Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Date: February 1, 1999

Location: London, Wembley Arena

The electric atmosphere at Wembley Arena was infectious, and David could feel the thrill of excitement coursing through him as he stood shoulder to shoulder with his parents. They were here to see Eminem live, an experience he never thought he'd share with them, and as the opening act wrapped up, he glanced at Jonathan and Emily. His father tried to appear engaged, though David could see the faintly bewildered look that betrayed Jonathan's unfamiliarity with the music. Emily, on the other hand, looked entirely in the moment, her eyes bright as she clapped along with the crowd.

When Eminem finally took the stage, the arena erupted, and David felt the rush of the crowd. He joined in, shouting along with the lyrics, swept up by the sheer energy. For those few hours, he was just a teenager, wrapped up in the thrill of the music, in the experience of being there with his family. Jonathan caught David's eye at one point, giving him a small, amused nod, as if saying, Well, this isn't my usual choice, but I'm glad to be here for you.

They stayed that way, laughing and shouting together, until the final encore. As they walked back to the car, David felt a warmth that went beyond the excitement of the concert. It was the feeling of belonging, of knowing he was part of something, of a family that loved him.

---

Location: Joestar Residence, David's Room, Late Night

After they returned home and his parents had gone to bed, David lay in his own room, wide awake, his mind going back to his powers. He couldn't shake the feeling that he'd only begun to scratch the surface of what he could do. With only one spare order at a time, he was constantly forced to be creative, to strategize and make the most of what he had. But he'd been learning—he'd figured out a loophole. When he used an order directly on himself to give himself a new ability or effect, that change tended to last even after he canceled the order. It was a discovery that had opened up so many new possibilities.

Tonight, though, he had a specific goal in mind, one that had weighed on him for months. Taking a deep breath, he whispered, "I can use any tier of magic from the Overlord universe."

The knowledge of ancient spells and incantations filled his mind, almost overwhelming in its depth and complexity. He took a moment to steady himself, letting the newfound power settle as he gathered the energy he needed. Quietly, he slipped down the hall to his parents' room, his heart pounding.

As he reached Emily's side, he felt a pang of nervousness. He was aware of the weight of what he was doing, the intrusion into this quiet, intimate moment. But he knew why he was here. His mother's condition was hidden and unseen, but he'd come to understand that it was what had prevented her from having children naturally. That was why they'd gone to the orphanage, why they'd chosen him.

Summoning a warm, silver light around his hand, David gently placed his fingers near Emily and cast Tier 4: Greater Healing. He could feel the healing energy reach into her, quietly mending what was broken, restoring what was needed. When he was done, Emily's face softened, her breathing deep and even. David felt a wave of relief, something lifting in his chest as he took a step back. He'd done what he could for her, for the woman who had taken him into her heart.

---

Location: David's Room, Same Night

Back in his room, David sat on his bed, mulling over the magic he'd tapped into. He wasn't done yet. His parents were safer now in one sense, but he knew there were countless other threats, the ones he remembered from the MCU and others that could come from his actions. Protecting them fully meant thinking further ahead.

He murmured, "I cast a 9th Tier Barrier spell around the house, with a 6th Tier Detection spell, and the 9th Tier spell 'Perfect Unknowable' to conceal them."

Instantly, the magic layered itself around the house, weaving a nearly impenetrable shield. The barrier was designed to let in anyone with good intentions but block anyone with ill will, and the detection spell would alert him to any potential threats. The Perfect Unknowable spell hid it all, concealing the other spells so thoroughly that even the most skilled sorcerers wouldn't detect them.

The strain of casting so much powerful magic was intense. David stumbled back onto his bed, exhaustion washing over him like a wave. His mind felt heavy, his eyelids too heavy to keep open. As he finally let himself drift off, he knew he'd done everything he could to protect his family.

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Location: Mirror Dimension

The Ancient One watched David as he lay in bed, her eyes narrowed as she observed his actions from the Mirror Dimension. She had been drawn to him once again tonight, compelled to witness the strange and powerful magic he wielded. When she heard him utter the words "Tier Magic" and watched him cast spells that were unlike anything she had ever encountered, she couldn't deny the shiver of concern that ran through her.

It was unlike any sorcery in this dimension, both foreign and unnaturally potent. The barrier he created was formidable, and the Perfect Unknowable spell was so complex that she could barely sense its presence. If she hadn't watched him weave it herself, she might have been unable to detect it at all.

A deep worry settled over her. David's power was expanding, and while he was using it with care and purpose, there was no guarantee that this foreign magic wouldn't bring its own dangers. She knew from experience that power like his—especially when it broke the boundaries of realms—had a way of attracting the attention of beings who were better left undisturbed.

End of chap.