Chapter 165: The Joy of Reuniting After a Long Separation

"Right now?" the elder in the black robe asked, seeing Merlin prepare various exquisite glassware for concocting the potion.

"Yes, right now. I've studied potion-making in the Dark Arcane Order and have improved my success rate with it," Merlin explained. Naturally, he couldn't reveal the secret of his "Matrix Code"—his greatest secret that he would never share with anyone. So, he simply attributed his skills to his studies in the Order to avoid suspicion.

In truth, he activated the Matrix Code in secret, following its guidance to mix the components for the Purple Stone Powder Potion precisely.

Watching Merlin carefully handle each ingredient, the elder was deeply appreciative. It was a rare privilege for a mage to observe someone else's potion-making process, allowing one to understand the steps and potentially replicate the potion later on.

Merlin was well aware of this and meticulously demonstrated each step, essentially teaching the elder the entire process.

As he worked, the elder watched intently, grateful for Merlin's effort. The process for creating the Purple Stone Powder Potion was about as challenging as the Hemostasis Potion Merlin had made in the past, but with his previous experience, he completed the steps much more smoothly this time.

An hour later, Merlin's first attempt failed due to an error in timing. Undeterred, he began again.

After two hours, the second attempt succeeded, and he handed a completed vial to the elder. Then he continued, repeating the process a third, fourth, and fifth time, seemingly tireless as he worked late into the evening. By the time he exhausted all the purple stone powder from the silver-haired elder's ring, he had successfully crafted eight vials of Purple Stone Powder Potion.

Merlin handed the potions to the elder, saying, "Mage Hill, it's getting late. I'll be taking my leave now."

The elder nodded in gratitude as Merlin departed, leaving him with the means to make more of the potion on his own. Having shown the elder how to mix it himself, Merlin hoped to save him the trouble of trial and error, sparing valuable resources.

As he returned to the carriage, Merlin cast one last look back at the elder's residence before quietly instructing, "Let's head back to Wilson Castle."

The carriage set off, bringing him back to his family's home.

---

As he approached Wilson Castle, Merlin noticed a group of knights clad in polished armor at the entrance. Among them was a familiar figure.

"Uncle Prager!" Merlin called.

Captain Prager turned and, upon recognizing Merlin, broke into a wide smile. Rushing forward, he greeted him warmly, "Baron! When Madam sent word that you had returned, I almost didn't believe it. But seeing you here—what a joy!"

Merlin could feel Prager's heartfelt happiness. As he looked more closely, he sensed a newfound power radiating from the captain. Prager's physical prowess had reached an impressive level, nearly equivalent to that of a Grade Three Elemental Swordsman. When Merlin left Pugasi City, Prager had only been a Grade One Swordsman; this rapid progress likely came from learning the special postures of the mysterious relief shared by old Wilson.

"Baron, your father is waiting for you inside," Prager said, guiding Merlin into the hall.

Inside, under the soft glow of candlelight, he saw Avril, Sheryl, and a sturdy figure seated together.

"Father!" Merlin greeted, his voice warm.

Old Wilson turned and gazed at Merlin with a look of deep affection. After a long silence, he finally said, "It's good to have you back."

A simple sentence, but it conveyed a world of unspoken care and love.

They spoke for a while, mostly about the changes in Merlin's territory, Konstin. The once-quiet land had seen growth under Wilson's stewardship, although recent tensions with the neighboring Lebis City-State had slowed its progress.

"Oh, Merlin, did you encounter Mage Bellis at the Earl's castle?" Wilson asked, his expression darkening at the mention of Bellis.

Merlin gave a faint smile. "Bellis is dead. He'll trouble us no more."

Wilson let out a satisfied laugh. "Well done! He deserved it." Then, with a determined look, he continued, "Merlin, we can't let Pugasi City fall. If war does come, we must fight to protect it. I don't want the Wilson family uprooted again, fleeing like last time."

Wilson's voice held a quiet but fierce resolve. Merlin nodded, echoing his father's sentiment. They had taken root here; abandoning everything once again was not an option.

"Haha, if battle is upon us, then my heavy knights will be more than ready!" Wilson's face lit with a mix of pride and excitement. Merlin knew his father's spirit well; any attempt to dissuade him would be pointless.

"Now, go spend time with Sheryl and Avril," Wilson said with a smile, casting a playful glance at the two women. With a satisfied grin, he rose and retired upstairs, leaving Merlin with his wives.

Merlin turned, smiling as he met Sheryl's eager gaze. "Let's go rest," he said, heading upstairs with Sheryl and Avril.

---

In the cozy warmth of the bedroom, soft breaths and quiet sighs gradually filled the air until, finally, all was silent.

Merlin sat back, content as he looked at his two beautiful wives sleeping peacefully beside him. After a year apart, their reunion had been joyous and full of emotion. Even reserved Avril had been more forward than usual, making the night truly special.

Compared to Lorrinka's wild nature, Sheryl and Avril were gentle and tender. Reflecting on it, Merlin smiled wryly, realizing he wasn't particularly driven by lust but instead cherished the warmth and closeness of family. Still, in a short time, he had gained three wives, and he could only sigh at the unexpected turns life had taken.

As Sheryl and Avril lay fast asleep beside him, Merlin still felt alert and full of energy, his stamina continuously enhanced by his improved physical condition.

Over the past year, though he hadn't deliberately practiced the postures on the fourth relief, his physique had naturally reached the level of a Grade Three Elemental Swordsman. Merlin sensed that, with consistent practice of the fourth relief, he might even surpass this and achieve Grade Four, a major milestone.

With a strong physique, his survivability would also increase. During his fight with Mage Vixa, his robust health had allowed him to survive Vixa's corrosive potion long enough to fight back. Thus, he continued to devote time to practicing the mysterious postures from the reliefs, recognizing their critical value for his survival.

Lying there, Merlin slipped into a state of serene focus, immersing himself in practicing the posture from the fourth relief. His mind gradually cleared, and he held the position, drifting off into a still, restful state.