American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

Magic is a phenomenon that defies both matter and science. It is the source of all inexplicable energy. Likewise, it has no clear classification but always brings about corresponding consequences.

These were principles that Alex was already well-versed in, but even now, he still couldn't figure out why the Darkhold appeared blank before him, resembling nothing more than a picture book. No one would associate this thing with the legendary Darkhold.

"If you mean the Darkhold left behind by ancient demonic gods, the source of black magic, then don't worry. What you're holding is indeed the real thing."

Miss Minutes tilted her head and responded. She didn't understand what magic was, but that didn't stop her from comparing the records from different universes.

From her perspective, the Darkhold existed in various 'copies' across countless multiverses. As long as these items shared the same origin and stored corresponding energy, it was considered 'authentic.'

At least, in this universe.

"That's odd. If it's genuine, why does it appear like this in my hands? I've checked it using all sorts of magic, including telepathy and abstract projection, and it shows no differences from an ordinary book."

Alex rubbed his temples. After studying the Darkhold for so long, his initial excitement had gradually turned into disappointment. If the Darkhold couldn't provide him with powerful magic, then it would be utterly meaningless.

"Maybe we should try burning it. Many magical artifacts require specific environments to be activated. The Darkhold might have its own activation method."

"Great idea," Alex replied with sarcasm. "Last time you suggested soaking the Darkhold in water, I had to leave it out to dry for an entire afternoon, and it's still water-stained and wrinkled from that."

Alex shook his head in exasperation, smiling bitterly. "I have no doubt that this thing would turn to ashes with just a single flame because there's no residual magic on it whatsoever!"

"You know what this reminds me of?"

"You got blocked by another dimensional lord?"

Alex's expression froze.

Then, he sighed and reluctantly nodded. "Well… you're not wrong, but I think you could phrase it as 'another magic has lost its power before me.' At least that makes me sound more mysterious and powerful."

"Forgive my rudeness, my lord. I didn't mean to bring up sad memories."

Miss Minutes hopped onto the bed, crossing her arms in an awkward stance.

"It's just that the records in the Timepad about magic are incomplete. I can only barely piece together some fragments and ancient backups concerning the 'laws of magic,' since you already know, the universe we recorded doesn't possess magic."

"I understand. That's why I'm even more confused about what magic means to me. Previously, when communicating with the border of Hell in the last universe, a similar thing happened."

Alex recalled his time with the Dracula fragment, John, and his conversations with Mephisto.

"Mephisto didn't even know who I was. I had never previously contacted the Hell border, yet the hell dimensions instinctively rejected me. They wouldn't even open their doors to me. Even the Eye of Agamotto and its servants failed to descend due to my presence!

Do you know what this means, Miss? I feel like there's a force inside me, but I don't know where it comes from. It could be information, a mark, or an identification, and this thing makes anything magical instinctively reject me."

"According to the records, magic is widespread across the multiverse. But in reality, nearly one-fifth of all worlds lack this mysterious power. And in the worlds where magic exists, spells, gestures, and sacrifices are the foundations of magic."

Miss Minutes approached Alex, patting his arm as she continued.

"If there's an energy that looks like magic, feels like magic, and you call it magic, then there's no doubt—it is magic."

"I believe that if you had some kind of 'anti-magic' body, you would have never been able to access magic in your life."

"But right now, aren't you still using 'magic' as your main power?"

Hmm...

That made sense.

Alex raised his palm, feeling the flow of magical energy inside his body. Gradually, the power gathered in his palm, forming small bursts of fireworks.

"You're right. If I can use magic, then my body rejecting magic isn't the issue. But this still doesn't explain why these dimensions reject me, even though I can receive power from them."

"No, you haven't."

Miss Minutes raised a finger, shaking it before continuing in a serious tone.

"Technically speaking, the two great powers you absorbed didn't come from the Hell border. Remember the demon soul fragment lodged in your body? The power you gained at that time came entirely from the demonic energy of two different hell dimensions."

"You mean to say…"

Alex felt a bit of clarity dawning on him. "From the start, I've never been able to tap into those dimensions. My magic only comes from my own cultivation or from siphoning it off other beings?"

"That's right. Aside from using the Timepad to convert the energy of recorded universes, all the power you use comes from your own cultivation or from what you've devoured."

Suddenly, everything clicked for Alex.

"You're right. My magic comes from myself. Only what I personally cultivate or steal from others can be used by me. This also explains why the 'magical artifacts' I come into contact with turn into ordinary objects."

Alex stopped the fireworks in his palm, clenched his fist, and smiled, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders.

"Because I don't belong to the 'Marvel Universe.' That's the root of everything. The source of magic in these universes can't define my existence, so they reject me. But they can't stop me from using these mystical forces."

Seeing Alex's spirits lift, Miss Minutes smiled too.

From her perspective, Alex was surrounded by countless dark and murky things, flickering like static on a TV screen, flowing everywhere around him.

Miss Minutes didn't know what these things were, but she could sense the overwhelming fear and oppression emanating from them.

She didn't know their name before.

But now she did.

Because Alex had told her the name of this force—magic.

So, it was magic.

...............

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