Done Deal

Liam started smiling after King T'Chaka asked that question. This was, in his opinion, one of the easiest questions they were going to ask.

"The benefits we have to offer Wakanda are numerous," Liam spoke, a large smile on his face as he stood confidently. "As you can imagine, since your people will face magical creatures, they will have to learn magic themselves. Which means they will be trained by a fellow master mage."

Upon mentioning this, some of the officials revealed slightly intrigued expressions. But who could blame them?

"And I wouldn't be so worried about losing lives," Liam continued. "We will make sure they are properly prepared, and they won't be sent anywhere they can't handle. They will also be going in groups, making sure there's always a way out."

"And how do you know where to send people?" an official Liam hadn't seen yesterday, interrupted.

King T'Chaka, approving of the question, remained silent while he paid close attention to Liam.

"We have our ways," Liam answered calmly, despite being interrupted.

"Are these 'ways' reliable?" another official he hadn't seen before asked. "And is it possible for us to see those 'ways'?"

"Our ways haven't failed us a single time yet," Liam answered, seriously and somewhat truthfully. As for the specifics about the tears, that was a topic for another day. "Unfortunately, I can't show you them yet, since they are highly confidential and tied to the very reason why the Earth hasn't been destroyed in the past thousands of years."

Upon hearing his last sentence and seeing his serious expression, many officials who had still wanted to press further, remained quiet.

Liam waited a few seconds, scanning the room to see if any more interruptions would come his way. Hearing no more questions, he continued.

"Those aren't the only benefits we will offer you. You see, the bodies of these magical creatures can be great research material," Liam said, opening a white rift beside him and letting the bound Hellish Fiend fall through it.

The expressions of the officials in the room changed as they backed away to a more than safe distance, while the Dora Milaje raised their spears once again.

Ignoring the commotion around him, Liam continued speaking while creating four sword constructs.

"Relax, everyone," Liam said as the constructs started floating, remaining still in the air above the fiend.

"Like I said, these creatures are special and often contain completely unknown and unique materials. But that isn't the only thing valuable about their bodies," he continued. "With their bodies, you have access to easy development of weapons and ways to counteract their special abilities."

"This Hellish Fiend, for example," Liam said, gesturing his pointer finger down. With that, one of the sword constructs pierced the Hellish Fiend's shoulder.

Upon impact, the shoulder crumbled, and the lava stopped flowing out of the arm. Now, all Liam had to do was wait, and his point would be proven.

The officials present yesterday had fully expected the arm to regenerate again, but as time passed, they realized something was different. Confused, they turned their eyes back to Liam, waiting for an explanation.

"Yesterday, it regenerated," Liam said. "But today, I cut its arm off, and it didn't."

"The reason behind this is where I cut it," Liam said, pointing towards the arm. "Inside this arm are core points where the fiend stores its energy. Once a core point is cut off, it won't be able to regenerate using its energy."

As Liam continued explaining how the Hellish Fiend worked, he noticed Shuri taking out her hologram and scanning the creature repeatedly.

"It is the truth, Father," Shuri said, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "All the areas he mentioned have temperature spikes compared to the rest. And these rocks are also made of an unknown material; its structure is stronger than steel and was created to let energy flow through it."

King T'Chaka nodded to his daughter and raised a hand, gesturing for Liam to continue.

"We have documented thousands of different species, with countless more unknown ones out there," Liam continued. "All of these creatures are unique in their own way, and naturally, you will have access to all information about the currently known species. As for specifics on these creatures' corpses, we can discuss all of that later."

"You seem confident Wakanda will take this deal," King T'Chaka said, emotionless.

"Correct," Liam said, nodding. "My deal would offer you a head start compared to other countries since, like I stated before, Wakanda is the first country I visited."

Liam had judged based on the reactions from the surrounding officials and used his common sense. Wakanda knew he needed people—if it wasn't their country, he would be forced to go to another, which would leave them completely in the dark regarding magic.

This would not only put them at risk of other countries breaking into their city, but it would also put them in a dangerous position if Liam's story about the increase in creatures proved true.

Silence fell over the room as King T'Chaka thought about the benefits. Though some of the council members looked at each other, they remained silent. All the Wakandans present had an internal conflict going on between their way of life—complete isolation—and the benefits offered.

Finally, King T'Chaka exhaled and started speaking.

"The benefits you offer Wakanda are not insignificant," T'Chaka admitted. "And if these creatures are as dangerous as you claim, then doing nothing would be irresponsible and naive."

He turned his gaze to his council. Some nodded; others seemed less convinced but did not voice objections. T'Chaka then faced Liam again.

"However," he continued, "Wakanda cannot trust you completely yet. Therefore, we have some terms."

Liam smiled. "Of course. What do you want?"

"For now, Wakanda will provide a group of warriors and scientists to join your organization. They will assess the situation firsthand and report their findings. If what you say proves to be true, we will consider sending more manpower and resources."

"That's fair." Liam nodded.

"But let me be clear—this is not a one-sided agreement," Liam continued, looking directly at King T'Chaka. "If Wakanda wishes to be involved, there are some conditions you must accept."

T'Chaka gestured for him to continue.

"Firstly, while Wakandans work under my organization, they follow its rules. That means all orders come from me or those I appoint."

King T'Chaka didn't respond, expecting this. Liam paused briefly before continuing.

"Lastly, any Wakandans found to be gifted in magic will be allowed to learn advanced techniques. However, some of these techniques will be kept confidential—meaning Wakanda can't demand them either."

A short silence settled over the throne room as King T'Chaka glanced at his council, moving his eyes back to stare at Liam.

"Wakanda will agree to your terms," he said finally. "For now."

Liam grinned. "Then we have an understanding."

With a single nod from the king, the council session was concluded. The details would be worked out in the coming days, but the decision had been made.