"Bang!"
A dull thud echoed through the restaurant.
Klaue was mercilessly thrown to the ground by Luca.
After rolling twice on the ground, he clutched his ribs, which felt like they were about to break, and let out intermittent groans.
Just now, Luca brought this guy back.
Everyone was curious, but they also wanted to know what Luca was going to do.
At this moment, everyone's eyes were on this uninvited guest.
In the corner, Natasha and Jessica, dressed in traditional attire, also curiously sized up the guy.
Ulysses Klaue!
The most troublesome arms dealers on the global black market!
This man was as cunning as an eel; intelligence agencies from various countries had been hunting him for years without catching a trace of him.
The funny thing is, he's now lying at Luca Stark's feet like a dead dog?!
Natasha and Jessica exchanged a knowing glance.
All they could say was, "Fate is truly unpredictable."
"Sizzle sizzle..."
Just then, a ring of sparks suddenly lit up the empty space next to the dining table.
The sparks rapidly expanded, tearing open a circular portal more than two meters high.
Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, Steve strode out.
He looked visibly annoyed, with an unlit cigarette dangling from his mouth.
Closely following behind him was the Master Wong, rubbing his hands together with an expectant look on his face.
"Fuck! This damn spinning is making my stomach churn, it's worse than riding in a Germany troop carrier!"
As soon as Steve came out, he was cursing and holding a cigarette in his hand, pointing at the portal behind him.
"If it weren't for the fact that it's so boring on the snowy mountain that there isn't even a woman to chat with, I wouldn't have come here."
In the main seat, Luca raised an eyebrow.
" Old Popsicle, weren't you supposed to be cultivating your mind and body in Kamar-Taj? What's wrong, can't stand the rules and regulations?"
Screw those rules and regulations!
Steve pulled out a chair and sat down, putting his legs up on the edge of the table.
"Aside from the snow, all that's happening there is a bunch of virgins in their pajamas gesturing in the yard! Nobody understands even a slightly dirty joke."
"The news said the base is finished, so I asked Fatty to open a door and come in for some fresh air."
Wang completely ignored Steve's complaints, his eyes already drawn to the table full of delicious food.
Good evening, Mr. Luca.
After watching for a long time, Wang finally couldn't help but swallow hard and sat down next to Steve without any hesitation.
"The retreat at Kamar-Taj is physically demanding; I think I need to replenish my protein intake."
Luca smiled indifferently.
"Eat up, fat man. The Stark family has no shortage of food."
"For God's sake, Luca."
Steve frowned in disgust when he saw Klaue on the ground.
"You went out to take a piss and brought back a guy who looks like a sewer rat?"
"This will ruin my appetite for this damn seafood! The smell of rats is worse than a public toilet in Brooklyn!"
Luca shrugged and picked up his glass, swirling it gently.
"Stop complaining, Steve."
"This isn't a mouse, it's a treasure-hunting mouse that can bring us a mountain of gold."
Luca leaned forward slightly, looking down at Klaue with icy eyes.
" Mr. Klaue, stop playing dead. This carpet is worth more than your life; you can't afford to pay for it if you get it dirty."
"Now, use that silver tongue of yours to repeat what you just said."
Klaue was slightly taken aback.
What does this mean? He won't let me go?!
Luca ignored what the other person was thinking and quietly took a sip of his drink.
"Remember, only tell the essentials. If you dare to hide even a single word, I'll give the sharks outside an extra midnight snack."
Klaue shuddered in fright.
Ignoring the excruciating pain, he scrambled to his feet, ending up in a comical kneeling position.
He knew that Luca was a madman more terrifying than any terrorist.
"Yes... yes, Mr. Stark!"
Klaue swallowed hard and quickly began to explain.
"Gentlemen... I'm here to exchange a shocking secret for Stark Industries ' Life Potion."
"You may only know about Vibranium, but you probably don't know that it's the hardest metal on Earth and can absorb kinetic energy."
"This stuff can sell for ten thousand dollars a gram on the black market!"
Upon hearing the word "Vibranium," Steve paused, his gaze instinctively drifting to the shield placed to the side.
Peter Parker and Bruce Banner were also somewhat surprised.
As scientists, they certainly knew the value of Vibranium.
That's the holy grail of materials science.
"But what does that have to do with your secret?" Banner pushed up his glasses and couldn't help but ask.
"Everyone thinks Vibranium is just a little bit of debris from a meteorite. But that's not actually the case!"
As he said this, a greedy glint appeared in Klaue's eyes; it was a desire for wealth.
Deep in Africa lies a country Wakanda.
According to United Nations records, it was an agricultural country where people couldn't even get enough to eat. Everywhere you looked, there were thatched huts and shepherds tending their sheep.
Klaue raised his voice, which echoed throughout the restaurant.
"But it's all fake! It's a holographic projection, a deception!"
"Beneath these facades lies a true technological metropolis! Their technological level is even decades more advanced than that of the United States!"
"And all of this is because they own a massive mine formed from a single Vibranium meteorite! The entire Wakanda is built on Vibranium!"
The words had barely left his mouth.
The restaurant fell silent.
Even Steve forgot to chew the lobster meat in his mouth, his mouth wide open, looking somewhat comical.
Peter Parker's eyes widened in disbelief, as if he had heard something utterly unbelievable.
"A... nation built on Vibranium?"
"And their technology is even more advanced than ours? That sounds like something out of a science fiction novel."
Wanda and Pietro exchanged a glance, their faces also filled with disbelief.
Compared to everyone's shock, the two women standing on the periphery had a much more intense internal reaction.
Natasha's hand tightened, and she almost crushed the tray.
Wakanda? A disguised agricultural nation? A massive Vibranium mine?!
" S.H.I.E.L.D..'s intelligence network is completely blind! Director Fury always thought it was just a remote, impoverished place, and never even sent an agent there!"
Natasha felt a cold sweat break out on her back.
If what Klaue said is true, then Wakanda is definitely a force capable of threatening the world order.
"No! We must find a way to get this information to the director! S.H.I.E.L.D.. must intervene immediately!"
Jessica, on the other hand, had a completely different idea.
At this moment, all she felt was greed.
Vibranium! Endless Vibranium!
" Secretary Pierce and Dr. Zola have been searching for metals capable of carrying high-intensity energy!"
"If Hydra can acquire this mine, we can build an invincible Vibranium army!"
"By then, wouldn't ruling the world be a piece of cake?!"
Jessica glanced at Luca furtively, her heart pounding.
She decided that tonight, no matter what means she had to use, even if it meant risking exposure, she would get this message back to headquarters!
However, both Natasha and Jessica's thoughts were exactly what Luca had expected.
Or rather, this is exactly the effect we wanted.
He wasn't afraid of the news leaking; he just wanted them to muddy the waters.
In the face of true power, all schemes and tricks are merely spice to entertain him.
With that thought in mind, Luca tapped his fingers lightly on the table, lost in thought.
" Vibranium... that's a good stuff."
"Although the battle suit can amplify magic seventyfold and assimilates Chaos Magic, giving it extremely strong magic resistance."
"But in terms of physical defense, it lacks a robust framework."
"If we could combine Vibranium, giving the suit both the flexibility of liquid and the hardness of Vibranium for absorbing kinetic energy..."
Thinking of this, Luca's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
"By then, let alone nuclear weapons, even if those cosmic demons came to Earth and wreak havoc, I'd be able to hold my own."
Furthermore, Luca also thought of Tony, who was studying magic in Kamar-Taj.
" Tony must be thinking about magic all the time."
"But the metals on Earth simply cannot support the energy patterns of a magic circle."
"If Vibranium can be used to make magical metals, then using it to forge new armor would not only solve the space problem, but also significantly increase firepower."
"Not to mention the other members of the Justice League, each of them has a set of Vibranium gear. This is the kind of prestige a superhero division should have."
With that in mind, Luca had already made his decision.
He's determined to Vibranium from Wakanda.
" Mr. Klaue, your intelligence is very valuable."
Luca snapped out of his thoughts and turned his gaze back to Klaue.
" Stark Industries is always generous. JARVIS, get this gentleman a room, and while you're at it, give him a case of leftover Stark Miracle Potion. Happy, keep an eye on him, just make sure he doesn't die."
"Yes, sir."
Happy immediately stepped forward and dragged the profusely thankful Klaue out of the restaurant.
After the restaurant doors closed, Luca looked at the people on both sides of the long table.
He picked up a napkin, wiped his hands, and spoke casually.
"Alright, everyone. You've all heard the situation."
Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look.
Luca crossed his arms under his chin, a confident smile on his face.
"Since there's such a big piece of cake hidden in the world, there's no reason for us not to take a bite."
"Get ready to leave first thing tomorrow morning."
"We're going to Africa Poverty Alleviation and take full control of Wakanda's Vibranium resources."
The atmosphere in the restaurant changed instantly after those words were spoken.
Peter stood there, stunned, and became somewhat conflicted.
Looking around at the people, I found everyone silent, so I mustered up my courage and weakly raised my hand.
"Um... Mr. Luca."
Peter's voice was a little weak, but he still forced himself to speak.
"Is what we're doing not a good idea?"
Luca raised an eyebrow and looked at Peter.
"Not good? What's wrong, Four Hundred Auntie?"
Peter took a deep breath, trying to express his concerns.
" Wakanda is a sovereign nation. Vibranium is their own resource."
"If we just go and take over like this, to put it bluntly... isn't that robbery? Isn't that invasion?"
Peter's voice grew softer and softer as he spoke, but he still managed to finish what he had to say.
"We're the Justice League, we're superheroes, shouldn't we be protecting others? If we steal from others, how are we any different from criminals?"
Upon hearing Peter's words, Bruce Banner, who was sitting in the corner, nodded in agreement.
He was a pacifist and genuinely disliked robbery.
" Peter is right, Luca," Banner said softly, adjusting his glasses.
"If we invade Wakanda, it will definitely trigger a war. Many people will bleed and die, which goes against our original intentions."
Before Luca could even speak in response to Peter and Banner's questions, a burst of laughter erupted.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Steve slammed his hand on the table, splashing drinks everywhere.
He pointed at Peter, his face full of mockery.
"Kid, are your balls not fully grown yet? Why is your head full of such weak thoughts?"
Steve stood up, his tall figure exuding an aura of power.
He walked up behind Peter and slapped Peter hard on the shoulder.
"Robbery? Invasion?"
"Back in the Europe theater, when I infiltrated a Germany secret base and didn't take any good stuff, my superior would kick my ass raw with his dog-shit-covered boots!"
Steve gave a cold laugh and looked around.
"You bunch of softies, do you think world peace is something you can achieve by sitting in an office drinking coffee and treating people to meals?"
"Bullshit!"
"Peace is won by whoever has the biggest fist and whoever can hold the best things in their hands!"
Steve pointed to the sea outside the window, spitting as he spoke.
" Wakanda has such fine metal, yet it's hidden underground to mold. That's a waste of resources! That's a crime!"
"Only a whore would refuse something so good that's offered to her!"
"If I were the king of Wakanda, I would have already forged an invincible army with Vibranium and crushed all those disobedient nations!"
"If this had been done earlier, there would be no more wars in the world!!"
Steve's words, though crude, are not without merit; they perfectly embody the law of the jungle.
But for some reason, Peter didn't dare to utter a single word in rebuttal.
Banner lowered his head awkwardly, not daring to look at Steve's murderous gaze.
Luca couldn't help but give a thumbs up.
No wonder he's Old Popsicle; his values are exactly the same as mine.
But as the leader of the Justice League and the head of Stark Industries.
Luca felt he needed to persuade these employees in a more dignified way.
So he cleared his throat in a serious manner, putting on a very reasonable expression.
" Steve, watch your manners."
"We're not robbers, how could we do something as rude as robbery?"
Luca turned to look at Peter, his eyes becoming sincere.
" Peter, you're being too narrow-minded about our actions."
"We don't need to rob; we need to conduct anti-monopoly investigations and introduce advanced management experience."
Peter was stunned, his face full of question marks.
"Anti-... anti-monopoly investigation?"
"That's right."
Luca stood up and placed his hands on the table.
" Peter, you said that with great power comes great responsibility, right?"
Peter nodded immediately; this had always been his belief.
"Then let me ask you, if a country possesses technology and resources capable of changing the fate of all humankind, yet it hoards them tightly, even disguising itself as an agricultural nation struggling to feed itself..."
"Then they watch the outside world struggle with energy crises, diseases, and wars, while they live like God inside their energy shields."
Do you think this is a responsible approach?
Peter opened his mouth, then suddenly realized that what was said seemed to make some sense.
"This... this is indeed a bit selfish."
"This isn't just a little selfish; it's a crime against all of humanity!"
Luca raised his voice a few decibels, his face beaming with righteous indignation.
" Vibranium, this resource, shouldn't belong to just one isolated tribe; it should belong to all of humanity! It should belong to the entire Earth's defense system!"
Luca walked up to Peter and patted him on the shoulder earnestly.
"Just imagine, if we could get our hands on Vibranium, Tony could build even more powerful clean energy equipment, ending world wars over oil."
"I can use Vibranium combined with biotechnology to create more advanced medical devices and save countless lives."
"And you, too, can don the Vibranium Suit and protect even more innocent citizens."
" Wakanda hiding its resources underground is a waste of resources."
" Stark Industries will help them mine, and incidentally boost their GDP."
"Therefore, we are not going to invade, but to offer warmth and assistance. This is a legitimate business merger for the progress of all humankind!"
Peter dumbfounded.
Quickly try to follow Luca's logic in your mind.
"Yeah... if Vibranium can save more people, then Wakanda really shouldn't be hiding it."
" Mr. Luca is working for the future of all humanity, and we have a responsibility to help them develop their resources!"
Thinking of this, Peter's gaze gradually cleared.
He then stood up and looked at Luca with excitement.
"I understand, Mr. Luca!"
"So that's how it is! With great power comes great responsibility! We have a responsibility to break down technological barriers and make the world a better place!"
"We're saving everyone!"
Seeing this, Luca clapped his hands in satisfaction.
"Very good, Peter. The fact that you've grasped this level shows you've already become a mature superhero."
Wanda, sitting to the side, looked at Luca with eyes full of admiration.
She felt that Luca was practically radiating light.
Not only are they powerful, but they also possess such lofty and great ideals.
" Luca is right," Wanda agreed firmly.
"Selfish people don't deserve such good things. We are the Justice League, and we will stand up for the world."
Pietro rolled his eyes dramatically.
"Godf***ing offer warmth! Godf***ing antitrust investigation!"
"He clearly just wants to steal someone's treasure, yet he can make it sound so elegant and refined. Luca's lies are truly masterful."
But he dared not say it.
After all, he's now an employee of Stark Industries.
Moreover, he also felt that Vibranium was indeed a good thing.
If I could get myself a set of Vibranium running shoes, wouldn't my speed double?
Wang, meanwhile, silently ate his grilled oysters, pretending he hadn't heard a thing.
The sorcerer of Kamar-Taj does not participate in worldly conflicts; his role is limited to providing meals and offering magical advice.
As long as it doesn't affect his daily feast, Luca wouldn't care even if he blew up the moon.
As for Natasha and Jessica, they were completely shocked by Luca's remarks.
As top-notch agents, they have witnessed the hypocrisy of countless politicians and ambitious individuals.
But this was the first time they had ever seen someone like Luca make robber logic sound so noble and righteous.
"This guy is a monster not only in terms of strength, but also in terms of his mouth."
Natasha thought to herself, her apprehension towards the Stark brothers deepening even further.
Luca returned to his seat, picked up his glass, and raised it to everyone.
"Since everyone has reached a high degree of consensus..."
"So."
"Get ready."
"Tomorrow, the entire Justice League will be mobilized."
"Target: Wakanda."