章節 44: The Beginning of the Ball's Rolling
Kara (POV)
I stepped back into my room through the portal, skipping the long walk. When I got there, I saw that my duplicates had already gone through the five books I borrowed. Sitting cross-legged on my bed, I dispelled the magic and started sorting through the memories they left me after reading. Luckily, I can handle that rush of new info all at once without too much trouble.
After a quick meditation to process it all, I opened another portal, ready to head back to the library. Time to dive deep into bookworm mode.
In the huge Library of Mystical Knowledge, massive shelves stretched up high, packed with old books and weird magical artifacts. In the middle of it all was the Librarian, lost in an ancient, dusty tome, his fingers following along as he read secrets and spells passed down by generations of mystics. The place was super quiet, except for the soft rustling of pages and this faint, almost magical hum that seemed to fill the room.
Then, with a burst of magic, my portal opened right nearby, catching the Librarian off guard. He blinked in surprise, putting the book down for a moment to see what was going on.
"Kara? portal magic, huh?" he said, clearly surprised and a little impressed. It was obvious he didn't expect me to pull off something so advanced. His eyes lingered on me, taking in the stack of five books I was holding. I gave him a polite nod, trying to look casual.
"Yeah, Librarian. I came to return these."
He looked at me, raising an eyebrow, clearly shocked I was back so soon.
"What? You finished all five? It's only been a day!" His voice had a mix of disbelief and amusement. He knew it usually took a while to get through those old books.
I just nodded, keeping a calm and confident look on my face.
"Yep, read them all and remembered everything. Can I borrow a few more this time? I think it'd help me learn faster."
The Librarian, looking impressed but still a little cautious, paused for a moment, his brow furrowing. He could tell there was something intense in my eyes—a strong drive for knowledge that he knew had to be handled with care.
He locked eyes with me. "Kara, you need to understand that rushing things can be dangerous, especially with magic. You can't just skim through mystical knowledge. If you mess up a spell, it might just fail—but a big mistake could tear open a rift to somewhere you might never come back from."
I nodded, feeling the seriousness of his warning. "I get it, Librarian. But as long as I've got the right books, I'll be fine. My mentor, the Ancient One, knows what I'm up to."
The mention of my mentor seemed to relax him a bit, though not completely. He sighed, probably knowing there wasn't much he could do to stop me. "Alright, then. Just… give me a minute."
He turned and started scanning the shelves, his fingers hovering over the spines of old books. I could tell he was picking carefully, trying to be cautious but also wanting to encourage me. I wondered if he was thinking about my mentor, the Ancient One, and what she saw in me.
As he picked out each book, I could see a little excitement in his eyes, like he was watching a story unfold right in front of him. I wondered if he was already imagining me achieving what few others could—maybe even surpassing those who'd been studying the Mystic Arts for decades, like him. It caught me off guard to feel a shift in him, like his earlier hesitation had turned into something else: maybe admiration, or even a little pride.
When he came back with the books, his posture had changed. There was a new energy in him—warmer, more encouraging than before. I tilted my head, curious about the change. Had I somehow inspired it? Or was he starting to see me as more than just a student, maybe someone who could one day carry on the legacy of the Supreme Sorcerer?
"Here," the Librarian said, his voice serious. "These are advanced magic books, full of complex spells. Study them carefully, and don't rush through them."
I looked down at the books, feeling my excitement grow. Each one felt like another key to unlocking a deeper understanding. But even with these, I knew my hunger for knowledge wasn't satisfied yet.
"Librarian," I said, a little unsure but still determined, "could I maybe take five more? I don't think these will be enough to keep up with my curiosity."
He blinked, clearly shocked. "Five more books?" he repeated, staring at me in disbelief. "The last five weren't enough? And now you want five more?"
I held his gaze, not backing down. "Yeah, I'm serious."
He sighed, looking a little torn between reluctance and admiration. "Alright, then," he said, like he couldn't help but be impressed by my drive. "But promise me you'll take it slow. Magic's powerful, but it needs patience."
"Thank you so much, Librarian!" I said, grinning, barely able to contain my excitement. With the new stack of books in my arms, I summoned a portal. I shot one last thankful glance at the Librarian before stepping through, leaving behind a soft shimmer of magic.
..
Now alone in the quiet library, surrounded by ancient books and the soft glow of the lamps, the Librarian sat lost in thought. He ran a tired hand through his graying hair, feeling not just the weight of his years but also the potential in Kara. She was a prodigy, a force of nature, and he couldn't help but wonder how far she'd go—or if, someday, she might even outdo them all.
Just then, Wong walked into the Library. Seeing the concerned look on the Librarian's face, he asked, "Librarian? Is something wrong? Did something happen?"
The Librarian quickly reassured him, "No, nothing's wrong. Actually, Kara just came back."
"Already?" Wong said, surprised. "That's quick!"
As they talked, the Librarian decided to test the waters, curious about Wong's thoughts on my reading speed. "Wong," he asked, "how long do you think it would take to read five magical books here?"
Wong thought about it for a moment. "For five books, probably about half a month," he said. He was pretty fast himself, but when he thought of me, he knew there was no comparison. No big deal, he thought.
Noticing the Librarian's thoughtful expression, Wong asked, "What's going on?"
The Librarian decided to keep Kara's abilities to himself, not wanting to surprise Wong. "Nothing," he said with a knowing smile. "By the way, have you finished cataloging the library?"
Wong smiled. "Yeah, it's done."
The Librarian nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, get familiar with the layout of the library. At least know where every book is."
Wong understood the importance of knowing the library like the back of his hand. "Got it," he said, ready to dive in.
As they continued their work in the quiet halls of the Library of Mystical Knowledge, the Librarian couldn't stop thinking about the future. He saw so much potential in Kara—a prodigy who might one day leave her mark on the world of magic. Watching Wong diligently start his task, he felt reassured that Kamar-Taj was in good hands, whether guided by a wise librarian or an up-and-coming prodigy.
The Library of Mystical Knowledge stood as a timeless place, where the past and future met, and where the search for magic's secrets never stopped.
General (POV)
At Kamar-Taj, in the apprentice dormitory area, late at night...
"By the Ancient One's power... The name of Oshtur... recognized through the ages..."
Kaecilius sat cross-legged at the center of the room, hands resting on his knees, fingers forming a subtle 'OK' gesture. His eyes were shut in deep concentration, the air around him heavy with anticipation as he silently recited the incantation, calling upon the Vishanti.
"Agamotto… Hear me… Vishanti… Grant me your Flames!"
Kaecilius held his breath, waiting for the magic to respond.
Nothing.
"Why?!" Kaecilius shouted, frustration boiling over. "Why? Why does a novice receive your gift, but not I—your loyal disciple, who's dedicated years of study? Haven't you always watched over us? Haven't I earned it? Why can't you hear my prayers?!"
He pounded the floor, his fists clenched in anger and disbelief. His body shook with the weight of his failure. Despite years of study, despite his unwavering loyalty, he remained powerless. He couldn't reach the power he so desperately sought—not even close to what the Ancient One commanded.
The Sorcerer Supreme. He could feel her strength, feel her mastery. It was almost tangible, and yet, Kaecilius couldn't touch it. Couldn't even begin to understand it.
"No, this is wrong. There has to be more to it. Why else would she be so powerful? So ageless?" Kaecilius's thoughts burned with suspicion. "Why would she teach someone with no experience, but leave us in the dark? A rookie, calling upon the Vishanti after a single day at Kamar-Taj… I refuse to believe it."
Kaecilius's eyes narrowed, now red with the sting of envy. His thoughts spiraled into doubt and resentment. There had to be secrets, things the Ancient One was withholding. She had to be hiding something—something that kept her in control, kept her untouchable. And why had she chosen to mentor the newcomer? Someone who hadn't even studied magic until now?
"The Book…" he thought, his mind snapping to the most guarded tome in the library—the one that no one, not even the highest-ranking sorcerers, was allowed to open. The Librarian had once stopped him when he'd tried to touch it, warning that it wasn't yet his time to access its contents.
Kaecilius's curiosity turned into obsession. What secrets did that book hold? Why was it forbidden? What made it so special that only the Sorcerer Supreme could read it?
The Librarian was no longer a concern; his injuries had rendered him powerless. The real obstacle was Wong—always watching, always present. But Kaecilius was determined. He would find a way to access the knowledge, the power, hidden away in that book. He would do whatever it took.
...
At 3 AM, the entire Kamar-Taj lay in shadow, with only a few flickering lamps lining the paths, their light too weak to cut through the dark. The silence was almost oppressive.
In the heart of the library, the Librarian sat hunched over at a desk, a book in hand. His eyes would occasionally flutter closed, stifling a yawn, before he took another sip from his steaming cup of tea. At his age, the Librarian no longer had the strength to fight the forces threatening Earth. Instead, he had devoted himself to guarding the library—a task entrusted to him by the Sorcerer Supreme. It wasn't glamorous work, but it was his duty, and he had no intention of abandoning it, not until Wong, his assistant, had become fully acquainted with the library's vast, intricate halls. After that… perhaps then he could retire, but for now, he'd continue watching over this sacred space.
The Librarian sighed deeply, unaware of the subtle flicker of orange flames beginning to coalesce behind him.
Sizzle.
A portal opened with barely a whisper in the shadows of the library, just in front of a shelf heavy with ancient tomes. Kaecilius emerged, the faint hum of magic barely audible over the Librarian's tired murmurs. With practiced stealth, he unclasped the small iron chain that bound the coveted book. His fingers shook as he gripped the book tightly, immediately closing the portal with a flick of his wrist.
He exhaled slowly, a quiet but triumphant sigh of relief. He had memorized the location of this book weeks ago, studying its movements and the library's layout. He had planned for this moment, and now it was finally here.
Kaecilius opened the book, heart racing. His eyes devoured the pages, desperate for the power he knew was hidden within.
Meanwhile, far across Kamar-Taj, in the peace of her meditation room, the Ancient One opened her eyes, a slight smile pulling at the corner of her lips. She could feel the tide of fate shifting, but it was not yet fully apparent. Kara's arrival had caused a ripple in the timeline, but it hadn't affected Kaecilius yet. She had expected this—her faith in the course of time was unshakable.
She chose not to intervene in Kaecilius's actions. After all, his path was his own. She was thinking, more than anything, about her own future—about whether it would be Strange or Kara who would carry the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme once she decided it was time for her to step away from Kamar-Taj. Both had their merits, but only time would tell.
"Dormammu?" Kaecilius whispered, his eyes wide with a mixture of disbelief and excitement.
"From the dimension of Dormammu, one can gain immense power, perhaps even immortality..." His voice trembled.
Immortality. Could this be why the Ancient One had remained so powerful, so untouchable for centuries?
Kaecilius leaned closer to the book, his breath shallow with anticipation. He read the passage again to be sure. Yes, this was it—the key to unimaginable power. His heart raced.
Hehehe~ Kaecilius couldn't suppress the laugh that bubbled up from deep within him. It was a cold, unsettling sound, one he tried to stifle but couldn't.
Finally. Finally, he had found it.
"Ancient One," he muttered under his breath, "I knew you were hiding something from us. All that talk about us being unworthy of powerful magic, about not being ready for the Vishanti—it's all a lie! You were afraid. Afraid someone would challenge your authority as Sorcerer Supreme! You don't deserve to be our teacher. You're a hypocrite!"
The bitterness and rage that had been building inside him for so long erupted in a flood of resentment. He had been patient, and dutiful, but no longer. He had been overlooked, and underestimated. He had given everything to Kamar-Taj, and in return, he had received nothing.
Far away, in the quiet stillness of her room, the Ancient One's lips curled into a subtle sneer. She had heard every word Kaecilius had muttered. Her mind was clear, unaffected by his insults. He had never been strong enough to understand.
If only you had Kara's potential… she thought, I would have taken you in as my apprentice long ago. Even if you couldn't match her, you could have at least competed with Strange. But you... you are too weak. It's a pity.
The Ancient One let the thought go, returning to her meditation.
Her future—Kamar-Taj's future—was in the hands of time itself now. The forces at play were bigger than Kaecilius could imagine, and the path he had chosen... well, it was not one she needed to walk.
...
Kaecilius's eyes narrowed as he turned the page, revealing the intricate magic circle and the accompanying incantations for summoning Dormammu. He studied the symbols closely, the complexity of the design not lost on him. This wasn't simple magic; it required patience, precision, and an understanding of concepts Kaecilius had only brushed against in his training. Some of the symbols were entirely unfamiliar, adding layers of challenge to the spell.
Furrowing his brow, Kaecilius reached out to tear out the page. His fingers brushed the edges, but the thought stopped him cold. What if the Ancient One ever looked through the book again? What if she noticed a missing page? That would expose him. He couldn't afford to take that risk—not yet.
No, he decided. It was better to leave things as they were. He'd return once he had mastered the incantations and understood the unfamiliar symbols. The page could wait. For now, he would make sure the book was returned exactly as it was—no trace of his interference.
Quietly, Kaecilius opened a portal once again and carefully slid the book back into its rightful place on the shelf. He exhaled slowly, feeling a sense of accomplishment. No one had noticed. He flicked off the light and climbed into bed, but sleep eluded him. The discovery buzzed in his mind, a constant hum of excitement that kept his thoughts racing far into the night.
The next morning, in the bustling cafeteria, Mordo noticed Kaecilius's dark circles, tiredness that seemed out of place for someone usually so composed.
"Kaecilius," Mordo remarked with a hint of concern, "you look like you didn't get much sleep last night. Everything alright?"
Kaecilius forced a smile, his eyes betraying none of the excitement that still thrummed through him. "Yeah, just couldn't sleep. Too excited, I guess."
Mordo raised an eyebrow, clearly curious. "Excited about what?"
Kaecilius hesitated. He considered telling Mordo about what he had found—what he had unlocked—but the thought of Mordo running straight to the Ancient One with such information made his blood run cold. Mordo was unpredictable, and impulsive. Kaecilius had seen him do it before. He couldn't risk that.
"Oh, nothing," Kaecilius said with a shrug, adopting a casual tone. "Maybe just a good dream, you know how it is."
Mordo didn't press further, though the suspicion remained in his eyes. He was a good friend—loyal, strong—but he wasn't always the best at keeping secrets. Kaecilius wasn't sure if he could trust him with this, not yet.
"Alright," Mordo said after a moment, not entirely satisfied but letting it go for now. "Take care of yourself, Kaecilius."
Kaecilius nodded, his gaze shifting to the door as he contemplated the next steps. Mordo had his own tasks to focus on, and that would keep him from asking further questions—for now. But Kaecilius knew the truth: he was on the verge of something far bigger than either of them could understand. And that secret, for the time being, would stay buried.
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