In Merlin's hand was a butterfly-shaped spell tool, one of two components he had discovered long ago, crafted by the enigmatic Bell Mage. When combined, these tools had formed the enhanced spell tool he currently held.
Now, the butterfly-shaped tool was radiating a faint heat, signaling that it had detected another component of its kind. This hinted that the ring of either Viss or Layson might contain another piece connected to the tool.
The butterfly-shaped tool, a **combinatory spell tool**, had already revealed its ability to amplify magic. It significantly enhanced Merlin's defensive spell, **Pillar of Protection**, boosting its power to rival that of Tier 3 spells.
Curious, Merlin began meticulously combing through the items in Viss's ring. His patience was rewarded when he unearthed a peculiar, irregular triangular spell tool. As soon as he brought it near the butterfly-shaped tool, it emitted a hazy gray glow, enveloping the triangular component.
"So, this must be the third piece of the set," Merlin murmured, intrigued.
He wasn't sure how many components were part of this combinatory tool, but each time a new piece was added, the tool's nature changed entirely. However, combining the tools would render the previous enhancement effects obsolete.
Merlin hesitated. The current amplification effect significantly bolstered his defense, compensating for his relative vulnerability. However, with his newly acquired enchanted robe and the potential to construct Tier 2 spells soon, the loss of this enhancement might not matter as much.
After weighing the pros and cons, Merlin made his decision. Taking a deep breath, he placed the butterfly-shaped tool and the triangular component together.
Immediately, the butterfly-shaped tool flared with gray light, engulfing the triangular piece. The merging process was obscure; even Merlin couldn't discern what was happening within the radiant haze.
Half an hour later, the glow abruptly ceased, leaving behind a smooth, oval-shaped tool. It was engraved with intricate runes and featured a small hole at the top, allowing it to be worn on a cord around the neck.
Merlin picked it up, feeling its faint warmth and the uneven texture of the engravings. However, its exact function remained a mystery. He channeled his mental energy into the tool to probe its properties.
The moment his mental energy enveloped the tool, it felt as if it were sucked into a vortex. Suddenly, he found himself in an unfamiliar, pitch-black space.
The environment was vast, shrouded in darkness, yet Merlin's mental presence allowed him to perceive it clearly. It was distinct from the spatial storage rings he was familiar with, though he couldn't pinpoint the difference.
"Is this really a spell tool?" Merlin wondered aloud, astonished.
Before he could explore further, fragments of knowledge surfaced in his mind, seemingly implanted there by the tool itself. The information revealed that this space was a unique feature of the tool, known as **Bell's Space**.
Bell's Space was a simulated environment for spellcasting and magical experimentation. It allowed mental energy to exist independently, replicate spells, and even mimic Pandora's Magic. Moreover, it could facilitate a slow, steady enhancement of mental energy.
"This space… It's beyond comprehension. It replicates spells and Pandora's Magic perfectly. Such a creation requires mastery over spatial forces—a realm of power even Archmages cannot reach!"
Merlin was astounded. Manipulating space wasn't merely a matter of controlling elements; it was tied to the arcane laws governing existence itself. Even powerful Archmages, like Fidel of the Arcane Domain or the Silver Archmage of the Silver Tower, could only utilize spatial energies in a limited capacity.
Bell, however, seemed to have transcended such limitations, crafting an artifact that embodied true spatial manipulation.
"To think Bell was capable of such feats... I thought he might've been a renowned Archmage, but this suggests he surpassed even that level!"
Merlin's awe grew as he contemplated the magnitude of Bell's achievements.
Eager to test Bell's Space, Merlin decided to see if it could truly simulate spells. Using his mental energy, he created a humanoid figure within the space, modeled after himself.
"Let's try constructing a spell model."
He began by attempting to construct a **Fireball** spell, a basic Tier 0 spell.
However, as soon as his mental replica initiated the process, the model collapsed. Undeterred, Merlin tried again, but each attempt ended in failure.
"Why does it keep failing?" Merlin mused.
After some thought, he realized the issue: the amount of mental energy in the space was insufficient to sustain the spell's construction.
Testing his theory, Merlin infused a more substantial portion of his mental energy into the space, equal to about 1% of his total reserves. This amount, though seemingly minor, was significant given his current capacity, rivaling that of a Tier 3 spellcaster.
With this enhanced mental energy, Merlin's replica began constructing the Fireball model again.
A faint hum resonated through the space as the model stabilized. Merlin's mental replica successfully created the spell, emitting a fiery elemental aura identical to that of a real Fireball.
"It works! This space perfectly replicates spells. With enough mental energy, I can safely experiment with spell construction without risking my life!"
Merlin marveled at the implications. Bell's Space allowed him to test new spells, refine techniques, and even simulate Pandora's Magic—all in a secure, controlled environment.
Merlin couldn't help but smile as he realized the tool's potential. **Bell's Space** was more than a tool; it was a game-changer.