Chapter 298: A Slave Contract!
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Before this, the old Spell Caster appeared to be on his last legs in the Flame Prison, but now a tremendous force shimmered around his body. In particular, the layer of flames covering him flared up violently, faintly repelling the flames of the Flame Prison.
This tremendous presence immediately froze Merlin where he stood. Nonetheless, Merlin did not bat an eyelid. On the Ship of Nikola, he was unafraid of anyone. Furthermore, they were in the Flame Prison. Not just anyone would be able to withstand the endless flames. The old Spell Caster was no more than someone who appeared stronger than he really was by forcibly radiating his presence.
Seeing that Merlin remained cool and collected with an unperturbed expression, the old Spell Caster, who seemed to have such vigorous force a moment ago, immediately turned dispirited. The surrounding flames wildly wrapped around him and a pained expression appeared on his face.
It appeared that the old Spell Caster's previous outburst of force was not as simple as it seemed. Who knew how much pain he had suffered?
The old Spell Caster gave Merlin a deep look, following which he said in a dejected and faint voice, "Only those who had obtained the Legend Nikola's Flame Maxim would be able to move freely in the Flame Prison. It looks like you're the Spell Caster who had completed the three obstacles and finally won the Legend Nikola's Flame Maxim!"
The old Spell Caster raised his head, wearing an inscrutable expression. It turned out that his previous burst of energy was merely a show of bravado.
"Oh? You actually know about the Legend Nikola, and even about the Flame Maxim?"
Merlin raised an eyebrow, his interest aroused by the old Spell Caster's words. After all, the Ship of Nikola was hidden in the ocean depths, and the Flame Being had said that all those who entered the Ship of Nikola were forcibly dragged in by the Flame Being. If one did not clear the third obstacle, one would not know what the treasure on the Ship of Nikola was.
"Heh, of course I know about it because that year, I came here especially for the Flame Maxim that the Legend Nikola had left behind! Before that, I came across a message that the Legend Nikola had left in a mysterious way, and learned that he had left a Flame Maxim at the bottom of the sea. I didn't know the exact location, but I had a rough idea of where it was.
"Therefore, I waited unabatingly for decades at that region of the sea... In the end, my efforts were not wasted. I was dragged in here, only it was a shame that I was unable to defeat the Flame Image of the third obstacle in the end."
It turned out that the old Spell Caster had come here intentionally for the sake of the Flame Maxim that the Legend Nikola had left behind. Perhaps the Legend Nikola was worried and left behind other messages.
Every century or so, the Flame Being would seize a new batch of Spell Casters and bring them to the Ship of Nikola. Thus, the old Spell Caster had waited vigilantly around the area. Naturally, he would be taken by the Flame Being and brought to the Ship of Nikola.
As soon as the old Spell Caster finished speaking, silence descended over the Flame Prison. At last, the old Spell Caster spoke again, "You've gotten the Flame Maxim. Go on, what are you going to do to me?"
"Do to you?"
Hearing this, Merlin carefully looked the old Spell Caster over. Although he appeared rather downcast, he must surely have powerful abilities to persevere within this terrifying Flame Prison and held on for so many years without dying.
In particular, the burst of force that he had displayed far surpassed the average Seventh-level Spell Caster.
Seeing that Merlin seemed to be hesitating, the old Spell Caster said in a low voice, "Let me out. I, Bammou, am willing to grant you three promises! If you don't trust me, we can sign a contract!"
"Three promises? Wizard Bammou, I'm afraid you don't understand your situation here. I'm in control of the Ship of Nikola, and your life is also in my hands. You think I would care about three small promises?"
Merlin laughed coldly. This guy really had a bright idea, using only three promises in exchange for Merlin to set him free. If he turned on Merlin after he was out of danger, what use would the three promises be?
Therefore, Merlin would not fall for this so foolishly.
Wizard Bammou, upon seeing Merlin's expression, clenched his jaw. "Although you've obtained the Flame Maxim, you're still unable to refine it. Even though you cleared the third obstacle, you must surely have relied on some trick, who knows what, for your abilities aren't that powerful. If you agree to set me free, we can sign a contract and I'll accompany you, protecting you for ten years!"
Wizard Bammou suggested another arrangement, only this one was much better. Merlin could see that Wizard Bammou must be the Seventh-level Spell Caster that the Flame Being had mentioned.
So many years had passed and yet Wizard Bammou was still alive. He was able to resist the flames of the Flame Prison and was certainly more than just a simple Seventh-level Spell Caster. The protection of such a powerful Wizard for ten years would be a decent choice.
After a moment of pondering, Merlin still shook his head.
Wizard Bammou's face turned cold and he said hoarsely, "You've turned down both of these conditions. What do you really want in exchange for setting me free?"
In the Flame Prison, one had to endure torment and suffering every day. Even though Wizard Bammou could force himself to stay alive, he had no chance of escaping the Flame Prison. As such, of course he would want to seize the only chance he had of leaving the Flame Prison.
"It's simple. Sign a slave contract of the highest grade with me, and I'll let you out!"
A smile tugged at the corner of Merlin's lips as he said calmly.
"What? A slave contract? Impossible, this is absolutely impossible – even if I die in this Flame Prison, I'll never sign a slave contract with you!"
Upon hearing Merlin's request, Wizard Bammou did not seem to give it any thought before rejecting it straightaway. Moreover, he sounded quite resentful.
Among all different types of contracts, the slave contract was the most demanding. For Spell Casters who signed the slave contract – everything they owned, including their lives, was in the hands of their masters. Their masters could kill them off on a whim.
Not even Entrance-level Spell Caster would sign such a harsh contract, what more a proud Seventh-level Spell Caster like Wizard Bammou.
After signing a contract of the highest grade in the Dark Magic Region, Merlin had gained some understanding of the different types of contracts. Incidentally, he learned some details regarding the slave contract, and in this way, he gained knowledge of the existence of such a harsh contract.
Wizard Bammou was a bona fide Seventh-level Spell Caster and not an average one at that. If Merlin set him free, Merlin must have absolute control over him. Thus, signing a slave contract was the only way.
"Wizard Bammou, don't be so quick to turn this down. I'll wait here for three days. If until then you're still unwilling to sign a slave contract, then you can stay here forever and enjoy yourself."
With that, Merlin turned to leave the Flame Prison, but he did not go too far. Instead, beneath the sixteen runic pillars, he sat in the lotus position. He would wait here for three days.
From this spot, Merlin could still see Wizard Bammou's every movement. There seemed to be a layer of faint firelight around the Spell Caster's body, which must be Wizard Bammou's spell. Still, that Fire-type spell appeared to be somewhat similar to the flames of the Flame Prison.
It was these flames, which rather resembled the Flame Prison's, that allowed Wizard Bammou to withstand the scorching heat of the Flame Prison and in that manner, he had survived until now.
Merlin closed his eyes lightly. Through the Flame Maxim in his Awareness, he had immediate control over the Ship of Nikola. Every corner of the entire ship appeared in Merlin's mind.
Before this, Merlin had not found the Flame Prison, so he had no way of controlling it. However, now that he had located it, Merlin had the ability to control the Flame Prison through the Flame Maxim's command of the Ship of Nikola.
Therefore, with a single thought from Merlin, the sixteen runic pillars which enclosed the Flame Prison began to shudder slightly. Following that, the characters of the mysterious rune flew into the Flame Prison.
"Boom!"
As soon as these runes entered the Flame Prison, the flames of the entire prison surged ferociously as if someone had poured gasoline over them. They burned even more frantically than before.
Merlin laughed softly. "Wizard Bammou, enjoy these for three days. Of course, if you can endure these three days, I might consider letting you out."
Wizard Bammou's face turned a deep red and the fluctuations of Fire Element all over his body became abnormally intense. The layer of flames over his body seemed unable to withstand this, and he seemed to be in a situation that was getting dangerous.
This was Merlin's little trick. Wizard Bammou was a complicated individual. The terrifying presence that Merlin had previously felt from him was full of a ruthless spirit. Only someone who had slaughtered many others would emit such a force.
Wizard Bammou bore this bitterly. Merlin was in no hurry as well as he had plenty of time. However, after seeing the frightening power of the Flame Prison, something occurred to Merlin. If he encountered a powerful enemy, he could drag them into the Ship of Nikola and cast them into the Flame Prison, and everything would be taken care of.
Nonetheless, it was a shame that the Ship of Nikola could not be moved and could only stay in the depths of the ocean. Otherwise, what a solid backing Merlin would have!
"Heh, to make me surrender through such despicable means – I'm afraid that you'll be disappointed!"
Wizard Bammou fixed his glare on Merlin and gnashed his teeth as he spoke.
Merlin paid him no mind and checked upon the spells in his body instead. He had just constructed four Second-level spells in a row. In addition, he had used up a large number of elemental crystal stones in order to build up a certain amount of Magic Power in these Spell Models and equipped himself with fighting power.
Merlin did not spend too much time on the other spells but instead focused particularly on the Second-level Fire-type spell, Sea of Purgatory Fire.
Before this, Merlin had relied on the Flame Maxim's suppression to forcibly combine Fiery Collapse with his Fire-type spells. Now that he had constructed a new Second-level Fire-type spell, he wanted to see if Fiery Collapse could also be merged with Sea of Purgatory Fire.
"Sea of Purgatory Fire!"
Merlin cast the Second-level Fire-type spell, Sea of Purgatory Fire for the first time. A sweep of flames instantly appeared in mid-air before him.
The raging flames roared with might which was obviously much stronger than the First-level spell, Furious Flame. However, as he stared at the flames of Sea of Purgatory Fire, Merlin's brow gradually began to furrow.
Chapter 299: A Hundred Years' Time Limit
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Merlin looked at Sea of Purgatory Fire which he had recently constructed. It was not burning with white flames, indicating that Fiery Collapse was not fused with the spell.
For Pandora Demon Ability, Fuse Earth and Darkness Heart, they would merge with the spells right away. When the spells were cast, the power of the Pandora Demon Abilities would be automatically activated.
After ruminating about this for a moment, Merlin called upon Fiery Collapse as before.
"Boom!"
The flames of Sea of Purgatory Fire, which were initially raging fiercely, now turned white. Merlin was slightly taken aback when he saw this transformation, which meant that Fiery Collapse had combined with Sea of Purgatory Fire.
"Does this mean that when I used the Flame Maxim's suppression to force Fiery Collapse to fuse with the Fire-type spells it's different from the other Pandora Demon Abilities which are combined with spells, and still requires the activation of the Pandora Demon Ability in order for the fusion to occur?"
Merlin felt very puzzled, but thereafter, he observed closely for a moment. He discovered that the power of Sea of Purgatory Fire was now far beyond the average Second-level spell, and it was even difficult to judge how strong it really was.
Most Pandora Demon Abilities which could be combined with spells would instantly lend its power automatically once the spell was cast. However, Merlin's Fiery Collapse was different from other Pandora Demon Abilities which he had combined with spells.
After all, Merlin's Fiery Collapse was forcibly combined with the spells through the Flame Maxim. Merlin himself was unsure what sort of changes would occur.
It was fortunate that Fiery Collapse only induced this small change and combined well with Sea of Purgatory Fire. The raging fiery white flames mirrored the flames of the Flame Prison.
From time to time, Merlin would feel the heat from the Flame Prison. It was designed by the Legend Nikola himself and drew upon the power of the Maxim, so the might of the flames was almost inconceivable. At Merlin's current level, he was unable to understand it, but the parallel to his own flames made Merlin gain a deeper understanding of fire.
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, a day had gone by. Merlin opened his eyes once more. He had spent the entirety of the day before familiarizing himself with how Fiery Collapse combined with Sea of Purgatory Fire.
Thus, he now had a more profound understanding of the flames, which might not seem very useful now, but if Merlin began creating spells that he could call his own in the future, this knowledge would serve a crucial function.
"Hmm? Still not speaking? Regardless, you won't be able to hold on for long."
Merlin stared at Wizard Bammou, who was in the Flame Prison – his face drained and pale. He was also trembling slightly all over, biting down on his lips as if he was still holding on tenaciously.
However, such perseverance would ultimately have a limit. Once that limit was reached and Wizard Bammou could not withstand any longer, he would be burnt to ashes by the Flame Prison.
This was merely the first day. Merlin had decided upon three days, he was certain of his estimation of Wizard Bammou's limit.
...
"I agree to sign the slave contract!"
At an unknown time, a faint voice came from the Flame Prison. Merlin, who was right outside, opened his eyes quickly and turned his gaze toward Wizard Bammou in the Flame Prison.
At the moment, Wizard Bammou was surrounded completely by the blaze of the Flame Prison. The layer of flames over his body was turning faint and weak as if it would vanish soon.
Once the layer of flames dissipated, Wizard Bammou would no longer be able to withstand the flames of the Flame Prison.
A smile appeared on Merlin's face. It was only the second day, and merely half of the three days' time he set had gone by, yet Wizard Bammou could not stand it any longer.
"Very good, Wizard Bammou. Signing a slave contract is your only choice!"
Merlin controlled the Ship of Nikola and immediately lowered the intensity of the Flame Prison's flames. Thereafter, he stood up and came before Wizard Bammou.
Wizard Bammou sensed that the flames of the Flame Prison were much weaker, and got up, panting heavily. His expression gradually relaxed. It was clear that he had suffered a terrifying ordeal throughout the past day and a half, to the point where he did not hesitate in agreeing to sign a demanding slave contract with Merlin. 𝓁𝑖𝘣𝑟𝘦𝘢𝒹.𝑐ℴ𝘮
Wizard Bammou had somewhat recovered, and said heavily, "I'm willing to sign a slave contract with you, but a time limit must be set – a hundred years at most! After a hundred years, you must let me go. This is my only condition!"
Merlin fixed his gaze upon Wizard Bammou, and countless thoughts spun in his head.
The slave contract was initially the harshest contract of all. Once one signed a slave contract, their life would be in the hands of their master. There was no sense of hope at all in being a slave.
However, for a Seventh-level Spell Caster like Wizard Bammou, not having any hope was something unbearable. Although Wizard Bammou now agreed to sign a slave contract under the pressure of current circumstances, he had to retain a sense of hope. Moreover, a hundred years' time was considered a long period for Merlin.
It might be that after a hundred years, Merlin's powers would have far surpassed Wizard Bammou's and he would no longer need him. By giving Wizard Bammou a sense of hope, Merlin could obtain a very powerful slave.
As he thought about this, Merlin could only accept, and so he nodded with a smile. "We'll sign a slave contract according to your request then, with a time limit of a hundred years!"
Hearing Merlin's agreement, Wizard Bammou could not help but sigh in relief. No one would want to die, especially if they had been persevering bitterly in the Flame Prison for a few hundred years – of course, their desire to survive would be even stronger.
In the beginning, there were two other Spell Casters who were thrown into the Flame Prison, but they were dead by now. Wizard Bammou had survived up until today, so he would not let even the slightest bit of opportunity slip past him.
Although signing a slave contract would allow his life to be in someone else's hands, he ultimately still had some hope with the hundred years' time limit. This was, in fact, his only option.
"Let's sign the contract quickly. I've no wish to stay in the Flame Prison for a moment longer!"
Since he had made the decision, Wizard Bammou was itching to leave the Flame Prison. Nevertheless, Merlin seemed to have thought of something and shook his head powerlessly. "Signing a contract requires contract paper, but I'm sorry to say that I don't have contract paper with me. If you have any, bring it out. Otherwise, I can only leave you here in the Flame Prison for a while longer until I obtain the contract paper to sign the contract."
Wizard Bammou's face shifted. He was already boiling with rage inside – not only did he have to sign such a harsh slave contract but he was also expected to provide the contract paper.
Still, if he did not hand over the contract paper, he did not know when Merlin would be able to get it. It might be a year, or ten. Wizard Bammou had no desire to stay any longer in the Flame Prison.
Therefore, with an ashen face, he extracted a sheet of paper that was shimmering with golden light from a stack of contract paper. In a low voice, he said, "Here's your contract paper!"
Merlin glanced at the paper glowing with golden light. Its force was similar to the contract paper of the highest grade which the Dark Magic Region had brought out. This indicated that this contract paper was unlike the average contract paper.
Nevertheless, Merlin did not immediately let Wizard Bammou sign the contract but detached a small piece of the Flame Maxim in his Awareness and channeled it into the contract paper.
Wizard Bammou's face darkened when he sensed the presence of the Flame Maxim. In truth, he was still harboring a slim hope of lucking out before this. A contract was not impossible to terminate. It was just that a great price had to be paid. If one managed to obtain treasures which would terminate a contract, then, even the highest grade contract could be terminated at a certain price.
However, Merlin had fused a part of the Flame Maxim into the contract paper. This made it a contract that was almost impossible to terminate. Even if Wizard Bammou became a Legendary Wizard one day, he would still have no way of terminating the contract.
"Wizard Bammou, sign the contract!"
As he noticed Wizard Bammou's perpetually shifting expression, Merlin knew clearly that Wizard Bammou understood what the fusing of the Flame Maxim into the contract paper signified. Now that Wizard Bammou no longer had the possibility of terminating the contract, he could focus on being Merlin's slave from now on.
Wizard Bammou eyed Merlin and drew in a deep breath. A colossal burst of Mind Power suddenly erupted. This Mind Power was really powerful, far stronger than the Mind Power of the Ninth-level Spell Caster, Wizard Umo from Fort Udon. Even the quality of the Mind Power was elevated.
It might be that Wizard Bammou's Mind Power could compare to a Great Wizard's!
"I, Tarion Bammou, agree to serve as Wizard Merlin's slave, with a time limit of a hundred years!"
"Hum..."
As soon as Wizard Bammou spoke, the golden contract paper began to shine with a blinding light. Following that, Wizard Bammou's Mind Power was fused into the contract paper as well.
"Swish!"
With a wave of his hand, the contract paper landed in Merlin's hand. A peculiar sensation instantly grew in his chest as if he could now perceive some of Wizard Bammou's thoughts.
The slave contract was the most demanding contract of all. Once signed, one's life would be in the hands of someone else. Merlin now had such a feeling. Through this contract paper, he could learn of Wizard Bammou's thoughts and intentions. If he went in deeper, Merlin could even feel Wizard Bammou's tremendous Mind Power.
"Hmm? What powerful Mind Power. Only Great Wizards can have such Mind Power! Wizard Bammou's Mind Power has broken through to the level of a Great Wizard while he was in the Flame Prison?"
Through the slave contract, Merlin could perceive the strength of Wizard Bammou's Mind Power. It was very much comparable to a Great Wizard's, and it was the first time Merlin had felt such formidable Mind Power.
However, although Wizard Bammou's Mind Power was strong, he was just a Seventh-level Spell Caster and a Four-Elemental one at that. Still, there was a Fire-type spell which he had constructed which stood out as it was abnormal. It must be an Eighth-level spell, and this was the only Eighth-level spell in Wizard Bammou's Awareness.
After all, in the Flame Prison, there was only the turbulent Fire Element. There were no other Elements at all, so even if Wizard Bammou wanted to derive and construct other spells, it was impossible.
"Wizard Bammou, tell me, how long have you been in the Flame Prison?"
Merlin's eyes were calm as they fixed onto Wizard Bammou. With the slave contract, there were not many secrets which Wizard Bammou would be able to conceal from Merlin.