A Wizard’s Secret

“Oh? What place is that?”

The moment Merlin spoke, a glimmer of hope appeared on Wizard Seymour’s face. Since it was his idea to move the Dark Magic Region, the plan would not succeed if he could not find a suitable place.

Now that Ozmu became more and more aggressive, no one knew when they would act. Moreover, if Ozmu began to act, then it would be too late.

Therefore, Wizard Seymour was all ears if Merlin had a suggestion for where the Dark Magic Region would flourish.

Merlin’s lips curved upwards into a faint smile. Calmly, he said, “Subzero Snowfield!”

Actually, there were two places that Merlin had in mind. The first was the Kurdmansla Islands, and the second was Subzero Snowfield. Amidst the Kurdmansla Islands, there was also the Ship of Nikola that Merlin had hidden away in the depths of the sea.

However, Kurdmansla Islands had been divided between a few major factions a long time ago, so it was impossible for any external forces to interfere. In addition, there was also a threat from the sea beasts. Although Merlin managed to remove the threat from the sea beasts the last time, no one knew whether an even stronger sea beast would appear.

What the Dark Magic Region needed was a place that it could flourish slowly and steadily over a long period of time. Thus, the Kurdmansla Islands were somewhat unsuitable.

Though Subzero Snowfield’s resources were indeed scarce, the Dark Magic Region’s foundation would be able to sustain itself for a while. Furthermore, there was not a single dominating faction that could lay their claim on Subzero Snowfield. Once the Dark Magic Region arrived in Subzero Snowfield, they would immediately become the largest faction. Perhaps with continuous flourishing, they might even eventually dominate the entire Subzero Snowfield.

Moreover, Merlin also had Ernie and Watson, who were extremely familiar with the conditions of Subzero Snowfield. Thus, moving the Dark Magic Region to Subzero Snowfield was a highly viable option.

“Subzero Snowfield? I have heard of it. The resources there are scarce, and the Spell Casters are not particularly powerful. Basically, it’s a frigid tundra. However, its value-add lies in the fact that it is far enough removed from the southern Spell Caster world and does not pose a threat to our Dark Magic Region. From this angle, Subzero Snowfield does indeed appear to be a suitable place. Nevertheless, we’re not sure about the actual situation in Subzero Snowfield, we must send someone ahead to scout it out before a decision can be made.”

Wizard Seymour contemplated deeply for a moment. Apparently, he already had some knowledge about Subzero Snowfield.

Merlin shook his head gently. “You don’t have to send anyone there. I just came back from Subzero Snowfield, and also brought two of their Spell Casters along with me. They are currently waiting outside the Dark Magic Region’s Teleporting Circle. If any of the elders have any questions, I can bring them inside to explain in detail.”

“Oh? Wizard Merlin, you just returned from Subzero Snowfield? No wonder you’re not familiar with the recent news of the southern Spell Caster world.”

After a pause, Wizard Seymour glanced at the other Spell Casters. He asked in a deep voice, “What do you think?”

At this point, some of the Wizards appeared to still have some lingering doubts. Nevertheless, they were faced with Wizard Seymour, the previous second elder, as well as Merlin, the powerful new rising star who was just as formidable as Wizard Seymour.

Since both of them were supportive of the notion to move away, the other Spell Casters were reluctant to raise any more objections.

Therefore, most of the Spell Casters nodded their heads. “Yes, let’s bring in the two Spell Casters from Subzero Snowfield whom Wizard Merlin had brought along and ask them. If it’s truly suitable, we can start preparing for the move as soon as possible.”

“Very well, Wizard Merlin, here are two Dark Magic rings. Please bring the two Spell Casters from Subzero Snowfield to the Dark Magic Hall, so that all the Wizards can inquire to them in detail.”

Wizard Seymour removed two Dark Magic rings and passed them to Merlin. Only with the Dark Magic ring in hand, was it possible for someone to enter the Dark Magic Region.

As for the Dark Magic rings, only Seymour the first elder would carry so many. It was the prerogative of the first elder. Besides him, all the other Spell Casters were not allowed to carry extra Dark Magic rings.

Merlin received the two Dark Magic rings but did not leave. On the contrary, he grinned sheepishly. “Two Dark Magic rings are not enough. Besides the two Spell Casters from Subzero Snowfield, there is another Wizard in the group. Wizard Seymour, please give me another ring.”

“These three, Wizard Merlin, are you able to control them?”

Wizard Seymour was somewhat hesitant. The Dark Magic rings should not be distributed freely. After all, with it, anyone could enter the Dark Magic Region, and at this juncture, they could not afford any mishaps.

Naturally, Merlin understood Wizard Seymour’s concerns. He nodded his head. “All of them have signed a slave contract with me!”

Actually, Puppet Number Three did not sign a slave contract, but Merlin was able to fully control it. Whereas Ernie and Watson were Merlin’s slaves, so he could effectively control all three of them.

Nonetheless, upon Merlin’s mention of slave contracts, there was a look of astonishment on many of the Spell Casters. After all, the slave contract was the harshest of all contracts. In the southern Spell Caster world, even the weakest Spell Caster would not agree to sign a slave contract.

“If that’s the case, I’m reassured!”

Wizard Seymour once again handed another ring to Merlin. So, carrying the three Dark Magic rings, Merlin left the Dark Magic hall.

…

“Hum”.

Inside the dense woods, Ernie and Watson were feeling bored out of their minds, whereas Puppet Number Three was sitting immovably on the ground, like a stone statue.

A burst of white light appeared from the Runic Magic Circle on the ground, and a figure emerged.

Ernie and Watson were startled. They hurriedly stood up with twin looks of respect on their faces. “Master!”

The figure who emerged from the Runic Magic Circle was none other than Merlin. He extended his palm and revealed three black color rings, exactly like the one he was wearing.

“These are Dark Magic rings. Only by wearing these rings, you will be able to enter the Dark Magic Region. Come now, follow me back there!”

Merlin gave each of the three Dark Magic rings to Ernie, Watson and Puppet Number Three respectively. He explained to them, “Later, you will follow me to meet the Wizards in Dark Magic Region. They will ask you about Subzero Snowfield, just answer them truthfully.”

Ernie and Watson exchanged a look. Although they did not know what Merlin had encountered in Dark Magic Region, they nodded to indicate that they understood.

“Okay, let’s go.”

Merlin immediately activated the power of the Runic Magic Circle, and mysterious runes began to fly out from the Dark Magic rings on each of their hands. The mysterious runes glowed in harmony with the Runic Magic Circle, and a white light appeared to envelop them. In an instant, they vanished out of sight.

“Swoosh”.

On the quiet beach, a dazzling white light appeared and out came four figures. Ernie and Watson looked around curiously.

The two of them had lived in Subzero Snowfield since they were young, so they were completely unfamiliar with the Dark Magic Region. All they knew was that Spell Caster organizations outside Subzero Snowfield were powerful forces, and the Dark Magic Region was one of these so-called Spell Caster organizations.

“Such a powerful Runic Magic Circle!”

Ernie and Watson were amazed. They could sense the powerful Runic Magic Circles that encompassed the entire Dark Magic Region. These were more powerful than any Runic Magic Circles that they had ever encountered.

“Of course, the Dark Magic Region’s forte is runology!”

Merlin’s lips also parted into a faint smile. Previously, he was not well-versed with the runology in the Dark Magic Region, and for a time, even thought that runology was insignificant.

However, after obtaining the Runic Heartprint, he slowly learned the powers of runology.

Accompanied by curious gazes from Ernie and Watson throughout, Merlin and the others made their way to the heart of Dark Magic Region. Seeing the tall towers that stretched into the clouds shocked both Ernie and Watson further.

Each of the towers were surrounded with mysterious Runic Magic Circles, and there were Spell Casters coming in and going out all the time. Such a scene was truly a sight to behold for both of them.

This was because they had never witnessed such a scene in Subzero Snowfield.

“The rumors of Spell Caster organizations being exceptionally powerful are true…”

Though Watson and Ernie had never left Subzero Snowfield, they had heard from outsiders that Spell Caster organizations consisted of a firm foundation and powerful abilities. In fact, a large Spell Caster organization would be even more powerful than the entire Subzero Snowfield combined together.

It was important to note that although Subzero Snowfield had many Spell Casters, there were no Great Wizards. The most powerful Spell Casters were only the Ninth-level Spell Casters, and even then, they were extremely rare in number.

Whereas a large Spell Caster organization would have at least one Great Wizard to hold the fort!

“Let’s go, follow me to the Wizard Tower!”

Merlin immediately flew towards the Seventh-level Wizard Tower, followed closely by Ernie, Watson and Puppet Number Three. However, as opposed to Ernie and Watson’s bubbling curiosity, Puppet Number Three appeared to be extremely composed as if it was uninterested in the numerous towers or the powerful Runic Magic Circles in the Dark Magic Region.

In the end, a puppet was still a puppet. It was vastly different from a Spell Caster because nothing could rouse its curiosity. In fact, the puppet could not even comprehend the meaning of curiosity.

Soon, Merlin led Ernie and the others to the Dark Magic hall. With a gentle wave of his hand, the doors to the Dark Magic hall swung open.

“Creak”.

Once the doors opened, countless pairs of eyes landed on Ernie and Watson in an instant.

Ernie and Watson were both taken aback at the multitude of gazes upon them. If this was just a crowd of average Wizards, they would not be concerned.

However, the owners of these gazes were powerful Seventh-level Wizards, as well as more powerful Eighth-level Wizards! Especially the Spell Caster sitting at the innermost, highest position in the room, his gaze was locked on them with weighted expectations. If not for the fact that Merlin was standing next to them, Ernie and Watson would probably be casting defensive spells on themselves.

“Master, this is…?”

Ernie asked cautiously. He was truly stunned being under the gazes of so many powerful presences.

“Inside the hall are the higher-ups of the Dark Magic Region. They have something important to ask you, just answer them truthfully. Go on in.”

Merlin explained simply and proceeded to lead them straight into the hall.