Chapter 239: Resolution, Part 8

The clash of two Pandora's Magics left Merlin in awe. Though it wasn't his first time using **Conflagration of Annihilation**, it was the first time he had encountered another Pandora's Magic head-on.

The roaring wind dispersed the thick fog within hundreds of meters, while the endless white flames consumed the whirlwind, defying the natural order.

The destructive force of the collision between the two Pandora's Magics reminded Merlin of something. He thought back to the murals he had seen in Blackwater City's church, depicting the "God of Light," whose divine powers banished darkness and demons.

"Could the so-called God of Light have been an ancient Spellcaster wielding a powerful Pandora's Magic?"

The thought lingered briefly but was dismissed. The Church of Light and Spellcasters were fundamentally at odds. Strangely, no Spellcaster had ever constructed a light-element spell, even though light should theoretically be a constructible element.

Merlin pushed the idea aside, focusing instead on the battle at hand.

---

"Pandora's Magic? You also have a Pandora's Magic?"

Viss's eyes gleamed with excitement at the sight of the surging white flames. He himself had dabbled in fire magic and knew the value of fire-based Pandora's Magic.

Pandora's Magic was rare even in Ossum, its acquisition a mark of extraordinary talent. Viss immediately thought of seizing Merlin's magic for himself, confident he would succeed. This hubris was common among Ossum's Spellcasters, who viewed themselves as unparalleled geniuses.

"**Storm, arise!**"

With a low growl, the wind around Viss intensified, threatening to overpower the white flames.

Merlin frowned, realizing it would be impossible to bypass Viss to eliminate Layson.

"So be it—let's settle this once and for all!"

Merlin's gaze sharpened, and a surge of dark energy radiated from him, creating an oppressive aura. This was the power of the **Heart of Darkness**, a symbol of mystery and terror in ancient times.

"**Domain of Dark Light!**"

Merlin cast an enhanced version of the spell. The area surrounding Viss was plunged into absolute darkness, with light bending and spiritual senses rendered useless.

---

Within the darkness, Viss's whirlwind began to falter, its force weakening significantly. Merlin's enhanced **Domain of Dark Light**, powered by the **Heart of Darkness**, could trap even Tier 4 Spellcasters in illusions.

Merlin didn't hesitate.

"**Pandora's Magic: Conflagration of Annihilation!**"

Drawing heavily on his magical reserves, Merlin amplified the white flames, which surged forward and consumed Viss's dwindling whirlwind.

"Impressive. A dark magic spell indeed," Viss's voice echoed from the shadows, calm and composed. "But my spiritual power is at the peak of Tier 4. Even with your enhancements, you can't trap me in an illusion!"

The storm around Viss roared back to life, stronger than before, as he countered the darkness with sheer willpower.

---

The clash of Pandora's Magics resumed. Merlin's flames and Viss's storm were locked in a fierce standoff. Observing from the sidelines, several Tier 4 Spellcasters exchanged worried glances.

"It's a battle of endurance now. Pandora's Magic consumes vast amounts of magical power. Merlin might be strong, but he's only a Tier 1 Spellcaster. He can't outlast Viss."

Among the spectators, none were more relieved than Layson.

"Once Viss kills Merlin, I'll finally be safe," Layson thought, his mind racing with schemes. Perhaps he could even take some of Merlin's resources to master **Conflagration of Annihilation** himself.

Merlin, meanwhile, understood his predicament. If he relied solely on **Conflagration of Annihilation**, victory would indeed be uncertain.

"**Pandora's Magic: Glacial Finger!**"

Merlin extended his hand. Unlike the fiery spectacle of **Conflagration of Annihilation**, the **Glacial Finger** appeared almost inconspicuous. However, it was equally devastating.

Ice spread rapidly across the battlefield, freezing everything in its path.

Caught off guard, Viss struggled to defend against the second Pandora's Magic. His attention was still on countering the flames, leaving him vulnerable to the creeping frost.

"Impossible… I am a genius of Ossum! I cannot lose!" Viss's voice turned shrill as the ice enveloped him.

"Shatter."

Merlin's voice was calm as the frost cracked, breaking apart Viss's defensive spells. The icy prison shattered Viss's body, leaving only fragments behind.

The roaring storm ceased, and the battlefield fell silent. The first rays of morning sunlight pierced through the mist, illuminating the scene. On the ground lay shards of ice, within which Viss's remains were entombed.

---

The spectators were stunned.

"Viss… is dead?"

They couldn't believe their eyes. The same Spellcaster who had decimated the Wright family now lay defeated, shattered like fragile glass.

"Merlin of the Arcane Domain," someone whispered in awe. "A Tier 1 Spellcaster with multiple Pandora's Magics. He's already surpassed Kress. His reputation will soon eclipse all others."

Some whispered of Merlin's growing fame, while others predicted dark days ahead for the Arcane Domain.

Merlin ignored the murmurs. He stooped to retrieve a ring encased in ice—a relic of Viss. With a faint crack, he broke the ice and slipped the ring into his pocket.

Turning his attention to Layson, he spoke with icy finality.

"Layson, it's time we finished this."