If he could control Wakanda, he would have an additional secret base that no one would notice. In the future, he wouldn't have to be restricted in his actions.
Thinking about this, Zane slowly wrote down the plot of the previous life's "Black Panther" in his notebook, searching for a breakthrough. After a while, he said to the Skynet:
"Skynet, go and investigate someone named Ulysses Klaue. He should be a white male, currently a small arms dealer.
There's also a black boy; he should be about my age now. His name is Erik Stevens. Characteristics: black, with a fluorescent symbol on the inside of his lower lip."
"After finding them, secretly detain them. Remember not to kill them."
"By the way, after the group sells and the funds are in place, remember to register a company named Skynet Technology, and you will be fully responsible for it."
"Finally, I want you to establish a secret laboratory. For now, the research team only has you. First, research technology that can completely control a person. Remember, I'm talking about complete control, irreversible. Do you understand?"
"Also, help me purchase metals and manufacture throwing weapons. Just make sure they are sturdy and durable."
Zane gave the Skynet a bunch of orders in one breath.
"Understood, boss," Skynet said before leaving the study, quietly closing the door, leaving Zane alone in the room to contemplate.
The two people Zane was looking for were the key to Wakanda. Klaue was the only person who smuggled vibranium out of Wakanda. He even left them with a surprise before departing. According to the timeline, he should have just escaped Wakanda and was currently recovering from his injuries. Later, in "Avengers: Age of Ultron," his arm got chopped off by Ultron.
As for the black boy, he was the major antagonist in "Black Panther," the current king's nephew. Having them both would make it easy to infiltrate Wakanda.
The rest could only be dealt with after the funds arrived and Skynet developed the technology Zane requested.
Outside the door, Lorna saw that Skynet had left the study, knowing that Zane's affairs were taken care of. She went to the kitchen, clumsily brewing a cup of coffee and bringing it in.
Upon seeing that Zane's brows were still furrowed, she gently placed the coffee on the table, then used both hands to tenderly massage Zane's head.
Zane, smelling the familiar aroma, slowly closed his eyes, enjoying Lorna's awkward massage.
After a while, Zane opened his eyes, gently saying, "Stop massaging. Your hands must be sore now. I'm fine." Saying that, he turned his head and embraced Lorna entirely.
"There's something I don't know if I should say," Lorna said hesitantly, leaning on Zane's shoulder.
"It's okay, go ahead."
"Zane, you seem really anxious lately, as if there's a beast chasing you from behind. You push yourself tightly every day. I don't know why you're in such a hurry, but no matter what happens, I'll be with you."
Zane raised his head, locking eyes with Lorna. In her eyes, he could see his own face. Suddenly, he smiled tenderly.
"Are you confessing to me?"
Lorna's face turned red in an instant. Then, in a fluster, she began to explain.
"No, I'm not, I didn't... Don't talk nonsense."
"Sigh... So, Lorna, you don't like me?" Zane pretended to look sad.
"No, no, I like you the most," Lorna said in a panic, seeing Zane's distressed expression.
"Oh..."
At this moment, Lorna finally saw the mischievous smile on Zane's face, realizing he was teasing her. She playfully punched Zane's chest a few times, though the deliberately light punches looked more like caresses.
"You're so bad."
Saying that, Lorna broke free from Zane's embrace and fled from the study, leaving behind the sound of Zane's unrestrained laughter.
Once Lorna was gone, Zane began to carefully reflect on everything that had happened since he crossed over. He realized he had indeed been in a hurry, always trying to control everything himself. There were signs of his mentality becoming unbalanced. He even began to suffer from insomnia, though the symptoms were not yet apparent. This was also the main reason why Zane wanted to doze off during class.
"Seems like I need to take it easy..." Zane said, lifting the already slightly cold coffee on the table and finishing it in one gulp. It was bitter, yet sweet.
"I should teach Lorna how to make tea. I can't stand this coffee thing," Zane grinned, grimacing.
The next day, Zane walked into the classroom, greeting the focused Spider-Man.
"Hey, Peter."
"Hey, Zane.You seem a bit different today?"
"Huh? I washed my face in the morning. There shouldn't be anything dirty," Zane said, puzzled, touching his face.
"No, it's not that. I mean, your aura seems to have changed," Spider-Man clarified, realizing Zane misunderstood him.
"I used to feel you were like the sunlight in the Arctic, dazzling but ice-cold. Now it's like the warm autumn sun, making people want to get close to you."
Hearing Spider-Man's words, Zane's radiant smile instantly froze. Subconsciously, he pulled Lorna back a few steps. Then, realizing it might not be appropriate, he stepped forward and patted Peter's shoulder. He spoke with profound meaning:
"Don't worry, I won't discriminate against you. I just don't like men. You should find someone else. I think Jack is a good choice. He's big and strong, sure to give you a sense of security."
Before Peter could finish his sentence, Zane burst into laughter, hugging Lorna and leaving. However, in Peter's eyes, that laughter seemed malicious.
From this, one could see the changes in Zane overnight. The old him didn't have the mood to play such low-level jokes with Peter. The old Zane was calculating every step, doing everything with a specific purpose. Now, Zane felt an unprecedented relaxation.
After all, a person should make themselves happy. What's the difference between living uncomfortably and being dead? This was Zane's answer. However, it didn't mean he would stop planning. He decided to slow down, to enjoy this world thoroughly; otherwise, wouldn't it be a waste to come here?
"Everyone, calm down. I have an announcement."
"This afternoon, the school is organizing a trip to the Arthropod Exhibition at Oscorp. I hope everyone will pay attention to safety and not wander off."
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