Chapter 230: Hurried Departure
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
"Fifth-level Darkness-type spell, Garotte Tempest!"
Merlin took out a Fifth-level book and carefully read the introduction of this spell.
Garotte Tempest was a standard Fifth-level Darkness-type spell. Once one had cast the spell, the Darkness Elements around the person would turn into the strongest blow. Along with a powerful illusion, the opponent would be flustered and rendered unable to block the attack.
The reason it was called Garotte Tempest was that the spell was too overpowering. No matter how powerful a Spell Caster was, he would still be greatly injured or die from an overpowering attack. This was considered an extremely strong spell among Fifth-level spells.
"As expected, not only Fifth-level Darkness-type spells have hallucinating effect, but it also has the ability to cause physical harm!" 𝓵𝓲𝙗𝓻𝓮𝓪𝙙.𝒄𝓸𝒎
Merlin nodded. Since the Fourth-level spell, Darkness Nightmare, was already considered the best in illusions, there could not be any Fifth-level spells that was stronger than Darkness Nightmare.
Then, the only breakthrough was their offensive ability. Darkness-type spells also possessed strong actual offensive ability now.
Without a hint of hesitation, Merlin chose the Fifth-level Darkness-type spell, Garotte Tempest.
Following that, he was only left with choosing the Sixth-level spell. Regarding this matter, he had heard from Wizard Leo about the Sixth-level Darkness-type spell, Destructive Light, which was known to be the strongest spell of all!
Destructive Light was a powerful Sixth-level spell that even Wizard Leo was unable to construct back then. No one knew who had created Destructive Light, nor did anyone know when the spell had passed on.
They only knew that Destructive Light was insanely powerful. During the most glorious age of Spell Casters, Destructive Light was, without a doubt, the strongest spell among all Darkness-type spells!
Of course, this was excluding the Seventh-level spells of the powerful Spell Casters. Destructive Light was simply one of the many Sixth-level spells in the world; how did the spell gain its fame and reputation?
In addition, from the ancient times three thousand six hundred years ago, one of the most important criteria to determine whether a Darkness-type Spell Caster was a prodigy was the Spell Caster's ability to construct Destructive Light.
"Destructive Light is a black light but it contains incomparably strong power – the ability to destroy anything and everything. It's even more powerful than many Seventh-level spells!"
Thinking about Wizard Leo's introduction of Destructive Light, Merlin chose to believe his words. It was a spell that even Wizard Leo was impressed with but was not successful in constructing it. Merlin would naturally not choose another spell over this.
There could be numerous genius Spell Casters who were not able to construct Destructive Light, but Merlin had the help of the Matrix. No matter how complex the Spell Model was, he could easily construct it. Choosing Destructive Light almost meant that Merlin could construct it successfully.
In addition, Merlin had cultivated the third-type of Darkness Heart. Should Darkness Heart merge with Destructive Light, its power would be magnified to a fearsome level.
However, this matter was yet too far for Merlin. He had not even thought so far into the future. After taking the spell book of Destructive Light from the shelf, he turned around and approached Wizard Treman.
"Wizard Treman, these are the spells that I've chosen!"
Merlin placed the spells of his choice, one by one, before Wizard Treman.
Wizard Treman squinted his eyes and scanned the books. He immediately knew what Merlin had chosen. Although he had recommended Merlin to choose the stronger spells with more complicated Spell Models, he had not expected Merlin to choose such highly difficult spells.
"I don't care about Darkness Tide and Darkness Vortex. The Fourth-level spell, Darkness Nightmare, is known to be the ultimate hallucinating spell; the complexity of its Spell Model even exceeds many Fifth-level spells. To be fair, it can even compare to some simpler Sixth-level spells. Meanwhile, the Sixth-level spell, Destructive Light, has the reputation of only being constructed successfully by true Darkness-type genius Spell Casters!"
Looking at the spells Merlin had chosen, even Wizard Treman was overwhelmed with surprise so he glanced at Merlin inquiringly.
Merlin was also observing Wizard Treman's expression. After noticing that his expressions kept changing, Merlin realized that the spells he had chosen could be insanely powerful. Moreover, they were so strong to the extent that even Wizard Treman was speechless.
"Wizard Merlin, these are the spells that you've chosen?"
After a long moment, Wizard Treman asked in a low voice.
"That's right. I've already decided that these are the spells I want. Wizard Treman, please undo the Runic Magic Circles imposed on these spell books."
Merlin knew that there were Runic Magic Circles on these books that could not be forced open. Opening it by force would result in the destruction of the entire book. Thus, he would need to rely on the Spell Casters of Abyss Fort who were familiar with these Runic Magic Circles to undo them.
Upon seeing that Merlin was determined in his choice, Wizard Treman nodded. Following that, he reached out his hands and drew in the air. Mysterious runes danced in mid-air and absorbed into the books.
Then, Merlin sensed that the Runic Magic Circles on the spell books had been undone. He could freely read through the Spell Models recorded in the books anytime.
Merlin flipped the pages open randomly and saw some of the Spell Models and notes on it. Then, he nodded in satisfaction and kept these spell books in his ring. He bowed to Wizard Treman once again and walked out of the library.
Merlin had not only cultivated Darkness Heart in Abyss Fort. This time, he had even obtained Darkness-type spells, ranging from Second-level to Sixth-level. He did not have to worry about finding Darkness-type spells in the future at all.
Hence, Merlin was in a good mood. He had begun to think about when he could construct his first Second-level spell.
Even though Merlin's Mind Power had reached that of the Third-level, it was still insufficient for him to construct Second-level spells. He would need to accumulate more Mind Power.
However, the increase in Mind Power from Third-level to Fourth-level was a complete change in quality. This meant that Merlin still had a large gap to improve himself. It would not be a problem for his Mind Power to grow by several factors.
Soon, Merlin left the library. Wizard Leo, who was waiting outside, suddenly stretched his red vertical eye wide and calmly asked Merlin, "Have you chosen your spells?"
Merlin was able to gain so much in Abyss Fort thanks to the enormous sacrifices Wizard Leo had made. Therefore, Merlin was grateful toward Wizard Leo and he replied respectfully, "Teacher Leo, I've chosen the spells!"
"Great. It's time for us to leave!"
Wizard Leo heaved a long sigh, then turned to Wizard Hobbes. "Wizard Hobbes, I'll give the last part of the cultivation method of Darkness Eye to you before I leave Abyss Fort. Now, please send us off from Abyss Fort first!"
"Leaving Abyss Fort?"
Wizard Hobbes frowned slightly. He glanced at Wizard Leo doubtfully. Wizard Leo would not dare to go back on his words for such an important exchange.
Otherwise, Abyss Fort would look for him even if he had returned to the Dark Magic Region.
However, Wizard Leo's action was indeed strange. There could be some reasons that Wizard Hobbes did not know of behind his actions. After considering it for a long time, Wizard Hobbes still nodded due to his strong anticipation toward the cultivation method of Darkness Eye. "Alright. We'll send you off from Abyss Fort, but only until we're right out of Abyss Fort."
Wizard Leo nodded. Following that, Wizard Hobbes and the other two Seventh-level Spell Casters "guarded" Merlin and Wizard Leo out of Abyss Fort, making sure that they stood around the duo.
...
Outside of Abyss Fort, a few figures appeared from the dark cave. It was Wizard Hobbes, Wizard Leo, and the others.
Wizard Gryzllo and Wizard Bahrain were walking in front, seemingly leading the way for Merlin and Wizard Leo. In fact, they were standing in Merlin and Wizard Leo's way just in case anything happened.
Meanwhile, Wizard Hobbes was right behind the duo, watching Merlin and Wizard Leo's moves closely.
"Alright, we've left Abyss Fort. Wizard Leo, what about the rest of the cultivation method?"
Wizard Hobbes slowly halted his footsteps and stared enthusiastically at Wizard Leo. At the same time, Wizard Gryzllo and Wizard Bahrain became alerted, fearing that Wizard Leo might make any "unwise" moves.
Wizard Leo directly took the remaining half of the cultivation method from his ring and handed it to Wizard Hobbes. What they were worried about did not occur.
After scanning through the remaining half quickly, Wizard Hobbes brimmed with elation. He said to Wizard Leo with smiles, "That's great. Wizard Leo, you can leave anytime."
"Let's go!"
Wizard Leo did not hesitate at all. Strong fluctuations of Wind Elements appeared around him as he brought Merlin away from Abyss Fort rapidly.
Merlin was filled with unspoken words. He had a strange feeling. 'Why did Wizard Leo leave Abyss Fort in such a rush? Could it be that something was wrong with the remaining half of the cultivation method?'
However, Wizard Hobbes was a Seventh-level Spell Caster. If there were any problem at all, he should have noticed it earlier; he would not let Wizard Leo go free like this.
Seemingly noticing the questions in Merlin's mind, Wizard Leo took a glance at Abyss Fort which was becoming further away from them. He smirked. "The cultivation method of Darkness Eye is, of course, real. I've indeed devised it personally. However, if they want to cultivate Darkness Eye with my method, Abyss Fort must be prepared to sacrifice the lives of more than a dozen Sixth-level Spell Casters to have one person successfully cultivate it!"
"The lives of more than a dozen Sixth-level Spell Casters?"
Merlin was stunned. There were only about twenty Sixth-level Spell Casters in the entire Abyss Fort; they would not be able to pay such a price for it.
Merlin immediately understood that the cultivation method devised by Wizard Leo might have a fatal flaw that was unable to be made up with anything. With his cultivation method, some might successfully cultivate Darkness Eye. However, the price the person had to pay was far greater than what a small-scaled spell casters' organization like Abyss Fort could afford!
"Abyss Fort... They've truly been taken advantage of completely. They can't even regret what they've agreed to now!"
Merlin took a glimpse at Abyss Fort which had now become a blurred image. He took a deep breath and mumbled to himself.
Chapter 231: Resolution 1
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
"We finally have it – the complete cultivation method of Darkness Eye!"
Wizard Hobbes' voice trembled as he spoke, and he seemed rather worked up. Beside him, Wizard Gryzllo and Wizard Bahrain gazed fervently at Wizard Hobbes' latter half of the cultivation method.
They were all Seventh-Spell Casters who were experts in Darkness-type spells. They believed that since a Sixth-level Spell Caster like Wizard Leo managed to cultivate Darkness Eye through this method, there was a high possibility that they would be able to cultivate it as well.
When that happened, the overall power of Abyss Fort would be increased to an extremely terrifying level.
However, as they continued reading, an odd expression quickly washed over Wizard Hobbes. When they had finished studying the entire cultivation method of Darkness Eye, he began to seethe with anger, which was a terrifying sight.
"Damn it! Leo had given us a cultivation method that's impossible to achieve!"
The expression on Wizard Hobbes' face became unpleasant. Beside him, Wizard Gryzllo and Wizard Bahrain felt a jolt of their hearts when they heard what he said, and they hastened to ask, "Did Leo give a fake cultivation method?"
"Hmph, it's worse than fake! If it was fake, we can go to the Dark Magic Region and ask Leo to hand over the real cultivation method. However, this second half of the cultivation method is the real thing. If one really cultivates Darkness Eye by following the stated method, the success rate is truly pitiful. Even if we have all our Sixth-level Spell Casters working on this, it's possible that not even one will succeed. Those who don't succeed will almost certainly die!"
Wizard Hobbes gnashed his teeth as he looked toward where Wizard Leo and Merlin had left, his heart filled with hatred.
"Since it's so difficult to cultivate it, how did Leo manage to succeed?"
Wizard Gryzllo and Wizard Bahrain exchanged a glance and asked in puzzlement.
Wizard Hobbes slowly retracted his gaze from the distance, and still clenching his jaw, replied in a low voice, "Leo is a madman. If it wasn't for his great luck, he would have long been dead. How lucky he is to have cultivated Darkness Eye! He was determined to do it at all costs, but can other Spell Casters persist at all costs like him?"
After Wizard Hobbes had spoken, the surrounding became quiet.
After a long moment, Wizard Bahrain said softly, "Let's go back. No matter what, we'll have to let the others look at the cultivation method of Darkness Eye, and even trouble Wizard Hegleman to have a look. Perhaps Wizard Hegleman would be able to amend a few aspects of Leo's method, and refine it further?"
Wizard Hobbes' eyes brightened, and he nodded. "That's right, Wizard Hegleman is a Ninth-level Spell Caster. He might be able to improve Leo's cultivation method! Let's go, we'll return now."
With that, Wizard Hobbes and the other Seventh-level Spell Casters turned around quickly and returned to Abyss Fort.
...
"Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!"
A burst of white light suddenly flashed across the tranquil beach. Following that, two figures appeared on the beach.
One of them had an ugly face with hollow eyes and a crimson third-eye in his forehead. It was Wizard Leo who had just returned to the Dark Magic Region from Abyss Fort.
Wizard Leo eyed his surroundings and turned around wearing a rather complicated expression. "Merlin, there are many prodigies, but not all of them can become a great Spell Caster. This is as far as I can help you."
After a pause, a sorrowful look suddenly washed over Wizard Leo's face as he mumbled softly, "If Raydore hadn't died then, perhaps he would've become a truly great Spell Caster. Back then, he was determined to be a Six-Elemental Spell Caster..."
Wizard Leo then turned around and entered the Dark Magic Region by himself, leaving Merlin who was deep in his own thoughts.
Merlin stared at the vanishing figure of Wizard Leo. He knew some parts of Wizard Leo's story. Wizard Leo had killed his younger brother Raydore with his own hands, and this became a nightmare that Wizard Leo was never able to escape. Even his cultivation of Darkness Eye and his tireless hunt of Osseus were all for the sake of avenging his brother so that he might achieve peace in his heart.
This was to the extent that Wizard Leo had helped Merlin so much simply because Merlin shared some similarities with Raydore. For the first time, Merlin suddenly felt that the disappearing figure of Wizard Leo, who had shaken up so many spell casters' organizations, seemed to be somewhat lonely...
...
When he had returned to the Wizard Tower, Merlin stayed inside for almost half a month. He was not carrying out any cultivation. If he wanted to quickly improve the present state of his Mind Power in a short time, he would need to rely on more than just Blueberry Potion.
Even if he added Phantasmal Magic Potion to the mix, he would need to consume it over many years to see an improvement in his Mind Power. Furthermore, the Dark Magic Region did not have the materials for Phantasmal Magic Potion.
Therefore, during this period, Merlin did not take in potions to boost his Mind Power but instead familiarized himself with the powers he had.
Now, Merlin was not just a Six-Elemental Spell Caster. Besides having powerful Six-Elemental spells, Merlin also possessed Glacial Finger, Fiery Collapse, and Darkness Heart that he had just cultivated in Abyss Fort. All in all, he had three types of Pandora Demon Ability.
An individual having three types of Pandora Demon Ability – Merlin did not know what the situation was in other spell casters' organizations. However, in the Dark Magic Region, Spell Casters who possessed Pandora Demon Ability were already rare hence it was even more rare for a person to have three types of Pandora Demon Ability.
Although having three Pandora Demon Abilities was considered many, he would still need to familiarize himself with their power and unleash the limits of their unique capabilities. In this manner, only then would he be able to truly demonstrate the superiority of the three types of Pandora Demon Ability.
Merlin had already completed the first stage of cultivating Glacial Finger. Its power was already very formidable, and most Third-level Spell Casters would be unable to withstand such an attack and became frozen immediately.
As for Fiery Collapse, its power seemed to be even more terrifying with its raging flames that covered the entire area. The first form of Fiery Collapse already had such frightening strength, and even Third-level Defensive spells would be consumed in the flames.
As for Fourth-level spells, Merlin had not encountered any Fourth-level Spell Casters so far, so naturally, he was unsure about the extent of Fiery Collapse. Would it be enough to threaten Fourth-level Spell Casters?
Glacial Finger and Fiery Collapse were both Offensive Pandora Demon Abilities, but Merlin's Darkness Heart was a Supportive Pandora Demon Ability.
Although it was of a Supportive nature, the boost of power that Darkness Heart provided to Merlin's Darkness-type spells would be a great one, especially since Merlin had constructed an extremely formidable spell among the First-level spells, Dark Light Realm. Once it was cast and enhanced by Darkness Heart, it might just trap the average Fourth-level Spell Caster in an illusion.
When Merlin took note of all the powers that he possessed, he noticed that his capabilities had been greatly enhanced without him realizing it. Third-level Spell Casters would no longer be of any threat to Merlin.
"It's time for a trip to Floating City to resolve matters with Riesen!"
Merlin muttered ominously. Of course, he had not forgotten Wizard Riesen's sneak attack on him in the ancient monument, and how Wizard Riesen had also trapped him in it.
It was possible that Wizard Riesen had never considered that to cultivate Fiery Collapse, one would need to be in the ancient monument. He merely possessed the cultivation method but had no way of cultivating Fiery Collapse.
Conversely, it was Merlin who had discovered a silver lining while he was trapped in the ancient monument and managed to cultivate the first form of Fiery Collapse.
Now that Merlin's powers were significantly increased and at his current mind power, there was no chance that he would be able to construct a Second-level spell, so he instantly thought about settling matters with Riesen.
"After I've resolved matters with Riesen, I'll look for Laurinka. I'm a First-level Spell Caster now, so I can have my own attendant!"
Merlin had not forgotten about his initial promise to Laurinka. Once he had become a First-level Spell Caster, he would take Laurinka as his attendant so she could return once more to the Dark Magic Region.
This was Merlin's promise, and now was the time for him to fulfill this promise to Laurinka.
Therefore, Merlin stood up right away and had opened the door when he found that a familiar figure was standing outside.
"Elena?"
Merlin furrowed his brows and cried out in surprise.
Elena jerked her head up, and a delighted expression appeared on her face when she saw that it was Merlin. "Wizard Merlin, you're finally out! I've come by a few times but you always seem to be busy, so I didn't disturb you."
It turned out that Elena had come by a few times, only she did not want to disturb Merlin.
Merlin smiled and asked, "Is there any reason you're looking for me?"
Elena smiled as well. "Nothing much. I just wanted to thank Wizard Merlin. If you hadn't saved us back then in the ancient monument, I'm afraid that I wouldn't have had the chance to return to the Dark Magic Region."
As she brought up what happened in the ancient monument, Merlin was instantly reminded of the fact that he had rescued Elena and Wizard Glen in passing back when he was in the ancient monument.
"It's nothing much. It was a simple effort."
Merlin paused for a moment. He considered how, this time around, it might not be easy to search for Riesen in Floating City, and further recalled that Elena's clan was a Spell Caster clan in Floating City. Perhaps he could request Elena's assistance.
Thus, Merlin said, "Wizard Elena, I'm returning to Floating City, and I'm afraid that I have a favor to ask of your clan."
"Oh? Wizard Merlin is going back to Floating City? In that case, how about I tag along with you? If it's a matter in Floating City, I believe that I would be of some help."
Hearing that Merlin was going to Floating City, Elena became more enthusiastic. After all, Merlin was currently a rising star, a gifted Spell Caster in the Dark Magic Region, and an even greater talent than Kleis. Befriending Merlin would be hugely beneficial to her position in her clan.
"Well, thank you for your help Wizard Elena!"
Merlin bobbed his head and did not turn down the offer. With Elena's help, it would be a piece of cake to search for Riesen.
"There's no time to lose. We'll leave now!"
Merlin professed in a level tone.
After that, Merlin and Elena went through the Runic Magic Circle together and quickly left the Dark Magic Region.