Even when restricted, Daliena still thrived within Merlin’s domain. The only nuisance was the barrage of weapons that emerged from all directions to attack her. Every move she made was anticipated and countered in the next instant.
However, not long after Merlin had completely suppressed Daliena, a sudden shift occurred within the inner space. Merlin vanished without a trace, and Daliena could no longer feel the oppressive aura or discomfort. Instead, she was left utterly bewildered. Where had Merlin gone?
Daliena wasn’t the only one stunned; even the spectators were dumbfounded, completely baffled by Merlin’s disappearance. A few seconds later, Merlin was teleported out of the inner space. A look of profound frustration marred his face, hinting at an unknown ordeal.
Within the inner space, Daliena was inexplicably notified of her victory. She was then promptly teleported out, only to see Merlin looking in her direction and approaching her.
“Congratulations, Teacher Daliena, you’ve won.”
Though Merlin was pleased with the outcome of the match, he politely extended his hand.
“No, I didn’t win. Teacher Merlin, you are incredibly powerful, stronger than anyone I’ve ever encountered.”
Daliena reached out as well, and their hands met in a brief, courteous clasp before parting.
“Merlin?”
Lucy, cradling Xiao Qing, hurried down from the stands and approached Merlin.
“I’m fine,” Merlin said, shaking his head with a smile. “Thank you for looking after Xiao Qing.”
He then gently took Xiao Qing from Lucy’s arms.
“By the way, Lucy, are you busy tomorrow?”
“No, not at all. Why do you ask?”
“Then I have a favor to ask of you.”
“Of course, tell me.”
“Tomorrow, please help me gather these items, and then lead everyone in our class to the Forest of Fingal. This is the scroll for Angel’s Wings.”
“I can get these things, but… are you sure about this?”
“Yes. And when the time comes, I’ll also need you to inform their parents.”
“Why didn’t you tell the students sooner?”
“It only just occurred to me.”
“I swear, you’re unbelievable. Fine, I’ll handle it. What are you going to do?”
“I’m going home to prepare.”
After a hushed discussion with Lucy about a few matters, Merlin quickly slipped away.
****
“Sister Scheffiel.”
From the special seating area, Hilya Mycenae felt a pang of sadness as she watched Merlin and Xiao Qing depart. She clung to Scheffiel’s arm, her small face etched with disappointment.
“What’s wrong?”
Scheffiel looked down, gently stroking Hilya’s head.
Hilya: “Will I get to see Big Brother again?”
Scheffiel: “Do you like him that much?”
Hilya: “Yes, I do! Big Brother is very kind; he plays with me.”
Goliath: “How about I play with you instead, little sister?”
Hilya: “None of you ever have time for Hilya. I’m always alone in the palace. Father and Mother are so busy, and my brothers always hide from me. You all dislike Hilya; none of you play with Hilya.”
Scheffiel: “I’m sorry, Hilya.”
Hilya: “Sister Scheffiel, can I come back here tomorrow to find Big Brother?”
Goliath: “How about I bring you here tomorrow, little sister?”
Hilya: “Really?”
Goliath: “When have I ever lied to you?”
Hilya: “You have! Many times!”
Goliath: “Shall we head home then?”
Hilya: “Mm-hmm~”
****
“Dean Hootga, Lucy, we apologize for the intrusion.”
“Not at all, Your Highnesses, you speak too seriously.”
At the academy entrance, Scheffiel, Goliath, and Hilya bid farewell to Dean Hootga and Lucy. Just as they were about to leave, an astonishing surge of magical power erupted from Saksen City. Even from the distant Fiore Academy on the outskirts, Scheffiel and the others could sense the inherent ferocity within that magic.
Normally, upon returning home, Merlin would collapse onto a chair in the living room. This time, however, he did not, for the moment he pushed open the door and stepped inside, he sensed that something had happened to Jeanne D’Arc. The necklace Merlin had given Jeanne D’Arc had shattered, severing their connection instantly.
“Which bastard dares?!”
The magical power erupting from Merlin’s body instantly engulfed the entirety of Saksen City. Nearly half of the city’s population, mostly ordinary citizens, instantly lost consciousness. Those with magical abilities fared slightly better, experiencing nothing more than a wave of dizziness.
“System, I know you can locate Jeanne D’Arc. Search for her now!”
[Searching…]
After gently setting Xiao Qing down, Merlin raised his right hand to his forehead, as unwelcome memories resurfaced.
Almost a minute later, the system delivered its results: the Erz Mountains.
“Xiao Qing, I need you to do something for me. Please watch the house.”
“Mm.”
Xiao Qing nodded, her gaze following Merlin as he departed.
****
The Erz Mountains, a vast mining range not far from Saksen City, were rich in gold and silver, contributing significantly to the city’s economy. While the area appeared unassuming, it was far from safe. In the game, the Erz Mountains served as a monster-grinding and money-farming zone. It even harbored a hidden mini-dungeon, where the average monster level exceeded ninety, not even accounting for the creatures within the hidden dungeon itself.
****
“The source of that magical power has departed.”
In Saksen City, within the branch president’s office of the Mercenary Guild, Arken Post had profoundly experienced the meaning of terror while confronting the recent surge of magic. Fortunately, the owner of that formidable power had left; otherwise, he feared it would have driven him to madness.
“President!”
A high-ranking member of the Mercenary Guild knocked urgently on Arken’s office door.
“I know,” Arken replied. “Assist the Knights when they arrive. You may go.”
“Yes, sir!”
“It seems the prophecy is about to be fulfilled.”
Once the person left, Arken pulled open a drawer, revealing a transparent crystal ball. Within its depths, small black specks had already begun to emerge.
****
Deep within the mines of the Erz Mountains, six young women fled in disarray. Behind them pursued a group of black-robed figures and the monstrous beasts of the Erz Mountains.
“Jeanne D’Arc, you must hold on! We’ll be out of here soon!”
Luoge East carried an unconscious Jeanne D’Arc on her back. Jeanne D’Arc’s back bore three gruesome claw marks, and blood continuously dripped from her fingertips onto the ground.
“Look! There’s the exit!”
Alisa Dragon spotted the exit, a beacon of hope in their dire situation. Yet, despair arrived hand-in-hand with that hope.
“You won’t escape.”
Three black-robed figures blocked the exit, their power far surpassing that of Luoge East and her four companions. Even if Jeanne D’Arc were conscious, victory would be far from certain.
“Luoge, let me buy you some time.”
Shavier Aznar drew the single-handed sword from her waist, while Shana Aznar also prepared to stay behind.
“No, we go together!” Luoge East vehemently refused Shavier and Shana’s proposition. “We will never abandon anyone!”
Alisa Dragon and Windy Feron echoed her sentiment, equally disapproving of Shavier’s plan.
“Give up struggling,” one of the black-robed figures sneered. “You know our secrets; there’s no way you’re leaving here alive.”
“How will we know if we don’t try?!”
“Children will always be children, so naive.”
Boom~
The sudden tremor shook everyone inside the mine, making it impossible to stand upright. However, the shaking subsided as quickly as it began, and tranquility soon returned.