User blog comment:Emptylord/Sandbox/Custom Patch Notes/@comment-1330314-20130815174259/@comment-3974211-20130815182054

Spell Flux can currently hit the same target twice and also bounce off of Ryze himself. Prioritizing the closest target would more than likely just see the projectile behave like Bouncing Blades - and simply draw a line away from Ryze.

Although that solution could be better - make its damage higher and then have it so that it can only hit targets once and won't return to him. The magic damage reduction doesn't stack, so being able to hit a target multiple times doesn't actually achieve anything. Maybe even make it so that it will trigger his passive multiple times. Alternatively, you could emphasize the return mechanic:
 * Ryze hurls an orb of arcane energy that bounces from enemy to enemy, dealing magic damage and marking them for 4 seconds, reducing their magic resistance. Spell Flux hits a total of 4 enemies (3 bounces), each striking the closest next target. Upon striking 4 enemies or all enemies in range, the orb will attempt to return to Ryze along the same path - refunding mana if it succeeds.