Chapter 238: Resolution, Part 7
Amid the dense fog, Anlina's breathing grew heavier. She and Merlin had arrived near the Wright family estate early in the morning, finding a hidden spot to observe.
As Viss arrived, displaying overwhelming power as a Tier 3 Spellcaster capable of overpowering Tier 4 opponents, Anlina was deeply shaken. It was her first time witnessing the terrifying strength of Ossum firsthand.
"Let's go," Merlin said calmly. "The Wright family is finished. It's time to settle things with Layson."
Startled, Anlina turned to Merlin, her expression a mix of confusion and concern.
"Merlin, I don't know what grudge you hold against Layson, but with that lunatic Viss around, I'm afraid—"
"I'll deal with both," Merlin interrupted flatly, standing up and striding toward the estate.
"**Domain of Dark Light.**"
Immediately, the thick white mist around Merlin turned pitch black. Light twisted and distorted, plunging the area into an impenetrable darkness that expanded outward like a shroud.
---
**Crack.**
The defensive spell of Tier 4 Spellcaster Moray shattered instantly, fragments scattering like broken glass as Viss's Pandora's Magic tore through it with ease.
Moray's face flushed red as his body trembled. Moments later, the raging whirlwind engulfed him completely.
"Master Moray!"
The remaining Wright family Spellcasters watched in despair as Moray was swallowed by the storm. Their faces were etched with sorrow and resignation.
"It's over… Moray is dead. The Wright family is finished."
Those watching the battle from nearby fell silent. The Wright family's destruction was now inevitable, a stark reminder of their helplessness against Ossum's might.
"Let's leave. No one can stop that lunatic Viss. If we stay here any longer, we might draw his attention."
Seeing Moray's demise, the onlookers, including Spellcasters from other families, began preparing to retreat. After all, even the formidable Busen from the Silver Tower had been forced to back down. They stood no chance against someone like Viss.
"Layson, go fetch Sean!" Viss commanded with a wicked grin. "Let's spare him the trip. Today, I'll personally ensure the Wright family is utterly destroyed."
His gaze was so unhinged that even Layson shuddered. He had underestimated how terrifying an Ossum official could be. Even if he mastered the devastating **Conflagration of Annihilation**, he wasn't sure he could defeat Viss.
Obediently, Layson moved toward the estate to carry out Viss's orders.
---
Suddenly, the pervasive white mist turned dark. This patch of blackness quickly expanded, enveloping everything in its path.
"What's happening?"
The Spellcasters preparing to leave paused, watching as light bent and twisted into complete darkness.
"**Domain of Dark Light**? A dark magic spell? Could it be someone from the Abyssal Fortress?"
Viss narrowed his eyes, instantly recognizing the signature dark magic spell.
Dark light radiated outward, distorting reality, and within moments, the entire area was submerged in darkness. Those caught inside were plunged into a terrifying illusion, their minds clouded and bodies rendered defenseless.
"Boom!"
Suddenly, a series of violent spiritual fluctuations erupted within the darkness. Five powerful presences emerged, their mental energy clearly surpassing Tier 4.
Merlin observed the situation calmly. His standard **Domain of Dark Light**, even enhanced by his **Heart of Darkness**, was sufficient to incapacitate Tier 3 Spellcasters. However, those at Tier 4 or above could still resist its effects.
"Who are you? Which Abyssal Fortress Spellcaster dares interfere here?"
The immense mental energies converged on a lone figure within the darkness.
"**Merlin of the Arcane Domain!**"
A voice cut through the darkness. The Spellcaster who recognized Merlin spoke with shock, as though piecing together the identity of an unexpected presence.
"Merlin? Never heard of him."
"That's **Domain of Dark Light**—a Tier 1 spell with power like this? Incredible! But the Arcane Domain isn't known for dark magic. Only Leo the Spellcaster from the Abyssal Fortress fits the profile!"
"Outdated news, clearly. You've missed Merlin, a newer and more brilliant talent than even Kress. Six-element Spellcaster—rumors of his feats have already spread. I didn't expect to see him here."
Merlin's reputation had apparently reached Floating City, and several Spellcasters murmured among themselves, awed by his presence.
---
"Arcane Domain? Another one of you… just like Kress!"
Viss snarled, his face twisted with fury. His mental energy surged, a terrifying Tier 4 force, ripping through the dark domain.
"Snap!"
The veil of darkness split apart, light pouring back into the area as Merlin's **Domain of Dark Light** dissolved.
"What just happened?"
"I thought we were in some kind of shadow... and now there's someone else? Is he from the Wright family?"
The crowd's confusion grew as they noticed Merlin standing tall, facing Viss with a calm yet unyielding demeanor.
One figure, however, reacted with visible panic.
"Merlin? You… you escaped the ruins?"
Layson's face turned pale as disbelief washed over him. He had trapped Merlin in the ancient ruins, confident that even a Tier 4 Spellcaster couldn't escape. Yet here Merlin stood, alive and well.
Merlin's cold gaze pierced through Layson, making him tremble with a sense of helplessness.
"Layson," Merlin said icily, stepping forward. "It's time to settle our score."
---
"Lord Viss!" Layson cried out, retreating behind Viss in desperation.
For a moment, Merlin shifted his focus to Viss. He frowned slightly, recognizing the trouble this Ossum Spellcaster might pose.
"I have no interest in Ossum's affairs. I'm here for Layson."
Merlin advanced, his voice calm yet unwavering.
---
"**Frozen Tomb!**"
A wave of frost surged from Viss, attempting to trap Merlin in a cage of ice.
"**Pillars of Protection!**"
Merlin summoned layers of magical barriers in quick succession. Enhanced by his amplification tools, the reinforced spell matched the power of a Tier 3 defensive spell, holding firm against Viss's icy attack.
"Your misfortune is being from the Arcane Domain, just like Kress!" Viss roared, his finger tracing in the air. Another tempest rose—a massive whirlwind with destructive force—hurtling toward Merlin.
Merlin remained composed, his expression unwavering.
"I don't have time to waste with madmen. **Pandora's Magic: Conflagration of Annihilation!**"
A fiery glow surrounded Merlin as blazing white flames erupted from thin air, forming a sea of fire.
---
The whirlwind clashed with the flames, the elements colliding violently in mid-air. Wind and fire danced together, creating a chaotic spectacle that captivated everyone watching.
Above them, it was as if titanic ancient forces were locked in a fierce, otherworldly battle.