Dr. Helen Cho's news lit a fierce excitement in Kurogai's chest. He followed her swiftly through the gleaming corridors to the gene transformation chamber. The progress was clear: stability in subjects far surpassed earlier tests, and none had collapsed post-stimulation, unlike Magneto's disastrous trials on ordinary humans. Though issues remained, hope surged from every measured improvement.
Kurogai took it all in with satisfaction. Then, once his inspection was done, he left the experimental wing and headed toward Jean Grey's quarters. Jean herself was reviewing data on a sleek terminal. When she saw Kurogai enter, her expression brightened.
He greeted her, and soon they discussed the experiment's status—Jean offered her reports, her tone precise and thoughtful.
But signaling a shift in mood, Kurogai suddenly grew serious. "Jean, I'm going to take you somewhere."
"You are?" Jean asked, curious but cautious.
"Yes," Kurogai said with purpose, "Have you ever considered hosting the Phoenix Force?"
Jean's eyes widened. She paused before speaking, choosing her words carefully. "The Phoenix Force is volatile. It's not something anyone can control, not even me."
Kurogai nodded, acknowledging her concern. "That's exactly why I've returned. I intend to help you learn to control it."
Jean frowned, tension hairs on her arms lifting. "How can I control it? The Phoenix is destructive, unpredictable. I don't know if I can handle it."
He offered a reassuring smile. "I've devised a method. Organize your thoughts, and I'll bring someone in to assist."
Jean studied him for a long moment, then nodded. She shifted posture, reflexively ready. A gentle firmness in her acceptance.
Moments later, to both their awe, the air before them rippled. A shimmering portal materialized. Stepping through, a tall woman with flowing crimson hair and robes emerged: Wanda Maximoff.
Jean gasped. Wanda stood poised and regal. Though Wanda had served as the Supreme Sorceress at Kamar‑Taj, when Kurogai summoned her, she answered without hesitation.
"Sir," Wanda greeted, bowing respectfully, "what is your command?"
Jean stared in astonishment. She'd seen the portal ability before, but not many outside Kurogai could summon someone so formidable—and not someone like Wanda, so powerful.
"This is Wanda," Kurogai introduced gently. "One of my trusted lieutenants. She's a mage of great power."
"And this is Jean Grey, a telepathic mutant who might one day host the Phoenix Force," he said, smiling warmly.
Jean and Wanda exchanged cautious glances. Recognition dawned quickly. Wanda extended a courteous nod.
Kurogai addressed Wanda next. "How proficient are you with spatial mirror magic?"
Jean tilted her head, curious. Spatial mirror magic: ancient mages used it to safely examine inner worlds, a separate dimension where actions had no effect on reality.
He continued: "My plan is to anchor the Phoenix's power within a mirror-space. Then Jean can practice channeling it without harm. The mirror acts like a buffer—so neither world collapses if control slips."
Wanda considered. "I have mastered spatial mirror magic completely," she replied confidently. It was part of her duties as Supreme Mage.
Kurogai smiled. "Perfect. Wanda, initiate the mirror. Jean, step inside when you're ready."
Jean's breath trembled. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into emphasis-the air where Wanda wove magic. The shimmering threshold became a doorway to the inner world.
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Milestones
100 Power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter
200 Power stones = 3 Bonus Chapters
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