C206

The war is about to begin.

The American Army and Marine are advancing from two directions, while the remaining six-nation coalition forces are attacking from the other two. 

However, within the coalition, U.S. advisors are also providing strategic guidance. The coalition forces are positioned in an area that is easy to attack but difficult to defend.

The easiest route to invade Wakanda has been reserved for the United States. The super-soldier squad and an assault force equipped with new energy weapons are ready. Once the rear artillery fire destroys Wakanda's energy barrier, they will storm in.

The United States has not disclosed much information about Wakanda. If the existence of the vibranium mines were to become widely known, the spoils of war would have to be shared. 

Internal disputes over resource allocation are already brewing—the military, Hydra, the government, and other factions all want a bigger cut. 

There was never a chance that the U.S. would bring Britain, France, and Germany into the war beforehand. Even after victory, they plan to keep the truth hidden for a while. 

If absolutely necessary, they might offer minor concessions in the Middle East—just enough to keep their allies satisfied.

Meanwhile, on the international stage, American-controlled media is running a smear campaign against Wakanda. 

A coordinated effort between TV stations, newspapers, and the internet ensures that, except for people in remote areas with no signal, almost everyone believes Wakanda is a corrupt nation. 

The reports claim Wakanda supports terrorists, orchestrates extremist activities, and uses underhanded tactics to assassinate heroic American soldiers. Even the recent attack on Tony Stark has been linked to Wakanda.

At Stark Industries, the director who has long coveted Tony Stark's position was thrilled by the news. He even paid the media to further tarnish Wakanda's reputation.

Now, Wakanda stands alone on the global stage. Even neighboring African countries refuse to offer support. Against a seven-nation coalition of over 300,000 troops, including the United States, no local power dares to intervene.

The continent's most ruthless warlords have abandoned their weapons, opting instead to lay low and act like upstanding citizens. They fear that if they draw too much attention, the invading forces will turn on them next.

Even an aircraft carrier fleet has been deployed. This time, the United States is not treating the war as a mere spectacle—they are dead serious.

Within days, all pre-war preparations are complete. Tank divisions have reached their designated positions, and bomber squadrons are on standby.

The commanding officer for this operation is Thaddeus Ross. After intense political maneuvering, he secured the position. He also has deep connections with Umbrella's super-soldier program.

Standing aboard the aircraft carrier, Ross watches as the final preparations fall into place. Then, in a solemn voice, he gives the order:

"Attack!"

Stark Industries

After returning, Tony Stark took some time to recover from his injuries. He temporarily handed over company affairs to Obadiah Stane and Pepper Potts.

Upon his arrival back in the U.S., he was still in a daze, and during a press conference, he even blurted out his true thoughts without filtering them.

Just as he was reviewing a projection screen in his workshop, Jarvis's voice interrupted him.

"Sir, Miss Potts has arrived with a guest. They're downstairs. Would you like me to turn them away?"

Tony blinked and focused. "A guest? Who?"

"The database is unable to retrieve their information at the moment. However, they presented credentials from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. They are here."

Before Jarvis could finish his report, the door opened. Pepper stepped in, leading a tall, black man wearing an eyepatch. She entered the security code and let him inside.

Seeing Tony sitting on the sofa, Pepper said, "Tony, he's here to talk to you about something. His name is—"

"Let me introduce myself Ms. Pepper."

Nick Fury interrupted Pepper and turned to Tony Stark. "I am the director of the S.H.I.E.L.D. I'm currently responsible for handling threats to peace and potential wars. For example, what happened to you this time—"

"And the current war?"

Tony Stark gave a command, and the virtual projection resumed, displaying the ongoing battle.

Planes bombarded the battlefield, tanks roared, and a massive aircraft carrier fleet launched missiles without pause. 

Tony immediately recognized the Jericho-series missiles—his own creation, intended as a deterrent to maintain peace, now being used in war.

In under ten minutes, three jericho missiles had already been launched. The cost? Five hundred million dollars a week, just for those alone.

Unfortunately, Tony still couldn't halt Stark Industries' weapons supply to the military. The contracts had been signed before his kidnapping, and attempting to investigate or halt deliveries now would be nearly impossible.

Canceling a pre-existing order during wartime? That would raise suspicions.

Wouldn't that mean Stark Industries was colluding with Wakanda? Was Tony Stark aiding extremist organizations and attempting to overthrow the U.S. government?

Upon his return, Tony had only dared to declare that he would shut down Stark Industries' weapons division in the future and oppose war. 

But when it came to this particular war—one orchestrated by powerful interests—he knew he couldn't openly interfere. Stark Industries wouldn't survive the fallout.

"You hacked into a military satellite?"

Nick Fury clicked his tongue and casually sat on the sofa next to Tony.

"Don't you think something's off about this war?" Fury continued. "Ah, right—I forgot, you were busy building Iron Man armor in a terrorist cave at the time. Let me fill you in: before those two Air Force jets went down, S.H.I.E.L.D. lost two agents in Wakanda."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "So Wakanda is your common enemy too? I guess now you get to avenge your subordinates."

"I will avenge them," Fury replied firmly. "Because I intend to uncover the real mastermind behind all this. I'll investigate everything related to this war. You were on my list of suspects, but after seeing what happened to you, I ruled you out."

Fury handed Tony a stack of documents. "There are plenty of others left on that list, but there's a problem within S.H.I.E.L.D. itself. That's why I need to rely on outside help."

"Oh? You want to hire me?" Tony smirked. "Can you even afford my price?"

Ignoring Tony's sarcasm, Fury continued, "Flip to the next page. This is the Avengers Initiative. You weren't qualified before, and after what happened, you're still not. But there's one criterion that puts you in line with the Avengers—you hate war."

"Think it over, Stark. If you agree, I'll have a gift for you."

With that, Fury got up and left. He had other matters to attend to. As important as Stark was, he wasn't the only piece on the board.

If possible, Fury wouldn't have initiated the Avengers program so soon. It was just an idea for now, and there weren't enough suitable candidates yet. The world wasn't as peaceful as it seemed.

For the time being, he would form an external team. A few trusted agents would act as a reserve force under the guise of an investigative unit. This approach would draw less attention and keep their enemies unaware of his true intentions.

After Fury left, Pepper noticed Tony's serious expression. Concerned, she asked, "Tony, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Pepper," he said, though his voice lacked its usual confidence. "For now, I need you and Obadiah to take care of the company. I have… other things to deal with."

Nick Fury had left the information behind, so Tony Stark was now reviewing it carefully. The documents contained a detailed list of individuals who had profited from the war with Wakanda—hundreds of names. 

However, due to limited manpower and the sensitive nature of some individuals, S.H.I.E.L.D. was only able to investigate and monitor seventy percent of them.

"What a complicated mess... Avengers."

After finishing his review, Tony backed up all the data with Jarvis and stored it in his personal network.

But as he continued watching the war unfold in Wakanda, he found himself drawn back to the documents. Taking them out again, he spoke to Jarvis.

"Jarvis, get to work. I have a task for you."

Wakanda

"Your Majesty, the energy barrier will last no more than three days. After that, Wakanda will be completely exposed."

The lead research and development officer delivered the grim news to King T'Chaka.

The bombardment outside Wakanda had been relentless for four days straight. Even at night, the attacks only lessened slightly—but more missiles kept coming.

Some Wakandans had grown numb to the constant explosions, but fear still gripped them. To the outside world, Wakanda now seemed like the enemy of all nations.

They had advanced technology—energy weapons, stealth fighters, beam cannons—but the sheer number of enemies was overwhelming. 

The combined Wakandan combat forces from all tribes barely exceeded 3,000 warriors, including the Dora Milaje. Against 300,000 enemy troops, they were outnumbered a hundred to one.

"Three days…"

T'Chaka's expression darkened. Wakanda's surveillance had intercepted enemy communications—there was no mistaking the numbers they were up against. The odds were impossible.

Their only option was to evacuate some people through secret channels while the rest stayed behind as a diversion, drawing enemy attention away from their escape route.

"Dakan," T'Chaka addressed the captain of the Dora Milaje, "according to the Tinder Plan, Wakanda's legacy must be passed on to T'Challa."

Dakan's expression tightened. "And what about you, Your Majesty?"

"If I fall with Wakanda, the United States will ease its pursuit. Remember, you must watch over T'Challa and ensure that he does not live consumed by hatred!"

T'Chaka's tone was firm. His son, T'Challa, had remained hidden from enemy eyes. He was Wakanda's last hope.

"Prepare everything. When the energy barrier falls, I will disrupt the radar signals of the enemy fleet. That will be your chance—use the undersea tunnel to escape and find T'Challa!"

…

patreon.com/Vks_sh