Wilmer Durán doubled over with laughter, clutching his stomach as he spoke into his cell phone:
"Brothers and sisters of the broadcast! Listen to this... The young CEO of Neotex Norte, Elías Mendoza, just said that his prosthetic technology is the best in the world. Can you believe it?"
"According to him, his domestic model easily surpasses foreign technology. How funny! Is there really anyone ignorant enough to say something like that in public?"
His voice echoed through the room, attracting not only the curious audience, but also several reporters from national media outlets patrolling for hot content.
One of them raised his microphone and asked:
"Excuse me, sir. Could you repeat what you just said?"
Wilmer, knowing he had the press's attention, puffed out his chest and arrogantly pointed out:
"Sure." This young man here—he pointed to Elías—is Elías Mendoza, the president of Neotex Norte. He just declared that his technology is superior to Autobock's. That his mechanical prosthetics are the best in the world.
—Isn't it ridiculous to think that a Mexican company can surpass a technological powerhouse like the United States?
The journalist turned to Elías and asked with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity:
—Mr. Mendoza, is what this gentleman says true? Did he really claim that your technology surpasses Autobock's?
Elías, surrounded by cameras and microphones, remained imperturbable. With a calmness that was out of step with the commotion, he replied:
—That's right. And you can write it down verbatim: Neotex Norte's prosthetic technology is the best in the world.
—Autobock? It's just good publicity. Our product works better.
The entire room erupted in murmurs.
Autobock was the undisputed leader of the world market. The comparison was as bold as it was unexpected.
For most, hearing a Mexican startup claim to have a product superior to an American firm was as shocking as a startup claiming to have surpassed Apple or Tesla.
A reporter in the front row raised his hand:
"Mr. Mendoza, do you realize the weight of your words? Do you really think you can compete with the experience and scientific backing of a company like Autobock?"
"Do you have proof? Real grounds?"
Elías didn't hesitate.
"It's not a matter of beliefs, it's a matter of results. The effectiveness of our robotic arm is proof. That's all they need to see."
Then a voice from the crowd erupted with mockery:
"Proof?! What you have is arrogance."
Everyone turned. The speaker was a middle-aged man with light brown skin, carefully combed hair, and a European-cut suit. Although he had a Latin name, he spoke with an American accent.
A journalist recognized him immediately.
"It's Eduardo Jun Pérez, director of operations for Latin America at Autobock USA!"
Immediately, the cameras turned to him.
Eduardo approached with a firm stride and a condescending smile.
"Mendoza, you can't compare your homemade technology with ours. The United States is a world leader in science and technology. And Autobock, in particular, is the number one reference."
"Who gave you so much confidence?"
Elías replied, still smiling:
"Confidence comes from results. From what the product can do for people. Our prosthesis doesn't need advertising: it works. And that gives us the right to speak firmly."
Eduardo scanned him with his eyes.
"So you claim that your mechanical arm is more efficient than our XY441 model?"
"I claim it," Elías replied. "And not only that: I'm going to prove it."
Eduardo clicked his tongue and gave a small laugh.
"Okay." It's been a while since I've seen someone so bold.
"Then I propose this: a technical showdown. We present our best products, on equal terms. And let the public and the media decide which is superior."
"Do you dare to accept the challenge?"
"Of course," Elías said without hesitation. "But let's make it interesting."
"If we lose, Neotex will pay 50 million pesos to Autobock. If you lose, you pay us the same amount."
Eduardo's face changed slightly. Fifty million was no small amount. He didn't have the authority to sign a check like that without approval. But pride... blinded him.
"Okay," he said finally. "Fifty million. In half an hour. On the main stage of the expo."
"Let all the media here be witnesses. This will be a public battle."
Elías nodded, with a confident smile.
"See you in half an hour."
They shook hands firmly. The showdown was sealed.
Immediately, the teams from both companies returned to their respective pavilions to prepare their flagship products.
The media began sharing the news in real time.
"Historic showdown at the National Prosthesis Expo!" read a tweet. "Elías Mendoza challenges Autobock to a technology duel in front of thousands of spectators."
Excitement spread through the venue like a spark through gasoline.
Half an hour later, the main stage was packed. More than a thousand people filled the auditorium. Doctors, engineers, patients, investors, and journalists were eagerly awaiting.
But the majority of the audience supported Autobock.
The logic was simple: in the technological field, Mexico was decades behind. No one believed that an emerging firm like Neotex Norte could overtake the multinational.
Many were there just to see Elías Mendoza make a fool of himself.
But he... was calm.
Because he knew something the others hadn't yet seen.
The test… was about to begin.