Chapter 264: Insights
"Merlin, come in," Riel's voice called out from inside, carrying a raspy undertone.
Merlin pushed the door open and entered. As he looked up, he noticed that Riel, usually brimming with energy, appeared fatigued. Even the ominous glow of the dark eye on his forehead had dimmed significantly.
"Master Riel, are you alright?" Merlin couldn't help but ask with concern.
Riel waved his hand dismissively, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Heh, it's nothing. Crafting this piece drained a lot of energy. A few days of rest will do the trick. Here, Merlin, this bracelet contains a portion of the power from my *Dark Eye.* In critical moments, channel dark mana into it, and it will unleash its power. But it's a one-time use, so reserve it for life-or-death situations."
Riel's voice was hoarse, and his weariness evident. Merlin realized the toll crafting this item must have taken on him. It wasn't as simple as Riel made it sound—he likely paid a significant price for it.
Merlin accepted the bracelet, a wave of mixed emotions washing over him. He knew that his journey to the distant Cordomansila Islands was perilous. Riel, who had explored many dangerous places himself, understood the risks and went out of his way to ensure Merlin had a powerful safeguard.
"Master Riel…" Merlin hesitated, unsure of how to express his gratitude.
"Merlin," Riel interrupted, his tone growing serious. "The Cordomansila Islands are far away. Out there, you'll be beyond the Dark Spirit Realm's protection. Be cautious at all times. Now, go. I need rest."
Riel closed his eyes, signaling the end of their conversation. Merlin bowed slightly before leaving, fastening the bracelet to his wrist as he exited.
---
Outside, Merlin summoned Lorinka and Emma to speak with them before his departure.
"Lorinka, Emma, I'll be away from the Dark Spirit Realm for a while. It could be months, or even a year or more. During this time, focus on accumulating knowledge. Emma, especially you—your potential isn't limited to three zero-level spells. Aim to become a four-element spellcaster by constructing a fourth spell."
Lorinka and Emma were now Merlin's closest companions within the Dark Spirit Realm, aside from Riel. Before leaving, he decided to transfer some of his contribution points to ensure their continued growth and stability.
"Teacher, must you leave the Dark Spirit Realm for so long?" Emma asked, her voice tinged with reluctance. Around Merlin, she still retained the innocent demeanor of the young girl from Dittas Town.
Merlin smiled gently. "Emma, focus on mastering the knowledge of spell construction. If you need help, seek out Master Nasha—she's patient and thorough in her guidance."
After a pause, Merlin seemed to recall something. His gaze swept over Lorinka and Emma before he spoke in a low voice. "One more thing. If you get the chance, visit Pugarth City and check on the Wilson family—my family."
He thought of the Wilson family, of Old Wilson, Snow, his two wives, and his children. It had been a long time since he last visited Pugarth, and their well-being weighed heavily on his mind.
"Don't worry, Teacher. We'll visit your family if we can," Emma and Lorinka promised.
Satisfied, Merlin nodded. "Good. That puts my mind at ease."
---
Merlin stood at the runestone array within the Dark Spirit Realm, its intricate carvings radiating faint light. As he stepped into the array, he felt a complex mix of emotions. The Cordomansila Islands were a completely unfamiliar territory, far from the protection of the Dark Spirit Realm.
"Let's hope this journey goes smoothly," Merlin murmured as the array's light enveloped him, his figure vanishing into the glow.
---
**In the Wilderness**
A lone figure darted through a narrow mountain trail, moving at a speed so swift that it seemed to merge with the howling wind. Within moments, it disappeared into the dense forest.
"Need to stop. Out of mana again. Time to use elemental crystals to recover," the figure muttered as it slowed to a halt, finding shelter in a nearby cave.
It was none other than Merlin, who had left the Dark Spirit Realm and embarked on his journey. Covering such a vast distance meant relying heavily on spells like *Gale Sprint* and *Freedom of Wind,* which consumed significant mana. To compensate, Merlin frequently paused to recharge using wind-elemental crystals.
While using elemental crystals in this manner was considered extravagant—something most wandering mages couldn't afford—Merlin's resources allowed him this luxury.
"Alright, mana's restored. Time to keep moving," Merlin said, standing and preparing to resume his journey.
---
As he traveled, Merlin adhered strictly to the most direct routes, often traversing rugged mountains and dense forests rather than following established roads. Along the way, he encountered a variety of sights, including groups of primitive tribespeople who prayed around large stone formations.
Merlin shook his head at such scenes, having grown accustomed to them. These uncivilized tribes existed in abundance across the Bright Kingdom and Blackmoon Kingdom, their ways starkly contrasting with the advanced civilizations of the cities.
Merlin's journey, now spanning weeks, offered him a deeper understanding of the world's diversity. He witnessed not only the primitive but also the vast disparities in customs and development among different regions of the Blackmoon Kingdom. Each experience enriched his understanding of the world and its many complexities.
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**On the Grasslands**
After another ten days, Merlin emerged from a dense forest onto a vast, endless plain. In the distance, a thunderous rumble filled the air.
"What's that? A stampede?" Merlin's eyes widened in awe.
Before him stretched a breathtaking sight: thousands upon thousands of wild beasts charging across the grasslands in a massive, synchronized stampede. The sheer force and unity of their movement created a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur.
Despite their mundane nature, the sheer number and power of these beasts posed a force even Merlin hesitated to confront directly. Watching the stampede, Merlin felt a deep stirring within him, an almost instinctual desire to create a spell inspired by this magnificent display of raw power and unity.
"A great spellcaster isn't just knowledgeable but also well-traveled," Merlin recalled the words of a legendary mage he had once read about. "Only by experiencing the wonders of the world can one craft spells that resonate with its essence."
Though the idea of creating a new spell was intriguing, Merlin dismissed it for now. His immediate focus remained on reaching the Cordomansila Islands.
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**Reaching the Coast**
After another month of grueling travel through forests, plains, lakes, and mountains, Merlin finally caught sight of the sea. The salty breeze, coupled with the vast, unending expanse of water, lifted his spirits.
A smile broke across his face. "The sea. The Cordomansila Islands must be close now."