Above the Floating Sanctum in Kamar-Taj, a surge of dark red energy suddenly tore through the clouds.
A crimson figure followed, crashing into the magic circle at the sanctum's center like a falling meteor.
It was none other than Zarathos, who had successfully merged with the Contract of San Venganza.
Pale golden runes shattered beneath his feet. Amid the scattering light, the souls of over a thousand fallen angels circled him as twisted shadows, shrieking piercingly.
His skin gleamed dark purple, and a pair of tattered black wings spread from his back.
Viscous Hellfire streamed from every feather. The Dark Magic gathering in his hands was several times stronger than when he had fought Ikaros.
"Sorcerer Supreme, hand over the Time Stone, and I'll spare Kamar-Taj from destruction."
Zarathos's voice rasped as though souls were being torn apart. His gaze swept over the panicked apprentice mages inside the sanctum before settling on Doctor Strange at its peak.
Doctor Strange hovered in midair, forming seals with both hands. The cloak at his waist stirred without wind, while a pale golden magic shield covered the entire Floating Sanctum.
He had sensed Zarathos's intrusion through the Eye of Agamotto and prepared his defenses in advance.
"Zarathos, you've got some nerve invading Kamar-Taj's sanctum. You're asking to die!"
Doctor Strange's voice was steady and forceful. He pushed his hands forward, sending ten golden beams from his palms toward Zarathos like swords.
These were no ordinary energy attacks. They contained Kamar-Taj's sealing runes and could temporarily suppress the flow of Dark Magic if they struck.
Zarathos snorted and beat his black wings. Dark red Hellfire formed a barrier that blocked the beams.
"Hahaha! To hell with your sanctum! When I roamed this world, Kamar-Taj's mages were still playing in the mud!
And you dare say