Chapter 214: The Thorny Mountains

The Patterned Spider led Merlin to a concealed chamber with a thick stone door covered in dense, intricate runes, blocking the path ahead. Merlin glanced at the spider, suspecting that the chamber contained the rune array required to leave the ancient tower. However, only by mastering the First Form of the Annihilating Flame could he access the chamber and activate the array.

Understanding this, Merlin extended his pale hand, the flame imprint on his palm radiating a scorching heat.

"Pandora's Magic: Annihilating Flame!"

A white flame burst forth, striking the thick stone door. The runes on the door glowed brightly, enveloping the flame and eventually merging with it entirely.

With a loud rumble, the massive stone door slowly rose, as if confirming that Merlin had met the criteria for entry by mastering the First Form of the Annihilating Flame.

A hint of delight crossed Merlin's face. He noticed the enormous Patterned Spider retreating to report back to the Flame Spirit.

Inside the chamber, the floor was inscribed with a labyrinth of runes forming a mysterious array. Merlin, already familiar with such formations from his time in the Dark Spirit Domain, stepped onto the array without hesitation. Taking a deep breath, he channeled his mental energy into activating the runes.

A faint hum filled the chamber as the runes began to glow, enveloping Merlin in brilliant light. He felt the familiar pull of teleportation magic.

With a flash, Merlin disappeared, and the chamber fell silent once more.

---

"Miss, sneaking out like this—if the Viscount finds out, he won't let you off lightly."

A maid dressed in a gray uniform spoke cautiously to Miss Na'anis beside her.

Na'anis, in a white gown with her golden hair casually tied back and a small hat perched on her head, radiated youthful charm. She waved dismissively. "Don't worry. The last time I snuck out, I wasn't punished when I returned."

"This is different! This time, the Viscount arranged your marriage to Count Kian's son, yet you ran away. He's probably sent people everywhere to search for you..."

Knowing her mistress's stubbornness, the maid decided it was futile to persuade her to return. Instead, she secretly marked their path, hoping the Viscount's men could track them down.

The carriage moved slowly, as Na'anis was more interested in the scenery. She had instructed the driver to slow down to better admire the surroundings.

"Look ahead—there's someone on the roadside," Na'anis exclaimed, spotting a figure cloaked entirely in black, standing by the road with his head lowered.

In this forested wilderness, the sight of such a strange figure immediately put the maid on edge.

"Miss, let's not bother him. We should leave quickly," the maid urged.

Despite her boldness, Na'anis knew the risks of encountering danger on the road, especially from a suspicious figure like this. She ordered the carriage to speed up.

Suddenly, the cloaked figure raised his hand. Several fireballs materialized in the air and exploded ahead of the carriage, their impact forcing the horses to stop abruptly. Inside, Na'anis and the maid panicked, unsure what to do.

The driver, however, recognized the significance of the fireballs. Bowing respectfully to the cloaked man, he said, "Honored Mage, the carriage belongs to Viscount Anlis' daughter, Miss Na'anis. How may we assist you?"

The figure's calm voice replied, "Give me a map."

The driver retrieved a map from the carriage and handed it over with trembling hands. "Honored Mage, we are on the outskirts of Viscount Anlis' domain."

The man nodded, unfurling the map to study it closely. "So far from Floating City? This is already within the Flame City's territory. Even the nearest rune array connected to the Dark Spirit Domain is days away."

The cloaked figure was Merlin, who had just escaped the ancient ruins. Though the array had successfully teleported him out, the location was unfamiliar. Comparing it to the map, Merlin realized how distant he was from Floating City.

Initially, he had planned to seek out and eliminate Wizard Laysten, but the long journey of several months dissuaded him. After considering his options, Merlin decided to return to the Dark Spirit Domain first and secure his status as an official member before addressing other matters.

Looking toward the carriage, Merlin sensed only two women inside with his mental energy.

"Take me to the Thorny Mountains," he commanded firmly before climbing into the carriage.

Inside, Na'anis and her maid huddled in the corner, their faces pale with fear. Merlin cast a brief glance at them but said nothing, sitting quietly instead.

The driver, too afraid to defy the mage, obeyed without hesitation. He had witnessed the power of mages before and knew better than to resist.

---

Days passed in silence, but Merlin's cold demeanor seemed non-threatening. Gradually, Na'anis grew bolder, openly observing him.

"Honored Mage, will you release us once we reach the Thorny Mountains? Or will you turn us into hideous monsters?" she asked cautiously.

"Oh? You've heard of alchemical creatures?" Merlin's interest was piqued.

Na'anis nodded. "I once saw a mage accompanied by an ugly alchemical creature. My father said it was created through dark methods, turning living beings into such things."

Smiling faintly, Merlin shook his head. "I won't turn you into a monster. Once we reach the Thorny Mountains, you'll be free to go."

Relieved by his words, Na'anis began asking Merlin about mages and their secrets. Amused, Merlin indulged her curiosity, finding her lively questions a welcome distraction from the monotony of travel.

---

"Merlin, does this active potion you mentioned really keep people looking young forever?" Na'anis asked eagerly.

Merlin chuckled. "Yes. Regular use can indeed maintain youthful skin by keeping it active."

"Do you have one now?" Na'anis pressed.

"I don't, but as a mage, I can always brew one myself," Merlin replied with a sly smile.

Just then, the carriage came to a halt. The driver called out, "Honored Mage, we've arrived at the Thorny Mountains."

Merlin glanced at the Dark Spirit Ring on his finger, noting its reaction to a nearby rune array. "Perfect."

"It's time for me to leave," Merlin said to Na'anis before stepping out of the carriage. Enveloped in wind magic, he disappeared swiftly into the forest.

Watching his retreating figure, Na'anis stood in a daze. Her maid whispered, "Miss, the mage is gone. Where should we go now?"

"Go?" Na'anis suddenly brightened. "We're going home! I've decided to become a great mage myself and brew active potions!"

Her maid sighed, knowing the Viscount would have his hands full dealing with his spirited daughter yet again.