Marvel: Death Knight

Entering the New York Sanctum, Garus observed the ancient ambiance within. The air carried a strange energy—a mix of spatial power and traces of soul magic.

"Welcome, Mr. Garus."

Hearing the voice ahead, Garus looked up to see a middle-aged woman clad in a white robe. Her face bore a perpetual, gentle smile, radiating an aura of calm and warmth.

"You must be the Ancient One?"

The woman seemed slightly surprised at his words, as though she had never met him before. "You know of me?"

"Of course. The Sorcerer Supreme, Earth's protector, who defended this world from Dormammu's invasion—who wouldn't know you?" Garus replied with a faint smile, offering a small compliment.

The Ancient One showed no outward reaction to the flattery but found Garus even more intriguing. Despite their long-standing duty to protect Earth, few outside their circle were aware of their existence. They sought no recognition—it was simply their responsibility. Yet, after so many years, the Ancient One was growing weary and searching for a worthy successor.

"Director Fury mentioned you," she said. "He's concerned about the immense power you wield—and your lack of control over it."

Garus smirked. Typical Fury, still wary of him. "So, what do you want to say?"

"This world has always been dangerous," the Ancient One said. "Since you live here, I hope you'll take up some responsibility to protect it." She had a sense her time was nearing its end, and this invitation was an opportunity to assess Garus. If he posed a threat, she would not let him roam unchecked.

Garus shook his head. "I make my own decisions about what to do. You know how unfriendly this world is to those with great power, especially under the watchful eyes of the American government."

The Ancient One acknowledged his point. She had lived long enough to witness countless such situations.

Garus continued, "I have a company and assets in this world. If anything threatens me, I'll deal with it myself."

The Ancient One persisted, "This world faces far more threats than you can see: HYDRA, Inhumans, mutants, vampires, werewolves, aliens, and gods from other dimensions. For years, my sorcerers and I have fought to protect this realm, but our numbers are insufficient. I'm forming a new organization—the Illuminati."

She watched him intently after speaking. The idea had come to her recently. While aware of Fury's Avengers Initiative, she saw it as too susceptible to governmental influence. The Illuminati, by contrast, would remain secret and independent.

Garus raised an eyebrow. The Illuminati? Interesting. But this world didn't yet have Professor X, and Iron Man was still tied to the Avengers. Who else was the Ancient One planning to invite?

"I've already turned down Fury's offer to join the Avengers. I'll decline yours for the same reason," Garus stated firmly. "However, I'm willing to let the students and teachers from my mutant academy join, provided they agree."

The Ancient One considered this. Mutants' powers were formidable, and their inclusion could strengthen the Illuminati. "Very well. I accept."

"I'll have Wanda meet with you," Garus added. Allowing his academy's students to join the Illuminati was also an opportunity for them to gain real-world experience. Their previous encounter with the Destroyer had revealed their shortcomings.

The Ancient One nodded and turned to her disciple. "Mordo, see Mr. Garus out."

"Master…" Mordo began, but she silenced him with a glance.

She understood what he wanted to say. Mordo was rigid and uncompromising, still bearing a grudge over Kaecilius' betrayal years ago.

As the Ancient One turned away, Mordo cast a meaningful look at some nearby sorcerers. Though subtle, Garus caught the gesture but chose to ignore it.

As they exited the Sanctum, Garus noticed something amiss. The surrounding environment began to warp. Buildings twisted and turned, and transparent mirrors appeared everywhere, slicing the world into fractured reflections.

"The Mirror Dimension," Garus muttered. "When did I get pulled in?"

Turning back to Mordo, Garus saw a mocking smirk on the sorcerer's face. "You?"

"Indeed, Mr. Garus," Mordo replied without pretense. "You wield the powers of death, desecrating the natural cycle of life and death. Your actions…"

"Stop," Garus interrupted, rolling his eyes. "If you're looking for a fight, just say so. Don't waste time with a lecture."

Mordo's expression darkened. "My master has always been too lenient. She failed to act decisively against Kaecilius, and look at the consequences. I won't make the same mistake."

Several sorcerers surrounded Garus, weapons at the ready. Mordo declared, "Not only are you a threat, but so is your mutant academy. Mutants once sought to dominate this world. If not for the Ancient One's intervention, they would have succeeded."

Garus chuckled, realizing their misunderstanding. As a death knight, he wasn't reliant on summoned creatures. Still, Mordo's ignorance amused him.

Just as the tension peaked, the space behind them fractured. The Ancient One stepped through, her tone sharp. "Mordo."

Caught off guard, Mordo hesitated, then reluctantly lowered his weapon.

Unseen by all, Garus released a wisp of gray, necrotic energy, which seeped into Mordo's body. It was a plague curse—not fatal but highly unpleasant.

"A little lesson," Garus thought, smirking.

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