A Wizard’s Secret

It was Merlin’s first time visiting a Spell Caster clan. The clusters of the buildings that belonged to the Delman clan were completely different compared to the towers in the Dark Magic Region; there were many low houses in the area. In addition, every cluster of buildings was wide and spacious. There were even some potion materials planted around the houses.

The clusters spread out in a net-like formation resembling that of a spider web. The buildings Merlin saw on his way were only situated in the outer area of the Delman clan.

“Wizard Merlin. Let’s go.”

Elena said to Merlin and brought him to the front door. Simi and Elena raised their hands and some runes appeared on the golden-laced marking of their sleeves. Following that, a strange fluctuation appeared out of nowhere. To Merlin’s astonishment, there was also Runic Magic Circles set up at the front door.

However, the Runic Magic Circles were not powerful. Merlin could faintly sense that any First-level spell could easily break through it. It could not be compared to the Runic Magic Circles that surrounded the entire Dark Magic Region at all.

After all, the Runic Magic Circles in the Dark Magic Region was set up personally by the Great Wizard Fidel. The Delman clan did not possess such a powerful Spell Caster.

Upon entering the Delman clan, Merlin saw many Spell Casters walking about. When some saw Elena, they would greet her politely. He noticed that some Spell Casters were not powerful at all; some had only constructed one or two spells.

Along the way, Merlin did not even see a First-level Spell Caster that belonged to the Delman clan.

Merlin could not help but ask, “Wizard Elena, your clan is in Floating City, so it’s supposed to be a large Spell Caster clan. But why haven’t I seen even a First-level Spell Caster along the way?”

“First-level Spell Caster?”

Elena paused and shot a strange look at Merlin. Then, she showed a bitter smile. “Wizard Merlin, I think you’re comparing the Dark Magic Region with my clan. There are countless First-level Spell Casters in the Dark Magic Region but how many Spell Caster clans can be compared to a spell casters’ organization? In fact, as long as you become a First-level Spell Caster, you’ll attain a high status in the clan. I haven’t become a First-level Spell Caster yet but I still have the chance to become one after I entered the Dark Magic Region. That’s why I currently have a high social status in the clan and my clan emphasizes my training. Having said that, how much does my talent amount to in the Dark Magic Region?”

After hearing Elena’s explanation, Merlin wore a thoughtful look.

Indeed, Elena’s quality was not particularly excellent in the Dark Magic Region. If that was not the case, she would not have been sent to Wizard Leo’s tower. Even so, Elena still had a high status in the Delman clan as she stood a chance to become a First-level Spell Caster.

In the Delman family, there were more Normies clansmen who did not even stand a chance at all.

Merlin then thought about roaming wizards. It was already considered lucky for one roaming wizard amongst a hundred to become a First-level Spell Caster. Merlin was in the Dark Magic Region before, then came to Floating City. He had seen many roaming wizards who all seemed to be First-level Spell Casters.

Some roaming wizards like Wizard Sammir, Wizard Bren, Wizard Riesen, and the others were in fact, Third-level Spell Casters.

Merlin had met so many Spell Casters of First-level to Third-level, causing him to have the misconception that it was common to have First-level Spell Casters anywhere. In reality, even in the case of the Delman clan, anyone who was a First-level Spell Caster was an important figure in the clan.

In addition, Floating City was the place where many roaming wizards gathered for trading from all over. Those who could visit Floating City were considered the more powerful ones amongst roaming wizards.

“Wizard Merlin, please come in.”

Merlin raised his head and realized that he had arrived in front of a quiet and secluded house.

The house was neat and clean. There seemed to be a faint aroma in the air. Elena and Merlin sat across each other and the atmosphere slowly turned grim. Even Simi who could not stop chattering also became silent.

Merlin gave a small smile, knowing that Elena was about to talk about the ‘serious’ matter. He knew that Elena would not invite him to the Delman clan just to be a guest.

“Wizard Elena, let’s be frank.”

Merlin spoke softly.

Elena took a glance at Simi, then said in a heavy tone, “Simi, do me a favor and check whether Ken is back in the clan.”

Simi seemed unwilling to do so but she did not dare to speak against Elena. Thus, she stood up and left the house.

Merlin thought it was strange. What could have made Elena so cautious?

“Wizard Merlin, I indeed have something to discuss with you this time. You’ll definitely benefit from this talk.”

“Oh. What’s that?”

Merlin’s expression turned serious as well.

Elena lowered her voice. “Have Wizard Merlin heard about the ancient monument?”

“Ancient monument? You’re talking about the monument left behind by ancient Spell Casters?”

Merlin showed a strange expression. Could it be that Elena found the ancient monument as well?

Elena nodded. “That’s right. It’s a monument left by the ancient and strong Spell Casters. Since Wizard Merlin knows about the ancient monument, then you should understand its worth as well. Moreover, this is the ancient monument left from the time of the Molta Empire three thousand six hundred years ago. I believe there’ll be many wonderful spells, casting tools or rare potion materials left behind in that monument which was from the most glorious age of Spell Casters.”

“I have an accurate piece of information about the ancient monument and know about its exact location as well. I brought you here to invite you to explore the ancient monument with us.”

After Elena finished her words, she set her gaze at Merlin and patiently waited for his answer.

Upon hearing the information about the ancient monument, Merlin became more confused.

“The ancient monument from three thousand six hundred years ago? Won’t it be such a coincidence for two ancient monuments to appear at once?”

Merlin immediately thought of his promise with Wizard Sammir and the others – they would go to the ancient monument left behind from the time of Molta Empire.

“Elena, where exactly is the ancient monument that you speak of?”

Merlin wanted to know if it was the ancient monument Wizard Sammir and the others wanted to enter. If it was the same, the information regarding the ancient monument had been leaked.

“The exact location of the ancient monument is at…”

When Elena was about to explain in detail, an unfamiliar male voice rang from outside the door. “If Wizard Merlin can join us, we’ll surely tell you the exact location of the ancient monument.”

“Ken?”

The door was pushed open and a Spell Caster with long brown hair stood outside.

“Sister Elena, Brother Ken just came back, so I wasn’t able to inform you in time…”

Simi glanced at Elena carefully and said in a soft voice.

Elena frowned slightly but soon recovered. She said to Ken, “Ken, let me introduce you. This is…”

However, Ken directly waved his hands. He set his gaze on Merlin then said in a low voice, “You don’t have to. I know that he’s Merlin, the Six-Elemental Spell Caster in the Dark Magic Region. He’s also the genius you’ve always spoken of, Elena.”

After a pause, Ken raised his head and spoke in a loud voice, “Elena, the matter regarding the ancient monument is important. How can you tell others about the information when I’m not around? Six-Elemental Spell Caster of the Dark Magic Region is indeed a prodigy but how can he compare to Glen?”

Right after Ken finished his words, a tall figure immediately appeared behind him. His entire figure was cloaked under a red robe.

As soon as this tall Spell Caster in a red robe appeared, Merlin instantly sensed his scorching presence. It was as if the tall Spell Caster was a ball of flames.

“Glen? It’s, of course, excellent for you to join us. But if Wizard Merlin joins us as well, we’ll have more assurance in entering the ancient monument this time.”

Upon seeing the arrival of the red-robed wizard, Elena said calmly with a rather complicated expression.

“He’s from Fire City!”

Merlin shot his gaze toward the red-robed wizard as well. He wore a robe that had runes etched on it. Merlin had seen robes like his before in the Dark Magic Region; it was the robe for the official members of Fire City.

Fire City and the Dark Magic Region were both small-scaled spell casters’ organizations. They had even joined forces to chase after those from Ozmu this time around. Relative to the competition between the Dark Magic Region and Abyss Fort, Fire City was too far away from the Dark Magic Region, hence did not have many conflicts of interest with the Dark Magic Region.

It was Merlin’s first time meeting a Spell Caster from Fire City as well!

Elena appeared rather awkward but she soon recovered. She immediately introduced the newcomers to Merlin. “Wizard Merlin, this is one of the most outstanding prodigy Spell Casters in the Delman clan, Wizard Glen! Glen is the official member of Fire City and he’s also a Four-Elemental Second-level Spell Caster!”

It turned out that Glen was a Four-Elemental Second-level Spell Caster. It was unsurprising that he was one of the most excellent prodigies in the Delman clan.

However, Wizard Ken quickly added, “If Fire City did not join forces with the Dark Magic Region this time, Glen will be preparing to construct Third-level spells. He’s not far from becoming a Third-level Spell Caster.”

As compared to the excitement shown by Wizard Ken, Glen reacted rather calmly to the compliments. He walked into the house and nodded slightly to Merlin. With a calm voice, he said, “I’ve heard about you from Elena. You’re the Six-Elemental Spell Caster who just joined the Dark Magic Region and have defeated some First-level Spell Casters during the conference.”

“I’m not so familiar with the Dark Magic Region but I’ve met Kleis once. He was a Five-Elemental Spell Caster back then and hadn’t become an official member of the Dark Magic Region yet. Tsk. So many years have passed. He has become the most unique prodigy in the Dark Magic Region but betrayed it and turned to Ozmu in the end. What a pity!”

Wizard Glen shook his head and put on a regretful expression.

After saying that, Wizard Glen stared at Merlin. Then, he said to Elena, “Elena, tell Wizard Merlin about the information regarding the ancient monument. The news has spread throughout the entire Floating City. Every Spell Caster knows about it by now. There’s nothing to be kept secret about.”

“Spread throughout the entire Floating City?”

Merlin’s expression changed. If this was the monument Wizard Sammir and the group was going, he thought that things were turning for the worse.

Upon thinking about this, Merlin raised his head and looked at Elena. He was prepared to listen to the information of the ancient monument attentively.