Chapter 133: Kaecilius

Half an hour ago, New York Sanctum.

Master Daniel was busy calculating. Every sorcerer is a scholar, and he was the scholar among scholars. The frequent spacetime fluctuations of late were each recorded by the power of the Sanctum itself; his current task was to synthesize these records and triangulate the precise locations. It was a complex and monumental undertaking, yet for him, it was far from difficult.

He had shed all his outer layers, leaving only his innermost robes. The preliminary work had long been completed, and finally, there were results.

"The two most frequent points of spacetime instability: one is 10 kilometers south of San Juan, and the other is in Chinatown, not far from here?"

Recalling the Sorcerer Supreme's instructions, Daniel stood up hastily and walked toward an ancient, ornate carved door. Pushing it open, he stepped into a different building where the scenery and temperature were entirely distinct.

This was Kathmandu, Nepal, over ten thousand kilometers away from New York—a mysterious place known as Kamar-Taj. Ninety-nine percent of the Earth's sorcerers hailed from Kamar-Taj. Starting as apprentices, they generally required years or even decades of diligent study and training before being recognized as "Masters." Those capable of guarding the three great Sanctums were naturally "Master Sorcerers," a tier above the average practitioner.

The Sorcerer Supreme spent most of her time in the restricted section of the library. Daniel, familiar with the route, walked over quickly.

However, she was not there.

As a figure of significance in the multiverse, it was common for the Sorcerer Supreme to travel to other dimensions to battle or negotiate with entities that coveted Earth, or to wander into the depths of the cosmos. This was not unusual.

"Daniel, you are not staying in the New York Sanctum; what are you doing here?" A middle-aged sorcerer with a grim expression approached.

"Kaecilius? I am looking for the Sorcerer Supreme." Daniel frowned. "Are you looking at those forbidden books again? What exactly are you searching for? Although all knowledge is shared in Kamar-Taj, some knowledge is restricted to sorcerers who have reached a certain level for our own protection. The Sorcerer Supreme's methods are justified."

"I am looking for the answers that the Ancient One refuses to share. In fact, I have already found them," Kaecilius said.

"The Book of Cagliostro? The book that explains time? The content within it is far beyond your current level." Daniel glanced at the thick, leather-bound book in Kaecilius's hand, which was bound by magical chains, and shook his head.

"That is because you do not know what level I have attained," Kaecilius scoffed.

Unable to persuade him, Daniel had no interest in further attempts. Everyone who came to Kamar-Taj had their own reasons, made their own choices, and took responsibility for them. With the Sorcerer Supreme absent, he had no choice but to return to the New York Sanctum.

"The Ancient One does not know when she will return. If there is an emergency, perhaps I can help you," Kaecilius said suddenly.

Daniel paused in his tracks.

Wandering the cosmos or other dimensions often took a long time; no one could guarantee when the Sorcerer Supreme might return. She had given clear instructions: once the target was located, observe their every move, judge their abilities and conduct to determine if they were friend or foe, and assess whether they posed a threat to the world.

Now, the target was potentially in two very distant locations. As the Guardian of the New York Sanctum, he could not leave his post for long. He could manage to check on Chinatown frequently, but San Juan was too far and inconvenient.

"Very well."

Daniel turned, explained the whole situation, and then cautioned: "This involves spacetime fluctuations, and the target is likely connected to a magical entity unknown to us, perhaps even related to the recently active Ghost Rider or the Darkhold. When you go, do not initiate a conflict. Observe patiently. Report back only after the Sorcerer Supreme returns."

Spacetime fluctuations? A new magical entity? Ghost Rider? The Darkhold, which legend claimed recorded all black magic?

A faint, hidden fire of hope burned in Kaecilius's eyes. He nodded gently. "I will."

Watching Daniel return to the New York Sanctum, Kaecilius quickly found his apprentices. More than a month ago, he had found the ritual of immortality in the Book of Cagliostro, discovering the secret to the Sorcerer Supreme's longevity. Yet, he was not the Sorcerer Supreme; he lacked the ability to complete the ritual alone, so he had quickly recruited his apprentices.

Kamar-Taj had strict requirements for every stage of study, and advanced magic was withheld until those requirements were met. Many were dissatisfied with this, and these people were his natural allies. Over the past month, he had secretly taught them advanced magic. In terms of the quantity and quality of spells mastered, these apprentices had reached the level of formal sorcerers. He had earned their trust, and their loyalty.

Every forbidden book was enchanted by the Sorcerer Supreme and could not leave Kamar-Taj or the three Sanctums; even if forcibly taken, it could be tracked. But if one page were torn out, that was no longer an issue. He had memorized the contents of that page long ago, but his own power was ultimately too weak; to successfully cast the spell, he had to rely on the power of the page itself.

He had originally intended to wait a while longer, until he and his apprentices had mastered more magic to ensure a higher success rate. But now, news of the Darkhold had arrived. It was a supreme tome on par with the Book of Vishanti and the Book of Cagliostro; it would certainly enable him to achieve his goal—to resurrect his wife and child and reunite his family.

Looking at the apprentices whose eyes were filled with worship and longing, Kaecilius knew the critical moment had arrived.

"Do you wish to learn more magic, gain greater power, and achieve the initial purpose for which you came here?"

"Follow me!"

"The price?"

"No, there is no price required!"

...

...

Kaecilius?

Looking at the man standing at the front, Old Wang quickly identified him. Although he lacked the iconic dark circles from excessive cultivation and had not yet earned the title of "Zealot," his signature ponytail gave him away.

Most importantly, while there were many sorcerers on Earth, one who could command a dozen subordinates had to be a top-tier practitioner. Even a librarian of his own stature did not reach that level. Aside from the Sorcerer Supreme and the Guardians of the three Sanctums, only Baron Mordo, Kaecilius, and a few others possessed such capability.

The Guardians of the three Sanctums rarely left their posts, and since San Juan fell under the jurisdiction of the New York Sanctum, and its guardian, Master Daniel, was a black man, and Baron Mordo was also a black man, process of elimination made it clear who this was.

"Indeed, there is residual dark energy here."

Kaecilius muttered to himself, then looked at Old Wang. "'Chi'? Are you a master of kung fu? Could this be related to K'un-Lun? I understand now, you are the recently famous Immortal Iron Fist."

He actually knows me? Kamar-Taj really does have Wi-Fi; he's been bluffed again... Old Wang remained calm, pretending not to know, and asked: "Then who are you?"

"Who I am is unimportant. What matters is why I have come." Kaecilius was clearly arrogant and seemed to look down on "ordinary people" who were not sorcerers. He said coldly, "Hand over the Darkhold!"

"And if I refuse?"

"Then I shall kill you first, and take it myself!"

Kaecilius was evidently a poor villain; he did not waste words. As he finished speaking, the dozen apprentices behind him rubbed their hands together, and golden magical whips manifested. With a fierce swing, the dozen whips lashed out toward everyone, including Old Wang.