Chapter 107: Mage Leo (Part 1)

Merlin had just learned the rules of the Dark Spirit Domain from the gray-robed mage. Any spellcaster entering the domain must achieve First-Level Spellcaster status within three years, or they will have their Dark Spirit ring confiscated and be expelled.

The alluring and beautiful Lorinka before him seemed to be nearing the end of her three years without reaching First-Level status, putting her at risk of expulsion from the domain.

"Your mental power should be enough to construct a First-Level spell, right? Why haven't you become a First-Level Spellcaster?" Merlin asked, curious. Although Lorinka's mental aptitude was lower than his, three years should have been enough to develop it to First-Level status; all she needed was to construct a spell.

Lorinka shot him an odd look, then muttered, "My mental power is certainly adequate. But don't you know that constructing a spell model is the hardest part for a spellcaster?"

"Constructing a spell model? How difficult could that be? The Dark Spirit Domain has plenty of models, most created by powerful spellcasters, so their stability should be high. It shouldn't be that hard to construct a model," Merlin mused.

"Not hard?"

Lorinka looked deeply at Merlin, then sighed as if realizing something. She shook her head and smiled bitterly. "Ah, you wouldn't know. As a wandering mage, you couldn't understand the challenges involved. Spell construction is indeed the hardest part because every spellcaster's mental power is unique, and the types of spells they can handle differ. Thus, the spell model must perfectly match the caster."

"Even models constructed by powerful spellcasters might not be ideal. Once you acquire a model, you still need to reconstruct it according to your own condition. Otherwise, you might fail the construction, or worse, the model could collapse and damage your foundation permanently."

Pausing, Lorinka eyed Merlin and said, "Don't tell me you built all three of your models without reconstructing them, just simulating them in your mind?"

Merlin was a bit startled. For most spellcasters, this was common knowledge, but neither Old Man Aita nor the Black-Robed Elder had mentioned it to him before he entered the Dark Spirit Domain. They believed that as long as a spell model was stable, it could be directly simulated in the mind.

Now he understood why the Black-Robed Elder's spell model was unstable, while others using the same model were unaffected.

Merlin thought about his models, all built by the "Matrix." Were they truly stable? He mentally instructed the Matrix, "Matrix, check the status of my spell models."

"Beep. Scanning… Scan complete. Your spell models are operating stably."

"Show data on previous constructions."

"Beep. Displaying data…"

In his mind, data about his previous constructions of Fireball, Freeze, and Earth Guard appeared, with a section indicating that the models were tailored to his personal parameters.

Merlin exhaled in relief. The Matrix had unknowingly analyzed his specific conditions and adjusted the models accordingly. This was the advantage of having an intelligent quantum computer.

Lorinka, seeing Merlin's shifting expressions, assumed he was regretting potential flaws in his models and said gently, "No need to be too concerned. Although there might be hidden issues, stabilizing potions can gradually correct them."

"Potions?"

Merlin recalled the Black-Robed Elder's struggle with unstable models and his yearning for potions that could stabilize them.

Lorinka didn't elaborate on potions, only remarking, "These are basics you'll learn about in the Dark Spirit Domain. Now let's go; I'll take you to Mage Leo."

Merlin nodded. With at least three years in the domain, he could learn more over time. He followed Lorinka onward.

Along the path, Merlin saw countless tall towers emitting strange pulses of energy. Some were so tall their tops were out of sight, while others were shorter with pointed roofs visible.

"Are those rune arrays on the towers?" Merlin wondered aloud, noting the similarity to the mysterious runes on his Dark Spirit ring.

Lorinka, somewhat surprised, nodded and replied, "It seems your perception is sharp to notice the rune arrays. When I first came, I didn't realize it. Yes, these towers are reinforced with rune arrays. Otherwise, no ordinary structure could reach such heights."

"Only with magical rune arrays can towers remain stable and grow taller. In the Dark Spirit Domain, only mid-level spellcasters of Fourth-Level or above are permitted to build their own towers. The stronger the spellcaster, the taller their tower."

Merlin glanced around. In the entire Dark Spirit Domain, he counted over fifty tall towers, meaning there were at least fifty Fourth-Level or higher spellcasters.

Fifty powerful spellcasters at Fourth-Level and above—an immense force beyond Merlin's imagination. Spellcaster organizations truly possessed unmatched power. In the outside world, even First-Level spellcasters were rare, let alone Fourth-Level ones.

Suddenly, Lorinka stopped, turned to Merlin with a faint smile, and said, "Here we are. This is Mage Leo's tower, where you'll be living for the next three years."

Merlin raised his head to look at the gray-white tower before him.