"I… I saw Loki."
Sif's voice was distant, her gaze unfocused. At those words, the corner of Kurogai's mouth curved ever so slightly. Everything was unfolding exactly as he had planned.
In her dreams, Sif had seen only him. But with the power of his Dream Eyes, Kurogai had layered Loki's image into her subconscious, leaving behind the perfect illusion. When dream and reality blur, truth becomes fragile. And now, Sif believed without doubt that Loki was the figure she'd seen.
"Sif, I apologize on Loki's behalf," Thor said heavily, his guilt evident.
Her confusion deepened. The warrior maiden did not fully understand what had happened, but her heart leaned toward Thor's words.
"You should rest," Thor said firmly, instructing the healers to watch over her.
With that, Thor and Kurogai departed. They could not delay—Odin awaited them.
The golden halls of Asgard shone with splendor as they entered the palace. The All-Father sat upon his throne, a presence both regal and unyielding.
"Father, this is Kurogai Blackwood, envoy from Midgard," Thor announced, though uncertainty lingered in his voice. He still wrestled with whether to speak of Loki's misdeeds.
Odin's one eye settled upon the stranger. "A messenger from the realm of mortals. Asgard welcomes you. Sit."
A seat had already been prepared beside the throne. Once they were seated, Odin's gaze shifted back to his son.
"Thor. Something weighs on you. Speak."
Thor hesitated, then sighed. He knew there was no concealing this. "Father… when I sought out Kurogai, Loki appeared. He—"
"I know enough," Odin thundered, his expression hardening. "Loki, that reckless fool. Thor, find your brother and cast him into the dungeons. No one is to release him without my word."
Thor bowed his head. "As you command, Father." His steps were heavy as he left to carry out the order.
When Thor was gone, Odin turned to Kurogai. "Envoy of Midgard, Asgard has wronged you. As recompense, ask what you will. If it lies within my power, I shall grant it."
Kurogai raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise at the offer. "The All-Father's generosity honors me. I seek nothing of wealth or station. But as a magician, I hold great curiosity toward the arcane. If I might be permitted to glimpse Asgard's private collections of magic, even for a short time, I would count it a gift beyond measure."
Odin's brows drew together. Asgard guarded its higher magics closely. To share them with an outsider was no small thing. Yet Odin had promised compensation, and honor demanded he follow through.
"…Very well," Odin said after a pause. "You may study within our archives—for one day only."
A faint smile crossed Kurogai's lips. Luck, it seemed, favored him. Most of the time, obtaining power required schemes or conflict. But now? Opportunity was handed to him by Odin himself.
"In that case, I thank the All-Father for his generosity."
To Kurogai, this was no small victory. With his Dream Eyes, knowledge that others thought hidden could never remain secret. A single day was more than enough.
Odin leaned forward, his voice grave. "Now, let us speak of what matters most. The gems. I trust the Sorcerer Supreme has already spoken to you of them?"
Kurogai inclined his head. "She has. What does the All-Father propose?"
"First, we must forge a stable line of contact between Asgard and Midgard. Should danger arise, either side must be able to respond without delay. Only then can we safeguard the Stones."
Kurogai's gaze sharpened. He listened closely, for here lay the true purpose of his journey.