章節 15: The Power of Magic

When Ancient One gave him a tour across the Kamar-Taj complex, Fanny had wanted to ask Ancient One if he could bring Skye along to learn. But then Ancient One asked him what he thought magic was.

Fanny did not know.

Ancient One told him that almost everyone who came to Kamar-Taj had a story. They had experienced many things, each of which tempered their will and resolve.

Magic required not only talent but also spiritual power. It was not easy to grasp and channel the power of the cosmos.

More importantly, channeling this power requires breaking some common sense. This was a very difficult thing to do, but if you want to convince the power to help you, you must first convince yourself that the power could help.

After hearing Ancient One's words, Fanny felt that it would be very difficult for Skye to learn magic.

Skye's childhood was riddled with misery, but her life had been quite happy after being adopted by her current family. Moreover, she was a genius hacker. To put it simply, she was a person of science and technology. If she wanted to learn magic, she would need to give up some of her understanding of science. This would go against her beliefs.

Magic was the power of 'miracle,' and the word 'miracle' was often regarded as unscientific. Although their final result might be the same, the ideas produced in the process might be contrary to each other.

Even Doctor Strange, with his maxed-out magical talent, had to be beaten to the brink of desperation. All medical science and technology in the world had to fail him before he broke through the barrier of common sense and started to believe in mysticism and magic.

While experience and broken common sense were not absolute requirements, they greatly impacted the study of Mystic Arts.

Therefore, Fanny thought that it would be nigh-impossible for Skye to learn magic in Kamar-Taj, at least for now. Perhaps when the world changed by the emergence of aliens and mutated creatures one after another, she would be more readily accepting of the concepts beyond her logic.

But since Ancient One didn't outright reject his request to bring Skye along, Fanny decided that he would just bring her and confirm it directly.

Skye was waiting for Fanny in her room, sitting cross-legged on the bed. Her face was worried; as the only person who knew about his secret, her worries only grew day after day.

"You don't have to be so nervous. Didn't I tell you that I want to study magic? I scouted the place today." Fanny sat down beside the bed.

Skye recalled that Fanny had indeed said that a month ago. Back then, he said he would ask if she could learn with him.

"Is there really magic in this world?" Skye asked curiously.

Although she had seen the supernatural ability with her own eyes, it was still a little difficult for her to immediately change her understanding of the world. This was also why Fanny felt it would be difficult for Skye to learn magic now.

"Of course, but what I will be learning should be called the Mystic Arts." Fanny thought for a moment and corrected her.

"What's the difference?" Skye did not understand.

"It's probably the formal name!" Fanny replied vaguely, "If you're curious, I'll take you to look around tomorrow. If you want to learn it, we can try asking together."

It was almost impossible, but it would be interesting if Skye was actually a genius with immense magical talent, just like the future Doctor Strange.

"Really?"

Skye was pleasantly surprised. No normal person would be able to resist the temptation of magic.

"Rest early; we will set off tomorrow!"

Fanny did not talk for too long. It was best to keep Skye curious about magic until she saw it for herself to maximize the impact on her mind.

When she came down for breakfast the next morning, dark circles hung under her eyes. Fanny couldn't help but laugh at her.

"I already told you to rest early. Why are you looking like that?"

"It's all because of you!" Skye yawned and glared at him. She was too excited to learn magic and spent the night browsing a lot of relevant knowledge online. Before she knew it, dawn arrived.

Fortunately, because of the time zone difference, they would be leaving in the evening. Fanny told their parents they would stay at the shop today to allay their worries.

The two of them arrived at the shop, and Fanny sent Skye off so she could catch some sleep. Fanny opened the business alone, practicing his skill diligently.

At 7 PM New York time, the two drove to the Sanctum.

"Is this the place?" Skye asked doubtfully in front of the New York Sanctum. She took out the makeup mirror in her bag and fixed her makeup nervously. "I don't look weird, right?"

"You look fine, don't worry. Let's go in!" Fanny rolled his eyes. He pulled Skye to open the door and walked in. This time, the hall was not empty. Two young mages were sitting in a corner, drinking tea and reading.

These two people did not seem to be at Kamar-Taj yesterday, so they have not seen Fanny. They sized up the guests with vigilant eyes.

"Hello, I am looking for Master Daniel."

"Wait a minute." Deciding that Fanny didn't look like an enemy, one of the young mages nodded and went upstairs.

Not long after, Daniel descended the stairs. After greeting them and getting introduced to Skye, he led them to the same door as yesterday and opened the portal.

Skye gulped at the magical sight; her eyes opened wide. She nervously gripped Fanny's hand, her heart beating loudly.

"I won't accompany you." Daniel had already guided him yesterday, so he did not accompany them this time. He waited for the two to pass.

Fanny did not mind. After thanking him again, she pulled the uneasy Skye through the portal and arrived at Kamar-Taj.

"Was that magic?"

The scene changed. Skye looked around in confusion. From the library to the courtyard, she stared with shock at the daylight sky outside.

She initially thought Fanny brought them in the evening just to let her rest, but she understood the real reason now.

"Where are we?" Skye couldn't help asking. It was early morning, but the place was already filled with the noise of training. Many of them greeted and nodded at Fanny, recognizing him from Ancient One's introduction yesterday.

Fanny returned the greeting on the way and whispered a reply, "Kamar-Taj is located in Kathmandu. This is the holy training grounds for the Masters of Mystic Arts."

"Himalaya?" Skye didn't know where Kathmandu was, but she recalled what Fanny had said yesterday.

Fanny nodded, and Skye was shocked anew. "But we were in New York until just now!"

"This is magic!" Fanny spread out his hands, looking proudly at Skye. He couldn't help but laugh at Skye's astonished face, "Alright, don't worry about it too much. I'll take you to meet my master, Master Ancient One."