A Wizard’s Secret

The extreme fluctuation of Fire Elements on the black-robed old man was getting out of control. Tiny flames appeared on his body from time to time.

This was Wizard Hill’s most critical moment. The Spell Models in his body would collapse at the slightest distraction.

However, the black-robed old man’s Mind Power greatly exceeded the limit of an Entrance-level Spell Caster. His nearly peaked Mind Power even surpassed some First-level spell Casters.

It was exactly because of such extraordinary Mind Power, the black-robed old man was able to suppress the Spell Models from collapsing and survived until now.

“Wizard Hill, do you need my help?”

Merlin took the initiative to ask the black-robed old man who appeared unwell. After all, Merlin would have been in a worse situation if the black-robed old man had not risked collapsing his own Spell Models to interrupt Merilung who was casting Dark Mist.

In other words, the black-robed old man had saved Merlin’s life.

After what seemed like forever, Merlin realized that the fluctuation of Elements on the black-robed old man’s body finally calmed down. Then, the black-robed old man raised his head – his bark-like, dry skin revealed hints of exhaustion as he whispered, “There have been numerous times I thought I would be dead but I didn’t… Hehe, Wizard Merlin, you’re the one who killed Merilung, so naturally, you’ve the right to keep any rewards found on the corpse! However, if there are any potions or potion recipes in there, I’m willing to trade them with anything!”

Naturally, Merlin knew what he meant. It seemed like the black-robed old man also discovered the ring on Merilung but he was not in the best position to say anything as it was Merlin who killed Merilung.

The black-robed old man came forward to Count Selin and said in a hoarse voice, “Count Selin, I’ll take my leave now to heal my wounds. But my lord, don’t forget what you’ve promised me.”

Count Selin, who had now regained his usual majesty, knew the black-robed old man was severely injured. Hence, he nodded and replied, “Wizard Hill, go and take a good rest. I’ll have someone deliver your way some Zigen Flowers as soon as possible.”

The black-robed old man nodded slightly, then turned and left the castle.

Merlin threw a glance at Merilung’s dead body on the ground. The battle was over and Count Selin’s crisis had also been solved. He tightened his grasp around Merilung’s ring, now in his palm. He was eager to find out what was stored inside.

Therefore, Merlin also approached Count Selin and said in a relaxed tone, “My lord, Merilung is dead, so there should not be any more danger in the castle. I would like to head back now.”

Count Selin’s eye was overflowing with kindness and respect when he looked at Merlin. Just moments earlier, during Count Selin’s most despair moment, Merlin reversed their fate by taking down Merilung’s life, and in turn, saved the entire castle.

As a result, Count Selin would not dare to treat Merlin casually as he did before.

“Wizard Merlin, you must be exhausted after this long day. Please go back and take a rest. When things have settled down, I’ll personally express my gratitude to you again!”

Count Selin was also worn out. In fact, a lot had happened today. Cook was severely injured, and the castle was partially destroyed. All these incidents required time to mend and heal.

Merlin nodded at Shelly. This energetic, adorable young girl was rather attractive in Merlin’s eyes. Then, he turned and took to his heels, his silhouette slowly disappearing into the darkness.

…

“Who’s that?” a guard outside the castle asked softly, his eyes staring right ahead at the dark shadow which appeared in the night.

“It’s me,” the dark shadow replied.

The guard walked toward the familiar voice. A surprised look appeared on his face as he recognized the owner of the voice.

“Master Merlin, you’re back! I’ll notify Lord Baron at once!”

As the guard saw Merlin, he relaxed immediately. He knew that Merlin had gone to the count’s castle for the past few days and had not returned since.

“There’s no need to disturb Father, I can go in myself.”

Merlin quickly shook his head and called out to the guard. Then, he entered the castle alone.

The castle was well-lit. It was coincidentally dinner time so as soon as he entered the grand hall, Merlin noticed Old Wilson, Baron Parman, Big-breasted Madam, and the others at the dining table.

“Merlin!”

“Master Merlin!”

Immediately, all eyes were on him, especially Old Wilson and Baron Parman – their eyes glistened with hints of anticipation.

“Merlin, come with me.”

Old Wilson instantly left the dining table and headed upstairs.

Baron Parman also followed behind Old Wilson. Merlin knew what Old Wilson was on about, hence he nodded at the crowd in the dining room, and then followed closely after his old man to the room upstairs.

“Merlin, has Count Selin’s problem came to an end?”

Old Wilson asked eagerly, almost right at the moment they entered the room. Baron Parman, who was on the side, also revealed impatience in his eyes.

Although Merlin never once told them in detail what kind of trouble Count Selin had encountered, Old Wilson and Baron Parman were sharp enough to understand the importance of the matter. Otherwise, why would a count seek assistance from Merlin?

This was closely linked to the matter if they could settle down in Prakash City. So, even if it was dangerous, Old Wilson would not refrain Merlin from helping Count Selin.

Merlin looked at Baron Parman and Old Wilson whose faces were warm and earnest, and his lips curled upward into a smile. “Father, Count Selin’s problem is solved. From now on, we can settle down permanently in Prakash City.”

Old Wilson and Baron Parman heaved sighs of relief at Merlin’s reassuring answer. This meant that they were finally able to start over again, in Prakash City.

“Alright, Merlin, you need a good rest.”

Old Wilson noticed the fatigue in Merlin’s eyes, and quickly left with Baron Parman.

Merlin returned to his room. Soon, a maidservant came in with some warm water.

At the sight of this young maidservant, Merlin thought of his servant girl, Lucia, from Wilson Castle. However, Lucia did not manage to escape from that disaster which happened in Wilson Castle where she was killed by Tirath’s knight.

Merlin dismissed the random thoughts which flooded his mind and silently submerged his body into the warm water in the bathtub. Now, he felt extremely comfortable.

After a thorough cleansing, Merlin finally took out the ring he obtained from Merilung. Immediately, utilizing his Mind Power, he explored the items stored inside the ring.