According to the agreement between the Ancient One and Merlin, the latter was to take Solomon on a journey to the N'Garai dimension. There, the seal personally placed by the Earth Mother, as well as the majority of the Merlin Sorcerer Order, remained intact. Even for a Kamar-Taj magus, this was a rare learning opportunity. Though under the Supreme Sorcerer's watchful eye, Merlin had indeed behaved himself much more than usual, the half-blood Nightmare was always eager to stir up new mischief.
He refused to take the safe route through Kamar-Taj's cosmic portals, which would have led to a secure location before transitioning to N'Garai. Instead, he had a wild idea—to traverse the physical universe and reach a weak point between the Material Realm and the Astral Plane, using it as a direct gateway to N'Garai. No amount of the Ancient One's punches could dissuade Merlin from his absurd plan.
Moreover, he insisted on bringing along the heir to the Merlinian school—the same poor soul he had once gotten so drunk that he ended up in the hospital. This time, the young man was to be introduced to the Merlin Sorcerer Order.
Thus, both Solomon and Dave took an extended leave from their respective schools. Though alchemical potions had somewhat restored Dave's complexion, the aftereffects of a severe hangover could linger for days. He looked pale, his lips were dry and cracked—he was in desperate need of rest.
Merlin had summoned them urgently, but he still allowed Dave some time to say his goodbyes to friends and family.
"Isn't this just a short trip?" Dave asked in confusion. "Kamar-Taj has cosmic portals, doesn't it?"
Balthazar hesitated before finally revealing the truth with Veronica's help.
"You're going for training, kid," he said. "You're heading to the dimension where the Great Shadow is imprisoned—to help maintain the seal that the Earth Mother, Gaea, placed there. The Merlin Sorcerer Order operates there, and you will stay to learn. Merlin himself will be your teacher. He'll teach you more than I ever could. You're meant to become the High Priest of the Merlinian Order."
"For how long?" Dave glanced at Balthazar, a sense of foreboding creeping over him.
"The Astral Plane is chaotic when it comes to time," the Ancient One said gravely. "Especially as you will be passing through many outer dimensions—your perception of time will differ from that of the real world. You've already experienced this effect in Hell."
She paused before adding, "If Merlin causes trouble, do not hesitate to use the Holy Sword against him. Protect Dave—he is your sword-bearer. That is tradition."
Solomon patted the enamel-gilded scabbard hanging at his waist, swearing his oath to the Ancient One. This so-called 'Holy Sword' was actually a star-killing weapon, stored alongside nearly every magic scroll he had ever transcribed that might come in handy—capable of handling everything from keeping tea warm to fending off cosmic horrors. When it came to running for his life, Solomon prided himself on being second to none.
The Ancient One also instructed Solomon not to show too much respect to Merlin, lest the Nightmare half-blood take advantage and cause even greater trouble.
Then, she took out the Eye of Agamotto and cast a spell using the Time Stone, placing an additional enchantment on Solomon's hand. He quickly discerned its purpose—it would create a localized temporal bubble, resetting time within a limited area. Scientifically speaking, it induced a 'drag effect,' ensuring that his mass-energy distribution remained dynamically balanced with the point of the spell's activation.
In simpler terms, this spell would eventually drag him back to the present and synchronize his time with the real world.
"Time is the cruelest blade," the Ancient One warned.
"This journey will be brutal for you young ones. You may experience centuries in there, while only minutes pass in the Material Realm—or it could be the other way around. The only protection I can offer is this enchantment from the Time Stone, safeguarding both you and Dave."
"I had considered going in your place," she added, looking at Dave with a hint of regret. "But my teacher believes your potential surpasses mine. I'm sorry, Dave…"
"OMG! OMG!" Dave clutched his head in horror.
"You're telling me that by the time I come back, everyone I know might be dead? Even Becky?!"
"Not necessarily," Balthazar interjected with a shrug. "We can ask the Supreme Sorcerer for help. The Eye of Agamotto can solve your problem, I promise. Hey, listen! Solomon will be with you—he won't let anything happen to you! But if he is in danger, Dave, you must lay down your life to save him! That is the duty of a sword-bearer! I know it sounds harsh, but you must do this!"
"Balthazar!"
Veronica stepped protectively in front of Dave.
The young sorcerer was too stunned by the harsh truth to notice the fury on her face. She still wasn't used to modern clothing, continuing to wear her elaborate witch's gown.
"Do you want to see history repeat itself with your apprentice?" she demanded. "Is that what you want? Damn that Merlin! His tricks have tormented you for a thousand years! Why do you still listen to him?!"
"I don't want this either, Veronica!" Balthazar's face twisted in anguish.
"But he must do this! He is the sword-bearer! We must protect this universe! We must protect humanity! Each of us must make sacrifices!"
"Camelot is gone! Arthur and his kingdom are long dead!"
"But our king remains, Veronica."
Balthazar took a deep breath, regaining his resolve.
"The Merlinian Order will always serve the throne—just as you and I do. Just as Dave must. I am dying, Veronica. Dave must take up the mantle and carry on what we once did. Whether it be Morgan le Fay, Dormammu, the Great Shadow, or the Nightmare—Dave must have the courage to stand against them.
"Solomon Damonet has that courage. We all do.
"And Dave must as well.
"He must be willing to sacrifice himself—without hesitation—for humanity's future!"
"I…"
Dave hesitated, trembling as he stepped out from behind Veronica.
He took a deep breath.
"I will do it. I… I need time to say goodbye to Becky!"
A sudden surge of courage filled his chest—only to deflate moments later like a leaking balloon.
"Shit! What the hell am I saying?! Oh my God, what am I even talking about?!"
"I knew you had it in you, Dave!"
Balthazar clapped his apprentice on the shoulder, his emotions a tangled mess of joy and sorrow.
Tears welled up in his eyes as his conflicting feelings churned inside him like bubbling lava.
"The Supreme Sorcerer and I will do everything we can to mitigate the time discrepancy for you," he promised. "Don't worry—with her watching over things, Merlin's pranks won't go too far! Just tell Becky you're going on a work trip!
"Veronica, what do you think about inviting Becky over for dinner?"
"I refuse to deceive a young girl," Veronica huffed.
"You do it yourself."
She wanted no part in the Merlinian Order's twisted traditions. She had no desire to see another apprentice dragged into the chaos—or to face Merlin again.
She simply wanted a peaceful life, even if it meant losing all her magic.
She had already made sacrifices.
That was enough.
"Alright, alright… Dave, wipe your tears. This is the fate of spellcasters."
Balthazar's voice softened.
"Magic is never given freely.
"You always have to pay a price.
"Sometimes it's your life.
"Sometimes it's love.
"Sometimes… it's time.
"And it could be anything."
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