Since they weren't getting anywhere with their attempts at brokering peace in Africa, the Illuminati came to the decision that they would first take a look at Wakanda—check out the so-called cause of this war.
Wakanda and its secrets.
No matter if that was fair or not, the facts couldn't be denied: Wakanda's mere existence was the cause of this war.
One could argue that it likely wouldn't be this bad if not for outside forces trying to fuel the flames, but there would be no sparks if not for Wakanda.
That, combined with a deep curiosity toward this secretive nation, meant many members of the Illuminati deeply wished to visit the place—to see what secrets had been hidden from the world, and just what this most advanced civilization on Earth truly was.
Doom, Stark, and Reed in particular were curious about the technology hidden away, wanting nothing more than to steal its secrets.
Steve mostly wanted to know how many of the rumors flying around were really true.
Had the people of Wakanda really done all the things they were accused of doing? Or was it just lies meant to paint them as the bad guys? Steve wasn't so naïve as to think there would be no dirty tactics used.
Magneto was mostly curious about the nation's hidden nature. After all, he too wanted a real home for mutantkind, and this example of a people who had stayed hidden interested him.
Charles was the only one who wasn't overly interested in things of this nature. He just hoped they could end this peacefully, and he was curious about whether or not there were any mutants inside Wakanda.
He had never noticed any while using Cerebro, but he couldn't be sure whether that was because there weren't any—or because their barrier simply hid them from him.
He didn't dare raise this question before Magneto, because it had chilling implications depending on what the results of his personal investigation might reveal.
And Prince T'Challa was happy enough to host them—at least Tony and Steve. He had seen them fight in New York, seen them put their lives on the line for Earth. They were real heroes; that much couldn't be denied.
As for the others, each of them was special in their own way, though he felt far less respect for them and more an acknowledgement that they were powerful—or in Reed's case, frighteningly intelligent.
All in all, he wanted to impress the members of the Illuminati, because he understood even now that joining them was the best way to solve the problems Wakanda currently faced. With a seat among them, Wakanda would be untouchable.
So it was with many different motives that everyone loaded into the prince's personal aircraft and departed the flying behemoth that was the SHIELD aircraft carrier.
The Wakandan shield parted without ceremony.
Down on the ground, the allied African forces watched as the barrier they had been hammering on for weeks opened briefly, before it once more turned into an impenetrable wall.
Yet all they could do was watch, unable to even start the fighting again. They didn't have many weapons left after Magneto's show of force, so they simply looked on as the craft disappeared.
Inside the sleek vessel, the members of the Illuminati finally saw the Golden City of Wakanda. There was no longer anything between them and the city—no great shield, no fake views produced by a hologram.
They saw it in its full glory.
It felt unreal, like something out of a fairy tale—like looking upon the famous, long-lost Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
The city rose from the land, fresh green fields turning into shining gold, like something grown rather than built. It fit perfectly with the nature surrounding it—or as well as a city of tech and gold could.
Sleek towers were woven together with greenery, sunlight glinting off curved surfaces that defied conventional architecture. The skyline made it clear this city was built from more than just concrete; it was one grand structure. A city built as one, everything connected.
Waterways flowed between elevated platforms, adding blue to the green and gold—water as pure as it could be, a rare treasure on a continent where many had no access at all. Yet here it flowed in large amounts as a mere decoration.
Moreover, the city was free of the congestion that plagued other modern cities, with no cars clogging the streets. Countless open walkways connected districts where people moved freely, while magnetic transit lines carried them over greater distances. And for the trips in between, the air itself was home to many flying cars.
A city of impossible technology and prosperity. Truly a city like no other.
Camelot was often called the miracle of the past—a city without cars, without electricity—yet magic alone made it a paradise.
This city, this city was the complete opposite: a city of pure technology. A city of the future. A miracle of the modern day. An example of what a city could be—should be.
Steve found himself standing without realizing it, one hand resting on the table as he stared through the viewing pane.
"…It's beautiful," he said quietly.
Tony didn't answer.
He couldn't.
He was truly speechless. It was one thing to hear about the wonders of Wakanda. It was one thing to see pictures and videos—those could be illusions, carefully arranged propaganda.
It was something else entirely to see it with your own eyes.
"Alright," Tony finally muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "I'm officially impressed."
Reed didn't even look at him.
His eyes were locked on the skyline, on the sheer proof of what could be achieved when technology was allowed to lead—when it wasn't mindless politicians making the calls, but people who did the math.
"This isn't just advanced," Reed said quietly. "It's… mature. A civilization that solved problems we're still arguing about."
Doom said nothing.
But his gauntleted hand tightened just slightly.
The craft descended smoothly, landing on a wide platform that reshaped itself to accommodate the vessel's mass. There was no jolt, no mechanical clunk—just a gentle shift, as if the city had accepted them.
The ramp finished lowering with a soft hiss.
Warm air flowed into the craft, carrying with it the scent of greenery and rain-washed stone. Beyond the threshold, the Dora Milaje stood in flawless formation—spears grounded, armor gleaming with restrained vibranium filigree. They did not bow. They did not posture.
They simply waited.
T'Challa stepped forward first, straightening as the light of his city fell across him. He placed a fist lightly to his chest.
"Welcome to Wakanda," he said, his voice calm, measured, and unraised—yet it carried effortlessly across the platform. "You arrive as guests, under my protection."
He turned slightly, gesturing toward the warriors flanking the platform.
"These are the Dora Milaje. They are not merely my guards. They are trusted friends, and the finest and fiercest warriors of Wakanda."
The warriors brought their spears up in a single, fluid motion, striking them once against the deck.
The sound rang sharp and final.
Steve felt it in his spine.
T'Challa's gaze returned to the assembled Illuminati.
"My father, King T'Chaka, awaits you," he continued. "He has agreed to receive those who wish to speak of diplomacy, history, and the future of Wakanda."
His eyes flicked—briefly, knowingly—toward Magneto and Charles.
"But Wakanda is more than its throne," he added. "Those who wish to understand what we are—not merely what we possess—will find other paths available."
That earned a faint reaction.
Tony's interest sharpened instantly.
Reed's eyes had already begun tracing the city's lines, calculating.
Doom said nothing—but his attention was absolute.
"My sister, Princess Shuri," T'Challa said, "has prepared demonstrations for those interested in our technological infrastructure."
Tony actually grinned. "Prepared demonstrations. I like her already."
"And for those who wish to see Wakanda as its people live it," T'Challa finished, turning his attention toward Steve, "the city itself is open."
Steve nodded, appreciative. "I'd like that."
T'Challa inclined his head once, satisfied.
"Then we are agreed."
He stepped forward, the Dora Milaje parting seamlessly as he led the way.
"Come," he said. "Let us show you who we are—before others decide that story for us."
Wakanda had been preparing for this for a while, and they knew the personalities of all their guests—what each of them cared about.
Wakanda wanted to show their worth. They wanted to show that they weren't the villain, and that meant they didn't want to hide too much. They had a few secrets that couldn't be revealed, but they also understood that some things had to be shown.
And so, they had arranged these tours.
They knew who cared for technology, and Shuri was eager to test herself against the smartest people in the world.