Standing before the Tower of Myriad Phenomena, Merlin looked on with a resigned expression. He had hoped for three stable years in the Dark Spirit Domain—a safe environment to focus on his journey toward becoming a level-one mage. Yet, with recent events, that hope was dashed. Now, his priority was simply to prepare for what was to come.
Merlin quickly made his way to the tower's second floor, which was packed with mages at various levels, all busily preparing for departure by exchanging spells, tools, and potions.
Merlin headed straight to the area for lightning spells, seeking a powerful area attack to complement his "Web of Thunder." Knowing that effective spell-building required compatibility, he searched for spells that would naturally build upon his existing framework rather than clash with it.
One spell immediately caught his eye: **Lightning Sphere**.
"**Lightning Sphere**," Merlin read, "a wide-ranging level-one spell developed by a level-seven mage as an advanced version of 'Web of Thunder.' It forms countless electric orbs in a designated area, delivering devastating attacks. This spell can only be cast if the caster already has 'Web of Thunder.' Cost: 80 contribution points."
Satisfied with this spell, which fit perfectly with his current skills, Merlin turned his attention to his final choice—the crucial dark spell.
Since he had first constructed **Dark Mist**, it had become one of his most reliable and potent spells, giving him the edge in countless battles. Despite its strength, however, it was still vulnerable to certain types of counterspells. As he browsed for a similar dark spell, he hoped to find one that would take the strengths of Dark Mist even further.
Dark spells were rare in the Dark Spirit Domain, with only a handful of level-one options available. Merlin began to worry that he wouldn't find a suitable choice, but as he scanned through the collection, his concerns vanished.
"**Domain of Darklight**," he read, suppressing a surge of excitement. "This dark spell twists light to create an area of complete darkness with enhanced illusionary effects. The spell model is highly complex, comparable to some level-two spells. Cost: 200 contribution points."
Merlin could barely contain his excitement. **Domain of Darklight** sounded like the perfect fit—capable of plunging an entire area into darkness, inducing powerful illusions. This spell would far exceed the capabilities of Dark Mist, and, unlike Dark Mist, it had no significant vulnerabilities.
Merlin selected **Domain of Darklight** without hesitation, regardless of the model's complexity. With Matrix's help, analyzing and constructing complex spell models was no issue.
Curious about other dark spells, Merlin browsed through the tower's database, but to his surprise, there were no level-two or higher dark spells available. While other elements had spells up to level six, dark spells were limited to just level-zero and level-one.
Even more curious, he realized there wasn't a single light spell available, a stark contrast to the variety of dark spells. Reflecting on his duel with Jason in Blackwater City, Merlin realized he hadn't encountered any mages with light spells since arriving at the Dark Spirit Domain.
"Not a single light spell in the entire Tower of Myriad Phenomena… Perhaps this ties back to some ancient secrets among mages, or even to the Light Church itself. I'll have to ask Master Leo if I get the chance," he mused, making his way up to the tower's third floor.
On the third floor, he focused on potions and potion recipes, particularly those that stabilized spell models—a request he'd promised to fulfill for the elderly black-robed mage.
After spending eighty contribution points, Merlin bought a **Purple Stone Dust** potion and recipe. Though it cost him a significant portion of his contribution points, he was content, especially as he'd already acquired Purple Stone Dust materials from his old master's collection.
Merlin moved to the fourth floor, where tools and equipment could be exchanged. He wanted a defensive tool, but even the lowest-grade items were far beyond his remaining 45 contribution points. Instead, he returned to the third floor to buy additional healing potions. After a final purchase, he was left with only five points.
As he was about to leave, his gaze fell on a particular item: **Vitality Potion**. He remembered hearing how some of the female mages in the Domain valued this potion for preserving youthful skin. With the upcoming departure from the Dark Spirit Domain, he thought of Avril and Cherise and decided to use his last five points on the Vitality Potion.
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In Leo's chambers, Merlin presented his final choices. "Master Leo, I've chosen my remaining spells—**Lightning Sphere** and **Domain of Darklight**."
"Ah, **Domain of Darklight**. So you chose it after all." Leo's expression held a peculiar smile as he spoke. "It's no surprise; this model's complexity is on par with some level-two spells. But given that you've already chosen Dark Mist and Condensed Ice, I suppose this choice was inevitable."
Without further comment, Leo handed over the spellbooks containing **Lightning Sphere** and **Domain of Darklight**.
After accepting them, Merlin asked tentatively, "Master Leo, once we leave, do you think we'll be able to return to the Dark Spirit Domain?"
Leo's face took on a strange expression, the crimson third eye on his forehead blinking slowly. "It's not as dire as you think. The Dark Spirit Domain has endured for over a thousand years. I expect the situation will stabilize within a year, and you'll receive instructions to return."
Merlin felt reassured by Leo's confidence. It was likely he had indeed overestimated the threat to the Dark Spirit Domain.
"Remember, though," Leo added, "even when you're away from the Domain, don't slack off. You only have two years here, and the resources outside are scarce compared to what you have here. When you return, I expect you to have succeeded in constructing at least one level-one spell."
Merlin nodded, sensing the rare warmth in Leo's tone. Grateful for his master's dedication, he gave a respectful bow before heading out, resolved to meet his master's expectations.