In the darkness, a few rays of light began to filter through, piercing the dense vines and shining through the barriers of tangled growth, casting a faint illumination within.
Outside, the sun had just begun to rise.
Yet the weather remained turbulent. In the distance, thunder rumbled, tornadoes churned, and wild sand swept through the air.
In this dimly lit environment, Bardi stood like a giant. His muscles were thick and knotted, resembling the roots of an ancient tree, and his towering shadow loomed over Raven and Zatara, leaving them momentarily stunned.
Bardi's mind stirred, and his broad palm, large enough to resemble a palm-leaf fan—moved slightly, his index finger twitching as he channeled the magic power surging within his body.
This sensation was completely different from his Kryptonian physiology. When a Kryptonian releases heat vision, solar energy courses through the body, activated by the vibrations of their cells. This energy integrates into the bloodstream, forming a simple, genetically pre-programmed energy channel. As a result, Kryptonian energy attacks are straightforward, focusing primarily on enhancing muscle strength rather than intricate energy manipulation.
However, in this new magical body, his power was no longer limited to physical enhancements. Instead, his mental will stimulated the latent energy within his cells, gathering it into magic power. This energy could flow freely throughout his body, capable of erupting from any pore. Moreover, it allowed for the casting of various mysterious and unpredictable spells, expanding his abilities beyond the rigid framework of Kryptonian physiology.
It was as if his very genetic structure had been rewritten into an active logistics hub for magic.
Bardi could feel it—the moment he mobilized his magic, he sensed an unprecedented connection to the universe itself. His abilities had diversified, granting him control over countless mystical forces.
He moved his thick index finger slightly, and a ring of dark magical energy formed at his fingertip.
With a sharp whoosh, the energy ray sliced through the air, striking the discolored ground. The impact sent small clumps of dirt scattering, leaving behind a tiny hole, from which wisps of black smoke curled upward.
The hole was not large, about as wide as Bardi's finger, which was roughly the thickness of an adult's five fingers combined and around six or seven centimeters deep.
This was nothing more than a simple magic ray. A basic attack with no complex structure or advanced technique.
"Incredible."
Bardi's eyes gleamed with fascination as he examined the residual energy of the spell. The sensation of wielding magic, the stark contrast between this power and his Kryptonian abilities—it was all astonishing.
Even before acquiring magic power, Bardi had already possessed a vast understanding of magical principles. He had been capable of deciphering spell structures and even modifying some of Zatara's secret techniques. Now, with magic flowing through him, his potential had multiplied.
At this moment, he could rightfully be called a true master of magic.
However, his physical form imposed certain limitations on the types of magic he could master.
Clearly, given the sheer presence of this body.
He was a melee magician.
His natural talents leaned heavily toward strengthening his physique, reinforcing his body, enhancing superhuman strength, endurance, agility, vision, and hearing. His magic revolved around bodily transformations and reinforcement spells, further amplifying his already formidable presence.
Moreover, due to the unique nature of his soul, he possessed an innate resistance to mind-based magic. Few sorcerers could harm him with mental spells, and he was naturally immune to spiritual attacks, soul manipulations, curses, and various secret arts and witchcraft.
However, he found it difficult to control elemental magic, plant magic, spatial manipulation, probability-altering spells, time-space travel, and other high-level quantum-based magics.
For ordinary magicians, controlling elements like wind, fire, water, and earth came naturally. Those with an affinity for magic bloodlines could exert tenfold power using minimal energy. But if Bardi wanted to use such spells, he would have to spend an immense amount of magic energy for relatively weak effects.
In short, he had zero talent for space magic, probability manipulation, and time-traveling spells—powers that required specialized magical bloodlines and could not be forced through brute strength alone.
"Bardi… do you mind this body?"
Raven hesitated before speaking, her tone cautious.
After all, it was because of her that Bardi had ended up like this. Though she found his new form incredibly appealing, so much so that she couldn't stop admiring him—he was undeniably different from his previously towering and majestic Kryptonian physique.
What if Bardi resented this transformation? What if he was angry with her?
She shrank her neck slightly, recalling past moments when Bardi had smacked her on the head. If he decided to do so now, he might not even need to use much force—he could flatten her into the ground with a single tap.
After seventy years of mishaps and reckless choices, Raven had learned to be cautious.
"Why would I mind? I love it. Thank you, Raven!"
Bardi grinned, his neat white teeth flashing. Despite his enormous muscular frame, his expression was oddly childlike—bright, cheerful, yet undeniably powerful.
Zatara felt his skin crawl.
Fear.
Absolute terror.
The most fearsome melee magician on Earth… smiling like that?
When Bardi bared his teeth, it wasn't just a friendly smile, it looked like he was about to devour someone alive.
Zatara simply couldn't comprehend Bardi's aesthetic preferences.
Hearing that Bardi didn't mind his new form, Raven let out a breath of relief. She straightened up, her eyes shining, and without hesitation, loudly declared, "Bardi, you're even more handsome now!"
Her expression brimmed with admiration and joy as she gazed at Bardi. She had played a role in shaping his new body, and she felt a deep sense of pride and satisfaction.
Over the past seventy years, Raven had changed. No longer the gloomy, emotionally repressed girl she once was, she had become a bright presence in Bardi's life.
Unknowingly, Raven had softened many of Bardi's past scars, making his once-cold heart feel less lonely.
To her, Bardi's current form was perfect.
It wasn't mere flattery—she genuinely believed his muscles and physical power exuded an overwhelming sense of beauty.
After all, the aesthetic preferences of a half-demon differed greatly from that of ordinary humans.
Zatara nearly choked. Lies!
How the hell do you see this as "handsome"?!
If Bardi weren't standing right there, and if Zatara weren't afraid of getting crushed, he would have bluntly told Raven that her taste had been utterly corrupted by demonic influence.
Girl, you're beyond saving!
At least, from Zatara's perspective, all he saw in Bardi was the embodiment of horror—an overwhelming, primal terror that would make ordinary people tremble.
Watching Raven and Bardi compliment each other's taste left Zatara utterly speechless. His face twitched slightly.
These two are not normal.
He couldn't even look at them anymore.
That was, until Raven finally asked something sensible.
"Bardi, do you have any innate magical talent?"
Raven had long since confirmed that Bardi's injuries were minimal. Now, her curiosity shifted toward his magical potential.
Innate magic referred to abilities that naturally emerged from a person's magical bloodline. Only those with exceptionally powerful lineages developed such abilities.
"I do."
Bardi nodded after a moment's thought. He could feel it—it was something as natural as sight or hearing, something written into his very genetic code.
Zatara's expression changed. He took a deep breath.
Innate magic?
This is incredible!
On Earth, even top-tier magicians rarely possessed innate magic. Such a bloodline hadn't surfaced in hundreds of years.
Bardi was a once-in-a-century magical genius.
And from the looks of it…
He was the strongest melee magician in history.
(To be continued.)
***
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