Solomon in Marvel

Chapter 453: Chapter 453: Stockholm Syndrome



Solomon did not indulge in carnal desires. He would swear it to Vishanti and to all the training he had undergone since childhood. However, to ensure that Lorelei developed Stockholm Syndrome—so that even if she were sent back to Asgard, she would remain under his control and become the perfect spy—Solomon had still subjected her to a regimen of conditioning. This was a highly academic endeavor, one he had meticulously designed after extensive research into psychological literature.

It was an utterly thorough psychological breakdown. Even if he took Lorelei outside now, as long as Solomon fulfilled her desires, the Daughter of the Rhine would comply with any command he gave her, even in public.

However, it was not yet time to send her back to Asgard. The moment she left this room, Heimdall's gaze would find her. She could only be returned unseen when the Bifrost descended, slipping through the gaps in Yggdrasil's branches unnoticed.

So, the training continued. This was not about indulgence—Solomon assured himself of that.

He had acquired a longsword's crossguard from the lesser-known fallen angel blacksmith, Rodin. After refining the sword blank, he installed the gold crossguard, adorned with a large ruby. The blade was forged using Uru metal, an exceptional material for enchantments, and Solomon spared no effort in enhancing the sword with magical effects.

Like Mjolnir, this sword had the ability to return to its wielder. However, unlike the hammer, it did not merely fly back but teleported directly into the user's hand. Not every weapon was indestructible like Mjolnir, and direct teleportation minimized variables.

Beyond this practical feature, the sword's enchantments inspired courage, bolstered morale, and helped allies resist fear (Valor). Enemies struck by this blade experienced an inexplicable dread or even nausea. When its wielder killed a target, they received a temporary boost (Cruelty). The sword also dealt significant damage to extradimensional entities.

Solomon carefully imbued the weapon with enchantments to resist supernatural corrosion (Durability), ensuring that its wielder would never drop it even in the depths of despair (Bravery). Additionally, it accelerated movements, allowing for more attacks in combat (Breaking the Limit).

Most importantly, Solomon embedded a portion of his True Name within the sword's intricate engravings. Protected by sacred markings, this granted the wielder resistance against evil influences. Unexpectedly, due to the overwhelming magical power in Solomon's blood, the sword also interfered with enemy spellcasting. Though the disruption was minor and could be overcome with focus, it had the potential to prove invaluable in certain situations.

To properly integrate these runes into the weapon, Solomon had consulted Rodin on specialized forging techniques.

"Tita."

Solomon called out to the artificial human, who was supervising the training of new recruits. He handed her the longsword, still wrapped in linen. At first, Tita was puzzled, but as she accepted the bundle, its heavy weight gave her a clear idea of what it was. The normally composed artificial human struggled to maintain her demeanor, her expression betraying her excitement. A soft whimper of embarrassment escaped her lips as realization dawned.

Solomon noticed that she was wearing the black lipstick he had gifted her.

Upon receiving his permission, Tita eagerly unwrapped the sword, studying it closely. The polished blade gleamed with razor-sharp edges, its folded steel pattern subtly visible. The crossguard and grip were gold, with a large, deep-red ruby set at the center of both sides of the crossguard. Designed in the form of an angel with outstretched hands and wings, the golden feathers extended outward in an inverted triangular shape. Sculpted golden angels adorned both sides, their backs and legs tightly embracing the blade.

The metal wire wrapping the hilt was made from brass nerve fibers taken from an angel's wings—Rodin's handiwork. The pommel was a golden bust of a hooded woman with two faces, deep in thought. The handle was of a suitable length for both one-handed and two-handed use. The blade, slightly longer and heavier than a typical hand-and-a-half sword, carried substantial weight.

The gray-black spine of the blade bore intricate patterns that glowed faintly blue, resembling cracks on ice. The runes, carefully hidden within these markings, included a fragment of Solomon's True Name.

The sword was a breathtaking masterpiece. Every detail, from the individually sculpted feathers of the angel-wing crossguard to the tiny inscriptions surrounding the ruby, had been meticulously carved by the fallen angel craftsman and Solomon himself. Unlike conventional lost-wax casting methods, Solomon had applied Athena's sculpting techniques, engraving directly onto the molten metal, utilizing a combination of techniques to shape the sword upon cooling.

(Part of the reason for this was that Solomon refused to deal with CAD software again.)

The moment Tita carefully gripped the hilt, the icy patterns on the blade flared with a brighter glow. Overcome with excitement, she instinctively swung the sword, only to realize too late that Solomon was standing right in front of her. Her tan skin flushed deep red as she stammered, struggling to form an apology.

Her embarrassment intensified as Solomon stroked her short white hair—she nearly fainted.

Solomon treated his artificial humans differently. Aside from Dana, the first one he had created, he regarded the others almost like his own children. Tita, in particular, was dear to him due to her shy nature. She was especially obedient when he patted her head, which he found oddly endearing. But regardless of this sentiment, it did not change his vow to Tita and the Sisterhood: they would forever stand by his side in honor.

"You spoil them too much," Dana muttered in protest, deliberately "forgetting" to add sugar to his tea. "You shouldn't spend so much time on the Sisterhood. They can take care of themselves. They were created to serve you, not the other way around."

Solomon chuckled but did not correct Dana's willfulness.

As the overseer of his daily schedule, Dana found the time spent forging that sword excessive, disrupting numerous plans. In her view, even Solomon's afternoon tea was more important than crafting weapons for the Sisterhood. She shot a glare at Stephanie, who sat at another desk, then silently positioned herself between Solomon and Stephanie, blocking the latter's gaze.

"What kind of sword are you talking about?" Stephanie asked, unfazed by Dana's hostility. "Can I see it?"

"That's classified Sisterhood information," Dana swiftly replied. She had no intention of allowing Stephanie to interfere in the Sisterhood's affairs. She remained deeply wary of this recent defector and her family. Without hesitation, Dana retrieved a document detailing the Sisterhood's weapon upgrades from Stephanie's desk and returned it to Solomon's.

"All records in the Immortal City go through me!" Stephanie snapped, standing up. "Everything! Without me, you wouldn't even be able to balance the city's finances!"

"No, you can only access the Sisterhood's files if my master grants you permission," Dana replied coldly, her gaze sharp with warning. "And right now, you do not have it, mortal. The Sisterhood answers only to my master."

Solomon remained silent, allowing the conflict between Dana and Stephanie to unfold.

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