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While Nick Fury was still fuming over who would dare to rob S.H.I.E.L.D., far away in Antarctica, Peter was already launching the next phase of his grand construction project.
What had started as a small ice cave just a few dozen square meters in size—
Had now been massively expanded thanks to his super strength and blazing hot heat vision. He'd carved out the ice mountain into a complex network of tunnels, like a giant underground maze. Dozens of passageways connected several huge chambers.
Each of those chambers had been transformed into a different type of lab.
Peter had also sourced tons of high-strength steel from around the world, along with tons of high-tech lab equipment.
Some of that gear? Yeah—it came from that secret S.H.I.E.L.D. lab he'd "visited."
After handing the advanced gear over to a group of scientists to handle…
Peter jumped straight back into building mode.
The construction process? Brutal, direct, and insanely efficient.
First, Peter switched into full "master welder" mode. Using his heat vision, he sliced through thick high-strength alloy plates—several centimeters thick like they were butter.
Then, he lined the edges of the carved-out tunnels with those alloy plates.
Next, he turned into a one-man welding machine, fusing the steel plates together with pinpoint heat vision.
Honestly, Peter alone was now equivalent to an entire elite construction crew—like something out of a sci-fi infrastructure dream.
In less than half a day—under everyone's stunned gaze—what was once a primitive cave had been totally transformed.
The shiny silver metal walls looked so solid and durable, it was hard not to feel a little safer just looking at them.
"Well, at least we don't have to worry about this place collapsing anymore."
As everyone stared at the underground bunker-like walls, they finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"…But we're also completely trapped now."
Except for a few ventilation shafts, the entire place was sealed tight with those thick silver alloy plates—basically turning it into a massive high-tech cage.
"Well, if that's the case, the only way we're getting out of this hellhole is by doing what he wants—and building the suit he's asking for."
They all hated the idea deep down, but for now, they had no choice but to do exactly what Peter said.
"I hope that in the coming days, we can all work together and finish what that guy asked for as soon as possible—so we can get out of here fast."
Tony looked around at the others, his eyes full of determination.
Some of these people he'd heard about before, others he was only meeting today.
But from this moment on, they were in this together—fighting side by side, doing whatever it took to win back their freedom.
"So I hope that during this time, nobody holds back. Let's put our brilliant minds to full use."
"It's just a nanotech suit, right? If we really put our heads together, we could probably build a spaceship and blast outta here without breaking a sweat..."
Seeing how the others were clearly feeling down about being stuck here, Tony tried to fire them up, full of energy and enthusiasm.
"A spaceship? If we had the right materials, I could build one myself..."
As the princess of Wakanda, Shuri casually mentioned that she already knew how to build a spaceship—learned that a couple years ago.
But nanotech was still something she was actively studying and exploring.
"Heh... I hope they give me something satisfying soon."
With that, the only exit above—made of alloy—slowly closed shut.
And the next second, Peter shot into the sky, flying straight toward his home.
He didn't have time to hang around—his break was almost over.
Even now, after becoming Superman, he still had to go to class.
At the same time, in the Wakandan tribal lands of Africa—
An incredibly important ceremony was taking place.
T'Challa, son of King T'Chaka, was about to undergo the ritual of the Heart-Shaped Herb, receive the blessing and protection of the Panther God, and awaken the power of the Black Panther.
This was second only to the ceremony for choosing a new king of Wakanda.
Right now, countless Wakandans had gathered in front of the cave where the Heart-Shaped Herb grew.
They stood on the rocks surrounding the rushing waterfall.
Their eyes were filled with respect and reverence as they looked at their king—the true leader who had guided them to prosperity.
"People of Wakanda, as you all know, we deeply cherish peace. That's the real reason we've always chosen to remain hidden from the world."
"But just yesterday, an intruder broke into Wakanda and took our princess—my only daughter."
Standing in the middle of the rushing water, the old king began to speak, his voice heavy with the pain of his daughter's abduction.
"This isn't just about my daughter anymore—it's about all of Wakanda. Every single one of you."
As he spoke, his expression hardened with resolve.
"Wakandans hate war, but we are not afraid of it."
"When friends visit, we prepare a feast and give them the warmest welcome."
"But when enemies come knocking—they will be met by Wakanda's bravest warriors and the sharpest spears, which will pierce right through their hearts!"
"The people of Wakanda—are unstoppable!"
The king's voice grew more passionate, and finally, he raised the royal staff high above his head—a symbol of absolute power and authority.
"Wakanda forever!"
"Wakanda forever!"
In that instant, the thunderous chant echoed across all of Wakanda like a crashing wave.
Even the rushing waterfalls around them seemed to tremble from the sheer power of the shout.
And while the crowd roared with passion, the old king continued:
"So now, my bravest and most fearless son, T'Challa…"
The king turned to look at his son, who had been waiting patiently by the side.
"…will challenge Wakanda's mightiest warriors. If he succeeds, he will follow in the footsteps of our ancestors, take the sacred Heart-Shaped Herb, and receive the blessing of the great Panther God."
"And he will succeed me—as Wakanda's new protector: the Black Panther!"
Right then and there, in front of all the people of Wakanda, the king made the shocking announcement.
"Father, I won't let you down!"
T'Challa stepped into the flowing river, walking up to his father with determination written all over his face.
"I now declare—the challenge begins!"
"Huuh… Haah…"
Boom! Boom! Boom!
As soon as the king gave the signal, the whole crowd erupted with cheers, and the unique rhythm of Wakandan drums began to pound—loud and powerful, stirring the soul.
At the same time, several of Wakanda's bravest and fiercest warriors stood in the river, holding sharp spears and surrounding T'Challa.
One of the warriors—wearing a fearsome mask and towering over T'Challa in size—stepped forward to face him directly.
"Haah!"
With a loud roar, the challenge began instantly.
The massive Wakandan warrior was the first to strike, thrusting his long spear viciously at T'Challa.
"....."