"Amelia is right; we also have to consider the cost. And I'm preparing to purchase several Humanoid Targets for daily training," Minister Bagnold agreed.
"That Humanoid Target is indeed a good item, and the concept of power levels that Alan mentioned is very valuable for reference," Amelia nodded.
"Perhaps…" Minister Bagnold pondered for a moment, then looked at the others. "In the future, we can use Humanoid Targets to test those preparing to join the field staff, as well as for promotion assessments for frontline personnel. It would give us standardized results."
Upon hearing Minister Bagnold's words, the department heads lowered their heads in thought. The Ministry of Magic had field personnel in their respective departments, so the Minister's focus was primarily on the three of them. Adding Humanoid Targets to employee assessments would be much more convenient, allowing them to select more outstanding talent. However, a strict standard wasn't necessarily a good thing for them. If they wanted to assign trusted individuals or acquaintances to positions in the future, wouldn't it be troublesome if they were disqualified because of this?
"Hmm?" Seeing the room fall silent, Bagnold guessed their petty schemes and frowned, scanning the room.
"I don't think there's a problem!"
"The Minister is brilliant!"
"Minister, you are truly far-sighted!"
Seeing the Minister's expression, the group understood her mind was made up and their opinions wouldn't change a thing. They immediately voiced their support. Moody, standing to the side, looked at them teasingly, secretly laughing to himself. *You guys actually want to play games with the Minister? You're asking for it.*
"Alright, let's settle on that. I've decided we will order three Humanoid Targets first—one for each department. From now on, ability assessments must include a power test. We can add more when conditions allow," Minister Bagnold said decisively.
"Yes, Minister!" The group, seeing it was a foregone conclusion, could only obediently comply.
"Since the procurement targets have been confirmed, let's discuss the quantities, as well as the priority. Alan's production will take time."
Under the guidance of Minister Bagnold, the department heads finalized the details. It didn't take long before they called Alan into the small conference room as well.
"Alan, this is the specific quantity of equipment we've ordered. Take a look. Magic-Suppressing Handcuffs and Tracking Glasses need to be supplied first. How long do you think it will take for them to be delivered?" Amelia pushed a parchment across to Alan.
Alan picked up the parchment. Seeing the numbers, he felt a surge of joy. As expected of the Ministry, their spending was generous. Among the equipment ordered were 100 Defensive Amulets, 80 Communication Amulets, and 50 each of Sonic Blast and Flash Amulets. The amulets alone were worth 3,160 Galleons.
The Ministry also ordered 80 pairs each of Tracking Glasses and Magic-Suppressing Handcuffs, which could likely equip most of the field personnel. They pre-ordered 50 pairs of Protective Gloves. Self-Checking Pocket Watches were fewer, only 10. That total came to 6,800 Galleons. The order for jammers varied; they requested only 5 Shielding Jammers but 20 Anti-Apparition Jammers, totaling 2,850 Galleons. Additionally, they requested three Humanoid Targets for 2,250 Galleons.
The Ministry had bypassed the Tactical Vests and Boots for now, but Alan wasn't concerned. Beyond this bulk order, he expected many Ministry employees to purchase upgrades individually later. From this batch alone, he would gross 15,060 Galleons. Only he knew the net profit would reach 10,000 Galleons. He was more than satisfied. While he couldn't expect bulk orders of this size every day, he could sustain himself on maintenance and retail.
"I'll prioritize the Tracking Glasses and Handcuffs for you; they should be delivered within three days. The remaining items will be supplied sequentially within one month. How does that sound?" Alan calculated quickly. If he personally managed the production line, the timeline was sustainable.
"Really?" Minister Bagnold and the department heads were surprised. Delivering over a hundred alchemical items in just three days was impressive.
"You won't cut corners on quality, will you? If the quality isn't up to standard, we won't accept them," Amelia emphasized.
"Rest assured, I wouldn't dare deceive the Ministry. You can personally inspect the goods. If the quality is not up to par, I guarantee free returns and exchanges," Alan said with a confident smile.
"If it can be done that quickly, even better. Once those first two items are finished, please prioritize the Anti-Apparition Jammers. The Humanoid Targets can be delivered last," Minister Bagnold added.
"No problem. The customer is Merlin. I will do my best to meet your requirements," Alan nodded.
"Hmm, if everything goes smoothly, you've helped us a great deal." Minister Bagnold took out another parchment. "This is the risk assessment report for your company's products. Among what you currently sell, Defensive Amulets, Communication Amulets, Protective Gloves, and Self-Checking Pocket Watches are classified as Class XX and can be sold to all wizards."
"The other amulets, as well as the Handcuffs, Tracking Glasses, Tactical Vests, Boots, and Humanoid Targets, are classified as Class XXX. They can only be sold to the Ministry or its staff. When selling these, you must register the purchaser's Ministry account. As for the Jammers, they are Class XXXX and cannot be sold externally except through official Ministry channels. Even for Ministry personnel, they must present an approval document. If you violate these regulations, your company will be in violation of Ministry law. Understood?" Minister Bagnold appeared very serious.
"I understand," Alan nodded, then looked at the Minister with some surprise. "Why would the Humanoid Target be Class XXX? It doesn't pose any harm."
"Class XXX refers to a danger that capable wizards can handle. The Humanoid Target has a mechanism that can fire spells, and that function is dangerous for underage wizards or those with weaker abilities," Minister Bagnold explained.