Marvel: My Eyes Defies Fate.

After Kaecilius finished speaking, Kurogai already had a name in mind—Mordo.

It wasn't hard to piece together. According to Kaecilius, a black-robed man had manipulated him, feeding off his desire for revenge. And the only person within Kamar-Taj who held a grudge against Kurogai… was Mordo.

"So you want to die?" Kurogai muttered, his eyes cold and his voice colder. "Then I'll grant your wish."

Kurogai had never been the merciful type. If someone plotted against him, he struck back. And with Mordo revealed as the puppet master behind this betrayal, Kurogai had already begun forming several methods to eliminate him.

"But first… let's clean this up."

Without hesitation, Kurogai struck—his fist slamming directly into Kaecilius's skull.

A clean, instant kill.

He then retrieved the Book of Cagliostro from Kaecilius's body, the very artifact that had started this chain of events. Without a word, he tucked the forbidden text away and began cleansing the scene of any traces.

Though the battle had taken place close to the London Sanctum, Kurogai had prepared a spatial barrier in advance—partially to prevent Kaecilius from escaping, but now it served another purpose: to delay news of Kaecilius's death.

After realizing Mordo's involvement, Kurogai had revised his plan. Rather than expose what happened, he would use it to lure Mordo out.

---

Several Days Later

A quiet, manor-like home…

Kurogai lounged on a comfortable leather sofa, flipping through the stolen Book of Cagliostro. His expression remained calm, but his eyes scanned the pages with intense focus.

Despite all the knowledge he'd absorbed in the Kamar-Taj library, most of the Ancient One's more powerful tomes were forbidden—even to him. This book, however, was different. It held spells he'd never seen before.

"This will do nicely," he muttered.

Every line of magical script recorded into his memory brought him closer to strengthening the second ring of the Ultimate Eye.

"Now," Kurogai said, snapping the book shut with a soft thud, "it's time to bait the big dumb bear."

He stood and looked out the window, the city lights reflecting in his heterochromatic eyes.

"I've never cared about Mordo," he murmured. "Not even if he turned villain like in the stories. But now? He tried to have me killed. So I'm done ignoring him."

His voice grew icier.

"He crossed a line."

Kurogai was certain Mordo was panicking. Kaecilius had disappeared without a trace. No body. No word. No aftermath.

"He didn't expect this to blow up the way it did."

Kurogai could already imagine the thoughts racing through Mordo's mind. He hadn't wanted to make a move himself—so he used Kaecilius as a pawn. But Kaecilius had gone too far, creating chaos in the process. Mordo's biggest fear now was that someone—especially the Ancient One—would learn of his involvement.

"Which means he's desperate. Desperate enough to move."

Kurogai smirked.

"So let's give him what he wants."

He extended his hand, summoning a Sling Ring portal. A golden circle shimmered into existence. Without hesitation, he stepped through and vanished.

---

New York Sanctum

Inside a private chamber, Mordo paced in frustration. Days had passed, and still no word of Kaecilius. The tension was suffocating. If someone else found him first—especially the Ancient One—it would be over.

Just as his anxiety reached its peak, a monk rushed in, breathless.

"Master Mordo! Something has happened!"

"Calm down," Mordo snapped. "What is it?"

"There's been a report… in Washington. Someone claims they saw Kaecilius recruiting followers. It looks like he's preparing something."

The monk bowed urgently.

"I came to inform the Sorcerer Supreme. I thought she should know immediately—perhaps she can intervene personally."

Mordo's heart skipped a beat.

He's alive?!

No. This… this is my chance.

His eyes lit up, masking his panic with sudden resolve.

"No need to trouble the Sorcerer Supreme," Mordo said firmly. "I'll handle Kaecilius myself."

Without another word, he opened his own portal and disappeared from the Sanctum.

He didn't notice the faint red glow in the monk's eyes as he departed…

---