371-375
"This is the library, and this is the new librarian, Wang. Today, for your first lesson, I'll..."
Bang!
Mark placed a stack of books in front of Doctor Strange. "Read through these books. They provide the foundation you need to learn. Especially the Vedic language, the oldest Sanskrit, and the language that sorcerers most frequently encounter. To excel in magic, mastering them is essential."
"'The Book of the Setting Sun,' 'New Compilation of the Universe,' 'Supreme Codex,' 'Solomon's Key,' 'Fundamental Compendium,' and the 'Vedic Language Dictionary.' Do you think it's a bit too much to ask me to finish all of these books in one day?" Doctor Strange exclaimed, surprised as he looked at the pile of books nearly obstructing his view on the table.
"Come on, I know you have a photographic memory, otherwise, how could you have earned dual doctorates in medicine and science in your early twenties?"
"Alright, you're right. By the way, I noticed a row of bookshelves over there in the library, and all the books are secured by chains. Why is that?"
At this point, Wang, who had been standing by Mark's side without moving, explained to Doctor Strange, "Those are the personal collections of Ancient One, or you could understand them as forbidden books not accessible to all sorcerers.
At Kamar-Taj, knowledge can be shared, but some knowledge shouldn't be put into practice. Otherwise, it could pose significant danger and risks to both the practitioner and others.
Moreover, those books are incomprehensible to anyone at Kamar-Taj except for the Supreme Sorcerer and Sorcerer Mark. The accumulation and understanding of regular sorcerers can't reach such profound levels."
Hearing Wang's explanation, Doctor Strange couldn't help but approach curiously. He randomly picked up a book from the shelf, and coincidentally, the book he picked was the same one from which Kaecilius had stolen pages a few months ago.
"Why does this book seem to be missing a few pages?"
Wang: "This book is 'The Book of Cagliostro,' dealing with time manipulation. Some pages were taken by a previous sorcerer.
Fanatic Kaecilius, tempted by the Dark Dimension, came here and stole pages from this book. He also intended to hang the previous librarian and execute him. Luckily, that guy had Sorcerer Mark's favor, which allowed him to survive with the help of a magical artifact from Sorcerer Mark.
However, he was dismissed from his post due to this incident, and now I am the guardian of these books. Do you see those iron chains? They have been imbued with mystical power. If anyone takes a book from the shelf or if these books suffer any damage, I'll know."
"So, don't even think about secretly reading these forbidden books or taking them out of the library, or else I'll make you regret it by dismembering you 890 ways. Got it?"
Wang snatched 'The Book of Cagliostro' from Doctor Strange's hand and gave him a threatening look.
"Uh... What if they're overdue? Or if I wanted to know what happens if a book is missing a page? Will I lose an arm or a leg? People used to find me quite funny…" Doctor Strange felt a bit embarrassed facing Wang's stern demeanor.
"Do you pay them a salary?"
Hiss!
Wang's words struck a chord, making Doctor Strange feel as if he had been hit in a sensitive spot. "It's been delightful chatting with you, thanks for introducing me to the library's taboos and various threats. Now I'll be off to study."
"Hahaha!" Mark, seeing Doctor Strange seemingly helpless against Wang, burst into laughter.
"Alright, Strange, from now on, you'll study these books in the library. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me or Wang, though I doubt you'll be seeking his help."
Six hefty books, each as thick as a dictionary, were a formidable task to finish in a single day even for an average person.
But Mark's demands on Doctor Strange went beyond merely finishing them; he was expected to synthesize and remember their contents, even potentially comprehend their key points.
For Doctor Strange, who had zero foundation in magic and no prior knowledge, this was indeed a challenging starting point.
However, even though Doctor Strange's hands were crippled, his superior intellect remained intact. It was his hands that were disabled, but that didn't hinder his intellectual abilities.
In the astonished gaze of Wang, Doctor Strange read at an astonishing pace, devouring the foundational magical knowledge within the books, nearly ten pages a second.
"Is he really studying seriously? He's flipping through the pages so quickly; it's unbelievable."
"Fundamentals come easily; for a true genius, this kind of thing is child's play. My old man once finished reading all the research papers on thermonuclear physics in a single night and reached the level of a thermonuclear physics professor.
Currently, Strange is merely memorizing the content of the books. Once he has completed memorization, he will begin the process of studying and comprehending the memorized content.
Finally, based on the understanding and logical patterns derived from his study, he will organize and summarize all the knowledge. That marks the completion of a phase in the learning process."
"I don't understand your world of geniuses, and I can't relate, so spare me from hearing about it and discouraging me further."
Wang shook his head vigorously, causing the fat on his round face to jiggle.
Not continuing to watch Doctor Strange studying diligently, Mark sat down at another table, contemplating his ace in the hole to counter Thanos. Wang also returned to his own spot, continuing to study a magic he hadn't fully grasped.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
As evening approached, the dinner bell rang through Kamar-Taj. Mark snapped out of his thoughts from the calculations on his desk.
Turning his head, he saw Wang still focused on studying a magic book he hadn't quite understood yet. Doctor Strange had moved all the thick stack of books in front of him to the side.
Doctor Strange frowned with his eyes closed; to the uninformed observer, it might seem like he had fallen asleep while reading. But Mark knew very well the state Doctor Strange was in.
Doctor Strange was concentrating his attention due to having memorized all the contents of the books into his brain, absorbing and organizing the information within his mental space.
After waiting for about fifteen minutes, Doctor Strange finally completed all the learning tasks Mark had assigned him, returning to full wakefulness.
"Mark? Why are you standing in front of me?"
Just as he woke up, Doctor Strange opened his eyes and saw Mark standing next to him, staring at him intently. An uneasiness washed over him, almost tipping his chair over.
"It seems you've completed the learning tasks I assigned you today. It's now dinner time; if you miss it, Kamar-Taj won't provide food. Let's go have our meal. If you encounter any issues while studying, feel free to ask me during our walk and meal."
Doctor Strange stood up from his chair, following behind Mark. "With the six books I've read today, how do they contribute to my study of magic and the recovery of my hand injuries?"
"The Mystic arts have their own linguistic systems, present since the dawn of civilization. Long, long ago, the sorcerer of that era referred to this language as... [Spell]
If this name makes you feel too unrealistic or difficult to accept, you can also rephrase it as [program] to understand it as a kind of system running based on the source code of the entire real world.
As sorcerers, we draw energy from the outside world and even from other dimensions, combining and shaping it to create shields or blades. This is the process by which mages cast spells.
And if you want to understand its mysteries, you need to search for and deduce patterns and truths from the experiences of those who came before.
If magic is the treasure hidden behind the material world, then the knowledge you've learned today is the tool to find and unearth it."
Mark answered Doctor Strange's question as they walked. He also gestured with his hands, demonstrating how a true sorcerer manipulates magic and forms it into magical runes.
Watching the intricate runes rapidly taking shape in Mark's hands, Doctor Strange's heart swelled with excitement and anticipation. He hoped that one day he could effortlessly draw runes like this, becoming a powerful mage and healing his own hands...
His hands! Thinking of this, Doctor Strange's previously excited mood suddenly deflated. "But with my already crippled hands, how could I possibly achieve this? My hands can barely sway in the air. How can I go from being a novice to a master like you?"
"Well then, how about you? How did you go from being a medical intern to a neurosurgeon? How did you repair damaged nerves and realign fractured spines?"
"Diligent study and practice, year after year, day after day."
"You see, you already know the answer, don't you? Don't think that just because you're disabled now, there's a shortcut. It's precisely because you've lost some advantages that you need to exert more effort to narrow or even surpass the gap between you and others.
And although your hands might not be agile, your brain is an absolute advantage. You can learn and absorb things that others might take years or even decades to learn. Leading in this aspect can help you catch up with the disadvantages brought by your hands."
"I understand!" Doctor Strange looked at Mark's figure and nodded earnestly. A renewed flame of determination lit up in his eyes.
"By the way, is the library open 24 hours? I want to read more basic magic books and learn more tonight."
"Of course, as long as Wang allows you in, you can read and study inside anytime. But for now, let's fill your belly first. The brain's activity consumes as much energy as physical labor, if not more. If you're hungry at night, Kamar-Taj doesn't provide late-night snacks."
...
In the following days, Mark didn't assign any new learning tasks to Doctor Strange. Instead, he handed him a reading list and instructed him to read the books in the order provided. He also told Doctor Strange that he would teach him the content of the second lesson only after he had read, understood, and memorized the books on the list.
The list of books was not extensive, focusing on very basic aspects of magic and magical energy. With Doctor Strange's ability to read at a glance and remember, he quickly finished reading all the books in the sequence Mark had given.
"I've completed the content of the first lesson you assigned. When do we start the second lesson?"
"Oh!? So fast, it seems like your enthusiasm is high!" Mark paused his model calculations and looked up at Doctor Strange, who came running enthusiastically to report. There was no hint of surprise in his expression.
"Since you're so eager, I certainly can't dampen your enthusiasm. Take this with you, then. It wouldn't be appropriate to conduct the second lesson in the library."
While speaking, Mark pulled out a small object from somewhere and tossed it directly into Doctor Strange's hand.
"What's this?" Looking at the item Mark threw, Doctor Strange thought it resembled a ring, but it had an extra loop; it looked like a knuckle duster, but without any striking power. He couldn't recall having seen something like this before, and curiously asked its owner, Mark.
"This is a Sling Ring. It helps sorcerers concentrate their attention and cast magical spells.
Proficient use of the Sling Ring is crucial in magic. With it, sorcerers can freely traverse between various universes.
The second lesson I'm giving you today is how to proficiently use the Sling Ring to open a portal for spatial travel. Alright, We're here."
Mark led Doctor Strange to an open area. This was where experienced mages taught apprentices, and diligent apprentices often came here in their spare time to practice casting spells.
Doctor Strange: "So what do I do next?"
"Of course, the first step is to put on the Sling Ring! Do I even need to tell?
Put on the ring, then focus your attention. Imagine the destination you want to reach in your mind, not limited to the world in front of you.
It's best to visualize every detail about that place, because the clearer the image in your mind, the faster the portal will appear. Like this..."
In front of Doctor Strange, Mark casually drew a circle with his right hand, and the portal appeared instantly. On the other side of the portal was not another place; it was the brand-new Avengers facility in the suburbs of New York.
After the demonstration, Mark casually waved his hand, and the portal disappeared as if it had never appeared, completely vanishing before Doctor Strange's eyes.
"Alright, practice like this. Practice makes perfect. After practicing a few times, you'll be able to cast spells effortlessly like me. The most important thing is, once you master this trick, you won't have to worry about affording a return flight. So You need to work hard!"
Following Mark's demonstrated actions and guidance, Doctor Strange concentrated all his attention in his mind. For a former surgeon who had performed multiple surgeries in a row, this was quite straightforward.
In his mind, he visualized his most familiar place—the apartment room he knew well. With the hand wearing the sling Ring, he imitated Mark's action and drew a circle in the air.
Zzz...
However, the same action performed by Doctor Strange only produced a few sparks without summoning a portal. The magical energy didn't connect to form a circular pattern.
He tried a few more times, but each time ended in the same result—failure.
"I can't do it, all because of my hands…" Doctor Strange said with a hint of frustration.
Mark: "It's not about your hands, Strange."
Doctor Strange: "How can it not be about my hands?"
"Then watch this—"
In front of Doctor Strange, Mark lifted his right foot, traced a circle in the air, and something magical happened. A cascade of sparks twinkled, and in the same location as before, a portal emerged. Mark didn't use his hands at all; he constructed the portal using his foot.
"I guess now you're speechless, right? You always believed your hands were the obstacle to your progress, but little did you know, it's the idea deeply rooted in your mind that's truly holding back your progress.
Magic is a force that influences matter through the mind. Don't let your thoughts shackle your progress. Learn to go with the flow, make magic work for you, as if this power naturally stems from within you. Don't let power lead you by the nose, pushing you forward."
"Perhaps you have a point, but I still don't know how to achieve all of this. Going with the flow sounds too abstract for me."
"It seems like you're facing the same issue I did initially. Your self-belief is too strong, creating a barrier to understanding. If you want to become stronger, you first need the willingness to let go of your ego.
Yesterday I told you, there are no shortcuts on the path of learning magic, but today's situation is special. I have a way to help you immediately break through your current predicament and complete the second lesson- sling Ring training. Do you want to give it a try?"
"What shortcut is it, Mark? Please tell me quickly, I'm willing to give it a try! I can't stand the day-to-day practice like now anymore. I hope to make faster progress and heal my hands sooner."
Upon hearing Mark mention a shortcut involving the use of a sling ring, Doctor Strange immediately rushed to Mark's side, placing his hands on Mark's shoulders and asked excitedly.
"Have you really thought it through?" Mark looked at Doctor Strange, his expression a mixture of amusement and deep meaning.
In fact, he hadn't told Doctor Strange the second half of the sentence—everything has its pros and cons. The shortcut to higher places might also be a shortcut to death.
"I've thought it through, please tell me the method!" Doctor Strange didn't hesitate at all and his expression grew more eager.
"Alright, but I need to take back what I said earlier. Perhaps disabilities in your hands really can mess with your mind. Today, I've witnessed an example of that. Follow me."
Seeing Doctor Strange's determination, Mark didn't try to dissuade him further. He directly opened a portal and stepped through.
Doctor Strange immediately followed suit, crossing through the portal. He instantly felt the temperature around him drop, and he couldn't help but shiver, curling up from the cold.
"This is..."
"We're on Mount Everest. Isn't it beautiful? The world's highest peak. Few people can see such a magnificent and vast landscape outside of the climbing season and experience the grandeur of nature."
While tightly hugging himself and shivering, Doctor Strange responded, "You're right, it's beautiful here, but it's really cold..."
"At this temperature, a fully equipped ordinary person would be in danger if they stayed for more than thirty minutes, including their life and organs. For you, you might not last even two minutes before passing out."
"What do you mean?" Doctor Strange looked at Mark in surprise, but he saw Mark had already returned to the other side of the portal, waving goodbye to him.
"Work hard, Strange. If you can't overcome your mental barriers, you might just turn into an ice pop! Bye-bye—"
As Mark's words trailed off, the previously stable portal suddenly vanished, leaving only a few sparks, and Doctor Strange alone on the summit of Mount Everest, staring into the distance with a mournful cry.
"No—!"
If Doctor Strange were in the set of "Dying to Survive" right now, a familiar and melancholic background music would definitely play in full force.
Feeling the cold wind like little knives cutting across his skin and the low oxygen levels at high altitude made him feel suffocated. He remembered the multidimensional journey Mark had made him experience earlier, and the way Mark had looked at him with that "I believe in you" expression in the last moment.
Doctor Strange knew that if he couldn't use his own power to open a portal and return to Kamar-Taj, Mark might truly leave him here to fend for himself.
"No! I haven't learned anything here, and my hands haven't recovered yet. I can't just fall here. If Mark can do things with his feet, then I can definitely manage with my disabled hands!"
With this thought in mind, Doctor Strange immediately adjusted his mindset and began following the movements Mark had guided him through, attempting to open the portal back to Kamar-Taj.
In this moment, the cold temperature and the desolate, uninhabited environment became the driving force behind his focused determination. The only way he could save himself now was by fully immersing himself in this task.
...
In reality, although Mark appeared to hold a grudge against him, he wouldn't actually stand idly by if Doctor Strange were truly in danger.
The reason Mark had created this psychological suggestion for Doctor Strange was to instill a mindset of fighting to the death, allowing Doctor Strange to break free from the limitations of his thoughts through this ordeal.
Apart from that, Mark also intended to teach Doctor Strange a lesson, making him understand that there are no shortcuts on the path to becoming a true sorcerer.
Any ideas or actions seeking shortcuts would only lead to bitter consequences, even plunging you into desperation.
55, 56, 57...
Time ticked away, and Mark's mood grew increasingly tense.
Even though he knew that according to the original plot development, Doctor Strange could successfully use his own power to open a portal and return to Kamar-Taj.
But the problem was, now he had shifted from being an observer with a god's-perspective to being an actual participant and witness in the entire event.
Even the Ancient One, who was orchestrating all of this in the original plot, couldn't hide her worries and nervousness. As the "instigator" of this situation, Mark naturally experienced emotional fluctuations.
Moreover, Mark's appearance itself posed a risk of triggering a butterfly effect. If it truly led to a deviation in Doctor Strange's fate, he would have to bring him back immediately to prevent him from losing his life.
118, 119, 120!
Two minutes had passed, and Mark, who had been anxiously watching the time, couldn't contain his concern any longer. He raised his hand, preparing to open a portal to bring back Doctor Strange, who hadn't succeeded yet.
Just as Mark was about to act, he suddenly noticed a series of sparks not far in front of him.
Sizzle~ Sizzle!
Sparks flew and merged, forming a portal.
Mark's thoughts were just forming, and before he could put them into action, he realized that he didn't open this portal.
Combined with the continuous gusts of cold wind and drifting snowflakes, a joyful smile appeared on Mark's face. He knew that Doctor Strange had succeeded.
He had successfully pushed through his mental and physical limits, opening the portal at the last moment, and returned to Kamar-Taj.
Indeed, as the spatial connection stabilized, Doctor Strange passed through the doorway, appearing in front of Mark.
At this point, Doctor Strange was weakened to the extreme. His entire body was covered in thick frost, and even his walking had become unsteady.
"I... I... I did it!"
But the next second, Doctor Strange stumbled and lost all control over his body, falling forward.
Fortunately, Mark was quick to react, taking a step forward and firmly catching Doctor Strange who was about to fall.
By now, Doctor Strange had completely lost consciousness, lying limp in Mark's arms.
Mark checked and confirmed that while Doctor Strange's condition was poor, his life wasn't in danger. He finally felt relieved.
For Mark, as long as there was a breath, he had a way to save.
By releasing the nanobots from within his body and allowing them to enter his body, the nanobots could scan his entire condition and proceed with targeted treatment and repairs.
With the assistance of the nanobot regeneration module, just two minutes had passed. Based on the results provided through informational vision ability, Mark saw that Doctor Strange's frostbite and hypothermia had completely healed. The only remaining injury was the disability in his hands caused by nerve damage.
The cold sensation gradually faded from his body, and Doctor Strange slowly regained consciousness, awakening from his unconscious state.
"Strange, you did it, congratulations!"
Although Doctor Strange was still somewhat weak due to excessive physical exertion, tears of joy welled up in the corners of his eyes when he heard Mark's congratulatory words.
"Yes, I did it, I achieved it, I did it with these hands!"
For Doctor Strange, this success was entirely different from his previous achievements in medicine and surgery. This time, he had faced the challenge with his own willpower despite his poor physical condition, and he had succeeded.
This success wasn't just about passing a course or learning how to use a sling ring; it was also a reshaping of his inner personality and self-confidence, breaking free from the constraints of his past mindset.
...
Having been rejuvenated, Doctor Strange's first task after returning to his room was to tidy up his appearance. He used his trembling hands to trim his hair and groom his beard; he took off the white apprentice robe that represented his status as an apprentice and donned the red cloak that symbolized his official position as a sorcerer at Kamar-Taj.
After successfully using the sling ring in his hand to cast the portal spell, Doctor Strange had officially been promoted to a sorcerer. Although his combat abilities were not yet sufficient to face any enemies, and he couldn't be considered a mature and reliable sorcerer, he had still achieved a remarkable feat in Kamar-Taj's history.
Among the records of Kamar-Taj, Doctor Strange's journey from an apprentice to a sorcerer was the second fastest in history. The first spot, of course, belonged to Mark, who had been teaching him magic all along.
As for the third spot, it wasn't the current Supreme Sorcerer of Kamar-Taj, the Ancient One, but rather Kaecilius, who had been one of the Ancient One's most promising disciples.
Unfortunately, this once proud student had fallen under the influence of the Dark Dimension's ruler, Dormammu, becoming a follower of the enemy.
...
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Another brand new morning arrived, accompanied by the resounding toll of bells echoing throughout Kamar-Taj. The sorcerers would once again face a new day of work and challenges.
"So, what's the third lesson I need to learn?"
Bright and early, while Mark was having breakfast in the cafeteria, Doctor Strange was already persistently asking what they would be studying today.
"It seems that your mental state has indeed improved after breaking through the limits of your thoughts and the constraints on your mind.
But has no one taught you not to disturb others while they're eating? Watch out, or I might take your sling ring and throw you onto the summit of Mount Everest again for another experience!"
Seeing Mark's smiling face and his tone devoid of any emotional fluctuations, Doctor Strange immediately reacted instinctively. He mimicked zipping his lips shut with his hand, then quietly sat beside Mark, waiting for him to finish breakfast.
"Ah~ All fueled up. Now we can start today's lesson. For the third lesson I've arranged for you, you'll learn how to project your soul out of your body using your own power.
Typically, the lesson on astral projection is taught at a more advanced stage when a sorcerer has become more mature, because the soul and the body shouldn't be separated for too long.
Otherwise, when the body loses its soul, it becomes like a lifeless corpse, susceptible to the accelerated intrusion of the material world, leading to a state of "decay."
This "decay" isn't literal decomposition but a decrease in compatibility between the body and the soul. Eventually, when the soul tries to return to the body, it's like fitting a blade into a mismatched scabbard—body and soul can't harmonize, and the soul can't return, only drifting in the astral realm.
But this drifting isn't eternal. Deprived of the body's protection, the soul gradually gets eroded by the spiritual world, eventually losing its independent consciousness and dispersing into the cosmos.
But do you know why I've placed such a difficult and dangerous lesson as the third one I'm teaching you?"
"Uh... is it because I've offended you before and frequently made you angry, so you want to play a prank on me?"
*Smack!*
Before Doctor Strange could even finish his sentence, Mark's palm landed on his head.
"Idiot! How could I be so petty? Do you think I waste so much time on you every day just to do something so pointless? Although astral projection is indeed risky, with me around to watch over you, the potential risks are actually quite manageable.
Moreover, compared to other sorcerers who need to spend a significant amount of time reading magical books and accumulating knowledge, this part is actually your biggest advantage.
Do you remember the first time I pushed your soul out of your body? Did you feel anything different?"
"Well, in terms of the feeling, it was like being light and floating, as if the entire world lost its gravity. Also, within the astral realm, time seemed to pass faster than in the material world, causing all the scenes I saw to appear in slow motion."
*Smack!* This time, Mark didn't slap Doctor Strange's head. Instead, he enthusiastically slapped his own thigh and said, "Exactly! That's it!
Your advantage lies in your learning speed. Since that's the case, we should maximize this advantage. After astral projection, you can read more books, acquire more knowledge in the same amount of time, and even utilize the nights that were originally meant for rest.
In other words, apart from the Ancient One's hidden books, you'll become someone who can match the Supreme Sorcerer's magical knowledge in the shortest possible time. Then, you can spend a significant amount of time practicing and applying your spellcasting. How about it? Do you want to give this arrangement a try?"
"Please let me give it my all!"
After hearing Mark's explanation, Doctor Strange's eyes were filled with anticipation and determination. If he could truly achieve what Mark described – reaching a level of theoretical knowledge that could rival the Supreme Sorcerer – it was indeed an exciting opportunity.
After leaving the cafeteria, Mark led Doctor Strange to a chamber he had prepared earlier.
"Alright, now sit on this cushion and enter a meditative state. Afterwards, I'll guide you through magical means, allowing you to clearly sense that wondrous feeling when your soul detaches from your body.
Remember the path guided by magic and the sensation of astral projection carefully. Then, try to do astral projection on your own without external assistance."
Soon, Doctor Strange, seated on the cushion, entered a meditative state. Under Mark's guidance, he successfully completed the process of astral projection.
"How is it? Have you remembered all the details?"
"No problem. For me now, there's nothing I'm better at than memorization."
"Good, now try to guide your soul back into your body and then attempt to astral project using your own power."
The process of uniting spirit and body wasn't difficult. The fusion of a closely related body and soul before their affinity reached a critical point was relatively straightforward.
Once the soul had returned, Doctor Strange didn't pause for a moment. Taking advantage of the vividness of the experience at this moment, he immediately initiated his first entirely independent attempt at astral projection.
*Pop!*
Something that neither Mark nor Doctor Strange himself had anticipated occurred. He effortlessly completed the process of astral projection without encountering any difficulties.
Although in the original storyline, Doctor Strange had mastered astral projection through self-study and the methods taught in magical books, Mark never imagined that, with guidance, Doctor Strange would display such powerful magical aptitude. In this regard, Doctor Strange was indeed the most suitable candidate, aside from himself, to inherit the position of Supreme Sorcerer.
"It seems that breaking free from the confines of rigid thinking has fully activated your magical talents. Now, it appears that your biggest weakness lies in experience and knowledge. Obtaining indirect experience from books is your strong suit.
In the time ahead, go to the library to borrow books for reading. Wong will recommend the most suitable books for you.
Once you've comprehended and memorized all the books in the library, except the forbidden ones, we'll move on to the content of the fourth lesson.
By the way, I'd like to remind you not to neglect physical training while studying. The sorcerers of Kamar-Taj are different from the wizards and sorcerers you've read about in fantasy novels from the outside world.
They don't just stand at a distance and solve enemies by throwing a few fireballs. A truly mature and combat-capable sorcerer of Kamar-Taj is well-versed in close combat…."
In the following days, Doctor Strange embarked on a frenzied life of reading.
Having mastered the technique of astral projection, he utilized the difference in time flow between the astral and material worlds to enhance his reading efficiency. Doctor Strange was able to understand and memorize over a thousand magical books each day.
Among these were some books with intricate and obscure language, but Doctor Strange, relying on his extraordinary understanding and logical thinking, managed to overcome these challenges through self-study.
This astonishing reading speed made even Wong, who was a librarian himself, a bit overwhelmed. Stimulated by Doctor Strange's efforts, Wong also began reading and studying tirelessly day and night.
However, without having mastered the astral projection shortcut and due to inherent differences in intelligence, Wong, despite expending significant time and energy, was less effective and efficient.
Additionally, since Doctor Strange returned a large number of books to the library daily and borrowed new ones, Wong not only had to increase his workload in terms of organizing and re-shelving books, but also spent a lot of time preparing lists of books for Doctor Strange's next day's reading.
Throughout this, Wong quietly devoted himself to the tasks without any complaints or impatience. Although he had a robust build and sometimes put on an expressionless cold face, deep down he was a kind-hearted and sincere person, warm-hearted despite his outward demeanor.
Thus, even during this period when Mark became more hands-off, leaving his student Doctor Strange behind to develop countermeasures against Thanos, Doctor Strange's reading progress faced no delays or setbacks, thanks to Wong's unwavering support.
In the midst of this reading and learning process, Doctor Strange accumulated more and more magical knowledge. His understanding of the content of new books became increasingly relaxed and rapid, and the number of books he could comprehend and memorize each day grew as well.
In this situation, Wong, as a librarian, naturally found his workload becoming even more demanding.
However, Doctor Strange wasn't ungrateful or lacking in gratitude. Witnessing Wong suffering every day due to his massive reading volume, Doctor Strange began contemplating how to reciprocate.
Material wealth and riches were certainly unappealing to Wong; Doctor Strange himself was currently unable to offer anything of value. However, he remembered that while Wong's understanding might not match his own, Wong's diligent efforts in reading were equally impressive.
"Given this, I can certainly teach Wong some of my analysis and interpretations of book content while he organizes books for me. By helping Wong understand the knowledge in the books more easily, I can also reinforce my own understanding."
With this thought in mind, Doctor Strange decided to put his plan into action. He immediately initiated a conversation with Wong and shared his idea. Wong still maintained his expressionless demeanor, but upon hearing Doctor Strange's proposal, a warm current seemed to flow through his heart. In the end, he nodded in agreement with the suggestion.
With Doctor Strange, the academic prodigy, helping to analyze the knowledge within the books, Wong's learning progress and efficiency skyrocketed as if he had activated cheat codes. Of course, he was still far behind the true prodigies like Doctor Strange and Mark, but compared to his past self, his efficiency had more than doubled.
It's worth noting that this progress was achieved even with Wong allocating a significant portion of his time to organizing and managing the borrowed and returned books for Doctor Strange. If he were to dedicate all his time to studying, coupled with Doctor Strange's guidance, the improvement might have been even five or six times greater.
However, just two months later, Wong's subscription to this cheat code expired. It wasn't that Wong was unwilling to continue using it; it was just that Doctor Strange had already read almost all the books in the library, except for the private collection of the Ancient One.
"Wong, I've completed the initial goal Mark set for me – I've read nearly all the books in the library. Thank you very much for your assistance during this time. In the future, if you encounter any challenging questions while reading, you can still ask me for help, just like now."
"Strange, I've lived in Kamar-Taj for many years. Apart from the initial zealot, Kaecilius, and the guardian of the sanctum, Mark, I've never come across a prodigy like you. You were born to be a mystic sorcerer.
You haven't been in Kamar-Taj for long, perhaps you're unaware. Regular sorcerer apprentices don't receive treatment like you. But now I understand the reason.
I hope you don't disappoint the expectations of both the Sorcerer Supreme and the guardian. Don't stray like Kaecilius did. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to kill you, regardless of our relationship. Wherever you flee, I'll hunt you down.
You can leave now. I still have to organize the books in the library. It's truly troublesome that you manage to read, understand, and memorize everything every day. You're quite the troublemaker."
"Alright, Wong. Thanks for the reminder and another threat. The commitment I made still stands – you can always come to me to clarify doubts from the books."
With that, Doctor Strange waved his hand without turning back and walked straight out of the library's doors.
...
Inside a quiet chamber in Kamar-Taj, for over two months, Mark hadn't been paying any attention to Doctor Strange's situation. He remained in this room, focusing all his attention on researching the "ace up his sleeve."
And not long ago, Mark finally achieved a breakthrough in constructing the entire spatial theoretical model.
If this idea could ultimately be successfully validated, Mark was confident he would be able to counter the threat Thanos posed to Earth.
Now, the feasibility validation of the model has reached a critical stage. To expedite the verification process, Mark divided the model into parts and assigned them to himself and Baymax for calculation, and later they would integrate the results.
If both parties' calculations yielded accurate results, confirming the viability of the model, Mark could proceed to turn his envisioned "ace up his sleeve" into reality.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The sudden knocking interrupted Mark's ongoing calculations. He frowned, feeling a bit annoyed, but quickly adjusted his mindset, stood up, and went to open the door.
Just as Mark arrived at the door and was about to open it slightly, a voice he was very familiar with reached his ears from outside.
"Mark, I've successfully read all the open books in the library according to the goals you set for me earlier. I'm now ready to receive the content of the fourth lesson!"
Mark looked at Doctor Strange standing before him, looking visibly excited, and a hint of hesitation appeared on his face.
...
"Oh, by the way, I've been busy with my research these days and almost forgot about this!"
Mark's mind shifted, and he suddenly remembered the task left to him by the Ancient One – to teach Doctor Strange.
"It seems you've been learning rapidly in terms of theoretical knowledge. Now, you need a safer place to practice the knowledge you've acquired in your mind."
Whoosh!
Mark extended his hand and pointed into the void. The space in front of him shattered like glass.
In the astonished gaze of Doctor Strange, Mark directly moved through the shattered space, disappearing into it.
"This...!" Seeing Mark's figure completely vanish into the broken space, Doctor Strange, who had witnessed magical wonders before, wasn't shocked for too long.
Though he didn't know what unknown circumstances lay behind this shattered space, he still followed behind Mark, penetrating through.
Seeing Doctor Strange also come through, Mark began the explanation of the fourth lesson that he had been longing for.
"This is the Mirror Dimension, inextricably linked to the real world yet mutually separate; it exists but remains imperceptible.
Anything that happens here has no connection to the real world and won't have any impact.
We mystic sorcerers train and monitor within the Mirror Dimension, and sometimes use it to isolate danger. Without wearing the Sling Ring, you could be trapped here, unable to escape.
So, when you engage with enemies in the Mirror Dimension, you must be cautious and not let the Sling Ring be taken away."
"Wait! What do you mean by danger and enemies?"
"To understand the multiverse, you must also understand the endless dangers. You don't think that Kamar-Taj, secluded from the mundane world, exists merely as a magic enthusiasts' club, do you?
Kamar-Taj carries its mission and bears its responsibility. If I were to tell you things you've never encountered or understood, you would undoubtedly be frightened away by the astonishing truths.
Alright, let's not dwell on this. You can now try to exit the Mirror Dimension and practice on your own following my guidance.
Tomorrow, I will arrange a sparring partner who will practice and spar with you. Once you've gained basic combat abilities, it will be time to start the fifth lesson."
Doctor Strange nodded in agreement on the surface, but his heart was still filled with curiosity and questions.
Since he came to Kamar-Taj to learn magic, it had always been filled with mystery and the unknown for him. Countless times he had heard peculiar titles like "Fanatic Kaecilius," "Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One," and "Sanctum Guardian Mark," but until now, he hadn't understood their true meanings or the secrets they held.
No matter how many times he asked the same question, the answers he received were always "not the right time" or vague attempts to change the subject, never revealing the truth behind these matters. This avoidance only made him more curious about the answers behind these questions and the truths that had been concealed from him.
...
"So, you're the sparring partner Mark brought me today!?" Doctor Strange looked at the person before him with a surprised expression.
Waiting on the training grounds, the sparring partner Mark had arranged wasn't anyone else but Doctor Strange's old acquaintance and the guide who brought him to Kamar-Taj – Master Mordo.
"What's the matter? Do I not qualify to be your sparring partner? I've heard about your achievements from Wong. You managed to read through all the open books in the library in just two months, understanding and memorizing their contents – truly impressive!
However, to become a true adept mystic sorcerer, having a wealth of knowledge is not enough. Today, I'll show you how, as a sorcerer, you usually engage in combat with opponents!
Come! Use all your strength to launch an attack at me and let me see what abilities you truly possess!"
With these words, Mordo raised his palm and gestured upward, wiggling four fingers at Doctor Strange provocatively.
Seeing this, Doctor Strange didn't back down. He charged straight towards Mordo's position, launching a punch as he closed in.
Over the past two months, apart from the continuous reading of the books in the library, he hadn't forgotten Mark's earlier advice and dedicated a portion of his time each day to physical training and combat practice.
Therefore, in their first clash, Mordo, underestimating Doctor Strange's combat prowess, found himself at a slight disadvantage.
Doctor Strange seized the opportunity and pressed on, not giving Mordo a chance to turn the situation around.
Bang! Another proactive attack from Doctor Strange was blocked by Mordo. Doctor Strange couldn't help but speak amidst the combat, "Do you know what truths Ancient One and Mark are hiding?"
"I don't know!" While responding, Mordo took advantage of Doctor Strange's distraction to launch a counterattack.
"Since you know nothing about all of this, why do you keep following them?"
"Because I know they are resolute, kind, and just individuals. Even though at times they appear enigmatic on certain matters, they safeguard everything we rely on for our existence.
So, what you need to do is trust your teachers and avoid straying onto the wrong path."
Bang! Just as the words fell, Mordo used an over-the-shoulder throw to slam Doctor Strange forcefully to the ground, then proceeded to restrain him, pinning him down.
Slap, slap, slap! Doctor Strange tapped the ground to indicate surrender. Only then did Mordo release him and stand up.
"Phew! That was quite a match! Did you mention Kaecilius just now? I've heard you all mention him so often, but I never really knew the backstory."
"When Kaecilius first came to Kamar-Taj, he was already in a desperate state, having lost everything and seeing no purpose in life. He had lost all his family, and he alone remained in the world.
Upon discovering magic, he yearned to uncover a way within these mysteries to resurrect his deceased loved ones."
"He was as talented and gifted as you are. But at the same time, he was equally proud and stubborn, resistant to discipline. He questioned the Ancient One, even refusing to be taught by her.
Ultimately, his isolation and stubbornness led him to be swayed by the forces of darkness, eventually leading him and his followers to leave Kamar-Taj."
"He also stole several pages from the 'Book of Cagliostro,' didn't he? What exactly does it contain that makes you all keep it secret and taboo?"
"Don't ask about that anymore. If it's something you should know, the Sorcerer Supreme and the Guardian will naturally tell you the truth. Otherwise, it means you don't yet possess the necessary strength and qualification.
Next, let me introduce you to some magical tools that sorcerers often use in combat. Some magic is too difficult to control directly, so we infuse it into objects..."
In the time that followed, Doctor Strange couldn't absorb any of the explanations Mordo was giving him. Human curiosity is just that hard to manage. The more you withhold answers, the stronger the desire to uncover the truth becomes.
Since he couldn't get the answers he wanted from anyone's lips, Doctor Strange made a decision in his heart. He would find the hidden truth from the forbidden books sealed by Wong in the library.
...
At night, the sudden heavy rain became Doctor Strange's best cover. Two months of spending days and nights with Wong had made him well aware that Wong would briefly leave the library at this time, providing him with a perfect opportunity.
Entering the familiar library, Doctor Strange made a beeline for his target this time: the "Book of Cagliostro."
Taking the book off the iron chain on the shelf, he once again demonstrated his exceptional aptitude for learning, swiftly reading through its contents.
"The Eye of Agamotto? Magic that manipulates time..."
As his reading delved deeper, Doctor Strange gradually understood what exactly was recorded in this magical book. Interestingly, the Eye of Agamotto mentioned in the book was stored in the forbidden chamber within the library.
...
After a brief hesitation, Doctor Strange was conquered by his curiosity. He retrieved the Eye of Agamotto from the forbidden chamber. This was the artifact necessary to wield the time magic described in the book.
"If it's really possible, as written in the book, to freely manipulate and rewrite time, then the content that was taken away by Cagliostro could..."
With this thought in mind, his eyes filled with anticipation. He began following the instructions in the book, opening the Eye of Agamotto and tracing the runes of the Mystic Arts.
In the moment the magical runes were completed, Doctor Strange felt only one sensation in his mind: time was like a plaything in his hands, and changing it required only a gentle ripple in the constructed pattern.
"It really worked!" Guided by the methods recorded in the book, he attempted to follow his inner sense. Suddenly, the two missing pages that were absent in the book appeared out of thin air, seamlessly connecting to the fragments that remained in the book.
"Dormammu, Dark Dimension, the Eternal Life. Is this the truth you've been keeping from me all this time... What is this!"
Just as he was shocked by the truth he had finally managed to uncover after tremendous effort, a sudden change occurred in the previously calm library. The space in front of him began to crystallize and solidify without warning.
From within this crystallized space, all he could sense was boundless emptiness and stillness, filling him with an unprecedented sense of fear.
"Stop! Quickly, stop!"
"How could you casually disrupt the boundaries of time and space like this!"
Wong and Mordo, who arrived just in time, promptly halted Doctor Strange's actions and made him stop the magic he was performing.
"I... I just did as the book said, I didn't expect..." Doctor Strange also appeared extremely anxious. He had no idea how dangerous the situation had just been. Faced with the fierce questioning from the two, he felt immensely guilty for his mistake.
"What did the book say? Didn't it mention the potential dangers of doing something like this?" Wong relentlessly pressed on.
"I'm not sure, I haven't gotten to that part yet." Even though he was quite ignorant, in the current situation, Doctor Strange understood the gravity of the matter. As he spoke, he became increasingly ashamed.
"Understand that the manipulation of time can create branching timelines. It's an extremely unstable space!
Temporal paradoxes, time loops—you could be trapped in an endless cycle of time, or you might not even exist in this world at all! Did you not bother to read the warnings in the book about attempting such dangerous magic?"
While Mordo's presence wasn't as imposing as Wong's, his tone carried a frustrated sentiment. Regarding Doctor Strange, a newcomer with exceptional talents, he felt irritated by his disregard for their well-intentioned advice and his stubborn actions.
"Why wasn't such an important warning placed at the beginning of the spell?" Slightly resentful from their scolding, Doctor Strange couldn't help but mutter under his breath.
Upon hearing Doctor Strange's backtalk, Wong immediately brought his stern face close to him with a fierce expression. "Your curiosity could be lethal! What you did just now wasn't controlling time, you were disrupting it. We shouldn't be breaking the laws of nature; instead, we should protect them.
I believe even before learning magic, you should have come across this principle. Your prideful arrogance nearly put yourself and the entire Kamar-Taj in danger!"
As Wong sternly lectured Doctor Strange, he also took back the "Book of Cagliostro" from his hand and carefully placed it back on the shelf, reattaching the chain.
On the other hand, once Mordo's emotions had settled a bit, he began to carefully analyze this unexpected event. Upon examining it thoroughly, he discovered something unbelievable. He turned to Doctor Strange and inquired, "How did you manage that just now? How could you grasp such a lengthy and complex spell in such a short amount of time, and understand it too?"
"I have a photographic memory, otherwise how do you think I obtained dual doctoral degrees in medicine and science? Mastering this spell wasn't too difficult. Using my memorized knowledge of other spells from the library, it was easy to understand its contents."
"'Photographic memory,' 'not too difficult,' 'easy to understand'—are you speaking human language? It's absolutely heart-wrenching to hear!" Wong and Mordo were both left feeling heartbroken and exasperated by Doctor Strange's confident words.
Even though Wong had known of Doctor Strange's prowess in this area, hearing this boastful response still ignited an urge to throttle Doctor Strange.
"But your recent performance couldn't be achieved solely through memory. The way you manipulated magic and cast spells with ease, it was as if you were the Master Ancient One or Master Mark—effortless, as if it came naturally to you.
Strange, you're truly a born sorcerer!"
Despite Mordo's praise, Doctor Strange didn't show much of a reaction. "Mark told me the same thing, but my hands still wouldn't cooperate."
"It's just temporary," Wong finally calmed down and comforted him.
"Not permanent?" Doctor Strange asked with some uncertainty.
"We're not prophets and cannot make judgments about future events. But I believe with your talents, there's nothing that can truly stump you."
Mordo didn't provide a definite answer, but he encouraged Doctor Strange sincerely.
"Since you're so eager to know the truth about Kamar-Taj, let me, your teacher, tell you."
Just as Wong and Mordo hesitated about whether to reveal the truth to Doctor Strange, the Mirror Dimension suddenly opened among them, carrying a voice all three of them were familiar with.
Emerging from the Mirror Dimension was none other than Mark, the respected Sanctum Guardian of Kamar-Taj, Doctor Strange's guide in the realm of magic.
Mark first approached Doctor Strange, extending a palm toward him. Doctor Strange reacted quickly, immediately taking off the Eye of Agamotto hanging around his neck and placing it in Mark's hand.
Mark accepted the Eye of Agamotto, which was one of the six Infinity Stones and also known as the Time Stone. He returned it to its original position and the protective spells and wards activating around it. Then, in a leisurely manner, he began to speak...
"You should be aware of my identity beyond Kamar-Taj. Aside from being a scientist and a businessman of certain enterprises, I'm also a member of the Avengers.
If the purpose of the Avengers is to safeguard Earth and humanity from physical harm, then in Kamar-Taj, individuals like Mordo and Wong bear the responsibility of protecting Earth from the encroachment of magical forces.
The title of Sorcerer Supreme is a generational leadership title passed down in Kamar-Taj, currently held by the Ancient One.
As the Sanctum Guardian, my duty is to protect the New York Sanctum, one of the three major sanctums on Earth."
"The three major sanctums were built by the founding sorcerer Agamotto over a thousand years ago. The Eye of Agamotto, the artifact controlling time that you opened just now, was created by him.
The three sanctums are the Hong Kong Sanctum, the London Sanctum, and the New York Sanctum that I protect. The three doors within the temple lead to these three locations respectively.
However, the three sanctums are not merely symbolic structures representing Kamar-Taj's illustrious history. They also form the foundation of the most powerful magical network in our modern world, protecting Earth from external magical threats.
The sanctums guard Earth, and the sorcerers guard the sanctums."
"So, who would come to cause trouble?" Doctor Strange curiously asked.
"Didn't you just witness the answer to that question?" Mark replied with a question of his own.
"Dormammu?"
"Correct. Dormammu resides in the Dark Dimension, a powerful entity beyond time. He's a devourer of worlds, a destroyer of universes, possessing boundless energy and immense ambition.
Dormammu seeks to invade all universes and plunge them into darkness to enhance his own power. His ultimate target is the Earth where we are.
Kaecilius fell under Dormammu's brainwashing and influence, descending into darkness. The content he stole from the 'Book of Cagliostro' were the incantations to summon Dormammu and draw power from the Dark Dimension.
So, do you now feel ready to assume these responsibilities and fight alongside Kamar-Taj?"
"Um... I came here just to heal my hands. I'm not really up for getting involved in some mystical war."
"Is that so? The dictates of fate aren't always under your control..."
Mark spoke, looking up at the warning magical pattern at the top of the room. This was a surveillance mechanism established by the founding Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj, used to monitor the conditions of the three major sanctums.
Once the guardians of the sanctums emit an emergency alert, the sorcerers within Kamar-Taj can immediately travel to assist by using the three portals set up within the temple.
At this moment, above the protective magical pattern, the emblem representing the London Sanctum was flashing wildly. This could only mean one thing: the London Sanctum was in danger.
"It must be Kaecilius! If he successfully destroys the three sanctums, the magical network protecting Earth will fail. Then, there will be no one to prevent Dormammu from descending upon Earth!"
Just as they were discussing Kaecilius and the three sanctums, the situation with the London Sanctum unfolded. Mordo's reaction was swift, immediately linking the two events.
Indeed, Mordo's speculation proved correct.
Bang! The magical portal leading to the London Sanctum was forcefully opened from the other side. Following this, a figure Mark was very familiar with appeared—it was Daniel, the sorcerer who had been stationed at the New York Sanctum but had now been reassigned to the London Sanctum as its guardian.
Daniel was heavily injured at this moment. After opening the magical portal, he collapsed as if he had exhausted all his strength.
Behind him, a menacing group of individuals pursued closely. The leader among them was none other than the fanatic who had betrayed Kamar-Taj—Kaecilius.
Although Daniel's power hadn't reached the level of the Ancient One or Mark, he was still one of the few strong sorcerers within Kamar-Taj.
Unfortunately, his opponent was Kaecilius. Even before his betrayal, Kaecilius was renowned for his extraordinary talent, and his strength was comparable to, if not slightly surpassing, Daniel's as a Sanctum Guardian.
Now, having aligned himself with Dormammu and drawing immense power from the Dark Dimension, Kaecilius had the upper hand. Daniel had little chance to fight back and was severely injured as a result.
On both sides of the magical portal, not only did Mark and the others catch sight of Kaecilius, but Kaecilius also immediately recognized Mark.
Although he had gained power from the Dark Dimension bestowed by Dormammu, Kaecilius didn't believe he could stand on equal ground against Mark.
Dormammu had once warned him that if he wanted to successfully complete the task assigned to him, he must be cautious of two individuals. One was the Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One, who single-handedly guarded Earth for five centuries, and the other was Mark, the exceptional Sanctum Guardian who even amazed Dormammu.
These two individuals were the only ones on Earth with the courage and strength to oppose Dormammu. When facing them, Kaecilius was allowed to temporarily abandon his mission and preserve his own strength.
Because for Dormammu, infiltrating Earth's magical network to manipulate minds and channel power from the Dark Dimension was not an easy task. This was why the mission of dismantling the protective web formed by the three sanctums could only be entrusted to Kaecilius and his small group of followers.
With Dormammu's prior warning, Kaecilius wasn't foolish enough to believe he could gain any advantage when facing Mark. During his previous defection from Kamar-Taj, he had already suffered greatly at the hands of the Ancient One. If it hadn't been for his good luck and the Ancient One's leniency, he might not have escaped.
He had also been troubled by how to complete the task of destroying the three sanctums. If Mark remained as the guardian of the New York Sanctum, their mission would be impossible. So, they had planned ahead and decided to target the London and Hong Kong Sanctums first.
However, what they hadn't anticipated was encountering the last person they wanted to encounter so soon—Mark.
In the face of Mark, Kaecilius didn't hesitate. For him, the only course of action was to escape as quickly as possible. Once Mark realized and pursued them, their troubles would escalate.
Thus, Kaecilius released a magical shockwave, destroying the magical portal connecting Kamar-Taj and the London Sanctum. Then, he swiftly entered the Mirror Dimension, using it to elude Mark's pursuit.
His current goal was to escape successfully and immediately head to the New York Sanctum to complete the mission there. Because just now, Kaecilius had confirmed Mark's location, and Mark was within Kamar-Taj. This meant that the New York Sanctum was now vulnerable.
Kaecilius believed that Mark would never expect them to have the audacity to launch another assault immediately after escaping. However, for them, this was a necessary choice and a risk they had to take.
It was their only opportunity to complete the mission of destroying the New York Sanctum. Even if they might encounter Mark on the defensive, they had to take the chance. Once missed, they would face Dormammu's terrifying wrath.
Yet Kaecilius might not understand the modern business mechanism, particularly something called due diligence. Before their operation, he hadn't thoroughly investigated Mark's actions or the situation at the New York Sanctum. Otherwise, he wouldn't have entertained such naive assumptions.
Since taking over the New York Sanctum, Mark hadn't stationed himself there for an extended period. This information was available in newspapers worldwide.
Had he known this information, he would have found it odd that Mark wasn't present at the New York Sanctum, potentially discovering some unusual clues.
For now, all that could be done was to wish him luck, hoping he wouldn't be left with significant psychological trauma by the Terminator and the intelligent life known as Baymax, who monitored the Sanctum on Mark's behalf.