The misunderstood genius

Joe had zero intention of meeting The Veil. None. Absolutely not.

And yet… he was going anyway.

Why? Because Celestia, his terrifyingly beautiful mentor, had personally dragged him out of bed and tossed him into the night.

"This is an opportunity," she had said. "You'll never become a true magician if you don't uncover the world's greatest secrets."

Joe wanted to scream.

Now, standing before the entrance to the ancient underground ruins, he sighed. "Alright, let's get this over with."

The moment he stepped inside, the stone walls glowed with eerie blue light. The air hummed with ancient magic. And waiting for him in the depths of the ruins…

The Veil.

They stood in a perfect circle, hooded figures in dark robes, their eyes glowing faintly. The leader, a tall woman with crimson eyes and an aura of overwhelming power, stepped forward.

"So, you came," she said.

Joe gulped. "Uh… yeah?"

She studied him carefully. "You are unlike any magician we've ever seen."

Joe: "I know, I know, I'm really bad at magic—"

"No," she interrupted. "You are beyond magic itself."

Joe: "...Huh?"

The Veil members bowed.

"Joe Hoeyol, we recognize you as the Silent Lord of Sorcery. Your power is too great for this world. Come, lead us into a new era."

Joe's soul left his body.