Chapter 232: Resolution, Part 1

"Finally, the complete method to cultivate the **Dark Eye**!"

Hobbes's voice trembled with excitement as he clutched the latter half of the manual. His expression was one of sheer elation, while Gesello and Barynn, standing beside him, looked on with equally fervent anticipation.

As seasoned seventh-level mages and experts in dark magic, they believed that if Leo—a mere sixth-level mage—could successfully cultivate the Dark Eye using this method, then their chances of success should be even greater. If so, the Abyssal Fortress's power would ascend to unparalleled heights.

However, as they delved further into the text, Hobbes's expression shifted rapidly, his excitement replaced by a deep frown. When he finished reading, the anger radiating from him was palpable and oppressive.

"Damn it! Leo tricked us with a method that's almost impossible to succeed with!"

Hobbes's tone was venomous, his face darkened with fury. Gesello and Barynn, alarmed by his reaction, immediately asked, "What do you mean? Is the method fake?"

"Worse than fake! If it were fake, we could hold the Arcane Domain accountable and force Leo to provide the real method. But no, this method is real—genuinely capable of cultivating the Dark Eye. The issue is the abysmal success rate. Even if we sacrificed every sixth-level mage in the Abyssal Fortress, we'd be lucky to produce a single success. And failure? It's almost guaranteed to result in death!"

Hobbes seethed as he glared in the direction Leo and Merlin had left, his hatred for the pair intensifying.

"How did Leo succeed, then?"

Gesello and Barynn exchanged bewildered glances, unable to reconcile the disparity between Leo's apparent success and the method's described difficulty.

Hobbes sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Leo is a lunatic! If he hadn't been extraordinarily lucky, he'd be dead by now. Cultivating the Dark Eye requires an unthinkable level of recklessness—he'd risk anything to succeed. But how many mages are willing to gamble their lives in such a way?"

The group fell silent, the weight of Hobbes's words hanging in the air.

After a long pause, Barynn cautiously suggested, "We should return to the fortress. Regardless of its flaws, we need to show this method to the other elders. Perhaps even consult Magister Hegrieman. He might find a way to improve it."

Hobbes's eyes brightened at the suggestion. Nodding decisively, he said, "You're right. Magister Hegrieman is a ninth-level mage; he might be able to refine Leo's method. Let's head back immediately."

With that, the three seventh-level mages turned and swiftly returned to the Abyssal Fortress.

---

### **A Quiet Retreat**

On a tranquil beach far from the Abyssal Fortress, a flash of white light heralded the arrival of two figures. One was a disfigured man with hollow eyes and a crimson vertical eye on his forehead—Leo.

Leo scanned his surroundings briefly before turning to Merlin. His expression was complicated as he spoke.

"Merlin, talent is common, but greatness is rare. I've done all I can to help you."

For a moment, Leo's face softened, tinged with sorrow. He murmured, almost to himself, "If Redor had lived, perhaps he would have become a truly great mage. He too aspired to master six schools of magic…"

With that, Leo turned away and strode into the Arcane Domain, leaving Merlin deep in thought.

Watching Leo's retreating figure, Merlin couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. He had heard of Leo's tragic story—how he had been forced to kill his own brother, Redor, a haunting decision that drove him to pursue vengeance and the cultivation of the Dark Eye.

This personal torment had shaped Leo's solitary and driven existence. Perhaps, Merlin mused, Leo had extended so much help because Merlin reminded him of Redor.

For the first time, Merlin saw the usually fearsome and enigmatic Leo in a different light—lonely and burdened.

---

### **Half a Month of Contemplation**

Returning to his tower, Merlin spent the next half-month immersed in solitude—not for cultivation, as his current spiritual strength had plateaued. Without rare materials like the Illusion Magic Elixir, which the Arcane Domain lacked, rapid progress was impossible.

Instead, Merlin focused on familiarizing himself with the various powers he now wielded.

Merlin was no longer just a six-school mage. In addition to his diverse arsenal of spells, he possessed three Pandora's Spells: **Frost Finger**, **Fire Collapse**, and the **Dark Heart**, which he had recently cultivated at the Abyssal Fortress.

Having three Pandora's Spells was a rarity even among the Arcane Domain's elites, making Merlin's abilities truly exceptional. However, to fully leverage these powers, he needed to master their nuances and optimize their application.

- **Frost Finger** had reached its first stage, capable of freezing most third-level mages instantly.

- **Fire Collapse** was even more devastating, capable of burning through third-level defensive spells. Although Merlin hadn't yet faced a fourth-level mage, he suspected its power might even threaten them.

Meanwhile, the **Dark Heart** wasn't directly offensive but significantly amplified his dark magic. With spells like **Dark Radiance**, boosted by the Dark Heart, Merlin could potentially ensnare ordinary fourth-level mages in illusions.

With his abilities consolidated, Merlin realized he now stood far above most third-level mages and could even contend with some fourth-level ones.

"It's time to visit Floating City and settle things with Raiseen," Merlin muttered to himself.

The memory of Raiseen's betrayal in the ancient ruins still burned in his mind. Ironically, Raiseen had failed to acquire **Fire Collapse**, as its cultivation was impossible outside the ruins. Instead, Merlin had inadvertently gained this powerful spell after being trapped there.

With his strength bolstered, Merlin resolved to confront Raiseen and put an end to their feud.

"Once that's done, I'll fulfill my promise to Lorinka. As a first-level mage, I'm entitled to a retainer," Merlin reminded himself.

Lorinka, whom he had promised to bring back to the Arcane Domain, had been waiting for this moment. Now that Merlin had achieved the necessary status, it was time to honor his word.

As Merlin stepped out of his room, he was surprised to see a familiar figure waiting for him.

"Anlena?" Merlin asked, raising an eyebrow.

Anlena looked up, her face lighting up at the sight of him. "Merlin, you're finally out! I've come by several times but didn't want to disturb you."

Merlin smiled faintly. "What brings you here?"

Anlena returned his smile, saying, "Nothing urgent. I just wanted to thank you again for saving us in the ruins. If it weren't for you, I'd never have made it back to the Arcane Domain."

Hearing her mention the ruins, Merlin recalled how he had indeed saved her and Gorlan back then.

"It was nothing," Merlin replied casually. After a pause, he added, "Actually, I might need your help. I'm heading to Floating City and could use some assistance from your family."

Anlena's eyes sparkled. "You're heading to Floating City? Why don't we travel together? I'm sure my family can be of help."

Her enthusiasm was clear—she saw this as an opportunity to strengthen her ties with Merlin, now a rising star in the Arcane Domain.

"Very well. I appreciate your help," Merlin replied, nodding.

"Let's set off immediately," Anlena suggested eagerly.

Without further delay, the two activated the teleportation array and departed the Arcane Domain.