Chapter 77: The Mage Hill (Part 1)

"Nothing too serious."

Merlin thought about it for a moment and decided not to disclose the matter just yet. Old Wilson and the others were still basking in the excitement of finally settling down, and there was no need to worry them unnecessarily.

"Good, as long as there's no issue."

Old Wilson visibly relaxed.

"However, I may need to stay in Baron Sellen's castle for the next few days to help resolve his troubles."

After explaining this to Old Wilson, Merlin returned to his recently cleaned room.

※※※

Merlin woke up early the next morning, once again noticing a layer of sweat on his body. With the continuous practice of the stances depicted on the mysterious reliefs over the past few days, he could already feel gradual improvements in his physical strength.

While the changes weren't drastic, they were real. At this rate, his physical condition might reach that of a level-two elemental swordsman within a few months.

After changing clothes, Merlin noticed that Old Wilson was still resting, likely exhausted from the long journey. Now that they had settled down, Old Wilson could finally relax and get some proper rest, so Merlin decided not to disturb him. He only spoke briefly with Commander Pula before setting off alone toward Baron Sellen's castle.

The guards outside the castle had clearly received orders, as they opened the iron gate respectfully upon seeing Merlin, allowing him to enter. Inside the castle, Merlin still sensed the watchful eyes of hidden guards, though not as many as before. It seemed that his presence was now accepted.

In the hall, neither Cook nor the lively young woman Shelley was in sight. Baron Sellen was seated by the fireplace, with an old man in a black robe sitting across from him.

Out of habit, Merlin extended his mental energy across the hall, especially focusing on Baron Sellen and the black-robed elder. Through his mental exploration, he observed the fine lines on the elder's face, like the texture of ancient tree bark. Despite his healthy complexion, the elder's age was evident.

"Has no one told you that probing someone's body with mental energy is considered impolite?"

A raspy voice sounded suddenly.

Merlin was startled. The black-robed elder turned to look at him, his large black iron earrings hanging from both ears, with a withered, white hand, some fingers charred black.

The elder was the one who had spoken, and judging by his awareness of Merlin's probing, he was clearly a mage.

"Merlin, allow me to introduce you," Baron Sellen said, standing as he addressed Merlin. "This is Mage Hill."

"Mage Hill took part in the brutal 'Slaughterhouse' campaign against the Kingdom of Light over a decade ago!"

"Slaughterhouse?"

Merlin's brow furrowed. The "Slaughterhouse" campaign was infamous not for any strategic importance but for its shocking brutality that caught both sides off guard.

At that time, both the Kingdom of Light and the Kingdom of Black Moon deployed millions of troops in the "Slaughterhouse," with countless mages from the Church and spellcasters from Black Moon falling in battle. Even those capable of single-handedly destroying fortresses lost their lives, highlighting the ferocity of the campaign.

Surviving such a battle, even as an ordinary knight, meant one was elite. Like Old Wilson, who, upon returning from the "Slaughterhouse," was awarded a noble title and was known for his unparalleled heavy-armored knights.

Old Wilson had been a regular knight then, whereas the black-robed elder before him had entered the "Slaughterhouse" as a mage. Surviving that hellish place suggested an exceptional level of skill.

Despite not sensing a formidable aura from the elder, Merlin remained on high alert, understanding that underestimating him would be unwise.

"Heh, what of the 'Slaughterhouse'? Now I'm nothing but an old man close to the grave."

There was a hint of deep melancholy in Hill's voice, indicating a history filled with untold stories.

Not long after, the hulking figure of Cook entered the hall.

Cook glanced between Merlin and the black-robed elder, then said, "Father, everything is ready. If Meliron dares to come, he won't be leaving alive."

Cook wore an expression of absolute confidence.

"Fifteen level-four elemental swordsmen! Sixty-eight level-three swordsmen, and over a hundred level-two swordsmen, not to mention special heavy crossbows. Quite the investment, Baron," remarked the black-robed Mage Hill suddenly.

Everyone's expression shifted slightly, especially Cook, who glared at Hill, his intimidating aura filling the room.

Had Baron Sellen not been present, Cook might have already acted against the elder.

Merlin, too, was taken aback, both by Baron Sellen's formidable forces and by the black-robed elder's discerning capabilities.

When Merlin had used his mental energy to assess Hill, he had assumed the elder to be at an entry-level status. But Hill's mental energy was so extensive that he could encompass the entire castle, understanding Cook's arrangements down to the last detail.

This level of mental acuity went beyond what was typical for an entry-level mage. With such powerful mental energy, Hill could have easily advanced to a full mage, though Merlin wasn't sure why he hadn't.

Baron Sellen looked a bit uncomfortable, but he quickly regained his composure, smiling as he asked the elder, "Mage Hill, is there anything flawed in this setup?"

Hill glanced at Cook, utterly unaffected by his menacing aura. His voice grew cold as he replied, "The setup is adequate, but taking down Meliron won't be so simple."

"Oh? Do you know about Meliron's situation, Mage Hill?"

Baron Sellen's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward with interest. So far, he only knew that Meliron was a mage and was unclear on the rest of his capabilities.

Baron Sellen wasn't the only one eager to learn more; Merlin also wanted details.