Chapter 142: Spoiler
Thanks to Swampfire showing off his skills in public, W'Kabi looked serious as he left. Clearly, after witnessing Swampfire's heaven-defying recovery ability, he was diligently thinking about countermeasures.
Unlike W'Kabi, the Avengers were relieved. After all, it was their first time seeing Swampfire, and they weren't very clear about his Strength. Having now witnessed his Ability, they could finally relax, knowing that at least survival wouldn't be a problem.
And so, the meeting concluded after confirming the Time and Place for the Duel. T'Challa sent people to escort Yang Le and his group to a reception area in Wakanda. The facilities here were extremely luxurious, fully displaying Wakanda's national Strength.
There was no need to assign Rooms. Apart from the service staff, there was no one else in this reception area. After all, Wakanda had virtually no contact with the Outsider world, so there was no one to receive.
This reception area was built because T'Challa intended to have more contact with the Outsider world. However, due to constant opposition within the country, the establishment of diplomatic relations stagnated and was put on hold. Yang Le and his group became the first customers.
And so, uneventfully, Yang Le and the others in the luxurious reception area welcomed the sun of the next day.
Early in the morning, Servants were already attending to them. This was something they couldn't experience in modern America. The group thoroughly enjoyed a taste of the old society's outdated customs, except for the Techadon duo.
One of them was a Robot, and the other a Vegetative State Patient. They couldn't enjoy the various services prepared for Humans at all. They could only watch the Avengers group enjoy themselves. Of course, Vision couldn't enjoy them either, but the detached Vision simply didn't care.
This was tough for Yang Le. If he had known, he would have transformed into a normal Creature. Now, he could only watch with wide eyes.
And so, the Techadon duo, filled with Rage, and the Avengers, who had enjoyed the outdated customs, were led by Servants and traveled by Car to the Grassland outside the City.
When they arrived, they discovered that many people had already gathered here. It seemed many were curious about this Duel with an Alien.
The already lively Crowd reached its peak when the Techadon duo got out of the Car. The two, strange-looking and unlike Humans, clearly sparked conversations among the Crowd.
"Welcome, everyone. My King is unable to attend, so he sent me to greet you all," Prince T'Challa said as he walked out of the Crowd to personally welcome them.
"Apologies, Champions' Duels always attract quite a Crowd," Prince T'Challa said apologetically.
"If you prefer not to be disturbed, I can also disperse them."
"It's alright, I don't mind," Swampfire waved his Hand, generously agreeing to the request to watch.
"Without an audience, how can it be called a Duel?"
"Thank you for your Gratitude," Prince T'Challa said with a smile. Then, he turned around and announced loudly.
"Everyone! Make way for the Champions!"
The Prince of Wakanda still held considerable prestige. People consciously parted, making way.
"This way," Prince T'Challa gestured for everyone to follow.
The group passed through the Crowd and walked to the surrounded center. Halfway there, Swampfire was led by a Servant to the Duel Arena, while the rest were led by Prince T'Challa to King T'Challa, who was sitting before the throne.
Although called a Duel Arena, it was actually just the center surrounded by the Crowd, with fences around it. The Crowd was kept outside the fences. Clearly, this Duel Arena was temporary.
Swampfire saw his opponent from afar, the Leader of the Border Tribe—W'Kabi. At this moment, he was fully armed, wearing an approved flowing blue cloak, holding a uniquely shaped curved Weapon, staring directly at Swampfire's arrival.
"Good morning," Swampfire greeted, in stark contrast to the serious and prepared W'Kabi.
"This Duel Arena is quite, uh, simple. I thought it would be more magnificent."
"Wakanda doesn't have places like Duel Arena," W'Kabi suddenly spoke to give an Explanation.
"Only when the King issues a Challenge will they go to the Duel Arena, but that is a special Place, not something any level of battle can defile."
"That must be very sacred," Swampfire said.
"Of course," W'Kabi nodded.
"Are both sides ready?" A Royal Guard came between the two. Originally, this should have been the Duty of the Leader of the Guard, but to avoid suspicion, she had to do it herself.
"I'm ready," Swampfire said.
"Me too," W'Kabi replied.
"Then..."
Just as the Servant was about to announce the start, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the arena. Powerful Sounds of roar gradually approached from afar.
"Is that the Sound of monkeys?" Tony frowned.
"Although it Sounds similar, it should be Humans imitating them," Bruce Banner discerned the difference.
"Are those the Jabari Tribe?" Shuri asked Queen Ramonda beside her. Queen Ramonda nodded, answering Shuri's Inquire.
"Father, let me go and resolve this," Prince T'Challa sought King T'Challa's Suggestion beside him.
"No, son," King T'Challa refused Prince T'Challa's Suggestion.
"I should go myself."
Just as the Black Panthers were talking, a group of tall and robust Figures pushed through the Crowd and arrived at the edge of the arena. The Leader, wearing Armor and holding a Club, lightly leaped over the fence and entered the arena.
"M'Baku, what are you doing here?" W'Kabi looked at the Outsider in surprise.
"Doing what?" M'Baku grinned.
"Of course, I'm here to help you drive away Outsiders."
As he spoke, he pointed the Club in his Hand at Swampfire to the side.
"This is my Duel, M'Baku!" W'Kabi looked at the Champion beside him, consumed by Rage.
"Are you trying to shame me?"
"You think this is a Duel? Bah!" M'Baku spat disdainfully.
"This is clearly an Outsider trying to steal our National Treasure. What's wrong with me driving them away? Or are you colluding with the enemy, wanting to lose to the opponent in the Duel and then give away the National Treasure!"
"Take back your delusions!" W'Kabi raised his curved Weapon.
"Otherwise, I'll let my Weapon help you!"
Well, this is something. They haven't even started fighting, and their own Family are already fighting among themselves. Swampfire scratched his head, momentarily wanting to sprout a sunflower, pluck some seeds, and sit down to watch the Act while munching on popcorn.
Unfortunately, the good Act didn't last long. Just as the two were at daggers drawn, a Spear fell like a meteor between them, piercing the Soil and separating the two.
Everyone looked over and saw Okoye. She was looking at everyone with a serious Face.
"Internal strife in front of Outsiders, do you want to bring shame upon Wakanda?"
Okoye's reprimand worked. W'Kabi and M'Baku exchanged a Face and stopped arguing.
Above all else, Wakanda's glory is paramount.
Just as the atmosphere was gradually turning awkward, King T'Challa came before everyone.
(End of Chapter)