In that era without the internet, people were far more sincere—something Steve Rogers often mentioned.
Years of street-level experience had taught him that words alone didn't reveal someone's true intentions—actions did. The mission he had undertaken with Solomon had given him a glimpse of hell itself, and Captain Rogers had come to understand the terrifying nature of the magical world. Solomon's willingness to descend into hell to save the people of Sokovia had earned Steve's forgiveness for Solomon's inaction during Ultron's birth. Even if Solomon himself scoffed at that forgiveness, Steve believed it was just his way of deflecting—because the sorcerer, bound by the intricate rules of the magical world, had been unable to intervene directly, only acting through indirect means. Was defeating Ultron really harder than descending into hell? Steve didn't think Solomon was just a two-meter-tall musclehead—there had to be a reason behind everything he did.
Honestly, even Stark hadn't had much to say on the matter.
They all thought Solomon's aggressive demeanor stemmed from his inability to forgive himself. Otherwise, Captain Rogers wouldn't have brought the newly trained Falcon over to talk with Solomon. They just wanted to help the sorcerer work through his psychological knots, to get him to stop torturing himself. After all, even Tony Stark, who had actually created Ultron, didn't carry such crushing guilt—Solomon didn't need to either. After the Ultron incident, Nick Fury had also mentioned Solomon's psychological state to the Avengers—a long-standing topic, really. But the Avengers' interpretation differed vastly from Fury's. Only a few knew that Fury saw Solomon as a kindred spirit, someone equally ruthless and cold. But in others' eyes, Solomon had a burning soul. He was a contradiction—those obsidian-like eyes didn't look at individuals, but at the universe and the entire human race. Only those who truly understood him knew what Solomon had chosen to reject.
When Solomon mentioned his age, the entire room fell into silence. The reason was simple: he was the youngest person in the entire base—and also the tallest. No one quite knew what to say.
"There aren't any cops here anyway, so underage drinking doesn't really matter," Falcon said, noticing that some of the passing staff had stopped to stare at him. "What, are all of you like this?" He shrugged awkwardly. "Alright, we'll stick to non-alcoholic drinks!"
"Don't bring up illegal stuff in front of Agent Hill. These people are all hers." Captain Rogers clapped Solomon on the arm. "They're Nick Fury's covert agents. They've never appeared on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s personnel lists, so neither Hydra nor Congress can track them down. Wanda, you should come too—you haven't seen the bar yet!"
"I'll be taking Wanda with me. Only I can give her proper training. I've bought her a fully furnished penthouse in Manhattan—she can move in anytime." Solomon spoke calmly. "Do you really think magical progress comes from chasing down street crime and Hydra agents?"
"Of course not. We agree she needs a real teacher," Captain Rogers nodded. "You can live here too—there's always a room for you."
"Maybe you can check if I've got any magical talent. I always thought I had a knack for it. As a kid, I felt like I could talk to animals, or dream about witches and spells," Falcon added, expertly lightening the mood. He grinned. "But let's be real—it's the penthouse in Manhattan that's got me. Not just anyone can afford that. How rich are you, exactly?"
"I don't really know. Probably richer than Tony Stark. Because I own the entire island of Manhattan. I'm not joking—the Ancient One bought it a long time ago. I still have the deed."
"All wizards this loaded? Do you have any sisters?"
"Wanda, you really shouldn't stay here, or you'll end up psychologically twisted and fall in love with a robot. That'd be way too embarrassing," the sorcerer suddenly turned to Wanda, who had remained silent, "Let's go. We still need to talk about Vision and the Infinity Stone. It's important. But don't ask too much—I can't reveal the future. I have to follow the rules of Kamar-Taj."
"Of course."
Captain Rogers and Solomon spoke for a long time.
It was an intense conversation, but no one else could hear a word of it. The only person capable of breaking Solomon's magical barrier was Wanda, who sat listlessly nearby, completely uninterested in their discussion. After three bottles of whiskey, their talk finally came to an end.
The alcohol wasn't nearly enough to get either of them even slightly tipsy.
When it was finally time for Solomon and Wanda's one-on-one conversation, Wanda hesitantly brought up the friction between her and her brother. Pietro knew Solomon was here but was too embarrassed to see him—he wanted to stay with the Avengers. He believed there was no better place for him. After all, he was far past school age, and Solomon's plan to enroll him in school didn't suit him. He wanted to put his powers to good use. Wanda alone had agreed to follow Solomon—not just because he could teach her magic, but because the truths and grand vision he had shown her had left a deep impression.
But Wanda wasn't ready to be separated from Pietro just yet.
"We can use a portal," Solomon said, effortlessly removing the obstacle. The witch smiled, persuaded. She turned and headed back to her room to pack for the move to the penthouse Solomon had prepared. "It has yoga mats and all the appliances you need. There's a huge round ceramic bathtub in the bathroom, and all the toiletries are stocked."
Solomon's gentlemanly instincts prompted him to follow and offer a hand. That said, all the work was actually done by a dozen invisible servants. As a spellcaster, he had no reason to lift a finger. "I also left you contact numbers for New York's top market suppliers. Whatever you need, they'll deliver the best ingredients to your door. Anything you want—it's all on me. Maybe you could try cooking, if that's something you enjoy."
"What about this spell?"
"It's a simple one. I can teach you."
"Then… are you planning to have dinner with me?" Wanda gazed at the sorcerer, crimson chaos energy swirling in her eyes. She liked this kind of protection. Maybe someday she'd complain about how involved Solomon was in her life, but she was certain she'd never reject it.
"Sure. I like Maine lobster. Someone will deliver it shortly."
Wanda gave him a warm smile.
"Not saying goodbye, Wanda?"
"Like you said—portals solve everything."
"Exactly. As long as you remember the coordinates, we can come back anytime," the sorcerer winked, his charming face lighting up with a cheerful smile. "Let's watch the French version of Beauty and the Beast tomorrow. Between all the heavy magical studies, you should improve your aesthetic sensibilities—and live a little, don't you think?"
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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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