Mordo looked at the students before him with growing frustration.
They had been learning for months and couldn't cast a simple spell. The quality of new apprentices was declining!
Mordo was tempted to personally recruit disciples to ensure Kamar-Taj's magical legacy wouldn't fade because of them.
Upon hearing Wang Yan's name, many students couldn't help but smile bitterly. They had all heard of Wang Yan, known as Kamar-Taj's most talented sorcerer.
And now, Mordo was comparing them to Wang Yan!
One student spoke up, "Master Mordo, how can we compare to Master Wang Yan? We don't know why, but we really can't sense the cosmic energy!"
They had been able to cast some spells, even open portals, but now they couldn't sense cosmic energy.
Mordo's face darkened upon hearing this.
These apprentices weren't taking their training seriously, and now they were making excuses?
"Just because you're not Wang Yan, you think you can't learn? I learned this spell in a few days!"
"And what do you mean you can't sense cosmic energy? Cosmic energy is the foundation of our magic. If you can't sense it, you might never cast spells!"
Mordo glared at the student.
Many students lowered their heads, genuinely unable to sense cosmic energy. Usually, they should always be able to feel magical power, but now it was gone.
"Alright, I'll demonstrate. Watch closely!"
Mordo decided to give them another chance. Initial difficulty in sensing cosmic energy wasn't unheard of.
But it still disappointed him.
Tightening his Sling Ring, Mordo began forming a portal as any master sorcerer would.
Typically, Mordo could easily create a portal; even if he couldn't, there would be sparks.
Yet now, not even a hint of golden sparks appeared in the sky. It was as if he had become an ordinary person.
Mordo was stunned.
Feeling the gazes of many students, Mordo's face flushed.
"Ahem, just a slip-up. Watch carefully this time!"
Mordo cleared his throat, attempting to mask embarrassment, and tried again.
He drew circles in the air, but the golden light remained absent.
Mordo's expression froze.
It was impossible. With his mastery, he should quickly create a portal.
He began trying to sense cosmic energy.
The absence of cosmic energy alarmed him. Without it, their magic was useless.
As Mordo grappled with this, Strange approached.
Strange was among the most talented sorcerers, though not yet famous in Kamar-Taj.
"Master Mordo, have you noticed? I can't sense cosmic energy."
Mordo's expression grew serious. It wasn't just him; other sorcerers felt the same.
"Do you know why?"
Mordo looked at Strange, hoping for an explanation.
"I don't know."
Strange shook his head, equally perplexed by the strange phenomenon.
"Have you asked Wong?"
Wong and Strange were close, so that he might have had insights into them.
"Wong doesn't know either, but I think we should ask Master Wang Yan."
Strange paused before suggesting.
"Is Wang Yan back?"
Mordo frowned. Wang Yan often left Kamar-Taj, and issues seemed to arise whenever he was around.
If they suddenly couldn't sense cosmic energy, it might be related to Wang Yan.
"Let's go find that kid."
Mordo hoped Wang Yan was responsible. Otherwise, Kamar-Taj might be in serious trouble.
Shaking his head, they headed towards Wang Yan's location.
Meanwhile, Wong stood in front of the library, frowning.
"Did Master Wang Yan find the Darkhold? I hope there are no problems."
Wong knew Wang Yan had left to find the Darkhold and hadn't visited the library since his return.
Now this issue arose, and Wong suspected a connection to Wang Yan.
He feared potential complications and hoped there wouldn't be too many problems.
...
In his room, Wang Yan continued casting his spell, unaware of the chaos outside.
The spell grew in power, and Wang Yan sensed its formidable strength. If successfully cast, it could even render the Great Beings powerless.
Knock, knock, knock!
At that moment, a knock sounded.
Wang Yan frowned, stopping his spell.
He opened the door to find Mordo and Strange standing there.
"What brings you here?"
Wang Yan asked, curious about their visit.
Since Strange had mastered the basics of magic, they rarely needed his guidance. They usually saw each other only during significant battles.
"Can you sense cosmic energy?"
Strange asked directly, as they could no longer sense the energy, even in Wang Yan's room.
"Can't sense cosmic energy?"
Wang Yan was surprised and quickly extended his spiritual power.
He sensed the range of his spell, which should not have been too powerful.
But upon checking, Wang Yan realized with a wry smile that his spell had unintentionally spread its influence, affecting the entire Kamar-Taj.
"Sorry, I was experimenting with a spell and didn't realize its power. I'll stop it now."
Wang Yan apologized, admitting his mistake.
"What? Another experiment?"
Mordo exclaimed.
Strange was equally shocked. They knew Wang Yan was powerful, but his spell had affected all their magic.
After all, cosmic energy was essential for magic, even in their mirror dimension.
When did Kamar-Taj have such a powerful spell?
While Mordo was incredulous, Strange marveled at Wang Yan's strength. Learning such a spell was impressive.
Strange had studied many spells in the library but had never encountered anything like this.
He had much to learn.
"I've stopped the spell. You should be able to sense cosmic energy now."
Wang Yan deactivated the Celestial Seal and looked at Strange and Mordo.
They closed their eyes, sensing the air.
The cosmic energy had returned.
Previously, it was like the air lacked oxygen, causing panic. The air was filled with energy again, making them feel secure.
"The cosmic energy is back. Master Wang Yan, please avoid using such dangerous spells."
Mordo smiled wryly, grateful for Wang Yan's help but wary of such incidents.
"Yes, Master Wang Yan. If you plan to cast such spells, please warn us."
Strange also smiled wryly; the sudden loss of cosmic energy had been unsettling.
The spell was too powerful.
An experiment had disrupted Kamar-Taj's magic. If fully unleashed, it could affect the entire planet's cosmic energy.
"I understand."
Wang Yan nodded, realizing the unintended consequences of his spell.
Mordo and Strange then took their leave.
"Master Mordo, do we have such spells in Kamar-Taj? Can you teach me?"
Strange, impressed by the powerful spell, wanted to learn it.
"I've never seen it. It must be a hidden spell."
Mordo shook his head, then added, "That power is terrifying. It can block cosmic energy, affecting not just our magic but other powers as well."
With more experience, Mordo understood the implications better than Strange.
The spell could restrict all cosmic energy-dependent powers.