"Wanda, open the spatial mirror again," Kurogai instructed. This time, his purpose was different: he intended to fully master spatial mirror magic himself. Previously, his limited time and multiple pupil-ring abilities prevented long-term study. While Wanda Maximoff seldom practiced this magic in his presence, he had no opportunity to analyze it through his Replication eye. Relying on traditional magical study only took him so far. Now, he desired full control. That way, whenever Jean Grey needed guidance through his Phoenix ability, he could act without relying on Wanda's presence.
"As you command, my lord," Wanda replied promptly. She began weaving the mirror spell. Kurogai's eyes shifted once more—his iris became a vermilion, five-pointed star magic array, fixated intensely on Wanda's spellcasting.
He watched as Wanda shaped a mirrored realm, like an inverse reflection of the world around them. Layer upon layer of reality appeared folded into paradoxical geometry. Every nuance, every subtle shift, he scrutinized mentally and visually.
Time passed. Hours stretched on as Kurogai ran through each concept, each configuration. Finally, after half a day in study, his understanding crystallized. Wanda closed the mirror world with a graceful gesture.
"My lord, I must return to Kamar‑Taj," she said, bowing. Though reluctant, her duties called her back.
"Go," Kurogai replied. "I will summon you when needed."
Wanda inclined her head and stepped through the portal.
As soon as she vanished, Kurogai opened his own space door and returned directly to New York. Within moments, he was back inside Kingpin's repurposed manor headquarters.
"Master, you've returned," Wilson Fisk greeted, distilled respect in his posture.
"I need that dossier," Kurogai said, watching the man who'd procured it. "How is the search going for Victor von Doom?"
Wilson Fisk reversed course immediately. "It is complete. Here is the data." He offered a thick file with meticulous detail—Victor's known associates, his public identity, educational background, research footholds, corporate interests.
Kurogai nodded in approval. "Excellent work. Dismiss yourself." The corners of his lips curved upward. Wilson Fisk's efficiency reaffirmed the wisdom of absorbing him into Kurogai's organization. Information that might have taken weeks for Kurogai's own agents to uncover was delivered cleanly—in a matter of days.
With that, Kurogai opened another space portal and vanished from the manor. Get full chapters from novel⟡fire.net
He emerged in front of a skyscraper—the corporate headquarters labeled Von Doom Enterprises.
Before he entered, a blonde woman rushed past him in a fit of urgency.
"Excuse me! Can you tell me where the application office is?" she asked, clearly stress-etched.
Kurogai turned, studying her. She was stunning: poised, elegant, an arresting presence. One glance made Kurogai pause; she was exceptional.
"My name is Susan Storm Richards," she announced, failing to mask her anxiety. "I'm here for an application—I don't want to be late."
His mind clicked. Susan Storm Richards … the name belonged to the Invisible Woman—but this was before she became part of the Fantastic Four. At this point, she was simply applying to join the company. Her identity hadn't yet made headlines.
He smiled gently. "Susan, that's an excellent name. Could I interest you in working with me?"
He looked her over thoughtfully. Susan's ability to become invisible and control force fields was useful and, more importantly, she intrigued him.
Susan stiffened. "I'm sorry—I don't know what you mean. I don't have any such intention."
She recoiled a bit, clutching her resume protectively. She felt his intention clearly, and not in a warm way.
Kurogai nodded, amused and unfazed by her resistance. "No rush. I have time. Good luck inside." He gestured toward the building. "You're heading to the application room."
Susan hesitated before walking inside hurriedly, nerves flaring.
As she disappeared, Kurogai closed his space portal, leaving her behind. He had time. He'd make his move when the moment felt right.
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