Shadow of the Beautiful World

hum

The light shines, the light and shadow peel off.

Victor von Doom was not sent directly back to the assembly hall in Limbo like other contestants.

When he opened his eyes again, what appeared in front of him was a piece of ruins wrapped in colorful streamers, like the ruins formed after the collapse of an ancient temple, like a pumice stone existing in a changing light curtain.

Does not exist in any world, nor in any dimension.

It is special, and there is a power of peace of mind swaying in it.

It was so special that even a spellcaster like Doom couldn't see through the heels of this place. He could only feel that the power in this place was a more advanced form of power that he hadn't come into contact with yet.

Doom took a few steps forward, as if he was walking on a quiet lake, and every contact with the ground would cause ripples to spread outward.

But it was like an illusion, the ground under his feet was very solid.

Crack, crack, crack

The sound of applause woke Doom up.

The Wizard King turned his head and saw Merlin the Raven walking out of the orange flames.

The moment the two looked at each other, Merlin curled his lips, and he said to Dum:

Don't you, don't know how unappetizing your face is? You should wear a mask.

Doom didn't answer.

He doesn't like to joke very much, he is a very uninteresting guy.

Actually, I've always been curious, can't you repair the wound on your face?

Merlin, who was wearing a suit and windbreaker and a scarf, walked around Dum a few times. With his hands behind his back, he said puzzledly:

It's not too difficult for you to repair this injury, right?

It's a spur.

Under Merlin's gaze, Doom finally answered.

He doesn't care about his face, his appearance, with a face that can definitely scare a child to tears, he said calmly:

It reminds me all the time that I can't relax when I'm weak.

Oh yes.

Lord Merlin suddenly realized, he patted his forehead and said:

I almost forgot that there is still a grievance between you and Mephisto. That old devil has always wanted to be your stepfather, but I think, after becoming the supreme mage and holding the time gem, you have enough Ability to scare that old bastard.

Although weakness is a relative concept in my opinion, but since we've come to this point...

Merlin glanced at Doom, and he said:

How does it feel to win?

Dum shrugged, and replied in a succinct tone:

good.

Stuffy gourd.

Merlin snorted dissatisfied.

He looked behind him and said:

Out to work, everyone.

The next moment, the low howl of a tiger sounded from the edge of the ruins. Under Dum's gaze, a big tiger with a swaying body stepped forward and walked out of the colorful streamer.

Behind the tiger sat a woman in a long skirt with a golden flame beating on her forehead and an indifferent expression.

Beside Tiger Hoggs, there is also a big bald head with a staff.

They are Emperor Weishan.

Merlin explained to Doom:

The source of Kama Taj's inheritance, the origin of the Supreme Master's line.

You should already know that our universe is a bit weird. In this world, there are only a few supreme mages, but in the outside world, in a more real world, the inheritance of the supreme mages of the past is far beyond your imagination.

In addition, let me remind you that these three people who appear here are just insignificant projections of consciousness.

Merlin said to Doom:

But even if they are projected at that time, their power still exceeds the limit that this universe can carry. Therefore, you'd better show a little respect.

Doom blinked.

Looking at the spirit of Emperor Weishan in front of him, he accepted Merlin's suggestion and leaned slightly to show respect.

And the three spirit bodies were also looking at the winner of the battle for the supreme mage. After a few seconds, the big tiger Hoggs yawned, lying lazily on the ground, and said in a low voice:

The talent is not bad, and the will is also amazing, but the mind tends to be cold, and there is a possibility of going into the dark.

I think this kid suits my taste.

Oshutu, the ancient spirit who was sitting behind Hogarth, snapped her fingers. The grumpy elder sister looked at Doom with an admiring gaze, and she said:

Ancient One is sometimes too gentle. The Supreme Mage represents not only salvation and hope. When necessary, destruction is also an option. He will become an outstanding Supreme Mage. I see that possibility.

After Ao Shutu finished expressing his opinion, the first supreme mage, the big bald Agamotto, who had been silent all this time, said:

The past is not the future, and we all know that.

It was like a final word.

The big bald mage stared at Doom and said:

And the true meaning of fate is just to make a choice and pay the price for it. I believe that Victor von Doom will use his power prudently, make a wise choice, and bear the result bravely.

He is the next supreme mage in this world!

After finishing speaking, Agamotto looked back at Merlin, and the bald head said to Merlin:

Our mission here is over. After the inheritance ceremony is completed, you need to hand over the Book of Weissandi to Dumu for safekeeping. Of course, as the inspector's privilege, you can have a copy of this book so that you can learn more. Lots of spells.

Agamotto paused, glanced at the Book of Raven hanging on Merlin's waist, and said softly:

Although, you may not need it now.

I don't need it, but my disciples may need it.

Merlin says:

I will keep my promise. The copy of Weishandi's book will not be leaked at will. You can rest assured about this. Oh, yes, there is one more thing.

Lord Raven looked at the three spirits of Emperor Weishan, and said:

The Dark Divine Book that I kept needs to be handed over to the Supreme Mage for safekeeping, right?

Keep that to yourself.

The big tiger Hoggs glanced at the silent Dum, and said bluntly and without concealment:

Dom's will is biased towards the dark side. He is extremely thirsty for knowledge and power. It is not a good choice for him to keep the Dark God Book. On the dark road.

Doom didn't have much reaction to that.

It's as if he didn't hear the conversation at all.

You assisted us in completing the battle for the supreme mage, and you can ask Gu Yi's phantom for the reward you deserve.

Agamotto waved to Merlin, he said:

We are leaving. If there is a chance, Merlin Riley, see you in the main world!

After finishing speaking, the three spirit bodies simply and neatly disappeared into the ruined hall, which simply surprised Raven, who hadn't said goodbye to them yet.

The way this group of spirits behave is really ruthless.

Merlin mumbled a few words.

He turned his head, looked at Dum behind him, and said:

It's not like you, Doom. With your character, you shouldn't accept such treatment as an object. I thought you would jump up and fight those three guys.

Respect power.

Doom said something softly.

A few seconds later, he relaxed his shoulders and said:

What's more, they left. It means that they have no control over what I will do and what I should do.

I'm free now, so it's not unacceptable to listen to a few 'predecessors' nagging.

As expected of you.

Merlin gave a thumbs up and shook Dum, he said appreciatively:

See clearly.

As he spoke, Merlin waved his hands and summoned a set of black robes, which were very similar to his ceremonial robes. He also summoned a white mask.

The thing hovered in front of Doom, and the raven said to him:

Come on, we are going to meet your competitors, and you have to appear victorious. While there is still some time, if you want to ask something, or want to chat with me, just say it.

I want to ask a lot.

Dum was generous in front of Merlin, while changing clothes, he asked:

About that world...

That is true.

Raven seemed to have guessed Dum's question, he said:

That world is about 3,000 light-years away from the earth. It took me and Visandi a long time to find it. What happened in that world is also true, including the lives you saved, and everything you experienced is true. of.

You really saved a world on your own, Doom, and you accomplished what only a few can.

After receiving the confirmation from Merlin, Dum stopped putting on his clothes, and said in a sarcastic tone:

Playing this trick again... Deliberately telling us that it is a false world, so as to examine our xinxing.

Yes, very old-fashioned means, but very effective.

Merlin nodded frankly, and he said to Dum:

The most real desire in the heart of a life can only be evoked when it is detached from reality. We want to see your bottom line.

After all, what I want to give you is the throne of the magical world and absolute authority. That is not something ordinary like a nuclear bomb.

After Dum put on the robe, he put the white mask on his face again. He straightened his appearance and asked casually:

What if no one is willing to save that world?

Then you all lose.

Raven said:

You choose to ignore the destruction of a world and pay more attention to personal victory or defeat, which means that you don't understand the meaning of the four words 'Supreme Mage' at all.

Of course, Emperor Weishan meant what he said. Those three spirits don't care whether you choose to save the world. They have seen too many histories of world destruction and rise. The survival of a world doesn't mean much to them.

Merlin smiled in a relaxed tone, and said:

They'll embrace a ruthless winner, but I... I've got my own way of doing things.

I will not crown a cold-blooded heartless person who sits and watches his life die. The best thing is that I have a veto power when it comes to the next supreme mage.

If I think you can't do it, then even if you win, you will never want to become the supreme mage, it's as simple as that.

Dum listened to Merlin's explanation in silence.

After 1 second, he asked another question, he said:

You should know that I don't really save the world. It's just a way to win. In fact, if I don't need to save the world, I don't care about the survival of that world at all. This kind of mentality is also okay in your eyes. ?

sure.

Merlin yawned, and he replied casually:

It doesn't matter what you think, what matters is your actions and your choices. You didn't want to save them, but you saved them anyway, and that's enough.

In the world of adults, I can't ask everyone to have the same sincere heart as Shazam. I have learned a long time ago that I don't care about my deeds.

He looked at Doom, and he said:

In my life, I've met a bad guy pretending to be a good guy. He ruined the first half of my life, but I don't actually hate him.

I think a man is a good man if he pretends to be a good man for some purpose, and pretends for the rest of his life... Do you know what I mean?

I understand, but I have one last question!

Dum raised his head, staring at Merlin with his eyes under the mask, he said:

I saved those people who have nothing to do with me because of you, the referee. After I take over as the supreme mage, if I encounter the same scene again, I will weigh the interests. I may not be like today. as well as salvation...

Don't tell me that, Doom.

Merlin looked into Doom's eyes and said:

What you do in the future and how you choose is your business.

If you do something wrong, I won't take care of it, but if you go too far, someone will punish you. You are a smart person. I think that's enough for me to say so much.

I don't think you are naive enough to think that after becoming the Supreme Mage, no one can control you. To borrow a phrase that is not so correct, you are as powerful as you are, as free as you are, and now, in my opinion... .”

Raven turned around and dropped a sentence of unknown meaning, he said:

You are obviously not free enough now. What's more, even if you have the obsession to save everyone, you can't do it if you want to save everyone... Some people can't be saved anyway.

I'm going to break through to Heavenly Father soon!

Behind Merlin, Doom said softly:

This battle gave me a lot of inspiration, maybe in a few months...

hum

Merlin shook his head, he put two fingers together, turned his head and slashed at Doom, the blue light in Raven's eyes quickly dissipated.

But Dum turned his head and looked at the robe that was quietly torn on his shoulder.

Under the mask, he pursed his lips.

At that moment just now, he felt the death that suffocated him, right in front of his eyes, so real, so real that Dum's breathing stopped for a moment.

This is not a warning.

It's just that the raven is using this method to tell him some more obscure and mysterious information, and by the way, calm down his restless heart.

Take a longer view, Your Excellency, your future is not limited to the mere Heavenly Father, the door to a higher path has been opened.

As if nothing happened, Merlin said to Dum while opening the door leading to the border of hell:

Times have changed, Doom, keep up with the changes of the times.

Oh, by the way, regarding the relationship between you and Mephisto, I have a small suggestion. Maybe your revenge action can be delayed. After a while, I will also have an action.

If you are willing to cooperate, that would be great, I won't let you do it for nothing.

Also, if you need it, the Dark God Book is yours.