Chapter Summaries

Agent Victoria Hand agreed to help Agent Coulson’s team while insisting that Cybertek be turned over to her, and Salomon trusted her to handle the mission. After reading her report, Salomon reflected to Bayonetta on the people who kept him connected to the mortal world, and she led him toward bed.

• Agent Hand judged Coulson’s team undisciplined and wanted to attack Hydra, capture John Garrett, and kill Grant Ward, but she agreed to provide limited help if Cybertek was handed over to her.
• Agent Coulson thanked Agent Hand and asked her to pass his regards to Salomon.
• Salomon told Bayonetta that Coulson’s humanity and loyalty mattered to him, and that she and his other loved ones anchored him in the mortal world.
• Bayonetta kissed Salomon, teased him about eating fruit without her, and told him to brush his teeth before joining her in bed.
• Salomon set aside Agent Hand’s report, kissed Bayonetta’s belly, and drifted toward sleep in her arms.

Salomon taught Wanda how Enchantment Magic could alter memories and argued that her childhood recollections might be unreliable. He revealed that the bomb that should have killed Wanda and Pietro was probably stopped by a spell Wanda had possessed since childhood, and he wanted to discover what price her magic had incurred.

• Tony Stark upgraded the Avengers' equipment and began secretly trying to recreate the Super Soldier Serum.
• Salomon taught Wanda and Pietro about the brain and explained how Enchantment Magic could erase or implant memories.
• Salomon suggested that Wanda's memories of the bomb that killed her parents might have changed over time, angering her.
• Salomon calmed Wanda with magic and told her that the Mind Stone had awakened powers she already possessed as a child.
• Salomon explained that a spell in Wanda's subconscious likely stopped the bomb from exploding and said he wanted to find the creditor to whom she owed a magical bill.

Salomon helped Wanda and Pietro revisit their troubled past to uncover the magic debts and possible influence of Chthon, while Maya Hansen reported progress on creating stronger soldiers. Stephanie later informed Salomon that Hydra had seized most of Whitehall’s pharmaceutical companies, and he ordered Whitehall kept alive as bait for a greater plan.

• Salomon stopped Wanda’s lesson and used food and conversation to help her and Pietro recall their past, noting the suspicious miracles that had kept them alive.
• Salomon considered Chthon’s influence on the Maximoff siblings and planned to investigate the clues and visit N’Garai to inspect Chthon’s seal.
• Maya Hansen explained her progress in gene alchemy, and Salomon told her he needed warriors stronger than Captain America to face the threats ahead.
• Salomon reassured Maya that her safety was vital to the City of Immortals, and she left after asking permission to go shopping with the Sisterhood security team.
• Stephanie reported that Hydra had acquired nearly all of Whitehall’s pharmaceutical companies, including the World Vaccine Organization.
• Salomon told Stephanie to keep Whitehall alive because he needed him as bait and to advance something that would change the world.

Merlin prepared to take Salomon and Dave to the En-Galé Dimension for training and to maintain Gaia’s seals, despite the danger of chaotic time there. Dave accepted the duty after learning he might lose years with Becky, and the group prepared to leave with the Sorcerer Supreme’s protection against the time difference.

• Merlin insisted on traveling through the real universe to reach the En-Galé Dimension, and he arranged for Dave to join Salomon there for training.
• Balthazar told Dave that he would become the High Priest of Merlin’s Wizarding Group and help maintain Gaia’s sealing array around the Great Shadow Demon.
• The Venerable One warned that time in the astral realm could differ drastically from time on Earth, then used the Time Stone to protect Salomon and Dave from the time difference.
• Dave panicked that his friends, including Becky, might be gone when he returned, while Balthazar urged him to protect Salomon as his sword-bearer.
• Veronica challenged Balthazar for imposing the sacrifice on Dave, but Dave agreed to go after deciding he needed time to say goodbye to Becky.

Salomon told Jeanne he was leaving for the Outer Dimensions, then prepared to travel with Merlin and Dave. Merlin took Dave on a trial to become a true Druid and inherit the Merlin School, while Salomon left first through the portal.

• Salomon lifted Jeanne down from her horse, and she named the mare Ines.
• Salomon told Jeanne he planned to travel to the Outer Dimensions, and she urged him to join Bayonetta at the manor.
• Merlin prepared to take Dave to Xandar and then to N'Kai for training to maintain the Earth Mother Goddess's seal.
• Merlin explained that Dave had to become a true Druid and inherit the Merlin School, despite Veronica's objections.
• Salomon gathered what he needed and stepped through Kamar-Taj's permanent portal first.

While Salomon was away, Stephanie managed the City of Immortals and reviewed plans for the empire he intended to build, recognizing that she needed more administrative personnel. She gathered the staff to clear the backlog and awaited Salomon’s return and the next stage of his plans.

• Stephanie reviewed budgets and applications for the Sisterhood, rejecting an excess request for myrrh and approving other documents.
• Stephanie studied the plans for rebuilding society and building Salomon’s empire, which were too complex for her to complete alone.
• Stephanie guarded a secret project entrusted to her by Salomon, using a key and biometric locks to access hidden chambers beneath the City of Immortals.
• Stephanie called Tita and requested experimental feedback on the Sisterhood’s weapon modifications by the next day, with Wakanda’s research department’s signature.
• Stephanie ordered the administrative office moved downstairs and summoned all administrative personnel to clear the documents that had accumulated over the previous three days.

Dave faced Chthon’s demonic horror during his first unprotected crossing into the Outer Dimensions, recovering his courage when Salomon’s presence restored his memories. After Dave collapsed, Merlin and Salomon discussed his training, and Salomon reaffirmed his promise to protect him until he could fight Extra-dimensional Beings himself.

• Dave was overwhelmed by the Evil Spirit’s appearance and could not remember his magic as it approached.
• Salomon’s light and voice dispelled the nightmares, restoring Dave’s memories and courage, and Dave turned to face the monster.
• Merlin watched the exhausted Dave recover aboard a spacecraft transporting Xandar Snails and explained his harsh training methods to Salomon.
• Salomon said he had promised Balthazar and the Venerable One to protect Dave until he could face Extra-dimensional Beings on his own.
• Salomon decided to fly the ship back himself, despite lacking a piloting license and understanding of its controls.

Salomon traveled toward a space casino while Merlin put Dave through a trial to prepare him for the dangers ahead. On Earth, Natasha Romanoff confronted Stephanie for information about Salomon’s prolonged absence, but Stephanie refused to disclose it.

• Salomon took command of the smuggler’s ship and promised its crew payment if they followed his route to the casino world.
• Merlin took the hallucinogenic drugs from Salomon to help Dave as he awakened and continued Dave’s trial against demonic possession.
• Merlin showed Dave the future and helped him find the courage to face the threats awaiting him.
• Stephanie restricted Wakandan scientists in the City of Immortals and had unruly spies executed while expanding the Malik family’s influence.
• Natasha Romanoff asked Stephanie where Salomon was and whether a crisis threatened the Avengers, but Stephanie insisted the information was classified.

Natasha received a fusion-plasma weapon from Stephanie while Salomon led his captured ship and newly recruited pirates toward a coming battle. He prepared the crew to fight the Ults, despite their reluctance to face trouble.

• Natasha investigated Hydra’s influence and concluded that political enemies would eventually turn against the Avengers.
• Stephanie gave Natasha a plasma weapon from the City of Immortals and withheld details about Salomon’s whereabouts.
• Salomon’s crew seized technology and supplies from the port, killing casino security and robbing its guests.
• Salomon directed the ship toward Merlin’s coordinates while armed merchant ships pursued them.
• Salomon announced an upcoming war against the Ults and ordered the Kree first mate and crew to prepare for boarding combat.

Salomon took command of a smuggling ship and prepared to lead its crew through a violent route toward the boundary with the Outer Dimensions, while urging Dave to abandon his sympathy for criminals and accept humanity’s need to fight. Meanwhile, Laura Croft reached the Prophetess’s ancient tomb in Syria and found murals whose armored angels did not match the biblical account.

• Salomon explained to Dave that the smuggling ship’s criminals had to be controlled and that humanity would need to wage war to rise among the stars.
• Salomon dismissed Dave’s objections, warned him that he might be unworthy of the Sword of Terra, and prepared to attack using reckless Asgardian naval tactics.
• Salomon planned to increase the crew’s drug dosage so they would carry out his dangerous attack, and he communicated with the loyal Phoenix above the ship.
• Laura Croft reached the ancient tomb in Syria despite surviving an armed helicopter attack and a fall from a cliff.
• Laura examined the tomb’s murals and recognized scenes from her father’s notes, but noticed that they depicted armored golden angels absent from the biblical account.

Captain Alex recounted how Salomon led a ragtag smuggling crew in a daring raid that captured an enemy ship and its fleet. The story ended with Alex welcoming new crewmen into Salomon’s pirate family and raising a toast to him.

• Alex told his crew about the raid that had first made him admire boarding tactics and introduced them to the legendary Captain Salomon.
• Salomon prepared his undisciplined crew for battle, keeping them in line with his sword while planning to use a planet’s gravity as a trap.
• Salomon gave Alex his notebook, then left the ship and ordered Alex to accelerate as he faced the enemy in space.
• Alex rammed the smuggling ship into the enemy vessel after its Laser Cannon opened a hole in the hull, and Salomon led the pirates through the breach.
• Salomon and the pirates overwhelmed the enemy crew, captured the ship and fleet, and Alex toasted Salomon while welcoming new crewmen as family.

Salomon consolidated his captured pirate fleet through strict rule, training, and augmentation while Merlin judged Dave too naive for the role he hoped he would fill. In her cell, Wanda continued studying Salomon’s lessons and resisted using the Dark Magic she was learning.

• Salomon executed the casino tycoon, took command of the fleet, and gave the crew the choice to join him or remain on the planet.
• Salomon organized the fleet, assigned Alex to manage supplies, and imposed an autocratic system that turned the pirates into increasingly loyal followers.
• Merlin praised Salomon’s tactics but believed Dave needed a profound trial before he could become a sword-bearer.
• Wanda used Salomon’s focusing method to communicate with Pietro through the wall and continued studying Enochian magic and forbidden texts.
• Wanda resisted casting spells as the badge in her pocket glowed faintly and the whispers around her faded.

Salomon’s fleet endured escalating mutinies and nightmares as it traveled toward the Dream Curtain, prompting him to order rune carvings on every ship. Meanwhile, Stephanie managed the City of Immortals in Salomon’s absence and prepared to negotiate with the Malik family.

• Alex reported that crew members were having nightmares and rebelling as if their minds had been altered, and Salomon ordered runes carved throughout every ship and any afflicted crew secretly disposed of.
• Salomon continued leading his fleet toward the black nightmare at the edge of the galaxy, following Merlin’s rune-carving plan.
• Stephanie told Agent Romanoff that Salomon would return, then continued overseeing the City of Immortals and its secrets in his absence.
• Stephanie decided to take the Sisterhood to the Malik family for a negotiation, without telling her father about the City of Immortals’ current state.

Stephanie seized control of the Malik family's Hydra resources and left to handle the political and surveillance work awaiting her. Agent Hand continued hunting Hydra loyalists and investigating the Obelisk's intended recipients as the City of Immortals prepared for a possible assault on the moon.

• Stephanie locked Gideon Malick in his bedroom, won the retainers' recognition with his cooperation, and established herself as the head of Conservative Hydra.
• Gideon welcomed his daughter's takeover and planned to retire, while worrying that Stephanie might neglect the Malik family line.
• Stephanie left the manor to request leave for Gideon and resume Salomon's surveillance plan, which was obstructed by Whitehall and complicated by Coulson's team and Agent Victoria Hand.
• Stephanie believed Coulson's team might have secretly detained Grant Ward after Agent Hand helped eliminate John Gettler, while Coulson's team changed bases.
• Agent Hand used an aircraft carrier as her command center to hunt Alexander Pierce's Hydra loyalists, find the group seeking the Obelisk, and capture Whitehall before Coulson's team could.
• The City of Immortals expanded its military production and outfitted special operations teams as three Helicarriers underwent modifications for space travel and a moon assault.

Laura Croft traveled from war-torn Damascus to seek Salomon’s help identifying Golden Armor patterns, but found no answers and returned to Croft Manor. After discovering a link between the armor and the hidden City of Immortals, she decided to search for legendary Kitezh, just as The Trinity arrived.

• Laura escaped Damascus on a private plane and reached New York after three days of transfers.
• Bayonetta sent Laura to Minerva, but Minerva could not identify the armor patterns.
• Laura returned to Croft Manor and found records describing a hundred suits of matching Golden Armor in the City of Immortals.
• Laura found a strange cross and the legend of the vanished city of Kitezh in the Chronicles of Kitezh.
• Laura decided to search for Kitezh, while Jonah opposed her plan and left angrily.
• The Trinity arrived at Croft Manor.

After an assassin attacked Laura Croft at Croft Manor, she realized The Trinity was still pursuing the Chronicles of Kitezh and decided to search for the Source of Divinity before they could find it. Agent Victoria Hand dispatched support to track the fleeing assassin while Laura and Jonah prepared to leave.

• Laura Croft used a lamp and the Chronicles of Kitezh to fight off an assassin who broke into Croft Manor and tried to choke her.
• An agent monitoring the manor reported the attack to Agent Victoria Hand, who learned that Laura was safe and the assassin had fled.
• Agent C-A1 followed the assassin toward Woking as Agent Hand provided tracking tools and dispatched a Quinjet to support him.
• Laura concluded that The Trinity had targeted the manor because of the Chronicles of Kitezh and decided to search for the Source of Divinity.
• Jonah agreed that he and Laura had to leave immediately before The Trinity found the Source of Divinity.

As Salomon’s fleet crossed the void toward En-Galai, he slept while the Holy Marks protected the crew from Chthon’s nightmares, though their power assimilated some crewmen and threatened Salomon himself. The fleet continued toward the galactic edge as Salomon’s consciousness rested within its golden light.

• The first mate learned from Merlin that Salomon’s power protected the fleet, but crewmen inside the captain’s quarters and across the ships had been assimilated by the Holy Marks.
• Merlin repeatedly led Dave’s soul into nightmares for training, strengthening his powers while wearing down his mind.
• Salomon prepared to reach En-Galai and recognized the danger the Holy Marks posed to him and to the crew.
• The fleet traveled from the Southern Cross Arm toward the galactic edge, enduring deadly nebulae, wreckage, and Chthon’s nightmares.
• Salomon’s golden radiance destroyed nightmares around the fleet, and he fell asleep during the long journey.

Alex observed the crew’s growing worship of the captain and suspected the captain was allowing it to preserve order in the fleet. Meanwhile, Laura Croft and Jonah climbed toward Kizhezh City, but an avalanche separated them and Laura continued alone.

• After a rebellion, Alex found blood-sacrifice statues made from corpses and learned that the captain’s worshippers could view them without going mad.
• Alex realized the crew’s faith was uniting them and helping them suppress mutinies, though he suspected the captain knew fanaticism was spreading.
• Laura Croft and Jonah continued their dangerous climb through a Siberian blizzard toward Kizhezh City, where The Trinity was already moving.
• After fragile ice and an avalanche cut off their route and disrupted communications, Laura and Jonah were separated, and Laura pressed on alone.

Laura Croft fought to survive in the frozen ruins while evading Trinity mercenaries and planning a route past a Siberian Brown Bear. After killing several mercenaries and arming herself, she faced the bear as it blocked her path and fired her rifle.

• Laura built a temporary camp and crude bow in the snowbound ruins, then rested while Trinity established a large operation nearby.
• Laura ambushed two Trinity mercenaries with her climbing axe, took a pistol, and abandoned her discovered camp as patrols spread.
• Laura decided to confront the Siberian Brown Bear rather than cross the Trinity search net, and prepared arrows tipped with unknown mushroom juice.
• Laura silently killed two more mercenaries with her bow and took their rifle and ammunition.
• The bear charged from a cave and began eating the mercenaries' corpses, blocking Laura's route, so she aimed her rifle and pulled the trigger.

Laura fled into a cave after gunfire alerted the Trinity mercenaries, while Salomon awoke aboard his fleet after the Earth Mother Goddess revealed his purpose and Merlin announced their arrival. Salomon ordered the fleet to approach a rift cautiously and asked Phoenix to scout it, but Merlin instead told him that Dave was asleep and recovering from an injury.

• Laura entered the cave to escape the Trinity mercenaries after shooting a brown bear and discovered signs of an old excavation and running water beyond a stone wall.
• The Earth Mother Goddess awakened Salomon and showed him the purpose of his journey, and Merlin told him that the fleet had reached its destination.
• Salomon found that the pilots had died after confronting the essence of his Holy Marks while he defended the fleet from nightmare creatures and Chthon's corruption.
• Salomon ordered First Officer Alex to replace the pilots, commemorate the dead, and guide the fleet slowly toward the void.
• Salomon asked Phoenix to scout the rift, and Merlin told him that Dave was asleep despite being injured.