Solomon wasn't going to leave so easily. As previously mentioned, nearly half of the USA's population believes in religion. Among them are educated white-collar workers, politicians, entrepreneurs, and military personnel, with the religious atmosphere being even more intense in ordinary working-class families. Devout believers are present across all walks of life, with some faiths reaching fanatic levels, such as Mormonism. Correspondingly, demon worship has also flourished. The 1969 Manson murders and the subsequent 1970 trial shocked the entire nation. These events underscored the correctness of the decision by the revered individuals not to reveal the existence of magic, heaven, hell, and the abyss to the public. Humanity has always had a tendency to grovel before beings from other dimensions.
Pepper Potts, born in New Haven, Connecticut, was relatively fortunate. Although this city is close to New England, her family wasn't excessively fervent, allowing her to grow up in a relatively ordinary environment. This made her more open to the idea of magic's existence. If religious zealots were to witness magic, they would likely revert to their colonial-era Puritan mindset, branding magic users as vile people who had made pacts with the devil.
However, ever since Harry Potter was released, magic no longer evoked the same fear it did three centuries ago. Most people were curious about magic, and Pepper Potts was no exception. Her interest was piqued. Slapping a stack of files onto Stark's chest, she pushed him aside with renewed enthusiasm.
"Kid," she said with a smile. "Stark hasn't told me the full story yet. I'd like to hear more from you."
"Okay~" Solomon glanced at a stunned Stark, who quickly recovered, gesturing frantically toward himself as if to ensure he wasn't forgotten. The scene was suddenly quite comical. "Alright, ma'am," Solomon said, turning to Pepper Potts. "It's my pleasure. But I won't disclose too much. What Mr. Stark knows, you will know—no more, no less."
Talking with Pepper was far easier than with Stark. She didn't constantly try to steer the conversation toward magical research. Instead, she was more interested in the future Solomon had alluded to—specifically, her and Stark's child. Why had Stark returned home babbling about "a daughter" and "skiing," even contemplating a press conference? Fortunately, his slightly more level-headed colleagues at Stark Industries had put a stop to that. Still, the relationship between her and Tony Stark had been made public.
Pepper's extensive professional experience had honed her negotiation skills, putting her leagues ahead of Stark. Even if she didn't fully understand certain things or felt skeptical, she would exercise patience, approaching the topic from a different angle. Her approach didn't make Solomon feel like his statements were being doubted but rather like he was having a conversation with a familiar acquaintance.
In short, Pepper Potts' emotional intelligence far surpassed that of Tony Stark.
"Why are you telling us this?" Pepper asked, glancing at Stark sitting beside her. "Aren't you worried that revealing this might alter the future? Or is this all part of destiny? Do you believe having a daughter is inevitable, a matter of fate?"
"Yes." Solomon raised the glass of juice in his hand—a new flavor, as Solomon had insisted on a different taste for every glass. Stark had surprisingly obliged. "I've mentioned to Mr. Stark before that I'm not recorded in the Akashic Records, meaning I have the ability to change fate. However, you two are part of the Akashic Records; your future is predestined. My sharing this with you is simply an experiment."
"What kind of experiment?" Pepper asked.
"And our daughter?" Stark chimed in.
The mage ignored Stark, who was now obsessed with thoughts of his future daughter. His mind was filled with her tiny figure, leaving Pepper as the more level-headed of the two. "It's an experiment to create a path toward a happy future for everyone," Solomon explained, sighing. "Omniscience doesn't mean omnipotence. We all have to make choices, and sacrifices are inevitable. My teacher made such a choice. In the future, we will face a terrifying challenge—a disaster spanning the entire universe. I want to adjust the future slightly during that catastrophe, so everyone can live their best lives. That's all."
"You mean…" Pepper sensed something ominous.
"That's right," Solomon nodded. "In the future, Mr. Stark will become the savior of humanity and the entire universe. But this responsibility doesn't have to rest solely on his shoulders. Although the Akashic Records indicate this, it can be changed. I am the catalyst for that change."
"Me? A savior? Ha!" Stark burst out laughing. "I'm a savior now? Pepper, I—"
"I won't allow it!" Pepper interrupted sternly. "Absolutely not. Tony, this is non-negotiable."
"Don't worry. Mr. Stark won't face any danger before your daughter is born," Solomon reassured her with a wave of his hand. "What I discussed with him earlier was also told to his future self. He doesn't need to do too much or save everyone. That's my responsibility."
"Yours?"
"Yes."
This was the duty of a born saint, the Messiah, heir to the King of Britain, bearer of the sacred sword, and future leader of humanity—a guardian of Earth. Humanity still needed Stark's intellect to achieve significant technological advancements and catch up with extraterrestrial civilizations. This was essential to fulfilling the Supreme Sorcerer's ultimate wish: enabling humanity to survive independently in the cosmos. That's why Solomon had shared this with Stark.
Humanity needed him.
"This is… unbelievable…" Stark blinked, overwhelmed by Solomon's revelation about his identity. "You're telling me you have no biological father? Are you Jesus? Is your magic the same as the miracles in the Bible? Is that why you don't need bat wings or lizard claws to cast spells?"
"Lizard claws are useful; they're ingredients for transformation potions."
"…"
"…"
"Alright, no jokes," Solomon said. "I have no ties to heaven. I stand firmly with humanity—not hell, the abyss, or even heaven. Any extradimensional entities that infiltrate Earth will be hunted down. That's the job of Kamar-Taj. Ordinary people don't know we exist, but you're an exception, Mr. Stark, because you will encounter Kamar-Taj's sorcerers in the future. That's why I'm telling you this now."
"Fine, then let me ask you about that flaming skull—"
"That's a fusion of a Spirit of Vengeance and an elemental demon. Captain America was lucky to survive it," Solomon said, rising from the couch. "As I said, I won't reveal too much. If you'll excuse me, my divination spells are already showing me future events. If I don't leave now, worse things might happen."
"Worse things? Like what?" Stark was immediately alarmed. Anything involving a mage was serious business, in his opinion. Could it be a demonic invasion? Or another alien attack?
"The steaks for tonight's dinner are going to sell out! If I don't hurry, I won't get any!"
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