Reborn as the God-Emperor in Marvel

"Of course we did, Tony Stark is definitely Howard Stark's biological son. Even without a paternity test, just look at their identical playboy behavior when they were young—you can tell they're related," Nick Fury responded, eyeing Solomon with suspicion. "Why do you even ask?"

"Oh, nothing," Solomon shook his head, relieved at least to know that this world wasn't as chaotic as he feared. Another reason for his question was simply to mess with Nick Fury, making him doubt the accuracy of his information—Solomon had a long memory when it came to grudges.

"It's just part of my research. Don't even think about asking what it's about; this is the second time I've told you, and I won't answer."

Ignoring Fury's persistent questions, Solomon casually took out his phone and sent a text. In the message, he sincerely explained everything that had happened that day, leaving nothing out. It was his way of explaining to Bayonetta why he hadn't come home, partly to assure her he was safe, but also because, deep down, he knew that if he didn't, he might not even have the couch to sleep on.

Next, he sent another message, this one to Luca. Solomon informed him about the major operation planned in Oldbridge, New Mexico, the next day. He encouraged Luca to cover the story, promising to give him some inside information—after all, the public would learn about these events soon enough, especially by the time the battle in New York took place. Solomon didn't mind if Luca earned an exclusive scoop a bit early. Of course, Solomon also promised to reimburse all of Luca's travel expenses, except for things like strip clubs or medical-grade marijuana. The mage's main motive was to ensure the news of extraterrestrial life wouldn't be monopolized by America—he wanted the whole world to know that many greedy eyes from beyond Earth were watching.

Luca replied quickly, having already booked his flight and prepared to leave immediately. Satisfied, Solomon put his phone down and lazily slumped back in his seat.

Since the Viglid Island incident, Luca had lost most of his sources for magical news. With the collapse of the Isawell Group and the disbanding of the Viglid Order's core followers, Luca had little information to work with. Additionally, Solomon had once saved Luca's life through Phoenix's intervention, leaving the reporter indebted to him. Thus, Luca couldn't refuse this potentially dangerous assignment. Occasionally, Luca also investigated reports of dark magic creatures and passed the information to Solomon.

It was a "win-win" partnership, or rather, Solomon won twice.

Solomon then summoned Phoenix from Kamar-Taj. When the fiery bird appeared in the office with a burst of glowing embers, Fury nearly jumped out of his chair. But upon seeing the golden-red creature grasping a pen with one claw and scribbling on a sheet of paper, Fury rubbed his eyes in disbelief.

"If I'm not mistaken… it's writing poetry!" Fury exclaimed. "But it's just a bird!"

"Phoenix is the greatest poet in the world, even surpassing Shelley," Solomon waved a hand dismissively. "Only a few can hear Phoenix's voice without losing themselves, which makes him a bit sad. So, I suggested he write his poems down instead. At least the written word doesn't require the same level of sophistication to appreciate—just a bit of literary sense."

Solomon gave Fury a mocking glance. "Sorry, I forgot about your educational background. Clearly, literary sense is something that's far from you."

Fury remained silent, glaring at Solomon. He was now certain that this troublemaker was deliberately trying to annoy him. Whether it was Solomon's strange questions, his cryptic text messages, or even that damn bird—it was all designed to poke at Fury's curiosity and irritate him.

But Fury quickly regained his composure. His career had been filled with dangers far greater than this, and such petty games didn't faze him. "Tomorrow, you're staying with me on the Quinjet," he said, pointing to his eye. "I'll be representing the World Security Council, assessing the Asgardian threat. You'll need to brief me on everything you know about Asgard."

"I'll tell you what I can, but don't expect to pry out anything I shouldn't reveal," Solomon chuckled. "Your main concern should be whether your agents have released Thor yet. Jane Foster is a key figure."

"Besides being an astrophysicist, what makes her so important?" Fury asked. "Is it just because she and Thor are involved? Is that enough for you to pay attention to her?"

"Of course not," Solomon replied. "Jane Foster has potential—not because of her relationship with Thor or her academic achievements, but because of who she is."

Fury was puzzled, but no matter how much he pressed for answers, Solomon refused to elaborate. Fury's instincts told him this information was crucial. To sweeten the deal, he even offered a trade—allowing Solomon to examine Howard Stark's box, since Tony Stark no longer needed it.

"Jane Foster has the potential to lift Mjolnir," Solomon waved dismissively, seeing Fury's eyes widen in surprise. "But not yet—she isn't ready."

"When will she be ready?" Fury asked.

"When all hope is lost."

While being cryptic was fun, the consequences weren't as enjoyable. Unfortunately for Solomon, Fury seemed to think that if he didn't need sleep, neither did Solomon. But as it turned out, spellcasters are among the most disciplined sleepers in the world—keeping a regular sleep schedule ensures they're mentally prepared to cast spells. Solomon planned to sleep in his chair, and though he had loyal Phoenix standing guard, it wasn't enough to stop Fury from running his mouth.

Thanks to the rejuvenating potion he drank earlier, Solomon managed to drift into a peaceful, comfortable sleep. With Phoenix keeping watch, he felt secure. It wasn't until Fury's voice grew hoarse, and sweat beaded on his forehead from pacing the room in frustration, that the mage finally woke.

"If you didn't wake up soon, I was going to take drastic measures," Fury said. "It's time to move."

---

"F-22s ready, sir."

"Airbase standing by. Over."

"Copy that."

Nick Fury sat aboard the Quinjet, issuing commands to the military forces stationed in Oldbridge, New Mexico. The jet hovered above the desert, where the troops were deployed below. Agent Coulson had already taken Jane Foster and Thor's group to the command base for safety. To avoid any unpredictable outcomes involving Mjolnir, they had moved the base deeper into the desert, farther from the town.

SHIELD had successfully evacuated the residents of Oldbridge. The process had gone smoothly, except for a heated altercation with a dealer at the local medical marijuana shop. Otherwise, once people heard there was potential danger, they obediently followed SHIELD to safety.

After Solomon had limited certain types of attacks, Fury eliminated some of the more powerful weapons that might cause friendly fire or damage the base. He intended to use every weapon he could, and fortunately, New Mexico had three airbases ready to assist.

Due to the secret nature of Solomon's involvement, the only pilot for the Quinjet was Natasha Romanoff, who had previously met the mage. Apart from Fury, Solomon, and Romanoff, there was no one else aboard the jet. Fury, multitasking between managing the military and reporting to the World Security Council, handled the situation well despite the chaos.

"Sir," Agent Romanoff reported to Fury, "ground forces have detected an energy surge near the base."

"Report back with details. We need to know what we're dealing with."

"According to the ground forces, there are four individuals, all in armor and wielding melee weapons… hold on, according to Thor, those aren't enemies. They're his friends. Agent Coulson has already sent a vehicle to pick them up."

Fury glanced at Solomon, who didn't look the least bit surprised. "Where are the enemies? I don't want to have come here for nothing," Fury asked. "Or are these people just pawns of Loki?"

"They'll be here," Solomon said calmly. "The Allfather exiled Thor, and unless his order is rescinded, coming to aid Thor is considered treason. Whoever's here is a loyal friend of Thor's. Unfortunately for you, as the heir to Asgard, Thor has many, many friends."

"Who are they?" Fury transferred the ground footage to his computer and showed it to Solomon. "I'm sure you know."

"The big one is Volstagg, an excellent warrior, even if he's gotten a bit plump. The one with black hair is Hogun—I don't know much about his past. The man with short blonde curls is Fandral, a swordsman. And the woman… she's Sif, the one Queen Frigga has chosen to be Thor's wife and future queen."

Hearing this, Agent Romanoff rolled her eyes discreetly. She was well aware of Thor's relationship with Jane Foster, as the SHIELD agents on the ground had already reported the two were close. These elite agents couldn't hide the relationship from anyone.

Men.

"And the enemies?" Fury asked.

Solomon pointed outside the cabin. "Wait a moment. They're coming."

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