Chapter 244: An Encounter

A rugged dirt road stretched ahead as a carriage moved leisurely along, jingling with the soft chime of small bells that hung from its sides.

Inside, dressed in a black mage's robe, Merlin sat absorbed in a finely bound, black-covered book.

It had been four days since Merlin left Floating City. During this time, thanks to the **Bell's Space**, where his mental projection tirelessly meditated on advanced techniques to enhance his mental power, Merlin had more free time than ever. Between doses of Phantom Potion, he spent his idle hours reading.

The book he currently read came from the rings of Vis and Lysenne. Some passages detailed the colossal **Mortar Empire** from 3,600 years ago, while others analyzed its mysterious, overnight collapse.

The Mortar Empire had been an extraordinary civilization, representing the zenith of spellcasters' glory. Spellcasting had flourished in those days, marking an era unrivaled in its brilliance. It was little wonder that modern spellcasters devoted countless resources and efforts to uncovering its secrets, although the true cause of its sudden demise remained a mystery.

Back in Blackwater City, Merlin had acquired a mysterious relief sculpture that continuously enhanced his physical constitution. His body now rivaled that of a Tier 4 elemental swordsman, far surpassing the frailty typical of most spellcasters.

That relief sculpture, undoubtedly a relic of the Mortar Empire, raised questions in Merlin's mind. He speculated that such artifacts might have been common during the empire's height. Spellcasters from that golden age surely wouldn't have left their physical vulnerabilities unaddressed. Perhaps these relics were part of their solution.

Merlin's thoughts were interrupted when the carriage jolted. The driver called out cautiously, "Sir Merlin, two people are blocking the road ahead."

Merlin frowned slightly and lifted the curtain to look outside.

Indeed, a man and a woman stood before the carriage, alongside their broken-down vehicle.

The woman had an elegant appearance, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders, paired with a well-fitted noble's robe. Her refined bearing suggested aristocratic lineage.

But what truly caught Merlin's attention wasn't her demeanor or attire—it was her black hair.

Back in Blackwater City, Merlin's own black hair had set him apart. It was said to be his only inherited trait from his unseen mother. Since arriving in the Black Moon Kingdom, he hadn't encountered anyone else with such hair—until now.

The woman curtsied slightly, using noble etiquette as she spoke. "I apologize for the inconvenience, sir. Our carriage has broken down, and we're far from the nearest town. May we trouble you for a ride?"

Merlin glanced at his map. The nearest town was indeed a half-day's journey away, even with a functioning carriage. After a moment's thought, he nodded and said calmly, "Get in."

The pair's faces lit up with relief as they climbed aboard.

"Thank you for your kindness," the woman said politely. The warmth of the carriage visibly eased her pale complexion, bringing some color back to her cheeks.

Merlin glanced at them briefly before returning to his book. The woman, in turn, observed Merlin closely, her gaze falling on his robe.

Her composed demeanor faltered for a moment as her eyes lingered on the garment.

"May I ask your name, sir?" she inquired cautiously.

"Merlin," he replied curtly.

The woman nodded and introduced herself. "My name is Siryn, and this is my younger brother, Haya."

She gave Haya a stern look, prompting him to reluctantly greet Merlin. "Sir Merlin."

Merlin barely acknowledged Haya's begrudging attitude, nodding indifferently before resuming his reading.

Seeing Merlin's calm demeanor, Siryn hesitated before asking, "Sir Merlin, where are you headed?"

"Dolan City," Merlin answered, narrowing his eyes with a faint smile.

Hearing this, Siryn visibly tensed, and Haya's previously casual posture stiffened as he eyed Merlin warily.

Merlin said nothing further, letting the carriage fall into a tense silence.

---

As dusk fell, the carriage finally reached a small town. The pair quickly alighted, Siryn bowing slightly as she said, "Thank you for your generosity, Sir Merlin. We'll find another carriage here and won't trouble you further."

With that, the two turned and left.

Watching their retreating figures, Merlin's lips curled into a faint smile. "Interesting... They grew tense when I mentioned Dolan City. Could they be heading there too?"

Shaking off the thought, Merlin instructed the driver to find lodging for the night before resuming their journey in the morning.

---

In a secluded corner of the town, Siryn and Haya emerged from the shadows after ensuring Merlin's carriage was gone.

Siryn exhaled in relief, her tense posture relaxing slightly.

Haya, however, scowled. "Why were you so polite to that man? We're going to Dolan City—we can't afford delays. That carriage was fine. If you didn't want to kill him, we could've just kicked him off and taken it."

Annoyed, Siryn shook her head. "You've barely left the family estate, so you wouldn't recognize that robe."

"His robe? You mean it's a magical artifact? Why didn't you say so earlier! We're both Tier 1 spellcasters—standouts in our family. If he has a robe, it might be valuable. We could've taken it for ourselves!"

Haya's enthusiasm made Siryn grimace. She scolded him coldly, "Haya, this trip is to broaden your horizons, but your recklessness will get us killed. Do you know what that robe represents? It's the mark of a formal member of the **Arcane Domain**! Each member is at least a Tier 1 spellcaster. The whole time we were in that carriage, I was terrified he'd harm us. And you? You wanted to rob him?"

Siryn's words made Haya pause. He glanced back toward where Merlin's carriage had disappeared and mumbled, "So, he's from the Arcane Domain... No wonder he seemed so powerful. Still, isn't it lucky to encounter such a strong spellcaster? This trip to Dolan City is bound to be worthwhile."

Sighing, Siryn resolved to never bring Haya on another journey.

"Let's find a new carriage and reach Dolan City quickly," she said, leading him into the dimming twilight.