Marvel Magic Case Files

Chapter 437 A New World Lies Ahead (Second Update)

They were both adults, and after Salomon's stern protest, Stark revealed a little of his hand. He did indeed have some connection with that vibranium smuggler; the Mark II Iron Man suit's shock absorption system was based on a vibranium-designed cushioning skeleton. If it weren't for vibranium's kinetic energy absorption properties, the mechanical structure alone wouldn't have been able to allow him to survive the shelling.

At the time, he didn't have enough vibranium (and he still doesn't), and vibranium is difficult to process. Furthermore, his armor updates very quickly, so large-scale use of vibranium could easily be wasteful. If it weren't for these reasons, Stark would still have wanted to try making a vibranium armor. But now he has an idea: there is no most powerful armor, only the most suitable armor.

This is similar to Salomon's spellcasting philosophy; the arcane mage believes this is the path that all intelligence-based classes will eventually take. He clinked glasses with Stark for this, and as one of the few intelligence-based classes in the world (warlocks are charisma-based classes, and Kamar-Taj is more unorthodox and has added constitution, given its cursed sword fighting style), he rewarded himself with a Coke.

Now that everything is arranged, Salomon needs to return to Merton Academy to catch up on the week's worth of missed lessons. However, he's not in a hurry. His learning progress in one day is equivalent to several days' worth for others, and that's without activating his Holy Mark. With his Holy Mark activated, Salomon is practically the embodiment of "Quantum Fluctuation Reading," and even the spell [Scholar's Touch] might not be as fast as his reading speed.

"Master!" At 3:30 a.m. that night, Dina hurriedly woke Salomon. She helped him get dressed and then handed him the sling ring. London time is five hours ahead of New York time, so Salomon had to leave at 3:50 a.m. to make it to class. Too many absences would prevent him from getting an A+ grade.

Salomon plans to buy a property in London and move there once the witches return, leaving the current house to the sorority. However, this is a very important family decision, and he must discuss it with the witches first.

After washing up, Salomon sat down at the table with his eyes half-closed. He put on a napkin, and Dinah promptly brought breakfast to him. After finishing his food, Salomon yawned and arrived in London amidst the homunculus' farewells.

The London morning was still overcast, and there must have been a light rain before dawn, which was very kind to Salomon, who was wearing a double-breasted suit. Oxfordshire will be colder in winter, and some people have already warned on the forums to be careful of slipping, after all, with London's weather, no one knows when the temperature will drop.

He made himself a cup of hot black tea at his rented house in Oxfordshire, then leisurely grabbed his thermos and backpack, hopped on his bicycle, and headed to his classroom for the day. Today he also had to go to his college tutor's office; it was the first day after his sick leave ended, and he needed to hear his tutor's feedback on his thesis.

As is customary, the corresponding author is the academic advisor, the second author is Jane Foster, and the first author is himself. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this paper should be publishable, provided the academic advisor doesn't suspect Jane Foster of using it to enhance his credentials.

Even by Merton College's standards for paper production, Salomon was among the best. His paper was an extension of Jane Foster's theory—an age-old theory that had become popular again after the arrival of Thor and the Battle of New York proved the existence of the Einstein-Rosen bridge, especially with the Dark Elf invasion. Unlike the Battle of New York, events on the face of the world are enduringly popular topics, and writing papers on popular subjects is an essential skill for every undergraduate.

If this paper is published, then he will begin writing the second paper.

Even Jane Foster herself began publishing papers one after another, like a paper engine, trying to expand her influence in this field. Professor Sullivan, a famous scholar who was a Stonehenge streaker, predicted alien invasions twice, and experienced three third-kind encounters, also became an important figure in this field.

As a Nobel Prize nominee, Jane Foster is now financially secure, but she still conducts her research in her small London apartment using paper, pen, and a laptop. She has used the research lab at the University of Greenwich quite a bit, but it is currently under renovation. Downing Street and the University Grants Committee are passing the buck over the damage caused by the Dark Elf invasion, and the repair funds are delayed. She can only rely on donations from alumni, and now Jane Foster has nowhere to go.

One of the culprits responsible for the extensive repairs needed at the University of Greenwich is pushing open the door to the "research lab".

Also trapped in the apartment was Jane Foster's intern. No, now it's Ms. Darcy, because she's been officially hired and has become a master's student. Darcy reportedly plans to pursue a doctorate, so Jane Foster has increased her supervision of Darcy's studies in her spare time.

As for that intern, Darcy, she had already run away. After all, this research institute was looking for interns who were more about brawn than brains.

Darcy grinned and held out her hand, trying to get a new paper from Salomon. "Give me the paper now," Darcy said, wearing a thin sweater. "Jane's giving a lecture at Holloway University today, so it's just us here. I'm your reviewer today. Have you thought about how to bribe me?"

There are no papers today.

"So what?"

"This!" Salomon pulled two tickets out of his suit pocket, but Darcy snatched them away in one swift motion.

"The Royal Opera House? A box?" She gaped, laughing as she patted Salomon's chest. Then she poked it hard with her finger, nodded, and looked quite satisfied. "Pretty good," Darcy said with a mysterious smile. She glanced down at her chest, then confidently raised her head and approached Salomon. "Want to go on a date with me, sexy little boy?"

"There's a performance of *Les Misérables* in London's West End today. Given the Royal Opera House's recent tendency to lean towards morbid political correctness, I think it's better to go see some older productions. Don't worry, I won't mind if you fall asleep," Salomon said. "Only those who love will see God, won't they?"

"Alright, I have a gift for you too." Darcy pulled a handful of small glass bottles from her knitted handbag. "Ta-da! My treasured miniature liquor bottles! There's vodka and rum. We can sneak a sip in the private room! I know it's against the rules, but don't be so rigid! It's all about the fun! We're going to meet our maker in the private room!"

"Very good. Now, who wants to join our journey?"

"Me! Hurry, hurry! London's traffic's terrible again today, we'll be late if we don't leave now!"

"Let's go, cross the smoke of battle, cross the barricades, a new world lies ahead."

Please vote for me!

(End of this chapter)