Chapter 98: Resolution (Part 3)

Merlin put away the ring, feeling reassured now that the old sorcerer had confirmed its authenticity.

However, while he now possessed the Dark Spirit Domain's token, he still had no idea where exactly the domain was located. He would have to ask the old sorcerer for guidance.

"Do you know where the Dark Spirit Domain is located, Sorcerer Hill?"

The old sorcerer thought for a while before finally raising his head and saying uncertainly, "Although everyone knows about these sorcerer organizations, no one knows their precise locations. I only heard from other sorcerers once that the Dark Spirit Domain is somewhere within the Kurde Mountain Range. But that range is vast, stretching for over a thousand miles. It might be difficult to find, though perhaps the token you hold will provide some guidance."

"The Kurde Mountain Range, hmm?"

Merlin repeated the name, committing it to memory. Once he returned, he'd consult a map to pinpoint its location.

"Sorcerer Hill," Merlin said, looking at the old sorcerer with a serious expression, "If I do enter the Dark Spirit Domain, I will keep an eye out for potions that could stabilize spell models."

The old sorcerer gave a faint smile. "Heh, with that promise, I may just live a few more years…"

Pleased with Merlin's assurance, the old sorcerer was content. His condition was merely under temporary control, with the risk of spell model collapse still ever-present. To find a permanent solution, he would need more powerful potions, and Merlin's potential access to the Dark Spirit Domain might be his only hope.

Leaving the old sorcerer's dwelling, Merlin climbed back into Moss's carriage. Though he had initially thought of checking on how Pula and Sherlis had fared with their task, he decided to return to Wilson Castle and await their report instead, confident that Pula could handle the situation.

***

"Baron, Sir Pula has returned," the butler informed Merlin promptly, as instructed.

When Merlin arrived downstairs, he found Pula along with Sherlis, Benin, and the third-tier elemental swordsman, Commander Mance.

"Lord Merlin!"

Benin and Commander Mance quickly lowered their heads and saluted. It was almost unthinkable that just over a month ago, these two had looked down on Merlin. Now, they stood humbled before him.

Merlin nodded lightly, noticing that Benin's arrogance had tempered after the recent trials. The once brazen young prince now carried himself with more restraint, with no trace of his former arrogance.

"Pula, did Baron Valen give you any trouble?" Merlin asked, turning to Pula.

Pula grinned. "Heh, would he dare? The moment I mentioned we were under Baron Merlin's command, he immediately backed down and withdrew his men. He even promised to come to the castle soon to apologize to you in person!"

He laughed with a look of disdain. Few noblemen could stoop as low as Baron Valen, he thought.

Merlin understood Valen's actions. Although both held the title of baron, Merlin's status was worlds apart. Being highly valued by Count Saren and known as a formidable and mysterious sorcerer, Merlin commanded the respect of even high-ranking viscounts. Someone like Baron Valen wouldn't dare provoke him.

After all, the Nelson family's downfall was a cautionary tale. Count Saren's mere word was enough to wipe out a long-standing family. Valen was not foolish enough to openly defy someone favored by the count.

"Smart people know how to stay alive longer," Merlin said with a smirk, realizing there was no need to pursue the matter further now that Valen had cooperated.

"Butler, please see that Benin and Commander Mance's Firebird Knights are settled," Merlin ordered, entrusting their arrangements to the butler. He then headed upstairs with Sherlis.

Watching Merlin's retreating back, Benin clenched his teeth, his expression complex.

"Master Benin, please come this way," the butler said, noting Benin's hesitation.

Startled, Benin realized with a jolt that he was no longer a prince of any stature...

***

Merlin shifted slightly, leaning against the headboard. Beside him lay Sherlis, her face tired yet serene. They had indulged in another passionate encounter, leaving traces of their fervor scattered across the room. Now, exhausted, Sherlis had drifted into a deep sleep.

In slumber, a soft smile graced her lips, her face relaxed and peaceful. This was a stark contrast to the Sherlis who had come to Merlin initially, all business and negotiations.

Back then, she'd been burdened with the responsibility of the Firebird Legion and her family, always guarded, with no room to display weakness. But with Benin and the Firebird Knights safe now, the weight on her shoulders had lifted. For the first time since escaping from the City of Light, she could enjoy a truly restful sleep.

Watching Sherlis, content and at peace, Merlin felt a pang of loneliness.

He now held the title of baron in Pagus City, enjoyed Count Saren's favor, possessed status, power, and even companionship. Yet, a hollow emptiness gnawed at him.

It was the call for higher power, the yearning for a wider horizon.

He checked his mental strength, but his progress was slow. The basic meditation technique he had learned from Elder Aeta yielded modest results, requiring extensive practice to make any substantial gains.

The Fireball and Freeze spells, carefully optimized through Matrix's analysis, continued to accumulate mana quickly and remained perfectly stable, requiring no further attention from Merlin.

As for the defensive Earth spell "Earth Guard" he had acquired from the old sorcerer, Merlin's slow mental strength growth meant he couldn't yet integrate it into his sea of consciousness.

Without access to new spell models and with limited prospects for growth in Pagus City, Merlin's restlessness grew. He was ready to set out and seek the Dark Spirit Domain.

"It's time to explain everything to my father…" he muttered, running a thumb over the smooth, obsidian ring in his hand, a determined glint in his eyes.