Library
The library was eerily quiet. Master Murphyson had tidied it up with meticulous care, leaving it spotless.
When Orion entered, he found Master Murphyson deeply engrossed in a book of mystic arts, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.
Orion had recently acquired two pink entries, and with the various enhancements they provided, his talent in mysticism had grown remarkably. The secret knowledge that had once eluded him was now becoming clear.
This rapid progress had catapulted his mastery of mystic arts to new heights, placing him slightly above other masters.
"Master Murphyson," Orion greeted, interrupting the serene study.
"I'm here to borrow books on summoning, spiritualism, and mysterious rituals."
"What would you recommend?"
Orion smiled, not hesitating to break into Master Murphyson's intense concentration.
"Orion," Master Murphyson said, setting the book aside with a mix of joy and concern. "You wish to explore summoning rituals?"
"This is a dangerous and unpredictable super-level subject. If you're not cautious, you could summon a powerful demon, potentially putting yourself in an irretrievable situation… Are you sure?"
Master Murphyson's expression shifted from one of delight to serious caution. He had even hidden the book on this very subject in a most inconspicuous spot to avoid detection by the guardian magician.
"Super-class mystic art?" Orion inquired. "Fine. Master Murphyson, I'm merely researching the relevant knowledge. I have no intention of summoning any monsters."
Orion's gaze remained steady.
After a thoughtful pause, Master Murphyson sighed and led Orion to the forbidden books section, pointing out an ancient scroll.
"This is the 'Spirit Summoning Book'. It contains both common psychic summoning rituals and mysterious ancient spells, but do not attempt them lightly."
"If the summoned creature escapes your control, it could bring disaster!"
Master Murphyson spoke earnestly, revealing the gravity of the situation.
Orion was taken aback to learn that psychic summoning was considered a super-class mystic art among masters of mysticism.
However, the dark deeds of the infamous Doctor Strange sprang to mind. Strange had used summoning rituals to bring hellish creatures to the upper realm, gaining the power to manipulate absolute time.
The creatures he summoned were depicted as cruel and bloodthirsty, with red eyes and fangs, wild and untamable!
"A catastrophe…?" Orion questioned. "Can summoned creatures escape control?"
"Certainly," Master Murphyson replied. "Creatures that respond to summons often possess formidable magic and incredible means of attack. If you fail to control them, they might enslave you!"
"Actually," Master Murphyson continued, "mystical magic itself is a form of summoning, but instead of a living being, what's summoned is energy."
Master Murphyson's eloquence made Orion see him in a new light. His understanding of esoteric magic was far deeper than Orion had anticipated.
"The essence of mystical magic is also summoning?" Orion asked, nodding thoughtfully. "I agree with that."
Orion realized he had inadvertently ventured onto the path of summoning.
In the Marvel universe, whether it was the creator god or the dimensional demon god, they were essentially embodiments of cosmic energy and law magical entities in their purest form.
The essence of "magic loan" was indeed summoning.
Yet, the power of a summoned creature was so immense it could even enslave the caster, causing Orion's eyes to flicker with concern.
It was clear that no occult subject should be underestimated, or the consequences could be dire!
"Orion," Master Murphyson said, shifting the topic. "The holy land competition is about to start. Borrowing the Summoning Spirit Book now might distract you…"
"I've staked my entire fortune on you."
Master Murphyson's tone turned serious, and a slight smile played on his lips.
"Seriously?" Orion asked, astonished. "You've bet everything?"
"Kama-Taj… has such a practice?"
Orion couldn't help but laugh. The mystique surrounding Kamar-Taj, a hidden sect, was unraveling.
"It's just a friendly game among fellow disciples," Master Murphyson clarified. "I hope you win big."
"I will," Orion said with determination, his expression turning serious.
He then began to study the "Book of Cursed Spirits." All banned books were restricted from leaving the library, a rule established by the Ancient One.
Once outside Master Murphyson's sight, pirated copies and imitations might surface and spread to the secular world, causing considerable disturbance.
To ensure the security of these forbidden books, the Supreme Mage had set up a tracking magic array. No matter where the books were taken, the Ancient One would almost always find them in time!
The Book of Cursed Spirits, part of the Ancient One's private collection, was a masterpiece in the field of summoning.
It introduced not only the origins of summoning but also the three essential elements for its execution:
1. Magic Array - Defines the dimensional range of the summoned creature.
2. Spell - Accurately locks onto the summoned creature.
3. Sacrifice - Ensures the summoned creature arrives in good spirits and departs satisfied.
All three elements were indispensable!
Any mistake could result in the failure of the summoning ceremony, allowing mysterious beings to intrude and potentially invade the real dimension.
Magic arrays and spells were crucial. If not precisely aligned with the summoned creature, any monster might appear, including…
Satan!
Numerous demon lords impersonated Satan. Simply having the title did not guarantee the actual summoning of Satan.
Therefore, the "Book of Summoning Spirits" should be cross-referenced with the "Book of Hell" and the "Key of Solomon" to ascertain the true name of the summoned creature.
Without a sacrifice, one might become the devil's offering, drained of life, skinned, and replaced, all while evading the magic barrier and slipping into the real world!
The magic arrays and spells had unique rhythms and were highly complex, with summoning rituals tracing back to prehistoric mythology.
This was an ancient, lost language, difficult to master independently.
Fortunately, Orion's entry had been upgraded to [follow the way of nature]!
All mysterious knowledge and magical concepts were now accessible to him without any cost!
Soon, Orion had memorized the entire "Spirit Summoning Book." All words and symbols were retained in the Hall of Knowledge.
As a [super genius], Orion was not only blessed as a child of God but also possessed a [photographic memory]!
Upgrading an entry did not remove the original effect!
"Huh," Orion mused. "It seems… I can't rashly attempt summoning in Kamar-Taj."
"I need a secluded place."
"Somewhere far from Earth…"
His thoughts turned to Morag Planet.
An abandoned world in the Large Magellanic Cloud, destroyed for reasons unknown but suitable for his exclusive experiments.
After all, Morag was a million light-years from the solar system and would not threaten the Sorcerer Temple.
A melodious and loud bell rang, signaling all disciples to gather.
It was noon.
The grand competition between the holy lands was about to begin!
The Chief Sorcerer, the Acting Supreme Sorcerer, and a Master of Mysticism were set to compete on the same stage—a fact that had spread throughout Kamar-Taj.
All trainee disciples and guardian mages opened portals and were teleported to the martial arts field.
Even Master Murphyson was visibly excited.
"Orion," he urged, "It's your turn to show your skills."
"Win this battle, and you'll be the future Supreme Sorcerer!"
Orion was unsure whether to laugh or cry.
He really didn't want to be the Sorcerer Supreme!
"Let's go."
"Don't keep Brother Mordo and Casillas waiting for too long."
Orion raised his hand, conjuring a portal. He returned the "Book of Summoning Spirits" to its original place and stepped through the portal with Master Murphyson.
They appeared instantly on the martial arts field.
Their arrival was met with cheers from the trainee disciples and guardian sorcerers.
Mordo and Casillas stood at the front of the crowd.
The Ancient One, clad in a black robe and holding a folding fan, looked solemn. The Eye of Agamotto hung on her chest as she opened the mirror dimension in an instant!
All the disciples were transported to the alternate dimension.
This unique competition among the holy lands also stirred the Ancient One for the first time in a long while, but she still took the time to remind everyone.
"It's only about who's better, not who's dead."
"You can use any moves and methods you wish."
"As long as you admit defeat or shout 'stop,' you must stop immediately."
"Otherwise, I will intervene!"
The Ancient One's voice was calm but resonated throughout the mirror dimension.
At these words, Baron Mordo and Casillas turned their sharp gazes on Orion, their eyes gleaming like hungry jackals!
End of chapter