ALL NOVEL Chapter 2: The Path Begins
After Ned's astral form returned to his body, he patted himself cautiously, his heart still racing. Then, he looked at the Ancient One in shock.
Though Ned had known that the Ancient One could easily separate a person's astral form from their body, knowing was one thing, but experiencing it firsthand was entirely different.
"I apologize for my actions just now, Mr. Leeds. But as I said, you've come ten years too early, and..." The Ancient One's voice trailed off abruptly as she turned her back to him.
Ned felt a pang of disappointment at her reaction but understood that someone like the Ancient One would rarely change her mind once a decision was made. Bowing slightly, he turned and began to walk toward the exit.
Before he could take more than a few steps, however, he felt a hand tap his shoulder. Confused, he turned around to find the Ancient One and two other sorcerers staring at him in astonishment.
Even the Ancient One, usually calm and composed, wore a shocked expression, oblivious to the teacup in her hand tilting slightly.
Before Ned could ask what was going on, he felt something lightly brushing against his cheek. Turning his head curiously, he found a red cloth draped over his shoulder, gently caressing his face.
Looking toward a nearby mirror, Ned saw a red cloak now draped over his back, fluttering as though excited.
"The Cloak of Levitation... It… This is impossible!" exclaimed a black sorcerer standing beside the Ancient One, his shock evident.
His outburst brought the Ancient One back to her senses. She adjusted the teacup in her hand and said, "No, perhaps I was mistaken."
"Mr. Leeds, do you truly wish to learn magic?"
Hearing this, Ned quickly replied, "Yes, absolutely."
The response seemed to align with what the Ancient One had anticipated. She nodded and said, "Very well. Please return home and make preparations. Starting tomorrow, until your school resumes, you will stay in Kamar-Taj to study magic."
"Got it!" Ned exclaimed enthusiastically, ready to leave. He then tried to remove the cloak from his back, as walking down the street wearing a cloak would certainly attract attention—after all, it wasn't Halloween.
However, no matter how hard he tugged, the cloak clung stubbornly to him and refused to come off.
The Ancient One noticed this and said, "Ned, it has chosen you. You may take it with you."
Realizing there was no way around it, Ned replied, "Thank you, Ancient One."
He then hurriedly left the sanctum. As he disappeared from sight, the Ancient One sipped her tea and murmured softly, "Mr. Leeds, you are indeed… quite extraordinary."
"Grandma, one of my classmates found me a great job. The only catch is that it's a bit far—in Washington, D.C. They also provide accommodation, so I'll need to live there for the next few months," Ned said over dinner after returning home.
"Alright, my child. You've grown up, and it's time for you to explore the world on your own," his grandmother said warmly. Though her hair had turned gray with age, she did not impose any restrictions on Ned.
"Thank you, Grandma," Ned replied gratefully.
The next day.
"Hey! Master Daniel, I'm here!" Ned said excitedly as he arrived at the New York Sanctum, the Cloak of Levitation still draped over his back.
But this time, it wasn't Daniel who greeted him. Instead, it was the black sorcerer who had stood beside the Ancient One the day before.
"I am Baron Mordo, a disciple of the Ancient One. You may call me Mordo. I will be teaching you the basics of magic," Mordo said to Ned.
"Understood, Master Mordo," Ned replied.
Without another word, Mordo turned and began walking, explaining as he went, "Kamar-Taj is not located here. This is merely one of the sanctums established by Kamar-Taj. Each sanctum is connected to Kamar-Taj through a portal."
After passing through a few hallways, Mordo brought Ned to what looked like a mirror and stopped.
"This is the portal to Kamar-Taj. Follow me," Mordo said, stepping through it.
Ned quickly followed, asking as he walked, "Hey! Master Mordo, where are we headed?"
Without breaking his stride, Mordo replied, "First, we'll meet the Ancient One. Then, I'll show you to the room where you'll be staying."
As they walked, Ned couldn't help but glance at the ancient-style architecture around him, his heart filled with excitement.
Mordo, however, kept stealing glances at Ned out of the corner of his eye, still puzzled by what made Ned special enough to attract the Cloak of Levitation, known for its selective nature.
Before long, they reached a wooden hut, where the Ancient One was seated, sipping tea.
"Ah, Mr. Leeds," she greeted politely upon seeing him.
"Ancient One," Ned responded respectfully.
"This is the Sling Ring you'll need to use. Take good care of it," she said, handing him a ring. "Kamar-Taj's magic draws from the Vishanti, and the Sling Ring serves as a bridge to channel that power."
"Understood, Ancient One," Ned said as he accepted the ring reverently.
"Very well. Mordo, you may show Mr. Leeds to his room," the Ancient One instructed.
"Of course. Follow me, Mr. Leeds," Mordo said, turning to leave.
"Uh… You can just call me Ned. I don't mind," Ned said, trailing behind him.
"Very well, Ned," Mordo replied without hesitation.
"Here is your room," Mordo said, leading Ned into a small wooden house.
He handed Ned a piece of paper and added, "You can tidy up your room and change into your robes. Then, head to the library to borrow some magic books. If you have questions, you may ask me. You can also practice physical techniques or join other sorcerers in practical magic training in the courtyard outside."
"Got it, thanks," Ned replied, taking the paper.
"Aren't you going to ask any questions?" Mordo asked curiously, noticing how casually Ned had glanced at the paper before crumpling it in his hand.
"Isn't this just the Wi-Fi password?" Ned asked with a mischievous grin.
"…Just get your room in order," Mordo said, walking away with a face that somehow seemed darker than before.
"Hi there, sir! I'm Ned Leeds, here to borrow some books," Ned said as he arrived at the library, addressing the librarian—a stout Asian man with a build similar to his own.
"Hello, Mr. Leeds. The Ancient One has already informed me. You may start with these," Wong said, placing a stack of books on the table. "These contain basic magical knowledge and a few simple spells."
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