Chapter 180: Amplification Casting Tool

With a crisp "crack," the white light around the pendant fractured, then gradually faded. What had once been two separate pendants had merged into one, forming a single bow-shaped pendant, with the original pendants appearing like wings on either side.

"What…is this?"

Merlin reached out and grabbed the butterfly-shaped pendant. His mental energy quickly probed inside, discovering a faint trace of intent that seemed embedded within. A brief exploration revealed the pendant's purpose: it was an amplification casting tool, a rare find indeed.

Individually, the two original pendants had each served as simple casting tools. The Bell Pendant Merlin originally possessed, for instance, could store a spell and release it later. But now, fused into one, the new pendant was a powerful amplification casting tool, capable of enhancing a spell's power.

Merlin was struck with awe. He recalled tales of "composite casting tools"—artifacts created during the Morta Empire over 3,600 years ago. Back then, master alchemists had crafted casting tools that could combine and form even more powerful ones. Sadly, modern alchemists had mostly abandoned such creations in favor of crafting formidable alchemical beasts, forsaking traditional arts.

Merlin's pendant, however, seemed to be part of one of those legendary composite tools. In addition, the embedded intent indicated that while this current fusion yielded a relatively simple amplification tool, it was part of a greater series. If all pieces were gathered, the final result would be a tool so powerful that even grand mages would covet it.

After calming his excitement, Merlin examined the back of the pendant, noticing the faint Morta script spelling "Bell." Though he had never heard of a Mage Bell, there was no doubt that creating such a composite tool suggested an extraordinarily skilled alchemist, likely a grand mage.

The pendant's power was still unclear, but it could amplify one selected spell. Merlin knew he had to choose wisely. Since he already possessed both a defensive spell, *Stone Guardian,* and an offensive one, *Blazing Fury,* he didn't need to rush the decision. An amplification tool was precious, and if he used it with *Stone Guardian,* it could save his life in critical moments.

However, Merlin wondered if the pendant could amplify the strengthened version of *Stone Guardian,* which he had enhanced to the point of nearly reaching a second-level spell's power. If it worked, the amplified effect would be even more formidable.

"Stone Guardian!"

Merlin cast *Stone Guardian* several times, then used the strengthened version. When the spell imprinted into the amplification tool, he immediately took out an earth-elemental stone, as the tool required a specific stone for each spell it enhanced.

With the earth-elemental stone, Merlin channeled *Stone Guardian* through the amplification tool. A thick, gray glow surrounded him, and massive stone pillars formed in front of him, exuding immense power that exceeded second-level spells and bordered on third-level strength.

"Amazing! This is true power!" Merlin's face lit up. His amplified *Stone Guardian* now equaled the might of a third-level defensive spell. This single amplification tool had elevated the spell by an entire level.

He retracted the amplified *Stone Guardian* and tried casting the standard version, noting that the amplification tool did not activate for the lower-level spell. Moving forward, only his strengthened version of *Stone Guardian* could be used with the tool, a powerful ace up his sleeve for emergencies.

However, the tool consumed elemental stones at a high rate; sustaining the amplified *Stone Guardian* for a short time had already cost him two earth-elemental stones. Most mages couldn't afford such a tool, and if Merlin hadn't acquired the wealth of the silver-haired elder and the fallen mages, he too would be unable to sustain its cost.

"I need to earn more elemental stones," Merlin murmured, storing the amplification tool away. Outside of the Dark Spirit Domain, where contribution points mattered most, elemental stones were currency for everything, from potions to materials. And with both blueberry and phantom potion ingredients in high demand, he would need a substantial supply of stones to purchase enough resources.

Realizing he could quickly earn stones by crafting and selling potions, Merlin knew his high success rate, thanks to his Matrix, made this viable. Moreover, once he mastered the nuances of a particular potion, his efficiency and success rate would only increase.

However, selling potions presented its own challenges. He needed information about which potions sold best in Floating City, ingredient costs, and reliable sales channels. Managing all of this alone would be nearly impossible.

Merlin remembered Mage Fladi, whose years of potion research had likely provided him with insights into the local market. Enlisting his help would save considerable time and effort. Without further hesitation, Merlin set off for Fladi's residence.

Recalling the path Mage Brunton had taken, he navigated to the secluded courtyard where Fladi lived. Sensing a surge of warmth from within, Merlin knew Fladi was likely brewing another potion. He knocked and called, "Mage Fladi, it's Merlin. I'd like to seek your advice."

"Ah, Mage Merlin! Please, come in," Fladi's aged voice responded, filled with unexpected enthusiasm.