Obsessed with Books

While Li Yue and Mordo were puzzled by Stephen's behaviour, Stephen himself had already headed straight to the library at Kamar-Taj!

Years of studying medicine had instilled in Stephen a habit of extensive reading, and with his photographic memory, he quickly grasped new concepts. This approach now extended to his study of magic.

Though Li Yue had informed him of a method to cure his peculiar ailment, Stephen decided to understand magic comprehensively before proceeding with the treatment.

Stephen found reading books the most convenient way to acquire this knowledge. Mordo had briefly shown him where the Kamar-Taj library was, so Stephen quickly found his way there.

...

"Huh? Didn't they say there was a librarian? Why is there no one here?"

Upon arriving at the library, Stephen looked around but didn't see the librarian Mordo mentioned. Feeling a bit puzzled, he began searching for basic magic books.

Stephen was perplexed after a fruitless search, having only found books on using and introducing elemental spells. There wasn't a single book on the fundamentals of magic!

"What are you looking for?"

At that moment, a slightly chubby bald man in monk robes emerged from the library's inner chamber and asked Stephen.

It was Wong, the librarian. It was natural for Wong not to recognise Stephen, who had only been at Kamar-Taj for a few days.

...

"Hello, you must be Master Wong, the librarian. I've heard about you from Master Mordo. I'm Stephen Strange. I'm looking for books on the basics of magic."

Startled by the sudden voice, Stephen looked up to see Wong staring at him curiously. Realising who he was, Stephen respectfully bowed and asked for guidance on where to find the basic magic books.

"You must be new here," Wong remarked, slightly surprised.

"Yes, I've only been at Kamar-Taj for less than a week."

Stephen had nothing to hide and answered Wong's questions straightforwardly.

"You're looking for basic magic books? Follow me," Wong said, his expression still stern but his tone showing a hint of appreciation.

Wong had seen many new arrivals at Kamar-Taj, some still waiting to be official apprentices, who immediately sought advanced magic books. Wong generally ignored such overambitious individuals, knowing they seldom achieved much.

However, Stephen's request for basic books was unexpected.

These books were rarely read by beginner apprentices who often believed they already understood magic well enough. They deemed such fundamental books a waste of time. Yet, foundational knowledge was crucial, and Wong's respect for Stephen grew. With this mindset, Stephen would succeed in magic, regardless of his innate talent.

...

Under Wong's guidance, Stephen entered the library's inner chamber, surprised to find fewer books than outside.

The books here were categorised, each including a series of magic ranging from basic to advanced and even top-tier spells. There were also records of unique spells created by past geniuses and biographies of notable sorcerers.

The diverse collection left Stephen in awe, almost overwhelming him.

...

Suppressing his urge to read everything, Stephen, guided by Wong, borrowed books on the fundamentals of magic and those on enhancing soul and mental strength.

Wong assumed that Stephen would take nearly a week to finish the thick books, no matter how fast he read.

To Wong's astonishment, Stephen returned the next day to return the books and borrow more.

"You've read all of these?" Wong asked in disbelief, puzzled by Stephen's speed. He began to wonder if Stephen, despite his calm demeanour, was as overly ambitious as the others.

"Yes, Master Wong. I'm here to return these and borrow some more books."

With his photographic memory, Stephen reads much faster than ordinary people, though he has grown accustomed to it and has forgotten that Wong doesn't know about his unique ability.

"I guess I misjudged him," Wong thought, feeling less impressed with Stephen. Nevertheless, Wong selected the books Stephen requested and handed them over.

"That's strange," Stephen muttered, noticing Wong's changed attitude but shrugging it off as he felt the weight of the new books in his hands.