Dreams hold a vital place in magic. They serve as a mirror of the real world, and for a spellcaster, the omens and illusions within them are never to be taken lightly. Just as Merlin once drove away and sealed a dream for Solomon, those visions had partially reflected reality. Dreams are also closely tied to astral projection—using the technique to journey among the stars and outer dimensions is a standard study trip for students at Kamar-Taj. One mark of becoming a true master of the arcane is traversing the astral realm, wandering freely through the phantasmagoria of the material plane's emotional reflections and mirror images.
Or in other words—being able to survive it, without going insane.
Compared to other mages, Solomon had a key advantage: the Silver Key. In theory, it could allow him to enter the astral realm of an alternate universe. This was speculative, of course, but his past dreams indicated that he had, at some point, reached a mirrored version of another universe's reality—a place called the Dreamlands. Like the outer planes here, or the astral sea of Faerûn, this realm lay outside the material world, in the spiritual domain. Without question, this was the power granted by the Silver Key. To be marked by Yog-Sothoth is no trivial matter—the delusions and blurred boundaries of dream, reality, and prophecy can easily drive one to madness.
Fortunately, the Ancient One had summoned Merlin to help Solomon erect a mental bulwark during his early, vulnerable days—before the dreams could shatter him. She also concluded from this that crossing between parallel universes was indeed feasible for Solomon. At present, though, the Time Stone and Silver Key could only allow him to observe other universes, not interfere. Still, she hoped he would explore the grander magical cosmos. For any spellcaster, knowledge is both life and currency—and the chance to glean knowledge from another universe was a temptation few could resist.
But observing and interfering are vastly different challenges. Solomon's only potential aid in this endeavor was a quantum suit from another universe's Tony Stark. There was also, of course, one infamously grumpy physicist—Dr. Hank Pym. That old man didn't have a kind word for anyone until Solomon pointed out the true nature of Pym Particles, revealing concepts even Hank himself hadn't realized, including insights into the outer dimensions. Only then did the two begin exchanging ideas, with Hank finally regarding Solomon as a worthy intellectual peer.
Despite Hank Pym's awful temper, he was the world's foremost researcher in quantum physics. His knowledge was immensely helpful to Solomon's theoretical work—otherwise, the arcane master might have fought him already. But Pym refused to join the Eternal City, so their academic exchanges were limited to emails and awkward visits. No tea or snacks—just the occasional full-power WWII bullet flying across the room.
All this is to say, dreams were also a window into a spellcaster's inner world. Mysticism is never far from dreaming.
Though Wanda still couldn't astrally project, Solomon could evaluate her psychological state based on the principles of projection—that is, when the mind separates from the body, it forms an aetheric body in the aether layer just above the material, powered by the chakras. This aetheric body often projects the subconscious into dreams. By inquiring about Wanda's dreams and observing her aetheric energy, Solomon could assess her mental health.
While Solomon was away near the galactic edge, other mages at Kamar-Taj never ceased monitoring Wanda Maximoff. They made a point not to show themselves around her—not only had they failed to build rapport with the Maximoff twins, but also because Wanda's innate power was simply too overwhelming.
These monitoring mages were handpicked by the Ancient One for their exceptional willpower, yet even they couldn't avoid being affected. According to Solomon's report, Wanda's leaking dream-power was beginning to influence the castle guards. Fortunately, Vishanti's power had proven quite effective in cleansing Chthon's corruption. The Book of Vishanti was as specifically designed to counter the Darkhold as any weapon could be. Even so, the mages had to work overtime purging the corruption while also maintaining their resolve and resisting temptation.
"I'd say your power isn't that bad," Solomon said casually, handing Wanda a scroll—ignoring the fact that his spell resistance far exceeded anyone else's. The illusions Wanda created simply couldn't pierce his defenses. What seemed real to others looked to him like a cheesy 80s sci-fi movie full of cheap special effects.
Wanda frowned as she read the densely written report. It was in Latin, of course—a required language for spellcasters. To Wanda, who had never received formal education, the report was borderline illegible. Naturally, Solomon wasn't about to forget to include Latin in the magic curriculum—so this "report" also served as a reading comprehension test.
He was, quite frankly, just too lazy to find a proper lesson plan.
Pietro, meanwhile, was still shoveling food like it was going out of style. American food's only redeeming trait was its calorie density, and for super-speeding teens like Solomon and Pietro, no amount was enough. Hunger torments both body and soul—especially during puberty. Pietro had lived too long in starvation, and even now, with access to food, he hoarded calories like a survival instinct. Once, he couldn't gain weight because of poverty—now, he couldn't gain weight because his powers burned through everything.
"I'm really affecting people that badly?" Wanda asked, frowning.
"I wouldn't know. You don't affect me," Solomon replied. "Once you've learned enough and mastered your powers, this won't be a problem anymore." Despite their shared past in N'Garai and the trauma it carried, Solomon's attitude toward the Maximoff twins remained unchanged. The horrors they'd witnessed didn't alter his perception. He didn't see Wanda as the cause of Chthon's awakening. In truth, both of them were alike—beings formed by deep fusion between outer-dimensional power and human flesh. That made Solomon pity her. Such beings gained immense power—but also unbearable responsibility, and a fate that was hard to resist.
Solomon had already steeled himself to fight that fate. But he doubted Wanda had the same strength of will.
"I want to learn more, Master," Wanda said, tugging on Solomon's sleeve.
"I know, I know. I'm just figuring out what to teach you." Considering Wanda's growing, nearly uncontainable power, Solomon racked his brain trying to find a spell that was suitable and not catastrophically dangerous.
"Want to learn how to turn people into animals?"
"You mean Bestial Awakening? You told me folk magic like that wasn't worth studying deeply."
"What about polymorphing? And no, not the Harry Potter kind."
"I've already learned Bat Transformation."
"Then how far are you in planar studies? Have you finished reading The Bestiary of Shadow Plane Creatures?" Solomon pointed to a massive tome nearby—assigned before he left. The dim cell lighting was enough to reveal a layer of dust on the cover.
"Pop quiz: What energy type are shadow creatures generally resistant to?"
"What does that have to do with controlling my powers?" Wanda asked, confused.
"Nothing at all. But only knowledge lets you understand yourself. This is a crash course, but you must become self-reliant as a spellcaster. I won't always be around to clean up your messes. So today, we're learning how to channel the Shadow Plane to turn into a dragon! I love this spell!"
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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