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Chapter 79 - Tell Wakanda that your king is back!

Wakanda Snowfield

The Deathwing hovered silently above the clouds, its dark fuselage perfectly blending into the night, with only the engines emitting a faint blue glow.

Inside the cabin, Tony Stark stood before a holographic projection, his fingers rapidly sliding as he adjusted coordinate parameters.

"Strange…" he frowned, "The coordinates indicate it's near this mountain, but the thermal scan hasn't detected any life signs."

Dr. Banner pushed up his glasses and leaned closer to the screen: "Could it be communication interference? Wakanda's Vibranium technology might be blocking our detection."

Pietro paced back and forth, his blue eyes under his silver hair flickering with impatience: "Why don't I go for a run? I could search the whole mountain in a few seconds."

Tony shook his head: "No, acting rashly is too dangerous. Eric's people might already be watching this place."

"Then what do we do? Just wait?" Pietro pouted.

Tony pondered for a moment, then looked up and said: "Friday, try to contact Su Rui again."

"Attempting now, Mr. Stark." Friday's voice chimed, "Communication channel unresponsive. The other party may have shut down their devices or entered a signal-jammed area."

Banner crossed his arms: "Perhaps they've run into trouble and had to cut off communications."

Tony took a deep breath, making up his mind: "Alright, Pietro and I will go down and check. Banner, you stay on the warplane on standby, ready to provide support at any time."

Banner nodded: "Be careful, Tony."

Pietro grinned: "Finally, I can stretch my muscles!"

— — — —

Snowfield Mountains · Foothills

Tony and Pietro landed in the snow, their combat boots sinking deep into the soft powder.

The cold wind howled, and silence enveloped them, with only the sunlight on the snow reflecting a dazzling, cold light.

"This place is ridiculously cold." Tony quickly activated the constant temperature system inside his armor.

Pietro, however, was unfazed, instead excitedly flexing his ankles: "It won't be cold once I start running."

"Don't rush to run." Tony raised his hand to stop him, "First, scan the surroundings."

He raised his arm, and a fine laser grid shot from his palm, performing a three-dimensional scan of the surrounding terrain.

Seconds later, a holographic projection unfolded before his eyes, displaying the internal structure of the mountain.

"Hmm?" Tony narrowed his eyes, "There's a hollow space inside the mountain… and metal reactions."

Pietro leaned over: "Underground Base?"

"Most likely the Jabari Tribe's hidden stronghold." Tony nodded, "Su Rui and the others should be inside."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Pietro raised an eyebrow, "Should I just charge in?"

"Wait—" Tony was about to stop him, but Pietro had already transformed into a silver blur and shot out.

"This kid…" Tony shook his head helplessly, and had no choice but to activate his thrusters to follow.

— — — — — —

Inside the Mountain · Hidden Passage

Pietro zipped through the narrow rock crevices at extreme speed, penetrating deep into the mountain's belly in the blink of an eye.

Suddenly, he slammed to a halt—at the end of the passage ahead, a heavy Vibranium door blocked his way, carved with the beast-head totem of the Jabari Tribe.

"Found the door!" he yelled back, only to realize Tony hadn't caught up yet.

Just then, the rock walls on either side of the door suddenly split open, and several Jabari warriors, clad in animal hides and armed with long spears, leaped out, instantly surrounding him.

"Intruder!" the lead warrior coldly barked, pointing his spear directly at Pietro's throat.

Pietro raised his hands, displaying a harmless smile: "Hey, don't be nervous! I'm here to help!"

The warriors clearly didn't believe him, and their spear tips pressed even closer.

"Wait!" a clear female voice called from behind.

The warriors subtly shifted, clearing a path.

Su Rui hurried forward, her kimoyo beads glowing faintly.

After she saw Pietro's face, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes: "You're Quicksilver of the Arbitrators?"

Pietro grinned: "That's right! We received your message."

Su Rui sighed in relief, waving for the warriors to lower their weapons: "He's a friend."

The warriors hesitated for a moment, then finally stepped back.

Just then, the sound of Tony's armor thrusters grew from distant to near, and he braked sharply, stopping in front of everyone, his faceplate retracting: "Phew—finally made it."

Su Rui looked at Tony, and hope finally appeared in her eyes: "Mr. Stark… you're here."

Tony nodded: "How is T'Challa's condition?"

Su Rui's expression darkened: "We haven't found him yet… but my kimoyo beads show he's still alive, though the signal is extremely weak."

Tony patted her shoulder: "Don't worry, we'll find him."

He turned to the warriors: "Can you take us inside? We need to talk to M'Baku."

Su Rui nodded, then turned to the warriors and said: "They are allies. Take them to see the Elder."

The warriors exchanged glances, then finally pushed open the Vibranium door.

— — — —

Jabari Tribe · Main Hall

M'Baku sat high on a stone throne, firelight casting flickering shadows on his rugged face.

He looked down at Tony and Pietro, his gaze like a snow ape scrutinizing its prey.

"Arbitrators?" M'Baku's voice was oppressive, "The Jabari territory does not welcome outsiders."

Tony spread his hands, "We are only here at the request of the Wakandan royal family.

The Arbitrators have no ill will towards Wakanda; we only wish to prevent a war that is about to engulf the entire world."

M'Baku let out a scoff: "Is that so? Monglaag promised me that T'Challa would reclaim the throne himself."

Tony raised an eyebrow, "T'Challa can reclaim the throne himself, you, don't you have a tradition? A one-on-one fight or something?"

M'Baku's thick fingers tapped the armrest, "T'Challa has already lost, so now Eric is King."

Tony was about to say something, when Queen Monglaag stepped out of the shadows, "M'Baku, T'Challa lost the challenge for the throne, but Eric is destroying Wakanda's millennia-old traditions.

Once Wakanda's traditions are desecrated, opponents can challenge the tyrant on the throne again."

M'Baku was silent for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter: "Interesting!"

He stood up, his massive frame almost blocking all the light from the brazier, "Then let T'Challa try again, but," he glanced at Tony, "why do the Arbitrators think they can break through to the palace gates?"

M'Baku crossed his arms, a murderous look on his face, "If it's by killing Wakanda's army and people, I will not allow it."

Tony shrugged: "Honestly, we're just here to save T'Challa, to give him another chance to challenge Eric, and," he showed a cunning smile, "who said we need to force our way through Wakanda's barrier?"

M'Baku narrowed his eyes: "Arrogant outsiders, state your plan."

"We don't need to force our way in," Tony winked, "because Eric has already invited our people in."

The hall fell into a brief silence, broken only by the crackling of charcoal in the brazier.

M'Baku suddenly strode down the steps, his animal-hide cloak swirling behind him: "The Jabari warriors will take you to the ice cave, but remember—" he leaned down and whispered into Tony's ear, his voice audible only to the two of them, "If T'Challa doesn't prove himself worthy of the throne, I will personally wring his neck."

Tony's expression didn't change: "Deal."

Su Rui stepped forward eagerly: "Where is T'Challa?"

M'Baku turned and pointed north: "The ice cave downstream of Thunder Falls.

My snow hounds smelled Black Panther's blood." He bared his white teeth, "He's still alive, but won't last much longer."

Tony immediately opened communications: "Banner, prepare emergency equipment!"

M'Baku waved, summoning several warriors: "Take them there. But the Jabari will not bleed for outsiders."

Tony looked at M'Baku one last time before turning away: "You'll change your mind when T'Challa returns."

M'Baku merely sneered, his tall figure receding back into the shadows of the firelight.

— — — — — —

Wakanda · Outside the Barrier

The Silver Winged Star warplane hovered at the edge of Wakanda's invisible barrier, the cabin bathed in a faint blue light.

Chen Tian stood before a holographic projection, his fingers gently sliding as he continuously adjusted the scanning parameters for the barrier frequency.

"Why haven't you contacted them yet?" Natasha leaned against the cabin wall, arms crossed, her red lips tightly pressed.

Chen Tian shook his head: "Eric inviting the Arbitrators so easily, I always feel there's a conspiracy, after all, our ideologies conflict with his."

Steve stood beside him: "You think he'll set up an ambush?"

"Given Eric's personality, he wouldn't miss any opportunity to control the situation." Chen Tian chuckled softly, his gaze turning to 2B, "So we need a little 'insurance'."

2B nodded slightly, "Master, I am ready to activate optical camouflage."

Chen Tian nodded: "Once we enter Wakanda, you go into stealth and scout for traps or ambushes."

2B's fingertip lightly touched the side of her neck, and nano-level optical camouflage instantly covered her entire body.

Her figure dissolved into the air like mist, only her voice faintly coming through: "Executing order."

Natasha raised an eyebrow: "This trick never gets old."

Chen Tian grinned: "As long as it works."

Steve took a deep breath, picking up his Vibranium shield: "So what do we do now? We can't just keep waiting."

"Of course not." Chen Tian turned and walked to the communication console, "We'll follow Eric's 'script'—first contact him, and enter honorably through the main gate."

"Steve, you and Natasha put on your Sacred Cloths.

This time, you lead the way, wearing something shiny and golden to look more formal." Chen Tian instructed.

Steve and Natasha nodded simultaneously, each patting the golden boxes beside them, and the Scorpio and Leo Sacred Cloths were quickly donned.

Chen Tian clapped for the two: "Seeing you two like this, you look truly handsome.

The upcoming diplomatic meeting is in your hands."

He raised his hand and pressed the communication button, the holographic projection flickered a few times, then the official interface of Wakanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs appeared.

A Wakandan official dressed in a black robe with gold thread appeared on the screen, his voice solemn: "This is the Wakanda Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please state your identity."

Steve stepped forward: "Arbitrators representative, Steve Rogers.

By invitation of King Eric, I am here for a diplomatic meeting."

The official's gaze swept over the group, pausing particularly on Steve's shield for a moment, then he nodded: "Identity confirmed.

The barrier is about to open, please follow the escorting warplane to enter."

The holographic projection closed, and silence briefly filled the cabin.

Natasha snorted softly: "This smoothly? I'm even more uneasy."

"That's why 2B is already in action." Chen Tian looked out of the cabin, Wakanda's invisible barrier slowly rippled open, revealing the lush valley and floating city behind it.

The Silver Winged Star slowly entered Wakanda's airspace, following a Vibranium guided fighter jet.

Wakanda - Palace Outskirts

2B's figure flitted through the Vibranium buildings like a ghost, her optical camouflage perfectly blending with the environment. Her tactical goggles continuously scanned the surroundings, transmitting every detail back to the fighter jet.

No ambush.

No abnormal energy fluctuations.

Even the patrolling border tribe warriors were dressed in full regalia, as if welcoming honored guests.

This was too abnormal.

She lightly leaped onto a spire, looking down: Wakanda's officials were lined up in the palace square, holding flowers and Vibranium ceremonial objects; maidservants carried golden trays filled with fruit; even the usually stern Dora Milaje stood in a relaxed posture.

"Master," 2B reported through the encrypted channel, "Situation abnormal. There are no defensive deployments outside the palace, and the reception personnel are showing excessive enthusiasm."

Inside the Silver Winged Star fighter jet

Chen Tian stared at the image 2B transmitted back on the holographic projection, his expression growing serious. Natasha narrowed her eyes: "What do they mean by this?"

Steve, wearing his golden Leo Saint Cloth, looked majestic, his brows tightly furrowed: "No trap? Everything looks like a friendly meeting."

Chen Tian took a deep breath, "Excessive enthusiasm can be counterproductive. He has a trap, we just haven't found it."

"2B, go to the snowy region and find Tony. Have him help T'Challa recover as soon as possible. This situation is very unsettling."

"Understood, Master. I have departed."

Steve looked at the Wakandan palace, which was getting closer and closer, "What should we do now?"

Chen Tian patted Steve's shoulder, "Since we can't find it, why not put on our most official smile and deal with these enthusiastic people?"

Chen Tian turned his head to look at the holographic projection, where Eric sat solemnly on the golden throne, carried by guards in the palace square.

"Prepare for battle. Eric will regret bringing us into Wakanda."

Wakanda - Palace Square

The Silver Winged Star slowly landed on the Vibranium platform in front of the palace, its engine's hum gradually subsiding. The hatch opened, and golden sunlight streamed onto the gangway, illuminating three figures—

Steve walked at the forefront, his Leo Saint Cloth gleaming in the sunlight, the Vibranium round shield securely fastened to his left arm, each step steady and powerful. Natasha followed closely, her Scorpio Saint Cloth outlining her sensual yet dangerous curves, her red lips slightly upturned, but the red glow on her index fingernail occasionally flickered. Chen Tian walked at the very back, dressed in a black trench coat, hands in his pockets, a faint smile on his lips, but his gaze remained fixed on Eric on the throne.

Eric stood up from the golden throne, dressed in a luxurious robe. He spread his arms, a warm smile on his face: "Welcome, Arbitrators!"

Steve stepped forward and extended his hand: "King Eric, thank you for your invitation."

Eric shook his hand, the grip just right, neither losing royal majesty nor appearing overly friendly: "Captain America Steve Rogers, I've heard much about you."

His gaze swept over Natasha, and he nodded slightly: "Black Widow, a beautiful and elegant female warrior."

Natasha chuckled: "Your Majesty's welcoming ceremony is even grander than I imagined."

Eric smiled without speaking, finally letting his gaze fall on Chen Tian, a hint of deep meaning flashing in his eyes: "This must be Chen Tian, one of the two leaders of the Arbitrators?"

Chen Tian raised an eyebrow, then also extended his hand, a brilliant smile on his face: "King Eric, you're too kind. I'm not a leader; every Arbitrator is the core of the organization. This meeting will be led by Steve."

Eric took his hand, increasing the pressure slightly, and said meaningfully, "Is that so? The version I heard was quite different."

Chen Tian's expression didn't change, still smiling: "Rumors always have deviations, Your Majesty."

Their hands briefly clasped, yet invisible sparks seemed to fly.

Eric released his hand, stepped back, and spread his arms, gesturing towards the palace behind him: "Then, please, Arbitrators. Wakanda has prepared the most sumptuous banquet for you. We can discuss... the possibility of cooperation while enjoying the feast."

Steve nodded: "The honor is ours."

Natasha's gaze swept around, seemingly casual, but she had already mentally noted every possible ambush point. Chen Tian still lazily followed behind, but his eyes never left Eric's back.

Chen Tian's Adam's apple bobbed a few times, and his voice sounded in Natasha and Steve's hidden earpieces.

"The trap should be within the palace. Stay vigilant. Once you find something amiss, don't hold back. We need to distract Tony so he can bring T'Challa to Wakanda."

Neither of them spoke, but they each used small gestures to indicate they had received the message.

Wakanda - Snowy Region - Jabari Tribe Medical Bay

T'Challa lay quietly on the bed, his body covered in wounds, his breathing faint, and his lips pale and cracked from blood loss.

Queen Monglaag stood by the bed, holding the necklace embedded with the Heart-Shaped Herb in her hands, tears welling in her eyes, but she bravely held them back. Her fingertips gently caressed her son's face, her voice trembling: "T'Challa... my child, wake up..."

Tony stood to the side, his armor's faceplate retracted, his brows tightly furrowed. He stared at T'Challa's vital signs data, whispering to Dr. Banner beside him: "His condition is worse than we imagined. Severe internal organ damage, excessive blood loss, plus hypothermia. It's a miracle he's alive."

Dr. Banner pushed up his glasses, his expression solemn: "The Heart-Shaped Herb is his only hope."

Queen Monglaag took a deep breath and gently removed the Heart-Shaped Herb elixir from the necklace. She leaned down, carefully placing the herb into T'Challa's mouth.

"Swallow it, T'Challa..." she whispered softly, her fingers gently lifting his chin to help him swallow.

Instantly, the entire stone room seemed to fall silent.

Everyone held their breath, watching T'Challa's reaction.

One second

Two seconds

Three seconds

Suddenly, T'Challa's chest heaved violently, his eyes snapped open, pupils constricted to pinpricks, and a low growl escaped his throat. His muscles tensed, veins bulging, as if a furious power surged within him.

"It's working!" Dr. Banner exclaimed.

Queen Monglaag's tears finally fell, but she smiled: "T'Challa... you're back..."

T'Challa's breathing gradually stabilized, and the confusion in his eyes slowly faded, replaced by familiar clarity. He slowly turned his head, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the room, finally resting on his mother's face.

"Mother..." his voice was hoarse. He then looked at Su Rui, whose eyes were filled with tears, "Su Rui..."

Queen Monglaag tightly held his hand and nodded: "We've all been waiting for you."

Su Rui, standing beside him, held his hand, smiling and crying.

T'Challa's gaze shifted to Tony and Dr. Banner, and he offered a faint smile, "Mr. Stark, I knew Su Rui would find you."

Tony grinned, "Hey, I told you, you needed my help."

T'Challa gave a wry smile, trying to push himself up, but his injuries had not fully recovered. He grunted and fell back onto the bed. Queen Monglaag quickly held him down: "Don't rush, the Heart-Shaped Herb's power needs time to take full effect."

T'Challa closed his eyes for a moment, seemingly sensing the changes within his body, then opened them, his voice low: "Eric... what has he done?"

Tony and Dr. Banner exchanged a glance, then Tony sighed: "He's sending Vibranium weapons worldwide, inciting war. And... he invited our people into Wakanda. On the surface, it's a diplomatic meeting, but I suspect he has other motives."

T'Challa frowned, "This... doesn't make sense. I mean, why would he invite the Arbitrators into Wakanda?"

Tony pondered for a moment and said, "Perhaps he wants to slow down the Arbitrators' progress so they don't have time to monitor his grand plan?"

T'Challa nodded slightly, "Possibly, but he used to live outside Wakanda. He couldn't possibly not know the Arbitrators' power. Even if he also took the Heart-Shaped Herb, he couldn't be a match for the Arbitrators."

Tony stroked his chin, "Perhaps he has reinforcements?"

Silence fell in the medical bay. Just then, M'Baku entered. He looked at the awakened T'Challa, "Oh? The little panther is awake? You're really lucky. If my snow hounds had been a few minutes later, you might have died in that mud."

T'Challa looked at M'Baku gratefully, "Thank you, M'Baku. I will always remember this kindness."

M'Baku scoffed, "I just hope you don't make my good intentions go to waste."

Saying that, he looked at Tony, anger in his eyes, "Beardie! There's a girl outside who injured my men! She said she's looking for you! You have to give me an explanation!"

Tony was stunned. A girl? Shit!

Tony slapped his forehead. He had forgotten that this medical bay was encased in Vibranium and completely shielded. He quickly ran out of the medical bay and saw 2B standing surrounded by a circle of Jabari warriors.

"2B!" Tony quickly called out, then said to the other Jabari warriors, "She's an Arbitrator, one of us!"

Tony pushed past the Jabari warriors and walked up to 2B, asking anxiously, "Why are you here?"

2B looked at Tony with some displeasure, "Mr. Stark, Master sent me. He wants you to immediately take T'Challa to Wakanda. He will find a way to stall Eric."

"Alright, alright," Tony quickly agreed, "I'll go get T'Challa ready to leave right away."

"I'm already here." T'Challa, supported by Su Rui, walked out, a silver leopard tooth necklace around his neck, "We can leave now."

Tony slapped his chest, nanometer particles rapidly covering his entire body like flowing water. He looked at 2B, "Let's go, get on the plane. We're going to tell Wakanda! Their King has returned!"

-----------------------

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