Wakanda Business

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Ivan decided to disengage from further wrangling with Prince Nuada and vanished in a phantom. The surroundings transformed, leading Ivan into a splendid room where Kerry, Ivan's most trusted housekeeper, awaited.

"Master Ivan, welcome home" Kerry, who typically donned a suit and appeared somewhat old-fashioned in front of Ivan, maintained his usual demeanor.

Ivan got straight to the point, stating, "I believe the Red Queen has already briefed you on the Golden Legion. I've transmitted them to warehouse No. 0. Allocate resources strategically to ensure our industry remains unaffected, and expedite the transformation of those Golden legions."

"Yes, the Red Queen informed me beforehand, and I've already set things in motion. Construction will commence shortly, so there's no need to worry!"

Satisfied, Ivan nodded. "I've always had the utmost confidence in your abilities. Anything noteworthy during this period?"

Hesitation flickered in Kerry's expression upon hearing the question, signaling he might have encountered something significant but was reluctant to share.

Ivan sensed Kerry's hesitation and encouraged him, "Speak up. I'm in good spirits now, so let's alleviate my boredom."

Acknowledging Ivan's prompt, Kerry opened up, "There are indeed a few minor matters, specifically concerning Wakanda."

"Wakanda? I understand. Someone must have caught wind of Vibranium. It's expected. Only a matter of time," Ivan surmised upon hearing the mention of Wakanda.

"Exactly. Some time ago, our partner in mining Vibranium from Wakanda approached me, requesting more advanced technology. His confidence suggested he wasn't afraid of my refusal. Sensing something amiss, I conducted an investigation and discovered someone eyeing Vibranium, reaching out to Wakanda's king. Despite the initial refusal, the king seems to be reconsidering. If the other party offers a better deal, he might agree."

"I see. So, what's your plan?" Ivan inquired.

Kerry's tone grew somber as he replied, "Honestly, I find Wakanda a bit greedy. Despite our assistance over the years, this seemingly unremarkable country stands as one of the most technologically advanced today. Their aggressive stance is irritating, and I intend to teach them a lesson."

"No, no, no! Kerry, there's no need for anger or emotions. This was bound to happen sooner or later. In reality, Vibranium is not as crucial for us now, given our substantial reserves," Ivan clarified, waving off Kerry's concerns.

"The value of Vibranium is indeed high, and I'm not suggesting we give up. I merely caution against being overly concerned. Initially, our dealings with Wakanda were transactional. While the technology we provided was advanced, our primary goal has been achieved. Now, it's about maximizing our benefits."

"While our past technology exchange with Wakanda was advanced for its time, it hasn't surpassed the current era's cutting-edge. Genuine black technology has always been reserved. Their awareness of Vibranium's value stems from the belief that we hold the majority, and they want a better deal. If we possess something they need, we control their fate, and we can negotiate from a position of strength rather than resorting to a straightforward exchange for Vibranium."

Kerry, still uneasy, interjected, "Master Ivan, are you suggesting exchanging technology far beyond our time with Wakanda? It seems too favorable for them. In truth, there's no need for such generosity."

Ivan smiled with a hint of cunning in his eyes, "Indeed, it is necessary. This is my preparation for them. Take a look."

Ivan revealed two items from his package: a black panther wooden sculpture over a foot long, crafted from thousand-year-old locust wood, and a test tube containing a peculiar liquid.

"The first is this black panther sculpture, a magical item carved from ancient Chinese locust wood with soul-nourishing properties. I sealed a remnant soul within it."

"This soul belonged to a battle-hardened warrior, proficient in various combat skills, with fighting instincts ingrained in his bones. I've sealed his combat skills into this wood carving, alongside a unique rune formation. When touched, the spirit connects with the soul, presenting the fighting skills in the mind. If someone passes the test, the remnant soul integrates into their own, enhancing their combat skills."

"Upon the inheritor's death, the soul is drawn back into the wood carving, extracting only the useful part—pure combat skills. This ensures a more comprehensive inheritance. For example, if the original remnant soul knew how to fly a plane, the new inheritor gains that skill directly."

"Wakanda has always desired true super warriors. With this wood carving, incorporating the black panther as their totem, they can enhance their warriors. I believe they won't refuse," Ivan explained.

Kerry examined the black panther statue closely and touched it, triggering images of battles in his mind. Joy flickered on his face, but worry soon replaced it.

"Master Ivan, there's still an issue. I acknowledge the significance of this wood carving to Wakanda, and they will undoubtedly go to great lengths to obtain it. However, should we strategize to maximize its benefits? If we directly trade the wood carving with Wakanda, we might gain a substantial amount of Vibranium and deal them a severe blow. Yet, it would be a one-time transaction, not conducive to long-term development.

On the other hand, if we present it as a gift to Wakanda, we may secure their favor and continue mining collaborations. Nevertheless, over time, this favor will diminish, particularly in the political arena where interests take precedence. If someone else offers a higher bid, a scenario similar to today might unfold."

Ivan grinned confidently, pointing to the test tube containing the liquid beside the wood carving. "Would I make such a basic mistake? In truth, the black panther wood carving is just a bonus. The real key lies here."

Kerry picked up the test tube, examining the emerald green liquid with a crystal-like quality. Perplexed, he asked, "Master Ivan, I'm unfamiliar with this liquid. Please enlighten me."

"It's a kind of medicine crafted according to an ancient Chinese recipe. Martial artists use it for medicinal baths, promoting muscle relaxation and strengthening bones. The formula I've concocted is even more remarkable. Drawing inspiration from the super serum principle and combining the benefits of both, theoretically, it can elevate one's physical abilities to Captain America's level. Of course, this is purely theoretical. The drug comes in two versions: standard and deluxe. The real deluxe version has a slim chance of success, but I'll provide it to only ten individuals. The success rate is low, but it ensures five to six times the physical fitness of ordinary people. Wakanda's desire to train super soldiers makes this their only viable option. Do you think they'll refuse?"

"No, certainly not. I understand. The key to the ongoing cooperation lies in this drug. Exchanging the drug for Vibranium, even if they realize it's not in their favor, they can't decline." Kerry, well-versed in Wakanda's national conditions, acknowledged the country's technological advancements obtained from Ivan. However, he understood that true strength required time, beyond the mere acquisition of technology.

"Yes, Kerry, remember, their greatest advantage lies in the substantial Vibranium reserves they possess. We hold the psychological upper hand. Even if the cooperation ends, the damage won't be significant. However, their super soldier program will be utterly ruined, proving fatal to them."

"Excellent! No need to worry anymore. But what if Wakanda gets hold of this medicated bath reagent? They could analyze its substance and develop it, causing us to lose our edge once again."

"No need to fret. Consider who else can produce the super serum apart from me and Erskine. Besides the production method, the crucial factor is the material. Given your knowledge, do you think they can locate another specimen of that specific skeleton?"

Kerry, well-versed in Ivan's secrets and knowledgeable about the superhuman serum development process, understood that without the bones donated by Rushputin, the superhuman serum wouldn't exist.

With a major concern resolved, Kerry relaxed and began updating Ivan on some work-related matters. Ivan, however, showed little interest, leaving Kerry to handle things. With the superhuman serum coursing through his veins and the Red Queen's assistance, Kerry found these tasks straightforward.

Ivan handed Kerry the medicated bath reagents and the black panther wood sculpture prepared in advance. After Kerry left, Ivan sat alone in the room, deep in thought.

Recalling the soul extraction from the Golden Army by Ghost, Ivan pondered another matter related to souls. When the Cradle of Rebirth was incomplete, the Red Devil had to personally retrieve the soul of a deceased mutant. During one such retrieval, the Red Devil encountered a monster riding a skeleton horse with flames ablaze. From the description, Ivan surmised the identity of the figure as the first-generation Ghost Rider, Carter Slade. Yet, the focal point wasn't Carter but the 'Contract of San Venganza' in his possession—housing hundreds of souls, possibly of higher quality than those sealed in the Golden Legion. Ivan had some ideas about these souls.

"Red Queen, I recall instructing you to investigate the Ghost Rider's whereabouts. Have you found any results?"

"It's been checked. Do you need it now? I can provide you with the coordinates."

"Send them immediately."