Chapter 114: Unexpected Changes

After browsing the numerous shelves, Merlin finally focused on the thunder spells.

Both thunder and fire spells were known for their ferocity, and they unleashed immense power upon casting. As such, these were ideal choices for offensive spells. Since Merlin already possessed a fire spell, Fireball, selecting another offensive spell from the thunder category seemed most fitting.

There were quite a few thunder spells available in the Dark Spirit Domain, but Merlin had specific criteria: the spell needed to be powerful and ideally capable of wide-range attacks. With these criteria, his selection narrowed significantly.

Ultimately, Merlin chose a spell called "Thunder Net." This spell aligned well with what he had envisioned.

"Thunder Net: Composed of raging thunder elements, it creates a large net covering an area of several dozen meters, with a paralyzing effect. Five contribution points."

Thunder Net's characteristics were exactly what Merlin was looking for, but seeing that the ideal spell required five contribution points, his expression darkened.

He had already selected "Gale Technique" and "Dark Mist," which together cost seven points. As a newly joined spellcaster in the Dark Spirit Domain, he was allocated ten contribution points, leaving him with only three.

Three points weren't enough to exchange for Thunder Net.

Merlin stood in front of the shelf, contemplating for a long time. Eventually, he sighed, calming his disappointment. Although it was regrettable, he had to postpone acquiring Thunder Net until he earned more contribution points in the future.

With that decision made, Merlin took "Gale Technique" and "Dark Mist" to one of the grey-robed mages on the first floor.

"Please exchange these two spells for me," Merlin said calmly to one of the somewhat idle grey-robed mages.

The mage squinted, gave Merlin a cursory glance, then pulled out a disc covered in mysterious runes, seemingly a spellcasting tool.

"Hand over your Dark Spirit Ring."

Merlin handed over his ring, and immediately, the mage activated the tool. The runes on it emitted a faint white glow, enveloping Merlin's Dark Spirit Ring.

Merlin watched as the "ten" on his ring changed to "three," indicating that he now had only three contribution points left.

The mage then used the same tool to unlock the rune restrictions on the two spell books, allowing Merlin to freely view their contents.

After giving a slight nod to the mage, Merlin left the Tower of Myriad Wonders.

---

Back at Mage Leo's tower, Merlin first opened the book containing the model for Gale Technique.

To his surprise, there were five models for Gale Technique in the book, all of which appeared very stable and likely crafted by powerful spellcasters with deep knowledge of this technique.

The spell model that Old Man Aeta had crafted was worlds apart from these, illustrating the stark difference between spellcasters backed by systematic knowledge in organizations and the wandering mages.

If Merlin were to directly simulate any of these models in his sea of consciousness, the chances of success were high. However, even though the risk was reduced, only novice wanderers would "risk" directly imprinting a model in their consciousness.

For true stability, a spellcaster needed to reconstruct the model firsthand.

"Matrix, create a database for 'Gale Technique' and analyze the spell model."

"Beep, database created. Beginning analysis!"

Familiar with the procedure, Merlin activated Matrix to reconstruct the Gale Technique model.

"Beep, analysis complete. A total of 253,516 models generated!"

In no time, Matrix completed its analysis, generating over 250,000 models. This immense quantity was a testament to the refinement of spell models within the Dark Spirit Domain, far superior to those Merlin had encountered before.

Merlin selected the optimal model and proceeded with the final step—using his spiritual power to imprint it in his sea of consciousness.

Invisible spiritual energy began swiftly simulating the Gale Technique model. Merlin was highly proficient in this process, and his enhanced spiritual power made it even quicker. Before long, he had successfully imprinted Gale Technique in his consciousness.

The moment the Gale Technique model took shape, Merlin sensed countless tiny green points of light, like moths to a flame, rushing toward him.

These were wind elements. Swarming into Merlin's sea of consciousness, they were quickly absorbed by the Gale Technique model, transforming into mana.

With Gale Technique successfully imprinted, Merlin didn't stop. He immediately had Matrix analyze the model for "Dark Mist."

The Dark Mist model was significantly more complex; even with five models provided in the book, a quick glance told Merlin that this was the most intricate model he had encountered.

"No wonder it costs five contribution points," Merlin thought, feeling a surge of excitement. More intricate models typically signified greater power. Although complex models were harder to construct, Merlin could bypass these difficulties thanks to the Matrix.

Soon, Matrix completed the analysis, and Merlin selected the best model, preparing to channel his spiritual power and carefully simulate the Dark Mist model.

Taking a deep breath, Merlin focused entirely on imprinting Dark Mist in his sea of consciousness.

Then, an unexpected change occurred.

"Huh?"

Merlin's face changed abruptly. Just as he was about to imprint the Dark Mist model, he felt his previously vast spiritual power suddenly turn heavy.

It was as if his spiritual power was being drained, leaving him with a suffocating sensation.