Russell didn't know when Iron Man and Spider-Man would return.
But as long as they weren't flying, driving would take some time.
He ran like hell and retraced his path in under two hours.
Using the intel from the Snake Team, he followed the dry riverbed and soon found a vine-covered cave.
It looked primitive, but Russell spotted a parking marker nearby.
Clearly, this was their base.
Still, he didn't act recklessly.
Staring at the vines covering the cave entrance, his brow furrowed.
There was magic on them.
With the [Knowledge Curse] entry activated, he could feel faint magical fluctuations.
They were weak, yes—but like stars in a dark sky, hard to ignore.
"Warning enchantment?" he muttered. "Pretty damn cautious."
Russell stared at the entrance, falling deep into thought.
Should he just burn the place down and trap Mordo like a rat?
But if Baron Mordo had a Sling Ring, he could easily escape.
If that happened, Russell would get nothing—no loot, no entries—and he'd lose the element of surprise.
But he had no way to bypass the magic vines either.
So, should he give up?
He hesitated. But no—he wasn't willing to walk away.
Magic was too important.
Even without overloading the Heart of the Furnace, this entry let him passively absorb free energy from the environment. That not only strengthened his body, but also stored pure energy inside him.
In other words: he could cast spells.
Once he obtained a spell-related entry, he'd be able to use it directly.
Time ticked by.
When the dim sunlight shifted and hit his face in the shadows, his eyes suddenly lit up.
After thinking for a few seconds, he stripped off the Snake Team combat uniform beneath his windbreaker, leaving only the coat.
Zipping it up fully, he slapped his cheeks a few times, practiced smiling, then walked toward the cave entrance.
Instead of sneaking in, he boldly walked up to the vines, slapped them, and shouted:
"Hello? Anyone in there?"
"Hey! I was told I could get help here! Captain America sent me!"
"Hi—hello? Is anyone really there?"
Just as he was about to shout again, the vines shimmered faintly, golden runes glowing as they twisted and slithered like snakes, parting to reveal a patched wooden door.
Russell widened his eyes, pretending to be amazed.
"Whoa! That's incredible!"
A warm voice came from behind the door.
"It's just a small warning spell—nothing impressive."
Then the door creaked open.
Out stepped a Black man in a brown robe with a red sash around his waist.
He smiled kindly. "Sir, I heard you shouting. Did Captain America send you here?"
Russell immediately nodded. "Yes, the Captain said this was a safe place—no sign of that dark, cloud-like monster here, so I could relax."
He scratched his head, sounding embarrassed.
"He's a good guy… When I was attacked by the Time Guards, I didn't even have clothes. This windbreaker was his."
At that moment, Russell was glad he had sliced the Snake Team members at the neck. The coat had no sleeves, making it easier to fake.
Mordo had already noticed the coat.
Seeing it and hearing Russell's explanation eased some of his doubts.
Though still cautious, he gave a gentle smile.
"Yes, Captain America really is too kind. A man like him shouldn't be stuck in a place like this. Those Time Guards… they're the real villains."
Russell nodded in agreement, looking sincerely outraged.
Mordo's smile widened.
Then, as if remembering something, he suddenly asked, "By the way, why didn't the Captain bring you here himself? Where did he go?"
Russell answered naturally, without hesitation.
"Oh, right. On the way back, we ran into two of his teammates. They were heading to some black market."
"The Captain said it might be dangerous over there—too many shady characters—so he gave me directions and told me to come back first."
"He even told me about the magic vines. I didn't believe it at first, but wow, it's real! Amazing!"
Mordo narrowed his eyes slightly, sneering inside.
Danger?
Steve just didn't want to risk being recognized at the black market. Their reputation around here wasn't great.
And now a new sheep had walked to the door—it would've been troublesome if Steve's identity were exposed in front of him.
Still, Mordo didn't doubt the "meeting teammates" part.
Tony and Peter had indeed left that morning for the black market.
The day before, a whole port had been ripped from a timeline and dropped on the plains nearby. Tons of people had gotten valuable gear.
Even Pepper Potts—Iron Man's girlfriend—was among them.
The black market boss immediately organized an auction.
Mordo had no interest in tech junk, or he would've gone too.
Now, he had no more doubts. His smile turned even warmer, and he laughed heartily.
"Ah, look at me—just asking questions, not even treating my guest properly!"
"Come in, my friend. It's dangerous out here."
"Make yourself at home. If you need anything, just ask. No need to be shy!"
Russell looked genuinely touched. His eyes reddened, and he grasped Mordo's hands tightly.
"Really? Thank you, sir!"
"You're just like the Captain… a really good person."
"In that case… I won't hold back!"
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