NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: CH 6
The Subjugation of Warworld
From the system's task description, it was clear that the word "super" in quotation marks was used to emphasize just how insurmountable this mission would be.
To reclaim Warworld and dethrone Mongul, Dru-Zod would have to face the Warlord in a battle to the death, even as his Cryogenic Force Manipulation would be significantly weakened against Mongul's advanced weapons and Warworld's defenses.
Defeating Mongul was only the first step, however. To truly rule Warworld, Zod needed to command its countless inhabitants, a task that required more than brute strength.
What's more, after Krypton's peace treaties with its rival colonies—brokered by Jor-El—any attempt by Zod to seize Warworld would violate the terms of the pact. Jor-El would undoubtedly intervene, possibly even wielding the mighty Phantom Drive Core to stop him.
With the mission's completion so far out of reach, Zod turned his attention to Kamar-Taj, Earth's mysterious sanctum of magic, hoping to break through his power bottleneck.
But before Zod could act on this plan, the "victim" of his plot preemptively came for him.
The Mirror Dimension Encounter
By the time Zod realized what was happening, his entire body had been dragged into the Mirror Dimension, an alternate plane created by the Sorcerers of Kamar-Taj.
For the first time in years, Zod felt a flicker of fear. He had no knowledge of spatial manipulation magic, let alone the Mirror Dimension. If his captor decided to trap him here permanently, his only hope would be for Jor-El or Kal-El to come to his rescue.
His nerves tightened further as a chilling thought crossed his mind: Did they spy on me using the Eye of Chronos? The Eye of Chronos, which contained the Time Stone, was one of the most powerful relics in the DC Universe. What if the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj had seen Zod's plans to infiltrate their library?
"If I make it out of here," Zod thought, gritting his teeth, "I need to commission a Kryptonian artifact capable of manipulating space from the vaults of Krypton."
As Zod's mind raced, the system chimed in with a new notification.
The System's New Challenge
[Ding!]
[It has been detected that the host is facing a major crisis. A side quest has been issued to ensure your survival.]
[Side Quest 1: Escape the Mirror Dimension using your ingenuity and convince the Supreme Sorcerer to allow you access to Kamar-Taj's magical library. A "special" reward will be granted upon successful completion.]
Zod's expression darkened.
"Use my ingenuity to escape? This system is useless! If I had the means to escape, I wouldn't be in this situation to begin with!"
What's worse, the system was asking him to negotiate with the Supreme Sorcerer and request access to Kamar-Taj's archives. This was practically suicide.
Still… the promise of a "special" reward gnawed at Zod's resolve.
"What if I succeed?" he thought. "If the sorcerer is willing to listen… maybe there's a chance."
"And if I fail," Zod added grimly, "I'll just rot in this Mirror Dimension. Either way, I have to try."
Meeting the Supreme Sorcerer
As these thoughts flashed through Zod's mind, a spark flared in the Mirror Dimension. An elderly figure, clad in a golden robe and wearing an amulet glowing faintly green, stepped into view.
Zod immediately recognized the figure as Nabu, the Supreme Sorcerer of Kamar-Taj. The Eye of Chronos hung from a chain around his neck, confirming his identity.
With no other options, Zod bowed slightly and spoke, his voice calm but firm: "I am Dru-Zod of Krypton, adopted by the House of El. I greet the Supreme Sorcerer of Kamar-Taj."
Now that his presence was known, Zod decided to use diplomacy to his advantage. By stating his origin and connection to Jor-El, he hoped to instill some fear or respect in the sorcerer.
But Nabu's first words left Zod stunned.
"I know who you are, Zod," Nabu said with a serene expression. "In fact, I am here on behalf of your father, Jor-El."
Jor-El's Intervention
As Nabu explained, Jor-El had noticed Zod's frustration over his stagnant growth and suspected his adoptive son's desire to seek power beyond Krypton's teachings. Concerned that Zod might take a more dangerous path, Jor-El approached Nabu and offered three Kryptonian relics in exchange for Zod's opportunity to study at Kamar-Taj.
Moved by Jor-El's sincerity, Nabu agreed to the arrangement and had come to Sardinia to inform Zod of the agreement.
However, to avoid causing a public spectacle, Nabu had pulled Zod into the Mirror Dimension.
Hearing this, Zod was overwhelmed with a mixture of emotions. He had always seen Jor-El as a stern and distant figure, but now he realized how deeply his adoptive father cared for him.
And, of course, he was elated at the opportunity to study under Nabu's guidance.
A Final Request
Before leaving the Mirror Dimension, Zod took a deep breath and made a bold request:
"Supreme Sorcerer Nabu, I have one more request. May I have access to Kamar-Taj's library? I wish to study the archives to further my understanding of magic."
Nabu regarded Zod thoughtfully before smiling. "That will not be a problem. Kamar-Taj's library is open to all seekers of knowledge, though some tomes are restricted. With time and patience, you may study them under guidance."
As Nabu spoke, the system chimed once more:
[Ding!]
[Mission accomplished! "Special" reward has been issued. This system will shut down temporarily. Check your reward at your convenience.]
Zod couldn't help but smirk as the Mirror Dimension dissolved around him, leaving him back on the Sardinian coast.
Zod's New Path
With newfound respect for Jor-El and excitement for his studies at Kamar-Taj, Zod felt invigorated. Though his ultimate mission to subjugate Warworld loomed in the distance, he now had the tools to grow stronger and prepare for the challenges ahead.
He poured himself one last icy drink and raised his glass to the setting sun. "To my future," he muttered, a sly grin spreading across his face.