A Wizard's Secret

Chapter 184: Take You Seriously

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Merlin’s Guardian Monument was cast via an Enhancing casting tool, hence it was comparable to a Third-level Defensive spell; this was also Merlin’s current strongest Defensive spell. If he could not defend against Wizard Sammir’s Alchemy Creature, Merlin had no way of getting out of this mess unscathed.

The large silver hammer slashed through the air ruthlessly; the friction between the air and hammer even caused a series of hissing sounds.

Following that, the large hammer fell upon Guardian Monument, causing the entire Guardian Monument to shake violently. It was as if Guardian Monument was about to break into pieces in the next second. Merlin’s heart jumped to his throat as he stared hard at his spell.

The light of Guardian Monument kept flas.h.i.+ng but it did not break in the end. The spell was cast via an Enhancing casting tool which was able to block against the attack of Wizard Sammir’s Alchemy Creature.

Wizard Sammir squinted his eyes slightly and a hint of shock flashed in his eyes. Thereafter, he immediately raised his hand and waved. A broiling aura headed toward Merlin furiously.

This was Wizard Sammir’s Third-level spell. Merlin had just witnessed the terror of this spell. He would immediately be trapped by scorching flames should he be hit by the spell.

At the same time, he was fighting the Alchemy Creature and he could not run away from his spot at this moment. Thus, he cast Guardian Monument a couple of times and also the strengthened version of Guardian Monument with the help of an Enhancing casting tool.

After making two casts of the strengthened version of Guardian Monument with Enhancing casting tool, Merlin had used up four pieces of Earth elemental crystal stones. Luckily, he had an ample number of elemental crystal stones currently that could at least support the consumption of the Enhancing casting tool for half a day.

The Fire-type spell which Wizard Sammir had cast was only a faint line of fire at the beginning. Then, it quickly collided with Merlin’s Guardian Monument.

At once, a fire broke out and a large sea of flames encompa.s.sed Merlin’s entire being. Albeit it was a common spell, this Third-level spell was extremely powerful. Moreover, Merlin still had to deal with the terrifying Alchemy Creature outside the ring of flame.

“Ka-chak.”

Cracks began to appear on Merlin’s Guardian Monument. He instantly made multiple casts of Guardian Monument, and also of the strengthened version of Guardian Monument with the Enhancing casting tool to barely defend against Wizard Sammir’s spell.

“I must leave immediately. Now!”

Merlin had the protection of Guardian Monument, so he could withstand Wizard Sammir’s spell and the Alchemy Creature’s attack. However, he could not drag this fight further since he would meet his end if he exhausted all of his Magic Power.

Hence, he took advantage of the opportunity right before the Alchemy Creature attacked. Intense fluctuations of Wind Element appeared around Merlin as he cast the strengthened version of Gale. Like a phantom, his entire being rapidly dashed out of the encirclement of flames.

“Speed spell? I detest Speed spell the most. He also possesses a Defensive spell that’s comparable to a Third-level spell!”

Wizard Sammir frowned as he looked at Guardian Monument that kept flas.h.i.+ng on Merlin. He did not possess any Speed spell. Once his opponent could defend against his spell and his Alchemy Creature’s attack, his opponent could immediately cast a Speed spell and escape.

Initially, Wizard Sammir thought that a mere Entrance-level Spell Caster would not amount to much, but he only realized how tough Merlin was after he fought with him.

He had no way of stopping Merlin from leaving at this moment. Even if he cast a Binding spell, Merlin could simply protect himself with Guardian Monument. Hence, a Binding spell would not have much effect on him.

“Wait. Wizard Merlin, how about we make a deal?”

Upon seeing that Merlin was getting further away, Wizard Sammir suddenly shouted.

Merlin who was running away rapidly paused a little, then came to a complete halt. He shot a questioning look at Wizard Sammir and that gigantic Alchemy Creature.

Wizard Sammir smiled and then ordered his Alchemy Creature to return to his side. He said to Merlin, “Wizard Merlin, I don’t possess Speed spell, so I can’t do anything to you as long as you can block my spell and my darling’s attack. I admit that you’ve made me take you seriously. That’s why I’m offering you a deal!”

Merlin stared at Wizard Sammir with caution. He knew Wizard Sammir was speaking the truth. From the beginning, Wizard Sammir had not given Merlin a chance as he blasted everything right at Merlin directly.

However, since Merlin had the Enhancing casting tool, he was able to cast Guardian Monument that was comparable to a Third-level spell and nullified Wizard Sammir’s attack. In addition, Merlin possessed Speed spell; Wizard Sammir could not stop him from running away.

After experiencing such a dangerous crisis, Merlin truly understood the advantage of being a Six-Elemental Spell Caster. He had an adequate number of spells to use when he faced danger. If Merlin did not possess a Speed spell, he could only hang on for a little longer with his Enhancing casting tool and Guardian Monument, and would not be able to escape. In the end, he would either be caught or killed by Wizard Sammir after he exhausted his Magic Power.

Meanwhile, Wizard Sammir was a Third-level Spell Caster. Even if Merlin had Enhancing casting tool and could block his spell temporarily, Wizard Sammir could still easily overpower Merlin should he possess a Speed Spell.

Wizard Sammir did not have the ability to construct more spells in the past, so he was also out of idea whilst fighting with the odd Merlin.

“Deal? You sent Colton to offer a deal to me as well?”

Merlin kept his eyes on Wizard Sammir as he did not dare to relax for even a moment.

Wizard Sammir nodded. “That’s right. I send Colton to offer you a deal.”

“Heh. Is this how you offer a deal?”

Merlin sneered. Both Colton and Wizard Sammir directly proceeded to take him by force – in what way were they offering a deal?

Wizard Sammir squinted his eyes and stared deeply at Merlin. Then, he laughed. “Wizard Merlin, do you think I have the need to talk to a mere Entrance-level Spell Caster? I can catch him directly! But the abilities that you’ve shown have made me take you seriously. At least I can’t do anything to you now, so let’s make a fair deal. If you can make a potion for me, I can give you anything precious you wish for!”

“Anything? Wizard Sammir, don’t you think you’re being overconfident?”

Merlin had no intention to make any deal with a dangerous person like Sammir; he only wanted to leave. However, Wizard Sammir had discreetly ordered his Alchemy Creature to stand near the black-robed old man and Wizard Burton. His intention was obvious and posed a threat to Merlin.

Merlin did not care whether Wizard Burton lived or died, but he owed the black-robed old man too much. If he could save the old man, he would have to do so.

Upon seeing that Merlin did not go, a smile appeared on Wizard Sammir’s face. He continued his words. “That’s right. What do you need? Elemental crystal stones? Spells? Casting tools? Or even my Mithril Alchemy Technique? I can give them all to you!”

Wizard Sammir seemed rather earnest; Merlin could see how agitated he was at this moment.

Merlin frowned. He realized that this potion might be extremely important to Wizard Sammir for him to become as agitated as he was now.

However, Merlin really did not want to be friendly with dangerous people like Wizard Sammir. Hence, he sneered. “I don’t want any elemental crystal stones, spells or casting tools! Although your Mithril Alchemy Technique is quite incredible, I’m not an alchemist, so I won’t need it. If you really want to offer me a deal, give me hundred years’ ice bone marrow!”

Merlin had asked about it in Floating City but even Sterling House did not have it. Many Spell Casters had never heard about it before, so Merlin had completely given up on cultivating Pandora Demon Ability, Glacial Finger.

He only mentioned hundred years’ ice bone marrow now to make Wizard Sammir give up on offering him a deal.

“Hundred years’ ice bone marrow?”

Wizard Sammir frowned slightly. Unexpectedly, Wizard Sammir seemed to know about this item.

After giving it a long thought, Wizard Sammir raised his head suddenly. He said through gritted teeth, “Hundred years’ ice bone marrow is indeed very precious. Ordinary Spell Casters may have not heard of it but I know an old guy who’s in possession of this item! But this old guy has coveted my Mithril Alchemy Technique for a long time. At most, I’ll simply exchange my Mithril Alchemy Technique for this item. I’ll make sure to give you what you ask for!”

In turn, Merlin had to make a difficult decision now. He initially mentioned the hundred years’ ice bone marrow to make Wizard Sammir give up on his intention. Little did he expect that Wizard Sammir could indeed offer hundred years’ ice bone marrow to him.

The hundred years’ ice bone marrow could help Merlin in cultivating Pandora Demon Ability, Glacial Finger; this was indeed an item he would be attracted to. However, Merlin hesitated out of his distrust toward Wizard Sammir.

After seemingly noticing Merlin’s hesitation, Wizard Sammir immediately took a potion formula from his ring and ordered his Alchemy Creature to hand it to Merlin.

Merlin did not let down his guard and relaxed Guardian Monument at all. As soon as the Alchemy Creature made a move, he could immediately run away with Gale.

The Alchemy Creature did not do anything strange. Merlin heaved a sigh of relief and took the mysterious potion formula.

Wizard Sammir appeared to be helpless when he lowered his voice and spoke, “Wizard Merlin, I’m sure you’ll understand that I’m speaking the truth after reading the potion formula. How am I going to put you in a disadvantaged situation under my current predicament?”

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Chapter 185: Complicated Potion

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“Edro Potion. Stabilize Spell Models below Fourth-level. Materials needed are Larch Fruit, Heliotrope Leaf…”

Merlin carefully read through the long potion formula.

This potion is called Edro Potion. Edro could be the name of a Spell Caster. According to the ancient tradition of Spell Casters, some unique potions could be named after the Spell Caster who synthesized them.

This could be the case for Edro Potion as it was named after Spell Caster Edro.

The effect of Edro Potion was to stabilize Spell Models. Purple Stone Powder Potion was only effective toward stabilizing Zero-level spells while Edro Potion could stabilize Spell Models that were below Fourth-level.

“Could it be that Wizard Sammir’s Spell Models are unstable?”

Merlin looked at Wizard Sammir suspiciously. Instability of Spell Models was a serious matter especially when the Spell Model constructed in the Awareness was of high level; it was more difficult to control the unstable Spell Models. If the Spell Model crumbled, the immense Magic Power contained in the Spell Model could blast any Spell Caster into pieces.

The black-robed old man was simply an Entrance-level Spell Caster and his Spell Models were of Zero-level. However, he was also greatly tortured by the instability of his Spell Models. If Merlin had not brought Purple Stone Powder Potion from the Dark Magic Region for him, it was only a matter of time before the old man had perished.

Now, Wizard Sammir was bothered by the instability of Spell Models as well. The Spell Models in his Awareness were all Third-level spells. If they crumbled, the consequences would be unimaginable. Unsurprising that he was gripped by a sense of urgency.

After Merlin looked through the potion formula, Wizard Sammir spoke, “Now does Wizard Merlin understand why I have no reason to disadvantage you in any way? Before this, I ordered Colton to grab hold of you. However, since you’re quite skilled and strong, we can make a fair deal. If you successfully prepare Edro Potion for me, I’ll give you the hundred years’ ice bone marrow!”

Merlin put the potion formula down and thought for a moment. He asked, “Wizard Sammir, doesn’t Floating City have other apothecaries? Also, how sure are you that I’m able to make the potion?”

Wizard Sammir shook his head slightly and answered, “There are some infamous apothecaries in Floating City. I’ve looked for them a long time ago, but none is able to make this potion. As for Wizard Merlin, I must let you try before deciding whether you can make the potion. I believe that Wizard Merlin must be knowledgeable in Potions since you’re able to make a large number of Alkaline Earth Potions in such a short time. If Wizard Merlin truly can’t make it, I won’t force you as well!”

Merlin gazed at Wizard Sammir. It turned out Wizard Sammir had found him after noticing some hints in his Alkaline Earth Potions.

Following that, Merlin’s eyes fell on the black-robed old man. Wizard Sammir was definitely not an amiable person. If Merlin did not agree to his deal, Wizard Sammir would definitely make a move at the old man and Wizard Burton even if he could not kill Merlin.

However, the hundred years’ ice bone marrow Wizard Sammir had promised had indeed attracted Merlin’s attention. If Merlin had that item, he could begin cultivating Pandora Demon Ability, Glacial Finger, right after he constructed Frigid Ice.

After considering his options, Merlin finally came to a decision. He raised his head and said to Wizard Sammir, “Alright. I’ll try to make Edro Potion, but I don’t make any promise that I’ll succeed.”

“Haha. Be rest a.s.sured. Regardless of the result, I won’t mind about what happened to Colton.”

The atmosphere between Wizard Sammir and Merlin finally calmed a little. Wizard Burton and the black-robed old man who were beside the two heaved a sigh of relief as well. When Wizard Sammir’s Alchemy Creature was watching them closely, they did not even dare to breathe.

However, at the same time, Wizard Burton and the black-robed old man were gripped with shock. Upon Wizard Sammir’s arrival, he directly cast his spells and instructed his Alchemy Creature to fight against Merlin. Although Merlin could not counterattack, he was able to withstand Wizard Sammir’s attack and escaped when he grabbed the chance.

If Wizard Sammir did not mention the reward of the deal that attracted Merlin’s attention, the latter would have escaped by now. Wizard Sammir who was a Third-level Spell Caster and an extremely powerful Alchemy Creature could not threaten Merlin at all.

Merlin’s capability had far exceeded their imagination, especially that of Wizard Burton. He had even fought Merlin with his Alchemy Creature before. This matter made Wizard Burton feel more awkward.

“Wizard Merlin, it seems that you’ve grown to an extent beyond my imagination during the one year in the Dark Magic Region!”

The black-robed old man shook his head slightly and exclaimed with mixed emotions.

Wizard Burton took a glance at Wizard Sammir, then said seriously with a lower voice, “Wizard Merlin, Wizard Sammir doesn’t really have a good reputation in Floating City, especially due to the way he treats Spell Casters of lower levels. Wizard Sammir also seems rather carefree about this deal. Are you sure about making a deal with him?”

A smile played at the corners of Merlin’s lips. He replied monotonously, “Wizard Sammir won’t joke about his own life. Please be rest a.s.sured. I’m sure he won’t do anything reckless.”

Wizard Sammir was full of smiles now as he asked Merlin, “I can provide one set of materials needed for Edro Potion to Wizard Merlin. You can try making the potion first. Do you want to make it here or at my laboratory? Not only do I have all sorts of alchemy gla.s.sware in my laboratory but I also possess a whole set of gla.s.sware used specifically for making potions…”

Before Wizard Sammir could complete his sentence, he was interrupted by Merlin. Merlin replied coldly, “That’s quite alright. I can make it here. After ten days, you can visit me and I’ll tell you if I’m successful in preparing the Edro Potion.”

Wizard Sammir naturally would not mind Merlin’s stiff tone. Instead, he dug out a large pile of potion materials from his ring and placed them on the ground. He pointed to the potion materials. “These are the materials needed to make one Edro Potion. I’ll return after ten days!”

Thereafter, Wizard Sammir turned around and left with his Alchemy Creature.

After Wizard Sammir had left, the black-robed old man approached Merlin and said, “Wizard Merlin, Wizard Sammir is too dangerous. Should we leave Floating City right away?”

“Leave?”

Wizard Burton shook his head with a bitter smile. “In fact, Floating City is a city full of chaos. Many Spell Casters had died every day in this city. Only large Spell Caster families and influential forces like Sterling House can ensure their safety here. Wizard Sammir has been in Floating City for many years. He has a lot of ways to watch you. Wizard Merlin may be able to leave, but it’ll be difficult for you, Hill!”

Wizard Burton was clear about the rules of Floating City; it was the paradise for adventurers. On the surface, it appeared to be calm and peaceful but Spell Casters fought amongst themselves almost every day in this city. No one dared to cause any trouble only within the area of certain influential forces, while other places remained chaotic.

Hence, Wizard Sammir would have seemed to leave in a rather carefree att.i.tude and have left expensive potion materials with them, but he was actually monitoring their actions at all times.

The black-robed old man became depressed and shook his head. Rather helplessly, he said, “It seems I’ve troubled Wizard Merlin…”

Merlin kept the potion materials in his ring and flashed a smile. “I’ve also benefited from the deal with Wizard Sammir. Hundred years’ ice bone marrow is the precious material I’ve not found even in Sterling House. My stay here is completely unrelated to Wizard Hill. Alright, I should study this Edro Potion. If I can make it, then everything will proceed smoothly.”

Thereafter, Merlin returned to his room, leaving the black-robed old man and Wizard Burton outside. Their gazes were filled with worry.

…

For a couple of days, Merlin had stayed in his room. Since he had not come out from his room, the black-robed old man and Wizard Burton had no way of knowing the progress of the potion-making.

However, Merlin had spent his time in his room almost without sleep and rest these days. They could imagine that the potion Wizard Sammir wanted was definitely not easy to make.

Merlin was rus.h.i.+ng to prepare the potion materials in his room. After reading all the steps and proportion of materials needed to prepare Edro Potion, he finally understood the reason why no apothecary in Floating City could prepare this potion.

Rather than the potion itself, the steps to make the potion was simply too complicated. Merlin recorded the process with the Matrix and found that it took about three hundred sixty-nine steps to prepare it.

Basically, an ordinary potion only took about a dozen steps. The slightly complicated ones would take less than a hundred steps. Phantasmal Magic Potion itself only took up to a hundred steps.

Merlin had never come across a potion that required up to about three hundred steps to prepare it. It would only take a small mistake to make his effort go in vain. Even for an experienced apothecary, it was impossible to totally grasp so many complicated steps in such a short amount of time.

Hence, although Wizard Sammir had looked for so many apothecaries, none was able to make Edro Potion successfully.

However, complicated steps did not pose a problem to Merlin at all since he had the Matrix. With the help of the Matrix, Merlin could perfect every step without a single mistake even in this case where it involved hundreds of steps.

The only aspect Merlin was concerned about was the fire-handling when he made the potion. Along with the increase in steps, there were many steps that required good fire-handling. Thus, although Merlin had the confidence to make Edro Potion, his success rate of making it was really low.

Merlin spent a few days to prepare all his potion materials. After making sure that he did not miss anything, he began to make the potion.

“The Matrix, begin the making of Edro Potion!”

Merlin initiated the Matrix. Then, according to the instructions of the Matrix, he began to prepare the potion step by step.

…

Ten days later, Wizard Sammir appeared in Wizard Burton’s courtyard right on time. The terrifying Alchemy Creature still trailed behind him.

Although Wizard Sammir appeared calm, he did not take his eyes off Merlin’s room which also showed how unrest he was.

Wizard Burton and the black-robed old man glanced at Merlin’s room in worry. If he failed in making the potion, they would not know if Wizard Sammir would attack them out of anger, even though Wizard Sammir had mentioned that he would not blame them for Colton’s death.

“Creak.”

Finally, the door to Merlin’s room opened. Merlin came out from his room. He looked rather exhausted.

“Wizard Merlin, how’s the potion-making?”

Wizard Sammir headed straight toward Merlin. A look of antic.i.p.ation flashed in his eyes as he asked urgently.