Chapter 116

Manhattan, New York.

Manhattan is the most densely populated of New York City's five boroughs. It primarily consists of an island, surrounded by the East River, Hudson River, and Harlem River. Many world-renowned enterprises are headquartered here, earning it the title of the world's economic center and the wealthiest district in New York.

Famous landmarks such as Times Square, Broadway Theaters, the United Nations Headquarters, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, and many more iconic sites are located here.

On the corner of 8th Avenue and 33rd Street stands a large, white, cylindrical building: Madison Square Garden. Despite the name, it is not a haven for plants and flowers but a palace of sports and entertainment, a venue that hosts major indoor events such as basketball games, rock concerts, solo performances, and political rallies.

In the future, Madison Square Garden will be remembered not only as the stage for NBA legends like Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller, but also for hosting concerts by pop icons such as Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, and Justin Bieber.

But tonight, it hosts a different kind of spectacle: a magic show by the great magician Giovanni "John" Zatara—an event that has drawn countless magic enthusiasts from across the country.

Giovanni "John" Zatara.

The name might not be widely recognized.

However, when it comes to the future Justice League Dark, many will immediately recall the woman in fishnet stockings and a tuxedo, who, alongside John Constantine, co-founded the league and left a lasting impression on Constantine's heart. That woman is Zatanna Zatara—Giovanni's daughter.

The Zatara family is a direct descendant of Leonardo da Vinci and shares ties with historical figures such as prominent prophets, alchemists, and occultists. Their lineage even connects to an ancient king of Atlantis.

It is a bloodline steeped in mysticism, making Giovanni Zatara the most prominent magician of the modern era and the easiest entry point for Bardi to explore Kryptonian vulnerability to magic.

Bardi needed to know if Kryptonians were truly defenseless against magic. Could this be his advantage against Jor-El?

He didn't believe that kryptonite alone would guarantee victory. After all, Jor-El had sent his son to Earth fully aware of the potential confrontation. Jor-El had undoubtedly prepared for this battle.

Bardi needed to be equally prepared to wipe out the House of El. Magic might be the key.

Near Madison Square Garden, the streets were packed with people. Enthusiastic fans lined up eagerly to witness Zatara's performance, many of them traveling from other cities just to catch a glimpse of his renowned illusions.

Zatara's performances were rare, but each one was unforgettable. His illusions were fresh, surprising, and mind-boggling experiences that left audiences in awe.

His reputation extended across the United States and around the world. The International Federation of Magic once invited him to serve as a consultant, but he declined without hesitation much to the organization's disappointment.

The atmosphere outside Madison Square Garden was vibrant and buzzing with energy. The crowd moved forward slowly, inching toward the entrance as the temperature rose from the collective body heat. Even in the heart of winter, the venue felt as warm as early spring.

Bardi and Mike moved with the crowd, blending in as they approached the entrance. The scene had a postmodern flair, with the arena's architecture faintly resembling the ancient Roman Colosseum.

After passing through security and finding their seats, Bardi listened to the conversations around him.

People spoke in hushed tones about the great magician. There was admiration and respect in many voices, but also skepticism from others who dismissed Zatara as an egotist who disdained the International Magic Association.

Among the audience were devoted fans with eyes sparkling in anticipation, eager to witness the magic that defied explanation.

Bardi had gathered information about Giovanni "John" Zatara through Mike and some psychological profiling teams. After reviewing the data, he made a simple assessment of the magician's personality.

Zatara exhibited a certain self-centeredness, a sense of superiority stemming from his extraordinary talent. He carried the professional arrogance of someone who had mastered an ancient craft magic, not mere stage illusions.

A magician who performed real magic as part of public entertainment.

Bardi wasn't sure if this contradicted the low-key traditions of the magical world, but he could tell that Zatara enjoyed being in the spotlight. His presence here, on stage, was proof of that.

In essence, Zatara was someone who disliked solitude, craved attention, and basked in the admiration of the crowd, a magician with a touch of vanity and a penchant for showmanship.

Bardi sat in the noisy venue, considering his options. How could he get Zatara to help him deal with Jor-El?

Kidnapping his daughter was one of the cruder options that crossed his mind. But he wasn't even certain if Zatanna had been born yet. The mysteries of magic remained an enigma to him.

First, he needed to confirm whether magic truly affected Kryptonians. If the legends were exaggerated, if magic proved ineffective or underwhelming, then all these plans would be pointless.

The lively atmosphere in the venue gradually shifted. A contagious hush spread through the crowd, like a shared, unspoken agreement to prepare for the magician's entrance.

Suddenly.

Bardi felt a faint sensation, so subtle that he questioned whether it was an illusion. It spread through the venue like an invisible ripple.

It was a mental, almost spiritual disturbance, something that seemed to focus and unify everyone's attention.

Bardi's brow furrowed. The sensation, though mild, made him deeply uncomfortable.

Then, the lights went out.

Darkness fell over the crowd, yet no one screamed. Anticipation thickened the air as everyone held their breath, waiting for the great magician Zatara to appear.

Two seconds passed.

Fireworks burst from the edges of the stage, illuminating the arena. At the center stood a man dressed in a black tuxedo, holding a short wand. His black hair was slicked back, and he wore a confident smile. His slender build was somewhat lean compared to the typical broad-shouldered American physique, but his presence radiated calm authority and effortless charisma.

Bardi's pupils contracted.

He activated his x-ray vision, focusing on Zatara.

Nothing.

The magician stood there, unaltered. The x-ray vision, which should have pierced through skin and bone with ease, revealed nothing beyond the man's outward appearance.

Bardi's wariness intensified.

As if sensing the gaze, Zatara turned his head slightly. His eyes met Bardi's through the dim light, and the corner of his lips lifted into a knowing smile.

***

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