The Immortal City did not possess enough Skrull samples, which was a critical shortcoming—even Solomon couldn't solve this problem. Skrulls reproduced and developed by embedding themselves within various civilizations across the universe, occupying key positions, and once their numbers reached a critical mass, they would seize control of the planet in one decisive move. Back when the Skrull Empire still existed, they had used this very method to claim over a dozen planets, becoming a super civilization capable of rivaling the Kree Empire. However, these embedded Skrulls would only be activated when absolutely necessary, and there was no reliable way to extract them from among the local populations—they all underwent a brainwashing protocol prior to infiltration, making them psychologically indistinguishable from natives, believing themselves to be locals rather than outsiders. Moreover, the Skrulls' shapeshifting was based on genetic-level mimicry, allowing them to even inherit partial genetic memories. This made ordinary genetic screening practically useless in identifying them.
Other civilizations' hatred toward the Skrulls wasn't unfounded—after all, no one wanted to wake up one day and find their planet taken over by a bunch of green-skinned aliens. Skrulls only ever revealed their flaws in rare instances. And once discovered, their fate was always the same—death. Without exception. The Skrull samples preserved by S.H.I.E.L.D. were the only biological specimens Solomon had—possibly including a decaying Skrull hand, the rest of which likely rested in Nick Fury's possession. This was an exception, as the Skrull in question had not undergone proper infiltration programming, and Solomon had used thought-probing magic, leading to the exposure.
Solomon issued this directive with a bit of blind luck, hoping for a miracle.
By leveraging the Whitehall-affiliated Hydra cells he had subdued, Solomon began deeper infiltration into biochemical organizations across the globe, utilizing the Global Vaccine Alliance and American biochemical research institutions to conduct preliminary genetic screening on the North American population. The plan relied heavily on the vast trove of genetic data and biological lab samples already available in the USA. This was a long-term mission overseen by the intelligence department of the Immortal City, Stephanie's directive, and Whitehall's brain—this particular Hydra scientist had repeatedly recommended the infamous Hydra biologist Dr. List to Solomon, believing his former subordinate's research would be of great assistance.
"Make sure he keeps just a brain too. That way he won't end up like the Nazi Hydra. Fewer cables, and don't bother making the nutrient fluid taste good. He has hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The man's too old. Alzheimer's isn't far off—let him focus on his research... You're asking me? The soul determines your age, doesn't it? I believe my spirit is young enough."
Even after being transformed into synthesized audio, Whitehall's brainwaves retained their gentlemanly tone. It had taken an entire night for this brain to calibrate the synthetic voice to match his original German accent. Even reduced to nothing but a brain floating in a nutrient pod, the bloodthirsty demon remained composed. Solomon figured Whitehall just wanted a companion—after all, being a pitiful chunk of grey matter stuck in a tube left you unable to even scratch an itch. Besides, Dr. List's expertise in genetics didn't hold a candle to Whitehall's.
"Coordinate with General Hegel. Don't forget to bring our ruby back tomorrow. If Whitehall's intel is accurate, then Ruby is our ideal experimental subject," Solomon instructed Stephanie. "Also, your father, Gideon Malick, sent a message. Remember to ask him about it when you get home."
"Aren't you coming back to the Malick estate with me?"
"Not today, Stephanie. I have to teach my students. If I don't keep their mouths shut, they'll end up blabbing my identity to the world!"
"I promise I won't say a word, professor."
"Then what are you all still doing here?" The sorcerer wandered leisurely through the new Avengers compound, following Wanda's lead. The land had been bought by Howard Stark, and with the ever-growing number of Avengers, Tony Stark had decided to relocate the base here. "I bought you and Pietro a penthouse each in New York. But if possible, I'd still rather you live with me in London," he said. "Whether it's New York or London, it's better than this dorm. Where's Pietro?"
"He… he's undergoing training and evaluation." Wanda's expression darkened slightly. "He hasn't decided whether to follow you or join the Avengers. He seems quite passionate about this whole peacekeeping thing. I don't like it much… You probably know what I'm thinking. Honestly, I think you're the only one who truly understands me."
"Spellcasters and non-spellcasters belong to different worlds, Wanda. Unless you unflinchingly show your magic to mortals, they'll never understand why anyone would be so drawn to it. But as you know, that's absolutely forbidden." Everyone passing by couldn't help but glance at the pair strolling along. Wanda Maximoff's striking beauty was eye-catching, and her magic was the most mysterious force in the compound. Standing beside her, Solomon's height and appearance were equally striking—especially when he was still clad in his long robes. Anyone could tell he was a wizard.
No one knew where Stark had found so many staffers—they were everywhere, like ants.
And no one knew what kind of deals Pepper Potts had struck with Congress to make this base a reality.
"Talk shows were Stark's idea? If you're not looking to get famous, you'd do well to stay out of the public eye," Solomon said, making no effort to magically block their conversation—he knew full well they were being monitored the moment they stepped in. "Save one person, and others will ask why you didn't save another. Standing on the moral high ground is human nature—especially when those at the bottom see someone wielding power they themselves can never have. The criticism becomes even more vicious and satisfying." The sorcerer spread his hands. "I've killed innocents—because they shielded the guilty. I understand why; those were their loved ones. But if you want to become famous, you can't do things like that. Sure, you can kill vampires—but can you kill the ones who adore them? If you do, they'll start to fear you, slander you, curse you. Overnight, you'll go from a revered hero to a reviled terrorist. Unless you're like me—completely unbothered by others' opinions, and showing absolute coldness and logic in every mission…"
"You shouldn't speak that way, Solomon." Steve Rogers approached them head-on, with Falcon at his side. Solomon glanced at them and noticed that Cap still carried the retrieval rig Stark had designed for his shield. "You're not like that, kid. I've read your file. Even the terrible education you received couldn't hide your kindness."
"I don't know what misunderstanding you have about me, Rogers." The sorcerer rested a hand on Wanda's shoulder. "But you know I'm speaking the truth. I believe in the beauty of humanity, but I believe even more in its ugliness. I've seen acts of kindness lead to horror, and hesitation lead to death again and again."
"You started killing at twelve, but didn't you also save those Sokovians?"
"Is he the one who cast that spell, Cap? Damn, he's tall," Falcon muttered, lowering his voice while eyeing Solomon out of the corner of his eye. He stood before the sorcerer, serious-faced, and extended his hand. "Ahem… Hello, I'm—"
"I know who you are." Solomon gave Falcon's hand a firm shake. Falcon winced as he pulled his hand back.
"Maybe we could grab a drink sometime."
"I'm just paying the price for my own actions—same as why you killed Ultron. It's not about being good. I think our chat on the helicarrier was direct enough. There's no need to keep going." The sorcerer turned to Falcon. "You didn't know?"
"Know what?" Falcon's eyes widened behind his red visor.
"I'm not even twenty-one yet!"
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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