Nearly every TV station in the United States was reporting on the rain of fire that had allegedly sparked new wildfires in Southern California. But this was just the official story. The military investigation teams that had secretly entered the wildfire zones had already collected enough evidence to confirm it was an attack. Since the mission's objective was to completely erase any trace of the Skrulls left on Earth, the Eternal City had deployed numerous devastating weapons. However, the scorched remnants of siege cannons and transport ships left behind hadn't been fully consumed by the fire. Combined with seismic wave monitoring, radiation index detection, and the fact that a nearby airbase was assaulted prior to the fire, the secret investigation teams had already determined that the incident was not an alien attack.
Although it was still unclear which faction was behind the assault or what its true purpose was, the military now had the perfect excuse to request more funding from Congress. The military-industrial complex was eagerly preparing to cash in on the opportunity. Who the enemy was didn't really matter—aside from a few true patriots within intelligence agencies like the FBI, not many people actually cared. Congressional representatives could point fingers at nations not cooperating with their financial backers; the military could use it as a pretext to expand overseas deployments; weapons manufacturers could use "foreign aid" channels to offload overpriced, unsold inventory; and even the president could find a convenient target to attack to win more votes.
Solomon had foreseen all of this. That was when his contingency plan came into play.
An AI deeply embedded in the U.S. information network fabricated a virtual persona to deliver a speech across social media. It showcased classified documents allegedly found at the airbase—documents actually seized years ago from the Clinton family's private military—and successfully redirected public attention toward supposed military experiments and the fabricated nature of a fictional terrorist organization, as well as the accompanying conspiracy theories involving politicians. Solomon never intended to make the entire world believe this narrative or create any kind of global consensus. Though American oligarchs and politicians would continue profiting off the attack, the politically correct content featured in the video would provide enough fodder for American political infighting for years to come.
"The Eternal City dabbles in the technology of every civilization in the cosmos—researching, learning, then reproducing it. For example, the gravitational technology of the Dark Elves from the London incident, the Kree's biochemical enhancements, and so on. The Battle of New York already exposed the vast gap between us and alien forces. If I want to achieve my vision, this is the only way. Technological power and large-scale industrialization must become humanity's solid foundation, rapidly closing the tech gap with extraterrestrial civilizations."
"I thought you were going to promote magic," Victor Von Doom said with curiosity as he strolled alongside Solomon through the research department of the Eternal City. He was now wearing his custom-built power armor and a deep green hooded cloak. Compared to him, Solomon appeared remarkably understated—so much so that most people would easily overlook the fact that Solomon was a full head taller than Von Doom's 188 centimeters. The two of them casually wandered the building, encountering no one. Still, Victor could smell the stench of blood. The sensor systems in his power armor fed the analysis results to his HUD, and his second sight clearly revealed that killings had recently occurred here.
It was easy for him to connect this slaughter to the battle in Southern California—the timing was nearly identical.
"Magic, even extradimensional phenomena, are merely disciplines humanity has yet to study scientifically. My soldiers fought in the Battle of Fimbulwinter. I told them those creatures were just beings from another dimension—something science could explain."
Solomon shrugged. "Many accepted this explanation. Quite a few of them awakened psychic abilities after the battle and have since received specialized training and supervision, allowing them to use their talents in stable service to the Eternal City. I taught them how to protect their minds and avoid delving too deeply into other dimensions. That's all they need to know, because their minds can only handle that much."
"You didn't lie—but you didn't tell the whole truth, either."
"I had to. Some things simply fall outside the bounds of human comprehension. One day, humanity will understand other dimensions—but only after I've completed my goal. Until then, ignorance is the strongest shield, keeping them from going insane or falling into corruption."
"Since the day I killed my rival, this is the first time I've felt pleasure again," Victor Von Doom nodded. "You're clever—cleverer than I expected. I saw the vampire statue you brought back, but back then I assumed you were just a well-armed bookworm. I doubt the Sorcerer Supreme taught you all this?"
"No. These are my own ideas," Solomon replied. "Maybe one day people will condemn my lies—but by then, it won't matter. By then, everyone will be omniscient and omnipotent, and a small lie like mine will be meaningless. And besides, do you really think I care? I've long since committed myself to this path, no matter what stands in my way. I invited you because you possess both wisdom and rationality."
"To be precise—cold-bloodedness. You need my help, but you're not telling me everything."
"Some things can't be discussed here, Victor. Not in your cabin, not even here. Discussing my ultimate plan in detail is extremely dangerous. Words have power—speak the wrong thing, and you stir up storms in the sea of the soul." Solomon raised his head, his eyes sweeping across the pain and wailing still lingering in the corridors bathed in deep red emergency lighting. With his psychic powers, he had already swept through the area, crushing every emotion that might attract predators from another dimension into pure energy, dispersing it into the ever-churning Aether currents.
"Before we talk about those secrets, how about we use the Eternal City's forges to upgrade your power armor? Back when you were at SUNY, you didn't have access to good materials. I know your armor integrates mystical tech, but the Eternal City has an entire department dedicated to such research—one that's stronger than you can imagine. I'm not fighting alone. I see no problem borrowing others' brilliance when needed. I'm not so arrogant as to be blind."
"I take it you're mocking me, Solomon," Victor Von Doom said, crossing his arms like a gray steel statue. He added sourly, "You must have something more important to do—so important that you're only leading me through this base via a projection?"
"I'm not like you, Victor. I have a girlfriend."
"Do you go out of your way to piss people off?"
"Good to see your toes have regained their ability to think, Victor Von Doom," Solomon said. "And anyway, aren't we both using astral projection? What's there to complain about? If you'll excuse me, I've got to go—my maid has been preparing tonight's dinner for days. I can't possibly be late."
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