Chapter 23: Encounter (Part 1)

*Boom.*

A loud, muffled explosion shook the entire underground chamber. After a moment, Merlin slowly stood up, brushing dust off his hair and clothes. He glanced at the ground, where a massive crater about half a meter wide marked the spot where the enormous fireball had struck. The raw power of that fireball had exceeded his expectations.

Quickly checking his mental realm, Merlin noted that the bar had reverted to gray, and while the spell model had drained its power, it remained stable without further issues.

Merlin stared at the crater, still slightly shaken. The destructive force of that massive fireball had surprised him, and he was certain it was linked to the mysterious bar that had appeared in his mind.

After extensive experimentation and careful observation, Merlin finally determined the purpose of the bar. Whenever he cast the Fireball spell three times, the gray bar would turn red. By stimulating the red bar with mental energy, he could release a colossal fireball with power at least three times that of a regular Fireball spell.

The exact origin of the bar was still a mystery to Merlin. Perhaps it was a result of the Matrix's redesigned spell model, or maybe it was something peculiar about his own body due to his reincarnation. Regardless of its source, the bar was undeniably beneficial, giving him an extra weapon that could serve as a powerful trump card.

Merlin decided to call this amplified spell the *Great Fireball*, a name that captured both its essence and force. With that settled, he continued practicing his Fireball spell in the safety of the underground chamber.

---

Late into the night, Merlin was hunched over his desk in the dim candlelight, carefully studying the last volume of Aita's spell notes.

The notes comprised three volumes: the first contained Aita's introductory observations about spellcasting and his personal insights. The second recorded a variety of spell models Aita had developed over many years, detailing his countless adjustments and experiments.

After finishing the first two volumes, Merlin had successfully constructed his own spell model and conjured the Fireball spell. But he soon realized his limitations during practice.

The main obstacle he faced was his lack of mental energy.

The spell model was the gateway to becoming a caster, but mental energy determined a caster's potential and growth. A powerful caster required both a robust spell model and a significant reserve of mental energy to continue advancing.

And the only way to increase mental energy was through meditation.

Currently, Merlin could barely sustain a single spell model. If he tried to create a second, his mental energy would be quickly depleted. He returned to the final volume of Aita's notes, confident that the caster must have included techniques for mental meditation.

As he leafed through the third and final volume, he discovered a few meditation techniques. According to Aita's annotations, these were beginner-level methods, each with distinct benefits. Some focused on rapid recovery after mental exhaustion, while others were designed to enhance mental reserves over time.

After careful consideration, Merlin selected a method for cultivating mental energy growth. He followed the instructions, closing his eyes and focusing on maintaining calm and balanced mental energy.

Mental meditation was a practice that required patience and consistency to see results. Satisfied with learning the basic steps, Merlin opened his eyes and stood up, leaving further evaluation for another time.

---

"Master Merlin."

A voice came from outside the door—Lucia's.

"Come in."

Merlin had already dressed and prepared for the day.

Lucia entered, head lowered respectfully. "Master Merlin, the butler asked me to take your measurements for new clothes."

Merlin glanced at himself. His clothes had indeed become snug as his frame had filled out over recent months. It seemed he had grown stronger without realizing it, causing his old clothes to restrict his movements.

"Alright," he agreed, removing his coat and standing with his arms open for Lucia to take his measurements.

Lucia came closer, reaching up with her measuring tape. Standing on her toes to reach, she leaned slightly into Merlin's chest, struggling to gauge his height accurately.

Lucia wore a modest maid's uniform, but as she tilted her head up, Merlin couldn't help but notice her delicate features and the graceful curve at her neckline. Her freckles added a hint of charm, and Merlin found himself momentarily entranced by her beauty.

"Master Merlin, all done."

Realizing his gaze, Lucia took a step back, slightly flustered, avoiding eye contact.

"Thank you. You can go now," Merlin said, waving her off. Once she'd left, he walked over to the mirror, grinning wryly at his reflection. "Seems it's been a while…"

Since arriving in this world, Merlin had been cautious, preoccupied with survival and mastering spellcraft. But now, his youthful body had begun reacting in ways he could no longer ignore.

Putting on his coat, he made his way downstairs, surprised to find his sister, May Snow, absent from the table.

"Butler, where's May Snow?"

"She's already left for the chapel," replied the butler.

Merlin nodded. For the past month, he had focused on practicing the Fireball spell, often missing his sister's comings and goings. It seemed she was still working tirelessly to reach the rank of elemental knight.

Merlin only had a rough understanding of the requirements for elemental knights, knowing they required an accumulation of elemental energy. For May Snow, with her fire-based constitution, reaching knighthood would depend on gathering enough fire elements within herself. Merlin speculated that his spell model, which absorbed fire elements, might somehow be useful to her.

"When she returns, I'll see if I can help her advance," Merlin resolved.

After breakfast, he wrapped a gray scarf around his neck and headed for the castle's exit.

"Master Merlin, are you going out?" the butler inquired.

"I'm just taking a walk."

"Please wait a moment; I'll summon Moss."

Merlin shook his head. "No need. I'd like to walk alone today."

Without further explanation, he left the castle grounds.

---

Merlin soon arrived in front of Aita's small, deserted cabin. Looking at the forlorn building, his gaze filled with mixed emotions.

The cabin had been left untouched, marked as the former residence of a dark heretic, deterring anyone from approaching. The garden, once full of vibrant plants, was now blanketed by snow, its beauty obscured beneath the white cover.

Hands in his pockets, Merlin glanced around, making sure he was alone, then pushed open the rusty iron gate and climbed the wooden steps.

As he brushed snow off his hat and prepared to head upstairs, something caught his attention. His eyes narrowed, and his body instinctively tensed.

*Footprints—someone had been here.*

He noticed fresh, wet footprints on the dusty steps, a clear sign of recent activity. It was likely that the person was still inside.

Merlin cautiously looked up the stairs. He put his hat back on, took a deep breath, and quietly began to climb.

Each step revealed the same footprints, contrasting starkly against the dust-covered floor. Reaching the second floor, he saw that the door's handle bore signs of disturbance—someone had gripped it, clearing away the dust.

"Who could it be?"

Merlin didn't rush inside. He speculated who might have visited. The footprints were small, more fitting for a woman's shoe.

"Could it be Miss Kerris?"

Merlin recalled Kerris. After all, the townspeople would avoid this place, given its association with heresy. Apart from himself, Kerris was one of the few who had maintained regular contact with Aita.

Just then, he heard a faint sound from inside the room—footsteps approaching the door.

Quickly, Merlin pressed himself against the wall next to the door, his eyes fixed, and waited.