Just moments ago, the old wizard had declared that Malrick's mind was too impure to become an heir.
Now, hearing that Malrick didn't even want to be one, Shazam somehow looked offended.
Malrick spread his hands with a faint smile. "Because there's a better candidate."
"Oh?" Shazam's brows drew together, puzzled.
"Old Wizard, as long as someone is pure of heart, has a sense of justice, faith, and strength, they qualify as your successor, correct?"
"That's right," Shazam replied cautiously, eyes narrowing. "Do you truly have such a candidate? My eyes cannot be deceived."
Malrick's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Then tell me what you think of these two."
With a simple gesture, space shimmered, and two figures appeared beside him—Diana and Kara.
A ripple of energy spread through the chamber. Shazam instinctively tightened his grip on the Staff of the Gods. That spatial magic alone spoke volumes of Malrick's power.
For a moment, the ancient wizard's heart ached with regret. Such a capable mage, and yet—he refused the mantle of Shazam.
Turning his attention to the newcomers, Shazam studied them closely. His eyes glowed faintly with divine light as he assessed their essence.
"Demigods," he muttered. Then his gaze shifted to Kara, and his tone deepened. "And an alien."
Malrick remained calm. His ability to traverse worlds had granted him an identity within this universe—a hybrid of human and Kryptonian lineage. In Shazam's sight, that connection still made him partially of Earth.
But the wizard shook his head. "No. My power can only be passed to Earthlings."
Shazam's divine strength came from the gods of Earth's ancient pantheon. It existed to protect humanity, not to empower outsiders. Granting it to a demigod or alien would go against the very will of the gods.
Malrick sighed. "Wizard, if you don't pass on your power soon, you might not have the chance at all."
Shazam's eyes flashed with irritation. "No chance? Are you threatening me?"
"Of course not," Malrick said evenly. "But I've already told you—the world is about to reset."
The wizard froze. "Reset? Impossible. Even the mightiest gods cannot simply reset a world."
"It's true," Malrick replied, his voice grave. He gave a brief explanation, outlining the rise of Darkseid, and how his coming battle would bring destruction so vast that reality itself might fracture.
By the time Malrick finished, the old wizard's expression had darkened completely.
"Darkseid…" Shazam muttered. "So it's him again. Tell me, mage—will my successor fight on that battlefield? Or will I still be waiting when the world ends?"
Malrick didn't answer right away.
How could he explain that, in the timeline he remembered, the next Shazam appeared long after Steppenwolf's defeat—when most of Earth's heroes had already vanished or died?
He finally said quietly, "No. If things continue as they are, you'll still be waiting long after the last Earthling is gone."
The words hit like a dagger.
Shazam turned away sharply, his ancient face tightening in frustration. He sank into his throne with a heavy thud—but after only a few seconds, he stood again, pacing restlessly across the platform.
His breaths came heavier with every step.
Malrick remained silent, watching him. Behind him, Diana and Kara exchanged uncertain glances, still trying to grasp what was happening.
Diana leaned closer to Malrick and whispered, "Who exactly is that old man?"
"Wizard Shazam," Malrick explained quietly. "He wields power granted by the gods—probably even by your father. So technically, he's not that old compared to you."
Diana gave him an unamused look, her blue eyes narrowing.
Kara folded her arms. "Are you planning for one of us to inherit his power? Why?"
"Because Shazam's magic originates from divine energy," Malrick said simply. "If you received it, Kara, it could offset a Kryptonian's natural vulnerability to magic. And if Diana inherits it, she'd likely complete her divine heritage and ascend to true godhood."
The two women exchanged glances, taken aback.
In the comics, Malrick recalled, Wonder Woman #798 depicted a version of Diana who became a true god after gaining Shazam's divine power—so powerful that even Hera herself fled from her.
For a moment, both women hesitated, tempted by the possibilities.
But almost immediately, they shook their heads.
"I don't need divine power," Kara said confidently. "As long as I have the Sun, I can become strong enough on my own. I don't need magic."
She then pointed toward Diana. "If anyone deserves it, it's Diana. That power came from her father's lineage, after all."
But Diana shook her head as well. "I've never sought to become a god. I'm an Amazon, and my duty is to protect people—not to rule them. If this power can help Kara, then it belongs to her."
Malrick couldn't help but chuckle. "You're both right, but ultimately, it's not up to me—it's up to the wizard."
Up above, Shazam watched them quietly.
He could tell when someone was lying, and these two women were completely sincere. Their hearts were pure—untainted by greed or ambition.
His eyes softened, but when he turned his gaze back to Malrick, disappointment flickered in them again.
"Their hearts are a hundred times purer than yours, boy," Shazam said sternly.
Malrick raised an eyebrow. "Wizard, I'll have to disagree. My pursuit of strength is just as pure. If you think otherwise, maybe your standards are the problem."
Shazam froze, genuinely surprised. Few had ever dared to challenge him like that.
He studied Malrick closely. The young man's will was unyielding, his presence calm, his magical control absolute. Finally, the wizard let out a low hum.
"A firm heart, a strong will, unmatched talent…" Shazam murmured. "Perhaps your achievements one day will not fall short of mine."
Malrick didn't respond. He simply waited, his energy restrained, his confidence unshaken.
"Old Wizard," he said at last, "it's time to make your decision. There are only minutes left before the world resets. If you keep hesitating, your power will vanish into the next cycle with you."
Shazam fell silent. His wrinkled brow furrowed deeply.
"You can escape the reset?" he asked quietly.
"I have a way," Malrick answered.
The wizard nodded slowly, pacing back and forth again. His grip on the Staff of the Gods tightened. After a long silence, he exhaled heavily, descending the steps toward Malrick. His expression had regained its ancient solemnity.
"Tell me your name, mage."
Malrick blinked, incredulous. "It's Malrick Stark. I already told you that." He pointed over his shoulder. "And these two are Diana and Kara."
He sighed under his breath. "Do you always make people introduce themselves twice? Because outside, you'd be diagnosed with short-term memory loss."
"Good!" Shazam declared suddenly, raising the staff. "Then, Malrick, from this moment on—you are the next Shazam!"
Malrick stared at him blankly. "…Didn't you just say I wasn't pure enough?"
The wizard waved dismissively. "Your heart may not be entirely pure, but it's not corrupted either. You're not dark—just a bit… lustful."
Malrick groaned. "Alright, alright, no need to analyze my personality. I told you, I'm not interested in being Shazam."
Shazam's tone hardened. "Then I will not pass my power to non-Earthlings. That is my principle."
Before Malrick could argue, the wizard added, "And your principles do not concern me."
The two locked eyes in silence for a long moment.
Finally, Malrick smirked faintly. "Fine. Have it your way."
Together, they grasped the Staff of the Gods. The ancient stone chamber vibrated with divine energy, golden lightning crackling around them.
Their voices rang out in unison—
"Shazam!"
A blinding flash filled the Rock of Eternity.
_____
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