Chapter 236: Resolution, Part 5

Within the Delman family estate, there was a flurry of activity. Spellcasters were busily moving in and out of the compound. Fortunately, the estate was large, with many unused quarters, allowing the returned members a place to stay.

Under normal circumstances, the Delman family didn't seem to have many members. However, after Musho's recall order, a surprising number of people had appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

"Merlin, wait here in the room for a while. I'm going to find out what's going on," Anlena said, her brows furrowed in concern. It was evident that she was anxious and unsure of what had happened to her family.

Merlin nodded. "Take your time, Anlena. I'll wait here."

Anlena left the room to investigate, while Merlin sat in silence, focusing on his mental strength. His spiritual energy had reached the level of a Tier 3 Spellcaster, immense and robust.

The six spell models in his mind, under the control of his powerful mental strength, operated flawlessly. They constantly absorbed elemental energy from the air, converting it into mana and storing it within the spell models.

Despite the recent busyness, Merlin had not neglected his practice. Whenever he found time, he meditated using advanced mental techniques. While these methods continued to boost his mental strength significantly, the increase seemed insignificant compared to the amount Merlin required at his current level.

Even so, advanced mental techniques remained effective for now. Perhaps once he broke through the Tier 3 threshold and entered Tier 4, their impact would diminish considerably.

"Merlin, I've found news about Laiseen!"

Anlena burst into the room, her face lit with excitement.

"Oh? You've found him?" Merlin opened his eyes abruptly. The previously calm aura around him shifted, becoming cold and oppressive. Anlena's smile faltered momentarily under the weight of the dark energy emanating from Merlin.

It was the natural presence of his *Heart of Darkness,* exuding an overwhelming sense of pressure. Merlin quickly noticed and reined in his aura, allowing Anlena to regain her composure.

Speaking in a low voice, Anlena said, "I initially went to inquire about the recall of all family members, but I accidentally uncovered information about Laiseen."

"It turns out Laiseen is a peripheral member of Ossum, hiding in Floating City. His concealment was impressive, but to families like mine and others here, his identity isn't exactly a secret."

Merlin's eyes narrowed. "Where is he now?"

Anlena could clearly sense Merlin's murderous intent toward Laiseen. Despite this, she gently cautioned, "Merlin, killing Laiseen might be tricky. He's currently staying close to Viss, a Tier 3 Spellcaster and a rising star in Ossum."

"Viss?" Merlin's expression sharpened.

"Viss is a Tier 3 Spellcaster from Ossum. He was originally a member of a mid-tier Spellcaster organization in the extreme north but defected to Ossum. Over the years, his strength has grown significantly through Ossum's rigorous methods. He's here in Floating City on Ossum's orders to recruit Sean from the Wright family."

Merlin quickly pieced together the situation. Sean's exceptional talent had undoubtedly attracted Ossum's attention. Known for poaching brilliant Spellcasters—even from large organizations—it was no surprise they were targeting the Wright family's prodigy.

Merlin, however, cared little for Ossum's ambitions. His focus remained solely on Laiseen.

"Where are Viss and Laiseen now?" Merlin asked, his gaze piercing.

After a moment of hesitation, Anlena replied, "Viss is planning to visit the Wright family tomorrow. As a peripheral member of Ossum, Laiseen will likely accompany him."

"The Wright family…" Merlin repeated softly, his expression unreadable. After a moment's pause, he said, "Good. Tomorrow, we'll head to the Wright family and wait for Laiseen."

Anlena opened her mouth as if to say something but ultimately chose to remain silent. She quietly left the room, leaving Merlin alone.

---

Early the next morning, before the dense fog of Floating City had lifted, the Wright family estate was bustling with activity. Numerous Spellcasters had gathered, their gazes fixed on the estate's gates.

At the forefront stood Moray, the Wright family's most powerful member, a Tier 4 Spellcaster. His expression was solemn as he kept a close watch on the gates, flanked by the family's Tier 3 Spellcasters.

It was clear from their preparation that the Wright family had received news of Viss's arrival and were on high alert.

"Whoosh…"

Two vague silhouettes gradually emerged from the fog. A sudden gust of wind parted the mist, revealing the figures more clearly.

"It's Viss! Ossum really sent him!" someone shouted.

As the fog cleared, Viss and Laiseen approached the gates. Despite the crowd of Spellcasters gathered inside, Viss showed no fear. Instead, he called out loudly, "Moray, release Sean immediately. He's already half a member of Ossum. If you don't let him go, the Wright family will be wiped off the map today!"

"You're awfully confident, Viss," Moray replied, rising slowly from his seat. Though elderly, his sharp eyes radiated vitality.

"Attack!" Moray suddenly commanded.

The gathered Spellcasters unleashed a barrage of spells, their power converging into a chaotic torrent aimed directly at Viss.

Seeing the onslaught, Laiseen's face paled. Without hesitation, he retreated. The combined power of so many spells, while individually manageable, was overwhelming when unleashed collectively—even a Tier 4 Spellcaster would struggle to withstand it.

Yet Viss remained unfazed. He looked up at the incoming barrage, his lips curling into a smirk of disdain.

"Wind's Fury," Viss murmured.

A massive whirlwind erupted around him, sweeping outward with devastating force. The whirlwind tore through the barrage of spells, shredding them into nothingness.

Moray's eyes widened in shock. This was no ordinary Tier 3 spell—it wasn't even a spell at all.

"Pandora's Magic…" Moray whispered.

Hidden within the mist, several other powerful Spellcasters watched the scene unfold. Their mental senses easily captured every detail.

"It's Pandora's Magic. The rumors were true. Viss defected to Ossum in exchange for Pandora's Magic. Could it be this wind-based ability?"

These Tier 3 Spellcasters from various families were awestruck by the destructive force of Viss's whirlwind. Unlike typical wind magic, its sheer power exceeded the scope of conventional spells, confirming it as Pandora's Magic.

The realization left them unnerved. Even Moray, a Tier 4 Spellcaster, seemed overpowered by this unparalleled ability.

Meanwhile, Laiseen stood frozen, his shock palpable. He had struggled to obtain Pandora's Magic and failed to master it, while Viss not only possessed it but wielded it with terrifying proficiency.

Now, Laiseen fully understood why Viss was so confident. For the first time, he felt a deep sense of foreboding about the events that were about to unfold.