The Nine Realms were gradually aligning, and the Convergence had begun.
Asgard was under heavy guard. Important hubs were defended by large forces, while the towering palace, piled high like mountain peaks, was surrounded by gun towers kept active at all times against attacks from the sky.
Ground troops patrolled rigorously. Armies led by numerous gods stood watch over Asgard day and night, while reserve forces lay concealed in the shadows, ready to respond to any attack against Asgard.
After learning that the Dark Elves would attack Asgard and that his mother would die, Thor had obtained Odin's consent and, together with Asgard's gods, built defenses that were virtually impregnable.
Suddenly.
Faint sparks flickered in the sky, gradually multiplying and expanding into a ring of sparks.
With a swish.
Every gun turret turned its barrel, the dark muzzles all pointing at the expanding ring of sparks in the sky.
All the gods of Asgard focused on the ring of sparks and prepared to attack.
"Stand down! Return to your positions!" From the balcony of Asgard's palace, Thor saw the ring of sparks and immediately thought of Ancient One's similar methods.
And it was hardly strange that Ancient One's disciple, Stephen Strange, possessed such abilities as well.
Sure enough, after Thor ordered the turrets to stop aiming, Stephen Strange stepped through the other side of the ring and into Asgard. The deep crimson Cloak of Levitation billowed behind him, helping him float in the sky.
"Looks like I got here before He-El." Stephen Strange swept his gaze over the vigilant Asgard and let out a breath of relief.
If He-El had arrived in Asgard, Stephen Strange believed the place could not possibly have remained peaceful. Odin of Asgard would never yield to He-El's attempt to obtain the Reality Stone. They could