Kara (POV)
Inside Kamar-Taj
Knock knock.
I was deep in meditation, my focus on the mystical energies surrounding me, when a firm knock on the door pulled me from my trance. I blinked my eyes open, momentarily disoriented.
"Wong?"
"Kara, it's already noon. I've come to remind you about lunch," Wong said, scratching the back of his head. He had originally planned to head to the cafeteria, but remembering the Sorcerer Supreme's instructions to assist me in my daily needs, he had decided to check in on me instead. It seemed he was making sure I didn't forget something as mundane as a meal.
"Lunch?" I said, suddenly aware of how hungry I was. I hadn't eaten since my arrival here, and the mention of food was enough to stir my appetite. "Sure, I'm starving!"
I quickly exited my room, making sure to hide the duplicates of myself—each one buried in books—before Wong could catch a glimpse. With the door clicking shut behind me, I followed Wong down the hall toward the cafeteria.
Inside my room, my five duplicates remained engrossed in their study, silent and unwavering in their focus.
"By the way, Kara," Wong said as we walked. "Didn't you have a class this morning? Something about borrowing books from the library?"
I shrugged slightly. "Not really. The Ancient One provided me with some... individualized training, taught me a spell to summon the Vishanti."
Wong stopped in his tracks. "Wait, hold on," he said, blinking at me in disbelief. "The Vishanti? You summoned them?"
"Well... not exactly summoned," I replied. "More like a bestowal of power. The Ancient One said it was a gift from the Vishanti themselves."
Wong's eyes widened with surprise. "A gift from the Vishanti... on your first day? That's... that's incredible!"
His astonishment caught me off guard. "It's really that significant?" I asked, trying to gauge his reaction.
"Significant?" Wong repeated, looking at me like I had missed something monumental. "It's unheard of. To actually receive the gift of the Vishanti? That's something even the most seasoned sorcerers aspire to, and you—a newcomer—you receive it on your first day. That's a feat most of us only dream of."
I blinked, trying to absorb what Wong was saying. "I had no idea it was that rare."
Wong let out a small exasperated sigh, his eyes full of concern, or perhaps disbelief. "The Vishanti's power isn't something you just receive lightly. It's a rare honor, one only the most exceptional sorcerers have witnessed. Even the Ancient One was... reticent about her interactions with them."
Now I was feeling a bit awkward. "Is this how everyone sees me? Like some... prodigy?" I muttered, worried that they might expect too much of me.
Wong laughed softly, his tone light yet filled with admiration. "Well, it's hard not to, Kara. You've already made quite the impression. But remember, this is Kamar-Taj. It's not about the power you wield, but what you do with it. And you'll find your own path here. It's not all about the title of 'Sorcerer Supreme.' We all walk our own journey."
I considered his words, still feeling the weight of his earlier remark. As we entered the cafeteria, I was trying to push those thoughts aside.
"Here we are," Wong said, gesturing toward the open dining hall. "Given Kamar-Taj's international reach, you'll find dishes from all over—Tibetan, Indian, mystical culinary traditions from various regions. But since we're close to the Tibetan plateau, the menu here leans heavily on Tibetan-inspired dishes. Not sure if you're familiar with them."
"Tibetan? Well, I've heard of it. I love momos and thukpa," I said with a grin, suddenly more animated. "I haven't eaten in over a day, so I'm pretty much ready to devour anything at this point."
As we sat down, some students waved over from a nearby table.
"Hey, Kara!" one of them called. "There's plenty of room. Come sit with us."
"Novice apprentice," another chimed in with a teasing smile, "What kind of food do you prefer? We'll order something special just for you!"
Slightly overwhelmed by the warm attention, I did my best to return the friendly waves with a steady smile. "Everyone's been very kind, but... I'm not entirely used to this," I said, allowing a hint of my discomfort to show.
Just then, a welcome interruption came from the Librarian. "Wong, Kara—join us over here."
Wong nodded, guiding me to a more secluded area in the dining hall, where the senior members of Kamar-Taj often took their meals. Here, small, square tables replaced the longer ones, with only a few chairs around each. It was a space reserved for quiet conversations among those with deeper roles and responsibilities, fostering a sense of respect and camaraderie.
"Librarian. Hamir." I greeted each of them with a respectful nod, sensing the shift in atmosphere as I sat beside Wong. There was something calming and focused in the presence of these senior sorcerers, who seemed to carry an awareness of the world's deeper layers.
"It appears you've already made an impression, Kara," Hamir noted, a hint of amusement in his eyes as he stroked his beard. His calm presence reminded me of the wise elder figures I'd heard of in legends, keepers of knowledge and secrets.
"Everyone has been very welcoming," I replied, managing a chuckle, though inwardly, I wondered, Why does everyone seem so eager?
I hadn't expected this level of attention. It was the gift of the Vishanti, no doubt, that had drawn so much notice. I had tried to keep my experiences quiet, but it was hard to stay under the radar when even my arrival seemed to echo through the halls. I kept catching glances from other students, some curious, others... envious.
Wong quietly poured me a cup of tea, his movements precise and formal, yet with a touch of warmth. As I sipped, I marveled at the setting; there was an almost sacred elegance to this place, as though I were attending a council of seasoned sorcerers rather than sitting in an ordinary dining hall. I couldn't shake the feeling of eyes on me from across the room, carrying a subtle weight of curiosity, expectation, and envy.
..
"Hmph! It's the Sorcerer Supreme showing clear favoritism to our new apprentice," Kaecilius muttered, his voice edged with frustration. "Why else would the Librarian and Hamir give her such special attention?" He scowled, feeling the gnawing sting of injustice. He hadn't even reached such respected positions himself, yet this newcomer seemed to be granted undue prominence. Envy and resentment churned within him as he pondered Kara's rapid ascent.
Seated across the table, Mordo looked up, puzzled by Kaecilius' quiet anger. "What's troubling you now?" he asked, picking up on his friend's obvious discontent. Something seemed off today, and Mordo's curiosity was piqued.
Kaecilius and Mordo had an unusual camaraderie. Though Kaecilius occasionally chafed at Mordo's strict adherence to order, he valued the discipline Mordo represented—a steady source of motivation. Mordo's reserved nature made him a trusted confidant, someone who wouldn't indulge in idle gossip.
In the past, Kaecilius had appreciated these qualities in his friend. Yet now, his thoughts had drifted far from friendship. He was consumed by the Vishanti's lack of recognition, and the sting of it was driving him toward desperation. The promise of powerful magic eluded him, leaving him restless and increasingly embittered. In pursuit of greater abilities, he had begun to delve into the Sorcerer Supreme's hidden texts, seeking secrets that might bring him closer to the power he craved.
The library held a vast repository of Kamar-Taj's magical knowledge, but even within those ancient tomes, Kaecilius struggled to grasp the higher mysteries. Unlike the scholarly sorcerers, such as Doctor Strange, whose natural aptitude for the mystic arts had opened many doors, Kaecilius often found himself at a frustrating impasse. Despite his determination, the knowledge he sought slipped just beyond his reach, and his bitterness deepened.
..
"Did you also feel the powerful magic fluctuation when the Vishanti appeared today, Hamir?" I heard the Librarian say to his old friend. Hamir had lost part of his left hand during a war when he was young and later came to Kamar-Taj to learn magic. Over the decades, he and the Librarian had become close friends.
"Yes, I felt it. It was caused by this young woman," Hamir replied, glancing at me kindly. "She's a promising student of the Mystic Arts. Anyone who receives the blessing of the Great Vishanti is destined to become the next Sorcerer Supreme. The Sorcerer Supreme has taken in a good apprentice this time."
"Indeed," the Librarian agreed wholeheartedly. "It's been so long, and the Sorcerer Supreme has finally found such a person. She can rest assured now."
I stayed silent, just observing as they exchanged thoughts in hushed tones. Then, I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer. "May I inquire why receiving the gift of the Vishanti designates one as the Sorcerer Supreme?"
They both looked at me with a bit of astonishment, as if wondering, You don't know?
The Librarian answered first, explaining, "As for why receiving the gift makes one the new Sorcerer Supreme, it's not merely about the disparity in strength. It's intertwined with magical affinity, future accomplishments, and… well, if we distill it down, it does indeed circle back to strength."
He continued, "Every sorcerer who receives the Vishanti's bestowal of power wields magic and channels power in a distinct manner compared to the rest of us."
His words gave me a glimpse into the complex criteria for selecting the Sorcerer Supreme. It was a fusion of many factors, and the gift itself seemed to light the path toward an exceptional mastery of magic.
"That's precisely correct," Hamir added. "Similar to your journey of mastering Kamar-Taj's magic, achieving the gift empowers you further. This progression grants mortals the capability to stand against otherworldly gods. Without the guidance of the Sorcerer Supreme, countering the invasion from these interdimensional deities would prove insurmountable."
Hamir's tone turned serious as he continued, "Hence, those who receive the Vishanti's gift stand as the most suitable contenders for the mantle of the new Sorcerer Supreme. We've been awaiting the Sorcerer Supreme's selection of an apprentice for years, yet progress was elusive. With your arrival, a sense of relief has swept through us. The Sorcerer Supreme has found a worthy successor, isn't that right, my old friend?"
A hearty laugh escaped Hamir as he finished.
"Absolutely," the Librarian affirmed with a nod. It seemed the anticipation for a successor extended beyond just the Sorcerer Supreme; the older generation shared that eagerness. Although the Sorcerer Supreme's longevity was assured, the absence of a new Sorcerer Supreme had been a lingering regret. But with my arrival, that regret finally seemed to lift.
For a moment, I felt overwhelmed by it all. Thankfully, remembering that Doctor Strange would eventually come to Kamar-Taj helped calm me down. 'Yeah, no need to panic,' I whispered to myself, trying to summon a sense of calm. But I couldn't help thinking, Why do I feel like the Ancient One knew this was going to happen?
...
In the afternoon, I approached the Sanctum Sanctorum. As I hesitated by the side, a tall and slender man with a ponytail and slightly graying temples, Kaecilius, noticed me and spoke indifferently. "If you're willing, you can also join us for practice."
I hesitated briefly. I wanted to practice with my ice element, but I didn't want to seem impolite by refusing. Just then, the Ancient One's distinctive voice echoed from not too far away.
"Kaecilius, this basic training isn't of much use to her."
Kaecilius didn't show any dissatisfaction or resistance. He had only mentioned me because I seemed out of place standing there. He turned to continue his work, but the Ancient One's next words left him stunned.
"Kara has just arrived at Kamar-Taj, and I have taken her as my apprentice. She is eager to learn and admires Kamar-Taj greatly. Kaecilius, would you mind giving her some guidance?"
The Ancient One rarely personally taught apprentices anymore. Most of the men and women practicing on the square were Kaecilius' apprentices. Although the phrasing seemed like a question, it didn't leave much room for Kaecilius to refuse. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he couldn't possibly back down.
As I observed the situation, I couldn't help but wonder if the Ancient One was deliberately placing me in challenging circumstances. After all, I hadn't even accepted the position yet. Despite Kaecilius' cold gaze, I showed no fear. Instead, I remained composed and managed to muster a somewhat dignified smile.
Kaecilius asked uncertainly, "Supreme One, are you suggesting that I spar with her? Is she a novice apprentice?"
The Ancient One's words seemed aimed both at Kaecilius and the gathered sorcerers, an announcement more than anything else: "Kara's magical system is different from Kamar-Taj's. All of you can witness it—it's an interesting approach. This is a rare opportunity, and I believe it will be very enlightening for all of you."
The Sanctum Sanctorum was a bit cramped for a duel, so we headed to a nearby training ground. As word spread, many sorcerers, eager to witness the match, began to gather. They were all keen to see how much they could learn from my magical system, especially now that the Ancient One had made it clear.
Both of us took our positions. Kaecilius wore a somewhat dark expression, considering himself a key figure and disliking the sensation of being surrounded by onlookers. I wasn't fond of it either, but I knew this fight was necessary. Fame and praise weren't my priority—resolving many issues and focusing on my future studies were.
Kaecilius positioned his left foot forward, and his right foot back, lowered his center of gravity, and assumed a stance resembling a martial arts pose. Upon seeing his funny pose, I summoned Dragon Cutter, and soon after, my eyes began to glow faintly. In the next moment, Kamar-Taj, situated in snowy mountains, was enveloped in a layer of frost. The temperature plummeted, and numerous ice crystals began to revolve around me as if I were the queen of ice and snow. This was the result of my training with the powers I have inherited from Poseidon in the past couple of years.
The sorcerers around us reacted immediately, their expressions changing. The smiles of the apprentices froze. Some sorcerers with less than stellar magical aptitude shivered and hugged their arms to keep warm. Only the Ancient One remained calmly observing.
"Kaecilius, my power originates from imagination," I explained, my voice calm and clear. "In my magic system, at the core of reality lies the realm of the imaginary, granting us the ability to shape reality by vividly visualizing our desired outcomes. My mind is my most important asset. The more skilled I become at harnessing my imagination, the more formidable my magical abilities become. I am what you would call a Cognimystic."
I didn't raise my voice, but everyone could hear me clearly. I briefly explained my abilities to the crowd, though it was a limited explanation. I wasn't concerned if anyone tried to replicate my methods—learning from me would only lead to their downfall. The path each person took was unique, and trying to mimic me would be futile.
My "Nature's Myriad Forms" chants themselves act as presets. I still have to imagine and visualize what I want the spell to do. For example, chanting, "Nature's Myriad Forms—Speed Forth" envelops me in the wind, increasing my speed or creating a tornado, with my intent and visualization being the key.
I can modify the chants for a specific purpose tied to a certain visualization, much like a save option. So, "Nature's Myriad Forms—Speed Forth, Fly Like the Wind" always lifts me into flight without needing to visualize it each time. This aligns closely with my origins, Realizer, and All Elements.
As the temperature dropped further, the cold became unbearable for everyone, including Kaecilius, a sorcerer known for his strength. The onlookers felt it too, but those experiencing it firsthand knew that I was incredibly powerful. Not at the level of the Ancient One, but undeniably strong.
Sensing the growing cold and the momentum building from me, Kaecilius launched his attack. He clenched his left hand into a fist and swung it forward like a battering ram.
"What's he doing?" I wondered, still curious and not yet counterattacking.