Khamir Dal looked around at his stunned old friends and happily took another sip of wine. After a while, however, his mood turned solemn. He had only worked with Zhao Yu for a few days, and yet his own Magic reserves were nearly exhausted.
Don't be fooled by Kamar-Taj's reputation as a sanctum of Magic—that distinction belongs to the Supreme Sorcerers, who wield extraordinary power. Ordinary Sorcerers master only a handful of spells: Portal, Magic Shield, and basic energy manipulation. Beyond that, there isn't much more. Compared to Magicians, they are more like Magic-armed warriors. To them, Magic is simply a weapon in a fighter's hand, capable of great power—but how many variations can a single weapon have? Mastery lies in application, and that takes time.
It was with a heavy heart that Khamir Dal realized he had nothing more to teach. The bittersweet truth made the wine turn oddly bitter on his tongue.
After spending only a short time together, the group of Sorcerers dispersed. Khamir Dal remained weighed down by his thoughts as he sought out Grand Sorcerer Wang.
At that moment, Wang was listening to music and reading a book on Magic. Though a Sorcerer, he was no cave dweller—he enjoyed Beyoncé's songs. Feeling Khamir Dal enter, he removed his headphones.
"Khamir Dal, what brings you here?" Wang asked expressionlessly, gesturing for him to sit.
"Grand Sorcerer," Khamir Dal began with careful deliberation, "I have given this a great deal of thought. I believe it's time for Zhao Yu to study under you."
"Why?" Wang asked, his face still unreadable. "Khamir Dal, you are the finest instructor we have. Why give up such a promising student?"
In Kamar-Taj, the bond between teacher and apprentice was exceptionally close—though not as binding as the ancient "once a teacher, always a father" ideal, it was far more than a mere academic relationship. Apprentices rarely changed instructors.
Hearing this, Khamir Dal's expression grew regretful. "Precisely because of that, Grand Sorcerer. Zhao Yu is a genius. Keeping him with me will only hold him back. My knowledge is sufficient for ordinary students, but for a prodigy like him, it falls entirely short."
Wang's expression remained calm, but inside he was moved. He knew how difficult this decision had been for Khamir Dal—and he himself wasn't certain he could handle such a talent! The title Grand Sorcerer spoke to strength of spirit and combat prowess, not necessarily to the depth of every spell. Wang, too, wondered how long his own repertoire could satisfy Zhao Yu's potential.
Nonetheless, having made his choice, Khamir Dal could not be refused. "Very well, Khamir Dal," Wang said at last, "let him come to me."
Relief flickered across Khamir Dal's face. "Thank you, Grand Sorcerer. I will pass on all I can to him before sending him to you. Truly, I can no longer teach this student."
As a teacher, nothing mattered more than a good student, and letting Zhao Yu go weighed heavily on Khamir Dal's heart—yet he knew it was the responsible choice for his pupil's future.
"Rest assured, Master Khamir Dal," Wang replied gravely, and after a brief further discussion, Khamir Dal bowed and left.
He returned to his quarters and summoned Zhao Yu. In moments, Zhao Yu stood before him.
"Master Khamir Dal, you wished to see me?" Zhao Yu asked.
"That's right," Khamir Dal nodded, pouring him a cup of tea. "Zhao Yu, although you have only trained with me for a few days, I know you are a fine young man. Unfortunately, you can no longer continue your studies under me."
"Why is that, Master? Have I done something wrong?" Zhao Yu asked anxiously. He had grown fond of the old man—Khamir Dal was conscientious and had even provided a personal buff to accelerate Zhao Yu's Magic cultivation. He did not want to leave.
"No, you've done nothing wrong," Khamir Dal said, his gaze tinged with complexity. "On the contrary, you've done far too well. I cannot teach someone of your caliber. Each time I instruct you, I feel like a failure myself—and that serves neither of us well. I'm too old to endure such blows to my pride."
He sighed. "Our duty at Kamar-Taj is vital. We are not a mere paradise for mages; we train Sorcerers to defend Earth. You have already mastered the basics of Magic. Now it's time to begin combat training—something I do not excel at. You should seek a new instructor."
Zhao Yu's eyes lit up with respect. Kamar-Taj was more a military order than a school. Its graduates were, first and foremost, warriors. Even Doctor Strange, before mastering his powers, underwent combat drills under Mordo. Magic was only one facet of their training.
"I understand," Zhao Yu said with a hint of disappointment. "Master, I had hoped to continue learning Magic from you a while longer."
Khamir Dal was at once pleased and saddened. He was proud to have such a gifted student, yet pained that he could no longer provide guidance—and that this might wound Zhao Yu's spirit. After a moment, he smiled.
"Zhao Yu, don't be disheartened. Every trainee must eventually find a combat mentor. You cannot stay with us forever."
"With whom will I train next, Master?" Zhao Yu asked, eager to know his next teacher—and fervently hoping it would not be that traitor Casillas, lest he become embroiled in trouble again.
"Rest easy," Khamir Dal replied. "Your next instructor is Master Wang—the greatest of our Grand Sorcerers. He and you hail from the same homeland; he will look after you."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yu breathed a sigh of relief.
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