Chapter 213: The First Form
Outside the chamber, the Flame Spirit smiled faintly as it saw Merlin emerge. "Finally out? Congratulations on defeating Lester and obtaining the treasure left behind by the master."
As the Flame Spirit controlled everything in the ancient tower, the battle between Merlin and the "rabbit" guardian inside the chamber had not escaped its notice.
Merlin nodded slightly. "I was fortunate to acquire the treasure for cultivating the First Form of the Annihilating Flame. Once I master it, can I leave the ancient tower?"
"That's right. As long as you successfully cultivate the First Form of the Annihilating Flame, you can activate the rune array left by the master to leave the ancient tower," the Flame Spirit replied cheerfully. It was pleased that Merlin had progressed so quickly. If he could master the First Form, there was hope he might one day achieve the Second Form as well.
When that day came, the Flame Spirit would finally have the opportunity to free itself from its bonds and gain true freedom.
"Hurry up and begin cultivating the Annihilating Flame. The ancient tower is rich in fire elements, which are ideal for this process," the Flame Spirit urged Merlin.
Merlin nodded again and headed directly into the meditation chamber.
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"The First Form of the Annihilating Flame—its flames are white, characterized by their extreme temperature, capable of burning everything."
Inside the meditation chamber, Merlin carefully reviewed the detailed instructions on cultivating the Annihilating Flame recorded in the matrix log.
The Annihilating Flame had three forms in total. The First Form, white in color, required constructing Level-1 spells like Raging Flame or Sea of Fire for cultivation. The Second Form, a pale white flame, needed more advanced Level-4 spells. The Third Form, nearly transparent, involved a completely different method, requiring the integration of a newly created spell unique to the caster.
To achieve the Third Form, one had to merge it with a Level-7 spell, transforming it into a mysterious, otherworldly flame. At that stage, the Annihilating Flame would unleash terrifying power, embodying the true essence of "annihilation."
Shaking his head, Merlin realized the Second and Third Forms were far out of reach for now. His focus had to remain on mastering the First Form, so he could leave the ancient tower as soon as possible.
Merlin took out the treasures he had obtained from the chamber, including Earthfire Essence and Flame Stones—artifacts brimming with potent fire elements.
Following the cultivation method detailed for the Annihilating Flame, Merlin began channeling his mental energy to carve a flame imprint gently onto his palm.
The moment the flame imprint appeared, Merlin felt an intangible connection between it and the Raging Flame spell model within his mental sea.
He placed the Flame Stones and Earthfire Essence in his palm, and the flame imprint began to radiate a faint heat. Gradually, the treasures in his palm melted, absorbed entirely by the flame imprint.
This was a slow, methodical process. For the First Form of the Annihilating Flame to be fully cultivated, the flame imprint on his palm needed to transition from a pale white hue to fiery red. Judging by the current progress, it would take at least several months to complete.
Fortunately, trapped in the ancient tower, Merlin had an abundance of time. He dedicated himself to cultivating the First Form of the Annihilating Flame while also continuing his practice with the ice-elemental crystal stones to refine his Extreme Ice Finger technique.
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Time flew by, and over half a year passed. One day, the Dark Spirit Ring on Merlin's finger vibrated faintly, emitting a soft glow.
Merlin opened his eyes abruptly, gazing at the ring with a frown. "It's a summons from Wizard Leo. It seems the war between Dark Spirit Domain and Osmond has ended."
It had been over a year since Merlin left the Dark Spirit Domain. Wizard Leo had previously mentioned that he would recall Merlin and the others in about a year.
Now, it appeared the war had concluded, and many spell casters were being summoned back. However, trapped in the ancient tower, Merlin had no way of leaving.
"I must speed up. I need to master the First Form of the Annihilating Flame within three months!"
Raising his hand, Merlin saw that the flame imprint on his palm had begun to show hints of fiery red. The First Form was nearing completion but still required more refinement before it was fully mastered.
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Three months later, nearly a year had passed since Merlin entered the ancient tower. His time in the Dark Spirit Domain was approaching its three-year limit. If he didn't return or achieve the rank of a First-Level Spell Caster by then, he would be expelled from the Dark Spirit Domain.
Though Merlin had already become a First-Level Spell Caster, he remained trapped in the tower. Time was running out.
Suddenly, a scorching aura erupted from Merlin's body, raising the temperature of the meditation chamber. Flames materialized out of thin air in the surrounding air.
"It's finally done!"
Merlin opened his eyes, his face lighting up with joy. He extended his hand, revealing a vivid flame imprint on his palm, glowing a fiery red.
This was the hallmark of mastering the First Form of the Annihilating Flame—the flame imprint had transformed into a brilliant crimson, resembling a living flame.
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Having mastered the First Form of the Annihilating Flame, Merlin left the meditation chamber, ready to leave the ancient tower.
"Flame Spirit, I've mastered the First Form of the Annihilating Flame. Can I leave the tower now?"
The Flame Spirit emerged from the fiery statue, its tone filled with delight. "So soon? If that's true, then yes, you can leave. I'll summon the Patterned Spider to guide you to the exit."
A massive Patterned Spider crawled out from the corner, glanced at Merlin and the Flame Spirit, and then turned to lead the way.
"Follow it," the Flame Spirit instructed. "But don't forget—if you become a Level-4 Spell Caster, you must return to this tower to defeat the chamber guardian and claim the treasure for cultivating the Second Form."
"I will return," Merlin promised solemnly before following the Patterned Spider to the exit.