The atmosphere inside the Kamar-Taj main hall was thick with a kind of stunned disbelief. Both Mordo and the Ancient One stood frozen, their expressions locked in a strange mix of awe, suspicion, and reluctant admiration.
It was understandable.
Henry had just calmly stated that he had not only read but mastered the entire Complete Collection of the Supreme Being. Over one hundred distinct types of white magic. In just a matter of days.
It wasn't just unprecedented. It was absurd.
"…You mean to say," Mordo finally spoke, blinking in disbelief, "that you've learned everything in that book?"
Henry nodded casually. "Yes. I can cast each spell proficiently."
Mordo turned slowly, almost mechanically, to look at the Ancient One as if to silently ask: Is this guy for real?
The Ancient One didn't reply immediately. She took the book from Henry's hands and flipped through it again, almost as if expecting to find pages missing. Her expression remained as composed as ever, but Henry didn't miss the way her eyes slightly widened as she skimmed.
There was no mistake.
The spells were all still there. The contents hadn't changed.
Over a hundred types of white magic… mastered in under a week.
She didn't speak her thoughts aloud, but Henry could guess what she was thinking: Did I hand him the wrong book?
While Ancient One processed the impossible, Mordo could no longer keep his thoughts to himself. He gestured to Henry and said in a measured tone, "If you've truly learned everything in the book, then what brings you back to Kamar-Taj so soon?"
Henry's tone was respectful, but firm. "The basics are done. I'm ready for more. I'd like to study higher-level magic."
This time, even the Ancient One showed a flicker of emotion—an amused lift of one eyebrow. She dismissed the other mages who had gathered for instruction and turned back to Henry, her expression composed but curious.
"Many who rush to the next level fail to realize how much power lies in the foundation," she said gently. "The basic magics—space, defense, energy—they hold greater potential than most realize when truly mastered."
Henry nodded. "I understand. But I've practiced all of them extensively. I know I still have much to learn, which is why I've come to ask permission to study in the Kamar-Taj library."
The Ancient One studied him for a long moment before finally nodding. "Very well. If you've truly completed the teachings in the Supreme Collection, then the library may offer what you seek. Mordo, take him there. And return the book on the way."
"As you wish, Master," Mordo said with a bow.
Henry also offered a polite nod. "Thank you, Supreme Mage."
As the two exited the hall, the moment they passed through the threshold, Mordo stopped abruptly and turned to face Henry. His polite demeanor melted into something more serious, his eyes sharpening with the weight of mentorship.
"I know your talent is real," he said plainly. "That much is clear. But magic isn't something you can rush through like a college textbook. There's no shortcut to true strength."
Henry listened quietly.
"I've trained dozens of mages," Mordo continued. "Some of them had talent. Some of them were prodigies. Many thought a few weeks of success meant they were ready for higher magic. You know where they are now?"
Henry didn't respond.
"Gone," Mordo said flatly. "Either burnt out, lost to corruption… or tempted by black magic."
There was a flicker of concern in his voice now, though it was hidden behind stoicism.
"Kamar-Taj forbids the study of dark magic for a reason. It doesn't just consume your body. It takes your soul. I don't want to see you fall into that path."
Henry gave a faint smile. "You're worried I'm chasing power for the wrong reasons."
Mordo didn't deny it. "That, and whether your confidence is grounded in reality."
Henry's expression shifted slightly. He could tell that Mordo didn't mean to offend—but it was clear that the man still doubted him.
"Well," Henry said with a shrug, "if you're that unsure, why don't we test it?"
Mordo's eyes narrowed. "You want to spar?"
"You suggested I may be rushing," Henry replied. "Let me prove I'm not."
Mordo didn't need much more convincing. His curiosity had already been piqued by the young man's impossible claims. And while he had no desire to humiliate a newcomer, he also wouldn't miss the chance to evaluate Henry properly.
"Very well," Mordo said, stepping into the open courtyard outside the hall. "We'll have a light duel. No killing spells, no permanent damage."
"Understood."
The two squared off, and for the first time since arriving at Kamar-Taj, Henry felt the adrenaline of battle rise again.
"Go ahead," Mordo offered generously. "You can make the first move."
Henry didn't hesitate. He took a breath, clenched his fists—and his magic shield flared to life with a crisp, golden hum.
He dashed forward, shield first, striking at Mordo with precision and speed. The energy shield wasn't just for defense—it could be used offensively, like a condensed force field slamming against an enemy's guard.
Mordo countered smoothly, summoning his own magic shield with practiced ease to parry the blow. Sparks flew as energy clashed with energy.
"You control energy surprisingly well," Mordo said, blocking another hit with a twist of his wrist. "Most beginners can't maintain shield integrity while attacking."
Henry said nothing. He twisted around and swept his shield low, then followed with an uppercut of condensed light.
Mordo leapt backward, his robe billowing from the force of Henry's strike. He landed lightly and narrowed his eyes.
"Impressive," he said, finally sounding a little less composed.
Henry's breathing remained steady. "I've practiced."
"Let's see what else you've learned."
In a flash, Mordo raised his hand and cast a teleportation portal—vanishing from sight only to reappear behind Henry. A blast of kinetic energy flew toward him.
Henry spun and reacted just in time, raising his palm to summon a translucent barrier that absorbed the impact. He skidded back several feet, but his stance didn't falter.
Another burst of light danced from his fingers as he conjured twin energy whips, swinging them in arcs to keep Mordo at bay. The magic whips sizzled through the air like radiant serpents.
Mordo's eyes widened again. "You even mastered conjured weaponry?"
"Page ninety-three," Henry said with a smirk.
That actually made Mordo laugh.
The duel continued, and as it did, more and more mages began to gather around the courtyard, drawn by the sounds of clashing magic. Whispers rippled through the crowd as they recognized Mordo—and the young newcomer standing his ground against him.
"He's holding his own…"
"Is that the boy who sent someone through a portal by accident?"
"How long has he been training?"
As the fight progressed, Mordo gradually stopped holding back.
What had started as a test had become a real sparring match, both combatants exchanging complex spells, defensive enchantments, and rapid teleportation feints. Henry moved with uncanny precision, almost instinctively adapting to each new attack. His shield spells were seamless, his offense unpredictable.
Still, Mordo had years of combat experience. As fast and skilled as Henry was, he eventually began to fall behind—not for lack of power, but because he simply hadn't faced enough live opponents.
A low sweep of energy knocked Henry off his feet. He hit the ground and rolled back onto his knees, panting. Mordo stood above him, his own energy shield glowing at his side.
"You're strong," Mordo said, offering a hand. "But more importantly, you're focused. You weren't reckless, even when I escalated."
Henry took the offered hand and stood. "You didn't hold back at the end."
"No," Mordo said, a faint smile returning. "I wanted to see how much more potential you had. And honestly? You've exceeded my expectations."
The crowd that had gathered broke into scattered applause.
Henry gave a modest bow.
"Well," Mordo said, brushing off his robes, "I think I believe you now."
"Believe what?" Henry asked.
"That you really did master everything in that book."
From a shadowed corridor near the temple entrance, the Ancient One watched the exchange unfold with a faint smile.
She didn't speak. She didn't need to.
The boy had already answered her unspoken question.
___________________________________
Get membership in patreon to read more chapters
Extra chapters available in patreon
patreon.com/Dragonscribe31