Chapter 52: Chapter 52: Time Skip.
In the library of Kamar-Taj, a young man dressed in simple robes was deeply absorbed in an ancient tome.
He appeared to be around fourteen or fifteen years old, an age typically marked by energy and enthusiasm, yet he carried himself with remarkable composure—likely a result of countless hours spent immersed in study.
This was Kurogai. Several years had passed since Mordo's last attempt to lure Kaecilius into disrupting the library. Kurogai was now twelve, though he had matured faster than most his age.
After Mordo's capture, the Ancient One honored her promise and granted Kurogai access to her private collection. It was then that Kurogai discovered just how vast the Ancient One's true collection was.
Initially, Kurogai believed the Ancient One's private collection was limited to the section of books chained off in the library. However, upon gaining access, he realized how mistaken he had been. Her private collection far exceeded anything he had imagined. The forbidden volumes chained in the main library were only a tiny fraction.
This was natural. The Ancient One had lived for countless years, witnessed untold events, and her life was a living history of magic. Consequently, her collection dwarfed even the entire Kamar-Taj library.
One could say the Ancient One alone possessed knowledge beyond the entire library combined. For Kurogai, this was a fortunate circumstance, as he required an immense breadth of magical knowledge. It was also why his current study period far exceeded his earlier years in the library, spanning several years to fully absorb the Ancient One's private texts.
"Sorcerer Kurogai, the Sorcerer Supreme has returned and requests your presence."
At that moment, a monk approached, bowing respectfully. Since Kurogai's display of power, the attitude of the sorcerers within Kamar-Taj toward him had shifted subtly. They now addressed him with respect, even calling him "Sorcerer."
"I understand."
Kurogai nodded, closed his book, and rose slowly to leave the library.
Moments later, Kurogai arrived at a grand hall where the Ancient One awaited.
"Long time no see, Ancient One."
Kurogai smiled as he greeted her. Over the past few years, the Ancient One had spent little time at Kamar-Taj, dedicating herself to monitoring developments across other worlds, only returning a few days prior.
From this perspective, the Ancient One was a dedicated Sorcerer Supreme, tirelessly protecting the multiverse.
"Kurogai, it has been several years since we last met. How has your mastery of magic progressed?"
The Ancient One brewed a pot of fragrant tea and handed him a cup. Her first concern was his advancement in magic.
"All necessary skills have been mastered."
Kurogai chuckled softly, speaking deliberately. His magical prowess had grown rapidly over the years. Although he had yet to demonstrate it again, his abilities had reached a profound level, making him a formidable sorcerer. Within Kamar-Taj, aside from the Ancient One, no one could match him.
"Have you found any spells or books that suit your talents?" the Ancient One asked, her gaze steady.
Though she cared about Kurogai's progress, her concern stemmed from opening her private collection to him, which contained many forbidden texts. She feared he might be tempted by darkness, which explained her urgency.
Kurogai's eyes flickered with understanding as he grasped her true meaning, and he chuckled lightly.
"Ancient One, you need not worry. My interest lies in magical knowledge, but I will not stray into darkness."
His words eased the Ancient One's concern. To maintain clarity amid temptation was proof he was truly destined to be a sorcerer.
"By the way, Ancient One, there is something I must tell you." Kurogai's expression grew serious.
"Speak freely," she encouraged.
"I have been at Kamar-Taj for many years. It is time I leave."
The revelation stunned the Ancient One.
Kurogai had spent years learning nearly all the magic here, and staying longer would be unproductive. It was time to move on.
"Has it been so long? Time truly flies."
The Ancient One sighed softly, her long life making the past few years feel like a moment.
In truth, Kurogai had been at Kamar-Taj for many years. He arrived at around six or seven years old. When the Mordo incident was resolved, he was nearly eight. Another three or four years had passed since then, and now he was twelve.
In the blink of an eye, Kurogai had spent many formative years at Kamar-Taj, and indeed, it was time for him to depart.
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