Chapter 168: Hegal’s Confidence

Merlin emitted a powerful wave of wind energy, leaving only afterimages in his wake, making it nearly impossible for ordinary soldiers to pinpoint his location. Only the mages nearby could track his movements using their mental energy.

"He's coming!"

The mages surrounding Earl Longadi kept a sharp eye on Merlin, ready to unleash their spells the moment he got close, determined to obliterate him.

As Merlin dashed forward, he also kept his mental focus on Longadi and the mages by his side, studying their every move. Although he couldn't face tens of thousands of soldiers head-on, his speed made it difficult for them to aim accurately, and any stray arrows that hit were deflected by his Earth Shield. This way, Merlin emerged nearly unscathed as he pushed through the dense army ranks, closing in on Earl Longadi.

Soon, Merlin stopped, his black robe billowing in the wind, dark hair flowing. His youthful face bore none of the naivety one might expect; instead, his deep, mature gaze seemed to hold endless mysteries.

"Attack!"

Seeing Merlin break through the defenses and reach Longadi's command center, the mages sprang into action, unleashing a barrage of spells. Waves of fire, wind, ice, and other elements cascaded toward Merlin, an onslaught so fierce it even made Merlin feel a sense of imminent danger. Among the attacks, he sensed a spell of the first rank—likely cast by a first-rank mage recruited by Longadi.

"Guardian Monolith!"

Merlin's low voice echoed as he activated his newly crafted Guardian Monolith spell. Instantly, massive stone pillars appeared, radiating a protective glow, shielding Merlin from head to toe.

*Boom!*

The initial waves of spells struck his Guardian Monolith, causing only minor tremors. The strength of a first-level spell far surpassed that of basic spells, and the lower-level spells launched by the other mages barely posed a threat to Merlin.

But soon, a powerful force crashed into his monolith, causing it to shudder and crack slightly.

"A first-level spell?"

Merlin's eyes narrowed, but he remained unfazed, recasting the Guardian Monolith. The monolith shone brightly, standing firm under the relentless assault. The flood of spells engulfed Merlin's figure entirely, and even the closest mages couldn't discern what was happening inside.

"He should be dead by now! No matter how skilled he is, if he hasn't reached the first level, there's no way he could withstand this," one mage muttered as they stopped to catch their breath, their energy depleted by the relentless casting.

As the dust began to settle, the mages cast greedy glances, eager to claim Merlin's Dark Ring if he was indeed dead. Aside from Hegal, the other five mages had seemingly formed a loose alliance, each wary of Hegal.

Hegal's expression darkened. He knew that once Merlin fell, the five mages would likely turn on him in an attempt to seize the Dark Ring. If it came to that, he'd face them all alone.

"Fools! Think you can take the Dark Ring from me? Anyone who tries to stop me from getting it will die!" Hegal resolved. He was prepared to face all five mages if necessary.

"Hegal, you're already a first-level mage. Why fight us over the Dark Ring?" one of the other mages growled.

"Who wouldn't want to join a mage organization? Only by joining one can I achieve even greater power. Stand in my way, and you'll be dealt with!"

Hegal's menacing smile left no doubt of his intent. Tensions mounted, the mages ready to pounce.

Earl Longadi frowned, attempting to defuse the situation. "Gentlemen, let's wait until we conquer Pugasi City. Then we can settle who claims the ring."

But his words went unheard. For these mages, the allure of the Dark Ring eclipsed even the city's conquest.

A breeze swept away the last traces of dust, revealing no sign of Merlin. Eagerly, the mages lunged forward to confirm his death.

"Whoosh."

With lightning speed, five mages charged forward, too impatient to wait any longer.

"You fools are asking to die! Anyone who blocks my path to the Dark Ring will pay!"

Enraged by their boldness, Hegal's body emitted intense elemental energy as he prepared to launch a spell against the five mages.

Suddenly, a voice from within the dust rang out in disbelief. "What? You're alive?!"

Moments later, a surge of elemental energy burst from the smoke.

"Alive?"

Hegal halted, staring intently. As the smoke finally cleared, Merlin stood there, his black robe untouched, encased in the sturdy Guardian Monolith, unscathed.

"Dark Mist!"

Merlin's lips curled into a cold smile as he cast his dark spell. A thick mist enveloped the five mages, expanding rapidly to ensnare Hegal as well.

"Damn it, that's a Dark Magic spell—Dark Mist!"

With his vast knowledge, Hegal recognized the spell immediately and summoned wind elements, hastily retreating to evade the mist's grasp. The other five mages were not so fortunate, swiftly ensnared and plunged into an illusory realm.

"Thunder Web!"

Merlin's expression remained unchanged as he unleashed his Thunder Web spell, targeting the five mages within the Dark Mist. Brilliant bolts of electricity crackled and arced, repeatedly striking the ensnared mages.

Unable to resist the illusion's pull, the mages froze, becoming easy targets. Delicate strands of lightning wove through the mist, casting a beautiful yet deadly display, as each mage met their end.

With a wave of his hand, Merlin dispelled the Dark Mist, revealing only five lifeless bodies. Save for Hegal, who had dodged the mist, all of Longadi's mages lay dead.

"All dead? Such terrifying magic!" Earl Longadi's usual calm shattered as he witnessed Merlin obliterate five mages with ease. Fearful, he looked to Hegal, his last line of defense.

"Hegal, do you have a way to stop Merlin?"

Longadi's voice was low, his eyes betraying his anxiety. Even he could sense Merlin's overwhelming strength.

Hegal fixed his gaze on Merlin, the sight of the fallen mages spurring him to take a deep breath and set his jaw with determination.

"Don't worry, Earl. I am confident I can kill Merlin!"

Hegal stepped forward, facing Merlin. "Merlin, you've grown impressively strong in just one year—a true testament to the Dark Arcane Order. This only makes me more eager to join, as only a mage organization can help me reach my full potential!"

Merlin frowned, baffled by Hegal's self-assuredness. Even though he had only cast two spells, he had already displayed strength equal to that of a first-level mage. So where was Hegal's confidence coming from?

As Merlin pondered this, Hegal pulled out a tattered scroll. Despite its worn appearance, the scroll radiated an intense elemental aura, making Merlin's expression darken.

"Guardian Monolith!"

Without hesitation, Merlin activated his reinforced Guardian Monolith, just as Hegal's face twisted into a vicious grin, and he unleashed the power of the ancient scroll.