Dark Magus Returns

There were multiple public cases, as well as those who knew Enaxx personally, who would use one word to describe him: petty. This pettiness drove him to absurd actions over the smallest of cases.

Yet, it was perhaps because of this pettiness that he had been able to rise so high in the first place. Maybe this was what Idore saw in him when choosing among the other candidates to become a nine-star mage and a part of the Grand Magus.

Still, becoming part of the Grand Magus and being a public figure all the time had forced him to learn to somewhat control his usual urges. After all, he was already at the top. He didn't have much left to prove anymore.

However, the position had also caused him to demand respect from everyone, and although many gave it, there were times when he felt disrespected. What Jake Dove had done, from the way he spoke to the way he explained his theories, was, in Enaxx's eyes, a clear sign of disrespect.

Thankfully, Enaxx had thought he would let things go because it was a one-time incident. In his mind, he knew that he could deal with Jake whenever he wanted. That was the decision he had reached.

While he was busy remaining backstage after the show, signing autographs and answering a number of questions, his magical watch device received several pings. Looking at it and reading the messages, he smiled.

*"I see. It seems that all of Alterian's stars have aligned. After I decided not to do anything at all, now they have chosen me to act."* With a deep grin on his face, Enaxx made sure to remain surrounded by many people as he continued signing and making small talk with the guests.

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In a particular alleyway, an earth wall had risen, blocking the path and preventing anyone from entering or leaving. Now, two people stood facing each other, having been together around twenty or so minutes ago.

"Enaxx, what are you doing here?" Jake asked, his worry evident. The words Enaxx had already spoken were laced with annoyance, and there was no reason for him to meet up with Jake in such a secluded way unless he had bad intentions.

Before Jake could take another step, his foot was suddenly covered in earth, which tightened around him. Jake moved his hands to cast a spell, but material from the buildings' walls beside him broke out, wrapping around both of his arms. The material hardened in place, trapping him completely where he stood.

The earth's hardening was intense, and the spells were cast so quickly that Jake had no chance to react. A pillar from the ground transformed into a sharp spike aimed directly at his throat.

"You don't want to do this," Jake pleaded. "You're the Grand Magus! You have a lot to lose. People will know something happened—they'll know it was you!"

"Do you think this is the first time I've done something like this?" Enaxx said with a smirk. "Trust me, I'll get away with it, just like I've done many times before. You know, I was in a good mood today. I decided to let you go—to let you off for your foolish display.

"I mean, I was once like you—young and wanting to prove myself to the world. So I didn't blame you for what you did. But it seems that you acted on purpose, right? Digging into things, meeting Ibrain, trying to set up a meeting with Gizin, and now meeting me—it would seem something is going on.

"Well, I've been asked to deal with the problem, and I'm handling it in my own way."

Walking forward, Enaxx pulled out a thin, glowing blue stick.

At first, Jake thought his life was over. He believed this was the end for him. But instead, Enaxx did something unexpected. He forced the stick into Jake's mouth.

"I'd start sucking on that if I were you," Enaxx said coldly. "Otherwise, you won't have a throat left by the end of this."

Looking at the stick and its glowing blue essence, Jake instantly recognized it. It was an item used by certain mages—a crystal vape stick, an illegal substance.

*"A banned substance that gives mages a high. It temporarily boosts their magic core, swirling power around their heart, allowing for stronger magic use. But it's temporary and highly addictive.

"Beyond the severe withdrawal symptoms and the need to obtain more, there's the risk of the mana core collapsing, destroying the heart completely. Even before that, taking too much can leave the body weak, dizzy, or unconscious. Some people just fall asleep. Others become violently aggressive, attacking everything they see. And some… just crumble into emotional wreckage. That stick contains three times the regular dose."*

All the blue essence had been consumed, and Jake felt pain with every beat of his heart. The earth that had surrounded his feet and arms disappeared, and he collapsed to the ground.

His chest burned, his body drenched in sweat, and the ground beneath him seemed to spin.

"Why… why do this to me?" Jake managed to ask, struggling to endure the effects.

"I've been working more than usual," Enaxx said casually. "I think it's best if you head home."

With those words, the earth wall behind Jake vanished, and Enaxx disappeared as if he had never been there.

It didn't appear to be any type of magic—Enaxx's body simply seemed to vanish. But Jake couldn't dwell on it. He had a new worry on his mind.

*"Home? What is he talking about?"* Jake thought frantically.

Stumbling, Jake rushed toward his home, trying repeatedly to call his wife and son. His unsteady steps faltered as he hurried forward, desperation giving him strength.

When he finally reached his apartment building, everything appeared normal from the outside. But as he opened the door and stepped into the living room, his entire world shattered.

On the floor, motionless, were his wife and son.

"No… no…"

Jake collapsed, his hands clutching his head as tears streamed down his face.

"NOOOOO!" Jake screamed with every ounce of strength he had until the pain in his chest overwhelmed him. He too collapsed, unconscious, beside the family he had lost.

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