Chapter 406: The Asgardian Fugitive

Ultimately, this idea was inspired by Laura Croft. As Solomon wrestled with how to reflect the innate talents of genetically modified warriors through epigenetics, this notion stormed through his mind. Indeed, what could possess greater talent than the heroes of history? While their accomplishments might have been shaped by their era, having no talent at all would have made such feats impossible.

Among these legendary figures, the Knights of the Round Table became Solomon's primary target, particularly the most loyal knights. If he could locate their remains, Solomon could use dark magic to regenerate flesh from bone and extract the DNA of these legendary knights. The warriors infused with their genetic material would bear the knights' surnames—a promise Solomon made to the Ancient One. It was this pledge to continue the legacy of the Knights of the Round Table that led the Ancient One to reveal their burial sites to him.

This was no easy task. The Ancient One had constructed undisturbed tombs for all the fallen Knights of the Round Table, and reopening these graves would require considerable effort. Yet it was worthwhile. Through the Kamar-Taj library and Athena's memories, Solomon successfully identified the resting places of numerous historical heroes and sages—luminaries in the vast river of human history who would once again illuminate the world.

"I thought you were here to help me, Wong," Solomon said irritably, brushing the dirt from his hands. For all his grand aspirations, grave digging was a dirty, backbreaking job. A shovel was his most-used tool, alongside the hammer and chisel he handed to the junior sorcerer Wong. But instead of working, Wong set the tools aside and issued a command to Solomon.

"There's work for you, Solomon." Wong's usually jovial, round face was now unusually stern. "Master Daniel needs your help, and he wants you to bring your android maid along."

"Can't the stewards at the New York Sanctum handle it?"

"They tried, but not many returned—and those who did were all women." Wong smacked his lips. "From their descriptions, the target's voice has a bewitching effect on men. They were unprepared, or their mental defenses were breached, leading to their downfall. This matches the details in Asgard's fugitive notice. Master Daniel is busy beyond measure and still has to prepare for the Ancient One's inevitable reprimands. That old dog..."

"Alright." Solomon climbed out of the pit, dusted himself off, and casually wiped his hands on Wong. "Where are we headed?"

In the S.H.I.E.L.D. aerial bus conference room, Melinda May gathered the Coulson team to share the latest intel. The information had been issued directly by S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters. "High-energy readings have been detected in the airspace near the California-Nevada border," May announced.

"Where's Agent Coulson?" Agent Grant Ward asked. Since the last mission, where their team's hacker, Skye, was severely injured, Coulson's movements had become increasingly secretive. Ward's instincts as an agent told him it was related to the secret base Coulson had visited not long ago. Coulson had kept the intel to himself, and that base was now buried under a collapsed mountain, its secrets lost forever.

"He's handling personal matters," May replied curtly, unwilling to elaborate.

"These readings match the ones detected by Dr. Selvig and Dr. Foster in New Mexico and London," said Simmons, the team's science expert. She had quickly identified the signature patterns and drawn her conclusion. "This means an Asgardian is coming."

"Thor?" Fitz's jaw dropped in astonishment, making him look like a fish gasping for air.

"Not sure. Either way, S.H.I.E.L.D. wants us to meet them," May said.

"Well, no need to worry, right? The Asgardians are our allies," Fitz said, his excitement evident.

"Loki wasn't," Ward countered, dousing Fitz's enthusiasm. Tempering impulsive emotions was a necessary skill for an agent.

"Wait, do you think… could he also show up?" Simmons suddenly exclaimed. "No, he definitely will!"

"You mean… oh no…" Fitz groaned as the realization dawned. "I don't like him. His presence disrupts everything we know about science."

"He's an arrogant jerk," Simmons added solemnly.

Solomon gazed with delight at his android maid, now clad in armor. The force-feedback armor lacked advanced electronic muscle bundles or hydraulic motors, so its enhancement to strength and speed wasn't overwhelming. Still, it was enough for her to wield the Wakandans' latest explosive rifle. Resembling a cannon, this large-caliber weapon, equipped with high-explosive rounds, could destroy an armored personnel carrier with just a few shots.

Once his android army was fully created, each unit would wear such armor, forming his first military force. During the fitting process, Solomon had stripped the android of all clothing, dressing her in a seamless, high-tech undergarment devoid of any decorative features. Yet, the android maid showed no embarrassment.

She was merely dissatisfied—because Solomon had pulled her out of the kitchen.

"Master, what kind of enemy could be more important than dinner?" she asked.

"Apparently, an Asgardian woman." Solomon walked alongside his android maid through the wilderness near Death Valley National Park in southwestern Nevada. The planetary defense system had pinpointed a dimensional portal in the area, suggesting the Asgardian fugitive had arrived on Earth through this natural gateway.

In addition to its scorching sunlight, California had its fair share of biker gangs scattered across its small towns. Despite its population of only 4.2 million, the state boasted over 20 million registered firearms. Stories circulated about out-of-state robbers firing at crowds, only to be shot down by armed citizens.

With this in mind, Solomon donned his sanctified robe made from relic cloth. While not bulletproof, it provided protection once the sacred sigils were activated.

"An Asgardian?" The android weighed the Wakandan-forged alloy longsword in her hand and the heavy explosive rifle at her hip, evaluating her armament based on the information provided.

"Yes," Solomon replied, handing her the fugitive notice. "Lorelei, also known as the Enchantress of Calamity. She's an extraordinarily beautiful woman. Asgard informed us of her crimes—she once used her enchantment magic to incite a rebellion."

"Master, why did you bring me?" the android asked.

"Because her powers don't work on women, my dear Dana," Solomon said. "And you'll eventually lead the androids. Gaining experience fighting Asgardians is a necessary step. Don't worry—I'll cast protective spells, and I doubt anyone can breach the wards placed on me by the Ancient One."

They searched for the Asgardian fugitive along Highway 160, visiting nearby towns and bars. Solomon would have preferred to ride a motorcycle, but the combined weight of the android's armor and his own gear exceeded most motorcycles' load capacity. The energy pack and cooling unit on the armor's back were especially heavy, forcing them to travel on foot.

Fortunately, they had access to portals; otherwise, the desert heat would have been unbearable.

Suddenly, Solomon sensed something. He looked up at the sky, and moments later, a multi-colored beam of light descended from above.

"Let's head that way," Solomon said. "It looks like Asgard has sent their own pursuers. We'll make sure that Asgardian gets their paperwork in order."

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