Marvel Magic Case Files

Chapter 640 The Evil of Human Nature (First Update)

The Immortal City does not have enough Skrull samples, which is a major flaw that even Salomon cannot solve.

The Skrulls develop and multiply by parasitizing various civilizations throughout the universe, occupying important positions and eventually becoming the dominant species when their numbers are sufficient. When the Skrull Empire still existed, the Skrulls used this method to conquer over a dozen planets, becoming a super-civilization comparable to the Kree Empire. However, these dormant Skrulls are only awakened when necessary, and there are few ways to separate them from the local populations—before incubating, the Skrulls undergo brainwashing, believing themselves to be local inhabitants rather than outsiders, leaving no psychological flaws. Furthermore, the Skrulls' transformations are genetic imitations, even possessing some genetic memory, making them extremely difficult to detect with ordinary genetic screening.

Other civilizations' aversion to the Skrulls wasn't without reason; after all, no one wants to wake up to find their planet occupied by a bunch of green-skinned aliens. Only in extremely rare circumstances do the Skrulls reveal themselves. Any Skrull discovered is doomed, without exception. The Skrull sample preserved by S.H.I.E.L.D. is the only biological sample Salomon possesses, perhaps along with a rotting Skrull hand. The body of that hand's owner should now be in Nick Fury's possession—this is an exception because this Skrull didn't undergo a rigorous infiltration process, and Salomon's use of mind-detecting magic led to his exposure.

Salomon issued the order with a gamble, hoping it would be a lucky break.

By further infiltrating various biochemical institutions worldwide through the subjugated Whitehall Hydra network, and utilizing the Global Vaccine Alliance and US biochemical research institutions to conduct preliminary genetic screening of the North American population, the operation fully leveraged the numerous genetic research findings and limited samples from US biological laboratories as reference data. This was a long-term order, spearheaded by the Immortal City's intelligence department, a document from Stephanie, and Dr. Whitehall's intellect. Whitehall had repeatedly recommended Dr. Lister, a renowned biologist within Hydra, to Salomon, believing this former subordinate would be invaluable to Salomon's research.

"Remember to leave him with only one brain, so he won't end up like the Nazi Hydra. Less cables, and the nutrient solution doesn't have to taste so good. He has high blood pressure and high cholesterol, he's too old, and Alzheimer's isn't far off. Let him focus on his research... You ask me? The mind determines age, doesn't it? I believe my soul is young enough."

Even after its brainwaves were converted into synthesized speech, Whitehall maintained its polite demeanor. It took the brain an entire night to adjust the synthesized speech back to its original German accent; even as just a brain, this bloodthirsty demon maintained its composure. Salomon believed Whitehall simply wanted companionship; after all, a poor wretch reduced to a brain in a nutrient pod couldn't even scratch an itch, and Dr. Lister's research in genetics wasn't as extensive as Whitehall's.

"Connect with Brigadier General Hegel, and remember to pick up our ruby ​​tomorrow. If Whitehall's intelligence is accurate, then Ruby is our best experimental subject." Salomon left a message for Stephanie, "Also, remember to ask your father, Gideon Malik, about the message he sent."

"Aren't you coming back to Malik Manor with me?"

"Not today, Stephanie. I still have to teach my students. If I don't keep them quiet, they'll reveal my identity sooner or later!"

"I promise I won't tell anyone, teacher."

"Then what are you all still doing here?" The sorcerer followed Wanda, casually strolling around the Avengers' new headquarters. Howard Stark had bought the land; Tony Stark had decided to move the headquarters here to accommodate the growing number of Avengers members. "I bought you and Pietro each a penthouse in New York. If possible, I'd still prefer you live with me in London," he said. "Both New York and London are much better than this dormitory. Where's Pietro?"

"He...he's undergoing training and testing." Wanda's expression turned grim. "He hasn't decided whether to work with you or join the Avengers. He seems quite enthusiastic about maintaining peace. I don't really like that...you should know what I'm thinking. In fact, I think you're the only one who understands me."

"Spellcasters and non-spellcasters belong to two different worlds by nature, Wanda. Unless you generously display your magic to mortals, they'll find it hard to understand why anyone would be so fascinated by magic, but you know, that's absolutely forbidden." Passing staff couldn't help but glance at the strolling master and apprentice. Wanda Maximoff's captivating appearance was quite striking, and her magic was the most mysterious thing in the base. Salomon beside her was similarly tall and handsome, especially when the sorcerer was still wearing his robes; anyone could tell he was a wizard.

Nobody knows where Stark found so many staff members, they were densely packed like ants.

No one knows what conditions Pepper Potts agreed to with Congress in order to establish this base.

"The talk show was Stark's idea? If you don't need fame, you'd better stay out of the public eye." Salomon didn't use magic to stop his conversation with Wanda; he knew he'd been monitored since entering. "As long as you save one person, others will question why you didn't save another. It's human nature to stand on the moral high ground, especially when those at the bottom of the cliff possess power they can't have; such criticism becomes all the more intense and satisfying." The arcane mage spread his hands. "I've killed innocent people because they protected the guilty. I understand, because they were their families. If you're determined to be famous, then you can't do that—you can kill vampires, but can you kill those who admire vampires? If you do, they'll start to fear you, slander you, curse you, and hurl insults at you. You can go from a hero revered by thousands to a notorious terrorist overnight. Unless you're as ruthless as I am, completely unfazed by others' opinions, and display absolute cold-bloodedness and rationality when carrying out missions..."

“You shouldn’t say that, Salomon.” Steve Rogers walked towards him, followed by Falcon. Salomon glanced at him and noticed that Captain Rogers was still wearing the equipment Stark had developed for him to retrieve his shield. “You didn’t do that either, kid. I’ve seen your file; even your terrible upbringing can’t hide your kindness.”

"I don't know what misunderstanding you have about me, Rogers." The sorcerer placed a hand on Wanda's shoulder. "You know I'm telling the truth. I believe in the good in humanity, but I believe even more in its ugliness. I've seen countless cases of evil caused by good intentions, and countless instances of people losing their lives because of a moment of soft-heartedness."

"You started killing when you were twelve, but didn't you save any of those Sokovians?"

"Is he the one who cast that spell, Captain? How come he's so tall?" Falcon lowered his voice, glancing at Salomon out of the corner of his eye. He stood before the arcane mage, extending his hand solemnly. "Ahem, hello, I am..."

"I know you." Salomon shook Falcon's hand. Falcon bared his teeth and withdrew his hand.

"Maybe we can have a couple of drinks."

"I'm paying the price for my actions, just like your motives for killing Ultron—it wasn't exactly benevolent. I think our conversation on the carrier was clear enough; there's no need to go on." The arcane mage turned to the falcon. "Don't you know?"

"What do you know?" Falcon's eyes widened behind his red goggles.

"I'm not even twenty-one yet!"

Please vote for me!

(End of this chapter)