Moments later, the woman looked at T'Challa with an amused expression.
"So that's how it is. I didn't expect your fate to end up like this after all. Still… there is someone rather special—someone who actually possesses the power of a god~~"
She had read T'Challa's memories and glimpsed fragments of what was yet to come.
"Those two are very special. If possible, do not make enemies of them. Simply maintain friendly relations."
Her voice remained languid and seductive, sounding both like advice and like an unquestionable command.
T'Challa didn't understand at first, but then it clicked. The Panther God was clearly referring to Lucas and Tony. Aside from them, everyone else was a child of the Panther God. If it were her own people, she would have named them directly.
"And whatever those two seek, you may grant it to them," she continued.
"Now go back. Be a good king. Don't disappoint me~~"
She waved her hand lightly. In a flash of light, she transformed back into a black panther, leapt gracefully, and returned to the tree.
At the same moment, T'Challa jolted awake, bursting up through the red sand and gulping down fresh air greedily.
The High Priest grabbed T'Challa's hand and pulled him free of the sand.
"I… I saw her… I saw the Panther God…"
T'Challa was still panting heavily, but he could clearly feel the explosive power surging through his body. He knew it—he had succeeded. The Panther God had blessed him. He had been enhanced.
---
Meanwhile, Lucas and Tony were strolling through the streets of Wakanda. Though Wakanda was a city of extraordinarily advanced technology, many streets still retained a strong sense of traditional culture.
"Do you think that kid T'Challa will actually succeed?" Tony said skeptically.
"Eat some random plant and suddenly become like Steve Rogers? What is this, Resident Evil? Is it a Sunflower or something?"
Tony still firmly believed in science. Even after witnessing countless mysterious phenomena, he always found a scientific explanation—just like with Steve or Bruce. To him, everything ultimately came down to science.
"Honestly, the Heart-Shaped Herb and a Sunflower aren't that different," Lucas replied casually.
"They probably both contain some substance that alters human genetics. We just don't understand it yet."
He picked up a fruit from a street stall, sniffed it, found it scentless, and put it back.
"Too bad I don't specialize in biology," Tony sighed.
"Otherwise, I'd definitely find a way to bring some back for research."
He was deeply curious about what made the Heart-Shaped Herb so special—and how it would compare to the Super Soldier Serum.
The streets were bustling with people. Some even led massive rhinoceroses around like livestock, strolling casually. Everyone else seemed completely accustomed to it—only Lucas and Tony stared in fascination.
"Say," Tony mused, "what do you think about me buying one of those and raising it back home?"
Lucas rolled his eyes.
"Sure. When you get locked up, I'll take care of Pepper for you."
Rhinoceroses were protected animals. Even though wildlife protection laws in the U.S. were relatively lax—and some places even allowed seasonal hunting—rhinos were absolutely not on the list.
"Relax," Tony said smugly.
"Who do you think I am? You think I'd go to jail just for raising a rhino? You're really underestimating Tony Stark."
In the United States, even if he raised a dragon, no one would complain. Government agencies would probably rush to help him file the paperwork. That was the power of capital—pure, unapologetic capitalism.
"Tch… right," Lucas muttered.
"I forgot you're one of those big, evil capitalists. Doing whatever you want."
Only then did he remember—capital in America could override almost anything, even the government itself. That was simply how the country worked.
After wandering around for a while, Tony was summoned away by Shuri. The custom Black Panther suit she had designed for T'Challa was finally complete, and she wanted Tony's input, since he had contributed ideas as well.
Lucas continued strolling alone, immersing himself in the unique culture and atmosphere of Wakanda.
---
At the same time, inside the royal hall, the leaders of the various tribes had gathered. Seated at the center was Wakanda's new king, T'Challa, with the former king, T'Chaka, to his left.
"Your Majesty, we have received satellite intelligence."
Okoye, captain of the Dora Milaje, held a small bead. A projection appeared above it, displaying an object shaped like a pickaxe.
"Yesterday, an artifact that was once mistakenly classified as belonging to another civilization—but is in fact Wakandan—was stolen from the British Museum."
As she spoke, the image shifted, now showing Ulysses Klaue.
"According to intelligence reports, Ulysses Klaue intends to sell the artifact. The transaction will take place in South Korea, scheduled for two days from now."
After finishing, Okoye returned to her seat, the bead snapping back around her wrist.
"For all these years, we have failed to capture Ulysses Klaue," T'Challa said solemnly.
"This time, we must bring him back to Wakanda to stand trial. Our people did not die in vain. Klaue must pay the price."
The incident still weighed heavily on him. Klaue had to be captured.
"Your Majesty, allow me to accompany you," W'Kabi said immediately.
"My brother was killed by that bastard. I want to capture him myself."
W'Kabi had already succeeded his father as Wakanda's general.
T'Challa shook his head.
"W'Kabi, I need you to remain here and guard the border. Wakanda's secrets must not be exposed. You are our first line of defense."
"Then, Your Majesty," W'Kabi said firmly, "please make sure you bring Ulysses Klaue back alive."
"I give you my word," T'Challa replied.
"I will bring that bastard back. He will face the harshest punishment."
T'Challa still vividly remembered the moment W'Kabi's brother—an earnest, fearless young man—had shoved him out of the blast radius and died in the explosion meant for him.
"Okoye, prepare yourself. You as well, Nakia," T'Challa ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Okoye responded, rising immediately.
Soon after, T'Challa boarded a craft and headed toward Wakanda's research facility.
Inside, Shuri and Tony were deep in an intense discussion. A projection hovered before them, displaying not the Black Panther suit, but an entirely new Iron Man armor, surrounded by dense streams of data.
"What are you two doing?" T'Challa asked as he approached, interrupting them.
"Ohhh~ Your Majesty~" Shuri said, giving an exaggeratedly formal bow, her face full of mock seriousness.
"Oh, knock it off," T'Challa snapped.
"I know you too well. Since when do you act this proper?"
"Hahaha~!" Shuri burst out laughing.
Tony frowned thoughtfully, eyes fixed on the armor's data.
"Do you think nanotechnology could really allow even Uru metal to be assimilated?"
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