Of course, he had only been joking earlier—he had no intention of changing anything at Kamar-Taj. Right now, his focus was elsewhere. He had to coordinate the Sisterhood and the biological laboratory to handle the corpse of Chthon's spawn, while also repairing the Permanently Nested Multi-Layer Anti-Summoning Formation that Merlin had so graciously destroyed.
If it hadn't been for Merlin unraveling his spell, no summoned creature could have possibly appeared in his office.
Damn Merlin! Solomon cursed inwardly.
He had to cover the costs of the materials needed to set up the formation and maintain his spells. That half-nightmare hybrid had left Un'Goro Dimension with nothing but a tweed coat and a plaid scarf.
Solomon was certain the Ancient One would make Merlin pay him back—though he knew the Ancient One was keeping secrets from him, he didn't mind. Some knowledge was simply too dangerous, and even knowing a name could lead to corruption. In fact, within Kamar-Taj, very few people knew the true names of the Dark Dimension's ruler or the Great Shadow. Instead, they referred to such dangerous magical entities using code names.
Just conducting a preliminary dissection of Chthon's spawn with Maya Hansen had taken two full days.
First, they measured the creature's blood oxygen levels, organ weights, and the proliferation of its mutated tissues—standard examination procedures. Once they had extracted the necessary data, the body was submerged in a 10% formaldehyde solution for long-term preservation and further dissection.
Then there was Marcus Daniel, the unlucky soul. His connection to the Shadow Plane made it difficult for the physical matter of the Material Plane to harm him. However, once the shadow creature possessing him had left, he reverted to a normal human—one who needed food to survive.
But Solomon provided him with nothing but water and sedatives.
That was at Maya Hansen's request, and Solomon was happy to oblige.
"You look different," Solomon remarked, pointing at the dark circles under Maya's eyes.
She was scanning the lab with an expression of exhaustion mixed with insatiable curiosity, much like a child too fascinated by a new toy to go to bed.
The two specimens Solomon had brought in had been a welcome distraction from the monotonous work of gene sequencing and genetic alchemy. To her, Daniel and the spawn's corpse were playthings—a much-needed break from months of repetitive experimentation.
"I've been busy, Solomon."
Maya shook her shoulder-length bob, then picked up a custom-made chainsword, designed specifically for cutting through certain creatures' hardened exoskeletons.
"Your experiment is important, but it's also tedious," she admitted.
"I've been running this gene-alchemy experiment for months, working 16 hours a day. You've seen the results—we're still missing something crucial."
"I'll take care of it, darling," Solomon reassured her.
Maya smiled.
She loved the research environment here. Not only did she have lab assistants, but she also had access to any equipment and materials necessary for her experiments—she only had to ask, and Solomon would make it happen.
Unlike government-led super-soldier projects, Solomon's approach was entirely different.
No mechanical implants, no drugs, no gamma radiation.
Instead, he had devised a comprehensive genetic and physiological transformation program.
From body structure to organ implantation, muscle growth to skeletal regeneration—every aspect had to be redesigned from the ground up.
Maya and her team were working on the prototype designs for several specialized organs. Thanks to alchemy, they had already made significant progress.
At this point, everyone in the biological laboratory was focused on this project—including the druids, who helped oversee and stabilize the genetic alchemy while keeping certain unseemly magical secrets hidden.
Unfortunately, not all members of the Solas Redgrove Druidic Order were willing to submit to Solomon's rule. Some stubborn ones had glimpsed the abyss of chaos and lost their minds.
Solomon had not intervened.
The Grand Priestess of the order had made that decision herself.
—
Amidst all this, Solomon had also taken the time to purchase a private jet—but not for himself.
The Crawford family had wealth, but most of it was tied up in real estate and stocks, making liquid funds scarce. Even when dividends came through, Laura had to spend a fortune on the restoration of the manor.
As a result, she was forced to live in an old apartment in London—where the damp, cold weather and the barely functioning heating system had made Solomon deeply sympathetic to her situation.
His private jet was meant for Laura's expeditions.
Of course, considering Laura's pride, he couldn't just gift it to her outright.
Driving her to London Heathrow Airport, he led her to the sleek Gulfstream G550.
"This is for you to borrow for your expeditions. I've already arranged for a crew."
He playfully winked.
"Try not to break it. I'd rather not have this plane get shot down in Syria—things aren't exactly peaceful there right now."
Laura was momentarily overwhelmed.
"I don't even know how to thank you, Solomon," she admitted, at a loss for words.
"I had no idea you'd prepared such a huge surprise for me."
"That's not all, Laura."
Solomon's voice took on a more serious tone.
"This plane is stocked with weapons. I know how dangerous your destinations can be, so I won't be stupid enough to tell you not to kill if necessary."
"Whatever weapons you might need, they're onboard. There's plenty of ammunition, a fully equipped medical bay, and alchemical potions."
"I even printed a manual and left it in the med cabinet—make sure you read it."
Laura laughed.
Few people knew the full truth about what had happened in the Dragon's Triangle.
No one knew just how many people had survived on that island.
That massacre had transformed her—from a helpless university student into a hardened explorer.
It was this unyielding spirit that Solomon admired most about her.
Unlike others, Laura never dwelled in the shadows of past killings—she firmly believed her actions had been necessary, and she had no regrets.
"Don't think too much about it," Solomon said.
"I have a strong interest in the mysteries hidden in history. You see, magic and history are inseparable—like conjoined twins."
"I don't have the time to explore these undiscovered ruins myself. That's why I hope you can do it for me."
"You don't owe me anything, Laura. You're helping me."
Laura smiled, her dark ponytail swaying.
"You're the first magician I've ever met—and the most generous one."
At first, she had been wary of Solomon's interest in the Immortal Prophet.
But after he had revealed the secrets of magical immortality and the Philosopher's Stone, she had realized just how little she knew about magic.
She had seen the Asgardians who had taken refuge on Earth—though that professor had since vanished.
By now, Laura was convinced—there was nothing in the world more mysterious than magic.
Her father, Richard Crawford, had once stood at the doorstep of the unknown.
But now, she could walk through that door herself.
The secrets of this world were opening before her, and the thought thrilled her.
"Are you sure you won't come with me to Syria?" she asked.
"From what I hear, Trinity's term is almost over."
"Oh, darling," Solomon chuckled.
"You have no idea how busy I am."
"I practically live in the Bodleian Library. Your research on the Crusades just so happens to be my main area of study right now."
"Once I finish my thesis, I'll come visit. Hopefully, you'll take me to explore some ruins by then."
"Deal?"
"Deal," Laura agreed with a smile.
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [www.p@treon.com/Mutter]
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]