55.Jealousy Toward Merslin

After Luminaria's capital regained its peace, Merslin was revered throughout the kingdom for his achievements and magical prowess. However, his success also sparked jealousy and resentment among other mages. Rumors spread within the Mage Association that his Korean magic was a dangerous force of ancient power.

Hearing of the rising tension within the association, Merslin and his companions made their way to its headquarters. Inside, various mage factions had already split into opposing camps, each driven by their own interests. The Visionary Mage Association and Creative Mage Association supported Merslin, believing he was the one destined to fulfill the ancient prophecy. However, the Fire, Ice, and Lightning Mage Associations viewed his power as a threat and vehemently opposed him.

Inside the grand meeting hall, heated debates filled the air. The moment Merslin entered, the entire room fell silent. He stood calmly before them and spoke in a composed voice.

"I have fought tirelessly to protect Luminaria. My Hangul Magic is not a tool of destruction but one of defense."

Alex, the head of the Visionary Mage Association, stood up in support.

"Merslin is the prophesied savior. We must place our trust in him."

However, the head of the Fire Mage Association countered angrily.

"His power is too dangerous! We cannot control him. If his magic truly aligns with the prophecy, then that is all the more reason for us to fear him."

The leader of the Ice Mage Association nodded.

"That's right. Merslin's magic is beyond our control. If we allow it to exist unchecked, it will bring catastrophe upon us."

The head of the Lightning Mage Association sneered.

"This boy will disrupt the entire balance of our association. His very existence will lead to chaos and destruction."

Despite their hostility, Merslin remained calm.

"I have fought to protect this kingdom. You all know this to be true. My magic is not meant to harm, but to safeguard."

The Ice Mage leader scoffed.

"Then why is your magic mentioned in the ancient prophecy? Do you believe it is merely a coincidence?"

Merslin responded firmly.

"A prophecy can change depending on how we interpret it. What truly matters is how we act upon it."

As the conflict escalated, Merslin found himself tested—not just in power, but in his ability to navigate the intricate web of politics and deception within the Mage Association.

Uncovering the Conspiracy

Elena approached Merslin with a determined look.

"Merslin, we need to uncover the conspiracy behind this. Your power is not dangerous. We believe in you."

Together, Merslin and his allies began their investigation into the association's internal corruption. Their search led them to shocking discoveries: key figures in the Fire, Ice, and Lightning Mage Associations were involved in bribery, power abuse, and treasonous dealings.

Determined to expose the truth, Merslin gathered irrefutable evidence and prepared to present it before the entire Mage Association.

In the next council meeting, he stepped forward, revealing the evidence before everyone.

"These individuals are the true threat to Luminaria! Their deceit and corruption endanger us far more than any magic ever could."

The head of the Fire Mage Association turned red with rage.

"Lies! This is nothing but slander meant to bring us down!"

Alex, from the Visionary Mage Association, held up the evidence.

"The truth is clear. These documents prove their crimes. You can see for yourselves."

The Lightning Mage leader clenched his fists, his voice seething with fury.

"We will not stand idly by while you expose us. If eliminating you is what it takes, then so be it!"

The Battle for the Mage Association

With the lines drawn, battle erupted within the Mage Association. The factions that supported Merslin fought against those who sought to suppress him.

The Fire Mages launched enormous flames toward Merslin's group.

"You will be reduced to ashes!"

Merslin raised his staff, chanting a spell.

"Hwayeom Bulgil (Infernal Blaze), be frozen in time!"

A massive wall of ice surged forward, extinguishing the fire before it could spread.

The Ice Mages summoned a raging blizzard.

"You will freeze before you can take another step!"

Elena extended her hands, summoning a barrier of pure energy.

"This shield will protect us!"

The Lightning Mages unleashed bolts of electricity from above.

"You cannot escape our wrath!"

Merslin, his eyes shining with determination, redirected the lightning back at them.

"Your own power will be your undoing!"

The battle raged on, but Merslin's allies fought fiercely. One by one, the opposing factions fell back. At last, their resistance crumbled, and Merslin stood victorious.

Merslin and the Kingdom's Fate

After the battle, Merslin worked alongside his allies to reform the Mage Association, purging it of corruption and ensuring it would serve the people of Luminaria rather than selfish political interests.

However, as his influence grew, so too did the unease among the kingdom's ruling elite.

Even King Eremor, who had publicly praised Merslin's achievements, secretly felt threatened by his growing popularity. Some nobles and high-ranking mages whispered of Merslin as a dangerous figure, a being too powerful to control.

Summoned to the royal palace, Merslin sensed the tension in the air. The nobles avoided eye contact, and the mages regarded him with veiled hostility.

The king finally spoke.

"Merslin, your deeds have been great, and we acknowledge your contributions. But we must be cautious of power that exceeds our control."

The nobles and skeptical mages nodded in agreement.

Merslin met the king's gaze with unwavering resolve.

"Your Majesty, my magic exists to protect this kingdom. I will never allow it to bring harm to Luminaria."

The king remained silent for a long moment before finally declaring,

"The issue of Merslin's magic must be carefully examined. We cannot afford to make hasty decisions."

Though he was not imprisoned or exiled, it was clear that Merslin would always be under scrutiny. His power, once seen as a beacon of hope, was now regarded as a double-edged sword.

Elena approached him after the meeting, concern in her eyes.

"Merslin, no matter what they say, I believe in you. We will stand by you."

He smiled, grateful for her unwavering support.

"Thank you, Elena. As long as we have each other, we can face whatever comes next."

Despite the kingdom's lingering doubts, Merslin resolved to continue his journey—to uncover the secrets of his magic, to protect Luminaria, and to stand against the unseen forces that threatened them all.

**********

The Legendary Savior

The capital of Luminaria was still buzzing with Merslin's name. After resolving the conflicts within the Mage Association, his reputation as a legendary savior grew even stronger. Rumors spread that his Hangul Magic and achievements matched the descriptions of the prophesied savior from ancient legends, and many began to revere him.

Seeking the truth, Merslin and his companions visited the kingdom's Grand Library, a repository of countless ancient tomes and scrolls. While searching through the archives, they uncovered records about the Legendary Savior.

Elena, carefully deciphering the ancient language, looked up in astonishment.

"Merslin, according to this record, the legendary savior is said to wield Hangul Magic. And as proof of his identity, he is foretold to possess a sacred artifact."

Merslin furrowed his brows, deep in thought.

"The legendary savior… The idea that I might be connected to this figure is unsettling."

Just then, a group of royal priests arrived and guided them deeper into the library. One of the priests, his expression solemn, spoke with reverence.

"Merslin, His Majesty the King has summoned you. We can aid you in your search for the ancient records."

Merslin and his companions made their way to the royal palace. The king welcomed him with a measured gaze.

"Merslin, your deeds and magic have been of great service to this kingdom. But the rumors calling you the legendary savior—how do you feel about them?"

Merslin bowed respectfully.

"Your Majesty, even I am uncertain about these rumors. But one thing I do know—my magic exists solely to protect this kingdom."

The king observed him carefully before nodding.

"Then I shall trust your intentions. However, we must gather more evidence before making any declarations."

Yet behind his composed demeanor, the king harbored concerns. Merslin's involvement in Salynt and his growing influence unsettled him. He could not ignore the possibility that this young mage's rise in power could one day threaten the throne. But for now, he concealed his worries.

The Sacred Relic of the Savior

A few days later, Merslin and his companions ventured into an ancient ruin, seeking clues about the legendary savior. Deep within the ruins, they uncovered an artifact engraved with the mark of the savior, pulsating with immense magical energy.

"This artifact… it holds a deep connection to the savior of legend," Elena whispered in awe.

"With this, we may unlock the true power of the prophecy."

Merslin held the relic in his hands, feeling a strange resonance with his magic.

"If this power can be used to protect Luminaria, then we must harness it."

They began preparing for a sacred ritual within the ruins to awaken the artifact's full potential. As Merslin chanted an ancient incantation, a radiant light engulfed him. The energy of the relic surged through his body, amplifying his power beyond anything he had ever felt before.

"Now, we are stronger than ever. If I truly am the legendary savior, then I will fight to protect this kingdom with all my might."

With this newfound power, Merslin solidified his place as the prophesied savior, resolving to safeguard Luminaria's future.