Tell Wakanda, Your King Has Returned!

Wakanda Snowfield

The Deathwing hovered silently above the clouds, its black fuselage blending perfectly into the night, with only its engines gleaming with a faint blue light. Inside the cockpit, Tony Stark stood before a holographic projection, his fingers rapidly swiping and adjusting coordinate parameters.

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

Banner adjusted 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 beneath his silver hair flashing with impatience. "How about I go for a run? I can search the whole mountain in seconds."

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

"What are we going to do then? Just wait around?" Pietro scoffed.

Tony for a moment, then looked up and said, "Try contacting Shuri again on F.R.I.D.A.Y.."

"Trying, Stark," F.R.I.D.A.Y.'s voice came through. "No response on the communication channel. The other party may have turned off their equipment or entered a signal jamming area."

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

Tony took a deep breath and made up his mind. "Alright, Pietro and I will go down and check it out. Banner, you stay in the fighter jet and be ready to provide support at any time."

Banner nodded. "Be careful, Tony."

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

Snowy Mountains - Foothills

Tony and Pietro landed in the snow, their boots sinking deep into the soft snow. The wind howled, and all around was deathly silent, except for the sunlight shining on the snow, reflecting a blinding, cold light.

"This place is freezing cold." Tony quickly activated the temperature control system inside his armor.

Pietro, however, didn't seem to mind at all. Instead, he excitedly stretched his ankles. "Running will keep me warm!"

"Don't run." Tony raised his hand to stop him. "Scan your surroundings first."

He raised his arm, and a fine laser grid shot from his palm, performing a three-dimensional scan of the surrounding terrain. A few seconds later, a holographic projection unfolded before his eyes, revealing the internal structure of the mountain.

"Hmm?" Tony squinted. "There are cavities inside the mountain... and there's a metallic reaction."

Pietro leaned closer. "An underground base?"

"It's very likely a hidden stronghold of the Jabari Tribe," Tony nodded. "Shuri 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 when Pietro had already transformed into a silver blur and rushed out.

"This kid..." Tony shook his head helplessly and had no choice but to activate the thrusters to catch up.

Hidden passages inside the mountain

Pietro darted through the narrow crevices of the rocks at breakneck speed, disappearing into the heart of the mountain in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, he came to a screeching halt—at the end of the passage ahead, a heavy Vibranium gate blocked his way, its surface adorned with the animal head totem of the Jabari Tribe.

"Found the door!" he shouted, turning around, only to find that Tony hadn't followed yet.

Just then, the rock walls on both sides of the gate suddenly split open, and several Jabari Warriors clad in animal skins and wielding spears leaped out, instantly surrounding him.

"Intruders!" the lead Warrior shouted, his spear aimed straight at Pietro's throat.

Pietro raised his hands, flashing an innocent smile, "Hey, don't be nervous! I'm here to help!"

The Warrior clearly didn't believe it, and the spearheads moved even closer.

"Wait!" A clear female voice came from behind.

The Warrior stepped aside to make way. Shuri strode over, her Kimoyo Bracelet glowing faintly. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes when she recognized Pietro's face. "You're the Arbitrators's Quicksilver?"

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

Shuri breathed a sigh of relief and waved for the Warrior to put down their weapons, "He's a friend."

The Warrior hesitated for a moment, then finally retreated.

Just then, the sound of Tony's armor thrusters grew louder as he approached. He slammed on the brakes and stopped in front of them, his visor popping open. "Phew—finally caught up."

Shuri looked at Tony, a glimmer of hope finally appearing in his eyes. "Stark... you've come."

Tony nodded. "How is T'Challa?"

Shuri's expression darkened. "We haven't found him yet... but my Kimoyo Bracelet shows he's still alive, though the signal is extremely weak."

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

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

Shuri nodded, then turned to the Warrior and said, "They are allies. Take them to see the elder."

The Warrior exchanged glances, and finally pushed open the Vibranium door.

Jabari Tribe - Inner Hall

M'Baku sat high on the stone seat, the Kakkō casting flickering shadows on his rugged face. He looked down at Tony and Pietro with the gaze of a snow ape scrutinizing its prey.

"The Arbitrators?" M'Baku's voice was menacing. "Outsiders are not welcome in Barry's territory."

Tony spread his hands. "We're only here at the request of the Wakanda royal family. The Arbitrators have no ill intentions towards Wakanda; they simply want to stop a war that's about to engulf the entire world."

M'Baku scoffed, "Is that so? Ramonda promised me that T'Challa would reclaim the throne himself."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "T'Challa can reclaim the throne himself. Don't you guys have a tradition of one-on-one duels or something?"

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

Before Tony could say anything more, Queen Ramonda emerged from the shadows. "M'Baku, T'Challa has lost the challenge to the throne, but Eric is destroying Wakanda's millennia-old traditions. Once Wakanda's traditions are desecrated, opponents can once again challenge the tyrant on the throne."

M'Baku remained silent for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter. "Interesting!" He stood up, his massive frame almost blocking the light from the brazier. "Then let T'Challa try again, but," he glanced at Tony, "What makes the Arbitrators think he can break through the palace gates?"

M'Baku crossed his arms, his face filled with murderous intent. "I will not allow it to be done by killing Wakanda's army and people."

Tony shrugged. "To be honest, we're just here to rescue T'Challa and give him another chance to challenge Eric, and," he gave a sly grin, "Who said we're going to force our way through Wakanda's barriers?"

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

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

A brief silence fell over the hall, broken only by the crackling of the charcoal popping in the brazier.

M'Baku suddenly strode down the steps, his animal-hide cloak billowing behind him. "Barry's Warrior will take you to the ice cave, but remember—" he whispered in Tony's ear, his voice only audible to the two of them, "If T'Challa cannot prove himself worthy of the throne, I will personally snap his neck."

Tony, without batting an eye, said, "Deal."

Shuri rushed forward anxiously. "Where is T'Challa?"

M'Baku turned and pointed north. "The ice cave downstream of Warrior Falls. My snow hound smelled the Black Panther's blood." He bared his white teeth. "He's still alive, but he won't last much longer."

Tony immediately opened the communicator. "Banner, prepare first aid equipment!"

M'Baku waved for several Warriors: "Take them with you. But Barry will not shed blood for outsiders."

Tony glanced at M'Baku one last time before turning away. "You'll change your mind when T'Challa gets back."

M'Baku merely sneered, his tall figure disappearing back into the shadows of the Kakkō.

Wakanda - Beyond the Barrier

The 'Silver-Winged Ferocious Star' fighter hovered at the edge of Wakanda's invisible barrier, its cockpit glowing with a cold, eerie blue light. Chen Tian stood before the holographic projection, his fingers gently sliding, constantly adjusting the scanning parameters of the barrier's frequency.

"Why haven't you contacted them yet?" Natasha leaned against the bulkhead, her arms crossed, her red lips slightly pursed.

Chen Tian shook his head. "I always feel there's a conspiracy behind Eric's easy invitation to the Arbitrators, after all, our ideologies conflict with his."

Steve stood to the side. "Do you think he'd set up an ambush?"

"Given Eric's personality, he won't let any opportunity to control the situation slip by." Chen Tian chuckled, turning his gaze to 2B. "So we need some 'insurance'."

2B nodded slightly. "Master, I'm ready to activate the optical camouflage."

Chen Tian nodded. "Once you enter Wakanda, you will Stealth stealthily and scout the surrounding area for traps or ambushes."

2B's fingertips lightly touched the side of her neck, and nano-level optical camouflage instantly covered her entire body. Her figure vanished into the air like mist, leaving only her faint voice. "Execute the order."

Natasha raised an eyebrow. "This trick is truly timeless."

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

Steve took a deep breath and picked up the Vibranium Shield: "So what do we do now? We can't just keep waiting."

"Of course not." Chen Tian turned and walked towards the communications station. "We'll follow Eric's 'script'—contact him first, and enter through the main entrance in a respectable manner."

"Steve, you and Natasha put on your Cloth. You'll lead the way this time, so wear something shiny and gold to make it look more formal," Chen Tian instructed.

Steve and Natasha nodded simultaneously, each snapping a picture of the golden chest beside them, and quickly donned the Scorpio and Leo Cloth.

Chen Tian clapped at the two of them. "You two look really cool. The upcoming diplomatic meetings are now in your hands."

He raised his hand and pressed the communication button. The holographic projection flickered a few times, then the official interface of the Wakanda Foreign Ministry appeared. A Wakanda official dressed in a black robe wrapped in gold thread appeared on the screen, his voice solemn. "This is the Wakanda Foreign Ministry. Please identify yourself."

Steve stepped forward. "The Arbitrators's representative, Steve Rogers, has come for a diplomatic meeting at the invitation of King Eric."

The official's gaze swept over the group, lingering briefly on Steve's shield, before he nodded. "Identities confirmed. Barrier about to open. Please follow the guide aircraft inside."

The holographic projection was turned off, and a brief silence fell over the cabin.

Natasha scoffed, "So smoothly? I'm even more worried now."

"So 2B is already in action." Chen Tian looked out of the cabin. Wakanda's invisible barrier slowly spread out like ripples, revealing the lush valleys and floating city behind it.

The 'Silver-Winged Ferocious Star' followed a Vibranium- guided fighter jet and slowly entered Wakanda's airspace.

The outskirts of the Wakanda Royal Palace

2B's figure swept past the Vibranium buildings like a ghost, her optical camouflage blending perfectly into the environment. Her tactical visor constantly scanned the surroundings, transmitting every detail back to the fighter jet.

There was no ambush.

There were no abnormal energy fluctuations.

Even the Border Tribe Warrior on patrol were dressed in their finest attire, as if welcoming distinguished guests.

This is very unusual.

She leaped lightly onto a spire and looked down: Wakanda's officials stood in formation in the palace square, holding flowers and Vibranium ceremonial objects; maids carried golden platters full of fruit; even the usually serious Dora Milaje were relaxed.

"Master," 2B reported via encrypted channel, "The situation is unusual. There are no defensive measures in place around the palace, and the reception staff are being overly enthusiastic."

Inside the Silver-Winged Ferocious Star fighter jet

Chen Tian stared at the image 2B was projecting in the hologram, his expression turning serious. Natasha narrowed her eyes. "What do they mean by this?"

Wearing his Gold Leo Cloth, Steve looked imposing, but his brow was furrowed. "No traps? Everything looks like a friendly meeting."

Chen Tian took a deep breath. "Excessive enthusiasm will backfire. He has a trap, we just haven't found it yet."

"2B, go to the snowy region and find Tony. Tell him to get T'Challa back to health as soon as possible. This place is not safe."

"Received, Master, I have set off."

Steve watched the Wakanda palace draw ever closer. "What do we do now?"

Chen Tian patted Steve on the shoulder, "Since we can't find it, let's just put on the most official smile and deal with this group of enthusiastic people."

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

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

Wakanda Royal Palace Square

The Silverwing Fiendstar slowly landed on the Vibranium platform in front of the palace, the hum of its engines gradually subsiding. The hatch opened, and golden sunlight streamed onto the gangway, illuminating three figures—

Steve led the way, his Leo Cloth gleaming in the sunlight, the Vibranium Shield firmly strapped to his left arm, each step steady and powerful. Natasha followed closely behind, her Scorpio Cloth outlining her sexy yet dangerous curves, her red lips slightly upturned, but the red light on her index fingernails occasionally flashed. Chen Tian brought up the rear, dressed in a black trench coat, hands in his pockets, a faint smile playing on his lips, his gaze fixed on Eric on the throne.

Eric rose from the golden throne, clad in a magnificent robe. He opened his arms, a warm smile spreading across his face, "Welcome, Arbitrators!"

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

Eric grasped his hand with just the right amount of pressure—neither lacking regal authority nor appearing friendly. "Captain America, Steve Rogers, I've heard so much about you."

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

Natasha chuckled, "His Majesty the King's welcoming ceremony was even more grand than I had imagined."

Eric smiled without saying a word, finally fixing his gaze on Chen Tian, a meaningful glint in his eyes. "This must be Chen Tian, one of the two leaders of the Arbitrators, right?"

Chen Tian raised an eyebrow, then extended his hand with a bright smile, "King Eric, you're too kind. I'm not the leader; every Arbitrators is a core member of the organization. This meeting is being led by Steve."

Eric gripped his hand, tightening his grip slightly, and said meaningfully, "Really? But the version I heard is quite different."

Chen Tian remained unfazed, still smiling, and said, "Rumors are always inaccurate, Your Majesty."

Their hands clasped briefly, yet it was as if invisible sparks flew between them.

Eric released his grip, took a step back, and spread his arms to indicate the palace behind him. "Then, please, Arbitrators. Wakanda has prepared the most sumptuous feast for you. We can enjoy the food while discussing... the possibility of cooperation."

Steve nodded. "It would be my pleasure."

Natasha's gaze swept across the surroundings, seemingly casual, but in reality, she had memorized every possible ambush point. Chen Tian, on the other hand, lazily followed behind, but his eyes never left Eric's back.

Chen Tian's Chen Tian's apple bobbed a few times, and his voice came through Natasha and Steve's hidden earpieces.

"The trap is probably in the palace. Stay alert, and if anything seems amiss, don't hold back. We need to distract Tony so he can take T'Challa Wakanda."

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

Wakanda, Snowfield, Jabari Tribe Medical Clinic

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

Queen Ramonda stood by the bedside, holding the necklace inlaid with Heart-Shaped Herb in her hands, tears welling in her eyes, which she stubbornly held back. Her fingertips gently traced her son's face, her voice trembling, "T'Challa... my child, wake up..."

Tony stood to the side, his visor retracted, his brow furrowed. He stared at T'Challa's vital signs and whispered to Banner beside him, "His condition is worse than we thought. Severe internal organ damage, massive blood loss, and hypothermia—it's a miracle he's alive."

Banner adjusted his glasses, his expression grave. "The Heart-Shaped Herb is his only hope."

Queen Ramonda took a deep breath, gently removed the Heart-Shaped Herb from the necklace, bent down, and carefully fed the herb to T'Challa.

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

In an instant, the entire stone chamber 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, his pupils contracted to pinpoints, and a low growl escaped his throat. His muscles tensed, veins bulged, as if a violent force was surging within him.

"It worked!" Banner whispered.

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

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

"Mother..." His voice was hoarse. He looked at Shuri, whose eyes were filled with tears, "Shuri..."

Queen Ramonda grasped his hand tightly and nodded, saying, "We've all been waiting for you."

Shuri held his hand beside him, smiling through her tears.

T'Challa's gaze shifted to Tony and Banner, a smile appearing on his face. "Stark, I knew Shuri would find you."

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

T'Challa a wry smile, trying to sit up, but his injuries hadn't fully healed. He groaned and fell back onto the bed. Queen Ramonda quickly pressed him down. "Don't rush, the power of the Heart-Shaped Herb needs time to fully take effect."

T'Challa closed his eyes briefly, seemingly sensing the changes within his body, then opened them, his voice low and menacing. "Eric... what did he do?"

Tony and Banner exchanged a glance, then Tony sighed. "He's supplying Vibranium weapons globally, starting wars. And... he invited our people into Wakanda, ostensibly for a diplomatic meeting, but I suspect he has ulterior motives."

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

Tony pondered for a moment and said, "Perhaps, he wants to slow down the Arbitrators so that the Arbitrators doesn't have time to monitor his grand undertaking?"

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

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

Silence fell over the infirmary. Then, M'Baku entered and looked at the awakened T'Challa. "Oh? Little Leopard's awake? You're really lucky. If my hound had been a few minutes later, you might be dead in that mud."

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

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

He looked at Tony, his eyes blazing with anger, "You little mustache! A girl came in and beat up my men! She said she was looking for you! You have to give me an explanation!"

Tony was stunned. A girl? Shit!

Tony slapped his forehead; he'd forgotten that the medic was encased in Vibranium and completely shielded. He rushed out of the medic and saw 2B standing surrounded by a group of Jabari Warriors.

"2B!" Tony shouted immediately, then addressed the other Jabari Warriors, "She's the Arbitrators, one of us!"

Tony pushed past the Jabari Warriors, walked up to 2B, and asked anxiously, "What are you doing here?"

2B looked at Tony with some displeasure. "Stark, Master sent me. He wants you to take T'Challa to Wakanda immediately. He'll try to hold Eric back."

"Okay, okay," Tony quickly agreed, "I'll go get T'Challa right away."

"I'm here." T'Challa, supported by Shuri, walked out, a silver leopard tooth necklace around his neck. "We can set off now."

Tony patted his chest, and nanoparticles rapidly covered his 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!"