The Trip to the Library

Of course, Li Yue felt that it was better to ask for instructions from Ancient One.

Li Yue left his room to find Kaecilius and ask the man to arrange an audience with Ancient One—usually, it was Master Mordo's job to guide people around, but it just so happened that Master Mordo had something else to do away from Kamar-Taj. That was why Kaecilius replaced Mordo to attend to Li Yue.

Moreover, it might be because of their conversation yesterday, but Kaecilius had told Li Yue to look for him if Li Yue needed anything.

"Master Kaecilius, I have something to ask you. Do you have time now?"

Li Yue found Kaecilius practicing magic in the yard. Orange energy gathered in Kaecilius' hands, changing into various forms: magical whips, shields, teleportation portals, and many other magic spells manifested from Kaecilius' hands.

Li Yue had seen the same scene countless times in the past week. He sighed. Kaecilius' magic training had long passed the line of "hard work" and crossed into obsession. Kaecilius barely even took any breaks for eating, sleeping, and going to the toilet. He spent almost all of his time cultivating magic and studying in the library, all for a chance to see his dead wife and child again.

"Mage Li Yue! Unfortunately, Master Ancient One went to a meeting this morning, and I don't know when she will return. What do you need to see her for?" Kaecilius paused his training and spoke with a smile to Li Yue.

"I see. I wanted to ask Master Ancient One if she would lend me some books. It seems that I should return another day," Li Yue replied with regret. He had no way of knowing when Ancient One would return.

"Ah, if that's the case, Master Ancient One had already instructed that Mage Li Yue would not need to ask her if you need to borrow books from the library. I will guide you, Mage Li Yue. Please follow me." Kaecilius turned around and led the way to the library.

...

It didn't take long for Li Yue and Kaecilius to reach the library.

"Mage Dennis, sorry to trouble you. This is Mage Li Yue; he wishes to borrow some books," Kaecilius introduced Li Yue to the librarian.

"Hello, Mage Li Yue. You can call me Dennis. From now on, you can speak to me about the books you need to borrow."

"Hello, Mage Dennis. Sorry to trouble you," Li Yue politely greeted the librarian.

The current librarian was not the chubby Wong—Wong should replace him much later. Li Yue had no idea whether this was the same librarian that would have his head decapitated at the beginning of Doctor Strange, but it wasn't his business, anyway. He only came here to borrow books.

"Mage Li Yue, the books here contain the insights of the past mages, as well as some basic theories of mystic arts. What kind of books do you need?" the librarian asked Li Yue after showing some of the books.

"Do you have books on magic circles? Particularly about offensive and defensive magic," Li Yue asked curiously.

"These are the basic must-read for new disciples. You cannot read books about advanced magic circles before becoming an official mage. We at Kamar-Taj understand the value of sharing knowledge, but some books require fundamental knowledge before we can share their content," the librarian replied, politely refusing Li Yue's request.

Li Yue thought that it was a fair rule. If any random person that came here to learn magic can just go directly to advanced magic books, their soul might even get damaged or something. Genius like Doctor Strange was the exception.

"Mage Dennis, Master Ancient One had instructed to let Mage Li Yue borrow any books he wishes. His cultivation method is different from ours," Kaecilius interjected.

"I see. I cannot defy Master Ancient One's order; please, come with me," the librarian said after hesitating for a moment. He then led the way inside.

...

Li Yue and Kaecilius followed the librarian inside the library. A row of iron bookshelves with chained tomes caught Li Yue's attention.

"What are these books?" Li Yue asked, gawking.

These books looked different from ordinary books. They looked a little like the stacks of cards in the game Hearthstone. Li Yue already guessed what they were, but he still asked aloud.

"Those are Master Ancient One's personal collection. Only Master Ancient One can understand them; they are too advanced for regular mages."

Li Yue walked closer out of curiosity. He wondered which of them was the Book of Vishanti. Allegedly, the Book of Vishanti recorded all the white magic and defensive magic in the world, although it didn't have any offensive magic.

Li Yue carefully picked up the first book with his left hand. He noticed that there was a missing book on the shelf. He did not know if it was lost or...

Li Yue curiously flipped through the book, but the content made him quickly close it in fear. He glanced guiltily at Kaecilius from the corner of his eyes and was relieved when Kaecilius didn't show any emotions.

"That is the Book of Cagliostro. It records time magic," the librarian helpfully introduced.

"Hehe, I can't understand the contents of the book, so I'd better put it back in its original position," Li Yue smiled guiltily and quickly returned the book.

Coincidentally, the page that Li Yue landed on when he randomly opened the book had a strange red rune occupying the entire page.

...

In the end, with the help of the librarian, Li Yue chose a few books about basic magic spells, some on space magic, and another on mirror dimension. He left the inner chamber and returned to the outer section of the library to pick a few books on basic theories before leaving the library with Kaecilius.

"Master Kaecilius, I am going back to my room. Thank you for your help this time."

"You are welcome, Master Li Yue. This is my duty."

Li Yue returned to his room to study the books he had borrowed.

Kaecilius watched Li Yue until Li Yue disappeared. He then turned around, taking a deep look at the library.

"Dormammu, the Dark Dimension, eternal life... Master Ancient One, how many things are you hiding from us?!"