Chapter 367: Solomon’s Small Classroom

Professor Elliot Randolph nearly jumped out of his chair. He was certain Solomon had seen through his true identity. As a former Berserker warrior, Randolph had never had any direct contact with the likes of the Asgardian royal family, let alone the halls of the Golden Realm. Those were circles far beyond the reach of someone like him, a mere commoner.

Coulson and his team were equally stunned. Coulson, in particular, was shocked that Solomon, who usually went to great lengths to protect his privacy, would so openly disclose such a connection. But he quickly pieced together why: Solomon wouldn't reveal this unless he believed there was no need to hide his ties to Asgard here.

Coulson glanced briefly at Lara Croft and Professor Randolph. Which one of them had given Solomon the confidence to share such a secret? If Lara was Solomon's guest, she likely already knew something. As for Randolph, though he was an expert on Norse mythology, that alone wouldn't justify Solomon's openness.

Quietly, Coulson noted this anomaly for later investigation.

If not for Solomon urging Randolph to continue his explanation, the professor might have remained frozen. Even as he resumed speaking about the Berserker Army, his gaze frequently darted toward Solomon, as if he were a student afraid of making a mistake in front of a particularly stern teacher.

Lara Croft, meanwhile, was perplexed. She had known Randolph as one of her father's closest friends, a man who had once drained her father's wine cabinet without batting an eye. Yet here he was, visibly flustered—a side of him she had never seen.

Her confusion was mirrored by Coulson's science team, who whispered amongst themselves as they tried to piece together what was happening. Though their conclusions were off the mark, they weren't entirely incorrect.

"A single Berserker could wield the strength of twenty men," Randolph explained, regaining some of his composure.

"So, the wielder of the staff gains superhuman strength?" Coulson asked. He handed the 3D model of the staff to Solomon, hoping the sorcerer could identify a way to neutralize its effects.

"Yes, but the wielder is consumed by uncontrollable rage. The Berserker Staff possesses incredibly potent magic."

"Or perhaps some advanced scientific properties we've yet to uncover," Simmons interjected optimistically.

Her comment drew a derisive look from Solomon. While he appreciated the pursuit of scientific understanding, blind faith in science as an explanation for everything was, to him, the height of folly. Magic and science were parallel lines—neither inherently superior, but trying to explain one entirely through the lens of the other was an exercise in futility.

Coulson gestured for Solomon to elaborate.

"Anger alone cannot account for the physiological changes observed in the wielder," Solomon began. "Humans are fragile creatures. Without the magical enhancements provided by the Berserker Staff, the sudden surge of adrenaline would quickly lead to adverse effects—heart palpitations, headaches, pallor, tremors. They'd be dead before you could even call an ambulance."

As Solomon spoke, his fingers traced over the runes on the staff model. Several marked symbols on the plastic replica began to glow faintly.

"Take a look," Solomon said. "This rune, Uruz, represents energy—excessive violence, and even lust. It's the core rune of the Berserker Staff. Next, Eihwaz, symbolizing the yew tree, denotes death or rebirth. The yew is evergreen, signifying continuity and resilience. This rune grants the wielder enhanced physical durability, preventing them from succumbing to an adrenaline overdose. Finally, Gebo represents the exchange of gifts. However, the accompanying text clarifies that the wielder's 'gift' comes with an obligation: to fight and die for Asgard."

"So how do we counter it?" Coulson asked.

"By invoking Isaz, the rune of stillness and calm. It can neutralize the rage state induced by the staff."

Randolph, who had been silently observing Solomon's explanation, finally spoke up. "You're remarkably well-versed in runes, Mr. Damonet. It seems you truly were educated by Queen Frigga. Perhaps you can share more about Asgard's current state."

"I was educated by Queen Frigga, yes," Solomon replied calmly. "But that was before the Dark Elves killed her."

Randolph's face turned ashen at the revelation. The mere mention of Frigga's death seemed to hit him like a physical blow.

"That's impossible!" he blurted. "Wasn't Odin in the palace?"

"No one expected the Dark Elves to launch a sudden attack," Solomon said, returning the staff model to Fitz. "But we avenged her. Malekith, their leader, is dead. Every Dark Elf was killed, and their heads were returned to Asgard."

Randolph stared at Solomon, his eyes wide with disbelief. He staggered toward the fireplace, retrieved a bottle of whiskey, and began pouring drinks for everyone.

"To Frigga the Merciful," he said solemnly, his voice heavy with emotion. He took a deep swig straight from the bottle, not waiting to see if anyone else joined his toast.

"To Frigga the Merciful," Solomon echoed, raising his glass before taking a sip.

As the professor descended into a drunken recounting of Berserker legends, he revealed the locations of the staff fragments, hidden across the Earth. One had already been found in the forests of Norway.

"Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Damonet, Professor Randolph," Coulson said, draining his glass. Even Fitz and Simmons, who usually abstained, followed suit, grimacing as they swallowed. "If you don't mind, Solomon, I'd like to speak with you privately."

"What's Randolph's real identity?" Coulson asked as he and Solomon walked down a narrow street in Spain. The science team had fallen behind, leaving the two men alone to talk.

"There's no need for excuses. Your timing in Spain was too perfect—it feels like you wanted me to know," Coulson pressed.

"Actually, this falls under Kamar-Taj's jurisdiction," Solomon replied. "Have you seen The Man from Earth? That film was inspired by him. As long as he doesn't cause trouble, he's allowed to stay on Earth. All he needs to do is sort out some paperwork."

"So the Berserker in those legends is him?" Coulson deduced quickly. "Elliot Randolph has been on Earth since the 12th century?"

"Exactly," Solomon confirmed with a nod. "But don't even think about using Asgardian genes to create super-soldiers. Randolph's identity must remain hidden."

"Understood," Coulson said, nodding solemnly.

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