Blade Technology Industries has made another monumental announcement—Zodhis has developed a cure for AIDS! The world is stunned, not by a mere treatment or targeted drug, but by a specific cure that even works against genetic strains of the virus. Millions of AIDS patients across the globe now have hope for recovery.
AIDS, which slowly weakens the body over years by destroying the immune system, has long been a death sentence. Victims suffer from infections like pneumonia, encephalitis, and various malignant tumors. Many who contracted the virus through blood transfusions never had a chance to avoid the illness. According to the World Health Organization, by 2008, there were an estimated 33.4 million people living with AIDS globally. However, the real number—including those still in the incubation period—was likely much higher.
Blade Technology Industries ran clinical trials on a random group of AIDS patients, offering them free treatment. Within just a few weeks, the results were miraculous. Not only did the patients recover, but their immune systems and the damage caused by the virus were completely repaired, thanks in part to the Extremis Virus as a secondary treatment. Doctors around the world were baffled, unable to understand the cure's underlying mechanism.
The World Health Organization attempted to intervene, seeking to test the drug to ensure it met their criteria. But Zodhis flatly refused, citing the need to prevent piracy and third-party experimentation. He was particularly wary of large pharmaceutical companies or governments copying the formula for their own gain. The Extremis Virus and the modified vampire virus were integral to the cure, and neither could be easily replicated by others.
Although Blade's virus—derived from the vampire strain—could technically kill all viruses, Zodhis considered it risky. Instead, the modified virus from Blade, combined with the Extremis Virus, offered a more stable solution. But relying on Blade's blood to cultivate the cure was not a long-term option. Zodhis began researching ways to further control and reduce the vampire virus's assimilation effects, making it safer for mass production.
As news of the cure spread, AIDS patients and even those at risk of infection scrambled to get their hands on the drug. The wealthy, particularly, drove the demand through the roof. Blade Technology Industries could charge premium prices, and yet the demand only grew.
Zodhis's breakthrough solidified his reputation globally. He wasn't just a genius anymore; people began to see him as a savior of mankind, tackling challenges the world had struggled with for decades. The influence of Blade Technology Industries stretched far beyond medicine now, as Zodhis set his sights on even more ambitious goals.
One of his plans involved space—building satellites and space stations to expand his reach beyond Earth. To make this a reality, he needed more vibranium, the rare and powerful metal found in Wakanda. To this end, Zodhis sent Ould, his trusted associate, to negotiate with the secretive African nation.
Ould knew that vibranium was extremely valuable. In the black market, it could fetch upwards of $50,000 per gram. Wakanda, with its vast reserves, was one of the richest nations in the world, even if they kept that fact hidden behind the facade of a rural, underdeveloped country.
Upon arrival, Ould was greeted by King T'Chaka, the current Black Panther. Dressed in simple, traditional clothing that belied the immense wealth of his nation, T'Chaka welcomed the visitor cautiously.
"Hello, King of Wakanda," Ould greeted him politely.
T'Chaka smiled, but corrected him. "There is no king here. I am merely the leader of my tribe."
Ould was surprised by the humility but pressed on, explaining his mission: Zodhis wanted more vibranium, and he was willing to pay handsomely for it.
T'Chaka listened carefully. While Ould expected the Wakandan leader to be shocked by the proposal, T'Chaka's expression was calm. It wasn't the first time foreigners had come seeking their precious metal. In fact, decades earlier, Wakanda had sold a limited amount of vibranium to fund the education of their youth abroad. Those young Wakandans had since returned, using their knowledge to help Wakanda develop at an astonishing rate. Their technological advancements now rivaled, and even surpassed, the rest of the world.
Unknown to outsiders, Wakanda had its own spacecraft, satellites, and highly advanced weapons systems. While they maintained the appearance of a primitive, agrarian society, Wakanda was actually one of the most technologically advanced nations on Earth—thanks to vibranium.
However, despite their technological superiority, T'Chaka had no intention of sharing more vibranium. He recognized the strategic importance of keeping it within Wakanda's borders.
"I'm sorry," T'Chaka said calmly, "but the vibranium we sold in the past is all gone. We have no more to offer."
Ould was skeptical. "Surely there must be more. Vibranium doesn't just vanish."
T'Chaka remained firm. "The mines we allowed others to access have long been depleted. Any remaining vibranium belongs to us and will stay in Wakanda. I understand your intentions, but we cannot sell what we no longer have."
In reality, Wakanda still possessed vast reserves of vibranium—buried deep within the earth. The country was built atop a massive vibranium meteorite, one that had crashed to Earth centuries ago. Wakanda had carefully mined the metal over the years, keeping most of it hidden. The small amount they sold to the outside world was nothing compared to their true wealth.
Ould was disappointed but not entirely surprised by T'Chaka's refusal. He thanked the Wakandan king and departed, realizing that obtaining vibranium would be far more difficult than anticipated. But Zodhis wasn't one to give up easily. There were always other ways to achieve his goals, even if it meant returning to Wakanda under different circumstances.
For now, Blade Technology Industries would continue its meteoric rise, driven by Zodhis's brilliance and determination. And while vibranium remained out of reach, the world was already being reshaped by Zodhis's other scientific breakthroughs.