Although there had been no useful discoveries lately, and the Skrulls seemed non-existent, leaving no traces, Howard maintained his daily work routine, going to S.H.I.E.L.D. on time to avoid raising suspicion.
If he suddenly changed his behavioral patterns, it might arouse the suspicion of the lurking Skrulls.
Maria looked at her husband with some concern: "You're going out so late? Can't it wait until tomorrow?"
"There are some documents that need my signature." Howard made an excuse, his tone gentle, "I'll be back soon, don't worry."
He picked up his cane, ready to leave.
But just then, Mavuika stopped him.
"Wait a moment, Howard."
Mavuika stood up from the sofa and walked over to Howard.
Her expression became more serious, and those amber eyes looked exceptionally deep under the living room lights.
Howard stopped and looked at her, somewhat puzzled.
Mavuika didn't speak immediately; instead, she raised her right hand, palm facing upward.
The next second, a point of golden-red light lit up in her palm, warm and not blinding, like a miniature Sun.
The light gradually condensed and compressed, turning from the initial point of light into a ball of leaping Fire, and then solidifying from Fire into substance.
A few seconds later, a thumb-sized crystal appeared in Mavuika's palm.
The crystal was a perfect hexagonal prism shape, transparent throughout, but inside flowed a golden-red halo, as if liquid Fire was slowly rotating within it.
It emitted a warm light, but it was not scorching.
"Take this with you." Mavuika handed the crystal to Howard, her voice calm and solemn.
"If you encounter any accidents, just crush it, and I will sense it."
Howard was stunned for a moment. He looked down at the crystal, feeling the energy contained within it. It was not any form of energy on Earth; it was pure power belonging to a deity.
In his eyes, the crystal seemed like a small Sun, and as the light flowed, countless tiny runes seemed to flicker within it.
"This is..." Howard's voice was a bit dry.
"A crystal formed by my Fire," Mavuika explained, her tone as relaxed as if she were introducing a small gift.
"It has a wisp of my power sealed inside. Once the crystal is crushed, no matter where you are, I can immediately sense your location and status."
She paused and added: "Of course, I hope you won't need to use it, but just in case."
This was an amulet Mavuika gave to Howard to ensure his safety.
After all, Howard was now facing Skrulls who could perfectly disguise themselves and lurk in the shadows.
No one knew if they would notice Howard's investigation or if they would take action.
Howard looked at the warm crystal in his palm, his eyes full of gratitude.
"Thank you!" Howard said solemnly, tucking the crystal into his inner jacket pocket and pressing it firmly.
The crystal felt warm to the touch, like a piece of jade warmed by the Sun.
"I will keep it safe."
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