"Hunting operation?"
Hearing Kaecilius's description of the operation, Lockhart thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "Okay, let's see how you capture the followers of Dormammu."
Upon hearing Lockhart's affirmative answer, Kaecilius nodded slightly, thought for a moment, then extended his hand, shook the Sling Ring slightly, and opened a small portal.
Reaching through the portal, he retrieved a small compass from his desk and handed it to Lockhart.
"This compass," Kaecilius explained, "was the first one I used to capture the invader energy from another dimension. Its function is very simple: it can detect the breath of another dimension."
"The sorcerers participating in the arrest operation will carry similar tools. You can use this one."
After Lockhart took the compass, he examined it, input a certain amount of magic power, and watched the pointer on the compass rotate and the runes shimmer. Based on the runes, he roughly judged its function and operating principle.
Soon, he understood its workings, so he put it away and thanked Kaecilius. "Okay, I'll trouble you this time."
Then, eagerly, he asked, "Kaecilius, when will we act?"
Not counting himself, he was meeting an enemy from another dimension for the first time, a well-known Dormammu follower, and he couldn't help but feel a bit of anticipation.
As if sensing Lockhart's expectations, Kaecilius smiled, glanced at the clock in the distance to estimate the time, and said, "I asked the sorcerer earlier to inform the others."
"I estimate that in just 10 minutes, the New York Sanctuary's hunting team will gather. Like you, the sorcerers involved in this operation are also encountering this for the first time."
"It's not easy to meet a Dormammu follower. It's a perfect opportunity to practice your skills."
Hearing this, Lockhart felt a bit strange.
Why did he feel like Kaecilius was including him in this operation just to guide these new sorcerers?
"Lockhart, when the time comes and these newcomers are at risk, remember to take action in time. These are good seeds."
Lockhart could only nod silently in response.
New York Sanctuary, Magic Practice Room
Kaecilius stood at the front, looking at the seven novice sorcerers with a serious expression.
Lockhart, standing next to Kaecilius, watched everyone with interest.
"Sorcerers, since you have come here, you must be mentally prepared. I won't say much more."
"This is a rare opportunity. Based on the training at Kamar Taj, you will hunt down Dormammu followers. Master Lockhart and I will oversee you."
"If there is no danger to life, we will not intervene lightly."
"Is that clear?"
Kaecilius shouted seriously.
"Yes, instructor."
The seven new sorcerers replied in unison. Their voices were not only loud but also full of excitement, making Lockhart look sideways.
This group of new sorcerers seemed more excited than himself at the prospect of facing enemies.
It seems that Kamar Taj's training is quite effective.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, he heard Kaecilius say loudly, "Okay, this operation will be led by Captain John. Follow his command."
Immediately, Lockhart saw Master John, the captain of the newcomers, step forward and begin to introduce the operation.
Lockhart listened closely.
It was his first time witnessing such a formal hunting operation, even though the participants were all newcomers.
But precisely because they were newcomers, they would act exactly according to the training processes of Kamar Taj.
This would open Lockhart's eyes and provide him with valuable learning experiences.
Three Minutes Later
"Instructor, we are ready and can take action at any time," Master John stood in front of Kaecilius and said respectfully.
These sorcerers had been trained by Kaecilius before.
They knew well that this instructor had a tough personality and would not easily back down from his set goals. His words were like water thrown out, impossible to take back.
Since he said he wouldn't take action unless their lives were in danger, even if everyone was seriously injured, as long as their lives weren't at risk, he likely wouldn't intervene.
But John peeked at Lockhart next to him.
He had heard about Master Lockhart recently. It seemed he had a lot of good things and was quite generous.
He didn't know what his personality was like.
Lockhart caught John's gaze, smiled, and nodded slightly.
For a moment, John felt a bit more relaxed.
Kaecilius noticed this interaction but said nothing. He had brought Lockhart along just in case.
Such a good fighting force wouldn't be wasted.
Given their relationship, it was no big deal. It could also resolve Lockhart's doubts, so why not?
"Okay, let's go," Kaecilius ordered.
All the sorcerers, including Lockhart, slightly moved the Sling Rings in their hands, opened a portal, stepped through, and entered their destination.
New York, Queens
On the green lawn, there was a small garden covered with various flowers.
However, something was strange. The originally bright flowers seemed a little yellowed or, to be precise, showed signs of withering.
Next to the garden, there was a path. Walking a few more steps along the path, one would see a villa.
Except for the slight sound of the breeze, it was completely quiet. Staying here, one could feel a vague sense of coolness.
It sharply contrasted with the scorching sunlight from the blazing sun above.
At This Moment
Suddenly, several sparkling circular portals opened.
A group of sorcerers walked out.
Lockhart and Kaecilius stood behind, watching the seven members of the hunting team gather in front of them.
"Kaecilius, if someone gets hurt later, are you sure you won't take action?" Lockhart joked.
"Of course." Kaecilius nodded and said coldly, "Which sorcerer doesn't get hurt?"
"Injury is standard for a sorcerer. As long as there's no risk of death, I will not intervene."
"What they need now is training and combat experience. They can't train all the time. They must experience actual combat."
"Only when they truly experience the feeling of death can they transform into warriors. In the future, they can play a significant role on the battlefield against dimensional invasions."
"I don't want the sorcerers I train to be a bunch of weaklings."
Sensing Kaecilius' tough attitude, Lockhart mused.
Indeed, without actual combat, just training won't make you skilled. Only by truly experiencing life and death can you transform.
Kaecilius's treatment of this group of new sorcerers reminded him of his three outstanding students.
As thoughts turned, Lockhart secretly made a decision.
Then
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
Master John, the leader of the hunting team, held the Sling Ring, moved his hands to outline a perfect circle, and pulled it outward from the middle.
Along with the flow of magic power, lines of red flames emerged in mid-air, forming a circular rune pattern with a very complex internal structure.
Immediately afterwards, John pushed hard, and the red flame-colored rune light quickly spread around and enveloped the entire villa.
Kamar Taj Spell - Ring of Augustus!
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