Chapter 159: Successful Construction

In the small town of Ditas, Merlin instructed Xiaboli not to allow anyone to disturb him. He then settled in his room, beginning the final step to construct his first-level spell, "Guardian's Monument," carefully using his mental energy to model the spell framework. The complexity of this spell model was similar to his previous attempt with "Rage Flame."

Previously, Merlin's mental energy was only capable of handling six zero-level spells, and even that was a substantial burden. Consequently, when he first tried to build "Rage Flame," he had been overly strained, leading to failure. Now, with his mental strength near that of a second-level spellcaster, he felt capable of sustaining the focus required for the process, no matter how long it took.

An hour passed, then three, five, and finally ten. A full day later, Merlin remained intensely focused on modeling "Guardian's Monument" in his mind. His advanced mental energy allowed him to avoid exhaustion even after twenty or thirty hours of simulation. Then, finally:

"Buzz."

Merlin trembled slightly as he successfully completed the intricate model of "Guardian's Monument" in his mind. At that moment, a storm seemed to sweep through his consciousness, with an influx of endless earth-elemental energy flooding into the new spell model, naturally accumulating mana. If he wished, Merlin could speed up this process by using rare elemental crystals, though it wasn't necessary just yet.

With a satisfied smile, Merlin opened his eyes. "At last, a first-level spell!"

The accomplishment marked a breakthrough. A first-level spell held power leagues beyond zero-level spells, representing a critical advancement for Merlin's future as a spellcaster.

However, Merlin noticed a sudden imbalance within his mental sea. The presence of "Guardian's Monument," a first-level spell model, caused an inherent discrepancy with his zero-level spells, which couldn't sustain prolonged imbalances without risking destabilization. To prevent this, he knew he would soon need to construct additional high-level spell models.

Seeing that his strengthened spell effects hadn't vanished after constructing "Guardian's Monument," Merlin let out a breath of relief. He then carefully began using his earth-elemental crystals to accelerate mana accumulation in the new spell model.

***

Over a month passed, and finally, Merlin emerged from his room. Though he appeared unchanged, he now possessed a first-level spell, solidifying his foundation to become a first-level spellcaster.

"Master Merlin, you're finally out!" Xiaboli greeted him, relieved.

"Oh? Is there something you need?" Merlin asked.

"Actually, it's the town's baron who wishes to meet you. He heard you were staying here and would like an audience—"

Before Xiaboli could finish, Merlin's gaze hardened, and he asked coldly, "Did you spread word of my presence?"

Xiaboli immediately broke into a sweat, hastily explaining, "No, no, Master Merlin, it wasn't me! The town guard discovered a number of bandit corpses in the maple grove. That led them to suspect you, and they came to me."

After a pause, Merlin waved dismissively, "Fine, no need to meet the baron. I'll be leaving Ditas soon. Bring Emma to me, and remember: I don't want this happening again."

Xiaboli nodded hurriedly and left to fetch his daughter, knowing Merlin's patience had run thin.

Soon after, Emma entered Merlin's room, visibly anxious. Merlin scanned her with his mental energy, observing that her spiritual capacity was now sufficient to attempt constructing a couple of zero-level spells.

"Xiaboli, leave us. I have something to discuss with Emma," Merlin instructed. Bowing, Xiaboli left the room, ensuring they were undisturbed.

Merlin turned to Emma with a smile. "Emma, would you like to become a spellcaster?"

"A spellcaster? Like you, with such strength?"

"Yes, with the right guidance and diligence, you too could grow strong," Merlin replied.

Excitement filled her eyes. "If it would help me protect my family, then yes—please, Master Merlin, grant me this chance!"

Merlin chuckled softly. This young girl reminded him of his own beginnings, his desire to gain strength for those he cared about.

"To become a spellcaster isn't easy. First, you must learn how to construct a spell model," Merlin explained. Feeling a kinship with Emma's determination, he decided to give her a chance similar to the one he had once received.

"I will soon be leaving Ditas," Merlin continued. "But before I go, I will give you three zero-level spells and notes on some fundamental knowledge to guide your learning. If, in three years, you've managed to construct all three spell models, I may consider taking you on as an apprentice."

Emma's eyes sparkled with determination. Merlin passed her the foundational spells—"Fireball," "Freeze," and "Earth Shield." With these gifts, she was far better off than Merlin had been when he began.

"Now, go tell Xiaboli to prepare a carriage for me. I'll be leaving Ditas today."