Chapter Forty-Five: Kamar-Taj

The Himalayas are one of the coldest places on Earth, yet humanity has still managed to establish settlements here. The bitter chill cannot extinguish the fervor for survival, and today a new guest arrives.

Blaise, clad in a thin robe, walks through the heavy snow. The Himalayas are particularly cold today, and Blaise despises this environment—indeed, he dislikes all cold places. Yet he admires the people here; to him, every inhabitant radiates the strength to survive, and most he encounters along the way are friendly.

Many, seeing him dressed so lightly, offer him food resembling roasted sweet potatoes, and some even try to give him a coat. After Blaise politely refuses their kindness, the crowd concludes he must be some sort of ascetic monk.

Not long after, Blaise arrives at the entrance of a peculiar building. Raising his staff, he knocks twice on the door.

A crackling sound, and the door swings open. Benedict Wong, upon seeing Blaise’s somewhat unsightly appearance, shows no sign of avoidance. Instead, he brings his hands together in a respectful gesture. “Master Blaise?”

“Yes, I have been sent by Master Kieran to seek out Master Ancient One. Is she here?” Blaise speaks softly.

“She is. Please, follow me.” Wong, who had been waiting specifically for Blaise, leads him through the courtyard inside.

Along the way, Blaise observes the place. There are many gaps in the magical defenses, and he sees no constructs like golems. It feels less like a supreme sorcerer’s abode and more like a monastery—except for the students practicing magic.

The Ancient One sits cross-legged indoors, instructing her disciples. Gradually, her voice halts as she turns toward the doorway.

Yang Qiu had spoken to the Ancient One about Blaise, and she is curious about this powerful mage from another tradition who has appeared in the world. Whatever the case, she is satisfied with Yang Qiu’s progress.

“Supreme Sorcerer, has something happened?” a disciple asks quietly.

“A friend has arrived.” The Ancient One rises slowly.

The difference in status and strength is clear—Blaise’s initiative in seeking out the Ancient One is natural, but for her to remain seated when someone comes would be discourteous.

Soon, Blaise steps through the door. He glances briefly at the apprentices below, then shifts his gaze. The Ancient One is indeed powerful, but her method of drawing power from other dimensions makes it difficult to cultivate another like her.

“Master Ancient One, greetings. I am Blaise.” Blaise performs a mage’s salute.

“Welcome to Kamar-Taj,” the Ancient One replies with a nod. This name was once her homeland; naming this place is a gesture of remembrance.

“I have already spoken with Master Kieran. You may act freely in the coming days, but it is best not to leave this place. When the operation begins, I will notify you. Is that acceptable?”

Master Kieran? Master Blaise? Who are these people? I’ve never heard of them.

Seated below, Kaecilius scrutinizes Blaise, as if trying to figure out where he has come from.

“I will follow your instructions.” Blaise ignores Kaecilius, who is far too weak to interest him. “But if possible, I would appreciate a designated area where I can prepare magical potions for my disciples.”

“Of course, you can coordinate such matters with Wong.” The Ancient One continues. Through her magical sight, Blaise appears as a moving flame, and upon hearing that he has disciples, she forms an idea.

“Additionally, you were sent by Master Kieran to learn the response procedures and to facilitate mutual exchange between us. I am also curious about the current state of the Clock Tower. The last exchange was more than a decade ago, when I met Master Kieran.”

Clock Tower? Kaecilius grows even more puzzled. Another unfamiliar term, perhaps denoting some organization?

“Master Ancient One, forgive my bluntness, but our traditions are entirely different. Exchange may not be very fruitful. Still, since you have requested it, I will oblige—but…” Blaise glances at the assembled Kamar-Taj sorcerers and shakes his head, indicating that none of them are suitable for exchange.

Kaecilius’s temper flares; it has been a long time since anyone looked down on him like this.

The Ancient One, however, is unconcerned—Blaise is not wrong in certain respects. “Then let us spar.”

With her words, the mirror dimension unfolds, enveloping all those nearby. Blaise feels a sudden tension—he is swept in without resistance, the disparity in power starkly evident.

Blaise finds it pointless to warn that his spells are particularly destructive. He places the Ancient One and Kieran on the same level; before such figures, such reminders are unnecessary.

“My apologies.”

With that, Blaise grips his staff. The elemental pool within him churns, and under his control, fire fills the space around him for several meters.

The force of this pushes all the Kamar-Taj sorcerers back two steps. Though not a spark touches them, their minds are already ablaze with visions of fire.

Arcane Surge, Fire Cycle, Multicast, Spell Amplification.

(Arcane Surge: Surging mana reduces the casting time of all spells, and each successful spell grants a mana mark, which can enhance any spell’s effect.)

(Fire Cycle: A unique spell for the fire elemental pool. Each time a fire spell is cast, a portion of the mana cost is refunded, and the next spell’s mana cost and effect are increased.)

(Multicast: Spells have a chance to be cast multiple times in a single casting. Additional casts receive no bonus and consume no mana.)

(Spell Amplification: Spells achieve their maximal effect, at the cost of extra mana.)

Each auxiliary spell shimmers around Blaise. Now, he truly displays the power of an archmage—unlike his earlier playful duel with Freddy.

In his current state, Blaise could have easily destroyed the dream realm without resorting to Meteor Swarm; a single Fireball would suffice.

As Blaise layers his supporting spells, the Ancient One regards him with a faint smile, making no attempt to interrupt.