Solomon in Marvel

Solomon's birthday was traditionally a time for family gatherings, and over the years, the guest list had remained fairly constant. The guardian of the Hong Kong Sanctum, Aunt Wu Guiyue, and Hamir, along with his family, were regular attendees. These gatherings often coincided with Christmas celebrations for his Western friends, blending the two festivities seamlessly.

Aunt Wu Guiyue would bring her signature homemade soup, while Alice and her father would also join in. Though roast turkey was usually absent from the table, Wu Guiyue's husband—an ordinary Hong Kong police officer—had perfected a fusion recipe. He used a Chinese-style butter stuffing to ensure that the bird wasn't dry, making it a rare exception to the "no turkey" rule.

As with any major celebration, preparations had to start early. After finishing his classes for the day, Solomon greeted his foster mother, dressed in his tailored suit, and then returned to the Eternal City. There, he personally slaughtered turkeys raised by the druids and diligently plucked their feathers over a pot of boiling water.

His tasks didn't end there. He exchanged some currency at the bank and brought sheep through a portal to a group of XZ herdsmen, who were more than willing to help with the butchering. These herdsmen affectionately referred to him as "the long-haired little monk from the mountain temple" and treated him to their hospitality, offering butter tea and local hand-cut lamb.

With a warm smile, Solomon drank the tea without concern for his stomach's tolerance—though, in reality, this wasn't the true Solomon but rather one of his alchemically-crafted simulacra. The simulacrum had been created using snow from Kamar-Taj, swept from the Himalayan courtyard and transported to his laboratory. The real Solomon, however, was traveling with Stephanie Malik on a series of social and political engagements.

The class divide in America was notoriously rigid. Even those who had lost their official titles often found ways to continue influencing politics through elite organizations, both formal and informal, all while living comfortably off taxpayer money. These networks were abundant.

For example, Sir Arnold Abinson, the honorary chancellor of Oxford University, had multiple prestigious roles after retirement: a bank chairman, a high-ranking executive at IBM and BP, and chairman of the Royal Opera House Foundation. Many ambitious students hoping for careers in Whitehall sought the chance to dine with him, believing it could secure their path to power.

While the U.S. and U.K. had vastly different political ecosystems—especially regarding civil service—Stephanie took Solomon to similar high-profile events, acting as his guide.

"Forgive me, but you'll need to present yourself with more poise. Also, I'd suggest toning down your natural charm a bit," Stephanie said as she rummaged through Solomon's wardrobe, looking for suitable attire. It wasn't that Solomon's clothing was cheap; rather, it was too expensive.

This was a casual networking event. Showing up in a bespoke tuxedo or a full three-piece suit would make Solomon seem either overly formal or like a naïve rich kid trying too hard to impress. Even his double-breasted suits, impeccably tailored in the British style, stood out too much compared to the looser, sack-like American suits. Most of his wardrobe had been selected by the witches and Athena, which only added to the challenge.

Since Solomon was reluctant to repeatedly travel through portals, Stephanie took advantage of the witches' absence—while they were touring potential estates with Lara—to commandeer his wardrobe. After some frustration, she eventually found a well-fitted ensemble that was understated yet flattering. She even paid out of her own pocket for a Patek Philippe watch to balance the outfit, demonstrating her mastery of subtle wealth signaling.

Additionally, she insisted they visit a salon together. Although Solomon's long, wavy black hair suited his features, it gave him a roguish, devil-may-care appearance. Stephanie knew that professionalism and respect required a different image, so she hired a stylist to refine his look.

"You brought me on board to be your secretary, didn't you?" Stephanie said proudly. "That means I have a say in these matters, right?"

"Yes, ma'am," Solomon replied with a warm smile, pleased by her quick adaptation to her role. "I've come up with an idea," he continued, his voice adopting a refined British cadence. "For your first hunt, we'll target the creature your family once worshipped as a god. It's only fitting that you personally deliver the final blow to such a lie. Consider it my gift to you, Stephanie."

The implication wasn't lost on her. After weeks of training and exposure to the Eternal City's projects, Stephanie knew Solomon was offering her the transformation she had long desired—youth, beauty, and superhuman strength, like the women in powered armor who followed him.

"My father will soon understand exactly what kind of man you are," she said, reflecting on the many revelations she had uncovered. Though she hadn't directly interacted with the Wakandans, she had gleaned critical insights from reports and documents.

For instance, she was aware of the powerful AI within the Eternal City, a hacker capable of accessing surveillance networks and corporate secrets worldwide. Additionally, she had stumbled upon a highly classified lab protected by formidable magical defenses, where terrifying creatures lurked in the shadows.

One such encounter had nearly driven her to flee in terror. She had seen a rat wander into a dark corner, only to be devoured by an unseen predator. The chilling sound of gnashing teeth haunted her as she hastily retreated.

Stephanie's investigations also revealed unsettling details about Solomon himself. His academic record was flawless, as if he had been born with innate wisdom. He demonstrated unparalleled expertise in both sculpture and painting, possessing intimate knowledge of obscure artists and their works. His skill in replicating these masterpieces was almost supernatural, as though he had personally witnessed their creation.

And then there were the plans for the Mars Forge and the Superhuman Augmentation Project—hints of a future where Solomon's power would be unstoppable. Stephanie understood that the Malik family's role was to invest heavily in these ventures, whether through finances or personnel.

Though she hadn't yet informed her father of everything, she was confident he would see the wisdom in aligning with Solomon, just as he had once manipulated the sacrificial lottery to secure his own survival.

The Malik family would henceforth follow a true god and share in the power of immortality.

Stephanie rested a hand on Solomon's shoulder, admiring their reflection in the mirror. The tailored suit accentuated his elegance and charisma.

"Perfect," she said with a smile. "You're going to shine tonight."

"Who could say otherwise?" Solomon chuckled softly.

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