The Arrogance of Seclusion

On this Earth, the country with the longest average lifespan was not any known great power or military superpower.

It was Wakanda, in eastern Africa, a place everyone on Earth considered backward.

For centuries, it had remained isolated from the world. On the surface, it was a poor, backward agricultural nation; in reality, it was the most technologically advanced country on Earth.

Wakanda's most extraordinary resource was Vibranium, worth ten thousand dollars per gram. Possessing the world's most exceptional resource, Vibranium, had not brought disaster upon Wakanda.

Instead, by discreetly selling small amounts of Vibranium, Wakanda had grown wealthy. Its people could receive outside education and technology, while the nation was vigorously developed. This small African country had become one of the most economically prosperous nations in the world.

But because of its isolationism, it only conducted such transactions when necessary. Vibranium had many uses, chiefly in military development, and nations across Earth coveted it.

Vibranium, combined with advanced education, had made Wakanda's military capability among the finest in the world. With land, sea, and air forces, it was no inferior to any country on Earth—if anything, it was stronger and more advanced.

It was a closed yet powerful country, watching the entire world from a corner of eastern Africa.

In Birnin Zana, Wakanda's largest city and capital, its current king, T'Chaka, was dark-skinned and gray-bearded. His once gentle, benevolent eyes had turned wary. Frowning deeply with a grim face, he strode into the conference room of a wild, African-style palace.

The many members of the Tribal Council of Elders had already taken their seats, awaiting the king's arrival.

Though the king was Wakanda's supreme leader, he could not act as he pleased. The Tribal Council of Elders existed to balance the king's authority, prevent him from acting arbitrarily, and