Chapter 193: Another Pandora Arcane Energy?

"Mage Lyson, what is it that even Samir Mage and Buren Mage cannot know about?" Merlin asked as soon as he and Lyson sat down.

Lyson gave Merlin a deep look, then spoke in a low voice, "They know only that this site is an ancient ruin. But what they don't know is that the most valuable thing in it isn't a potion, nor a casting tool, nor a spell. It's Pandora Arcane Energy! This ruin contains arcane energy from 3,600 years ago, left behind during the most glorious age of spellcasters!"

"Pandora Arcane Energy again?" Merlin's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly masked it and asked, "How do you know the ruin has Pandora Arcane Energy?"

Lyson's answer sparked suspicion in Merlin. Information about Pandora Arcane Energy was something any spellcaster would carefully guard. Why would Lyson reveal it so freely?

Lyson gave a quiet chuckle. "Because I've already been to the ruins once before. That's how I know about the arcane energy."

Surprised, Merlin stayed silent, waiting for Lyson to continue. Lyson went on, "Three years ago, I entered the ruins but was trapped inside for three years and only recently escaped. In there, I discovered Pandora Arcane Energy. But it's heavily guarded—I couldn't get close to it."

Lyson's revelation stirred excitement in Merlin, yet he remained cautious. He asked coldly, "If you know there's Pandora Arcane Energy in the ruins, why don't you go alone? Why involve me?"

"Simple. Alone, I'd never get past the defenses. The guards' strength is beyond anything a third-level spellcaster can handle. I'm only taking a gamble by going again. But seeing the fearsome power of your arcane energy earlier, I think you might be able to break through those defenses. So, if we reach the arcane energy's secrets, we share it. There's no need for us to be at odds. What do you say?"

Merlin thought for a while, then finally nodded with a smile. "If Mage Lyson is that sincere, I have no reason to refuse."

"Excellent," Lyson replied with satisfaction. "We'll discuss the details once we're inside the ruins."

With that, Lyson rose and left the courtyard.

Watching Lyson's figure fade from view, Merlin's face grew serious, his expression cold. "So Mage Lyson kept his cards close, even from Samir. If he truly wants to work together, fine. But if he has other plans…"

With that thought, Merlin's icy aura intensified. He raised his hand, staring at his pale, frostbitten fingers. Thanks to the power of Extreme Ice Finger, he had killed Damasu and instilled fear in the others. And he wasn't finished yet. He could use the next ten days to continue cultivating Extreme Ice Finger, raising his strength further. Whether Lyson had ulterior motives or dangers awaited in the ruins, Merlin would be ready.

Merlin returned to his room, where he used the elemental crystals he had received from Mage Flady to relentlessly train his Extreme Ice Finger without rest.

---

Recently, the number of spellcasters in Floating City had significantly increased, and many seemed to be in a rush.

"Elder Sister Alina, the city seems crowded with spellcasters lately. Could this be because of the ancient ruins?"

Two young female spellcasters, dressed in blue robes with ponytails, stood out in the bustling crowd. Noticing the gold-embroidered insignia on their sleeves, other spellcasters gave them respectful nods.

The insignia marked them as members of the Delman family, one of the major families of Floating City. Though many in the city had seen powerful spellcaster families before, few dared to challenge the Delmans, thanks to an alliance among the city's most powerful clans, including an "Enforcement Team" patrolling their territories.

"Possibly," Alina replied thoughtfully. "Rumors of the ruins surfaced recently, and many spellcasters are eager to try their luck."

"But, Sister, some spellcasters have already gone into the ruins. And Brother Karen has found Brother Goran, who's a talented second-level spellcaster known even in Flame City! Why are we here?"

Alina stopped and answered quietly, "Goran is powerful, yes. But with the ruins' many dangers, if the rumors are true and 'Mage Merlin' is indeed the same 'Mage Merlin' I know, we'll have a better chance inside."

"Oh? Is this the same Merlin you spoke of from Dark Spirit Domain—the gifted six-element spellcaster?" The younger woman's tone was skeptical. "There are so many Merlins; maybe the one who makes alkaline potions is just a namesake. Besides, he's a six-element spellcaster who hasn't even reached the first level; he wouldn't compare to Brother Goran."

Alina merely smiled faintly. Her eyes landed on a courtyard, the very place she had heard from Mage Flady that "Mage Merlin" was residing. She entered the courtyard without hesitation.

Inside, only the old, black-robed man and Mage Buren were present. They both had elemental auras around them, training spells. Recently, the old man had used a lot of Purple Stone Dust, and he had asked Buren to help test his spells to confirm that his spell model was stable.

After testing, Buren nodded with satisfaction. "Yes, Hill, your model is steady. You won't need any more Purple Stone Dust, but you won't be able to build new spell models…"

Hill chuckled. "I'm just glad I can finally live without that terrible pain."

Suddenly, the two noticed two unfamiliar female spellcasters entering.

"Who are you?" Hill asked sharply, his posture wary.

Recognizing the Delman family crest, Buren smiled. "Are you from the Delman family?"

The younger spellcaster lifted her head proudly. "Yes. I'm Ximi, and this is my sister, Alina."

Alina nodded to Buren. "We're looking for a spellcaster named 'Merlin.' Is he here?"

Hill's eyes narrowed. "What do you want with Mage Merlin?"

Noticing his defensiveness, Alina smiled gently. "There's no need to be concerned. If he's here, please ask him to come out."

Hill hesitated but eventually relaxed. "Mage Merlin instructed us not to let anyone disturb him, so I suggest you both leave."

"Not seeing visitors?" Alina took a deep breath, then called out loudly, "Mage Merlin, I am Alina from Dark Spirit Domain! If you remember, please come out!"

Her voice echoed through the courtyard, but there was no response. After a moment, Alina shook her head in disappointment. Perhaps this "Mage Merlin" wasn't the one she knew.

Turning to Hill and Buren, she nodded. "It seems I was mistaken. Apologies for the intrusion."

As Alina and Ximi turned to leave, a voice sounded from inside.

"Mage Alina, since you're here, why leave so soon?"

A familiar figure stepped out into the courtyard.