[Third Person's PoV]
Secre glanced toward Stephen, her brow furrowed in concern. "Stephen, how did he know you were going to open that book? And how could he possibly know what's happening inside your grimoire?"
Stephen sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Secre, you're asking questions I wish I had answers to. Honestly, this is unsettling. Every bit of it." His voice carried a weight of unease as he pulled out a chair at the table and sat down, placing the ancient book before him with deliberate care, as though it might spring to life at any moment.
Without a word, Stephen reached for Secre, gently lifting her onto his lap. She didn't resist, sensing his need for comfort. He rested his chin lightly on her shoulder, his arms encircling her, seeking solace in her presence.
Secre allowed the quiet intimacy, her delicate fingers tracing soothing patterns over his hand. "Take your time," she murmured softly, her voice a gentle anchor amidst the storm of his thoughts.
Stephen tightened his hold on her, drawing her closer until his face was buried against her neck. His breath warmed her skin, and his voice was a low rumble when he finally spoke. "This could mean one of two things…"
Secre tilted her head slightly, giving him more room as his words tickled her neck, sending an involuntary shiver through her. "Go on," she encouraged, her tone steady despite the growing tension.
"One," Stephen began, "I'm being manipulated. Someone, or something, is pulling the strings, forcing me to grow stronger for a reason I can't fathom. Maybe to free him, or worse… to take over my body." His voice darkened at the thought, and Secre could feel his grip tighten around her waist.
"Or," she interjected thoughtfully as she came to the same conclusion as him, "there's a potential danger Agamotto foresaw—a threat so great that it requires you to be strong enough to face it." Her voice was calm but carried a weight of understanding as she pieced together the same troubling possibilities.
Stephen lifted his head slightly, meeting her gaze. "Secre, what do you think I should do?" His usual confidence faltered, leaving him vulnerable.
She paused, her crimson eyes narrowing in thought. "Normally, I'd say I don't know—this isn't a simple decision, there's a lot to take into account here. But there's one thing I'm certain of." She laced her fingers with his, her grip firm yet reassuring. "Grow stronger. If this is manipulation, you'll need to surpass it—become so strong that you can break free. And if it's the other possibility, then you'll be ready for whatever danger lies ahead."
Stephen studied her intently, absorbing her words. She gently removed his arms from around her and turned to face him fully, cupping his cheek in her hand. "But remember this," she said, her voice filled with quiet determination. "You're not alone. I'm here for you, always. And so are the Black Bulls. Whatever happens, we'll face it together."
A faint smile curved Stephen's lips as he felt a surge of gratitude. "You're right," he said, his voice steadier. "I'm quite lucky to have you."
Secre leaned forward, her smile soft and unwavering, and pressed a light kiss to his lips. "I know I'm right. Now, let's see what this book has to offer. I'll leave you to it, though—it seems you've made up your mind."
As she moved to stand, Stephen caught her wrist, pulling her back with a playful grin. "Stay. We can read it together. Two minds are better than one, after all."
She settled back down with a small chuckle, and Stephen turned his attention to the book once more, flipping it open to the ominous page bearing his name. His voice filled the room as he read aloud:
"There are an infinite number of Dimensions," Stephen read aloud, his voice steady. "Some may even overlap with one another, existing in layers that are both separate and intertwined. Due to the danger these Dimensions possess, I first crafted the Orb—a crystal ball used to peer into these Dimensions and determine if they were safe to explore. However, I realized the inconvenience of carrying the Crystal Ball everywhere. Thus, I later created the Eye—a more compact and versatile artifact, imbued with additional powers"
On the page Stephen read were diagrams and images of both the Orb of Agamotto and the Eye of Agamotto.
He flipped over to the next page, "There are other Dimensions which can be accessed from within, which are called the inner dimensional planes… Take for example the dreamscape, the dreamscape is one of the entryways towards the Dream Dimension. The same way The Mindscape is the entryway towards the Astral Plane. We must always remain, we ourselves are the keys to accessing extraordinary Dimensions and otherworlds"
"This is all actually very informative…" Secre muttered, "I wonder what other Dimensions our bodies could possess" She said as she looked down at her own hands.
They read on, absorbing the wealth of knowledge Agamotto had left behind. Page after page unraveled secrets of Dimensional Magic, each revelation more fascinating than the last.
After a while Secre turned towards Stephen and looked at him warily, "You know, reading all of this I'm now starting to understand just how amazing and powerful you truly are… To have access to all of this power…"
"Do you perhaps find me more attractive?" Stephen asked with a sly smirk.
Secre scoffed, "I won't say attractive, but I do find you more admirable"
"Really?" Stephen asked in amusement.
Secre nodded, "I can't imagine someone else having these powers and not practically getting drunk off of them. All of these power and you still remain you, that's something admirable"
The grin on Stephen's face grew smug as he had his head held high upon hearing Secre's thought about him.
Which caused her to smile slightly and shake her head with an eye roll before they continued with their reading.
Then, Stephen's voice faltered as they reached a chilling passage:
"Now that you know about what to do and what not to do when wielding Dimensional Magic you won't turn into me, as I said in the beginning Dimensional magic is all about Balance, take more than what you are giving and the consequences will be dire.
As I realized my misuse of Dimensions Magic It was too late for me, it got to a point where the more of my Dimensional Magic I used the worse I became. So to stop it from taking a hold on me completely and lessening my usage of Dimensional Magic, I created what is known as the Elemental Stones—the essences of magic itself: Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth, Darkness, and Light, along with the abstract elements of Fate, Spirit, Time, and Space, Order… And Chaos. And as I foresaw my Fate I realized I couldn't leave what I have created unguarded thus I used all 12 stones and created a clan… A family to inherit my legacy. And due to their unnatural and rather Strange creation that's what they all came to be known… As The Strange Clan that appeared out of Nowhere"
"God Damn it… What the hell is the matter with this dude!" Stephen exclaimed.
*******************************************
+31 advance Chapters on: patreon.com/Shadow_D_Monarch3
[Third Person's PoV]
Stephen's 24 hours in the library had expired, and with a reluctant sigh, he returned to his physical body. Stretching slightly to ease the stiffness, he straightened to his full height and rolled his shoulders. Nero, his avian companion, perched contentedly on his shoulder, a quiet observer to his movements. He then decided to open a portal to the Mirror Dimension.
The world shifted around him as he entered the Mirror Dimension. The fractured, kaleidoscopic reflections of reality swirled in mesmerizing patterns. The training grounds he sought were just ahead, their geometric landscapes perfectly suited for his mystical exercises.
"Let's see which dimension we should borrow power from..." Stephen murmured as he formed the Eye of Agamotto gesture over his chest. The intricate mechanism of his amulet clicked and shifted, revealing the gleaming Golden Eye.
A slit materialized on his forehead, and a third eye opened, glowing faintly with golden energy. As its influence flowed through him, Stephen decided to take things a step further.
"Since I'm already using the Eye, let's establish a telepathic link," he said, glancing at Nero.
The bird tilted her head slightly, her voice echoing in his mind. "Be careful."
Stephen chuckled softly, reassuring her. "Don't worry, Nero. Remember, the more I study and understand the Mystic Arts, the more powerful and refined my magic grows and becomes."
Nero's deadpan voice carried a teasing edge. "Yes, yes, I haven't forgotten your 'cheating' powers."
Stephen rolled his eyes. "Anyway, as I was saying, I already have the knowledge and power to know what I'm doing. Hand signs and magic circles are like communication channels that let us connect with the universe and other dimensions. Incantations, on the other hand, are demands or permissions—ways to ask for their power."
As he spoke, he wove a complex series of hand signs. Glowing runes began to appear, forming a vibrant orange magic circle before him. Its edges were adorned with ancient symbols, and at its center, an eye blinked to life, it was the symbol of his eye. Smaller circles materialized around his wrists and forearms, each humming with latent energy.
With a deliberate swipe of his fingers, the image within the central circle flickered like a changing channel on a television. A fiery dimension appeared, its landscape ablaze with eternal flames. The inhabitants themselves seemed forged from fire.
"This is where my Faltine Flames originate," Stephen said.
He turned to Nero with a smile, swiping his fingers again. "Who knows? Maybe in one of these dimensions, we'll find what we need to turn you back to normal."
"Not if it means undoing the spell on his majesty. That's probably one way to return me to my human form," Nero said with a sigh.
"Wait, really?" Stephen raised an eyebrow, stopping mid-motion and resting his hand on his chin. "That would make sense... Damn, I almost want the elves' plan to succeed now."
Nero stared at him with her usual fat bird face.
"What? If they succeed, they'll collect all the magic stones and summon the devil. Once he appears, you'd be forced to free the First Wizard King, undoing your forbidden magic and returning to normal. It's a perfect plan!"
Nero shook her head. "Just focus on what you're doing..."
"Alright, alright," Stephen said. Just as he was about to continue, Nero leaned closer, rubbing herself against his cheek in silent appreciation for his promise.
Stephen smiled faintly before swiping his fingers again, causing the magic circle's image to shift.
The fiery landscape vanished, replaced by dimension after dimension—each unique and filled with untapped potential. One was a swirling tempest of cyclones beneath dark, roiling clouds. "The Dimension of Watoomb," Stephen murmured.
Another revealed hordes of grotesque demons, their twisted forms writhing in the shadows. "The Demons of Denak. Definitely worth studying later."
He continued searching until he paused on a new vision: a realm of radiant skies lit by seven blazing suns. The air shimmered with golden light that seemed to bathe both body and soul.
"This one is promising," Stephen said with a grin. "Let's take a closer look." His Eye of Agamotto revealed the dimension's nature.
Forming the Eye gesture again, Stephen pushed it toward the magic circle. A golden light burst from the Eye and hit the circle, which shifted into a portal.
Stephen stepped through, Nero on his shoulder.
The sensation was indescribable—gentle and soothing, like a comforting embrace. Both Stephen and Nero instinctively closed their eyes, savoring the warmth that seemed to reach beyond the skin and touch their very souls.
"It feels… incredible," Stephen murmured, spreading his arms slightly as if to absorb more of the radiance.
A calm, melodic voice interrupted the moment. "It does, doesn't it?"
Stephen opened his eyes, unshaken by the sudden presence. Before him stood seven figures, each clad in flowing white ceremonial robes. Their faces were obscured by white veils marked with a red sun symbol. Despite the concealment, their posture exuded serenity and wisdom.
Clasping his hands together, Stephen bowed respectfully. "Forgive my intrusion. I am Doctor Stephen Strange, a sorcerer drawn here by the allure of your realm's energy. I hope I've not overstepped."
The figures bowed in unison, their voices harmonious as one replied, "Welcome, Stephen Strange. We are the Seven Sons of Cinnibus. Your presence here is no intrusion; all seekers of wisdom are welcome in this dimension."
Another figure stepped forward, motioning toward the brilliant sky. "You are in the Dimension of Cinnibus, where the seven suns never set. This is a realm of peace and enlightenment, a sanctuary for those who wish to learn and grow."
Stephen gazed upward, captivated by the seven golden suns. The sky was a tapestry of light, painted with hues of gold and amber, and the clouds seemed to glow with an inner fire.
"You mentioned being a doctor," one of the Sons said, their tone both curious and proud. "You may find our realm particularly fascinating. The seven suns you see above us produce a Mystic Light of Wisdom—a light with unparalleled healing properties."
Stephen's eyes gleamed with interest. "A light that heals… truly remarkable. I would be honored to learn more about your realm and its gifts."
"Then let us guide you," the Sons replied in unison, their robes fluttering as they gestured for Stephen to follow. The journey into the heart of the Dimension of Cinnibus had only just begun, promising revelations and insights.
…
A few hours later…
Stephen walked out from an orange portal appearing back in his room.
Stephen had a large smirk on his face as he muttered, "How kind of them to actually teach me how to use their dimensions energy and power"
Nero just had her usual look as she said, "You know, the thing about you isn't your Magic"
"It's not?" Stephen questioned because of the spell he just learned he wasn't so sure anymore.
"No" Nero said, "It's the combination of your charisma and intellect. You have this way of showing your interest in learning that makes people just want to teach you and at the speed of which you learn what you are taught is actually terrifying. Just tell me how the hell do those guys already become great friends with you? We've only be there for two hours"
*******************************************
+31 advance Chapters on: patreon.com/Shadow_D_Monarch3
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT