Chapter 116

Abel stepped onto the sandy beach of the island as the portal behind him closed. Reaching out, his magic wand appeared in his hand. With a graceful motion, he waved the wand over the island, sending an invisible wave across the landscape. Instantly, he sensed the presence of people on the island. Satisfied, he removed twenty-five runes from his pocket, and with a light tap of his wand, the runes floated and danced before him.

Focusing on Kaecilius, Abel mentally chanted his name. Gradually, the spinning runes slowed until they hovered like stars above him. The results of the divination came clear.

"The north… where the sunset lingers."

With a wave of his hand, Abel gathered the runes back. His body dissolved into black smoke, rising into the sky and flying northward. As he soared above the island, the setting sun bathed the landscape in its final rays. Abel knew that this island, still illuminated by the fading light, was his destination.

Arriving above a large town, Abel's smoke form dissipated, his body twisting into a vortex that reappeared in the nearby forest. After adjusting his appearance to blend with the islanders, Abel summoned the metal mask and boots Tony had given him, turning them invisible to avoid detection. With his mask's scanning function activated, Abel began walking toward the town.

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit wooden room in a small hotel on the island, Kaecilius sat cross-legged, meditating. Though he had little respect for the people he was communicating with, they represented the Church of Dormammu, the Lord of the Dark Dimension, on Earth. Kaecilius, having witnessed the power of the Dark Dimension, saw it as the key to achieving his goal: bringing peace to the world and ensuring all people could live in happiness.

Suddenly, Kaecilius sensed something amiss. His eyes snapped open, and he turned toward the window, which had silently opened. A figure in islander attire, wearing a golden-red mask and hood, stood there, watching him.

Without hesitation, Kaecilius leapt from his bed, forming seals with his hands. Black shadowy tendrils emerged from the void, reaching for the intruder. But the masked figure raised his hands, condensing the moisture in the air into long, coiling water snakes. The water and shadow forces clashed, both dissipating almost simultaneously.

Kaecilius quickly conjured a circle of fiery magic, but before he could attack, the water vapor reformed into rows of crimson shark-like teeth, descending from the air toward him. The magic circle turned into a shield, but Kaecilius was surprised by the sheer force of the shark teeth, which threatened to break through his defense.

Just as Kaecilius was preparing to flee, the intruder withdrew his magic. The water vapor evaporated harmlessly into the air. Kaecilius, now frowning, took a closer look at the figure. The mage removed his hood and mask, revealing a familiar face.

"Abel?"

"Long time no see, Kaecilius," Abel replied calmly.

Relieved, Kaecilius sat back on the bed, not because he trusted Abel completely, but because he knew that if Abel had wanted to harm him, there would have been no way to resist. "How did you find me? Did the Ancient One send you?"

Abel's expression softened. "The Ancient One did ask me to find you. She hasn't given up on you, Kaecilius."

Kaecilius shook his head sadly. "I can't go back, Abel. Ever since I delved into black magic, there's been no turning back. The Ancient One gave me a choice long ago, and I chose this path. While I don't regret it, I know I've changed. Something inside me has shifted, and not in a good way. I can't return to Kamar-Taj."

Abel studied him closely. "So, what now? What's your plan?"

"I've been in contact with the Dark Church, those who serve Dormammu. I want to continue down the path of dark magic. I believe it holds the key to bringing the world the peace and tranquility that science could never provide. But even with magic, it's a daunting task. I need as much power as I can get, and the Dark Church is my best opportunity."

Abel raised an eyebrow. "So, you're just chasing more power through magic?"

"Yes," Kaecilius replied resolutely. "I need stronger magic."

"If that's all you want, then come with me," Abel offered. "I can teach you far more powerful magic. But in exchange, you will have to serve me and give up your freedom. Equivalent exchange, as you well know. The Dark Church can't offer you anything I can't—and I'm far better suited to train you than they are."