Pushing open the great doors, Merlin walked straight inside.
Within was an enormous hall. The floor was inlaid with tiles as smooth as mirrors, while several lifelike portraits hung upon the white walls around it. A few thick pillars stood on either side of the hall, yet they were as crystal-clear as crystal.
Walking into the hall felt like stepping into a dream.
Yet there were not many people in the hall. Only a few Gray-Robed Mages lounged lazily over the tables. It was not until they noticed Merlin's arrival that some of them roused themselves and stared at him.
Merlin stepped forward and gave a slight bow. "I am Wilson Merlin. I have just arrived at the Dark Spirit Domain. Mage Harry Bo instructed me to come here."
"Another newcomer? Hand over your ring for inspection."
One Gray-Robed Mage with an eight-shaped mustache spoke flatly.
Merlin removed the ring from his finger and handed it over.
The Gray-Robed Mage gently stroked the ring. Then faint elemental fluctuations emanated from his body, causing the ring to emit a dim glow. The mysterious runes upon it became clearly visible as well.
The Gray-Robed Mage nodded slightly, returned the ring to Merlin, and said calmly, "Not bad. It is indeed a Dark Spirit Ring. Your name is Merlin?"
Merlin nodded, and the Gray-Robed Mage continued, "Mage Merlin, regardless of your former status, once you join the Dark Spirit Domain, you become a member of the Dark Spirit Domain. However, you are not yet a First-level Spellcaster, so you cannot become an official member of the Dark Spirit Domain. You can only be a provisional member."
"If, after three years, you have still not become a First-level Spellcaster, the Dark Spirit Domain will confiscate your Dark Spirit Ring and expel you from the