บท 37: The Intricacies of Mystic Arts
Kara (POV)
The Ancient One had seen plenty of promising apprentices over the years, but apparently, I'm something special—or maybe they just didn't know where to start with me, her hesitation clearly showing.
"The language of the Mystic Arts is as old as civilization. The sorcerers of antiquity called the use of this language 'spells.' We harness energy drawn from other dimensions of the Multiverse to cast spells, to conjure shields and weapons, to make magic."
"Considering your personal experience, you're already acquainted with the concept of the multiverse, so I won't dwell on that. Though, you're no stranger to magic, and do not need to draw energy, learning how to do so may benefit you."
Tsk. The more she spoke, the more she seemed to recognize her own limitations. This batch of students, myself included, was demanding, and the Ancient One furrowed her brow, apparently uncertain about where to start.
"..."
"What's amiss? Keep going—what's the next step?" I blinked, fixing my gaze on her. To be honest, the bald look wasn't something many women could pull off, but she managed it with ease.
"Never mind, I'll simply demonstrate it." She stopped talking, guessing I'd probably tuned her out already. Showing the technique directly would probably work better than explaining it at length.
"We gather energy, drawing from alternate spaces within the multiverse, and then we recite the incantation."
She brought her hands together, then separated them, creating a vertical orange line that spun, traced a circle, and... well, it was like math class all over again. The teacher would put an equation on the board, and by the time I picked up my pen, half the board was covered in formulas.
"Is magic truly this intricate?" I pondered. My spells didn't feel like this—if I just imagined it, visualized it, I could cast it. Words or gestures helped focus me, but I didn't truly need them. Why did Kamar-Taj's magic feel so elaborate? I couldn't understand it. The Ancient One must have seen the confusion on my face because she stopped, raising an eyebrow.
"What's perplexing you? Do you have any inquiries?" she asked.
"Well, could you just give me the incantation directly? I didn't really get the importance of all those circles and spins," I said with a laugh.
"Learning the incantation alone won't help you. Without understanding the structure and source of our magic, you wouldn't be capable of effective employment," she replied, clearly annoyed, rolling her eyes. "Do you intend to run before you've even learned to walk?" she must have thought, sounding exasperated.
I decided to try something different. I recited only half of the chant, and—much to my own and the Ancient One's surprise—lush green trees sprang up around us. So it seemed that all those added steps weren't necessary. I couldn't help but think, I don't need to walk; I can go straight to flying!
The Ancient One sighed, massaging her forehead. This is why I have reservations about apprenticeships. But I'd already been taken under her wing, and she was sticking to it.
"Repeat after me," she said, her tone firm.
"Yes, yes, of course!" I quickly dispelled the trees, nodding in agreement.
"By the ancient vessel of Hogoth... the ancient name of Oshtur..." she began quietly.
"By the ancient vessel of Hogoth, the ancient name of Oshtur..." I closed my eyes, centering myself. I focused on the meditation skills Scathach had taught me, trying to connect with everything around me, to listen. Silently, I repeated the chant in sync with the Ancient One.
"Agamotto, heed our plea. Vishanti, grant us flame!"
The Ancient One watched as I sat cross-legged, hands in a meditative pose. I could sense her curiosity; she must have wondered where I'd learned to reach this deep state of concentration so quickly.
"Agamotto, heed our plea. Vishanti, grant us flame!" I finished the last line in my mind, staying in meditation, feeling as if I might just transcend physical boundaries.
All of a sudden...
A burst of light shattered through, filling me with astonishment. My eyes snapped open, and I lifted my head, stunned by the sight in front of me.
Yet I missed the look of sheer surprise on the Ancient One's face.
General (POV)
In the exterior courtyard known as the Training Grounds, Hamir was deeply engrossed in instructing his students when a sudden surge of energy rippled through the air, drawing his attention to the Ancient One and Kara. The disturbance was palpable, a wave of raw, uncontainable power that seemed to emanate from an ancient source. It wasn't just magic—it was the very presence of the Vishanti themselves.
The other students, many of whom were seasoned sorcerers, could feel it too. They looked on in stunned silence, their eyes wide, as the atmosphere grew heavy with the weight of the Vishanti's power—the same power that formed the foundation of the Mystic Arts they practiced daily at Kamar-Taj. Murmurs spread like wildfire among them, filled with disbelief and awe.
"How... how is this possible?" one student whispered, unable to comprehend what had just transpired. "She's a newcomer! How can she summon the Vishanti?"
Among the onlookers, Kaecilius's face darkened with anger as he looked into the direction of the commotion from the edge of the crowd. His eyes burned with a mixture of frustration and envy. "Why is it that I, who have spent years studying here, cannot command the Vishanti, yet she, a newcomer, can? This is an insult!" His voice was tight with barely restrained fury. He had longed for such recognition, but now it felt like a cruel twist of fate.
Standing nearby, Mordo's reaction was far more measured, though not without its own undercurrent of emotion. Unlike Kaecilius, he wasn't consumed by jealousy, but there was a flicker of something darker in his gaze—envy, perhaps. "Is this what makes a prodigy?" he mused, though his thoughts quickly shifted. Mordo's resolve was never easily shaken, and this moment seemed to fuel him with even greater determination.
"If I can't reach this level," he thought, "it's only because I haven't worked hard enough. One day, with enough dedication and mastery, I will earn the recognition of the Vishanti, too." Mordo's unwavering ambition burned in his chest, a fire that had only grown stronger over the years. This was Mordo in his prime: disciplined, driven, and fiercely loyal to the teachings of Kamar-Taj.
...
Kara (POV)
Within the chamber.
My gaze remained fixed on the towering, ethereal presence before me. In the vast space where the fabric of reality bent and warped, three immense, radiant forms floated in unison. In the center was Hoggoth, his form an ever-shifting mass of fiery energy, with blazing, tiger-like eyes that flickered like molten embers. To his left hovered Agamotto, the all-seeing entity, his face a serene, yet ancient, humanoid visage radiating wisdom and power. To the right was Oshtur, the goddess of wisdom and magic, her presence shimmering with cosmic energy, her form a radiant silhouette surrounded by celestial light.
The air around them crackled with an overwhelming surge of scarlet and orange mystical energies, warping the very fabric of space and time itself. As I stood before them, my form seemed insignificant, lost amidst the vastness of their presence. The cosmic hum of their power resonated through her being, a sound beyond language, yet deeply familiar.
The voice of the Vishanti echoed within my mind, not with words but with an all-encompassing resonance, a presence that transcended sound.
"In the name of the Vishanti," it intoned, its voice both vast and intimate, "I acknowledge your worth. You are chosen to wield our power."
A sudden wave of energy surged forward, drawn from the heart of Hoggoth. The fiery essence of his being lashed out in a column of orange flame, engulfing me. The flames, burning with the intensity of the cosmos, wrapped around my form, yet I felt no pain. Instead, the energy was warm, soothing—like an ancient force infusing me with its light.
In that moment, a thought crossed my mind: Could this be the true nature of white magic? A deep sense of peace washed over her as she surrendered to the sensation, feeling as though I were both a part of the universe and something greater than it all at once. The power of the Vishanti, pure and undiluted, filled me entirely.
...
"Ah," I muttered, frustrated as my expectations failed to align with the situation at hand. I was surrounded by an ever-growing crowd as I made my way through the small square.
"How bothersome!" I exclaimed, realizing I hadn't thought ahead about other routes to the library. Plus, my teleportation circle skills were still lacking.
"If only I'd learned circle-crafting from the Ancient One sooner! Wait a minute," I said, a wave of realization sweeping over me. "I haven't even seen the library yet. I won't be able to teleport there, will I? Well, it doesn't matter."
I took a deep breath and faced the assembly, offering an apologetic smile. "My apologies for the interruption... Uh, greetings to everyone. I'm new here. I'm Kara Zor-El. I'm looking forward to your kind guidance!" My voice was warm and gentle, and I smiled sweetly, hoping to soften their hearts. Surely, they'd be charmed, right?
"Hello there!"
"Welcome, welcome!"
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance!"
The reactions were immediate, and I couldn't help but notice how my smile seemed to draw them in. Even Hamir regarded me kindly, and I sensed an unspoken approval. With a prodigious sorcerer like me joining their ranks, the revival of Kamar-Taj surely seemed to have promising prospects!
"Ugh! A horde of superficial men, quick to lose themselves at the sight of a pretty face. Disgusting! Worthless!" Kaecilius sneered as he watched the others welcome me. His voice dripped with contempt.
"What are you mumbling about?" Mordo asked, overhearing Kaecilius's muttering and looking confused.
"None of your damn business... Oh, greetings, novice apprentice! A pleasure to meet you!" Kaecilius stammered, his tone forced.
"Oh no, what the hell? How did I end up greeting her? No way, I must've been ensnared by her sorcery!" Kaecilius thought to himself, utterly bewildered.
As I passed by him, I caught sight of his friendly smile, which seemed utterly at odds with the sneering tone he'd had earlier. Despite his attempts to maintain a tough facade, Kaecilius couldn't help but engage in conversation with me, his attitude shifting on a dime under the influence of my presence.
...
"Wong!"
I entered the library and found it eerily empty. Scanning my surroundings, I wondered where everyone had gone. Not spotting anyone nearby, I made my way toward the shelves, pondering which book I should start with. The magical system of Kamar-Taj was still unfamiliar to me, and I needed some direction.
"You can start with 'The Book of Vishanti.'"
I was startled by the voice behind me and quickly turned around.
A white-bearded elderly man stood there, wearing a gentle smile. "Oh, hello. I am Kara Zor-El, the newcomer. The esteemed Ancient One instructed me to visit the library for study."
I offered a respectful greeting, noting the calm, confident presence of the man before me. "This individual might hold significant importance, perhaps even the guardian of the library. He could possess extraordinary expertise... Caution is advised," I reminded myself silently, wary of his potential role and the weight his presence seemed to carry.
"Hello, I'm the Kamar-Taj Librarian. The Sorcerer Supreme has already informed me. You're free to read any book in the library, so please don't feel like you have to be polite."
The Librarian's gaze was kind but intense, almost as if he were looking at his own daughter. Rumor had it that I was a magical genius, and if the Sorcerer Supreme had personally mentioned me, I might be his closed-door apprentice. Perhaps even a potential successor for the next Sorcerer Supreme.
"Hello, Librarian. Um, you just mentioned that I should start with 'The Book of Vishanti,'" I sort of inquired, feeling a little uncomfortable under his unwavering gaze. It was eerily similar to the one Hamir had given me earlier in the square.
"Yes, you can start with 'The Book of Vishanti,' 'Astronomia Nova,' 'Codex Imperium,' and 'The Key of Solomon.' Starting with these will help you understand our magic system better."
The Librarian led me through the shelves, naming several titles, then accurately plucking books off the shelves and handing them to me. He paused once he deemed I had enough.
"Start with these. Once you're done, I'll recommend some others."
"Alright, thank you, Librarian. Um, isn't Wong here? Why haven't I seen him?"
"He's organizing the catalog. He might become the new Librarian in the future, so he needs to start by understanding the basics. Do you need something from him?"
"No, no, I just wanted to say hello. I'll take my leave now; I won't disturb you. Goodbye."
I shook my head, signaling my time in the library had come to an end, and politely exited. Juggling an armful of hefty volumes, I made my way back to my quarters. Once settled, I finally had a moment to inspect the books I'd acquired.
To my surprise, I found myself at a loss for words. "Hmm, why do all these books seem to serve as mere introductions to various subjects?" After some contemplation, I resolved to go through them thoroughly, but I decided to enlist some help—just in case the Ancient One decided to test my knowledge.
"Fortunately, I have a way to deal with this," I said with a mischievous grin.
I sat cross-legged on the bed, forming a hand gesture with my palms facing each other, closed my eyes, and began chanting a spell. A black light materialized, forming a small orb. For a brief moment, my figure blurred as if creating an afterimage. Then, several duplicates of myself emerged, and the black light dissipated, returning the room to calm. I surveyed my five duplicates with satisfaction.
"One person, one book. Let's start reading."
"Yes."
All five duplicates answered in unison, and they efficiently opened their respective books, each beginning to read.
The magical version of the 'Multiple Shadow Clone' using my dark element and shadow manipulation. The spell allowed me to create up to five duplicates of myself, each of whom could perform any task I could.
...
General (POV)
Inside the Library
"Wong, Sarah just came by. She also asked about you," the Librarian said, looking up as Wong entered the grand library, a stack of mystical texts in his arms.
"Sarah? Isn't she supposed to be in class?" Wong asked, his brow furrowing with confusion. "Why would she be here?"
"I don't know," the Librarian replied, shrugging. "Maybe it's the Supreme's arrangement. He has a way of keeping everyone on their toes." The Librarian's voice carried a hint of weariness, having seen much in his years guarding the ancient knowledge of Kamar-Taj.
"By the way," Wong continued, his tone more serious now, "I sensed something unusual earlier. The Vishanti… they appeared just now." His eyes widened, excitement evident in his voice. "While I was cataloging, I felt a massive surge of magical energy. It was unmistakable—Vishanti magic. I wonder who could have such power. Could it be the Supreme's doing?" Wong's mind raced. Among the current students, who could possess such immense potential to invoke the Vishanti? Perhaps it was indeed the work of the Sorcerer Supreme.
The Librarian gave a tired sigh, resting his hand on his beard. "I can no longer sense magical energy the way I used to. Not since the attack by those extradimensional demons years ago. It's as if the veil between worlds is thicker now." His gaze drifted toward the floor. "If it weren't for the Supreme allowing me to remain as Librarian, I'd have retreated from this place long ago. My abilities... they're gone." The weight of his loss hung heavily in his voice. Though he remained in Kamar-Taj, the scars of his past battle with dark forces haunted him.
Wong nodded, understanding the Librarian's burden. "The Vishanti have always had their eyes upon us," he said quietly, his voice carrying the respect and reverence that came with years of service. "You're a hero, and those who came before us—those who gave everything to protect this realm—are heroes too."
The Librarian looked up, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You always were a comfort, Wong," he said softly, the weight of his past still heavy on his shoulders but softened by Wong's words.
Wong's expression grew somber as he recalled the horrors of the battle the Librarian had fought. "I never experienced that battle, but I've heard the stories. Sorcerers—brave men and women—were devoured by the demons, their very existence erased. Some were taken by dark forces, forcing their friends to put them down mercifully. It was... a sacrifice none of us should ever forget."
He turned to the Librarian, his tone resolute. "You, and all those who fought to protect this realm, are heroes. Your sacrifices made Kamar-Taj stronger. They made us stronger. We study, we train, not just for ourselves but for those who gave everything so that we could continue the fight."
The Librarian nodded slowly, taking in Wong's words. "Yes," he said with quiet pride. "That's the mission of Kamar-Taj, isn't it? To protect the world, to safeguard reality itself, even when the cost is unimaginable."
Wong's eyes hardened with determination. "And we will continue. No matter what."
"I know, Wong," the Librarian replied, his voice heavy with regret. "I'm grateful for the Sorcerer Supreme's kindness, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm not doing enough. I'm not out there protecting the Earth like I once did."
Wong gave a gentle, understanding nod. "You are doing enough, Librarian. Your presence here, your knowledge—it's invaluable to Kamar-Taj and to all of us. The Sorcerer Supreme wouldn't have kept you on as the Librarian if she didn't believe in you and your role in this mission."
The Librarian sighed, his expression still somber. "It's hard, Wong. I used to fight on the front lines. Now, I just watch and tend to these books. Sometimes, it feels like I'm... like I'm not doing my part."
Wong placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, speaking with a warmth and conviction that echoed his deep respect for the Librarian's sacrifice. "I understand. But you have to let go of the past. What happened, happened. You can't change that, but you're still making a difference. You're helping shape the future of Kamar-Taj. You protect us in ways that go beyond just physical strength."
The Librarian looked up, meeting Wong's gaze, his troubled expression softening, though his burden remained. "I'll try, Wong. But it's not easy. I've seen too much... lost too much."
Wong's voice remained steady and empathetic. "I know it won't be easy. But you don't have to carry it alone. We're all here for you. You've already made a difference, and you will continue to." Wong's smile was warm, a genuine expression of encouragement, offering more than just words—it was the promise of support.
The Librarian, though still burdened, couldn't help but return a small, genuine smile. It wasn't much, but it was enough.
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