Chapter 114: The Dark Dimension

After a month of diligent study, Arthur finally succeeded in communicating with the energy of the multiverse.

Closing his eyes and calming his mind, Arthur entered a meditative state. He practiced the incantations from the Camustro Grimoire, attempting to connect with the multiversal energy.

Suddenly, his consciousness was transported into the vast expanse of the cosmos. Surrounded by countless stars and streaking meteors, Arthur knew he had succeeded.

He found himself in an unfamiliar universe. The energy here was subtly different from that of his original universe, a sensation he could scarcely describe.

Arthur’s awareness drifted through the infinite cosmos, watching planets glide past. A profound loneliness and desolation settled over him.

He sensed various energies emanating from the universe and tried to communicate with them, recording the coordinates of this realm.

Then, a massive, black energy surged toward his consciousness—he immediately recognized it as the power of the Dark Dimension.

The dark energy entwined around him like countless hands pulling his body, dragging him into the shadowy realm.

Arthur struggled fiercely but could not break free. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as the dark force pulled him deeper into the Dark Dimension.

He saw one planet after another consumed by darkness. Suddenly, a colossal face appeared before him.

This terrifying visage was larger than a planet itself. To Arthur, it was the size of a mere cell. Composed of countless dark energies, the face was surreal and indistinct. This was Dormammu, lord of the Dark Dimension.

Dormammu’s enormous eyes locked onto Arthur, sending chills down his spine. Cold sweat poured from him as an icy fear engulfed his entire being.

He was doomed! If this dark energy corrupted him, would he become a disciple of Dormammu like Cassilius?

Arthur calmed himself instantly. He hadn’t truly seen Dormammu—he had only connected with the energy of the Dark Dimension. He must not let the darkness cloud his mind.

Yellow energy flared around him as he activated the Mind Stone. Instantly, he regained control of his consciousness and broke free from the dark energy’s grasp.

Suddenly, Arthur jolted upright from his bed. He had finally awakened from meditation, his mind returning to his body.

Panting heavily, drenched in sweat, Arthur sat on the edge of his bed, wide awake.

He changed into clean clothes after a shower, then stepped outside.

It was already midnight. The mages of Kamar-Taj were deep in meditation, and the grounds were silent and deserted.

Arthur settled into a pavilion, gazing absentmindedly at the distant Himalayas.

Suddenly, he felt a presence beside him. Turning, he saw Wanda.

“What are you doing here? Not asleep yet?” Arthur asked.

Wanda sat down next to him, resting her head on his shoulder. In a soft voice, she said, “I heard noises from your room during meditation, so I came out to check. I saw you walking alone this way and followed to see if you were alright.”

“Sorry to disturb you. I just couldn’t sleep and needed to walk,” Arthur replied, choosing not to mention his encounter with Dormammu to avoid worrying her.

“It’s okay. I love stargazing with you—it’s so beautiful,” Wanda said, looking toward the Himalayas and the star-filled sky.

“Yes, it really is,” Arthur agreed, wrapping his arm around her waist. Wanda nestled closer, and together they sat quietly, watching the distant scenery.

***

The next morning, Arthur arrived early at the Ancient One’s chamber with the Camustro Grimoire in hand. He recounted his experience from the previous night.

The Ancient One was speechless. “Your luck is incredible. To encounter the Dark Dimension energy on your first attempt communicating with multiversal energy—few would be so fortunate.”

“You’ve successfully connected with multiversal energy. Now, you can begin learning how to create cross-universe portals,” the Ancient One said, looking at Arthur.

Excited, Arthur finally had the chance to study portal magic. His month of effort was about to pay off.

“This type of cross-universe portal magic is especially complex and obscure. You won’t understand it merely by using Google Translate on the Sanskrit text of the Sephirothri Grimoire,” the Ancient One warned.

“Please, teach me, Supreme Sorcerer,” Arthur bowed respectfully.

The Ancient One took the Camustro Grimoire from Arthur and produced another book: the Sephirothri Grimoire of Spatial Magic, also known as the Tome of Spatial Sorcery.

Under the Ancient One’s guidance, Arthur slowly began to grasp the esoteric principles of portal magic.

Thus, Arthur’s studies resumed. He spent two hours daily learning from the Ancient One and the rest of his time researching on his own.

Meanwhile, Wanda had progressed enough to study the Chaos Codex independently. The apprentices at Kamar-Taj envied Arthur and Wanda’s rapid advancement.

Since arriving at Kamar-Taj, both had earned the Ancient One’s favor. She first taught Wanda Chaos Magic, and now she instructed Arthur in Spatial Magic every day.

Their peers were envious of their talents, but to receive the Ancient One’s tutelage, apprentices had to pass rigorous trials.

Arthur and Wanda’s magical aptitude was extraordinary, learning at a pace akin to supersonic flight. The other apprentices dared not compare themselves to the pair.

***

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Many believed no one could surpass Arthur and Wanda’s speed in mastering magic—until a doctor appeared months later to shake that belief.

After a month, Arthur barely managed to open a magical portal. Under the Ancient One’s watchful eye, he chanted the cumbersome incantation and opened a gateway without using the Mystic Ring.

The Ancient One followed Arthur through the portal, and together they arrived on a bustling city street.

This was... New York? Arthur stared at the distant Stark Tower in confusion. He had opened a cross-universe portal—why had they arrived in New York?

Then realization dawned: this was not his own world. In his universe, Stark Tower had been transformed into the Avengers headquarters.

What era was this universe in? Arthur approached a newsstand and bought a newspaper.

The headline read: “Tony Stark Admits to Being Iron Man at Press Conference!”—an event from 2010.

Arthur and the Ancient One strolled the streets. The Ancient One nodded in approval.

“This multiversal traversal has succeeded. You have grasped the basics of crossing universes. With practice, you will master it fully.”

“Thank you so much, Teacher!” Arthur said gratefully, addressing the Ancient One as his mentor.

“Both you and Wanda possess exceptional talent. If not for Doctor Stephen Strange, either of you could succeed as Supreme Sorcerer,” she said approvingly.

“Doctor Strange should remain Supreme Sorcerer. Of course, we will help him safeguard the Sanctum Sanctorum,” Arthur replied sincerely.

“There’s still much magic knowledge for you to learn. Let’s return,” the Ancient One said.

Arthur nodded and opened another portal. The two returned to Kamar-Taj...

***

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