The misunderstood genius

Joe did what any sane person would do—he tried to run.

Unfortunately, his foot slipped on a loose stone.

To everyone else, it looked like he vanished at inhuman speed.

"Teleportation magic? Incredible!"

The armored warrior swung his blade, aiming to cleave Joe in two. Panicked, Joe waved his hands wildly.

BOOM!

A loose torch from the wall fell on the warrior's cloak. The cursed energy reacted violently—engulfing the man in an explosion of dark flames.

The warrior collapsed. Unconscious.

Joe stared, horrified. "Wait… did I just—"

The Veil erupted into thunderous applause.

"HE DEFEATED OUR STRONGEST WARRIOR IN A SINGLE MOVE?!"

"Such terrifying power… He held back until the last second!"

"Truly, we stand before a god."

Joe, trembling: "W-wait, this isn't what it looks like—"

The leader kneeled. "Joe Hoeyol… you are destined for greatness."

And just like that, Joe had accidentally become the most feared magician in the underworld.