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Asgard.

High atop the Bifrost observatory, Heimdall's golden eyes swept across the Nine Realms. The omens of Ragnarök drew ever nearer, and he dared not lower his vigilance for a second.

Then, without warning, a shimmering dimensional rift tore open before the gates of Asgard. Even Heimdall, guardian eternal, stiffened in surprise.

Out of the light stepped Nolan.

"Supreme Sorcerer…" Heimdall bowed his head with uncharacteristic haste. "Asgard welcomes you."

Nolan didn't waste time. "I need the Bifrost. Send me to Xandar."

Under normal circumstances, Heimdall would have flatly refused. The Bifrost was not a public transport system it was the pride and weapon of the All-Father himself.

But Nolan was no ordinary petitioner. Heimdall's all-seeing eyes had witnessed the impossible: Nolan standing alongside Odin and the Ancient One, battling Dormammu himself in the Dark Dimension. Few beings in existence had earned such fear and respect.

Heimdall hesitated. "I would need the All-Father's consent…"

"You mean Odin, resting in Norway," Nolan replied casually, eyes flicking toward the palace. "Or the one wearing his skin currently lounging at the theatre."

The words froze Heimdall where he stood.

Before he could respond, a commanding voice carried across the hall. "Let him pass."

On the throne's balcony sat Odin. But Nolan and Heimdall knew better. The illusion trembled as Loki, disguised as the All-Father, raised a goblet with false composure.

Nolan's gaze lingered on him. "Enjoy your game while it lasts, Trickster. When next we meet, I'll expect more than theatre."

Loki's smile faltered as the Bifrost flared to life.

The rainbow torrent enveloped Nolan, hurling him across the cosmos. Heimdall's face was tight with unease; Loki sat frozen in his chair, haunted by the parting words: We will meet again.

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Xandar.

In the western arm of the Milky Way, Xandar shone like a jewel capital of the Nova Empire, seat of the Nova Corps. Its cities bustled with a thousand alien species, its towers gleaming with prosperity. Yet beneath the surface of that brilliance, Nolan saw weakness.

The rainbow light faded, leaving the telltale scorch of the Bifrost etched into Xandar's central plaza. Crowds gasped as a stranger in flowing golden-silver robes appeared.

Nova patrol craft descended at once, armored soldiers of the Corps surrounding him in strict formation. Their voices crackled through comms:

"Identify yourself, Asgardian."

Nolan smiled faintly. "Not Asgardian. I am Nolan, Sorcerer Supreme of Midgard."

A ripple of shock spread among the Nova troops. The tales of the Dark Dimension war had already reached them whispers of a man who fought Dormammu and won.

At once, two Nova Centurions disembarked and bowed respectfully. "Honored Supreme Sorcerer, forgive our caution. What brings you to Xandar?"

"I must speak with your leader," Nolan said, his voice carrying weight. "Xandar stands on the brink of blood and fire. If you wish to live, you will listen."

The Centurions stiffened. Within moments, word was relayed through comms. Soon Nolan stood face-to-face with Nova Prime Irani Rael, leader of the Corps.

She greeted him with formal respect. "Sorcerer Supreme of Earth, you honor us. Speak freely."

Nolan's gaze was sharp, unwavering. "Tell me, the Orb you guard, the one containing the Power Stone, it remains on Xandar, does it not?"

Irani's expression hardened. "…It does. Why?"

"Because Thanos wants it," Nolan said, voice low as thunder. "And he will come. Xandar stands on the edge of annihilation."

The chamber went silent.

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