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Chapter 297: The Flame Prison
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Merlin was currently floating in mid-air. Wisps of Wind Element were wrapped around him, supporting him. This proved that the belt was indeed a Flying casting tool.
The belt must contain a mystical power which could cast a Wind-type spell. In that manner, it lifted the Spell Caster into the air, achieving the effect of a Fourth-level spell.
A Flying casting tool like this was very precious. It should be known that Flying spells could only be achieved by a Spell Caster who had reached the Fourth-level and constructed a Wind-type spell.
For Spell Casters below the Fourth-level or for Spell Casters who were Fourth-level or above but did not construct Wind-type spells, a Flying casting tool like this made things more convenient, and might even indirectly improve their battle prowess.
Merlin further explored the powers of the belt. Its flying speed in mid-air was nothing to shout about, but it was much faster than Wind of Freedom that he used. It was around the speed of a typical Fourth-level Flying spell.
Moreover, although the belt required the supplement of some Wind-type elemental crystal stones, this amount was nothing much to Merlin, who now had many rings and a large sum of elemental crystal stones.
This Flying casting tool was the best item that Merlin had obtained at the second obstacle. Some of the other rings might have some precious materials, but they could not compare to this Flying casting tool.
Ever since the era of the Molta Empire, the most glorious age of Spell Casters had passed, much of alchemy's legacy had been lost. Casting tools were a part of alchemy as well, and it was rather difficult to transfigure a Flying casting tool.
Therefore, when Merlin was in the Dark Magic Region, Sterling House, and Fort Udon, he had never seen anyone with a Flying casting tool. Therefore, this belt was considered quite a treasure.
After plundering the rings at the second obstacle until nothing was left, Merlin felt a vague feeling of even greater anticipation. In a flash of his figure, he headed toward the third obstacle straightaway.
Merlin had previously heard the Flame Being mention that in over three thousand years, only three individuals had made it to the third obstacle. Merlin was the fourth one, but besides him, no one else had ever completed the third obstacle.
Spell Casters who were able to reach the third obstacle must surely be extraordinary Spell Casters!
"Whoosh!"
Merlin's figure appeared before the third obstacle. He swept his gaze across the ground but frowned because he did not see any bones or rings before this third obstacle.
Merlin remembered very clearly that the Flame Being had mentioned that other than Merlin, there were three others altogether who had reached the third obstacle.
However, those three did not manage to complete the third obstacle.
Merlin recalled what the Flame Being had said in detail. The Flame Being had mentioned that one was a real freak who had five types of Pandora Demon Abilities but that person used up all three chances to complete the obstacle and was cast into the Flame Prison.
As he thought of this, Merlin's eyes shone, and he muttered in a low voice, "That's right, the Flame Prison. How could Spell Casters who managed to reach the third obstacle die so easily? There was even a Seventh-level Spell Caster among them. They must've been thrown into the Flame Prison because they failed to clear the obstacle."
The Flame Prison – this had been repeatedly brought up by the Flame Being. Furthermore, according to Merlin's conjecture, this Flame Prison was surely on the Ship of Nikola.
However, Merlin might have complete control over the Ship of Nikola now, but he had not discovered any such Flame Prison.
"The Flame Prison should be a 'prison' set up by the Legend Nikola. Since it's a 'prison', it must be well-hidden and sturdy in order to prevent people from easily escaping."
Countless thoughts flashed across Merlin's mind, following which he searched every corner of the Ship of Nikola once more. Moreover, he looked out especially for spots which were dense with Fire Element.
However, after a period of searching, he still did not discover any Flame Prison.
Nevertheless, Merlin did not give up but switched to another way of thinking. He searched for the place with the highest concentration of Fire Element on the Ship of Nikola.
"The place where Fire Element is the most concentrated at is where those Pillars of Flame are!"
The first thing Merlin thought of was those Pillars of Flame which were made by condensed Fire Element. The place with the highest concentration of Fire Element on the Ship of Nikola was surely where those Pillars of Flame were.
However, Merlin had never been to that area. Still, in order to locate the Flame Prison, Merlin decided to pay the place with the Pillars of Flame a visit.
…
"As I expected, what intense Fire Element!"
Merlin appeared in a room that was fiery-red. He looked all around. The place was filled with gigantic Pillars of Flame which were emanating an astounding scorching heat.
Merlin walked all around and discovered, by chance, that there was a thick, heavy metal door in this room filled with flames.
If Merlin had not come here himself, he would have no way of discovering this metal door.
Although Merlin controlled the Ship of Nikola, he could only see the numerous Pillars of Flame from a cursory look without gaining a clear understanding of these pillars' details.
As he looked at the large metal door now, Merlin's spirits began to lift.
"What's behind these great doors? Could it be the Flame Prison?"
Merlin approached the large, metal doors and looked around, but there were no mechanisms or anything of that sort. He began to consider the possibilities. On the entirety of the Ship of Nikola, Merlin, who possessed the Flame Maxim, was, in fact, the master of the Ship of Nikola. He was completely able to enter any place on this ship.
As he thought of this, Merlin fiercely simulated the Flame Maxim in his Awareness. The Flame Maxim emitted strands of its force, and Merlin cried out hoarsely, "Open!"
"Rumble!"
After the force of the Flame Maxim was released around Merlin, the thick solid metal doors began to gradually open.
The metal doors opened, and in a flash of his figure, Merlin had stepped inside.
It was a spacious and empty hall. In the middle of the hall, there was a circular area which was surrounded by sixteen enormous pillars. Dense lines of runes covered the pillars.
There was even a trace of the Flame Maxim's force which Merlin was familiar with.
The sixteen enormous pillars practically formed a massive Runic Magic Circle, enclosing the circular area. Inside the area were flames which danced and surged furiously.
"The Flame Prison. This must be the Flame Prison!"
Merlin felt a rush of glee. The flames, within the circular area surrounded by the sixteen runic pillars, evoked a sense of familiarity in Merlin. This force was similar to the Flame Maxim's. This demonstrated how terrifying the flames within the area were. The moment one stepped in, one would be turned to ashes.
As for why this parched heat was not felt in the hall, it was most likely thanks to these mysterious runes which trapped the flames firmly in the circle. This formed the terrifying Flame Prison. Any Spell Casters who were unable to complete the third obstacle, and were not killed by the Flame Image, would be thrown into the Flame Prison.
"Such frightening flames – I'm afraid that no one would be able to withstand them. If the three Spell Casters who made it to the third obstacle were cast into the Flame Prison, they must be long dead. The question is whether those rings are still here or not?"
Seeing how petrifying the flames of the Flame Prison were, Merlin felt rather uncertain. Although rings were not easily damaged, in the face of such flames that had a similar force as the Flame Maxim and were surely created by the Legend Nikola himself, it was unlikely that a Spatial Ring would remain intact and undamaged.
Nevertheless, Merlin thought he might as well try. He headed toward the Flame Prison in order to get a clearer look.
As soon as he neared the Flame Prison, the runes on the sixteen pillars transformed into a large runic net which obstructed Merlin's path. Based on the strength of these runes, Merlin guessed that even Great Wizards would find it hard to blast their way through.
However, the Flame Maxim in his Awareness was the foundation of the entire Ship of Nikola's control, so he released the force of the Flame Maxim once again. Instantly, the runes which were blocking Merlin vanished.
"Swish!"
Merlin did not hesitate at all. Even though he felt a burning gust of energy after the Runic Magic Circle had disappeared, he still stepped into the Flame Prison.
The flames in the Flame Prison were extremely terrifying. Merlin did not dare to be careless in the slightest and constantly simulated the Flame Maxim. He discovered that the mere wisp of force from the Flame Maxim was completely able to suppress these raging, surging flames. It was because of this that Merlin dared to step into the Flame Prison.
Merlin walked into the Flame Prison casually. Under the Flame Maxim's suppression, the flames of the prison were unable to touch him at all.
"Someone is thrown into the Flame Prison again?"
Suddenly, an old voice came from the middle of the Flame Prison. Merlin's footsteps paused instinctively, and his Mind Power flared up.
"Is someone actually still alive?"
Merlin immediately became very cautious and began to head toward the voice. Finally, at the bottom of the thirteenth pillar, Merlin saw a Spell Caster who was tenaciously hiding beneath the pillar, his body curled up into a ball. The flames of the Flame Prison were burning on his body, yet they were blocked by a layer of similar flames.
Merlin narrowed his eyes slightly. He surmised almost instantly that this Spell Caster was one of those who were cast into the Flame Prison. As for the thin layer of flames, they moved with obvious Elemental fluctuations. This indicated that the Spell Caster was casting a spell, perpetually counteracting the flames of the Flame Prison.
However, this astounded Merlin. It was almost an impossible task to be constantly fighting against the flames of the Flame Prison and surviving until now. Not even a Great Wizard would have such a tremendous amount of Magic Power to sustain this.
Just as Merlin was sizing up this mysterious Spell Caster, this person lifted his head, revealing an unkempt beard and an aged countenance.
When he saw that the flames around Merlin seemed to be suppressed, the expression of this aged Spell Caster shifted greatly. In a trembling voice, he said, "That's not right, you're not a Spell Caster who's been thrown into the Flame Prison. Speak, who are you really?"
The aged Spell Caster's eyes were initially weary, but they sharpened in an instant and fixed firmly onto Merlin.
Chapter 298: A Slave Contract!
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Before this, the old Spell Caster appeared to be on his last legs in the Flame Prison, but now a tremendous force shimmered around his body. In particular, the layer of flames covering him flared up violently, faintly repelling the flames of the Flame Prison.
This tremendous presence immediately froze Merlin where he stood. Nonetheless, Merlin did not bat an eyelid. On the Ship of Nikola, he was unafraid of anyone. Furthermore, they were in the Flame Prison. Not just anyone would be able to withstand the endless flames. The old Spell Caster was no more than someone who appeared stronger than he really was by forcibly radiating his presence.
Seeing that Merlin remained cool and collected with an unperturbed expression, the old Spell Caster, who seemed to have such vigorous force a moment ago, immediately turned dispirited. The surrounding flames wildly wrapped around him and a pained expression appeared on his face.
It appeared that the old Spell Caster's previous outburst of force was not as simple as it seemed. Who knew how much pain he had suffered?
The old Spell Caster gave Merlin a deep look, following which he said in a dejected and faint voice, "Only those who had obtained the Legend Nikola's Flame Maxim would be able to move freely in the Flame Prison. It looks like you're the Spell Caster who had completed the three obstacles and finally won the Legend Nikola's Flame Maxim!"
The old Spell Caster raised his head, wearing an inscrutable expression. It turned out that his previous burst of energy was merely a show of bravado.
"Oh? You actually know about the Legend Nikola, and even about the Flame Maxim?"
Merlin raised an eyebrow, his interest aroused by the old Spell Caster's words. After all, the Ship of Nikola was hidden in the ocean depths, and the Flame Being had said that all those who entered the Ship of Nikola were forcibly dragged in by the Flame Being. If one did not clear the third obstacle, one would not know what the treasure on the Ship of Nikola was.
"Heh, of course I know about it because that year, I came here especially for the Flame Maxim that the Legend Nikola had left behind! Before that, I came across a message that the Legend Nikola had left in a mysterious way, and learned that he had left a Flame Maxim at the bottom of the sea. I didn't know the exact location, but I had a rough idea of where it was.
"Therefore, I waited unabatingly for decades at that region of the sea… In the end, my efforts were not wasted. I was dragged in here, only it was a shame that I was unable to defeat the Flame Image of the third obstacle in the end."
It turned out that the old Spell Caster had come here intentionally for the sake of the Flame Maxim that the Legend Nikola had left behind. Perhaps the Legend Nikola was worried and left behind other messages.
Every century or so, the Flame Being would seize a new batch of Spell Casters and bring them to the Ship of Nikola. Thus, the old Spell Caster had waited vigilantly around the area. Naturally, he would be taken by the Flame Being and brought to the Ship of Nikola.
As soon as the old Spell Caster finished speaking, silence descended over the Flame Prison. At last, the old Spell Caster spoke again, "You've gotten the Flame Maxim. Go on, what are you going to do to me?"
"Do to you?"
Hearing this, Merlin carefully looked the old Spell Caster over. Although he appeared rather downcast, he must surely have powerful abilities to persevere within this terrifying Flame Prison and held on for so many years without dying.
In particular, the burst of force that he had displayed far surpassed the average Seventh-level Spell Caster.
Seeing that Merlin seemed to be hesitating, the old Spell Caster said in a low voice, "Let me out. I, Bammou, am willing to grant you three promises! If you don't trust me, we can sign a contract!"
"Three promises? Wizard Bammou, I'm afraid you don't understand your situation here. I'm in control of the Ship of Nikola, and your life is also in my hands. You think I would care about three small promises?"
Merlin laughed coldly. This guy really had a bright idea, using only three promises in exchange for Merlin to set him free. If he turned on Merlin after he was out of danger, what use would the three promises be?
Therefore, Merlin would not fall for this so foolishly.
Wizard Bammou, upon seeing Merlin's expression, clenched his jaw. "Although you've obtained the Flame Maxim, you're still unable to refine it. Even though you cleared the third obstacle, you must surely have relied on some trick, who knows what, for your abilities aren't that powerful. If you agree to set me free, we can sign a contract and I'll accompany you, protecting you for ten years!"
Wizard Bammou suggested another arrangement, only this one was much better. Merlin could see that Wizard Bammou must be the Seventh-level Spell Caster that the Flame Being had mentioned.
So many years had passed and yet Wizard Bammou was still alive. He was able to resist the flames of the Flame Prison and was certainly more than just a simple Seventh-level Spell Caster. The protection of such a powerful Wizard for ten years would be a decent choice.
After a moment of pondering, Merlin still shook his head.
Wizard Bammou's face turned cold and he said hoarsely, "You've turned down both of these conditions. What do you really want in exchange for setting me free?"
In the Flame Prison, one had to endure torment and suffering every day. Even though Wizard Bammou could force himself to stay alive, he had no chance of escaping the Flame Prison. As such, of course he would want to seize the only chance he had of leaving the Flame Prison.
"It's simple. Sign a slave contract of the highest grade with me, and I'll let you out!"
A smile tugged at the corner of Merlin's lips as he said calmly.
"What? A slave contract? Impossible, this is absolutely impossible – even if I die in this Flame Prison, I'll never sign a slave contract with you!"
Upon hearing Merlin's request, Wizard Bammou did not seem to give it any thought before rejecting it straightaway. Moreover, he sounded quite resentful.
Among all different types of contracts, the slave contract was the most demanding. For Spell Casters who signed the slave contract – everything they owned, including their lives, was in the hands of their masters. Their masters could kill them off on a whim.
Not even Entrance-level Spell Caster would sign such a harsh contract, what more a proud Seventh-level Spell Caster like Wizard Bammou.
After signing a contract of the highest grade in the Dark Magic Region, Merlin had gained some understanding of the different types of contracts. Incidentally, he learned some details regarding the slave contract, and in this way, he gained knowledge of the existence of such a harsh contract.
Wizard Bammou was a bona fide Seventh-level Spell Caster and not an average one at that. If Merlin set him free, Merlin must have absolute control over him. Thus, signing a slave contract was the only way.
"Wizard Bammou, don't be so quick to turn this down. I'll wait here for three days. If until then you're still unwilling to sign a slave contract, then you can stay here forever and enjoy yourself."
With that, Merlin turned to leave the Flame Prison, but he did not go too far. Instead, beneath the sixteen runic pillars, he sat in the lotus position. He would wait here for three days.
From this spot, Merlin could still see Wizard Bammou's every movement. There seemed to be a layer of faint firelight around the Spell Caster's body, which must be Wizard Bammou's spell. Still, that Fire-type spell appeared to be somewhat similar to the flames of the Flame Prison.
It was these flames, which rather resembled the Flame Prison's, that allowed Wizard Bammou to withstand the scorching heat of the Flame Prison and in that manner, he had survived until now.
Merlin closed his eyes lightly. Through the Flame Maxim in his Awareness, he had immediate control over the Ship of Nikola. Every corner of the entire ship appeared in Merlin's mind.
Before this, Merlin had not found the Flame Prison, so he had no way of controlling it. However, now that he had located it, Merlin had the ability to control the Flame Prison through the Flame Maxim's command of the Ship of Nikola.
Therefore, with a single thought from Merlin, the sixteen runic pillars which enclosed the Flame Prison began to shudder slightly. Following that, the characters of the mysterious rune flew into the Flame Prison.
"Boom!"
As soon as these runes entered the Flame Prison, the flames of the entire prison surged ferociously as if someone had poured gasoline over them. They burned even more frantically than before.
Merlin laughed softly. "Wizard Bammou, enjoy these for three days. Of course, if you can endure these three days, I might consider letting you out."
Wizard Bammou's face turned a deep red and the fluctuations of Fire Element all over his body became abnormally intense. The layer of flames over his body seemed unable to withstand this, and he seemed to be in a situation that was getting dangerous.
This was Merlin's little trick. Wizard Bammou was a complicated individual. The terrifying presence that Merlin had previously felt from him was full of a ruthless spirit. Only someone who had slaughtered many others would emit such a force.
Wizard Bammou bore this bitterly. Merlin was in no hurry as well as he had plenty of time. However, after seeing the frightening power of the Flame Prison, something occurred to Merlin. If he encountered a powerful enemy, he could drag them into the Ship of Nikola and cast them into the Flame Prison, and everything would be taken care of.
Nonetheless, it was a shame that the Ship of Nikola could not be moved and could only stay in the depths of the ocean. Otherwise, what a solid backing Merlin would have!
"Heh, to make me surrender through such despicable means – I'm afraid that you'll be disappointed!"
Wizard Bammou fixed his glare on Merlin and gnashed his teeth as he spoke.
Merlin paid him no mind and checked upon the spells in his body instead. He had just constructed four Second-level spells in a row. In addition, he had used up a large number of elemental crystal stones in order to build up a certain amount of Magic Power in these Spell Models and equipped himself with fighting power.
Merlin did not spend too much time on the other spells but instead focused particularly on the Second-level Fire-type spell, Sea of Purgatory Fire.
Before this, Merlin had relied on the Flame Maxim's suppression to forcibly combine Fiery Collapse with his Fire-type spells. Now that he had constructed a new Second-level Fire-type spell, he wanted to see if Fiery Collapse could also be merged with Sea of Purgatory Fire.
"Sea of Purgatory Fire!"
Merlin cast the Second-level Fire-type spell, Sea of Purgatory Fire for the first time. A sweep of flames instantly appeared in mid-air before him.
The raging flames roared with might which was obviously much stronger than the First-level spell, Furious Flame. However, as he stared at the flames of Sea of Purgatory Fire, Merlin's brow gradually began to furrow.
Chapter 299: A Hundred Years' Time Limit
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Merlin looked at Sea of Purgatory Fire which he had recently constructed. It was not burning with white flames, indicating that Fiery Collapse was not fused with the spell.
For Pandora Demon Ability, Fuse Earth and Darkness Heart, they would merge with the spells right away. When the spells were cast, the power of the Pandora Demon Abilities would be automatically activated.
After ruminating about this for a moment, Merlin called upon Fiery Collapse as before.
"Boom!"
The flames of Sea of Purgatory Fire, which were initially raging fiercely, now turned white. Merlin was slightly taken aback when he saw this transformation, which meant that Fiery Collapse had combined with Sea of Purgatory Fire.
"Does this mean that when I used the Flame Maxim's suppression to force Fiery Collapse to fuse with the Fire-type spells it's different from the other Pandora Demon Abilities which are combined with spells, and still requires the activation of the Pandora Demon Ability in order for the fusion to occur?"
Merlin felt very puzzled, but thereafter, he observed closely for a moment. He discovered that the power of Sea of Purgatory Fire was now far beyond the average Second-level spell, and it was even difficult to judge how strong it really was.
Most Pandora Demon Abilities which could be combined with spells would instantly lend its power automatically once the spell was cast. However, Merlin's Fiery Collapse was different from other Pandora Demon Abilities which he had combined with spells.
After all, Merlin's Fiery Collapse was forcibly combined with the spells through the Flame Maxim. Merlin himself was unsure what sort of changes would occur.
It was fortunate that Fiery Collapse only induced this small change and combined well with Sea of Purgatory Fire. The raging fiery white flames mirrored the flames of the Flame Prison.
From time to time, Merlin would feel the heat from the Flame Prison. It was designed by the Legend Nikola himself and drew upon the power of the Maxim, so the might of the flames was almost inconceivable. At Merlin's current level, he was unable to understand it, but the parallel to his own flames made Merlin gain a deeper understanding of fire.
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, a day had gone by. Merlin opened his eyes once more. He had spent the entirety of the day before familiarizing himself with how Fiery Collapse combined with Sea of Purgatory Fire.
Thus, he now had a more profound understanding of the flames, which might not seem very useful now, but if Merlin began creating spells that he could call his own in the future, this knowledge would serve a crucial function.
"Hmm? Still not speaking? Regardless, you won't be able to hold on for long."
Merlin stared at Wizard Bammou, who was in the Flame Prison – his face drained and pale. He was also trembling slightly all over, biting down on his lips as if he was still holding on tenaciously.
However, such perseverance would ultimately have a limit. Once that limit was reached and Wizard Bammou could not withstand any longer, he would be burnt to ashes by the Flame Prison.
This was merely the first day. Merlin had decided upon three days, he was certain of his estimation of Wizard Bammou's limit.
…
"I agree to sign the slave contract!"
At an unknown time, a faint voice came from the Flame Prison. Merlin, who was right outside, opened his eyes quickly and turned his gaze toward Wizard Bammou in the Flame Prison.
At the moment, Wizard Bammou was surrounded completely by the blaze of the Flame Prison. The layer of flames over his body was turning faint and weak as if it would vanish soon.
Once the layer of flames dissipated, Wizard Bammou would no longer be able to withstand the flames of the Flame Prison.
A smile appeared on Merlin's face. It was only the second day, and merely half of the three days' time he set had gone by, yet Wizard Bammou could not stand it any longer.
"Very good, Wizard Bammou. Signing a slave contract is your only choice!"
Merlin controlled the Ship of Nikola and immediately lowered the intensity of the Flame Prison's flames. Thereafter, he stood up and came before Wizard Bammou.
Wizard Bammou sensed that the flames of the Flame Prison were much weaker, and got up, panting heavily. His expression gradually relaxed. It was clear that he had suffered a terrifying ordeal throughout the past day and a half, to the point where he did not hesitate in agreeing to sign a demanding slave contract with Merlin.
Wizard Bammou had somewhat recovered, and said heavily, "I'm willing to sign a slave contract with you, but a time limit must be set – a hundred years at most! After a hundred years, you must let me go. This is my only condition!"
Merlin fixed his gaze upon Wizard Bammou, and countless thoughts spun in his head.
The slave contract was initially the harshest contract of all. Once one signed a slave contract, their life would be in the hands of their master. There was no sense of hope at all in being a slave.
However, for a Seventh-level Spell Caster like Wizard Bammou, not having any hope was something unbearable. Although Wizard Bammou now agreed to sign a slave contract under the pressure of current circumstances, he had to retain a sense of hope. Moreover, a hundred years' time was considered a long period for Merlin.
It might be that after a hundred years, Merlin's powers would have far surpassed Wizard Bammou's and he would no longer need him. By giving Wizard Bammou a sense of hope, Merlin could obtain a very powerful slave.
As he thought about this, Merlin could only accept, and so he nodded with a smile. "We'll sign a slave contract according to your request then, with a time limit of a hundred years!"
Hearing Merlin's agreement, Wizard Bammou could not help but sigh in relief. No one would want to die, especially if they had been persevering bitterly in the Flame Prison for a few hundred years – of course, their desire to survive would be even stronger.
In the beginning, there were two other Spell Casters who were thrown into the Flame Prison, but they were dead by now. Wizard Bammou had survived up until today, so he would not let even the slightest bit of opportunity slip past him.
Although signing a slave contract would allow his life to be in someone else's hands, he ultimately still had some hope with the hundred years' time limit. This was, in fact, his only option.
"Let's sign the contract quickly. I've no wish to stay in the Flame Prison for a moment longer!"
Since he had made the decision, Wizard Bammou was itching to leave the Flame Prison. Nevertheless, Merlin seemed to have thought of something and shook his head powerlessly. "Signing a contract requires contract paper, but I'm sorry to say that I don't have contract paper with me. If you have any, bring it out. Otherwise, I can only leave you here in the Flame Prison for a while longer until I obtain the contract paper to sign the contract."
Wizard Bammou's face shifted. He was already boiling with rage inside – not only did he have to sign such a harsh slave contract but he was also expected to provide the contract paper.
Still, if he did not hand over the contract paper, he did not know when Merlin would be able to get it. It might be a year, or ten. Wizard Bammou had no desire to stay any longer in the Flame Prison.
Therefore, with an ashen face, he extracted a sheet of paper that was shimmering with golden light from a stack of contract paper. In a low voice, he said, "Here's your contract paper!"
Merlin glanced at the paper glowing with golden light. Its force was similar to the contract paper of the highest grade which the Dark Magic Region had brought out. This indicated that this contract paper was unlike the average contract paper.
Nevertheless, Merlin did not immediately let Wizard Bammou sign the contract but detached a small piece of the Flame Maxim in his Awareness and channeled it into the contract paper.
Wizard Bammou's face darkened when he sensed the presence of the Flame Maxim. In truth, he was still harboring a slim hope of lucking out before this. A contract was not impossible to terminate. It was just that a great price had to be paid. If one managed to obtain treasures which would terminate a contract, then, even the highest grade contract could be terminated at a certain price.
However, Merlin had fused a part of the Flame Maxim into the contract paper. This made it a contract that was almost impossible to terminate. Even if Wizard Bammou became a Legendary Wizard one day, he would still have no way of terminating the contract.
"Wizard Bammou, sign the contract!"
As he noticed Wizard Bammou's perpetually shifting expression, Merlin knew clearly that Wizard Bammou understood what the fusing of the Flame Maxim into the contract paper signified. Now that Wizard Bammou no longer had the possibility of terminating the contract, he could focus on being Merlin's slave from now on.
Wizard Bammou eyed Merlin and drew in a deep breath. A colossal burst of Mind Power suddenly erupted. This Mind Power was really powerful, far stronger than the Mind Power of the Ninth-level Spell Caster, Wizard Umo from Fort Udon. Even the quality of the Mind Power was elevated.
It might be that Wizard Bammou's Mind Power could compare to a Great Wizard's!
"I, Tarion Bammou, agree to serve as Wizard Merlin's slave, with a time limit of a hundred years!"
"Hum…"
As soon as Wizard Bammou spoke, the golden contract paper began to shine with a blinding light. Following that, Wizard Bammou's Mind Power was fused into the contract paper as well.
"Swish!"
With a wave of his hand, the contract paper landed in Merlin's hand. A peculiar sensation instantly grew in his chest as if he could now perceive some of Wizard Bammou's thoughts.
The slave contract was the most demanding contract of all. Once signed, one's life would be in the hands of someone else. Merlin now had such a feeling. Through this contract paper, he could learn of Wizard Bammou's thoughts and intentions. If he went in deeper, Merlin could even feel Wizard Bammou's tremendous Mind Power.
"Hmm? What powerful Mind Power. Only Great Wizards can have such Mind Power! Wizard Bammou's Mind Power has broken through to the level of a Great Wizard while he was in the Flame Prison?"
Through the slave contract, Merlin could perceive the strength of Wizard Bammou's Mind Power. It was very much comparable to a Great Wizard's, and it was the first time Merlin had felt such formidable Mind Power.
However, although Wizard Bammou's Mind Power was strong, he was just a Seventh-level Spell Caster and a Four-Elemental one at that. Still, there was a Fire-type spell which he had constructed which stood out as it was abnormal. It must be an Eighth-level spell, and this was the only Eighth-level spell in Wizard Bammou's Awareness.
After all, in the Flame Prison, there was only the turbulent Fire Element. There were no other Elements at all, so even if Wizard Bammou wanted to derive and construct other spells, it was impossible.
"Wizard Bammou, tell me, how long have you been in the Flame Prison?"
Merlin's eyes were calm as they fixed onto Wizard Bammou. With the slave contract, there were not many secrets which Wizard Bammou would be able to conceal from Merlin.
Chapter 300: A Special Pandora Demon Ability
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
"My Master, I've been in the Flame Prison for more than four hundred years."
Wizard Bammou answered deferentially. He was conscious that he was now a slave and kept his tone respectful.
"Oh? More than four hundred years? You were able to survive in the Flame Prison for over four hundred years?"
Merlin was rather curious as to the true extent of Wizard Bammou's current power. It was surely a difficult feat to stay in the Flame Prison for more than four hundred years and survive the terrifying flames.
Wizard Bammou looked at Merlin with a complicated expression, following which he said softly, "Wizard Merlin, although I had no way of absorbing any other Elements during the four hundred years or so that I've been in the Flame Prison, and couldn't construct Spell Models of other Elements, I gradually came to understand the Essence of Fire within the Flame Prison, and gained a deeper comprehension of the flames. Thus, by myself, I created a unique Eight-level Flame Spell Model. It was by relying on this new Eighth-level Flame spell that I could temporarily withstand the terrifying blaze of the Flame Prison for so many years."
Wizard Bammou glanced at the Flame Prison behind him, feeling a lingering sense of fear.
Merlin nodded. It turned out that Wizard Bammou had relied upon constructing a brand-new Eighth-level Flame spell to survive. It might be that his profound understanding of the flames in the Flame Prison allowed the layer of flames over Wizard Bammou's body to withstand the cruel scorching heat of the Flame Prison.
Merlin gave Wizard Bammou a deep look. Based on the power of just this one Eighth-level Flame spell, Wizard Bammou might have far surpassed most Eighth-level Spell Casters. After all, the flames in the Flame Prison were created by the Legend Nikola himself. They contained a trace of the Maxim's strength, and the mere feat of persevering in the Flame Prison for so many years was not an easy one.
Of course, Wizard Bammou could only resist the flames of the Flame Prison. It was completely impossible for him to break out of the Flame Prison. The Flame Being had said before that if anyone was able to escape from the Flame Prison, they would likewise obtain the Flame Maxim.
However, breaking out of the Flame Prison was much more difficult than completing the third obstacle, so naturally, Wizard Bammou was unable to do it.
"Bammou, besides you, how many others had been thrown into the Flame Prison?"
Merlin eyed the Flame Prison and remembered his purpose for coming here. Mainly, he wanted to obtain the ring which belonged to the prodigious freak who possessed five Pandora Demon Abilities as mentioned by the Flame Being, and see if there were any Pandora Demon Abilities inside the ring.
After all, this prodigious freak might have Pandora Demon Abilities which could be combined with spells. Even now, Merlin himself did not even have five such Pandora Demon Abilities.
Currently, Merlin only had Darkness Heart and the Pandora Demon Ability, Fuse Earth. In addition to Fiery Collapse which he had recently combined forcibly with spells using the Flame Maxim, it totaled to three. Even if he counted Glacial Finger, which could not be combined with spells, he merely had four types of Pandora Demon Abilities.
He was far inferior compared to the genius freak the Flame Being had spoken about who had five types of Pandora Demon Ability. If Merlin did not have the bracelet sealed with a portion of Darkness Eye's strength and given to him by Wizard Leo, he would have no way of clearing the third obstacle and obtaining the Flame Maxim as well.
Hearing Merlin's question, Wizard Bammou replied respectfully, "Master, other than myself, there were two other Spell Casters who were cast into the Flame Prison."
"Oh, where are they?"
Merlin asked impatiently.
Wizard Bammou shook his head helplessly in response. "Master, they could not withstand the burning of the Prison's flames and died a long time ago."
"What? Both of them are dead?"
Merlin frowned. In fact, he had somewhat expected to hear this, since he did not discover any traces of any other Spell Caster when he was in the Flame Prison.
Furthermore, after he had gained control over the Flame Prison, no movement in there could be concealed from Merlin. Other than the lack of any traces of other Spell Casters, the rings which Merlin so desperately wanted were also absent.
Spatial Rings might be marvelous enough to withstand the majority of spells, but under the flames which contained a trace of the Maxim's powers, Spatial Rings could not be kept intact without the protection of some energy.
Upon seeing Merlin's pensive look, Wizard Bammou grumbled silently beside him. He felt Merlin entering his thoughts directly. Through the slave contract paper, Merlin could even know Wizard Bammou's thoughts.
At this point, Wizard Bammou had no way of hiding things from Merlin, and could only smile bitterly. "Master, it's true that there were two Spell Casters who were thrown into the Flame Prison before me, but one of them had long been turned to ashes. The other Fifth-level Spell Caster had five types of Pandora Demon Abilities. After he died, I took his Spatial Ring and kept it with me. Now, I present it to Master!"
With that, Wizard Bammou deferentially handed a ring to Merlin.
Merlin bobbed his head in satisfaction and took the ring from Wizard Bammou. What he had signed with Wizard Bammou was the most one-sided slave contract. Wizard Bammou had no way of hiding anything from Merlin, so even if he had gotten the Spatial Ring, he had to hand it over to Merlin.
Nevertheless, Merlin did not check the ring immediately but instead noticed Wizard Bammou's state of being. Wizard Bammou's face was currently white. Evidently, he was enduring a great pressure in the Flame Prison.
Therefore, Merlin said to Wizard Bammou, "Wizard Bammou, let's go, we'll leave this Flame Prison first!"
Wizard Bammou was overjoyed. He had finally reached this day. For over four hundred years, he had painstaking suffered who knew how much hardship, and at last, he had arrived at the day when he would leave the Flame Prison.
"Open!"
With a quick point at the sixteen runic pillars of the Flame Prison, Merlin gained control over all of them instantly. The numerous runes were retracted immediately, allowing Wizard Bammou to exit the Flame Prison safe and sound.
"Gasp…"
After Wizard Bammou had walked out of the Flame Prison, he drew in a deep breath. He seemed delirious with joy and a smile spread across his face as he mumbled, "I'm finally free. It's been four hundred years, I, Bammou, am finally free, haha!"
Wizard Bammou appeared to be quite excited. It was likely that any Spell Caster, after being locked up in such a stifling Flame Prison for four hundred years, would be as excited as Wizard Bammou.
Merlin paid no mind to Wizard Bammou's excitement but immediately looked through the Fifth-level freak's Spatial Ring, hoping to find some Pandora Demon Ability left behind that could be merged with spells.
"Whoosh!"
Merlin searched through the Spatial Ring with his Mind Power but found that there were no elemental crystals stones left as they had been used up. Now that he thought about it, they must have been taken by Wizard Bammou. Since he was suffering bitterly in the Flame Prison, he surely would have needed some Magic Power to bolster himself. The elemental crystal stones were naturally the best resource for Wizard Bammou to replenish the Magic Power in the Spell Models of his Awareness.
Other than the absent elemental crystal stones, there were some potion materials and alchemy materials. There were even some spells, some of which were exceptional, being spells that were derived by that prodigious freak, the Fifth-level Wizard.
Nonetheless, Merlin was not interested in any of these. He had the Matrix, and no matter how good that Fifth-level prodigious freak was at deriving Spell Models, it certainly could not compare to the Spell Models which were analyzed from scratch by the Matrix.
Merlin's priority was any Pandora Demon Ability that the Fifth-level genius freak might have likely left behind, yet after searching through the ring, he only found a thick book, and no Pandora Demon Ability that was left behind.
Merlin furrowed his brow, and could only retrieve the thick book. He discovered that although the book did not contain Pandora Demon Ability, it was somewhat connected to Pandora Demon Ability as it consisted of some introductions about Pandora Demon Ability.
The introductions regarding Pandora Demon Ability in the book were comprehensive and excellent. Merlin realized that there were many details and general information which he was reading for the first time, so he became interested and began to read it carefully.
"For Pandora Demon Ability, one can usually only construct one spell for each type because every type of Pandora Demon Ability would need to occupy a spell! Some spells of Pandora Demon Ability with only one stage would only occupy some First-level spell. As for Pandora Demon Abilities with two stages, they would need to occupy some Fourth-level Spell Model."
Merlin gave the matter careful thought. It seemed like that was the case, and it was the same with his Pandora Demon Abilities which would occupy some Spell Models. Each spell could only cultivate one Pandora Demon Ability, and once it was occupied, it could not be used to cultivate another Pandora Demon Ability.
Of course, it might be possible to remove some Pandora Demon Abilities, but a huge price must be required to do so. At least, for now, Merlin did not know how to remove a Pandora Demon Ability that had been cultivated.
Many Pandora Demon Abilities had only two stages, and some others had a third form or third stage. Those would need to be combined with a Seventh-level spell in order for their terrifying powers to be unleashed.
Other than this sort of Pandora Demon Ability which needed to occupy a spell, there was, in truth, a more special type of Pandora Demon Ability. These were outlined in eye-catching, red words in the book that belonged to that freak Wizard.
One of those special Pandora Demon Abilities was something that Merlin was very familiar with.
"Darkness Eye… It's actually a special Pandora Demon Ability, and has seven forms!"
Merlin was astounded to see that the Darkness Eye recorded in this book was a Pandora Demon Ability created by the Great Legend of Darkness, Oflas of the legends. Once the seven forms of this Pandora Demon Ability were cultivated, one would reach the peak of one's powers.
It was likely that only Oflas was able to cultivate the seventh form of Darkness Eye. The Pandora Demon Abilities that were marked out in striking red words by that freak Wizard were all very complex.
"Darkness Eye, seven forms… It appears that Darkness Eye obtained by Wizard Leo wasn't perfected by Wizard Leo himself as he claimed…"
Merlin quickly guessed that Darkness Eye that Wizard Leo had obtained was truly the genuine, complete Darkness Eye passed down by the Legend of Darkness, Wizard Oflas!
Chapter 301: Flash Wind!
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
There were many special Pandora Demon Abilities recorded in the book found in the Fifth-level freak Wizard's ring. Darkness Eye was merely one of them.
Some of the other Pandora Demon Abilities might not be weaker than Darkness Eye so Merlin quietly memorized those. Merlin had to take the opportunity, if presented, to obtain some of those special Pandora Demon Abilities recorded one day.
From this book, Merlin already knew that Pandora Demon Abilities could be divided into a few categories. Firstly, the more forms or stages that the Pandora Demon Ability had, the stronger it would be. For example, there were seven forms of Darkness Eye so its power was unimaginably great.
On the other hand, most Pandora Demon Abilities, which could not be combined with spells, were the weakest of all. The Pandora Demon Abilities that could be fused with spells were very powerful. During the most glorious era of the Spell Casters, every single one of the powerful Spell Casters possessed Pandora Demon Abilities that could be fused into spells. Their spells harbored earth-shaking powers with little to no effort at all from them.
Of course, there was a final type of Pandora Demon Ability. Those were the special Pandora Demon Abilities recorded in the book, and every single one of them could only be created by Legendary Wizards. They were so earth-shatteringly powerful that they were already slightly beyond the realm of Pandora Demon Abilities. Even those which could be fused with spells could not compare to them.
These special Pandora Demon Abilities did not require any spells as well. However, cultivation of one was expected to be extremely difficult. Otherwise, Wizard Leo would not have had to pay such a great price to cultivate Darkness Eye back then.
"Phew…"
Merlin finished reading the book and finally let out a long sigh of relief. There was still some resentment in his heart as he had not found the freak Wizard's Pandora Demon Ability.
Merlin then looked over to Wizard Bammou. Not only did he have the freak Wizard's Spatial Ring in his possession for such a long time, but he had also taken the elemental crystal stones from within the ring. Therefore, it was difficult to guarantee that he would not take the cultivation method for the Pandora Demon Ability which was inside the ring as well.
Wizard Bammou laughed wryly to himself. He had long known that Merlin would look at him in such a light. Very soon, Merlin would "loot" him again, and he would not be able to do anything about it. Wizard Bammou would have had such a realization after signing the slave contract with Merlin.
Thus, without waiting for Merlin to speak, Wizard Bammou took the initiative and said, "Master, the freak Wizard who has died in the Flame Prison had not left any Pandora Demon Ability behind. Furthermore, I've taken only some elemental crystal stones from his ring to replenish my Magic Power, but if Master requires more Pandora Demon Abilities, I've obtained a Wind-type Speed Pandora Demon Ability by chance. Hopefully, it's of use to you, Master."
"Eh? Just how many Pandora Demon Abilities do you have?"
Merlin was Wizard Bammou's "master". He could control Wizard Bammou's every movement through the contract paper. As a result, Merlin knew that Wizard Bammou had spoken the truth earlier that the freak Wizard had not left any Pandora Demon Ability behind.
However, although the freak Wizard did not have any Pandora Demon Abilities, Wizard Bammou did. In addition, it was a Wind-type Speed Pandora Demon Ability, which was exactly what Merlin was lacking at the moment.
"What Pandora Demon Ability is this?" Merlin asked hurriedly.
"Master, this is the Wind-type Speed Pandora Demon Ability that I'd obtained accidentally. It's called Flash Wind and it comes in a total of three stages. They can all be fused into Wind-type Speed spells. I wouldn't have had been able to escape being blasted to death by the Flame Image after using up all three of my chances at getting past the barrier if it isn't because I've fused Flash Wind into a Seventh-level Wind-type Speed spell."
Wizard Bammou took out a few flimsy but well-preserved sheets of paper from the ring and passed them to Merlin, with his heart aching slightly.
Merlin raised an eyebrow, feeling some sort of impulse. This could be combined with a spell. In addition to that, it was divided into stages. It belonged to the stronger types of Pandora Demon Abilities.
Furthermore, Wizard Bammou had relied on the third stage of Flash Wind back then to successfully escape the fatal explosive attacks of the Flame Image. It was enough to prove how powerful this Flash Wind was. It had to be noted that Merlin had seen for himself how strong the Flame Image was; it was absolutely too much for an average Seventh-level Spell Caster to fight against.
Merlin had been able to clear the third obstacle and defeat the Flame Image because he had relied on the bracelet Wizard Leo had given him, the one with part of Darkness Eye's power sealed inside it. It could be considered a "trick".
Although giving Flash Wind away caused Wizard Bammou to feel rather sad, he knew that he had no right to bargain as a slave.
Merlin opened Flash Wind gently. As he read, his expression became more and more solemn, until finally, there was a hint of excitement in his eyes.
"Good. The effects of Flash Wind are extremely good, very suitable for my condition now. It requires a First-level Wind-type Speed spell, and I have a First-level spell, Wind of Freedom, which completely fulfills the requirements for cultivating Flash Wind."
Merlin was fascinated by Flash Wind. However, he still wanted to perceive Flash Wind in person. Previously, the introduction to Pandora Demon Abilities in the Fifth-level freak Wizard's book that he had obtained had caused him to realize that not all Pandora Demon Abilities are powerful. The differences among them are great, so he could not afford to cultivate them hastily.
"Wizard Bammou. Cast your Flash Wind spell. How powerful is it?"
Merlin said to Wizard Bammou. After all, Wizard Bammou had practically cultivated Flash Wind to completion. He had already fused it completely with a Seventh-level spell. He might not have cultivated Flash Wind to a point where it had caused the spell to be the most powerful it could be, but it should be more impressive now.
However, Wizard Bammou grimaced at that moment and shook his head helplessly, saying, "Master, I've been in the Flame Prison for more than four hundred years now. The other Spell Models in my Awareness are unable to absorb the slightest bit of Elements except Fire Elements, so naturally, they can't be turned into Magic Power. It's absolutely impossible for me to cast Flash Wind now."
Merlin contemplated it carefully. It was the truth indeed. There were only torrential tides of Fire Elements within the Flame Prison where no other types of Elements could enter. Wizard Bammou was merely about to complete the construction of a completely new Eighth-level Fire-type Spell after spending more than four hundred years inside the Flame Prison.
Wizard Bammou was also completely unable to construct any spells of other elements in the Flame Prison.
"These are elemental crystal stones. These should be enough for you to recover some Magic Power."
Merlin pondered for a while, before whipping out some elemental crystal stones from the ring. Most of them were Wind elemental crystals which could help Wizard Bammou accumulate some Magic Power quickly.
Wizard Bammou's face lit up. He had just escaped from the Flame Prison, so although the Spell Models inside his Awareness were transforming all types of Elements into Magic Power as much as they could, how could they be faster than if he used elemental crystal stones?
Hence, Wizard Bammou immediately took the Wind elemental crystal and began to accumulate the Magic Power inside the Spell Model of the Wind-type Spell with all of his might.
After approximately three hours, the elemental crystal stones in Wizard Bammou's hands had been completely spent. However, his face had turned rosy red, filled with fierce confidence.
"Master, even though my Magic Power isn't much right now but it's enough to cast Flash Wind."
Wizard Bammou stood up and gave a status report to Merlin respectfully.
"Alright, Wizard Bammou. Quickly cast Flash Wind."
Merlin narrowed his eyes, watching Wizard Bammou with a solemn expression.
Wizard Bammou took a deep breath. Unexpectedly, fluctuation of Wind Elements did not surge up around his body much; it was just like a mild breeze blowing.
"Swoosh!"
He disappeared. In the blink of an eye, Wizard Bammou's figure disappeared. Even Merlin, who had kept his Mind Power locked on Wizard Bammou, had not noticed.
Or perhaps it was not that he had not noticed; Wizard Bammou had moved at a speed so fast that Wizard Bammou's figure had turned up in a corner before the Mind Power could even keep track of it.
"Fast. That's just too fast. So fast that this is practically maximum speed already, isn't it?"
Merlin had felt a flash of light before his eyes. It was not surprising that Wizard Bammou was able to escape the clutches of the Flame Image. After Flash Wind had been fused with a Seventh-level spell, reaching great levels of power, the speed was just too overwhelming. It was so fast that it was somewhat unbelievable and practically hitting the maximum speed. Merlin found it very difficult to imagine what could be faster than Wizard Bammou casting Flash Wind right then.
"Not bad. The power of Flash Wind is not bad, indeed. It's very fast!"
Merlin did not hold back on the words of praise. Wizard Bammou nodded as well, saying, "Not only does Flash Wind move you fast within a small area, it also moves you faster in a larger area. Otherwise, it wouldn't be called 'Flash Wind'."
Merlin was extremely satisfied with this Flash Wind. Wind-type Speed Pandora Demon Abilities were rarer than the others, and even more so when they could be fused with spells. Naturally, Merlin could not let it go.
Other than having a spell that fit the requirements, there was also another small requirement to cultivate the first stage of Flash Wind, which was a great amount of practice.
Different from the other Pandora Demon Abilities such as Fiery Collapse and Fuse Earth, Flash Wind's first and second stages required the corresponding spells as well as training.
The continuous usage of Flash Wind could cause it to be fused even more harmoniously with the spell, which required a long period of training. There were no other shortcuts that he could take.
Merlin was not too concerned about this small problem. It could already be considered extremely easy if he could skip having to search for some troublesome treasures by just spending a little bit more time and energy on continuous training to increase the fusion rate between Flash Wind and the Wind-type spell.
Thus, Merlin stayed onboard the Ship of Nikola and continuously trained for the fusion rate between Flash Wind and the Wind-type spell. Meanwhile, Wizard Bammou spared no time. With no elemental crystal stones, he slowly accumulated Magic Power in his Awareness which was incomparably dry and without any Spell Models.
"Bam!"
A long time passed. No one knew how long; perhaps a month, or two. The Ship of Nikola seemed to have collided into something as the entire ship was shaking slightly. However, the Ship of Nikola was protected by the bubble, so it would not be damaged.
Nevertheless, such a collision had startled Merlin, who had been deeply focused on training Flash Wind onboard the Ship of Nikola.
Chapter 302: Wizard Leo's Summoning I
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
"Bam!"
The Ship of Nikola had slammed into something hard. If there was no control, it would be very easy for it to collide into the reef as it shuttled under and through the sea.
Merlin was awoken by the collision. He immediately checked the situation under the sea and discovered that a gigantic piece of reef had blocked the Ship of Nikola.
Merlin had not exercised control over the Ship of Nikola during the time it had been under the sea. He had completely let go and allowed the Ship of Nikola to drift, not afraid at all that anything might damage it due to the ship's strong and solid body.
"Has the Mind Power duplicate in the Bell Space reached its limit again?"
Merlin was aware of a scorching hot feeling of convulsion in his chest and knew that the Mind Power duplicate in the Bell Space had reached the limit once more.
Ever since he had obtained Flash Wind, he had been training day and night aboard the Ship of Nikola. Although the only requirement for Flash Wind was a high fusion rate with a Wind-type Speed spell, it was still extremely difficult to achieve and required a very long period of time. Even after more than two months of training, Merlin had only been able to get Flash Wind to work just a little. He still could not fuse it completely with his Wind-type spell.
Although he had only managed to exert the effect of Flash Wind a little, its speed was still much faster than if he had purely cast spells such as Light Breeze and Wind of Freedom.
"Mind Power duplicate, combine!"
Merlin spoke in a low voice. Fusing the Mind Power duplicate was already a walk in the park for Merlin now; he was clearly very well-versed with it. Hence, the Mind Power duplicate merged with his Mind Power very quickly.
For a moment, there was an obvious increase in Merlin's Mind Power. However, fusing with the Mind Power duplicate once a month was now rather insufficient ever since Merlin's Mind Power had leveled up to the Fourth-level. The increase in Mind Power happened very gradually. Moreover, the Mind Power required for the Fourth to Fifth-levels was incomparably great.
"Looks like it's time to return to the Dark Magic Region!"
Merlin could feel the Mind Power in his body. He was now a Second-level Spell Caster; there were Third-level spells in the first volume of the Neverending Book if he wished to obtain some, but naturally, the power of those spells would be much weaker than spells from the Dark Magic Region. Merlin still had to return to the Dark Magic Region if he wished to construct Third-level spells.
Moreover, the purpose of Merlin coming to the Kurdmansla Islands back then was to find Lava Soil and cultivate the Pandora Demon Ability, Fuse Earth. Lava Soil had already been successfully found, and the Pandora Demon Ability, Fuse Earth had also finally merged with an Earth-type spell.
Therefore, Merlin's purpose had been achieved. Furthermore, not only had he achieved his goal but he had also received an even bigger advantage – Flame Maxim!
Even though the Flame Maxim was still floating quietly in Merlin's Awareness as it had always done, Merlin had been unable to mobilize this Flame Maxim at all during normal days, other than to control the Ship of Nikola. He could only borrow the natural suppressing effect the Flame Maxim had upon flames to forcefully merge Fiery Collapse with a Fire-type spell.
"Where should I keep the Ship of Nikola?"
Merlin wished to return to the Dark Magic Region now. However, it was impossible to bring the Ship of Nikola along with him. He was afraid there would be no guarantee that the gigantic ship, along with its unique built, would not be discovered if it were to come too close to the Kurdmansla Islands.
However, if it were too far, the Ship of Nikola may drift aimlessly along with the currents of the sea and gradually float toward unknown destinations. Then, perhaps even Merlin would not be able to find it.
"Eh? This isn't bad. If we put the Shop of Nikola among this group of reefs, it wouldn't drift away that easily. In the future, if I were to return to the Kurdmansla Islands again, I would be able to sense it easily and mobilize the Ship of Nikola from there!"
Upon seeing the group of reefs that the Ship of Nikola had collided into, Merlin felt that this was an extremely suitable place. These reefs were intricate and complex; the Ship of Nikola would not be pushed away by the undercurrents of the sea. There was also a certain distance between this area and the Kurdmansla Island, but it was still not so far away that Merlin would not be able to sense it.
"Master, everything has been prepared well! The Runic Magic Circle on the Ship of Nikola should be able to send us to a more remote island among the Kurdmansla Islands. It won't attract the attention of the three major factions on the Islands."
Wizard Bammou was like a ghost. His entire body was shrouded in a black robe, and he moved very swiftly, coming and going like a spirit. It was very difficult to defend against him.
Nevertheless, Merlin had long been accustomed to him. He felt very at peace with Wizard Bammou making the arrangements.
"Wizard Bammou, don't call me 'Master' anymore after we leave the Ship of Nikola. Just call me Wizard Merlin."
Merlin spoke in a calm tone of voice, after glancing at the respectful and reverent Wizard Bammou behind him. Although Wizard Bammou was indeed Merlin's slave, Merlin had not usually given Wizard Bammou a hard time. In fact, he had a lot of respect for Wizard Bammou, which caused Wizard Bammou to feel reassured.
He had seen some Spell Casters whose lives, after they had signed slave contracts, became a living hell in front of their 'masters'. They did not have any dignity at all. He felt such grief whenever he thought about those situations.
However, this master of his, Merlin, was not as harsh.
Wizard Bammou pondered for a moment. He ended up obeying Merlin's instructions anyway, and called out softly, "Wizard Merlin, we can leave now!"
Merlin nodded. He gave the Ship of Nikola another glance; Merlin still had two opportunities to temporarily hold the power of a "Legendary Wizard" due to the existence of two-thirds of the Pillars of Flame within the Ship of Nikola, as well as two-thirds of the Flame Maxim that remained in Merlin's Awareness.
However, they must leave the Ship of Nikola now.
"Swoosh! Swoosh!"
Standing inside the Runic Magic Circle onboard the Ship of Nikola, two beams of white light rapidly covered Merlin and Wizard Bammou respectively. Their figures slowly disappeared.
…
A few seagulls were flapping their wings on a golden beach, playing around with each other. The sea breeze blew gently and occasionally riffled up some gravel to reveal (Reveal What?)
"Swish!"
A beam of white light appeared in the space above the beach. Following which, two figures staggered out from the white light. One of them was a slightly young-looking Spell Caster dressed in a gold-lined gray robe, and the other was a Spell Caster wearing a black robe.
"Wizard Merlin, there aren't any Spell Casters on this small island. It should be the outermost remote island among the Kurdmansla Islands.
These Spell Caster's were Merlin and Wizard Bammou who had just left the Ship of Nikola. The Runic Magic Circle on the Ship of Nikola could only transport them to an approximate location and over an inexact distance. Hence, it was very normal that the location where they had been transported to now had somewhat deviated from where Wizard Bammou had estimated them to land.
Merlin used his Mind Power to sweep his surroundings once. Now that his Mind Power had reached the Fourth-level, the area it could cover was extremely wide. Although he did not have the Mind Power that Wizard Bammou possessed, which could rival that of a Great Wizard and easily check out an entire island, he could still examine his surroundings more clearly.
"That's right. This should be one of the remote islands of the Kurdmansla Islands. It's just nice that there aren't any Spell Casters. We can then quietly leave the Kurdmansla Islands!"
Merlin knew that there were many remote islands like this one in the outer areas of the Kurdmansla Islands. The size of the island's area was not very big, and neither was it of much value. Both Fort Udon and Gray Wing Alliance, and perhaps Wizard's Tower, would not be interested in these remote islands. Naturally, they would not send Spell Casters here.
This was perfect for Merlin and Wizard Bammou. Previously, when the sea beast had attacked the Kurdmansla Islands, Wizard Umo had already released everyone in Fort Udon of their contracts. As a result, Merlin was no longer bound by the contract and could leave whenever he wanted.
Also, Merlin did not plan to return to Fort Udon as he wanted to leave quietly.
Wizard Bammou followed Merlin's eyes and saw that Merlin was looking in the direction of the main island of the Kurdmansla Islands. There seemed to be hints of troubled emotions in his expression.
"Wizard Merlin, should we go and take a look on the mainland?"
Wizard Bammou probed.
Merlin turned his eyes back and shook his head before speaking in a calm tone, "There's no need to go. Let's leave the Kurdmansla Islands like this, without alarming anyone!"
Merlin had remembered the days spent in Fort Udon. Although his time there had been very short, he still missed the harmonious atmosphere in Fort Udon.
Merlin then drew a deep breath. Wisps of Wind Elements appeared on his body. As the green belt took effect, Merlin's figure speedily rose up into the air and, just like Wizard Bammou, flew off the Kurdmansla Islands quickly.
Merlin already possessed the green belt, which was an extremely unique flying casting tool. However, its speed was still naturally much slower than Wizard Bammou. Furthermore, it expended a lot of the Wind-type Magic Power within his Awareness.
Especially now that Merlin was regularly training to increase the fusion rate between Flash Wind and the Wind-type spell during fights to familiarize himself more. Due to that, he often stopped and resumed flight, therefore his speed would gradually fall short of Wizard Bammou.
However, Merlin and Wizard Bammou had been continuously rushing their journey for more than a month before finally and gradually seeing some familiar city walls and moats. It was no longer desolate forests and mountains, or vast flowing rivers.
"Almost reaching the Dark Magic Region!"
Merlin saw the familiar city walls and moats lining the road and quietly calculated the time it would take for him to reach the Dark Magic Region.
Back then, Merlin would take approximately two months to walk from the Dark Magic Region to the Kurdmansla Islands. This time, however, Merlin had the flying casting tool, so he was a lot faster despite the many pauses which caused some delay. After only slightly more than a month's time, he was already reaching the Dark Magic Region.
His trip this time, however, had seen more than three months spent on just traveling. In addition to the time spent on the Kurdmansla Islands as well as on the Ship of Nikola, Merlin had, unconsciously so, been away from the Dark Magic Region for half a year.
"I wonder how Teacher Leo, Laurinka and Emma are now."
Three figures appeared in Merlin's mind. These were the only three people whom Merlin missed in the Dark Magic Region.
"Wizard Bammou, hide out in the small town at the foot of the mountain. I'll go back to the Dark Magic Region and take a look at the situation first."
Merlin spoke to Wizard Bammou. He wanted Wizard Bammou to settle down first. After all, only the Dark Magic Ring could grant entry into the Dark Magic Region. Without the Dark Magic Ring, there was no way into the Dark Magic Region.
Therefore, even though Wizard Bammou was a Seventh-level Spell Caster, he could only hide in a small town.
Only after making arrangements for Wizard Bammou did Merlin return to the front of the Runic Magic Circle for the Dark Magic Region. He stretched out the Dark Magic Ring gently, took a deep breath and said, "I'm finally back again!"
"Swoosh!"
A beam of white light flashed inside the Runic Magic Circle as it shrouded Merlin. In the blink of an eye, he vanished without a trace.
Chapter 303: Summoned by Wizard Leo II
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
On the peaceful beach, a few seagulls had gathered and were hopping around carefreely
"Swoosh!"
A beam of white light emerged from the placement of runes, and a figure dressed in black had formed as the light dissipated. Merlin, dressed in his black robe, had returned to the Dark Magic Region.
"Dark Magic Region, I've finally returned!"
Merlin lifted his head and looked around, letting out a long sigh of relief. He had already put away his Fort Udon robe before coming back to the Dark Magic Region to avoid any unnecessary trouble.
There did not seem to be much change to the Dark Magic Region. However, when Merlin stepped up to the stone tablet, the high and mighty black cat Didimoss that had usually been there did not appear.
Merlin waited a moment more, but there was still no sign of Didimoss. So, he gave a slight bow and continued walking towards the Dark Magic Region.
The runes fluctuated along with the dim flickering of the Dark Magic Ring in his hand, with this Merlin had passed through the big runic circle of the Dark Magic Region. He entered the real Dark Magic Region, and the Wizard towers came into sight.
"Wizard Merlin!"
Some young Spell Casters who walked by bowed slightly upon seeing Merlin, behaving very respectfully. Merlin merely nodded as a sign of acknowledgment. The atmosphere in the Dark Magic Region seemed very harmonious as well but different from Fort Udon where the Dark Magic Region had more of a "learning" atmosphere. With a single look, one could tell that there were many Spell Casters who buried their heads in potion research, runology or alchemy every day. They seldom explored outside of the Dark Magic Region.
Merlin's status in the entire Dark Magic Region was at a highly respectable level. In addition, he was a Six-Elemental Spell Caster, and he had even killed two geniuses of Ozmu. These was news that everyone in the Dark Magic Region had heard of already. Many Spell Casters saw Merlin as a genius who could replace or perhaps even overcome Kleis!
With no delay, Merlin immediately made his way to Wizard Leo's tower.
He had just entered the Wizard Tower when Wizard Leo's booming voice had called out to him. "Merlin, come over to me at once!"
Merlin knew clearly why Wizard Leo was summoning him in such a rush. It must be an issue concerning the bracelet that had been sealed with the power of Darkness Eye.
Wizard Leo had personally created this bracelet, so there was definitely some sort of connection to him. It was not unusual that Wizard Leo would have some concerns regarding what had happened.
On the first floor of the tower, Wizard Howl was buried in his potion research as usual. Merlin called out politely, "Wizard Howl!"
"Swoosh!"
Wizard Howl stopped what he was doing and looked up abruptly. He stared at Merlin. However, the way Wizard Howl looked at the moment gave Merlin a huge shock.
Wizard Howl had a thin and pallid countenance; his entire body was flashing with extremely unstable Element fluctuations. His eyes, especially, had a surprising aura of death.
"Wizard Howl, what's wrong with you?"
Merlin asked with a frown.
"Hehe, Wizard Merlin, I'm about to leave the Dark Magic Region. It has been so many years, but the Spell Models in my Awareness have never stabilized. I've prepared so many potions, but none of them have succeeded. I'm sick and tired of living a life like this… Not long ago, I've tried to construct a completely new spell, but naturally, I failed. Consequently, it has caused my previous Spell Models to become even more unstable…"
Wizard Howl described everything in simple terms. Despite the instability of Spell Models inside his Awareness, he had tried to construct new spells, which was practically akin to killing himself.
However, Wizard Howl had been stuck in Wizard Leo's tower for many years. He had gotten fed up of such a life a long time ago, and neither was he really a maniac who could prepare potions or anything like that. He simply had a problem that other people found difficult to understand.
"Wizard Howl, I've some Spell Model-stabilizing Potion. Do you want…"
Merlin had remembered the Spell Model-stabilizing Potion he had obtained when he had been in Floating City. Nevertheless, before he could finish his sentence, Wizard Howl interrupted him. "Wizard Merlin, my Spell Models can't be stabilized with potions anymore, not at all. I know that there's not much time left for me. In Wizard Leo's tower, I've never seen a Spell Caster that has grown as fast as you have. After all these years of researching potions, I'm not without any results at all…"
Having said so, Wizard Howl suddenly took out a bottle of green potion and shook it gently. There was a look of confidence on his face as he lowered his voice. "I occasionally receive incomplete potion formulas. After dozens of years researching, improving, and perfecting them, I've finally succeeded in preparing this. Hehe, as for the effects, Wizard Merlin, you may feel it carefully yourself!"
Merlin felt rather puzzled. As he was figuring out what Wizard Howl meant, a sudden and terrible Mind Fluctuation emanated from Wizard Howl's body.
That sliver of horrifying Mind Power fluctuation was, alarmingly, much more powerful than Merlin's Mind Power. It had reached the power of a Sixth-level Spell Caster and was even close to that of a Seventh-level Spell Caster.
Merlin was extremely shocked. Wizard Howl was merely a First-level Spell Caster. How was it possible for him to possess such horrifying Mind Power?
Seeing the change in Merlin's expression, Wizard Howl sniggered. He spoke in a low voice, "Hehe, originally, I'd thought that if my Mind Power becomes stronger, it'd be able to stabilize the Spell Model I'd constructed so rashly back then. However, I was wrong. No matter how great my Mind Power is, it's very difficult to rectify any mistakes once a spell has been constructed wrongly or once instability occurs. Haha, what's the use of having even greater Mind Power? At the end of the day, I'm still a First-level Spell Caster!"
For a moment, Wizard Howl looked at Merlin quietly. "Wizard Merlin, as a Six-Elemental Spell Caster, surely you need a far greater amount of Mind Power than the average person for support before you can construct Spell Models. As long as you promise me one thing, I'll give you this Mokra Potion, the product of my life's research. What about it?"
Merlin truly felt that there was something very strange about Wizard Howl today. There was even a slight hint of madness. However, if Wizard Howl's Mind Power had really become so great due to the Mokra Potion, then Merlin would be quite tempted.
These days, Merlin was relying on the Mind Power duplicate in the Bell Space to cultivate and could feel that the increase of his Mind Power was not as fast. After all, his Mind Power was now at Fourth-level. If he wished to level up quickly, he would need at least a few years, or maybe even a few dozen years to accumulate if he were to meditate step by step.
If he had Mokra Potion and the meditation of the Mind Power duplicate in the Bell Space, it would definitely solve Merlin's problem of having limitations when it came to increasing his Mind Power.
After pondering for a moment, Merlin finally spoke aloud, "Wizard Howl, what promise do you need me to make?"
"Hehe, my condition is very simple. Wizard Merlin has to kill Kleis after becoming a powerful Spell Caster in the future! That is my condition!"
When Wizard Howl brought up Kleis, his face practically became twisted. He looked extremely hideous.
"En? Kill Kleis?"
Merlin looked at Wizard Howl, who had a twisted expression. He had never imagined that Wizard Howl, who had always been very calm, would have such hatred against Kleis despite all of them being Spell Casters in the Dark Magic Region.
In fact, to Merlin, there was already no way to undo the hands of fate. After killing Bluebird, Merlin knew that the battle between him and Kleis would eventually be inevitable.
Therefore, Merlin was already determined to kill Kleis. It would not matter much that he promised Wizard Howl he'd do it.
"Alright, Wizard Howl, I promise you. However, before I'm powerful enough to do so, I won't strike rashly!"
Merlin answered in a very cautious manner.
"Haha, just this one sentence from Wizard Merlin is enough. Even if I can't kill Kleis in this lifetime, Wizard Merlin, you definitely can! If such a day really comes, Wizard Merlin, please remember to tell Kleis that among his killers, is a weak and pitiful man like me. Haha, a weak and cowardly man who couldn't even protect his daughter…"
Merlin looked at Wizard Howl, who was very agitated. He could more or less guess that Wizard Howl had suppressed this hatred and enmity in his heart for a very long time, but he could do nothing except wait quietly in the Wizard Tower.
"Mokra Potion – I'm left with only three bottles now, and all of them are yours! Also, there are some necessary potion materials in the potion formula that might be very complicated, but they're not very expensive. In fact, you may exchange all of them in the Resource Tower in the Dark Magic Region. Alright, Wizard Merlin, Teacher Leo still waiting for you. Up you go."
Wizard Howl waved his hand before lowering his head and not saying a word more. However, Merlin could clearly feel that the deathly aura around Wizard Howl's body seemed to have increased.
Merlin was quiet for a few moments. Finally, he kept the Mokra Potion and potion formula. These were very valuable things but Wizard Howl had passed them to Merlin so quickly. Perhaps Wizard Howl could not help but make this his only choice.
"Wizard Howl, there will be such a day!"
Determination flashed in Merlin's eyes. He then turned around and entered the Runic Magic Circle.
"Swoosh!"
Merlin's body was covered in the Runic Magic Circle and disappeared from the lower floor of the tower. Wizard Howl, who had buried his head in work, presently lifted his head slightly. There was a hint of a relieved smile at the corners of his lips.
"It's time to leave and settle the matter! Kleis, even if I can't kill you, someone else will eventually kill you for me. Haha…"
Wizard Howl sniggered as he stood up. Then, his figure disappeared within the Wizard Tower…
…
"Creak!"
Merlin had just arrived at the top floor of the tower when he saw the big doors, which had been tightly shut. Almost as soon as Merlin walked up to them, the doors immediately swung open. Wizard Leo already knew of his arrival.
Merlin did not hesitate and immediately walked through the big doors.
"Teacher Leo!"
Merlin lifted his head only to see Wizard Leo with his two empty eye sockets and the ugly, bloodshot vertical eye on his forehead. However, Merlin's attention on Wizard Leo's Darkness Eye had increased compared to previous times.
Merlin understood Darkness Eye a lot more now. It was a powerful Pandora Demon Ability personally created by the Great Legend of Darkness, Wizard Oflas. It was a special Pandora Demon Ability that was even more powerful than the Pandora Demon Abilities that could be fused with spells.
Darkness Eye had a total of seven forms. It had definitely not, as Wizard Leo had said in the Abyss Fort back then, been perfected by Wizard Leo himself. No matter how gifted Wizard Leo was, he would never be able to perfect such a powerful Pandora Demon Ability.
"Swoosh!"
Suddenly, Darkness Eye on Wizard Leo's forehead opened. A tremendous pressure enveloped Merlin's body right there and then.
"Merlin, you've finally returned. Did you encounter some trouble this time on the Kurdmansla Islands?"
In a raspy voice, Wizard Leo slowly opened his mouth and spoke.
Chapter 304: Summoned by Wizard Leo III
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
"Trouble? There was some trouble indeed. Thanks to Teacher Leo's bracelet, I could escape danger and return to the Dark Magic Region safely!"
Merlin lifted his head gently to look at Wizard Leo. He was even more certain now that Wizard Leo had some knowledge of what had happened through the bracelet.
The vertical bloodshot eye on Wizard Leo's forehead emanated wisps of blood-colored light which enveloped Merlin and only disappeared after a long time. Wizard Leo heaved a long sigh and said, "Indeed, you've used the bracelet. Not just that, you've practically cast its power to the limits…"
Just as Wizard Leo was about to say more, he seemed to have made a discovery. With a gentle exclamation, he asked, "Eh? Merlin, you… Have you become a Second-level Spell Caster already?"
An average person would not have been able to notice it, but Wizard Leo's Darkness Eyes had a myriad of mystical abilities and could see through Merlin's true condition. It did not matter if Wizard Leo would find out about it nor was Merlin surprised that he was able to find out so soon .
Therefore, he nodded and answered, "That's right. I've constructed all Second-level spells by luck and become a Second-level Wizard!"
"Tsss…"
Wizard Leo, who had been through a lot in his life could not help but inhale sharply at that moment. He knew clearly that when Merlin left the Dark Magic Region for the Kurdmansla Islands, he had only been a First-level Spell Caster.
However, within the short span of half a year, Merlin had become a Second-level Spell Caster. Such speed was incomparable, not even with Kleis from the past. He had even surpassed many of the geniuses who were specifically nurtured by many big-scale spell casters' organizations.
"Merlin, tell me, other than Lava Soil, what else have you obtained this time, having gone so far to the Kurdmansla Islands?"
With one look, Wizard Leo knew that Merlin had probably obtained Lava Soil and completed the cultivation of Fuse Earth. Otherwise, he would not have returned.
However, Wizard Leo also knew that Merlin had gained far more than that. Even the bracelet he had produced had been destroyed, which was enough to indicate that Merlin must have encountered extremely dangerous things.
Merlin fell into deep thought for a moment. Although Wizard Leo was very skillful, he had probably not learned about the Flame Maxim in his Awareness yet. Earlier, when Darkness Eye had been checking him out, Merlin had clearly felt a special fluctuation appearing automatically from the Flame Maxim, inhibiting Darkness Eye from detecting it.
The Flame Maxim was just too important. The implications would be too grave if news about it were to be leaked out. Even the Great Wizards would go crazy. As a result, Merlin could not tell Wizard Leo about the Flame Maxim as well as the Ship of Nikola which he had obtained under the sea, even though he trusted Wizard Leo very much.
Other than the Flame Maxim, there was the Wind-type Speed Pandora Demon Ability, Flash Wind that he had obtained from Wizard Bammou. Perhaps this would be of some help to Wizard Leo.
After all, Wizard Leo had previously expended a lot of effort to help Merlin get Darkness Heart and the Pandora Demon Ability, Fuse Earth. The person Merlin trusted the most in the Dark Magic Region would be Wizard Leo.
"Teacher, other than obtaining Lava Soil on this trip to the Kurdmansla Islands, I've encountered some dangers as well. However, it's because of these misfortunes that I've been lucky enough to get a powerful Pandora Demon Ability – Flash Wind!
"Flash Wind is also a Pandora Demon Ability that can be fused with a spell. It's so fast that its speed is unparalleled, especially when it fuses with a Seventh-level spell. Once the cultivation is complete, I'm afraid that no one will be able to stop it. It should be of some help to you, Teacher!"
Having finished speaking, Merlin took Flash Wind out and presented it before Teacher Leo.
"Eh? You've even obtained such a powerful Pandora Demon Ability?"
Wizard Leo was intrigued. He immediately stretched out his hand and grabbed Flash Wind before scrutinizing it carefully.
Slowly, Wizard Leo's expression changed. Eventually, it became one of utmost solemnity.
"Merlin, this Flash Wind isn't an ordinary Pandora Demon Ability. It has three stages and can even be fused with spells. This is the apex Pandora Demon Ability even in the Dark Magic Region! Such a Pandora Demon Ability cannot be taken out so casually!"
Wizard Leo looked extremely serious. He passed Flash Wind back to Merlin.
Naturally, Merlin knew the importance of Flash Wind. Ever since he had obtained the records of the Fifth-level freak Wizard on Pandora Demon Abilities, Merlin's understanding of Pandora Demon Abilities had deepened tremendously. He was no longer the Spell Caster who knew nothing.
Flash Wind had three stages and it could be fused with spells, especially speed spells which was what made it an exceptionally special Pandora Demon Ability. With Flash Wind, even Ninth-level Spell Casters would not be able to kill Wizard Bammou if they did not possess any Pandora Demon Ability that could restrain him.
Back then, Wizard Bammou's confidence had increased greatly only because he had cultivated Flash Wind to its completion. He had not been afraid, not even of something as dangerous as searching for the Ship of Nikola at the bottom of the sea.
He had felt that he could escape because he had Flash Wind. However, no one had known that it was more difficult to get out from the Ship of Nikola than to get in. Even so, Wizard Bammou had still stayed alive even when he faced the powerful Flame Image and had finally been forced into the Flame Prison to be tortured.
That could prove how effective Flash Wind was when it came to protecting one's life!
Seeing that Wizard Leo had passed Flash Wind back to him, Merlin lowered his voice and said, "Teacher, wouldn't it be of great use if you could cultivate Flash Wind to completion? Even if you were to encounter danger in the future, you could escape at any moment."
Merlin knew about what had happened between Wizard Leo and Ozmu and it was definitely not a simple matter. Ozmu had lost a powerful Seventh-level Spell Caster. If they had the opportunity, they would definitely cause trouble for Wizard Leo.
By then, Wizard Leo would probably be facing powerful Eighth or Ninth-level Spell Casters. With Flash Wind, Wizard Leo would be able to escape with ease.
The vertical bloodshot eye on Wizard Leo's forehead took a good look at Merlin. Then, a meaningful smile appeared on the corners of his lips as he said, "Merlin, you're very considerate. This Flash Wind is very powerful indeed. However, its third stage has to be fused with a Seventh-level spell. Only then can Flash Wind reach the level of instantaneous movement.
"However, I'm just a Sixth-level Spell Caster. It'll be very difficult for me to step onto the level of a Seventh-level Spell Caster in this lifetime. It's of no use to me if I only complete the cultivation of the first two stages for Flash Wind. Even Darkness Eye would not be able to help me if a Spell Caster threatening to harm me appears. So, do you think the first two stages of Flash Wind would be of any use, Merlin?"
Merlin was slightly stunned. Indeed, Wizard Leo was merely a Sixth-level Spell Caster now, not a Seventh-level Spell Caster. He would not be able to complete the cultivation of Flash Wish.
Moreover, Merlin already had a notion of just how powerful Darkness Eye was when he had unleashed the power in the bracelet created by Wizard Leo on the Ship of Nikola.
Nowadays, there were not many Spell Casters who could threaten Wizard Leo's safety. They would probably have to be Eighth or Ninth-level Spell Casters who were especially powerful. Facing such Spell Casters, cultivation of only the first two stages of Flash Wind would not be helpful at all.
Merlin quietly put Flash Wind away into the ring once more. Although Wizard Leo had not accepted Flash Wind as a gift, an "ugly" smile was brimming on his face; it was clear that he felt very happy.
"Merlin, I believe that you can feel a hint of abnormality coming off the Darkness Eye, yes? The truth is, the previous time at Abyss Fort when the cultivation method for Darkness Eye was exchanged for Darkness Heart, I lied to the people at Abyss Fort. How could I perfect such a powerful Pandora Demon Ability like Darkness Eye?"
When Wizard Leo initiated the topic on Darkness Eye, Merlin's expression immediately turned solemn.
Wizard Leo looked at Merlin and continued to speak. "Darkness Eye is a powerful Pandora Demon Ability that I'd come across by chance. Actually, this Pandora Demon Ability had been passed down from the Spell Casters' most glorious era. A Great Wizard called Oflas had a total of seven forms – so powerful that it was beyond most Wizards' imagination. Even in Abyss Fort – where the cultivation method for Darkness Eye had always been kept – they had only the most simplified version. Moreover, it's an incomplete version, not worth comparing at all with the real Darkness Eye!"
Some bold guesses began to appear in Merlin's mind. During the Spell Casters' most glorious era, the Pandora Demon Ability, Darkness Eye that the Great Legend of Darkness Wizard Oflas had created during his lifetime would definitely have been spread far and wide.
Perhaps many "copies" and "improved versions" of Darkness Eye had appeared during that period of time. However, those were not actually the real Darkness Eye. They could be categorized as extremely weak Pandora Demon Abilities which were far too different from Darkness Eye of the Legend of Darkness, Oflas.
Those in Abyss Fort were probably the "copies" of Darkness Eye. Even the imitated cultivation method for Darkness Eye was incomplete.
Only Darkness Eye obtained by Wizard Leo was the real Darkness Eye. There was a total of seven forms, which matched the description Merlin had seen in the records on special Pandora Demon Abilities.
When Darkness Eye had been mentioned, Wizard Leo's expression, despite being one of happiness, also had a slightly worried look which was difficult to hide.
"Merlin, although Darkness Eye is powerful, it's still very arduous to cultivate it. Moreover, once you start cultivating it, it's not a path you can return from… Perhaps I'll consider passing on the actual cultivation method for Darkness Eye to you once you've become a Fourth-level Spell Caster!"
Finally, Wizard Leo had talked about Darkness Eye in depth. He really did intend to pass Darkness Eye to Merlin – he just had to wait until Merlin had become a Fourth-level Spell Caster before he made his decision.
Although it was only a promise, Merlin was already feeling deliriously happy in his heart. This special Pandora Demon Ability, Darkness Eye, was extremely difficult to obtain even during the Spell Casters' most glorious era.
By now, Merlin had obtained so many Pandora Demon Abilities but none of them was a special Pandora Demon Ability. That was enough to show just how precious a special Pandora Demon Ability like Darkness Eye was.
Seeing how excited Merlin was, Wizard Leo shook his head and spoke slowly, "Merlin, remember that the construction of spells is the most important of all. No matter how strong the Pandora Demon Ability is, you won't become a great Spell Caster if you can't construct spells!"
It was obvious that Wizard Leo remembered his current condition. He had great powers but could never complete the process of becoming a Seventh-level Spell Caster.
Merlin could do nothing about this. The domain of a Seventh-level Spell Caster was not one that he could understand yet. However, he suddenly remembered Wizard Howl, whom he had met earlier on the first floor of the tower.
Wizard Leo had stayed in the tower for so many years that it would be impossible for him not to know anything about his situation. Thus, Merlin carefully asked, "Teacher Leo, do you know about Wizard Howl's situation?"
"Howl? He's already left the Dark Magic Region by now!"
Wizard Leo looked out from the tower calmly. His expression, however, showed that he was slightly emotional. It seemed that he knew a lot about the matters concerning Wizard Howl.
"What? Wizard Howl has left the Dark Magic Region? He was still in the tower earlier… Wizard Leo, what grudge is there between Wizard Howl and Kleis?"
Merlin thought about the twisted expression that had been on Wizard Howl's face and could not resist asking Wizard Leo about it.