Chapter 905: Traversing the Void Zone!
In the Illusory World, the ordinary castle was still there. After a few centuries, Stedman realized that this castle never changed. Even though he had become the strongest existence in the Purple-eyed Tribe, he remained extremely deferential to the mysterious Sir Merlin of the Illusory Subs.p.a.ce. It was as if he was still that talentless youth who was always bullied.
“Creak.”
Stedman gently opened the castle door and slowly entered. In the living room of the castle, there sat two extraordinary men who looked ordinary.
“Sir Merlin, Sir t.i.tus!”
Stedman cried out respectfully.
He understood Sir Merlin better, knowing that Merlin was the ruler of the entire Illusory Subs.p.a.ce. Within this s.p.a.ce, Merlin was nearly omnipotent, often causing Stedman to gasp in amazement.
Even at his present stage, Stedman still could not see through the enigmatic Sir Merlin.
As for t.i.tus by Merlin’s side, Stedman was puzzled. He could see that t.i.tus was not that formidable. However, he did not appear to be Merlin’s servant but a peer instead. Therefore, Stedman who respected Merlin was respectful toward t.i.tus as well.
“You’ve come.”
Merlin spoke mildly without even lifting his head. He and t.i.tus always seemed to always act like this. Stedman even felt that for these past centuries, he had never seen Merlin smile once.
It was t.i.tus who appeared more friendly, smiling as he said, “Stedman, by now, you’re one of the strongest beings in this entire dimension. You appear to be busy. How come you have time to visit us today?”
Merlin and t.i.tus had an unparalleled understanding of Stedman. Within the Illusory World, they had witnessed every step of Stedman’s growth. It had not been easy for him to reach his present level.
Stedman was still deferential, only he hesitated slightly as he glanced at Merlin. Even so, he ultimately gritted his teeth. “Sir Merlin, Sir t.i.tus, presently, I’m the most powerful person in the Purple-eyed Tribe. I also know that this place where we dwell is nothing more than a mere dimension in the vast Void Zone. If I may be so bold – is Sir Merlin a formidable existence in the Void Zone? Is it due to some inescapable difficulties that you’ve stayed in my body?”
Stedman had no choice but to ask. Over the past centuries, although he did not know what sort of existences Sir Merlin and Sir t.i.tus were, he knew that the both of them who stayed in his body, as well as the mystical Illusory Subs.p.a.ce, were not things he could control.
Even the initially naïve Stedman had now grown into a contender in the Void Zone. Naturally, he was somewhat concerned about Merlin and t.i.tus dwelling in his body.
In particular, Merlin was very likely a formidable existence from some other civilization of the Void Zone. After Stedman became a significant contender in the Purple-eyed Tribe, he gradually learned how some civilizations had infiltrated other dimensions. Therefore, deep in his heart, he was worried about Merlin.
Nonetheless, he was a contender single-handedly and gradually nurtured by Merlin. Without Merlin’s Illusory Subs.p.a.ce, the current Stedman would not exist. Even now, Stedman preserved a pure heart. Perhaps this was the real reason he had his present achievements despite his lack of talent.
“Haha, Stedman, don’t worry. We won’t be a threat to this dimension of yours. Moreover, what’s a mere dimension to us?”
Merlin did not spoke. Instead, it was t.i.tus who burst out laughing. Of course, he knew what Stedman was worried about but to t.i.tus, this was purely superfluous. Merlin was now rejected by the entire Void Zone. Of what use was a puny dimension to him?
Currently, they just did not wish to reveal themselves and attract the attention of the Void Zone.
However, this indirectly confirmed that Merlin was indeed a formidable existence of the Void Zone, one who far surpa.s.sed Stedman’s imagination.
“Stedman!”
Merlin spoke suddenly, causing the stupefied Stedman to feel a jolt in his heart. He looked up hurriedly, still with a respectful expression. He was truly, deeply grateful toward Merlin.
“I need you to do something for me. Are you willing?”
Stedman’s heart shrank but he recalled Merlin’s a.s.sistance toward him all these years, allowing him to become a rare contender in the entire dimension. Therefore, he clenched his jaw. “As long as it doesn’t harm my Purple-eyed Tribe’s dimension, then no matter what, I’ll do my utmost best to carry it out for Sir Merlin!”
Stedman’s words were immediate and resolute but in his heart, his homeland took precedence.
Merlin finally smiled for the first time in the Illusory World. Even the most wicked person, as long as they had a fondness for their homeland, was not wicked to the bone.
Furthermore, Stedman was someone with a pure heart. As Merlin watched Stedman rose up over the centuries, he could not be any more familiar with Stedman. Plus, Stedman’s desire to protect the Purple-eyed Tribe’s dimension reminded Merlin of himself back then. When the Spell Caster civilization had faced an unprecedented crisis, he had stood up without any hesitation.
“Very well. Your dimension doesn’t interest me in the slightest. I want you to travel beyond your dimension and wander about, possibly going to a distant place to seek a distant civilization. This expedition might be extremely risky with no guarantee of survival. Even I might be unable to ensure your safety. Are you willing to go?”
Merlin’s gaze slowly turned sharp as if he could read Stedman’s mind.
Stedman contemplated in silence as countless thoughts zipped through his mind. Finally, he raised his head, undaunted by Merlin’s piercing stare, and said resolutely, “In truth, I’ve been thinking of leaving the Purple-eyed Dimension for some time, to forge a path outside. Since Sir Merlin has made this request, what do I have to be afraid of? No matter how far, I’m willing to go!”
Merlin’s gaze lingered on Stedman for a long moment, after which he nodded in satisfaction. “Well done. I didn’t choose the wrong person.”
“I wonder what place Sir Merlin wishes to visit? May I know the name of the civilization? If you have a detailed dimension map, that’s even better!”
Stedman inquired with caution. In so many years, it was the first time Merlin wanted his help.
Merlin and t.i.tus exchanged a glance before Merlin said despondently, “The civilization I’m looking for is the Spell Caster civilization! As for the detailed dimension map, I have it memorized, and can draw a new one up for you.”
“That’s great. With the detailed dimension map, at most, we’ll need some time. We’re sure to locate that dimension.
Stedman spoke, br.i.m.m.i.n.g with confidence. Still, he did not know how far away Merlin’s “distant” really was. As an existence equivalent to an ordinary Legend, who knew how long it would take for him to traverse the Void Zone and locate the Spell Caster civilization?
Nevertheless, since he had agreed, Stedman would not regret his decision. He started to make arrangements. In the Purple-eyed Dimension, Stedman was equivalent to a Legend. He had risen too swiftly, s.h.i.+ning too brightly. Many of them rued the fact that a mythical figure like this was about to leave the Purple-eyed Dimension.
Even so, no one compelled him to stay. This was the fate of all contenders. Anyone who knew of the boundless Void Zone and infinite dimensions could not resist the desire to make their way in the world.
Perhaps in the eyes of others, Stedman was no exception, forging his own path in the Void Zone…
…
“Whiz.”
A purple beam rapidly traversed the Void Zone. Its speed was incredible but in the immensity of the Void Zone, this speed might be rather “slow.”
Within the purple light, Stedman’s face no longer broke out into a smile. At last, he knew how large and wide the Void Zone was. He understood how terrifying the word “distant” could be.
“I’ve been traveling for more than a century. Where am I by now? I’ve not even heard anything about the Spell Caster civilization…”
Stedman muttered in dejection. He was rather disgruntled. He did not expect that upon receiving Merlin’s dimension map, he could not even locate the region where the Purple-eyed Dimension was according to the drafted map.
It was enough to show how far away the Purple-eyed Dimension was from the Spell Caster civilization. Thus, throughout this journey, Stedman could only look out for some dimensions and make inquiries.
However, not all life forms in the dimensions were good-natured, and not all dimension masters were kind. Stedman had encountered various dangers, only escaping narrowly with Merlin’s guidance.
What Stedman could not fathom was, regardless of how much he was in danger, Merlin had never made a move to help him. Stedman even suspected if there was some special reason that made Merlin unable to help.
Nonetheless, he did not ask about this. Since he had promised Merlin, he must find the Spell Caster civilization, even if it took ten thousand years.
After all, as a Purple-eyed Person at his level, his lifespan was nearly infinite. He was not worried about his lifespan’s limit. With enough time, he would be able to locate the Spell Caster civilization.
In the Illusory World, t.i.tus noticed Stedman who carried on as before, making his way without any complaints. t.i.tus could not stand it, and he laughed in pity. “Merlin, can you bear to see Stedman ‘hurry along’ at such a glacial pace? Without the Aurora wars.h.i.+p, without the power of the natural order, ten thousand years might not even be enough for him to find the Spell Caster civilization.”
What t.i.tus said was true. Even for ultimate existence with the power of the natural order, traversing the Void Zone over endless distance would take a tremendous amount of time, let alone an ordinary Legend like Stedman.
The time required was nearly inconceivable unless they had the Vestigial Tribe’s Aurora wars.h.i.+p. Only then could they cross the mighty distance of the Void Zone in the shortest time.
However, Merlin shook his head. “Back then, my body was destroyed, and even the Illusory World was destroyed. I’ve lost everything. Where would I find an Aurora wars.h.i.+p for him?”
Merlin was rather helpless. It was troublesome without an Aurora wars.h.i.+p.
“I have a plan!”
t.i.tus suddenly smiled mysteriously as he said softly.