Chapter 88: The Title (Part 1)

"Potion?"

The black-robed elder glanced at Merlin, then nodded. "Yes, I once acquired a potion formula that helps stabilize spell models, which is why I assisted Count Selin. The formula's main ingredient is Purple Root Flower, which the count happens to have. However, gathering the ingredients isn't easy, and I've been using this potion for so long that it's now almost ineffective."

The elder paused, his gaze filled with eagerness. "That's why I'm searching for other potions or formulas to stabilize my spell models."

Seeing the elder's hopeful expression, Merlin understood what he was hoping for, but Merlin shook his head. "There were no potions or potion formulas in Merilon's ring."

The elder's face showed clear disappointment. With a self-deprecating smile, he said, "I suppose the greater the hope, the deeper the disappointment. Merilon was a spellcaster from Abyss Fortress, and if even he didn't possess potions or formulas, it's unlikely I'll find any elsewhere."

Over the years, the elder had only obtained one potion formula, demonstrating how rare they were. Most were safeguarded within spellcaster organizations or by powerful mages.

For a wandering mage, obtaining a valuable potion formula was nearly impossible.

It wasn't just potion formulas that were hard to come by. Spell models, spellcasting tools, scrolls—all were beyond the reach of most wandering mages. As a result, many were relatively weak. Even the black-robed elder, as knowledgeable and experienced as he was, remained limited as a three-element mage without access to an organization, enduring the constant risk of his spell models collapsing.

Meanwhile, Merilon had only spent five years in Abyss Fortress and had already become a powerful four-element mage. The difference was staggering.

Merlin had come to the Black Moon Kingdom seeking power, hoping to become a stronger spellcaster. He now felt the growing desire to join a spellcaster organization.

Thinking the elder might know about these organizations, Merlin asked, "Mage Hil, how many spellcaster organizations are there in the Black Moon Kingdom, and how does one join them?"

"Spellcaster organizations?"

The elder gave Merlin a knowing look but shook his head. "I'm not sure how many there are, but I do know a few nearby. The closest to Pugas City is Dark Spirit Domain, then Abyss Fortress, where Merilon was. Other organizations include the City of Flame, Fire Core Domain, and more."

"These organizations are numerous, but joining one is difficult. Typically, each has unique tokens, and only with these can you gain entry. Another way is to be personally chosen by a core member of one of these organizations, as Merilon was. Beyond that, there's no other way."

Hearing the elder's explanation, Merlin felt his hopes diminish. Organizations were indeed numerous, but joining one was as challenging as the elder described.

If it weren't, the elder wouldn't have spent all these years without gaining access to any of them.

Seeing Merlin's disheartened expression, the elder said in a raspy but steady tone, "Mage Merlin, you're still young; you have plenty of time. Don't think that you'll never have the chance to join an organization."

Merlin nodded, steadying his emotions. Then, looking at the elder, he said, "Mage Hil, though there's no potion formula in Merilon's ring, there are several alchemical materials. Perhaps there's something you might need."

Merlin then brought out some of the materials from the ring.

The elder's spirits lifted at the sight. While potion formulas were rare, some ingredients were also hard to find, and anything useful from Merilon's collection would be valuable.

But as Merlin displayed all the materials, the elder's expression turned odd, as he recognized few of them.

Compared to spellcasters within organizations, wandering mages had much less knowledge. Without systematic training, they could only rely on accumulated experience. This created a stark contrast between wandering mages and organized spellcasters.

Finally, the elder did find something—Purple Root Flower.

The valuable part of the plant was its roots, with the distinct purple rhizome.

Seeing the elder's interest in the flower, Merlin gathered all the Purple Root Flowers from the ring and gave them to him. Merilon hadn't valued the flower highly, so there weren't many in the ring.

"With these Purple Root Flowers, I'll be able to make more potions. They might help stabilize my spell models."

The elder accepted the flowers and had the maid carefully store them away.

After a moment's hesitation, Merlin spoke, "Mage Hil, I actually have another favor to ask."

"Oh? Go ahead, Mage Merlin. If it's within my power, I won't refuse."

Perhaps pleased with the Purple Root Flowers, the elder's tone had softened.

"Here's the thing. I'm missing a few zero-level spells, and I noticed that you have earth spells—precisely what I need. I'd like to trade my Ice spell model for your earth spell model, if you'd be open to that."

Merlin watched the elder closely as he made his proposal. The disappointment from Merilon's ring had left Merlin with few options, but he'd noticed that the elder possessed fire, wind, and earth spells.

While the fire and wind spells were of little use to him—the elder's wind spell, like Etta's whirlwind, was attack-focused—his earth spell, like Merilon's, was purely defensive. This was exactly what Merlin needed.

After careful consideration, Merlin proposed the exchange, though it would ultimately depend on the elder's acceptance.