Chapter 38: Learning spells through battle.
New York Sanctum - Training Room
Within the dim, rune-etched chamber of the New York Sanctum, Karl Mordo was immersed in his training. Dressed in the familiar robes of a Kamar-Taj sorcerer, his movements were precise and deliberate, each spell a controlled test of discipline.
It had been nearly a year since the Ancient One sent him back from Kamar-Taj. Her decision still left a bitter taste in his mouth. That boy—Kurogai—had been given far more trust and leniency than he deserved. Mordo didn't voice his dissatisfaction anymore, but deep down, the resentment still burned.
He had spent the year honing his craft, preparing for the day he would prove the Ancient One wrong.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. A fellow monk stepped in with a respectful nod.
"Master Mordo, there's news from Kamar-Taj."
Mordo turned, wiping sweat from his brow. "What kind of news?"
"The Ancient One has returned," the monk reported, "and… she's summoned several sorcerers for a duel. Against Kurogai."
"…A duel?" Mordo's expression shifted. "Did that boy finally do something reckless?"
The monk shook his head. "No, it appears to be a test. An arranged match, not punishment."
Mordo's excitement dulled slightly, but the fire in his eyes remained. "Understood. You may go."
As the monk left, Mordo began preparing to return to Kamar-Taj. A full year had passed, but the memory of that smug child still haunted him. If Kurogai was finally stepping into combat, then Mordo intended to be there—for the outcome, or perhaps more.
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Kamar-Taj — Training Grounds
The stone-paved training arena buzzed with murmurs. The Ancient One stood calmly at its edge, a group of ten selected sorcerers behind her. They had all been summoned the day before, believing they were about to receive guidance or honor. Instead, they'd been told they would face Kurogai in combat.
The announcement had stirred quiet outrage.
"Magic Theory Expert." That was Kurogai's nickname among the disciples. A boy who never practiced spells, never trained with the others—only read. Always reading. Never doing.
To them, it was an insult. Why match a group of trained sorcerers with someone who hadn't stepped foot in the training yard? Many were eager to put the so-called prodigy in his place.
Then, under the weight of their silent judgment, Kurogai finally appeared, walking into the ring with calm confidence.
"Apologies," he said to the Ancient One. "I took a wrong turn. I've never actually been to this part of Kamar-Taj before."
A wave of laughter rolled through the gathered sorcerers.
"You've never even been here," one of the younger sorcerers sneered, "and you dare to challenge us?"
Kurogai simply smiled and turned his gaze to the Ancient One.
She gave a nod. "These are the ten I've chosen. You may select one to fight."
Each of the ten had varying degrees of skill—some still students, others already adept. It wasn't meant to humiliate him. She simply wanted to see Kurogai's current level in action.
"I'll start with him," Kurogai said, pointing directly at the arrogant young sorcerer who had mocked him.
The sorcerer stepped forward with a confident smirk. "You chose me? Bad call, kid. I'll show you why theory can't save you in a real fight. The name's Kaecilius. Try to remember it."
Kaecilius jumped into the center of the ring, already activating his Sling Ring. Sparks flickered at his fingertips, coalescing into a shimmering golden glyph.
Kurogai's eyes slowly began to change.
His left eye glowed violet, his right a burning gold. Then both shifted—crimson, sharp, and gleaming with intricate patterns that rotated like gears. Five-pointed stars spiraled into place.
Second Pupil Ring: Replication Eye — Activated.
In an instant, Kaecilius's spell was unraveled before Kurogai's gaze. The runes, the incantation rhythm, the energy flow—all of it became clear. He saw its form. Its intent. Its construction.
And in the next second, he had already learned it.
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