Chapter 149: Unrest in the Dark Spirit Domain

Merlin had already chosen three level-one spells: *Guardian's Stone,* *Wind of Freedom,* and *Frozen Grasp,* along with *Flame of Fury,* which he had acquired during his mission in Donglin City. This gave him a solid lineup of four level-one spells.

Next, he planned to select a lightning spell and a dark spell. But as he glanced outside the Tower of Myriad Phenomena, he noticed that night was beginning to fall. He had spent too much time deliberating over the ice spells, and now the day was nearly over.

"These three will do for now. I'll return in a few days," he decided, putting off further selections for the time being.

Memorizing the spells he had chosen, Merlin left the Tower. His prolonged visit on the second floor without taking any spells surprised the observing gray-robed mages.

Returning to Leo's tower, Merlin went straight to the top floor, where he found Leo in good spirits.

"So, have you made your choices?" Leo asked.

Carefully, Merlin listed his selections: "Yes, Master Leo. I've chosen *Guardian's Stone,* *Wind of Freedom,* and *Frozen Grasp,* though I haven't yet finalized the remaining spells."

Leo's brow furrowed slightly. "*Guardian's Stone* and *Wind of Freedom* are reasonable—manageable models, fairly standard spells. But *Frozen Grasp*? That's one of the most complex level-one spell models out there. You have only two years here. How much time do you think you have to construct something so intricate?"

Leo was well aware of the complexities of *Frozen Grasp*'s model, and though it was powerful, many wise mages had chosen to pass on it for this reason.

While the Matrix rendered spell construction less of a problem for Merlin, he found himself at a loss for how to explain this to Leo.

Noticing Merlin's hesitation, Leo waved him off impatiently. "Fine. I can see you've set your mind on it. A promise is a promise. I don't have *Frozen Grasp* here, but take *Guardian's Stone* and *Wind of Freedom.* I'll inform the gray-robed mages at the Tower to bring *Frozen Grasp* over."

With a flick of his hand, Leo produced two scrolls—*Guardian's Stone* and *Wind of Freedom.* The specific nature of *Frozen Grasp* required him to use his contribution points to acquire it from the Tower.

Leo didn't have to go in person. With a few swift strokes in the air, he sketched a set of glowing, intricate runes that disappeared in a flash. While Merlin knew little about rune language, he recognized these as symbols used for transmitting messages. Leo's skill in rune language made crafting them as simple as a wave of the hand.

Soon after, a gray-robed mage entered, respectfully handing a scroll to Leo. "Mage Leo, here is the *Frozen Grasp* spell you requested."

"Leave us," Leo said curtly. The mage cast a quick, curious glance at Merlin before departing.

After the door closed, Leo directed Merlin's attention to the *Frozen Grasp* spell. "Are you sure this is what you want? If you can't construct it, you'll need to redeem your own contribution points for other spells at the Tower."

Merlin didn't hesitate. "Yes, Master Leo. If I fail to construct it, I'll return to the Tower for a different spell."

Leo nodded and gestured for the *Frozen Grasp* scroll to float into Merlin's hand.

"All right, off you go. When you decide on the remaining two spells, come see me."

Merlin bowed and left Leo's chambers, returning to his own quarters. With the main spells in hand, he didn't need to rush his selections of the lightning and dark spells. His immediate priority was to grow his mental strength further using the advanced meditation technique Leo had given him. Once he reached the level of a two-tiered mage in mental strength, he would have the foundation needed to support multiple spell models and attempt the complex spell constructs without fear of failure.

Tucking the spells away in his ring, Merlin settled in and began meditating.

---

After two weeks of intense focus, Merlin opened his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips.

"My mental strength has finally reached the level of a second-tier mage!"

In just half a month, his mental strength had nearly doubled—a feat that would have taken half a year with the intermediate meditation technique. The advanced meditation technique had exceeded Merlin's expectations, accelerating his mental growth considerably.

Having achieved his goal, Merlin left his quarters to make his way to the Tower of Myriad Phenomena and select the final two spells.

---

Arriving at the Tower, Merlin spotted Anrelia laughing and chatting with a group of young female mages. Their joyful, bell-like laughter rang out, drawing the attention of several nearby mages. Female mages were rare in the Dark Spirit Domain, and their presence was eye-catching.

"Mage Merlin!" Anrelia called out upon spotting him, her voice bright and cheerful.

Merlin sighed in mild exasperation. Anrelia's lively spirit was quite unlike the reserved demeanor of most mages.

"We were just talking about you!" she continued excitedly.

"About me?" Merlin asked, curious.

Anrelia nodded, eyes sparkling. "We were all saying that if you become a level-one mage, it'll be huge news across the Domain!"

She then introduced Merlin to the group of female mages, who were from nearby towers. Merlin had no choice but to let Anrelia chatter on, introducing him enthusiastically.

After a while, Merlin began noticing a faint white light in the sky, growing brighter and more intense. Other mages started looking up as well, puzzled. Though it was still morning, the light was brighter than the sun, emanating from the highest towers of the Dark Spirit Domain and gradually enveloping the entire area.

"What's going on?"

"Could something be happening with the level-seven mages' towers?"

Murmurs of confusion spread among the mages. Gray-robed mages emerged from the Tower, their faces grave as they observed the white light.

"All mages, return to your towers!" commanded an elderly, authoritative voice, echoing throughout the Dark Spirit Domain.

Anrelia's face turned serious. "Something major must be happening. Mage Merlin, let's hurry back to the tower."

Merlin nodded. Whatever was occurring, it had stirred the level-seven mages into action.

---

Back in Leo's tower, Merlin found several mages already gathered there, most of whom he didn't recognize.

Leo's tower housed many students, but they rarely encountered each other. The higher-level mages, in particular, were often away on missions, and it was unusual to see so many gathered at once.

"It looks like everyone's here, except those away on missions," Anrelia whispered.

Merlin agreed. Those on distant missions could be contacted through runes, but it would likely take time for them to return.

Suddenly, a hum filled the room as the rune array in the corner glowed brightly, and a figure materialized within it.

"Master Leo!"

All present greeted him respectfully.

Leo's face was unusually grim, his blood-red third eye fully open and emitting faint pulses of crimson light. Every mage in the room felt an oppressive pressure, causing the room to fall into a tense silence. It was rare to see Leo in such a foul mood, and no one dared to make a sound. Whatever had happened, it was serious enough to have truly angered him.