"Maybe… I can cast an illusion on myself," Kurogai murmured thoughtfully, resting his chin against his hand. "If I immerse myself deeply enough, maybe it'll stir some kind of emotional response. That might help me evolve the first Pupil Ring."
He knew the idea was desperate, and deep down, unrealistic. His mental strength was far too great. Even if he used illusions against himself, his mind was too disciplined to be fooled. The thought faded as quickly as it came.
"Forget it," he sighed quietly. "I'll leave that for later. There are other things that matter more right now—the Phoenix's regeneration and the Infinity Stones."
Leaning back, Kurogai exhaled slowly, letting his thoughts drift.
The power of the Pheonix had been quietly strengthening within him, its flame regenerating. It didn't require conscious effort or training—the ability was growing on its own, evolving naturally with time. Even the smallest progress each day was proof that the bird's power hadn't yet returned to its peak. That, at least, gave him patience.
But the Infinity Stones… that was another matter entirely.
So far, he had absorbed two—the Power Stone and the Space Stone. That left four unclaimed.
And Kurogai knew exactly where each one was.
"The Time Stone is still under Kamar-Taj's protection," he murmured. "The Reality Stone remains hidden in Asgard, still bound in its Aether form. The Mind Stone—most likely still embedded in Thanos's scepter. And the Soul Stone…"
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly.
"The Soul Stone is safe. Its location is still known only to me."
He reached into his coat and felt the faint warmth of a map hidden within—a key to its resting place. Without him, no one could ever approach that gem. It was the one Infinity Stone Thanos could never reach.
Still, the Soul Stone required sacrifice—the life of someone truly dear. That was the one condition that unsettled him. He didn't yet know what he would do when that moment came, but he trusted himself to find a way.
"For now," he decided, "collecting the other four stones isn't possible. My priority should be strengthening the fifth Pupil Ring and unlocking the rest. That's what matters most."
He rose from his seat, running a hand through his hair, his eyes reflecting faint red light.
Each Pupil Ring was a key to greater vision—greater power. Six had been awakened, four perfected. The remaining six still awaited their conditions. He needed to discover what triggered each one before another cosmic shift occurred.
"Still…" He frowned slightly. "After absorbing another Infinity Stone, I'm certain they've noticed."
He could already imagine it. The Sorcerer Supreme at Kamar-Taj, the All-Father in Asgard—both had surely sensed the surge of cosmic energy. And then there was Thanos, watching from across the galaxy.
If anyone would react the most violently, it would be him.
Kurogai smirked faintly. "The Ancient One and Odin act out of duty… but Thanos? He acts out of greed. He must be furious right now."
And he was right.
Even now, Thanos's lieutenants were already on their way to Earth.
"Well, that settles it," Kurogai said finally, straightening his coat. "I'll keep watch on Kamar-Taj and Asgard, and at the same time, work on unlocking the remaining Pupil Rings. Those are the priorities."
He stretched lazily, his body humming with quiet power. The Infinity Stones Thanos wanted so badly were already part of him. Even if the Titan collected the rest, they'd be incomplete. Kurogai doubted Thanos would ever wield their full power now.
And Thanos without all six Stones?
Not something to fear. His strength, while immense, was still mortal—no greater than Odin's or Thor's at full power.
Why should he be concerned?
Smiling to himself, Kurogai activated a surge of magic within his body. A ripple of energy formed beside him—a spatial connection linking his consciousness across distances. He didn't need to physically travel to Kamar-Taj; there were more efficient ways.
He sent a message directly to Wanda Maximoff, his most trusted ally there. She'd inform him of any movement within the sanctuary. That alone would save him the trouble of going in person.
Once the link faded, he decided it was time to clear his mind.
New York stretched out before him—bright, chaotic, and alive. For all its noise and danger, there was something refreshing about it. For once, he wanted to see the world he was fighting to protect.
It had been years since he arrived in this universe. Years spent training, battling, and surviving. But rarely had he ever taken time to actually live.
"Maybe it's time to change that," he said quietly, a small smile forming on his lips.
His thoughts drifted toward two familiar faces—Rogue and Susan Storm. Both had been by his side through thick and thin, yet he'd given them little time outside of conflict.
"Rogue, Susan," he called out with a grin. "How about we take a break today? A walk through New York, maybe."
The response was instant.
"Really? I'm in!" Rogue's voice came from the hallway, bright and excited.
"I'll go change—don't move!" Susan added from upstairs, already hurrying off.
Kurogai chuckled, shaking his head as he heard the two rushing to prepare. "We're just walking around New York," he muttered under his breath, amused. "Not going to a royal banquet."
But secretly, he didn't mind. It was rare to see them that eager. They'd both been through so much—it was good for them to feel like normal people again, even for a day.
Minutes later, the two women returned, dressed elegantly yet casually—each radiating their own charm. Rogue's playful energy contrasted with Susan's graceful composure, and together they seemed to light up the room.
For a brief moment, Kurogai was speechless. Their beauty—accentuated by the faintest touch of effort—was disarming.
"Wow," he muttered before quickly catching himself, making them both laugh.
"See? Even you can be caught off guard," Susan teased, smiling.
Rogue chuckled beside her. "Guess we did something right."
Kurogai shook his head, a hint of warmth in his voice. "You two are impossible."
He could've teased them back or scolded them playfully, but for once, he didn't. He simply smiled, letting the rare moment of peace sink in.
And with that, the three of them left the manor—unaware that far beyond the stars, Thanos's army was already moving toward Earth.