Chapter 384: Allen Creates the Heart-Shaped Herb Serum
"Thanks, but no need."
The female warrior declined without a hint of emotion.
Okoye relayed a message: "Your Excellency, the Queen has agreed to your request."
"Huh?" Allen looked baffled.
"With the Queen and Princess holding down the fort, the kingdom will not face invasion from the sea tribes," Okoye explained again.
"Huh?"
"But we ask that you ensure His Majesty's safe return."
"Huh?"
Seeing Allen's blank expression, just repeating "Huh?" like a dope, Okoye shook her head slightly and turned to remind T'Challa, "Your Majesty, do not return to Wakanda for now. The tribes are getting restless, and a large number of aircraft are currently searching the area. It would be best to take refuge outside Africa for the time being."
"Huh?"
Allen, still chewing on a piece of fish, sidled up and chimed in again with that same dopey "Huh?"
Okoye shot him a glare, silently cursing him for being such a drama king.
"I understand," T'Challa said seriously. "Please protect my mother and sister. I will return to reclaim my throne."
"That is my duty."
Saying that, Okoye took out a small metal box. She slid open the lid to reveal a purple plant. "Princess Shuri asked me to give this to you—she said you might need it."
Without a doubt, it was the royal family's most prized possession: the Heart-Shaped Herb.
However, after Killmonger completed the ritual and gained enhanced strength, he had all the Heart-Shaped Herbs destroyed.
Eventually, Shuri managed to recreate a weakened version of the herb's juice through synthesis.
With their mission complete, the female warriors departed to report back.
T'Challa put on his necklace and stared at the Heart-Shaped Herb in contemplation.
The herb's enhancement effect only works once. A second dose merely provides healing—but only if the person has already undergone the initial enhancement.
That's why in the movie, T'Challa could recover after taking it again.
But for Killmonger, the healing wouldn't work since he hadn't met that condition.
"Morning glory," Allen muttered while inspecting the Heart-Shaped Herb. "Men who rely on drugs are just pitiful."
T'Challa's face twitched with embarrassment.
After all, he had taken the herb before.
Still, he wasn't worried Allen would be tempted by it. The man already had healing magic, not to mention terrifying combat power. He had no need for what the Heart-Shaped Herb offered.
"Allen, I really want to thank you," Namor suddenly said, rising to his feet.
"Thank me? For what?" Allen grinned smugly. "Oh! You must mean for my amazing cooking!"
"…"
Namor blinked in disbelief. "You didn't attack Killmonger and rescue T'Challa for me?"
"Nope!"
Allen replied with total honesty, "I was worried the Wakandan army would come after us, so I kicked Killmonger to buy us some time. Saving Black Panther was just a side quest. I figured we could use an extra ally in case the enemy turned out too strong."
T'Challa looked dumbfounded. "Then why did my mother say she understood your intentions?"
"I thought the Queen looked really elegant, so I took an extra look. Is that a problem?" Allen said.
"…"
Everything was a mess now.
How could anyone try to interpret the thoughts of a madman?
Turns out, it was all a complete misunderstanding.
Allen really had just looked at Ramonda a little longer—because, well, he was always a bit unhinged, and his gaze often gave people strange impressions.
"A lucky misfire," Namor said at last.
Though Ramonda had misunderstood, the result was beneficial. Namor had no complaints.
T'Challa, on the other hand, felt a bit awkward. So it had all been for nothing?
"Don't worry, Captain Kitty," Allen said cheerfully. "I'll whip up a super-strong Heart-Shaped Herb serum for you."
Without a trace of humility, he added, "Back in WWII, I personally upgraded Cap's serum. I guarantee this will turn you into a beast. Killmonger? You'll smack him so hard he turns into a kitten."
"…"
T'Challa was instantly filled with doubt.
It all sounded like utter nonsense.
"Don't worry, it's true," Namor added. "Allen's research skills are top-notch."
Back when his people were migrating, Allen had whipped up all sorts of gadgets.
"Since we've got time, I'll get started on your serum right away."
Allen led everyone back to Arkham Fortress.
Staying in Africa was no longer viable—Wakanda's army was scouring the continent for them.
After all, Allen had publicly floored the Wakandan king. Letting the culprit walk would be a massive loss of face.
"Grandpa, what's this place?" Morgan asked, wide-eyed as she took in the fortress. Everything looked like a brand-new world to her.
"This is my base," Allen replied solemnly. "As a superhero, having a super base is completely reasonable."
"Welcome back, Commander," said Unita, who immediately appeared to greet them.
"Mmm… Mor-Mor!"
The moment he saw Unita in her high heels and black stockings, Allen couldn't hold back and launched himself at her.
Thud!
He crashed face-first into the ground.
Completely unfazed, Allen lay on his side in a seductive pose and asked, "Mor-Mor, why are you a projection again? I miss your cold, hard body."
"Apologies, Commander. My physical form is undergoing an upgrade and system-wide optimization," Unita replied with a gentle smile.
That instantly sparked Allen's interest. He perked up and asked excitedly, "Mor-Mor, will you have a pregnancy function?"
"No."
Unita's smile froze over.
Her AI core was the Mind Stone. From the start, she had her own consciousness—though her primary directive was always to prioritize Allen.
"What a shame," Allen sighed. "Don't worry. I'll make sure it happens, Mor-Mor. I promise."
Thanks, but I really don't need that, Unita thought to herself, forcing a polite smile. "Thank you, Commander."
After arranging rooms for the others, Allen headed to the lab to begin serum research.
He pulled out a full set of professional equipment and dug through the warehouse for rare materials. The main ingredient, of course, was the purple Heart-Shaped Herb.
Meow…
Just then, out of nowhere, the long-lost calico cat reappeared at the base, rubbing its head against Allen's leg as if asking to be petted.
"Shoo, horny cat. I'm busy."
A moment later, the calico was tossed out of the lab.
"Mimi!"
Morgan, who had been playing with various weapon models, instantly dropped her toys upon seeing the cat.
Of course, the "toys" were actually real weapons—just shrunk using Pym Particles for easier storage.
Morgan, back in her six-year-old form, scooped up the calico to play.
The two were already familiar with each other, and the cat was sensible enough not to resist.
Cats are usually quite gentle with human children.
Meanwhile, Namor and T'Challa were hiding at the lab door, spying on Allen's brewing process.
"One drop of mystery, three drops of alchemy, four drops of something else…"
Watching Allen expertly work through the bizarre ingredients, they couldn't help but feel like they were witnessing a witch concocting poison.
Time ticked by, minute by minute.
An hour passed.
Puff…
A plume of purple smoke rose into the air.
Allen emerged, holding a test tube filled with a dark green liquid, and triumphantly announced:
"Triple-Smack-Mode Mega Macho Serum—completed!"
"…"
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