Above the Earth, a brilliant burst of light tore through the sky and landed in the middle of a desert. Within the fading glow stood a blurred figure. As the radiance dispersed, the image of Kurogai appeared.
It was only his doppelganger—the copy he had dispatched back to Earth.
"Sure enough, it made it back. But the doppelganger's form is already unstable. I need to move quickly," Kurogai muttered.
He retrieved a small bag and pulled out several rune-carved stones. As he activated them, beams of light spread across their surfaces, forming a complex magic array that then dissolved into his hand.
These were preparations he had crafted in Asgard.
Before his body fully faded, he needed to embed his instructions in magic: messages for Skye, Jean, his allies on Earth, and even the Ancient One at Kamar-Taj, carrying Odin's words.
This was unavoidable. His doppelganger wasn't a permanent construct. It could only exist near his real body. Too far from his true self, and it would collapse.
Now, standing on Earth, Kurogai could already feel the edges of his form fracturing. Time was short.
He had anticipated this back in Asgard. That was why he had written his commands into enchantments long ago, so that when he returned, his words could be delivered instantly.
"Last step… I'll leave behind a tether to Earth. Perfect for testing that long-range sensing technique I studied in Asgard's library," he whispered.
From his bag, he produced a large engraved disc. The array carved into it was intricate and ancient.
This magic had been developed by Asgardian sorcerers for warriors who fought across the Nine Realms. It allowed them to locate and communicate with one another across vast distances—a technique not unlike the Bifröst in concept. For Kurogai, it was invaluable.
He could, of course, rely on Heimdall and the Rainbow Bridge to return home. But he had a larger plan in mind.
His Ultimate Pupil required immense knowledge and resources to evolve. The second ring—the Eye of Annihilation—had remained stagnant for over a decade, locked in its first stage. Earth's magical knowledge had been far too limited to nurture it further.
But Asgard was different. Its libraries brimmed with secrets of sorcery. And if even that wasn't enough, he would have to travel across the other realms, seeking the knowledge he needed. That was why leaving behind a long-distance locator was so important.
This was his determination: to raise his second pupil ring to perfection. Nothing less would suffice.
With a flick of his hand, Kurogai hurled the disc into the air. The array flared to life, expanding into a glowing formation nearly ten meters wide. It sank into the desert sands, vanishing beneath the earth, waiting to be summoned when the time came.
"That should cover everything," he said quietly.
But cracks were already spreading across his form. His doppelganger could hold no longer. With a sharp sound, the projection shattered, vanishing into nothing.
Meanwhile, at a secure base orbiting Earth, Jean Grey stood among a group of scientists conducting genetic research. Some of their test subjects had begun manifesting strange mutations: scales on their skin, unusual telekinetic control, and other abilities.
Beside Jean stood Skye, clad in a sleek black tactical suit, ever vigilant as she monitored the area.
Suddenly, two streaks of light appeared before them.
"This… this is Kurogai's magic," Skye said softly. She reached out, and the glowing message activated. His voice flowed directly into her mind:
"Skye, I may not be able to return to Earth for some time. Take care of the ship and the orphanage. Keep things under control, and make sure you stay safe."
Jean received a similar message. His instructions were clear—lie low, protect what mattered, and wait for his return.
The two women exchanged a glance and nodded, silently agreeing to honor his request.
Elsewhere, in a quiet manor in New York, Johnny Storm and Susan Storm received their own messages. At Kamar-Taj, two others received word as well: one for Wanda Maximoff, assuring her of his situation, and one for the Ancient One, carrying Odin's message.
Each ally acted in accordance with Kurogai's plan. Every message was delivered, every order executed without flaw.
His preparations were perfect. Even in absence, Kurogai's will moved the pieces into place.
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