Guys, from today onwards, we will start something new. At the end of every chapter I will drop a word, you all will have to tell its meaning in the comments. No cheating(searching on chrome) is allowed, okay? Write whatever you think it is, doesn't matter if it's wrong or right. And one extra thing, we all will collectively like the comment of the person who wrote the correct meaning and I'll mention him in next chapter. Okay?
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It's a dishonorable business, hunting for vibranium. Not only is it one of the rarest minerals on the planet, but it also happens to be found in a place one is much better off avoiding.
Although… maybe I should visit Wakanda.
No, no! I can't even let my mind wander there. My life is still quite dear to me.
Honestly, what was I thinking, leaving the Captain's shield in the care of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents? I should have taken it with me. That way I could have collected just the right amount of vibranium I need now. If only. But there's no point chasing the wind. And besides — that would have raised Fury's suspicions in a heartbeat.
Right now, my hands are clean. No bribes taken. No thefts committed.
And let's be real — it wouldn't be right for Rogers to run around without his favorite toy. With the shield, he instantly gains +100 to defense, charisma, endurance, and courage. All right, I'm exaggerating — but without it, the good Captain's combat effectiveness drops by almost half. And I can't have that on my conscience.
My thoughts drifted from shield to potential sources of vibranium. Eventually, they landed on a man who, I suspected, might have a few kilos of it gathering dust in some warehouse.
"I knew you'd come to me with this," Bruce Wayne said before I'd even finished explaining my need. "But I'll spare you the buildup and disappoint you now: I don't have any vibranium. Especially not in that quantity."
"What? Not even a little? You mean to tell me you've never set aside a scrap of such a valuable metal?" I pressed, clinging to hope.
"That's the problem. It's a very rare mineral, found only in Wakanda. Even that kingdom doesn't have endless reserves. They certainly don't export it. On the rare occasions vibranium surfaces on the black market, it's instantly swarmed by buyers. Competition for it is… fierce."
I stared at him before bursting into laughter there in his office. "Oh, Bruce. You're hilarious. Wakanda doesn't have that much vibranium? They've built an entire city out of the stuff! There's enough metal under their capital to rebuild Gotham from scratch with leftovers. They've got an entire mountain of it! This isn't about scarcity — they just don't want to part with what they consider theirs. They're homebodies: everything stays in the family — advanced tech, unimaginable wealth, flowers that grant superpowers—"
"You're serious?" His suspicion was clear — this contradicted all his intel, and Bruce never liked contradictions.
"Completely. Wakanda's the most advanced nation on Earth, and their technologically? They're probably first place. I know it sounds insane, but it's the truth."
"If anyone else told me this, I'd doubt them outright. But you…" His eyes narrowed. "Perhaps I've underestimated Wakanda."
"Don't feel bad. You're not alone. S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn't have a clue either. That's why you should appreciate having an informed friend like me. I'm priceless."
"I'll think about it," he said dryly. "However, it doesn't change the fact you need vibranium — and have no source for it."
"Why the immediate gut‑punch?" I ran a hand over my forehead. "Fine. If Plan A fails… we go to Plan B."
"Plan B?" His interest flickered.
"If you can't acquire vibranium through honest means," I said with a grin, "then you turn to the black market — the galaxy's greatest miracle bazaar."
"I doubt you'll be welcome there, unless you've got friends in the criminal underworld willing to vouch for you."
I didn't answer — but in my eyes there was the faintest sparkle of mischief.
Leaving Wayne Enterprises, I reached into my spatial storage and pulled out an ordinary carrot. Or rather, what looked ordinary — except for the phone number scratched into its side.
Without hesitation, I dialed it.
A few beeps, then a familiar, playful voice "This is Lorina Dodson. I'm listening."
"Hello, Bunny. You haven't forgotten my voice, have you?" I greeted warmly.
"It's you! Took you long enough to scrape up the courage to call. I've been wasting away here," the White Rabbit complained theatrically. "Did you think I gave you my number for fun?"
"Sorry, sorry. I'll make it up to you. From what I hear, you sound healthy enough. You're not sick are you?"
"I'm fine. Just enjoying some healing baths. So—are you calling because you missed me, or do you need something?" she asked, her tone full of mock challenge.
"I missed you," I said smoothly, "in every sense of the word… but yes, I also have a little favor to request."
"I knew it!" she wailed. "Sob sob… no one ever needs me for free. All right, what's the damage?"
This girl's moods flipped faster than Gotham weather.
"I need vibranium. Urgently. And in a sizeable quantity. Do you know anyone who deals in it? If you can find me that info, I'll make sure you're properly thanked."
"Oh, even so…" she teased. "Do you know how dangerous the black market can be? Especially for an attractive girl like me? I'll need hazard pay for the extra risk."
"Anything you ask. I can even offer myself," I replied dead‑serious.
"Oh, oh, what a shameless pervert you are. Naughty boy— not so fast," she purred, clearly picturing something outrageous on her end. "You've embarrassed me now. Wait for my call; I'll ring you as soon as I know something."
"Well, that was easy," I thought as I hung up.
Everything was already better than I'd hoped. White Rabbit might be a lightweight villain in the big picture, but she was still a villain — which meant she had privileges the 'good guys' didn't. Namely, connections with some very shady people and, more importantly, direct access to the black market.
And on this black market? You could find anything. Things you desperately wanted but shouldn't. Things you didn't want but would be forced to see. Treasures that would make you drool. Nightmares that would ruin your week. Relics you'd sell your soul to own. Temptations and terrors in equal measure.
In short — a buffet for the ambitious and unprincipled.
Now, I'm not saying I consider myself one of those… well, maybe just a little.
Towards evening, my phone rang.
"Alex, I found something!" Lorina's voice was bright. "There's a man who's got exactly what you're after. Ulysses Klaue. He's a nasty piece of work — if it weren't for you, I wouldn't bother dealing with him."
"Sorry for the trouble — and thank you. Can you set up a meeting for me? Tomorrow would be ideal."
"Tomorrow? That works. According to my sources, he's still in Marvel New York until then. Should be no problem. But what do I tell him? Should I use your name?"
"No. Tell him I'm a new player with a big order. And that you vouch for me personally."
"Oooh, going to play the villain now, are we?" she said with delight.
"Don't go imagining things. I'll fly in tomorrow morning. Mind if I stay with you?"
Her voice went sing‑song. "What are you plotting? No, no— I'm a respectable girl… But sure. Stay over. I might even let you share my room, hehe."
The preparations for the trip began immediately. Tomorrow was the flight, and there was plenty to arrange.
The biggest argument was over who would accompany me to such a dangerous meeting. Bordeaux was adamant that it should be her — but I had other plans.
Katana would be my partner on this one.
It wasn't just a whim; I had my reasons. Tatsu was an unknown name to our target, whereas Bordeaux had the very public reputation of being my personal bodyguard. If the aim was to operate under aliases and avoid recognition, Yamashiro was the obvious pick.
Under the weight of my logic, Sasha finally accepted — reluctantly — that she'd be sitting this one out.
Wanting to soften the blow, I made a point of spending the rest of the night with her.
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"Exhilarate"
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