—2019, Marvel Universe, New York City
Inside the restricted research hall of Rhode Island Industries' top-secret "Azure Abyss" laboratory, Kagura stood before a unique machine.
The device was mounted on a vibranium platform.
Two crescent-shaped silver pillars formed a circular arch nearly two meters tall, within which a shimmering, rainbow-colored curtain of light gently flowed.
This curtain served as a barrier separating space-time, linking the known world to the mysterious and unpredictable quantum realm.
It resembled a fantastical rainbow tunnel — a portal to the unknown.
This was the Eye of the Abyss: a quantum realm traversal device.
From the outside, it looked much like the classic "time-space portal" seen in many sci-fi stories.
"Master, before you enter the Eye of the Abyss, let's go over the basics one more time," said Cortana, carefully adjusting Kagura's clothing like a mother seeing her daughter off to her first day of school.
"The destination of the space-time traversal is uncontrollable, but the return protocol is.
You'll be able to summon the Eye of the Abyss at any time to initiate a reverse traversal and return to this world. The return point is set to five seconds after departure."
"Also," she continued, "it's still unclear how the Infinity Stones' powers might behave outside this universe.
According to VEDA's predictions, the most likely outcome is that they'll retain their current capabilities — but may lose their status as the highest authority.
After all, in a different universe, the hierarchy of power might shift."
"I understand. I'll be cautious about how the Stones behave in another universe," Kagura nodded thoughtfully.
She then gently brushed Cortana's cheek. "Hey now, no need to worry so much, Cortana. Just think of it like me going on a vacation!
I've been cooped up for way too long — time to stretch my legs a little, right? Ehehe~"
Cortana smiled softly. "You are the one I've sworn to serve with all my life, Master. Your safety is more important than my own, so please don't expect me to stop worrying."
"Mm-hmm. Thank you, Cortana."
Kagura stood on her toes and patted Cortana's head. "It's exactly because I know you'll always be there for me — no matter what happens — that I can relax.
You're my proudest creation."
"You honor me, Master." Cortana bowed slightly. "Now then, the Eye of the Abyss is about to activate. Please recall your objectives for this world traversal."
"Mhm!" Kagura nodded. "Crossing into another world will inevitably affect it — and that influence can't be avoided.
So, I need to do my best to ensure that the impact is as positive as possible."
"Also," she added, "while I'm exploring, it'd be ideal if I can collect samples of resources, technological data, or unique materials and artifacts from the other world."
Traveling between worlds.
Collecting samples and advanced technologies.
That was Kagura's goal in using the Eye of the Abyss.
Rhode Island Industries had already reached the peak of technological development in the Marvel Universe — the next step was to augment it with breakthroughs from other realities.
After all, there's no end to science and innovation!
"Safe travels, my beloved Master."
"Alright! Then— see you in five seconds!"
———————————————————————
[Eye of the Abyss – Initialization Sequence]
[System diagnostics in progress…]
[Diagnostics complete. All systems normal.]
[Eye of the Abyss: Activated]
[Quantum tunnel data: Stable]
[Inputting origin space-time coordinates…]
[Origin coordinates confirmed]
[Inputting destination coordinates…]
[Destination coordinates confirmed]
[Ready for space-time traversal]
[Quantum tunnel countdown: 3… 2… 1…]
[Quantum tunnel open...….]
With that, the silver-haired girl stepped into the radiant, rainbow-colored portal — embarking on a brand-new adventure!
———————————————————————
Within the Quantum Realm
Upon entering, Kagura was instantly swept along by the strange currents of the quantum realm, rushing forward through a kaleidoscopic world.
Around her, reality twisted and blurred as if the very laws of physics were being rewritten.
Traversal Time: 10 seconds
Space-Time Coordinates: Quantum Realm
Everything around her was bizarre and disorienting — even stranger than warp-jumping through deep space.
Traversal Time: 29 seconds
Space-Time Coordinates: Quantum Realm
———————————————————————
[Coordinate resonance complete]
[Conceptual alignment confirmed: Eye of the Abyss — Quantum Sea]
[New world detected — Quantum tunnel exit locked]
[Initiating disengagement protocol…]
———————————————————————
Suddenly, silence fell.
It was as if Kagura had passed through an invisible barrier — stepping from the known quantum realm into something entirely different.
Communications with New York were instantly cut off.
Traversal Time: 57 seconds
Space-Time Coordinates: Quantum Sea
Suddenly a blinding light filled Kagura's vision, forcing her to squint.
Quantum traversal: Complete.
———————————————————————
—The Quantum Sea
When Kagura reopened her eyes, she found herself in a vast, otherworldly dimension.
Around her stretched an endless expanse of pure space — no stars, no mountains, no oceans.
Nothing but the void.
A single massive white light beam poured down from far above, like sunlight shining into an ancient, bottomless well. It felt beautiful — but also oddly oppressive.
Visually, the realm reminded her of the trial dimension associated with the Space Stone, once used by Void-sama — though there were notable differences.
Floating all around her were countless cubes. Some were whole, others broken.
Some large, others tiny. Some orange, some pale gray.
They drifted alone, spinning slowly in the void — and occasionally collided or merged into bizarre geometric constructs.
Massive clusters of these cubes even formed floating islands, eerily suspended in the air.
"Eh…? What is this place?" Kagura scratched her head, puzzled. "This doesn't look like a proper world. Don't tell me… the traversal failed? Did I just get into a time-space crash?"
As she fumbled to reestablish quantum entanglement communication and summon the Eye of the Abyss back from New York, a smoldering red fragment streaked past her eyes.
It looked like a charred piece of armor — half-burnt, glowing faintly with embers.
It carried an eerie sense of tragedy, like a candle in its final flicker.
Then more fragments drifted by — one by one, like dying meteors falling through space, each trailing whispers of melancholy and beauty.
"Huh?"
Following the fragments' path, Kagura looked up — and her golden eyes widened in shock.
"That's…?!"
In the distance, descending slowly through the endless space, was a crimson figure.
Her eyes were closed.
Her long scarlet hair flowed freely, her body clad in battered armor, covered in wounds.
She was ablaze with the remnants of flame, glowing embers clinging to her body.
Charred patterns still radiated faint heat — like the dying echoes of a fierce, heroic battle.
And as the red woman descended ever so slowly, Kagura's expression shifted from confusion to astonishment.
"…Murata Himeko?!"