Chapter 157: Pandora's Arcane Power

"Beep. Analysis complete. A total of 103,891 spell models for 'Guardian's Monument' have been reconstructed."

Matrix No. 7 quickly finished its analysis, producing over one hundred thousand models. It was almost on par with the number generated for "Fury of Flame," which had yielded just over one hundred and ten thousand models.

With so many options, Merlin first selected models with high compatibility, then narrowed them down by focusing on stability and power. He had become adept at selecting spell models based on these criteria, balancing compatibility, stability, and effectiveness to find the optimal model. While the compatibility of "Guardian's Monument" with his base spell, "Earth Guard," was slightly lower than that of "Fury of Flame" with "Fireball," he was able to find a model with 76% compatibility, and stability ranked in the top thirty.

Now, Merlin needed to replicate this complex model in his mind using his mental power. Last time, his mental strength had been insufficient, and he had failed. However, after a month of meditation at Ditas, his mental strength had significantly advanced since his attempt with "Fury of Flame."

With a steady breath, Merlin calmed his mind and began simulating the "Guardian's Monument" model in his mental sea.

---

"Helcius, have you confirmed the location of Osum's people from Abyssal Fortress?"

Wearing a dark robe and round hat, Mage Leo spoke in a calm voice.

Leo, Helcius, and the other high-ranking mages of Dark Spirit Domain, all six or above, were gathered in a dense forest, keeping their eyes on an ancient castle ahead.

Helcius squinted at the castle, nodding. "Yes, we've received word from Abyssal Fortress that Osum's forces have split into several groups, and one such group is holed up in this castle. We'll have confirmation once the mages from Abyssal Fortress arrive."

Just then, a cold wind blew through the dim forest, making it feel even darker. A hoarse voice sounded from the shadows, and a dozen mages in dark robes emerged from the darkness. These were the mages from Abyssal Fortress.

"Helcius, it's been a long time!" came the voice of Mage Geselo, leading the Abyssal Fortress group.

"Indeed, Geselo," Helcius replied. "I think the last time we met was over a century ago."

The mages of Abyssal Fortress joined those from Dark Spirit Domain, and with their combined forces, they turned their attention to the looming castle.

"Is there confirmation of Osum's people inside?" Leo asked coldly.

Geselo looked at Leo with a peculiar expression. "You must be Mage Leo, known for conjuring the Dark Eye. Even among Abyssal Fortress mages specializing in dark magic, no one else has achieved this feat. If we weren't here to deal with Osum, I'd be eager to test the strength of your legendary Dark Eye."

Leo's crimson eye, perched in the center of his forehead, flashed with an eerie red glow. "Once we deal with Osum, you'll have your chance, Geselo."

With that, Leo strode purposefully toward the castle.

---

The ancient castle stood in desolation, the once mighty structure now overgrown with weeds, the gates rusted and decaying. As Leo approached, his blood-red eye glowed brighter, fixing on the upper floors of the castle. Without hesitation, he summoned a storm of wind elements and took to the air, soaring up toward the second floor.

Following his lead, other mages took to the sky, using either wind spells or enchanted items to reach the castle's higher floors. Each was on high alert, knowing they were about to face the infamous mages of Osum, all notoriously skilled and dangerous.

A sudden shadow flickered in the dark, a hidden spell darting toward Leo. His blood-red eye flashed as he summoned a shield of earth elements, effortlessly deflecting the attack.

Then, a spiraling vortex of darkness materialized, a **Dark Swirl** aimed to consume Leo whole. However, with a calm gaze, Leo unleashed a beam from his Dark Eye, piercing the vortex and dissipating it instantly.

Leo continued forward, his mind sensing the presence of two mages within—a third-level mage and a fourth-level mage. Among them, he sensed something unusual, a dark aura that intrigued him.

"Dark Heart... You must be the Abyssal Fortress mage, Ramus," Leo said, voice steady.

The third-level mage, Ramus, stood with defiance, his gaze sharp. "That's right. Only by joining Osum can one truly become the most powerful mage. You'll never understand that."

Beside him, the fourth-level mage sneered, undaunted by Leo's presence. "Precisely. Only Osum appreciates true talent! When we return, you'll see that a mere sixth-level mage is nothing!"

But Leo's only response was a chilling smile.

"Dark Eye, Ensnare!"

A crimson beam shot from his forehead, enveloping both mages in a blood-red glow.

"Dark Eye, Obliterate."

Two swift rays of red pierced through both Ramus and his comrade. The fourth-level mage's face twisted in disbelief as he collapsed to the ground.

Soon, other mages arrived, only to find the two Osum mages already lying motionless on the floor.