The vast rainforest stretched endlessly under golden sunlight, alive with countless forms of life. The air was fresh and carried a natural scent that felt completely different from the suffocating atmosphere of crowded cities.
"Mr. An, this is Wakanda."
Tony Stark hovered in the sky inside his Iron Man suit, looking down at what appeared to be a poor and underdeveloped village in northeastern Africa.
Since becoming a Demon, the shrapnel that once plagued Stark's body had been completely expelled. Following Lucien's instructions, he had retrieved a new elent left behind by his father at S.H.I.E.L.D., allowing him to upgrade his armor even further.
This mission was not only for Lucien.
Stark also needed vibranium.
He planned to forge a new Iron Man suit using it. If Lucien ever felt inclined to infuse it with a soul and turn it into a living entity, Stark's strength would rise to an entirely different level.
Lucien had no issue strengthening those under him. They were tools, and better tools made his work easier.
"Let's go."
Lucien's destination was clear.
The illusion hiding Wakanda was aningless before him. Carrying a briefcase that contained the Cosmic Cube, he flew past the false village and headed straight toward a massive mountain.
Without any obstruction, he passed through the illusion and entered the true Wakanda.
To Stark, the sight was astonishing.
"This is Wakanda?"
Towering structures, advanced aircraft, and technology far beyond the outside world filled his vision. The contrast between the illusion and reality was overwhelming.
Three aircraft approached them, unard but cautious.
"Welco, Mr. Savior and Mr. Iron Man, to Wakanda."
Standing at the front was T'Chaka, the current king of Wakanda.
With Wakanda's advanced intelligence network, Lucien's arrival had not gone unnoticed. The mont he entered Africa, they had already begun monitoring him.
T'Chaka understood exactly how dangerous Lucien was.
He had no intention of resisting.
If giving sothing away could preserve Wakanda, then he would do it without hesitation.
Lucien barely spared him a glance and continued flying toward the central structure.
The three aircraft followed behind, making T'Chaka uneasy.
In the plaza below, T'Challa, Queen Ramonda, Princess Shuri, and over a dozen Dora Milaje guards stood ready, holding their spears.
"Welco, Mr. Savior and Mr. Stark."
They bowed respectfully as Lucien descended slightly above the ground while Stark landed beside him.
Before T'Chaka could speak, Lucien cut straight to the point.
"I need vibranium."
The atmosphere stiffened instantly.
They had expected this.
"May I ask how much you require?"
T'Chaka kept his tone respectful, choosing compromise over conflict.
"One ton."
The words hit like a hamr.
"Mr. Savior, please allow us so ti. We need to mine it."
Even as he spoke calmly, T'Chaka felt a sharp pain in his chest. Vibranium was Wakanda's lifeline.
"We will stay here."
Lucien had already decided.
Tomorrow, he would break the Cosmic Cube and attempt to control the Space Stone. Vibranium would be used to forge a dium capable of containing its power.
According to J.A.R.V.I.S., the cube would stabilize by then.
It was worth the risk.
"You are most welco. We will extract it as quickly as possible."
Lucien did not care whether T'Chaka was sincere.
It made no difference.
His gaze shifted briefly to T'Challa.
At this point, T'Challa had not yet consud the Heart-Shaped Herb or gained the power of the Black Panther. Even if he had, it would not matter.
Lucien could crush him effortlessly.
To Lucien, the so-called power of Wakanda was insignificant.
Still, soone like T'Challa had value. He could be useful later.
"We disagree."
A loud voice broke the tension.
More than thirty figures approached from a distance. They were clearly from other tribes within Wakanda.
Despite its technological superiority, Wakanda was not unified internally.
"King, you must give us a reason."
Their faces were painted, their expressions hostile. Even T'Chaka was being openly challenged.
Vibranium was everything to Wakanda. It powered their technology, their economy, their entire existence.
In the outside world, a single gram of vibranium was worth a fortune.
One ton was unimaginable.
A spear suddenly shot through the air.
Lucien tilted his head slightly as it passed.
His gaze landed on the man leading them, M'Baku.
"The king may be a coward, but I am not. If you want vibranium, ask us if we agree."
"Exactly."
"Once you're here, you're not leaving."
The group behind him raised their weapons, their faces filled with hostility.
Lucien's expression did not change.
"Die."
The word fell softly.
In the next instant, M'Baku and everyone behind him collapsed to the ground.
Their bodies went still.
Lifeless.
The plaza fell into absolute silence.
T'Chaka and the others froze, their hearts pounding violently. Fear spread uncontrollably through their bodies.
One word.
That was all it took to kill dozens.
"Transport incoming."
Stark's voice broke the silence.
A transport aircraft descended from the sky, carrying a temporary laboratory Stark had prepared.
Inside, he would begin forging a new Iron Man suit using vibranium.
Bruce Banner stepped out as well.
As for the others, they were still in the United States, steadily tightening control over the governnt.
"Mr. An."
Banner adjusted his glasses and nodded respectfully.
"I need vibranium processed."
Lucien spoke calmly.
That was why he chose to stay in Wakanda. Nowhere else on Earth could refine vibranium as efficiently as they could.
"Please follow ."
T'Chaka spoke quickly, not daring to delay.
He personally led Lucien toward Wakanda's most advanced research facility.
It was also where their vibranium was stored.
Behind them, Queen Ramonda held Shuri close, her expression filled with unease as she watched them leave.
The power Lucien displayed was beyond comprehension.
A single word could decide life or death.
To them, he was no different from a god.
All they could do now was hope he would take what he wanted and leave.
Otherwise, Wakanda would not survive.
Reviews
All reviews (0)