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[Warriors Waterfall]

Hundreds of soldiers fell in an instant as a fiery beam from Flame Glove swept across.

"Boom!"

Simultaneously, Shilut's stone fist shot out like a meteorite, piercing through the enemy ranks in a straight line, claiming several lives.

The Wakandan soldiers under Itakin had just initiated a charge when Rowe and Shilut's thunderous attacks swiftly incapacitated over a hundred of them.

This onslaught proved to be one of the most devastating Wakanda had witnessed, instantly shattering the morale of Itakin's forces and throwing their charging formation into disarray.

Rowe unsheathed the Sword of Rivendell and pointed it straight ahead.

A brilliant light flashed from the sword, its resonance echoing, "Halt—unless you wish to meet death!"

For most humans, Rowe's command thundered in their ears, greatly unsettling them.

Simultaneously, the blinding light dazzled the soldiers at the front, causing the charging formation to collapse instantly.

After moments of chaos and panic, Itakin's team had no choice but to halt their charge in embarrassment.

Bassanga stepped forward, fixing his gaze on Itakin, and declared, "Itakin, you must recognize that knowledge of your evil extends not just to the Jabari tribe; you face the sun god of Asgard as well."

"Asgardians..." Itakin glared at Forseti, his fists clenched in anger and fear.

Forseti sheathed the Sword of Rivendell and stated, "Asgard recently aided Wakanda. Therefore, unless compelled, I have no desire to shed blood here."

He paused and continued, "I have one condition. Itakin, engage in a fair duel with Bassangar."

Bassanga agreed, "Yes, a duel in accordance with Wakandan tradition at Warrior Falls... Let our victory or defeat determine the rightful ruler. No soldier should perish in a struggle for the throne."

His words resonated deeply among the soldiers.

For soldiers, the fundamental question always remains "why fight?" The motivation to fight varies drastically between fighting for money and fighting for family.

While many are willing to lay down their lives defending their homeland, in this scenario, as Bassanga suggested, Wakandan soldiers face death merely for the throne.

This reason alone is inadequate for many soldiers, particularly given the high likelihood of death against such formidable opponents.

As Bassanga's voice faded, murmurs arose among Itakin's soldiers, hinting at discussion.

The gravest concern isn't facing a godlike adversary but rather the unreliability of their own ranks.

The commotion among his soldiers intensified Itakin's pressure, prompting him to glance nervously around, wary of a potential betrayal.

At this juncture, the Jabari chief spoke out, "Itakin, it's cowardly to have soldiers fight for your claim. Even if you triumph, no one will recognize you—not the Jabari, at least. The true Black Panther of Wakanda emerges victorious."

"Exactly!" A cry erupted from the soldiers behind Itakin.

Startled, Itakin spun around abruptly, seeking the source of the outcry.

Forseti approached Bassanga with a smile, remarking, "I believe you could sway these soldiers to defect. There's no need for a duel."

"No," Bassanga shook his head firmly. "I must honor this duel."

He then addressed Itakin directly, "I await you at Warrior Falls."

With that statement, he turned and departed, followed by Luo Wei and others.

Itakin clenched his fists, breathing heavily, before gritting his teeth and declaring, "To Warrior Falls!"

Beside him stood Wakanda's queen, also dressed in ceremonial robes. She interjected urgently, "Itakin... perhaps you're not a match for Bassanga."

Itakin turned to her, his expression shifting from nervous excitement to a composed demeanor. "Perhaps you're right. Yet sometimes, outcomes aren't solely dictated by combat prowess."

---

Warrior Falls.

Warrior Falls serves as Wakanda's traditional arena for determining its ruler, where every Black Panther is acknowledged.

Despite its historical significance, it's merely a modest waterfall, with shallow waters atop serving as the dueling ground.

Bassanga awaited here for quite some time, and as dusk approached, he finally spotted Itakin's arrival.

Tens of thousands of onlookers had gathered around the waterfall, engaged in endless debates. Itakin approached the water with deliberate steps.

Bare-chested, he displayed the intricate patterns painted on his ebony skin.

His sturdy physique and well-defined muscles indicated a formidable fighter.

"I thought you might not show," Bassanga remarked.

Itakin's lips twitched faintly. "Why would I not, my brother?"

Moments later, an elderly woman in robes stepped forward, holding a bowl of potion, which she handed to Itakin.

Itakin accepted the potion and drank it down in one gulp.

Seconds later, blue veins surfaced all over his body, and he trembled uncontrollably, gritting his teeth against the pain.

After a while, Itakin exhaled deeply and faced Bassanga. "Now, like you, I am just a man."

Forseti, observing from the sidelines, pondered quietly.

The mystical heart-shaped herb of Wakanda was an enigma to him. It significantly enhanced human strength, yet its effects were reversible, as seen with the potion's relief.

Bassanga took up shield and spear, assuming a combat stance in the water.

Itakin retrieved his weapons as well. However, while arming himself, he approached the queen, embraced her waist, and leaned in for a kiss.

Upon witnessing this, Bassanga erupted in fury. "You!"

Seemingly oblivious to Bassanga's glare, Itakin continued conversing with the queen under the disapproving eyes of Bassanga.

His rage threatening to overwhelm him, Bassanga was on the verge of exploding into action when someone nearby intervened, preventing him from acting rashly.

Observing Bassanga, visibly seething, Forseti sighed inwardly.

After a moment's consideration, he discreetly released Venom into the water, instructing, "Should things go awry, stay vigilant and assist him when needed."

"Understood." Venom complied, lurking beside Bassanga in the water.

"The duel begins!" declared the Jabari chief.

Upon these words, Bassanga, his eyes burning like those of a raging lion, bellowed at Itakin, "Go to hell!"

Itakin remained composed, wielding spear in right hand and shield in left, deftly sidestepping Bassanga's attack with a swift maneuver.

Simultaneously, he launched a counterstrike, thrusting his spear towards Bassanga.

Momentarily unnerved by his inner turmoil, Bassanga hesitated, missing the opportune moment for the correct defensive strategy. In that moment, he was impaled by the spear, blood splattering!

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