Cooperation with Wakanda

Deep within the wild, mountainous forests of Wakanda lay a futuristic city built on advanced technology.

At the very center of this immortal city stood a majestic royal palace, blending ancient architecture with cross-century technological features. Its floors, paved with vibranium-infused metal, were smooth as mirrors. The grand and imposing palace radiated a dazzling golden glow under the sunlight.

This was the dwelling place of the Black Panther king, as well as the pivotal grounds where the royal family deliberated on matters of state.

For thousands of years, the independently developed nation of Wakanda had resisted and repelled outsiders—including foreign tribes, smugglers, and adventurers—doing everything in its power to hide the true face of its advanced technology.

Yet today, two outsiders had finally been acknowledged by the entire nation of Wakanda and granted the privilege of stepping into the sacred halls of the royal palace as honored guests.

Amidst countless indigenous residents watching from the perimeter, the Black Panther king led the way, with Kyle and Howard following closely behind as they walked down the wide avenue leading to the palace hall.

A double file of native female guards, holding vibranium spears, lined both sides of the avenue, separating the onlookers from the path.

"Kyle, you really did it. Look, they're not nearly as savage and arrogant as they were before," Howard whispered.

Kyle smiled knowingly. "Forget about their national laws and regulations; might makes right. Only transcendent strength can rise above such things."

Otherwise, there would be no exceptions. They would have long since been judged and sanctioned by the natives according to their usual customs for outsiders.

The surrounding residents continued to murmur among themselves. The looks they directed toward Kyle no longer carried the usual contempt and disgust reserved for outsiders, but rather a blend of fear and a trace of heartfelt respect.

Only the strong earned the respect of others. This was even more true among the Wakandan natives, which explained why the throne challenge ritual existed in the first place.

Kyle had defeated the Black Panther king in single combat. The overwhelming and extraordinary power he displayed in that brief battle forced even those natives who were reluctant to admit it to bow their heads and acknowledge his might.

"The natives here still retain primitive and savage ingrained flaws. Only Prince T'Chaka from earlier seemed like someone living in the civilized age," Howard said, glancing around at the gathered members of the royal family. He added in a slightly puzzled whisper, "All the other royals were here just now, so where did the prince go?"

Kyle said inexplicably, "Probably went to inherit the ancestral power of the Black Panther."

"The Black Panther power?" Howard asked, bewildered.

"It's a power of inheritance belonging solely to the kings here—a heart-shaped herb. After consuming it and undergoing a ritual to dream of the ancestors, one gains a superhuman physique comparable to a super soldier."

Kyle replied calmly, gazing at the Black Panther king ahead of him, a thoughtful expression on his face.

This elderly Black Panther king was not as foolish or stubbornly bound by tradition as he appeared on the surface. His duel might well have been fought for the sake of Prince T'Chaka and the country.

The female guards halted outside the doors of the royal palace. The Black Panther king led Kyle and Howard all the way into the magnificent palace conference hall.

"I have matters to discuss with these two outsiders. Will the tribal royals please move to the side chamber and wait for a moment?" The Black Panther king turned back and issued his command with dignity. The royal members exchanged glances, but obediently nodded and withdrew into the antechamber.

The Black Panther king walked into the hall first, seating himself upon the exclusive throne at the center. He waved his hand and invited, "Come in and sit, two guests who have traveled from afar."

Kyle stood on no ceremony, casually taking a seat in one of the chairs in the hall, and Howard sat down right beside him.

*Screech—*

The Black Panther on the throne extended his claws and removed his beast-like panther helmet, revealing a weathered and dark-skinned square face. His hair was heavily whitened with age, and fatigue still marked his features, showing he had not yet recovered from their fierce battle.

"Kyle Dauph, American war hero, the youngest retired general, a legendary hero known to the outside world as the 'Symbol of Peace'."

"Howard Stark, a native of New York, America, head of strategic science during the war, founder of Stark Industries, and a top-tier scientist."

The elderly king smiled faintly as he spoke, briefly summarizing the identities and resumes of Kyle and Howard, before asking with a solemn expression: "Both of you are prominent figures in the outside world. Why have you come to this remote, isolated country?"

Before Kyle could reply, Howard said sincerely, "Your Majesty, you should understand the appeal that advanced technology holds for a scientist. Forgive my rashness earlier for disrupting your son's throne challenge ritual."

Howard paused, then countered with a question: "However, since your country is so advanced and developed, why don't you make yourselves known to the world? Why do you still reject and shun outsiders? The outside world's perception of Wakanda is merely that of an isolated, savage, undeveloped agricultural nation."

"It is not that we do not wish to open up to the outside world. Since ancient times, Wakanda has continuously suffered invasions from outsiders due to our vibranium resources and advanced technological level. Their frantic, unscrupulous actions for the sake of vibranium have disrupted the peace of those of us living here," the elderly king replied, shaking his head helplessly.

"We have no desire to use vibranium or advanced technology to invade and occupy the territories of other nations. Yet some outsiders carry grand ambitions, attempting to destroy this country and plunder our resources."

Kyle nodded in deep agreement. The resources possessed by Wakanda were enough to make even him slightly envious.

That was a nearly inexhaustible vibranium mine! Gems, gold, coal, and oil looked utterly pathetic by comparison!

If he weren't about to leave Earth, given how the Karl family's influence was set to grow over the next decade or so, he might well have initiated an occupation and exploitation plan for Wakanda.

As for now...

Wakanda was the second superpower that caught Kyle's eye, right after the Ancient One's sorcerer organization.

Because these forces, much like the Karl family, had transcended the mundane well of Earth and could gaze upon the vast ocean and stars beyond the well's rim.

"Your Majesty," Kyle said with a smile, laying out his thoughts quite directly, "I came here because I wish to discuss a partnership with Wakanda."

"A partnership?" The king was momentarily stunned, then refused in a deep voice, "Wakanda will always maintain its status as an independent nation. We will have minimal contact with the outside world, let alone partnerships."

"Is that really so?" Kyle chuckled. "If you didn't pay attention to or yearn for the outside world, how would you know the personal profiles and backgrounds of the two of us, and why else would you have sent Prince T'Chaka abroad to study in America?"

The king fell silent, and Kyle continued, "If I am not mistaken, Your Majesty, you continuously collect and study outside intelligence because you are waiting for an opportunity—an opportunity that will allow Wakanda to stand upon the world stage without fear."

"Wakanda may one day reveal its existence to the outside world, but certainly not now," the king said with a profound gaze.

Unflustered, Kyle spread his hands. "That is precisely why I speak of a partnership.

The premise of this partnership is the mutual concealment of each other's intelligence. The result of this partnership is to explore scientific truths and enhance our mutual productivity."