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Chapter 221: Darkness Void

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

"Wizard Leo, we meet again."

One of the Wizards who Wizard Hobbes had brought along suddenly spoke, breaking the stifling atmosphere.

"Wizard Gryzllo!"

Wizard Leo bobbed his head. He had met Wizard Gryzllo previously when they joined forces with Abyss Fort to keep the masters of Ozmu in check. Wizard Gryzllo was also a Seventh-level Spell Caster.

"This is Wizard Bahrain! The three of us have had a swift discussion. Wizard Merlin isn't just Wizard Leo's student. He's a prodigious Spell Caster who had recently appeared in the Dark Magic Region, a Six-Elemental Spell Caster more gifted than Kleis. Am I correct so far?"

Wizard Gryzllo shot Merlin a deep glance and then spoke in a calm, even tone.

Wizard Leo was not too surprised. Merlin had only recently become an official member in the Dark Magic Region. On the surface, Abyss Fort, Fire City, and the other spell casters' organizations seemed to have united now to deal with Ozmu. In reality, these few organizations were competing amongst each other as well, so it was natural that each of them had unique ways of finding out important developments.

The news of Merlin, the Six-Elemental Spell Caster, had been circulating outside the small circle of the Dark Magic Region, so of course, Abyss Fort did not have to try too hard to know of this.

"That's right, Merlin is a Six-Elemental Spell Caster indeed, and he has signed the highest-level contract with the Dark Magic Region! He has become an official member of the Dark Magic Region!"

Wizard Leo did not plan on hiding this. Matters like this could not be concealed anyway. When Kleis, a Five-Elemental Spell Caster became an official member of the Dark Magic Region, the news had spread to each spell casters' organization. What's more to say of an even more gifted Six-Elemental Spell Caster like Merlin?

"A Six-Elemental Spell Caster… So many talented ones are emerging in the Dark Magic Region. Kleis had just left, and now the even more prodigious Merlin! However, Wizard Leo, I'm afraid that a prodigy like Merlin would become Ozmu's preoccupation…"

Before Wizard Gryzllo could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Wizard Leo. "Regarding Ozmu, the Dark Magic Region can handle them by ourselves. What we're discussing now is the matter of our exchange. How did your discussion go in relation to the conditions I've listed out earlier?"

It was obvious that Wizard Leo did not want to dwell excessively on Ozmu.

Upon listening to what Wizard Leo had to say, Wizard Hobbes and the other two exchanged glances, after which Wizard Hobbes said in a low voice, "We can agree to these conditions but there's something Wizard Leo should know. Spell Casters who enter Darkness Void of Abyss Fort will face a certain extent of danger. If Wizard Merlin becomes lost in Darkness Void, we would take no responsibility."

Not only was Wizard Leo not worried, he even broke out in a smile. "That's to be expected. Would I be ignorant of the dangers of Darkness Void? If Merlin really were to become lost in Darkness Void, I'll still keep to my promise and hand over the cultivation method for Darkness Eye."

"Alright then!"

Wizard Hobbes and the rest nodded their head in a satisfactory manner as their eyes flashed with passion.

"This is the cultivation method for Darkness Heart!"

From his ring, Wizard Hobbes took out a deftly assembled book which contained only a few thin pages written in the Molta language.

Merlin took the book from Wizard Hobbes' hands and flipped through it briefly, following which he used the Matrix to record the cultivation method of Darkness Heart.

"Wizard Merlin, sign this contract."

Seeing that Merlin had already looked through the cultivation method for Darkness Heart, Wizard Hobbes immediately took out a contract that was suffused with a faint golden glow.

Merlin nodded. He had already signed a contract with the Dark Magic Region, so he seemed to be familiar with the process. After he took the contract, he extended his Mind Power onto the paper, and declared each word solemnly, "I swear upon my name, Wilson Merlin, to never divulge the Darkness-type spell and Darkness Heart that I shall obtain from Abyss Fort!"

With each word that Merlin uttered, a corresponding mysterious rune would float out from the contract paper before it sank into the paper. When the final word was spoken, a powerful pulling force gathered a portion of his Mind Power and imprinted it onto the contract.

"The contract is signed. Wizard Merlin, are you ready to head toward the library to pick out a Darkness-type spell, or are you going directly to Darkness Void to cultivate Darkness Heart?"

Wizard Hobbes kept the contract paper and squinted his eyes as he asked.

Merlin was just about to inquire about Darkness Void, but Wizard Leo immediately answered for him, "Merlin will go to Darkness Void to cultivate Darkness Heart first."

Seeing that Wizard Leo had spoken, Merlin could only nod, but with a face full of doubt. He was utterly uninformed about Darkness Void in Abyss Fort. Besides, Wizard Hobbes had just said that there was a certain degree of danger in entering Darkness Void, which caused Merlin to feel a trace of hesitation.

"Later, on our way there, I'll slowly explain the situation of Darkness Void in close detail."

Wizard Leo seemed to have read the hesitation in Merlin's heart and made the effort to explain.

Merlin nodded, after which Wizard Hobbes and the rest stood up. "Let's go, I'll bring you to Darkness Void."

Following that, Merlin and Wizard Leo trailed behind Wizard Hobbes as they entered the complicated system of dark passages.

In the pitch-black passage, Wizard Leo began explaining Darkness Void to Merlin.

"Darkness Void is a mystical area that was created by the founder of Abyss Fort, the Great Wizard Damani, who used a tremendous amount of energy in this effort. It's filled with an endless flood of Darkness Element and has the illusive effect of Darkness-type spells. Once one enters Darkness Void, one will be caught in an illusion.

"This is, of course, hazardous, but the Great Wizard Damani wouldn't have just created an area that was purely dangerous. Although Darkness Void is a dangerous place which would trap people in illusions, it's extremely conducive for the cultivation of Darkness Heart. If one works with Darkness Void and resists the illusions, Darkness Heart would be cultivated without any obstruction. You'll understand the specifics of this once you look closely at the cultivation method of Darkness Heart."

Wizard Leo provided a simple introduction to Darkness Void, and Merlin was clear about its functions, which was to help Spell Casters who were determined to cultivate Darkness Heart.

It was likely that the Great Wizard Damani's original intention was to allow the Spell Casters of Abyss Fort to utilize Darkness Void so that they would better cultivate Darkness Heart.

However, from what Merlin could see now, there were very few people who had cultivated Darkness Heart in Abyss Fort, so he could not help but feel doubtful.

Wizard Leo seemed to have guessed Merlin's thoughts, and said softly, "Of course, Darkness Void is a dangerous place. A moment of inattention and one would be lost completely… However, there's a treasure in Abyss Fort called Clarity Stone. As the name implies, with this stone, one would be able to stay clear-headed in Darkness Void and not worry about falling into an illusion. Thus, cultivating Darkness Heart becomes even easier. However, for the past hundreds of years, Abyss Fort has not possessed a Clarity Stone. Wizard Hobbes, am I right?"

Shortly, Wizard Hobbes' steps stopped. Even though they could not see his expression in the darkness, they expected him to be gloomy. However, Wizard Hobbes only replied in a cold voice, "That's right, Abyss Fort no longer has a Clarity Stone, so the majority of Spell Casters who entered Darkness Void were lost in the illusion. Only a few of them actually managed to cultivate Darkness Heart."

In fact, Wizard Hobbes was concealing something. In Abyss Fort, only a few Spell Casters had cultivated Darkness Heart. Moreover, under the corrupt influence of Ozmu, some of these Spell Casters had betrayed Abyss Fort.

"Alright, Darkness Void is right in front."

Wizard Hobbes turned around and shot Merlin a deep look, speaking in an indifferent tone, "You understand the dangers of Darkness Void – without a Clarity Stone, a vast majority of those who entered Darkness Void would be completely lost inside."

This was also part of why Wizard Hobbes and the rest had so readily agreed to this. Darkness Void provided amazing benefits for the cultivation of Darkness Heart but without a Clarity Stone, entering it was akin to suicide. Eight or nine out of ten would be lost forever in the illusion.

"Who said he would enter without a Clarity Stone?"

Just as Merlin was struggling with his own hesitation, everyone heard Wizard Leo's voice clearly. At the same time, an egg-sized, oval, black stone had appeared on Wizard Leo's palm. The stone was emitting a peculiar force, which lightened Merlin's somewhat heavy mood.

"Is that a Clarity Stone? It really is a Clarity Stone!"

Wizard Hobbes could not help but cry out in surprise. Wizard Gryzllo, as well as Wizard Bahrain, widened their eyes in shock, their gazes fixed on the black stone in Wizard Leo's hand as their faces twisted with astonishment.

For hundreds of years, the Clarity Stone had been missing from Abyss Fort. Otherwise, with their ownership of Darkness Void, how could they possibly have declined to such a state?

In the beginning, Abyss Fort had been far stronger than the Dark Magic Region, Fire City, and other spell casters' organizations but they had used up their Clarity Stones until there was nothing left. There had been a lull in the emergence of talent, and their power suffered a great loss and gradually declined over time.

Therefore, looking at the Clarity Stone in Wizard Leo's hand now, the Spell Casters of Abyss Fort were naturally astounded.

"Would I so recklessly allow Merlin to enter Darkness Void without preparation?"

A grim "smile" appeared on Wizard Leo's face. Even though such a "smile", along with that terrifying expression would frighten anyone, it made Merlin heave a sigh of relief. It seemed like Wizard Leo had prepared everything.

With the Clarity Stone, he would be much safer when he entered Darkness Void, and his chances of cultivating Darkness Heart successfully were greatly increased.

"Merlin, take this Clarity Stone and go into Darkness Void."

The crimson third-eye on Wizard Leo's forehead was constantly blinking, glowing with its peculiar blood-red light, making Wizard Gryzllo, Wizard Hobbes, and Wizard Bahrain, the three Seventh-level Spell Casters, feel an indescribable pressure in their hearts.

Only when they looked at Wizard Leo's empty arm socket did the three Seventh-level Spell Casters recall that Leo had just beheaded a Seventh-level Spell Caster from Ozmu. Even though they coveted the Clarity Stone, they would not make any foolhardy move at this point in time.

"Darkness Void, open!"

After Wizard Hobbes had casually created a few mysterious runes, a thick stone door began to open slowly. It was pitch-dark inside, and not even one's Mind Power could detect anything inside.

Darkness Void was just behind that stone door. Merlin took a deep breath and stepped into it.

"Wizard Leo, we'll wait now. Most of those who entered Darkness Void was able to get out in two or three days, a week at the most! If seven days have passed, then Wizard Merlin can no longer be rescued, even if he holds a Clarity Stone."

Wizard Hobbes snorted coldly. It was clear that he was displeased about Wizard Leo's somewhat threatening gesture where a Sixth-level Spell Caster had dared to threaten three Seventh-level Spell Casters.

However, as they thought about the Seventh-level Spell Caster from Ozmu who was beheaded by Wizard Leo, Wizard Hobbes and the rest could only put up with it for now and accompanied Wizard Leo to quietly wait outside Darkness Void.

Chapter 222: Illusion

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Merlin had just entered Darkness Void and immediately, Dark Mist and Dark Light Realm in his Awareness became very active. It was almost as if there was an infinite amount of Darkness Element swarming him, even quicker than the Darkness-type elemental crystal stones he had.

Merlin was still trying to make sense of everything. What did Wizard Leo plan to do with the "rich" Darkness Element, and how far would a Great Wizard like him go? How powerful would he become? Merlin knew nothing at all.

However, the enormous Runic Magic Circle in the Dark Magic Region and Darkness Void in Abyss Fort proved that Merlin had never imagined the Great Wizards were truly this powerful.

Other than the Darkness Element that swarmed around Merlin, he also felt the light around him began to fade. It was almost as if the space around him had collapsed. He was completely immersed in this strange space.

"What… What's happening? Has the space collapsed? This is not possible. Surely the Great Wizards could not make this happen. Could it be an illusion?"

Merlin realized immediately that he was in Darkness Void. Once he had entered it, he was under a powerful illusion and could not free himself from it.

It could be very dangerous once one was under an illusion. Many Spell Casters were caught under illusions and were unable to escape.

Merlin was in no rush. He had already acquired Wizard Leo's Clarity Stone. If he took out the stone, it would immediately destroy the illusion. However, Merlin did not want to destroy it just yet. Instead, he shut his eyes tightly and carefully tried to familiarize himself with the illusion.

The vicinity of the space had collapsed very quickly. In the blink of an eye, there was only a small piece of land left. Merlin looked around and inspected everything he saw with his Mind Power but nothing was wrong – it felt truly real.

Merlin could not help but be impressed at such a realistic illusion. "Such a realistic illusion must be from the hard work of the Great Wizards. It has been many years, and this illusion is still incredibly powerful. It's amazing!"

Merlin gently reached his arm out into the collapsed space around him. Then, he felt a sharp pain in his arm as he glared at his arm that was extended and noticed it had completely disappeared.

The pain felt so real, and even if Merlin knew that it was an illusion, he could not help but feel a little fearful.

"Shua!"

Merlin did not hesitate any longer and took out the Clarity Stone. Immediately, the Clarity Stone gave off a strange scent as it revived Merlin's mind. In an instant, the surrounding illusion disappeared and Merlin stood in a cold and dry cave.

"It was just an illusion!"

Merlin looked at the Clarity Stone in his hand and did not worry about falling into another illusion as long as he possessed it.

Merlin sat in the corner of the cave and began to initiate the Matrix.

"Matrix, export the cultivation method of Darkness Heart!"

Merlin had already stored the cultivation method of Darkness Heart so it would be easier to retrieve it whenever he was ready to cultivate it.

Soon, Merlin had the cultivation method of Darkness Heart in his Awareness.

"Darkness Heart can greatly increase the strength of Darkness-type spells, and it also increases resistance to many Darkness-type spells. It can also be combined with a Fourth-level or higher Darkness-type spell to increase its strength where the combined spell would possess incredible power!"

This was just a brief introduction of Darkness Heart and was just as Wizard Leo had described. Darkness Heart was a Supportive Pandora Demon Ability, and its true ability would only slowly be exposed once Merlin began to construct a Fourth-level spell.

Merlin read further where the next section contained an in-depth description of Darkness Heart. "Darkness Heart can be divided into three types. The first type can slightly increase the power of Darkness-type spells. Once it's combined with a Fourth-level spell, it'll double the power of Fourth-level or higher Darkness-type spells.

"The second type can greatly enhance the power of Darkness-type spells, especially once it's combined with a Fourth-level spell. The power of Fourth-level or higher Darkness-type spells can be increased by three-fold!

"The third type of Darkness Heart is the ultimate form of Darkness Heart. It can also greatly enhance the power of Darkness-type spells. Once combined with a Fourth- spell, it can increase the power of Fourth-level or higher Darkness-type spell by tenfold!"

Merlin could not help but gasp in shock. The difference between each type of Darkness Heart was huge, and it could be combined with a Fourth-level spell to enhance the power of spells.

The first and weakest type of Darkness Heart could double the power of Fourth-level spells once it was combined with a Fourth-level spell. The pure form of Darkness Heart would not increase the power of Merlin's Dark Mist and Dark Light Realm by much. However, if he waited to combine it with a Fourth-level spell, he could greatly enhance the power of Fourth-level Darkness-type spells. This was the main role of Darkness Heart.

"How impressive. Most Enhancing casting tools can enhance the power of spells but even the weakest type of Darkness Heart can increase the power of Fourth-level spells! If the second and third types of Darkness Heart can further increase the power of spells, it would make Enhancing casting tools worthless!"

Merlin's mind raced with thoughts. Darkness Heart could not show great significance to Zero-level, First-level, Second-level or Third-level spells, but once it was combined with a Fourth-level spell, its true abilities would be shown. The enhanced Fourth-level Darkness-type spells could even be more powerful than most Sixth-level spells.

It was unsurprising that Abyss Fort was once so powerful that it even became one of the largest spell casters' organizations. With a Supportive form of Pandora Demon Ability, who knew how much the entirety of Abyss Fort could be enhanced.

However, there was no Clarity Stone in Abyss Fort now, and therefore there was no way for a large amount of Spell Casters to fully cultivate Darkness Heart.

The Clarity Stone was essential in cultivating Darkness Heart. Once Merlin had read through the cultivation methods of Darkness Heart, he was instantly cheered up.

In order to cultivate Darkness Heart, one would need to master a mysterious symbol, and just as Merlin had done with Glacial Finger and Fiery Collapse, he etched the mysterious symbol onto his body.

Once the mysterious symbol was inscribed, it would create a strange Darkness-type force that would plunge the Spell Caster into an endless illusion.

Therefore, one would be able to rely on his own strength to destroy the illusion in order to master the mysterious symbol. Once this was done and a Spell Caster was no longer influenced by the strange Darkness-type force, Darkness Heart could be fully cultivated.

Merlin was clear with the cultivation methods of Darkness Heart, so he etched the mysterious symbols and broke through the illusion, successfully cultivating Darkness Heart. If he had failed, he would be lost in the endless illusion forever, and this was no different from death.

Each type of Darkness Heart corresponded to three mysterious symbols, and each illusion would be different. Symbols of the second and third type of Darkness Heart would surely create illusions that were much stronger than the first.

Therefore, those who were not as capable would not choose the second or third type of Darkness Heart as they would go with the first type.

"Rely on your own strength to break the illusion… The Clarity Stone and Darkness Void are used to slowly experience the illusion. Once in Darkness Void, you don't even have to fall into the illusion. There isn't much difficulty in cultivating Darkness Heart."

Merlin whispered as he finally realized the importance of the Clarity Stone and Darkness Void. Darkness Void allowed a Spell Caster to fully experience the types of illusions.

However, once lost and there was no way out, one would not be able to achieve the intended result. This was when the Clarity Stone was used to free the Spell Caster from the illusion. He would then go out to accumulate more experience and continue to cultivate it once more.

This would allow the Spell Caster to become more familiar with the illusion and when the time came to cultivate Darkness Heart, he would not be terrified of the illusion.

Merlin analyzed the roles of Darkness Void and the Clarity Stone and determined that he was no longer in a rush to cultivate Darkness Heart. Instead, he carefully began to experience the illusion in Darkness Void.

Merlin put away the Clarity Stone and his surroundings began to change into a deep abyss. He was surrounded by pitch-black darkness and Merlin was now halfway up a mountain. It looked very dangerous.

Merlin knew it was just an illusion but as he peered into the abyss beneath him, he could not help but feel terrified.

Merlin fell into the abyss and immediately took out the Clarity Stone and regained his consciousness. This time, he could not rely on his own strength to overcome the illusion.

"Sometimes, I know everything is fake but in the depths of my subconscious, I can't help but be terrified of the impressive and surreal illusion!"

Merlin whispered but he was still determined to continue to experience the illusion.

Once, twice, thrice… Merlin was unsure how many times he had attempted the illusion. Each time, Merlin was fully immersed in different horrible scenes.

He had tried various ideas such as screaming, staying silent, casting spells, shifting his Mind Power and more. However, it was to no avail as he still could not rely on his own strength to break through the illusion.

"How can I break through the illusion? It isn't through Magic Power or even Mind Power. Any external force has no effect on the illusion."

Merlin thought hard about ways to break through the illusion. He could not think of any possible ways and hence decided to try and cultivate Darkness Heart but failed.

For the first time, Merlin realized that to become a powerful Spell Caster, it was not enough to rely on the Matrix. What he lacked was more than just a spell. In fact, what he needed was a strong faith that a true Spell Caster would have!

"Faith, yes, what I lack is faith. I could still become a great Spell Caster with the Matrix as long as I have faith…"

Merlin's eyes lit up as he finally found a way to break through the illusion.

Chapter 223: Skeletons

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

All the illusions could not be broken through by external forces, even with the help of the Clarity Stone. As Merlin rested, he realized that he had been in Darkness Void for a long time, and the Clarity Stone that was once the size of an egg, was gradually getting smaller.

This would mean that the strange scent that the Clarity Stone gave off would not be contained for long. Perhaps one day the Clarity Stone would be completely exhausted and by that time if Merlin could not rely on his own strength, he could have been lost in Darkness Void forever.

"Faith. I must have a strong sense of faith in order to combat obstacles and break through this illusion!"

This time, Merlin was more determined. The illusion was not that terrifying as it only affected him on a spiritual level. That was why no external forces would affect the illusion.

However, as long as he had a firm belief, no illusion could get to him.

However, a strong sense of faith was not something that could be established immediately. When Merlin was in the Kingdom of Light, he had received old man Etha's Spell Manual from a Normie and relied on the Matrix to become the Six-Elemental Spell Caster he was now.

Merlin did not believe he could become a Six-Elemental Spell Caster without the Matrix.

"Without the Matrix, I may not have become a Six-Elemental Spell Caster. It would have been very difficult but I'll learn from experience and construct Spell Models to become a Spell Caster!"

Merlin hesitated as the question echoed through his mind. Would he still be a powerful Spell Caster without the Matrix?

The old Merlin relied too much on the Matrix to construct Spell Models and prepare potions. With special tools to ease the difficulty and save time constructing Spell Models, he knew in his heart that these tools were not that unique.

They could not give him faith!

"Faith, faith…"

Merlin whispered as his eyes began to light up.

Merlin put the Clarity Stone back into his ring once more, and his surroundings began to change instantly. A fierce wind howled as his surroundings turned into what looked like a human purgatory.

Merlin slowly extended his arm and felt the strength of his Magic Power within him. A total of twelve Spell Models ran in an orderly manner. This was the most amount of real power Merlin had ever felt!

The source of this strong faith came from his own strength!

It was clear to Merlin that he did not possess strong faith but strong power. With power came faith, and as he realized this, he let out a slight grin.

Merlin looked around the life-like purgatory before him and grinned as he lightly shut his eyes.

After a moment, Merlin opened his eyes and his surroundings returned to the cold and dry cave. His body still stood in the same place.

"Broken! The illusion did not affect me!"

Merlin smiled slightly. He finally broke through the illusion of Darkness Void with his strong faith.

In fact, there were many ways to break through an illusion but it boiled down to a Spell Caster's determination. There were some who could break through an illusion with just their powerful mindset.

Some people wholeheartedly desired to become stronger, and with their pure intent, could break through the illusion.

There were also some who were already mentally strong and were terrified of any illusion but they, too, could break through the illusion. In short, it was due to Merlin's firm faith that he was able to break through his illusion.

"Turns out it's only the third day!"

After Merlin broke through the illusion, he asked the Matrix and found out that it had only been his third day in Darkness Void. Merlin had gotten through the illusion but he was still in no rush to cultivate Darkness Heart.

After all, there were three types of Darkness Heart. He could already cultivate the first type but he wanted to try the second and third types of Darkness Heart.

Therefore, he still needed to spend more time in Darkness Void and experience more illusions. It would be best to be completely prepared. No one truly knew how formidable the illusion of the second and third types of Darkness Heart would be. All Merlin could do now was stay in Darkness Void and experience various other illusions.

…

Outside Darkness Void, Wizard Leo sat quietly on the floor. Not far from him was Wizard Hobbes, Wizard Gryzllo, and Wizard Bahrain, who had all accompanied him.

Merlin had been in Darkness Void for three days but there was not a single movement in it. Wizard Leo's third eye was constantly shifting, seemingly reflecting Wizard Leo's anxious feeling.

Wizard Hobbes looked up into the calm Darkness Void and said in a hoarse voice, "Wizard Leo, I've already reminded you that it's not easy to enter Darkness Void. Even with the Clarity Stone, it'll be eventually exhausted. Perhaps you did not understand the specific information about Darkness Void I explained at Abyss Fort, but there's no harm in reminding you now so you must be mentally prepared."

After a pause, Wizard Hobbes continued. "Darkness Void was created by the Great Wizard Damani to help the Spell Casters of Abyss Fort cultivate Darkness Heart. There are three types of Darkness Heart. Each form has different requirements and so the illusions of Darkness Void are divided into three stages in a total of seven days! The first to third day is spent on the weakest illusion. If you resist through this time, you could easily cultivate the first form of Darkness Heart.

"From the fourth day to the sixth, the strength of the illusions would increase drastically. If you can get through them, you can cultivate the second form of Darkness Heart with no issue.

"The seventh day will be the strongest illusion. If even we, Seventh-level Spell Casters, came in, it would be of no use as we would all fall under the strong illusion. Hehe, you must depend on your own strength to get through the illusion and finally, you can cultivate the third form of Darkness Heart. However, even during the peak of Abyss Fort, there were only a handful of Spell Casters who could get through the seven days and cultivate the third form of Darkness Heart! If Merlin doesn't come out after seven days, hehe, I'm afraid it'll be too late. When the time comes, Wizard Leo, you must not forget your promise!"

Wizard Hobbes spoke but Wizard Leo's expression remained unchanged as he calmly replied, "We'll wait for seven days and talk about it then."

Wizard Leo's tone was calm but the blood-shot eye on his forehead could not help but stare into the darkness of Darkness Void. After all, it was almost the end of Merlin's third day…

…

"Huh? The strength of the illusions has increased?"

Merlin sat calmly. It was now his fourth day in Darkness Void, and from today, Merlin realized that the strength of the illusion had greatly increased.

This time, Merlin was surrounded by people he knew. There were his two wives Avril and Charise, and his father Old Wilson. There were also familiar faces from the Kingdom of Light such as old man Etha, little fatty Gutt, Anson, and the others.

Such familiar faces appeared in Merlin's illusion. They were so vivid and brought back many memories for Merlin.

"Merlin, you're late again. I'll get punished by Swordsman Pero…"

The red-headed boy, Anson, complained to Merlin.

"Merlin, I've gotten two pretty sisters again for today."

Little fatty Gutt whispered to Merlin with a smirk on his face.

"Merlin, if you fool around with them, I won't go easy on you!"

Macy said with a sullen look on her face as she "warned" Merlin.

There were also Old Wilson, old man Etha, and the others. One by one, familiar people appeared before Merlin. Even though he knew that it was just an illusion, Merlin could not help but drift into his memories.

"This may just be an illusion but it would make people want to stay and forever be immersed in it…"

Merlin whispered. He felt nostalgic as the familiar people, faces, and voices flashed through his mind.

The illusion of Darkness Void was able to evoke long-lasting memories from Merlin's mind. This made Merlin feel uncomfortable as he allowed himself to be immersed in it.

Such a powerful illusion in Darkness Void would surely cause many Spell Caster to become lost in it.

"It's all fake. I know this is not real so how can I be so dumb to be immersed in it? Gutt, Anson, Father, rest assured, I'll return to the Kingdom of Light. I won't be immersed in this unreal illusion. I must end this!"

Merlin said with determination. Although the illusion made him reminiscent of his past, he still decided to break through the illusion. He could have been nostalgic, but he would not get lost. Thus, he shut his eyes tightly and as he opened them, the illusion disappeared, and he was back in the cold and dry cave.

"Matrix, how many days have I been in Darkness Void?"

Merlin asked. He had already experienced many illusions in Darkness Void but was unsure how long it had been. The illusions did not affect the Matrix and it had recorded Merlin's time in Darkness Void.

"You've been in Darkness Void for five days and eight hours!"

The Matrix's response was detailed, and Merlin had been so absent-minded. He had unknowingly immersed himself in the illusion for an entire day. From the fourth day, the illusions had become much stronger than the days before.

"It has been five days… It's time to cultivate Darkness Heart."

Merlin felt his time in Darkness Void was almost up. As he prepared to cultivate Darkness Heart, he saw something from the corner of his eye. He looked up and saw skeletons laying on the cold ground before him.

"Could these be the Spell Casters from Abyss Fort who entered Darkness Void?"

Merlin's heart skipped a beat. These could be the Spell Casters who were trained by Abyss Fort to enter Darkness Void but they had all died here as they failed to cultivate Darkness Heart.

Merlin stood up and gently walked toward the pile of skeletons.

Chapter 224: The Seventh Day!

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

In the cold and dry cave, Merlin crouched over the skeletons. The skeletons were scattered across the floor, covered in rotten robes.

It seemed that these people had been dead for a long time. In Abyss Fort, only Spell Casters who wished to cultivate Darkness Heart could enter the Darkness Void.

It was easy to assume that these skeletons were Spell Casters sent by Abyss Fort to cultivate Darkness Heart, but they had failed and were forever lost in Darkness Void.

"Crash!"

Merlin touched one of the skeletons and it broke in an instant. They could have been here for a long time and had become fragile.

Merlin walked further and noticed the vast number of skeletons. Some were from a few decades ago, and some were a few centuries old.

Merlin inspected them again. He searched for rings left by the skeletons but could not find one.

No one would enter Darkness Void unless they intended to cultivate Darkness Heart. Merlin looked through the skeletons in hopes of finding a "small treasure". After all, there were so many Spell Casters before him – their rings would contain enormous wealth.

However, it seemed that they had already been extorted and there were no rings left. It was most likely that the rings could have been taken by other Spell Casters who had mastered Darkness Void and successfully cultivated Darkness Heart.

Most Spell Casters who were successful in cultivating Darkness Heart could have extorted all the rings and treasures of the skeletons in Darkness Void.

Merlin laughed to himself. How could he be in such a great situation but still be rewarded with such ill-gotten wealth?

Although Merlin could not find a ring among the skeletons, he had noticed Molta inscriptions on some of the skeletons. He was curious and dusted off the bones to read the inscriptions.

"It has been six days. I've lasted six days and finally mastered the illusion. However, my Clarity Stone has been exhausted. Now, I need to make a choice. Do I continue to wait for the seventh day or do I choose to cultivate the third form of Darkness Heart?

"It was such a tough choice. After three days in Darkness Void, I can cultivate the first form of Darkness Heart. Within days four to six, I can cultivate the second form of Darkness Heart. I've already cultivated the second form, but I can't have any regrets. The difference between the second form and the third form is too big!

"However, I want to become the first prodigy in Abyss Fort to successfully cultivate the third form of Darkness Heart. I just have to resist the seventh day, and I'll be able to cultivate the third form!"

The Molta inscriptions stopped there. The author of the inscriptions had turned into bones. It was clear that he did not make it to the final day.

Merlin finished reading the text and frowned slightly. The inscriptions revealed a lot of information that was very useful to him.

"According to the description in this text, the illusions of Darkness Void can be divided into three stages. The first three days correspond to the first form of Darkness Heart. If this is true, the illusions of the first form of Darkness Heart will not be different from the illusions of Darkness Void from the first three days. If you get through the first three days, you can easily cultivate the first form of Darkness Heart.

"During days four to six, the strength of the illusions will increase and corresponds to the second form of Darkness Heart. The seventh day correlates to the third form!"

Merlin finally understood the huge difference in Darkness Void. It was not surprising that Wizard Hobbes had mentioned if Merlin did not leave Darkness Void in seven days, it would bode ill rather than well.

The seventh day represented the strongest illusion of Darkness Void. The vain Spell Caster from Abyss Fort who had etched the inscriptions wanted to become the first prodigy of Abyss Fort.

However, even a prodigy as such could not last the seventh day in Darkness Void to cultivate the third form of Darkness Heart. Instead, the prodigy was forever lost in Darkness Void.

Many thoughts ran through Merlin's mind. However, he had been in Darkness Void for some time, and after five days, he was still able to break through the illusions. He would be able to cultivate the second form of Darkness Heart with ease.

However, as the inscription had said, the difference between the second and third form of Darkness Heart was too big. With little thought, the author still wanted to cultivate the third form.

On the seventh day in Darkness Void, the illusions strength would increase exponentially. The Spell Caster prodigy who etched the inscriptions was not able to withstand the illusions of the seventh day and ended up lost in Darkness Void, only to become bones.

"I still have the Clarity Stone. If I can't last any longer, I'll use it!"

Merlin deliberated for a moment and finally made a decision. He was prepared to wait patiently in Darkness Void for the seventh day. If the illusions of the seventh day were too strong and he could no longer resist them, he would use the Clarity Stone.

The Clarity Stone had shrunk to more than half the original size and only a small portion was left. The reason it had not been completely exhausted was that Merlin was able to break through the illusions with his determination and faith.

The strength of the illusions had already increased by the fourth day, but Merlin still had faith and used it to break through the illusions without the need to use his Clarity Stone.

If other Spell Casters used the Clarity Stone frequently, it would have been completely depleted by the third day.

After he made his decision, Merlin's heart gradually calmed down. He returned to sit in his original position and waited patiently for the seventh day in Darkness Void to arrive!

…

"It's the seventh day, Wizard Leo, if Merlin doesn't come out today, I'm afraid that this will bode ill rather than well!"

Wizard Hobbes stared coldly into Darkness Void as a smile revealed itself from the corner of his lips. It was the seventh day; Wizard Hobbes and the others finally felt relieved.

The illusions on the seventh day in Darkness Void were the strongest. In the history of Abyss Fort, only a handful of Spell Casters could last that long, Merlin would not fare any different.

Even the Clarity Stone would be useless on the seventh day. A Spell Caster would have to depend on his own mental strength to see through the illusion and leave Darkness Void.

"The seventh day has not ended yet!"

Wizard Leo's expression was somber, his Darkness Eye constantly looking into Darkness Void.

…

"The seventh day is arriving and so is the illusion!"

Merlin's surrounding suddenly changed, and he was immediately back in a familiar room. It was the room he stayed at Wilson's Fort in Blackwater City.

"How interesting. I've returned to Blackwater City. This illusion is quite impressive!"

Merlin smiled and did not seem to care. He opened the main doors and found maidservant Lucia and Macy whispering to the butler in the hall downstairs.

Old Wilson was there too, along with Commander Prat, who had just finished training and was sweating profusely as he ordered a maidservant to prepare a bath. It was a warm and familiar setting – Merlin felt like he was back at Blackwater City.

"It's truly perfect, I can't find a single flaw. My faith seems to have been shaken… However, this is just an illusion. Even if I can't break through it, I'll use the Clarity Stone!"

Merlin tried to shut his eyes and use his strong faith, but as he opened them, he was still in the illusion. He knew that the strength of the illusions would increase drastically on the seventh day and it would not take a short time to see through it.

Thus, Merlin quickly took out the Clarity Stone from his ring and it let off a strange scent to clear Merlin's mind. Immediately, the illusion disappeared, and he was back in the cold and dry cave.

"I must have strong faith. I'll try the illusion once more and I'll be able to break through it!"

Merlin looked at the tiny Clarity Stone in his hand as he regained his faith. He put the Clarity Stone away and immersed himself in the illusion again.

Once, twice, thrice…

Merlin's Clarity Stone seemed to be depleting, but with every trial, he seemed more and more determined.

"At the end of the day, it's just an illusion. I must end this!"

Merlin smiled slightly as he took a deep breath and shut his eyes as he focused on his faith and powerful mental strength.

He opened his eyes, and the illusion had disappeared. He had finally made it to the seventh day in Darkness Void and broke through the illusion!

"The illusion on the seventh day was truly formidable, but I was able to break through and I can finally cultivate the third form of Darkness Heart!"

Merlin was able to withstand seven days in Darkness Void. Even if the illusion from the cultivation of Darkness Heart was strong, he was be able to cope.

Thus, he began to cultivate the third form of Darkness Heart.

One day, two days…

Merlin was able to break through every illusion from the third form of Darkness Heart. He could feel himself embodying the spirit from the dark night and he felt close and intimate with Darkness element.

Under the influence of Darkness Heart, the power of his Dark Mist and Dark Light Realm increased drastically.

"I should go."

Merlin stood up and prepared to leave Darkness Void, but as he was about to leave, he asked the Matrix, "Matrix, how many days have I been in Darkness Void?"

Merlin was under the impression that he had been in Darkness Void for nine days, and he was worried that Wizard Leo was still waiting outside.

"You've been in Darkness Void for seven days!"

"Seven days? That's not possible. I've spent two days cultivating Darkness Heart. How could it be seven days?"

Merlin heard the Matrix's answer and shifted slightly. He remembered very clearly that he broke through the illusion and spent two days cultivating Darkness Heart.

"The Matrix's records could not be wrong, but neither are my memories. Could it be…?"

Merlin furrowed his eyebrows, and suddenly a possibility that made him uneasy rushed through his mind.

"Could this still be an illusion?"

Merlin raised his head fiercely. He was still in the cold and dry cave, and everything seemed normal, but his forehead broke out in cold sweat.

Chapter 225: The True Illusion

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

For the first time, Merlin felt hesitant. Everything around him felt so familiar and yet out of place. He felt as if his heart had frozen.

"When did I fall into the illusion? Was it when I first entered Darkness Void or was it on the fourth day when the illusions became stronger?"

Merlin whispered as he stood motionless, closely inspecting every aspect of his surroundings, his eyes, memory, and others. Everything seemed normal. There was no way he had imagined it, but the Matrix was never wrong.

The Matrix had recorded that this was only the seventh day Merlin had spent in Darkness Void. However, Merlin knew he had passed it, or perhaps he never reached the seventh day at all and never cultivated Darkness Heart. It was all an illusion!

However, the main problem now was to figure out when he fell into the illusion.

From the first day until the fourth day, it was clear that the illusions had become stronger, and Merlin had broken through the illusions. This was not inconsistent with the record of the Matrix.

It seemed that Merlin could have fallen into the illusion on the seventh day. He knew he fell into an illusion from the beginning. He was not able to distinguish from the true illusion and while under the illusion, he had cultivated the third form of Darkness Heart.

However, it was still deceptive. Merlin could feel it faintly and that was how he knew it was an illusion.

"Just as my innermost desires? I'll test the illusion and see if it's true!"

Merlin slowly calmed himself down and closed his eyes. He faintly gave rise to an anticipation. When he was in Darkness Void before, he had hoped to find a ring among the skeletons and he was regretful that could not find one.

Now, Merlin was deep within his subconscious. He had a glimmer of hope that he could find a skeleton's ring and retrieve it.

Merlin had kept his anticipations vague and hid it deep within his private thoughts.

After a while, Merlin opened his eyes and walked deep into the cave. White bones were scattered along the pathway and they seemed no different to the ones Merlin had seen before.

However, as he walked deeper into the cave, he saw a skeleton covered in dust in the corner. As Merlin gently dusted the skeleton, he noticed a complete ring beside it.

The ring was jet-black and did not seem very significant. However, Merlin used his Mind Power to inspect it further and found that it contained a vast amount of elemental crystal stones, potion ingredients, and even a few Spell Scrolls.

The ring possessed a huge fortune. It was clear that the owner was once a wealthy Spell Caster. However, in the end, he was not able to endure the illusions of Darkness Void and got lost in Darkness Void.

The jet-black ring felt cold in Merlin's hand. No one would have been suspicious of the situation, but Merlin looked somber and he began to feel the horrors of the illusion.

"It's so realistic… Sure enough, the illusions were based on my heart's desires. This illusion is produced by my innermost subconscious desires. Therefore, I did not realize it was an illusion because it was all I looked forward to…"

Merlin whispered. The jet-black ring in his hand seemed so real, but he threw it onto the ground and stood up. Merlin paced around.

This was the true illusion. Merlin only had the slightest desire to find a ring among the skeletons and as he searched, he immediately found one. How lucky could he be?

When Merlin was in Darkness Void, he had searched for a long time but could not find a single ring. This was already a very clear sign. Merlin realized he was indeed in an illusion, and it was based on his innermost desires. His subconscious was able to manipulate the true illusion. Merlin was not sure how he could break through an illusion like this.

The Clarity Stone was useless as well. Otherwise, there would not have been an illusion like the ones before. It was worthless on the seventh day in Darkness Void.

Merlin paced through the cave. He knew that he could have been sitting in the same place at the moment. This was just an illusion, but he was unable to break through it. He grew more anxious and so did his heart.

This illusion was the most authentic portrayal of his deepest desires. Merlin had not noticed that this was the more formidable illusion, much worse than the ones he had encountered before.

It was not surprising that the Spell Caster prodigy who had etched the inscriptions on the ground was not able to break through the illusions on the seventh day in Darkness Void. In the end, he was lost in Darkness Void and eventually turned into bones.

"This was all fake from the beginning, and it has all been an illusion. Everything I see, hear, and feel is unreal, but my strength is the only thing that is true. My faith is the source of my strength!"

Merlin sat on the floor still. He calmed himself down and began to acknowledge the spells within his Awareness.

The twelve spells in his Awareness were extremely calm. The spells had absorbed the elements of the outside world and were gradually transforming into Magic Power to store in Spell Models.

In addition to the spells, there was also Pandora Demon Abilities such as Fiery Collapse, Glacial Finger, and Darkness Heart.

Merlin knew that he was still in the illusion, and because of this, he had not truly cultivated Darkness Heart.

It was clear that if Merlin continued this way, he would forever be trapped in the illusion, unable to free himself. In the end, it was no different to being trapped in Darkness Void.

"In order to break through the illusion, I must rely on my faith. Only strong faith can free me from this illusion."

Merlin knew that this was the time to rely on himself. What was faith? It was something that seemed so illusory but was, in fact, very real.

It was like the Seventh-level Spell Casters, who had never constructed a Darkness-type spell before. However, they had long established self-confidence which turned into strong faith. In times like this, most illusions would not perplex them as they had faith that came from within.

Some people were prodigies who were born with gifts of strong faith where there was nothing that could beat them down. The more difficulties they experienced, the more they built their potential.

These all required a strong sense of conviction as a form of support.

Merlin already had faith, but it was not strong enough. He needed to believe that if he lost everything now, he would still be able to pick himself up and become a strong Spell Caster. If he had this conviction, the illusion would collapse on itself.

However, faith was something that needed to be developed. Merlin finally thought of an idea. Since this illusion could give him anything he wanted, he could use it to train his faith.

It was a crazy idea, but Merlin believed it was the only solution.

Thus, Merlin fell into the illusion once more – one that would make his heart's desires appear before him. One by one, it satisfied his hopes and Merlin did not forget to train his faith bit by bit.

The plan was to use the illusion to train his faith and then use his faith to break through the illusion. Merlin could be the first person in history to be so bold and crazy.

…

Outside Darkness Void, Wizard Hobbes slowly stood up and said to Wizard Leo, "Wizard Leo, seven days have passed, and Merlin has not left Darkness Void yet. He may be lost in there forever. Now, your previous promise must be honored!"

For a long time, the blood-shot eye on Wizard Leo's forehead began to twitch unceasingly. He stood up and gazed into the pitch-black Darkness Void as he said calmly, "I'll go through with my promise. It doesn't matter that Merlin has failed, but he can't die!"

As he finished speaking, Wizard Leo walked straight into Darkness Void.

Wizard Hobbes and the others exchanged glances. They stepped in front of Wizard Leo and coldly said, "Wizard Leo, you know the rules of Abyss Fort, even we, Seventh-level Spell Casters, cannot enter it, let alone an outsider. Merlin is immersed in Darkness Void and no one can save him!"

This was the rule of Abyss Fort. If one entered Darkness Void, he would need to rely solely on his own strength to escape it. No one could go in and save him. This was the reason why so many Spell Casters died in Darkness Void.

Therefore, as they realized Wizard Leo's intentions of entering Darkness Void, especially as he was a Spell Caster from the Dark Magic Region, Wizard Hobbes, and the others did not allow it.

Wizard Leo stopped in his tracks and the blood-shot eye on his forehead opened fiercely as it glowed a blood red. "You can't stop me!"

Wizard Leo declared, and Wizard Hobbes looked furious. They knew Wizard Leo was unique and he was able to kill Seventh-level Spell Casters from Ozmu, but they were three Seventh-level Spell Casters. How could they fear a Sixth-level Spell Caster like Wizard Leo?

"Hehe, Wizard Leo, this is Abyss Fort, not your Dark Magic Region!"

Wizard Hobbes, Wizard Gryzllo, and Wizard Bahrain surrounded Wizard Leo as they fluctuated elements around their body.

"You can't stop me!"

Wizard Leo's tone was calm as he repeated himself, but the Darkness Eye on his forehead began to shine violently. The blood-red light was like a net as it enveloped Wizard Hobbes and the others.

"Darkness Eye, delude!"

Wizard Leo's icy voice fell. The expression of Wizard Hobbes and the others changed drastically as their bodies began to tremble.

Chapter 226: Break Through the Void!

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

"Darkness Eye, delude!"

No one had expected that Wizard Leo's Darkness Eye could cause such a powerful illusion. Even Seventh-level Spell Casters like Wizard Hobbes were deluded by the illusion.

Their bodies began to tremble violently and their expressions turned ferocious. At once, intense Mind fluctuations began to radiate from the three of them.

"How can a mere illusion delude me?"

Along with Wizard Hobbes' words, a furious Mind fluctuation appeared suddenly. Its transparent force broke through the red light of Wizard Leo's Darkness Eye. The strings of red light disappeared rapidly while Wizard Hobbes and the others had gotten rid of the illusion and resumed consciousness.

After all, they were the Spell Casters of Abyss Fort. Since Abyss Fort specialized in Darkness-type spells, they were extremely familiar with various kinds of illusions hence, they were naturally more resilient toward them.

Thus, even the illusion cast by Wizard Leo's Darkness Eye could not trap them for long.

However, judging from the brief exchange earlier, Wizard Hobbes and the other Seventh-level Spell Casters were at a disadvantaged position. As a result, they also became fearful against Wizard Leo.

The strongest aspect of Darkness Eye was not its illusion; it was its destructive force. If Wizard Leo really wanted to exterminate them, they were not certain if they could block his attack.

Hence, Wizard Hobbes did not hurry to fight as he shouted, "Wizard Leo, if you dare to take one more step forward, I'm afraid you and Merlin won't be able to leave Abyss Fort!"

Although the Great Wizard Damani has long disappeared from Abyss Fort, there are Ninth-level Spell Casters here!

The Ninth-level Spell Casters were the strongest forces in spell casters' organizations such as the Dark Magic Region and Abyss Fort. Even during their battle against Ozmu, the Ninth-level Spell Casters did not take part in the battle.

However, if Wizard Leo truly dared to step into Darkness Void, the Ninth-level Spell Casters in Abyss Fort would have reason to strike. Wizard Hobbes' threatening words was backed by a strong foundation.

For the first time, Wizard Leo hesitated. His hollowed eyes stared into the pitch-black Darkness Void. Following that, his expression turned determined and he said in a calm tone, "Merlin cannot die. After saving Merlin, I promise I'll give you anything you want!"

After saying that, Wizard Leo strode toward Darkness Void with determined steps.

Wizard Hobbes exchanged glances with the others and took a deep breath. Then, Wizard Hobbes howled, "Wizard Leo, if you really want to force your way in, I'm afraid it's not going to be easy!"

Strong Elemental fluctuations appeared on these three Seventh-level Spell Casters; their spells might break out at any moment.

"Darkness Eye, exterminate!"

Before Wizard Hobbes could cast his spell, Wizard Leo's Darkness Eye flashed slightly. Immediately, an extremely red light rapidly flew out of the eye. The silent light imposed a dangerous aura upon Wizard Hobbes and the others.

"It's bad. This is the attack of Darkness Eye. Not even Seventh-level spells can block it. Run!"

Wizard Hobbes ran away in a rather panicky fashion. Seeing that Wizard Leo was still heading toward Darkness Void, the few of them revealed a helpless expression.

"Leo is really crazy. It seems we really need to call for Wizard Haguerman!"

Wizard Hobbes and the others nodded slightly. Wizard Haguerman was the Ninth-level Spell Caster in Abyss Fort. With his help, they could surely deal with Wizard Leo.

It was not that they were inferior to Wizard Leo; they had too many concerns regarding this matter. Darkness Eye was extremely powerful, and they would not want to fight it head-on and sustain serious injuries afterward.

…

Merlin did not know how many illusions he had experienced in Darkness Void. Following the desire buried deep in his heart, his desire and power became increasingly powerful amid the illusions.

One after another, the illusions made Merlin feel as if he had gone through many vicissitudes of life. The things he had experienced in both his previous life and the present were not comparable at all to the things he had experienced in the illusions.

Not everyone could have the chance to experience such matters. If Merlin wanted to become the strongest Wizard, then his wish would come true in the illusion.

If Merlin wanted to become the absolute king, he could become one in the illusion. Without a proper grip of reality, he could get lost in the illusion very easily.

However, Merlin kept his consciousness and reason with him deep in his heart, although he almost lost himself in the few most dangerous moments in the illusions. Luckily, he had instructed the Matrix to wake him no matter how many illusions he had experienced or got lost in so Merlin could wake up from the illusions.

In other words, the Matrix played a more crucial role in this than the Clarity Stone. With the reminder of the Matrix, Merlin was able to wake up from the illusion during the key moments when he was about to lose himself.

From the experiences, Merlin could clearly feel that his conviction had become stronger. The illusions tested the heart but the accumulated conviction was the heart's power.

Hence, Merlin's strength did not improve at all in the illusion. Instead, the conviction in his heart had become extremely powerful.

"Beep!"

Merlin was drowned in yet another illusion. In this illusion, Merlin was an ancient god who possessed incomparable strength.

This was the limit of his desire, but a strange noise suddenly rang in his mind. Following that, the sound of the Matrix appeared in his mind. "The time has finished. Please return right away!"

"Return?"

Merlin was still confused. In the illusion, he was a natural-born god who controlled everything in the world; he looked down on the people since nothing could spark his interest.

However, the Matrix immediately presented a myriad of scenes and information in his mind; all the detailed records since he entered Darkness Void until he decided to fall into the illusion once again.

With this information, Merlin immediately woke up.

"So, this is all an illusion?"

After saying that, a smile appeared on Merlin's face. Then, the god he had turned into disappeared instantly and he was still in a dry and cold cave.

However, Merlin knew that this was also an illusion. The illusion he had experienced had multiple layers. The last of all was the hardest to break through. Even if he knew that it was an illusion, he was unable to break through it.

"Matrix, how long has time passed since I entered Darkness Void?"

Merlin immediately asked the Matrix.

"You've been in Darkness Void for almost seven days. You still have two hours left!"

"Two hours left?"

Merlin frowned slightly. He had experienced countless illusions, so his conviction had been accumulated to the limit. Now, a great change had occurred to his entire aura; he gave off a deep vibe that could not be understood easily by others.

It seemed the aura around Wizard Leo and Wizard Hobbes were less comparable to that on Merlin.

"It's time. Should I try to break through the illusion?"

Merlin took a deep breath. After being in Darkness Void for such a long time while experiencing countless illusions, he felt that the conviction he had accumulated was sufficiently strong. No difficulties could make him back down now. Even if the Matrix had disappeared and his Spell Models had crumbled, he was supported by his strong conviction, so he would be able to rise again.

This was the gain he had obtained after the countless illusions – his heart had become tougher!

Merlin closed his eyes and the illusions he had gone through kept flashing before his eyes. The life-like scenes circulated in his mind.

"Nothing could delude me!"

Merlin said in a low voice. Following that, he opened his eyes; his stare was as deep as the dark night.

"Phew…"

Merlin opened his eyes to find that he was sitting in a corner. There were white bones scattered around the ground. Upon seeing this, he heaved a long sigh.

"I've finally broken out of the illusion. This is the true world!"

Merlin's lips quirked into a smile. This was reality. He was certain that this was the real world. Before his powerful conviction, there was no illusion that could delude his senses.

The most terrifying illusion – the illusion during the seventh day in Darkness Void – was easily broken through by Merlin. When he cultivated the third type of Darkness Heart, he would not experience much difficulty now.

"Darkness Eye, exterminate!"

Suddenly, Merlin heard a low voice and he was slightly stunned. Then, he realized that it was Wizard Leo's voice, coming from the outside of Darkness Void.

"Could it be that Wizard Leo is fighting Wizard Hobbes and the others?"

Merlin was shocked. He looked at the time and found that he had almost used up the seventh day in Darkness Void. Wizard Leo might have become impatient and began to argue with Wizard Hobbes.

They were in Abyss Fort, so Merlin did not wish to see Wizard Leo fighting with the Spell Casters of Abyss Fort. Thus, he stood up immediately, without caring to cultivate Darkness Heart.

He could cultivate Darkness Heart anytime he wanted since his conviction had become extremely strong. The illusions he would have faced when he cultivated Darkness Heart would not affect him by much. Hence, he could do it anytime he wanted. The most important thing to do now was to prevent Wizard Leo from fighting the Spell Casters of Abyss Fort.

Merlin soon found the entrance of Darkness Void and headed straight towards it.

…

Outside of Darkness Void, Wizard Leo's stride did not falter as he headed toward the entrance. Meanwhile, Wizard Hobbes and the others' expression had turned extremely dark. They gritted their teeth and mysterious runes began to appear in their hands.

These runes were specially made to convey messages. Although Abyss Fort did not specialize in Runology, they could still make runes for simple purposes like conveying messages.

Wizard Hobbes rapidly sketched the complicated runes in mid-air to call for the great Ninth-level Spell Caster, Wizard Hanguerman, who resided in the deepest area of Abyss Fort should he extend his Mind Power into the runes!

"Teacher Leo!"

Suddenly, a voice broke into the scene. Wizard Hobbes raised his head, his stare set to the entrance of Darkness Void. Upon seeing the figure that appeared at the entrance, his hands stiffened; he did not complete the last rune, looking astounded.

Chapter 227: Cultivate Darkness Heart

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

"Merlin?"

Wizard Leo halted his footsteps while the red vertical eye on his forehead blinked continuously. He glanced toward the entrance of the pitch-black Darkness Void. Merlin's figure slowly appeared from Darkness Void.

"How is this possible? Merlin has entered Darkness Void for seven full days. How did he survive?"

Wizard Hobbes was stunned as his stare glued at the figure who had just walked out from Darkness Void. Although he did not want to believe this, it was truly Merlin who had entered Darkness Void for seven days.

In other words, Merlin had gotten through the most terrifying illusion during his seventh day in Darkness Void.

"Merlin, have you finished cultivating Darkness Heart?"

Wizard Leo finally revealed a hint of elation. Thereafter, a red light flashed in the vertical eye on his forehead; Merlin was rapidly enclosed within the red light.

"Darkness Eye, delude!"

Wizard Leo directly cast Darkness Eye, causing Merlin to fall into an illusion. He knew that the Spell Casters who had cultivated Darkness Heart had a strong resistance against Darkness-type spell attacks. He only used a small amount of Darkness Eye's power to test Merlin's Darkness Heart.

The moment Merlin was enclosed within the red light, he fell into illusions. However, Merlin had experienced too many illusions by now, so these illusions did not amount to much. It was a piece of cake for him to break through such illusions with his strong conviction, although he had not cultivated Darkness Heart.

The one thing Merlin was interested in was Wizard Leo's Darkness Eye. A small amount of light from it could make him fall into illusions instantly. Moreover, this was probably just a small part of Darkness Eye's power.

Darkness Eye was truly marvelous. It was not surprising that Abyss Fort would agree to Wizard Leo's conditions just to obtain the cultivation method of Darkness Eye. They would obtain an unimaginably powerful ability should they cultivate Darkness Eye. To a certain extent, Darkness Eye was indeed more powerful than Darkness Heart.

"Teacher Leo, such illusions don't have much effect on me!"

Merlin told Wizard Leo with a smile as he stood within the red light. Following that, he closed his eyes slightly and a powerful conviction appeared in his heart. At once, the illusions before him disappeared.

Wizard Leo nodded slightly and revealed a slight smile. "Not bad. Darkness Heart is indeed remarkable. Although I've only used a small part of my ability, the illusions I cast are sufficient to delude a Fourth-level Spell Caster. However, you're not affected by it at all and can easily break out of it. Darkness Heart was stronger than what I've imagined."

After watching Merlin break through the illusions he had created via Darkness Eye, Wizard Leo was pleased, thinking that Merlin had cultivated Darkness Heart.

Merlin shook his head instead. "Teacher Leo, I haven't finished cultivating Darkness Heart. I've only experienced too many illusions in Darkness Void, so ordinary illusions can't affect me anymore."

"What? You haven't finished cultivating Darkness Heart?"

Wizard Leo frowned. He had invested so much effort in this – exchanging Darkness Heart for the cultivation method of Darkness Eye, and even sending Merlin into the sacred place of Abyss Fort, Darkness Void. His sole aim was for Merlin to cultivate Darkness Heart.

However, Merlin had not finished cultivating Darkness Heart when he came out of Darkness Void. Wizard Leo was full of doubts and shot a glance to Wizard Hobbes and the others. His first thought was that Wizard Hobbes had not told them the true cultivation method of Darkness Heart.

Noticing Wizard Leo's doubtful gaze, Wizard Hobbes snorted. "Hmph, we've told you the true cultivation method of Darkness Heart. If I'm not mistaken, Wizard Merlin has broken through the illusion during the seventh day in Darkness Void. He can cultivate the third type of Darkness Heart anytime now. Wizard Merlin, am I right?"

Wizard Hobbes and the others wore a dark expression. As the Spell Casters of Abyss Fort, they were aware of the significance of Merlin going through seven days in Darkness Void.

It meant that Merlin could now cultivate the third type of Darkness Heart. Even during the most glorious moments in Abyss Fort, there was only a small number of Spell Casters who could cultivate the third type of Darkness Heart.

Thus, when they saw that Merlin could cultivate the third type of Darkness Heart, albeit he was not a Spell Caster of Abyss Fort, they had mixed feelings about it. It was the same in the case of Wizard Leo – he had cultivated Darkness Eye even though he was not a Spell Caster of Abyss Fort.

Wizard Leo placed his doubtful gaze on Merlin.

Merlin nodded. "That's right, Teacher Leo. I can cultivate Darkness Heart now. I only need to find a time to finish the cultivation."

Wizard Leo nodded, and his expression returned calm. Thereafter, he said to Wizard Hobbes, "Wizard Hobbes, please prepare an anechoic chamber for Merlin to cultivate Darkness Heart."

Before this, Wizard Leo had argued with Wizard Hobbes and the others due to Merlin. However, the conflict was now resolved when Merlin walked out of Darkness Void. Moreover, they would still want to have Wizard Leo's cultivation method of Darkness Eye, so they had to put up with Wizard Leo's attitude. Wizard Hobbes replied in low voice, "Abyss Fort has many anechoic chambers. Wizard Leo, I hope you can keep your promise this time. We, Abyss Fort, have limited patience, after all!"

Wizard Leo remained silent. Instead, he and Merlin simply trailed behind Wizard Hobbes and left Darkness Void.

…

"The third type of Darkness Heart. Let's see how terrifying it's illusions are going to be."

In the anechoic chamber, Merlin immediately chose the third type of Darkness Heart. After all, he had successfully broken out of the illusions during the seventh day in Darkness Void. Since the difference between the third type of Darkness Heart and the previous types was too large, Merlin naturally chose the third type without the slightest hesitation.

To cultivate the third type of Darkness Heart, Merlin had to etch mysterious darkness markings on his body. He gave it some thought before doing it. He had the markings of Fiery Collapse and Glacial Finger on both his palms. Although he was not sure of the effect of etching markings of two Pandora Demon Ability at one place, Merlin did not do it for safety purposes.

Merlin took off his robe to reveal his muscular chest. This was the result of practicing the posture of the mysterious relief sculpture for a long time. Hence, his physical attributes were excellent; he had reached the peak of a Third-level Elemental Swordsman now.

If he continued to practice for one more year, he would be able to improve his physical attributes to that of a Fourth-level Elemental Swordsman.

Merlin began to move his hands around and rapidly pressed his palms on his chest. Gradually, a strange dark marking appeared on his chest.

Following that, Merlin's Mind Power extended to simulate the marking on his chest. At once, Merlin shivered as if his entire being was dragged into an endless darkness; it was as if he had become one with darkness.

However, the sensation disappeared in a flash. He lowered his head to look at the ink-black marking on his chest. It appeared as if his fair skin was stained with a drop of ink. However, if one looked close enough, there was a sort of strange aura from it that could attract the attention of others intensely.

Merlin took a deep breath. He knew that this was only the beginning. Next, he would go through endless illusions. The cultivation of Darkness Heart was not completed in an instant. Some would require one or two days to cultivate it while some Spell Casters would take a longer time to wake up from the illusions.

Although Merlin was confident, he had no idea what the illusions of the third type of Darkness Heart would be, so he would need to be cautious.

After etching the strange marking and activating it with Merlin's Mind Power, he noticed that there was some sort of connection between the Spell Models of Dark Mist and Dark Light Realm with the strange marking.

It was the same when Merlin had cultivated Fiery Collapse and Glacial Finger; knowing this made Merlin relax just a little.

"Boom!"

Suddenly, Merlin felt that his world was spinning. It was as if his mind had exploded and felt that he was in the clouds.

"It's the illusions!"

Merlin stiffened. He was prepared beforehand, but he did not expect that the illusions would hit him so suddenly. However, no matter what illusions there were, his strong conviction would be able to get him through. As long as he remained cool-headed, his strong conviction could stand against any illusion.

Once, twice, thrice…

Merlin had lost count of the illusions that he had experienced. However, Merlin's strong conviction had broken through the illusions each time it hit him; he did not even have the chance to be deluded when the illusion had disappeared.

With time, these illusions had grown increasingly powerful. Finally, the illusion became as powerful as that during his seventh day in Darkness Void.

Fortunately, Merlin's conviction was indeed powerful since it was built up through countless illusions. Otherwise, he would have fallen into the strong illusions by now.

Time slowly went past. The process did not take a long time since it was only half a day's time. Merlin opened his eyes again. Although he had experienced many illusions, the time spent in the illusions was not long. Often, he broke through a few illusions only in an instant.

"The illusions of the third type of Darkness Heart are indeed powerful. Without breaking through the illusion during the seventh day in Darkness Void, it's really easy to lose myself in the illusions."

Merlin finally understood the significance of spending seven days in Darkness Void. It was as if the illusions in Darkness Void were specially made for the cultivation of Darkness Heart.

Without Darkness Void, even Spell Casters with a strong heart would be flustered by the powerful illusions presented by the third type of Darkness Heart, and at last, lose themselves in the illusions.

After Merlin had gone through all illusions, the strange marking on his chest began to let out a cool aura. Merlin quickly lowered his head to look at the marking.

Chapter 228: Improved Strength

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The marking on Merlin's chest turned darker, just like a black mole. However, it gave off a cool aura as Darkness Elements had gathered at that area.

The Spell Models of Dark Mist and Dark Light Realm in Merlin's awareness had begun to absorb Magic Power at a quicker speed because Merlin had succeeded in cultivating Darkness Heart.

Darkness Heart attracted Darkness Elements by nature. Moreover, it could also enhance the power of Darkness-type spells drastically, especially when Merlin possessed the third type of Darkness Heart.

"Let's try it. Dark Mist!"

Merlin instantly cast Dark Mist and at once, the mist shrouded the entire room. The mist also seemed to continue in spreading outward.

The anechoic chamber was quite spacious. However, Merlin's Dark Mist was much stronger than before where its range was only within less than a hundred meters' radius.

Now, when Merlin cast Dark Mist, he could clearly sense that the marking of Darkness Heart had heated up rapidly. Furthermore, a strange force was imposed on the Spell Model of Dark Mist. Instantaneously, the power of Dark Mist rose as if it was cast by using an Enhancing casting tool.

Even the humblest estimate would suggest that the power of Dark Mist had doubled.

Merlin was gripped with shock. Dark Mist with a doubled strength was completely comparable to a First-level spell. If he cast the strengthened version of Dark Mist, its effect would be fearsome.

Upon thinking of this, Merlin could not wait to cast his First-level spell, Dark Light Realm. This was the crucial point. If the effect on the power of Dark Light Realm was as terrifying as this, Merlin's overall strength would be improved drastically.

Merlin waved his hands and got rid of the mist. Then, he cast Dark Light Realm. Different from Dark Mist, Dark Light Realm was able to refract light and made a certain region go completely dark. Moreover, it had a powerful hallucinating effect.

The hallucinating effect of an ordinary Dark Light Realm was able to pull a Second-level Spell Caster into its illusion, while a strengthened version of Dark Light Realm was able to easily put a Third-level Spell Caster into its illusion.

Now, Merlin wanted to test how far Dark Light Realm could be enhanced after he had cultivated the third type of Darkness Heart.

Along with the refraction of light, Merlin clearly found that the effect of Dark Light Realm was greatly increased. Even an ordinary Dark Light Realm could easily pull a Third-level Spell Caster into its illusion after the enhancement of Darkness Heart.

"Dark Light Realm!"

Merlin cast the spell again. Instead of casting an ordinary Dark Light Realm, he cast the strengthened version. At the same time, the marking of Darkness Heart on Merlin's chest gave off a scorching sensation.

This showed that Darkness Heart was also enhancing the strengthened version of Dark Light Realm. In fact, he was able to enhance all Darkness-type spells after he cultivated Darkness Heart. In addition, only a small number of Spell Casters was able to cultivate the third type of Darkness Heart even during the most glorious ages of Abyss Fort.

Furthermore, the true effect of Darkness Heart would be more apparent after the user had become a Fourth-level Spell Caster. After it was merged with a Darkness-type Fourth-level spell, the power of the final spell could be increased by of five to ten times.

At that time, Merlin's third type of Darkness Heart would be in its most fearsome form!

Now, the ability to enhance the power of spell had proved the strength of Darkness Heart. If it was the first or second type of Darkness Heart, it could only barely enhance the Darkness-type spell by a small amount.

"The strengthened version of Dark Light Realm that has been enhanced is so strong! Even a Third-level or an ordinary Fourth-level Spell Caster won't be able to escape from its illusion."

Merlin exclaimed wholeheartedly. If he cast the strengthened version of Dark Light Realm with the enhancement of Darkness Heart, its power would be fearfully strong. Spell Casters with Third-level Mind Power had no way of blocking it.

Even ordinary Fourth-level Spell Casters would be dragged into the illusion. However, Merlin did not know how strong Fourth-level Spell Casters truly were since he had not fought with them before.

Furthermore, there was still distinctions of strength among Fourth-level Spell Casters. Merlin's Dark Light Realm could not have any effect on the strong ones who had extremely powerful Mind Power.

Hence, the effect on Merlin's overall strength was quite apparent with the addition of Darkness Heart. He would even able to stand against Fourth-level Spell Casters.

"The Matrix, how long have I been cultivating?"

Merlin asked the Matrix.

"You've been cultivating for nine hours!"

Merlin thought about it for a moment. He had cultivated the third type of Darkness Heart in nine hours. This speed was relatively quick. This could also be due to Merlin's strong conviction where no illusions could delude him.

"It's time to go out."

Thus, Merlin stood up and left the anechoic chamber.

Wizard Leo and Wizard Hobbes became wide-eyed when they saw Merlin walking out of the anechoic chamber; their powerful Mind Power kept on sizing up Merlin.

"Merlin, have you cultivated Darkness Heart?"

Wizard Leo asked hurriedly, seemingly anxious as well.

Wizard Hobbes exchanged glances with the others. They had all heard about Wizard Leo but they were under the impression that Wizard Leo was an arrogant Spell Caster with a weird temper. Why would he be so caring toward a student?

Even if Merlin was a Six-Elemental genius Spell Caster, Wizard Leo did not have to help him by giving away such a precious thing – the cultivation method of Darkness Eye.

Looking at Wizard Leo's anxious looks, Merlin was grateful but confused. Wizard Leo had paid a great price in Abyss Fort for him to cultivate Darkness Eye.

Such help seemed to be beyond the defined relationship of a "teacher" and a "student".

However, Merlin stifled the question in his head and answered with a smile, "Teacher Leo, everything went smoothly. I've cultivated Darkness Heart!"

Wizard Hobbes was not surprised that Merlin had successfully cultivated Darkness Heart. When Merlin walked out of Darkness Void, they already knew that it was a piece of cake for Merlin to complete the cultivation of Darkness Heart. Generally, Spell Casters who were able to break through the illusions during the seventh day in Darkness Void could definitely succeed in cultivating Darkness Heart. In addition, they were able to cultivate the third type of Darkness Heart!

"Good!"

Wizard Leo only replied with one word, then revealed a pleased expression. He turned around and took out a delicate, thread-bound book from his ring. He said in a calm tone, "Wizard Hobbes, this is the cultivation method of Darkness Eye that I've devised, but there's only half of it here. You can first have a look."

After saying that, Wizard Leo handed the cultivation method of Darkness Eye to Wizard Hobbes.

Wizard Hobbes, Wizard Gryzllo, and Wizard Bahrain shot passionate glances at the book. They quickly came together and flipped the thread-bound book open, then scanned the pages.

Although there were only a few pages, Wizard Hobbes and the others had read it for half an hour. Even Merlin was a little intrigued by it. This was the cultivation method of Darkness Eye, after all.

On the contrary, Wizard Leo appeared rather calm. He did not rush them. Instead, he simply waited for them to finish reading.

After about half an hour, Wizard Hobbes raised his head and exchanged a glance with Wizard Gryzllo and Wizard Bahrain. The three of them saw the shock in each other's eyes.

"Incredible. Truly incredible. Wizard Leo, even the creator of Abyss Fort, the Great Wizard Damani, won't be able to devise such a cultivation method of Darkness Eye. Wizard Leo is able to devise the method which seems plausible to yield a result. Just by this, I'm truly impressed!"

"That's right. Although this is only half of it, we can understand some situations clearer now. Wizard Leo's cultivation method of Darkness Eye is indeed unique and marvelous!"

The three Seventh-level Spell Casters showered Wizard Leo with compliments after only reading the first half of the cultivation method. It was not surprising that Wizard Leo had directly handed them the first half with such confidence.

"Wizard Leo, when will you be able to give us the other half?"

Wizard Hobbes' eyes were brimming with passion. He seemed to have let go of the fight with Wizard Leo after reading the cultivation method of Darkness Eye.

"After Merlin has chosen his spells, I'll naturally hand the other half to you when we leave Abyss Fort."

Wizard Leo had already thought this through where he planned to pass the complete cultivation method of Darkness Eye to Abyss Fort.

Wizard Hobbes nodded, then said to Merlin hurriedly, "Wizard Merlin, we'll bring you to the library immediately. You can choose whatever Darkness-type spells that you want – from Second-level to the Sixth-level. However, you can only choose one for each level!"

Merlin nodded, and followed Wizard Hobbes to the library. Before having the first half of the cultivation method, Wizard Hobbes and others did not rush at all. However, after reading the first half, they were looking forward to reading the next half. They could not wait for Merlin to finish choosing the spell so that they could obtain the complete cultivation method.

Darkness Eye could only be cultivated after having a Sixth-level Darkness-type spell. In addition, Wizard Hobbes and other Seventh-level Spell Casters had constructed many Darkness-type spells. They would be able to cultivate Darkness Eye if they obtained the complete cultivation method. Thus, it was natural for them to be excited about Wizard Leo's cultivation method.

Soon, after walking past many mysterious passageways, Merlin and the others had reached a place which was rich with Darkness Elements. There were two large stone doors in front of them. On the wall beside the stone doors, there were many weird murals that made the people's skin crawl.

"Alright, this is the library!"

Wizard Hobbes turned around and pointed at the stone doors, with a smile on his face, to Merlin and Wizard Leo.

Chapter 229: The Ultimate Hallucinating Spell!

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

"The library?"

Merlin raised his head and looked closely at the two gigantic doors in front of him. At two sides of the doors, there were two stone piers with monsters, which Merlin had never seen before, carved on them. They appeared life-like where they sent a chill down people's spine.

A strange aura clinged to the library of Abyss Fort.

Merlin frowned, then glanced at Wizard Leo.

Wizard Leo appeared calm as he said, "Go in and choose the spells you need!"

Merlin nodded, then took a deep breath and walked toward the door.

Right after he stepped onto the stairs, he immediately felt a blanket of darkness before him. It was as if his surrounding had turned dark suddenly. He had lost all senses; he could neither see, hear nor feel anything.

"Illusion?"

Merlin was in shock. Since he had experienced countless illusions when he was in Darkness Void and while cultivating Darkness Heart, he was rather familiar with illusions by now. When he was caught up in situations like this, he immediately knew that this was an illusion.

Soon, without letting out his strong conviction, the marking of Darkness Heart on Merlin's chest began to give off a warm presence. Following that, Merlin felt a numbing and cooling sensation in his mind. Then, he came back to his senses.

This was the ability of Darkness Heart. Obviously, he was attacked by a Darkness-type spell earlier, and Darkness Heart had blocked most of the effects of the spell attacks. With Darkness Heart, especially the third type, it was almost impossible for Merlin to be injured by a Darkness-type spell.

"Who is it?"

Wizard Leo was the first to react. The red vertical eye on his forehead flashed a bloody red, then the light shattered the space and was shot toward a dark place.

"Bang!"

There was a dull sound. Then, a skinny black-robed old man showed up even after taking the attack from Wizard Leo's Darkness Eye. He stumbled forward a little; the blow given by Darkness Eye was apparently harsh on him as well.

"Darkness Eye?"

The skinny old man's expression kept changing with a hint of shock. Then, he glanced at Merlin and exclaimed with a low voice, "Darkness Heart!"

The skinny old man's gaze kept darting back and forth between Merlin and Wizard Leo while wearing a dark expression. He was a Seventh-level Spell Caster, but it turned out that he could not even delude Merlin with his spell. Moreover, he even became flustered by Darkness Eye of a Spell Caster who was barely a Sixth-level.

"Wizard Leo, don't misunderstand. This is Wizard Treman who takes care of the library!"

After Wizard Hobbes saw the skinny old man, he quickly budged in to explain.

Wizard Leo did not cast his Darkness Eye further; he simply stared at the skinny old man with the red vertical eye on his forehead, without the slightest intention to lower his guard.

Merlin also stared at the old man in confusion. The latter had obviously cast a spell earlier, but he did not notice even the slightest movement. This was enough to prove that this old man was at least a Seventh-level Spell Caster.

However, the Darkness-type spell cast by the Seventh-level Spell Caster was easily blocked by Merlin's Darkness Heart. This also revealed another ability of Darkness Heart – the ability to block most of the Darkness-type spells.

In other words, even the Darkness-type spells cast by the Seventh-level Spell Casters would not be able to harm Merlin at all.

After a moment, Wizard Hobbes seemed to have cleared the confusion with the skinny old man, Wizard Treman. Then, he approached Merlin and said, "Wizard Merlin, you can enter and choose your spells now. After choosing them, Wizard Treman will undo the Runic Magic Circles on the spells for you."

Merlin nodded. The library of Abyss Fort was the same as that of the Dark Magic Region where spells were protected by unique Runic Magic Circles. One could only read the content after Wizard Treman had undone them personally.

Thus, Merlin proceeded forward, and the two gigantic stone doors were slowly pushed open. His figure then disappeared from others' sight.

The skinny old man, Wizard Treman, took a long glance at Wizard Leo and said, "Darkness Eye, not bad. You cultivated the true Darkness Eye!"

After saying that, the old man entered the library following Merlin.

Wizard Leo was unmoved regarding the skinny old man's words. The sole eye on his forehead looked at Merlin's back, and the scene slowly coincided with the figure that popped in his mind.

"Raydore… My brother, he looks just like you! Have you returned to me at last?"

Wizard Leo mumbled with his head lowered while revealing a nostalgic expression.

…

Right after he entered the library, Merlin felt a chilly sensation. The library was very different from the Resource Tower in the Dark Magic Region. The Resource Tower was always packed with people and appeared lively while this library seemed quite empty. It seemed as if people had not visited this place for a long time.

Merlin was a little confused. "Does no Spell Caster in Abyss Fort choose their spell here?"

"Abyss Fort is different from the Dark Magic Region. There're not many Spell Casters in Abyss Fort since not all Spell Casters can adapt to Darkness-type spells… Alright, take your pick quickly. Your teacher, Leo, is actually willing to exchange for your chance to choose spells here with his Darkness Eye. You should make good use of it."

Behind Merlin, a sharp and piercing voice rang abruptly. It was Wizard Treman who had quietly attacked Merlin earlier.

Merlin nodded as if he was deep in thought. Then, he began to read a large number of spells available in the library.

These spells were not entirely Darkness-type spells. After all, Abyss Fort was only good at Darkness-type spells. They still needed other types of spells if they aimed to become powerful Spell Casters.

It was just that a major portion of the spells in the library was Darkness-type spells; they took up about thirty percent of all spells.

Merlin easily found the shelves that contained Darkness-type spells. On the shelf, any spell, ranging from Second-level to Sixth-level, was available. Furthermore, there was a wide variety of them; Merlin had a hard time selecting his picks from the vast options.

"If you can construct Six-Elemental spells, I'm sure that you're quite knowledgeable in terms of constructing Spell Models. Since Leo has paid such a great price for you to choose your spells here, surely he doesn't expect you to choose ordinary spells. Hehe, if you're confident, choose your spells from the last row. The most peculiar, powerful, and complicated spells are all kept there."

Wizard Treman was staring at Merlin when he realized that Merlin did not know where to begin, thus he hinted Merlin by pointing at the last row of the shelves.

Merlin was elated. He had the Matrix with him, so he was not afraid of the complexity of the Spell Models. On the contrary, he would need to choose the ones that were most compatible with him and contained stronger power. After hearing Wizard Treman's suggestion, Merlin no longer wasted his time at other places. He headed straight toward the last row of shelves.

Only a small portion of spells was placed here. Merlin took one out randomly and flipped it open lightly. After reading through the introduction, Merlin was immediately hooked on it.

The spells here were not any ordinary spells. They either possessed a special effect or were exceptionally strong. However, their Spell Models were also quite complicated.

Dark Mist and Dark Light Realm in which Merlin had constructed were also kept in this row.

However, this time, Merlin had to choose the spells of Second-level to the Sixth-level. He would pick one spell for each level. In the case of a Seventh-level spell, not a single spell casters' organization would possess any. Once he reached the peak of a Sixth-level Spell Caster, he would need to derive the spell that was most suitable to him if he was to become a Seventh-level Spell Caster. Other spells would not be helpful at all.

Merlin carefully considered all spells on the shelf. He would construct it in his Awareness in the future once he chose a spell, so he would need to think it through before making his choice.

Wizard Treman was not rushing; he squinted his eyes and slowly observed Merlin as Merlin flipped through the available spells without a sound.

After about four or five hours, Merlin finally showed a smile on his face. Currently, there were two books in his hands. This meant that he had chosen two spells.

These two spells were Second-level Darkness-type spell, Darkness Tide and Third-level spell, Darkness Vortex.

The spells both carried a strong hallucinating effect. Should he construct and cast Darkness Tide, the effect of his attack would be even more terrifying than Dark Light Realm. The darkness would befall upon the people strongly like an endless tide.

Meanwhile, Darkness Vortex was well-known for its ability to devour all Mind Power. If a Spell Caster with a powerful Mind Power fell into Darkness Vortex, his Mind Power would be consumed and he would fall into the illusion.

These Second and Third-level spells were extremely powerful and had complicated Spell Models. Many Spell Casters in Abyss Fort did not choose these two spells easily.

Merlin could quickly choose his Second and Third-level spells, but he had to be extra cautious when choosing the Fourth-level.

As soon as he chose the Fourth-level spell, he could merge it with Darkness Heart. Thus, Merlin had to be careful about the spells of Fourth-level and above.

"Darkness Nightmare, the ultimate hallucinating spell. It's able to delude people with its extremely realistic illusion without them knowing it. Moreover, its illusions were layered, making it difficult to differentiate between reality and illusions. It induces fear in people just like a nightmare does…"

Finally, Merlin set his gaze on a spell named Darkness Nightmare. This spell was coincidentally a Fourth-level spell and was considered the ultimate hallucinating spell.

Such a spell could make most Spell Casters fall into his illusions. Of course, if even Darkness Nightmare could not delude the person, no other spells could delude the person at all.

Moreover, once one's Mind Power had exceeded a certain extent, it would be difficult for them to be deluded. It was the same for a spell that was stronger; it could hardly delude the Spell Casters with superb Mind Power.

Hence, the Fourth-level spell, Darkness Nightmare, was considered the ultimate hallucinating spell. Fifth-level spells and above were mainly correlated with illusions and physical attacks. Illusions were mainly just a supportive spell.

Following that, Merlin chose the Fourth-level spell, Darkness Nightmare, without hesitation. Merlin had been in the library for about three days now.

Merlin still had to choose his Fifth-level spell and Sixth-level spell. At this point, this was a whole new area for him because Darkness Nightmare was considered the ultimate hallucinating spell. After this mark, Darkness-type spells would slowly be improved toward the aspect of physical attacks.

After all, a hallucinating effect was not the only good points from a Darkness-type spell!