Billy looked at the wooden stick thrust right in front of him, then at the strange old man shouting before him. His little face instantly scrunched up, and he took a large step back in disgust.
"Whoa... that's seriously creepy!"
Billy looked at him as though he were some pervert who liked harassing little boys, resistance written all over his face.
The old Wizard drew a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the urge to strike the brat dead with lightning, and tried to make his tone sound calmer:
"Child, only when you speak my name can I pass my power on to you. I am opening my heart to you, Billy Batson. This means I have chosen you as my successor."
Billy awkwardly forced a polite smile, slowly backing away as he answered halfheartedly:
"Thanks, sir. You're really, uh, nice. But I really have to go..."
"My brothers and sisters were slaughtered by the Seven Deadly Sins, and their thrones remain empty to this day!"
The old Wizard completely lost his patience. An overwhelming pressure suddenly erupted from his withered body, and he roared furiously,
"My magic must be passed on! Now, this instant, put your hands on it and speak my name!!!"
Bang! The Staff slammed heavily against the floor again, shaking the entire hall.
Billy trembled all over in fright at the old Wizard's sudden fury. That world-shattering aura left him unable even to think of running.
He could only shuffle forward timidly, inching closer.
"But... I don't even know your name, sir! We only met five minutes ago!"
Billy cried out aggrievedly.
The old Wizard Shazam stared firmly into Billy's eyes, his expression turning solemn and grave as he pronounced each word with inscrutable gravity:
"My name is Shazam!"
Hearing that dated, even somewhat comical name, Billy couldn't