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Chapter 535: The Grand Alliance Wizards II

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

"Nine Hit Strike!"

The unseen force was, in fact, Merlin's Mind Power fluctuations. Lately, he had been focused on fusing Mind Power with his instincts. Therefore, no matter what situation he faced, he was ready to unleash his Occult Mind Spell at any time.

Moreover, Mind Power had no shape nor shadow, and was very fast, far beyond anything a spell could match. Thus, when dealing with a sudden, unexpected occurrence, casting an Occult Mind Spell was of utmost suitability.

Wave after wave of Mind Power attacked without sound or shadow. The rest only saw that the dense crowd of Dora Demons shrieked in a blood-curdling manner, following which their bodies seemed to be crushed by an extremely terrifying force, exploding into mists of blood instantly.

Merlin's Occult Mind Spell was now cultivated to Four Hit Strike, which was a fatal threat to most Ninth-level Spell Casters. As a result, these ordinary Dora Demons could not even withstand one blow.

Everyone was ineffably stunned as they watched the sweep of Dora Demons died with barely a whimper. When they looked back at Merlin, their eyes were filled with a trace of fear.

"Phew…"

Merlin let out a long sigh. He had cast his Occult Mind Spell only once, and the majority of the huddled group of Dora Demons had been wiped out. The remaining ones had scattered in all directions out of terror, disappearing without a trace in the blink of an eye.

Merlin was profiting greatly as well. Darkness Eye in his palm was absorbing more and more of that cold force, and a colossal burst of energy seemed to faintly struggle against the seal.

This was the characteristic of Darkness Eye when it was almost cultivated to its fifth form. As long as it absorbed another great amount of negative energy, the fifth form of Darkness Eye would be cultivated.

"What a powerful Spell Caster. We're saved."

"Impressive, he clearly has the Elemental fluctuations of a Fifth-level Spell Caster, yet he barely broke a sweat in slaying so many Dora Demons. He really is too powerful! However, what he had cast earlier was not a spell. It was a soundless, traceless attack with such formidable might. Could he be an extremely rare Mind Power Master?"

"There's a chance that he's a formidable Mind Power Master. Most Mind Power Masters become one because their Spell Caster level could not advance, and their spells aren't that great. Come to think of it, this Wizard must be a mighty Mind Power Master."

This group of young Wizards who had been entrapped for a long time was able to vaguely surmise Merlin's identity when they saw him kill so many Dora Demons in one blow with such a peculiar attack.

Still, they merely guessed one part of it but Wizard Midnight, who stood at a distance, knew very clearly that Spell Casters who were able to enter Arcane City must be prodigious Wizards with extremely high potential and capabilities.

Merlin's powers as a Mind Power Master might be something he had simply cultivated by himself. Merlin's spells must be even stronger.

"I had thought that he was a Potential Wizard with relatively weaker abilities. I wanted to shield him for some time so that he won't be killed by the foreign tribe in the Bloodshed Universe. To think that I was wrong in my judgment. Even if his powers are no match for mine, he'll be quite safe in the Bloodshed Universe."

A bright look flashed across Wizard Midnight's eyes. He had only taken the initiative to help Merlin in view of how they were both Potential Wizards from Arcane City.

However, it now looked like Merlin did not need his assistance at all. To be able to enter the Bloodshed Universe, Merlin would naturally have such abilities.

"D*mn you, despicable Spell Caster. You dare to kill the brave warriors of my Dora Demon Tribe. I'll swallow you alive."

The Greater Demon which was dark red all over unleashed a roar as he turned into a beam of dark red light, instantly rushing toward Merlin. His speed could not even be discerned by ordinary eyes, and one had to use Mind Power to detect him.

Wizard Midnight perceived the force of this dark red Greater Demon along with the single horn on his forehead, and Wizard Midnight's expression gradually turned grave. He was certain that he could kill this Greater Demon but he was unsure whether Merlin could contend against it.

Therefore, Wizard Midnight secretly prepared himself. If Merlin showed any signs that he could not hold on any longer, Wizard Midnight would step in and eliminate the Greater Demon.

"Be careful!"

The Greater Demon's attack was sudden and fast. The ten or so young Wizards warned Merlin in a panic, but with such speed, it would be rather hard for Merlin to evade.

"Humph, just what I wanted!"

Naturally, Merlin had sensed the Greater Demon coming. Now, he was using an opponent who was evenly matched with him to hone his own Mind Power. It was best if he could, under this pressure, completely fuse his Mind Power into his instincts. In this manner, his Mind Heart would break through to the Eighth-level.

With this in mind, Merlin mobilized his thoughts, and wielded his Occult Mind Spell instantly. Invisible fluctuations wildly surged like a tide toward the Greater Demon.

Currently, Merlin had only cultivated Nine Hit Strike up until Four Hit Strike, but a Mind Power attack had no sound nor shape, and its speed was beyond comparison with any spells. The consecutive attacks were able to reduce the Greater Demon's speed by a little.

By the fourth strike, the dark red Greater Demon could not help but reveal his figure. He no longer rushed forward stubbornly for Merlin's Occult Mind Spell was able to cause him harm.

"Berserk!"

The Greater Demon was filled with endless wrath, and unleashed a deep howl. His entire body turned an even darker shade of red as his body swelled up rapidly. At the same time, the force of his body became even stronger.

"Whoosh."

The Greater Demon bounded toward Merlin once again. This time, whether in terms of speed or strength, he was clearly on another level from before. Merlin's Four Hit Strike only had a limited influence on this Greater Demon, unable to easily prevent him from approaching Merlin.

"A technique unique to the Dora Demon Tribe, Berserk! Their strength would increase many times over instantly. This Greater Demon is now at least on par with the peak attainable by the fusing of two spells, second only to powerful Wizards who had fused three spells!"

Merlin felt a sense of threat. If he had been able to rely on his Occult Mind Spell to contend against his opponent before this, now, his Occult Mind Spell was presently not of much use against a Dora Demon who had used Berserk.

Everyone became anxious. After the Greater Demon became Berserk, Merlin was immediately at a disadvantage, caught in a situation of imminent danger. However, just when Wizard Midnight had decided to step in, Merlin's speed increased somewhat, and his Mind Power began to fluctuate violently. Everyone could feel each wave of fluctuations.

"Haha, I've finally grasped it. My Mind Power is fused with my instincts, and my Occult Mind Spell can be unleashed anytime, anywhere, faster than any spell."

Merlin was wild with joy because earlier, under the threat of the Berserk Greater Demon, Merlin had used Occult Mind Spell to its peak.

At last, the pressure had reached the critical point, and his Mind Power had finally, naturally, fused with his instincts. Thereafter, Mind Power would accompany his every single movement. No matter how swift and sudden the danger was, Merlin's Occult Mind Spell could be cast immediately.

Furthermore, his Mind Heart, which had originally reached the limits of the Seventh-level, had finally advanced to an Eighth-level Mind Heart in a natural and inevitable manner.

"An upgrade in Mind Power? What a cunning little Spell Caster. Hehe, but of what use is that? I'll swallow you in one bite, haha…"

The savage nature of the dark red Greater Demon flared up as he cast aside all concerns, and locked his terrifying momentum onto Merlin. He instantly turned into a dark red light beam, appearing before Merlin in a flash.

Merlin did not dodge, and a cold glint shone in his eyes. Following that, balls of flames and thunder, suppressed to the maximum, appeared in his hands without warning.

"Buzz."

The flames and thunder fused in an instant. Pushing with both hands, Merlin commanded softly, "Explode!"

"Boom!"

In that instant, the flames and thunder wreaked havoc in a frenzied manner. The petrifying shockwaves spread at a visible pace like ripples on water, stretching out to all directions in widening rings.

Chapter 536: Tagging Along

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Merlin's spell fusion, particularly the fusion of Sixth-level spells, contained terrifying might. Compared to the initial fusion of Fifth-level spells, its power was further augmented, on par with most Ninth-level Spell Casters who had fused two Spell Models.

After the smoke and dust had dispersed completely, the Greater Demon's figure was revealed. At the moment, he had completely crashed down from his Berserk state. The Dora Demon Tribe was a very peculiar civilization. They were able to become Berserk, after which their strength would increase many times over. Once Berserk had faded, they would resume their initial appearance.

This Greater Demon, with Berserk, was at most equivalent to a Spell Caster who had combined two Spell Models. His defensive capabilities were formidable indeed, able to withstand Merlin's spell fusion, only his Berserk state was now nullified.

"Swish."

A smile tugged at the corner of Merlin's mouth once again. His use of spell fusion was not just a one-time thing. He was able to use it ten times.

Thus, he pushed with both hands, and another spell fusion whistled as it flew toward the Greater Demon.

"Boom!"

The insane explosive strength engulfed the Greater Demon in an instant, following which the life force of the Greater Demon vanished quickly. The disappearance of his force meant that this Greater Demon had been thoroughly exterminated.

"Phew…"

Merlin unleashed a long sigh of relief. He was still rather pressured when faced with a Greater Demon.

Following the Greater Demon's death, the remaining ordinary Dora Demons quickly made their escape, scattering in all directions. Merlin's Darkness Eye also absorbed a large supply of powerful negative energy. This was left behind by the Greater Demon which Merlin had killed. The stronger the demon was, the greater the negative energy they had left behind.

Merlin was even already able to vaguely sense that Darkness Eye was not far from its fifth form.

At the moment, the ten or so young Wizards wore surprised expressions, and were even slightly stupefied. The abilities which Merlin had displayed far exceeded their imaginations.

It turned out that Merlin's identity as a Mind Power Master was only secondary. It did not mean that Merlin's Occult Mind Spell was stronger. In fact, his stronger technique was his spell. Moreover, being able to fuse spells at the stage of a Fifth-level Spell Caster was something that could only be accomplished by those genius freaks of the legends.

After a moment, these Wizards all came before Merlin to express their gratitude.

"We thank you both Wizards for coming to our rescue. We're Spell Casters who are taking part in the Galaxy Grand Alliance's competition. Yet, we didn't expect that the minute we entered the Bloodshed Universe, we would encounter this group of Dora Demons and fall into peril."

One of the Spell Casters who was wearing a gray robe stood out and introduced the group to Merlin.

Merlin furrowed his brows. "The Galaxy Grand Alliance? I've never heard of it. It must be rather far away."

"The Galaxy Grand Alliance is a great distance away, of course, separated from Arcane City by an unknown number of dimensions. With a casting tool of average speed, one might need more than a few years to reach there. However, the Galaxy Grand Alliance can be considered a relatively large faction, comprising nearly twenty dimensions controlled by ten or so individuals, forming a colossal faction."

The one who spoke was Wizard Midnight. He had a certain understanding of the Galaxy Grand Alliance.

Nonetheless, Wizard Midnight's words had revealed something. The ten or so young Wizards were not dumb. They immediately grasped the meaning of Wizard Midnight's words.

"You're… You're both Wizards from Arcane City?"

At the mention of "Arcane City", the ten or so young Wizards became solemn even in their breathing. It was not just these ten or so Spell Casters, but even Wizard Hugo at the side, who had been indifferent to the peril of the other Spell Casters, quickly shifted his gaze to Merlin and Midnight.

In the eyes of any Spell Caster, Arcane City was an unsurpassed sacred place. Every single Spell Caster who came from Arcane City was a fearsome genius Wizard.

Even Wizard Hugo had joined the competition of the Galaxy Grand Alliance because of his wholehearted desire to enter Arcane City.

Merlin nodded. "That's right, we came from Arcane City to the Bloodshed Universe to gain experience."

"It's really Arcane City! Haha, to think that we'll meet the genius Wizards of Arcane City in the Bloodshed Universe. In the past, there were merely rumors that one would encounter the genius Wizards of Arcane City in the Bloodshed Universe if one was lucky. I didn't think we'll actually encounter them…"

"The prodigious Wizards of Arcane City are impressive indeed, able to wipe out this group of Dora Demons so casually. Even the Greater Demon was killed. Unlike some Wizards, who wish so badly to join Arcane City, thinking that they're some genius, when in fact, they aren't even worth mentioning in comparison with the genius Spell Casters of Arcane City."

These Wizards were, of course, talking about Hugo, and Wizard Hugo's face turned gloomy. He clenched his fist tightly and said nothing. Instead, he flew off, leaving all of a sudden.

"That's right – back when you were all trapped by these Dora Demons, why didn't you leave the Bloodshed Universe?"

Merlin asked, puzzled. Before he came to the Bloodshed Universe, he was informed that if he was in danger and overpowered by his enemies, all he had to do was to wish for it, and he would immediately leave the Bloodshed Universe and return to Arcane City. There was no need for him to stay on for a full ten days.

"How can we leave so conveniently? Accessing the passage to the Bloodshed Universe alone took up a great amount of energy of the Great Legends in the Grand Alliance. How can they bring us away so easily? Perhaps only the Ultimate Arcane Wizards of the myths are able to pull off such techniques."

These Wizards looked admiringly at Merlin. Arcane City was different indeed. Even if one encountered danger, one could leave at any time.

Merlin gradually understood as well. This was a protective measure for the Spell Casters of Arcane City. After all, the Potential Wizards of Arcane City could be considered the future of the Spell Caster civilization among the countless dimensions.

Therefore, every single Potential Wizard was very valuable. They would not let a Potential Wizard die in the Bloodshed Universe so easily.

"O' Wizards, I wonder if we can follow you both up until the ten days are up before leaving this place? We've thought about it carefully, and realized the Bloodshed Universe is far too dangerous, not something we can handle at all. We don't hope to gain anything else from this competition, only to leave the Bloodshed Universe in one piece."

The ten or so young Wizards shot hopeful looks at Merlin.

Merlin furrowed his brows and looked toward Wizard Midnight, who said calmly, "We've already been in the Bloodshed Universe for three days, and will return to Arcane City in seven days."

"That's alright, you can return after the seven days. We'll tough it out for the remaining three days, and should be able to hold on that long."

After coming to the Bloodshed Universe and encountering the Dora Demon Tribe, these Spell Casters had completely given up on the competition, only wishing to return to the Galaxy Grand Alliance. Following behind two Arcane City Wizards like Merlin and Midnight would provide them with utmost security.

"In that case, all of you can tag along."

Wizard Midnight nodded, following which he, along with Merlin, led the ten or so young Wizards to continue their wanderings in the vast Bloodshed Universe.

Chapter 537: A Shift in Mindset

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

"Crackle."

The thunderbolt and flames in Merlin's hands combined in an instant. However, when he tried fusing the Wind-type spell, his spell fusion became unstable immediately, on the verge of collapse.

Merlin shook his head helplessly. It looked like he was still unable to find the critical point, and thus unable to fuse three spells for a long while now. If he was able to do so, the might of his spell fusion would rapidly flourish. At that point, even those peak Ninth-level Spell Casters who had fused two Spell Models would be no match for Merlin.

It was just that fusing three types of spells was too challenging. Merlin had even decisively used the Wind-type spell as the third spell to be fused. Wind-type spells would not clash with Fire-type and Thunder-type spells. Even so, it was of utmost difficulty to merge a Wind-type spell with the existing spell fusion.

If this was the case for Wind-type spells, Merlin could forget about the other types of spells, which would be even harder to fuse.

"Wizard Merlin, could it be that in Arcane City, there are many like you who fuse spells?"

On their journey, the ten or so young Wizards seemed curious about Merlin and Wizard Midnight but the latter wore such a cold expression that they dared not ask him anything. Conversely, Merlin who also appeared aloof would still answer their questions. Therefore, once they had any inquiries, they would put it to Merlin.

Merlin shook his head. "There aren't many."

Merlin was telling the truth. Spell fusion was difficult. How could it be possibly achieved by everyone? Even if it was in Arcane City, those who could fuse spells were rare indeed.

These Spell Casters admired Merlin's spell fusion very much. Naturally, they heard that one could still fuse spells even without becoming a Ninth-level Spell Caster. Moreover, one's strength would become formidable after spell fusion.

It was just that none of them had seen any Spell Caster below the Ninth-level who could fuse spells. Now, they had finally met a Wizard like Merlin who was able to fuse spells as a Fifth-level Spell Caster. Naturally, they were excited, and their gazes revealed their rapt admiration.

At last, the Spell Caster at the lead could not help but ask Merlin, "Wizard Merlin, is there a trick to spell fusion?"

"Trick? What, you wish to learn it?"

Merlin replied with a question, laughing. In fact, there was no big secret to spell fusion but its difficulty lay in putting it into practice. Even if one had grasped its theoretical basis, it did not matter.

Merlin, for instance, knew very well that he would have to find the critical point in order to fuse the spells successfully. However, he had tried with his Wind-type spell for a very long time yet was still incapable of doing so. This was because he was unable to find the critical point.

The most important aspect of spell fusion was to practice it. It must be fate that had brought these Spell Casters to Merlin, and he did not mind sharing some knowledge with them. After all, spell fusion was not some great secret.

If it was something else like Occult Mind Spells, Merlin naturally would not pass it on. That was secretive to its core, and even if he wanted to teach it to others, he must obtain Wizard Ossais' permission.

"Is Wizard Merlin really willing to teach us the trick to spell fusion?"

In that instant, these Spell Casters were bubbling with excitement. This was spell fusion – how precious was that? Merlin was willing to teach them just like that?

Merlin smiled and said freely, "It's nothing more than a few tips. If you're able to fuse spells because of that, then it's just your luck. Furthermore, these aren't great secrets, and in fact, many Spell Casters know of them."

As soon as they heard that Merlin was going to explain the trick to spell fusion, all at once the ten or so Spell Casters focused their attention onto Merlin. They made not one sound, silently, and attentively listening to Merlin's explanation.

Merlin was not stingy with his knowledge in the slightest, narrating in detail all the methods he had picked up during spell fusion. He would even expound in greater detail when some of the Spell Casters asked questions.

As for Wizard Midnight, he said not a word, sitting quietly at a distance as he watched Merlin teach them the trick to spell fusion. Of course, Wizard Midnight was familiar with these tips for spell fusion, and had attempted it before. Nonetheless, it was far too challenging with a great degree of risk, so he had given it up.

Now, he was already a lofty Ninth-level Spell Caster at the peak, already starting to fuse Spell Models. There was no need for him to fuse spells.

Still, as he watched Merlin explain so generously, he could not help himself from nodding along wordlessly.

Soon enough, more than half of the day had gone by but daylight did not fade. The Bloodshed Universe was different from ordinary dimensions. In here, there was no day or night. The Ultimate Arcane Wizards, in order to punish the Dora Demon Tribe, had placed the Bloodshed Universe in eternal daylight.

"Phew…"

Merlin had finally finished his explanation. He saw that the ten or so young Wizards were in deep thoughts, and some were even making an honest attempt at spell fusion, searching for the critical point that Merlin had mentioned.

Nevertheless, Merlin had warned them that they must be careful. After all, their Spell Models were not that stable, and they did not possess the excellent physical attributes which Merlin had back then. If the spells exploded, their lives might be in danger.

"Wizard Merlin!"

Wizard Midnight, upon seeing that Merlin was finished, called out with a smile.

"Wizard Midnight."

Merlin flew directly to Midnight's side, asking with concern, "Wizard Midnight, what's the matter?"

Wizard Midnight smiled and eyed the ten or so young Wizards behind Merlin, then said serenely, "Wizard Merlin, you're generous indeed to pass on your own experiences to them. Although everyone knows the general facts of spell fusion, what you've explained belongs to your own understanding, to your individual experience of success. Even I have benefitted greatly from listening to you. Ah, I'm afraid they don't know what a precious opportunity this was!"

Merlin wore a calm expression. He knew that what Wizard Midnight said was true. It might be that the general facts of spell fusion were known to all, especially to some Great Legends and Great Wizards. After all, they had slowly leveled up from Ninth-level Spell Casters. Fusing Spell Models and fusing spells, in fact, differed only in a few aspects and shared many similarities.

However, what Merlin had just told them was his personal understanding and experience which had led to success. This could be called something precious indeed.

"Wizard Midnight, fate had brought these Wizards to us in the Bloodshed Universe. All that I've said was nothing more than what I've learned and understood. If they were able to benefit from that, of course, that's a good thing. The might of the Spell Caster civilization would be strengthened by just that much. In addition, this isn't anything to hide. In fact, I hope that my experiences and insights would spread throughout the myriad of dimensions through their words."

Merlin was rather carefree about this. The trick to spell fusion was not a secret. The theory was merely the introductory step to help them ascertain the right direction. What was truly important was practice, to search for the critical point within a Spell Caster's own spells.

If he was able to spread his knowledge, resulting in an occasional Wizard or two succeeding in spell fusion and augmenting their abilities, Merlin would be glad. This was something meaningful to the entire Spell Caster civilization.

In truth, before he had arrived in Arcane City or even before he had come into contact with the Rock Tribe in the Seely Dimension, Merlin would not have such a mindset. Previously, he had been like most Spell Casters, being relatively "selfish". Naturally, he would keep the good stuff and good tips to himself instead of sharing them so freely.

However, in the Seely Dimension, he had witnessed how the Seely people did not hold their own fates in their hands. The Seely people could only seek survival between the gap of the Rock Tribe and the Spell Caster civilization. If the Spell Caster civilization and the Rock Tribe waged an open war one day, as long as contenders at the level of Great Honored Legends were sent forth, the entire Seely Dimension would be wiped out easily.

In the vast boundless Void Zone, there were countless tribes and civilizations. The Spell Caster civilization, under the leadership of the three Ultimate Arcane Wizards and many powerful Honored Legends, had occupied tens of thousands of dimensions and was considered to be a comparatively powerful civilization.

However, it was merely a comparatively powerful civilization and was far from being at the top. At the very least, the Spell Caster civilization was now unable to deal with the Rock Tribe.

In the Void Zone, the Spell Caster civilization was occasionally in unfavorable situations. Every day, there were battles with foreign tribes, and every day, countless Spell Casters would die.

From this, Merlin had discerned a source of "urgency", having come from the Kingdom of Blackmoon to the Void Zone. Before this, the widespread Spell Caster civilization was his most solid foundation. He had thought that in the entire world, Spell Casters were supreme, able to exile even the powerful natural gods.

Nonetheless, after gaining a true understanding of the situation of the Spell Caster civilization, some changes had occurred in Merlin's heart.

Therefore, if this was Merlin of the past, he would not tell these Spell Casters so many things. He might even choose to act like Hugo when he first saw them caught in danger, indifferent and unmoved, only concerned with self-preservation. However, the higher he stood, the further he could see, and subtle transformations had taken place in his heart, shifting Merlin's mentality and behavior in certain ways.

This act of teaching the trick of spell fusion, done in passing, might be seeds of a sort. Perhaps these seeds would take root and sprout in these Spell Casters, and it would not threaten Merlin anyway. Presently, Merlin would not mind doing more of such deeds.

After a long moment, Wizard Midnight drew in a deep breath and spoke leisurely, "It looks like Wizard Merlin has understood the general situation of the entire Spell Caster civilization. Back when I was weak, I thought that standing at the top of a kingdom was the most powerful I can be. Thereafter, I discovered that there was a vast continent beyond the kingdom, and beyond the continent were the endless dimensions. At last, I came to Arcane City and went through a few battles with foreign tribes. Only then did I learn, on a profound level, how much the Spell Caster civilization is struggling.

"Generally, among the entire Spell Caster civilization, only a few Great Wizards and Great Legends, and people like us from Arcane City, would know of these circumstances. This is due to our privileged positions. The stability in the depths of the Spell Caster civilization is built upon the bedrock of battles between countless Great Wizards and Great Legends against foreign tribes.

"In truth, I've already fused four types of spells. The final type left is Darkness-type. I came to the Bloodshed Universe in order to understand the Essence of Darkness through the act of slaughtering. Once I succeed and achieve Five-Elemental spell fusion, I'll instantly become one of the top Great Wizards. At that point, I'll choose to leave Arcane City to the very edges of the Spell Caster civilization. I'll choose a place where we're fighting foreign tribes. There, I'll complete the process of condensing a Maxim or become one of the millions of Wizards who die in battle…"

Wizard Midnight's voice hinted at the adversities of his past. Merlin could dimly sense that Wizard Midnight must surely have a history which he was unwilling to speak about…

"Rumble rumble."

Suddenly, the sky erupted in bursts of deafening thunderclaps. Beams of lightning, each as thick as an arm, streaked across the sky. The Thunder Element in the air seemed to be agitated, appearing to be unusually active.

"What a great commotion. Someone is casting a powerful spell up ahead. Shall we go and see what's happening?"

Wizard Midnight's expression steadied as he stood up promptly.

Merlin roused the ten or so Spell Casters. Together with Wizard Midnight, they quickly flew toward the area with the most intense Elemental fluctuations.

Chapter 538: Royal Demon Blood

In the open space, the lush and verdant grass had been burned to ashes.

In the black smoke which pervaded the air, a young Spell Caster in a white robe was clashing with a Greater Demon, his body surrounded by fearsome lightning.

However, the white-robed Wizard was now clearly in a situation that did not bode well. He was at a disadvantage as the Greater Demon closed in step by step.

"It's Lebeta. He's a genius Wizard who has the greatest chance of coming in first in this competition of the Galaxy Grand Alliance!"

The ten or so Spell Casters beside Merlin recognized at a glance this young Wizard who was well versed in Thunder-type spells, his body surrounded by fearsome thunder and lightning. He was the foremost genius in the Galaxy Grand Alliance, and would very possibly be recommended by a Legendary Wizard to enter Arcane City directly in the future.

Although Lebeta was losing ground, he would not have any trouble handling most Ninth-level Spell Casters, and he was only a Seventh-level Spell Caster. He was merely inferior to Vic by a shade and was truly qualified to enter Arcane City.

Nevertheless, when faced with a Greater Demon, one which was even stronger than the Greater Demon Merlin had previously encountered, Lebeta was evidently unable to hold on much longer and was at risk.

"Wizard Merlin, Wizard Midnight, please save Wizard Lebeta. Although he's constantly the center of attention in the Galaxy Grand Alliance, and known to be the foremost prodigy there, he isn't arrogant, completely unlike Hugo. His teacher is even a Great Legend but he didn't ask his teacher to recommend him to enter Arcane City. Instead, he joined this competition in hopes of getting first place in an honorable and honest manner, entering Arcane City in that way."

One could see that this Lebeta was highly influential in the Galaxy Grand Alliance. Even these Spell Casters who were not that well acquainted with Lebeta was asking Merlin and Midnight to rescue him.

Merlin looked at that Greater Demon, and was about to strike when Wizard Midnight stopped him. Wizard Midnight looked at his surroundings, then said in a low voice, "Something's not right. There are oddities all around us. Let me attack and settle this Greater Demon as fast as possible, following which we'll leave this place immediately."

Wizard Midnight stretched out his hand and traces of Elemental fluctuations began to appear over his body.

"Whoosh…"

A blanket of crimson light descended suddenly, immediately trapping Merlin and the rest.

"Haha, what a big fish I've caught. So many Spell Casters – I'll have myself a good meal this time."

After the voice appeared, it was followed by a creature with a frail frame, only its body was blood red all over, and there was a faint golden horn in its forehead, which was especially eye-catching.

"It's a Grand Demon!"

Wizard Midnight's voice lowered as his body immediately tensed in vigilance. Upon hearing the words "Grand Demon", Merlin was slightly shocked as well. Naturally, he knew what this meant.

The Grand Demons of the Dora Demon Tribe were beings comparable to Great Wizards.

"Merlin, this is a Grand Demon. It'd be fine if this was just an average Grand Demon, but look at how he's blood red all over, and his single horn is very long. He's different from other Grand Demons. If my guess isn't wrong, this is a Grand Demon with Royal Demon blood, comparable to some powerful Great Wizards."

"Royal Demon blood!"

Ever since Merlin had come to the Bloodshed Universe, he had been listening to Wizard Midnight explaining some general knowledge of the Bloodshed Universe. The Dora Demons themselves had comparatively powerful abilities, and the Royal Demons were the strongest among them.

The Royal Demons were equivalent to the Spell Casters' Honored Legends and could be considered very formidable. At the height of the Dora Demon Tribe, they had nine Royal Demons. Any Dora Demon who had Royal Demon blood would hold a high position, and their natural abilities were powerful. In the Dora Demon Tribe, the purer the Royal Demon blood, the greater their strength and potential.

It was just that after the Dora Demon Tribe betrayed the Spell Caster civilization, the Ultimate Arcane Wizard, in a fit of rage, struck out to vanquish the nine Royal Demons of the Dora Demon Tribe before finally imprisoning all of the Dora Demon Tribe in the Bloodshed Universe.

The Bloodshed Universe was in fact just a gigantic dimension cage, confining a powerful tribe. The hatred between the Dora Demon Tribe and the Spell Caster civilization became deeper and deeper, unable to be resolved.

Now, they had bumped into a Grand Demon with Royal Demon blood. This was rather troublesome. Merlin was even preparing to use the God-Binding Disc. If that was still not enough, he could only rouse the black cat Didimoss.

The black cat Didimoss had currently transformed into a living state, and in fact, had always been on Merlin's shoulder. However, he had used some unknown method so that besides Merlin, he was seen by no one.

The black cat Didimoss sprawled across Merlin's shoulder and narrowed his eyes in an expression of languor as if completely unconcerned about what was happening in the world outside.

"Merlin, I'll handle this Grand Demon. You go on ahead and kill that Greater Demon."

Wizard Midnight drew in a deep breath as he gazed at the Grand Demon, and in fact, wore a look of excitement.

Merlin frowned and said, "Wizard Midnight, can you hold him off?"

It was not that Merlin was doubtful of Wizard Midnight's abilities but a Grand Demon with Royal Demon blood was very terrifying, far beyond the abilities of most Great Wizards.

Wizard Midnight smiled in response. "I've already fused four types of spells, and most Great Wizards are no match for me. Now that I'm faced with a Grand Demon with Royal Demon blood, there's certainly a degree of pressure. However, with my current state, this intense pressure is just what I need. I've been in the Bloodshed Universe for so long, and my comprehension is basically sufficient. Now, I require some pressure to completely fuse the Darkness-type spell. With five types combined into one, I'll become a Great Wizard at the peak at last!"

After a pause, Wizard Midnight continued saying, "In addition, even if I don't succeed, I can exit the Bloodshed Universe at any time. Don't forget that we're Potential Wizards of Arcane City. As long as we wish to leave, there's nothing in the Bloodshed Universe which could kill us… However, if I really choose to leave, you'd better leave quickly too. You won't be able to save them just by yourself…"

Merlin nodded. It was true that he and Wizard Midnight could leave at anytime but Lebeta and the rest had no choice but to face the frightening Grand Demon. If so, there was only one ending for them.

Still, if it came to that, Merlin had decided that he would save these Wizards even if he had to wake Didimoss up. Nonetheless, it was not at that point yet.

"Haha, a Grand Demon with Royal Demon blood – it's my first-time meeting one! Nevertheless, your Dora Demon Tribe is pitiful indeed. Forget about those who merely have Royal Demon blood, even your nine Royal Demons are dead. In the Bloodshed Universe, you're nothing more than slaves reared in a pen…"

Wizard Midnight laughed uproariously as he spoke. In an instant, the Grand Demon who had been calm immediately changed his tune. His murderous intent overflowed and filled the air like a vicious storm. Even though Merlin was a good distance away, he felt a faint sense of suffocation.

Seeing that Wizard Midnight had gone to stop the Grand Demon, Merlin glanced at Lebeta, and noticed that he was gradually unable to hold on any longer. Therefore, without further delay, he cast his Wind-type spell and promptly rushed at the Greater Demon.

"Nine Hit Strike!"

Merlin immediately wielded the invisible and shapeless Occult Mind Spell. Wave after wave of Mind Power attacks finally halted the Greater Demon.

The Greater Demon turned around and fixed his blood red eyes upon Merlin, laughing coldly. "Another one with a death wish. That's good, I'll eat your first, then eat all of the rest. Hehe!"

A sinister force was exuding from the Greater Demon, and Darkness Eye in Merlin's palm also became excited. Merlin was thinking to himself that after killing this Greater Demon and absorbing his negative energy, Darkness Eye might really undergo a significant boost.

Thus, in the midst of his flight, Merlin promptly fused the wisps of flame and thunderbolt flickering in his hands, before flinging it viciously at the Greater Demon.

"Go!"

The spell fused from flames and thunder quickly sped towards the Greater Demon.

"Boom!"

The spell exploded and the fearsome shockwaves immediately sent the Greater Demon flying backward, before he crashed heavily onto the ground.

"D*mn you, wretched Spell Caster. I'll swallow you alive!"

The Greater Demon unleashed a great roar as his body enlarged rapidly. The stench of blood around his body grew thicker, and Merlin immediately perceived a sense of intense threat.

"Berserk?"

Merlin's heart trembled. This Greater Demon, after becoming Berserk, was even more terrifying than the Greater Demon he had killed previously. No matter in terms of strength, defense or speed, he was much more powerful.

"Bang bang bang."

The Greater Demon was able to forcibly withstand Merlin's spell fusion. Each time the spell exploded, it was able to halt the forward momentum of the Greater Demon but that was all it could do. It was incapable of nullifying the Berserk state of the Greater Demon. Once this Greater Demon had come before Merlin, he would be in an extremely dangerous situation.

"Hahahaha, see how this tastes. This is the first time I'll unleash my spell fusion at full force – go!"

In the distance, Wizard Midnight suddenly broke out into laughter as wisps of intense Wind Element, Fire Element, Ice Element, and Earth Element emerged around his body.

The flames grew fiercer, yet the Ice Element and Fire Element were coexisting in harmony. Following that, under the snarling of the Wind Element, the flames raged more and more, and its forces became increasingly fearsome.

Wizard Midnight had perfectly fused Wind-type spell, Fire-type spell, Earth-type spell, and Ice-type spell. Now, he was only missing Darkness-type spell to completely combine everything, leveling up to become a top-notch Great Wizard.

In comparison to the pandemonium caused by Wizard Midnight and the Grand Demon, Merlin's current battle could not be considered much of a disturbance. However, faced with the Greater Demon, Merlin was forced back step by step. Merlin even considered utilizing the God-Binding Disc. Otherwise, he had no way of dealing with this terrible Greater Demon.

However, the fusion spell that Wizard Midnight had displayed earlier had helped resolve a problem which had been lingering in Merlin's mind for a long time. Sometimes, epiphanies were just that simple.

"Wind reinforces fire… So, the critical point that I've searched for so painstakingly is something so simple!"

Everything suddenly became clear to Merlin. Locating the critical point meant locating a point of similarity. The common point between thunder and flames were obvious enough. As for the common point between wind and flames, it was more obscure. Wind could support fire – that was the critical point.

"It looks like I won't have to use the God-Binding Disc…"

A smile tugged at the corner of Merlin's mouth as he stared at the approaching Greater Demon. His body was gradually surrounded by fluctuations of Wind Element, Fire Element, and Thunder Element.

All at once, three different types of Elements surrounded Merlin, adding a mystical force to him.

Chapter 539: A Preeminent Great Wizard

"Go!"

Merlin pushed with both hands. The wind howled, and anyone could clearly see that the flames and thunder were in the storm, gradually fusing together.

The three types of spells were finally fused into one!

"Boom!"

The colossal shockwaves immediately sent the Greater Demon flying but this time, he had no way of standing up again. His entire body was fragmented in the blast, and torrents of blood flowed out, and the soil on the ground was stained a deep red.

Merlin appeared abnormally calm. He shut his eyes lightly, still carefully recollecting how it had felt when he had fused three spells earlier. He wanted to hold on to this feeling. It was key to fusing three types of spells.

The fusion of three spells instantly boosted the might of spell fusion. Initially, spell fusion could only handle an average Ninth-level Spell Caster who was slightly stronger. However, with three spells, it was directly able to threaten those Spell Casters who had fused two Spell Models.

Merlin's palm absorbed a cold force once again. He opened his eyes, and discovered that the Greater Demon on the ground no longer had a life force. It was merely one blow from the fusion of three spells, yet it was already able to kill this powerful Greater Demon.

The current Merlin, without having to utilize the God-Binding Disc, was completely on par with those Ninth-level Spell Casters at their peak who had fused two Spell Models.

"Bang."

Just then, a resounding thud sounded. At the same time, a figure crashed into the ground in a straight trajectory, not far from Merlin. It was Wizard Midnight.

Wizard Midnight presently appeared to be in a mess. The robe he was wearing had been torn to tatters. He had just been knocked to the ground by a blow from the Grand Demon but based on his appearance, it was just a physical impact. The spell surrounding his body still had not vanished, meaning that he was not injured.

"Wizard Midnight, how are you doing?"

Merlin asked hurriedly. After all, the disparity between Wizard Midnight and that Grand Demon was too vast. Wizard Midnight might not be afraid of most Great Wizards, for he was a genius of Arcane City, and fighting above his level was something he was used to.

However, the Grand Demon before them was not an average Grand Demon, but one bolstered by Royal Demon blood, whose power could be compared to those Spell Casters at the peak of Great Wizard. The fact that Wizard Midnight was able to hold on until now without being critically injured was already rather impressive.

Still, if he went on like this, Wizard Midnight would no longer be so fortunate.

"Haha, good strike, good strike!"

Wizard Midnight leaped up. If Merlin had not perceived that Wizard Midnight's current Mind Power was extremely lively, meaning that he was not hurt at all, Merlin might have thought that something had gone wrong with Wizard Midnight.

"Whoosh."

Wizard Midnight rushed toward the Grand Demon once more, and the Darkness Element of his body became increasingly intense, seeming to contain faint traces of other spell fusions.

"Could Wizard Midnight be preparing to exploit the enormous pressure exerted by the Grand Demon in battle to forcibly fuse the Spell Models?"

This thought occurred to Merlin. This was a very risky method. Once there was any slight loss of control, the Spell Model would collapse, bringing down the other Spell Models as well. If that happened, the Grand Demon would not even need to attack for Wizard Midnight to instantly die from the backlash of the spells.

"What insanity…"

It was the first time Merlin witnessed Wizard Midnight's insanity. A prodigious Wizard like Wizard Midnight could have peacefully and steadily stayed on in Arcane City for more than a hundred years. By then, no matter how difficult it was to fuse the spells, with Wizard Midnight's talents, he would be able to slowly achieve this over a long period.

He did not have to take such risks to forcibly fuse the spells as he was doing now. Nonetheless, this was Wizard Midnight – as long as there was a sliver of hope, he would advance boldly, no matter how dangerous it was.

Perhaps this was the reason why Wizard Midnight was able to come from a tiny kingdom and advance as the foremost genius of the kingdom, then the continent, then the dimension, finally arriving at Arcane City.

With capabilities like Wizard Midnight's, there would be a place for him even in Arcane City.

Merlin witnessed a dedication that was hard to put into words!

"Bang!"

In the end, when Wizard Midnight had been battered to the ground by the Grand Demon many times over. Merlin could feel that Wizard Midnight's force was slightly weaker. The Grand Demon's immense strength was not something he could withstand.

If this went on, Wizard Midnight would really die!

"Despicable Spell Caster, it looks like you're quite stubborn. However, no matter how stubborn you are, it's useless. This is your final chance!"

The Grand Demon appeared to be rather enraged. The numerous reckless attacks from Wizard Midnight did not cause the Grand Demon any injury but they still caused a certain amount of trouble for him.

Therefore, the Grand Demon had lost his patience, and a trace of the Berserk force began to emerge around him.

"Hum hum hum."

When a Grand Demon with Royal Demon blood became Berserk, his force would be augmented to a terrifying extreme. The air itself was suppressed, and even Merlin could not help but take a few steps back.

The force itself was already so fearsome. Wizard Midnight would surely be unable to withstand it this time!

"Wizard Midnight, hurry back to Arcane City. I have a way of dealing with this Grand Demon!"

Merlin's entire body was silently on guard. The Berserk force of the Grand Demon before him had caused Merlin to lose faith in the God-Binding Disc. He was ready at any moment to awaken the black cat Didimoss.

Wizard Midnight slowly stood up. At this moment, his face was unusually cold and detached. Wisps of Darkness Element surrounded his body, blanketing his entire person.

"The final step is finally completed!"

Wizard Midnight's voice sounded very calm but the words were like a clap of thunder in Merlin's ears, causing him endless astonishment.

"Completed? All the Spell Models have been fused into one?"

Merlin was somewhat incredulous. Even though he admired Wizard Midnight's dedication, having dedication was one thing. Whether one would accomplish one's goal due to that dedication was another thing.

He found it hard to believe that Wizard Midnight was able to fuse all his Spell Models into one under such challenging circumstances.

"Fuse!"

After Wizard Midnight gave a low cry, the dense apparitions of Spell Models appeared over his head. As a Five-Elemental Spell Caster, Wizard Midnight possessed up to fifty spells from Zero-level spells to Ninth-level spells. Anyone could see how difficult it was to fuse such a great number of Spell Models.

The more Spell Models there were, the harder it was to fuse everything thoroughly. If Merlin was to fuse Spell Models in the future, he would have sixty Spell Models in total. That could be said to be even more frightening, and the degree of difficulty in becoming a Great Wizard was difficult to imagine.

Although one could see that the densely packed Spell Models above Wizard Midnight's head consisted of fifty Spell Model apparitions, in fact, Wizard Midnight was only left with the ten Spell Models of Darkness-type spells. The other types of Spell Models had been fused together long ago, and now transformed into a white ball of light.

"Boom!"

As soon as Wizard Midnight spoke, the ten Darkness-type Spell Models were inserted into the white ball of light. These final ten Spell Models were fused into the rest, and the white light shone with blinding rays.

At the same time, Wizard Midnight's force expanded more and more, rising constantly until it broke through a bottleneck. As a Five-Elemental Spell Caster, Wizard Midnight would certainly rise among the preeminent Great Wizards in one move as soon as he became a Great Wizard.

Now, his force kept growing incessantly, rapidly reaching a point that Merlin had never seen before.

"He has really succeeded!"

Merlin's gaze trembled. The force on Wizard Midnight's body had finally stopped growing but Merlin was able to feel a force from Wizard Midnight that was different from any other Great Wizards.

To be accurate, Merlin had never felt such a powerful force from a Great Wizard. In the past, Merlin had met many Great Wizards before but none who was as fearsome as the force coming from Wizard Midnight.

It was rather rare for a Five-Elemental Spell Caster to become a Great Wizard. Most dimensions would seldom witness such a Spell Caster. Only Arcane City would see this happening but it was still very rare.

Merlin was able to personally witness a Five-Elemental Spell Caster fusing all his Spell Models to become a Great Wizard. This was of great benefit to him. At the very least, when he fused spells in the future, he would have a point of reference.

"Great Wizard?"

The Grand Demon, who had always been calm, was now undergoing a change in his manner. He even awakened from his Berserk state for he knew very well how powerful a Great Wizard was.

"That's right. Now that I've become a Great Wizard, you shall be my first blood sacrifice!"

Wizard Midnight's tone was icy, revealing a limitless murderous intent as if he was filled with detest toward foreign tribes.

"Buzz."

A ball of light gradually formed in Wizard Midnight's hand. This light emitted brilliant rays, and one could faintly sense the Wind Element, Fire Element, Ice Element, Earth Element, and Darkness Element within. This was five spells fused into one, a spell unique to Great Wizards, and it appeared strangely beautiful.

However, the more beautiful something was, the more dangerous it was.

"Go!"

After Wizard Midnight pointed with a finger, the ball of light promptly sped toward the Grand Demon. Throughout its flight, the light swelled and expanded rapidly, becoming incomparably gigantic in a flash. Everything within the range of a few hundred meters was engulfed, including the Grand Demon who became Berserk once more.

"Hiss hiss hiss."

With the light swallowing everything, there was no earth-shattering explosion, only bursts of soft hissing noise. Nonetheless, the Grand Demon who was trapped in the light seemed to be experiencing a tremendous amount of pain, and started to howl wildly.

When the Grand Demon was Berserk, his body grew incomparably hard all over, with astounding defensive capabilities. It was on par with Great Wizards at their peak. However, faced with Wizard Midnight who had just become a Great Wizard, there was nothing those defensive capabilities could do.

The Grand Demon's hands were covered in flames, his legs covered and bound by heavy black earth. Moreover, his body was thoroughly frozen…

A Great Wizard's spell comprised all the spells fused together. The might which was displayed was difficult to imagine. Wizard Midnight, who had reached the level of a Great Wizard with Five-Elemental spells, instantly became one of the most formidable Great Wizards. Even the Grand Demon who possessed Royal Demon blood was slowly reduced to ashes in the midst of pitiful wails.

"He's dead?"

Merlin's heart leaped. In his palm, Darkness Eye was so excited that it seemed about to break free from his palm. A colossal gush of cold force surged frantically into Darkness Eye.

Merlin instantly understood that this was the endless negative energy left behind after the Grand Demon died. It was all absorbed by Darkness Eye. Upon taking in such a large amount of negative energy all at once, Darkness Eye, which had been on the brink of evolving long ago, finally began to evolve.

Chapter 540: Options

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The thick strands of Darkness Element above Merlin's head finally condensed into a gigantic apparition of a ghostly face. The current ghostly face was much more distinct, and it even wore an eerie smile on its lips.

The immense surge of negative emotions was like a flood which rushed into Merlin's mind turbulently, disturbing his emotions.

"Humph, suppress!"

Merlin had been expecting the fifth form of Darkness Eye would surely cause a backlash, so he was already prepared for it. His Mind Heart had broken through to the Eighth-level, so his Mind Power was tremendous, far beyond anything the average Ninth-level Spell Caster could compare to, even approaching the peak of the Ninth-level.

In general, the Mind Power of a Mind Power Master was very frightening. Relying on his massive Mind Power, Merlin suppressed the huge surge of negative emotions totally. The fifth form of Darkness Eye now had no effect on Merlin at all.

Although the fifth form of Darkness Eye did not influence Merlin much, to the Spell Casters beside him, as they stared at the ghostly face above his head, a sense of dread welled up from the depths of their hearts.

The first form of Darkness Eye was delude, followed by exterminate, dispel, and control.

In particular, the fourth form, control, was able to strip away a Spell Caster's link to the Elements, causing them to be incapable of even casting a spell. Thus, it was able to easily suppress Eighth-level Spell Casters at their peak.

Nevertheless, the fourth form of Darkness Eye had its limits, and it had no way of threatening Ninth-level Spell Caster.

Now, the fifth form of Darkness Eye could transform the illusory into reality. Its ability was the combination of the previous four forms. Once the fifth form was wielded, Merlin's opponents would involuntarily fall into an illusion, robbed of their control over the Elements.

Moreover, it could directly bind them or attack them!

In short, the fifth form of Darkness Eye was even more powerful, on par with Ninth-level Spell Casters at the peak. Merlin's Darkness Eye could even forcibly contend against those who had already fused three or even four types of spells.

As for a Five-Elemental spell fusion such as Wizard Midnight's, only a real-life battle could determine whether Darkness Eye would hold up. Darkness Eye had seven forms, and the subsequent sixth and seventh forms would be able to deal with Great Wizards and Great Legends. Cultivating the sixth form of Darkness Eye was not only exceedingly difficult but the force of its backlash was also rather scary. Merlin would not consider further cultivating Darkness Eye, at least for now.

Soon enough, Merlin withdrew Darkness Eye. He had already achieved his goal in coming to the Bloodshed Universe and had even gained something unexpected. His Mind Power had broken through to an Eighth-level Mind Heart, and his Mind Power had been merged with his instincts. When he returned to Arcane City, Merlin could attempt the Mind Tower once again.

"Haha, it looks like Wizard Merlin had profited rather handsomely as well."

Wizard Midnight chortled as he flew toward Merlin. At present, his face was filled with glee. It was extremely challenging to achieve Five-Elemental spell fusion. There were some Five-Elemental Spell Casters in Arcane City too, but the probability of fusing the spells successfully and becoming a top Great Wizard was quite low. Roughly, only thirty to forty percent of Five-Elemental Wizards had succeeded in the end.

Thirty to forty percent might seem very high but Arcane City was a place which gathered first-rate geniuses of the entire Spell Caster civilization. All those who had entered Arcane City were demonic geniuses, and even they only had a thirty to forty percent chance of success, to say nothing of the Spell Casters among the myriad of dimensions, whose chances would be much lower.

Conversely, Spell Casters with only three Elements would find it a little easier to become a Great Wizard. However, such Great Wizards did not have much potential. Even if they became a Great Wizard, they were the most ordinary Great Wizards with the weakest abilities. For instance, even if Wizard Midnight had been a Ninth-level Spell Caster, and even if he had only fused two or three types of spells, he would be able to handle these common Great Wizards.

In order to become a preeminent Great Wizard, one would need to construct enough spells. However, too many spells meant that becoming a Great Wizard in the future would be even difficult. If one was supported by a comprehensive inheritance of resources, one would consider this factor even when one first started to construct Zero-level spells.

Merlin, for example, had not known back then how one would attain the level of a Great Wizard, and constructed spells at random, ending up as a Six-Elemental Spell Caster. He did not know if this was a blessing or a curse.

Even if his capabilities were increased, the level of difficulty for a Six-Elemental Spell Caster to become a Great Wizard was nearly inconceivable.

"Wizard Midnight, congratulations. You've achieved your wish in becoming a top Great Wizard!"

Merlin was sincerely happy for Wizard Midnight. Ever since he had arrived at the Bloodshed Universe and gotten to know Wizard Midnight, Wizard Midnight had assisted him plenty. Moreover, Wizard Midnight was, in fact, warm-hearted, though he might not have the looks for it. His demeanor was aloof but he was willing to help others.

"For the remaining few days, I won't wander around anymore. I'll just stay here, and slowly learn about the complexities of being a Great Wizard."

Although Wizard Midnight said that it was for the sake of understanding the complexities of a Great Wizard, in truth, he was waiting for the full ten days to pass before he left, so that these ten or so young Wizards would not fall into peril. Thus, he would fulfill his previous promise.

Merlin nodded. His Mind Power had broken through by now, and Darkness Eye was cultivated to its fifth form. He no longer needed to slaughter in the Bloodshed Universe, so along with Midnight, he silently watched over the group of young Wizards.

The prodigious Wizard Lebeta expressed his thanks to Merlin and Wizard Midnight. With abilities like his, he was certain to make it to Arcane City in the future. Merlin was very courteous as well, and only after they exchanged a few words did Lebeta take his leave. After all, he still had to compete. He still had to fight for the number one spot.

…

Time hurried by, and soon enough, Merlin and Wizard Midnight had been in the Bloodshed Universe for ten days. During this period, the group of young Wizards had asked for Merlin's guidance on many matters. Merlin gave detailed explanations of everything and was almost like a teacher himself.

After all, Merlin had been in Arcane City for a while now. His experiences were something the young Wizards could not match up to. Their biggest reward in coming to the Bloodshed Universe this time had been to encounter Merlin.

"Wizard Merlin, if you have a chance in the future, you must come to the Galaxy Grand Alliance…"

These Spell Casters seemed reluctant to part ways. Merlin bobbed his head. "If fates allowed, we'll surely meet again."

"Zap."

As soon as Merlin spoke, a white beam of light immediately enfolded Merlin and Wizard Midnight. They had disappeared in a flash and were back in Arcane City.

"Ten days have passed…"

When they had returned to Arcane City, the Great Legend who watched over the Bloodshed Universe cast a surprised look at Wizard Midnight. Naturally, he was able to see that Wizard Midnight had successfully fused all his spells and become a preeminent Great Wizard.

"Congratulations. You're the six thousand, three hundred and fifty-sixth Wizard in Arcane City to have fused your spells in the Bloodshed Universe, and successfully become a top Great Wizard."

The Great Legend's words amazed Merlin and Wizard Midnight. They did not expect that in Arcane City, there were so many who had successfully become a Great Wizard in the Bloodshed Universe as well.

"Wizard Midnight, now that you're a Great Wizard, what are your plans now?"

Merlin fell into silent contemplation for a moment, then asked Wizard Midnight.

"My plans? According to the rules of Arcane City, I have a few options after becoming a Great Wizard. One is to choose to stay in Arcane City though it would be difficult to earn more Adventure points. In addition, staying here is not going to help in consolidating a Maxim. The second option is this – I can be appointed outside, sent by Arcane City to some special dimensions to assist the Great Legends in management. Once the time is up, I'll be able to return to Arcane City and obtain many Adventure points.

"The third option would be to voluntarily head to the frontlines of our battles against foreign tribes. This way, each member of the foreign tribe I kill would earn me a great sum of Adventure points, and I'll be able to return to Arcane City at any time. I've made my decision long ago – I'll voluntarily apply to go to a dimension where the frontlines are."

Arcane City had provided three options, each with its own pros and cons. Still, after hearing that Wizard Midnight was going to willingly apply to the frontlines, Merlin furrowed his brows and said softly, "Wizard Midnight, although fighting against foreign tribes will garner you great sums of Adventure points, it's very dangerous. The deaths of preeminent Great Wizards are common. Why don't you choose the second option? In a hundred years' time, once you've assisted a Great Legend in managing a dimension, you'll obtain plenty of Adventure points as well."

The third option was far too risky, and one could die at any time. Furthermore, if the conflict spread, not even Great Legends would be able to guarantee one's security.

Wizard Midnight shook his head lightly, his eyes filled with a determined glint. He said gruffly, "I've made up my mind about this long ago. Once I've become a Great Wizard, I'll head to the frontlines! In addition, only in a state of constant battle will I be able to locate the Essence of Elements and gradually condense a Maxim to become a Great Legend. That's enough. This is my choice and I've made up my mind. Wizard Merlin, I know you're a Six-Elemental Spell Caster with boundless potential, but fusing Spell Models is far too difficult. It's not something you should rush.

"If you ever come to the Dark Blue Dimension in the future, this rune would immediately react. If I'm not dead by then, I'll immediately sense you, and will come to meet you."

Wizard Midnight waved a hand, and a rune immediately imprinted itself onto Merlin's arm before fading without a trace. It was a type of Reactive Rune. As long as they were in the same dimension, it would react.

"The Dark Blue Dimension. I've memorized it!"

Merlin drew in a deep breath, knowing that Wizard Midnight's mind was made up and would not be easily swayed. He could only wordlessly keep the Dark Blue Dimension in mind. It was a dimension at the foremost frontlines where the battle against the foreign tribe was most violent. Spell Casters died there at every moment.

"Very well, I'll leave Arcane City soon enough. You don't have to send me off, haha…"

Wizard Midnight was frank and turned to leave after he said what he had to say. He quickly disappeared from Merlin's vision.

Merlin let out a long sigh. He knew that Wizard Midnight's determination to battle against the foreign tribe at the frontlines must be due to some secret of his past or something to do with the foreign tribe.

"Everyone has their options…"

Merlin silently wished Wizard Midnight well in his heart, following which he turned to leave too. This time, he was ready to attempt the Mind Tower once more.

Chapter 541: The Legend Zado

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Merlin came to the Mind Tower. Merlin was filled with confidence this time while he looked at the lofty building.

The Mind Tower was wondrous indeed. Previously, Merlin had merely made it to the ninth floor, and his Mind Power had grown many times over. Thanks to some techniques he had learned on the ninth floor, he was able to break through to an Eighth-level Mind Heart in just a few months. The benefit brought to a Spell Caster's Mind Power by the Mind Tower was hard to imagine.

This was a technique that only the Ultimate Arcane Wizards possessed. Other than Arcane City, other places, even places managed by Honored Legends, would not have something as mystical as the Mind Tower.

It was not surprising that Arcane City was able to assemble countless geniuses from the myriad of dimensions of the Spell Caster civilization. The Mind Tower alone was enough to attract countless Spell Casters, something no other place could compare to. In addition, there were other marvelous places such as the force field area.

Merlin did a quick check. Initially, he was left with five hundred Adventure points but entering the Bloodshed Universe had used up two hundred Adventure points. Now, he had merely three hundred Adventure points.

Nonetheless, attempting the Mind Tower required only a hundred Adventure points so Merlin had enough to attempt the tower.

Just as Merlin was about to enter the Mind Tower, he encountered someone familiar, who came down from the distant sky and landed before the Mind Tower. It was the plump Wizard Arrot.

"Wizard Merlin, you've come out of the Bloodshed Universe at last. I know that you wanted to stay there for a full ten days' time hence, I was prepared to look for you today. However, the Great Legendary Wizard said that you had left already. Thereafter, I found out that you've come to the Mind Tower."

Arrot wore an anxious expression.

"Wizard Arrot, what's going on?"

Merlin stopped in his tracks and asked.

"Sigh…"

Arrot seemed to have a difficult time saying it before he clenched his teeth and said softly, "Wizard Merlin, you've entered the Bloodshed Universe at an inopportune time. Just six days ago, three Great Legends came to our newest batch of Potential Wizards to select disciples."

"Great Legends selected disciples?"

Merlin was slightly stunned. Great Legends were not allowed to stay in Arcane City but there was one exception, which was the Recruiting Wizards of Arcane City.

These Recruiting Wizards were Great Legends with extremely formidable powers, and there were even some of them who were higher-ranked Honored Legends. In Arcane City, if one was noticed by these Great Legends, one might be made a disciple.

Back then, the Legend Mogan had felt that he was merely a Legend with one Maxim. He might not be the best Wizard to guide Merlin. Thus, he hoped that by sending Merlin to Arcane City, Merlin would be taught by a Great Legend or even an Honored Legend.

Now that chance had arrived!

"What's the situation exactly?"

Merlin even felt a trace of regret. He could have gone to the Bloodshed Universe at any time but he would not get another opportunity like this once he had missed it. After all, these Recruiting Legends would only select a disciple occasionally. One might say that it was done on impulse, and it was even harder to encounter an Honored Legend.

Arrot wore a distressed look as he said powerlessly, "Two out of the three Great Legends are Great Honored Legends. At first, they seemed to have a rather good impression of you but upon discovering that you've gone to the Bloodshed Universe, they had selected Wizard Rael and Saturn."

A disappointed look crossed Merlin's face. Those two Great Honored Legends would not have waited just for Merlin's sake. After all, even the most genius Spell Caster would face many difficulties in becoming a Great Wizard, to say nothing of becoming a Great Legend or even an Honored Legend.

"However, there's still the third Great Legend. He has been waiting for you to come out. So, after learning that you're out, I've instantly looked for you to bring you to that Great Legend."

Arrot smiled as he spoke. He was happy for Merlin for the fact that a Great Legend was willing to wait just for Merlin for so many days.

"Oh? Which Legends is that?"

Merlin was extremely curious. It was very rare that a Great Legend would wait just for him. Arcane City was not lacking in geniuses, so it was rather easy for Great Legends to take on any kind of genius disciples they wished to. They would not wait just for someone in particular.

Therefore, this Great Legend had induced an inquisitiveness in Merlin.

"This Great Legend is the Legend Zado! Wizard Merlin, come quickly with me to meet the Legend Zado. It's just a shame that the Legend Zado isn't a Great Honored Legend. If you had been around that day, out of those two Great Legends, one of them would surely pick you. You're far stronger than Rael."

Arrot seemed rather indignant.

Although Merlin was somewhat regretful, it was not so easy to encounter an Honored Legend. Even up until now, after entering Arcane City, Merlin had not seen any Great Honored Legends.

"Come on, we mustn't let Wizard Zado wait any longer."

Therefore, with Arrot leading the way, both of them flew off into the distance.

…

"Swish swish."

Two figures landed from the sky before a castle. This was the place where Wizard Zado was staying. He had been waiting here just for Merlin for six full days.

"Wizard Merlin, go in. Wizard Zado had said that when you've arrived, you're to go in and see him immediately."

Arrot pointed toward the castle. He was only bringing Merlin here. Without the Great Legend's permission, he dared not enter the castle.

Merlin nodded. "I'm very thankful to you, Wizard Arrot."

"Haha, it's nothing. I think highly of you. Although I can't be considered much of a genius in Arcane City, I have a good eye. When you've succeeded in the future, you'll surely be stronger than Saturn. At that time, it might be me who would need favors from you."

The rotund Wizard Arrot spoke with a laugh. Merlin bobbed his head. Arrot was straightforward indeed. He had helped Merlin plenty in Arcane City. In terms of Merlin's relationships, Wizard Midnight whom Merlin met in the Bloodshed Universe along with Arrot, Saturn, and the rest, could be considered relatively close to Merlin.

Following that, Merlin slowly walked into the castle. Arrot watched Merlin's disappearing figure from outside the entire time, his eyes filled with admiration. He mumbled to himself, "How I envy him, to have a Great Legend waiting for him… how many years has it been since something like this had happened in Arcane City?"

Arrot shook his head. When he could no longer see Merlin, he turned to leave.

…

At the castle, Merlin gently pushed open the large door. This door appeared to very heavy but it swung open under Merlin's gentle push.

"Is that Wizard Merlin?"

A deep and resounding voice rang out in Merlin's ear. Merlin lifted his head to see a Wizard, well-built and dressed in a golden robe, standing in the hall. He exuded an incomparably suppressive force.

Merlin was familiar with this force. When he had first entered Arcane City, Merlin had felt a similar force from Saturn's teacher, the Legend Blackcloud who had formed four Maxims.

However, this Legend Zado before him had an even more impressive force than the Legend Blackcloud, rousing Merlin's amazement.

"Wizard Zado, you've waited for long!"

Merlin said deferentially.

"Hehe, since you know that I've waited for a long time, you'd better satisfy me! If you do, six days' wait is nothing but if you don't, you'll be punished!"

This Legend Zado had a rather strange temperament. If Merlin did not satisfy his requirements, Merlin would be punished. Merlin understood that the Legend Zado was testing him. One would have to undergo a test in order to become the disciple of the Legend Zado.

"How may I satisfy Wizard Zado?"

"It's simple. I've created a subspace from a Maxim in my grasp. If you can come out from that place in one piece, I'll be very satisfied, and you can be my disciple!"

"A subspace constructed using a Maxim as a foundation?"

Merlin's face shifted. This was no test but a suicide mission. Just as he was about to decline, a cold smile tugged at the corner of the Legend Zado's mouth. "Oh right, you'll have to rely on your own strength to pass the test. As for your Spatial Ring and that peculiar cat with you, they'd better stay with me."

With that, the Legend Zado made a gentle gesture and Merlin's entire body became stiff. On his shoulder, the black cat Didimoss also seemed to detect the danger, and immediately burst out with a mighty roar, his body swelling rapidly in size.

"Bang."

With a soft sound, Legend Zado's large hands flickered with a multi-colored light, and he swiped forward viciously. The black cat Didimoss was immediately entrapped without being able to put up the slightest resistance, caught in the Legend Zado's grasp.

As for Merlin's Spatial Ring, it had appeared in the Legend Zado's hand at an unknown time.

Merlin was utterly dumbstruck. The black cat Didimoss was on par with Great Legends but was caught by the Legend Zado without the slightest resistance. How terrifying was this Legend Zado standing before him?

"Go on in… Oh right, just a reminder – if you can't withstand my Maxim Subspace, you might actually die… At worst, I'll be reprimanded by the Arcane Wizards. Go ahead, enjoy yourself."

Wizard Zado's breezy delivery caused Merlin's face to shift greatly. How was this a proper process of recruiting a disciple?

However, he could not even open his mouth at the moment, and could only watch helplessly as Wizard Zado made a great swipe, hurling him into a deep and dark subspace…

Chapter 542: Dire Straits

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

In the endless depths of the subspace, Merlin fell pitifully through space.

Merlin's face was ashen. At first, he thought this was a great stroke of luck but it had turned out to be his doom. That Legend Zado was totally unreasonable as if unconcerned about the rules of Arcane City. If Merlin died in this subspace, he would have died for nothing.

However, there was no point in complaining now. Even the black cat Didimoss was unable to contend against the Legend Zado as he was caught in his grasp. If Merlin wanted to leave the subspace alive, he would have to be cautious, and do things according to the Legend Zado's "rules".

"I know that this subspace is constructed based on the Legend Zado's Maxim. How come there's nothing strange?"

Merlin carefully extended his Mind Power in all directions but did not seem to sense any Maxim. This was just a subspace, not a dimension. Even a Great Honored Legend would only be able to create subspace but not a dimension. Only the three Ultimate Arcane Wizards could form a dimension!

However, though this was just a subspace, it was endlessly vast. Merlin's Mind Power was unable to detect its end.

"Hehe, young fellow, are you ready? If you are, then first enjoy the Flame Subspace…"

The Legend Zado's voice reverberated across the endless void. After he spoke, Merlin felt that his surroundings were quickly transforming.

"Boom."

Merlin's world was transformed, and he was transported to a subspace filled completely with flames. The raging flames burned on the ground and in the air. The entire space was brimming with a terrifying blaze.

From these flames, Merlin discerned the force of a Maxim. He had previously obtained a Flame Maxim as well, so naturally, he was able to tell that these were very powerful Flame Maxims.

"Hoo…"

Merlin drew in a hot breath of air as if the flames were absorbed into his body. The surrounding temperature was alarming, and his Enervating Halo would not hold on much longer.

Nonetheless, at this point, Merlin calmed down. He thought back carefully to the Legend Zado's words, who had mentioned that after Merlin was sent into the Maxim Subspace, he would have to rely on his own strength to survive.

In fact, Merlin had come across a subspace constructed from a Maxim before. Back then, Wizard Bammou had survived in the Flame Prison on the Ship of Nikola. Moreover, he had gleaned the Essence of Fire-type spells from the flames of the Flame Prison which contained the force of the Maxim. In that manner, he had constructed a new Eighth-level spell, and used that to withstand the scorching of the Flame Prison.

Nonetheless, it was a bitter and arduous process, and Wizard Bammou was nearly unable to hold on at the end.

"To comprehend the Essence of Fire… Perhaps that's the only way, and this might be the Legend Zado's intention."

Merlin eyed the ferocious flames, and countless thoughts occurred to him. The Legend Zado surely had not targeted Merlin without reason. By taking the trouble to hurl Merlin into the Maxim Subspace, he must wish for Merlin to get something out of it.

The road to becoming a Legend was challenging. Even if Merlin had the Matrix, and even if he had constructed Six-Elemental spells, it was of utmost difficulty to become a Great Wizard, let alone a Great Legend. Therefore, understanding the Essence of Elements would increase his chances of becoming a Great Legend in the future.

This was the Legend Zado's true purpose!

Still, it was too extreme to just instantly throw Merlin into the Maxim Subspace. A moment of carelessness might just cause Merlin to be burned to ashes by the flames.

"Endless Flame!"

Merlin cast the Sixth-level spell Endless Flame. The Spell Model of Endless Flame was practically perfect, though this was only thanks to the function of the Matrix.

What Merlin had to do now was to understand the Essence of the Elements, particularly Fire Element. Before this, because Merlin had acquired the Flame Maxim before the rest, he had been immersed in Fire Element for a long time. Thus, he had the deepest understanding of Fire Element and Darkness Element.

Nevertheless, in the face of the surging, spitting Flame Maxims, Merlin's Endless Flame was of no use at all. The moment the soaring Endless Flame appeared, it was immediately suppressed and absorbed by the Flame Maxims, following which it vanished completely.

"The Flame Maxims are too strong. I have no way of blocking them, so my spell must approach the Flame Maxims, hopefully reaching their level."

Merlin's entire being was immersed in his understanding of the Flame Maxims. Although these Flame Maxims were blazing stormily, the strange thing was it did not sweep across Merlin. It was as if in the entire Flame Subspace, only the place where Merlin stood was a safe spot.

…

In the grand, sumptuous hall of the castle, the tall and sturdy Wizard Zado was holding a black cat in his lap, his hands stroking it lightly.

The black cat was like a person, with a "face" that revealed its dissatisfaction. Nonetheless, faced with Wizard Zado, the black cat Didimoss was powerless. It looked like this Great Legend had not reached the level of an Honored Legend yet, he was definitely a preeminent Great Legend below Honored Legends.

Despite the black cat Didimoss' strength, he was unable to withstand even a blow from the Legend Zado. After all, Didimoss was at best comparable to a Legend with one Maxim. The disparity was far too great.

"It's been ten days. Little fellow, do you think Merlin is able to hold on?"

The Legend Zado asked the black cat in his lap with a humorless smile.

The black cat Didimoss looked at the suspended image in the hall. It showed Merlin who was painstakingly hanging on in the Flame Subspace. Ten days was the amount of time in which the Legend Zado had expressly allowed Merlin to gain understanding. Otherwise, Merlin would have been reduced to ashes long ago.

Even so, the black cat Didimoss was quite pessimistic and said, "Though Wizard Merlin is a prodigy, Legend Zado, I'm afraid that no Spell Caster would be able to succeed in such extreme measures."

"Is that so? Even you, an extraordinary being who goes against the natural order by transforming into a living entity, can appear by Merlin's side. I'm curious as to whether Merlin would die so easily. A genius like this, no matter his circumstances, will always find a way out of a predicament… In my long life, I was like this as well. No matter what predicament it was, I would always discover something previously unimaginable and obtain incredible benefits in that way. The disciple that I take on must naturally be just like me, and Merlin is really too similar to me."

The Legend Zado glanced at the black cat Didimoss. He was filled with curiosity about how the black cat Didimoss had transformed from a half-spirit into a living state. In the past few days, he had been astutely researching the black cat Didimoss.

Turning into a living form was something not even the Ultimate Arcane Wizards could achieve because this involved the natural order! Not even the Ultimate Arcane Wizards were able to control the power of the natural order for it was the foundation on which the millions of dimensions, and even the Void Zone, existed.

"Your ability is swallowing, and you'll gain a portion of strength from what you swallowed. Although it's a minute portion, by accumulating over decades, centuries or even a millennium, you'll certainly grow rapidly to an inconceivable level… Since you're a lucky one who can reverse the natural order, you can't be predicted based on conventional reasoning. Not even the Arcane Wizards can forecast your future."

The Legend Zado seemed to be highly interested in the black cat Didimoss. With a great swipe of his hand, he retrieved a colossal monster from an unknown subspace. The monster was covered all over in crimson eyes, with a height of dozens of meters, exuding a wild and ferocious force.

"Heh heh, this is a Thousand-Eye Beast that I've captured. It's comparable to some of the top Great Wizards. I've planned on researching it but I'm almost done with it. Here's a gift for you. Swallow it."

When the black cat Didimoss saw the Thousand-Eye Beast before him, his eyes immediately glinted with a green light. It was a look of greed. Just as the Legend Zado had said, the black cat Didimoss, in fact, could still advance further. His ability was to swallow. Only by constantly swallowing powerful forces could Didimoss gradually evolve.

"Swoosh."

The great mouth of the black cat Didimoss immediately became a gigantic pit which gobbled the Thousand-Eye Beast into his stomach in one gulp. Just as it was with the Rock Giant, the black cat Didimoss sprawled across the Legend Zado's shoulder in satisfaction, beginning to close his eyes as he slowly digested. He seemed to have forgotten about Merlin.

Wizard Zado smiled, and paid no more attention to the black cat Didimoss. Looking at Merlin's serene expression in the image, the Legend Zado waved abruptly with one hand, mumbling softly, "You should have gained most of the understanding by now. If you still can't withstand it, then you're not the disciple I want…"

At this point, Wizard Zado's eyes were cold and detached.

…

"Hmm?"

In the Flame Subspace, Merlin was comprehending the Essence of Fire. In truth, over the past ten days, he had already gained much. He was even confident that if given one or two more months, he would surely understand even more, and might be able to forcibly contend against the Flame Maxims.

However, the surrounding Flame Maxims suddenly flared up, and waves of heat rolled toward him furiously. He instantly knew that the Legend Zado must not be "protecting" him anymore.

Over the ten days, the Flame Maxims had been of no threat to Merlin. He guessed that this was the Legend Zado's help. However, the Legend Zado seemed to think that he had sufficient time by now, and was no longer aiding Merlin, allowing the Flame Maxims to sweep across him.

The true test is only coming now!

"Boom!"

Boundless flames wrapped around Merlin instantly. Merlin had Enervating Halo as well as Endless Flame. This time around, Endless Flame would not be suppressed and absorbed so easily, but when faced with the Flame Maxims, it still could not put up any effective resistance.

Merlin was crying out in his heart, "Give me more time, I'll surely succeed…"

Nonetheless, the Legend Zado would not give him any more time. Merlin was in a tight situation.

Traces of the Flame Maxims began to burrow into Merlin's body, turning him into ashes from the outside. Even Merlin's Thunder Maxim was powerless when confronted with numerous Flame Maxims.

Ten days were totally insufficient for Merlin to understand the Essence of Fire, to say nothing of coming up with an effective defense.

At this point, Merlin was in dire straits. In moments like this, some people would fall silent, while some would erupt without inhibitions. Merlin was evidently the latter.

"I don't care. Since the Matrix can absorb the power of Maxims to derive spells, it can surely absorb the endless Flame Maxims that fill up this place! It must!"

With anticipation burning in his eyes, Merlin, in this most deadly situation as if at the end of the rope, immediately activated the Matrix!

Chapter 543: Siphoning Off Frantically

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Absorbing the Maxim and deriving spells was Merlin's absolute final resort as previously, the Maxims in Merlin's Awareness were under his control. Therefore, its absorption of the power of the Maxim would not cause any unusual changes.

However, this Flame Maxim was outside his Awareness, shaped like a gigantic Flame Subspace. The surging, spitting Flame Maxim could not be controlled by Merlin at all.

This was just like how it was easy to refine one's own Magic Power yet, it was of utmost difficulty to refine someone else's Magic Power to cast a spell, which was like a suicide mission.

However, currently, Merlin had no other choice, and could only make a tentative attempt. He hoped that the Matrix was strong enough to absorb the Maxim by force, just like how it had refined the god's divine energy in the past.

In essence, most Legends were equivalent to an average natural god. Only Legends who had consolidated a Maxim were able to fight against those powerful natural gods.

"Splash."

A splashing sound, reminiscent of a river, came into Merlin's ears. Following the appearance of this odd noise, Merlin acutely sensed that the ferocious Flame Maxim did not seem to cause his body any harm. At the moment, his body seemed to have transformed into a bottomless pit, wildly swallowing the Flame Maxim.

Fortunately, this Flame Maxim was not controlled by anyone. If a Great Legend was controlling it, it would promptly attack Merlin. Even if Merlin was a Sixth-level, Seventh-level or Eighth-level Spell Caster and so on, to say nothing of being a Fifth-level Spell Caster, he would be incapable of withstanding it. This was the power of a completely different league.

However, the Maxim Subspace was purely space which was constructed by the Legend Zado using countless years' time and painstaking effort with Maxims as the base. There was nothing else but Maxims in here.

"It can really absorb and refine the Maxim!"

Merlin was wild with joy. He could distinctly sense that the Matrix was currently like a greedy giant beast, gulping down the Flame Maxim frantically, then transforming it into mystical energy that was stored in the Matrix.

Compared to the god's divine energy which it had swallowed, the Matrix seemed to prefer Maxims.

"The Matrix had crossed over along with me. Surely some unknown change must have taken place. Otherwise, a super calculator would not swallow the Maxim so vigorously."

In the past, Merlin's Matrix was only able to perform simple calculations and optimizations of spells. However, thereafter, the spells became more complex, and when Merlin had needed to derive new spells, he found that the Matrix was able to refine Maxims.

From that point onward, the Matrix had become much more enigmatic. Merlin was unable to know exactly what changes had occurred to the Matrix but luckily it was deeply concealed. Even Maxims which he had hidden in his body could be detected by Great legends but no one had ever noticed the Matrix.

Up until now, the Matrix was Merlin's greatest secret. It was the greatest tool in his journey of becoming a powerful Wizard!

The Flame Maxim was diminishing bit by bit. Although the Matrix appeared just like a black hole that swallowed incessantly, the Flame Maxim in the subspace was far too immense. Despite the fervent swallowing of the Matrix, Merlin could not see any difference. Still, this made it easier for him to conceal and disguise the changes that were happening to him.

In a flash, three days had passed. The Matrix had absorbed much of the Flame Maxim. Although the derivation of new Sixth-level spells would require a lot of power from the Maxim, the amount of Flame Maxim absorbed alone was already sufficient to derive the remaining four Sixth-level spells.

Initially, the Legend Zado had decided to let Merlin, under the surrounding pressure of the Maxim, "force out" a rapid understanding of the Essence of Elements. This would be of great help when he had created Maxims as a Great Legend in the future.

However, the Legend Zado did not expect that Merlin would not have an understanding of the Essence of Elements at all. This was far too difficult, and it was impossible to gain this comprehension in a short time. In addition, Merlin was merely a Fifth-level Spell Caster.

Although he had not understood the Essence of Elements, Merlin had reaped a great profit. The Maxim in the subspace was nearly endless. The Legend Zado had spent huge efforts in accumulating his own Maxims for countless years in order to create a Maxim Subspace of this scope. Now, Merlin had simply taken advantage of this, and the Maxim was absorbed and refined, bit by bit, by the Matrix.

"Huh? Still alive? Not bad, not bad. This Merlin is impressive indeed. It looks like I've made the right call. He's mostly gained an understanding of Fire Element. In that case, it's time for the next one. Hehe, it shall be the Windstorm Subspace this time."

Zado did not notice that Merlin was frantically "siphoning off" his Maxim. Conversely, he was very pleased with Merlin, and transferred him to the Windstorm Subspace.

…

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh…"

A gale whistled. Merlin's surroundings began to transform rapidly. The initial Flame Maxim was gone, and what appeared now were violent wisps of a Wind Maxim.

Merlin was still safe for now. Based on what had happened in the Flame Subspace, Merlin knew that the Legend Zado would give him a grace period of at least ten days. Within this time, he could work hard to understand the Essence of Wind Element and resist the Wind Maxim in that manner.

However, Merlin knew very well that it was impossible to gain an understanding in just ten days. Instead, he seized this time to activate the Matrix, and began to automatically absorb and refine the surrounding Wind Maxim.

Just the Flame Maxim alone was enough to derive all the Sixth-level spells but Seventh-level spells would require much more power of the Maxim.

Therefore, in such a "good place", Merlin was free to "siphon off" the Maxim. Of course, he would not let this opportunity slip by him. He activated the Matrix, and started to wildly "siphon off" the Maxim.

There was no way that the Legend Zado would imagine that a mere Fifth-level Spell Caster would be able to "siphon off" the Maxim. Sending Merlin to the Maxim Subspace was a complete mistake.

Merlin stayed in the Windstorm Subspace for more than ten days. The Matrix had accumulated more Wind Maxim than Flame Maxim. After all, Merlin had used the ten days of "grace period" to begin absorbing and refining the energy of the Maxim.

After going through the Windstorm Subspace, Merlin was sent to the Ice Subspace, which was filled with Ice Maxim. Merlin repeated his set method of using the Matrix to refine a great portion of the Maxim.

Next was the Thunder Subspace. Merlin had Thunder-type spells as well so he was rather surprised because he had not met many Spell Casters who had constructed Thunder-type spells. Thunder-type spells were too wild, and difficult to control. In particular, when he had become a Great Wizard in the future, and wanted to merge the Spell Models, it would pose numerous problems.

For now, Merlin had already experienced four Maxim Subspaces. This meant that the Legend Zado was a formidable Legend who had created a minimum of four Maxims, and was already on par with the Legend Blackcloud.

Most ordinary Legends had consolidated one Maxim. Two Maxims could be considered a relatively powerful Legendary Wizard. Legends with three Maxims were rarer while four Maxims would practically make one an overlord in control of multiple or even dozens of dimensions.

Merlin's breathing quickened. He could dimly sense that the Legend Zado did not just stop at four Maxims.

Indeed, after ten days or so, he was once more transported to a subspace that was full of a "heavy" force. This place was filled with an Earth-type Maxim, which was called the Terra Maxim.

Moreover, Merlin could evidently feel that the Terra Maxim was obviously more powerful than the other Maxims he had come across in the other subspaces. It was undergoing a subtle evolution.

"A Great Legend with five Maxims! The Legend Zado is surely a Great Legend who had formed five Maxims with the Terra Maxim as his primary Maxim… It's not surprising that he could come along with those Great Honored Legends to recruit disciples. In some ways, the Legend Zado had greater potential. Once he becomes an Honored Legend through the Terra Maxim, he would immediately surpass most Honored Legends, becoming a formidable Honored Legend! There's even a high chance that he would become the foremost Honored Legend!"

Merlin was astounded deep inside. Great Legends who had consolidated five Maxims were even fewer in number than Honored Legends. Most Five-Elemental Spell Casters would find it hard to become a Great Wizard, let alone construct five Maxims.

"The stronger the power of the Maxim, the greater the amount of energy obtained after the Matrix had refined it. This Terra Maxim is far stronger than the Maxims in the other subspaces. The Legend Zado must be preparing to use this Terra Maxim as his foundation to take the lead in becoming an Honored Legend using the Terra Maxim… In that case, Matrix, feel free to absorb and refine."

Merlin glanced at the immense Terra Maxim, and his heart was filled with elation. No matter how powerful a Maxim was, it could serve as "nourishment" for the Matrix and be transformed into special energy. This energy could be used to derive new Sixth-level spells, Seventh-level spells, and so on.

…

"Two months. It's almost time… Merlin wasn't at risk in the final Terra Subspace as well. It looks like I got lucky. Merlin is really a Wizard of inconceivable genius. Haha, I really owe Hochi and Jelen a big one – how shall I repay them? It would do no good to fool these two fellows…"

In the castle, the Legend Zado gave a satisfied smirk. Hochi and Jelen, the two Honored Legends, were rare friends of his. As the Legend Zado had formed five Maxims, and the Terra Maxim was about to evolve – ten years if it was quick, a hundred years if slow – the Legend Zado was confident that the Terra Maxim would evolve completely, and he would become a Great Honored Legend with the Terra Maxim as his primary force!

Therefore, the Legend Zado, in fact, enjoyed a high position among Legendary Wizards, and even Honored Legends treated him as a peer. He and the other two Honored Legends – Hochi and Jelen – had come together to select a disciple. In fact, all three of them had taken interest in Merlin but ultimately it was the Legend Zado who had gotten the chance, and Wizard Hochi and Jelen had let Merlin slipped out of their grasp.

Consequently, he owed those two Honored Legends a favor but it now looked like his choice was correct. If Wizard Hochi and Jelen knew that Merlin was able to survive the Legend Zado's Maxim Subspace in two short months, they would surely somewhat regret giving up Merlin to the Legend Zado.

"Alright, it's time to come out."

With a great grasp of his hand, the Legend Zado immediately closed the Maxim Subspace, retrieving Merlin from within in one motion.