The Comprehensive Evolution of American Comics

“It should be nearby.”

Zatanna stared intently at the key floating in her hand, though she wasn't sure if they were really there yet. She said that only to comfort the anxious Robin and herself.

The two were already fast on their feet, and besides, this matter was not only related to the lives of everyone, but if the Child Magician obtained the Helmet of Fate, it could really escalate into a disaster that would endanger the entire world.

At the thought of this, the two dared not be negligent, their legs almost running into afterimages. Soon, the two followed the guidance of the key to a dead end.

“This…”

Robin looked at the stone wall in front of him, dumbfounded. Could it be that they had actually gone the wrong way?

“Don't worry.” Zatanna comforted Robin, then took the key and walked towards the wall.

With Zatanna's steps, the key floating in her palm also emitted a different kind of light. When Zatanna was less than a meter away from the stone wall, ripples like the surface of water actually appeared on the stone wall.

After the ripples dissipated, a door appeared in front of the two.

“Hidden door? What a cliché.” Robin complained, then quickly took two steps forward and pushed open the door.

After the door opened, it suddenly became clear. Before the two even entered, they were attracted by a large bell on the ground.

This bell was several times larger than the bells hanging at the top of the church, and the craftsmanship required to forge it was not something ordinary craftsmen could possess.

The entire bell was golden, looking natural, and the surface was evenly engraved with simple patterns, looking luxurious and grand, but not at all vulgar, like a work of art.

After seeing the golden bell, Robin actually had many questions in his mind, but he knew that now was not the time to satisfy his curiosity.

“What should we do next?”

“I don't know, but I guess there must be a reason why this bell is placed here.” Zatanna shook her head. “What are bells used for? Definitely for ringing.”

As Zatanna spoke, she picked up the key and ran towards the golden bell. Robin also quickly followed. Time waits for no one. The enemy's relentless pursuit and their companions were also doing their best to buy them time, so they couldn't waste time discussing the answer.

“Boom!”

The two had just approached the golden bell when a loud noise came from behind them. Robin took the time to look and saw the Child Magician walking out of the smoke. Two figures floated on either side of his body.

One was Harpy, and the other was Wonder Girl. Obviously, both of them had been defeated.

“Quick!”

Robin shouted and took out two black pellets from his belt and threw them on the ground. In a short while, thick black smoke covered the two's figures.

“Want to leave me behind? Don't even think about it!” The Child Magician waved his hand, and the smoke in the sky was blown away by a strong wind.

After the smoke dissipated, Zatanna and Robin, who had already ran near the golden bell, and Kid Flash and Kent Nelson, who were floating in the air, were revealed.

Without much thought, Zatanna picked up the key and knocked it against the golden bell.

“Dong!”

This was truly a resounding bell. Solemn chimes accompanied by transparent ripples spread throughout the space. The Child Magician, who was just about to rush over, was forced back a few steps by these ripples.

Unlike the Child Magician, Zatanna and the others, who were closer, were not affected at all. Just as the two were stunned, an old voice reminded them.

“Jump into the bell, children.”

Although the voice was a little weak, its firm and gentle tone made people subconsciously choose to believe it. By the time Zatanna and Robin reacted, they had already crashed into the golden bell.

“Swoosh!”

The imagined pain did not come. When the two opened their eyes again, they had left the previous room and were now outdoors.

That's right, outdoors. At this time, the sky was completely dark, with countless stars and an exceptionally bright moon hanging in the sky. Judging from the surrounding environment, they should be at the top of the Tower of Fate.

“This is the top floor of the Tower of Fate.”

It was still that old voice. The two turned around and saw Kent Nelson tidying up his clothes.

“Mr. Kent, you've recovered!?” Zatanna was pleasantly surprised. In her opinion, Mr. Kent was equivalent to Doctor Fate. With him, they no longer had to fear the Child Magician chasing after them.

“The bell woke my mind.” Kent Nelson looked at the two with approving eyes. “Thank you, thanks to your help I was able to escape.”

“It's nothing, Mr. Kent.” Robin said modestly first. “But the trouble hasn't been resolved yet, the Child Magician is still chasing us.”

“Give me the helmet!”

The Child Magician roared, obviously anxious at this time. Two balls of fire ignited in his hands and were thrown towards Robin and the others.

Kent Nelson's eyes narrowed. He grabbed the key that was originally held in Zatanna's hand, and it was sucked into his hand.

After the key flew into Kent's hand, a golden light covered the key itself. Soon, an ordinary-looking staff appeared in Kent's hand.

During this period, Mr. Kent kept chanting words. After the staff appeared in his hand, Kent also finished reciting the obscure spell, and then he slammed the staff hard on the ground.

“Bang!”

The end of the staff collided with the ground, and in an instant, a golden semicircle held Robin and the others. The two balls of fire from the Child Magician were naturally blocked outside the barrier.

“No!” The Child Magician's face was completely deformed at this time, and he could hardly see any human appearance.

“I want! That helmet! Now!!!”

While roaring, the Child Magician released amazing energy. Two scarlet claws appeared in the sky and grabbed the golden barrier, making a harsh creaking sound.

Kent sat down on the ground with a grim expression. After several days of torment, this was the last magic he could cast. It was estimated that his life would also disappear after the barrier broke.

“We need you, Mr. Kent.” Zatanna went to Kent's side and supported him. “We need Doctor Fate.”

“I know, child, I know.” Kent's face was covered with sweat, and even his lips were bloodless. “But my body is like a candle in the wind. There is no way to fight Choronzon with such a body. There is only one possibility of losing after I put on the helmet.”

“We need a new Doctor Fate.”