Marvel: My Eyes Defies Fate.

Pietro Maximoff was a capable fighter, and Kurogai hadn't expected him back so soon.

Once everything was handled, Kurogai decided to let him leave Kamar-Taj.

After all, the current sentiment within Kamar-Taj toward Quicksilver wasn't exactly positive.

This was his second time causing chaos there, and if not for Wanda's and Kurogai's intervention, the Ancient One herself might have acted personally.

Once Quicksilver's issue was settled, Kurogai made his way to the main hall.

Earlier, Wanda and Pietro had sealed the dimensional rift, but the Ancient One was performing an additional seal to ensure stability.

When Kurogai arrived, the ritual was nearly complete.

"Is the situation with Pietro settled?" the Ancient One asked calmly, her tone composed yet layered with subtle meaning.

She wasn't merely referring to Pietro's disruption but to the recent invasion of Ebony Maw and his allies.

Few matters still drew her concern, and Thanos' shadow loomed among them.

Kurogai shrugged slightly.

"For now. As for Thanos, we'll just have to wait and see if he makes a move."

He spoke with a calm detachment, though he understood the situation well.

Thanos's motives weren't something anyone could predict.

While the defeat of Ebony Maw and the others might raise the Titan's suspicions, how long that hesitation would last was another question entirely.

Kurogai wasn't one to dwell on uncertainty.

All he could do was remain vigilant.

What he did know for sure was that Thanos wouldn't simply sit back and watch—inaction wasn't in his nature.

Even if the Titan didn't personally intervene yet, his forces surely would.

"I see," said the Ancient One, nodding slightly.

"There's one more matter. After Thanos's invasion begins… would you allow Wanda to return here?"

The question gave Kurogai pause, but only for a moment before realization dawned.

Wanda's agreed-upon time with the Ancient One was approaching—the time when she would step down as the Sorcerer Supreme.

But the threat of Thanos had changed everything.

If the Ancient One were to fall in the coming battle, Kamar-Taj would be left vulnerable.

She wanted Wanda to remain behind, to hold the position temporarily, to stabilize things until Doctor Stephen Strange was ready to assume the mantle.

It was a logical move, one meant to ensure the balance of power and protection of the Time Stone.

Kurogai gave a small smile.

"Of course. I'll see to it."

It wasn't just an act of cooperation.

It was also practical for him.

Thanos's main objective was the Infinity Stones.

There was no guarantee he wouldn't send subordinates to Kamar-Taj to seize the Time Stone.

Having Wanda guard it until Kurogai could secure it himself was a strategic advantage.

"Thank you, Kurogai, for your understanding," said the Ancient One warmly.

She took his agreement as selfless dedication to the greater good—never realizing that more than one mind coveted the power of time.

Kurogai bowed slightly.

"Then I'll take my leave, Master."

Before departing, he made sure to speak with Wanda, informing her of what had been discussed.

He also asked her to remain vigilant regarding the Time Stone.

Once that was done, he left Kamar-Taj, his cloak sweeping softly behind him.

Far away, in the cold silence of deep space, a massive warship drifted among the stars.

Inside its throne chamber sat a towering, armored figure of violet skin—Thanos, the Mad Titan.

Before him stood a blue-skinned woman garbed in dark, ornate armor.

"My King," she said, bowing her head.

"You summoned me?"

Thanos's heavy gaze met hers.

"Tell me, Supergiant… do you recall the subject I ordered you to investigate?"

"Loki," she replied at once, her tone sharp with recognition.

"The prince of Asgard."

Thanos nodded slowly.

"Yes. There's something stirring on Earth. We'll use him to probe it."

Supergiant bowed again.

She understood perfectly.

Some time ago, during their search for the Infinity Stones, Thanos had turned his attention toward Asgard, drawn by its power and secrets.

That was when Loki had caught his notice—a trickster who might serve his purpose.

"As you command, my King," Supergiant replied.

"I'll make the arrangements immediately."

She turned and departed swiftly, her steps echoing across the metal floor.

Thanos leaned back in his throne, his expression unreadable.

Kurogai's instincts had been correct—the Titan would not sit idle.

Suspicion had already taken root, and Thanos had begun his test.

If no extraordinary force revealed itself on Earth, he would unleash a full-scale invasion—claim

ing both the planet and the Stones that hid upon it.