General (POV)
Nighttime in Kaecilius's room.
Cassidy crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. Mike hovered awkwardly behind him, looking anywhere but at Kaecilius.
"Kaecilius, what's with the late-night summoning?" Cassidy's tone carried equal parts irritation and curiosity. "You've got five minutes before I walk out of here."
Kaecilius, seated at a cluttered desk covered in scrolls and cryptic diagrams, smirked. "Relax, Cassidy. I called you and Mike here because I have a… theory. One that involves Kara."
"Kara?" Cassidy's brow furrowed. "What's this about? She just got here."
Mike chimed in timidly, "Yeah, she's just a rookie—super talented, sure, but still new."
"Exactly," Kaecilius said, leaning forward. "A rookie. A prodigy. But have you ever wondered how she got that good, that fast?"
Cassidy raised an eyebrow. "She's got the Vishanti's blessing. Everyone's talking about it. Natural talent, right? Isn't that the whole story?"
Kaecilius chuckled darkly. "You really think it's that simple? A newcomer walks in and masters spells in days that take us even years to comprehend. No. Something's off."
Mike glanced at Cassidy, his nervousness mounting. "You're saying… what? The Ancient One is giving her a leg up? Like, tutoring her in secret?"
Kaecilius snapped his fingers. "Bingo. Exactly."
Cassidy groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Kaecilius, if this is just some petty jealousy thing, we're out of here. Kara's progress doesn't make the rest of us worse sorcerers."
"Jealousy?" Kaecilius stood, his smirk fading into a glare. "This isn't about jealousy. This is about truth." He gestured to the room around him. "I've spent weeks in the library, pouring over ancient texts, breaking down spells, and piecing together fragments of forbidden knowledge. And you know what I've realized? Kara isn't just talented—she's been prepared for this."
"Prepared?" Mike echoed. "By who? The Ancient One? Why?"
"Why indeed," Kaecilius said, pacing now. "Let's ask ourselves: why hasn't any of us, no matter how skilled or devoted, been granted the Vishanti's blessing? Mordo? Years of training. Devotion to the craft. No blessing. And yet, Kara waltzes in and suddenly, she's the chosen one?"
Cassidy frowned, his skepticism faltering. "You're saying it's all rigged? That the Ancient One's playing favorites?"
Kaecilius stopped pacing and turned to face them. "Not just playing favorites—planning successors. Kara isn't just some random prodigy. She's being groomed. Taught magic none of us even know exists. Take her 'Cloning Spell,' for example."
"Cloning Spell?" Cassidy's voice hardened. "Never heard of it."
"Exactly." Kaecilius grinned. "Because it's not in any of our texts. It's a spell she's using to learn faster—create duplicates of herself, read multiple books simultaneously, master spells in hours instead of weeks. Did you really think she read five entire tomes in one day the old-fashioned way?"
Cassidy and Mike exchanged uneasy glances.
"You overheard this?" Cassidy asked.
Kaecilius nodded. "The Librarian mentioned it to Hamir. And let me tell you, they were as shocked as I was. No one—no one—masters magic like that unless they've got someone feeding them knowledge. And who else but the Ancient One would have access to something this powerful?"
Mike hesitated. "If that's true… why would the Ancient One do that? Why Kara?"
Kaecilius smiled, his expression dark. "Because she's not training an apprentice. She's grooming a replacement. And the rest of us? We're nothing more than footnotes in her grand plan."
Cassidy and Mike exchanged uneasy glances, their wide eyes fixed on Kaecilius. Cassidy finally broke the silence. "Is everything you're saying true? Because if this is some kind of game—"
Kaecilius's expression hardened. "I have no reason to deceive you. I'm just like you—searching for answers. The difference is, I've found them." His voice brimmed with pride, the faintest edge of arrogance slipping through.
Cassidy leaned forward, his skepticism fading under the pull of his curiosity. "What kind of answers? What's this 'secret' you're talking about?"
Kaecilius held up a hand. "It's not the right time to reveal everything. For now, all you need to know is this: the Ancient One isn't who we think she is. Her so-called 'eternal power'? It comes from a source she's kept hidden from all of us. And the title of Sorcerer Supreme?" He scoffed. "A convenient illusion to keep us loyal."
Mike's brow furrowed. "Illusion? What are you saying? That the Ancient One is… lying to us?"
"Open your eyes, Mike," Kaecilius pressed, stepping closer. "Think about it. If the Ancient One's goal was truly to pass on her knowledge and protect this dimension, wouldn't she choose one of us as her successor? Someone who's devoted years to Kamar-Taj? Instead, she plucks a random girl from nowhere—a prodigy, sure, but still an outsider—and starts grooming her for something none of us even understand."
Cassidy frowned, his curiosity mixing with unease. "Why Kara, then? What makes her so special?"
Kaecilius smirked. "That's the question, isn't it? But trust me, there's more to this than her so-called 'talent.'" He turned away, deliberately avoiding eye contact. "I've uncovered truths in the library that would shatter the trust you have in the Ancient One. Truths that explain why she's as powerful as she is—and why we'll never be allowed to reach her level."
Cassidy stepped closer. "If you know so much, why not just tell us?"
Kaecilius shook his head. "Not yet. Timing is everything, Cassidy. All I can say is, when the time comes, I'll leave Kamar-Taj—and you'll have to decide. Will you seek the truth with me, or will you stay here, clinging to the lies she's woven around us?"
Mike shifted uncomfortably. "And when is that supposed to be?"
Kaecilius's grin returned, faint and calculated. "Soon. Very soon. Until then, you'll need to start seeing things for what they really are." He gestured to the door. "Now go. It's late, and you've got plenty to think about."
Cassidy hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But I hope this truth of yours is worth all the secrecy." He turned to leave, Mike trailing behind him.
As they reached the corridor, Mike glanced over his shoulder to make sure they were alone before speaking in a hushed tone. "Cass, do you really believe him? Feels like he's got his own agenda."
Cassidy shrugged. "Maybe he does. But that doesn't mean he's wrong. Aren't you curious? The Ancient One's power, her immortality—it's the kind of magic people dream about."
"Yeah, I guess," Mike admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "But something about this feels… off."
Cassidy smirked. "Maybe. Or maybe Kaecilius is onto something big. Either way, I plan to find out. Who wouldn't want a shot at immortality?"
Mike fell silent as they walked on, the tension between them thick with unspoken doubts.
Back in his chamber, Kaecilius stood at the window, gazing out over the darkened courtyard. A slow, self-assured smile spread across his face.
"Soon enough, my friends," he murmured to himself. "Soon enough."
.....
Ten Days Later...
"You'll wear yourself out like this!" Wong muttered, wiping his brow with a hand as he thought of all the tasks the Ancient One had thrown his way. The sheer weight of it all made him long for the peace of retirement—if only he could catch a break.
"Hamir, how is Mr. Pangborn doing?" the Ancient One asked, her voice calm but thoughtful as she focused on the progress of the man who had come seeking knowledge.
Hamir, standing with an air of quiet confidence, replied, "He's making excellent strides. He can already sense the energy of magic around him. I believe it won't be long before he can stand on his own, harnessing the power of magic."
"I see," the Ancient One nodded, a look of approval crossing her face, though it was fleeting. She turned to Kara, as though testing the waters for something new. "Kara, would you be willing to teach the Cloning Spell you taught Wong to others?" The spell had proven immensely useful, especially for Wong, who had managed to balance his duties as a librarian, his study, and his practice of magic thanks to its efficiency. It was, in essence, a game-changer.
"Sure, I can do that." Kara shrugged, casual as always. "I've already shown Wong everything about the Cloning Spell. He can document it, add it to the library, and make it available to others who need it."
The Ancient One raised an eyebrow. "But there's a catch, isn't there?"
Kara smiled faintly. "Well, yeah. There are two prerequisites for learning it. First, they need to master the Isorcerers of Ikonn. Second, they should have a solid grasp of Soul Magic. If they don't, they won't even be able to tap into the magic."
The Ancient One considered this for a moment. "That's acceptable. Only those truly ready for the magic will succeed. And if they don't? Well, it's not as if we can force them."
Elsewhere, across the square...
"Kaecilius, it's been over ten days. Are you prepared?" Cassidy, standing quietly beside Kaecilius, spoke with a hint of concern in his voice. By now, he had learned the Ancient One's secret—the spell that kept her alive, hidden from prying eyes—and he knew of the magic circle that could summon Dormammu's power. Yet the drawing still resided within the library, well-guarded by the Librarian.
"We're not going in blind. We've got a plan," Kaecilius replied, a low, confident chuckle escaping his lips. His mind was already calculating their next move. "We'll get it, just wait and see. The Librarian won't know what hit him."
Cassidy nodded but couldn't ignore the nagging question. "What about that woman? The one you've been... working with?"
Kaecilius didn't answer immediately. Instead, he smiled—sharp, like a predator sensing its prey. "Don't worry. Diane's on board. She's agreed to join us. She'll help us move forward, and once she does, we'll be unstoppable. After all, she's still got that wish lingering deep inside her."
Cassidy's eyes narrowed. "What's her story?"
Kaecilius didn't hesitate. "She's got a history, alright. Her father... murdered when she was just a kid. Shot down by gangsters. She was left homeless, wandering the streets, until a sorcerer found her. Took her in, taught her magic."
Cassidy's eyebrows raised, his curiosity piqued. "So, what happened to her after that?"
"She came to Kamar-Taj seeking peace, but the memory of that night—her father, lying dead in the street—haunted her. It was more than just a tragedy for her; it was a vulnerability. Something Kaecilius could exploit."
"Nice work," Cassidy murmured, impressed. "So, you really think she'll stick with us?"
Kaecilius grinned. "She's already in. I've pulled her in with the promise of power. The desire for revenge is a flame that never really dies. You just have to know how to reignite it."
And so, Kaecilius had gained another ally—a woman with a vendetta, ready to play her part.
....
At One O'Clock in the Morning…
A violent surge of magic tore through the stillness of Kamar-Taj, followed by a series of guttural roars that echoed ominously through the night. The ground trembled beneath the force, and within moments, chaos broke loose. Students and sorcerers alike scrambled out of their rooms, heading toward the source of the disturbance—the Sanctum, where the Ancient One rested.
Kara, already attuned to the magical energies that hummed through the air, followed the growing crowd, her mind racing with questions. The others seemed lost in their confusion, but Kara could feel it. More than anyone else, she could sense the nature of the magic. It was dark—familiar and terrifying.
A demon. An extradimensional being. Why Kamar-Taj?
Her thoughts raced. "A demon is invading Earth? But why here in Kamar-Taj?" she muttered aloud, her voice barely rising above the murmurs of those around her.
"It must be the task," she thought, but doubt lingered in the back of her mind.
Before she could gather her thoughts, Hamir's voice rang out above the growing panic, firm and reassuring.
"Don't panic, everyone. This is an incursion of dark forces from another dimension. The Ancient One is working to stop them. Students, return to your quarters and continue your rest," he called out, trying to calm the jittery crowd.
But it didn't quite work.
"Mentor, which demon is it?" one of the students asked, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and curiosity.
"Mentor, does this kind of event happen frequently?" another queried, her face pale in the moonlight.
"Mentor, should we offer our assistance?" a third asked, an anxious energy lacing his words.
"Is this the duty of Kamar-Taj?" another apprentice added, a hesitant determination creeping into his voice.
The questions came fast, and the group of young sorcerers buzzed with unease. Fear was palpable, but so was the hunger for knowledge. This was an event they had never encountered before, and in their minds, it was a test—an initiation of sorts.
"Everyone, please calm down," Hamir interjected, his tone calm but authoritative as he raised his hand to silence them. "For now, I'm not sure which dimension the demon is from. Incidents like this have occurred a few times, but each time, under the leadership of the Sorcerer Supreme, we have successfully repelled them. So, don't worry. You are all young and need to focus on your studies. The time will come when we retire, and it will be your responsibility to protect the Earth. For now, you don't need to offer your assistance. What you should do is rest and study diligently. Now, everyone, return to your quarters."
He waved his hand, and reluctantly, the apprentices began to disperse, though many couldn't shake the curiosity that gnawed at them.
Kara, however, remained rooted in place. The magical fluctuations from the Sanctum were intensifying, and the dark presence she felt was growing stronger. She didn't need to be told that the power was edging closer to Kamar-Taj itself. If this continues, the disturbance might consume the entire place.
Hamir, noticing she hadn't moved, turned to her with a frown. "Kara, why haven't you gone back yet? Don't worry; the Sorcerer Supreme is there, along with other sorcerers. Everything will be fine."
Kara shook her head, her expression resolute. "No need. I want to go over there."
Hamir hesitated. She was still an apprentice, and facing an extradimensional demon wasn't something to take lightly—not for someone of her experience. But Kara's eyes burned with purpose.
"You can relax; there's the Sorcerer Supreme over there," Wong chimed in, his tone a mix of concern and reassurance.
"Apprentice Kara, we'll keep watch here," Mordo added, standing by, ever the dutiful guardian.
Kara paused, then met their eyes with a small, confident smile. "It's okay. Trust me, Hamir, Wong, Mordo. I know my limits."
Without waiting for a response, she raised her hand, muttered a few words under her breath, and in the blink of an eye, vanished, her form flickering out of existence in a sudden teleportation spell.
Hamir stood frozen for a moment, staring at the spot where Kara had just been. Wong and Mordo exchanged puzzled glances, both clearly taken aback by her decision.
Mordo furrowed his brow. "What kind of magic was that?"
Wong shook his head, equally mystified. "I have no idea."
Kara had already disappeared into the depths of the Sanctum, drawn by the dark forces gathering there. She wasn't going to wait for someone else to solve this problem. She was stepping into the fire, and there was no turning back.
...
Kara had thought she had seen it all, but when she arrived at the Sanctum and took in the scene before her, she quickly realized how wrong she had been.
The floor of the Sanctum was covered by a massive magical circle, glowing ominously, its edges flickering like a crack in reality. From this circle, large, grotesque tentacle-like appendages emerged, twisting and lashing out in violent motions toward the Ancient One and the other sorcerers. The air was thick with dark energy, and every strike from the tendrils seemed to send shockwaves through the Sanctum.
The Ancient One, standing resolute in the center of it all, held up the Eye of Agamotto—its power glowing fiercely as it shielded her from the tentacles' assault. Kara recognized the spell immediately. It was the same one Doctor Strange often used, summoning an orange, circular magical disc with his hands to deflect attacks. It had withstood even a blow from Thanos himself. But this... this was different. The intensity of the dark forces swirling around them was palpable, and it wasn't just a battle for survival—it was a battle for the very soul of Kamar-Taj.
Around her, other sorcerers engaged the demon's onslaught. Some wielded magical whips, their orange tendrils crackling with energy as they struck at the tentacles. Kara couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. Even in a mystical battle like this, the sorcerers fought with the precision of seasoned close-combat specialists. In the Marvel Universe, it seemed, that was just par for the course.
"Kara? Quickly, help evacuate the injured sorcerers!" The Ancient One's voice cut through the chaos, her gaze locking on Kara. The Sorcerer Supreme wasn't asking Kara to step in and stop the demon; no, she had a different task in mind. The injured sorcerers needed help—and fast.
Kara's eyes scanned the Sanctum, and her heart sank as she noticed the injured. Several sorcerers lay scattered around, their faces blackened by the dark forces that had poisoned their bodies. The pain was evident on their faces—eyes wide with agony, their bodies twitching as if the demon's malevolent energy was eating them alive.
"Of course!" Kara called back, her voice steady despite the chaos surrounding her. She hurried toward one of the fallen sorcerers, crouching down to assess their condition. With a quick scan, she realized their physical injuries were minor. Tentacle strikes. But the true issue lay in the corruption of the dark energy infecting their bodies. It was severe, but not beyond her capabilities.
Kara didn't hesitate. She placed her hand over the injured sorcerer's chest, and with a deep breath, she called upon her own magic. Her fingers glowed with a soft, silver light as she channeled her power, absorbing the tainted magic that had infiltrated their body. The dark energy recoiled like smoke being drawn into a vacuum. Kara's magic fed on it, devouring the corruption until the sorcerer's complexion returned to its normal, healthy hue. Their breathing steadied, and the pain eased from their features.
Satisfied with her work, Kara nodded to herself and teleported the sorcerer out of the Sanctum, sending them to safety away from the battle.
While the Ancient One remained focused on the demon, fending off the relentless tentacles with the Eye of Agamotto, and Kara continued her work saving the injured, Hamir, Wong, and Mordo—Kamar-Taj's senior sorcerers—gathered in the small courtyard just outside. They kept their senses on high alert, ready for anything that might come next, but their priority was maintaining order and ensuring the safety of everyone who was not actively engaged in the battle.
Wong paced, his brow furrowed in concern. "We can't let this go on for much longer."
Mordo nodded grimly. "The Sanctum can only hold against this kind of onslaught for so long. We need to act."
Hamir stayed still, watching the Sanctum from the shadows. "The Ancient One has a plan. We just need to trust her... and hope she can hold on until we can find a way to tip the scales."
The chaos inside the Sanctum raged on, but outside, the senior sorcerers remained vigilant, waiting for the moment when they could join the fray—or take action in whatever way was required to protect Kamar-Taj from the dark forces threatening to tear it apart.
...
On the other side of Kamar-Taj, Kaecilius was practically vibrating with excitement. He could feel the opportunity they had been waiting for had finally arrived. The commotion from the demon's assault on the Sanctum had everyone on edge—exactly the distraction he and his followers needed.
Knock, knock, knock!
Kaecilius stood at Doctor Strange's door, anticipation written all over his face. The recent disturbance had awakened everyone, and he knew Strange wouldn't be resting now.
"Strange? What's going on?" Doctor Strange's voice came from inside, confusion tinged in his tone.
"Our chance is here!" Kaecilius exclaimed, his eyes alight with fervor. "Don't you think it's the perfect time to initiate our plan?"
"You mean... now?" Doctor Strange's voice rose in surprise. The idea of finally putting their plan into motion sent a thrill through him, and his pulse quickened.
"Yes! While everyone's attention is drawn away, we can slip into the library, take what we need, and leave without anyone noticing!" Kaecilius explained, his voice dripping with urgency.
Doctor Strange hesitated for a moment. "Alright! I get it! But, what about the Librarian? He's still in the library, right?"
Kaecilius smirked, clearly irritated by Strange's doubt. "He's just a regular person now. Do you honestly think he can stop us? Or are you starting to get cold feet?"
"Of course not! I'll get them!" Doctor Strange retorted, louder than intended. It wasn't fear that held him back—he didn't want to harm innocent people in the process.
Kaecilius' voice became sharp with command. "Gather at the library entrance! Now!" His words cut through the air, leaving no room for further argument. The decision had been made. There was no turning back.
With Kaecilius already heading to prepare for their bold move, Doctor Strange moved quickly, knowing time was against them.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Mike!" Doctor Strange's knocks echoed down the hallway, sharp and urgent. He wasn't going to waste a second.
"Doctor Strange?" Mike's voice cracked with surprise, his face mirroring the intensity in Strange's eyes.
"Pack your things, we're leaving!" Doctor Strange barked, the gravity of the situation demanding swift action.
Mike's eyes widened, but his hands were already moving, stuffing clothes and personal items into a bag, his thoughts racing.
"Now?" Mike questioned, still in disbelief.
"Yes, right now! Hurry!" Doctor Strange commanded, not stopping for further questions. "I'll go get Diane."
Without another word, Doctor Strange rushed to the next room, his mind focused on one thing—getting them out of Kamar-Taj before it was too late.
Knock, knock, knock!
"Diane!" Doctor Strange's voice rang through the door as he knocked briskly.
Diane's voice, full of confusion, came from within. "Doctor Strange?"
She opened the door, her gaze shifting from surprise to wariness as she noticed the urgency in his demeanor.
"What's going on?" Diane asked, her brow furrowing.
"There's no time to explain," Doctor Strange said, barely pausing. "It's time to act. The opportunity you've been waiting for has arrived. So, are you ready to leave with us?"
Diane's eyes sharpened a glint of something darker flashing in them. Without hesitation, she replied, "Of course!"
"Great. Start packing. We'll meet at the library entrance. We don't have much time."
As Doctor Strange hurried to prepare, his thoughts raced with the gravity of their mission. No one had expected the demon's invasion to set off a chain reaction that would pull all the hidden players into motion. As the sorcerers battled to defend the Sanctum, those with their own agendas moved quickly, knowing this moment might never come again.