Goku—now known as Joker—leaned against the towering oak tree at the edge of his mountain sanctuary. His imposing figure was cloaked in the dark, high-collared coat that had become his signature. Around him, shimmering bounded fields flickered in and out of existence, a chaotic display of his persistent struggles with magecraft.
Despite his overwhelming strength and intellect, mastering magic had proven far more elusive than he'd anticipated. Unlike physical combat, where instinct reigned supreme, magic required an intricate balance of focus, knowledge, and emotional control—none of which came naturally to him.
His frustration boiled over as yet another barrier construct shattered prematurely, dissipating in a swirl of violet energy. He snarled, slamming a fist into the ground and leaving a crater in its wake.
"Damn this magic nonsense!" he growled. "How do those smug mages make this look so easy?"
The world outside his sanctuary was a different story. Joker's empire had grown steadily. His terrifying presence and tactical brilliance turned every encounter into an opportunity for domination.
In the bustling cities, whispers of an enigmatic figure controlling tournaments and underground networks alike reached every corner. Joker's name struck fear into anyone who dared cross him. The Crane School thrived under his rule, their elite fighters serving as his enforcers. Hercule continued his meteoric rise, winning tournaments and funneling wealth back to his master.
Every victory expanded Joker's resources and influence, cementing his role as an underworld kingpin. Yet, his ambitions stretched far beyond mere dominance. He sought knowledge—magic from the Age of Gods, and a means to elevate himself to the pinnacle of existence.
It was during one of his excursions that Joker first encountered a young Dr. Briefs. At the time, the scientist was little more than a brilliant but unassuming man tinkering with technology in a modest workshop.
Joker, ever the opportunist, had heard rumors of Briefs' intellect and inventions. He approached the man with his characteristic blend of charm and menace, cloaking himself in an aura of mystery.
"I hear you're a man of vision," Joker said, his voice low and commanding as he stepped into Briefs' workshop.
Briefs, startled, looked up from his work. "Who are you? And what do you want?"
"Call me Joker. And I want what every genius wants: power, knowledge, and… partnership." Joker's grin was sharp enough to cut steel.
Suspicion flashed in Briefs' eyes. "Partnership? What could someone like you offer me?"
Joker gestured casually, conjuring a small sphere of energy in his hand. The orb crackled with dark power, its edges warping the air around it. "Resources. Connections. And protection. Imagine what you could achieve with unlimited funding and freedom from interference."
Briefs hesitated, clearly intrigued but wary. "And what do you expect in return?"
"Your loyalty," Joker said smoothly. "And the fruits of your genius. I'll ask for favors when needed—simple tasks, nothing too strenuous. In exchange, you'll gain access to rare materials and technologies no one else could dream of."
It was a clever manipulation. Joker presented himself not as a tyrant demanding service, but as a benefactor offering opportunity. Briefs, young and eager to push the boundaries of science, agreed. The contract was sealed with a handshake.
Back at his sanctuary, Joker redoubled his efforts to master magecraft. The System's C-rank mission was nearly complete, but the process remained grueling. He immersed himself in the scrolls awarded for previous tasks, their glowing text unfolding ancient techniques and principles of elemental manipulation and magic constructs.
Fire was his first success. Summoning roaring flames that danced at his fingertips felt exhilarating, though controlling them required immense concentration. Water and wind followed, their fluidity and unpredictability presenting unique challenges. Earth manipulation proved the most difficult, its stubborn rigidity mirroring Joker's own temperament.
Bounded fields, however, remained his favorite. He experimented endlessly, creating barriers that could:
Repel intruders.Amplify his Ki and magic within their boundaries.Trap opponents in illusions that warped their perception of reality.
As he trained, the System chimed with a notification:
Mission Complete. Reward: Advanced Scrolls of Ancient Magic.
Joker eagerly unfurled the glowing scrolls. Their contents delved into older forms of magecraft, techniques that predated modern understanding. These spells were raw and untamed, lacking the refinement of godly magic but brimming with potential.
With his magical prowess steadily improving, Joker turned his attention back to his empire. He dispatched his subordinates to expand their influence:
The Crane School began targeting rival dojos, forcing them to submit or disband.Hercule continued winning tournaments, further cementing Joker's control over the martial arts world.Joker personally confronted and subdued several rising fighters, ensuring no one would challenge his rule.
Despite his growing power, Joker's ambitions remained focused. He knew that true domination required more than strength; it required mastery of magic, strategy, and the multiverse itself. The advanced scrolls hinted at a greater understanding of Reality Marbles and True Magic, tantalizing him with the promise of ultimate power.
For now, Joker bided his time, honing his abilities and tightening his grip on the world. The magic of the Age of Gods awaited, and he would stop at nothing to claim it.
The Joker had risen, and the world trembled beneath his shadow.