King Of War: Starting with Arms Dealer

Joe Ga chuckled sarcastically and said, "This is it?

I bet this kind of helmet definitely didn't pass collision tests. In my experience, the more they claim it's high-tech, the more fragile it usually is.

And a so-called frontline digital platform?

You want a soldier to carry a 'suitcase' integrated with a high-power signal transmitter and computer server to the frontline?"

Johnny Payne sighed helplessly, pulled out a suitcase-sized container from the box, and, with effort, unfolded it. With the help of a man in a lab coat nearby, he removed the backpack from the mannequin, using clips and straps to secure the container onto the mannequin's back…

Joe tried lifting it during the process and found that the container weighed at least 40 kilograms. Adding on a few brick-sized battery blocks, the whole thing must weigh 50 kilograms.

A soldier carrying this thing, along with essential combat gear like weapons, ammunition, and other small items, would be carrying a total load of no less than 90 kilograms.

Even with the support of an exoskeleton, while much of the weight would be mitigated, the impact on mobility and balance was undeniable.

Johnny Payne opened the back panel of the container, pointed at the intricate internal structure, and said, "Sir, this is our company's standalone frontline terminal. It can connect all 'Talus Armor' users within a 40-kilometer radius.

It can also connect with large drones to enable wider digital command capabilities…

...…

Joe patiently listened as Johnny Payne explained the operational logic of the 'Talus Armor,' and he began to understand why the Pentagon decisively shut down this project.

The Pentagon wanted a digital protective armor system that could assist soldiers in combat. Talus Corporation came up with an impressive-looking suit by combining exoskeletons with modular armor, then poured all their effort into developing the helmet and this container.

But once soldiers put on this so-called standalone frontline terminal, they couldn't run fast, couldn't jump high, and they'd become especially easy targets.

The thing was basically a chicken rib—seemingly meaty but ultimately useless. It would only make sense in scenarios where the U.S. Army Air Force couldn't intervene, and there was no signal coverage, ensuring frontline digitization wouldn't fail.

But how likely is it for the United States Army to send large forces into such tough environments to fight?

If it ever came to that, the bombers would already be in the air.

Small squads using it would lose their flexibility and mobility, practically walking into their deaths.

Abandoning the command terminal in favor of the drone-equipped backpack might be feasible, but even then, the price was a major issue.

The U.S. Army's top units, equipped with $200,000 worth of comprehensive gear and supported by drones, could achieve the same results.

The protective area of the Interceptor Body Armor was even larger than this thing.

What's so impressive about integrating a drone with a backpack?

If I packed one in my bag, all it would take is an extra action to deploy it. Holding the controller in my hand aligns better with the habits of modern soldiers anyway.

If you're saying Talus Armor is advanced, it sure is, but its real-world utility on complex battlefields is still up for debate.

And the cost-effectiveness? Forget it—it's unthinkable. This thing costs $900,000? For that price, Joe could buy a Winged Dragon equipped with a communication module for just a fraction of the cost.

The Winged Dragon not only integrates battlefield information but can also carry a few missiles.

The Talus Armor project began five years ago, back when drones hadn't developed to their current level.

It's fair to say that as drones evolved rapidly, the entire framework of warfare transformed. Even the role of attack helicopters is being diminished now.

A full set of Talus Armor for $900,000? That's a joke.

Seeing the disdain on Joe's face, Johnny Payne perked up and said with determination, "Sir, the Talus Armor has immense development potential. If you just give us enough time, we can optimize it.

For conventional combat scenarios, the frontline command terminal could be entirely omitted. The helmet's integrated communication module can connect with large drones, facilitating soldier communication while assisting combat. It would enable soldiers to guide airstrikes in a more precise and efficient manner.

Plus, you've experienced the effects of the helmet used with small drones firsthand. If soldiers had that, they'd have a 360-degree, unobstructed field of vision and could detect enemies much faster."

Joe looked at Johnny Payne, who was desperately pitching his product, and suddenly chuckled. He said, "You want me to invest?"

Johnny Payne, now excited, replied, "Yes, sir. I've studied PB online, and you still adhere to a soldier-centric approach to combat.

If you give me enough funding to upgrade the Talus Armor, I guarantee I can create a set of armor tailored for modern warfare.

By then, your PB will have the most powerful team…"

Joe was amused by Johnny Payne's sales pitch. Laughing, he said, "Then tell me, how much does such an advanced armor system cost?"

Johnny Payne froze for a moment, stammering for a few seconds before sighing and saying, "Even without the command terminal and just the drone backpack, the Talus Armor would still cost about $700,000."

With a determined look, Johnny Payne clung to hope and said sincerely, "But for those who need it, it's all worth it!

Sir, while the Talus is expensive, it's absolutely worth the price…"

Joe scanned everything, then observed Johnny Payne's tense expression. He shook his head slightly and walked over to another box, where he looked at a set of Flex Armor and said, "Passive exoskeletons and armor without enough technical innovation… Aside from looking cool, there's not much about Talus worth praising.

The helmet's integrated functions do interest me a bit, but the operating system still feels cumbersome—many features aren't smart enough and are even a bit redundant.

When you strip it down, this thing is just a digital integration solution. High-end, sure, but not as user-friendly as you imagine.

I can see it, though—your profit ambitions don't lie solely in the Talus Armor itself but in all these dazzling consumable accessories.

Digitally enhanced targeting systems, smart ammunition, compact intelligent drones, digital single-soldier rocket launchers… Wow, these must've taken a lot of effort to design and program.

These things look expensive, and only the Talus system can effectively drive them, right?"

Speaking, Joe ran his hand over the Flex Armor on the mannequin, feeling its peculiar texture, and said, "Tell me about this. A 'Tracker' once recommended it to me, and I'm more intrigued by it.

If you can convince me to wear it, I might invest in you to continue developing the Talus Armor according to my requirements…

I bet, aside from me, you won't find another investor!"