Arbitrators Intervene

The waterfall's mist refracted the sunlight into a rainbow of colors, but it couldn't dispel the gloom that hung over Wakanda.

Eric stood atop the highest point of the palace, overlooking this land that was both familiar and strange to him. His first order had already been transmitted to the five Horde via holographic projection—the armory was fully open, and Vibranium weapons would be delivered to Wakanda spies around the world through secret channels.

"Your Majesty," W'Kabi, a member of the Border Tribe, bowed, "The first batch of weapons has been delivered to Wakanda's spies through various channels."

Eric's lips curled into a cold smile, "Very well. Let those oppressors taste the wrath of the Haji Black."

His second order was to notify the Arbitrators to arrange a meeting.

"Arrange a meeting," Eric said to W'Kabi beside him. "Tell them that Wakanda's new king is willing to provide Wakanda's specialties."

Meanwhile, in the dense forests on the border of Wakanda, three figures were struggling to move forward.

Queen Ramonda's robes were torn by thorns, Shuri's Kimoyo Bracelet kept flashing a faint signal, and Nakia vigilantly scanned her surroundings, her Vibranium dagger ready to strike at any moment.

"Hang in there a little longer," Nakia whispered. "We'll reach the evacuation point once we get through this rainforest."

Shuri suddenly stopped, staring intently at the bracelet. "He's still alive! His heartbeat is weak, but it's steady!" Her voice trembled with excitement, "I knew my brother wouldn't die so easily..."

Queen Ramonda gripped her daughter's shoulders tightly. "What did he say? What did he say before he fell off the cliff?"

She also saw T'Challa's lips move before he fell off the cliff.

"Contact Stark," Shuri looked up, a spark of hope in his eyes. "My brother said to contact Tony Stark. We have to contact him."

Nakia frowned. "That arms dealer? Can he be trusted?"

"Not an arms dealer," Shuri quickly manipulated the bracelet, and a holographic projection displayed an encrypted message, "It's Arbitrators."

Suddenly, the hum of machinery came from deep within the dense forest, and the three immediately took cover. A squad of fully armed Border Tribe Warrior roared past on hovermobiles, their chest badges now bearing a new emblem designed by Eric.

"Time is running out," Queen Ramonda took a necklace inlaid with Heart-Shaped Herb from her bosom. "Shuri, take this. If... if we get separated..."

"No, Mother." Shuri firmly grasped her hand. "We'll find T'Challa together, and we'll go home together."

Nakia suddenly raised a finger: "Shh--"

On a distant treetop, a mechanical bird was turning its scarlet eyes. Just as it was about to sound an alarm, Nakia's dagger shattered it with pinpoint accuracy.

"Let's go!" she pulled the two of them up. "Eric has more informants than we think!"

Arbitrator Tower

"Chen Tian! Chen Tian! Get up! I know you're in there!" Tony pounded on Chen Tian's door.

Chen Tian groggily opened his eyes, glanced at the virtual alarm clock on the bedside table—7:43—sighed silently, got out of bed, shirtless, wearing only pajama bottoms, and opened the door.

"Tony, if you don't give me a straight answer, I'll tear your room apart." Chen Tian yawned, picked up his pajamas from the sofa, and put them on.

"Wakanda has sent us a message, hoping to meet with us!" Tony was excited; he could finally enter Wakanda and learn about the technology they had Vibranium Wakanda.

Chen Tian raised an eyebrow. "Wakanda? In whose name? T'Challa?"

Tony paused, then shook his head. "No, the current king of Wakanda is Eric."

Chen Tian frowned. "Eric Stevens? How could it be him?"

Chen Tian was surprised; it was too early. T'Challa should have been in charge of Wakanda for a while before Eric's matter came up.

Tony was eager to learn about Wakanda's technology and didn't care who was requesting the meeting. He was also taken aback when he heard Chen Tian repeat his words.

"Yeah, how could it be him? Shouldn't it be T'Challa?"

Then he slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "So all that time I spent being a socialite was for nothing?!"

Chen Tian's brows furrowed deeper and deeper. He abruptly turned and walked towards the holographic control panel in the center of the room, his fingers rapidly sliding across the Void. "Tony, this isn't about whether being a socialite was a waste of time or not!" His voice unusually serious.

As he moved, the entire room suddenly lit up with a blue holographic projection, and a huge global map unfolded in front of the two of them. Chen Tian looked up at the ceiling and shouted, "F.R.I.D.A.Y., immediately retrieve global black market weapons transaction data, focusing on Vibranium -related transactions."

"Analyzing, Mr. Chen," a female voice announced on F.R.I.D.A.Y.. "Over the past 72 hours, there has been unusually high activity in the global black market for Vibranium weapons. High-purity Vibranium weapons have appeared in various regions."

Tony gasped. "This isn't right. Wakanda has always strictly controlled the outflow of Vibranium, T'Challa couldn't possibly be..."

"So now it's Eric who's invited us." Chen Tian's voice was as cold as ice. "F.R.I.D.A.Y., to find out who has these Vibranium weapons?"

F.R.I.D.A.Y.'s holographic projection rapidly reassembled, displaying a real-time dynamic map of the continent of the Black Continent. Countless red dots flashed in various locations, mainly concentrated in areas such as Southern Aztecs Zimbabwe.

"Data shows," F.R.I.D.A.Y.'s voice carried the characteristic coolness of a machine, "That 88% of Vibranium weapons have ended up in black armed groups across Africa. In the past 24 hours, the Haki White regime in six countries has been overthrown, and more than 200 Haki White- owned shops have been looted."

Tony's face turned extremely tense. "This is impossible... Wakanda has always pursued a policy of isolation..."

"That's precisely the problem." Chen Tian's finger slid rapidly across the holographic map, zooming in on several of the most intense conflict zones. "None of these countries have joined the Global Defense System. Eric has clearly chosen his targets carefully."

Chen Tian stroked his chin. "I once said that I liked Eric because of his desire for revenge. There's nothing wrong with avenging his father. However, years of fighting on the battlefield have made him extreme and tyrannical. He intends to overthrow the world government and let Haji Black rule the world."

"This is the consequence of his coming to power."

"Then we should head to Wakanda immediately! Stop Eric from continuing to wreak havoc on the world!" Tony said urgently.

"No, we have no right to interfere in other countries' policies. Besides, we have no evidence to prove that these Vibranium weapons came from Wakanda," Chen Tian shook his head.

"Are we just going to watch them fight to the death? So many civilians are losing their lives in the war!" Tony shouted.

"Of course not," Chen Tian said, then ordered JARVIS, "JARVIS, you heard that? The Arbitrators's rescue robots have been deployed and established a safe zone outside the war zone. They have also identified themselves as the Arbitrators and warned any warlords who attempt to provoke war that they will suffer indiscriminate attacks from the Arbitrators."

JARVIS's voice rang out, "Your order received, Mr. Chen. The rescue robot will depart from the affiliated country in 30 minutes and head towards the Black Continent."

"Very good. F.R.I.D.A.Y., monitor communications worldwide. If anyone contacts the Arbitrators, immediately filter and identify Princess Shuri's voice. Once confirmed, connect her immediately," Chen Tian ordered again.

"Received, Mr. Chen," F.R.I.D.A.Y.'s voice replaced JARVIS's.

Tony frowned, looking at Chen Tian. "You mean, we wait for Shuri's news? And then we head to Wakanda?"

Chen Tian nodded. "You've seen the consequences of Eric's rule. We need a suitable reason to help T'Challa reclaim the throne."

Tony paced back and forth. "How long? The war can't wait!"

"Soon."

Wakanda, Jabari Tribe, Deep in the Snowfield

A biting wind howled, and the snow-covered mountains gleamed with a cold, eerie blue light under the moonlight. Nakia walked at the front, each step cautious, her dagger gleaming from the cold, yet her hand gripping it remained as steady as a rock.

"Ahead lies the territory of the Jabari Tribe," she whispered, turning back, her breath condensing into frost in the air.

Queen Ramonda's robes were already soaked through by the wind and snow, but she still stood tall with a firm gaze. Shuri followed closely behind, the faint blue light of the Kimoyo Bracelet standing out against the snowy night.

"They won't accept us easily," Queen Ramonda whispered. "Especially now that Eric has declared himself King of Wakanda."

"But M'Baku isn't a fool." Nakia narrowed her eyes, gazing at the towering ice wall in the distance. "He understands better than anyone what Eric's rule means."

Suddenly, a slight tremor came from the snow. Nakia abruptly raised her hand to signal them to stop, and the three of them held their breath.

"Whoosh--"

Several short spears pierced the air and landed precisely on the ground in front of them.

"Halt!" A deep voice came from above.

Looking up, several Jabari Warriors stood atop the ice wall, clad in thick animal hides, holding spears, their eyes wary.

"We've come seeking refuge," Nakia called out, slowly raising her hands to indicate that she meant no harm.

"State your name!" the lead Warrior shouted coldly.

Queen Ramonda took a deep breath and stepped forward. "I am Ramonda, Queen of Wakanda."

The Warrior on the ice wall were visibly startled and exchanged a few words in hushed tones. Soon, the heavy ice door slowly opened, and several Warrior descended the steps, their gazes sweeping back and forth between the three men.

"Follow me," the lead Warrior finally said, his tone still cold, but his hostility lessened slightly.

Inside the Jabari Tribe's main hall, a brazier blazed, dispelling the biting chill. M'Baku sat on a high seat, his thick arms resting on the armrests, his eyes deep and complex.

"So," his deep voice echoed in the hall, "You mean, Eric has betrayed Wakanda?"

"Not only that." Shuri stepped forward, his Kimoyo Bracelet projecting holographic images showing conflict hotspots around the world. "He is supplying Vibranium weapons to the outside world and inciting wars."

M'Baku's brow furrowed deeply. In the footage, Riot raged, Kakkō soared into the sky, and countless civilians wailed in the midst of the fighting.

"This goes against Wakanda's ancestral teachings," Queen Ramonda said in a deep voice. "We never interfere in the outside world, much less instigate wars."

M'Baku remained silent for a long time, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

"What do you want me to do?" he finally asked.

"Help us find T'Challa," Shuri pleaded. "He's still alive, I can feel it. But we need Barry's strength to search the snowy land."

M'Baku's gaze swept across the three faces, finally settling on Queen Ramonda.

"You know, if I help you, it means I'll be at odds with Eric."

"You know better than anyone what Eric's rule will bring," Nakia said coldly. "He won't tolerate any opposition, including Barry."

M'Baku slowly stood up, his tall figure casting a huge shadow in the Kakkō.

"Alright." He finally nodded. "I will send people to search for T'Challa."

A flicker of joy flashed in Shuri's eyes, but M'Baku quickly added:

"But I have one condition."

"What are the conditions?" Queen Ramonda asked warily.

M'Baku's gaze sharpened. "If T'Challa is still alive, he must prove himself worthy of the throne."

"What do you mean?" Nakia frowned.

"It means," M'Baku's voice was low and firm, "That if he can't even protect his own kingdom, then what Wakanda needs is perhaps a stronger leader."

Queen Ramonda's gaze sharpened instantly, but Shuri gently pressed her mother's hand and nodded slightly.

"We accept," she said.

M'Baku nodded in satisfaction, then waved to his men. "Take them to rest, and send out snow hounds to Search every inch of land downstream of Warrior Falls."

Shuri hesitated for a moment, then added, "There's one more thing... We need to borrow your communication facilities."

M'Baku raised an eyebrow. "Isn't Wakanda's technology more advanced?"

"Eric is definitely listening to all the official channels," Shuri explained. "We need a communication method he can't track."

M'Baku pondered for a moment, then finally nodded. "Okay. But remember, you owe Barry a favor."

Late at night, in the communications room of the Jabari Tribe, Shuri rapidly operated the ancient Vibranium communication device. Although this primitive communication method was outdated, it was precisely because of this that Eric's counter-surveillance system could not track him.

"The signal has been sent," she whispered, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Now, we can only wait for a response."

Queen Ramonda stood by the window, gazing at the distant, snow-capped mountains, and murmured softly:

"T'Challa... must live..."

Arbitrator Tower - War Room

Chen Tian leaned back lazily on the leather sofa, a can of ice-cold cola in his hand, sipping slowly. Tony paced back and forth in the room, fully armed, his metal boots tapping rapidly on the floor, muttering to himself, "Why still no news? How long has it been?"

Natasha leaned against Chen Tian, her long legs crossed, idly toying with a gleaming silver dagger in her hand while casually trimming her nails. She glanced at the agitated Tony, a playful smile curving her lips, "Tony, if you keep spinning like that, you'll wear the floor through."

Banner sat in an armchair in the corner, holding a thick book on quantum physics, his gaze focused behind his glasses. Without looking up, he replied, "She's monitoring global communications on F.R.I.D.A.Y.. If there's any news, she'll notify us immediately."

Just then, the holographic projection in the center of the operations room suddenly lit up, and F.R.I.D.A.Y.'s mechanical female voice rang out. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have just received an encrypted communication, voiceprint match confirmed—from Princess Shuri of Wakanda."

Everyone froze instantly.

Tony stopped abruptly, his eyes gleaming. "Finally!"

Chen Tian put down the can of cola, a smile playing on his lips, "Let's play it."

The holographic projection switched, and Shuri's image appeared. Her voice carried a hint of weariness and urgency. "Arbitrators, this is Shuri from Wakanda. I am contacting you at T'Challa's behest. My mother, Nakia, and I are currently seeking refuge in the Jabari Tribe. Eric has taken control of Wakanda and is supplying Vibranium weapons globally, instigating war. T'Challa is still alive, but we desperately need your help."

The image flickered, then displayed a set of coordinates—the precise location of the Jabari Tribe.

Chen Tian chuckled, stood up from the sofa, and stretched. "Alright, guys, time to get to work."

Tony immediately rubbed his hands together excitedly. "Finally, we can get going!"

Banner closed his book, adjusted his glasses, and asked, "Do you need me to transform?"

Natasha sheathed her dagger, stood up, and cracked her knuckles. "Looks like I'll have to prepare a 'gift' for you."

Chen Tian looked around at everyone and quickly assigned tasks. "Tony, you, Banner, Pietro go pick up Shuri and the others. Use the Deathwing fighter jet, keep a low profile, and don't let Eric's men find out."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "Keep a low profile? You want me to keep a low profile?"

Chen Tian shrugged. "Or you could try flying over there in your armor, only to get riddled with holes by Wakanda's anti-aircraft guns."

Tony scoffed, "Fine, I'll keep a low profile then."

Banner nodded. "I'll make sure Pietro doesn't run too fast and cause trouble."

Chen Tian turned to Natasha and 2B, who was standing silently to the side. "As for the three of us—representing the Arbitrators, we'll go to have a 'friendly meeting' with Eric."

Natasha's red lips curved slightly, a sly glint in her eyes. "So, we're going to put on a show to stall him?"

"That's right." Chen Tian snapped his the Snap. "Let him think we're interested in his 'Vibranium diplomacy,' and buy Tony and the others some time."

2B nodded slightly. "Understood."

Chen Tian clapped his hands. "Alright, let's begin. Tony, you guys set off immediately. We'll depart for Wakanda in half an hour."

Tony grinned and waved to Banner and Pietro, who had just run in. "Let's go, science team plus speedster, let's go rescue the princess and prince!"

Pietro exclaimed excitedly, "Finally, I don't have to sit here doing nothing!"

Banner sighed helplessly, but still followed.

After the doors to the operations room closed, Natasha looked at Chen Tian and whispered, "Do you think Eric will believe us?"

Chen Tian smiled, his eyes deep. "Of course he won't believe it completely, but he'll definitely want to use the Arbitrators's influence. And we—" He paused, "Just need to make him feel that he has a chance."

Natasha chuckled. "Cunning."

Chen Tian shrugged. "That's called strategy."

2B silently inspected the weapons.

Chen Tian glanced at her and laughed, "Ready, 2B? This is going to be a 'diplomatic performance'."

2B nodded slightly. "Master, everything is as you wish."

Chen Tian laughed loudly, "Ha~ 2B still loves me the most."

Suddenly he turned to Natasha, "Where's Steve?"

Natasha shrugged. "He's moved to Washington District now, met a Haji Black named Sam, and they're really going at it."

Chen Tian shook his head helplessly. "Ask him if he wants to come to Wakanda with us. After all, Captain America's reputation is well-known, and he's a great 'diplomatic calling card'."

Natasha nodded. "I'll contact him right away."

Chen Tian glanced one last time at Shuri's coordinates on the holographic projection, his gaze darkening slightly.

"T'Challa, don't you dare die..."