Kurogai's divine energy surged without restraint, overwhelming Chthon's essence with raw force.
There was no subtle technique—just unrelenting, brute domination.
The god of the underworld screamed as his divinity was devoured, his red shadow fading until it vanished completely.
The oppressive presence that had blanketed the battlefield dissolved.
The air grew calm once more, leaving behind only a single rift in space that shimmered where Chthon had fallen.
"...Sister," Pietro said softly, hesitating.
He wanted to ask about Kurogai's condition, but what they had just witnessed was beyond their comprehension.
"Pietro," Wanda replied firmly, "help me seal this rift first. Trust in Lord Kurogai, he'll be fine."
Her voice was steady.
Whatever doubts lingered in her brother's eyes, Wanda had none.
Her faith in Kurogai was absolute.
His strength had long surpassed their understanding.
The only thing she could do now was contain the damage left behind.
She raised her hands, focusing her magic to close the spatial tear.
Pietro nodded, pushing aside his concern, and joined her.
Together, they began sealing the crack between worlds.
Meanwhile, Kurogai stood motionless.
His eyes were closed, his body surrounded by a faint aura of divine light.
He was digesting the essence he had consumed—the divinity of Chthon—but more importantly, he was absorbing Chthon's understanding of divine power itself.
That knowledge was what Kurogai valued.
Half a day passed before he opened his eyes.
The air around him pulsed with calm, radiant energy.
His comprehension of divinity had deepened to an entirely new level.
Devouring Chthon's essence had not just strengthened him—it had evolved him.
"How do you feel, Kurogai?"
The familiar voice drew his attention.
Before him stood the Ancient One, her calm eyes studying him closely.
She had returned to Kamar-Taj as soon as she sensed the disturbance.
"I'm fine," Kurogai replied with a faint smile.
"A so-called god like that could never truly harm me."
The Ancient One's eyes softened, though she knew better than to take his words lightly.
Chthon was no ordinary being; even she would have struggled against him.
The fact that Kurogai had defeated and absorbed him spoke volumes.
"Your strength keeps growing," she said with a quiet sigh.
"You've come a long way from the boy I once knew."
"It's not that exaggerated," Kurogai answered modestly.
"My abilities just happened to restrain him, that's all."
She smiled knowingly but didn't press further.
Every sorcerer had their secrets, and Kurogai was no exception.
"By the way," Kurogai continued, his tone steady, "I'd like to handle Pietro's situation myself. After all, this incident started with him."
The Ancient One nodded.
"I expected as much. Before you awoke, I sealed Pietro's divine speed with containment magic. He's in another hall right now—with Wanda, I believe."
She regarded him thoughtfully.
"You saved Kamar-Taj from destruction. It's only fair you decide his punishment."
There was another reason for her leniency, too.
Wanda, as the future Sorcerer Supreme, was under Kurogai's guidance, and even the Ancient One was cautious about interfering too much with his affairs.
Kurogai inclined his head slightly.
"Then I owe you one, Ancient One."
"There's no debt between us," she replied gently.
"You saved this place from ruin. I'm simply balancing the scales."
Kurogai smiled faintly and said nothing more.
With calm steps, he made his way toward the adjacent hall.
Inside, Wanda and Pietro were speaking quietly—brother and sister, reunited after years apart.
"Wanda," Kurogai said, his tone soft but firm, "leave us for a moment. I need to speak with Pietro alone."
"My lord… understood."
Wanda hesitated for a moment, worry flickering in her eyes, but her trust in Kurogai outweighed her concern.
She bowed her head slightly and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Kurogai turned his gaze to Pietro, who stood in uneasy silence.
"I didn't expect that during my time away from Earth, you'd cause this much trouble," Kurogai said evenly.
"You even managed to tear a hole through Kamar-Taj."
Pietro dropped to one knee instantly.
"My lord, I know my sins. Please punish me as you see fit—even death would be mercy. I was reckless, and my actions brought ruin. I will bear the consequences."
Kurogai regarded him quietly.
He could see the remorse in Pietro's expression.
Though his actions had nearly unleashed chaos, his intentions weren't entirely evil.
He had been desperate—misled and manipulated—but still held concern for his sister.
"Stand up," Kurogai said after a moment.
"You still care for Wanda, and that's the only reason I'll let this go. Learn from this, Pietro. Don't waste what's left of your humanity."
Pietro lifted his head, his eyes filled with disbelief and gratitude.
Kurogai turned away, his expression unreadable.
"You were
once under my command. It's time you remembered who you are."
____
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