Chapter 241: Transformation

"Muxiu, Pandora's Magic might not bring prosperity to your family; it could very well invite disaster instead."

Merlin cast a cold glance at Muxiu. The allure of Pandora's Magic was irresistible to these spellcasting families, but for weaker ones like those in Floating City, obtaining such magic was more a curse than a blessing.

Out of respect for Anrelena, Merlin offered a polite response before leaving the Delman estate without further regard for Muxiu.

Anrelena hurried after him, looking a bit embarrassed. "Merlin, I apologize. I had already advised my father against this, but the allure of Pandora's Magic was too much for him to resist."

She sighed, a hint of helplessness in her tone. Pandora's Magic was typically controlled by major spellcasting organizations. Even moderately powerful families didn't possess it, let alone the small families of Floating City. If word got out that one of these families had Pandora's Magic, it could spell calamity for them.

Merlin nodded and replied, "I understand."

Anrelena asked, "How long do you plan to stay in Floating City? Killing an Ossum spellcaster might bring trouble."

"Trouble?"

Merlin furrowed his brow slightly. He was aware of the agreement between Ossum and the Arcane Domain, which prevented Ossum from deploying Tier 4 or higher spellcasters against the Arcane Domain and its allies. Even if Ossum disregarded the agreement, they wouldn't blatantly violate it in the short term.

Without Tier 4 spellcasters, Merlin feared no one below that level. His growing strength had instilled a newfound confidence in him.

Seeing Anrelena's concerned expression, Merlin softened slightly and reassured her, "I won't stay here long. I need to visit the Silver Tower to purchase some alchemical materials."

Relieved, Anrelena nodded. Merlin had previously declined her offer to become his retainer, but maintaining a connection with him ensured her standing within her family would remain secure—perhaps even elevated. Naturally, she hoped Merlin would avoid unnecessary risks and return to the Arcane Domain where it was safer.

What she didn't know was that Merlin had no intention of returning to the Arcane Domain immediately. Killing Layson had been only one of his objectives. He still needed to find Lorinca and fulfill a promise he had made.

---

Inside the Silver Tower, Merlin stood face-to-face with Bussun, the same spellcaster who had previously clashed with Viss. Bussun, as the Silver Tower's overseer in Floating City, wore a complicated expression as he regarded Merlin.

He had learned of Merlin's battle with Viss, particularly the collision of their Pandora's Magic. Even as a Tier 4 spellcaster, Bussun had been deeply shaken by its destructive power. Despite his position in the Silver Tower, Bussun had never been granted Pandora's Magic.

"Merlin, what brings you to the Silver Tower today?"

Merlin handed over a list of ingredients for making **Phantom Elixirs**. The Arcane Domain didn't stock these materials, so Merlin decided to acquire them here.

Bussun examined the list, frowning. "These are rare ingredients, and our stock is limited. If you're willing to wait a few months, the Silver Tower could procure more for you."

"A few months?"

Merlin shook his head. "I don't have that kind of time. Tell me how much you have in stock now. I'll take it all."

Bussun was taken aback but quickly understood Merlin's confidence—he had recently defeated Viss and Layson, likely acquiring substantial resources in the process.

"Very well, please wait a moment."

Bussun summoned other Silver Tower staff to prepare Merlin's requested materials. While waiting, Bussun repeatedly glanced at Merlin, hesitating as if he wanted to say something. Finally, he asked, "Merlin, would you consider selling the Pandora's Magic scroll in your possession?"

Merlin smirked. "Pandora's Magic is invaluable, as you well know. What could you offer me that I don't already have? Unless, of course, you're proposing a trade for another Pandora's Magic."

Bussun's face fell, and he shook his head. If he had another Pandora's Magic, he wouldn't be so eager for Merlin's scroll.

Soon, the requested materials arrived, neatly packed into a storage ring. Merlin inspected them, noting that there were enough to prepare dozens of Phantom Elixirs. Satisfied, he paid with a large sum of elemental crystals and left the Silver Tower.

As he departed, Bussun muttered to himself, "The Silver Tower does have Pandora's Magic, but only the Silver Grand Mage has access to it. It's far beyond my reach…"

Even though he coveted Merlin's Pandora's Magic, Bussun knew better than to provoke him. Merlin's displayed strength ensured that attempting to cross him would lead to certain death.

---

Back at the Delman estate, Merlin sat alone in his room, pondering.

"If I were weaker, both Muxiu and Bussun would have acted against me without hesitation."

The allure of Pandora's Magic was immense, and Merlin knew his power alone kept potential threats at bay.

He turned his attention to Viss's storage ring. He hadn't yet examined its contents, focusing earlier on replenishing his elemental reserves. Now, he was curious if Viss's Pandora's Magic, **Wind of Destruction**, was included.

After a brief search, Merlin's eyes lit up.

"Found it!"

He pulled out a finely bound booklet from the ring. Its pages detailed the Wind of Destruction's origins, cultivation methods, and abilities far more thoroughly than the scrolls for **Extreme Ice Finger** or **Conflagration of Annihilation**.

Merlin quickly skimmed through it, only for his excitement to fade into disappointment.

"Unfortunately, I can't cultivate this."

The Wind of Destruction required offensive wind spells as a foundation. While Merlin had constructed wind spells, they were speed-oriented, rendering him unable to meet the cultivation requirements.

Still, Merlin saw potential value in the booklet. It could be exchanged in the Arcane Domain for another Pandora's Magic or used to gain favor. He set the booklet aside, but as he did, he felt his butterfly-shaped spell tool heat up unexpectedly.

Startled, Merlin tore the tool from his chest, his expression shifting to one of surprise and anticipation.