At Kamar-Taj, a shimmering portal opened in the courtyard. From it stepped two figures — one tall, proud, though visibly battered, and the other composed and strikingly calm. The first was Thor, crown prince of Asgard. The second, his unexpected ally and recent foe, was Kurogai Blackwood.
"Master Blackwood, welcome back!"
A monk, broom in hand, stopped mid-sweep as he caught sight of the man. Though Kurogai had long been away from Kamar-Taj, some among the older generation still remembered him. The monk immediately straightened and bowed deeply, his voice carrying both respect and caution.
Kurogai gave a short nod. "Is the Sorcerer Supreme here? I've brought someone who needs to see her."
His words were direct. After what he had learned from Thor — Odin's suspicions about the Infinity Stones — he could not afford to delay. The Eye of Agamotto needed to be checked.
His mind, however, remained uneasy. If absorbing the Power Stone truly severed its connection to the others, then approaching the Time Stone should reveal nothing unusual. But if resonance still occurred, then the situation was far more dangerous. It would mean other powers could sense it too.
That was why he brought Thor here. This visit would decide whether Earth was safe or already on borrowed time.
"The Sorcerer Supreme is in the main hall. I will notify her at once." The monk bowed again before hurrying off to report.
Thor exhaled slowly, watching Kurogai. "So… you truly are aligned with Earth's sorcerers. Forgive me for misjudging you earlier."
The Asgardian's words carried reluctant admiration. In his mind, Kurogai was not merely some wandering powerhouse but a protector of Earth itself — one who stood close to the hidden guardians of magic. Thor, despite his earlier clash with him, now viewed Kurogai as something of a hero.
Kurogai raised a brow, amused. "Think what you like."
He had no interest in correcting Thor's assumptions. Let the thunder god weave whatever story made sense to him.
Before more could be said, a crimson figure appeared in the courtyard with a sudden flash of energy. Scarlet threads of power rippled faintly around her as she stopped in front of them.
"Lord Kurogai, you've returned!"
It was Wanda Maximoff. Her eyes shone with relief and warmth at his presence. Though she now bore the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, her respect for Kurogai was absolute.
"Wanda," Kurogai said, slightly surprised. Then, catching himself, he gave a short nod. "Actually, you've arrived just in time. I needed to see you."
For a moment he had nearly asked after the Ancient One, forgetting that the former Supreme had long since passed on. Wanda now held that position. Still, it was convenient — perhaps even better.
"You need only give the word," she said quickly, eager to assist.
"Tell me," Kurogai said, his voice turning serious, "has the Eye of Agamotto shown any unusual activity lately?"
At that, Wanda hesitated. She opened her mouth but then caught sight of Thor standing beside him. Her expression tightened. These were not matters for strangers.
Thor stepped forward with surprising formality, fist pressed to chest in salute. "Supreme Mage of Midgard, I am Thor Odinson, son of Odin All-Father. By my father's command, I come seeking audience with you — and to ask if the Time Stone has stirred."
His words were heavy with duty, yet his eyes betrayed awe. For Odin had once told him of Earth's Supreme Sorcerer, a being of immense power, beyond compare. And here that person was… bowing to Kurogai. The realization unsettled Thor deeply. If the Supreme Mage treated Kurogai with reverence, what did that make him?
"Thor?" Wanda repeated, astonished. She glanced at Kurogai for confirmation.
"It's true," Kurogai said, calm and certain. "He is Odin's son. You may speak freely."
Relieved by his assurance, Wanda inclined her head. "Very well. My lord, please, come inside. We should discuss this properly."
She led them into the great hall of Kamar-Taj, its walls lined with relics and wards of protection. The Eye of Agamotto rested nearby, glowing faintly in its casing.
"The Eye was dormant until recently," Wanda explained once they were seated. "But a few days ago, it flared with an unusual brilliance — stronger than anything I've seen before…"
Her voice dropped lower, and the air in the hall grew heavy. Whatever had awakened the Time Stone was not to be taken lightly.