Chapter 185: Facing Reality

Merlin's *Guardian Stone*, cast using his augmentation tool, could rival a third-level defensive spell. This was currently his strongest defense spell—if it couldn't withstand the alchemical creature of Samir, Merlin's fate would likely be sealed today.

The giant silver hammer descended with such force that the very air seemed to sizzle in response.

The hammer crashed against *Guardian Stone*, causing the entire structure to tremble violently, as though it might shatter at any moment. Merlin's heart pounded in his chest as he watched his defense anxiously.

The shimmering light of *Guardian Stone* flickered wildly, yet, ultimately, it held firm. Thanks to the augmented release of his defense spell, Merlin managed to withstand the alchemical creature's assault.

Samir's eyes narrowed with a slight hint of surprise, but he wasted no time. With a quick wave of his hand, he unleashed a searing blast of fire in Merlin's direction.

It was another third-level spell, one Merlin already knew to be devastatingly powerful. Once caught within its flames, escape would be nearly impossible. However, with the creature locked in close combat, Merlin couldn't escape easily either. Instead, he unleashed multiple layers of *Guardian Stone*, then reinforced them with the augmented version.

Casting two strengthened versions of *Guardian Stone* back-to-back had drained four earth-element crystals, though Merlin still had enough crystals to sustain his defenses for a while.

Samir's fire spell started as a small flicker but quickly struck Merlin's *Guardian Stone*, igniting into a fiery explosion that engulfed Merlin completely. Despite the blazing inferno, Merlin managed to hold his defense, though cracks began to appear. He cast *Guardian Stone* yet again, reinforcing it with the augmentation tool just in time to withstand the assault.

"I need to get out of here, now!" Merlin thought, his eyes narrowing.

While Merlin's shield could hold off both Samir's spells and the alchemical creature's attacks, he couldn't afford to stay locked in this endless battle. If he exhausted his magic reserves, he would be left defenseless. Taking advantage of a momentary opening, Merlin unleashed an enhanced version of *Gale Surge*, turning into a shadow and dashing out from the flames' reach.

"A speed spell? I despise speed spells, and he has a defense spell on par with a third-level spell as well!"

Samir watched Merlin's *Guardian Stone* shimmering with increasing frustration. Without any speed-based spells of his own, he knew Merlin could slip away simply by continuing to withstand his attacks. Initially, Samir had believed Merlin would be no match—a mere entry-level mage seemed hardly worth concern. But now, after engaging him, Samir saw just how troublesome Merlin was.

Realizing that Merlin was slipping away, Samir tried one last attempt. "Wait, Mage Merlin! How about a deal?"

Merlin, on the verge of fleeing, halted his steps. He glanced back warily at Samir and his massive alchemical creature.

Samir smiled and gestured for his creature to retreat. "Mage Merlin, I lack the speed spells needed to catch you, and I admit you have earned my respect. So, let's make a fair exchange. If you help me prepare a potion, I'll grant you whatever precious item you desire."

Merlin looked skeptically at Samir, aware of the truth in his words. In the beginning, Samir hadn't held back, using all his power to subdue Merlin instantly. But with Merlin's augmented spell, Samir's efforts had been thwarted. Merlin's quick reflexes and range of spells had allowed him to avoid defeat.

This encounter solidified Merlin's belief in the advantages of having access to multiple elements. If he hadn't had speed-based spells, he wouldn't have been able to escape. Likewise, Samir's lack of speed spells left him unable to pursue Merlin effectively.

Samir, finding himself unexpectedly outmaneuvered by an entry-level mage, had to swallow his pride. Now, he proposed a trade.

"A trade? Weren't you planning to negotiate when you sent Colton?" Merlin questioned, his eyes still vigilant.

Samir nodded. "Yes, I originally sent Colton to negotiate."

Merlin scoffed. "This is how you negotiate?"

Samir's eyes narrowed as he gave Merlin a deep look. "Mage Merlin, do you think I would treat an entry-level mage with respect? I'd simply capture you. But now, you've shown enough strength to command my respect. So let's negotiate openly. Help me prepare a potion, and you can name whatever rare item you want."

"Anything?" Merlin sneered. "Your words sound too bold, Samir."

Merlin was ready to leave and end this exchange, but Samir subtly positioned his alchemical creature closer to the elder in black and Brunton, hinting at the consequences if Merlin tried to flee.

Merlin sighed, realizing he couldn't leave the elder behind. Although he wasn't concerned about Brunton's fate, he owed the elder too much to abandon him.

Seeing that Merlin hadn't walked away, Samir smiled and continued, "Yes, anything. Whether you desire elemental crystals, spells, magical tools, or even my unique mithril alchemical techniques—I can provide them."

Merlin noted the intensity in Samir's gaze, sensing his desperation. He hesitated. It seemed that this potion was vital to Samir.

Still reluctant to work with someone as dangerous as Samir, Merlin replied coldly, "Elemental crystals, spells, magical tools, I'm not interested. As for your mithril technique, I'm no alchemist, so it's useless to me. If you truly want to trade, give me a Hundred-Year Cold Marrow."

Merlin had heard rumors in Floating City that even the Silver Tower didn't stock the Hundred-Year Cold Marrow. Many mages hadn't even heard of it, so he had abandoned his hopes of training with the Pandora's Ice Finger spell.

Thus, he expected Samir to back off upon hearing his request.

"Hundred-Year Cold Marrow?" Samir's brows furrowed. To Merlin's surprise, it seemed he knew of this rare item.

After a long moment, Samir's face tightened, and he bit out, "The Hundred-Year Cold Marrow is indeed rare, and few mages know of it. But I happen to know an old acquaintance who possesses some. He's long coveted my mithril techniques, so if I offer him that knowledge, I can secure the marrow for you!"

Now it was Merlin's turn to hesitate. He'd only mentioned the marrow to dissuade Samir, never expecting him to take the request seriously.

The Hundred-Year Cold Marrow was essential for learning the Pandora's Ice Finger technique, and Merlin felt a strong temptation. But he remained cautious, unwilling to place his trust in Samir.

Noticing Merlin's hesitation, Samir reached into his ring and produced a potion formula, which he then had his alchemical creature deliver to Merlin.

Merlin remained on high alert, his *Guardian Stone* spell ready to counter any attack. But the creature didn't make any hostile moves, easing Merlin's nerves slightly as he accepted the formula.

Samir spoke with a weary expression, "Mage Merlin, this formula should clarify my intentions. I have no reason to harm you under these circumstances."

Curious, Merlin glanced at the mysterious formula, realizing it might hold the key to understanding Samir's desperation.