Chapter 34: Second Ring?

Kamar-Taj

Inside the quiet hall of Kamar-Taj, Kurogai sat with calm ease, slowly sipping the warm, aromatic tea prepared by the Ancient One. Despite Mordo's loud protest echoing through the chamber, Kurogai remained composed. He had no reason to react—the Ancient One had already made her stance clear.

Mordo couldn't touch him. And Kurogai knew it.

The Ancient One had personally allowed his presence at Kamar-Taj. Whatever fury Mordo carried now was pointless. Kurogai observed it all in silence, almost amused by the display.

"Supreme Sorcerer, please explain," Mordo demanded. "Why are you stopping me? You said it yourself—he wasn't allowed to learn magic. I was only enforcing your command. Why are you protecting him now?"

His voice echoed with frustration, not entirely unjustified. While Mordo certainly had his pride, he was also clinging to what he believed was duty. Yet to him, this sudden shift by the Ancient One felt like betrayal.

The Ancient One sighed softly, eyes narrowing. "Mordo… you're still so foolish. Go. Reflect. Return only when you understand."

Her voice held a firm disappointment—not of anger, but of expectation unmet.

She waved her hand gently. A golden rune flared beneath Mordo's feet—a portal. The shimmering circle swirled open to reveal the interior of the New York Sanctum.

"No! Sorcerer Supreme, I—!" Mordo protested, but it was too late. His body was drawn into the portal, vanishing in an instant.

Kurogai watched silently.

"An elegant move," he said softly, lowering his teacup.

He understood the Ancient One's decision clearly. By sending Mordo back instead of arguing or punishing him, she showed restraint—and a glimmer of hope. She still believed Mordo could mature and understand her intentions on his own.

At the same time, she had cleared the path for Kurogai to remain and learn. Keeping the two of them apart was likely for the best.

"I must say, your insight is remarkably mature for someone your age," the Ancient One commented, a faint smile on her lips.

Kurogai offered a small shrug. His expression didn't change, but he appreciated the remark. He wasn't like most kids. He never had been.

"Now then," the Ancient One continued, her tone returning to calm formality, "you will be shown to your room. One of the monks will also guide you through Kamar-Taj to help you settle in."

She raised her hand, and a monk appeared silently at the door, bowing in respect.

---

Kurogai followed the monk through a series of quiet corridors, passing rows of wooden columns and glowing lanterns. Eventually, they arrived at a modest room with minimal furnishings—just a bed, a desk, and a small shelf.

After a brief explanation, the monk was about to take his leave when Kurogai stopped him.

"Wait. Where's the library?"

The monk blinked in surprise. "The library?"

"Yes. Kamar-Taj has one, doesn't it?" Kurogai asked. "A place with magical texts?"

The monk nodded, recovering quickly. Though he didn't know much about Kurogai, the fact that the Ancient One herself had assigned him meant he was not to be taken lightly.

"Of course. Exit your room, turn right, and walk to the end of the corridor. That's where the collection is kept."

"Got it. Thanks," Kurogai said, offering a rare smile.

The monk gave a respectful nod and left.

Kurogai straightened the room briefly before stepping out, making his way toward the library. With the directions clear in his mind, he arrived quickly at a large, intricately carved door.

Without hesitation, he pushed it open.

---

Inside the library, rows of ancient tomes lined towering shelves. The scent of parchment and incense lingered in the air.

"You there—stop." A voice echoed from nearby. "This area is restricted. No entry without the Ancient One's permission."

Kurogai turned to see a man in ceremonial robes sitting at a nearby desk. His features were stern, his expression serious. This was the librarian—a monk charged with protecting the library's secrets.

"I'm Kurogai. The Ancient One allowed me entry," Kurogai replied calmly, holding up his wrist.

The monk's eyes narrowed as he examined the bracelet. The runic insignia embedded in it confirmed the truth.

"I see," he said after a pause. "You're permitted. Avoid the restricted section, and you may study what you like. If you have questions, ask."

"Thanks," Kurogai said. "I actually do have one. Which books are good for a beginner? Something foundational."

The librarian nodded slightly, warming up to the boy's directness.

"Start with The New Cosmology and The General Theory of Magical Fundamentals. They'll give you what you need to grasp the basics."

Kurogai moved to the shelves, retrieved the two books, and took a seat at the nearby table.

As he opened the first book, he felt something stir—a tingling deep in his eye.

The Ultimate Eye, long dormant, flickered with energy.

But this wasn't from the outermost ring—it was deeper. The second pupil ring was awakening.

He had met the condition to unlock it.

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