"Could there be a Pandora's Magic of the dark element in the Dark Spirit Domain?" Merlin asked, puzzled. The Domain didn't even have spells above the Second Level for the dark element, so the existence of such rare Pandora's Magic seemed improbable.
Wizard Leo shook his head slightly. "The Dark Spirit Domain doesn't have any Pandora's Magic of that sort... Never mind. Prepare yourself. Tomorrow, I'll take you somewhere, and you'll understand then."
Without elaborating further, Leo dismissed Merlin, telling him to get ready for their journey. Understanding that Leo wasn't going to say more, Merlin respectfully left the room.
Instead of returning to his quarters, Merlin headed straight to the Tower of Myriad Forms. He intended to claim the robe that all official members of the Dark Spirit Domain were entitled to. These robes were no ordinary garments—they were defensive tools inscribed with protective runes, worth at least 100 contribution points if exchanged.
---
When Merlin arrived at the bustling Tower of Myriad Forms, he saw spellcasters exchanging spells, potions, and tools amidst a lively crowd. At the tower entrance, a few gray-robed spellcasters were lounging lazily, some with their eyes closed.
"I'm here to claim my official member robe," Merlin said softly as he approached them.
One of the gray-robed spellcasters opened his eyes and looked at Merlin indifferently. "Your Dark Spirit Ring, please."
Merlin handed over his ring without hesitation. The ring contained all the information about its wearer, accessible only to those entrusted with specific tools of the Dark Spirit Domain.
Initially uninterested, the gray-robed spellcaster's demeanor changed dramatically when the ring glowed, revealing Merlin's status. He stared at Merlin, his expression shifting to one of disbelief.
"Wizard Merlin, you're here for the official member robe?" he asked, now noticeably respectful.
Merlin nodded. "Yes, I am."
Quickly, the spellcaster called for his colleagues, whispering instructions. The group's mood grew solemn, and they hurried inside the tower to fetch the robe.
"Wizard Merlin, this is the official member robe of the Dark Spirit Domain," the spellcaster explained, presenting a black robe with golden embroidery on the collar and cuffs. The left chest bore a unique rune emblem, identifying the wearer as an official member of the Domain. The robe's protective enchantments could deflect attacks from First-Level spells.
These robes served a dual purpose: protection and recognition. When official members wore them outside on missions, others could identify them as part of the Dark Spirit Domain. Killing an official member was a serious offense, triggering relentless retaliation from the Domain.
Merlin examined the robe and frowned slightly. "Is this the only type available? I recall seeing robes with stronger defenses in the Tower of Myriad Forms."
The spellcaster quickly explained, "Wizard Merlin, this robe is the standard issue for official members. While the Tower does offer more protective robes, they aren't free. If you wish to upgrade, this robe can be exchanged for 100 contribution points, but you'd need to pay the difference for the new one."
Merlin smiled faintly. "As long as it's possible to upgrade, that's fine. I'll pay the difference."
For Merlin, contribution points weren't an issue. The Dark Spirit Domain granted him 10,000 points annually, and his ring currently held that exact amount—far more than most Fourth-Level spellcasters ever possessed.
Accompanied by the spellcaster, Merlin was taken to the third floor of the Tower of Myriad Forms, which housed various magical tools. The section for robes alone was vast, offering a wide range of options.
"These robes," the spellcaster began, "include the standard issue, which deflects First-Level spells. There are also robes that protect against Second-Level and Third-Level spells. However, only official members can exchange for these robes. Temporary members may also exchange for powerful robes, but those lack the unique emblem of the Dark Spirit Domain."
Merlin nodded, recalling how some temporary members used similar robes but without the identifying emblem. These robes offered no affiliation with the Dark Spirit Domain and thus no protection under its rules.
"Do you have robes that can deflect Fourth-Level spells?" Merlin asked, curious.
The spellcaster smiled. "We do, and even robes that can withstand Fifth- or Sixth-Level spells. However, such robes require mastery in rune magic to activate their enchantments. For those without such expertise, the most powerful robes available are those that deflect Third-Level spells."
He added, "This capability is unique to the Dark Spirit Domain. Other organizations, less skilled in rune magic, would struggle to produce robes capable of passively deflecting even Second-Level spells, let alone Third-Level ones."
Merlin nodded. The Dark Spirit Domain's mastery of rune magic was impressive, making these robes invaluable. Even in Floating City, Merlin had never seen robes as universally effective as those available here.
"I'll take the one that deflects Third-Level spells," Merlin decided. Though it came at a steep cost, it was practical for his needs. Such a robe would reduce his reliance on spell tools, which drained significant amounts of mana in prolonged combat.
"This robe costs 1,100 contribution points. With 100 points deducted for the standard issue robe, you'll need to pay 1,000 points," the spellcaster informed him with a wide grin.
Merlin briefly paused at the price, noting how it escalated: 100 points for First-Level, 500 points for Second-Level, and over a thousand for Third-Level protection. Despite the expense, he proceeded without hesitation.
"I'll take it."
The transaction complete, Merlin donned the robe, immediately feeling the intricate runes woven into the fabric. These runes would activate automatically in the face of an attack, offering robust protection.
As he left the Tower of Myriad Forms, Merlin returned to Leo's spire, contemplating the events to come.
"Where will Wizard Leo take me tomorrow?" he wondered, settling into his room and awaiting whatever secrets the next day would reveal.