Chapter 86: Disappointment (Part 1)

The fire element surging around the black-robed elder had become nearly uncontrollable, with occasional flames flickering around him.

Mage Hil was at his most vulnerable now; if he lost focus, his internal spell models might collapse.

Fortunately, the black-robed elder's mental strength far surpassed that of most novice spellcasters and even rivaled some first-level spellcasters, reaching the peak of the first level.

It was this formidable mental strength that allowed him to barely suppress the impending collapse of his spell models and stay alive.

"Mage Hil, do you need my help?"

Seeing the elder's troubled state, Merlin offered assistance. After all, without the elder's intervention, risking the collapse of his own spell models to interfere with Merilon's "Dark Mist," Merlin would likely have been in grave danger.

In that sense, the black-robed elder had saved Merlin's life.

After some time, Merlin sensed the elemental fluctuations around the elder gradually calming. Finally, the elder lifted his head, a weary expression crossing his face as he spoke in a faint tone, "Many times, I thought I was done for, but each time, I survived... Heh, Mage Merlin, you killed Merilon, so the spoils of his body are rightfully yours. However, if there are any potions or potion formulas among them, I'm willing to exchange anything for them."

The elder gave Merlin a deep, meaningful look before slowly standing and walking away.

Merlin understood what the elder meant; he had likely noticed Merilon's ring. But since Merlin had defeated Merilon, the elder refrained from saying more.

The elder approached Count Selin, his raspy voice calling out, "Count Selin, I'll be taking my leave to recover. Don't forget our arrangement."

Count Selin, having regained his usual dignity, noticed the elder's fatigue and nodded. "Rest well, Mage Hil. I'll send the Purple Root Flower to your quarters as soon as possible."

The elder nodded and left the castle.

Merlin looked at Merilon's corpse on the ground. The battle was over, and Count Selin's crisis had been resolved. He clutched the ring he had taken from Merilon, eager to examine its contents.

Approaching Count Selin, he spoke calmly, "Count, Merilon is dead, and the castle should be safe now. I'd like to return."

Count Selin looked at Merlin with respect and admiration. Merlin had turned the tide in Selin's darkest hour, saving both him and the entire castle.

"Of course, Mage Merlin. Rest well. When things settle down, I'll personally thank you."

Selin, too, appeared fatigued; the night had been filled with chaos—Cook was gravely injured, and parts of the castle had been damaged. It would take time for everything to return to normal.

Merlin nodded at Miss Shelley, the lively and charming young woman who had left a favorable impression on him, then turned and disappeared into the night.

※※※

"Who's there?"

In the dark, a guard outside the castle called out warily, eyeing a shadowy figure.

"It's me."

The figure spoke, and upon recognizing the voice, the guard stepped forward with a look of surprise.

"Master Merlin, you're back? Shall I inform the Baron?"

The guard immediately relaxed upon recognizing Merlin, knowing he had been away at the count's castle for several days.

"No need to disturb my father. I'll go in myself."

Merlin shook his head, stopping the guard before entering the castle alone.

Inside, the castle was still lit, and it happened to be dinnertime. As Merlin walked into the hall, he saw Old Wilson, Baron Barman, and Lady Big Bust dining.

"Merlin!"

"Master Merlin!"

Everyone looked at him, especially Old Wilson and Baron Barman, who had hopeful expressions.

"Merlin, come with me."

Old Wilson quickly stood up, leaving his meal as he hurried upstairs.

Baron Barman followed. Merlin nodded to those in the hall, then joined Old Wilson in a room upstairs.

"Merlin, has the matter with Count Selin been resolved?"

As soon as they entered the room, Old Wilson eagerly asked, and Baron Barman watched with anticipation. Though Merlin hadn't told them exactly what trouble Count Selin was facing, they had sensed its severity. Why else would a count request Merlin's help?

For them, the outcome would determine whether they could settle permanently in Pugas City. Thus, despite the risks, Old Wilson hadn't tried to prevent Merlin from going.

Merlin looked at the hopeful faces of Baron Barman and Old Wilson, a faint smile appearing on his lips. "Father, Count Selin's trouble has been taken care of. We can now establish ourselves in Pugas City long-term."

Upon hearing Merlin's confirmation, Old Wilson and Baron Barman sighed in relief. They could finally begin anew in Pugas City.

"Alright, Merlin. Rest well."

Old Wilson noticed Merlin's fatigue and, along with Baron Barman, left the room shortly afterward.

In his room, Merlin soon received a basin of hot water brought by a young maid.

Seeing the young girl, Merlin thought of Lucia, the maid from Wilson Manor who hadn't survived the attack and was killed by Tyra's knights.

Casting those thoughts aside, he lay quietly in the warm bath, soaking in the comfort.

After cleansing himself, Merlin took out Merilon's ring, letting his mental energy flow inside to examine its contents.