Within the library, Merlin sensed the Teleportation Formation shatter. It caused the thin veil of spatial displacement that had enveloped the entire Palace to dissipate gradually.
His expressions grew grim as he realised that the Palace was now trapped within Poseidon's Domain, rendering any escape impossible.
His attention shifted to the Sphere of Knowledge, which became his sole priority in that moment. He understood that he could not afford to lose it. He couldn't allow Zeus and Poseidon to breach the Palace's defences.
Summoning his resolve, Merlin took a deep breath and extended his hand, beckoning his magic staff to fly into his grasp.
As soon as he held the staff, his aura transformed. Even Circe, standing beside him, felt a slight suppression in his presence.
In that moment, Merlin shed his scholarly mage persona and assumed the mantle of a battle mage, radiating an aura primed for combat.
