Chapter 54: Departure (Part I)

In the blink of an eye, ten massive fireballs hurtled toward Mage Jason. Even with the protection of his "Ring of Holy Light" spell, Jason's face paled.

Merlin's own face was ashen from exhaustion; the intense mental effort had drained him, and releasing ten Great Fireballs at once had nearly depleted his strength. Controlling that many fireballs at once was beyond his current capacity.

But these ten fireballs required little guidance from Merlin now. As they reached Jason, he detonated them with his mental energy, igniting the unstable spheres.

"Boom, boom, boom!"

A series of deafening explosions erupted, consuming Jason in an instant. Flames surged and spread, lifting dust and debris into a towering mushroom cloud of fire.

Knights, nobles, and others on the scene took a few cautious steps back, watching the inferno with a mixture of fear and awe.

Even Merlin, witnessing the devastation of ten Great Fireballs for the first time, couldn't fully gauge the extent of the destruction they wrought. Still, he remained on high alert, watching the heart of the explosion.

A breeze swept through, scattering the smoke and dust. Merlin, pale and clutching his injured side, breathed heavily, drained from the immense mental toll. Were it not for his strong constitution, he might have collapsed already.

As the smoke cleared, Jason's charred form emerged. The protective "Ring of Holy Light" spell had vanished, and his once-pristine robe was now ash.

Jason lay motionless, his body blackened beyond recognition.

"Finally, he's dead..."

Merlin smiled faintly, relieved. But the instant his guard lowered, he felt his strength give way, and he lost consciousness.

"Merlin!"

Old Wilson's eyes burned with fury, his presence radiating a terrifying aura, like a beast ready to strike. Even though it was an opportune moment for Augdin and the injured Baron Wengrit to retaliate, neither dared make a move.

Old Wilson rushed to Merlin's side and gently lifted him. Merlin wasn't fully unconscious, but his mental exhaustion left him temporarily incapacitated.

"Father, don't worry. I instructed Uncle Prahl to wait at the city gates. We must leave Blackwater City quickly."

Merlin's breath was labored as he spoke, aware that there might be more church mages. With his current state and limited Great Fireball reserves, he was vulnerable.

Old Wilson nodded, lifting Merlin to his feet. His gaze swept over Augdin and Wengrit, who now stood surrounded by city guards. Even with his formidable heavy-armored knights, killing them in a short time was impossible.

Every extra moment in Blackwater City heightened their risk.

"Let's go!"

With Old Wilson's command, the knights quickly started moving out of the City Lord's residence. Neither Augdin nor Wengrit ordered their men to stop them.

As Old Wilson departed, a few nobles followed suit. Others, however, remained, reluctant to abandon the wealth and influence their families had built in Blackwater City and choosing instead to pledge their loyalty to the church.

"Augdin, are you just going to let Wilson walk away?"

Wengrit, struggling to his feet, questioned Augdin angrily.

Augdin's gaze turned cold as he looked at Wengrit.

"Baron Wengrit, your ambition is too great… Wilson should have killed you. But I'll finish the job for him."

A mocking smile played on Augdin's lips as he raised his sword.

"What are you doing?" Wengrit's face turned pale as he staggered backward.

"Die."

With a surge of flame on his sword, Augdin struck down the wounded Wengrit, whose weakened state offered no defense.

"Ssssh!"

Violent flames engulfed Wengrit entirely, consuming him.

Augdin withdrew his blade, still stained with blood, and looked at the remaining nobles. His voice was calm, his gaze narrowing slightly.

"You all saw it—Baron Wengrit and Mage Jason were killed by Wilson and his son."

The nobles exchanged glances, then nodded solemnly in agreement.

***

At the city gates, Old Wilson gently laid Merlin in the carriage, his gaze softening. Only in moments with Merlin did he display such tenderness.

Inside the carriage were Merlin's sister Meixue and Lady Wilson.

Seeing Merlin's weakened state, Meixue and the others immediately grew concerned.

Old Wilson spoke gravely, "Merlin, are you all right?"

Merlin struggled to sit up, leaning against the side of the carriage. He shook his head slightly. "Father, I'll be fine, but we must leave Blackwater City without delay."

Old Wilson nodded. Turning to Lady Wilson and Meixue, he instructed, "Take care of Merlin."

Then, he exited the carriage to gather his knights and prepare for departure.

"Merlin, are you leaving Blackwater City?"

From outside the carriage came Gutt's familiar voice.

Merlin asked Meixue to lift the curtain. Seeing Gutt, he nodded. "Gutt, we have to leave. Blackwater is no longer safe, and Bright Kingdom itself may soon fall. You're welcome to come with us, even leave the kingdom if need be."

Merlin meant it sincerely; he was willing to help Gutt escape.

Gutt shook his head gently. "I'll stay. Merchants are needed, no matter who's in power, so I'll be fine."

Gutt understood well that his status in Blackwater made him relatively safe.

Neither spoke further, and a heavy silence filled the air.

Old Wilson had gathered the knights, now down to 170 heavy-armored knights and only 500 in total after heavy losses.

With his command, the group swiftly left Blackwater City.

Merlin watched Gutt's figure grow smaller until it disappeared from view.

"Merlin, do you think we'll ever come back?" Meixue asked quietly after a long silence.

"We will. We'll definitely come back!"

Merlin took a deep breath, staring out at Blackwater City with unwavering determination.