Chapter 247: The Calm Before Chaos (Part 1)

In a spacious room, the heavy breathing gradually subsided. Merlin gently stroked Lorinka's fair back, his eyes fixed on her as she curled up like a kitten in his embrace. His voice calm, he said, "Lorinka, come back to the Arcane Domain with me. You don't have to spend each day feeling isolated and helpless within your family anymore."

From the state of Lorinka's room and the attitudes of those around her, Merlin could easily discern that her life within the Shadison family wasn't easy. This confirmed what Lorinka had once told him—that being sent out of the Arcane Domain was tantamount to being deemed worthless, with no potential for further investment from her family. Her situation would be even worse than that of many wandering mages.

Now, it seemed her earlier words were no exaggeration.

Lorinka nodded obediently and replied softly, "Alright, but if I'm to leave for the Arcane Domain, I must first inform my father. After all, I am still a member of the Shadison family."

Merlin nodded in agreement, but his thoughts quickly shifted to the Shadison estate. He couldn't help but notice the heavy security and the presence of hidden spellcasters, creating an atmosphere of tension.

"Lorinka, why is your family harboring so many powerful spellcasters in secret?" Merlin asked.

Lorinka stiffened slightly, then leaned closer to Merlin. In a low voice, she replied, "It's no secret in Dolan City anymore. Over a month ago, the family stumbled upon a valuable artifact."

"An artifact?"

"Yes, an artifact—none other than the first volume of the **Vastness Tome**, a legend that has been passed down since the Molta Empire."

Her revelation immediately brought to Merlin's mind the legendary tome. Now far from a novice in the Arcane Domain, Merlin had naturally heard of the tome's renown.

The Vastness Tome had been legendary since the era of the Molta Empire. Most spellcasters were familiar with its fame. The news that it had resurfaced, even partially, was indeed startling.

"But it's only the first volume of the tome. It just contains spells from Tier 1 to Tier 3. It's unlikely to interest spellcasters from major organizations," Merlin remarked.

He knew that the tome's first volume, limited to Tier 1 through Tier 3 spells, held no allure for him. With enough contribution points in the Arcane Domain, he could easily access spells from Tier 1 to Tier 6.

Lorinka shook her head gently. "High-level spellcasters from major organizations wouldn't give the first volume a second thought. Perhaps the second volume might intrigue them. But that doesn't mean others aren't interested. In Dolan City, the rival Dorett family has long coveted the tome.

"And wandering mages are eager for it too. Many Tier 1 to Tier 3 spells recorded in the tome are rare and highly sought after. The elders in my family realized that if they didn't act, the Dorett family would unite with the wandering mages and pose a serious threat to us."

Merlin nodded thoughtfully. The Shadison family was relatively weak. Their strongest member was a Tier 4 spellcaster. Compared to the Delman family in Floating City, they had only a marginal edge.

"The elders decided to take drastic measures," Lorinka continued. "They knew the family couldn't keep the tome to themselves, but they also wouldn't let the Dorett family benefit. Two days from now, they'll publicly display the first volume of the Vastness Tome for all visiting spellcasters to see!"

"Publicly display it?" Merlin was momentarily taken aback, but as he reflected, he nodded subtly. This was indeed the best course of action. By making the tome public, the Shadison family would foil the Dorett family's attempts to unite wandering mages against them.

Though the Shadisons would lose their exclusive hold on the tome, it was a small price to pay to avoid a potential crisis of annihilation.

Understanding the situation, Merlin finally grasped why Dolan City had grown so bustling. The influx of spellcasters, including the pair he had encountered on the road, likely had ties to the Vastness Tome.

For Merlin, the tome was merely a curiosity. He had no real interest in the Tier 1 to Tier 3 spells it contained, as the Arcane Domain offered access to far superior resources.

"Lorinka, inform your family. You'll return to the Arcane Domain with me," Merlin said in a firm tone.

Lorinka nodded, quickly dressing and leaving the room. After a brief hesitation, Merlin decided to follow her.

---

In a modest meeting room, ten spellcasters sat in discussion. Their faces bore varying degrees of concern as they shared information.

"Patriarch, more powerful spellcasters have arrived in Dolan City recently. Even Tier 4 wandering mages are beginning to appear," one of them reported.

"Indeed. The Tier 3 spellcasters were already numerous, but the presence of Tier 4 mages—however rare—is even more concerning. These wandering mages didn't become Tier 4 by chance; they're formidable opponents," another added.

"And the Dorett family seems to be actively recruiting these Tier 3 and Tier 4 spellcasters. Patriarch, what if they take action during the tome's exhibition in two days?"

Rheint, the Shadison patriarch, remained composed as his sharp gaze swept across the room. These gathered spellcasters represented the family's core strength, all of them Tier 3.

The discovery of the Vastness Tome had initially seemed like an opportunity, but the leaked news had turned it into a crisis. The Shadison family now faced the possibility of eradication. Over the past month, Rheint had aged noticeably, his days consumed by strategizing for the family's survival.

Finally, he spoke in a calm yet commanding voice. "There's no need to worry. These wandering mages were drawn here by the tome's fame. Once the spells are publicly displayed, they'll have no reason to stay.

"As for the Dorett family—hmph! We've been rivals for years. If they truly dare to cause trouble, the Shadison family will not cower. Prepare for the exhibition in two days. I'll ensure a Tier 4 spellcaster oversees the event!"

Rheint's steady demeanor reassured the others. The tense atmosphere in the room gradually eased.

"Understood, Patriarch. The tome was your discovery, and your decision to publicly exhibit it has steered us away from ruin. We'll follow your lead."

Satisfied, Rheint nodded. His authority within the Shadison family was absolute, and his leadership had often given them the upper hand over the Doretts.

"You're dismissed. Begin preparations immediately—" Rheint's words were interrupted by a hurried knock at the door.

A young spellcaster entered cautiously and reported, "Patriarch, Miss Lorinka is here. She says she has something important to discuss."

"Lorinka?" Rheint frowned. He had many children, and most were unremarkable enough to be forgotten. Only a few stood out, and Lorinka was one of them, having once entered the Arcane Domain.

But after being expelled from the domain, Lorinka had faded from his thoughts. Rheint could hardly recall her until now.

"I'm in the middle of important matters. What could she possibly want? Send her away," Rheint said coldly.

"Patriarch, Miss Lorinka isn't alone. She's accompanied by an unfamiliar spellcaster wearing the official robes of the Arcane Domain," the young mage added carefully.

Hearing this, Rheint's expression softened slightly. After a moment's thought, he said, "Very well. Let them in."

Though he had no regard for Lorinka, he could not afford to dismiss a formal member of the Arcane Domain.