Russell had no idea when Iron Man and Spider-Man would return.
But as long as they were driving and not flying, he knew he had some time. Running at top speed, he covered the distance back in less than two hours.
Following the intel he'd gathered from the Snake Team, he traced a dry riverbed and soon spotted a cave hidden by thick vines. Though it looked ancient, a parking marker nearby indicated this was likely their base.
Russell didn't rush in. Observing the vines at the cave's entrance, he noticed something odd—they had a faint magical aura.
With his [Knowledge Curse] ability, he sensed the magic. It was subtle but unmistakable, like a single star in a dark sky.
"Alarm magic?" he muttered, studying the setup.
He considered setting a fire to smoke them out, but if Baron Mordo had a sling ring, he could easily teleport away. Russell would lose any chance of spoils and alert the others.
But he had no way to bypass the spell. Should he abandon his plan?
No. Magic was too valuable to give up on. Besides, even without overloading the Heart of the Furnace, this entry absorbed free energy from the air, which would strengthen him physically and store pure energy in his body. If he acquired a spell-casting ability, he could use it instantly.
Time passed as he mulled over his options. Finally, as the artificial sunlight shifted and illuminated his face, inspiration struck.
He removed the Snake Team's combat uniform, leaving only the trench coat on. Zipping it up, he put on an innocent expression, took a deep breath, and approached the cave.
Instead of sneaking, he knocked loudly on the vines and called out, "Hello? Is anyone there?"
He continued, "Captain America sent me! He said I'd find help here."
As he shouted, the vines began to shimmer, revealing golden symbols before curling back like a serpent and revealing a hidden door.
Feigning awe, Russell exclaimed, "Wow! That's amazing!"
A warm voice responded from behind the door, "It's just a small warning spell. Nothing special."
The door opened, and a tall Black man in a brown robe with a red belt emerged, smiling kindly.
"Captain America sent you, you say?" he asked.
Russell nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! The captain said it's safe here—no dark cloud monsters. He's really a good man. When I was attacked by the Time Guards, I didn't even have clothes. This trench coat is his."
Russell was relieved he'd damaged the trench coat's collar when he took down the Snake Team; the sleeveless look sold the story.
Mordo eyed the trench coat, his doubts fading as he listened to Russell's explanation. He nodded, smiling gently.
"Captain America is truly kind-hearted," Mordo replied. "This place is rough. And those Time Guards—they're the real villains."
Russell nodded in agreement, looking genuinely empathetic. Mordo's smile widened, and then he asked, almost as if suddenly remembering, "But why didn't the captain escort you here himself?"
Russell answered smoothly, "Oh, he met up with some teammates who were heading to the black market. He said it'd be safer if I came here alone, so he gave me directions." Glancing at the magic vines, he added, "He even told me about the magic at the entrance. I didn't believe him—this is incredible!"
Mordo sneered inwardly, seeing through Steve's motives. Afraid of danger? Hardly. Captain America was just avoiding exposure in the black market, given their less-than-stellar reputation. Still, Mordo didn't doubt the story; Tony and Peter had, in fact, headed to the black market that morning.
With his suspicions put to rest, Mordo's smile grew more welcoming. Laughing heartily, he gestured for Russell to come inside.
"I've been rude—come in, friend! You're safe here. Anything you need, just let me know. Make yourself at home!"
Russell grasped Mordo's hand warmly, his face flushed with feigned gratitude. "Really, sir? You're just as kind as the captain. In that case, I won't hold back!"
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