I'm The King of Business & Technology in the Modern World-Chapter 135: Let’s Talk Business Part 1

The applause had barely faded before Matthew was escorted into a high-security conference room deep within the military base. The walls were lined with encrypted communication systems, and the long conference table in the center was already set with classified briefing folders, military-grade laptops, and steaming cups of black coffee.

Angel followed close behind, tablet in hand, her usual sharp expression even more focused. Dr. Vasquez, Daniel Cho, and Dr. Watanabe remained outside, monitoring the Titan Mk-I's diagnostics while Matthew stepped into the lion's den alone.

At the head of the table sat General Malcolm Reed, his presence commanding, his hands clasped in front of him. Colonel Nathan Reynolds sat beside him, his tablet already opened to what Matthew assumed was a classified report on Sentinel BioTech and the Titan Mk-I.

On the opposite end, representatives from the Pentagon, DARPA, and the Defense Acquisition Board were dialed into the meeting via a secure video feed.

Matthew smirked inwardly. The big players were here. That meant they were serious.

General Reed was the first to speak.

"Well, Borja," he said, leaning back slightly. "You've managed to exceed our expectations."

Matthew sat down, resting his hands on the table. He didn't gloat. He didn't need to. The results spoke for themselves.

Colonel Reynolds tapped on his screen. "We ran a preliminary evaluation on Titan Mk-I's performance. Strength, speed, durability—it's unlike anything we've ever seen. But before we talk contracts, we need to discuss some specifics."

Matthew nodded. "Go ahead."

Reed gestured to one of the analysts across the table. A man in a dark suit, clearly from the intelligence side of things.

"How scalable is the Titan Mk-I?" the analyst asked. "What's the projected production capacity?"

Angel answered smoothly before Matthew could even open his mouth.

"Right now, Sentinel BioTech has the capability to manufacture up to ten units per quarter at our current facility. With the right investment and a streamlined production line, that number could triple within the next year."

Reed's brow furrowed. "That's not fast enough. If we commit to this, we'll need full-scale production, not small batches."

Matthew smirked. "Then you'll need to fund the expansion."

Silence.

The Pentagon representative on the video feed cleared his throat. "So you're saying Sentinel BioTech can't meet a large-scale order yet?"

"We can," Angel said, keeping her tone even. "But production expansion requires infrastructure upgrades—more automated assembly lines, dedicated manufacturing facilities, specialized materials sourcing. If the U.S. military is serious about integrating Titan Mk-I into its forces, we need to discuss a strategic partnership, not just a purchase order."

Reed exchanged a glance with Reynolds. They weren't expecting Matthew to come in negotiating from a position of power.

Colonel Reynolds sighed and leaned forward. "Alright, let's talk numbers. What's the cost per unit?"

Matthew exhaled. "Depends on the configuration. A fully equipped Titan Mk-I, with all features integrated, costs roughly $75 million per unit."

The analyst nearly choked on his coffee. "Seventy-five million?"

Reed's expression didn't change. "That's in the same range as an F-35 fighter jet."

Matthew shrugged. "Titan Mk-I is a game-changer, General. You saw it for yourself. This isn't just an armored suit—it's a force multiplier. A single soldier in this system could outmaneuver, outfight, and outlast an entire squad of conventional infantry."

Reynolds tapped his tablet, crunching the numbers. "And if we ordered, say, fifty units to start?"

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Matthew leaned back. "That's $3.75 billion."

Another silence.

Angel folded her arms. "That's without factoring in maintenance contracts, software updates, and ongoing system optimizations."

Reed chuckled, shaking his head. "You don't play small, Borja."

Matthew smirked. "Neither does your military."

The Pentagon official spoke again. "We're aware Sentinel BioTech isn't the only company working on exoskeleton technology. What makes Titan Mk-I worth prioritizing over other programs?"

Matthew had been waiting for this. He glanced at Angel, who pulled up a comparative analysis on her tablet.

"Let's talk about your other options," Matthew said smoothly. "The Lockheed Martin XOS-3? Too bulky, power issues, and mobility restrictions. The Sarcos Guardian XO? A good industrial exosuit, but it lacks combat integration."

He gestured to the Titan Mk-I, which stood at the far side of the room like a silent behemoth.

"Ours is the only fully functional, battlefield-ready exoskeleton that integrates neural syncing, AI-assisted combat, and full mobility enhancement. No cables. No tethers. No mechanical lag. It moves as fast as the soldier wearing it."

Reed nodded slowly. They knew he was right.

Then came the most important question.

"Borja," Reynolds said, "What are your export restrictions?"

Ah. There it was.

Matthew took a moment before replying. "Right now, Sentinel BioTech retains full intellectual property rights over Titan Mk-I. Which means we decide who gets access to the technology."

Reed's voice hardened. "We're not interested in sharing. If we invest in this, we need exclusive rights to the Titan Mk-I."

Angel shot Matthew a quick glance. This was the moment.

Matthew smiled. "That depends on your offer."

Reynolds frowned. "Excuse me?"

"I mean," Matthew continued, "exclusivity comes at a premium. You're not just buying a product—you're securing global dominance in exoskeleton warfare. If Sentinel BioTech commits to U.S. exclusivity, we're looking at a deal worth tens of billions, not just a few billion-dollar orders."

General Reed didn't blink. "And if we don't agree?"

Matthew's smirk widened. "Then Titan Mk-I goes on the open market."

A tense silence filled the room.

Matthew could see the gears turning in their heads. They had just witnessed a technological breakthrough that could change the battlefield forever. Letting it slip into another country's hands?

Unacceptable.

Reed exhaled. "You drive a hard bargain."

Matthew leaned forward, locking eyes with the General. "General, let's be honest. You can't afford to let this go."

A slow smile crossed Reed's face.

"Let's put some numbers together," he said. "We'll continue this conversation tomorrow."

Matthew nodded. "Looking forward to it."

As the meeting adjourned, Angel walked beside him, her voice low. "You just gambled against the biggest military in the world."

Matthew smirked. "And they're going to pay whatever it takes to win."