Silver Manor. Master bedroom, second floor.
After an intense one-on-two "debate on the origin of life" with Emma Frost and Clarice, Richard retreated to the bathroom alone. As he reclined in the expansive bathtub, his thoughts turned to his next course of action.
Having just returned from the Boys universe, he intended to rest properly in the Marvel Universe for a while.
Even if the system presented new world challenge opportunities tomorrow, he felt no inclination to venture into other realities immediately.
Since he planned to remain, it seemed prudent to contemplate meaningful pursuits.
Otherwise, his time in the Marvel Universe might prove tediously uneventful.
After brief deliberation, an intriguing possibility materialized.
What about visiting Wakanda?
Though Wakanda lacked high-tier combatants that might provide him worthwhile challenges, it possessed something far more interesting: vibranium. The nation's vibranium-based technology existed in a category entirely separate from the outside world's scientific advancements.
Additionally, Wakanda enjoyed the protection of Bast, the Panther God.
For Wakandans, Bast represented not merely a spiritual belief but a tangible guardian entity.
Although Bast rarely manifested in the physical realm—with only Wakanda's monarchs granted the privilege of direct communion—the deity's protective influence over the nation remained undeniable.
Without Bast's oversight, Wakanda would likely have fallen to external forces centuries ago, despite its vibranium reserves.
Richard reached his decision quickly.
Tomorrow, Wakanda!
As for whether he might appropriate Wakanda's vibranium reserves or potentially claim the entire nation as personal territory—such considerations could wait until circumstances presented themselves.
Decision made, Richard cleared his mind and surrendered to the luxurious comfort of his bath.
The following day. Noon.
After sharing lunch with Emma and the others in the manor's first-floor dining room, Richard teleported directly to the Fantastic Four's headquarters in the Baxter Building.
Seated in the building's top-floor living area, Richard addressed Johnny Storm and Susan Storm, who occupied the sofa opposite him.
"Did Reed specify his destination in Africa?" he inquired casually.
Though he suspected Reed Richards had traveled to Wakanda seeking vibranium, this remained speculation.
Before embarking for Wakanda himself, verification seemed prudent.
Otherwise, if Reed pursued different objectives, Richard would need to expend energy locating him telepathically.
Though not particularly taxing, simplicity remained preferable when available.
"He did not leave any detail note," Johnny responded. "He mentioned searching for a specialized metal unavailable elsewhere but didn't identify the material or his precise location."
"If you need to reach him, I can arrange contact."
"I'd appreciate that," Richard replied.
"No problem. Wait here while Ill loke for the satellite phone from the lab."
Johnny stood and exited the reception area.
As the Human Torch departed, Susan Storm suddenly addressed Richard. "Thank you."
"For what?" Richard's expression registered genuine confusion.
Noting his perplexity, Susan elaborated, "For supporting Johnny's foundation initiative."
"I initially dismissed it as another of his impulsive diversions. I never anticipated his genuine commitment to establishing a philanthropic organization."
"Ah..." Richard responded awkwardly. "In truth, I remain unfamiliar with the foundation's operational plans. Emma made that commitment, not me personally. I only discovered my co-presidential appointment upon arriving last evening."
Susan's expression shifted to matched embarrassment.
Upon learning of Richard's appointment, she had assumed he'd personally endorsed Johnny's proposal.
The revelation that Johnny had actually persuaded Emma Frost rather than Richard directly altered her understanding significantly.
"Though I can't speak to Johnny's specific vision for the foundation," Richard continued with a diplomatic smile, "I trust Emma's judgment implicitly."
"As the Wesley family's chief financial officer, she exercises exceptional discretion regarding expenditures."
While Richard's wealth acquisition methods diverged significantly from conventional earnings, his current fortune nonetheless represented considerable personal effort.
"Since you remain unfamiliar with the foundation's projected initiatives," Susan suggested, "perhaps I should provide a brief overview."
"As co-chairman, you should possess basic awareness of its intended functions."
Without awaiting Richard's response, she launched into a comprehensive explanation of the foundation's strategic objectives.
Initially, Richard maintained minimal interest in these details.
However, upon learning that the foundation's mission included providing essential assistance to mutants whose quality of life had been compromised by their genetic variations, his attention sharpened considerably.
Though he harbored no ambition to assume leadership within the mutant community, he couldn't deny his substantial reputation among their population.
More precisely, his standing among mutants exceeded even Magneto's influence.
His designation as "God of Mutants" stemmed partly from his demonstrated capabilities far surpassing typical mutant parameters, but equally from the reputation he had gained.
To illustrate concretely: should Richard announce his intention to establish a sovereign mutant nation, approximately 80% of the global mutant population would likely pledge immediate allegiance.
The remaining 20% would likely follow within days.
Excepting a small minority with personal grievances against him—such as relatives of mutant agents he had eliminated—the overwhelming majority of mutants would readily support the one called "God of Mutants."
Johnny Storm soon returned with the satellite phone.
Observing Susan's ongoing explanation of the foundation's operational framework, he seated himself quietly, waiting for their conversation to conclude.
Time advanced steadily.
Susan required over ten minutes to outline the foundation's developmental strategy.
After absorbing her presentation, Richard responded thoughtfully, "The foundation's approach seems fundamentally sound. I find no significant objections."
"If I were to suggest any modification, I'd recommend against deliberately highlighting historical discrimination and oppression experienced by mutants."
"The Mutant Restriction Act has been repealed. Dwelling on past injustices seems counterproductive. Better to focus energies on assisting mutants whose daily functioning remains impaired."
Richard had never considered himself virtuous by conventional standards.
However, he maintained no objection to assisting those he considered kinfolk when such actions fell within his capabilities.
Though technically serving as the foundation's co-chairman, these responsibilities would impose minimal demands on his time—merely requiring occasional decision-making.
The foundation's daily operations would fall to others.
Specifically, Johnny and Emma, serving as vice presidents.
"Absolutely," Susan agreed immediately.
As she concluded, Johnny extended the satellite phone toward Richard.
"The first number in the contact connects directly to Reed," he explained.
"Reed modified this device to interface with our private satellite and several commercial telecommunications networks."
"Regardless of Reed's location on Earth, this will establish contact."
Richard accepted the device with a nod of acknowledgment and dialed the first listed number.
The connection established promptly, Reed Richards' voice emerging clearly.
"This is Richard Wesley. Your current location—Wakanda, correct?" Richard inquired directly.
"How did you determine that?" Reed responded, surprise evident in his tone.
"I'll explain my deduction later. For now, provide your exact coordinates. I need to discuss something in person."
"Very well," Reed agreed. "My current position is east longitude..."
He proceeded to relay precise geographical coordinates.
"Done," Richard confirmed, terminating the call and returning the device to Johnny.
"I have pressing matters to attend to," he informed the Storm siblings. "I'll take my leave now."
"Of course," they responded simultaneously.
Under their watchful gaze, Richard retrieved the Cosmic Cube from his dimensional storage and manifested a spatial gateway to Wakanda directly before them.
Within seconds, a portal resembling a condensed thundercloud materialized in the room.
Without hesitation, Richard stepped through the dimensional aperture.
Emerging on the other side, he immediately encountered Reed Richards, attired in expedition gear.
Before Richard could speak, Reed preempted him: "What urgent matter requires discussion?"
"Nothing particularly urgent," Richard replied casually. "I merely wished to discuss vibranium with you."
"You're familiar with vibranium as well?" Reed's expression registered surprise.
"Beyond mere familiarity, I understand its properties and extraterrestrial origin," Richard responded.
"Incidentally, I should note that vibranium's resilience falls short of your likely expectations. Captain America's shield—composed primarily of vibranium—shattered after sustaining only a few strikes from me."
Reed's brow furrowed at this revelation.
"Occasionally, I genuinely wonder if you possess some form of omniscience," he observed. "Your knowledge seems to encompass virtually everything."
"You overestimate me," Richard countered. "I possess no such ability. I simply maintain access to diverse information sources."
"Regardless, let's return to vibranium."
"While vibranium remains Wakanda's most renowned resource, its true value may differ from your assumptions."
"Wakanda's vibranium reserves substantially exceed outside estimations."
"You've ventured here alone seeking this material. Surely your objective extends beyond merely assisting with my interdimensional travel device?"
Though Reed had yet to complete the commissioned interdimensional device apparatus, Richard's intuition suggested the scientist's current expedition served additional purposes.
"Your deduction is correct," Reed acknowledged. "I'm pursuing vibranium for multiple applications."
"The specifics remain confidential at present. I can only reveal that I'm conducting unprecedented experimental research."
"Should I succeed, fundamental paradigms may shift dramatically."
Something in Reed's earnest expression triggered an instinctive unease within Richard.
Simultaneously, various questionable decisions made by Reed Richards throughout comic continuity surfaced in his memory.
Though never classified as a villain, Reed's scientific hubris had frequently generated consequences rivaling those of dedicated antagonists.
Should I telepathically examine his intentions?
After momentary consideration, Richard abandoned this notion.
"Then I wish you success in your endeavors," he offered instead.
"Join me—I'll show you the authentic Wakanda."
"Gladly," Reed responded without hesitation.
Richard approached Reed and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Teleportation!
In an instant, both men vanished from their original location, materializing instead on an unremarkable grassland.
"Where have we arrived?" Reed inquired, surveying the seemingly ordinary terrain with visible confusion.
"Didn't I just promise to reveal the true Wakanda?" Richard reminded him. "You'll understand momentarily."
Though Reed had independently infiltrated Wakandan territory, he—like most outsiders—had observed only the deliberately constructed facade of an agrarian society that Wakanda presented to the world.
Under Reed's attentive gaze, Richard advanced several meters, drew a deep breath, and channeled mana throughout his physical form, concentrating it particularly around his right fist.
As Richard's fist began emanating blue-white mystical energy, comprehension dawned across Reed's features.
Could this grassland before us be...
Before Reed could complete his thought, Richard acted.
He thrust his mana-infused fist forcefully forward into seemingly empty space.
BOOM!
A tremendous impact resonance reverberated across the landscape!
Though invisible to conventional sight, Richard perceived the energy barrier clearly.
More precisely, a sophisticated energy shield incorporating advanced camouflage technology.
Upon impact with Richard's mystically-enhanced strike, the previously imperceptible energy barrier manifested visibly, rippling with destabilized energy.
What in the world...
Reed's expression registered profound astonishment as he observed the massive energy field materializing seemingly from nothingness.
"Those villages you encountered represent merely what Wakanda deliberately reveals to outsiders," Richard explained, turning toward Reed.
"Within this massive energy shield lies Birnin Zana—Wakanda's true capital."
While Richard could have employed stealth to infiltrate the Wakandan capital undetected with Reed, such subterfuge seemed unnecessary.
Having come this far, direct approach appeared more appropriate than continued concealment.
The true Wakandan capital?
Though the visible landscape remained largely unchanged—save for the now-visible energy barrier whose technology exceeded anything in the outside world—Reed could readily extrapolate what lay beyond.
The sheer scale and sophistication of the vibrating energy shield provided sufficient evidence that Wakanda's capital would defy all conventional expectations.
...
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