Deep within the vast Thorny Mountains, Merlin moved purposefully, following the guidance of his Dark Spirit Ring rather than wandering aimlessly. Gradually, the ring led him to a hidden rune array, its dormant state suggesting it hadn't been activated for a long time.
The Dark Spirit Domain was shrouded in mystery, and its exact location remained unknown to most. The only way to enter was through rune arrays scattered across the lands. However, only spellcasters from the Dark Spirit Domain, guided by their Dark Spirit Rings, could locate and activate these arrays.
Merlin, well-versed in rune arrays, stepped onto the platform without hesitation. Channeling his mental energy, he stimulated the runes. They sprang to life, glowing and resonating with the runes on his Dark Spirit Ring.
The array acknowledged Merlin's ring, and a powerful pulling force enveloped him as brilliant light surrounded his figure.
With a flash, the dense forest returned to silence, and Merlin's figure vanished, transported to the Dark Spirit Domain.
---
The cool sea breeze, damp air, and playful seabirds on the shore greeted Merlin. Looking around at the familiar sights, he finally exhaled in relief.
"The Dark Spirit Domain... I've finally returned!"
It had been over a year since Merlin left, yet the Dark Spirit Domain remained unchanged. Walking to the monumental stone tablet at the entrance, Merlin felt a wave of nostalgia. He recalled his early days as a novice mage, clueless and inexperienced. Now, he had grown strong enough to easily defeat even Third-Level Spellcasters.
"Master Didymus," Merlin called softly, standing before the tablet.
In an instant, a mist emerged from the stone, transforming into a sleek black cat with an air of authority.
"Oh, it's you, Mage Merlin! You've taken your sweet time returning. Most of the others who left have already come back," Didymus said, his gaze carrying a hint of expectation.
Merlin chuckled knowingly and produced a few ice-elemental crystals from his ring, tossing them to Didymus. The cat's eyes sparkled with delight as its form expanded, devouring the crystals with a series of crunching sounds.
Satisfied, Didymus nodded approvingly. "Well done, Mage Merlin. These crystals are excellent. You may proceed."
The black cat dissolved into a dark streak, re-entering the tablet. A hazy, ripple-like opening appeared in the air before Merlin, who raised his Dark Spirit Ring and stepped through into the Dark Spirit Domain.
---
Standing before Wizard Leo's towering spire, Merlin gazed at its characteristic desolation compared to the other bustling towers. He smiled faintly.
Inside, he found Wizard Hall engrossed in potion-making, as usual, with no task more important to him than his alchemical experiments.
"Wizard Hall!" Merlin greeted.
Hall acknowledged him absentmindedly but soon froze, staring at Merlin in surprise. "You're back, Merlin?"
"Yes, I just returned. Is something wrong?" Merlin asked.
Hall shook his head. "Not with me, but Wizard Leo was looking for you. When you didn't return, he let it go. It's unusual for him to personally seek someone out—you're the first!"
"Wizard Leo was looking for me?" Merlin's brow furrowed. He bid Hall farewell and ascended the tower to the topmost level.
---
"Wizard Leo!" Merlin knocked lightly on the door, his voice calm.
The door creaked open, revealing Wizard Leo in his usual terrifying form—his blood-red vertical eye glowing faintly on his forehead, his empty eyes as chilling as ever. However, his right arm was missing, leaving only a sleeve flapping loosely.
"Wizard Leo, what happened to your arm?" Merlin asked, his tone serious.
Leo smiled faintly. "It's nothing—a small price to pay. I lost an arm, but Osium's Seventh-Level Spellcaster, Oxius, is dead. A fair trade."
Despite Leo's nonchalance, Merlin was stunned. Seventh-Level Spellcasters were immensely powerful, and for Leo to have slain one at such a cost spoke volumes about the perilous battle.
Leo's demeanor had shifted subtly. The oppressive aura that once surrounded him seemed lighter, his presence less terrifying.
"Merlin, I summoned you earlier, but you didn't return. What happened?" Leo inquired.
Merlin had already prepared an explanation. While he trusted that the Dark Spirit Domain harbored users of Pandora's Magic, he opted to keep it a secret.
"I was trapped in an ancient ruin, where I focused on constructing spells. Only after becoming a First-Level Spellcaster was I able to escape and return," Merlin explained simply.
Leo's expression shifted. "A First-Level Spellcaster? Are you saying you've advanced?"
The blood-red eye on Leo's forehead opened fully, casting a crimson light over Merlin. Under its gaze, Merlin felt as though every secret was laid bare.
"Six-element First-Level Spellcaster... incredible," Leo murmured, astonishment in his voice. He knew Merlin's abilities well, and a year ago, Merlin hadn't even constructed a single First-Level spell. Now, not only had Merlin advanced, but he had mastered six complex spells, including the challenging Frozen Binding and Darklight Domain.
Leo's shock turned to delight. "Merlin, this is remarkable. Forget Kress—you're the true prodigy of the Dark Spirit Domain!"
Laughing heartily, Leo continued, "Now you face two choices. One, sign the contract to become an official member of the Dark Spirit Domain, gaining access to its resources and assuming its responsibilities. Two, return the Dark Spirit Ring and become a wandering mage, free of obligations but also without the support of the Domain."
Merlin had already made up his mind. He had seen the hardships of wandering mages, struggling for materials and knowledge, often risking their lives. The resources of an organization like the Dark Spirit Domain were unparalleled.
"I choose to become an official member," Merlin declared.
Leo smiled knowingly. "Excellent. But before you sign the contract, you must meet the elders. I'll ensure you receive the rewards you deserve."
With a cryptic smile, Leo led Merlin out of the tower, flying toward the highest spires in the Dark Spirit Domain—the domain of the Seventh-Level Spellcasters, its true powerhouses.