Chapter 402: Rebuilding the Immortal City

"I'm relieved I didn't see anyone here wearing lip plates or neck rings," Solomon remarked as he and T'Challa discussed King T'Chaka's vision of a more open Wakanda. "It shows how often the world misunderstands African culture, especially those Anglo-Saxon bigots. To them, every African is adorned with lip plates and neck rings, every Chinese person has small eyes, long braids, and thin mustaches. If they learned how advanced Wakanda is, their attitudes wouldn't improve; they'd just get more aggressive."

"They'd wage a war over vibranium," Solomon continued confidently. "A covert war. Their agents would infiltrate Wakanda, and soon enough, you'd start seeing absurd situations. You'd have supposedly grassroots movements demanding human rights, women's rights, animal rights, even environmental rights, as if they're the moral compass of the world. The media would exaggerate Wakanda's problems—no matter how trivial or fabricated. If you're curious, I can get you a copy of the CIA's guide to foreign intervention. These tactics have been played out dozens of times before."

"Wakanda's technology is strong enough to handle external threats," T'Challa replied confidently. "If spies come, they won't leave. The Hatut Zeraze are more than capable, and our people are far from naive. If you spent more time learning about Wakanda, you'd see that our citizens are naturally wary of outsiders. Opening up doesn't mean unrestricted access—it means controlled exchanges of knowledge and culture, just as my father envisions."

"That's what I'd like to see as well," Solomon said, shrugging. "When I arrived, people immediately called for security, so I imagine it won't be easy for foreign spies to infiltrate. But their tactics don't stop there, T'Challa. If direct attacks fail, they'll resort to subtler methods—and they're good at it."

T'Challa looked at Solomon with some skepticism, unfamiliar with the nuances of Western subterfuge after spending so little time there.

"Let me give you an example," Solomon said. "Take your wristband technology—those Kimoyo Beads that monitor health and allow communication. They'd frame it as an invasion of privacy, accusing your government of secretly collecting biological data for unethical experiments.

"Your monarchy? They'll call it oppressive, claiming royal authority tramples on human rights. They'd highlight that the king is a man and accuse Wakanda of gender inequality. If any Wakandans eat dog meat, they'll decry it as barbaric. If your society is stable, they'll claim it's due to authoritarian control. If it's chaotic, they'll criticize your government for being ineffective.

"All these narratives will be broadcast into Wakanda to influence impressionable young minds. When our generation grows old, their efforts will bear fruit."

T'Challa considered Solomon's warnings seriously, though his sister, Shuri, seemed far less concerned.

As they traveled through Wakanda's underground high-speed rail system, illuminated by glowing blue light pillars, Shuri joined their conversation via the train's communication system. Her focus, however, was on her inventions rather than Solomon's warnings.

"If what you say is true, we should take precautions," T'Challa admitted. "But I still think you're being overly pessimistic. Wakanda can meet any challenge."

"I hope so," Solomon replied. He sincerely wished that his potential ally would remain resilient against such tactics.

When they disembarked, Shuri greeted them warmly, hugging her brother before turning to Solomon with a grin.

"Care to hear about my latest experiment?" she asked, then pouted when she saw their lack of interest. "Figures. Boys never care about technical details, as long as the weapons work."

"Not true," Solomon said with a smile, shaking her hand. "I promise I'm very interested."

The entire royal family of the Black Panther tribe attended the evening banquet. Solomon enjoyed Wakandan delicacies, engaged in discussions about Shuri's inventions, and expressed admiration for Wakanda's technological achievements. Throughout the event, he avoided bringing up his true purpose for visiting.

It wasn't until after the banquet, in a private conversation with King T'Chaka, that Solomon revealed his intentions.

The king handed him a vibranium-crafted box. Under Solomon's watchful gaze, T'Chaka underwent retinal and DNA verification to unlock it. Inside was a vacuum-sealed glass container holding a yellowed piece of parchment covered in tiny handwritten text.

"This is the recipe for an elixir of immortality," T'Chaka explained. "Gilgamesh once possessed it. My ancestors received it from King Solomon himself, along with those two brass frogs. It's only right that these treasures are returned to their rightful owner."

"Did Bastet instruct you to do this?" Solomon asked, ignoring the recipe and instead focusing on the black panther god.

"Yes," T'Chaka replied with a nod.

"Does the Wakandan royal family have any interest in broader collaboration? Something that benefits Wakanda as well," Solomon said, his tone filled with confidence. "I'm talking about vibranium, resource extraction, weapons development, and manufacturing. I believe I can offer Wakanda plenty in return. I propose a partnership."

The king raised an intrigued eyebrow. In truth, Solomon and T'Challa's earlier conversations had been monitored, and Shuri had briefed her father on Solomon's interests before the banquet. T'Chaka already had a sense of what Solomon wanted; now he was curious about what Solomon could offer.

"I'm listening," T'Chaka said.

The details of their conversation remained private. However, shortly after, a pact known as the "High Wall Accord" was signed, bearing the names of Wakanda's Bastet and Solomon. This agreement soon bore fruit.

The Immortal City, buried beneath Rome, began receiving shipments of advanced industrial equipment and skilled researchers.

"I told you I'd bring reinforcements," Solomon said, patting an overjoyed Maya Hansen as she threw herself into his arms. "Let me introduce you to Shuri, princess of Wakanda and the smartest person in the entire nation. With Wakanda's support, the ruins will be cleared, the skyscrapers rebuilt, and the city's full potential unleashed. And, of course, the equipment I need will finally be developed here."

"You promised to let me study your portal technology!" Shuri interrupted, her impatience breaking through the conversation. She was eager to uncover the secrets of the portals Solomon used.

"You'll get your chance," Solomon assured her. "But first, you need to fulfill your side of the contract. Design and produce the powered armor I requested, with neural integration. Then assist Dr. Hansen with her genetic engineering research. Once that's done, the portal is yours. Consider it your personal reward. Keep up the good work, Princess Shuri."

[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [www.p@treon.com/Mutter]

[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]

[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]