Thor's sudden arrival on Earth caught Kurogai completely off guard. Still, he couldn't afford to ignore it. The god of thunder rarely appeared without reason—and if Thor was here again, it likely had something to do with the Infinity Stones.
Weighing his priorities, Kurogai decided to put the vampire situation aside for now. The vampires weren't going anywhere; he could deal with them later. But if this involved the Stones, any delay could cost him dearly.
Without hesitation, Kurogai conjured a shimmering portal of blue energy. In a blink, he stepped through and emerged in a familiar stretch of desert—the very same place where Thor had landed the last time he descended to Earth. The energy signature matched perfectly.
"Kurogai, my friend!" Thor's booming voice broke through the arid stillness. "I didn't expect you to be the first to arrive again. Take me to the Sorcerer Supreme. I bring an urgent message from my father, Odin!"
Kurogai folded his arms, studying Thor with mild amusement. "Odin sent you on another errand?" he asked, a faint smirk curving his lips.
According to the chaos that had erupted in Asgard's magical archives not long ago, Thor should have known something by now. But judging from the thunder god's earnest expression, he was completely unaware of what had transpired. Interesting.
So Odin didn't tell him anything… Kurogai mused silently, his eyes glinting with quiet amusement. The All-Father was keeping secrets—perhaps even protecting him. A rare act of courtesy, one Kurogai didn't intend to betray. Odin might suspect traces of divinity within him, but he didn't know the full truth. That suited Kurogai just fine.
"Yes," Thor said with conviction. "The situation regarding the Infinity Stones has grown worse. My father wants me to contact the Sorcerer Supreme and prepare for what's coming."
Kurogai gave a small nod. "Then let's not waste time."
He drew another arc of blue light with his hand, the space rippling as a new portal opened before them. "Come on. I'll take you to Kamar-Taj."
Thor followed without hesitation, lightning crackling faintly in his wake. Moments later, they stepped into the courtyard of Kamar-Taj, where the air hummed with the quiet, disciplined energy of the mystic arts. The Ancient One was already there, calm and composed, waiting as if she had foreseen their arrival—which, of course, she had.
"Thor Odinson," she greeted, her tone serene. "To what do we owe this visit?"
"Supreme Mage," Thor said respectfully, giving a short bow. "I come on my father's orders to discuss the Infinity Stones. You must have sensed their disturbances as well."
The Ancient One tilted her head slightly. "Indeed. I felt the shifts the moment they occurred. But you must understand, Thor—the title of Sorcerer Supreme now belongs to Wanda Maximoff. I only remain to protect Earth."
Thor nodded gravely. "Then please tell Wanda this: my father believes someone is collecting the Stones. If we sit idle, the consequences could be disastrous. Odin wishes to unite our forces—to find whoever is behind this before they make their move."
A faint smile touched the Ancient One's lips. "It seems the All-Father and I share the same conclusion. Then perhaps, cooperation is in order."
Thor looked visibly relieved. "Agreed. Together, we can cover more ground. One side alone would take too long."
As they began their discussion, Kurogai quietly stepped aside, choosing not to linger in the hall. With Wanda now acting as the Sorcerer Supreme, there was little that happened here that he didn't already know. Listening to their plan firsthand felt unnecessary.
He stood by a window overlooking the monastery's inner courtyard, a faint smile on his face. Plans and alliances, he thought, yet none of them realize the Stones are already mine to claim.
For now, though, the timing wasn't right. He needed patience. The universe itself was aligning.
Moments later, Thor and the Ancient One emerged from the hall, their meeting concluded. Both carried the weight of responsibility on their shoulders.
"Is the deliberation over?" Kurogai asked casually, glancing their way.
Thor sighed, nodding. "Yes. We've done what we can. But this enemy... whoever they are... they're too mysterious. There's no trace, no lead to follow. All we can do is prepare and hope our efforts will be enough."
Kurogai chuckled softly. "Preparation is good, but sometimes the best way to find your enemy is to let them come to you."
Before Thor could reply, a sudden tremor rippled through the air. The ground vibrated beneath their feet, and an eerie pulse of dark energy rolled across the sky. Both men's heads snapped upward instinctively.
Even from within Kamar-Taj's protective wards, they could sense it—several immense, hostile presences descending toward Earth.
Thor's eyes narrowed, lightning beginning to crackle in his irises. "This energy… it's not of this world."
The Ancient One stepped outside, her expression grave. "No concealment, no subtlety," she said quietly. "Whoever they are, they want us to know they're coming."
Kurogai's lips curved into a cold, knowing smile. He didn't need to guess. He could feel their signatures clearly now—dark, oppressive, unmistakable.
Ebony Maw and the rest of Thanos's lieutenants had arrived.
-