Chapter 37 - Necessary Sacrifice

On the training grounds of Kamar-Taj, five lifelike statues stood prominently. The apprentices learning defense spells didn't seem surprised by their presence, nor did they know who had placed them there.

However, some apprentices couldn't help but feel that the expressions on the statues were disturbingly lifelike, almost as if they were once flesh and blood, sending shivers down their spines.

A few curious students even tried to poke the delicate folds of the statues' robes, only to be quickly pulled away by Baron Mordo.

There wasn't a hint of joy on Mordo's face. He knew exactly what his junior disciple, Solomon, was going through. Solomon had already made his decision, and the consequences of that choice stood right before Mordo.

This worried him. He even harbored some resentment toward the Ancient One for putting Solomon in such a situation.

After all, Solomon was something of a recluse, rarely leaving Kamar-Taj. Mordo feared that Solomon might be facing such harsh realities too soon—he was still so young.

Meanwhile, Solomon sat before the Ancient One, drinking tea from her table, his once-drained spirit now slowly reviving.

He recounted everything from his recent journey to the Ancient One, including the moral dilemma he had faced. Solomon was desperate for some useful guidance.

"You've lived your life in the peaceful environment of Kamar-Taj, so naturally, you've never had to make such choices. But once you step outside, the world is full of complex problems, and what you faced was just one of many," the Ancient One said, pointing toward the training grounds. "But I'm very pleased with your decision, my child.

"I understand you're still troubled by doubts, so let me share an experience of mine, something that might help you."

The Ancient One took a deep breath before continuing, "Dormammu's attempts to breach Earth are nothing new. He has tried to devour Earth into the Dark Dimension since before humanity even emerged, only to be stopped by the first Sorcerer Supreme, Agamotto. Later, as Sorcerer Supreme, I've continued to defend Earth from him.

"In the past, countless people worshipped Dormammu. There was once a small village where nearly everyone worshipped him with fervent devotion, as if he were a god—naive and ignorant, yet devout.

"They didn't know they were worshipping a malevolent god, but their lives had indeed improved. They could raise livestock, their crops flourished year after year, and no one starved anymore. Soon after, they hosted a festival, using their surplus harvest to invite traders and villagers from nearby towns to celebrate.

"At the time, the planetary defense system was in its infancy. Yet, they used Dormammu's magic to summon him, and I detected the disturbance through the defense system. Just as the summoning was nearing completion, I appeared."

The Ancient One paused and looked at Solomon. "What do you think I did?"

Solomon shook his head. If he had been in that situation, he honestly wouldn't know what to do.

Those who worshipped Dormammu were guilty, even if they didn't know who they were truly worshipping. But what about the other villagers and the traders passing through?

"The answer is simple. As Dormammu was about to descend, I summoned a burning meteor. It fell from the sky and killed everyone present," the Ancient One said. "This included Dormammu's followers as well as the innocent villagers and traders. Do you know why I did that?"

Once again, Solomon shook his head. "I don't know."

"Because I couldn't tell who was a follower of Dormammu and who wasn't. But if I waited to sort out the innocent from the guilty, Earth would have already been consumed by the Dark Dimension. The simplest, fastest, and most effective way to stop the summoning was to kill everyone present."

She continued, "It's similar to your situation. You needed to kill the vampire, but the ordinary people were protecting him. If you were determined to fulfill your goal, you had no choice but to harm the innocents alongside him."

The Ancient One's voice was stern. "But you had no other option, Solomon. There's no guarantee that those two vampires wouldn't one day see humans as mere food again, driven by their thirst for blood. You couldn't risk the lives of others in that town on the vampires' goodwill. That would be an incredibly irresponsible choice.

"We are protecting humanity as a whole, not just individual lives.

"And I'm sure you're aware of Barnabas's power. Earth cannot afford to have another Dracula; it would be a disaster for humanity. In the grand scheme of human safety, some lives must be sacrificed.

"This is a harsh truth that every sorcerer at Kamar-Taj understands, although it's cold and heartless. It is, however, the right choice. The planetary defense system allows Kamar-Taj to monitor magical disturbances all over the world, and we often manage to stop threats before they fully manifest, whether they come from Dormammu's followers, demon worshipers, or something else entirely.

"Yet, even with all our precautions, we still have to face these dilemmas regularly."

Solomon lowered his head, reflecting on the Ancient One's words. From her perspective, Kamar-Taj's perspective, and even the perspective of protecting humanity as a whole, this approach did make sense. If these terrifying entities were summoned, far more people would die.

The Ancient One observed Solomon's thoughtful expression with satisfaction. Many within Kamar-Taj blindly revered the Ancient One's decisions, but she still hoped that her disciples would think for themselves. She deeply wished for Solomon to understand the depth of her decisions.

The Ancient One continued, "Kamar-Taj's stance doesn't mean we are indifferent to life. Whenever possible, we try to save those we can. Otherwise, we would become typical utilitarians, measuring life by mere numbers, and that is not acceptable. We understand that the value of life cannot be quantified. However, to protect more lives, we are forced to destroy a few. Treasure life, and weigh your decisions carefully, especially when you choose to sacrifice someone's life or soul."

In fact, all the enemies Solomon had faced during his mission, including the ordinary members of the Collins family, had been part of the Ancient One's foresight.

This mission had been carefully orchestrated by the Ancient One to force Solomon to face such choices and to make those decisions with his own hands.

Only in this way could Solomon shed unnecessary weakness, develop a decisive mindset, and ultimately grow into a qualified protector, just as the Ancient One intended.

"But such choices are painful, aren't they?" Solomon finally looked up. "You've carried this burden for so long. How do you do it?"

"This is our duty. As we protect humanity, we also bear humanity's sins," the Ancient One replied, her expression unchanged. "As long as we continue to guard humanity, these events will happen. Even without Kamar-Taj or the Sorcerer Supreme, someone would still have to make these decisions. This is a sacrifice that must be made. It's the price you will have to pay."

"Hold onto your compassion and kindness. They are rare and precious. Keep them. Only then can you avoid becoming indifferent to the value of life when you make decisions. And only then will you be able to use your power wisely. When necessary, this includes your own life."

I'm sorry, Solomon. This isn't a burden you should carry—it's mine.

The Ancient One closed her eyes, her expression filled with sorrow. But when she opened them again, all hesitation was gone.

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