Chapter 372: The Burden of Responsibility

After Solomon delivered his impassioned tirade about his distrust of the Skrulls, his demeanor shifted so rapidly that even Coulson, a seasoned agent, was taken aback. However, Solomon himself didn't see the need to dwell on negative emotions, being highly skilled in emotional regulation techniques taught at Kamar-Taj.

"I want to make a deal with Nick Fury," Solomon said, his voice eerily calm. Coulson instinctively focused his attention. "This will be a secret arrangement." Solomon squinted against the sunlight, making it impossible to read his eyes. "I understand Fury's reasons for involving the Skrulls in certain covert operations. He has secrets to protect, and even if he brings in Skrulls, I might not immediately detect them. Frankly, I don't consider them worth the cost of using expensive divination spells. But that doesn't mean I won't kill any Skrull I see unless it has a demonstrable future benefit."

"What are you getting at?" Coulson asked, clearly puzzled.

"I need death row inmates," Solomon stated flatly, sending a chill down Coulson's spine despite the sweltering Spanish heat. "Lifers, or those set to fry in the electric chair. In my hands, those dregs of society will contribute more to humanity than they ever did while alive. I'm certain Fury has a stash of such people in secret custody. It's easier to get them from him than to raid Guantanamo myself."

"What are you planning?" Coulson regretted asking the moment the words left his mouth. He didn't expect Solomon to answer truthfully—the sorcerer was the epitome of mystique, revealing only what he wanted.

To Coulson's surprise, Solomon didn't evade the question.

"Human experimentation," he said bluntly, a phrase loaded with moral and ethical weight. His expression, however, seemed more like someone seeking understanding than justification. "Think of it as the sort of experiments the U.S. military used to conduct, only more advanced. Not something as primitive as Super Soldier Serum—this is genetic modification. But I don't see the results as human."

Solomon sighed deeply.

"I know what you're worried about, Coulson, and I know exactly what I'm doing." The sorcerer's tone was subdued. "I intend to create warriors with superhuman capabilities. Their enemies won't be humans, governments, or secret organizations, but dark magical entities and extradimensional creatures. Just as I've learned to control my power and gifts, they'll learn to control theirs.

"They'll be brainwashed, filled with hatred for extradimensional beings, and loyal to me. If all goes well, the first batch will fight against infernal entities. Most will likely perish, providing invaluable data for refining the process. And if they survive…" Solomon's gaze darkened. "I'll personally eliminate them."

"Do you have intelligence about impending threats?" Coulson asked, struggling to process the influx of information. He tried to remain composed but couldn't help widening his eyes, as though meeting Solomon for the first time. This didn't seem like the same man he thought he knew.

"I mean, something like a war between Heaven and Hell, or the entities we encountered in Salem. You know, we must ensure civilian safety." Coulson didn't doubt Solomon's capabilities—he had witnessed the sorcerer achieve the impossible.

While he avoided commenting directly on Solomon's unsettling plan, Coulson made a mental note to report everything to Fury. This interaction would be crucial for understanding Solomon's psyche.

Ensuring Solomon didn't spiral out of control was paramount. One unstable Bruce Banner was challenging enough—if Solomon lost it, Coulson reckoned only Thor might be able to stop him.

"No, this is a personal mission," Solomon replied, his tone firm. "A live combat test. Since it's personal, I can't seek my master's assistance. The Ancient One has entrusted me with the Holy Sword and Holy Spear; if she intervenes further, it would become an official matter."

Dealing with rebellious entities was a sovereign's duty. This was his responsibility. Without an order from Vishanti, the Ancient One couldn't step in, even for her disciple. Solomon wouldn't overstep his bounds by asking.

He didn't share these thoughts aloud, deeming them irrelevant for Coulson to know.

With a faint smile, Solomon added, "I'm going to kill the First Demon Pillar vying for Satan's throne. While I'm not sure if it's even possible to kill it, it definitely wants me dead, so I must strike first. Enough talk, Coulson. Relay my message to Fury. Discussing this face-to-face would probably lead to another argument."

Fury will regret not being here, Coulson thought. He'd have dragged you straight to a shrink without hesitation. Hell, I wish I could take you to one right now. What you're planning will haunt you every night.

I know the feeling. I'm an agent—I've done things that stain the soul. Coulson opened his mouth to speak but stopped. He didn't feel qualified to decide for Solomon but firmly believed the sorcerer needed psychological support to avoid breaking under the weight of his actions.

There was someone Solomon might actually listen to.

Of course, if Solomon knew what Coulson was thinking, he'd likely burst into laughter. Yes, the burden weighed on him, but he had prepared for this since he was thirteen. His hands were bloodied by necessity. Solomon Messiah Damonet Pendragon wasn't some teenager flaunting newfound powers—he had accepted the responsibilities and sacrifices his power demanded.

Coulson changed the subject, steering the conversation toward lighter topics.

"By the way," Coulson said, clapping his hands. "Would you be interested in hanging out with Fitz and Simmons? The rune stone you left from last time has been driving them nuts—they're practically pulling their hair out trying to figure out how it works.

"They could use a break, and you might enjoy their company. We've got chips, board games, and a console loaded with Call of Duty—Fitz's favorite. Also, Skye's a huge fan of your armor." (Coulson had no idea if Skye actually liked it, but now she had to.) "You'd definitely find something to make your day there."

Solomon frowned, suspicion flashing in his eyes.

"Wait... how do you know I'm a Call of Duty player?"

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