Chapter 137. The Ancient One Wants Out
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Nolan opened his eyes, fresh from his meditation session.
Before him, golden sparks flared in the air, swirling into a perfect circular portal. A cold wind crept through it, followed by a portly figure with a calm, unreadable expression.
"I am Wong," the man said, his voice steady and polite. "The Ancient One sent me to bring you to Kamar-Taj."
Nolan rose, nodding. "It's an honor."
He stepped through the portal.
Kamar-Taj unfolded before him a sanctuary frozen in time. Ancient architecture, untouched by the Industrial Age, stood solemn and majestic. Despite its age, the place pulsed with vitality, as though the very stones hummed with magic.
Apprentices trained in open courtyards, their hands conjuring sparks, slinging arcane rings, or stepping through rippling portals.
Nolan's eyes followed a group in yellow robes rushing into a portal. "Why the hurry?" he asked.
"Kamar-Taj was attacked," Wong explained. "They're pursuing the thief. We lost something... dangerous. They're checking dimensional seals as a precaution."
Nolan narrowed his gaze. Cassilius. The rogue disciple who would soon steal from the library and summon Dormammu.