Chapter 404: Bitter Fruits

The scent of machine oil and the dust stirred up from dismantling construction debris filled his nostrils. What was once a lavish mosaic tiled mural and thick walls now crumbled easily under the deafening roar of industrial drills. Thanks to highly integrated technology, the post-war ruins were quickly ground into powder by heavy machinery, mixed with adhesives, and compressed into multicolored bricks.

These materials were used to construct other buildings within the Eternal City.

This shattered ruin, buried a quarter of a mile underground, was nearly as large as all of Rome but had remained undiscovered. T'Challa wasn't concerned about this city being unearthed. What occupied his mind wasn't the present. This place had once belonged to a human organization that styled themselves as gods. No matter how arrogant they were, they had indeed protected the world. In doing so, they uncovered countless issues. The classified files Solomon shared with him struck his heart like a relentless hammer, forging and reforging his thoughts. The ultimate question gnawed at him, filling his being like a disease.

T'Challa exhaled again, as if expelling the rot and corruption from his body.

What is humanity's ultimate destiny?

Through greater science, silent mathematics, wordless truths, hidden art, and secret alchemy, these individuals believed that every question had an answer, every equation a solution. They were convinced their intellect could foresee the endpoint of humanity. Everything they did was for one purpose. Among them were many whose names were etched into history as great figures who advanced and protected humanity. They called themselves the Brotherhood of the Holy Shield.

When T'Challa thought these people had already found their answers, Solomon interrupted him.

"No. There is no conclusion, T'Challa."

Solomon's expression was icy, as though stating an irrefutable truth. He led T'Challa to an ornately decorated door. Beyond it lay a long staircase leading to an observatory atop the Eternal City. The stars outside cast their light into the room, and intricate, interwoven lines depicted constellations and the trajectories of celestial bodies.

It's only when gazing at the stars that humanity realizes its insignificance. But as T'Challa observed Solomon standing under the starlight, his posture proud and unyielding, he seemed as vast and grand as the cosmos themselves. "We will not let gods rule humanity. Humanity belongs to itself. Everything I do is for this purpose." His voice, amplified by the circular walls of the observatory, thundered like a tidal wave. "Humanity is the destiny of this universe. We will eventually conquer this galaxy. All alien races and gods will submit to us—or be crushed. This is humanity's fate, and it is also Kamar-Taj's mission. Humanity has no ending, T'Challa. I will not allow it."

T'Challa couldn't understand where Solomon's conviction came from. Did he inherit this ideology from the organization? Was it his responsibility as a member of that magical order? Or was it a reflection born of countless cycles of contemplation? Regardless, Solomon's voice heralded the arrival of a new era—one in which Wakanda would play a role.

For humanity. Nothing more, nothing less.

T'Challa stood by the window, watching the machinery methodically clear the ruins under the dim light. He struggled to accept Solomon's vision. To him, Solomon's ideas were too extreme. He knew the sacrifices required to achieve that goal. Yet Solomon had told him that nothing was off the table—not even himself. Solomon made it clear to T'Challa that he could indulge his own weaknesses and walk away once their contract was fulfilled, but he could never obstruct Solomon's preparations for this mission.

Otherwise, Wakanda would become his enemy.

"You can continue living with the brainwashed ideals of the white man, T'Challa. You can cling to the Western notion of 'nonviolent resistance.'" Solomon's tone was as cutting as ever. "The current human system is useless against the alien invasions already underway and those yet to come. Do you know why Asgard is friendly to humanity? Because my mentor forced them to be. Humanity's future cannot rely on small groups like the Avengers."

"There is no peace in this universe. Angels and demons alike covet this world. You can stand still, waiting for the alien blade to descend upon your neck, but you have no right to denounce my actions as tyranny or cruelty just because I sacrifice a few to save the many."

"You might think I don't care about life, but let me tell you—I care deeply. Yet in some circumstances, lives are just numbers. I am one of those numbers too, but I won't hesitate to make the right choice—the choice for the majority." Solomon's voice dripped with sarcasm. "The experiments to come will be brutal and bloody. I hope you relay this to your sister. As a researcher on this project, her hands will inevitably be stained with blood. But I want her to understand why. If she can't accept it, she can work on something else."

T'Challa hadn't yet figured out how to explain this reality to his sister, Shuri. He knew how innocent she was, how she had never dealt with the cruelty of human or animal experimentation. The sight of suffering would render her powerless. He wanted to protect her by keeping her confined to theoretical work. He believed their father would have supported this decision.

"The consequences of misusing the Time Stone are severe. You yourself will also suffer its effects," the Ancient One said, gazing at Solomon, who had lowered his head at the table. "I cannot approve of what you intend to do—especially your plan to use the Time Stone to influence an entire planet. That would impose an immense burden on the celestial system. Are you ready to bear this responsibility?"

"Yes, Master." Solomon bowed deeply. His attire was uncharacteristically unkempt, his normally sharp suit and crisp white shirt still reflecting the vigor of a young scholar. Yet the words he spoke carried an unfathomable weight, as though centuries of burdens were pressing down on his shoulders. "I need an army," he said. "S.H.I.E.L.D. has abundant resources. I must build an army to seize weapons and technology. These will play a critical role in the battles to come."

"You're impatient, Solomon."

Solomon remained unmoved by the Ancient One's rebuke.

"I can't imagine how you endure such pressure, Master. But once your plan is complete, I must do everything in my power to maintain the current state of affairs," he said. "You've seen the challenges ahead through the Eye of Agamotto. You must admit that my methods have their merits."

"This is the perfect countermeasure against Thanos, child." The Ancient One leaned forward, placing her hand gently atop Solomon's head. "I once told you that you are not a tool created to fulfill a mission. You are a living, breathing person. I've made mistakes in the past, treating you like an instrument in my teachings, and I regret that. I wanted you to live for yourself."

"But now it seems the bitter fruit of my actions has ripened. The more you bear, the graver my mistakes become. The more exceptional you are, the more guilt I feel. Child, you still have a choice."

"There is no choice, Master. Earth cannot afford to lose half its population. If I were to wake up to this truth later, it would be too late," Solomon replied. "I will not wait for gods to pass judgment on humanity. Not Vishanti, not Eternity."

"You exceed all my expectations, child. From this day forward, Messiah can truly be your middle name." The Ancient One sighed, her hand lightly stroking Solomon's sleek black hair. "One last question: Are you mentally prepared to bear all of this? Many forces will try to stop you. Are you certain you can stay true to your vision?"

"Yes, Master. Now and always."

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