Chapter 141: Unstoppable Force (Part 2)

Returning to the ground level, Merlin was met with the excited faces of Anlina and the others. Even those mages who once dared not speak too loudly now had a spark of exhilaration in their eyes.

Anlina seemed eager to say something, but Merlin, foreseeing another long-winded monologue, cut her off quickly, "I used up quite a bit of my magic power just now. I need to recharge."

He then closed his eyes and took out several elemental stones from his ring, starting to replenish his spent power. In the past, Merlin wouldn't have dreamed of such luxury, using elemental stones to recover. But ever since he inherited the silver-haired mage's wealth, he had more resources and could afford to "splurge" a bit on recovery.

---

"Boom."

On another platform, Mage Holmes looked somewhat pale, having just narrowly defeated his opponent, even resorting to using a spell scroll at the last minute.

The towering mage who had a longstanding grudge against Holmes sneered, "Holmes, you're truly a disgrace to Mage Gret. Using a scroll to beat a mere three-element mage?"

"Enough!" Holmes finally snapped, coldly glaring at the towering mage, Neal. "You're not an advanced mage yet either, Neal. Don't celebrate too soon!"

Neal had been holding a grudge against Holmes for some trivial reason. While both were valued by Mage Gret, Holmes had always had the upper hand, which infuriated Neal. Since Holmes' failed attempt to construct an advanced spell, Neal had taken every opportunity to belittle him.

Holmes's expression darkened as he looked toward the sky and the high towers of Dark Domain, each belonging to powerful mages of the seventh level and above. Though his dreams of impressing them seemed crushed after his recent struggles, a shadow of regret filled his gaze.

"The fifth round: Mage Merlin versus Mage Holmes!"

Upon hearing the call, Holmes looked up, noticing Merlin's familiar face at the other end of the platform.

---

"Homes?"

Merlin, too, was surprised, but when he saw Holmes, he responded with a smile, joining him on the platform.

"Merlin, didn't expect to meet you here," Holmes greeted with a calm tone. Just then, Merlin felt an immense mental force sweeping across him.

He wasn't alone; the others around them seemed equally stunned by the vast mental presence.

Mage Leo's blood-red third eye blinked briefly, and he murmured, "A seventh-level mage… finally paying attention."

Below, Neal's face glowed with excitement. Glancing at the highest towers of Dark Domain, he muttered, "A seventh-level mage… they're watching. This time, I'll seize my chance. Anyone who stands in my way will fall!"

Countless mages sensed the immense mental presence and turned to the towering structures. It was clear that the mages at the heart of Dark Domain, the seventh-level mages, were finally observing the tournament. The hopes of many turned skyward, their eyes filled with dreams of recognition.

---

On the platform, Holmes sighed, looking at Merlin with a complicated expression. "The seventh-level mages are watching. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Good luck, Merlin."

Before Merlin could grasp Holmes's words fully, Holmes raised his voice, "I surrender!"

Having seen Merlin's power firsthand, Holmes knew even a scroll wouldn't help him win. Looking toward Neal on a nearby platform, Holmes flashed a rare smile and whispered, "And Merlin, don't forget to teach Neal a lesson for me in the next round."

With that, Holmes gracefully exited, giving Merlin his fifth victory.

Merlin looked toward the tallest towers, where the seventh-level mages surely resided, watching the tournament. This chance to earn their favor was rare indeed, and Merlin knew he had to make the most of it.

After a brief rest, Neal also took the platform, and the sixth round began.

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"Sixth match: Mage Merlin versus Mage Neal!"

As the field sealed off, only eight contestants remained. Neal eyed Merlin cautiously, though he couldn't hide the sneer on his face.

"That coward Holmes actually surrendered to you? He doesn't deserve to be Mage Gret's disciple!" Neal sneered.

Merlin met Neal's gaze calmly, sensing a faint trace of danger from the mage before him. He knew Neal had constructed an advanced defensive spell, which had won him each of his matches so far.

"Neal," Merlin said mildly, "Holmes asked me to teach you a lesson. Seems today's your unlucky day."

"Teach me a lesson?" Neal laughed. "Holmes is a fool and—"

Before Neal could continue, Merlin's elemental energy flared, surrounding him in a palpable force. In an instant, Merlin launched his assault.

"Boom!"

A massive net of lightning descended, filling the air with crackling energy as it surrounded Neal. Merlin moved with swift grace, casting Gale Step to close the distance.

"Ice Freeze!"

Instantly, waves of frost erupted across half the platform, with Merlin casting dozens of freezing spells in succession, trapping Neal with nowhere to run. Then, dozens of small, blazing fireballs appeared, burning with intense heat.

"Go!"

The fiery projectiles rained down on Neal, a relentless storm of spells. Ice, fire, and lightning enveloped the platform in an explosion of elemental fury.

"Stop, stop! I surrender!" Neal shrieked, realizing he had no hope of countering Merlin's onslaught. His desperate cry triggered the defensive field's protection just as Merlin's spell storm hit.

The crowd had expected a close battle, but Neal was utterly outmatched. Merlin's sheer power overwhelmed Neal, forcing him to surrender without even a chance to retaliate. The crowd watched, awestruck, as Merlin's unstoppable force dominated the platform.

"Fire magic, too… six-element mage…?"

Someone muttered in disbelief, and the crowd collectively stared at Merlin, who stood calmly on the platform, an image of quiet, undeniable power.