Kurogai lingered just long enough to watch Susan hurry away. He offered a faint smile before turning his gaze upward. His steps were silent but purposeful as he ascended toward the highest level of Victor von Doom's corporate headquarters.
From a balcony overlooking the office corridors, Kurogai adjusted his white, opaque lenses. There, behind a polished glass wall, stood a young man in his twenties—matching the photo dossier Wilson Fisk had delivered. Victor von Doom.
With flawless timing, Kurogai summoned a spatial portal and walked through into Victor's office. The man was turned away, examining the city skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows, pride radiating from every inch of him.
Kurogai watched silently for a heartbeat before speaking. "Victor von Doom."
Victor turned swiftly, surprise flashing in his eyes. "No one enters without my permission!"
Kurogai remained calm. "I'm giving you an opportunity."
Immediately, Kurogai invoked arcane glyphs in his palm—symbols swirling into existence. Within moments, Victor felt oppressive weight descend upon him until he dropped to trembling knees.
"What have you done to me?" Victor gasped, sweat beading on his brow.
"I offer a choice," Kurogai replied. "Do you wish to harness powers beyond mortal limits?"
The gravity intensified. Victor barely managed to choke out his agreement. "Yes… I do."
Respecting his sudden submission, Kurogai released the pressure. Victor slumped awkwardly to the floor as the portal energy dissipated.
"I need you to launch Project Cosmic Storm," Kurogai instructed. "Send teams into space to collect data before the next cosmic storm arrives. I will select the candidates myself."
Victor nodded even before Kurogai finished. He was shaken, but obedient. This man standing over him felt unstoppable. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ N0veI.Fiɾe.net
"There will be no delay," Kurogai continued. "The next storm comes in one month."
Victor inhaled sharply. "I understand."
Satisfied, Kurogai opened a space door. But before stepping away, he glanced back. "One more thing… that woman—Susan Storm Richards. Do not hire her. She isn't someone you can control."
Victor lifted his head, confusion mingled with fear. "Understood."
Kurogai departed through the portal. Victor stayed on the floor, breathing heavily, the remnants of that supernatural force lingering in his lungs.
Minutes ticked by before clarity returned. Victor sprang from the floor and roared in frustration, smashing his office décor. Then he regained composure and snatched up his communicator.
"Cancel her application," he growled. That powerful woman—she almost caught his attention in a different way.
Meanwhile, Kurogai emerged on a high-altitude platform overlooking Manhattan's skyline. The air was crisp. His mandate with Victor was set.
He allowed himself a moment to reflect on the unfolding plot: cosmic storms, Doom's corporate operations, Susan Storm Richards, Project Cosmic Storm.
Every move was aligned. Every step moved him closer to shaping his vision.