Chapter 233: Resolution, Part 2

Dark Domain lacked a direct rune array to Floating City, so Merlin and Anlena had to exit near a neighboring array and continue their journey on foot. This was far slower than Merlin's previous trip to the Abyssal Fortress with Leo, who had flown them directly due to his mastery of advanced flight spells.

Neither Merlin nor Anlena were fourth-level mages capable of constructing flight-capable spells, so their travel pace was considerably slower. It took them two full days to reach Floating City.

Upon arrival, Merlin noticed a stark difference—Floating City was far quieter than before. During his previous visit, the rumors of the ancient ruins had drawn countless wandering mages. Now, with time passed and interest waning, the city had returned to its usual calm.

Thinking of the ruins, Merlin's curiosity was piqued. He turned to Anlena and asked, "What happened to the ancient ruins after we left?"

Anlena paused, her expression turning odd. "It's strange," she began, her voice dropping to a hushed tone. "Initially, mages kept entering the ruins despite the dangers, but not long after we left, something changed. Reports emerged of patterned spider monsters and even more terrifying creatures attacking anyone who entered. These creatures were so powerful that even third-level mages weren't their match."

She continued, "Eventually, the ruins' passageways were sealed off entirely. No one knows what happened, but the ruins became completely inaccessible."

After finishing, Anlena glanced at Merlin with suspicion.

Merlin maintained a calm demeanor, betraying no emotion. However, he understood what had likely caused these changes. The **Flame Spirit**, bound to the ruins, had facilitated Merlin's cultivation of the first stage of **Fire Collapse**. With that achieved, it likely initiated a lockdown, eliminating intruders and sealing the site to prevent further disturbances.

This was good news for Merlin. With no one else able to enter, the ruins would remain undisturbed until he advanced to a fourth-level mage and could return to cultivate the second stage of **Fire Collapse**.

"Where to first?" Anlena asked as they arrived in Floating City.

Merlin thought for a moment before replying, "Let's check one place first. If we don't find Raiseen there, I'll need to trouble your family for help."

On the journey, Merlin had mentioned Raiseen but hadn't gone into detail, only explaining that his visit to Floating City was to find the man.

Anlena followed Merlin as he navigated through winding streets and narrow alleys, eventually stopping outside a familiar courtyard. This was the residence of **Samir**, the mage who had introduced Merlin to Raiseen.

But as Merlin approached, he hesitated. From inside the courtyard, faint sounds of a heated argument reached his ears.

---

Inside the courtyard, several unfamiliar mages sat in a tense standoff. One of them, clad in a striking red robe, spoke with a sinister tone, "Samir, you were among the last to leave the ruins. Surely, you must have found something. We're not asking for much—just a look. We're even willing to exchange equivalent value for it."

Samir's face darkened as he coldly replied, "Equivalent exchange? All I found were some alchemical reagents, not the Pandora's Spell you're after. And let me tell you, there was no Pandora's Spell in those ruins."

The red-robed mage's expression turned icy, and he stood abruptly. "Think carefully, Samir. Pandora's Spells aren't something you can keep for yourself."

Samir wasn't intimidated by the red-robed mage's words but remained cautious of the two third-level mages standing behind him. They were the real threat.

Once, Samir had been one of the most powerful wandering mages in Floating City. But after the ruins' discovery, numerous powerful mages had arrived, drawn by the lure of its secrets. Following rumors of a Pandora's Spell, these newcomers had begun targeting Samir and **Brun**, the last mages to leave the ruins.

Brun had wisely left Floating City early, leaving Samir to face the growing number of greedy mages alone. The arrival of these three formidable third-level mages had tipped the scales, emboldening them to openly confront Samir.

"I've told you—I have no Pandora's Spell," Samir snapped, his tone resolute. His alchemical construct stepped forward, shielding him from the trio.

The red-robed mage sneered. "Then we'll search you ourselves."

As the tension reached its peak, a voice called out from the courtyard entrance.

"Samir!"

The mages turned to see two figures entering—a young man and woman, both with faint magical auras. Despite their apparent lack of strength, they seemed unfazed by the hostile atmosphere.

Samir's expression shifted to one of surprise and relief. "Merlin? You survived the ruins? Brun and I thought both you and Raiseen had perished."

"Raiseen?" Merlin's gaze sharpened, and his tone dropped. "Samir, I'm looking for Raiseen. Do you know where he is?"

Before Samir could answer, the red-robed mage interjected, his eyes narrowing as he sized up Merlin. "You came from the ruins? Then you must know about the Pandora's Spell!"

With a wave of his hand, the red-robed mage sent his alchemical construct charging toward Merlin.

Merlin remained calm, but Anlena paled. She quickly shouted, "Stop! We're mages from the Arcane Domain. Merlin is a full member. If you harm us, you'll bring down the wrath of the Arcane Domain!"

Hearing this, the red-robed mage hesitated, his gaze falling on Merlin's robe. Spotting the unmistakable insignia of the Arcane Domain, his expression shifted.

Still, he wasn't ready to back down. "I'll ask one more time—do you know about the Pandora's Spell?"

Merlin ignored him, his attention fixed on Samir. "Samir, where is Raiseen?"

Samir sighed and shook his head. "He vanished after the ruins incident. I've been back in Floating City for a long time now but haven't heard anything about him."

Merlin's expression darkened at this news. Raiseen's elusive nature frustrated him, and his mood grew colder by the moment.

Meanwhile, the red-robed mage's patience snapped. "Arcane Domain or not, you'll die if you don't cooperate. The Spell is worth the risk!"

With a vicious grin, he directed his construct to attack.

Merlin, already seething with irritation, raised his hand. His gaze locked onto the charging construct, his expression chillingly indifferent as he extended a single finger.