While the alchemical skeleton had baffled Tony Stark with its inexplicable technology, Solomon's construct assembly now entered a realm Stark could better comprehend. Although he still didn't understand how a simple wooden wand could power the constructs, that didn't stop him from developing a more sophisticated version using modern tech. He replaced the power source with a new reactor, significantly extending the constructs' operational time.
However, Stark's prideful demonstration earned him nothing but a disdainful glance from Solomon. The mystic wasn't creating cutting-edge tech; he was merely producing cannon fodder constructs. The cost of one of Stark's Iron Man suits could fund the production of dozens of these basic constructs. Even the lightning bolt wand Solomon had incorporated was a whimsical touch—a way to surprise enemies who might underestimate the constructs as clunky, soccer-playing robots. Imagine the shock of a sudden lightning strike! Even Solomon felt a twinge of envy at the thought.
He decided to name these constructs "Ancient Machines." That way, the next time he deployed them in battle, he could declare, "It's my turn!" with complete theatrical flair.
"I've been busy developing new Iron Man suits for all sorts of scenarios," Stark boasted, gesturing for Solomon to look at the lineup. "Mark 8 enhances defense and weapons systems over Mark 7. Mark 9 retains the defensive improvements while solving some flight issues I noticed during the Battle of New York—air brake systems had replaced thrust-based braking, but the flight speed took a hit. That's been fixed now. Then there's Mark 10, designed for high-altitude combat. And Mark 11, my attempt at modular design to address portability issues. This suit's experimental, but every new model explores something groundbreaking."
He tapped his temple with a screwdriver. "I'm not just rich, you know. I'm a super genius."
"Oh."
Solomon's flat response and disinterest in the suits didn't bother Stark. Instead, Stark cheerfully bounced over, slinging an arm around Solomon's shoulders despite the mystic's clear discomfort.
"What do you think?" Stark asked eagerly. "How about teaming up to develop a suit of magical armor powerful enough to—"
"Not interested." Solomon rolled his eyes. "Armor hinders spellcasting unless every gesture is pre-programmed. Even if that's feasible, it's unnecessary. I already have magical armor, and it's transformable."
"That suit you were wearing the other day? I've been dying to study its transformation mechanism."
"It's magic. Try a different angle. Also, why so many suits? Haven't you had enough Senate hearings for one lifetime?"
"No one knows these suits exist. And you mentioned I'll have a daughter. I don't want her growing up in an unsafe world. Maybe it's sentimental—she hasn't even been born yet—but this feels like my responsibility as a father."
"Then start designing child safety seats into your suits."
"Relax. I don't know why you're so hung up on saving humanity, but I just want my daughter to be safe. And hey, no one can stop a burst of inspiration, right?"
"Just make sure Miss Potts doesn't kick you out of bed, idiot."
When Solomon returned to Kamar-Taj, carrying a large package with two steam-punk-style constructs following behind, the sight immediately caught the attention of the apprentices. They stared in awe at the intricate constructs but didn't question the scene too much—Solomon's reputation for experimenting with odd magical projects made such sights a regular occurrence.
The mystic led the constructs toward the Ancient One's meditation chamber. He ordered them to wait outside and knocked on the door. A moment later, one of the chamber's attending mystics opened it and, without a word, ushered Solomon inside. No one questioned the Ancient One's favoritism toward her most talented disciple—his natural gifts were simply unparalleled.
Inside, a massive glass tank sat before the Ancient One's low table. It was filled with alchemical gel, in which Solomon's alchemical skeleton rested. Under the Ancient One's watchful eye, Solomon was steadily advancing his project. Because the process involved necromancy, she had insisted that the cultivation of synthetic flesh occur under her supervision.
This visit was to check the compatibility of the synthetic flesh with the alchemical skeleton and the magical metal exoskeleton. If it didn't work, Solomon would need to replace the metal shell to ensure his artificial being had a soft, lifelike exterior. So far, the progress was promising. The Ancient One sipped her tea, observing the strands of bioengineered flesh slowly bonding with the runed metal casing. Every time the fibers touched the surface, the runes emitted a faint glow.
The framework was designed to regulate the flesh's growth. Though not real flesh, it shared the same temperature and, in some circumstances, could even secrete sweat and other fluids—a technique Solomon had borrowed from the creation of flesh golems.
"Master," Solomon said, setting his package aside and offering a formal bow. While the Ancient One's relaxed demeanor often turned her into a snack-loving recluse when alone, Solomon knew to maintain decorum in the presence of others.
"Come, sit."
After dismissing the attendants, the Ancient One gestured for Solomon to join her. He pulled a large bag of Skittles from his pocket and handed it to her.
"Your research is progressing well," she remarked, popping a candy into her mouth. "At least you won't have to worry about your alchemical being shedding its skin unexpectedly. But without a maintenance plan, things could get... gruesome. Also, I noticed some of your runes aren't quite right for guiding the growth of the synthetic flesh. Are you sure you want to designate your creation as female?"
"Absolutely. A maid feels more fitting," Solomon replied as he sat beside her. "I'm about to imbue it with an alchemical soul, which involves my life force. That's why I need your oversight. By the way, this isn't a traditional homunculus or a purely mechanical construct. I think the term 'synth' suits her better."
"You're already calling it 'her.' Has your knowledge warned you of the consequences?"
"Using my life force to create her means she'll feel an intense devotion toward me. While she'll possess her own intelligence, the soul connection ensures she'll protect me without question or betrayal. Since her soul is alchemical, she'll also be highly skilled in alchemy. With her help, I might even create a Philosopher's Stone someday. Of course, her loyalty might manifest in obsessive behavior, prioritizing my safety above all else. But that's far better than Stark's AIs."
"Very well. I'll oversee the process. If anything goes wrong, I'll intervene immediately. By the way, what's in those packages?"
"Just clothes," Solomon said, blushing. "I swear, just clothes."
"Including that impossibly short dress?"
_________________________
just head over to https://www.patreon.com/Mutter/redeem/4DCCA to get 1 month of free membership and enjoy tons of advanced chapters from the novel!
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]