Chapter 434: Merlin

King Arthur?

Murphy's mind raced with thoughts, but what jumped out first was another question: If King Arthur was here, was Merlin also in this city?

He had seen a prophecy in the crystal coffin behind the Door to the Afterlife, claimed to be left by Merlin—and it was exactly like the prophecy he had fabricated himself. He was very curious about it.

Originally, his purpose was to meet the seer Myrddin, but perhaps Merlin, capable of making that prophecy, could also be a seer.

Moreover, according to the note behind the Door to the Afterlife, Merlin made that prophecy in the year 547 AD. According to the information about Myrddin he had gathered from various archives in Arkaim, she also lived around the same era.

There wouldn't be many "seers" in this world. If Myrddin lived in this era, Merlin might have heard of her.

The serf at his feet was clearly terrified by him. Murphy paid him no more mind and approached the city gate.

Two guards in armor, holding spears, were casually surveying the crowd entering and exiting the gate. Murphy's extraordinary appearance and luxurious attire caught their attention immediately. As Murphy approached, one of the guards took the initiative to speak, "Sir, how may I assist you?"

"Is the great wizard Merlin in the city?" Murphy asked.

The guard nodded, "May I ask who is inquiring?"

The legendary Merlin was indeed in this city. Murphy breathed a sigh of relief, surprised at how easily he had found the person he was looking for. Unfamiliar with this era and not wanting to reveal too much, he simply looked at the guard and said, "Take me to him!"

He used his command charm on his voice, and the guard, momentarily dazed, quickly said, "Oh, you are a friend of Master Merlin. I will take you to him right away."

Camelot was a fortress built atop a mountain, its majestic walls standing tall on the cliff edges, difficult to imagine as a creation of mere human effort.

As Murphy surveyed his surroundings while following the guard, he tried the psychic network but got no response, nor could he feel the devices that gathered the magic of the magical network. This was expected, those devices had served their purpose by supporting his thousand-year journey, and Murphy was not overly disappointed.

He was still unsure if Myrddin lived in this era. If not, he might need to find another source of magic for another time travel. Fortunately, even if Myrddin didn't live in this time, she should be close enough on the timeline that he wouldn't need a significant amount of magical energy to reach her.

Contemplating these thoughts, Murphy followed the guard around a mountain ridge and into an alleyway. Seeing no one around, Murphy extended a finger to the guard's forehead and said, "Mind Probe!"

He intended to understand this world better before meeting Merlin, who might be the strongest wizard in history. Whether friend or foe was still unclear, and Mind Probe was the quickest way to gain insight.

"What did you say, my lord?" the guard stopped and turned, confused.

Murphy paused, surprised that the spell had not worked.

He had used Mind Probe hundreds of times and could not have erred in casting it. However, the magic had flowed out from his fingertip without achieving its usual effect of manipulating something or stirring some sort of sensation.

It was as if something he had taken for granted between heaven and earth had disappeared.

Yet, his command charm still worked.

"Shining Glare!"

No response.

Murphy frowned, raised a hand, and a bolt of lightning crackled into existence, then vanished.

The spell failed, but his own magical abilities remained unaffected.

The issue was with the magical network.

"Wi, Wizard…" the guard stared at Murphy in shock, "Are you a wizard?"

Murphy thought for a moment, then pointed his finger at the guard again. This time, without uttering a spell, he visualized a scenario in his mind, constructing a pathway for the magic to follow. A beam of light shot from his fingertip and struck the guard.

The magic immediately invaded the guard's brain, inhibiting the function of his hippocampus and disrupting his frontal lobe, preventing him from forming memories of the past few seconds.

The guard paused for a second, then turned around as if nothing had happened, "Please, follow me closely, my lord. This district is frequented by thieves."

Murphy followed, his mind reaching a realization.

Here, there was no magical network; magic seemed to have returned to a very primitive state, functioning more like a wish. It no longer relied on incantations but was directed through visualization—much like the gods.

The magical network was not naturally formed, a fact Murphy had learned from his research with the Department of Mysteries. But when it was created and by whom remained unknown.

He had thought the magical network might have existed for tens of thousands of years, but now it appeared to be much younger.

Could it be that someone currently alive had created the magical network? Perhaps Merlin?

After all, Merlin was virtually synonymous with the god of wizards. If anyone could establish something like the magical network, Murphy first thought of him.

With this thought, Murphy couldn't help but feel a slight excitement.

The god of wizards might have a way to deal with the deities.

Perhaps this was why he had come to this time?

The guard led Murphy into the castle, and in a tower, Murphy met the legendary wizard.

Contrary to the old man depicted in chocolate frog cards or what Murphy had imagined, Merlin appeared to be in his forties or fifties, with a serious, even martial, demeanor, not quite fitting the image of a wizard but rather a general.

However, his attire, a wide blue robe embroidered with golden stars and a headband inlaid with numerous gems, along with a peculiarly shaped staff standing beside his desk, its huge crystal top gleaming with a deep blue hue, all undeniably marked him as a mage.

Through his magical vision, the faint purple aura of magical energy confirmed that Merlin was at least a master of magic comparable to Dumbledore.

"Great wizard Merlin," Murphy approached and gave a slight bow.

Merlin was also observing him, his expression showing a hint of realization, "You are a wizard as well? The guard said someone wished to see me but did not disclose their identity. I was wondering who could make the guard lead the way without revealing themselves. Now I understand."

"I have no official status here, and I had to resort to subterfuge. I apologize for any inconvenience," Murphy explained. "Murphy Darkholme. It's an honor to meet you, Great Wizard Merlin."

Merlin's brown eyes focused on him, and he nodded slightly, "Please, take a seat, Wizard Murphy. What brings you here?"

Murphy had been watching Merlin's reaction carefully. Seeing no recognition at the mention of his name, he felt somewhat disappointed. Nevertheless, he took out a piece of paper and handed it to Merlin.

"This prophecy, did you make it?"

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