Chapter 166: Anti-Batman Protocol
Batman remained silent, reaching into his utility belt to withdraw the vibranium.
He'd conducted radiation analysis, confirming it wasn't radioactive. Carrying it posed no health risks.
T'Challa's gaze lingered on the vibranium in Batman's hand without any trace of greed or the predatory intensity of someone preparing to steal.
"Batman, I believe you are not the cold-blooded vampire of legend... And even if you were, you would be the most learned member of your species."
T'Challa's attention shifted from the vibranium to Batman's faintly glowing white eyes:
"I cannot contact you directly. This demonstrates not only your formidable personal capabilities but technological achievements beyond most predictions."
"You've established counter-surveillance systems I've never encountered. Presumably you've conducted preliminary research on this vibranium, yes?"
Batman offered no response. From beginning to end, only T'Challa had spoken.
Batman didn't need to reply. He was waiting for T'Challa to prove vibranium's importance to Wakanda.
"It is more than material—it is our civilization's origin point. Our cities, transportation, communications, our entire technological foundation builds upon understanding its properties."
"However, this blessing carries a curse. We chose isolation precisely because of it. History records multiple wars launched by other nations coveting vibranium."
"Every lost piece must be recovered to prevent it from falling into malicious hands that might trace it back to our hidden nation. Otherwise, Wakanda faces the very plunder-driven war we've avoided for centuries."
T'Challa's sincerity was flawless—even Batman couldn't detect deception. He couldn't determine whether the African prince was performing.
But analyzing voice patterns, heartbeat, and breathing rhythms, Batman found himself inclined to believe these were genuine sentiments.
By Gotham standards, this was the moment when the other party should produce a hidden weapon. But T'Challa made no such move, continuing his verbal appeal:
"This is also my personal request. This vibranium was lost less than a year ago—a failure of our guardianship, a debt our royal family must repay. Retrieving it allows me, as prince, to restore my family's honor and fulfill my ancestors' legacy."
"Therefore, I request you return it to me."
T'Challa paused. Seeing Batman's exposed jaw reveal no expression whatsoever, even his patient temperament showed hints of anxiety. Yet he maintained composure, voluntarily ceding control:
"Of course, you may refuse. But based on my research, you consistently combat criminals and eliminate dangers. Given your understanding of power and responsibility, you will make the correct choice."
T'Challa made no mention of consequences following refusal. Those were last-resort measures he had no intention of using as leverage.
Batman finally spoke, tossing the vibranium to T'Challa. The prince caught it smoothly, securing it carefully in his pocket as Batman continued:
"I've studied it. Its power commands respect. You chose honesty over force. That proves your sincerity."
Batman similarly avoided mentioning the consequences had T'Challa attempted theft, or the possibility that this entire conversation was an elaborate deception.
He'd determined from T'Challa's words that the prince was no fool—quite the opposite. Extremely intelligent.
T'Challa could clearly calculate the consequences of different approaches.
Accepting the vibranium, T'Challa nodded solemnly:
"You could have used it for anything. You chose to return it. This sense of honor—I will remember it. Wakanda will always remember this friendship."
Batman studied T'Challa. The prince's demeanor remained impeccable, unchanged even after securing the vibranium.
Therefore Batman abandoned his cold, adversarial stance, considering briefly before responding:
"Guard it well."
"Remember—this world is larger than you imagine. So are its threats. When you need help, you know how to find me."
Batman was willing to establish positive relations with this humble, sincere prince who displayed no objectionable character traits—even if only as Batman rather than Peter Parker.
"I will, Batman. Wakanda owes you a debt. Contact me whenever necessary." T'Challa smiled warmly.
Both men stepped forward simultaneously, clasping hands.
T'Challa departed with obvious relief and deep gratitude. Batman recorded a technologically advanced, trustworthy civilization in his mental database.
'If Black Adam of Kahndaq were like T'Challa...'
After the prince's departure, Batman remained motionless, briefly lost in memories of his original world before vanishing from the park.
At the Los Angeles oceanfront villa, Tony Stark lounged on his sofa with Pepper, a newspaper in hand. The television behind him played last night's news coverage.
"Iron Man? Interesting name. Not entirely accurate though—the armor's shell uses titanium-gold alloy. Should be Titanium Man..."
Pepper rolled her eyes, forcing pain medication into Tony's mouth:
"Whatever you call yourself, you absolutely cannot go fighting in that tin can again... And didn't you say you were done making weapons?"
"It's not a weapon, Pepper." Tony swallowed the pills. "Just self-defense."
Pepper knew she couldn't convince this stubborn playboy. She stood:
"I need to handle the Obadiah situation and deal with the media circus."
"Bye." Tony waggled one finger lazily, watching Pepper depart.
As her heels clicked into the distance, Tony's smile faded. He rose:
"JARVIS, did you record Batman's physical data last night?"
"Completely recorded and analyzed, sir." The AI responded. "Cross-referencing shows Batman and Peter Parker are not the same individual."
Tony nodded, heading toward the workshop:
"Good. JARVIS."
"Design armor based on Peter's measurements. Designation: Rescue Mark I."
"Simultaneously initiate the Anti-Batman Armor Protocol."