315

Instant Portal

"Hello," Nierdi greeted, appearing somewhat uneasy.

The mage named Dong nodded. "We recently learned of two hermits residing here who possess the ability to open portals freely between two locations. It must be the two of you."

"Yes..."

"Could you demonstrate your teleportation magic for us?" Mage Dong inquired.

Nierdi and Kalulu exchanged glances, hesitating briefly before Kalulu scoffed coldly, "Who are you to demand a demonstration?"

The remark provoked a mage on the opposing side, who extended his hand. "The Supreme Sanctuary holds the sole inheritance of earth magic, including teleportation—a creation of our first-generation mage, Agamotto. Where did you learn your spells?"

Kalulu retorted, "Sole inheritance? I beg to differ. Do all mages and spells on Earth belong to you?"

Typically, few dared to challenge them so brazenly, yet the enraged mage asserted firmly, "Indeed!"

Kalulu fell momentarily silent.

Mage Dong, assuming an elder's demeanor, stepped forward, gesturing for calm. "While the Supreme Sanctuary boasts millennia of heritage, it doesn't monopolize all magic on Earth."

Changing tack, he continued, "However, teleportation magic is exceedingly rare. Our Supreme Mage disappeared years ago in pursuit of a dragon, coinciding with the emergence of your abilities. We have reason to doubt your connection to the Supreme Master."

Nierdi and Kalulu looked visibly anxious at these words.

Mage Dong motioned with both hands, promptly opening a portal. "This is the Supreme Sanctuary's teleportation magic. Now, compare it with your own. The truth will reveal itself."

Nierdi hesitated briefly before stating, "Our spells were indeed learned from a deceased mage's remains."

With a wave of her hand, she effortlessly opened a portal leading to a snowy field. "The mage's remains lie buried beneath the snow."

Mage Dong was about to respond when he saw Nierdi's portal. His eyes widened in disbelief. "You..."

The other Sanctuary mages also stared in astonishment.

"Instant!"

They had considered the possibility Nierdi mentioned.

While the Supreme Mage's death in pursuit of a dragon wasn't surprising, finding a magic book on a corpse and mastering spells without a teacher defied expectation.

"What's wrong? Isn't this an instant-cast spell?" Nierdi asked suspiciously.

Having self-taught magic, she lacked points of reference and was oblivious to her prodigious talent.

The Supreme Sanctuary mages exchanged uncertain glances, momentarily at a loss for words.

After a pause, Master Dong coughed lightly. "Ahem... Let's proceed to see the Supreme Master's remains."

With that, he stepped through the portal, the others—including Nierdi and Kalulu—following suit.

Years prior, Nierdi and Kalulu had visited this location to establish a formal resting place. Now, a straightforward tombstone stood amidst the snow: Tomb of the Unknown Teacher.

The mages appeared ready to open the tomb, prompting Kalulu to intervene. "What are you doing?"

"We must verify whether this is indeed our Supreme Mage's corpse and ascertain the cause of death," a mage replied, previously at odds with Kalulu.

Kalulu frowned. "Is disturbing the deceased necessary to uncover the truth?"

The mage reasoned, "Without examining the tomb, how can we confirm the identity and circumstances of the deceased? If it is our Supreme Mage, we must relocate his remains to the Supreme Sanctuary."

Kalulu hesitated but ultimately said nothing.

The mages proceeded to open the tomb, revealing a well-preserved corpse within.

Given the Himalayan climate, the corpse showed little decay, preserving its appearance and attire from the time of death.

"Supreme Master!" the mages exclaimed, some kneeling in reverence.

Mage Dong approached the corpse, examining it closely. After a moment, he spoke solemnly, "This is indeed the Supreme Mage, who perished battling the great dragon."

Nierdi recounted the initial encounter, "My partner and I, both British, came here to explore. Unexpectedly, we stumbled upon the Supreme Mage's remains and two spellbooks..."

Master Dong nodded. "You've done no wrong in honoring the Supreme Master with a proper burial. We are grateful."

"It's the least we could do. After all, the Supreme Master was also our teacher," Nierdi remarked.

Mage Dong paused before asking, "I do have one question—how did you master teleportation magic so swiftly?"

Upon hearing this, Kalulu interjected, "What's so difficult? I can do it too."

With a wave of his hand, he promptly opened a portal, astonishing everyone once more.

Kalulu felt a swell of pride, casting a challenging glance at the mage who had previously argued with him.

The mage twitched but refrained from responding.

Observing Nierdi and Kalulu's proficiency, the Sanctuary mages fell silent for a long while.

Twisting his beard, Mage Dong spoke deliberately, "Very well... I believe both of you to be reasonable individuals. This magic belongs to the Supreme Sanctuary, accessible only to our mages. Since you've mastered it, I invite you to join us."

Nierdi inquired, "What are the obligations of joining the Supreme Sanctuary?"

"The Supreme Sanctuary upholds no rigid discipline. Essentially, members are tasked with safeguarding humanity and preserving magic," Master Dong explained.

"We agree to these terms," Nierdi nodded. "However, I have pledged to protect Kathmandu as well, so I may stay here during my free time."

"That's acceptable. Mages are free to organize their schedules," Dong replied with a smile. "In that case, welcome to the Second Supreme Sanctuary."

Both nodded, but then Nierdi asked, "Wait, how many Sanctums does the Supreme Sanctuary have?"

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