"Matrix, analyze all Blazing Fury spell models for compatibility with the Fireball spell model!"
Merlin commanded the Matrix, fully aware that compatibility would be crucial to successfully constructing any advanced spell model.
"Analysis complete. A total of 13,628 spell models have no conflict with the Fireball spell model…"
The Matrix quickly processed the data, identifying over ten thousand models that were theoretically compatible with Fireball. However, Merlin knew that theoretical compatibility alone wouldn't guarantee success—low-compatibility models might be technically feasible but would likely prove unstable.
Reviewing the results, Merlin noted that one spell model had an exceptionally high compatibility of 91% with Fireball. For most mages, any compatibility over 60% was considered safe and stable enough to construct. But although this model had high compatibility, its stability was relatively low, ranking only in the top three hundred among over a hundred thousand models analyzed.
Constructing a spell model, especially a first-level spell, required a careful balance of stability, power, and compatibility. Now Merlin understood why some novice mages, despite having enough mental strength and a suitable spell model, struggled to become first-level mages. Spell model construction was incredibly challenging—stability alone could block many qualified mages, and when compatibility was added, the difficulty multiplied. It was no wonder that four-element mages or higher were so rare in the Dark Spirit Realm.
For most mages, the challenge wasn't building mental strength but constructing the spell model itself. Merlin had the Matrix, which allowed him to perform massive calculations, evaluate model stability, and analyze spell compatibility, helping him overcome the most significant obstacles mages faced.
After careful consideration, Merlin selected a model with 81% compatibility with Fireball. This model also ranked in the top twenty for stability and had impressive power, making it a well-balanced choice.
Merlin closed his eyes, beginning the final step of embedding the spell model for Blazing Fury into his mind.
---
"Failed…"
A few hours later, Merlin opened his eyes, looking frustrated.
The attempt had been too strenuous. His mental strength, though nearly at the level of a second-level mage, had been stretched thin by the sheer volume of spell models he'd constructed. Supporting so many models required vast reserves of mental energy, and Merlin had felt his limit while attempting to simulate Blazing Fury. Since he hadn't completed the simulation, he hadn't suffered any mental backlash, only a touch of disappointment.
"It seems I need to strengthen my mental power further."
Merlin realized his failure was directly linked to his mental strength. Though he could still try to brew another Illusion Potion, his stock of ingredients had dwindled after his initial four attempts, leaving him with just two portions. He wasn't willing to risk wasting such rare materials without a greater chance of success.
With only about ten days left until the exchange meeting, he decided to forgo another Illusion Potion attempt and instead focused on honing his skills with intermediate meditation.
---
Ten days later, Merlin's room filled with symbols. From the rune array, a translucent face emerged.
"Merlin, come to my quarters," Leo's raspy voice called. Merlin immediately understood it was about the exchange meeting. Tomorrow marked the Dark Spirit Realm's triennial gathering.
The past ten days of meditation had increased Merlin's mental power only slightly. He understood that building mental strength required prolonged dedication. The old black-robed mage had spent decades meditating to reach his mental peak as a first-level mage. Merlin had already surpassed that level, and his speed of growth was already impressive.
Ending his meditation, Merlin left his room and headed for Leo's quarters.
"Enter," Leo's voice called out as Merlin pushed open the door.
Leo's third eye pulsed with a dim red light. Merlin sensed an unusual power radiating from it. Although he knew little about the true abilities of Leo's "Eye of Darkness," he was aware of its mystical nature.
After a moment, the eye closed, and Leo spoke, "Tomorrow is the exchange meeting. Come here early. I'll be taking all the temporary members from the tower to attend."
Merlin nodded and listened as Leo outlined the rules for the exchange. One particular detail caught his attention—spellcasting tools would not be restricted.
This rule seemed to tip the scales for those with access to powerful tools. A well-funded mage could bring advanced tools, leaving the outcome almost inevitable.
Noticing Merlin's unease, Leo gestured dismissively, "Fairness is a luxury. Life doesn't offer fairness, and neither do we. Did you think wandering mages had it fair compared to those in the Dark Spirit Realm? Magic tools are part of your strength. Your goal is simply to avoid being last."
Leo paused, adding, "Whether or not you catch the interest of some skilled instructors will depend on your performance. Those reliant on tools without potential won't stand a chance, so just focus on showing your strength."
Leo's words brought clarity to Merlin. The world of mages demanded strength, not fairness. The exchange had multiple purposes, of which talent selection was only one. The powerful mages seeking promising disciples could discern true talent, so Merlin didn't need to worry.
Satisfied with the information, Merlin bid Leo farewell and returned to his room.
---
Under the dim lamplight, Merlin laid a crisp white letter on the table, holding a quill as he gazed into the dark night outside, lost in thought.
He realized it had been nearly a year since he'd quietly left Pugas City. His children, Celia and Constantine, would be taking their first steps by now. Yet, as their father, he couldn't be there to witness these milestones.
While writing a letter was permitted, arranging for delivery from the Dark Spirit Realm was costly—five contribution points per letter, with no guarantee of a reply since the realm's location remained unknown.
Five contribution points, equivalent to fifty thousand gold coins, made it an extravagant luxury. Previously, Merlin couldn't afford such a luxury, but with the 120 points transferred from Lorinka and his own thirty, he now had 150 points.
With his current resources, he could finally indulge in this "extravagance." His family held a precious place in his heart, and the distance hadn't dulled their importance.
After a long pause, he began writing.
---
"My dear Sherris and Avril, please send my regards to Father! Forgive me for not writing sooner. It's a luxury here in the Dark Spirit Realm, but I am well. Nearly a year has passed, and I often wonder how Celia and Constantine are doing.
Life here is good; you need not worry for me. Before I left, I entrusted Earl Salen and Mage Hill with our family's safety. I trust they'll keep the Wilson family secure in my absence.
In two years, I may return. Tell Mage Hill that I've found methods here to stabilize spell models. I'll work on acquiring them and bring them back for him."
---
After finishing, Merlin added a few tender lines of farewell and signed his name. Under the soft glow of the lamplight, he reread the letter, a sense of warmth filling him. Somehow, this connection to his loved ones strengthened his resolve for the coming exchange meeting.