Chapter 350: The Ritual Battle of Wakanda

As 2018 dawns, in the original timeline, Thanos would be scouring the universe for the Infinity Stones, preparing for his cataclysmic snap. However, with Clark's involvement, all the Infinity Stones have essentially been collected by him, leaving Thanos no chance to execute his plan.

As March arrives and temperatures rise across the northern hemisphere, Wakanda in Africa is experiencing the peak of its hot summer season.

According to Fury, today is a significant and auspicious day for Wakanda, ideal for the coronation of a new king.

Above the broad tropical river, flocks of water birds take flight, startled by a chorus of singing and dancing.

Following the direction of the sound, one can see groups of wooden boats approaching from the distance. Each boat is filled with royal guardswomen holding vibranium spears, rhythmically tapping the deck with their spears in time with the drumbeat, their bodies gently bobbing to the rhythm.

From a distance, the sight is spectacular.

On the lead ship, Fury dances gracefully with her mother, while Black Panther's girlfriend, Nakia, performs an eccentric dance, enhancing the festive mood.

Of the Avengers, only two were invited to witness the ceremony: Clark and Mindy, the latter attending as Fury's close friend. They stand on the flagship's deck, intrigued by Wakanda's succession ritual.

Clark finds little aesthetic pleasure in T'Challa's girlfriend's appearance or dance moves.

"Advance!"

At Okoye's command, the other members of the royal guard respond in unison: "Advance!"

With that, they simultaneously slam their spears down on the deck, sending a visible ripple of energy outward.

This vibranium-generated energy wave acts as a signal. As it spreads, pistons-like mechanisms rise from the riverbed ahead, prematurely diverting water from the cliff, exposing it fully to the sunlight.

Seeing this, Clark can't help but comment with a laugh, "The perfect blend of tradition and technology, I must say, Wakanda's coronation ceremony is quite fascinating."

Mindy nods seriously beside him, her eyes filled with wonder.

As the boats dock near the cliff, attendees fill every available space along the cliffside. Clark and Mindy, as honored guests, are positioned close to the battleground, alongside Fury.

Suddenly, a technologically advanced Wakandan airship emerges between two waterfalls and hovers above the battleground. Prepared Wakandans cheer in unison, "For T'Challa!"

As if responding to their cheers, the airship's hatch slowly opens, and a bare-chested T'Challa, wielding a shield and short sword, steps out and approaches a purple-robed priest resembling Professor Jiang.

This man is Zuri, a high priest and royal family member responsible for ceremonies.

As the cliffside revelry continues, the airship carrying T'Challa departs.

Zuri then turns, arms outstretched toward the cheering Wakandans, and loudly introduces, "I, Zuri, son of Badu, present to you Prince T'Challa, our Black Panther!"

With Zuri's introduction, cheers erupt anew, and T'Challa unsheathes his dagger, positioning it and his shield to kneel decisively. His swift and firm movements reveal just a fraction of his formidable skills.

Taking a bowl of medicine from a priest, he displays it to those nearby and declares solemnly, "The power of the Black Panther will be stripped from the prince, and the outcome of this ritual combat must be decided by surrender or death. If a tribe wishes to challenge, the path to the throne is now open to you!"

Mindy whispers to Clark, "Deciding such a significant matter through combat seems absurd. Even our process for selecting Avengers isn't this simplistic."

Clark glares at her playfully, and she winks back, adding, "I'm only speaking to you through a secret transmission; others can't hear."

Clark smiles wryly and replies silently, "We are invited guests. Even if just for T'Challa and Fury's sake, we need to maintain a serious demeanor. It's a matter of respect."

Mindy still moves her mouth slightly while transmitting, which might give away that she's speaking softly if anyone were to notice her. Clark, however, remains perfectly natural, his voice reaching only Mindy without a hint of his lips moving—a clear demonstration of his superior skill.

Watching Clark's effortless technique, Mindy feels a twinge of envy: "I've mastered secret transmissions and ventriloquism separately, but combining them is beyond me. Clark, when will you teach me to blend these skills like you do?"

Clark shakes his head, "There's no shortcut to mastering these skills. I've already taught you the simplest methods. With a few years of dedicated practice, reaching my level isn't too hard. Now, let's focus on the ceremony."

As they converse

, Wakanda's major tribes sequentially declare their stance.

"The Merchant Tribe will not challenge!"

"The Border Tribe will not challenge!"

"The River Tribe will not challenge!"

"The Mining Tribe will not challenge!"

...

The four tribes loyal to the royal family have been politically maneuvered by T'Chaka well in advance. The political dealings and compromises made are too complex to detail in short. For example, T'Challa's girlfriend, future Queen Nakia, is the princess of the River Tribe, initially a political alliance that T'Challa turned into a love match.

With unanimous approval from the major tribes appearing as a formality, Zuri finally asks, "Are there any other royal family members who wish to challenge for the throne?"

This is typically the least likely group to voice opposition. Assuming no objections arise, the ceremony can conclude smoothly.

However, just as Zuri's question hangs in the air, a voice erupts from beneath a tattered cloth covering a cave entrance: "I challenge!"

The crowd is stunned.

Looking toward the voice, they see a young black man of similar age to T'Challa, clad in a bulletproof vest, exuding an aura of menace as he steps out of the cave.

Clark frowns at this newcomer.

Killmonger?

He's made his way here too!

Recognizing him instantly, Clark whispers simultaneously to T'Challa and Fury, "This man is serious trouble, with a legitimate claim to challenge, and he will be a formidable opponent. T'Challa, Fury, if you wish, nod to me, and I can stop his heart this instant."

While Clark could act without their consent, he prefers to offer his friends the choice.

Yet, upon hearing Clark's offer, the siblings simultaneously shake their heads. T'Challa refuses to win the throne by such means, and Fury is unwilling to kill without cause.

As the officiating priest, Zuri asks, "Who are you?"

Clark shakes his head lightly. Perhaps letting them face this challenge is a lesson in itself. As long as he is present, he can manage any situation that may arise.

Sure enough, responding to Zuri, Killmonger loudly declares, "I am N'Jadaka, son of Prince N'Jobu!" Revealing a purple mark exclusive to free Wakandans under his lip and displaying a ring to prove his identity, he asserts, "I claim my birthright to challenge for the throne and the title of Black Panther against T'Challa!"

With Killmonger's claim confirmed by tradition, he indeed has the right to challenge.

Seeing this, Clark offers again to T'Challa, "You've helped me many times before. If during the fight, I can make him suddenly pass out or immobilize him for you to strike. Rest assured, my intervention would be undetectable."

However, T'Challa remains steadfast and shakes his head to Clark's well-meaning offer.

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