Marvel Magic Case Files

Chapter 873 Family Warmth (First Update)

In Cassilios's view, Salomon is still very young.

This had nothing to do with age, magical skill, or even the bloody wars waged by the organizations Salomon had established, as far as he knew. It was simply because Salomon hadn't yet experienced the wild years of youth; the hormones flowing in his veins were as cold as ice. Although Salomon always adhered to the precepts, Kasirius always believed that young people should have some life of their own. He didn't do drugs (hardcore), drink excessively, have sex with a woman he'd just met in a bar bathroom, and then wake up in a daze in someone's bed; he didn't smoke marijuana with hippies while camping; he didn't find psychedelic mushrooms hidden under sofa cushions by his parents; he didn't have a makeshift wedding in Las Vegas; he didn't even go to the hospital to check for lumps on his testicles or get a digital rectal exam.

Even without those, discussing current gadgets, music, or celebrities would be fine, but Salomon seems uninterested in any of that. He doesn't do any of the things young people should do—he's the kind of person who would remind guests to use coasters even when they arrive. If you strip away magic, looks, and strength, Salomon's boredom is comparable to a wrung-out, sun-dried towel that could probably smash a brick, perhaps even covered in annoying mold or hardened grime. In some ways, Kasirius's views coincide with Tony Stark's: young people need a party, not guns and swords, blood and fire, piles of old papers, and mysterious magic.

Salomon had always known what Cassirius was thinking; Cassirius had said so since Salomon started school.

However, this didn't change his behavior pattern. He was busy and didn't have time to waste on drugs, alcohol, and wild parties. His time at home with the witch was one of his rare moments of relaxation, and besides, the current situation wasn't a big deal for his mental capacity. Even if he needed medication, his self-made alchemical drugs would work, and even better. Addictive alchemical drugs weren't uncommon for spellcasters. If not viewed correctly, without strict discipline, and abused, spellcasters could be far more unrestrained than ordinary people, leading to many becoming crippled and dying (some by suicide, some by homicide).

Salomon, who has made some progress in alchemy, has only created a small amount so far. This is a drug created to help him enter a trance-like state more easily when studying the patterns on the silver key, allowing him to delve into more dangerous mental states without losing his sanity and to return to normal within a safe timeframe. Maya Hansen and her medical team are closely monitoring Salomon's physical condition. He is now the lord of the Immortal City, and the eternal pact between Wakanda and Mars rests entirely on his shoulders. He cannot afford any accidents, and even dangerous magical research must be protected with far more reliable and elaborate safeguards than before.

He may be the first spellcaster in the magical world to conduct magical research while having his vital signs monitored throughout.

But Kasirius knew that Salomon's favorite TV shows were family comedies, and before he and the witch officially became a couple, most of the shows and movies he subscribed to on Netflix were of that type. That's why Kasirius would often chat with Salomon. There were orphans in Kamar-Taj, but losing one's family at birth and receiving a magical education didn't sound good for mental health.

"To be honest, this isn't the kind of mysterious aura that makes girls scream." Kasirius and Salomon's conversation quickly veered off-topic. The older sorcerer looked at the young man with satisfaction. After all, Salomon had grown up to be someone he could drink and chat with. It was quite an accomplishment, especially considering his own age—though he knew it would be difficult, he still fantasized about Salomon visiting him with witches and children, and then he could tell those little rascals about his "glorious days," and incidentally boast about his brief rock star career.

Although at least half of it is bragging, how can a child tell the difference?

By the time those children realize what's true and what's false, he'll long be in his grave with his wife. Can they really blame an old man for a joke he brought to his grave?

Cassilios was very enthusiastic about showing Salomon his vinyl record collection, and he knew everything about 90s rock bands. He talked about them so often that Salomon knew exactly what he was going to say next. "I also love Suede's 'Everything Will Flow,' it's the pinnacle of Britpop. But don't think that's going to get me to the bowling alley, Cassilios. In your day, bowling was the only form of entertainment and social activity. Things are different now. There are only two bowling alleys in all of Oslo. You definitely won't like Oslo Bar & Bowling. The decor is too postmodern, there aren't even any solid wood bar counters. How can they have such a blatant name? It sounds like a government-run senior citizens' school! Lucky Bowl Veitvet! It sounds okay, but you definitely can't stand the atmosphere of Starbucks these days, and you definitely can't stand a bunch of teenage girls and white-collar workers crammed around small, artificial wooden tables drinking beverages while the lanes are empty."

"How do you know about bowling alleys in Oslo? You've never been! Hey, stop playing on your phone while you eat!"

"Now there's something called Google Maps, Dad!"

"You little rascal, you ruined my weekend plans." Kasirius cut off a piece of pork chop and stuffed it into his mouth, then picked up his glass with his greasy hand and chugged it down. He took a breath. "So, where am I supposed to go this weekend? I can't exactly go bear hunting with the Allfather, can I? Those are protected animals. If the government officials saw how many polar bear pelts were in that cabin, they'd probably faint. Don't look at me like that, I can't stop this kind of thing. I can only transfer money to animal welfare organizations using my Kamar-Taj account."

"Don't waste your money. Norway hunts whales every year. You know, 'for research purposes.' As for your weekend, maybe you could consider dyeing your hair and spending a nice weekend with the blonde lady next door. As for shaving, I don't think you need to; you look more handsome this way. Christmas roast pork chops, huh? You can't even cook instant noodles!" Salomon said with a laugh. He clinked glasses with Cassirios, then sighed, "I'm so sorry I couldn't spend Christmas with you. Really, I'm so sorry."

"This is no big deal, kid. I'm not some middle school volunteer who needs to clean up my mess on weekends, afraid I'll drown in the toilet one day and my body won't be discovered until it bloats up. Daniel is the one who needs to worry about this. He's old enough that his old ass can't even hold the position of Temple Guardian." The older sorcerer's crude analogy made the young man opposite him laugh. "We all know what kind of bullshit happened at Mount Finbowent, and you did a good job. Responsibility is above all else, isn't it? Listen, I was there when the Venerable One took you in. I didn't expect your life to turn out like this. You can't even enjoy the things that young people should enjoy. If anyone should apologize, it should be me, Mordo, and the Venerable One. We made you bear responsibilities that young people shouldn't bear. We placed our hopes on you and made you do many things you had to do. If I had known all this beforehand, I would have definitely advised the Venerable One to let you be adopted by an ordinary family first."

"Responsibility is above all else, Cassirios." Salomon smiled and shook his head. "I understand my responsibility, and I have no regrets."

"I will support you, as always."

"Thank you, Father." The young sorcerer nodded. "By the way, the roast pork chops were excellent. When are you planning to formally introduce that lady to me?"

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(End of this chapter)