year. It was sufficient for the present.
"Agreed!"
Lynn nodded, a playful glint in his eyes as he regarded King T'Chaka.
Wakanda's technological pursuits necessitate vibranium everywhere and also depend on its sale to ensure financial stability. Hence, trading 200 kilograms annually can be effortlessly managed...
Clearly, the vibranium deposits beneath their feet surpass initial estimations. Wakanda is indeed the wealthiest nation on Earth.
Considering this, Lynn was prepared to settle the payment.
"50 kilograms every three months, totaling 250 million..."
He extended his palms, saying amidst the astonished gazes of T'Chaka, Black Panther, and all of Wakanda's populace, "This sum isn't excessive, yet regrettably, my financial commitments are quite substantial. It appears I won't be able to access these funds for a while."
A stunned silence enveloped everyone. Could this individual be... toying with us? This is simply outrageous.
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