The New Kamar-Taj (II)

A portal appeared behind Ian, and the sorcerers followed him through. They found themselves in a spacious, dimly lit room.

However, no one paid any attention to their surroundings. Their attention was immediately drawn to the towering gate before them, carved with all manner of symbols and runes. It was beautiful and majestic. None of the sorcerers could tear their eyes away from it.

"What is this?" one sorcerer asked.

"This is the Gate of Truth," Ian said calmly. "I created it for three purposes: to improve your talent for sensing and controlling energy; to strengthen your souls' ability to withstand certain energies; and finally, as the name suggests, to contain knowledge beyond your imagination."

The sorcerers exchanged glances, but before they could start whispering among themselves, Ian pointed at Wong and said, "You first."

"Me?"

"Yes. Put your hand on the gate and close your eyes."

Wong hesitated for less than a second before walking toward the imposing gate. He closed his eyes and did as instructed. A white light enveloped him, startling several of the sorcerers.

Wong opened his eyes and clenched his fists. He felt somehow different, but couldn't put it into simple words. When he closed his eyes, he could sense something in his mind—no, in his soul. Another gate.

"Try a spell you normally need a magical artifact to cast," Ian instructed. Wong thought for a moment, then leaped into the air. Yellow energy took shape beneath his feet, supporting him as he rose higher and higher. He jumped more than ten meters, then slowly descended in the same way.

"Valtor's Jumping Boots," one sorcerer remarked, recognizing the spell Wong had used. When the sorcerers realized Wong had cast such a powerful spell while wearing nothing but ordinary shoes, they grew excited.

"Now it's your