Huh!
Hearing what Coulson said, Lockhart let out a light sigh. He had been discussing this matter in front of Coulson with some later plans in mind that required SHIELD's involvement. This way, SHIELD could be more informed and efficient in their tasks.
However, he hadn't expected that Coulson would propose a solution for the goblin's magic. This was an unexpected surprise.
Bruno, who was next to him, was a little surprised by what this Muggle said but quickly turned to disdain. How could a mere Muggle, who couldn't cast any magic, touch the magic of goblins?
"What do you mean, Coulson?" Lockhart asked with interest.
Coulson paused for a moment before slowly explaining, "Professor Lockhart, I heard you mention that the unknown radiation is called goblin magic. And your problem is adjusting the goblin magic power. I can understand it as changing this radiation to a certain extent."
Hearing this, Lockhart was thoughtful and seemed to understand Coulson's point but still nodded and said, "Indeed."
With Lockhart's confirmation, Coulson looked pleased. "Our problem before was that we couldn't artificially synthesize this radiation, or goblin magic, because its nature is extremely special and unrelated to most known radiation. We were a bit helpless."
"However, if we have some goblin magic to study, we can influence and adjust the state of this radiation through technological means."
Coulson then added, "However, this may require a certain number of Gold Galleons as research objects."
Lockhart nodded slightly, smiling. It was pretty much what he had anticipated. With a hint of seriousness in his tone, he asked, "Coulson, I can provide you with what you need, but I want a clear timeline for results."
Coulson hesitated at Lockhart's serious tone but replied, "Professor Lockhart, I can't estimate the specific time. Tony is leading this project, so you'd have to ask him for details."
Then, without waiting for Lockhart to respond, Coulson continued, "Also, if we want to synthesize Gold Galleons, could you provide more of the magic metal you gave Tony last time? We need it for experiments."
Lockhart replied calmly, "Coulson, I can give you what you need, but what I want must be fulfilled first. You must know this."
Hearing Lockhart's calm but warning tone, Coulson hesitated before nodding and assuring, "Don't worry, Professor Lockhart. SHIELD will fulfill your request."
Lockhart nodded slightly, waving his hand to produce a space bag in front of Coulson. "There are 30 Gold Galleons in it, along with the magic metal you need. As long as I achieve my goal, the rest belongs to SHIELD. If not, they will definitely end up back in my hands."
Despite the plain tone, Lockhart's words held an unmistakable finality. Coulson's heart sank as he remembered Lockhart's casual use of the portal earlier, but he nodded to show understanding.
"Okay, I look forward to your reply. Also, if the mission is completed, this space extension bag will be yours. Even more powerful magic items, life-extending potions, etc., as long as you achieve my task, you'll have the opportunity to obtain them."
Lockhart's words were full of temptation. Although Coulson knew it was a mix of coercion and inducement, his heart still pounded with excitement. He had seen the power of magic items before, so he had to believe Lockhart's promises.
With his thoughts racing, Coulson nodded quickly, holding the space bag tightly. Sensing Coulson's change in demeanor, Lockhart's lips curled up. He wasn't afraid of spending money; he was afraid of it being wasted. Applying pressure and offering temptation were necessary tactics.
The goblin Bruno, seeing his task done, calmly said goodbye and left, not wanting to disturb his master's conversation.
After Bruno left, Lockhart asked, "Coulson, is there anything else?"
"Professor Lockhart, our director would like to ask if there is a magic potion that can quickly restore physical condition," Coulson explained. "For someone in a weak state all year round, wanting to quickly return to peak condition."
Lockhart mused upon hearing this request. The description sounded familiar. After thinking for a moment, he realized it was likely for Captain America. As the first-generation super soldier, Captain America had perfectly integrated the super soldier serum.
With this in mind, Lockhart looked at Coulson and nodded. "Yes, a high-quality vitality potion can meet your requirements."
He waved his hand gently, producing a bottle of light yellow potion. "This bottle is enough for 20 ordinary Muggles to return to their peak condition."
Then, after pondering for a moment and noticing Coulson's thinning hair, Lockhart raised the corners of his mouth and produced a light green potion. "This is the Potter family's shampoo. Originally, it was for a friend who had a grudge against the Potter family, so I kept it. It just so happens it's suitable for you. Using it will not only clean your hair but also encourage new growth."
Coulson's eyes lit up upon hearing this. Forgetting about the vitality potion, he eagerly took the shampoo. Recently, he had been losing a lot of hair and was desperate for a solution. He was excited to find such an effective product in the wizarding world.
Lockhart continued, "I'm giving you the shampoo and vitality potion as gifts. Use them and make sure to motivate your team to complete the task as quickly as possible."
Coulson was moved to tears. SHIELD gained from each transaction but also spent a lot. Lockhart's gifts felt like personal rewards.
Lockhart saw Coulson's reaction and smiled faintly. His knowledge of SHIELD's status, from his past life, gave him a good impression of Coulson.
"Thank you, Professor Lockhart," Coulson said gratefully.
The earlier pressure was directed at SHIELD, and now the inducement was directed at Coulson. He understood the tactics and felt motivated.
It also aligned with his responsibilities, and Tony would bear most of the burden. For the sake of his future hair, it was worth it.
Coulson hesitated for a moment, remembering something, and asked tentatively, "Professor Lockhart, I saw you recently transformed the Vientiane Bookstore. Do you need SHIELD's help?"
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