NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: CH 11
Here's the
Zod's Breakthrough & the Dark Conspiracy
Although Zod had yet to unlock the full mystery behind the Phantom Drive Core, over half a year of research had finally led him to some crucial insights.
At such a critical moment, even the allure of system rewards wasn't enough to pull him away from his studies.
However, to optimize his efficiency while moving between Nabu's sanctum, the library, and his quarters, Zod attempted to create spatial markers at each location. These magical imprints—glowing with an eerie purple insignia resembling a Kryptonian rune—were perfectly in line with his House of Zod legacy.
While the distances between these locations weren't too vast, for someone with zero proficiency in his newly-developed Phantom Step, this served as the perfect test.
Unexpected Reactions in Kamar-Taj
In the following days, Zod's sudden spatial jumps startled many of the mystics at Kamar-Taj. Even Nabu, the Supreme Sorcerer, was caught off guard when Zod materialized abruptly before him.
For the first time in a long while, the composed Lord of Order gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Was that deliberate or an accident?" Nabu asked, his golden Helm of Fate tilting slightly in annoyance.
Zod, maintaining his most innocent expression, responded immediately:
"An accident! I swear! I just created this magic and haven't mastered it yet! I would never do something like that on purpose."
Hearing this, Nabu's frustration momentarily faded—only to be replaced by pure shock.
"Wait… You created a new spell?" Nabu grabbed Zod's arm, his voice filled with an uncharacteristic urgency. "And you're telling me it's a spatial spell?!"
His reaction wasn't unwarranted.
Kamar-Taj had existed for thousands of years, accumulating vast magical knowledge. Yet, no mage in its long history had ever created an entirely new spell. Even Nabu himself, a sorcerer with knowledge spanning millennia, still relied on magic handed down by the Lords of Order.
If Zod had truly developed a new form of space magic, it would be a historic moment.
Zod smirked, crossing his arms.
"Well, Master, I have to credit you for the idea. This was an unexpected breakthrough from my research into the Phantom Drive Core."
He then added with a grin, "Actually, I was aiming to create an infinite energy source. Ambitious, right?"
"An infinite energy source?" Nabu raised an eyebrow skeptically.
"I told everyone, I wanted to develop limitless power!" Zod declared dramatically, pacing around. "The mages at the library were thrilled! The kitchen staff was cheering for me! I was destined to—"
Nabu sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose beneath his helm.
"Enough with the nonsense, Zod. Explain this spatial magic in detail."
"Oh, of course, Master! Allow me to elaborate…"
As Zod launched into an explanation of his Phantom Step, a far more sinister event was unfolding elsewhere in Kamar-Taj.
A Dark Conspiracy Unfolds…
Deep within a shadowed chamber of Kamar-Taj, a rogue sorcerer was performing an unholy ritual.
Chanting in a distorted voice, he inscribed a dark sigil upon the floor, its jagged lines pulsating with malignant energy.
"I summon you, Lord of Darkness… Hear my call, and reveal your presence to me."
As the ritual circle activated, thick black mist began to swirl in the air. A massive, ominous face materialized within the shadows—a presence so powerful it made the sorcerer tremble.
Even through the veil of darkness, the entity's glowing red eyes were visible, radiating a terrifying aura.
"Why do you summon me, mortal?" came the deep, gravelly voice.
The sorcerer immediately fell to his knees, bowing before the figure in reverence and fear.
"Great Lord Trigon," he whispered, "I have discovered a way to fulfill your long-held ambition."
Trigon's Temptation
This was exactly why Nabu strictly restricted access to black magic texts. Not every mage had the strength of will to resist corruption.
And this one had already fallen.
Trigon, the ruler of the Underworld, one of the most feared beings in the DC Universe, had successfully planted his influence in Kamar-Taj.
"Oh?" Trigon rumbled, his voice filled with curiosity. "You claim to have found a way for me to enter your dimension without being stopped by that wretched Lord of Order?"
"Yes, my lord!" the sorcerer said eagerly, his voice shaking with anticipation.
"Then speak, mortal. If your plan succeeds, I shall grant you freedom from death itself… an eternal existence."
The sorcerer took a deep breath before revealing his treacherous plot.
"Recently, a new arrival came to Kamar-Taj—a young Kryptonian, adopted by Jor-El."
"Go on," Trigon commanded.
"Knowing his heritage, an idea struck me immediately. If we capture him, we can use him as leverage against Kamar-Taj's defenses."
The sorcerer grinned wickedly.
"If Nabu values the boy, he might be forced to lower the barriers of Kamar-Taj to negotiate his release. And if he refuses… well, then the boy is worthless."
"If we kill him, Jor-El will hold Nabu responsible. The Kryptonians may even declare war on Kamar-Taj."
"With Kamar-Taj weakened, the barriers protecting Earth will begin to falter. I will then be able to destroy the sanctuaries in their moment of weakness."
"And without the protection of the Three Sanctuaries, you, Lord Trigon, will have a clear path to this dimension."
Trigon's Approval
A deep, rumbling laughter filled the chamber.
"HAHAHAHA… Truly a magnificent plan!"
The air vibrated with dark energy as Trigon's presence expanded, his form looming over the sorcerer.
"At long last, my conquest of Earth is within reach!"
His eyes burned with infernal fire.
"Proceed with your mission. I shall grant you the power to ensnare the Kryptonian."
The sorcerer trembled as dark tendrils of energy wrapped around his body, infusing him with forbidden power.
"Thank you, my lord!" he gasped. "I swear, I will bring you Dru-Zod."
As the ritual circle faded, the sorcerer rose, his eyes now glowing with Trigon's unholy influence.
The trap was set.
And Zod had no idea what was coming.