"Masters, I am Strange," Grindelwald announced, his voice resonating through the hall while he maintained his flawless disguise. "I am honored that your leader has invited me to share news of considerable importance—news that necessitated this comprehensive gathering."
He surveyed the assembly of fallen sorcerers with calculated precision, noting the anticipation etched across their faces. "Before I elaborate further, allow me to clarify certain matters. You have likely encountered various fragments of information recently, much of it contradictory or incomplete. What I shall share has been meticulously verified."
With remarkable oratory skill, Grindelwald commanded the attention of every sorcerer present. His words, though seemingly simple, carried a weight that drew all eyes toward him.
"First, I trust you have all heard of Asgard's arrival," he continued, his gaze sweeping across the gathering. "Some claim Asgard has formed an alliance with Kamar-Taj, while others suggest they maintain neutrality or even harbor hostility. I imagine many of you have questioned these conflicting accounts."
The fallen sorcerers nodded, murmurs of agreement rippling through the crowd.
"After thorough investigation, we have confirmed the true nature of relations between Asgard and Kamar-Taj," Grindelwald declared, pausing for dramatic effect. "They have not established an alliance. On the contrary, conflict between them appears imminent."
He paced deliberately across the platform. "Those of you who monitor developments in the Vientiane World should be aware that the sorcerers led by Lockhart have severed ties with their Asgardian counterparts. The Asgardian prince who arrived recently wielded Mjölnir itself—Thor's mighty hammer—and pursued Lockhart."
Grindelwald's lips curved into a subtle smile. "While the outcome remains uncertain, this development unquestionably benefits our cause. Even if Asgard does not align directly with us, their presence alone diverts Kamar-Taj's attention and resources."
His voice gained momentum. "Consider the mounting opposition to Kamar-Taj: not only the demon lord Mephisto who stands as our ally, but also the warriors of Asgard, the God of Thunder Thor, the All-Father Odin, and independent practitioners like ourselves. The balance of power shifts in our favor with each passing day."
Grindelwald continued weaving his narrative with unwavering confidence, painting vivid pictures of favorable circumstances on the horizon. The fallen sorcerers—particularly those who had recently defected from Kamar-Taj—were visibly captivated by his rhetoric. The fear they harbored toward the Ancient One and her devoted followers began to dissipate, replaced by nascent enthusiasm.
From the side of the platform, David observed with mixed emotions. He couldn't deny that Grindelwald possessed exceptional talent for galvanizing morale—precisely why he had requested his assistance for this gathering. With their ambitious undertaking ahead, hesitation and timidity would only undermine his ultimate goal of ascension to godhood.
Yet watching "Strange" address the assembly with such magnetic influence, David experienced a subtle discomfort. Every word seemed perfectly calibrated to resonate with the listeners, himself included. The effectiveness was undeniable—and therein lay the source of his unease.
David shook his head slightly, attempting to dispel the unwelcome thoughts. The world was vast, and once he attained divine power, such petty concerns would become meaningless. On this point, his confidence remained unshakable.
Catching Grindelwald's glance, David offered an encouraging smile, which the disguised dark wizard returned with subtle acknowledgment.
"I recognize that these revelations have kindled excitement," Grindelwald continued, "but the information I am about to share will elevate your spirits further still."
His voice dropped to a more intimate register. "We all understand why we departed from Kamar-Taj. Partly for freedom, yes, but more significantly, to pursue godhood. The Vishanti bind practitioners with restrictive covenants, monopolizing all methodologies related to divine ascension."
He spread his hands in a gesture of openness. "By leaving Kamar-Taj, we have been branded traitors—this cannot be denied. But we have also gained liberation and the prospect of divinity."
Grindelwald delivered this embellished narrative of their defection with remarkable naturalness. The fallen sorcerers nodded in unconscious agreement, silently embracing his perspective. Any lingering regret about abandoning Kamar-Taj began to transform into justified conviction. Their eyes, fixed on Grindelwald, filled with appreciation for his validation of their choices.
"Though we possess a complete path toward godhood, and many among us have embarked upon this journey, the road to divinity is undeniably arduous," Grindelwald acknowledged. "It would be no exaggeration to say thousands compete to cross a single narrow bridge."
The fallen sorcerers maintained impassive expressions at this observation. All recognized this reality, though none had openly addressed it, understanding how such frank discussion might undermine their collective unity.
However, Grindelwald's tone suddenly shifted, infused with barely contained excitement. "But circumstances have changed," he announced. "This represents the second piece of extraordinary news I wish to share. We have discovered an unprecedented opportunity—one that, if properly seized, will increase each sorcerer's probability of attaining godhood more than a hundredfold."
The effect was immediate and electric. The previously subdued atmosphere erupted into frenzied excitement. The fallen sorcerers stared at Grindelwald with burning intensity in their eyes, hanging on his every word.
This reaction greatly satisfied Grindelwald. It had required considerable effort to convince David to make this announcement public—all to ignite precisely this fervor, enthusiasm, and near-madness among the followers.
"Is this truth? Can the probability of divine ascension truly increase a hundredfold?" "What discovery is this, Strange?" "Reveal it now—don't keep us waiting!"
The clamor grew when Grindelwald showed no intention of continuing. Observing that the emotional pitch had reached its apex, he raised his hands for silence.
"The honor of revealing this momentous discovery," he declared solemnly, "belongs to your leader."
David approached the platform with measured steps, a satisfied smile playing across his features. Grindelwald quietly withdrew, ceding the spotlight to the fallen sorcerers' official leader. His understanding of human psychology had proven impeccable—he had deliberately outshone David initially, only to now magnify his importance through deference.
My performance was perhaps somewhat too captivating for David's comfort, Grindelwald thought. Now I shall let him reclaim his standing.
"Ahem..." David cleared his throat as he took position at the center of the platform. The shouting immediately subsided, filling him with satisfaction. Strange may have his talents, but only I command such immediate respect, he thought smugly.
"What Master Strange has shared is entirely accurate," David confirmed, savoring the rapt attention. "We have indeed located a nexus that can increase everyone's probability of divine ascension a hundredfold."
He gestured expansively. "Detailed information regarding this opportunity will be distributed to each sorcerer in due course. However, what demands our immediate attention is a critical development."
His expression grew more serious. "We are not the only ones who have discovered this location. Kamar-Taj is also aware of its existence."
He paused dramatically. "As is Asgard."
A collective intake of breath swept through the assembly.
"This," David declared, "is the true catalyst for conflict between Kamar-Taj and Asgard."
The implications hung in the air like storm clouds, pregnant with both promise and peril. The path to godhood had never seemed so tantalizingly close—nor the competition for it so dangerous.
In the shadows of the hanging ring, the real Doctor Strange observed with growing concern. The machinations unfolding before him carried implications that extended far beyond this gathering of fallen sorcerers. Whatever this nexus of power might be, its discovery threatened to ignite a conflict that could engulf multiple realms and powers.
The Ancient One must be warned, he thought grimly. Whatever game Grindelwald is playing, it extends beyond even Lockhart's predictions.