Soren's herbal garden was unlike anything found on Earth.
Many of the plants growing there were species long extinct in the mortal world, others were cosmic treasures so rare that entire civilizations would wage wars for a single sprout.
Yet here, they grew in abundance… and Zilant treated them like a personal buffet.
After months of devouring these priceless herbs, each one saturated with temporal energy and magical potency, the Frost-Thunder Python had undergone several astonishing evolutions.
What now hovered before them, scales shimmering with cold lightning, was the result of countless metamorphoses.
Soren glanced at the glowing system panel only he could see.
[Zilant ~ Rank S]
And if it learns to use that colossal size properly… it might even threaten S+-class beings, Soren thought.
He had originally assigned one of the Black Order specifically for Zilant to battle, but now that each member of the Five had already been claimed by others, Zilant would have to… improvise.
The python didn't seem bothered at all.
But as soon as Zilant opened its enormous jaws to nuzzle Soren affectionately, the rich, unmistakable scent of rare medicinal herbs washed over him.
Soren's expression darkened instantly.
"You… did you empty half my garden again?"
Zilant froze… it realized it had been caught red-handed, well, red-mouthed.
The python snapped its jaws shut with a loud clack, its massive head slowly withdrawing as it coiled in on itself, giving Soren a pitiful, almost apologetic look.
Soren's raised voice died in his throat.
"…Forget it," He rubbed his temples. "Leaving you alone on Macaluso Island was asking for disaster."
"But you still owe me, big time. We'll settle that after the battle."
Zilant bobbed its enormous head repeatedly, scales rattling as if swearing absolute loyalty.
The others watched the exchange with fascinated amusement.
A floating island… an impossibly giant python… and Soren casually lecturing it like a mischievous pet was surreal, even by their standards.
"All right," Soren said, patting Zilant's snout. "Take us to the Palace of Macaluso. And try not to eat anything else on the way."
He gestured. Zilant obediently lowered its long body until its back formed a stable platform.
"Everyone, come on up. Time to see the heart of Macaluso Island."
Tony Stark immediately raised both hands. "No, no, no giant snake rides for me. I'll fly myself, thanks."
"…" Thor took a cautious step back as well.
He and Zilant had exchanged a few 'friendly blows' in the past, and the god of thunder still remembered the feeling of being swatted through a forest.
But Hulk lumbered forward without fear, leaping onto Zilant's back with childlike excitement.
The heavy impact made Zilant grunt in irritation, but under Soren's stare, the python simply lowered its head obediently.
One by one, the others followed, some hesitant, some nervous, some curious.
Fortunately, Zilant's ever-growing body meant plenty of room for a hundred people, even two hundred.
With a low growl, Zilant unfurled a pair of massive, fleshy wings from its back.
The wings beat once, twice power rippled through the air and then they lifted off smoothly, forming a protective barrier that shielded everyone from the wind.
There was no turbulence at all.
The scenery blurred below them as they flew… forests, crystal lakes, and the herbs fields of Macaluso Island shrinking beneath Zilant's shadow.
Within moments, they crossed more than half the island.
And then, rising proudly from the center of Macaluso Island, came into view…
A colossal palace… Macaluso Palace.
The grand palaces of Macaluso Island rose like jewels set into the floating landscape… vast, gleaming structures carved in an architectural style unmistakably inspired by Asgard.
Soren had built them after returning from the Asgard, and while the buildings were not exact imitations, their sweeping arches, radiant halls, and golden spires carried the unmistakable majesty of the gods.
When Thor and the other Asgardians stepped off Zilant's back and saw the sight, they were struck speechless.
Pride, nostalgia, and a faint ache stirred in their hearts. For a moment, it felt like home.
Thor's gaze lingered a little too long. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully, clearly forming an idea.
Soren caught it immediately.
"This is my territory," He said dryly, without even looking at Thor. "Don't even think about it."
Thor's shoulders slumped. Busted.
It wasn't his fault… Macaluso Island was perfect.
A skyborne paradise with pristine waterfalls that poured directly from the clouds, cliffs suspended by magic, vast meadows of shimmering cosmic herbs, mythical beasts like Zilant roaming freely, and palaces that rivaled Asgard at its peak.
For the surviving people of Asgard, this place would be a dream come true.
Thor scratched his cheek and offered a stiff smile, trying to hide his embarrassment.
After Thanos is dealt with, he thought, I'll convince Soren somehow… at least to help build something like this.
Even if Macaluso Island remained forever out of reach, perhaps Soren would be willing to help craft a new Asgard in the sky.
With a thundering impact, Zilant touched down at the palace entrance.
Soren hopped down lightly, one arm around Freyja and the other around Jean, guiding them to the marble steps.
The two women flushed as he whispered.
"From today onward, this will be the palace of my two queens. How does it feel?"
Their cheeks reddened even further; both shot him a playful glare.
Freyja, seeing the island for the first time, found her heart melting despite herself.
The beauty of the surroundings was breathtaking… but the looming threat of Thanos quickly sobered her expression.
Now wasn't the time for daydreaming.
Soren turned to the gathered heroes. "Everyone, there is no one else living in this palace."
"Make yourselves at home. You can rest or prepare here, you'll be staying until the battle."
He motioned toward the sprawling structure.
"I'll be making arrangements to improve your combat strength. With Macaluso Island's resources, I can enhance each of you far beyond your current limits."
The idea sent a murmur of excitement through the group.
Soren continued, "You'll all receive special enhancements before the Black Order arrive. I need a bit of time, so settle in."
After giving a few final instructions to Freyja and Jean, Soren swept his arm across the herb fields.
With a wave of his hand, much of the matured medicinal stock vanished into storage. Then, without further delay, he headed for a hidden chamber beneath the palace.
The doors sealed behind him.
Inside lay his drug laboratory, now overflowing with rare herbs accumulated over months.
Before, he could never make enough potions because he lacked materials. Now, the herbs had grown so rapidly and so abundantly that Soren finally had what he needed.
Rows of alchemical instruments lit up.
Containers opened and aromatic vapors filled the chamber.
Soren cracked his knuckles. "With this much material."
"I can create potions fit for gods."
Outside, the others exchanged looks, none of them fully understood what Soren was planning, but they all knew one thing…
Soren's medical and alchemical mastery was legendary. If he said he could amplify their power, then something extraordinary was about to happen.
And they couldn't wait.