Chapter 246: The Vastness Tome

In the dimly lit room, the spellcasters fell into silence.

Siryn glanced around at the group before speaking in a low voice, "Emily, you arrived in Dolan City before us. Have you gathered any new information?"

Emily, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed female spellcaster with strikingly long, slender legs, drew everyone's attention as soon as Siryn posed the question. After a brief pause, she hesitated before answering.

"We haven't learned much. The news about the **Vastness Tome** remains the same as what we had earlier—two days from now, the Shadison family will publicly display it."

"The Vastness Tome... it's a legendary artifact!"

At the mention of the tome, excitement lit up the spellcasters' faces. Their arduous journey to Dolan City had been motivated solely by the desire to see this legendary treasure.

The **Vastness Tome**, said to consist of three volumes, was a relic from the era of the Molta Empire. Many had only heard tales of its existence, as few had ever seen it.

The first volume of the Vastness Tome was said to contain a vast collection of Tier 1 to Tier 3 spells, covering a wide range of magical disciplines. It was so comprehensive that any spellcaster family in possession of it could potentially multiply their strength over decades of careful cultivation.

But that was only the first volume. The second volume was even more enticing, containing spells from Tier 4 to Tier 6—a rarity. While Tier 1 to Tier 3 spells were challenging to obtain, they were still accessible to wandering mages and families. Tier 4 to Tier 6 spells, however, were incredibly scarce, with only a handful of them circulating outside established organizations. Many Tier 3 spellcasters remained stuck at their current level, unable to advance due to the lack of higher-tier spells.

The third volume of the tome, however, was the stuff of legends. Even during the Molta Empire, there were no credible accounts of anyone possessing it. It was said to contain the knowledge of **Pandora Spells**, mysterious and immensely powerful. But after 3,600 years, the existence of the third volume had become nothing more than myth.

Siryn nodded thoughtfully and asked, "Emily, Taffiel, did you find out why the Shadison family is publicly displaying the first volume in Dolan City?"

It seemed puzzling. A treasure like the Vastness Tome could elevate the strength of any family significantly over time. Why would the Shadison family risk exposing it to the public?

Emily shook her head slightly. "This matter has been the talk of Dolan City. The reason is straightforward—while the first volume of the Vastness Tome is invaluable, it's far beyond what the Shadison family alone can protect.

"Despite containing only Tier 1 to Tier 3 spells, the tome has drawn the covetous eyes of many spellcaster families. The Dorett family, another prominent family in Dolan City, has been covertly applying pressure on the Shadisons, even recruiting wandering mages and powerful Tier 3 spellcasters to demand the tome.

"But the Shadison family was smart and decisive. They announced that they would publicly display the tome in Dolan City. By revealing its contents, they effectively neutralize the Dorett family's ability to rally support, thus defusing their crisis."

Emily's explanation detailed the precarious situation in Dolan City.

Siryn nodded. "I see. The Shadisons couldn't monopolize the tome under pressure from the Doretts. Publicly displaying it is a bold move to safeguard it and undermine their rival's scheming."

This revelation showcased the cunning survival strategies of a spellcaster family. Siryn, herself from a spellcaster family, quickly pieced together the motives behind the Shadisons' actions.

"The conflict between these two families has given us an opportunity. Otherwise, how could we possibly see the legendary Vastness Tome?" Siryn remarked with a smile.

"Indeed. We just have to wait for the Shadison family's exhibition in two days!"

The young spellcasters chatted excitedly, their faces brimming with anticipation. Only Emma remained apart from the group, staring wistfully at the dark sky. Her mind drifted back to the image of the black-robed figure who had once saved her family in the small town of Ditas.

---

In the dim glow of twilight, a figure emerged from the dense forest.

"Phew…"

The figure exhaled deeply, gazing at the towering walls of Dolan City. She muttered under her breath, "Dolan City… finally. Merlin, you've been hard to track."

Upon closer inspection, the figure revealed herself to be a strikingly beautiful woman. Her sharp, golden ponytail and chilling gaze made her an intimidating presence. She wore a peculiar black hat adorned with a single feather.

Anyone familiar with the infamous **Osm** organization would instantly recognize her. This was **Bluejay**, a deadly assassin known for ruthlessly hunting spellcasters.

Bluejay was a codename; her real name was unknown. Since her emergence, she had been referred to only by this name. Her reputation for tormenting her victims before delivering a gruesome death struck fear into the hearts of spellcasters.

Her icy demeanor betrayed no emotion as she glanced at the towering city walls. A faint ripple of wind magic shimmered around her as she vanished into the night.

---

Meanwhile, in front of a grand estate, Merlin stepped down from his carriage and gazed at the sprawling property. The estate was dotted with majestic castles, exuding an air of authority. Outside, heavily armored elemental warriors patrolled diligently.

These elemental warriors were at least Tier 3—powerful by the standards of places like Blackwater City. Yet in Dolan City, they were mere guards. For all their strength, unless they were Tier 4 intermediates, they posed no threat to spellcasters.

As Merlin approached the estate gates, he was stopped by the guards.

The guards scrutinized his mage robes, recognizing him as a spellcaster. Their demeanor instantly shifted to one of respect.

"Esteemed mage, what brings you to the Shadison estate?" one guard inquired.

"I'm here to see Lorinka," Merlin replied calmly.

The guard's expression briefly flickered with surprise before he regained composure. "Please wait here, mage. I will notify Miss Lorinka immediately."

Merlin nodded and waited, his sharp eyes scanning the heavily guarded estate. Though he refrained from using his mental power, he sensed the presence of numerous spellcasters hidden within.

Before long, a young female mage emerged, accompanied by the guard.

"Lorinka, it's me," Merlin said with a gentle smile.

The young woman stopped in her tracks, her tired expression melting into one of disbelief. Throwing off her hood, she revealed a slightly haggard but familiar face.

"Merlin?!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with astonishment.

Merlin nodded solemnly. "Yes, Lorinka, it's me. And I've kept my promise."

His words brought a flicker of hope to Lorinka's weary eyes. She took a step closer, her gaze full of emotion.

"Merlin… does this mean you've become a Tier 1 spellcaster?" she asked hesitantly.

Merlin nodded once more. "Yes, I am now an official member of the Arcane Domain."

At that moment, Lorinka's last shred of hope, one she had clung to after her bitter departure from the Arcane Domain, came to life. She stared at Merlin, her heart overwhelmed with gratitude, unable to find the words to speak.