Boom!
The black-and-red fireball collided with the pale golden barrier, sending shockwaves through the air. S.H.I.E.L.D. agents on the ground watched as flames erupted across the shimmering shield, their intensity creating a deafening explosion. The dark fire clung to the barrier, its malevolent energy hissing and crackling as it sought to corrode the magical defenses.
The golden surface of the barrier began to dent and waver under the assault.
Standing on the surface of the Helicarrier base, Lockhart surveyed the scene with an unyielding gaze. The faint smirk tugging at his lips betrayed neither fear nor concern. With a wave of his wand, the barrier began to contract, folding in on itself and trapping the black flames within its confines.
The sphere of golden energy floated in the air before Lockhart, its surface dancing with flickering flames of darkness. With a sharp tap of his wand, the sphere spun rapidly, transforming the fire inside. The black flames dissipated, their energy consumed and neutralized by the pure, white light emanating from within.
Meanwhile, the Dormammu followers turned their attention to Lockhart and the figures standing behind him—Thor, the God of Thunder, and Kaecilius, the seasoned sorcerer.
Excitement and fanaticism glinted in the eyes of the lead follower as he raised his arms to the heavens. Dark energy surged within him, spilling out in waves of black mist. The mist shot into the sky and exploded like unholy fireworks, forming an ominous, swirling pattern in the clouds above.
Within moments, two additional space vortexes materialized, disgorging six more Dormammu followers clad in black robes.
Lockhart's brow furrowed as he took in the scene.
Why is Dormammu mobilizing so many of his followers to attack S.H.I.E.L.D.?
The sight left him momentarily puzzled. If the Cosmic Cube were still in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s possession, this assault might make sense. But without the cube, S.H.I.E.L.D. held little value beyond the sheer number of agents under its command.
Is this all a distraction? Or something worse?
His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden, unmistakable roar of thunder. Thor, filled with battle fervor, charged forward. The God of Thunder sprinted several paces, his crimson cape billowing behind him, before leaping into the air.
Lightning crackled across the sky, drawn to Mjolnir as Thor raised the enchanted hammer high above his head. A massive bolt struck the weapon, and Thor descended like a divine meteor, his body cloaked in a furious storm of electrical energy.
The Dormammu followers scrambled to respond, hastily weaving defensive runes in the air. A black shield materialized above them, glowing with dark magic.
But Thor's strike was unstoppable.
Boom!
The moment Mjolnir struck the shield, it shattered, unable to withstand the divine thunder's overwhelming force. The energy cascaded down, obliterating the Dormammu followers beneath it. Their bodies were consumed in an instant, reduced to charred remains.
Crackling energy surged outward, purging the surrounding area of the dark mist that clung to it.
Kaecilius, inspired by Thor's display, was quick to follow. Summoning his magical weapon, a staff adorned with blazing red flame patterns, he leaped into the fray. His enchanted boots propelled him into the air, and with a single swing of his staff, he unleashed a torrent of fire at the remaining Dormammu followers.
Lockhart watched his companions with a bemused smile. Deciding it was time to join the fray, he twirled his wand in his hand, his voice cutting through the chaos.
"Avada Kedavra!"
"Sectusempra"
...
With each spell, Lockhart unleashed devastating waves of magic. Beams of red flame, dark green curses, and pure white light shot toward the Dormammu followers, their power carving through the air like a storm of destruction.
The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, still regrouping, looked on in awe as the battlefield erupted in a kaleidoscope of magical energy. Their adversaries raised black shields to defend themselves, but the effort was futile. Lockhart's relentless assault shattered their barriers one by one.
Those who weren't struck down by the magical barrage found themselves cornered by Thor and Kaecilius. The two engaged them in close combat, their combined might proving too much for the remaining followers to handle.
The tide of the battle was clear—victory was near.
Yet, among the chaos, two Dormammu followers stood apart, their eyes meeting in silent understanding. Without hesitation, they dropped to one knee and pressed their hands to the ground. A surge of black mist poured forth, etching intricate runes across the battlefield.
"Dormammu, great lord of darkness!" one intoned, his voice echoing with fervor.
"We beseech thee, grant us thy power to smite these blasphemous mortals!"
Kaecilius' eyes narrowed, recognizing the ritual immediately. "Lockhart!" he shouted. "They're summoning Dormammu! Stop them now!"
Lockhart's heart raced as he realized the stakes. The power of a dimensional demon god like Dormammu wasn't something to trifle with. Without hesitation, he raised his wand and vanished in a flash of dark light, reappearing in front of the kneeling followers.
The ground beneath them glowed with the ominous symbols of dark magic, but Lockhart didn't hesitate. Driving his wand into the earth, he channeled his magic with precision and purpose.
Hellfire erupted from the ground, its intense energy surging outward and colliding with the dark mist. The flames roared hungrily, feeding on the dark magic and reducing the intricate runes to ash.
Zhi! Zhi! Zhi!
The Dormammu followers reeled, their connection to the ritual severed. Thor and Kaecilius seized the opportunity, charging forward to deliver the final blow.
Boom!
Mjolnir struck first, followed by the searing energy of Kaecilius' staff. The two Dormammu followers fell, their bodies disintegrating under the combined assault.
Lockhart exhaled, his expression softening as he surveyed the battlefield. The enemy had been dealt with swiftly and decisively, but questions still lingered in his mind.
His gaze drifted to the swirling blue vortex at the center of the chaos.
Where are these Dormammu followers coming from? And where are Loki and Mephisto hiding?
The answers remained elusive, shrouded in mystery.
As if to deepen the intrigue, a message arrived through Lockhart's magical brand.
"Dormammu followers have been sighted in the world of Vientiane," the message read, sent by none other than Severus Snape.
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