"Some substances existed before the formation of the universe, and the material inside her is one of them," the All-Father said as he led Thor, Jane Foster, and Solomon into a small chamber. Before their arrival, the guards had already pushed open the heavy, gilded doors, revealing the room's contents: a model of Askr Yggdrasills, the World Tree.
It was a towering, majestic tree, so large and lush that it seemed to command reverence. Its nine thickest branches held rotating galaxies, their faint glows casting a cosmic spectacle. Simulated starlight filtered through the leaves, creating multicolored bands of light that danced across the room.
The moment Solomon saw the tree, he understood its purpose—it was created based on the principles of idol theory. Anomalies across the Nine Realms would manifest through this tree. Simultaneously, it served as a bridge of communication between Asgardians and the World Tree, revealing its mysteries.
Numerous scholars worked in the room, and despite their advanced age by Asgardian standards, they immediately fell silent and stepped aside when the All-Father entered.
Odin had initially doubted the nature of the substance within Jane Foster, but Solomon's testimony left no room for denial. As the most learned figure in the material plane, the Sorcerer Supreme—and, by extension, her disciple Solomon—was a trusted authority. In the past, such reverence had belonged to Agamotto. Although the current Sorcerer Supreme was known for her fiery temper and penchant for decisive action, it didn't detract from her credibility.
The Aether, a miraculous substance, both worried and intrigued the All-Father. It elevated Solomon's importance in the matter. While Odin suspected the Sorcerer Supreme's motives, her ways were always enigmatic. He doubted Solomon knew much more than he did, as the Supreme's methods of interfering with destiny were notoriously unpredictable.
"The Nine Realms were not eternal; they emerged from darkness and will inevitably face twilight after their brilliance," Odin said, gesturing for a scholar to retrieve a book from the shelves. The book was placed on a round table by the window. Its pages, written in golden ink, were adorned with intricate illustrations and enchanting embellishments. The images were animated, moving gracefully even after countless years.
Solomon immediately recognized the book's antiquity—it was likely older than Kamar-Taj itself.
"Before the dawn, the forces of darkness, or the Dark Elves, held absolute control over the universe," Odin explained, opening the book. Under the light of a glowing orange magical lamp, the gold details on the pages shimmered even more brilliantly.
"'Born from the endless dark, the Dark Elves sought to steal the universe's light.' When I was a child, my mother would tell us these stories," Thor said, leaning in to examine the book's text and illustrations. Jane Foster joined him, pulling Solomon closer as her impromptu translator.
"Their leader, Malekith, created a weapon out of darkness called the Aether," Odin continued, glancing briefly at Solomon before returning to the book. "Unlike other materials, which are solid and stone-like, the Aether exists in a fluid, ever-changing state. It can convert matter into dark matter and seeks a host to drain their life force."
Hearing this, Solomon discreetly stepped back, putting some distance between himself and Jane. His extraordinary vitality, which naturally converted into magical energy, made him an ideal host for the Aether. While Thor might withstand parasitism without issue, Solomon wasn't about to take chances—especially when he still hoped to grow taller.
He also harbored doubts about Odin's description of the Aether. Solomon believed the Aether, or Philosopher's Stone, disrupted balance. Unlike traditional magic, which adhered to equivalent exchange, the Aether represented true infinity—hailed as the ultimate mystery of the Ouroboros. It could transform matter into anything, not just dark matter. It could achieve virtually any effect without cost.
Still, Solomon refrained from showing off his knowledge or interrupting Odin's monologue.
"Malekith sought to use the Aether to return the universe to a state of dark domination. After a long and bloody war, my father Bor emerged victorious, ushering in millennia of peace."
"How did he win?" Jane asked curiously.
"He killed them all. Left none alive," Odin replied with chilling indifference, unbothered by the bloodshed implied in his words. Odin himself had killed far more enemies than Bor, and the Dark Elves were neither the first nor the last race to face extinction at the hands of the Asgardians.
"Are you sure?" Thor's skepticism irked Odin, though he suppressed his anger. "Legends claim the Aether was destroyed along with them, yet here it is."
"The Dark Elves are dead," Odin said firmly, his tone brooking no argument.
"Does your book mention how to remove it from me?" Jane interjected, recalling the Aether's lethal tendencies. Clearly, leaving it within her was a death sentence.
"No, it doesn't," Odin admitted after a brief pause. "Perhaps Kamar-Taj does, but I… I have not read such texts."
Jane turned her gaze to Solomon. The arcanist shrugged. "I only know how to use the Eye of Agamotto. Manipulating the Aether isn't my specialty. However, I could draw some blood and consult my spellbooks. I might find a way to temporarily ease your symptoms. But I doubt it'll be much help—the Aether's demand for life force is endless. While it's a Philosopher's Stone, activating it still requires magic."
"I didn't know you were so into alchemy, Solomon," Jane quipped. "Did you make the cosmetics you gave Darcy with alchemy too?"
"Magical skincare, of course."
The All-Father, now walking away, left Thor to console Jane. He spoke with a lightheartedness that made the life-threatening situation seem routine.
Meanwhile, Solomon scanned the room before grabbing the book and tucking it under his arm. The scholars noticed his sleight of hand but said nothing, merely reminding him to return it later. Embarrassed, Solomon nodded and made his way toward the palace's residential quarters.
Volstagg and Fandral had already left on a mission to quell a small rebellion. Despite their excessive drinking, the Healing Ward had ways of sending them out invigorated.
With the palace unusually quiet, Solomon planned to study the book in his quarters. He could even request a pot of tea and some pastries from the kitchen. Thanks to Volstagg's guidance, he had learned how to navigate the palace's culinary delights and discovered he had the right to order food as a guest.
However, as he strolled through the corridors, he encountered someone troublesome.
"Good morning, Lady Sif," Solomon greeted cheerfully.
"The mortal is here, isn't she?"
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