"So that's the case… By the way, Ancient One, I wonder what you think of the idea Odin proposed earlier?"
Kurogai's tone was calm, his expression steady as he stood before the Ancient One. He wasn't concerned with Asgard's heir at the moment; his true focus was on the Infinity Stones—the very reason he had come to Kamar-Taj.
"I think Odin's words hold wisdom," the Ancient One replied slowly. "It's best to follow his suggestion." Her view aligned perfectly with the All-Father's, and she offered no objection.
Kurogai nodded lightly, immediately understanding her meaning. This was a strategy of patience and vigilance. Nothing more was required for now.
"In that case, Ancient One, I'll take my leave. I should go see Wanda."
Without lingering further, Kurogai gave a polite bow before exiting the hall. He had gotten the answers he needed—there was no reason to stay longer.
The silence stretched for a few moments until a voice broke it.
"Teacher… who was that just now?"
Stephen Strange's curiosity had been burning since the moment Kurogai entered.
The Ancient One's expression grew solemn. "Stephen, that man is… dangerous. If possible, never make him your enemy."
"So dangerous? He's also a sorcerer? Stronger than you, teacher?" Stephen asked in disbelief. To him, the Ancient One was already one of the most powerful beings in existence. For someone so young-looking to command her respect—it was almost unthinkable.
"In the past, I could gauge his strength," she admitted quietly. "But now… I cannot see through him at all. Remember this, Stephen: avoid conflict with him whenever you can."
Her words carried an unusual weight. Ever since Kurogai had returned from his journeys in the cosmos, his power had become unreadable—even to her.
Stephen nodded, though confusion remained on his face. "I understand, teacher. I won't provoke him."
The Ancient One sighed softly. That wasn't what truly worried her. Stephen might keep his distance, but there was no guarantee that Kurogai would do the same. He had become increasingly unpredictable, his depths hidden even from her eyes.
Meanwhile, Kurogai was already walking through the halls of Kamar-Taj, his thoughts elsewhere. He soon arrived at the chamber where Wanda Maximoff was working.
Though the Ancient One still resided here, she had long since passed the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme to Wanda. Kamar-Taj's affairs now rested in Wanda's hands. The Ancient One's presence was only for Stephen's training and access to certain mystical resources.
When Wanda noticed him enter, surprise flashed across her face. "Lord Kurogai? You're back? I thought you wouldn't be returning to Earth for a while."
Kurogai offered a faint smile. "I had some free time. Thought I'd stop by. Wanda, tell me about Kamar-Taj's recent affairs—especially regarding the Time Stone."
Though he had already asked the Ancient One, the Time Stone was too important for him to rely on a single perspective.
Wanda nodded respectfully. "Of course, Lord Kurogai. Since Odin's last message…"
She spoke at length, explaining everything that had transpired. She mentioned the Ancient One's acceptance of a new disciple, the stability of the Time Stone's protection, and the general calm surrounding Kamar-Taj.
Kurogai listened intently, his sharp gaze fixed on her until she finished. Then, he inclined his head. "I see."
Her account confirmed what the Ancient One had said, but Kurogai caught another significant detail: the new disciple—Stephen Strange.
Doctor Strange's story was already beginning. Yet this time, the threads of fate had shifted drastically.
Kaecilius, who was meant to be Strange's rival, was long dead—killed by Kurogai himself. Wanda now held the title of Sorcerer Supreme instead of the Ancient One. The very foundations of this storyline had already been rewritten.
Would destiny force events back onto their original path? Or would they continue to diverge, shaped by his own interference? The thought intrigued Kurogai. He resolved to keep a close eye on Strange and Kamar-Taj.
"Very well, Wanda," he finally said. "For now, things seem quiet. But if anything unusual happens here, contact me immediately."
"Of course," Wanda replied with a respectful bow.
Leaving her chambers, Kurogai departed Kamar-Taj altogether. This time, he didn't roam aimlessly. Instead, he returned directly to his experimental spacecraft.
Each passing event brought the universe closer to the great conflicts ahead. Kurogai had no intention of wasting this time. He would focus on his training—specifically, on pushing his Sharingan to its ultimate state.
From the day he first awakened it, his eye technique had evolved steadily, but he knew he had not yet reached its peak. Now, with the method to enhance it in his grasp, there would be no more hesitation.
So, for the next stretch of time, Kurogai remained aboard the spacecraft. He guarded the base, oversaw the progress of his experiment, and prepared to perfect the third ring of his Sharingan.
When the time came, he would emerge stronger than ever.
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Milestone
100 Power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter.
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