Wakanda — a nation blessed with astonishing technological prowess, yet modest in size.
Or more accurately, Wakanda's capital city was highly centralized.
Most of its advanced manufacturing and research industries were clustered around Birnin Zana, the capital, while countless autonomous tribes were scattered across the surrounding areas.
To the modern world, this might seem a little bizarre — even primitive.
But this odd political structure was a reflection of Wakanda's ancient heritage and deep cultural traditions.
Still, Kagura couldn't help but feel that Wakanda had the air of a nouveau riche country.
Unlike nations that built themselves up through blood, sweat, and perseverance.
Wakanda's prosperity was thanks to a unique, overwhelming advantage — the world's largest, and only, vibranium deposit.
It was Vibranium, this nearly indestructible and almost magical material that lay at the heart of Wakanda's technological supremacy.
In other words, while Wakanda was undeniably powerful, it had the unmistakable scent of a nation favored by fate.
That said, because the capital wasn't particularly large and because Kagura's Halo transport ship had deliberately disabled its optical camouflage and stealth modes it was fairly easy for Wakanda to pinpoint their location.
Sure enough, moments after Kagura and Cortana disembarked from the transport, Wakanda's rapid response forces quickly surrounded them.
"I am Captain of the Royal Guard's Rapid Response Unit."
"You have illegally entered Wakandan territory."
"Leave immediately or we will resort to force!"
There were perhaps several dozen Wakandan soldiers, skillfully encircling Kagura and Cortana from all directions.
Strangely, they unfurled their cloaks, revealing built-in shield generators that activated energy barriers in front of them.
To Kagura, Wakanda's equipment looked both bizarre and absurd.
Their clothing was primitive in style little more than traditional cloth robes.
And yet, those robes were woven from vibranium fibers and embedded with shield tech capable of producing powerful energy fields, almost like an ancient army's phalanx formation.
Their spears, too — made of vibranium — looked no different from ancient, crude weapons.
But in reality, they weren't just indestructible; they could also fire energy pulses.
Wielding such high-tech weaponry, Wakandan warriors often mocked users of modern firearms as "primitive savages," but Kagura simply couldn't see how this highly inefficient use of technology was anything remotely "advanced."
Maybe that's just how it is when you're a "chosen nation"…
When you control vibranium, it seems you can get away with anything.
Facing the heavily armed Wakandan forces, Cortana gracefully stepped forward.
With a deep, polite bow, she spoke like a perfect, professional maid, her voice soft and respectful.
"Brave warriors of Wakanda, we mean no harm."
"It was certainly inappropriate to enter your territory uninvited, but we bring urgent intelligence for your king — information critical enough to risk this intrusion."
"We ask for your understanding and permission to proceed."
'Ahhh!'
Kagura couldn't help but praise Cortana in her heart — the world's best maid!
Hehe!
"Urgent intelligence?"
The Wakandan soldiers exchanged wary glances but kept their weapons raised, maintaining full vigilance.
The captain furrowed his brow, clearly weighing his options.
He tightened his grip on his spear and asked sharply, "What intelligence? State your allegiance and purpose immediately!"
Something felt off.
Kagura immediately sensed it.
Wakanda might be an isolated country, but it was known for being rational and pragmatic.
In theory, they should at least listen to what Cortana had to say, especially after she had already mentioned carrying critical information.
Cortana frowned slightly clearly surprised by their hostility but she remained composed and replied warmly, "We represent the Avengers. We're here to warn Wakanda: according to our intelligence, a powerful enemy could strike at any moment."
"We hope to discuss the full details with your king."
"The Avengers?!"
At those words, the Wakandan soldiers' expressions twisted into something even more hostile!
The captain barked, "The Avengers dare to set foot in Wakanda again?! Arrest them! Execute them on the spot!"
Kagura: "???"
Cortana: "???"
"Wait, WHAT?! Why the instant death sentence?!" Kagura stared in utter confusion.
"Your thought process is way too extreme! We're here to help you fight Ultron, not… whatever this is!"
"Ultron?!"
The captain's eyes burned with fury.
"Still pretending?! You're working with Ultron! If not for him, Wakanda wouldn't be in ruins!"
Well, that was... awkward.
From just that one furious outburst, Kagura gleaned a lot of important information.
"Working together"?
"Ruins"?
Kagura caught the subtle hints immediately.
"Wait, Wakanda's already been attacked? Was it Ultron? What did he do? And did he frame the Avengers while he was at it?!"
"Enough lies! We will never believe the Avengers' deceit again! Attack!!"
Clearly, the captain had no intention of negotiating. At his command, the Wakandan soldiers began to close in.
"Stop!"
Just as the situation was about to spiral into chaos — Kagura already preparing to deploy her White Moon combat armor — a commanding voice rang out from a distance, freezing the soldiers mid-action.
Everyone turned toward the voice.
It was a tall, muscular man in a sleek black suit, his dark skin and short black hair giving him a powerful, regal presence.
T'Challa.
The famous African superhero — the Black Panther.
Of course, at this point in time, T'Challa had inherited the powers of the Black Panther but had not yet ascended to the throne.
He was still the prince of Wakanda.
It was only thanks to his noble status that he could halt the Royal Guard's assault with a single order, narrowly avoiding a bloody confrontation.
"You two… you're the real Avengers, aren't you?"
T'Challa stepped forward, lifting his chin slightly, his voice cool but laced with authority.
"My apologies. My men were rash. Wakanda has suffered greatly recently, and the mere mention of the Avengers provokes deep anger."
"Thank goodness you understand," Kagura said with a relieved smile. "Looks like we can still talk this out, right?"
"Yes," T'Challa nodded. "Please, come with me. We have much to discuss."
Ignoring the confused glares from the captain and his men, T'Challa turned and led the way.