399

[Depravity]

Stress has a unique way of unlocking extraordinary potential in individuals, especially when faced with the relentless pressure to survive.

Under the looming threat of aging and mortality, Kalulu immersed himself in the study of the "Darkhold," rapidly advancing his mastery of black magic over countless miles.

Certainly, his swift progress owed much to his accumulated knowledge. While Kalulu didn't shine as brightly as the magical prodigy Nierdi, whose talents were a rarity even across millennia, he remained a respected figure among mages thanks to a lifetime of diligent study. Aside from Nierdi, Kalulu was perhaps the most formidable magician on Earth.

Several days later, Kalulu finally grasped the method Nierdi had used to extend her life.

"Dormammu..." He muttered the name of the dark deity as he closed the tome of dark gods.

As the ruler of the Dark Dimension, Dormammu possessed an immense reservoir of magical energy—a pinnacle among magical beings.

To absorb Dormammu's power and transmute it into one's own would not only extend life effortlessly but also elevate one's mastery of magic to unprecedented heights.

However, executing such a plan was far easier said than done.

Dormammu had already been deceived by Nierdi once before. Adding to that, a similar event with Cagliostro over a millennium ago meant the Dark Lord was twice bitten, forever shy. It was impossible.

Reflecting on this, Kalulu couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret, even chastising himself inwardly.

Why had he been so obstinate? What had driven him to persist against all reason?

Had he not rejected black magic in the past and, eventually, worked alongside Nierdi to intercept Dormammu's energy, he might now be enjoying a life free of the anguish of aging.

Regret mingled with envy as thoughts of Nierdi's restored youth weighed on his mind, slowly eroding his resolve and pushing him towards more perilous considerations.

Perhaps he should try the Eye of Agamotto for himself?

There was no denying the Eye's ability to rejuvenate.

Yet, since the first Sorcerer Supreme's era, mages had seldom dared employ the Eye of Agamotto. It was sparingly used, usually restricted to inanimate objects within a small area.

Using the Eye on a living being had happened just once in the Supreme Sanctuary's annals—with disastrous consequences leading directly to that Supreme Mage's demise.

Kalulu hesitated long and hard, but ultimately, he chose to trust in his luck.

With caution, what harm could there be?

Without delay, he rose and made his way to the chamber housing the Eye of Agamotto.

The Eye rested quietly upon a stone pedestal. Kalulu eyed this ancient artifact, murmuring an incantation to dispel the protective enchantments surrounding it.

Once the wards fell away, he reached out tentatively to grasp the Eye.

"Ah!" A searing pain shot through Kalulu's hand as if he'd touched scalding water, forcing him to recoil.

An additional enchantment!

Realizing this, Kalulu's heart sank. Just then, a portal materialized in the chamber, and Nierdi emerged.

"Kalulu, what are you doing?" Her expression turned grave.

Kalulu hesitated briefly, then gritting his teeth, he conjured a magical lash, attempting to ensnare the Eye of Agamotto and flee.

However, his magical prowess and reaction speed paled in comparison to the rejuvenated Supreme Mage, Nierdi.

Before he could open a portal to escape, Nierdi waved a hand. Spatial distortions rippled, causing Kalulu to stumble and collapse in a heap.

"Ah..." Kalulu winced, clutching his waist, beads of cold sweat forming on his brow.

Nierdi wrested the Eye of Agamotto from his grasp, then peered down at him. "Are you attempting to use the Eye of Agamotto to extend your life?"

Kalulu lowered his head, panting heavily. Caught by Nierdi, the intense humiliation left him speechless, compounded by the physical pain coursing through his body.

Angrily, Nierdi chastised him, "Do you understand the ramifications of using the Eye of Agamotto on a living being? I've studied time magic for decades and would never resort to such measures for prolonging my life, let alone someone as unfamiliar with time magic as you!"

Kalulu managed to rise from the ground, albeit leaning heavily on his cane, gasping for breath. "I see no other option besides the Eye of Agamotto! You've closed off the path to using Dormammu. If he's alive, he won't fall for it again!"

"It was you who consistently rejected black magic despite my repeated teachings..." Nierdi's voice quivered with frustration. "I didn't block your path—it was your own stubbornness."

Kalulu's breathing grew more labored, his face flushed with emotion. "You! You never disclosed that you extended your life for your own sake, leaving me with no alternatives!"

Nierdi fell silent for a moment, then uttered softly, "I never anticipated your unwavering defiance would prove so hollow."

Those words pierced Kalulu to the core, his weathered face contorting in anguish as he coughed up blood.

Shuddering uncontrollably, he nearly collapsed again, saved only by Nierdi's supportive grasp.

"Leave me!" Kalulu pushed Nierdi's helping hand away, hobbling on his cane to open a portal and escape.

Yet, in his frazzled state, he erred, teleporting himself not by design but by mistake to a desert.

Exhausted and frail, his already declining body ravaged by age, coupled with his tumultuous emotions, Kalulu found the scorching desert unbearable. After a few faltering steps, he collapsed into the sand, wheezing.

Death hovered closer, more relentless than ever.

Kalulu faced his imminent demise, a scenario he'd imagined countless times. Yet, he never expected the reality to be so fraught with fear, regret, and indignity.

As he prepared to surrender to the darkness, a young voice pierced his thoughts.

"Sir, would you like some water?" The voice belonged to a young merchant with a camel.

Looking at the youth, a seed of temptation took root in Kalulu's heart.

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