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Chapter 232: Resolution 2

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The Dark Magic Region did not have a Runic Magic Circle that reached Floating City directly, so Merlin and Elena could only arrive at a Runic Magic Circle nearby Floating City, and hurried along the rest of the way.

This journey took far longer than when Merlin had gone to Abyss Fort with Wizard Leo. At that time, Wizard Leo had brought Merlin along using flight, so they had traveled very quickly, whereas Merlin and Elena were not Fourth-level Spell Casters and were unable to construct spells with the power of flight, so of course, their pace now was not very encouraging.

Merlin and Elena only reached Floating City after two days.

Floating City seemed deserted compared to the last time Merlin was here, it was perhaps the leaked news about the ancient monument that had attracted many roaming Wizards. Now that such a long time had passed, Floating City had gradually recovered its peacefulness.

Merlin's heart gave a jolt as he thought of the ancient monument, and he asked Elena, "Elena, the last time we entered the ancient monument, how did things finally end up?"

"Ancient monument?"

Elena muttered irresolutely to herself for a moment, and a peculiar expression gradually washed over her face. Thereafter, she said softly, "It's strange now that I think about it. Although the monument was dangerous in the first place, there were many Spell Casters who had already made their way in. However, not long after we had exited the ancient monument, some changes happened inside, and many patterned spiders appeared and terrifying monsters killed Spell Casters on sight.

"As these monsters were too strong, many Third-level Spell Casters were no match for them. Thus, there weren't many Spell Casters who would dare to enter the monument rashly. In the end, the passage to the ancient monument was sealed shut, and no one knew what really happened that caused such a change in the ancient monument."

After she spoke, Elena shot a suspicious glance at Merlin.

Merlin's face remained calm and did not reveal anything out of the ordinary, but inwardly he knew very clearly that the changes were induced by the flame sprite in the ancient monument.

The flame sprite had found Merlin who managed to cultivate the first form of Fiery Collapse. Therefore, the flame sprite had hopes of escaping its bind.

The flame sprite no longer needed so many Spell Casters in the ancient monument, so it controlled the patterned spiders and the puppet to eliminate the remaining Spell Casters in the ancient monument before sealing it shut.

This was good news to Merlin. No one could enter the monument now, so once he had become a Fourth-level Spell Caster, he could enter the monument to cultivate the second form of Fiery Collapse.

"Where do we go first?"

Now that they were in Floating City, Elena directed the question at Merlin.

Merlin mumbled inaudibly to himself and then said in a level tone, "We'll go to this one place first. If we can't find out anything about Riesen there, then we'll have to trouble your clan!"

On their way here, Merlin had already mentioned Riesen to Elena, but he did not explain in detail, only saying that he came to Floating City to search for Riesen.

Following that, Elena trailed behind Merlin as they headed to where Merlin wanted to go. Naturally, it was the residence of Wizard Sammir. He did not know where Riesen was staying and had only gotten acquainted with Riesen at Wizard Sammir's residence.

Therefore, if he wanted to know the latest information about Riesen, he would have to ask Wizard Sammir.

Merlin brought Elena and rounded a few street corners, then quickly made his way into a small alley. Before him was Wizard Sammir's residence.

However, Merlin did not go in right away but stopped where he was and frowned.

A faint commotion could be heard coming from the yard.

...

In the yard, sat a few unfamiliar Spell Casters. One of them who was wearing a scarlet Wizard robe said in a sinister tone, "Hehe, Wizard Sammir, you were the last batch to leave the ancient monument. Didn't you find anything inside? Wizard Sammir, we only want you to let us take a look at it, and maybe even trade you for it according to the principle of equivalent exchange."

Wizard Sammir's face was ashen as his icy gaze swept across these Spell Casters. He snorted coldly. "Equivalent exchange? All I found was some potions, not the Pandora Demon Ability that you're thinking of! Moreover, in the ancient monument, there was no such thing as Pandora Demon Ability at all."

The scarlet-robed Wizard's face turned cold and he stood up abruptly, saying to Wizard Sammir in a chilly tone, "Wizard Sammir, think carefully. Pandora Demon Ability is not something you can keep only for yourself!"

Looking at the scarlet-robed Wizard's overbearing manner, Wizard Sammir was not worried. Conversely, it was the two Third-level Spell Casters behind the scarlet-robed Wizard which made Wizard Sammir apprehensive.

Wizard Sammir used to be one of the top few Third-level Spell Casters among the roaming Wizards of Floating City. However, after news of the ancient monument had spread, many Third-level Spell Casters had hurried to Floating City one after another.

Unfortunately, some unforeseen change had happened in the ancient monument. In addition, there were some who spread the news that the monument very likely contained Pandora Demon Ability.

Although this was simply a rumor, it was firmly believed by many roaming Wizards. Since Wizard Sammir and Wizard Bren were among the last ones to leave the ancient monument, many roaming Wizards had kept their eyes on these two Wizards.

However, Wizard Bren had long left Floating City, therefore many of these Wizards turned their gazes to Wizard Sammir alone. The roaming Wizards were afraid of Wizard Sammir's powers and did not dare to pay him a visit so brazenly, but these three Third-level Spell Casters at the present were from outside Floating City. They were not afraid of Wizard Sammir at all and had visited him directly to demand Pandora Demon Ability.

"I've never obtained any such Pandora Demon Ability, whether you believe me or not!"

Wizard Sammir snorted coldly. At that moment, his Alchemy Creature came forward quickly, shielding Wizard Sammir as its watchful eyes fixed onto the three Spell Casters before it.

"Is that so? In that case, we'll see if you really have Pandora Demon Ability on you or not!"

The scarlet-robed Wizard gave a humorless laugh, and the two Third-level Spell Casters behind him came forward instantly. Wizard Sammir was surrounded and the atmosphere became tense.

"Wizard Sammir!"

Suddenly, a voice rang from outside the door, and the Spell Casters directed their eyes toward the sound.

Two young Spell Casters, a man and a woman, walked inside. The force surrounding them was rather weak, yet the two did not seem to be afraid of anything, facing these Third-level Spell Casters indifferently.

Wizard Sammir stared at these two who suddenly appeared, and a surprise took hold of his face. He cried out hastily, "Wizard Merlin? You actually survived the ancient monument. Bren and I had thought that you and Wizard Riesen were dead. You actually survived!"

"Riesen?"

Merlin's eyes sharpened, and he said in a low voice, "Wizard Sammir, I happen to be looking for Riesen. Do you know his whereabouts?"

Before Wizard Sammir could reply, the scarlet-robed Spell Caster rolled his eyes as he sized up Merlin. Following that, he said in an icy voice, "You came out from the ancient monument, so you must know Pandora Demon Ability!"

The scarlet-robed Spell Caster waved his hand slightly, and his Alchemy Creature immediately bounded toward Merlin.

Merlin was unperturbed, but beside him, Elena's expression shifted slightly. She was able to see that these Spell Casters were powerful, and they had to be Third-level Spell Casters as well to be able to browbeat Wizard Sammir to such a situation.

Although they were roaming Wizards, the might of Third-level Spell Casters could not be underestimated, so she yelled out urgently, "You dare to attack? We're Spell Casters from the Dark Magic Region, and Wizard Merlin is furthermore an official member. If you dare to harm us, you'll immediately suffer the merciless hunt of the Dark Magic Region."

"An official member of the Dark Magic Region?"

The scarlet-robed Wizard squinted his eyes and a wave of Mind Power swept across Merlin. When he saw the robe that Merlin was wearing, the scarlet-robed Wizard's face changed slightly, for he had seen that logo which represented the Dark Magic Region on Merlin's robe.

A logo like this could not possibly be imitated by anyone else. Merlin was a bona fide official member of the Dark Magic Region.

The scarlet-robed Wizard evidently had some hesitations. Roaming Wizards were still rather fearful of spell casters' organizations. No one was willing to face the relentless hunt of a spell casters' organization.

"I'll ask you once more – do you know of Pandora Demon Ability in the ancient monument?"

After a long moment, the scarlet-robed Wizard seemed to have made a decision and asked them soberly.

Merlin frowned slightly but did not bother with the scarlet-robed Wizard's question, and only kept his gaze on Wizard Sammir. "Wizard Sammir, I've come now to find Riesen. Do you know where he is?"

Wizard Sammir shook his head lightly and smiled bitterly. "I don't know what really happened. After you and Riesen disappeared in the ancient monument, he seemed to have vanished without any news whatsoever. I've been back in Floating City for so long and haven't heard anything about Riesen."

Riesen was such a cautious person that even Wizard Sammir did not know his whereabouts.

As he did not learn of Wizard Riesen's whereabouts, Merlin felt rather forlorn and his face slowly became gloomy.

However, the scarlet-robed Wizard who had questioned Merlin was even more downcast. Seeing that Merlin took no notice of him, a cold light flashed in his eyes.

"So what if you're an official member of the Dark Magic Region? I'll kill you and obtain Pandora Demon Ability – at worst I'll live incognito and stay far away from the jurisdiction of the Dark Magic Region! Darling, kill him!"

A nasty grin appeared on the scarlet-robed Wizard's face, after which he directed his Alchemy Creature to attack Merlin.

Just then, Merlin was feeling irritated for not gaining Riesen's whereabouts. Hearing what the scarlet-robed Wizard said, Merlin's murderous intent hardened, and he raised his head suddenly. As he stared at the malicious grin on the scarlet-robed Wizard's face as well as the Alchemy Creature bounding toward him in large strides, an icy detachment flashed across Merlin's eyes.

Thereafter, he lightly raised a hand and extended a finger toward the Alchemy Creature of the scarlet-robed Wizard.

Chapter 233: Resolution 3

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

"Crack!"

An icy blast of air flew from Merlin's finger and wound itself around the scarlet-robed Wizard's Alchemy Creature. Then, the Alchemy Creature stiffened all over, and cracked open like a shattered eggshell, falling apart onto the ground.

"This... This is Pandora Demon Ability?"

The scarlet-robed Wizard had some knowledge of this and was able to tell at a glance that what Merlin had wielded was the Pandora Demon Ability that he yearned for. However, although he longed to have Pandora Demon Ability, he felt how terrifying it was when confronting Pandora Demon Ability in reality.

"Let's go!"

The scarlet-robed Wizard knew instantly that the Merlin standing before him was definitely not someone he should provoke. Even his Alchemy Creature was unable to withstand the attack, let alone the scarlet-robed Wizard himself. It could have been known that the greater part of an alchemist's strength came from the Alchemy Creature that they had transfigured.

"Dark Light Realm!"

However, Merlin had no intention of letting this scarlet-robed Wizard go. He had not learned of Riesen's whereabouts from Wizard Sammir and was feeling ill-tempered. The scarlet-robed Wizard was extremely unfortunate to have infuriated Merlin at such a time.

The light surrounding them began to distort, and the scarlet-robed Wizard and his group immediately observed an inky darkness all around them, which not even their Mind Power could penetrate.

This was Dark Light Realm. Once it was cast, it would twist the light rays to form an area of absolute darkness. Adding on the enhancement of Merlin's Darkness Heart, the spell was able to trap Third-level Spell Casters in the illusion, even if it was not the strengthened version.

The scarlet-robed Wizard and his two companions – all of them Third-level Spell Casters – were currently enclosed in Merlin's Dark Light Realm. The strong illusive effect of the spell, boosted by Merlin's Darkness Heart, made its power terrifying, even though it was merely a First-level spell. The scarlet-robed Wizard and his group were instantly caught up in layers of illusions.

"Fiery Collapse!"

Following that, Merlin uttered a soft command. A burst of white flame appeared instantly, and it appeared exceptionally prominent in the dark.

However, these white flames were frightening indeed. They swallowed the scarlet-robed Wizard and his companions, who were trapped in illusions, one after another, and began to burn furiously. In a flash, the three Spell Casters were reduced to a pile of ash.

Merlin waved his hand once again, dispelling Dark Light Realm and the white flames.

The white flames were, in fact, Merlin's second Pandora Demon Ability, Fiery Collapse. This was the first time Merlin had used Fiery Collapse against an opponent, and its results were rather satisfying. Merlin was very pleased.

"Wizard Sammir, you really don't know where Riesen is?"

Merlin dusted off his hands, looking as if it took him no effort to kill the scarlet-robed Wizard and his group.

Seeing the look in Merlin's eyes, Wizard Sammir felt his heart tremble slightly. Each time he met Merlin, he felt that something had changed as if Merlin's powers were growing every time.

The scarlet-robed Wizard and his group were not average Spell Casters, for they were powerful Third-level Spell Casters. In addition, they had their Alchemy Creatures. As long as they did not provoke Sterling House or the few large Spell Caster clans in Floating City, they could do as they like without restraint. Even Wizard Sammir was apprehensive about these three.

However, these three Spell Casters who ran amuck were slain by Merlin in the blink of an eye. The last time when Merlin killed DeMarco, their powers were still at a comparable level. However, this time, Merlin's might had clearly far surpassed that of a Third-level Spell Caster. The average Third-level Spell Caster would no longer pose any threat to Merlin.

Therefore, under the weight of Merlin's stare, Wizard Sammir seemed to feel a shapeless strain of pressure, so he could only say in a low voice, "Wizard Riesen is secretive about his location, and outsiders would find it hard to track him. I truly don't know where is his exact location."

Merlin looked carefully at Wizard Sammir. Under Merlin's attentive observation, Wizard Sammir could not possibly be lying. He was telling the truth – he truly did not know where Riesen was.

When he came to this conclusion, there was nothing that Merlin could do even if he was reluctant to give up. He could only say throatily, "I must find Riesen. If Wizard Sammir finds out where he is, please let me know as soon as you can. I'll be staying in Floating City for a while to search for Riesen."

"Be rest assured, Wizard Merlin. If there are any signs of Riesen, I'll inform you immediately."

There was a deferential note in Wizard Sammir's tone. It was not like the days of the past. Wizard Sammir no longer put on an arrogant air when he was with Merlin.

"Wizard Elena, let's go. It seems like we would still need to mobilize your clan's influence to locate Riesen."

Merlin turned his head and frowned as he told Elena.

Elena was still caught up in the shock of how easily Merlin had killed the scarlet-robed Wizard and the other Spell Casters. She only "sobered up" upon hearing Merlin's voice, and as she looked at Merlin, her face wore a complicated expression.

A mere First-level Spell Caster, yet he was able to kill Third-level Spell Casters so casually. Not even Kleis of the Dark Magic Region could do that.

"As soon as Riesen appears in Floating City, the Delman clan will surely be able to track him down!"

Elena proclaimed confidently. The Delmans might not be influential in other matters, but no incident in Floating City – no matter how significant or trivial – could be concealed from the Delman clan. As soon as they mobilized the Delman clan's influence, it would not be difficult to find Riesen at all.

Merlin nodded. "Let's go to the Delman clan and locate Riesen as quickly as possible."

After he spoke, Merlin immediately turned and left Wizard Sammir's yard.

After Merlin had left, Wizard Sammir heaved a long sigh. He directed his perplexed gaze onto the direction where Merlin had left, and mumbled softly, "Riesen, how did you provoke Wizard Merlin? I'm afraid that things don't look good for you right now..."

...

A luxurious, black horse carriage stopped gently before a small building. The building had been quietly purchased by a mysterious individual a few months ago, but no one had seen anyone entering the building. This had long attracted the attention of the people living nearby the building.

Still, there were all sorts of strange characters in Floating City. After two months of observation, the ordinary Spell Casters who lived nearby the small building had not seen anyone moving into the building. Thus, they gradually forgot about the mysterious owner of the small building.

However, now that a luxurious carriage had suddenly stopped before the building, the interest of the others was piqued once more. After all, ever since the building was bought, it seemed like no one had moved in.

"Creak."

Nonetheless, the doors of the small building suddenly opened, and a Spell Caster with an aged countenance walked out, hurried to the carriage, and bowed his head in a very respectful manner.

This caused no end of bewilderment to the neighboring Spell Casters. They had always thought that the building was uninhabited, but it was now clear that the mysterious owner had returned a long time ago and had been quietly staying inside the building without anyone noticing.

The owner of the small building stood courteously before the carriage. A handsome young man stepped out from the carriage. His head of dark blonde hair was draped lightly over his shoulders, and the boots he wore stepped on the ground with a crisp sound.

After seeing the old Spell Caster, the handsome man seemed to turn aloof and entered the small building directly without saying a word. As for the old Spell Caster, he lifted his head and scanned his surroundings before entering the building as well.

"You're an associate member of Floating City?"

After entering the building, the young man sat on a stone chair. He narrowed his eyes as he looked over the old Spell Caster standing before him.

The old Spell Caster rose up from his seat politely, and then respectfully replied, "Your Honor Sir Wizard Weiss, I'm an associate member of Ozmu, Riesen. I've received orders from Ozmu to lend my full strength to assist with Sir Wizard Weiss' mission in Floating City."

"Riesen?"

A cold sneer flashed across the young Spell Caster's face. As an official member of Ozmu, he completely looked down on these so-called "associate members".

There were only a few official members of Ozmu – other than true prodigies, they would not go as low as to recruit common Spell Casters. However, as a formidable force that was comparable to large spell casters' organizations, Ozmu naturally would not only employ gifted Spell Casters. They still needed a few ordinary Spell Casters who were not as gifted.

Thus, the associate members were recruited. These associate members had not much of a status in Ozmu and were mostly cannon fodder in the completion of missions.

Therefore, the associate members' status in Ozmu could never be compared to the official members' status.

Of course, there were some benefits to be enjoyed as associate members of Ozmu. In fact, theoretically, these associate members could become official members, except that this was, only theoretical. Being an organization that recruited only prodigious Spell Casters, Ozmu was very cautious and stringent about taking in new members.

In the long history of Ozmu, the number of those who had been promoted from associate member to official member could be counted in one hand.

Thus, as he stared at the associate member – Riesen – standing before him, the young Spell Caster Weiss acted bluntly.

Riesen's expression displayed utmost respect, but inwardly he was aggrieved. He had been an associate member since the development of Ozmu and had always stayed in Floating City to spy on the happenings in Floating City and reported them to Ozmu.

This could not be easier for Riesen, and he had even taken advantage of his position to obtain many benefits from Ozmu. He had even entered a few ancient monuments, and his powers grew very rapidly.

A few months ago, he had entered one such ancient monument and obtained the cultivation method for Pandora Demon Ability. He had been overjoyed, and immediately laid low, hiding in the most inconspicuous places that he owned in Floating City, in order to cultivate Pandora Demon Ability.

However, he only failed in the end, because there were a few rare treasures, which even he had not heard of, that were needed for the cultivation of that Pandora Demon Ability. 𝒍𝙞𝙗𝓻𝙚𝒂𝓭.𝒄𝙤𝙢

Just when his spirits were at their lowest point, Riesen received orders from Ozmu, which explained that an official member of Ozmu, who was a Third-level Spell Caster, would be coming to Floating City to carry out a mission.

This caused Riesen no end of distress. Since the beginning, Ozmu had sent people out on missions mostly to steal the talents of some spell casters' organizations or Spell Caster's clan. If they were careless, an official member of Ozmu would still be able to escape, but an associate member like him would finally have to face the ruthless retaliation of the furious organization or clan.

In that manner, many associate members had inexplicably ended up as cannon fodder for Ozmu.

Riesen had been an associate member of Ozmu for decades now. Of course, he knew that once again, there would be a lot of trouble here in Floating City, and he would soon be caught in a dangerous situation.

However, Riesen dared not express any form of dissatisfaction. The punishment for members who dared to disobey the orders of Ozmu was extremely harsh. Not even the best of the talented ones would dare to disobey the orders of Ozmu, not to mention an associate member like Riesen.

Thus, Riesen could only calm himself down for now, and gingerly lifted his head to look at the young Spell Caster Weiss, before asking softly, "I wonder what mission Sir Wizard Weiss will be carrying out here in Floating City?"

"What mission I'll be completing – is that the business of an associate member?"

The young Spell Caster Wizard Weiss looked at Riesen and barked in cold laughter. He did not seem to think much of Riesen at all, although he was similarly a Third-level Spell Caster.

Chapter 234: Resolution 4

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Riesen's face stiffened slightly as hatred stirred in his heart.

'Damn him! A mere Third-level Spell Caster, he's only an official member of Ozmu. Just wait until I've cultivated the Pandora Demon Ability, Fiery Collapse. Who will you be in comparison?'

Despite the dark hatred in his heart, Riesen did not dare reveal any of his dissatisfaction. In fact, he forced a wide smile on his face. "Naturally, I won't dare to get myself involved in Sir Weiss' mission. However, I have a better understanding of Floating City, so perhaps I may be of some help to Sir Weiss' mission."

Wizard Weiss frowned slightly, then his expression softened somewhat. He replied in a level tone, "That's right, aren't associate members like you tasked with gathering information? This is the essence of your job, and if you haven't carried this out properly, then Ozmu will not have any need to keep you guys around. Tell me about what's happening with the Wright clan. Remember to only highlight the important points."

"The Wright clan?"

Riesen blanked out for a moment, but he quickly figured out the real purpose Ozmu had sent Wizard Weiss to Floating City. It could be for the sake of the gifted Spell Caster, Wizard Shane of the Wright clan.

Shane was reportedly only an Entrance-level Spell Caster but had already displayed extremely astonishing talents. Currently, he had already constructed Four-Elemental spells and was constructing a fifth spell.

Even if Shane did not join any spell casters' organization, his future accomplishments would surely be incredible. The Wright clan seemed to have pooled all its resources into Shane.

There was no doubt that Ozmu had sent Wizard Weiss to Floating City because of Shane.

"Wizard Weiss, Shane is heavily guarded by the Wright clan. I'm only afraid that it won't be easy to sway him."

Wizard Riesen muttered to himself for a moment before venturing to speak carefully.

"Not easy to sway him? What a joke! Who among those that Ozmu have set their sight on, would not be swayed? Shane won't be a problem. However, after the big battle with the Dark Magic Region, Abyss Fort, and other spell casters' organizations, both spell casters' organizations and Spell Caster clans have been heavily guarding against Ozmu. We've only just come in contact with this Shane, but we were discovered by the Wright clan, and now Shane is confined within the clan.

"However, to think that a mere Spell Caster clan wants to resist Ozmu – what a wishful thinking! Thus, Ozmu did not plan to waste any more time with the Wright clan and have sent me to go straight to the clan and bring Shane out. I'm afraid that I've only heard a small piece of news regarding these Spell Caster clans, but it doesn't matter. I'll just have to head straight for the Wright clan and take Shane away. Whoever stands in my way will be killed!"

An arrogant expression had crept over Wizard Weiss' face. Not only did he think nothing of Wizard Riesen but he even made light of all the Spell Caster clans in Floating City.

Riesen should have known that those in Ozmu were all maniacs with delusions of grandeur, but now that he had met such an egotistical madman from Ozmu, he felt helpless.

However, Riesen, who had a clear understanding of the capability of the Wright clan could not help but to warn Wizard Weiss. "Wizard Weiss, the rest of the Wright clan might not be much, but there's an old fellow who is a Fourth-level Spell Caster. I'm afraid that it would be troublesome. How about we hold on for now, and properly come up with a foolproof plan that will allow us to take Wizard Shane away without causing any disturbances."

"Bring Shane away secretly? That's not Ozmu's style, and what's more, it's not a style of mine, Weiss! He's a trifling Fourth-level Spell Caster and a Three-Elemental Wizard. Who knows how many puny Spell Casters like him I've dealt with before? That's enough, Riesen, go make your arrangements. Tomorrow, we shall call upon the Wright clan and I shall bring Shane away. No one can stop me!"

Wizard Weiss' voice was soft, but his words were filled with confidence.

'He's a madman and a megalomaniac with such a stupid plan. Does he think that the alliance of the Spell Caster clans is merely for show? Even if most Spell Caster clans dare not interfere, what about Sterling House? Although Sterling House had never meddled in struggles of power, Floating City is a stronghold of Sterling House. If too much trouble is made, it's hard to guarantee that Sterling House would not take action...'

Riesen considered things comprehensively and was careful in all matters. He had stayed in Floating City for so many years, yet not a single person knew who he truly was except that one could see Riesen was prudent and cautious in doing things.

Although Riesen was scolding Weiss inwardly, when he looked up and saw Wizard Weiss' haughty expression, he gaped in silence and did not offer any more advice. He knew that even if he mentioned the possibility of Sterling House's involvement, Wizard Weiss, with such a brash arrogant attitude, would not change his so-called "plan".

'Hmph, if you want to die then do it alone. I'll better prepare, so in case things go wrong, I'll be able to pull out immediately and let the lunatic throw away his life.'

Wizard Riesen had his own plan, but he still felt very dejected. Once he had pulled out, he would no longer be able to return to Floating City. This would put an end to his scheme to obtain benefits for himself from Ozmu while collecting various cultivation resources in Floating City.

However, after some careful evaluation, Riesen decided that his life was more precious. He would not act insanely like the madman Wizard Weiss.

...

"Ozmu sent Wizard Weiss who had arrived in Floating City. Moreover, he's presently at the secret residence of Wizard Riesen, an associate member of Ozmu."

In an exquisitely decorated room, a few Spell Casters were standing in a group, discussing a rather important issue.

That previous report was given by a Third-level Spell Caster.

"Weiss? I've heard that he used to be a member of a medium-sized spell casters' organization in Thule, but under the influence of Ozmu, he betrayed his organization without hesitation. He defected to Ozmu and became its member. Now that so many years have passed, although he's still a Third-level Spell Caster as before, I'm afraid that his powers have increased many times over. It should be known that those in Ozmu have the ability to kill an opponent beyond their own level. Each and every one of them is a maniacal freak."

A blue-robed Spell Caster said in a low voice.

"Matthew, you're the clan elder of the Delman clan, so what should we do now? Do we send our honorable Fourth-level Spell Caster to help the Wright clan and oppose Ozmu together, or do we sit back and do nothing, quietly observing what happens?"

They were headed by a lanky Spell Caster who was dressed in a gray Wizard robe lined with gold. This was the clan elder of the Delman clan, Elena's father, Wizard Matthew.

Wizard Matthew had remained silent, furrowing his brow thoughtfully. His white palm was grasping a small black magic staff and he kept fiddling with it. They could see that Wizard Matthew was struggling with his complicated thoughts.

After a long time, Wizard Matthew finally raised his head and looked at the Spell Casters. Everyone who was present here practically made up the core of the Delman clan's strength, but there were only five Third-level Spell Casters, including himself.

Additionally, there was an old Wizard who was a Fourth-level Spell Caster, but he was the strongest the Delman clan had. They would not usually bring out this old Wizard, much less send him into risky situations.

Most Spell Caster clans in the entire Floating City were similar to the Delman clan. The difference in power, when compared to spell casters' organizations, even the smallest ones, was far too big.

"Everybody, we're different from spell casters' organizations. Our power is far too weak. A few months ago, the Dark Magic Region, Abyss Fort, Fire City, and Ashes Region had joined forces to oppose Ozmu, and a Seventh-level Spell Caster in Ozmu even died. However, we're not a spell casters' organization. This time, Ozmu had only sent one Third-level Spell Caster, yet it's as if we're preparing for a great enemy, and we're even unsure if we're able to win this round.

"However, to the powerful Ozmu, a Third-level Spell Caster is barely anything. It's only because Shane from the Wright clan had somewhat piqued their interest that they had sent Wizard Weiss here. We, of the Delman clan, are not even qualified to contend against Ozmu, so my decision is to recall any member of the Delman clan who is currently outside. For these few days, we must not carelessly leave the clan, and we'll quietly observe what happens!"

After Wizard Matthew had spoken, he looked toward the other Third-level Spell Casters.

The Third-level Spell Casters each wore a despondent look. It was true, the disparity between them and Ozmu was too big. The Dark Magic Region and other spell casters' organizations could still join forces and battle a few rounds with Ozmu, but Spell Caster clans like them were not even qualified to be Ozmu's opponent, even if they formed an alliance.

Therefore, Wizard Matthew had made the most proper and most rational decision.

"We agree with the clan elder's plan."

Wizard Matthew nodded. "Alright, all of you should head down to make arrangements to recall all members of the Delman clan who are in Floating City, and have every one of them return to the clan."

Wizard Matthew gave his official order, and these Spell Casters turned around and exited, ready to make arrangements to recall all clan members.

Soon, the entire room became quiet, and only Wizard Matthew was left. He gave a slight, bitter smile. "Oh Wright, how can Spell Caster clans like us possibly retain a true prodigy? Perhaps you should've sent Shane to Fire City in the beginning, then you wouldn't be facing a crisis as you're in now!"

Wizard Matthew mumbled softly as his faced filled with a powerless look. In private, he was on good personal terms with the Spell Casters of the Wright clan, but the present matter was far too serious. If one was not careful, one's clan might end up destroyed completely, so even if he was good friends with the Wright clan, he dared not mobilize his clan's power to help the Wright clan.

...

Floating City was initially bustling with movement, but in a short period, all the clan members were speedily recalled back to their clans. The big Floating City looked empty and desolate, creating a eerie scene.

"What has happened here?'

Merlin followed behind Elena as they walked toward the Delman clan. They witnessed Floating City becoming desolate in the blink of an eye as if many people were escaping from something. This made Merlin very suspicious.

"Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!"

Suddenly, a mysterious rune appeared on Elena's hand. It was glowing and vibrating slightly.

Elena's face changed. "This seems to be the clan's order to summon all members back. Merlin, something might have happened. Come on, let's hurry to the clan."

Following that, Elena quickened her pace, bringing Merlin as they rushed toward the Delman clan.