Gene-modded Warrior

"Loneliness is our greatest enemy, Wanda," Salomon said gravely.

He extended a finger, and a cream cake floated out of a portal, landing lightly on a tray. Then came a fruitcake, a brownie cake, filing out like train cars and dancing into their own little plates. Next came candles in every color and exquisitely wrapped candies. Flowers bloomed across the mottled walls, rusty pipes were polished smooth in an instant, and the stark white lighting took on a warm golden hue. A fairy-tale atmosphere filled the dilapidated cell.

He had used illusion magic to construct a virtual fairy-tale kingdom.

"But with desserts to keep us company, none of that is a problem!" The Arcanist winked playfully and picked up an exquisite enameled ceramic teapot. This was the night before the Avengers finished their reconnaissance and launched their scheduled attack. He had not discussed tomorrow's assault plan with the others. Even though The Venerable One had asked him to ensure the scepter was returned to Asgard, he had no intention of joining that exceedingly dull battle. It was not his battle. "There are no lessons today. You've learned what you should learn, and you've learned what you shouldn't as well. Stop reciting spells, Wanda. It's time to enjoy yourselves."

Wanda was thrilled. She could see hope for revenge. She would stand face-to-face, eye-to-eye, with the people who had taken her parents' lives.

But what excited Wanda even more was seeing a peaceful life after revenge beckoning to her.

She grinned foolishly and repeatedly talked about opening a clothing store, then sending her brother to college. Or perhaps learning how to make cakes; the delicious treats before her might have inspired that idea. She spoke amid the desserts and candles, while Pietro alone could not muster any interest. Listlessly, he poked at