Chapter 240: Resolution, Part 9

Layson's face turned pale, drained of all color. Watching the mighty Viss fall at Merlin's hands, he regretted not taking the opportunity to flee during their battle.

As the oppressive aura of darkness around Merlin grew heavier, Layson suddenly pulled a scroll of beast hide from his ring and shouted to the surrounding Spellcasters:

"This is the method to cultivate Pandora's Magic! Whoever helps me hold off Merlin will get this scroll!"

At this moment of desperation, Layson was willing to sacrifice the cultivation method for **Conflagration of Annihilation** just to save his life.

"Pandora's Magic?"

"Is that really a Pandora's Magic scroll?"

Many Spellcasters stared at the beast hide in Layson's hand with wide eyes, their gazes filled with desire. For a moment, a flicker of greed flashed in the crowd.

But as Merlin's cold gaze swept across the Spellcasters, the greed in their hearts quickly dissipated. Even the Tier 4 Spellcasters among them shook their heads, suppressing their urges.

No one dared to act. They had witnessed Merlin's overwhelming strength when he defeated Viss, a recognized powerhouse from Ossum. Facing Merlin now was tantamount to suicide.

"Struggling in vain. It's useless," Merlin remarked, shaking his head slightly. His calm demeanor reflected the confidence of someone who had risen beyond fear.

"**Flames!**"

With a single motion, white flames erupted from Layson's body, engulfing him completely.

Layson's cries of anguish echoed in the air, but Merlin's expression remained indifferent. The flames consumed Layson entirely, reducing him to ashes. When the flames died out, all that remained were a ring and the beast hide scroll.

The surrounding Spellcasters cast longing gazes at the scroll, but no one dared make a move. They understood that trying to take it from Merlin was as foolish as provoking the wrath of a god.

"Anrelena, let's go," Merlin said, pocketing the scroll and ring before turning away.

As Merlin and Anrelena departed, a figure emerged from the shadows—Muxiu, the head of the Delman family. His expression was one of astonishment as he noticed Anrelena walking behind Merlin.

"Anrelena? She once mentioned that she and Merlin studied under the same mentor."

A glimmer of realization crossed Muxiu's face, followed by a smile as he too left the remains of the Wright estate.

---

Far across the vast, endless ocean stood a nameless island. On it, towering golden palaces gleamed brightly, visible even from afar.

Inside one of the palaces, a woman with a high ponytail and a figure clad in a tight spellcaster's robe spoke sharply to a man sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed.

"Kress, Viss is dead!"

The man opened his eyes slowly, revealing a hint of irritation.

"Bluejay, what's the matter?"

"Viss, that fool, got himself killed," Bluejay replied with a sneer of disdain.

Kress frowned. "Viss? Didn't he go to Floating City on a routine mission? There's no major power there aside from the Silver Tower. Even then, the strongest there is a Tier 4 Spellcaster. Viss may have been inept, but he should have been able to handle that. What happened?"

Bluejay smirked. "The one who killed Viss wasn't from Floating City—it was a Spellcaster from the Arcane Domain. Your Arcane Domain is really something, isn't it? First, you, and now another—a six-path Spellcaster. Even though he's only a Tier 1 Spellcaster, he managed to kill Viss."

"A six-path Spellcaster?"

Kress's calm demeanor shattered momentarily, and his aura surged violently. As a five-path Spellcaster, Kress knew better than anyone how difficult it was to achieve a sixth path.

Bluejay continued, "His name is Merlin. Rumor has it he was assigned to Leo's spire as a student. Perhaps you've heard of him?"

"Merlin…" Kress murmured. His memories of the Arcane Domain stirred faintly. He vaguely remembered a six-path Spellcaster mentioned during his time there.

Bluejay's expression turned serious. "The Ossum Council has already decided to tempt Merlin into defecting. They're sending a Tier 3 Spellcaster to recruit him, but we both know the plan isn't recruitment. I volunteered for the task."

"You? Why?" Kress asked, narrowing his eyes.

"To protect your position in Ossum, of course," Bluejay replied coldly. "Merlin is a threat. If he joins Ossum, he'll outshine you in no time. I'll make sure that doesn't happen. My mission is to ensure Merlin never becomes a threat to you."

Kress regarded Bluejay with a complicated expression, then reached out to stroke her hair gently.

"Very well, Bluejay. I trust you. If I weren't focused on cultivating my new Pandora's Magic, I'd deal with Merlin myself. I'd like to see how extraordinary a six-path Spellcaster truly is."

Bluejay's face tightened in alarm. "You're seriously pursuing that Pandora's Magic? You know how dangerous it is—so many Ossum geniuses have died trying to master it!"

Kress's gaze grew steely. "I didn't betray the Arcane Domain to live an ordinary life. Those who fear risk will never achieve greatness."

Bluejay fell silent. After a moment, she nodded, her tone softening. "Fine. I'll eliminate Merlin and return quickly. If you die… I'll follow you."

---

Back in Floating City, Muxiu paced restlessly in the courtyard of the Delman family estate.

When the door to the room finally opened, he rushed forward to greet the young Spellcaster who emerged, dressed in a dark mage's robe.

"Merlin," Muxiu called warmly.

Merlin raised an eyebrow and glanced at Anrelena, whose awkward expression hinted at the reason for the introduction.

"Merlin, this is my father," she said quietly.

Muxiu smiled apologetically. "Merlin, I represent the Delman family. We are willing to pay any price to copy the Pandora's Magic recorded on that beast hide scroll you hold."

Merlin's gaze sharpened, and he glanced at Anrelena, whose face flushed with embarrassment. Turning back to Muxiu, Merlin's eyes narrowed, and a cold aura emanated from him.