Chapter 194: The Spellcaster Family

"Mage Merlin, it really is you!"

Seeing the familiar figure, Alina's face lit up with a hint of delight.

She approached Merlin, looked him up and down, and sighed, "Mage Merlin, you certainly know how to surprise people. Last time in the Dark Spirit Domain, your identity as a six-element spellcaster was astonishing. And now, you've become quite the famed 'Potion Master' here in Floating City."

Although the alkaline potion was publicly attributed to Mage Flady, word had spread, as secrets never stay hidden. Between casual mentions and gossip, it quickly became known among spellcasters that the renowned alkaline potion was actually crafted by a mysterious spellcaster named Merlin.

Alina had heard the rumors and came to see if this "Mage Merlin" was the same Merlin she had met in the Dark Spirit Domain.

Merlin simply smiled without offering any explanation. He knew Alina's family resided in Floating City, but after arriving, he became preoccupied with potion-making and hadn't thought to visit the Delman family to find her.

"By the way, Mage Alina, have you any news of the Dark Spirit Domain? How are things there now?"

It had been several months since Merlin left the Dark Spirit Domain, and he hadn't heard any news of it since. In Floating City, he only encountered wanderer spellcasters who knew little to nothing about the Dark Spirit Domain.

Alina glanced at Buren and the black-robed old man, looking somewhat hesitant.

Merlin understood and led Alina and the younger mage, Ximi, into a room for privacy.

Inside, the young mage, Ximi, curiously observed Merlin, as if contemplating something. Merlin gave her a brief glance before refocusing on Alina. "Mage Alina, do you know anything about the Dark Spirit Domain?"

Alina's expression grew serious. In a low voice, she said, "Yes, I do have some information. The Dark Spirit Domain has allied with Flame City, Abyss Fortress, and several other spellcaster organizations to resist Osm's forces within their territories."

"The battles are reportedly intense. This time, these spellcaster organizations are determined to sever Osm's influence. Osm may be powerful, but with so many enemies, they can't afford to spread themselves thin. As things stand, it appears Osm is at a disadvantage. It won't be long before we can safely return to the Dark Spirit Domain."

Merlin nodded. Mage Leo had once told him they'd likely return within a year. It seemed that was indeed the case.

Hearing such covert information was only possible because of Alina's connections through the powerful Delman family in Floating City. Ordinary wanderer mages wouldn't even know these organizations existed, let alone the battles they were fighting.

Knowing the Dark Spirit Domain was safe, Merlin felt relieved. With his recent success in constructing five spell models, he was confident that within the next six months, his mental strength would reach that of a third-level spellcaster, thanks to advanced mental training and potions.

Once he reached that level, constructing his last first-level spell, Darklight Domain, would be a straightforward task, officially making him a first-level spellcaster. With the resources of the Dark Spirit Domain secured, he'd be able to progress even further.

"So you're Mage Merlin? Alina always talks about how remarkable you are as a six-element spellcaster. Are you truly a six-element spellcaster?"

Suddenly, the younger mage with large, bright eyes, Ximi, looked at Merlin with curiosity.

"Ximi!" Alina scolded sharply, then quickly turned to Merlin, apologizing, "I'm sorry, Mage Merlin. This is my sister, Ximi. Please forgive her manners!"

Merlin looked at Ximi and was reminded of Lady Shirley, Count Selin's daughter from Purgas City, who once asked him if spellcasters were truly strong and if they could rival her brother, Cook.

Merlin's expression softened with a slight smile. "No worries," he replied.

Then, turning to Alina, he continued, "So, Mage Alina, I assume there's a reason for your visit?"

At Merlin's question, Alina hesitated, while Ximi quickly jumped in, saying, "Mage Merlin, my sister came to invite you to the Delman family estate as a guest. You wouldn't refuse, would you?"

"A guest?" Merlin smiled, understanding there was more to the invitation. Perhaps this was something that could not be discussed here.

He had been intensely training his Extreme Ice Finger over the past nine days. Tomorrow was the day he was set to join Mage Samir and others to enter the ancient ruins, but the color of his hand had only slightly deepened; it hadn't returned to normal yet.

To fully master Extreme Ice Finger, his hand would need to regain its original color, a process that would still take at least a month. With only a day left, it hardly mattered whether he trained or not, so Merlin nodded and said, "Since Mage Alina is inviting me, how could I refuse?"

Alina shot a meaningful look at Ximi. Ximi, often outspoken, had actually shown some quick thinking today. If they could bring Merlin to the Delman family estate and discuss matters with Karen, she felt he'd be more inclined to help.

"Shall we go, Mage Merlin?" Alina said, rising with a smile.

Merlin nodded, briefly instructing Buren and the black-robed old man before departing with Alina to the Delman family estate.

---

As they walked, Alina remained deep in thought. Merlin stayed silent, trailing behind her. However, Ximi, full of youthful energy, kept up a steady conversation, mostly asking about Merlin's experiences in the Dark Spirit Domain. Merlin answered her questions while subtly learning more about the Delman family.

The Delman family was a typical spellcaster family, where not every member possessed the aptitude for magic.

Though sisters, Ximi and Alina didn't share the same mother. Their father had over thirty wives and countless children. This large number ensured enough descendants with the potential for magic, maintaining the family's legacy.

Merlin had once thought of seeing if his children, Constantine and Celia, had magical potential. If they did, he'd consider introducing them to magic and establishing the Wilsons as a spellcaster family. But after learning how the Delman family maintained its spellcaster lineage, Merlin abandoned the idea.

The Delmans had developed over centuries, emerging as a strong, mid-sized family. Their influence allowed them to send members to major spellcaster organizations: Alina to the Dark Spirit Domain, others to Flame City, Abyss Fortress, and even some into the great power of Silver Tower in Floating City.

By spreading their influence, they kept the family prosperous. But such access came at a high price, such as the token needed for entry into the Dark Spirit Domain—a cost the Delmans bore.

Talented family members received ample resources to aid their advancement, while those less gifted, like Lorinka, received little to no support upon their return.

This method kept most spellcaster families alive. Only a few unique families, those matching the power of spellcaster organizations, could thrive without these methods.

Even if Floating City's families united, they still lacked the resources and knowledge transfer essential to forming a true organization.

"Here we are, Mage Merlin!" Alina's voice broke his thoughts as they stopped. Before them lay a sprawling complex of grand buildings—the Delman family estate.