Indeed, Chen Mo's brain development and mental strength had increased alongside his physical fitness after receiving the Super Soldier Serum and the Perfect Blood.
While Steve Rogers and others also experienced some mental sharpening from their enhancements, it was nowhere near Chen Mo's level, and their gains in raw mental strength were minimal.
Aside from these two enhancement events and the potential unlocked during the plane crash, Chen Mo's brain and mental power had grown gradually through daily battles and trials, progressing at a very slow rate.
However, after enduring the trials of two different worlds, Chen Mo's mental strength and brain development had reached an advanced stage. Beyond gaining conscious control over bodily functions previously managed autonomously by the brain, he could now use his mental power to directly influence the instinctive activities of cells not governed by the nervous system.
For instance, commanding melanocytes to autonomously produce melanin—a seemingly minor ability—was actually a feat beyond the reach of normal human physiology.
At this point, Chen Mo had, in certain aspects, transcended the boundaries of ordinary humanity, evolving toward a higher form of life. Calling him a god was not an exaggeration.
As M'Baku knelt before Chen Mo, Erik Killmonger finally snapped out of his daze. His gaze toward Chen Mo grew even more devout and fervent. He followed M'Baku's lead and knelt.
Seeing the desired effect achieved, Chen Mo willed his body to slowly revert to its original state.
His elongated spine gradually shortened, his height shrinking back to normal. The blood that had been directed into his muscles slowly receded, and the swollen muscles deflated, returning to their original form. The concentrated melanin in his skin rapidly dissolved, revealing his natural tone.
By the time the two kneeling men looked up again, Chen Mo had completely returned to his original appearance. Were it not for the profound shock of the previous moment, they might have thought it all an illusion.
Gazing upon Chen Mo, whose demeanor was now solemn and majestic, M'Baku felt an excitement beyond words. Their Ape God had not abandoned them. He had returned and would lead them to unify the African continent and build a mighty, expansive empire.
Erik Killmonger's actions made it clear he had long been aware of Chen Mo's true identity, meaning he, too, was a follower.
This also solved a puzzle that had lingered in M'Baku's mind. As a member of the royal family who worshipped the Panther God Bast, Erik Killmonger's appearance and fighting style were completely different from T'Challa, the Black Panther. Instead, he more closely resembled the Jabari Tribe, who worshipped the Ape God Hanuman—even more so than they did.
His towering height, imposing build, and ferocious combat style had previously confused M'Baku, but now he understood. Erik Killmonger, the current King of Wakanda, worshipped not the Panther God, but the Ape God standing before them!
His mighty stature and unparalleled strength were blessings bestowed by the Ape God.
As a Jabari who revered strength above all, these were precisely the qualities M'Baku yearned for most.
Looking at the kneeling M'Baku, Chen Mo could clearly sense his devout conviction, and he also noticed the envy and desire in M'Baku's eyes when he glanced at Erik Killmonger.
Chen Mo smiled inwardly. Since M'Baku had offered his loyalty, Chen Mo decided to grant him a gift.
...
When M'Baku appeared before everyone again, all eyes widened in shock.
The original M'Baku, known as the "Man-Ape," was already exceptionally tall and robust, the largest and strongest warrior in all of Wakanda.
Aside from the Black Panther, enhanced by the Heart-Shaped Herb, no one could match him in raw strength.
It wasn't until Erik Killmonger appeared that his records for height and physique were broken.
Now, M'Baku's appearance had undergone a dramatic transformation. His already imposing two-meter-plus frame had grown even taller, rivaling the colossal Erik Killmonger. His muscular build had become even more powerful, his muscles bulging with strength far exceeding his previous state.
After being transformed by the enhanced Super Soldier Serum, M'Baku's size had become comparable to Erik Killmonger's. Standing together behind Chen Mo, the two resembled a pair of colossal divine guardians, inspiring profound awe.
M'Baku remained silent, and King Erik Killmonger offered no explanation. Though perplexed, no one dared to press for the underlying reason.
Given the existence of the Heart-Shaped Herb, which could significantly enhance a person's physique, M'Baku's transformation, while surprising, was not entirely unbelievable.
While he kept the truth from the others, M'Baku shared everything with his Jabari tribe.
He told them everything, from the connections between the *Ramayana* and *Journey to the West* to his firm declaration that Chen Mo was their Ape God, Hanuman.
If the striking similarities between the epic tales were merely theoretical evidence, the transformation he had undergone was irrefutable proof. Only their great Ape God could transform his followers into such powerful "Man-Ape" warriors. Enhanced by the Super Soldier Serum, M'Baku had not only grown in size but also seen his strength skyrocket to five times that of an average person. His ferocious combat prowess astonished the entire Jabari tribe.
M'Baku's original hammer-spear, crafted from an incredibly hard native Wakandan wood, had shattered under his newfound might. He was forced to replace it with the retractable vibranium spear Chen Mo had prepared for the elite operatives.
This spear was specially commissioned by Princess Shuri at Chen Mo's request for the warriors executing the decapitation strikes. While it resembled the vibranium spears used by the Dora Milaje, it was functionally identical to those of the Border Tribe, featuring a built-in sonic cannon in the spearhead capable of emitting powerful shockwaves for mid-range attacks.
The retractable vibranium spear was incredibly strong and sharp. Beyond its sonic capabilities, it was a devastating melee weapon. Wielded with M'Baku's current monstrous strength, its destructive power was truly terrifying.