126

Chapter 126: Before The Storm

In the halls of Wakanda, Erik sat on the king's throne, now the Black Panther.

He surveyed the crowd with various expressions before making his decision known.

"In the place where I grew up, when black people were oppressed and rebelled, they were unarmed and helpless. At that time, where were we in Wakanda?"

No one spoke, except for W'Kabi, who looked hopeful.

"Today marks a new beginning. Those who enslaved us, and their descendants and accomplices, will pay the price for their actions! We will send Vibranium weapons to every colonial nation, arm those oppressed, and overthrow their rule."

The more Erik spoke, the more passionate he became, unable to contain his excitement as he declared, "It's time to show them our true colors!"

"We are warriors, and the wheel of time turns continuously. This time, we will rule the world! Wakanda will become the new empire on which the sun never sets!"

"However, Wakanda has remained as it is because we have never resorted to military action," objected the captain of the guard.

"That was then. Times have changed, my lord!"

W'Kabi, sitting next to Erik, said, "The world is changing, elders. It's shrinking, and other nations are catching up. Soon, this will be an era of either conquest or being conquered. I would rather we be the conquerors!"

He glanced around at the many elders, but no one spoke up.

"Then it's decided. Prepare immediately!"

Walking out of the hall, Erik's expression was grim.

Princess Shuri had escaped, and more importantly, she had taken the heart-shaped herb, meaning she could cultivate another Black Panther to challenge him.

Although Erik believed no one from Wakanda could defeat him in combat.

In an African cave, a group was hiding from pursuit.

This group included Banner, Shuri, and others.

"Erik is a warmonger; he will definitely lead Wakanda into ruin!" Nadia, T'Challa's girlfriend, said worriedly.

"However, we don't have the means to stop him! Even with the heart-shaped herb, it only makes me eligible to become Black Panther, and I still wouldn't stand a chance against Erik."

Everyone fell silent.

Princess Shuri looked around and suddenly her eyes lit up. "Bruce Banner, will you marry me?"

Banner: "?"

Is she still thinking about this?

Seeing his confusion, Shuri said eagerly, "Listen, I am the princess of Wakanda! If you marry me, you will become the prince of Wakanda. As a member of the royal family, you would also be eligible to consume the heart-shaped herb and become the new Black Panther!"

In truth, even if the slender Banner consumed the heart-shaped herb, he wouldn't be able to defeat Erik. But the Hulk could!

Everyone looked at him, and this seemed to be the best solution. Even though Banner was white, their future child would be black and of royal blood...

Banner was momentarily stunned but then smiled wryly, ready to agree.

"Wait, no!"

He suddenly shuddered, his face turning green, his head swelling, and he roared, "No!!!"

Then he collapsed to the ground with a thud.

"What's wrong with you?" Princess Shuri quickly rushed to his aid.

Banner shook his head. "It's nothing. However, I might disappoint you. Hulk has told me that the power of the heart-shaped herb will be absorbed by him, rendering it useless for me. For me, the heart-shaped herb would be a waste."

Even without the heart-shaped herb, the Hulk could easily defeat Erik. However, without the power of the Black Panther, he could not be recognized by the people of Wakanda.

"How could this be?" Shuri's face fell.

"I have a solution."

Nadia suddenly spoke up. "M'Baku, he may be our only hope!"

"M'Baku? The chieftain who once challenged T'Challa? But he's a barbarian!" the queen said in astonishment.

Contemptuous attitudes are common everywhere.

The whole world sees Wakanda as a land of savages, and all of Wakanda sees M'Baku as leading a group of savages...

"A fisherman found him by the river and brought him to me. He's still alive, though only barely."

M'Baku, upon seeing the heart-shaped herb, resisted the temptation and led them to a tent in the mountains. Shuri was pleasantly surprised to find that her brother was still alive but in a deep sleep.

"Bury him in the snow so he won't be reunited with his ancestors," she said.

Everyone knew that only medicinal herbs could save him at this point.

The queen prepared the medicine herself and administered it to T'Challa.

"Bless the ancestors, Goddess of the Black Panther, keep my son safe and sound!"

In a daze, T'Challa entered a dream once more and saw a Black Panther nearby transform into his father...

"Son, it's time to go home. Come and reunite with me!"