Chapter 260: The Dark Spirit Space

Merlin nodded solemnly, confirming his intention to exchange a Pandora Spell.

"Pandora Spells are among the most closely guarded secrets of any spellcaster organization," Leo said gravely. "Even during my prime, I couldn't obtain one from the Dark Spirit Realm. Only those who make significant contributions are ever granted Pandora Spells. Have you considered how valuable a Pandora Spell is? Are you certain you want to exchange it with the Dark Spirit Realm?"

Leo reminded Merlin of the immense value of Pandora Spells. Even with his **Eye of Darkness**, Leo had never sought to trade it for another.

Indeed, many spellcasters who obtained a Pandora Spell would never trade it. Acquiring one was an extraordinary rarity.

Merlin decided to share his reasoning. "Mentor, the Pandora Spell I acquired doesn't suit me. That's why I wish to exchange it for one that complements my abilities."

"You acquired it by killing someone from Osm, didn't you?" Leo's blood-red vertical eye glowed as it scrutinized Merlin, his tone laced with amusement.

Merlin nodded. There was no point in hiding it.

Leo smirked coldly. "Only Osm would have such an abundance of Pandora Spells. They even use them as bait to lure talented spellcasters."

His voice was tinged with disdain. Leo's hatred for Osm was palpable.

After a moment, Leo's tone softened. "Come, Merlin. If you wish to exchange a Pandora Spell, you'll need to see Master Hellsious."

Without further explanation, Leo led Merlin out of the tower and toward the towering spires of the Dark Spirit Realm's highest-ranking spellcasters.

Having visited these towers before, Merlin maintained his composure, though he remained alert. With Leo leading the way, locating Hellsious was swift.

Hellsious soon appeared. "Leo, what brings you here this time?" he asked, his tone tinged with exasperation.

Leo grinned mischievously. "Oh, you old rascal, this is important. You've heard about my student Merlin, haven't you?"

Hellsious turned his sharp gaze on Merlin, his eyes narrowing slightly. "How could I not? Merlin managed to kill two of Osm's so-called prodigies—Viss and Bluebird. Viss was one thing, but Bluebird was a menace. With her dual Pandora Spells, she troubled countless organizations. Yet Merlin took her down. Impressive, Leo. You've taught an extraordinary student."

The news of Merlin's accomplishments had spread quickly among the Dark Spirit Realm's upper echelons. While ordinary spellcasters might remain oblivious, the leaders were acutely aware.

Osm's prodigies, operating under the threshold of the fourth-level restrictions in the treaty, had posed significant challenges to spellcaster organizations. Viss and Bluebird were particularly difficult to counter, even for seasoned fourth-level spellcasters.

Merlin's actions not only stunned these organizations but also resolved a major issue for the Dark Spirit Realm.

Leo chuckled and continued, "After defeating Viss and Bluebird, Merlin acquired a Pandora Spell."

Hellsious's expression shifted, his eyes gleaming with interest. "You mean he has a Pandora Spell?"

Leo grinned knowingly. "Yes. And he wants to trade it with the Dark Spirit Realm for another."

Hellsious nodded, unsurprised. "Exchanging Pandora Spells, eh? In the Dark Spirit Realm, we do allow such trades. Otherwise, a spellcaster must make a monumental contribution to be granted one. Even I don't have a Pandora Spell, though you were lucky enough to gain the Eye of Darkness."

The revelation underscored how rare Pandora Spells were, even for a seventh-level spellcaster like Hellsious. That Merlin had one at all spoke volumes of his fortune.

"Merlin," Hellsious said, "if you want to exchange a Pandora Spell, I can't decide that alone. The spell you offer must not already exist in the Dark Spirit Realm. Moreover, the exchange must be of equal value. Pandora Spells differ in rank and power. Come with me. Your fate depends on your luck."

Hellsious turned and walked deeper into the tower. Merlin glanced at Leo, who nodded reassuringly.

Taking a deep breath, Merlin followed Hellsious.

---

The journey through the seventh-level tower was silent. Hellsious eventually led Merlin to a complex rune array.

"This rune array is unique to the towers of seventh-level spellcasters. Even your mentor Leo doesn't have access to something like this. It connects to the heart of the Dark Spirit Realm: the **Dark Spirit Space**."

"The Dark Spirit Space?" Merlin asked, his curiosity piqued. He had never heard of such a place.

Hellsious offered a cryptic smile. "You'll see for yourself."

He stepped into the rune array, and Merlin followed. A flash of white light enveloped them both.

---

A low hum echoed as Merlin and Hellsious materialized in a mysterious space.

Merlin immediately noticed the absence of a sky or ground. He and Hellsious seemed to float in midair, surrounded by an infinite expanse illuminated by scattered glowing orbs. Intricate runes blanketed the space, forming a dazzling lattice.

"This is the Dark Spirit Space," Hellsious explained. "It wasn't created by Grandmaster Fiddel. It's a stable space tied to the Laws themselves. Even Fiddel couldn't master the Laws."

He gestured to their surroundings. "Here, we can manipulate specific elements. Certain areas are rich in fire elements, others in wind, and so on. Over time, these elements condense into crystals or even rarer treasures."

Merlin marveled at the space's capabilities. Unlike his Bell Space, the Dark Spirit Space seemed far more advanced—stable and meticulously controlled. While Bell Space offered unparalleled simulation, the Dark Spirit Space excelled in elemental manipulation.

"Over centuries, this space can even produce treasures like thousand-year frost marrow," Hellsious added. "That's why the Dark Spirit Space remains one of the Dark Spirit Realm's most guarded secrets. Only seventh-level spellcasters have access."

Hellsious pointed to rows of massive shelves in the distance. "The Dark Spirit Space also houses a vast collection of seventh-level spells. Though casting these spells without self-construction is ineffective, the spellcasters' insights into their creation are invaluable. Many sixth-level spellcasters study these records to gain inspiration for their breakthroughs."

Merlin was awestruck. "This is what separates spellcaster organizations from families," he muttered.

Even the wealthiest spellcaster families couldn't compete with the resources and knowledge stored in organizations like the Dark Spirit Realm. Their centuries-long legacies dwarfed the fleeting dominance of even the most powerful families.

Merlin shook his head, realizing the stark disparity. Organizations like the Dark Spirit Realm were built to endure millennia. Families, even those founded by Grandmasters, often crumbled within generations.

---

Hellsious led Merlin deeper into the Dark Spirit Space. The weight of the moment settled over him as he prepared to trade his Pandora Spell—a pivotal step in his journey as a spellcaster.