Chapter 621: Unstable Factor
"Excuse me for being blunt," the queen interjected. "Do you have technology of that level? I don't mean to doubt you, but you're a sorcerer, and…"
"I understand your concern," Edward nodded. "I'm not just a sorcerer but a pursuer of knowledge. I've traveled to many dimensions and worlds, including ones with very advanced technological civilizations." He waved his hand to use illusion to create a holographic rendering of the technology he would grant them.
T'Chaka motioned for Chief Makana to check, and the scientist immediately started reading the information. After less than five minutes, he shook his head and sighed in disappointment:
"Is something wrong?" the king asked.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but this knowledge is beyond my understanding."
"What are you saying?"
"They appeared to be true, but it's beyond what I can comprehend."
"Apologies," Edward stated, remembering that not everyone was Tony Stark. In fact, even Tony Stark might not be able to digest such advanced technology without years of study or a sufficient knowledge foundation. Edward raised his hand to summon a helmet.
"This contains lessons for you to be able to understand the technology I will provide." Edward thought of something, so he summoned a second helmet. "It's my understanding that the princess is also very talented. This is for her."
"Is there really such an advanced civilization?" Makana muttered.
"Master Makana."
"My apologies, Your Majesty," he swiftly said as he realized he got carried away.
"What's the result?"
"There are no issues."
"And what level of technology are we talking about?"
"Hmm, how do I put it plainly," Makana muttered. "Enough for us to wield energy on a universal scale."
King T'Chaka squinted his eyes as he finally understood everything. This man wanted Wakanda to be one of the main fighters in this upcoming war, so he chose to elevate our technology so we could compete on these creatures' level. The vibranium and knowledge are only his secondary goals.
King T'Chaka's first instinct was to reject this proposal. Although their nations would indeed benefit immensely, there is also great danger that came with it. However, he soon understood that doing so would be a grave mistake. No matter what choice he makes, this catastrophe is coming, and Edward's proposal is an opportunity for them to be the main players, an opportunity to have the power to determine their fate instead of relying on others for protection.
"I accept your proposal," King T'Chaka decided. A few of his council members did not agree with this decision, but they would not contradict their king's decision before an outsider — let alone before Goddess Bast.
"Excellent," Edward nodded. In the comics, Black Panther – T'Challa — is the Marvels' version of Batman. Not only was his intelligence on par with his sister, but he also created technology that could be considered Tier 10 and added it to his suit.
Black Panther had contingency plans for Hulk (not the weak one in the MCU, but the monster in the comics); he had weapons that could kill Galactus and the Celestials, could naturally control Mjolnir, had magic-based weapons, and a list of other powers and accomplishments—for example, invited Shadow Physics, which combined Alchemy and Quantum Physics, allowing him unlimited teleportation, including access to anywhere in the Multiverse.
"I'm glad you can come to an agreement, but what will I do?" Bast said. "How am I supposed to prepare for this catastrophe?"
"Goddess Bast, you have been our guardian since antiquity. We will protect you as long as a single Wakandian is still breathing," Queen Ramonda stated.
"This may be the only way, " Bast muttered before raising her hand to condense a mark in the shape of a panther. "This mark will allow the king to converse with all your ancestors from the Ancestral Plane and gain all their wisdom, knowledge, and experience."
Edward squinted his eyes. In the comics, T'Challa became the King of the Dead and had the same ability.
"Thank you," T'Chaka immediately said.
"Lastly, I recommend you make the Heart-Shaped Herb something universal for all Wakandians." After saying these words, Blast hurried left. Although she needed to rely on Wakanda for safety, she also wanted to prepare.
Meanwhile, Edward thought deeply, but not about the Heart-Shaped Herb. He had already analyzed that thing and realized it was a natural way to optimize a human's gene. He classified the herb as an excellent magical herb, and many potions have been optimized by Morgana after being used as a main or secondary material.
Edward continued his meeting, discussing the nitty-gritty. Once they agree on a detailed contract, both sides sign. Edward then handed over the technology, especially the one about technomancers. He hoped the Wakandians would build a Black Panther Suit capable of destroying universes.
His next stop was Talokan to meet Namor. He had previously tried to make contact, but the latter was not friendly. Despite Edward's best efforts, the first mutant did not want to listen. Once teleported underwater, he talked to Namor one last time, even revealing the upcoming catastrophe.
"Why are you being so stubborn?" Edward asked.
"The affairs of the surface world do not matter to us," Namor replied.
"Do you think you can remain unscathed? Do you think you can hide underwater while we're forced to deal with the people?" Edward asked, not hiding his frustration.
"We will be fine on our own," Namor continued. "And, who knows if you're even telling the truth?"
Edward stared into his eyes. After what felt like an eternity, he said calmly: "You're officially an unstable variable. It's a shame. Talokan is such a beautiful and unique civilization."
Namor's sense of danger suddenly went on like an alarm. He wanted to immediately attack his opponent despite knowing the vast differences in their power. Unfortunately, his eyes turned white, and his body started floating on the water. While he only fainted, this was not the same for all his other citizens. Edward ruthlessly wiped out their souls, killing everyone. Then, with a wave of his hand, he put away all of Talokan to take away their vibranium.
"Do you think this was a little rash?" Morgana asked.
"What do you think was the probability of him changing his mind?"
"3.2%."
"What about the probability that someone would free him from my mind control if I tried to force him to work for me?"
"Hmm, let me see. With beings like Mephisto, your current luck backlash, and how this world seems to operate differently than home — as high as 72.64%."
"That's why they needed to die," Edward added, making Morgana sigh. "I've already recorded his Life Code."
"Did you find the X-gene?"
"I did."
"What about his soul? Did you record all the data?"
"Yes."
"The other Talokan? Their Life Code should also be interesting."
"It's done."
"Good." Edward wiped out Namor's soul and body before disappearing. His next destination was the Nova Empire. After so long, he had finally thought of a way to make them useful in this upcoming catastrophe.