Kaecilius' Past

Li Yue hurriedly put down the teacup in his hand when he heard Ancient One bring the topic up. He sat perfectly straight, like a primary school student who was looking forward to a teacher's lecture.

"Your ability is different from our magic. We practice magic by observing the energy flowing throughout the multiverse. The more energy we channel, the stronger the effect of magic. You, on the other hand, need to absorb the energy in the universe, and you can only absorb space energy. The upper limit of the energy you can absorb is determined by the limitation of your mental strength," Ancient One began explaining in a deep voice.

"In that case, my ability is not as strong as your magic," Li Yue said curiously.

There were so many limitations to his ability. He can't do this, he can't do that...

"Your perspective is mistaken. Cultivating magic requires extraordinary talent and an immense amount of training to channel the magic energy. We needed to memorize and master all kinds of difficult and complex magic spells," Ancient One explained.

"You, however, don't need any of this. You only need to cultivate your own spirit and absorb the space energy that you can find almost everywhere, and you can freely control the energy you gather. You don't even need spells to tell the energy to do something."

Li Yue somewhat understood. He did not need to train how to channel the energy; he could use it directly after absorbing it.

For a simple comparison, mages had to use Sling Rings and focus their mind to open a portal, while Li Yue could go wherever he wanted.

"Venerable Ancient One, how do I cultivate my ability?" Li Yue asked anxiously.

Ancient One stood up and waved at Li Yue, signaling him to stand up as well.

Li Yue stood face to face with Ancient One. Li Yue suddenly recalled something. Could it be...

As expected, Ancient One grabbed Li Yue's right hand with her left hand and pulled it towards herself. Her right hand struck at Li Yue's body, sending a transparent and illusory version of him flying.

Li Yue was a little curious about his current state. It was different from the last time he transmigrated. When he transmigrated, his soul had been brutally pulled out of his body. Now, it was as if his soul had left his body on its own accord. He felt no discomfort and instead only felt a little light, as if he could fly with little force.

"This is called Astral Projection. Carefully grasp your current state. From now on, your cultivation will be performed in this state," Ancient One said to Li Yue before waving her right hand.

Li Yue felt an irresistible suction force coming from his body, and he was sucked back in.

"Astral Projection must be carried out in a safe environment. Without its soul, your body will become very fragile. If your body is destroyed, your soul will wander the world with no anchor."

...

Then, Ancient One explained to Li Yue in detail how to perform Astral Projection and how to cultivate his ability in the Astral Projection state.

After Li Yue confirmed that he remembered everything, Ancient One called Kaecilius in and told him to bring Li Yue to a room where Li Yue would cultivate and rest from now on.

"Thank you, Venerable Kaecilius," Li Yue thanked Kaecilius.

No matter how Li Yue looked at Kaecilius, the man didn't look like the villain of Doctor Strange. The current Kaecilius was full of sunshine. How could this man become so cruel and murderous?

"Mr. Li Yue, we are equal disciples of Ancient One. You don't have to be so polite," Kaecilius replied with a smile.

"Venerable Kaecilius, may I ask why did you come here and learn magic from Venerable Ancient One?"

Li Yue was a little curious about Kaecilius' background.

"How should I put it? I used to have a happy family, a beautiful wife, and a lovely son. I felt true happiness and prayed in my heart that my life would never change," Kaecilius' eyes were filled with happiness as he slowly spoke of his past.

"But then... I don't know if it was because of my sins in my previous life. Misfortune began falling upon my family. My son, only a few years old, died in an accident. I could only comfort myself. I still have my wife." Kaecilius' face was full of sadness. Tears welled up in the corners of his eyes.

"But that wasn't the end. One day, while sitting on a bridge with my wife, looking at the scenery, she suddenly fainted. I brought her to the doctor, but she never woke up."

At this point, Kaecilius had already burst into tears, and his tears were flowing endlessly.

"I'm sorry. I have reminded you of your painful memories," Li Yue apologized to Kaecilius.

"It doesn't matter. After that, I have nothing left. I gave up on myself and drowned myself in alcohol. Walking on the streets, everyone avoided me like a demon. But so what? If I can see my wife and son again, no matter what price I have to pay, I will pay it."

Kaecilius' eyes were filled with determination.

"Later, when I was at my wit's end, Master Mordo found me and brought me to Master Ancient One. She taught me magic knowledge and expanded my horizons. I also worked hard to practice magic. I have never let go of my belief. If it's to see my wife and child again, I will not regret even selling my soul to the devil!"

Li Yue listened to Kaecilius' words with mixed feelings in his heart. He did not know what to say. Perhaps this obsession was why he would later be deceived by Dormammu and walk on the road of destruction.

"Alright, Mage Li Yue, I won't disturb you anymore. You can tell me if you need anything!" After Kaecilius finished speaking to Li Yue, he turned his back and slowly walked away.

Li Yue looked at his back and fell into a long silence.

...

From then on, Li Yue lived in Kamar-Taj. During the day, he practiced magic with a group of mages and trained his combat skills. Li Yue complained in his heart about this training. The mages in this world didn't use long-range magic and always rushed for close combat. Doctor Strange was the only exception to the rule.

Li Yue used Astral Projection in his sleep during the night. His soul floated above his body, sitting cross-legged while slowly absorbing the energy around him.

After a week of cultivation, Li Yue could feel that he was making rapid progress. He was already able to control his own energy and use magic to draw a portal circle.

Unlike a mage's portal, Li Yue's portal circle was not composed of metallic sparks. Instead, it was a clean circle of blue energy. Furthermore, Li Yue did this without wearing a sling ring. The other mages looked at him with interest.

Of course, Li Yue still had the teleportation ability, so the portal wasn't very useful to him. It was simply a practice to use his ability to emulate magic.

Li Yue then prepared to go to the library and borrow Ancient One's collection.