Chapter 221: The Dark Heart

In the vast, dark tunnel, Merlin followed behind Wizard Leo, his mental energy constantly scanning the surroundings. The passage stretched endlessly into the depths of the earth, and Merlin could sense they were descending further underground. Unlike other spellcaster organizations with towering castles or above-ground fortresses, the Abyssal Fortress was a vast, subterranean network of sprawling tunnels.

Before long, faint light began to appear at the end of the passage. The uneven walls gradually emitted a pale golden glow.

"We're here," Wizard Hobbes said, his aged face showing a faint smile. "Leo, this isn't your first time here, but for this young one, I assume it's his first visit to the Abyssal Fortress. Curious, isn't he?"

Merlin was indeed fascinated. The underground hall they entered was expansive, yet it didn't feel stifling. In the four corners of the chamber hung glass-like lanterns, each containing a massive, luminous pearl. These pearls emitted a soft white glow, lighting up the hall as if it were daylight.

Everything about the Abyssal Fortress seemed unconventional and intriguing to Merlin.

"Enough small talk," Hobbes said, his expression turning serious as his raspy voice lowered. "Leo, what exactly did you mean by mentioning the *Dark Eye*?"

Wizard Leo's blood-red vertical eye on his forehead blinked faintly. Though blind in his natural eyes, the *Dark Eye* seemed to compensate, allowing him to perceive his surroundings with clarity. It was even capable of seeing through illusions and deceptions that would confound most spellcasters.

"The *Dark Eye* you possess," Leo began, his tone calm, "is a method of cultivation passed down through your Abyssal Fortress. However, it is incomplete. Tell me, Hobbes, has anyone in your fortress successfully cultivated the *Dark Eye* over all these years?"

Hobbes's expression darkened as he chuckled bitterly. "You're right. The *Dark Eye* method we have is indeed incomplete—it's no secret. And yet, despite having only fragments, you managed to create your own method and master the *Dark Eye*. That alone speaks volumes about your genius."

Hobbes's gaze betrayed his curiosity, clearly intrigued by Leo's innovative approach to cultivating the *Dark Eye*.

Leo's lips curled into a faint smile. "Sixty years ago, I came to the Abyssal Fortress to trade treasures for dark-element spells. Today, I've come to offer you a gift—my self-created method for cultivating the *Dark Eye*."

"Your self-created *Dark Eye* method?" Hobbes's eyes lit up with an intense gleam. If anyone else had claimed to create such a method, he would have dismissed it outright.

But coming from Leo, the claim carried significant weight. Leo's mastery of the *Dark Eye* was undisputed, having used it to defeat the Seventh-Level spellcaster Oxius from Osium. Such an achievement validated his expertise, and his cultivation method for the *Dark Eye* was undoubtedly invaluable.

"And what do you want in exchange?" Hobbes asked, his voice tinged with anticipation.

Leo leaned forward slightly, placing a finger on the table. His tone was firm. "I have two conditions. First, my student Merlin will be allowed access to your library to select any dark-element spell above the Second Level."

"Second, you will teach Merlin the method to cultivate the *Dark Heart*, a Pandora's Magic unique to the Abyssal Fortress. Additionally, Merlin must be permitted to train in your Dark Maze for several days to ensure he can master the *Dark Heart*. If you agree to these terms, I will provide my *Dark Eye* cultivation method."

Hobbes's expression grew somber as his gaze shifted to Merlin. He hadn't anticipated that Leo would use such a valuable bargaining chip solely for his student. It made him question what was so extraordinary about Merlin that Leo would go to such lengths for him.

After a long pause, Hobbes spoke. "The first condition is acceptable. Merlin may access the library and select dark-element spells above the Second Level, provided he signs a contract not to share them."

"That's not an issue," Leo agreed with a nod. He had signed a similar contract when acquiring spells from the Abyssal Fortress decades ago. The second condition, however, was the more critical point.

"As for the second condition," Hobbes continued, his tone cautious, "you must know that the *Dark Heart* is exclusive to the Abyssal Fortress. It has never been shared with outsiders."

Leo smirked. "Hobbes, let's be honest—how does the *Dark Heart* compare to the *Dark Eye*? You and I both know which is more significant."

"The *Dark Heart* is undoubtedly valuable, but you could have Merlin sign a contract, ensuring that he can't share it with anyone—not even with me. This way, only Merlin benefits from cultivating the *Dark Heart*. In return, your fortress gains the *Dark Eye* method, which might allow one of your talented spellcasters to master it. Imagine the possibilities."

Leo's *Dark Eye* emitted a faint crimson glow as he finished speaking, his tone calm and resolute. He then waited silently for Hobbes's response.

After a long silence, Hobbes stood up. "This matter is too important. I must consult with others."

"Take your time," Leo replied, his demeanor unfazed.

Hobbes nodded before disappearing into a side passage. The complex maze of tunnels in the Abyssal Fortress made it nearly impossible for outsiders to navigate. In the event of an attack, the fortress's intricate design would allow its members to escape swiftly, much like the concealed location and teleportation-only access of the Dark Spirit Domain.

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Once Hobbes left, Merlin broke the silence. "Master Leo, what exactly is the *Dark Heart*?"

Leo's expression remained calm as he explained. "The *Dark Heart* is a Pandora's Magic tied to the dark element. Unlike the *Dark Eye*, it's an auxiliary magic. If you master the *Dark Heart*, every dark-element spell you cast will be significantly enhanced—stronger than most amplification tools. Additionally, it provides innate resistance to dark-element spells. Unless the opposing magic is overwhelmingly powerful, it will have little effect on you."

Leo paused, his tone growing serious. "But that's not the main reason I want you to cultivate the *Dark Heart*. Its true value lies in the future. When you construct a Fourth-Level dark-element spell, it can fuse with the *Dark Heart*, amplifying its power to unimaginable levels."

"According to ancient records, during the spellcasters' golden age 3,600 years ago, it was common practice to fuse Pandora's Magic with spells. Even a First-Level spell could become terrifyingly potent after fusion. Unfortunately, much of this knowledge has been lost over time. The *Dark Heart* is one of the few remaining magics capable of fusion, which is why I want you to master it."

Leo's voice carried a note of melancholy as he finished.

Merlin, however, felt a spark of excitement. He thought of his own Pandora's Magic, *Annihilation Flame*, whose third form was said to fuse with Seventh-Level spells. Leo's explanation reinforced the idea that such a fusion could be a reality.

As Merlin pondered this, Hobbes returned to the hall, accompanied by two other spellcasters radiating powerful auras. They entered without speaking, their scrutinizing gazes falling on Merlin and Leo.

The atmosphere in the hall grew tense and oppressive.